diff --git "a/resources/budist/rig_veda.txt" "b/resources/budist/rig_veda.txt" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/resources/budist/rig_veda.txt" @@ -0,0 +1,123049 @@ +THE HYMNS OP THE RIGVEDA. + + +BOOK THE FIRST. + + +HYMN I. Agni. + +I laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice, + +The Hotar, lavishest of wealth. + +2 Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers : + +He shall bring hitherward the Gods. + +3 Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day + +by day, + +Most rich in heroes,' glorious. + +4 Agni, the perfect sacrifice which thou eneompassest about +Verily goeth to the Gods. + +5 May Agni, sapient-minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great, +The God, come hither with the Gods. + +6 Whatever blessing, Agni, thou- wilt grant unto thy worshipper, +That, Angiras, is indeed thy truth. + + +The first two hymns of this Book are ascribed to blie Ilishi or seer Madhu- +chehhandas Vaisvamitra, a son or descendant of the famous Visv&mitra. The +deity to whom ’ this hymn is addressed is Agni, the God of* fire, the most +prominent, next to Indra, of the deities of the IUgveda. Agni is the mes¬ +senger and mediator between earth and heaven, announcing to the Gods the +hymns, and conveying to them the oblations, of their worshippers, inviting +them with the sound of his crackling flames and bringing them down to the +place of sacrifice. As concentrating in himself the various sacrificial duties of +different classes of human priests, Agni is called the Purohita or chosen priest, +the prmpositm or presses. He is a Ritvij, a priest or minister who sacrifices at +the proper seasons, and a Hotar , an invoking priest, a herald who calls the +Gods to enjoy the offering. All riches are at his disposal, and he is the most +bountiful rewarder, both directly and indirectly, of the pious whose oblations +he carries to the Gods. + +2 Ancient seers: said by Sfiyana to be Bhrigu, Angiras, and others. The +egression indicates the existence of earlier hymns. + +3 Most rich in heroes: the heroes here spoken of, who accompany the +acquisition and increase of wealth, are brave sons and dependents. + +4 Perfect: uninterrupted by R&kshasas or fiends, who are unable to mar a +sacrifice which Agni protects on all sides. + +6 Angiras : here a name of Agni. The Angirases appear to have been . +•regarded as a race of higher beings between Gods and men, the typical first +sacrifieers, whose ritual is the pattern which later priests must follow. + + + + +2 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1. + +7 To thee, dispeller of the night, 0 Agni, day by day with prayer +Bringing thee reverence, we come; + +8 Ruler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant One, +Increasin g in thine own abode. + +9 Be to us easy of approach, even as a father to his son : + +Agni, be with us for our weal. + +HYMN II. Vdyu. + +Beautiful Vayu, come, for thee these Soma drops have been +prepared: + +Drink of them, hearken to our call. + +2 Knowing the days, with Soma juice poured forth, the singers + +glorify + +Thee, Vayu, with their hymns of praise, + +3 Vayu. thy penetrating stream goes forth uuto the worshipper, +]’ar->p reading for t he Soma draught. + +8 Law eternal. The word used to denote the conception of the order of the +world is rita. Everything in the universe which is conceived as showing +regularity* of action may be said to have the rita for its principle. In its +most general application the conception expressed by the word occupied to +some extent the place of natural and moral law, fate, or the will of a supreme +God. See Wallis, The Cosmology of the Kijvedu, p. 92. + +‘ In thine own abode; chime , sud domo, in the sacrificial hall or chamber +in which fire-worship is performed, and in which the fire (Agni) increases as +the oblations of clarified butter are poured upon it by the priest. + +1 Vdyu : God of the wind. + +v Soma drops: libations of the juice of the Soma, or Moon-plant, said to be +j the Acid Asclepias or Sarcostema Vimmalis. The plant was gathered by +j moonlight on certain mountains, stripped of its leaves, and then carried to the +i place of sacrifice; the stalks having been there crushed by the priests were +i sprinkled with water and placed on a sieve or strainer, whence, after further +f pressure, the acid juice trickled into a vessel called Drop a; after which it +; was mixed with flour etc,, made to ferment, and then offered in libations to +< the Gods or drunk by the Br&hmans, by both of whom its exhilarating quali- +| ties were supposed to be highly prized. This famous plant has remained +j unidentified till recently (see Max Muller, Biographies of Words, Appendix +' III.) * Dr. Aitchison has lately stated that Soma must be the Ephedra pachy- +I chide, which in the Harirud valley is said to bear the name of hum, huma, and +j yahma. This supposition is confirmed by Dr. Joseph Bornmuller, a botanist +] long resident in Kerman, who identifies the Soma plant with some kind of +\ Ephedra, probably Ephedra distachya , but who remarks that different vane- +\ ties of Ephedra-are to be found from Siberia to the Iberian peninsula, so that +j we must give up the hope of original home of the Aryas by + +\ means of the habitat of the So. ■ : ! \ :. -terly Review, No. 354, October + +J 1894, p, 455). ■ - + +- 2. Knowing the days :■ knowing the proper days for sacrifices ; or perhaps, +knowing or marking the time of daybreak, the exact time for the commence¬ +ment of sacrificial rites. + +8 Hymns of praise: uJcthas , lauds recited or spoken, in opposition to verses +that are chanted or sung. + + + +HYMN 8.] * THE 'R7QVEDA. S + +4 These, Indra-Vayu, have been shed; come for o*ur offered + +dainties’ sake: + +The drops are yearning for you both. + +5 Well do ye mark libations, ye Vayu and Indira, rick in spoil t +So come ye swiftly hitherward. + +0 Vayu and Indra, come to what the Soma-presser hath prepared: +Soon, Heroes, thus I make my prayer. + +7 MItra, of holy strength I call, and foe-destroying Varuna, + +"Who make th e oil-fed rite com plete. + +S Mitra and Varuna, through Law, Lovers and cherishers of Law, +Have ye obtained your mighty power. + +9 Our Sages, Mitra-Varuua, of wid.e dominion, st rong by birth. +Vouchsafe us strength that worketh well. + +HYMN TIL Asvina. + +Ye Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of splendour, having nimble +hands, + +Accept the sacrificial food. + + +4 Indra and Viiyu are here conjointly addressed in a dual compound, rudra- +v&yfi. Xmlra was the favourite national deity of the Aryan Indians in the +Vedio Age, and more hymns are dedicated to his honour than to the praise of +any other divinity. He is the Uod who reigns over the intermediate region or +atmosphere ; he fights against and conquers with his thunderbolt the demons +of drought and darkness, and is in general the type of noble' heroism. + +7 According to S&yana, Mitra presides over the day as Varuna over the +night; hence the closest connexion subsists between these' two deities who +are more frequently invoked together than Varuna is invoked singly ; together +they uphold and rule the earth and sky, together they guard the world, to-' +gether they promote religious rites, avenge sin, and are the lords of truth and +light. + +Oil-fed * performed with fjhrihhn (the modern and clarified butter, or +butter which has been boiled gently and then allowed to cool. The butter +is then used for culinary purposes and also offered in sacrifice to the Gods. +Complete: by granting the worshipper’s prayer. + +8 Through Law: i. e. in accordance with rkd, the eternal law or everlasting +order of the universe. See X. 1. 8. + +1 * The Asvins seem to have been a puzzle even to the oldest Indian Com- , +mentators. Y&ska thus refers to them in the Nirukta, XII. 1 :—‘Next in ordfer * +are the deities whose sphere is the heaven ; of these the Asvins are the first +to arrive...Who then are these Asvins ? ‘ Heaven and Earth,’ say some ; * Day. +and Night,’ say others ; ‘The Bun and Moon,’ say others ; ‘Two hangs, per¬ +formers of holy acts/ say the legendary writers.’ Professor Both thus sj»eaks +of these Gods: ‘The two Asvins, though, like the ancient interpreters.of the , +Veda, we are by no means agreed as to the conception of their character, hold, +nevertheless, a perfectly distinct position in the entire body of’the Ygd-ih.. +deities of light. They are the earliest bringers of light in the morning skff + + + +£ ' THE BY MAS, OF [BOOK l + +2 Come thou to our libations, drink of Soma, Soma-drinker thou! +The rich One's rapture giveth kine. + +3 So may we be acquainted with thine innermost benevolence: +Neglect us not, come hitherward. + +4 Go to the wise unconquered One, ask thou of Indra, skilled in + +song, ° + +Him who is better than thy friends. + +5 Whether the men who mock us say, Depart unto another place, +Ye who serve Indra and none else; + +6 Or whether, God of wondrous deeds, all our true people call us + +blest. + +Still may we dwell in Indra’s care. + +7 Unto the swift One bring the swift, man-cheering, grace of + +sacrifice. + +That to the Friend gives wings and joy. + +8 Thou, Satakratu, drankest this and wast the Vritras’ slayer; + +thou + +Holpest the warrior in the fray. + +9 We strengthen, Satakratu, thee, yea, thee the powerful in fight. +That, Indra, we may win us wealth. + +10 To him the mighty stream of wealth, prompt friend of him who +pours the juice. + +Yea, to this Indra sing your song. + + +2 Indra is especially the lord of Soma and its chief drinker. The exhilar¬ +ation produced by drinking' the fermented juice offered in libations stimulates + +his warlike energies and disposes him to give out of his boundless riches + +liberal rewards in the shape of cattle and other wealth to those who worship +him. + +The general meaning of this and the two preceding verses seems to he: + +Indra is the best friend and protector, and so long as we enjoy his friendship +and protection we care nothing for the revilings of the ungodly who mock at +our faithful worship. + +7 The swift One: Indra. The Soma juice which exhilarates men or heroes +and accompanies or graces the sacrifice is also called swift both because it +flows quickly and because it makes Indra hasten to the solemnity. The +Friend , is Indra whom the juice exhilarates and sends quickly to the sacrifice. + +8 SataJcratu, a name of Indra, *is explained by S&yana, he who is connected +with a hundred (many) acts, religious rites ( bahukarmayukta ), either as their +performer or their object: or it may be rendered c endowed with great wis¬ +dom;’ hratu implying either karma , act, or y-r‘- 2 * 4 * * 7 8 . V—Wilson. +The Vritras, the enemies, the oppressors, or ■ ■■«. ..■■■■ 1 1 ■■ hostile +powers in the atmosphere who malevolently shut up the watery treasures in +the clouds. These demons of drought, called by a variety of names, as Vrittra +Ahi, Sushna, Namuchi, Pipru, Sambara, Urana, etc., etc., armed on their side, +also, with every variety of colestial artillery, attempt, but in vain, to resis, +the onset of the gods,’ Muir, 0, & Texts, Y, 95, + + + + +HYMN 6 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +7 + + +HYMN Indra. + +O come ye hither, sit ye down; to Indra sing ye forth your song, +Companions, bringing hymns of praise; + +2 To him the richest of the rich, the Lord of treasures excellent, +Indra, with Soma juice outpoured. + +3 May he stand by us in our need and in abundance for our + +wealth: + +May he come nigh us with his strength; + +4 Whose pair of tawny horses yoked in battles foemen challenge + +not: + +To him, to Indra sing your song. + +5 Nigh to the Soma-drinker come, for his enjoyment, these pure + +drops, + +The Somas mingled with the curd. + +6 Thou, grown at once to perfect strength, wast bom to drink + +the Soma juice, + +Strong Indra, for preeminence. + +7 0 Indra, lover of the song, may these quick Somas enter thee : +May they bring bliss to thee the Sage. + +8 Our chants of praise have strengthened thee, 0 Satakratu, and + +our lauds: + +So strengthen thee the songs we sing. + +9 Indra, whose succour never fails, accept these viands thousand¬ + +fold, + +Wherein all manly powers abide. * + +10 0 Indra, thou who lowest song, let no man hurt our bodies, keep +Slaughter far from us, for thou canst. + +HYMN VI. Indra, + +They who stand round him as he moves harness the bright, +the ruddy Steed: + +The lights are shining in the sky. + +X Companions. The call is addressed to the ministering priests. + +3 { Two separate * cases appear to be meant: yoge, where the God must +recognize the necessity of his intervention, and purandhydm, where he may +deem it superfluous.’ Ludwig. + +4 At the sight of whose chai'iot and horses all enemies flee. + +9 Wherein all manly powers abide. The oblations of worshippers, as well as +their hymns of praise, stimulate and strengthen the Gods for deeds of heroism. + +1 They who stand round; loTcatrayavartinah prdninah, ( the living beings of +the three worlds,’ is S&yana’s explanation. Probably the Maruts, Indra’s +constant companions are intended. + +The bright , the ruddy Steed , (bradhndm arnsMmJ, is probably the Sun, with +whom Indra is frequently connected. + + + +$ THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +2 On both sides to the car thev yoke the two bay coursers dear + +to -him, # + +Bold, tawny, bearers of the Chief. + +3 Thou, making light where no light was, and form, 0 men 1 + +where form was not, + +Wast born together with the Dawns. + +& Thereafter they, as is their wont, threw off the state of babes +unborn, + +Assuming sacrificial names. + +5 Thou, Indra, with the Tempest-Gods, the breakers down o£- + +what is firm, + +Foundest the kine even in the cave. + +6 Worshipping even as they list, singers laud him who findoth + +wealth, + +The fai-renowned, the mighty One. + +7 Mayest thou verily be seen coming by fearless Indnds side ; +Both joyous, equal in your sheen. + +8 With Indra’s well-beloved hosts, the blameless, hastening to + +heaven, + +The sacrificer cries aloud. + + +2 On both sides; vipakshasd; harnessed on different sides. + +3 Thou, i. e. the Sun, 0 men / is perhaps merely an exclamation expressive +of admiration. If marydh , men, be taken to mean the Maruts, the words +thou, making, wcist born, although in the singular number, may apply to these +Gods regarded as one host or company and born at one birth, + +4 Threw off the state of babes unborn: according to Prof. M. Muller f as¬ +sumed again the form of new-born babes.’ 2 3 4 5 * 7 8 The idea that the Maruts +assumed the form of a garbha, lit. of an embryo or a new-born child, is only +meant to express that the storms burst forth from the womb of the sky as +soon as Indra arises .to do battle against the demon of darkness. As assisting +Indra in this battle, the Maruts, whose name retained for a long time its +purely appellative meaning of storms, attained their rank as deities by the +side of Indra, or as the poet expresses it, they assumed their sacred name. +This seems to be the whole meaning of the later legend that the Maruts, like +the Ilibhus were not originally gods, but became deified for their works/ +M. Muller. Rigvcda Smhitd, i. p. 25. + +5 The Tempest-Gods : the Maruts, the friends and helpers of Indra. + +The kine; are streams of water and the beams of light which follow their +effusion. The cave is the thick dark cloud which holds the imprisoned waters +and which Indra cleaves asunder with his thunderbolt or lightning. + +7 Thou; the host of Maruts. According to Benfey, the Sun. + +8 The sacrificer cries aloud . This is the interpretation proposed by Professor +Max Muller,J;mt it is only conjectural and not altogether satisfactory, Benfey +translates: Mightily shines the sacrifice,* and Ludwig t The warrior sings +triumphantly. + + + +HYMN 1.1 TfiM RTGYHTJA. g + +9 Come from this place, 0 Wanderer, or downward from the +light of heaven : * _ + +Our songs of praise all yearn for this. + +10 Indra we seek to give us help, from here, from heaven above +the earth, + +Or from the spacious firmament. 9 + +HYMN VII. Indrac f + +Indra the singers with high praise, Indra reciters with their +lauds, + +Indra the choirs have glorified. + +2 Indra hath ever close to him his two bay steeds and word-yoked + +car, + +Indra the golden, thunder-armed. + +3 Indra hath raised the Sun on high in heaven, that he may see + +afar: + +He burst the mountain for the kine. + +4 Help us, 0 Indra, in the frays, yea, frays where thousand spoils + +are gained, + +With awful aids , 0 awful One. + +5 In mighty battle we invoke Indra, Indra in lesser fight, + +The Friend who bends his holt at fiends, + +6 Unclose, our manly Hero, thou for ever bounteous, yonder + +cloud, + +For us, thou irresistible. + +7 Still higher, at each strain of mine, thunder-armed Indra’s + +praises rise: + +I find no laud worthy of him, + +8 Even as the bull drives on the herds, he drives the people with + +"■~iiis might, * ~ ~ .. + +TJi e Ruler irresisti ble: + +9 From this place: from earth. + +Wanderer ; {parijman) here applied to Indra. + +10 The spacious firmament: the expanse between earth and heaven. + +1 The choirs : ( vd'ni ) referring perhaps to both singers and chanters. + +2 The golden: i. e. richly decorated {sarvdhharanahhilshitah) according to + +S&yana. • • + +3 The moutain: is the :■ v V' - -■ ’ mass of thick cloud, and the kine + +are the waters as in I. 6, 5. " i ■ / ■ and pdrvata mean both mountain + +and cloud, these beiftg constantly seen in close juxtaposition and being often +indistinguishable one from the other, + + + +10 THE HYMXS OF {BOOK L + +9 Indra who rules with single sway men, riches, and the fivefold + +# race + +Of those who dwell upon the earth. + +10 For your sake from each side we call Indra away from other + +men: + +Ours, and nojje others’, may he be. + +HYMN VIII. Indra. + +Indra, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor’s ever-con¬ +quering wealth, + +Most excellent, to be our aid ; + +2 By means of which we may repel our foes in battle hand to + +hand, + +By thee assisted with the car. + +3 Aided by thee, the thunder-armed, Indra, may we lift up the + +bolt, + +And conquer all our foes in fight. + +4 With thee, 0 Indra, for ally with missile-darting heroes, may + +We .conquer our embattled foes. + +5 Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer: + +Wide as the heaven extends his power; + +6 Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to + +the fight, + +Or singers loving holy thoughts. + +7 His belly, drinking deepest draughts of Soma, like an ocean + +swells, + +Like wide streams from the cope of heaven. + +8 So also is his excellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, like + +A ripe branch to the worshipper. + +9 For verily thy mighty powers, Indra, are saving helps at + +once + +Unto a worshipper like me. + +9 The, fivefold race: Benfey explains this as ‘the whole inhabited world/ +But the expression seems to mean the Aryan settlements or tribes only, and +not the indigenous inhabitants of ,the country. The five tribes or settlements +were probably the confederation of the Turvasas, Yadus, Anus, Druhyus, and +Pftrus. Sftyana’s explanation is 2 3 4 those who are fit for habitations/ and the +phrase is said to imply the four castes and NiwMdas or indigenous barbarians. +But there were no such distinctions of caste when the hymn was composed. + +2 With the car: drvatd, literally, with a horse, is explained by Sftyana to +mean fighting on horseback. But horses seem to have been used in war as +drawers of chariots only, and drvatd here stands for rathena, with a car or +chariot. + +3 Map we lift up the holt. The thunderbolt here spoken of is sacrifice which, + +when employed against enemies, is as powerful a weapon as the bolt of Indra. + + + +10 THE HYMNS OS [BOOK I, + +9 Indra who niles with single sway men, riches, and the fivefold + +* race + +Of those who dwell upon the earth. + +10 For your sake from each side we call Indra away from other + +men: + +Ours, and nope others 7 , may he be. + +HYMN VIII. Indra, + +Indra, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor's ever-con¬ +quering wealth, + +Most excellent, to be our aid ; + +2 By means of which we may repel our foes in battle hand to + +hand, + +By thee assisted with the car. + +3 Aided by thee, the thunder-armed, Indra, may we lift up the + +bolt, + +And conquer all our foes in fight. + +4 With thee, 0 Indra, for ally with missile-darting heroes, may + +We.conquer our embattled foes. + +5 Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer: + +Wide as the heaven extends his power; + +6 Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to + +the fight, + +Or singers loving holy thoughts. + +7 His belly, drinking deepest draughts of Soma, like an ocean + +swells, + +Like wide streams from the cope of heaven. + +8 So also is his excellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, like + +A ripe branch to the worshipper, + +9 For verily thy mighty powers, Indra, are saving helps at + +once + +Unto a worshipper like me. + +9 The fivefo’d race: Beufey explains this as ‘the whole inhabited world/ +But the expression seems to mean the Aryan settlements or tribes only, and +not the indigenous inhabitants of ,the country. The live tribes or settlements +were probably the confederation of the Turvasas, Yadus, Anus, Druhyus, and +Purus. Sftyana’s explanation is * those who are fit for habitations/ and the +phrase is said to imply the four castes and Nishadas or indigenous barbarians. +But there were no such distinctions of caste when the hymn was composed. + +2 With the car: arvatd , literally, with a horse, is explained by Sftyana to +mean fighting on horseback. But horses seem to have been used in war as +drawers of chariots only, and drvatd here stands for rathenu , with a car or +chariot. + +3 May we lift up the holt . The thunderbolt here spoken of is sacrifice which, +when employed against enemies, is as powerful a weapou as the bolt of Indra. + + + + +THE RIQYEDA. + + +11 + + +HYMN 9 .] + +10 So are his lovely gifts; let lauds and praises be to Indra sung, +That he may drink the Soma juice. + +hymn IX. i ncIra , + +Comb, Indra, and delight thee with the juice at all the Soma +feasts, ^ + +Frotector, mighty in thy strength. + +2 To Indra pour ye forth the juice, the active gladdening juice + +to him + +The gladdening, omnific God. + +3 0 Lord of all men, fair of cheek, rejoice thee in the gladdening + +lauds, + +Present at these drink-offerings.* + +4 Songs have outpoured themselves to thee, Indra, the strong, + +the guardian Lord, + +And raised themselves unsatisfied. + +5. Send to us bounty manifold, 0 Indra, worthy of our wish, + +For power supreme is only thine. + +6 O Indra, stimulate thereto us emulously fain for wealth, + +And glorious, 0 most splendid One. + +7 Give, Indra, wide and lofty fame, wealthy in cattle and in + +strength, + +Lasting our life-time, failing not. + +8 Grant us high fame, O Indra, grant riches bestowing thousands, + +those * + +Fair fruits of earth borne home in wains. + +9 Praising with songs the praise-worthy who cometh to our aid, + +we call + +Indra, the Treasure-Lord of wealth. + +10 To lofty Indra, dweller by each libation, the pious man +Sings forth aloud a strengthening hymn. + + +10 Let lauds mid praises be to Indra swiff: more exactly, * be lauds, spoken +and sung, to Indra given ;’ nltha being properly the laud that is recited, and +Stoma the hymn of praise that is sung. + +4 And raised themselves unsatisfied: djoshcih, not contented, that is, with +prayers ever new, Ludwig observes that the S&maveda has preserved the +correct reading sajdsMh, i with one accord.’ + +8 Those fair fruits of earth brought home in wains. ( The original of this +hymn, as of many others, is so concise and elliptical as to be unintelligible +without the liberal amplification of the Scholiast. We have in the text simply +“those car-having viands,” td rath in tr ishah . meaning, S&yana says, those +articles of food which are conveyed in cars, carts, or waggons, from the site of +their production ; as rice, barley, and other kinds of grain,’ Wilson, + +The meaning of mthinir is not clear. + + + +n + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOfy t + + +HYMN X. Indra. + +The chanters hymn thee, they who say the word of praise +magnify thee. + +The priests have raised thee up on high, 0 Satakratu, like a +pole. + +2 As up he domb from ridge to ridge and looked upon the + +toilsome task, + +Indra observes this wish of his, aiid the Ra m hastens with his +troop. + +3 Harness thy pair of strong bay steeds, long-maned, whose + +bodies fill the girths, + +And, Indra, Soma-drinker, come to listen to our songs of +praise.- + +4 Come hither, answer thou the song, sing in approval, cry + +aloud. + +Good Indra, make our prayer succeed, and prosper this pur +sacrifice. + +5 To Indra must a laud be said, to strengthen him who freely + +gives, + +That Sakra may take pleasure in our friendship and drink-offer¬ +ings. + +6 Him, him we seek for friendship, him for riches and heroic + +might. + +for Indra, he is Sakra, he shall aid us while he gives us wealth. + +7 Easy to turn and drive away, Indra, is spoil bestowed by thee. + + +1 f The concluding phrase, hod ..ud vatis'amiv'cc ijmire, “they have raised +tjiee, like a bamboo,” is rather obscure. The Scholiast says, they have ele¬ +vated Indra, as tumblers raise a bamboo—on the summit of which they +balance themselves j a feat not uncommon in India ; or, as mfixa means, also, +a family, it may be rendered, as ambitious persons raise their family to con¬ +sequence/ Wilson* + +2 Tl-~ ' .a.- .r - Vomheight to 1 2 * * 5 * 7 height, + +which- ^ i ■ . - 1 ■ ■ - ' . of the'Yajam&na, the + +person who institutes or performs a regular sacrifice and. pays the expenses of +it, who goes to the mountain to gather the Soma-plant, fuel, etc, Ludwig +thinks that Indra is meant, rising higher and higher, and yet not delaying to +come to the sacrifice,- + +The Ram , (vrishmh) is Indra, and liis flock or troop are the Maruts. + +Hastens: comes quickly to the sacrifice. + +5 Sakra, a common name of Indra, used in the next stanza as an epithets + +{ the powerful/ from seek, to he able, + +7 Fast/ to turn: The booty spoken of in the Rigveda consists chiefly of +cattle, which with Indra’s assistance are easily turned and driven away from +tlie enemy who possesses them* + + + +1IYMX n.] + + +the mar jsda. + + +13 + + +Unclose the_«table ^of .tlic .kuieji-ind giye us. wealth 0 Tlnmclcr* +arnic3, + +8 The heaven and earth contain thee not, together, in thy wrath¬ + +ful mood. + +Win us the waters of the sky, and send us kine abundantly. + +9 Hear, thou whose ear is quick, my call; take'' to thee readily + +my songs. + +0 Indra, let this laud of mine come nearer even than thy +friend. + +10 We know thee mightiest of all, in battles hearer of our cry. + +Of thee most mighty we invoke the aid that giveth thousand¬ +fold. + +11 0 Indra, Son of Kusika, drink our libation'with delight. +Prolong our life anew, and cause the seer to win a thousand + +gifts, + +12 Lover of song, may these our songs on every side encompass + +thee: + +Strengthening thee of lengthened life, may they bo dear de¬ +lights to thee. + +HYMN XL Indra. + +All sacred songs have magnified Indra expansive as the sea, +The best of warriors borne on cars, the Lord, the very Lord of +strength. + +2 Strong in thy friendship, Indra, Lord of power and might, we + +have no fear. + +We glorify with praises thee, the never-conquered conqueror. + +3 The gifts of Indra from of old, his saving succours, never fail. +When to the praise-singers he gives the boon of substance + +rich in kine. + +Unclose the stable of the bine: Open the thick cloud that holds the water +Imprisoned, and fertilize our fields with rain. + +9 Thy friend; probably the mjra or thunderbolt which is Jndra’s insepar¬ +able associate and ally. + +11 So7i of Kusika : Kusika was the father or the grandfather of Visv&mitra +who was the father of the poet or seer of this hymn. This epithet Kausika, +son of Kusika, is here applied to Ipdra as being the chief or special God of the +seer's family. + +12 Of lengthened life=. immortal, + +1 This hymn is ascribed to Jetar the sou of Madhuchchhandas the seer of +the preceding hy nm. * - + +Expansive as the sea : at L 8, 7. Or the expression may be, as Wilson says, +‘ a vague mode of indicating the universal diffusion of Indra as the firma¬ +ment,’ + + +HYMN 9.] THE EIGVEEA, $1 + +10 So are bis lovely gifts; let lauds and praises be to Indra sung, +That he may drink the Soma juice, + +HYMN IX. Indra. + +Come, Indra, and delight thee with the juice at all the Soma +feasts, 9 + +Protector, mighty in thy strength. + +2 To Indra pour ye forth the juice, the active gladdening juice + +to him + +The gladdening, omnific God. + +3 0 Lord of all men, fair of cheek, rejoice thee in the gladdening + +lauds, + +Present at these drink-offerings.* + +4 Songs have outpoured themselves to thee, Indra, the strong, + +the guardian Lord, + +And raised themselves unsatisfied. + +5. Send to us bounty manifold, O Indra, worthy of our wish, + +For power supreme is only thine. + +6 0 Indra, stimulate thereto us emulously fain for wealth, + +And glorious, 0 most splendid One. + +7 Give, Indra, wide and lofty fame, wealthy in cattle and in + +strength, + +Lasting our life-time, failing not. + +8 Grant us high fame, O Indra, grant riches bestowing thousands, + +those * + +Fair fruits of earth borne home in wains. + +9 Praising with songs the praise-worthy who cometh to our aid, + +we call + +Indra, the Treasure-Lord of wealth. *■ + +10 To lofty Indra, dweller by each libation, the pious man +Sings forth aloud a strengthening hymn. + +10 Let lauds and praises be to Indra sung : more exactly, ‘be lauds, spoken +and sung, to Inclra given ; * itktha being properly the laud that is recited, and +Stoma the hymn of praise that is sung. + +4 And raised themselves unsatisfied: djoshdh, not contented, that is, with +prayers ever new, Ludwig observes that the S&maveda has preserved the +correct reading sajdshdh, ‘ with one accord.’ + +8 Those fair fruits of earth brought home in wains, ‘ The original of this +hymn, as of many others, is so concise and elliptical as to be unintelligible +without the liberal amplification of the Scholiast. We have in the text simply +“those car-having viands,” td ruthintr ishah . meaning, S&yana says, those +articles of food which are conveyed in ears, carts, or waggons, from the site of +their production ; as rice, barley, and other kinds of grain.’ Wilson. + +The meaning of rathintr is not clear, + + + +14 THE 1ITMNS OF [BOOK L + +4 C rusher of for ts, the young, the wise, of strength unmeasured, + +wasTIeTom + +Sustaiuer of each sacred rite, Indra, the Thunderer, nmeh- +extolled. + +5 Lord of the thunder, thou didst burst,the cave of Vala rich + +in "cows. + +The Gods came pressing to thy side, and free from terror aided +thee. + +6 I, Hero, through thy bounties am come to the flood addressing + +thee. + +Song-lover, here the singers stand and testify to thee thereof. + +7 The wily Sushna, Indra i thou o’erthrewest with thy wondrous + +powers. + +The wise beheld this deed of thine: now go beyond their +eulogies. + +8 Our songs of praise have glorified Indra who ruletli by his + +might, + +Whose precious gifts in thousands come, yea, even more +abundantly. + +HYMN XIT. Agm. + +We choose Agm the messenger, the herald, master of all wealth, + +Well skilled in this our sacrifice. + +2 With callings ever they invoke Agm, Agin, Lord of the House, + +Oblation-beaver, much beloved. + +3 Bring the Gods hither, Agni, born for him who strews the sacred + +grass: + +Thou art our herald, meet for praise. + +4 Crusher of forts; destroyer or breaker-down of the clouds that withhold +the rain, which are regarded as the forts or strongholds of Vritra and-the +other hostile powers of the air. + +5 The care of Vala ; Vala is the brother of Vritra, or Vritra himself under +another name, who stole the cows of the Gods and hid them in a cave, that is, +kept the light and waters imprisoned in dark clouds. + +fi To the flood ; i. e. to Indra, the river or sea of bounty. + +7 The wily Sushna ; Sushna is described as a demon slain by Indra. +The word means drier up : bhdtdndm soshanahetit, cau.se of the drying up of +beings, the excessive heat and drought before the Kains, which Indra puts an +end to. + +Now go beyond their eulogies: i. e. do deeds worthy of still higher praise. +Or it may mean, make their eulogies endure. + +1 The Hymns from XII to XXIII inclusive are ascribed to • Medh&fcithi, +son of Kanva. + +The messenger: the mediator between men and Gods. The herald : devdndm +dhrdtdram , the inviter of the Gods, is Sdyana's explanation, + +3 Born,: newly produced by attrition for the man who has prepared and +spread the sacrificial grass as a seat for the expected deities, + + + +HYMN 18.] + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +15 + + +4 Wake up the willing Gods, since thou, Agni, performed + +embassage: + +Sit on the sacred grass with Gods, + +5 0 Agni, radiant One, to whom the holy oil is poured, burn up +Our enemies whom,fiends protect. + +6 By Agni Agni is inflamed, Lord of the House, Wise, young, who + +bears + +The gift; the ladle is his mouth. + +7 Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the Sage whose ways are ever true, +The God who driveth grief away. + +8 God, Agni, be his strong defence who, lord of sacrificial gifts, +Worslxippeth thee the messenger. + +9 Whoso with sacred gift would fain call Agni to the feast of + +Gods, + +0 Purifier, favour him. + +10 Such, Agni, Purifier, bright, bring hither to our sacrifice, + +To our oblation bring the Gods. + +11 So lauded by our newest song of praise bring opulence to us, +And food, with heroes for our sons. + +12 0 Agni, by effulgent flame, by all invokings of the Gods, + +Show pleasure in this laud of ours. + +HYMN XIII. Agni. + +Agni, well-kindled, bring the Gods for him who offers holy gifts. +Worship them. Purifier, Priest. + +2 Son of Thyself, present, 0 Sage, our sacrifice to the Gods to¬ +day, + +Sweet to the taste, that they may feast. + + +6 By Agni Agni is inflamed: The fire into which the oblation is poured is +lighted by the application of other fire. + +Young: as newly horn each time the fire is produced. The ladle: used for +pouring the sacrificial butter into the fire. + +8 Lord of sacrificial gifts : the wealthy patron or institutor of the sacrifice. + +9 0 Purifier: pdvaka, purifying, is in later Sanskrit a common word for fire. + +[ This is one of the Aprt or propitiatory hymns, consisting of invocations to a +series of deified objects, and said to be introductory to idle animal sacrifice. +I All the deified objects addressed in this hymn are said by Sftyana to be forms +| of Agni. + +X For him who offers holy gifts: for the institutor of the sacrifice. + +2 Son of Thyself . Tanunap&t, son or descendant of oneself, is a frequently +recurring name of Agni, so called because fire is sometimes self-generated, as +in the lightning, or produced by attrition, and not necessarily derived from +'other fire. Other fanciful derivations are given. + + +16 + + +THE IITMNS OF + + +[BOOK I + + +3 Dear Narasausa, sweet of tongue, the giver of oblations, I +Invoke to this our sacrifice, + +4 Agni, on thy most easy car, glorified, hither bring the Gods; +Mann appointed thee as Priest, + +5 Strew, 0 ye wise, the sacred grass that drips with oil, in order + +due, + +Where the Immortal is beheld. + +6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite, +For sacrifice this day and now. + +7 I call the lovely Night and Dawn to seat them on the holy grass +At this- our solemn sacrifice. + +8 The two Invokers I invite, the wisp, divine, and sweet of + +tongue, + +To celebrate this our sacrifice. + +I]a, Sarasvati, Main, t 1 ■ / G..V1 . who bring delight, + +( Be seated, peaceful, of " " . + +10 Tvaslitar I call, the earliest born, the wearer of all forms at + +will: + +May he be ours and ours alone. + +11 God, Sovran of the Wood, present this our oblation to the + +Gods, + +And let the giver be renowned. + + +3 Nard^ahm ; 4 Praise of Men 1 is one of Agni’s mystical names. + +4 4/ft me .* is the man par excellence, or the representative man and father of +the human race, regarded as the first institutor of sacrifices and religious cere¬ +monies. + +5 The Immortal: according to S&yaua either the clarified butter or' Agni +the God. + +6 The Doors Divine: the doors of the chamber in which the oblation is +offered. + +Unfailing; the signification of asauhatah in the text is uncertain. S&yana +explains the word variously in various places. + +8 The two Invokers* It seems A uncertain who these two invokers or priests +(hot&r&) are, whether Agni and Aditya, or Agni and Varuna, or V&runa and +Aditya. See M, Muller's A, S. Literature* p. 464. + +9 /Id: the Goddess of sacred speech and action. + +Sarasvati : see I. 3. 10. + +Mukt; c the great’ (Goddess), said-to be identical with Bh&ratS, also a +Goddess of speech. + +10 Tvaslitar, is the Hephaistos, or Vulcan, of the Indian pantheon, the ideal +artist, the divine artisan, the most skilful of workmen, versed in all wonderful +and admirable contrivances. + +11 God , Sovran of the Wood : vanaspati, lord of the wood ; usually, a large +tree ; here said to be an Agni,—as if the fuel and the burning of it were iden- +tified. A Or the Sacrificial Post may be intended, which is enumerated among +tlie Apr! deities or deified objects. + + + + + +HYMN 14.] + + +THU MIG VEDA. + + +17 + + +12 With Svaha pay the sacrifice to Indra in the offerer’s house : +Thither I call the Deities. + +HYMN XIV. Visvedevas. + +To drink the Soma, Agni, come, come to our service and our +songs r + +Wibh all these Gods; and worship them. + +2 The Kanvas have invoked thee ; they, 0 Singer, sing thee + +songs of praise: + +Agni, come hither with the Gods; + +3 Indra, Y&yu, Brihaspati, Mitra, Agni, Pushan, Bhaga, + +Adityas, and the Marut host. + + +12 Svdhd is tlie sacred word or exclamation (Hail ! Blessing ! ) used in +pouring the oblation on the fire. According to S&yana, Sv&hft also may be +identified with Agni. + +2 The Kanvas: sons or descendants of Kanva, men of the same family as the +seer of the hymn. + +3 Indra , Vdyu, etc. The names of these Gods are in the accusative case, +governed by ‘they (the Kanvas) have invoked,’ or ‘ worship them, 1 understood. + +Briha&patit ‘alternating with Brahmanaspati is the name of a deity in +whom the action of the worshipper upon the Gods is personified. He is +the suppliant, the priest who intercedes with the Gods for men, and protects +them against the wicked. Hence he appears as the prototype of the priests +and the priestly order, and is also designated as the Purohita of the divine +community. The essential difference between the original idea represented +in this God and those expressed in most of the other and older deities of the +Veda consists in the fact that the latter are personifications of various de¬ +partments of nature, or of physical forces, while the former is the product of +moral ideas, and an impersonation of the power of devotion.’ Muir, O. 8, +Texts , V. 272. + +Pdshan is a God who protects and multiplies cattle and human possessions +generally. In character he is a solar deity, beholds the entire universe, and is +a guide on roads and journeys. + +Bhaga , the gracious Lord and protector, is regarded as the bestower of +wealth, + +Adityas . ‘ There (in the highest heaven) dwell and reign those Gods who +bear in common the name of Adityas, We must, however, if we would dis¬ +cover their earliest character, abandon the conceptions which in a later age, +and even in that of the heroic poems, were entertained regarding these deities. +According to this conception they were twelve Sun-gods, bearing evident +reference to the twelve months. But for the most ancient period we must +hold fast the primary signification of their name. They are the inviolable, +imperishable, eternal beings. Aditi, eternity or the eternal, is the element +which sustains them and is sustained by them...The eternal and inviolable +element in which the Adityas dwell, and which forms their essence, is the +celestial light...The Adityas, the Gods of this light, do not therefore by any +means coincide with any of the forms in which light is manifested in the uni¬ +verse. They are neither sun, nor moon, nor stars, nor dawn, but the eternal +eusfainers of this luminous life, which exists, as it were, behind all these +phenomena.’ Roth, quoted by Muir, 0. 8. Texts , V, p. 56. + + + +18 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH L + +4 For you these juices are poured forth that gladden and exhi¬ + +larate, + +The meath-drops resting in the cup, + +5 The sons of Kanva fain for help adore thee, having strewn the + +grass, + +With offering's and all things prepared. + +6 Let the swift steeds who carry thee, thought-yoked and drop¬ + +ping holy oil, + +Bring the Gods to the Soma draught. + +7 Adored, the strengthened of Law, unite them, Agni, with their* + +Dames: + +Make them drink meath, 0 bright of tongue. + +8 Let them, 0 Agni, who deserve worship and praise drink with + +thy tongue + +The meath in solemn sacrifice. + +9 Away, from the Sun’s realm of light, the wise invoking Priest + +shall bring + +All Gods awaking with the dawn. + +10 With all the Gods, with Indra, with Vayu, and Mitra’s splen¬ + +dours, drink, + +Agni, the pleasant Soma juice. + +11 Ordained by Manu as our Priest, thou sittest, Agni, at each rite: +Hallow thou this our sacrifice. + +12 Harness the Red Mares to thy* car, the Bays, 0 God, the flam¬ + +ing ones: + +With those bring hitherward the Gods. + +HYMN XV. Bitu, + +0 Indra drink the Soma juice with Ritu; let the cheering drops +Sink deep within, which settle there. + + +The Marut host: the Maruts are the Gods of the winds and storms, the +companions and friends of Indra. They are said in the Veda to be the sons of +Rudra and Prism, the latter being explained by Sftyana as * the many-colour¬ +ed earth/ hut regarded by Professor Roth as a personification of the speckled +clouds. + +7 Unite them with their Dames .* patnimtas Teridhi; make them (come) with +their consorts. + +9 The wise invoking Priest: Agni, who calls the Gods. + +10 All the Gods: or Visvedevas; see I. 8. 7. + +11 Manu : see 1.18. 4. + +1 Ritu : meaning generally a season, a sixth part of the Indian year, is here +personified and addressed as a deity. + + + +HYMN 15.] + + +THE RWYEDA. + + +19 + + +2 Drink from the Purifier’s cup, Maruts, with Eitu; sanctify +The rite, for ye give precious gifts. + +3 0 Neshtar, with thy Dame accept our sacrifice; with Eitu drink, +For thou art he who giveth wealth. + +4 Bring the Gods, Agni; in the three appointed places set them + +down ; + +Surround them, and with Eitu drink. + +5 Drink Soma after the Eitus, from the Brahmaua’s bounty: un¬ + +dissolved, + +O Indra, is thy friendship’s bond. + +6 Mitra, Yaruna, ye whose ways are firm—a Power that none + +deceives—, + +With Eitu ye have reached the rite. + +7 The Soma-pressers, fain for wealth, praise the Wealth-giver in + +the rite, + +In sacrifices praise the God. + +8 May the Wealth-giver grant to us riches that shall be far + +renowned : + +These things we gain among the Gods. + +9 He with the Eitus fain would drink, Wealth-giver, from the + +Neshtar’s bowl. + +Haste, give your offering, and depart. + +10 As we this fourth time, Wealth-giver, honour thee with the +Eitus, be + +A Giver bountiful to us. + + +2 The Purifier's cup : the sacrificial vessel of the Potar, or Purifier, who +pours into the fire the libation for the Maruts. + +3 0 Neshtar : the Neshtar is one of the chief officiating priests, who leads +forward the* wife of the institutor of the sacrifice. In this place Neshtar is +said to be another name for the God Tvashtar from his having on some oc¬ +casion assumed the function of a Neshtar priest. + +4 The three appointed places ; by the three sacrificial fires. + +5 The JBrdhmana's bounty. The Br&hmana here is said to be the Br&hma- +n&chchhansi, one of the sixteen priests employed in sacrifices; and perhaps his +office may have been to hold some ladle or vase in which the offering is pre¬ +sented. + +7 The Soma-pressers: grotkvahastdsah, men having stones in their hands +with which to bruise the Soma plant. The Wealth giver is Agni. + +In the rite , In sacrifices : 1 in the adhvara and in the yajnas } the first said +to be the primary or essential ceremony, such as the Agnishtoma ; the second, +the modified ceremonies, such as the Ukthjra which is elsewhere termed an +offering with Soma juice/ Wilson. + +10 As we this fourth time: Agni, as Dravinod&s or Wealth-giver, has now +been celebrated in four stanzas instead of the usual tricha or triad; or we may +translate with Ludwig, * As we in fourth place/ Agni being fourth in the in¬ +vocation (Indra, Maruts, Tvashtar, Agni). + + + + +20 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 2 . + +11 Drink ye the meath, 0 Asvins bright with flames, whose acts + +are pure, who with +- Ritus accept the sacrifice. + +12 With Ritu, through the house-fire, thou, kind Giver, guidest + +sacrifice: + +Worship the Gods for the pious man. + +HYMN XVI. Indra. + +Let thy Bay Steeds bring thee, the Strong, hither to drink the +Soma draught— + +Those, Indra, who are bright as suns. + +2 Here are the grains bedewed with oil: hither let the Bay + +Coursers bring +Indra upon his easiest car. + +3 Indra at early morn we call, Indra in course of sacrifice, + +Indra to drink the Soma juice. + +4 Come hither, with thy long-maned Steeds, 0 Indra, to the + +draught we pour: + +We call thee when the juice is shed. + +5 Come thou to this our song of praise, to the libation poured + +for thee: + +Drink of it like a stag athirst. + +6 Here are the drops of Soma juice expressed on sacred grass : + +thereof + +Drink, Indra, to increase thy might. + +7 Welcome to thee be this our hymn, reaching thy heart, most + +excellent: + +Then drink the Soma juice expressed. + +8 To every draught of pressed-out juice Indra, the Vritra-slayer, + +comes, + +To drink the Soma for delight. + +9 Fulfil, 0 Satakratu, all our wish with horses and with kine : +With holy thoughts we sing thy praise. + +12 Through the house-jive. The g&rhapatya is the sacred fire perpetually +maintained by the householder ; the fire from which fires for sacrificial pur¬ +poses are lighted. + +1 Bright as suns ; s&rachalcsasah. Sftyana understands this to refer to the +priests, and Wilson renders accordingly ; may (the priests), radiant as the sun , +(make thee manifest). + +2 Easiest car; suhhdtame rathe: that is, most easily moving, swiftest. + +3 Inch'd at early morn we call . Although not more particularly named, the + +specification implies the morning, mid-day, and e\(:\ing w: " + +5 Mice a stag athirst: like a gaum (Bos Gaurus) a kind of buffalo. + +. f Brink like a thirsty buffalo,’ would perhaps be a more strictly accurate +rendering. + + + + +HYMN 18.] + + +21 + + +TIIE Jim VEDA. + +HYMN XVII, Indra-Varuna, + +I crave help from the ' Imperial Lords, from Indra-Varuna ; + +may they + +Both favour one of us like me. + +2 Guardians of men, ye ever come with ready succour at the call +Of every singer such as I. + +3 Sate you, according to your wish, 0 Indra-Varuna, with wealth : +Fain would we have you nearest us. + +4 May we be sharers of the powers, sharers of the benevolence +Of you who give strength bounteously. + +5 Indra and Varuna, among givers of thousands, meet for praise, +Are Powers who merit highest laud. + +6 Through their protection may we gain great store of wealth, + +and heap it up : + +Enough, and still to spare, be ours. + +7 0 Indra-Varuna, on you for wealth in many a form I call: +Still keep ye us victorious. + +8 0 Indra-Varuna, through our songs that seek to win you to + +ourselves, + +Give us at once your sheltering help. + +9 0 Indra-Varuna, to you may fair praise which I offer come, +Joint eulogy which ye dignify. + +HYMN XVIII. Bralimanaspati, + +0 Brahmahaspati, make him who presses Soma glorious, + +Even Kakshivan Ausija. + +1 Indra the Hero and Varuna the King are addressed conjointly as +a dual deity, Indr&varuna. The most prominent of the other dual deities are +Agni-Soma, Indra-V&yu, Indra-Agni, Indra-Brihaspati, Indra-Soma, Mitra- +Varuna, Indra-Pftshan, Indra-Yishau, Dyaus-Prithivi and Soma-Rudra. + +Hrahmanaspati. See I. 14, 3. Professor Wilson says : ‘ The Scholiast fur¬ +nishes us with no account of the station or functions of this divinity. The +etymology m?:TI V-tify Dr. TV-th** definition of him as the deity of sacred +prayer, or rai hci*. peri;:;:*:--. ,x i d o x i of the Veda ; but whether he is to be +considered as a diMii.ci nor-oiion, or as a modified form of one of those +already recognized, and "’especially of Agni, is doubtful. His giving wealth, +healing disease, and promoting nourishment, are properties not poeuliar to +him ; and his being associated with Indra and Soma, while it mahes him dis¬ +tinct from them, leaves him Agni r* , His being, in an especial + +manner, connected with prayer . ■ |■ . ■ - ■ • * . ■ in a subsequent passage. + +Hymn XL. Agni is, in an especial . _ of the Brahman; and, + +according to some statements, the Rigrc:1n is suppose! to proceed from him ; +a notion, however, which according to Med!: !' iilii. the commentator on Manu, +was suggested by its opening with the hymn to Agni, Agnim tie.' + +Kafcshtvdn, called Ausija, or son of Usij, was a renowned Rishi or seer, of +the family of Pajra, and the author of several of the hymns of the Rigyeda, + + +22 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +2 The rich, the healer of disease, who giveth wealth, inereaseth + +store, + +The prompt,—may he be with us still. + +3 Let not the foeman’s curse, let not a mortal's onslaught fall on + +us: + +Preserve us, Brahmanaspati. + +4 Ne'er is the mortal hero harmed whom Indra, Brahmanaspati, +And Soma graciously inspire. + +5 Do, thou, 0 Brahmanaspati, and Indra, Soma, Dakshina, +Preserve that mortal from distress. + +6 To the Assembly's wondrous Lord, to Indra’s lovely Friend who + +gives + +Wisdom, have I drawn near in prayer. + +7 He without whom no sacrifice, e'en of the wise man, prospers ; + +he + +Stirs up the series of thoughts. + +8 He makes the oblation prosper, he promotes the course of + +sacrifice; + +Our voice of praise goes to the Gods. + +9 I have seen Nar&sansa, him most resolute, most widely famed, +As 5 twere the Household Priest of heaven. + + +2 The rich , the healer of disease ; Brahmanaspati. + +4 Soma ; the God who represents and animates the juice of the Soma + +plant. He was in former times the Indian Dionysus or Bacchus. 2 * 4 5 6 The +simple minded Aryan people,’ says Professor Whitney, 4 whose whole religion +was a worship of the wonderful powers and phenomena of nature, had no +sooner perceived that this liquid [Soma juice] had power to elevate the +spirits, and produce a temporary frenzy, under the influence of which the +individual was prompted to, and" capable of, deeds beyond his natural powers, +than they found in it something divine: it was to theif apprehension a God, +endowing those into whom it entered with godlike powers ; the plant which +afforded it became to them the king of plants; the process '* r - -— +tecame a holy sacrifice. The high antiquity of this cultus is ■ ■ 1 : ■: + +references to it found occurring in the Persian Avesta.’ See Muir, 0. 8. Texts } +V. 258. + +5 Dahshtnd: properly the present made to the priests at the conclusion of +a sacrifice, here personified as a Goddess. + +6 The Assembly's wondrous Lord: Sadasaspati, the' master or protector of +the assembly of priests, is here a title of Agni. + +9 Household Priest : sadmamahhasam; according to S&yana, * radiant as +heaven/ according to Ludwig, 4 as one who fought to win heaven’s seat.’ + +Nardsama has already occurred as a name of Agni (I. 13. 3.) The meaning +appears to be : through my invocation and praise I have reached the Gods, +and with the eye of the spirit have looked on Agni in heaven. + + + +HYMN 19.] + + +2 $ + + +THE RIGVEDA. + +HYMN XIX. Agni, Maruts. + +To this fair sacrifice to drink the milky draught thou art in¬ +voked : + +0 Agni, with the Marats come. + +2 No mortal man, no God exceeds thy mental power, 0 Mighty + +One: + +0 Agni, with the Maruts come : + +3 All Gods devoid of guile, who know the mighty region of mid¬ + +air : + +O Agni, with those Maruts come. + +4 The terrible, who sing their song, not to be overcome by + +might: + +0 Agni, with those Maruts come. + +5 Brilliant, and awful in their form, mighty, devourers of their + +foes: + +0 Agni,, with those Maruts come. + +6 Who sit as Deities in heaven, above the sky-vault’s luminous + +sphere : + +O Agni, with those Maruts come. + +7 Who scatter clouds about the sky, away over the billowy sea : +0 Agni, with those Maruts come. + +8 Who with their bright beams spread them forth over the + +ocean in their might: + +O Agni, with those Maruts come. + +9 For thee, to be thine early draught, I pour the Soma-mingled + +meath : + +0 Agni, with the Maruts come. + +HYMN XX. Bibhus. + +Fob the"* Celestial Hace this song of praise which gives wealth +lavishly + +Was made by singers with their lips. + +2 They who for Indra, with their mind, formed horses harnessed +by a word, + +Attained by works to sacrifice. + +1 Pot the Celestial Race ; devdya j&nmane, the divine class or raee of the +Bibhus, the three sons of Sudhanvan who is said to have been a descendant of +Angiras. They were named severally Bibhu, Vibhvan, and V&ja^ and styled +collectively Bibhus from the name of the eldest. ^ 1 Through their assiduous +performance of good works they obtained divinity and became entitled to +receive praise and adoration. They are supposed to dwell in the solar sphere, +and there is an indistinct identification of them with the rays of the sum: but, +whether typical or not, they prove the admission, at an early date of the doc¬ +trine that men might become divinities,’ Wilson, + + + +24 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +3 They for the two Nasatyas wrought a light car moving every + +way : + +They formed a nectar-yielding cow. + +4 The Eibhus with effectual prayers, honest, with constant + +labour, made + +Their Sire anct Mother young again. + +5 Together came your gladdening drops with Indra by the + +Maruts girt, + +With the Adityas, with the Kings. + +6 The sacrificial ladle, wrought newly by the God Tvashtar’s + +hand— + +Four ladles have ye made thereof. + +7 Vouchsafe us wealth, to him who pours thrice seven libations, + +yea, to each + +Give wealth, pleased with our eulogies. + +8 As ministering Priests they held, by pious acts they won + +themselves, + +A share in sacrifice with Gods. + +HYMN XXL Indra-Agni, + +Indra and Agni I invoke ; fain are we for their song of praise : + +Chief Soma-drinkers are they both, + +3 The two N&satyas: the Asvins, See I, 3. 3. The Ribhus may have +been the first to attempt the bodily representation of the horses of Indra and +the chariot of the Asvins, + +4 Sire and Mother ; Heaven and Earth, which they, as deities of the +seasons, refresh and restore to youth. + +5 1 According to Asval&yana, as quoted hy S&yana, the libations offered +at the third daily (or evening) sacrifice are presented to Indra along with the +Adityas, together with Ribhu, Vibhvan, and V&ja, with Brihnspati and the +Visvadevas.’ Wilson. + +6 ‘Tvashtar, in the Paur&pik r.'y iV --V ■*■■■ tlo carpenter or artisan of + +the Gods: so S&yana sayB of him, t *' - \ ■■■ 1 <ie duty, with relation to + +the Gods, is carpentry.Sctyana al ■ ; s. ' ■ ! lY ' \ the disciples of Tvash- + +tar...The act ascribed to them in the text, of making one ladle four, has, pro¬ +bably, rather reference to some innovation in the objects of libation than to +the i ■ • V :. J; n of the wooden spoons used to pour out the Soma juice. + +The.' ■ W, ■ that Agni, coming to a sacrifice which the Ribhus ce¬ +lebrated, became as one of them, and, therefore, they made the ladle fourfold, +that each might have his share.’ Wilson. + +7 Or the * thrice seven ’ may refer to ratndni, grant thrice seven rich trea¬ +sures. + +1 In dm and Agni: addressed conjointly as a dual deity, Indr&gni, that is, +Indra*Agni, See, 1,17,1, + + + + +HYMN 22.] THE RIGVEDA. 25 + +2 Praise ye, 0 men, and glorify Indra-Agni in the holy rites : +Sing praise to them in sacred songs. + +3 Indra and Agni we invite, the Soma-drinkers, for the fame +Of Mitra, to the Soma-draught. + +4 Strong Gods, we bid them come to this libation that stands + +ready here : + +Indra and Agni, come to us* + +5 Indra and Agni, mighty Lords of our assembly, crush the + +fiends: + +Childless be the devouring ones. + +6 Watch ye, through this your truthfulness, there in the place + +of spacious view ; + +Indra and Agni, send us bliss. + +HYMN XXII. Asvins and Others. + +Waken the Asvin Pair who yoke their car at early mom : +may they + +Approach to drink this Soma juice. + +2 We call the Asvins Twain, the Gods borne in a noble car, the + +best + +Of charioteers, who reach the heavens. + +3 Dropping with honey is your whip, Asvins, and full of plea¬ + +santness : + +Sprinkle therewith the sacrifice. + +4 As ye go thither in your car, not far, 0 Asvins, is the home +Of him who offers Soma juice. + +5 For my protection I invoke the golden-handed Savitar : + +He knoweth, as a God, the place. + + +S For the fame of Mitra: the meaning is not clear. Mitra appeal's to be +regarded as the guardian of the world. Sfryana takes Mitra in the sense of +friend, and refers it to the institutor of the sacrifice. + +5 Crush the fiends: the R&kshasas, demons who go about at night, ensnar¬ +ing and even devouring human beings, disturbing sacrifices and devout men, +and generally hostile to the Aryan race. + +6 In the place of spacious view: S&yana explains f in the station which + +—f!r *-\kes known the experience of results (of actions) that is in +t: In the place where what is hidden will be made known. + + +3 Your whip: the madhuJcas& or Honey-whip of the Asvins is perhaps the +stimulating morning breeze. ‘See Atharva-veda IX. 1, the whole of which +hymn is a glorification of this wondrous whip. + +5 Savitar: the generator or vivifier, is a name of the Sun, in the Yeda +sometimes identified with and sometimes distinguished from Sftrya, + + + + + +26 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +6 That he may send us succour, praise the Waters’ Offspring + +Savitar : + +Fain are we for his holy ways. + +7 We call on him, distributer of wondrous bounty and of wealth, +On Savitar who looks on men. + +8 Come hither^ friends, and seat yourselves; Savitar, to be + +praised by us, + +Giving good gifts, is beautiful. + +9 0 Agni, hither bring to us the willing Spouses of the Gods, +And Tvashtar, to the Soma draught. + +10 Most youthful Agni, hither bring their Spouses, Hotra, Bharati, +Varutri, Dhishana, for aid. + +11 Spouses of Heroes, Goddesses, with whole wings may they come + +to us + +With great protection and with aid. + +12 Indrani, Yarun&ni, and Agnayi hither I invite, + +For weal, to drink the Soma juice. + +13 May Heaven and Earth, the Mighty Pair, bedew for us our + +sacrifice, + +And feed us full with nourishments. + +14 Their water rich with fatness, there in the Gandharva’s sted- + +fast place, + +The singers taste through sacred songs. + + +6 The Waters' Offspring Savitar : son or offspring of the Waters, apdm +napdtj is an epithet more frequently applied to Agni. S&yana explains it +otherwise as 1 one who does not cherish (na p&lakam.) the water, but dries it +up with his heat/ + +10 Hotrd is called the wife of Agni, or the personified invocation ; Bhdvatl +is Holy Speech or Prayer ; Yardtri is explained as tf she who is to be chosen, +the excellent; * and JDhishand is said to be a synonym of V&k or Y&gdovi, +the Goddess of Speech, + +► 11 With whole wings: literally, with unclipped wings; that is, swift as +birds whose wings have not been cut, + +12 Indrdni, Varundni , and Agndyt: are respectively the consorts of Indra, +Vanina, and Agni, + +14 Their water rich in fatness; the fertilizing rain sent by Heaven and +Earth. The meaning appears to be : the holy singers enjoy, as guerdon for +their hymns, the kindly rain and other good gifts which are sent down from +the regions above by the great parents Heaven and Earth. . + +The Gandharva’s stedfast place: Though in later times the Gandharvas are +regarded as a class, in the Itigveda more than one is seldom mentioned. He +is commonly designated as* ‘ the heavenly Gandharva/ whose habitation is +the sky, and whose especial duty is to guard the heavenly Soma, which the +Gods obtain through his permission* + + + +HYMN 22.] THE HI GY EH A. 27 + +15 Thornless be thou, 0 Earth, spread wide before ns for a dwell¬ + +ing-place : + +Vouchsafe us shelter broad and sure. + +16 The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence + +Vishnu strode + +Through the seven regions of the earth ! + +17 Through all this world strode Vishrm; thrice his foot he + +planted, and the whole +Was gathered in his footstep’s dust. + +18 Vishnu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three + +steps ; thenceforth +Establishing his high decrees. + +19 Look ye on Vishnu’s works, whereby the Friend of Indra, + +close-allied, + +Hath let his holy ways be seen. + +20 The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Vishnu is, +Laid as it were an eye in heaven. + +21 This, Vishnu’s station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant, +Lovers of holy song, light up. + + +v 16 Vishnu: This God, ‘the all-pervading or v» ^nt placed + +in the Veda in the foremost rank of deities, and • \ invoked + +with Indra, Varuna, the Maruts, Rudra, Vftyu anc : '■ ‘ .V•. 1 : • \\periority +to them is never stated, and he is even described in one place as celebrating +the praise of Indra and deriving his power from that God. The point which +distinguishes him from the other Vedic deities is chiefly his striding over the +heavens, which he is said to do in three paces, explained as denoting the three¬ +fold manifestation of light in the form of fire, lightning and the sun, or as +designating the three daily stations of the sun, in his rising, culminating and +setting. + +The meaning of the stanza is obscure: Wilson, after S&yana, translates: +‘ May the Gods preserve us (from that portion) of the earth whence Vishnu, +(aided) by the seven metres, stepped,’ and notes: * According to the Taitti- +riyas, as cited by the scholiast, the Gods with Vishnu at their head subdued +the invincible earth, using the seven metres of the Veda as their instruments. +S&yana conceives the text to allude to the Trivihvama Avatdra, in which +Vishnu traversed the three worlds in three steps. The phrase “ preserve ns +from the earth ” implies according to the commentary, the hinderance of the +sin of those inhabiting the earth/ + +17 The whole was gathered in Ms footstep's dust: This is the meaning ac¬ +cording to S&yana. Vishnu was so mighty that the dust raised by his foot¬ +step enveloped the whole world, or the earth was formed from the dust of his +strides. + +20 The princes : the Mris, the wealthy patrons of sacrifice, ■ . + +21 Light up : glorify with their praises. + + + + + +tffJB HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK t + + +sis + + +HYMN XXIII. VAyu and Others + +Strong are the Somas ; come thou nigh; these juices have +been mixt with milk : + +Drink, V&yu, the presented draughts. + +2 Both Deities who touch the heaven, Indra and Yayu we invoke. +To drink of this our Soma juice. + +8 The singers, for, their aid, invoke Indra and Y&yu, swift as +mind, + +The thousand-eyed, the Lords of thought. - . " + +4 Mitra and Yanina, renowned as Gods of consecrated might, + +We call to drink the Soma juice. + +5 Those who by Law uphold the Law, Lords of the shining light + +of Law, + +Mitra I call, and Yaruna, + +6 Let Varuna be our chief defence, let Mitra guard us with all + +aids: + +Both make us rich exceedingly. + +7 Indra, by Maruts girt, we call to drink the Soma juice: may he +Sate him in union with his troop. + +8 Gods, Marut hosts whom Indra leads, distributers of Pushan's + +gifts, + +Hearken ye all unto my cry. + +9 With conquering Indra for ally, strike Yritra down, ye boun¬ + +teous Gods : + +Let not the wicked master us. + +10 We call the Universal Gods, and Maruts to the Soma draught, +For passing strong are Prisni’s Sons. + +11 Fierce- comes the Maruts'. thundering voice, like thatjof con¬ + +querors, when ye go ? ' ‘ + +Forward to victory, 0 Men. + +12 Born of the laughing lightning, may the Maruts guard us + +everywhere : + +May they be gracious unto us. + +This hymn is addressed to V&yu, Indra, Mitra, Yaruna, the Visve Devas +Pushan, the Waters, Agni. * * + +1 Lords of thought ; dhi, thought, means especially in the Yeda holy +thought, devotion, prayer, a religious rite, a sacrifice. + +S PUshan is the guardian of flocks and herds and of property in general. + +10 Prhnimdtarah; Prisni’a sons, those who have for their mother Prisni + +the many-coloured earth or the speckled cloud ; the Maruts. ‘ * * + +11 0 Mm; 0 heroic Maruts, + + + +HYMN 23.] THE RIG VEDA. 29 + +13 Like some lost animal, drive to us, bright Pushan, him who +hecars up heaven,* + +Besting on many-coloured grass. + +j 14 Pushan the Bright has found the King, + +[ ' in a c &ve, + +Who rests on grass of many hues. + +15 And may he duly bring to me the six bound closely, through +• these drops, + +As one who ploughs with steers brings corn. + +16 Along their paths the Mothers go, Sisters of priestly ministrantsj +Mingling their sweetness with the milk. + +17 May Waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the + +Sun is joined,. + +Speed forth this sacrifice of ours. + +18 I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their + +thirst; + +Oblations to the Streams be given. + +19 Amrit is in the Waters ; in the Waters there is healing balm : +Be swift, ye Gods, to give them praise. + +20 Within the Waters—Soma thus hath told me—dwell all balms + +that heal, + +And Agni, he who blesseth all. The Waters hold all medicines. + +21 0 Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, +So that I long fetnr«ee~the~Sim. + +22 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought, + +If I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me. + +23 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture + +have we come: + +0 Agni, rich in milk, come thou, and with thy splendour +cover me. + + +13 Him who hears up heaven: Soma, the juice which prompts the world- +sustaining deeds of the Gods, + +14 The King: Soma. + +. Concealed and hidden in a cave : in a place difficult of access ; the refer* +ence is to the flight of Agni. See III. 9. 4. + +15 The six : the six seasons, spring, summer, the rains, autumn, winter, the +dews. Through these drops : May this libation induce him to bring? etc. + +16 The Mothers: the Waters, regarded as the close allies of the priests, as +they are mingled with the ingredients of the Soma libation. + +19 Amrit: nectar, the drink that confers immortality ; the Greek Ambrosia. + +20 Soma thus hath told me : Soma is especially lord of medicinal plants. + + + +30 • TEE HYMNS OF- [BOOK I. + +24 Fill me with splendour, Agni; give offspring and length of +days ; the Gods + +Shall know me even as I am, and Agni, with the Eishis, know. + +HYMN XXIV. Varuna and Others. + +Who now w he, what God among the Immortals, of whose +auspicious name we may bethink us ? + +Who shall to mighty Aditi restore us, that I may see my +Father and my Mother ? + +2 Agni the God the first among the Immortals,—of his auspici¬ + +ous name let us bethink us. + +He shall to mighty Aditi restore us, that I may see my Father +and my Mother. + +3 To thee, 0 Savitar, the Lord of precious things, who helpest us +Continually, for our share we come— + +4 Wealth, highly lauded ere reproach hath fallen on it, which is + +laid, + +Free from all hatred, in thy hands. + + +. 24 Indr a with the Eishis ; Perhaps the seven great Rishis are intended,— +Marlchi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulalia, Kratu, and Vasishtha. + +* This hymn, addressed to Varuna, Prajapati, Agni, Savitar, and Bhaga, is. +the first of a series attributed to SunaMepa, the soil of Ajtgarta. The legend +is told in full detail in the Aitareya Brdlwmna. A king, named Hariscliandra, +worships Varuna in order to obtain a son, promising to sacrifice to * him his +first-born. A son is born, named Rohita ; but the king delays the sacrifice +until Rohita grows up, when Ms father communicates to him his intended +fate. Rohita refuses submission, and spends several years in the forest away +from home. There, at last, he meets with Ajigarta, a Rishi in great distress,' +and persuades Mm to part with Ms second son Sunahsepa to be offered, as a +substitute, to Varuna. Sunalsepa is about to be sacrificed, when, by the ad¬ +vice of Visv&mitra, one of the officiating priests, he appeals to the Gods, and +is liberated. See Wilson, Eigveda , i. p. 60., Muir, 0. S, Texts, i. 355, 407, +413, and M. Muller, A. S. Literature , p. 408. + +1 Mighty Aditi: Professor Muller (Trans, of the Eigveda , 1. 230) +says that 1 Aditi, an ancient god or goddess, is in reality the earliest name +invented to express the Infinite ; not the Infinite as the result of a long pro¬ +cess of abstract reasoning, but the visible Infinite, the endless expanse beyond +the earth, beyond the clouds, beyond the sky.’ + +( These words [Who shall to mighty Aditi restore us ? ] may be understood +as spoken by some one in danger of death...who prayed to be permitted again +to behold the face of nature...If we should understand the father and mother +whom the suppliant is anxious to behold, as meaning heaven and earth, it +would become still more probable that Aditi is to be understood as meaning +nature/ Muir, O. S. Texts, v. 45. + +S&yana explains Aditi in the text as Earth ; Roth, as freedom or security j +Benfey, as sinlessness. + + + +HYMN 24*3 + + +THE MG VEDA. + + +n + +5 Through thy protection may we come to even the height of + +affluence + +Which Bhaga hath dealt out to us. + +6 Ne’er have those birds that fly through air attained to thy + +high dominion or thy might or spirit; + +Nor these the waters that flow on for ever, nor hills, abaters +of the wind’s wild fury. + +7 Varuna, King, of hallowed might, sustaineth erect the Tree’s + +stem in the baseless region. + +Its rays, whose root is high above, stream downward. Deep +may they sink within us, and be hidden. + +8 King Varuna hath made a spacious pathway, a pathway for + +the Sun wherein to travel. + +Where no way was he made him set his footstep, and warned +„ afar wkate’er afflicts the spirit. + +9 A hundred balms are thine, 0 King, a thousand; deep and + +wide-reaching also be thy favours. + +Far from us, far away drive thou Destruction. Put from us +e’en the sin we have committed. + +10 Whither by day depart the constellations that shine at night, + +set high in heaven above us 1 + +Var una’s holy laws remain unweakened, and through the night +the Moon moves on in splendour. + +11 I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper + +craves this with his oblation. + +Varuna, stay thou here and he not angry; steal not our life +from us, O thou Wide-Buler. + +12 Nightly and daily this one thing they tell me, this too the + +thought of mine own heart repeateth. + +May he to whom prayed fettered Sunahsepa, may he the +Sovran Varuna release us. + + +5 Which Bhaga, hath dealt out to -us ,* the riches which the distributer of +wealth, Bhaga, Fate or Fortune; has allotted to us. + +7 Vdnasya stUpam in the text appears to mean 1 the stem of the tree * and +S&yana’s explanation * the mass or pile of light* seems forced and unnatural +The phrase is not clear, hut perhaps the ancient myth of the world-tree the +source of life, may be alluded to. ’ + +9 Nirriti is Decay or Dest—r—^-1. !he Goddess of death and +corruption. S&yana calls her : »..,■■■' : , of sin. + +Vanina's holy laws: Varuna is the chief of the lords of natural order +His activity displays itself in "he control of the most regular + +phenomena of nature. See \\.. i/ . . of the Rigmda, p. 97 f. The +connexion appears, to be: Fear not: the laws of Varuna are inviolable, and +the constellations will duly reappear. + + + +TEE HYMNS OF + + +U + + +[BOOK I. + + +21 Release us from the upper bond, untie the bond between, and +loose + +The bonds below, that I may live. + +IIYMH XXYI; Agni. + +0 worthy of ^oblation, Lord of prospering powers, assume thy +robes, H + +And offer this, our sacrifice* + +2 Sit, ever to be chosen, as our Priest, most youthful, through +our hymns, + +0 Agni, through our heavenly word. + +£ For here a-Father for his son, Kinsman for kinsman worshippeth. +And Friend, choice-worthy, for his friend. + +4 ’Here let the foe-destroyers sit, Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman, + +Like men, upon our sacred grass. + +5 0 ancient Herald, be thou glad in this our rite and fellowship; +Hearken thou well to these our songs. + +6 Whatever in this perpetual course we sacrifice to God and + +God, + +That gift is offered up in thee. + +7 May he be our dear household Lord, Priest, pleasant and + +choice-worthy: may +We, with bright fires, be dear to him. + +8 The Gods, adored with brilliant fires, have granted precious + +wealth to us : + +So, with bright fires, we pray to thee. + +9 And, 0 Immortal One, so may the eulogies of mortal men +Belong to us and thee alike. + +10 With all thy fires, 0 Agni, find pleasure in this our sacrifice, +And this our speech, 0 Son of Strength. + + +21 Release us from the upper bond; see I, 24,15. + +1 Assume thy robes; clothe thyself in thy vesture of flames. + +2 Most youthful: continually renewed for sacrifice, either from the house¬ +hold fire or by repeated attrition. + +3 For here cl Father for his son; Agni, who stands in the place of father, +kinsman, and friend to his worshipper. + +4 A'vyaman; the name of ^ an Aclitya commonly invoked together with + +Vanina and Mitra, He is said to preside over twilight. + +5 Like men ; or, according to S&yana, as they sate at the sacrifice of +Manus, who is the same as Manu. + +10 Son of Strei ,,T ■ ,r ■■■ W' 1 . ' ■ *f frequent occurrence, and is some¬ +times applied to mighty God. The r.xr'v.«-Y.- lf ap¬ +plied to Agni, alu ■ ■ ■ ployed in rubbing i- geri.er the iwo + +pieces of wood to generate fire. + + + +HYMN 27.] + + +TBS RIG VEDA, + + +35 + + +HYMN XXVII. Agni. + +With worship will I glorify thee, Agni, like a long-tailed steed, +Imperial Lord of sacred rites. + +2 May the far-striding Son of Strength, bringer of great + +felicity, t « + +Who pours his gifts like rain, be ours. + +3 Lord of all life, from near, from far, do thou, 0 Agni evermore +Protect us from the sinful man. + +4 0 Agni, graciously announce this our oblation to the Gods, +And this our newest song of praise. + +5 Give us a share of strength most high, a share of strength + +that is below, + +A share of strength that is between. + +6 Thou dealest gifts, resplendent One; nigh, as with waves of +x _S:r.dhu, thou + +to the worshipper. + +7 That man is lord of endless strength whom thou protectest in + +the fight, + +Agni, or urgest to the fray. + +8 Him, whosoever he may be, no man may vanquish, mighty One: +Nay, very glorious power is his. + +9 May he who dwells with all mankind bear us with war-steeds + +through the fight, + +And with the singers win the spoil. + +10 Help, thou who knowest lauds, this work, this eulogy to + +Rudra, him + +Adorable in every house. + +11 May this our God, great, limitless, smoke-bannered, excel¬ + +lently bright, + +Urge us to strength and holy thought. + + +1 Like a long-tailed steed: Agni, or Fire, is likened to a horse, probably, +on account of ^ ; and his long flames, curled and driven by + +the wind, are ■ ■ : ■ horse’s flowing tail. SrLyana explains: scat¬ + +tering our foes with thy flames as a horse brushes away the flies that +trouble him. + +6 Sindhu: the Indus; or the word may stand for any river, and the +expression mean, with great abundance. + +9 With the singers; the priests who sing hymns of praise at the sacrifice. + +10 Thou who knowest lauds: (jardbodha) seems to refer to the l^sishi .or +poet of the hymn, not to Agni. + +Rudra; the Boarer, or Howler, is here a name of Agni, on account of +the loud crackling or roaring of his flames. Or the word may signify red, +bright. See Pischel, Yediache $tudien, l, pp. 55 sqq. + + + +36 + + +THE HYMNS OF IBOOK I. + + +12 Like some rick Lord of men may he, Agni, the banner of + +the Gods,. + +Refulgent, hear us through our lauds. + +13 Glory to Gods, the mighty and the lesser, glory to Gods the + +younger and the elder ! + +Let us, if wer have power, pay the Gods worship; no better +prayer than this, ye Gods, acknowledge. + +HYMN XXVIII. Indra, Etc. + +There where the broad-based stone is raised on high to press +the juices out, + +0 Indra, drink with eager thirst the droppings which the +mortar sheds. + +2 Where, like broad hips, to hold the juice, the platters of the + +press are laid, + +0 Indra, drink with eager thirst the droppings which the +mortar sheds. + +3 There where the woman marks and learns the pestle’s constant + +rise ami fall, + +0 Indra, drink with eager thirst the droppings which the +mortar sheds. + +4 Where, as with reins to guide a horse, they bind the churning- + +staff with cords, + +0 Indra, drink with eager thirst the droppings which the +mortar sheds. + + +5 If of a truth in every house, 0 Mortar, thou art set for +work, + +Here give thou forth thy clearest sound, loud as the drum of +jQ Qnqueror s. ’’ + + +12 The banner of the Qocls : who like a banner brings the Gods together ; or +it may be rendered ‘ the herald of the Gods/ he who notifies to them, as +Sayana explains it, + +13 These distinctions of greater and lesser, older and younger Gods, w or as + +we should say, angels, are nowhere further Sunahsepa, it is said, + +by the advice of Agni, worships the Vi-.-<■■ .lev*.<: il:o Universal Gods. The +Visvedeyas, as a separate troop or class of Gods, are ten in number, especially +worshipped at funeral obsequies, and moreover, according to the laws of Manu, +entitled to daily offerings. + +This hymn—a song sung during the preparation of the Soma juice—is said +to be addressed to Indra, and to the pestle and mortar and other utensils +used in the work. + +2 Platters: two shallow plates, one being used as a receiver and the other +as a cover. + +They bind the churning?staff with cords ; the churning-stick is moved by +a rope passed round its handle and round a post used as a pivot. + +6 0 Mortar: according to S&yana the divinities presiding over the mortar +and pestle, and not the implements themselves, are addressed. + + + +TUB RIG VEDA, + + +HYMN &9.] + + +37 + + +6 6 Sovran of the Forest, as the wind blows soft in front of + +thee, + +Mortar, for Indra press thou forth the Soma juice that he may +drink, + +7 Best strength-givers, ye stretch wide jaws, 0 Sacrificial Imple¬ + +ments, * + +Like two bay horses champing herbs. + +S Ye Sovrans of the Forest, both swift, with swift pressers press +to-day + +Sweet Soma juice for India’s drink. + +9 Take up in beakers what remains: the Soma on the filter +pour, + +And on the os-hide set the dregs. + + +HYMN XXIX. Indra. + +0 Soma^drtnker, ever true, utterly hopeless though we be, + +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses and of kine, +In thousands, 0 most wealthy One. + +2 0 Lord of Strength, whose jaws are strong, great deeds are + +thine, the powerful: + +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses and of kine, +In thousands, 0 most wealthy One. + +3 Lull thou asleep, to wake no more, the pair who on each + +other look: + +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses and of kine, +In thousands, O most wealthy One. + +4 Hero, let hostile spirits sleep, and every gentler genius wake: +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses and of kine. +In thousands, 0 most wealthy One. + + +6 0 Sovran of the Forest: (vanaspati ) a large tree ; used in this place, by +metonymy, for the mortar, and in verse 8, in the dual number, for the mortar +and pestle. + +7 Strength-: o-V-'-- 1 by Sdyana as especially givers of food. The +two platters ' •< . . . are probably meant. When the upper platter +is raised to receive the juice of the Soma stalks the aperture between the two +Is like a horse’s mouth when he chews succulent grass. + +9* This verse is addressed to the ministering priest. What remains ; after +the libation. The filter or sieve was used to purify the juice before it was +poured into the receptacle. Ox-hide: laid under the mortar. + + +3 Tlie pair who on each other looh: ( The text is very elliptical and obscure. +It is, literally; Put to sleep the two reciprocally looking: let them sleep, not +being awakened. The Scholiast calls them the two female messengers of +Yama [the God of the Dead]/ Wilson. + + + + + +38 * THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +5 Destroy this ass, 0 Indra, who in tones discordant brays to thee: +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses a nd. ofJune, + +y/ In thousands, 0 most wealthy One. + +6 Far distant on the forest fall the tempest in a circling course ! +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses and of kine, +In thousands' 0 most wealthy One, + +7 Slay each reviler, and destroy him who in secret injures us : +Do thou, 0 Indra, give us hope of beauteous horses and of kine +In thousands, 0 most wealthy One. + +HYMN XXX. Into. + +We seeking strength with Soma-drops fill full your Indra +like a well, + +Most liberal, Lord of Hundred Powers, + +2 Who lets a hundred of the pure, a thousand of the milk-blent + +draughts + +Flow, even as down a depth, to him; + +3 When for the strong, the rapturous joy he in this manner + +hath made room +Within his belly, like the sea. + +4 This is thine own. Thou drawest near, as turns a pigeon to + +his mate: + +Thou carest too for this our prayer, + +5 0 Hero, Lord of Bounties, praised in hymns, may power and + +joyfulness + +Be his who sings the laud to thee. + +6 Lord of a Hundred Powers, stand up to lend us succour in + +this fight: + +In others too let us agree. + +7 In every need, in every fray we call as friends to succour us +Indra the mightiest of all. + + +5 This ass : our adversary, says the Scholiast. * Therefore is he called an +ass, as braying, or uttering harBh sounds intolerable to hear.* + +6 Far distant on the forest: may the cyclone or tempest expend its fury on +the wood, and not come nigh us. The word Jcundrin&cM, which I have render¬ +ed in accordance with S&yana, means elsewhere a certain kind of animal, a +lizard according to S&yana. This passage may perhaps mean, * may the wind +fall on the forest with the hundrinftcM/ whatever that may be. + + +1 Lord of Hundred Powers; Satakratu. + +3 The strong , the rapturous joy; the exhilarating Soma juice, + +4 This is thine own: this Soma libation is for thee alone. + +G In this fight ; the hymn is a prayer for aid in a coming battle. + + + +TEE RIG TEE A. + + +39 + + +EYMNSO.} + +8 If he will hear us let him come with succour of a thousand kinds, +And all that strengthens, to our call. + +0 I call him mighty to resist, the Hero of our ancient home, +Thee whom my sire invoked of old. + +10 We pray to thee, 0 much-invoked, rich in all precious gifts, +O Friend, + +Kind God to those who sing thy praise. + +110 Soma-drinker, Thunder-armed, Friend of our lovely-featured +dames + +And of our Soma-drinking friends. + +12 Thus, Soma-drinker, may it he: thus, Friend, who wieldest + +thunder, act + +To aid each wish as we desire. + +13 With Indra splendid feasts be ours, rich in all strengthening + +things wherewith, + +Wealthy in food, we may rejoice. + +14 Like thee, thyself, the singers’ Friend, thou movest, as it were, + +besought, + +Bold One, the axle of the car, + +15 That, Satakratu, thou to grace and please thy praisers, as it were, +Stirrest the axle with thy strength. + +16 With champing, neighing, loudly-snorting horses Indra hath + +ever won himself great treasures. + +A^ car o fgold hath he whose deeds are wondrous received from +usTSndrlet us too receive it. + +17 Come, Asvins, with enduring strength wealthy in horses and + +in kine, + +And gold, 0 ye of wondrous deeds. + + +9 The Eero of our ancient home: the tutelary God of our family. + +11 Friend of our lovely-featured dames: the meaning of sipHnindm in the +text is very doubtful. Wilson, following Sftyana, paraphrases : (bestow upon) +us, thy friends, (abundance of cows) with projecting jaws. Benfey takes the +word to mean beautiful women. Ludwig suggests helmeted, from a possible +form siprini, agreeing with visdm, of men, understood, * Both considers the +reading to be faulty, and suggests, dprintvan, in the vocative case, agreeing +with Soma-drinker. + +14 The lines in this and the following stanza referring to the axle and the +chariot or wain are somewhat obscure and have been variously interpreted, +Ludwig’s exp*!relation, which I follow, appears to be the simplest and the best. +The ox sms? >!■:»!;. r.ovo t . or stirrest, the axle, which is the firmest and strongest +part of the car, is intended to signify Indra’s great strength exerted at his +worshippers’ prayer. + +16 The hymn really ends with the preceding stanza. The car of gold given +to Indra is the hymn. The car of gold prayed for is abundant wealth. + + + +40 TSS HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +18 Your chariot yoked for both alike, immortal, ye of mighty acts, +Travels, 0 Asvins, in the sea. + +19 High on the forehead of the Bull one chariot wheel ye ever keep, +The other round the sky revolves. + +20 What mortal, 0 immortal Dawn, enjoyeth thee ? Where + +lovest thou? + +To whom, 0 radiant, dost thou go ? + +21 For we have had thee in our thoughts whether anear or far away, +Eed-hued and like a dappled mare. + +22 Hither, 0 Daughter of the Sky, come thou with these thy + +strengthenings,. + +And send thou riches down to us. + +HYMN XXXI. Agni. + +Thott, Agni, wast the earliest Angiras, a Seer ; thou wast, a +God thyself, the Gods* auspicious Friend. + +After thy holy ordinance the Maruts, sage, active through +wisdom, with their shears, were horn, + +2 0 Agni, thou, the *■ ;/■. r ■. Angiras, fulfillest as a Sage + +the holy law of Gods, + +Sprung from two mothers, wise, through all existence spread, +resting in many a place for sake of living man. + +3 To Matarisvan first thou, Agni, wast disclosed, and to Vivas- + +van through thy noble inward power. + +Heaven and Earth, Vasu! shook at the choosing of the Priest; +the burthen thou didst bear, didst worship mighty Gods. + +18 The sea: the ocean of air. + +19 The Bull ; apparently the Sun. The ear of the Asvins stands at his +head or in front of him, and the Asvins precede him in his course round +heaven. But the meaning is not very clear. + +20 We are reminded of the old Grecian myth of Eos and Tithonus. Ushas, +Dawn, or Morning, is the daughter of personified Heaven, Dyaus, or Dyu, + +This hymn, and the four following, are ascribed to Hiranyastftpa, son +of Angiras. + +1 Thou t Agni } wast the earliest Angiras: the Angirases are the most im¬ +port?. : • v‘ e ~ mentioned in the Veda. See I, 1, 6. + +W : spears : the spears of the Maruts or Storm-Gods are + +lightning flashes. + +2 The holy law of Gods: sacrifice to the Gods, which Agni performs. + +Sprung from two mothers: from the two pieces of wood used to j>roduce fire. + +8 Mdtarisvan: the name of a divine being described in I. 60.1 as bringing the + +hidden Agni to Bhrigu, and identified by Sayana with V&yu the God of wind. + +Vivasvdn; ( the brilliant f he appears to be the God of daylight and the +morning sun, the personification, of all manifestations of light. He is said to +be the father of Yama, and the Gods are called his offspring. + +Vasa: (good) often used as a name or epithet of Agni. The Vasus as a class +^ of Gods, eight in number, were at first personifications of natural phenomena* + + +r + + + +TED MOVED A, + + +HYMN 81.] + + +a + + +4 Agni thou madest heaven to thunder for mankind; thou, yet + +more pious, for pious Puniravfis. + +When thou art rapidly freed from thy parents, first eastward +they hear thee round, and, after, to the west. + +5 Thou, Agni, art a Bull who makes our store increase, to be + +invoked by him who lifts the ladle up. + +Well knowing the oblation with the hallowing word, uniting all +who live, thou lightetiest first our folk. + +6 Agni, thou savest in the synod when pursued e’en him, far- + +seeing One ! who walks in evil ways. + +Thou, when the heroes fight for spoil which men rush round, +slayest in war the many by tbe hands of few. + +7 For glory, Agni, day by day, thou liftest up the mortal man + +to highest immortality,— + +Even thou who yearning for both races givest them great +bliss, and to the prince grantest abundant food. + +8 0 Agni, highly lauded, make our singer famous that he may + +win us store of riches: + +May we improve the rite with new performance. 0 Earth and +Heaven, with all the Gods, protect us. + +9 O blameless Agni lying in thy Parents’ lap, a God among the + +Gods, be watchful for our good. + +Former of bodies, be the singer’s Providence : all good things +hast thou sown for him, auspicious One ! + +10 Agni, thou art our Providence, our Father thou; we are thy +brethren and thou art our spring of life. + +In thee, rich in good heroes, guard of high decides, meet hund¬ +red, thousand treasures, 0 infallible ! + + +4 Purdravds; son of Budha, He is said to have instituted the three sacri¬ +ficial fires. Agni, to reward him, sent thunder the forerunner of rain. + +Dreed from, thy parents: produced and separated from the fire-sticks. + +Eastivard they bear thee: the fire is first applied to light the Ahav&niya fire +and then the Garhapatya. + +5 A Bull: exceedingly strong. + +With the hallowing word; the exclamation Vashat (may he (Agni) bear +it (to the Gods), used at the moment of pouring the sacrificial oil or clarified +butter on the fire. + +6 Agni , thou savest in the synod: the viddtha, synod or sacrificial assembly, +seems to have been regarded as an inviolable asylum. + +7 Both races: Gods and men. + +The prince: the Sfiri, the noble or eminent man who institutes and pays +the charges of the sacrifice. + +9 Thy Parents: here said to, mean Heaven and Earth, + +Dormer of bodies ; giver of children, + + + +S& THE HYMNS OF IBOOK L + +11 Thee, Agni, have the Gods made the first living One for living + +man, Lord of the house of Nahusha. + +I]a they made the teacher of the sons of men, what time a Son +was born to the father of my race, + +12 Worthy to be revered, 0 Agni, God, preserve our wealthy + +patrons wjth thy succours, and ourselves. + +Guard of our seed art thou, aiding our cows to bear, inces¬ +santly protecting in thy holy way. + +13 Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art + +thou, four-eyed! for him who is unarmed. + +With fond heart thou acceptest e’en the poor man’s prayer, +when he hath brought his gift to gain security. + +14 Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly-praising priest the highest + +wealth, the object of a man’s desire. + +Thou art called Father, caring even for the weak, and, wisest, +to the simple one thou teachest lore. + +15 Agni, the man who giveth guerdon to the priests, like well- + +sewn armour thou guardest on every side. + +He who with grateful food shows kindness in his house, an +offerer to the living, is the type of heaven. + +16 Pardon, we pray, this sin of ours, 0 Agni,—the path which + +we have trodden, widely straying, + +Dear Friend and Father, caring for the pious, who speedest +nigh and who inspirest mortals. + +17 As erst to Manus, to Yayati, Angiras, so Angiras ! pure Agni! + +come thou to our hall. + +Bring hither the celestial host and seat them here upon the +sacred grass, and offer what they love. + +18 By this our prayer be thou, 0 Agni, strengthened, prayer + +made by us after our power and knowledge. + +Lead thou us, therefore, to increasing riches; endow us with +thy strength-bestowing favour. + + +11 Nahusha: one of the great progenitors of the human race. + +lid; the personification of prayer, and the first teacher of the rules of +sacrifice. + +What time a Son was born: this- Son is Agni himself. + +Hiranyastfipa, the Ihslii of the hymn, is the son or descendant of Angiras, +who, as one of the first introducers of the sacrificial fire and the rites of +worship, is regarded as the generator or father of Agni. The meaning of the +verse is that Agni was appointed priest, and lift teacher of the rules of divine +worship in the earliest time when Agni was first born on earth as sacrificial fire. + +13 Four-eyed: illuminating the four cf.rrlmri'! roii- 4 ;*. er looking in all directions. + +• probabh. >*.; o. i*.«. (.-»*.■>. food, and hospitality +to a human being, the nyiyajna, worship of man, of Manu. Or it may mean, +as Ludwig suggests, one who offers a sacrifice that transports the sacrificer +at , once, living, to heaven. + +16 Yaydti; a celebrated king, one of the sons of Nahusha, + + + +HYMN 32.] THE RIG VEDA, 43 + +* HYMN XXXII. Indra. + +I will declaim the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he +achieved, the Thunder-wielder. + +He slew the Dragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the +channels of the mountain torrents. + +2 He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt + +of thunder Tvashtar fashioned. + +Like lowing kine in rapid flow descending the waters glided +downward to the ocean. + +3 Impetuous as a bull, he chose the Soma, and in three sacred + +beakers drank the juices. + +Maghavan grasped the thunder for his weapon, and smote to +death this firstborn of the dragons. + +4 When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragons 5 firstborn, and + +overcome the charms of the enchanters, + +Then, giving life to Sun and Dawn and Heaven, thou foundest +not one foe to stand against thee. + +6 Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into pieces +Vritra, worst of Vritras. + +As trunks of trees, what time the axe hath felled them, low +on the earth so lies the prostrate Dragon. + +6 He, like a mad weak warrior, challenged Indra, the great + +impetuous many-slaying Hero. + +He, brooking not the clashing of the weapons, crushed—Indra’s +foe—the shattered forts in fa lling. + +7 Footless and handless still he challenged Indra, who smote + +him with his bolt between the shoulders. + +Emasculate yet claiming manly vigour, thus Vritra lay with +scattered limbs dissevered. + + +1 1 2 3 4 In this and subsequent Sftktas we have an ample elucidation of the ori¬ +ginal purport of the legend of Indra’s slaying Vritra, converted by the Paurft- +nik writers, into a literal contest between Indra and an Asura, or chief of the +Asuras, from what in the Vedas is merely an allegorical narrative of the pro¬ +duction of rain. Vritra, sometimes also named Ahi, is nothing more than the +accumulation of vapour, condensed or figuratively shut up in, or obstructed +by, a cloud. Indra, with his thunderbolt, or atmospheric or electrical influ¬ +ence, divides the aggregated mass, and vent is given to the rain which then +descends upon the earth.’ Wilson. + +2 The Dragon : Ahi, literally a serpent. Tvashtar is the artist of the Gods. + +3 Maghavan: the wealthy and liberal; Lord Bountiful. + +4 The charms of the enchanters; magical or supernatural powers ascribed +to Vritra and his allies. + +In three sacred "beakers: trikadrukeshu ; according to S&yana, on the Trikad- +rukas, the first three days of the Abhipl^va ceremony, + + + + +u MYMltS OF {BOOK t + +.8 There as he lies like a bank-bursting river, the waters taking +courage flow above him. ^ + +The Dragon lies beneath the feet of torrents which Yritra +with his greatness had' encompassed. + +9 Then humbled was the strength of Vritra’s mother; Indra +hath cast his deadly bolt against he& + +The mother Was above, the son was under, and like a cow +beside her calf lay D&nu. + +10 Rolled in the midst of never-ceasing Currents flowing without + +a rest for ever onward, + +The Waters bear off Yritra’s nameless body *. the foe of Indra +sank to during darkness. + +11 Guarded by Ahi stood the thralls of D&sas, the waters stayed + +like kine held by the robber. + +But he, when he had smitten Vritra, opened the cave where¬ +in the floods had been imprisoned. + +12 A horsed tail wast thou when he, 0 Indra, smote on thy bolt; + +thou, God without a second, + +Thou hast won back the kine, hast won the Soma; thou hast +let loose to flow the Seven Rivers. + +13 Nothing availed him lightning, nothing thunder, hailstorm or + +mist which he had spread around him: + +When Indra and the Dragon strove in battle, Maghavan gained +the victory for ever. + +14 Whom sawest thou to avenge the Dragon, Indra, that fear + +possessed thy heart when thou hadst slain him; + +That, like a hawk affrighted through the regions, thou crossedst +nine-and-ninety flowing rivers ? + + +9 JDdnu: according to S&yana, the mother of Vritra. + +11 Thralls of JD&ms ; in the power of Vritra and his allies. Dasa is a +general name applied in the Veda to certain evil "beings or demons, hostile to +Indra and to men. It means, also, a savage, a barbarian, one of the non- +Aryan inhabitants of India. + +The robber ; pant (literally, one who barters and traffics) means a miser, a +niggard ; an impious man who gives little or nothing to the Gods. The word +is used also as the name of a class of envious demons watching over treasures, +and as an epithet of the fiends who steal cows and hide them in mountain +caverns. + +12 A horse* s tail was thou: destroying thy enemies as easily as ahorse +sweeps away flies with his tail. Of. I. 27.1. + +The Seven Fivers; according to Professor Max Muller, the Indus, the five rivers +of the Panj&b (Vitastft, Asiknl, Parushnt, Vipfts, Sutudri) and the Sarasvati. +Lassen and Ludwig put the Kubhfi in the place of the last-named. + + +14 This fight of Ir-V. alluded to. It is said that he fled + +thinking that he had ■ ■ fin in killing Vritra. + +Nine-and-ninety; ui:. : a great number, + + + + +HYMN 33.] + + +THE UIGYEVA. + + +45 + + +15 Indra is King of all that moves and moves not, of creatures +tame and horned, the Thunder-wielder. + +Over all living men he rules as Sovran, containing all as +spokes within thereby. + +HYMN XXXIII. Indra. + + +■ Comb, fain for booty let us seek to Indra : yet more shall he +increase his care that guides us. + +Will not the Indestructible endow us with perfect* knowledge +of this wealth, of cattle'? + +2 I fly to him invisible Wealth-giver as flies the falcon to his + +cherished eyrie, + +With fairest hymns of praise adoring Indra, whom those +who laud him must invoke in battle. + +3 Mid all his host, he bindeth on the quiver : he driveth cattle + +from what foe he pleaseth : + +Gatheidng up great store of riches, Indra, be thou no +trafficker with us, most mighty. + +4 Thou slewest with thy bolt the wealthy PagviL-a lone. yet + +going with thy helpers, Indra f " + +Far from the floor of heaven in, all directions, the ancient + +6 ]■ : , ‘ ii : .. . the riteless turned and + +fled, Indra ! with averted faces, + +When thou, fierce Lord of the Bay Steeds, the Stayer, +blewest from earth and heaven and sky the godless. + +6 They met in fight the army of the blameless: then the +Navagvas put forth all their power. + +They, like emasculates with men contending, fled, conscious, +by steep paths from Indra, scattered. + + +1 Fain for booty : gamjantah , literally seeking or eager for kine, that is, + +booty or wealth consisting chiefly of cattle. + +3 Be thou no trafficker with us : Do not deal illiberally with ns like a +petty trader : do not give sparingly, nor demand too much in return. + +4 The wealthy JOasyu: according to S&yana, ‘ Yritra the robber/ the + +withholder of the fertilizing rain. The Dasyus are also a class of demons, +enemies of gods and men, and sometimes the word means a savage, a +barbarian. . + +The ancient riteless ones: the followers of Vritra; here v ' *' .y. x 7 1 * 3 4 5 6 '.‘Vined +with indigenous races who had not adopted, or were hostil -\ ■: the + +Veda, + +5 The Stayer: he who stands firm in battle. The word in the test + +sih&tav appears to correspond exactly with the Latin Stator (Jupiter Stator). +See Benfey, Orient und Occident, 1. 48. . ; + +6 The Navagvas : the name of a iviythological family often associated with + +that of Angiras, and described as shilling in Indra*. battles, regulating the +worship of the Gods, etc. . . + + +46 THE HYMNS OF f EOOKJ. + +7 Whether they weep or laugh, thou hast overthrown them, + +0 Indra, on the sky’s extremest limit. + +The Dasyu thou hast burned from heaven, and welcomed +the prayer of him who pours the juice and lauds thee. + +8 Adorned with their *array of gold and jewels, tlfey o’er the + +earth a cavering veil extended. + +Although they hastened, they o’er came not Indra; their +spies, h e compassed with the Sun of morning. + +4 "9 As tKou~eixfoyeat heaven and earth, 0 Indra, on every side +surrounded with thy greatness, + +So thou with priests hast blown away the Dasyu, and those +who worship not with those who worship. + +10 They who pervaded earth’s extremest limit subdued not + +with their charms the Wealth-bestower: + +Indra, the Bull, made his ally the thunder, and with its +light milked cows from out the darkness. + +11 The waters flowed according to their nature; he mid the • + +navigable streams waxed mighty. + +Then Indra, with his spirit concentrated, smote him for e ver +with his strongest weapon. + +12 Indra broke through Ilibisa’s strong castles, and Sushna with + +his horn he cut to pieces : + +Thou, Maghavan, for all his might and swiftness, slewest thy +fighting foeman with thy thunder. + +13 Fierce on his enemies fell Indra’s weapon: with his sharp + +bull he rent their forts in pieces. + +He with his thunderbolt dealt blows on Vritra, and con¬ +quered, executing all his purpose. + +14. Indra, thouholpest Kutsa whom thou lovedst, and guardedst +brave Dasadyu when he battled. + +The dust of trampling horses rose to heaven, and Svitra’s son +stood up again for conquest. + + +8 With the Sun of morning : { We revert here to the allegory. The fol¬ +lowers of Yritra are here said to he the shades of night which are dispersed +by the rising of the sun : according to the Br&hmana “Verily the sun, when +he rises in the east, drives away the Rdlcshasas.” ’ Wilson. + +10 Milked cows: struck the cloud with his lightning, and made the milky +streams of fertilizing rain flow forth. + +12 Ilibisa’s. strong castles: Iltbisa is said by S&yana to be Vritra f who sleeps +in caverns of the earth.’ Probably one of the confederate demons is intended. + +Sushna with his horn: the demon of drought, 'furnished,’ says the +Scholiast, ‘with weapons like the horns of bulls and buffaloes,’ The meaning +of * horned * or * with his horn ’ is simply * mighty,’ the horn being used, as in +Hebrew poetry, as the emblem of strength. + +13 With Ms sharp bull: the rushing thunderbolt. + +14 Kutsa: said to have been a Itishior seer, founder of a religious family +or school, and elsewhere spoken of as the particular friend of Indra, + + + +ATUN 34.] FIQVFDA. 47 + +15 Svitr&’s mild steer, 0 M&gliavan thou holpest in combat for +the land, mid Tugra’s houses. + +Long stood they there before the task was- ended : thou wash +the master of the foemen’s treasure. + +HYMN XXX1Y. Asvins, + +.Ye who observe this day be with us even thrice: far-stretch¬ +ing'is your bounty, Asvins, and your course. + +To you, as to a cloak: in winter, we cleave close; ye are to be +drawn nigh unto us by the wise. + +2 Three are the fellies in your honey-bearing car, that travels + +after Soma’s loved one, as all know. + +Three are the pillars set upon it for support: thrice journey +ye by night, 0 Asvins, thrice by day. + +3 Thrice in the self-same day, ye Gods who banish want, Sprinkle + +ye thrice to-day our sacrifice with meath; + +And thrice vouchsafe us store of food with plenteous strength, +at evening, 0 ye Asvins, and at break of day. + +4 Thrice come ye to our home, thrice to the righteous folk, + +thrice triply aid the man who well deserves your help. +Thrice, 0 ye Asvins, bring us what shall make us glad; +thrice send us store of food as nevermore to fail. + +* 5 Thrice, O ye Asvins, bring to us abundant wealth ,* thirce in +the Gods’ assembly, thrice assist our thoughts. + +Thrice grant ye us prosperity, thrice grant us fame; for the +Sun’s daughter hath mounted your three-wheeled ear, + +6 Thrice, Asvins, grant to us the heavenly medicines, thrice + +those of earth and thrice those that the waters hold. + +Favour and health and strength bestow upon my son; triple +protection, Lords of Splendour, grant to him. + +7 Thrice are ye to be worshipped day by day by us; thrice, 0 ye + +Asvins, ye travel around the earth. + +Car-borne from far away, 0 ye Nasatyas, come, like vital air to +bodies, come ye to the three. + +Damdyu, is also said to have been a Rishi, but nothing is known of him. +The same may he said of Svaitreya or Svitrya, the son of a woman named +SvitrA + +15 The meaning of tugi'y&m in the text is not clear. rr’r * - ib + +by rinthe waters,*' Benfey translates ‘among Tugra’s •. r . ‘>e + +Petersburg Lexicon takes it to mean ‘among the families ,■ ■ Y : y + +Mild steer: strong but gentle son. + +1 Be present with us even thrice : that is, at all the three daily sacrifices. + +2 Soma: is here the Moon, His darling is Jyotsnfi or Kaumudt, Moonlight, +identified with Silryft, the light borrowed from the Sun. + +5 For the Sun's daughter : Suryfi, who is called the consort of the Asvins. +7 Ndsatyas: a common appellation of the Asvins, See I, 3, 3, + +To the three; to the three daily sacrifices. + + + + +4S THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +8 Thrice, 0 ye Asvins, with the Seven Mother Streams; three + +are the jars, the triple offering is prepared. + +Three are the worlds, and moving on above the sky ye guard +the firm-set vault of heaven through days and nights. + +9 Where are the three wheels of your triple chariot, where are + +the three seats thereto firmly fastened ? + +When will ye yoke the mighty ass that draws it, to bring you +to our sacrifice, Nasatyas ? + +10 Nasatyas, come : the sacred gift is offered up; drink the sweet + +juice with lips that know the sweetness well. + +Savitar sends, before the dawn of day, your car, fraught with +oil,, various-coloured, to our sacrifice. + +11 Come, 0 Nilsatyas, with the thrice-eleven Gods; come, 0 ye + +Asvins, to the drinking of the meath. + +Make long our days of life, and wipe out all our sins : ward off +our enemies; be with us evermore. + +12 Borne in your triple car, 0 Asvins, bring us present prosperity + +with noble offspring. + +I cry to you who hear me for protection ; be ye our helpers +where men win the booty. + +HYMN XXXV. Savitar. + +Agni I first invoke for pur prosperity; I call on Mitra, Varuna, +to aid us here. + +I call on Night who gives rest to all moving life; I call on +Savitar the God to lend us help. + +2 Throughout the dusky firmament advancing, laying to rest + +the immortal and the mortal, + +Borne in his golden chariot he eometh, Savitar, God who looks +on every creature. + +3 The God moves by the upward path, the downward; with two + +blight Bays, adorable, he journeys. + +Savitar comes, the God from the far distance, and chases from +us all distress and sorrow. + +8 The Seven Mother Streams : see I. 32. 12. + +Three are the jars: three sorts of pitchers, used to contain and pour out the +Soma juice at the three daily sacrifices. + +Three worlds : earth, middle air, and heaven. + +9 The mighty ass: according to the Nighantu 1 two asses are the steeds +of the Asvins.’ + +10 Savitar : implying that the Asvins are to be worshipped with this hymn +at dawn. Savitar is the Sun. + +11 The thnc-eleven Gods ; { TH~ inthevifv for the usual Paur&nik enumer¬ +ation of thirty-three deities, nvoMwIy :v.«:ir"g on Vaidik texts. The list is, +there, made up of the eight Yasus ; eieven Ituclras ; twelve Adityas, Praj 3 - +pati, and VaslxatkAra.’ Wilson. + + + +’THE RIQVEDA .' + + +49 + + +HYMN 35*] + + +4 His chariot decked with pearl, of various colours, lofty,-with + +golden pole, the God hath mounted, + +The many-rayed One, Savitar the holy, bound, bearing power +and might, for darksome regions. + +5 Drawing the gold-yoked car his Bays, white-footed, have + +manifested light to all the peoples. + +Held in the lap of Savitar, divine One, all men, all beings +have their place for ever. + +6 Three heavens there are; two Savitar’s, adjacent: in Yama’s + +world is one, the home of heroes. + +As on a linch-pin, firm, rest things immortal; he who hath +known it, let him here declare it. + +7 He, strong of wing, hath lightened up the regions, deep-quiver¬ + +ing Asura, the gentle Leader. + +Where now is Surya, where is one to tell us to what celestial +sphere his ray hath wandered ? + +8 The earth’s eight points his brightness hath illumined, three + +desert regions and the Seven Hi vers. + +God Savitar the gold-eyed hath come hither, giving choice +treasures unto him who worships. + +9 The golden-handed Savitar, far-seeing, goes on his w f ay be¬ + +tween the earth and heaven, + +Drives away sickness, bids the Sun approach us, and spreads +the bright sky through the darksome region. + +10 May he, gold-handed Asura, kind Leas!er, come hither to us + +with his help and favour. + +Driving off* Rakshasas and Yatudhknas, the God is present, +praised in hymns at evening. + +11 0 Savitar, thine ancient dustless pathways are well established + +in the air’s mid-region : + +0 God, come by those paths so fair to travel, preserve thou +us from harm this day, and bless us. + +6 Tvio Savitar'&; heaven and earth, or the heaven of day and the heaven of +night. As an a linch-pin: the linch-pm is the emblem of stability, retaining +its position unchanged by the revolution of the wheels. So the Gods remain +unmoved, unaffected by death or change, unlike the mortals who depart to +the realm of Tama. See J. IShni, Der JVIythus des Yarna, p. 115. + +7 He, strong of whig : (snparnuh) an epithet or a name of the Sun. Aparct: +the immortal and divine One. + +9 Bids the Sim approach us : Scty&na says * approaches the Sun/ and +observes that although Savitar and the Sun are the same as regards their +divinity, yet they are two different forms, and therefore one may be said to +go to the other. + +10 Ydtudhdnas: a class of demons or evil spirits, much like R&kskasas, +but more particularly practises of sorcery. + + + +> THE HYMNS OF [BOOK t + +HYMN XXX VL Agni + +With words seat forth in holy hymns, Agni we supplicate, +the Lord + +Of many f unifies who duly serve the Gods, yea, him whom +others also praise. + +% Men have won Agni, him who makes their strength abound +we, with oblations, worship thee. + +Our gracious-mm led Helper in our deeds of might, be thou, +0 Excellent, this day. + +3 Thee for our messenger we choose, thee, the Omniscient, for + +our Priest. + +The flames of thee the mighty are spread wide around : thy +splendour reaches to the sky. + +4 The Gods enkindle thee their ancient messenger, — Varuna, + +Mitra, Aryaman. + +That mortal man, O Agni, gains through thee all wealth, who +hath poured offerings unto thee. + +5 Thou, Agni, art a cheering Priest, Lord of the House, men’s + +messenger: + +All constant high decrees established by the Gods, gathered +together, meet in thee. + +6 In thee, the auspicious One, O Agni, youthfullest, each sacred + +gift is offered up': + +This day, and after, gracious, worship thou our Gods, that +we may have heroic sons. + +t To him in his own splendour bright draw near in worship +the devout. + +Men kindle Agni with their sacrificial gifts, victorious o*er +the enemies. + +8 Yritra they smote and slew, and made the earth and heaven +and firmament a wide abode. + +The glorious Bull, invoked, hath stood at Kanva’s side: loud +neighed the Steed in frays for kine. + + +This Hymn and the twelve following are ascribed to Kanva, a very celebrated +Kiahi who ia called the son of Ghora and is said to belong to the family of +Angiras, + +5 The preservation of the whole world rests, according to the Vatdik view, +<m the sacrifices offered by men, as these give the Gods strength and enable +thorn to perform their duties. + +8 The glorious Bull: the mighty A~?v. c "■ a bull and impetuous + +as a war horse, has aided his favourite K -._...i: i + + + +r + + + + +MYMN 36.] TUB RtQVEDA. 51 + +9 Seat thee, for them art mighty; shine, best entertainer of +the Gods. + +Worthy of sacred food, praised Agni! loose the smoke, ruddy +and beautiful to see. + +10 Bearer of offerings, whom, best sacrificing Priest, the Gods for + +Manuks sake ordained; + +Whom Kanva, whom Medhyatithi made the source of wealth, +and Vrishan and Upastuta. + +11 Him, Agni, whom Medhyatithi, whom Kanva kindled for his + +rite, + +Him these our songs of praise, him, Agni, we extol: his powers +shine out preeminent. + +12 Make our wealth perfect thou, 0 Agni Lord divine: for thou + +hast kinship with the Gods. + +Thou rulest as a King o’er widely-famous strength : be good +to us for thou art great. + +13 Stand up erect to lend us aid, stand up like Savitar the God: +Erect as strength-bestower when we call aloud, with unguents + +and with priests, on thee. + +14 Erect, preserve us from sore trouble; with thy flame burn + +thou each ravening demon dead. + +Raise thou us up that we may walk and live : so thou shalt +find our worship mid the Gods. + +15 Preserve us, Agni, from the fiend, preserve us from malicious + +wrong. + +Save us from him who fain would injure us or slay, Most +Youthful, thou with lofty light. + +16 Smite down as with a club, thou who hast fire for teeth, + +smite thou the wicked, right and left. + +Let not the man who plots against us in the night, nor any +foe prevail o’er us. + + +10 Medhy&titld: Sftyana takes this word to be an epithet of Kanva, 4 en¬ +tertainer of guests who are worthy of sacrificial food.’ But it appears to be +the name of a lliahi of Kanva’s family, the seer of twenty-eight hymns of +Books VIII. and IX. + +VrUtlutn and Upastuta: rendered by Wilson, after Sftvana, f Indra and +*ome other worshipper,’ are also apparently the names of two other Ilishis. + +13 Stand up erect: Agni, as erect, is identified by S&yaua with the ytipa or +sacrificial post to which the victims, at an animal sacrifice, were bound. +Accordingly he takes, ahjihkih to mean 4 with unguents’ wherewith the post +was anointed. This word may however refer to the ornaments—another +signification of the word—worn by the ministering priests. + + + + +52 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK L + +17 Agni hath given heroic might to Kan v a, and felicity: + +Agni hath helped our friends, hath heiped Mcdhy&tithi, hath + +helped Upastuta to win, + +18 We call on Ugradeya, Yadu, Turvasa, hy means of Agni, + +from afar; + +Agni, bring /Nava vast va and Brihadratha, Turviti, to subdue +the foe. + +19 Manu hath stablished thee a light/ Agni, for all the race + +of men : + +Sprung from the Law, oil-fed, for Kanva hast thou blazed, +thou whom the people reverence. + +20 The flames of Agni full of splendour and of might are fearful, + +not to he approached. + +Consume for ever all demons and sorcerers, consume thou +each devouring bend. + +HYMN XXXVII. Marat*, + +Sing forth, 0 Kanvas, to your band of Maruts, unassailable, +Sporting, resplendent on their ear : + +2 They who, self-luminous, were born together, with the spotted + +deer, + +Spears, swords, and glittering ornaments. + +3 One hears, as though ’twere close at hand, the cracking of the + +whips they hold; + +They gather glory on their way. + +' 4 Now sing ye forth the Cod-given hymn to your exultant +Marut host, + +The hercely-vigorous, the strong. + +5 Praise yc the Bull among the cows; for Tis -the Maruts 5 +• sportive band: + +It strengthened as it drank the rain. + +17 Agni hath helped our friends : S&yana takes mitvtf in the text as mitrffni, +friends. Benfey and Ludwig consider it to me an, the former Mitra, and the +.latter the two Mitras, i. e. Mitra and Vanina; and they translate respectively +* Agni and Mitra protected/ and ‘Agni, as Mitra [and VarunaJ hath favoured/ + +18 Turvasa and Yadu are frequently -mentioned together as eponymi of + +tribes of those names. The poet appears to pray for the return of Kavavastva, +whoever he may have been, to protect the home attacked by the Dasyus or +robbers, and perhaps also to strengthen his prayer by an appeal to the spirits +of departed heroes. + + +20 Demons and sorcerers : Rdkshasas and evil spirits who practise sorcery. + +For an exhaustive explanation of this and other Hymns to the Maruts +see M. Muller’s Vedic Hymns, Part 1. (Sacred Books of the Bast, XXXII.) ‘ ' +o The Ball among the cows: the band of Storm-Gods preeminent among +the clouds as a bull is among cows. n + + + +tiYtiX 38.] TffJS MOVED A. £3 + +6 Wlio is your mightiest, Heroes, when, 0 shakers of the earth + +and heaven, + +Ye shake them like a garment’s hem % + +7 At your approach man holds him down before the fury of + +your wrath; ^ + +The rugged-join ted mountain yields. + +8 They at whose racings forth the earth, like an age-w*eakened + +lord of men, + +Trembles in terror on their ways. + +2 Strong is their birth: vigour have they to issue from their +Mother ; strength, + +Yea, even twice enough, is theirs. + +10 And these, the Sons, the Singers, in their racings have enlarg¬ + +ed the bounds. + +So that the kine must walk knee-deep. + +11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring +of the cloud, + +Long, broad, and inexhaustible. + +12 0 Maruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men + +down on earth, + +So have ye made the mountains fall. + +13 The while the Maruts pass along, they talk together on the + +way; + +Doth any hear them as they speak ? + +14- Come quick'with swift steeds, for ye have Worshippers among +Kanva’s sons : + +May you rejoice among them well. + +!f> All is prepared for your delight. We are their servants +evermore, + +To live as long as life may last. + +HYMN XXXVIII. Maruts* + +What now ? When will ye take us by both hands, as a dear +sire his son, + +Gods, for whom sacred grass is clipped?. + + +6 That is, where all are so mighty it would be superfluous to ask who is +mightiest. ’ 1 + +Like a garment's h$m : or, according to S&yana, ‘ like a tree's high top/ + +10 The Singers; the loud-voiced Maruts. + +The Maruts have spread themselves over the sky and caused so much rain +to fall that the cows in the pastures are up to their knees in water. But see +Ludwig, Ueber die neuesten Arbeiten auf dem Gebiete der Rgyeda-forschung, 4 +Brag, W9& ■ . ■ ■ -. + + + +5* THE HYMNS OP [BOOK L + +2 Now whither ? To what goal of yours go ye in heaven, and + +not on earth ? + +Where do your cows disport themselves? + +3 Where are your newest favours shown? Where, Maruts, + +your prosperity ? + +Where all ycfur high felicities ? + +^ If, 0 ye Maruts, ye the Sons whom Prisni bare, were mortal, +and + +Immortal he who sings your praise, + +5 Then never were your praiser loathed like a wild beast in + +pasture-land, + +Nor should he go on Yama’s path. + +6 Let not destructive plague on plague hard to he conquered, + +strike us down : + +Let each, with drought, depart from us. + +7 Truly, they the fierce and mighty Sons of Rudra send their + +windless + +Rain e'en on the desert places. + +8 Like a cow the lightning lows and follows, motherlike, her + +youngling, + +When their rain-flood hath been loosened. + +9 When they inundate the earth they spread forth darkness + +e’en in day-time, + +With the water-laden rain-cloud. + +10 0 Maruts, at your voice’s sound this earthly habitation + +shakes, + +And each man reels who dwells therein. + +11 0 Maruts, with your strong-hoofed steeds, unhindered in + +their courses, haste +Along the bright embanked streams. + +12 Firm be the fellies of your wheels, steady your horses and + +your cars, + +And may your reins be fashioned well. + +2 Where do your cows disport themselves ?: perhaps, as M. Muller suggest* + +* where tarry your herds V viz. the clouds. Why do you remain in the sky, +and hot come down to earth ? Or, according to Budwig ; * Where do the cows +feed that are to supply milk and butter for sacrifice to you ? Where is the +place in which sacrifice is to be offered to you ? * + +• 5 Like a wild beast * or. unwelcome like a deer in the home-pasture or +meadow reserved for the cows. + +Yama's path: the path that leads to Yama the God of the Departed* + +6 Destructive playue: nirritih; sin. M. Muller. Drought: greed. M. Miiller. +.7 Sons of Budra: or £ dear to itudra/ who is the father of the Maruts. +Windless rain: steady rain, not blown away; that sinks into the ground; +the wind generally ceasing as soon as heavy rain begins to fall. * + +8 The thunder follows the lightning as a cow lowiug, follows her calf* + + + +HYMtf 39 ] 2 VEB MIGVEDA. u + +13 Invite thou hither with this song, for praise, Agni the Lord + +of Prayer, + +Him who is fair as Mitra is, + +14 Form in thy mouth the hymn of praise: expand thee like a +rainy cloud : + +Sing forth the measured eulogy. + +15 Sing glory to the Marut host, praiseworthy, tuneful, vigorous ; +Here let the Strong Ones dwell with us. + +HYMN XXXIX, Maruts. + +When thus, like flame, from far away, Maruts, ye cast your +measure forth, + +To whom go ye, to whom, 0 shakers of the earth, moved by +whose wisdom, whose design 2 + +2 Strong let your weapons be to drive away your foes, firm for + +resistance let them be. + +Yea, passing glorious must be your warrior might, not as a +guileful mortal’s strength. + +3 When what is strong ye overthrow, and whirl about each + +ponderous thing, + +Heroes, your course is through the forest trees of earth, and +through the fissures of the rocks. + +4 Consumers of your foes, no enemy of yours is found in heaven + +or on the earth : + +Ye Rudras, may the strength, held in this bond, be yours, to +bid defiance even now. + +5 They make the mountains rock and reel, they rend the forest- + +kings apart. + +Onward, ye Maruts, drive, like creatures drunk with wine, ye +Gods with all your company. + + +13 Agni, the Lord of Prayer : * Agni is frequently invoked together with + +the Maruts, and is even called marut-sakhd, the friend of the Maruts, viij, 92, +14. It seems better, therefore, to refer brdhmanas pdtyoa to Agni, than, with +S&yana, to the host of the Maruts. Brdhmanaspdti and Brihaspdti are both +varieties of Agui, the priest and purohita of Gods and men, and as such he is +invoked together with the Maruts in other passages, i. 40, 1/ M. Muller. + +14 Expand thee : addressed to the poet of the hymn. + +15 Tuneful : so in I. 37. 10 "And these the Sons, the Singers/ The song +of the Maruts is the music or singing of the winds. + +1 Maruts , ye cast your measure forth: < Xi L V‘ we must take + +measure, not in the abstract sense, but as a - ■ .■ i, - ■ which is cast + +forward to measure the distance of an object, an ■ ;■■ ■ , J*\ applicable to + +the Maruts, who seem with their weapons to strike the trees and mountains +when they themselves are still far off/ M. Muller, + +4 Held in this bond: together with your race. M. Muller. + + + + +m tee nmxs of [book l + +6 Ye to your chariot have yoked the spotted deer : a red deer, + +as a leader, draws. + +Even the Earth herself listened as ye came near, and men +were sorely terrified, + +7 0 Rudras, quickly wo desire your succour for this work of + +ours. * + +Come to us with your aid as in the days of old, so now for +frightened Kanva’s sake. + +8 Should any monstrous foe, 0 Maruts, sent by you or sent by + +mortals threaten ns, + +Tear ye him from us with your power and with your might, +and with the succours that are yours, + +9 For ye, the worshipful and wise, have guarded Kanva + +perfectly. + +0 Maruts, come to us with full protecting help, as lightning +flashes seek the rain. + +10 Whole strength have ye, 0 Bounteous Ones; perfect, earth +shakers, is your might. + +Maruts, against the poet's wrathful enemy send ye an enemy +like a dart. + +HYMN XL. Brahmanaspati. + +0 Brahman Asian, stand up : God-serving men, we pray to +thee. + +May they who give good gifts, the Maruts, come to us. Indra, +most swift, be thou'with them. + +2 0 Son of Strength, each mortal calls to thee for aid when + +spoil of battle waits for him. + +0 Maruts, may this man who loves you well obtain wealth of +good steeds and hero might. + +3 May Brahmanaspati draw nigh, may Sunrita the Goddess + +come, + +And Gods bring to this rite which gives the fivefold gift the +Hero, lover of mankind. + +9 As lightning-flushes seek the rani: ‘Lightning precedes the ram, and may +therefore be represented as looking about for the rain.’ M. Muller. + +1 0 Brahmanaspati: Agni is sometimes called Brahmanaspati, or Lord of +Prayer. See 1. 38. 13. * + +3,May Sdnritd the Goddess come: SunrifcA (Pleasantness) is, according to +S&yana, the Goddess of Speech (Yftgdevatft) in the form of lover of truth. + +The fivefold gift : an offering of grain, gruel, curdled milk, rice-cake, and +curds, + + +iitmk 4i.] tub bigyBba. ?>7 + +4 Ho who bestows a noble guerdon on the priest wins fame that + +never shall decay. + +For him we offer sacred hero-giving food, peerless and con¬ +quering easily. + +5 Now Brahmanaspati speaks forth aloud the solemn hymn of + +praise, + +Wherein Indra and Yanina, Mitra, Aryaman, the Gods, have? +made their dwelling-place. + +6 May we in holy synods, Gods! recite that hymn, peerless, that + +brings felicity. t + +If you, 0 Heroes, graciously accept this word, may it obtain +all bliss from you. + +7 Who shall approach the pious ? who the man whose sacred + +grass is trimmed 1 + +The offerer with his folk advances more and more : he fills his +house with precious things. + +8 He amplifies his lordly might, with kings he slays: e’en mid + +alarms he dwells secure. + +In great or lesser fight none checks him, none subdues, the +wielder of the thunderbolt. + +HYMN XLI. Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman. + + +Ne’er is he injured whom the Gods Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman, +The excellently wise, protect. + +2 Ho prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full + +hands, enrich, + +Whom they preserve from every foe. + +3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his + +enemies, + +And lead him safely o’er distress. + + +4 Sacred food: Ud or Idd. sacrificial food, or a libation, especially a holy liba¬ +tion coming between the Prayftja and the Anuyftja the fore-sacrifice and the +after sacrifice; the preliminary and the final offering. + +5 y 0 io Brahmunaspati speaks forth : ‘Professor Itoth remarks : The thunder + +- v voice. The voice of thunder, again, as the voice of the + +iyer, is by a beautiful transference brought into connec¬ +tion with the prayer which, spoken on earth, finds, as it were, its echo in the +heights of heaven.’ Muir 0. S. Texts, Y. p. 279, no$p. + +8 The wielder of the thunderbolt: meaning, S&yana says, Brahmanaspati, +and so far identifying him with Indra. Ludwig refers the expression to the +pious saerifieer who is said to be armed, as it were with Brahmanaspati a +thunderbolt. + + +Z The Kings .* Yanina, Mitra, and Aryaman, + + + +U TUB HYMNS OP [BOOK /. + +4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the +Law: + +With him is naught to anger you. +h What sacrifice, $ dityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,— +May that come nigh unto your thought. + +$ That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious +thing, + +And children also of his own, + +7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman’s and Mitral + +laud, + +Glorious food of Yaruna ? + +8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles : +Only with hymns i call you nigh. + +9 Let him not love to speak ill words; but fear the One who + +holds all four + +Within his hand, until they fall. + +HYMN XL[L Pushan, + +Shorten our ways, 0 Pushan, move aside obstruction in the +path : + +Go close before us, cloud-bora God. + + +i A tityas : the three Gods named above, with others. See X. 14. 3. + +9 But fear the One who hoicks the four; Wilson remarks : ‘The text has +thituras chul dtiiluuihtCLil blbh d nidhutoh , he may fear from one holding +four until the fall The meaning is supplied by the Scholiast with the +assistance of Ydska, chaturo kshdn dhdmyatuh. .Jdtavdt, from a gambler hold¬ +ing four dice ..That is, where two men are playing together, the man who +has not the throw of the dice is in anxious apprehension lest it should be +against him.’ Bonfey thinks that ‘ the holder of the four (dice)’ is God who +holds in hL hands and decides the destinies of man. Ludwig maintains that +there is no reference to dice, either of gambling or destiny, and that ‘ the four' +are Varuna, Mitra, Bhaga, and Aryaman. The pious man when ho possesses +these four as friends should fear to let them go.‘ Bergaigne (La Religion +WSdique, XII. 158) is of opinion that the cords or nooses of Yaruna, with +which he catches and punishes the wicked, are intended. + +1 Shorten* our ways, 0 P&shmi Pfishan is usually a synonym of the Sun; +that is, he is one of the twelve Adityas. According to the tenour of this +hymn, he is the deity presiding especially over roads and journeyings. + +CLoud bom ; with reference, perhaps, to the close connexion between +nourishing the earth, which is one of Pushan’s especial duties, and the cloud +that gives the necessary rain. But in Rigveda VIII. 4. 15, 16, Pushan is +called vimochnnn , the deliverer, (from sin, according to S&yana), and perhaps +vmucho napdt may mean the same thing. See Muir 0. S. Texts. V, 175 +where the whole hymn is translated, . * + + + +&YitN 43.] THE RtGVEDA. 5ft + +2 Drive, Puslian, from our road the wolf, the wicked inauspicious + +wolf, + +Who lies in wait to injure us. + +3 Who lurks about the path we take, the robber with a guileful + +heart: + +Far from the road chase him away. r + +4 Tread with thy foot and trample out the firebrand of the + +wicked one, + +The double-tongued, whoe’er he be. + +5 Wise Puslian, Wonder-Worker, we claim of thee now the aid + +wherewith + +Thou furtlieredst our sires of old. + +6 So, Lord of all prosperity, best wielder of the golden sword, +Make riches easy to be won. + +7 Past all pursuers lead us, make pleasant our path and fair + +to tread; + +O Puslian, find thou power for this. + +8 Lead us to meadows rich in grass: send on our way no early + +heat: + +0 Pushan, find thou power for this. + +9 Be gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate : + +0 Pushan, find thou power for this. + +10 So blame have we for Pushan ; him we magnify with songs +of praise: + +We seek the Mighty One for wealth. + +HYMN 3LTIL Rudm, + +What 'shall we sing to Budra, strong, most bounteous, excel¬ +lently wise, + +That shall be dearest to his heart? + +2 That Aditi m iy grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine. +Our cattle and our progeny; + +3 That Mitra and that Varu$a, that Rudra may remember us v +Yea, all the Gods with one accord. + + +2 The wolf; vriht^ Swedish, and Norwegian vary, which, signifies not only +wolf, but also a wicked godless man. + +1 Rudra appears in this hymn as a gentle and beneficent deity, presiding +especially over medicinalplauts. + +2 That Aditi may grant the grace: Aditi is said by Sftyana to mean here + +the earth, and is accordingly so translated by Wilson. Benfey explains the +word by * Sinlessness/ and hud wig takes it as a masculine deity meaning Rudra +himself. • + + + +fiO fllM HYMNS OP [HOOP L + +4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, : + +We pray for joy and health and strength. + +.5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold +is he, + +The good, the best among the Gods* + +6 May he grant health into out steeds, well-being to our rams and + +ewes* + +To men, to women, and to kine. + +7 0 Soma^ set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men* + +The great renown of mighty chiefs. + +8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. +Indu, give us a share of strength. + +9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as + +serving thee, + +Children of thee Imortal, at the highest place of holy law. + +HYMN XLIY. Agni + +Immortal Jata vedas, thou many-hued fulgent gift of Dawn, +Agni, this day to him who pays oblations bring the Gods who +waken with the morn. + +2 For thou art offering-bearer and loved messenger, the chariot¬ + +eer of sacrifice: + +Accordant with the Asvins and with Dawn grant us heroic +strength and lofty fame. + +3 As messenger we * choose to-day Agni the good whom many + +love, + +Smoke-bannered spreader of the light, at break of day glory of +sacrificial rites. + + +6 May he grant health: here Rudra appears as pasuptdi, Lord and guardian +of cattle. + +B Those who trouble Soma; probably the people of the hills who interfere +with the gathering of the. Soma plant which has to be sought there. + +Indu: literally e drop ; 1 from the same root as Indra, the Rainer ; a name +of the Moon as rain-giver, and of Soma which is identified with it. + +9 At the highest place of holy law: at the place where sacrifice is duly per¬ +formed. £ The whole verse is difficult, possibly a later addition,’ Max Muller. + +This Hymn and the six following are ascribed to the Rishi Praskanva; +the son of K&nva who is the seer of the preceding group. + +1 Immortal Jdtavedas ; J&tavedas is a common epithet of Agni, the mean¬ +ing of which is explained in five ways ; 1. ( knowing all created beings ; 2, pos-. +sessing all creatures ; * 3. ‘ known by created beings ; ’ 4, ' possessing riches / +£>. possessing wisdom.’ + +2 The Asvins: see I. 3. 1. + +Dawn: the Goddess ITshas ; Morning personified. + + + +HYMN 44.] + + +THE RIGVEDA, + + +61 + + +4 Him noblest and most youthful, richly-worshipped guest, dear + +to the men who offer gifts, + +Him, Agni Jatavedas, I beseech at dawn that he may bring +the Gods to us. + +5 Thee, Agni, will I glorify, deathless nourisher of the -world, +Immortal, offering-bearer, meet for sacred foo<J, preserver, best + +at sacrifice. + +6 Tell good things to thy praiser, 0 most youthful God, as richly- + +worshipped, honey-tongued, + +And, granting to Prask&nva lengthened days of life, show +honour to the Heavenly Host, + +7 For the men, Agni, kindle thee as all-possessor and as Priest; +So Agni, much-invoked, bring hither with all speed the Gods, + +the excellently wise, + +8 At dawn of day, at night, Ushas and Savitar, the Asvins, + +Bhaga, Agni’s self: + +Skilled in fair rites, with Soma poured, the Kanvas light thee, +the oblation-wafting God. + +9 For, Agni, Lord of sacrifice and messenger of men art thou : +Bring thou the Gods who wake at dawn, who see the light, this + +day to drink the Soma juice. + +10 Thou slionest forth, 0 Agni, after former dawns, all visible, 0 + +rich in light. + +,.Thou art our help in battle-strife, the Friend of man, the great +High Priest in sacrifice. + +11 Like Mann, we will stablish thee, Agni, performer of the rite, +Invoker, ministering Priest, exceeding wise, the swift immortal + +messenger. ^ + +12 When as the Gods’ High Priest, by many loved, thou dost + +their mission as their nearest Friend, + +Then, like the far-resounding billow’s of the Hood, thy flames, 0 +Agni, roar aloud, + +13 Hear, Agni, v r ho hast ears to hear, with all thy train of escort Gods; +Let Mitra, Aryarnan, seeking betimes our rite, seat them upon + +the sacred grass. + +14 Let those who strengthen Law, who bountifully give, the fire- + +tongued Maruts, hear our praise. + +May Law-Supporting Varu^a, w r ith the Asvins twain and +Ushas, drink the Soma juice. + +11 Like. Alanu; th.' 'n and father of the human race and + +the’ first institute of * ■ . . ■ ' . + +12 Of the food: c > r ord meaning either that river (the + +Indus) in particular, or any river or gathering of waters in general,- + +15 Let Mitra , Aryanutn ; and Varuna, understood. + +14 The- jivc-tonguc i Marais; who consume the sacrifice by means of the +tongue-like flames of Agni. ' . ....... + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + + + +[BOOK L + + +HYMN XLY. a Agni. + +Worship the Yasus, Agni! here, the Rudras, the Adityas, all +Who spring from M tnu, those who know fair rites, who pour +their blessings down, + +2 Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshipper: +Lord of RedrSteeds, who lovest song, bring thou those Three- + +and-Thirty Gods. + +3 0 Jatavedas, great in act, hearken thou to Praskanva’s call, + +As Priyamedha erst was heard, Atri, Virupa, Angiras. + +i The sons of Priyamedha skilled in lofty praise have called for +help + +On Agni who with fulgent flame is Ruler of all holy rites. + +5 Hear thou, invoked with holy oil, bountiful giver of inwards, +These eulogies, whereby the sons of Kanva call thee to their + +aid. + +6 0 Agni, loved by many, thou of fame most wondrous, in their + +homes + +Men call on thee whose hair is flame, to be the bearer of their +gifts. + +7 Thee, Agni, best to find out wealth, most widely famous, quiek + +to hear, + +Singers have stablished in their rites Herald and ministering +Priest. + +8 Singers with Soma pressed have made thee, Agni, hasten to + +the feast, + +Great light to mortal worshipper, what time they bring the +sacred gift. + +9 Good, bounteous, Son of Strength, this day seat here on sacred + +grass the Gods + +Who come at early morn, the host of heaven,, to drink the +Soma juice. + +10 Bring with joint invocations thou, 0 Agni, the celestial host; +Here stands the Soma, bounteous Gods: drink this expressed +ere yesterday. + +1 Vasus, Rudras, Adityas: three classes of Gods who make up almost the +whole number of the thirty-three deities spoken of in the next stanza. + +Who spring from Mauu: Manu appears here as Praj&pati, the progenitor +of Gods as well as of men. + +2 Lord of Red Steeds: Agni, whose horses are flames of fire. + +The Three-aml'Thirty Gods; see I, 34, 11. + +3 Priyamedha, Atri, and Virapa are famous Riskis, the seers of many hymns +of the Kigvcda. Angiras has already been mentioned. See I. 1. 6, + +9 Son of Strength; made or generated by strong friction; * kindled through +agitation to a flame.' + +10 Expressed ere yesterday: prepared two days Infers in order that the juice +might ferment before it was used. + + + +UYMft 46. J + + +TBE RIG VEDA. + +HYMN XLVI. Asvins. + +Now Morning witli her earlist light shines forth, dear Daughter +of the Sky: + +High, Asvins, I extol your praise, + +2 Sons of the Sea, mighty to save, discoverers of riches, ye +Gods with deep thought who find out wealth. * + +3 Your giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, +When yoxir car flies with winged steeds. + +4 He, liberal, lover of the flood, Lord of the House,, the vigilant,. +Chiefs ! with oblations feed? you full. + +& Ye have regard unto our hymns, Nasatyas, thinking of our +words : + +Drink boldly of the Soma juice; + +6 Vouchsafe to us, 0 Asvin Fair, such strength as, with attend¬ +ant light, + +May through the darkness carry us. + +*7 Come in the ship of these our hymns to bear you to the hither +shore: + +0 Asvins, harness ye the car. + +8 The heaven’s wide vessel is your own; on the flood’s shore 1 * * 4 * 6 7 8 9 + +your chariot waits ; * + +Drops, with the hymn, have been prepared. + +9 Kanvas, the drops are in the heaven; the wealth is at the + +waters’ place: + +Where will ye manifest your form % + +l Morn inrf: U'sliaa or Dawn, personified as a Goddess. + +Asvhts ; see I. 3.1, + +% Sous of the Sea ; offspring of the celestial ocean, the atmosphere; + +4 He, liberal , lover of the flood: evidently Agni and not the Sun. Agm’s +connexion with water is frequently alluded to, and he is often called the Lord + +and Guardian of the house or family. + +6 The darkness : in the shape of poverty or want, according to the Scholiast. + +7 The poet appears to invite the Asvins to yoke their chariot for part of +the journey and come to meet his hymn which shall bear them as in a ship +through the sky. The middle air or atmosphere is the sea between heaven +and earth, and the earth is the hither shore. + +8 Vessel: (aretram). a vehicle in the shape of a ship, says Sftyana. You +have already the ship of our songs to bear you through the sky, and now your +chariot has reached the earth and the place where, together with this hymn, +the Soma juice has been prepared for a libation to you. + +9 The drops, or Soma libation, and the wealth or treasure, and the sky and +the place of rivers appear here to be parallelisms, both pairs of expressions +signifying the same thing. The oblation is said to have already reached the +heaven where the Asvins will receive it. Say&ua’s paraphrase which Wilson has +followed, seems forced and unnatural. ‘ Kanvas, (ask this of the Asvins): +(How) do the rays (of the sun proceed) from the sky ?; (How) does the dawn +(rise) in the region of the waters ? 1 + + + +€i THE HYMNS OF [BOOK l + +10 Light came to lighten up the branch: the Sun appeared as it + +were gold: + +And with its tongue shone forth the dark. + +11 The path of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal: +The road of heaven was manifest. + +12 The singer of their praise awaits whatever grace the Asvins + +give, + +Who save when Soma gladdens them, + +13 Ye dwellers with Vivasvan come, auspicious, as to Manu erst j +Come to the Soma and our praise. + +14 0 circumambient Asvins, Dawn follows the brightness of jour + +way: + +Approve with beams our solemn rites. + +15 Drink ye of our libations, grant protection, 0 ye Asvins Twain, +With aids which none may interrupt. + +HYMN XLY1L Asvins. + +Asvins, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest Soma hath +been shed. + +Drink this expressed ere yesterday and give riches to him who +offers it, + +2 Come, 0 ye Asvins, mounted on your triple ear, three-seated, + +beautiful of form. + +To you at sacrifice the Kanvas send the prayer: graciously +listen to their call. + +3 0 Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drink ye this sweetest Soma + +juice. + +Borne on your wealth-fraught ear come ye this day to him +who offers, ye of wondrous deeds. + +4 Omniscient Asvins, on the thrice-heaped grass bedew with the + +sweet juice the sacrifice. + +The sons of Kanva, striving heavenward, call on you with +draughts of Soma juice out-poured. + +5 0 Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded Kanva care¬ + +fully, + +Keep us, 0 Lords of Splendour; drink the Soma juice, ye +strength eners of holy law. + + +10 Light come to lighten up the branch: the branch is probably the sacrificial +fire. Gf. ‘The other fires are verily thy branches’ (I. 50. 1)* The epithet +1 dark 1 may refer to the darkening of the fire by the sunlight or by the smoke. + +11 Sacrifice is the path which leads the Gods from heaven to earth, and the +way thYough heaven is made visible by the sacrificial fire or by the daylight, + +13 Vivasvdn; ‘the Brilliant,’ a name of the morning heaven personified +Ho is regarded as the father of Yama, Manu, and the Asvins, See X. 17, 2, note' + + + +HYMN 48.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +65 + + +G 0 Mighty Ones, ye gave Slides abundant food, brought on +your treasure-laden car; + +So now vouchsafe to us the wealth which many crave, either +from heaven or from the sea. + +7 Nasatyas, whether ye be far away or close to Turvasa, + +Borne on your lightly-rolling chariot come 13b us, together + +with the sunbeams come. + +8 So let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, bring you to our + +libations here. + +Bestowing food on him who acts and gives aright, sit, Chiefs, +upon the sacred grass. + +9 Come, 0 Nasatyas, on your car decked with a sunbright canopy, +Whereon ye ever bring wealth to the worshipper, to drink the + +Soma’s pleasant juice. + +10 With lauds and songs of praise we call them down to us, that +they, most rich, may succour us ; + +For ye have ever in the Kanvas’ well-loved house, 0 Asvins, +drunk the Soma juice. + +HYMN XLVII r. Dawn. + +Dawn on ug with prosperity, 0 Ushas, Daughter of the Sky, +Dawn with great glory, Goddess, Lady of the Light, dawn thou +with riches, Bounteous One. + +2 They, bringing steeds and kine, boon givers of all wealth, have + +oft sped forth to lighten us. + +0 Ushas, waken up for me the sounds of joy : send us the riches +of the great. + +3 Ushas hath dawned, and now shall dawn, the Goddess, driver + +forth of cars + +Which, as she cometh nigh, have fixed their thought on her, +like glory-seekers on the flood. + + +6 Sudds: a king, the son of Pijivana. See VII. 18, 5— 25, + +7 Nasatyas: Asvins. See I. 3. 3, + +Turvasa : the tribe or family called after the chief of this name, frequently +mentioned in the liigveda. See I. 36. IS. + +10 With lauds: ukfhebhih, answering, according to Sayan a, to what in the +Brahman a is called S as tram (to be recited by the Hotar) while the Stoma +(sfcofcram) song, is sung by tlxe Sftma-priests. + +1 Ushas: Morning, Dawn, personified, + +2 They : the Dawns of preceding days, + +3 The approach of Dawn sets cars or wains in motion in the same way as it +causes ships or boats that have anchored during the night to move out to the +open water. + +5 + + + +66 TEE J2YMN& OF {BOOR L + +4 Here Kanva, chief of Kanva’s race, sings forth aloud the glo¬ + +ries of the heroes’ names,— + +The princes who, 0 XJshas, as thou eomest near, direct their +thoughts to liberal gifts. + +5 Like a good matron Ushas comes carefully tending everything : +Housing alL life she stirs all creatures that have feet, and + +makes the birds of air fly up. + +6 She sends the busy forth, each man to his pursuit; delay she + +knows not as she springs. + +0 rich in opulence, after thy dawning birds that have flown +forth no longer rest. + +7 This Dawn hath yoked her steeds afar, beyond the rising of + +the Sun: + +Borne on a hundred chariots she, the auspicious Dawn, advan¬ +ces on her way to men. + +S To meet her glance all living creatures bend them down; +Excellent One, she makes the light. + +Ushas, the Daughter of the Sky, the opulent, shines foes and; +enmities away. + +9 Shine on us with thy radiant light, 0 Ushas, Daughter of the- +Sky, + +Bringing to us great store of high felicity, and beaming on our* +solemn rites. + +10 For in thee is each living creature's breath and life, when. +Excellent! thou dawncst forth. + +Borne on thy lofty car, 0 Lady of the Light, hear, thou of +wondrous wealth, our call. + +110 Ushas, win thyself the strength which among men is won¬ +derful. + +Bring thou thereby the pious unto holy rites, those who as- +priests sing praise to thee. + +12 Bring from the firmament, 0 Ushas, all the Gods, that they + +may drink our Soma juice, + +And, being what thou art, vouchsafe us kine and steeds, +strength meet for praise and hero might. + +13 May Ushas whose auspicious rays are seen resplendent round + +about, + +Grant us great riches, fair in form, of all good things, wealth +which light labour may attain. + +14 Mighty One, whom the Rishis of old time invoked for their + +protection and their help, + + +4 The princes are the wealthy patrons or institutes of sacrifice, who bear +all expenses and remunerate the i-uleots. + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +HYMN 50.] + + +67 + + +0 Ushas, graciously answer our songs of praise with, bounty +and with brilliant light. + +. 15 Ushas, as thou with light to-day hast opened the twin doors +of heaven, + +So grant thou us a dwelling wide and free from foes. 0 God¬ +dess, give us food with kine. <* + +16 Bring us to wealth abundant, sent in every shape, to plentiful +refreshing food, + +To all-subduing splendour, Ushas, Mighty One, to strength, thou +rich in spoil and wealth. + +HYMN XL IX. Dawn. + +E’en from above the sky’s bright realm come, Ushas, by aus¬ +picious ways: + +Let red steeds bear thee to the house of him who pours the +Soma juice. + +2 The chariot which thou mountest, fair of shape, 0 Ushas 1 + +light to move,— + +Therewith, 0 Daughter of the Sky, aid men of noble fame to¬ +day. + +3 Bright Ushas, when thy times return, all quadrupeds and + +bipeds stir, + +And round about flock winged birds from all the boundaries of +heaven. + +4 Thou dawning with thy beams of light illumest all the radiant + +realm. + +Thee, as thou art, the Kanvas, fain for wealth, have called +with sacred songs. + +HYMN L. Sf;rya. + +Hrs bright rays bear him up aloft, the God who knoweth all +that lives, + +S&rya, that all may look on him. + +' 2 The constellations pass away, like thieves, together with their +beams, ’ ; + +Before the all-beholding Sun. + +3 His herald rays ai-e seen afar refulgent o’er the world of men, +Like flames of fire that bum and blaze. + +4 Swift and all beautiful art thou, O Surya, maker of the light, +Illuming all the radiant realm. + + +1 Let red steeds bear thee: the Scholiast explains arunapscwah as the purple +cows, the vehicles of morning, that is, the dark red clouds that accompany the ‘ +dawn. + +1 The God who Icnoweth all that live: jdtdredasum, here an epithet of.Si.rya +the Sun-God, + + + + +68 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +5 Thou goest to the hosts of Gods, thou comest hither to mankind, +Hither all light to be beheld. + +6 With that same eye of thine wherewith thou lookest, brilliant + +Yaruna, + +Upon the busy race of men, + +7 Traversing sky and wide mid-air, thou metest with thy beams + +our days. + +Sun, seeing all things that have birth. + +8 Seven Bay Steeds harnessed to thy car bear thee, 0 thou far- + +seeing One, + +God, Surya, with the radiant hair. + +9 S&rya hath yoked the pure bright Seven, the daughters of the + +car; with these, + +His own dear team, he goeth forth. + +10 Looking upon the loftier light above the darkness we have come +To Surya, God among the Gods, the light that is most excellent. + +11 Rising this day, 0 rich in friends, ascending to the loftier + +heaven, + +Surya, remove my heart’s disease, take from me this my yel¬ +low hue. + +12 To parrots and to starlings let us give away my yellowness, + +Or this my yellowness let us transfer to Haritala trees. + +13 With all his conquering vigour this A ditya hath gone up on high, +Giving my foe into mine hand : let me not be my foeman’s prey. + + +6 Varumt : the word is, as S&yana points out, used here as an appellative +(the eneornpasser) and applied to Sftrya. Sayana explains it as airishtanivdraka , +averter of evil. + +9 Stivya hath yaked the 'pure bright Seven : the seven steeds that draw his +ear, and which, as intimately connected therewith, are called the daughters of +the chariot. The number seven has reference to the seven clays of the week. + +11 f This verse and the two following constitute a brkha, or triplet the re¬ +petition of which, with due formalities, is considered to be curative of disease 5 +Wilson. + +12 The yellowness here spoken of is probably the colour of the skin in +jaundice. The Jutridrard of the text is said by Sayana to mean haritdladru- +mt K a_ hantftla tree ; but there seems to be no tree of that name Haritala +means, usually, yellow orpimeut, and havidrava, a yellow vegetable powder +Tlie word hdridrava is explained in the Petersburg Lexicon as a certain yellow + + +■ To parrots and to starlings : similarly, among the Romans, people with thf +jaundice were called leteriei according to Pliny (H. N, xxx IX) from the +fanciful notion that the disease was cured by looking at the icterus one of the +many vaneties of the sturnidic or starling family. -The bird was said to die +•instead of the patient. + + + +HYMN 51.] + + +' THE RIG VEDA . 69 + +HYMN LI. Into. + +Make glad with songs that Ram whom many men invoke, +worthy of songs of praise, Indra, the sea of wealth; + +Whose gracious deeds for men spread like the heavens abroad: +sing praise to him the Sage, most liberal for our good. + +2 A s aids the skilful Ribhus yearned to Indra strong to save, + +who fills mid-air, encompassed round with might, + +Rushing in rapture; and o’er Satakratu came the gladening +shout that urged him on to victory. + +3 Thou hast disclosed the kine’s stall for the Angirases, and + +made a way for Atri by a hundred doors. + +On Vimada thou hast bestowed both food and wealth, making +thy bolt dance in the sacrificer’s fight. + +4 Thou hast unclosed the prisons of the waters; thou hast in + +the mountain seized the treasure rich in gifts. + +When thou hadst slain with might the dragon Yritra, thou +Indra, didst raise the Sun in heaven for all to see. + + +This hymn and the six following are attributed to the Rishi Savya, who is +called the son of Angiras. + +1 That Ram: that famous ram, Indra. See I. 10. 2. Here the reference +is to a fighting-ram; or, according to S&yana, to a legend which says that +Indra came in the form of a ram to Medh.4tith.Fs sacrifice, and drank the Soma +juice. + +2 The skilful Ribhus: see I. 2fi. I. Sayana says that the Maruts are here +intended, who encouraged Indra when all the Gods had deserted him. + +Rushing in rupture; when exhilarated by draughts of Soma. + +c Here again,' says Professor Max Miiller, f the difficulty of rendering Yedic +thought in English, or any other modern language, becomes apparent, for we +have no poetical word to express a high state of mental excitement produced +by drinking the intoxicating juice of the Soma or other plants, which has not +something opprobrious mixed up with it, while in ancient times that state of +excitement was celebrated as a blessing of the gods, as not unworthy of the +gods themselves, nay, as a state in which both the warrior and the poet +would perform their highest achievements. The German Rausch is the nearest +approach to the Sanskrit mada.’ + +In this version mada has generally been rendered by rapture, delight, +transport, or wild joy. + +Satahrata : Indra. See I. 4. 8. + +3 The kinds stall: the dark cloud that holds the waters imprisoned. + +The Angirases : an ancient priestly family. See I. 1. 6. Atn: a Ilishi usually +enumerated with the Angirases among the prajapatis or progenitors of men. +Indra freed him from captivity, showing him a hundred ways of escape. +Vimada was also a Rishi of ancient times. + +4 The mountain ; the cloud. The treasure is the fertilizing rain. + +Didst raise the Sun: according to S4yana, didst free the Sun which had +been hidden by Yritra, + + + +THE IIYMNb &1< + + +{BOOK L + + +ilt + +5 With wondrous might thou blewest enchanter fiends away, + +with powers celestial those who called on thee in jest. + +Thou, hero-hearted, hast broken down Pipru’s forts, and helped +JRijisvan when the Dasyus were struck dead. + +6 Thou savedst Kutsa when Sushna was smitten down; to Ati- + +thigva gafest Sambara for a prey. + +E 5 6 * 8 9 10 en mighty Arbuda thou troddest under foot: thou from of +old wast born to strike the Dasyus dead. + +7 All power and might is closely gathered up in thee; thy + +bounteous spirit joys in drinking Soma juice. + +Known is the thunderbolt that lies within thine arms: rend +off therewith all manly prowess of our foe. + +8 Discern thou well Aryas and Dasyus; punishing the lawless + +give them up to him whose grass is strewn. + +Be thou the sacrificer’s strong encourager : all these thy deeds +are my delight at festivals. + +9* Indra gives up the lawless to the pious man, destroying by +the Strong Ones those who have no strength. + +Vamra when glorified destroyed the gathered piles of the still +waxing great one who would reach the heaven. + +10 The might which Usana hath formed for thee with might +rends'in its greatness and with strength both worlds apart. + +5 Those who called on thee in jest: literally, called on thee or offered to thee +above or over the shoulder, apparently an ancient proverbial expression ap¬ +plied to those who instead of sacrificing to the Gods put the intended oblation +into their own mouths. + +Pvpru is one of the demons of the air ; his forts are the clouds that withhold +• the rain : JRimvdn is a pious worshipper oppressed by the Dasyus, robbers or +barbarians. + +6 Sushna } 1 the Drier-up,’ is the personification of the excessive heat before + +the rains ; a demon of drought. Sambara and Arbuda are similar demons of +the atmosphere. Atithigm is another name of the liberal prince Divod&sa. + +8 The Aryas are, first, the people who speak the language of the Veda, +and the Dasyus are the original and hostile peoples of India. Later, the + +■ former are the true and loyal people, faithful to Indra and the Gods, and the +latter are the wicked and godless. + +Whose grass is strewn : the faithful worshipper, the priest who has trimmed +and strewn tlie sacred grass for the Gods. + +9 Vamra : the second half of the stanza is ■' 1,1 * V Wilson remarks: + +‘The text is obscure,— Vamro vi jaghdna , destroyed the + +collection. The Scholiast says that a Ilishi named Vamra took advantage of +Indra’s absence from sacrifice, to carry away the accumulated heap of offerings.’ + +10 The Rishi Usanfl, called also Kftvya or Kavi’sson, appears in the Veda +as the especial friend of Indra. In I. 121, 12. he is said to have given +Indra his thunderbolt: ‘ The bolt which Kftvya IJsanft erst gave thee.’ Here, +also, * the might ’ means the conquering thunderbolt, although in other places +its fabrication is attributed to Tvashtar, + +The steeds of Vdkt : horses of the Winch God, horses swift as wind. + + + + +HYMN 52,3 + + +THE JUG VEDA. + + +11 + + +0 Hero-souled, the steeds of Vata, yoked by thought, have +carried thee to fame while thou art filled with power. + +11 When Indra hath rejoiced with Kavya Usana, he mounts his + +steeds who swerve wider and wider yet. + +The Strong hath loosed his bolt with the swift rush of rain, +and he hath rent in pieces Sushna’s firm-built forts. + +12 Thou mountest on thy car amid strong Soma draughts: Sir- + +yata brought thee those in which thou hast delight. + +Indra, when thou art pleased with men whose Soma flows thou +risest to unchallenged glory in the sky. + +13 .To old Kaksh:vaii, Somj, piv^.er, skilled in song, O Indra, thou + +didst give the yonihi*;:! Vrirhaya. + +Thou, very wise, wast Mena, Vrishanasva’s child; those deeds +of thine must all be told at Soma feasts. + +14 The good man’s refuge in his need is Indra, firm as a door¬ + +post, praised among the Pajras. + +Indra alone is Lord of wealth, the Giver, lover of riches, cha¬ +riots, kine, and horses. + +15 To him the Mighty One, the self-resplendent, verily strong and + +great, this praise is uttered. + +May we and all the heroes, with the princes, be, in this fray, +O Indra, in thy keeping. + +HYMN LII. Indra. + +I glorify that Ram who finds the light of heaven, whose hun¬ +dred nobly-natured ones go forth with him. + +With hymns may I turn hither Indra to mine aid,—the Car +which like a strong steed hasteth to the call. + + +11 When Indra hath rejoiced : drunk tlie exhilarating Bom a. + +12 Sin/dta : a Rdjarshi or royal llishi of the family of Bhrigu, + +Drought thee those : draughts of Soma juice. + +Thou risest to unchallenged glory : when thou hast exhilarated thyself with +the Soma offered by thy worshippers thou performest thy most glorious deeds. + +13 Kahshivdn : a llishi, son of Usij. See I. 18. 1. Vrichayft, the damsel who +was given to him, is not mentioned elsewhere. + +Mend : according to a later legend, Indra became, himself, the daughter +of King Vrisauasva. + +14 Among the Pajras: an ancient priestly family, said to be identical with +the Angirases. + +15 In this f rag : the hymn appears to have been addressed to Indra for aid +in a coming battle, + +1 That Earn : that famous warrior. See I. 51. 1. + +Whose hundred nobly-natured ones : see verse 4. + + +72 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +2 Like as a mountain on firm basis, imremoved, he, thousand¬ + +fold protector, waxed in mighty strength, + +When Indra, joying in the draughts of Soma juice, forced the +clouds, slaying Yritra stayer of their flow. + +3 For he stays e’en the stayers, spread o’er laden cloud, rooted + +in light, strengthened in rapture by the wise. + +Indra with thought, with skilled activity, I call, most liberal +giver, for he sates him with the juice. + +4 Whom those that flow in heaven on sacred grass, his own as¬ + +sistants, nobly-natured, All full like the sea,— + +Beside that Indra when he smote down Yritra stood his helpers, +straight in form, mighty, invincible. + +5 To him, as in wild joy he fought with him who stayed the rain, + +his helpers sped like swift streams down a slope, + +When Indra, thunder-armed, made bold by Soma draughts, +broke Vala’s fences down, as Trita burst his way. + +6 Splendour encompassed thee, forth shone thy warrior might: + +the rain-obstructer lay in mid-air’s lowest deep, + +What time, 0 Indra, thou didst cast thy thunder down upon +the jaws of Yritra hard to be restrained. + +7 The hymns which magnify thee, Indra, reach to thee even as + +water-brooks flow down and fill the lake. + +Tvaslitar gave yet more force to thine appropriate strength, +and forged thy thunderbolt of overpowering might. + +8 When, Indra, thou whose power is linked with thy Bay Steeds + +hadst smitten Yritra, causing floods to flow for man, + +Thou heldst in thine arms the metal thunderbolt, and settest +in the heaven the Sun for all to see. + + +3 For he stays e'en the stayers ; the words of the text set hi (hard dvartslm + +vrtvrd fldhani, are very difficult. S&yana’s paraphrase, adopted by Wilson, is +loose but seems to give the general sense of thf '" " f T ? ho is victorious +over his enemies, who is spread through the . ■■ ’ ‘The stayer + +among the stayers/ is probably the conqueror who checks the demons who +obstruct the rain, and €dhan, the udder (of the sky) means the rain-giving +clouds, over which Indra, as God of the firmament, is extended as a covering. + +4 His own assistants : the inspiring Soma draughts, + +5 His helpers ; his constant allies, the Maruts. + +As Trita burst his way ; Sftyana refers to a legend which says that Trita fell +into a well, and the Asuras heaped coverings over its mouth ; but he broke +through them with ease. So Indra broke down the defences of the demon +Yala, See Wilson’s note on the passage. + +6 The rain-obstructer : the demon Vritra. + +7 Tvashtar: the Vulcan or Hephaestus of the Indian Gods. + +8 The metal thunderbolt: vajram dyasdm, usually translated ‘ iron thunder* +bolt ’; but we do not know for certain what metal ay as (Latin aes) was. ■ + + + + +HYMN 53.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +73 + + +9 In fear they raised the lofty self-resplendent hymn, praise- . +giving and effectual, leading up to heaven, + +When Indra’s helpers fighting for the good of men, the Maruts, +faithful to mankind, joyed in the light. + +10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon’s roar reeled +back in terror when, Indra, thy thunderbolt? + +In the wild joy of Soma had struck off with might the head +of Yritra, tyrant of the earth and heaven. + +110 Indra, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who +dwell therein multiplied day by day, + +Still here thy conquering might, Maghavan, would be famed: +it hath waxed vast as heaven in majesty and power. + +12 Thou, bold of heart, in thine own native might, for help, upon + +the limit of this mid-air and of heaven, + +Hast made the earth to be the pattern of thy strength : em¬ +bracing flood and light thou reachest to the sky. + +13 Thou art the counterpart of earth, the Master of lofty heaven + +with all its mighty Heroes : + +Thou hast filled all the region with thy greatness: yea, of a +truth there is none other like thee. + +14 Whose amplitude the heaven and earth have not attained, + +whose bounds the waters of mid-air have never reached,— # +Not, when in joy he fights the stayer of the rain: thou, and +none else, hast made all things in order due. + +15 The Maruts sang thy praise in this encounter, and in thee all + +the Deities delighted, + +What time thou, Indra, with thy spiky weapon, thy deadly +bolt, smotest the face of Yritra. + +HYMN LIIL Indra. + +We will present fair praise unto the Mighty One, our hymns +to Indra in Vivasvan’s dwelling-place; + +For he hath ne’er found wealth in those who seem to sleep: +those who give wealth to men accept no paltry praise. + + +9 In fear then raised: that is, Indra’s worshippers in fear of Vritra. + +11 If the earth were ten times as large and populous as it is, thy fame +would extend over the whole of it. + +14 The waters of mid-air: the aerial ocean, the firmament. + +He fights : said of Indra. We should expect ‘ thou tightest; ’ hut this and +similar sudden changes of person are common in the Veda. + +1 Yhawdn? s dwelling-place; the seat of the sacrifice^ the representative +of the celestial Yivasv&n, + + + +74 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +2 Giver of horses, Indra, giver, thou, of kine, giver of barley, + +thou art Lord and guard of wealth : + +Man’s helper from of old, not disappointing hope, Friend of +our friends, to thee as such we sing this praise. + +3 Indra, most splendid, powerful, rich in mighty deeds, this + +treasure*spread around is known to be thine own. + +Gather therefrom, 0 Conqueror, and bring to us: fail not the +hope of him who loves and sings to thee. + +4 Well pleased with these bright flames and with these Soma + +drops, take thou away our poverty with steeds and kine. +With Indra scattering the Dasyu through these drops, freed +from their hate may we obtain abundant food. + +5 Let us obtain, 0 Indra, plenteous wealth and food, with strength + +exceeding glorious, shining to the sky : + +May we obtain the Goddess Providence, the strength of hei'oes, +special source of cattle, rich in steeds. + +6 These our libations, strength-inspiring, Soma draughts, glad¬ + +dened thee in the fight with Vritra, Hero Lord, + +What time thou slewest for the singer with trimmed grass ten +thousand Vritras, thou resistless in thy might. + +7 Thou goest on from fight to fight intrepidly, destroying castle + +after castle here with strength. + +Thou, Indra, with thy friend who makes the foe bow down, +slewest from far away the guileful Namuehi. + +8 Thou hast struck down in death Karanja, Parnaya, in Atr + +thigva’s very glorious going forth. + +Unyielding, when Eijisvan compassed them with siege, thou +hast destroyed the hundred forts of Vangrida. + +9 With all-outstripping chariot-wheel, 0 Indra, thou far-famed, + +hast overthrown the twice ten Kings of men, + +With sixty thousand nine-and-ninety followers, who came in +arms to fight with friendless Susravas. + +10 Thou hast protected Susravas with succour, and Turvayana +with thine aid, 0 Indra. + + +2 Those who seem to sleep; Indra derives no advantage from those who are +remiss in their religious duties. + +6 Ten thousand Vritras; countless demons like Vritra. + +7 With thy friend ; the thunderbolt. Or namyd may mean * with Kami’ as +thy confederate. + +JSiamuchi: * non-looser (of the heavenly waters),’ another demon of drought. + +8 Karanja, Parnaya , and Vangrida are Asuras or demons; Atithigva has +been mentioned before, I. 51. 6, and Eijisvan in verse 5 of the same hymn, + +9 Susravas, and Trtrvay&na in the next verse, are said to be kings. . . . + + + +HYMN 54.] + + +THE R10YEDA . + + +75 + + +Thou madest Kutsa, Atithigva, Ayu, subject unto this King, +the young, the mighty. + +11 May we protected by the Gods hereafter remain thy very pros¬ +perous friends, 0 Indra. + +Thee we extol, enjoying through thy favour life long and joy¬ +ful and with store of heroes. + +HYMN LIV. Indra. + +Urge us not, Maghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may +comprehend the limit of thy strength. + +Thou with fierce shout hast made the woods and rivers roar : +did not men run in crowds-together in their fear ? + +2 Sing hymns of praise to Sakra, Lord of power and might; laud + +thou and magnify Indra who heareth thee, + +Who with his daring might, a Bull exceeding strong in strength, +maketh him master of the heaven and earth. + +3 Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength-bestowing song, the Bold, + +whose resolute mind hath independent sway. + +High glory hath the Asura, compact of strength, drawn on by +two Bay Steeds: a Bull, a Car is he, + +4 The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, + +daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara, + +When, bold with gladdening juice, thou wajredst with thy bolt, +sharp and two-edged, against the banded sorcerers. + + +10 Kutsa has been mentioned (I. 33. 14.) as a favourite of Indra, but is +here represented, together with Atithigva and Ayu, as chastised by him. + +This King: Susravfls, or Turvayana ; these names perhaps denote the same +individual. + +1 Urge us not, Maghavan : the verb, urge, which is not in the text, is +supplied by S&yaua. The meaning appears to be, Do not, 0 Indra, force us +into any conflict in which we may have thee for our opponent. + +2 ** Sakra ; f the Mighty,’ a name of Indra. + +3 Sing forth to lofty Dyaus : Heaven. The God who is represented in the +Veda as* the consort of Earth and the progenitor of the Gods is called Dyaus +or Dyauslipitar, names identical in origin with Zeus, or Zeus pater, and +Jupiter, or Diespiter, the appellations given to the supreme God of the Greeks +and Romans. In this place S&yana identifies Dyaus with Indra, who seems, +in later times, to have succeeded to the functions assigned to the former God. +See Muir, Original SansJcrit Texts, v. 33. + +The Asura: the divine One, Indra as the snpreme Dyaus. + +4 Sambara: a demon. See I. 51. 6. + +The banded sorcerers : the fiends of the atmosphere who use enchantments +or supernatural powers in their conflicts with Indra. + + +76 THE HYMNS OP [ BOOK /. + +5 When, with, a roar that 'fills the woods, thou forcest down on + +the wind’s head the stores which Sushpa kept confined, + +Who shall have power to stay thee firm and eager-souled from +doing still this day what thou of old hast done ? + +6 Thou holpest Nary a, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Yayya’s son + +Turviti, *Satakratu! + +Thou holpest horse and car in final battle; thou brakest down +the nine-and-ninety castles. + +7 A hero-lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free oblations + +and promotes the Law, + +Who with a bounteous guerdon welcomes hymns of praise : for +him flows down the abundant stream below the sky. + +8 His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through + +their work, be some who drink the Soma, + +Those, Indra, who increase the lordly power, the firm heroic +strength of thee the Giver. + +9 Therefore for thee are these abundant beakers, Indra’s drink, + +stone-pressed juices held in ladles. + +Quaff them and satisfy therewith thy longing; then fix thy +mind upon bestowing treasure. + +10 There darkness stood,-the vault that stayed the waters’ flow : + +in Yritra’s hollow side the rain-cloud lay concealed. + +But Indra smote the rivers which the obstructer stayed, flood +following after flood, down steep declivities, + +11 So give us, Indra, bliss-increasing glory; give us great sway + +and strength that conquers people. + +Preserve our wealthy patrons, save our princes; vouchsafe us +wealth and food with noble offspring. + +HYMN LY. Indra . + +Though e’en this heaven’s wide space and earth have spread +them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in greatness Indra’s +match. + +Awful and very mighty, causing woe to men, he whets his +thunderbolt for sharpness, as a bull. + + +5 Sushna : a demon of drought. + +6 Thou holpest Nary a ; some chief or ffishi so named : or the word may be +an adjective, manly, qualifying Turvasa. + +Turvasa , Yudu, Turviti have been mentioned before. See I. 36. 18. + + +1 As a hull .* as a bull sharpens his horns. + +Causing woe to men ; as the punisher of the wickedt + + +HYMN 55.] + + +THE MG VEDA. + + +77 + + +2 Like as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers spread + +on all sides in their ample width. + +He bears him like a bull to drink of Soma juice, and will, as +Warrior from of old, be praised for might. + +3 Thou swayest, Indra, all kinds of great manly power, so as to + +bend, as *t were, even that famed mountain down. + +Foremost among the Gods is he through hero might, set in the +van, the Strong One, for each arduous deed. + +4 He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when he shows + +forth to men his own fair Indra-power.' + +A friendly Bull is he, a Bull to be desired, when Maghavan +auspiciously sends forth his voice, + +5 Yet verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth up + +with his might great battles for-mankind; + +And men havo faith in Indra, the resplendent One, what time +he hurleth down his bolt, his dart of death. + +6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, + +lie with great might destroys the dwellings made with art, +He makes the lights of heaven shine forth secure, he bids, +exceeding wise, the floods flow for his worshipper. + +7 Drinker of Soma, let thy heart incline to give; bring thy Bays + +hitherward, 0 thou who hearest praise. + +Those charioteers of thine, heat skilled to draw the rein, the +rapid sunbeams, Indra, lead thee not astray, + +8 Thou bearcst in both hands treasure that never fails; the + +famed One in his body holds unvanquished might. + +0 Indra, in thy members many powers abide, like wells +surrounded by the ministering priests, + + +4 A friendly Bull is he: Maghavan, the mighty Indra, is here represented +in his gracious mood, strong yet gentle. But vrishd, the male, the hull, the +strong, may also mean the strong Soma; maghdvd means also the rich in- +stitutor of a sacrifice, a worshipper ; and clhend means cow as well as voice. +Accordingly Professor Max Muller translates the passage ; 4 5 The strong Soma +is pleasing, the strong Soma is delicious, when the sacrificer safely brings the +cow,’ in order that the Soma may be mixed with milk. See Vedic Hymns , +Part I., p. 148. + +In the-wood, in the first’line of the verse seems to be an allusion to the +forest life of Brahmans. + +5 In this verse Indra is represented as a terril.de God, and in the following +verse as sometimes sending afflictions but generally blessing men. with light +and with kindly rain. + + +78 + + +TEE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK l + + +HYMN LYI. Indra. + +For tliis man’s full libations held in ladles, lie hath roused +him, eager, as a horse to meet the mare. + +He stays his golden car, yoked with Bay Horses, swift, and +drinks the Soma juice which strengthens for great deeds. + +2 To him the* guidance-following songs of praise flow full, as those + +who seek gain go in company to the Hood. + +To him the Lord of power, the holy synod’s might, as to a hill, +with speed, ascend the loving ones. + +3 Victorious, great is he; in manly battle shines, unstained with + +dust, his might, as shines a mountain peak; + +Wherewith the iron one, fierce e’en against the strong, in +rapture, fettered wily Sushna fast in bonds. + +4 When Strength the Goddess, made more strong for help by + +thee, waits upon Indra as the Sun attends the Dawn, + +Then he who with his might unflinching kills the gloom stirs +up the dust aloft, with joy and triumphing. + +5 When thou with might, upon the framework of the heaven, + +didst fix, across, air’s region firmly, unromoved, + +In the light-winning war, Indra, in rapturous joy, thou smotest +Vritra dead and broughtest floods of rain. + +6 Thou with thy might didst grasp the holder-up of heaven, thou + +who art mighty also in the seats of earth. + +Th~'\ .’vM- I by the juice, hast set the waters free, and +■ v :» v ■ . ■ stony fences through and through. + +HYMN LVri. Indra. + +To him most liberal, lofty Lord of lofty wealth, verily powerful +and strong, I bring my hymn,— + +Whose checkless bounty, as of waters down a slope, is spread +abroad for all that live, to give them strength. + + +1 This man : the institute of the sacrifice. He: Indra. + +2 The flood; (samudrd) any large gathering of waters not necessarily the +sea or ocean. + +The holy synod: an assembly for worship of the Gods, + +The loving ones ; the soiigs of loving praise. I find the stanza unintelligible ; +and the version (based chiefly on Grassmann’s) which I offer is merely a tem¬ +porary makeshift. + +3 The iron one : the thunderbolt, made of dyas, iron or other metal, + +4 By thee; by Soma. + +5 In the light-winning war; waged with the demons of the air for rain and +the light which follows the dispersion of the clouds. + +6 The bearer-up of heaven; perhaps the thunderbolt, with which Indra +maintains order. + + + + +HYMN 53.j THE RlGVEDA. 79, + +2 Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee—the + +offerer’s libations like floods to the depth, + +When the well-loved one seems to rest upon the hill, the +thunderbolt of Indra, shatterer wrought of gold, + +3 To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright + +Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this*'rite, + +Whose' being, for renown, yea, Indra-power and light, have +been created, like bay steeds, to move with speed. + +4 Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich ! are we who + +trusting in thy help draw near to thee. + +Lover of praise, none else but thou receives our laud : as earth +loves all her creatures, love thou this our hymn. + +5 Great is thy power, 0 Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, 0 + +Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. + +After thee lofty heaven hath measured out its strength: to +thee and to thy power this earth hath bowed itself. + +6 Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast + +shattered into pieces this broad massive cloud. + +Thou hast sent down the obstructed floods that they may +flow: thou hast, thine own for ever, all victorious might. + +HYMN LYIII. Agni. + +Ne’er waxeth faint the Immortal, Son of Strength, since he, +the Herald, hath become Vivasv&n’s messenger. + +On paths most excellent he measured out mid-air: he with +oblation calls to service of the Gods. + +2 Never decaying, seizing bis appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly +through the dry wood he spreads. + +His back, as be is sprinkled, glistens like a horse : loud hath +he roared and shouted like the heights of heaven. + + +* 2 When the loell-lovccl one : when the lightning-laden cloud is resting on the +mountain, men pray to Indra in order that he may discharge his celestial +artillery and bring down the rain. + +5 After thee: the heaven has taken thy might as a pattern for its own +might. + +This Hymn and the five following are ascribed to Nodhas, the son of +Grotama. + +1 Vivctsvdn's messenger: Vivasviln is the morning heaven and the personifica¬ +tion of the sacrificer of the Gods. + +He measured out mid-air: this act is ascribed to Indra in I. 56, 5, + +2 As he is sprinkled; with clarified butter. + + +80 THE HYMNS OF f BOOH I . + +3 Set higli in place o’er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, + +Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; + +Hastening like a car to men, to those who live, the God +without delay gives boons to be 'desired. + +4 Urged by the wind he spreads through dry wood as he lists, + +armed with his tongues for sickles, with a mighty roar. + +Black is thy path, Agni, changeless, with glittering waves ! +when like a bull thou rushest eager to the trees. + +5 With teeth of flame, wind-driven, through the wood lie speeds, + +triumphant like a bull among the herd of cows, + +With bright strength roaming to the everlasting air : things +fixed, things moving quake before him as he flies. + +6 The Bhrigus stablished thee among mankind for men, like as + +a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; + +Thee, Agni, as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an aus¬ +picious Friend to the Celestial Race. + +7 Agni, the seven tongues’ deftest Sacrificer, him whom the + +priests elect at solemn worship, + +The Herald, messenger of all the Vasus, I serve with dainty +food, I ask for riches. + +8 Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without + +a flaw this day to us thy praisers. + +O Agni, Son of Strength, with forts of iron preserve thou +from distress the man wlio lands thee. + +A Bo thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Boun¬ +teous Lord, to those who worship. + +Preserve the singer from distress, 0 Agni. May he, enriched +with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN LIX. Agni. + +The other fires are, verily, thy branches; the'Immortals all +rejoice in thee, 0 Agni. + +Centre art thou, Vaisvanara, of the people, sustaining men like +a deep-founded pillar. + +3 Rudras, Vasus ; two classes of Gods. See X. 34. 11. + +4 The description of Agni in this verse and the next applies, not to the +sacrificial fire, but to the fire that clears the jungle as the new settlers advance +into the country# + +6 r/te Bhrigus: one of the most eminent priestly families of more ancient times. +Fnend to the Celestial Race: as bearing to the Gods the oblations of their + +worshippers. + +7 Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sucrificer: the seven tongues appear to be +the tongue-like flames which Agni employs to consume the oblations. + +1 Thy branches : merely offshoots of thee. + +Vanvdnam : a name of Agni; common to, dwelling with, and benefiting all + + + +BYMN 60.] + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +81 + + +2 The forehead of the sky, earth’s centre, Agni became the mes¬ + +senger of earth and heaven. + +Vaisvanara, the Deities produced thee, a God, to be a light +unto the Arya. + +3 As in the Sun firm rays are set for ever, treasures are in Vais¬ + +vanara, in Agni. 0 + +Of all the riches in the hills, the waters, the herbs, among +mankind, thou art the Sovran. + +4 As the great World-halves, so are their Son’s praises; skilled, + +as a man, to act, is he the Herald. + +Vaisvanara, celestial, truly mighty, most manly One, hath +many a youthful consort. + +5 Even the lofty heaven, 0 Jatavedas Vaisvanara, hath not + +attained thy greatness. + +Thou art the King of lands where men are settled, thou hast +brought comfort to the Gods in battle. + +6 Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Puru’s sons + +follow as Vritra’s slayer : + +Agni Vaisvanara struck down the Dasyu, clave Sambara +through and shattered down his fences. + +7 Vaisvanara, dwelling by his might with all men, far-shining, + +holy mid the Bharadvajas, + +Is lauded, excellent, with hundred praises by Purunitha, son +of Satavani. + +HYMN LX. Agni. + +As ’twere some goodly treasure Matarisvan brought, as a gift, +the glorious Priest to Bhrigu, + +Banner of sacrifice, the good Protector, child of two births, the +swiftly moving envoy. + + +4 Vast as heaven and earth, which constitute the world, are the praises +offered to Agni their son. + +Skilled, as a man, to act: duties of the heavenly Hotar, invoking priest, or +herald, being regarded as similar to those of the earthly functionary. + +Many a youthful consort: the flames. + +6 Pirn’s sons ; men in general ; P&ru being regarded as their progenitor. +Struck down the Dasyu,: the demon who stayed the rain. The deeds usually + +ascribed to Xndra are here attributed to Agni, that is, Agni is identified with +Indra. + +7 The Bharadvdjas : the descendants of the IV' 1 ' TV'-'t -1 + +Purunitha : a king of that name, says S&yana ,* . ' • ■ * :. - of the + +sacrifice.' The name does not occur again, and nothing is known regarding him. + +1 Mdtarisvan: a divine or semi-divine being, who as the messenger of +Vivasv&n brings down from heaven Agni who had hitherto been concealed. +The explanation of M&tarisvan as V&yu, the God of wind, does not appear to +be justified by Iligveda texts. See Muir, 0 . S. Texts , v, 204. + +6 + + + +82 . THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +2 Both Gods and men obey this Ruler’s order, Gods who are + +worshipped, men who yearn and worship. + +As Priest he takes his seat ere break of morning, House-Lord, +adorable with men, Ordain er. + +3 May our fair praise, heart-bom, most recent, reach him whose + +tongue, £’en at his birth, is sweet as honey ; + +Whom mortal priests, men, with their strong endeavour, +supplied with dainty viands, have created. + +4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been + +placed as Priest choice-worthy. + +May Agni be our Friend, Lord of the Household, protector of +the riches in the dwelling. + +5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, 0 Agni, as the + +guardian Lord of riches, + +Becking' thee like a horse, .the swift prize-winner. May he, +enriched with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN LXL India. + +Even to him, swift, strong, and high-exalted, I bring my song +of praise as dainty viands. + +My thought to him resistless, praise-deserving, prayers offered +most especially to Indra. + +2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my + +fair hymn to the Victor. + +For Indra, who is Lord of old, the singers have decked their +lauds with heart and mind and spirit. + +3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven’s + +light, most excellent, I offer, + +To magnify with songs of invocation and with fair hymns the +Lord, most bounteous Giver.. + + +The glorious Priest; Agni. Bhrigu : the chief of the ancient priestly family +who bear that name. Banner of sacrifice: announcer of sacrifice by his +crackling flames. Child of two hirths ; bom of heaven and earth and again +from the two fire-sticks, or born from the fire-sticks and again when he is +consecrated. + +Swiftly moving envoy : messenger between Gods and men. See 1.1. 1, note. + +3 Sweet as honey : with tasting the sweet libations. + +Have created: by rapid agitation of the fire-stick. + +5 We Gotamas: descendants of Gotama, men of the family to which the +Rishi of the hymn belongs. + +Heeling thee: trimming thee, to make thee shine as men groom a race-horse +in the morning. + + + +iTFiO'Cl.] TIIB MGVEDA, . 83 + +4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot + +for the man who needs it,— + +Praises to him who gladly hears our praises, a hymn well-form¬ +ed, all-moving, to wise Indra. + +5 So with .my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as + +? twere a horse, through love of glory, + +To reverence the Hero, bounteous Giver, famed far and wide, +destroyer of the castles. + +6 Even for him hath Tvashtar forged the thunder, most deftly + +wrought, celestial, for the battle, + +Wherewith he reached the vital parts of Vritra, striking—the +vast, the mighty—with the striker. + +7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Vishnu had drunk + +up the draught, he plundered + +The dainty cates, the cooked mess; but One stronger trans¬ +fixed the wild boar, shooting through the mountain. + +8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too. + +Consorts of the Gods, wgve praises. + +The mighty heaven and earth hath he encompassed : thy great¬ +ness heaven and earth, combined, exceed not. + +9 Yea, of a truth, his "magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of + +earth, mid-air, and heaven. + +Indra, approved by all men, self-resplendent, waxed in his home, +loud-voiced and strong for battle. + +10 Through his own strength Indra with holt of thunder cut +piece-meal Vritra, drier up of waters. + +He let the floods go free, like cows imprisoned, for glory, with +a heart inclined to bounty. + + +4 For the man who needs it: and orders it to be made. Tdtsindya is a diffi¬ +cult word. Wilson renders it, after S&yana, (that the driver) may, thence, +(obtain) food. + +5 The castles : the strongholds of the atmospheric demons of drought, the +castles of rain-imprisoning cloud. + +6 The striker: the thunderbolt or lightning. + +7 His mother : Indra’s mother Aditi who gave him Soma to drink as soon +as he was born. See III. 32. 9, 10 ; 48. 2, 3 ; VII. 98. 3. Dainty cates: the +demon’s store of rain. One stronger; the mightier Indra. The wild boar.: +the fierce demon Vritra. Of. VIII. 66. 30. The mountain : the massive cloud in +which Vritra was enveloped. For my corrected version of this stanza I am +indebted to Prof. A. A. MacdonelFs article on Mythological Studies in the +Jligveda, Royal Asiatic Society Journal, January, 1895. + +8 The Dames, the Consorts of the Gods: according to S£yana these are the +personified G&yatrt and other metres of the Veda. The Celestial Waters are +probably intended. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +S4 + + +[BOOK I. + + +11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with + +his holt he compassed them on all sides. + +Using his might and favouring him who worshipped, he made +a ford, victorious, for Turviti. + +12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against + +this Vritra cast thy bolt of thunder. + +Bend thou his joints, as of an ox, dissevered, with holt oblique, +that floods of rain may follow. + +13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds + +of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly, + +When, hurling forth his weapons in the battle, he with impe¬ +tuous wrath lays low the foemen. + +14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm-set mountains, and the + +whole heaven and earth, tremble for terror. + +May Nodhas, ever praising the protection of that dear Friend, +gain quickly strength heroic. + +15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who + +rules alone o’er much, electetli. + +Indra hath helped Etasa, Soma-presser, contending in the race +of steeds with Surya. + +16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have + +brought their prayers to please thee. + +Bestow- upon them thought, decked with all beauty. May he, +enriched with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN LXII. Indra. + +Like Angiras a gladdening laud we ponder to him who loveth +song, exceeding mighty. + +Let us sing glory to the far-famed Hero who must be praised +with fair hymns by the singer. + +2 Unto the great bring ye great adoration, a chant with praise +to him exceeding mighty, + +Through whom our sires, Angirases, singing praises and know¬ +ing well the places, found the cattle. + + +11 Turviti: S&yana says that this JJishi had been immersed in water, and +that Indra brought him to dry land. + +14 Nodhas ; the Rishi or seer of the hymn. + +15 Praises and sacrifice have been offered to Indra. He himself possesses +everything else. Such praises and sacrifice led Indra to help Etasa, his wor¬ +shipper, in his rivalry of Sftrya and his horses. See II. 19. 5, note. + +16 The hymn ends with the refrain that concludes also Hymns I. 58 and 60. + +1 Like Angiras: after the manner of Angiras, one of the first institutors of +religious ceremonies. + +2 Found the cuttle ; the rain-clouds, or the rays of light which, follow the +effusion of rain. + + + +TIIE RIG VEDA. + + +85 + + +HYMN 62.] + +3 When Inclra and the Angirases desired it, Saram& found pro¬ + +vision for her offspring. + +Brihaspati cleft the mountain, found the cattle: the heroes +shouted with the lcine in triumph. + +4 Mid shout, loud shout, and roar, with the Navagvas, seven + +singers, hash thou, heavenly, rent the mountain; + +Thou with the speeders, with Dasagvas, Indra, Sakra! hast +rent with thunder flaming Vala. + +5 Praised by Angirases, thou, foe-destroyer, hast, with the Dawn, + +Sun, rays, dispelled the darkness. + +Thou Indra, hast spread out the earth’s high ridges, and firm¬ +ly fixed the region under heaven. + +6 This is the deed most worthy of all honour, the fairest marvel + +of the Wonder-Worker, + +That, nigh where heaven bends down, he made four rivers +flow full with waves that carry down sweet water. + +7 Unwearied, won with lauding hymns, he parted of old the + +ancient Pair, united ever. + +In highest sky, like Bhaga, he the doer of marvels set both +Dames and earth and heaven. + +8 Still bom afresh, young Dames, each in her manner, unlike + +in hue, the Pair in alternation + +Bound heaven and earth from ancient time have travelled, +Night with her dark limbs, Dawn with limbs of splendour. + +3 Saramd found provision for her offspring : Saramft, the hound of Indra + +and mother of the two dogs called after their mother S&rameyas who are the +watchdogs of Yama the God of the Bead, is said to have pursued and +recovered the cows stolen by the Panis ; which has been supposed to mean +that SaramS, is the Dawn who recovers the rays of the Sun that have been +carried away by night. The legend says that nrrrocl to go in search of + +the stolen cattle on condition that the milk of i Iv .-In »■.:!*: be given to her + +young ones. Ludwig is of opinion that the word ‘ offspring’ in the text refers +not to Saramfr’s young ones, but to the descendants of the Angirases. +Of. I. 72. 8. + +Brihaspati cleft the mountain: Brihaspati or Brahamanaspati is the Lord +of prayer. e It is, therefore,’ as Professor Roth observes, ( brahma, prayer, with +which the God breaks open the hiding-place of the enemy. Prayer pierces +.through to the object of its desire, and attains it.’ + +4 The seven singers are probably the Angirases themselves *, the Navagvas + +and Dasagvas are r 1 ' ^ ■ Ll " V*or their priestly allies. They are called +speeders hastily ”■ ■ ‘ ■ ,-.3k of the stolen cows. Vala is the fiend + +who keeps the cows imprisoned. + +6 Nigh where heaven lends down: flowing away to the distant horizon. The +four rivers are not specified by S fly ana, who merely says they are the Ganges +and others. + +7 The ancient Pair: Heaven and Earth. Bhaga is here the Supreme God, + +Both Dames ; Night and Morning, + + + +86 TeM HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +9 Kioh in good actions# skilled in operation, the Son with might +maintains his perfect friendship. + +Thou in the raw cows, black of hue or ruddy, sfcorest the ripe +milk glossy white in colour. + +10 Their paths, of old connected, rest uninjured; they with + +great mijjht preserve the immortal statutes. + +For many thousand holy works the Sisters wait on the haughty +Lord like wives and matrons. + +11 Thoughts ancient, seeking wealth, with adoration, with newest + +lauds have sped to thee, 0 Mighty. + +As yearning wives cleave to their yearning husband, so cleave +our hymns to thee, 0 Lord most potent. + +12 Strong God, the riches which thy hands have holden from + +days of old have perished not nor wasted. + +Splendid art thou, 0 Indra, wise, unbending : strengthen us +with thy might, 0 Lord of Power. + +13 0 mighty Indra, Gotama’s son Nodhas hath fashioned this + +new prayer to thee Eternal, + +Sure leader, yoker of the Tawny Coursers. May he, enriched +with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN LXIIL * Indra. + +Thou art the Mighty One; when born, 0 Indra, with power +thou terrihedst earth and heaven; + +When, in their fear of thee, all firm-set mountains and mons¬ +trous creatures shook like dust before thee. + +2 When thy two wandering Bays thou dravest hither, thy praiser +laid within thine arms the thunder, + +Wherewith, 0 Much-invoked, in will resistless, thou smitest +‘ foemen down and many a castle. + + +9 The Son with might; S&yana takes sdvasd, ‘ with might/ in the sense of +the genitive sdvascih, and explains : the Son of Might, that is the exceedingly +strong one. But this seems forced. The Son is Indra. + +Thou in the mo cows : the cows are called raw, as contrasted with the warm +milk matured or cooked in their udders. The colour of the milk is also con¬ +trasted with that of the cows, as in the German child’s ditty quoted by +Zimmer : f 0 sage mir, wie geht es zu, gibb weissa Milch die rothe.Kuh/ + +10 Their paths: the courses of Night and Morning + +The Sisters : a frequently occurring appellation of the fingers as employed +in acts of worship. The haughty Lord: Indra. + +2 Thy praiser: the praises of the worshipper strengthen Indra, and urge +him to the performance of glorious exploits. + + + +TIIB nmVBDA. + + +87 + + +HYMN 64.] + +3 Faithful art thou, these thou deftest, Indra; thou art the + +Kibhus’ Lord, heroic, victor. + +Thou, by his side, for young and glorious Kutsa, with steed +and car in battle slewest Sushna. + +4 That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, 0 Indra, when, Thunderer, + +strong in act, thou crushedst Vyitra; e +When, Hero, thou, great-souled, with easy conquest didst rend +the Dasyus in their distant dwelling. + +5 This doest thou, and art not harmed, 0 Indra, e’en in the + +anger of the strongest mortal. + +Lay thou the race-course open for our horses: as with a club, +slay, Thunder-armed ! our focmen. + +6 Hence men invoke thee, Indra, in the tumult of battle, in the + +light-bestowing conflict. + +This aid of thine, 0 Godlike One, was ever to be implored in +deeds of might in combat. + +7 Warring for Purukutsa thou, 0 Indra, Thunder-armed! brakest + +down the seven castles; + +Easily, for Sudfts, like grass didst rend them, and out of need, +King, broughtest gain to Puru. + +8 0 Indra, God who movest round about us, feed us with varied + +food plenteous as water— + +Food wherewithal, 0 Hero, thou bestowest vigour itself to +flow to us for ever. + +9 Prayers have been made by Gotamas, 0 Indra, addressed to + +thee, with laud for thy Bay Horses. + +Bring us in noble shape abundant riches. May he, enriched +with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN LXIV*. Maruts. + +Bring for the manly host, wise and majestical, 0 Nodhas, for +the Maruts bring thou a pure gift. + +I deck my songs as one deft-handed, wise in mind prepares +the water that hath power in solemn rites'. + + +3 The Mbit us' Lord .* Chief over the three sembdivine beings who by their +good works raised themselves to immortality and godhead. See I. 2Cb + +ICutsa: has been nfentioned before as protected by Indra. See 1. 33.14; 51, 6. + +4 Dasyus; hostile demons, or perhaps savage tribes. + +7 Piivttkuim: a favourite of Indra and of the As vine. See I. 112. 7 ; +174. 2 ; IV. 42. 8, note. Sudds (See I. 47. 6) and PHvit are kings or chiefs of +clans. + +8 Who movest round about us: pdrijman, circumambient, is an epithet +applied to the Sun also, and to the chariot of the Asvins. + +9 With laud for thy Bay Horses : this is clearly the sense of the words as +they stand. Sdtyana explains ‘with reverence to thee connected with thy +bay horses.’ + +1 0 Nodhas : the Rishi or seer of the hymn addresses this line to himself. + + + +38 + + +TUB HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK L + + +2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, + +divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot and stain; + +The purifiers, shining brightly even as suns, awful of form +like giants, scattering rain-drops down. + +3 Young Rudras, demon-slayers, never growing old, they have + +waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. + +They make all beings tremble with their mighty strength, +even the very strongest, both of earth and heaven. + +4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for + +beauty on their breasts they bind their chains of gold. + +The lances on their shoulders pound to pieces; they were +born together, of themselves, the Men of Heaven. + +5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make + +the winds, they make the lightnings with their powers. + +The restless shakers drain the udders of the sky, and ever +wandering round fill the earth full with milk. + +6 The bounteous Maruts with the fatness-dropping milk fill full + +the waters which avail in solemn rites. + +They lead, as ’twere, the Strong Horse forth, that it may rain : +they milk the thundering, the never-failing spring. + +7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, self¬ + +strong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on your way. + +Like the wild elephants ye eat the forests up when ye assume +your strength among the bright red flames. + +8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all-posses¬ + +sing, are beauteous as antelopes ; + +Stirring the darkness with lances and spotted deer, combined +as priests, with serpents* fury through their might. + +9 Heroes who march in companies, befriending man, with ser¬ + +pents* ire through strength, ye greet the earth and heaven. +Upon the seats, 0 Maruts, of your chariots, upon the ears +stands lightning visible as light. + + +2 The Bulls of Heaven : or of Dyu or Dyaus. + +$ Young Rudras : the Maruts, or Storm-Gods, are the sons of Rudra. + +Demon-slayers ; slayers of the clouds that give no rain. + +4 The lances, as well as their other bright ornaments, are the lightning- +flashes. + +5 The udders of the slcy ; the full clouds. The milfc, is the sweet fertiliz¬ +ing rain, + +6 The Strong Horse: is the rain cloud, which in the same line is called a +spring or well. + +8 Combined as priests ; the music of wind and storm being regarded as the +Maruts' song of praise. But the meaning of the words thus rendered is not +clear. S&yana, Benfey, and Max Miiller give other interpretations. + + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +89 + + +IIYMN 64.] + +10 Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed + +with mighty vigour, singers loud of voice, + +Heroes, of powers infinite, armed with strong men’s rings, the +archers, they have laid the arrow on their arms. + +11 They who with golden fellies make the rain increase drive for¬ + +ward the big clouds like wanderers on the way. + +Self-moving, brisk, unwearied, they o’erthrow the firm; the +Maruts with bright lances make all things to reel, + +12 The progeny of Rudra we invoke with prayer, the brisk, the + +bright, the worshipful, the active Ones. + +To the strong band of Maruts cleave for happiness, the chasers +of the sky, impetuous, vigorous. + +13 Maruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your help, he + +verily in strength surpasseth all mankind. + +Spoil with his steeds he gaineth, treasure with his men; he +winneth honourable strength and prospereth. + +14 0 Maruts, to the worshippers give glorious strength invincible + +in battle, brilliant, bringing wealth, + +Pi*aiseworthy, known to all men. May we foster well, during +a hundred winters, son and progeny. + +15 Will ye then, 0 ye Maruts, grant us riches, durable, rich in + +men, defying onslaught, + +A hundred, thousandfold, ever increasing? May he, enriched +with prayer, come soon and early. + + +10 Armed with strong men's rings; the meaning of vrishalchddayah is un¬ +certain ; but the Ichddi seems to have been a ring worn on the arm and foot. +It may also have been used as a weapon, as the sharp-edged quoits are uged +by the Sikhs. Vrishan as Professor Max Muller observes, e conveys the mean¬ +ing of strong, though possibly with the implied idea of rain-producing, ferti¬ +lizing.’ + +12 The worshipful; the meaning of vanmam is uncertain. Wilson, after +S&yana, translates it by * water-shedding,’ vana being said to mean water. +Ludwig suggests ‘ dwelling in the woods,’ instead of ‘ fighting ’ which he gives +in his translation. ‘ Worshipful ’ is Professor Max Muller’s suggestion, and I +adopt it for the present. + +15 Enriched with prayer : either, generally, invoked by many worshippers, +or rich through the hymn just recited. This last hemistich is the usual re¬ +frain of the hymns ascribed to Nodhas. + +I have generally followed Professor Max Muller in his translation of this +hymn. See his Vedic Hymns , Part I. + + + +90 + + +{BOOK I. + + +TEE HYMNS OF + +HYMN LXV. Agni. + +One-minded, wise, they tracked thee like a thief lurking .in +dark cave with a stolen cow; + +Thee claiming worship, bearing it to Gods ; there nigh to tliee +sate all $ie Holy Ones. + +5 The Gods approached the ways of holy Law; there was a +gathering vast as heaven itself, + +The waters feed with praise the growing Babe, bom nobly in +the womb, the seat of Law. + +Z Like grateful food, like some wide dwelling-place, like a fruit¬ +bearing hill, a wholesome stream ; + +Like a steed urged to run in swift career, rushing like Sindliu, +who may check his course ? + +4 Kin as a brother to his sister floods, he eats the woods as a + +King eats the rich. + +When through the forest, urged by wind, he spreads, verily +Agni shears the hair of earth. + +5 Like a swan* sitting in the floods he pants ; wisest in mind mid + +men he wakes at mom. + +A Sage like Soma, sprung from Law, he grew like some young +creature, mighty, shining fai\ + +HYMN LXVI. Agni. + +Like the Sun’s glance, like wealth of varied sort, like breath +which is the life, like one’s own son, + +Like a swift bird, a cow who yields her milk, pure and reful¬ +gent to the wood he speeds. + + +Sjh arid the eight following hymns are ascribed to the Rishi ifeisara, sou +of ?a*ti the son of Vasishtha, They are generally difficult, and not seldom +unintelligible. + +1 They tracked thee: the Gods followed Agni who had Bed away, carrying +with him the sacrifice as a thief carries off a cow. The dark cave is the depth +of the waters in which Agni hid himself, + +2 The seat of Ij&w ; the place of sacrifice, the law ordained for ever. + +8 Sinclbt: the Indus, or any great river. + +4 As a King eats the rich; supports his state by levying contributions from +the wealthy. + + +The hair of earth: grass and shrubs, which forest-fires destroy. + +5 He pants : after his rapid flight to the waters in which lie hid himself. +He wakes at morn ; at the time of the early morning sacrifice. + +A Sage like Soma ; like the deified Soma. e As Soma creates or causes use- + +fr ° Wthem ’ th6ir nUMtiVe + + + +the mar eea. + + +91 + + +HTMN 67.] + +2 He offers safety like a pleasant home, like ripened com, the + +Conqueror of men. + +Like a Seer lauding, famed among the folk; like a steed +friendly he vouchsafes us power. + +3 With flams insatiate, like eternal might; caring for each one + +like a dame at home ; f + +Bright when he shines forth, whitish mid the folk, like a car, +gold-decked, thundering to the fight. + +4 Ho strikes with terror like a dart shot forth, e’en like an + +archer’s arrow tipped with flame ; + +Master of present and of future life, the maidens’ lover and +the matrons’ Lox'd. + +5 To him lead all your ways : may we attain the kindled God + +as cows their home at eve. + +He drives the flames below as floods their swell: the rays rise +up to the fair place of heaven. + +HYMN LXVII. Agni. + +Victorious in the wood, Friend among men, ^ver he claims +obedience as a King. + +Gracious like peace, blessing like mental power, Priest was he, +offering-bearer, full of thought. + +2 He, hearing in his hand all manly might, crouched in the + +cavern, struck the Gods with fear. + +Men filled with understan ling find him there, when they have +sung prayers formed within their heart. + +3 He, like the Unborn, holds the broad earth up, and with effec¬ + +tive utterance fixed the sky. + +0 Agni, guard the spots which cattle love : thou, life of all, +hastsgone from lair to lair. + + +2 Like a steed: like a war-horse who helps to win spoil in battle, + +4 The maidens’ lover ; the offering to Agni being an essential part of the +marriage-service. + +The matrons’ Lord: children being especially the gift of Agni, in whose +worship the wife of the sacrificer bears an important part. I have not at* +tempted to imitate the rhythm of the original, and have contented myself +with preserving the same number of syllables in each line. + +X Victorious in the wood ; subduing the fuel and burning it to ashes. + +2 Crouched in the cavern : concealed in the dark depth of the waters, See +I. 65. 1. + +3 The Unborn: the Sun ; regarded as the Supreme God. + +The spots which cattle love: as thou knowest by experience how pleasant it +is to find a safe place of refuge, do not burn up the places where the cattle +find refuge and food, + + + +92 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +4 Whoso hath known him dwelling in his lair, and hath approach¬ + +ed the stream of holy Law,— + +They who release him, paying sacred rites,—truly to such +doth he announce great wealth. + +5 He who grows mightily in herbs, within each fruitful mother + +and each!"babe she bears, + +Wise, life of all men, in the waters’ home,—for him have sages +built as ’twere a seat. + +HYMN LXVIII. Agni. + +Commingling, restless, he ascends the sky, unveiling nights +and all that stands or moves, + +As he the sole God is preeminent in greatness among all these +other Gods. + +2 All men are joyful in thy power, 0 God, that living from the + +dry wood thou art born. + +All truly share thy Godhead while they keep, in their accus¬ +tomed ways, eternal Law. + +3 Strong is Rethought of Law, the Law’s behest; all works + +have they performed; he quickens all. + +Whoso will bring oblation, gifts to thee, to him, bethinking +thee, vouchsafe thou wealth. + +4 Seated as Priest with Manu’s progeny, of all these treasures + +he alone is Lord. + +Men yearn for children to prolong their line, and are not +disappointed in their hope. + +5 Eagerly they who hear his word fulfil his wish as sons obey + +their sire’s behest. + +He, rich in food, unbars his wealth like doors : he, the House- +Friend, hath decked heaven’s vault with stars. + + +4 The stream of holy Law: or as S3-y ana explains, the supporter of the +truth or of sacrifice, that is, Agni. + +They who release him ; free him, by attrition, from the fire-sticks. + +1 Commingling: Agni, devouring and fusing together with his flames +and smoke the elements of the oblations which he bears to the Gods. + +3 I can make nothing of the first hemistich. Wilson, after Sfiyana, +paraphrases : ‘Praises are addressed to him who has repaired (to the solem¬ +nity) ; oblations are offered to him who has gone (to the sacrifice); in him is +all sustenance; (and to him) have all (devout persons) performed (the +customary) rites.’ + +4 Manu’s progeny ; all Aryan men. + +Men yearn for children : men have children at their desire, as the reward +of their faithful worship of Agni. + +He, the Home-Friend: he, Agni, who is the friend and guardian of every +house in his character of the household fire, as the Sun, the Creator, the +Supreme God, made the heaven and adorned it with stars. + + + + +HYMN 70.] + + +93 + + +THE RIG VEDA. + +HYMN LXIX. + +Bright, splendid, like Dawn’s lover, he hath filled the two +joined worlds as with the light of heaven. + +When born, with might thou hast encompassed them: Father +of Gods, and yet their Son wast thou. + +2 Agni, the Sage, the humble, who discerns like tlie cow’s udder, + +the sweet taste of food, + +Like a bliss-giver to be drawn to men, sits gracious in the +middle of the house. + +3 Born in the dwelling like a lovely son, pleased, like a strong + +steed, he bears on the folk. + +What time the men and I, with heroes, call, may Agni then +gain all through Godlike power. + +4 None breaks these holy laws of thine when thou hast granted + +audience to these chieftains here. + +This is thy boast, thou smotest with thy peers, and joined with +heroes dravest off disgrace. + +5 Like the Dawn’s lover, spreading light, well-known as hued + +like morn, may he remember me. + +They, bearing of themselves, unbar the doors : they all ascend +to the fair place of heaven. + +HYMN LXX. Agni. + +May we, the pious, win much food by prayer, may Agni with +fair light pervade each act,— + +He the observer of the heavenly laws of Gods, and of the race +of mortal man. + + +1 Like Hawns lover ; both the Sun and Agni are called the lovers of +Tishas or Dawn. Agni is so called from his making his appearance as +/sacrificial fire at the earliest break of day. + +The two joined worlds: earth and heaven coupled into a single dual +conception. + +2 Like the cow's udder: Agni discerns and selects the sweet savours of +oblations in the same manner as the udder of a cow selects and assimilates +the sweet juices of grass and herbs for the production of milk. + +3 The meaning of the second hemistich is not clear. Wilson, after Sftyana, +renders it: ‘ Whatever (divine) beings 1 may, along with other men, invoke +(to the ceremony) thou, Agni, assumeat all (their) celestial natures/ + +5 They, heaviny of themselves ; either, his rays bearing up the oblation of +their own accord, or the steeds who freely draw the chariot of Dawn. + +1 Pervade each act: be present and regulate all our acts of worship ; or the +meaning may be f attain each gift/ receive every oblation that we offer. + + + +)4 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +2 He who is germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things + +that move not and that* move,— + +To him even in the rook and in the house: Immortal One, he +cares for all mankind. + +3 Agni is Lord of riches for the man who serves him readily + +with sacred songs. + +Protect these beings thou with careful thought, knowing the +races both of Gods and men. + +4 Whom many dawns and nights, unlike, make strong, whom, + +born in Law, ail things that move and stand,— + +He hath been won, Herald who sits in light, making effectual +all our holy works. + +£ Thou settest value on our cows and woods: all shall bring +tribute to us, to the light. + +Men have served thee in many and sundry spots, parting, as +’twere, an aged father’s wealth. + +6 Like a brave archer, like one skilled and bold, a fierce avenger, +so he shines in fight. + +HXMN LXXL Agni, + +Loving the loving One, as wives their husband, the sisters of +one home have urged him forward, + +Bright-coloured, even as the oows love morning, dark, breaking +forth to view, and redly beaming. + +2 Our sires with lauds burst e’en the firm-set fortress, yea, the + +Angirases, with roar, the mountain. + +They made for us a way to reach high heaven, they found +- us day, light, day’s sign, beams of morning + +3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting + +them among the longing faithful, + +Not thirsting after aught, they come, most active, while with +sweet food the race of Gods they strengthen. + + +2 To him even in the rock: I can make nothing out of this. Wilson, after +Sftyaioa, paraphrases; ‘(They offer oblations) on the mountain, or in the +mansion, to that Agni ; ’ but this cannot be the meaning. Ludwig suggests +an alteration of the text, so that the meaning would be, ‘ even within the +stone is his dwelling.' + +5 f Agni, confer excellence upon our valued cattle ; and may all men bring +us acceptable tribute.’—Wilson. ^ + +1 The loving One,: Agni. The sisters of one home; the fingers that serve + +him by kindling the fire, etc. The cows; the clouds brightened by the +approach of Dawn. J + +2 The priestly Angirases, the earliest institutors of religious worship, caused + +by prayer and praise the mountain-like cloud, that held the rain imprisoned, +to be opened. . * + +3 His service; the worship of Agni, + + + +Tun RIG VEDA. + + +05 + + +HYMN 71.] + +4 Since M&tarisvan, far-diffused, hath stirred him, and he in + +every house grown bright and noble* + +He, Bliyigudike, hath gone as his companion, as on commission +to a greater Sovran. + +5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he + +knew and freed himself from close embracement +The archer boldly shot at him his arrow, and the God threw +his splendour on his Daughter. + +6 Whoso hath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the; + +worship which thou lovest daily, + +Do thou of double might increase his substance : may he whom +thou incitest meet with riches. + +7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers + +seek the ocean. + +Nat by our brethren was our food discovered : find with the +Gods care for us, thou who knowest. + +8 When light hath filled the Lord of man for increase, straight + +from the heaven descends the limpid moisture. + +Agni hath brought to light and filled with spirit the youthful +host blafholess and well providing. , + +9 He who like thought goes swiftly on Ins journey, the Sun, + +alone is ever Lord of riches. + +The Kings with fair hands, Vantria and Mitra, protect the +precious nectar in our cattle. + +10 0 Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, +endowed with deepest knowledge. + +Old age, like gathering cloud, impairs the body ; before that +evil be come nigh protect me. + + +4 Mdtarismn; the divine or ^semi-divine being who brought Agni to +0 Bhrigu. + +5 This verse is very obscure. The meaning of the first hemistich seems to +be that when oblations were offered to Byaus or Heaven Agni shone forth +freed from encompassing night. Who the archer is, whether Mdtarisvan or +Agni, is uncertain, nor is it clear at whom the arrow was shot. The God +may be, Dyaua, and his Daughter may be TJahas or Dawn. + +7 The Seven mighty Rivet's : see I. 32. 12. + +Not by our brethren : we do not look to our kinsmen for food, but depend +upon Agni and the other Gods. + +8 The Lord of men: according to S&yana, the sacrificer. Perhaps Indra i* +meant, who comes attended by the youthful host of Maruts. + + + +96 + + +[BOOK L + + +TEE EYMNS OK + +HYMN LXXIL Agni. + +Though holding many gifts for men, he humbleth the higher +powers of each wise ordainer. + +Agni is now the treasure-lord of treasures, for ever granting +all immortal bounties. + +2 The Gods infallible all searching found not him, the dear Babe + +who still is round about us. + +Worn weary, following his track, devoted, they reached the +lovely highest home of Agni. + +3 Because with holy oil the pure Ones, Agni, served thee the + +very pure three autumn seasons, + +Therefore they won them holy names for worship, and nobly +born they dignified their bodies. + +4 Making them known to spacious earth and heaven, the holy + +Ones revealed the powers of Budra. + +The mortal band, discerning in the distance, found Agni +standing in the loftiest station. + +Nigh they approached, one-minded, with their spouses, kneel¬ +ing to him adorable paid worship. + +Friend finding in his own friend’s eye protection, they made +their own the bodies which they chastened. * + + +1 Wilson, after S&yana, translates : * Agni.appropriates the prayers ad¬ + +dressed to the eternal creator/ The meaning appears to be that although +Agni bestows many good gifts on men, his flames are at times terribly des¬ +tructive. + +2 The flight of Agni and his pursuit by the Gods have been mentioned +before (I. 65, 1). The idea here is, as Ludwig observes, that the Gods did not +really find Agni—visible thou he be in his earthly form—until they attained +to the true philosophical knowledge of the Deity as he is. + +3 The pure Ones: ‘The text has only suchayah, the pure: the Scholiast, +supplies Maruts, for whom, it is said, seven platters are placed at the Agni- +chayana ceremony : and they are severally invoked by the appellations Idris, +Any&dris, T&dris, Pratidris, Mitah, Sammitah, and others. In consequence of +this participation, with Agni, of sacrificial offerings, they exchanged their +perishable, for immortal, bodies, and obtained heaven. The Maruts are, there¬ +fore, like the Ribhus, deified mortals/ Wilson. + +Three autumn seasons ; during three years. Ludwig observes that the period +of three years in connexion with religious vows or ceremonies is mentioned +elsewhere also. + +4 The poivers of Kitdra : Kudra here is a name of Agni. + +The mortal band : the Maruts, so called as not having been originally im¬ +mortal + + + + +HYMN 73.] + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +97 + + +6 Soon as the holy beings had discovered the thrice-seven mystic + +things contained within thee, + +With, these, one-minded, they preserve the Amrit: guard thou +the life of all their plants and cattle. + +7 Thou, Agni, knower of men's works, hast sent us good food in + +constant course for our subsistence : * + +Thou deeply skilled in paths of Gods becamest an envoy never +wearied, offering-bearer. + +8 Knowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of + +good thought, discerned the doors of riches. + +Saram& found the cattle's firm-built prison, whereby the race of +man is still supported. + +D They who approached all noble operations making a path that +leads to life immortal, + +To be the Bird's support, the spacious mother, Aditi, and her +great Sons stood in power. + +10 When Gods immortal made both eyes of heaven, they gave to +him the gift of beauteous glory. + +Now they flow forth like rivers set in motion : they knew the +Bed Steeds coming down, 0 Agni. + +HYMN LXXIII. Agni. + +He who gives food, like patrimonial riches, and guides aright +like some wise man's instruction, + +Loved like a guest who lies in pleasant lodging,—may he, as +Priest, prosper his servant's dwelling. + +2 He who like Savitar the God, true-minded, protecteth with his +power all acts of vigour, + +Truthful, like splendour, glorified by many, like breath joy-giv¬ +ing,—all must strive to win him. + +8 He who on earth dwells like a king surrounded by faithful +friends, like a God all-sustaining, + +Like heroes who preside, who sit in safety: like as a blameless +dame dear to her husband. + +6 The thrice-seven mystic things: the secret or mysterious rites by which +heaven is to he obtained; offerings of various kinds, food, clarified butter, +Soma juice etc., arranged in three classes of seven. All these offerings require +fire, and so are contained in Agni. + +They preserve the Amrit: the nectar or drink of the Gods; by the perfor¬ +mance of these sacrifices they secure the fall of rain in due season. + +8 Saramd found the cattle'$ firm-built prison : see I. 62. 3. + +9 To be the Bird's support: the Bird is the Sun. Aditi is infinite Nature, +and her great Sons are the Adityas. + +10 Both eyes of heaven ; the Sun and Moon, The Red Steeds: the Sun’s rays. + + +98 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +4 Thee, such, in settlements secure, 0 Agni, our men serve ever + +kindled in each dwelling. + +On him have they laid splendour in abundance: dear to all +men, beai'er be he of riches. + +5 May thy rich worshippers win food, 0 Agni, and princes gain + +long life who bring oblation. + +May we get booty from our foe in .battle, presenting to the +Gods their share for glory. + +G The cows of holy law, sent us by Heaven, have swelled with +laden udders, loudly lowing; + +Soliciting his favour, from a distance the rivers to the rock +have Sowed together. + +7 Agni, with thee, soliciting thy favour, the holy Ones have + +gained glory in heaven. + +They made the Night and Dawn of different colours, and set +the black and purple hues together. + +8 May we and those who worship be the mortals whom thou, + +0 Agni, leadest on to riches. + +Thou hast filled earth and heaven and air’s mid-region, and +folio west the whole world like a shadow. + +9 Aided by thee, 0 Agni, may we conquer steeds with steeds, + +men with men, heroes with heroes, + +Lords of the wealth transmitted by our fathers : and may our +princes live a hundred winters. + +10 May these our hymns of praise, Agni, Ordainer, be pleasant +to thee in tliy heart and spirit. + +May we have power to hold thy steeds of riches, laying on +thee the God-sent gift of glory. + + +0 The cows of holy law : the cows whose milk is used in the various sacrifices +offered in accordance with the eternal ordinance. + +The rivers: the water used in sacrifice which flows or is brought to the rod' +or stone with which the Soma juice is expressed. + +7 Through Agni’s favour the holy Ones , the immortal Gods, receive the +oblations which strengthen them for the performance of the great deeds which +bring them glory. + +8 Like a shadow: averting distress, as the shade of a* great rock or tree +wards off the oppressive heat of the sun. + +9 May our princes: may the wealthy men who institute our sacrifices live +to the greatest age usually allotted to man. + +10 To hold thy steeds of riches: to retain by us thy horses which bring +w§albli, that is, continue to receive and keep the riches which thou sendest. + + + +HYMN 75.] + + +m + + +the mar eda. + +HYMN LXXIV. Agni. + +As forth to sacrifice we go, a hymn to Agni let us say, + +Who hears us even when afar; + +2 Who, from of old, in carnage, when the people gatliered, hath + +preserved * + +■His household for the worshipper. + +3 And let men say, Agni is born, e’en he who slayeth Vritra, he +Who winneth wealth in every fight. + +A Him in whose house an envoy thou lovest to taste his offered +gifts, + +And strengthenest his sacrifice, + +5 Him, Angiras, thou Son of Strength, all men call happy in his + +God, + +His offerings, and his sacred grass. + +6 Hitherward shalt thou bring these Gods to our laudation and + +to taste + +These offered gifts, fair-shining One. + +7 Vhen, Agni, on thine embassage thou goest not a sound is + +heard of steed or straining of thy car, + +8 Aided by thee uninjured, strong, one after other, goes he forth : +Agni, the offerer forward steps. + +9 And splendid strength, heroic, high, Agni, thou grantest from + +the Gods, + +Thou God, to him who offers gifts. + +HYMN LXXV. Agni. + +Accept our loudest-sounding hymn, food most delightful to +the Gods, + +Pouring our offerings in thy mouth. + +2 Now, Agni, will wo say to thee, 0 wisest and best Angiras, + +Our precious, much-availing prayer. + +3 Who, Agni, is thy kin, of men? who is thy worthy worshipper? + +On whom dependent ? who art thou ? + +4 The kinsman, Agni, of mankind, their well-beloved Friend art + +thou, # ’ + +A Friend whom friends may supplicate, +g Bring to us Mitra, Yaruna, bring the Gods to mighty sacrifice. +Bring them, 0 Agni, to thine home. + +This Hymn and the nineteen following are ascribed to the Rishi Gotama, +son of Rahugana. + +tl Who slayeth Yritra : Agni may here be identified with Indra. + +5 Angiras; a name of Agni. See I. 1. 6. « + + + +100 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK L + + +HYMN LXXYI. Agni. + +How may the mind draw nigh to please thee, Agni % What +hymn of praise shall bring ns greatest blessing ? + +Or who hath gained thy power by sacrifices % or with what +mind shaM we bring thee oblations ? + +2 Come hither, Agni; sit thee down as Hotar; be thou "who + +never wast deceived our leader. + +May Heaven and Earth, the all-pervading, love thee : worship +the Gods to win for us their favour. + +3 Burn thou up all the R&kshasas, 0 Agni; ward thou off curses + +from our sacrifices. + +Bring hither with his Bays the Lord of Soma: here is glad +welcome for the Bounteous Giver. + +4 Thou Priest with Kp and voice that bring us children hast been + +invoked. Here with the Gods he seated. + +Thine is the task of Cleanser and Presenter : waken us, Wealth- +bestower and Producer. + +5 As with oblations of the priestly Manus thou worshippedst the + +Gods, a Sage with sages, + +So now, 0 truthfullest Invoker, Agni, worship this day with +joy-bestowing ladle. + +HYMN LXXYIL Agni. + +How shall we pay oblation'unto Agni 1 What hymn, God-loved, +is said to him refulgent 'l + +Who, deathless, true to Law, mid men a herald, bringeth the +Gods as best of sacrificers ? + +2 Bring him with reverence hither, most propitious in sacrifices, +true to Law, the herald ; + +For Agni, when he seeks the Gods for mortals, knows them full +well and worships them in spirit. + + +3 The Lord of Sonia: Indra. + +4 Agni, the priest or bearer of oblations, has been invoked with a hymn +which will bring the blessing of children. + +The Cleanser (Potar) and the Presenter or Invoker (Hotar) are two of the +Sixteen officiating priests. + +5 J/antw .* another form of the word Manu, Man, the great forefather of +men. + +With joy-bestowing ladle: with the sacrificial ladle used in pouring the holy +oil or clarified butter into the fire, an offering especially pleasing to the Gods, + + + +THE RlGVEDA. + + +101 + + +KfMtf 79.] + +3 For he is mental power, a man, and perfect; he is the bringcr, + +friend-like, of the wondrous. + +The pious Aryan tribes at sacrifices address them first to him +who doeth marvels. + +4 May Agni, foe-destroyer, manliest Hero, accept with love our + +hymns and our devotion. » + +So may the liberal lords whose strength is strongest, urged +by their riches, stir our thoughts with vigour. + +5 Thus Agni Jatavedas, true to Order, hath by the priestly Go- + +tamas been lauded. + +May he augment in them splendour and vigour : observant, +as he lists, he gathers increase. + +HYMN LXXVIII. Agni. + +O JAtavedaS) keen and swift, we Gotamas with sacred song +exalt thee for thy glories’ sake. + +2 Thee, as thou art, desiring wealth Gotama worships with his + +song: + +We laud thee for thy glories’ sake. + +3 As such, like Angiras we call on thee best winner of the spoil: +We laud the for thy glories’ sake. + +4 Thee, best of Vritra-slayers, thee who shakest off our Dasyu + +foes; + +We laud thee for thy glories’ sake. + +5 A pleasant song to Agni we, sons of Rahugaya, have sung : + +We laud thee for thy glories’ sake. + +HYMN LXXIX. Agni. + +He in mid-air’s expanse hath golden tresses; a raging serpent, +like the rushing tempest: + +Purely refulgent, knowing well the morning; like honourable +dames, true, active workers. + + +3 The -wondrous: extraordinary wealth. + +4 Liberal lords: wealthy patrons whose gifts will encourage and strengthen +the devotions of the priests : + +3 Like Angiras: after the manner of Angiras, one of the earliest per¬ +formers of sacrifice. + +4 Lest of Vritra-sktyers: here again Agni is identified with Indra. + +X Agni is here spoken of in his three forms, the golden-haired Sun, the ser¬ +pentine lightning, and the household fire for religious purposes and ordinary +use. He is said to know the morning as being re-kindled for sacrifice at day¬ +break, and is compared to an active matron op account of his employment fo +domestic purposes. + + + +m the hymns op [book /* + +2 Thy well-winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the + +black Bull hath bellowed round about us. + +With drops that bless and seem to smile he cometh : the wa¬ +ters fall, the clouds utter their thunder. + +3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conduct¬ + +ing by directest paths of Order, + +Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, Parijman fill the hide full where lies +the nether press-stone. + +4 0 Agni, thou who art the Lord of wealth in kine, thou Sou + +of Strength, + +Vouchsafe to us, 0 Jatavedas, high renown. + +5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song : +Shine, thou of many forms, shine radiantly on us. + +6 0 Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning + +breaks, + +Burn, thou whose teeth are sharp, against the Rakshasas. + +7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine aid, +When the great hymn is chanted forth. + +8 Bring to us ever-conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of + +our choice, + +In all our frays invincible. + +9 Give us, 0 Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all + +our life, + +Thy favour so that we may live. + +10 0 Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with + +care + +To Agni of the pointed flames. + +11 May the man fall, 0 Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: + +Do thou increase and prosper us. + +12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand-eyed, chaseth the Rakshasas + +afar: + +He singeth, herald meet for lauds. + + +2 The black Ball hath bellowed: the dark rain-clouds have thundered. + +3 When becomes to the Gods with the milk of worship > the rich sacrificial +offering, the Gods send copious rain. Parijman > the "Wanderer, the circum¬ +ambient, is in this place the stormy Wind, The nether press-stone (which rests +upon an ox-hide) is here the earth, the heaven being the upper stone. Wilson, +following SAyaoa, translates e pierce through the (investing) membrane into +the womb of the cloud,’ + + +HYMN 80.] THE RIGYEDA. 103 + +HYMN LXXX. Indra. + +Thus in the Soma, in wild joy the Brahman hath exalted +thee: + +Thou, mightiest, thunder-armed, hast driven by force the +Dragon from the earth, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +2 The mighty flowing Soma-draught, brought by the Hawk, hath + +gladdened thee, + +That-in thy strength, 0 Thunderer, thou hast struck down +Vritra from the floods, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +3 Go forward, meet the foe, be bold ; thy bolt of thunder is not + +checked. + +Manliness, Indra, is thy might: slay Vritra, make the waters +thine, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +4 Thou smotest Vritra from the earth, smotest him, Indra, from + +the sky. + +Let these life-fostering waters flow attended by the Marut host, +lauding thine own imperial sway. + +5 The wrathful Indra with bis bolt of thunder rushing on the + +foe, + +Smote fierce on trembling Vritra’s back, and loosed the waters +free to run, lauding his own imperial sway. + +6 With hundred-jointed thunderbolt Indra hath struck him on + +the back, + +And, while rejoicing in the juice, seeketh prosperity for friends, +lauding his own imperial sway. + +7 Indra, unconquered might is thine, Thunderer, Caster of the + +Stone; + +For thou with thy surpassing power smotest to death the guile¬ +ful beast, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +8 Far over ninety spacious floods thy thunderbolts were cast + +abroad : + +Great, Indra, is thy hero might, and strength is seated in +thine arms, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +$ Laud him a thousand all at once, shout twenty forth the +hymn of praise. + +Hundreds have sung aloud to him, to Indra hath the prayer +been raised, lauding his own imperial sway. + + +1 The Dragon: the great serpent Aki, one of the demons of drought. + +2 Brought by the Hawk : tlxe Soma is said to have been brought from heaven +by a hawk or falcon. Cf. I. 93 6, + +7 The guileful beast ; the demon Vritra. + +8 Ninety spacious foods: _ the many waters obstructed by Vritra. + + + +104 TEE IITMNB OF [BOOK L + +10 Indra hath smitten down the power of Vritra,—might with + +stronger might. + +This was his manly exploit, he slew Vritra and let loose the +floods, landing his own imperial sway. + +11 Yea, even this great Pair of Worlds trembled in terror at thy + +wrath, * + +When, Indra, Thunderer, Marufc-girt, thou slowest Vritra in +thy strength, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +12 But Vritra scared not Indra with his shaking or his thunder + +roar. + +On him that iron thunderbolt fell fiercely with its thousand +points, landing his own imperial sway. + +13 When with the thunder thou didst make thy dart and Vritra + +meet in war, + +Thy might, 0 Indra, fain to slay the Dragon, was set firm in +heaven, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +14 When at thy shout, 0 Thunder-armed, each thing both fixed + +and moving shook, + +E’en Tvashtar trembled at thy wrath and quaked with fear +because of thee, lauding thine own imperial sway. + +15 There is not, in our knowledge, one who passeth Indra in his + +strength: + +In him the Deities have stored manliness, insight, power and +might, lauding his own imperial sway. + +16 Still as of old, whatever rite Atharvan, Manus sire of all, +Dadhyach performed, their prayer and praise united in that + +Indra meet, lauding his own imperial sway. + +HYMN LXXXI. indra. + +The men have lifted Indra up, the Vntra-slayer, to joy and +strength.: + +Him, verily, we invocate in battles whether great or small: +be he our aid in deeds of might. + +2 Thou, Hero, art a warrior, thou art giver of abundant spoil. +Strengthening e’en the feeble, thou aidest the saorificor, thou +givest the offerer ample wealth. + + +16 Atharvan in the priest who first obtained fire and offered Soma and +prayers to the Gods, Dadhyach is his son. Manus or Manu is the progenitor +of mankind. + +The refrain, f lauding his own imperial sway / is not always in syntactical con¬ +nexion with the verse of which it forms the conclusion. + + +1 Tke men: the ministering priests who exalt and strengthen with oblations. + + + +THE MG VEDA, + + +105 + + +HYMN**,] + +3 When war and battles are on foot, booty is laid before the bold. +Yoke thou thy wildly-rushing Bays. Whom wilt thou slay + +and whom enrich ? Do thou, 0 Indra, make us rich. + +4 Mighty through wisdom, as he lists, terrible, he hath waxed + +in strength. + +Lord of Bay Steeds, strong-jawed, sublime, he ih joined hands +for glory’s sake hath grasped his iron thunderbolt. + +5 He filled the earthly atmosphere and pressed against the lights + +in heaven. + +Hone like thee ever hath been born, none, Indra, will be bom +like thee. Thou hast waxed mighty over all. + +6 May he who to the offerer gives the foeman’s man-sustaining + +food, + +May Indra lend his aid to us. Deal forth—abundant is thy +wealt h—that in thy bounty I may share. + +7 He, righteous-hearted, at each time of rapture gives us herds + +of kine. + +Gather in both thy hands for us treasures of many hundred +sorts. Sharpen thou us, and bring us wealth. + +8 Refresh thee, Hero, with the juice outpoured for bounty and + +for strength. + +We know thee Lord of ample store, to thee have sent our +hearts’ desires : be therefore our Protector thou. + +9 These people, Indra, keep for thee all that is worthy of thy + +choice. + +Discover thou, as Lord, the wealth of men who offer up no +gifts : bring thou to us this wealth of theirs. + +HYMN LXXXII. Indra. + +Graciously listen to our songs, Maghavan, be not negligent. +As thou hast made us full of joy and lettesfc us solicit thee, +now, Indra, yoke thy two Bay Steeds. + +2 Well have they eaten and rejoiced ; the friends have risen and + +passed away. + +The sages luminous in themselves have praised thee with their +latest hymn. Now, Indra, yoke thy two Bay Steeds. + +3 Maghavan, we will reverence thee who art so fair to look upon. +Thus praised, according to our wish come now with richly + +laden car. Now, Indra, yoke thy two Bay Steeds. + + +9 The people : thy worshippers here. + +1 Maghavan; Indra, the rich and liberal. + +2 Well have they eaten : they, meaning the worshippers. + + + +106 THE HYMN'S OF [BOOK I. + +4 He will in very truth ascend the powerful car that finds the + +lane, + +Who thinks upon the well-filled bowl, the Tawny Coursers' +harnesser. Now, Indra, yoke thy two Bay Steeds. + +5 Let, Lord of Hundred Powers, thy Steeds be harnessed on the + +right and left. + +Therewith in rapture of the juice, draw near to thy beloved +Spouse. Now, Indra, yoke thy two Bay Steeds. + +8 With holy prayer I yoke thy long-maned pair of Bays : come +hitherward; thou holdest them in both thy hands. + +The stirring draughts of juice outpoured have made thee glad : +thou, Thunderer, hast rejoiced with Pushan. and thy Spouse. + +HYMN LXXXIII. Indra. + +Indra, the mortal man well guarded by thine aid goes fore¬ +most in the wealth of horses and of kine. + +With amplest wealth thou fillest him, as round about the +waters clearly seen afar till Sindhu full. + +2 The heavenly Waters come not nigh the priestly bowl: they + +but look down and see how far mid-air is spread: + +The Deities conduct the pious man to them : like suitors they +delight in him who lovoth prayer. + +3 Praiseworthy blessiug hast thou laid upon the pair who with + +uplifted ladle serve thee, man and wife. + +Unchecked he dwells and prospers in thy Jaw : thy power +brings blessing to the sacrifice!’ pouring gifts. + +4 First the Angirases won themselves vital power, whose fires + +were kindled through good deeds and sacrifice. + +The men together found the Pani's hoarded wealth, the cattle, +and the wealth in horses and in kine. + +5 Atharvan first by sacrifices laid the paths ; then, guardian of +( the Law, sprang up the loving Sun. + +Usana Kavya straightway hither drove the kine. Let us with +offerings honour Yama's deathless birth. + +5 Thy Spouse : IndrAnt See I. 22.12. + +3 Man and wife: the text has only mitJumd, a couple. The word appa¬ +rently means here the offerer of the sacrifice and his wife, who took part in +the ceremony, S&yaua explains ib as the grain and the butter of oblation. + +4 The Pani: is the illiberal demon who withholds the rain. + +5 The paths: for the rising Sun to travel. Usand Kdrya is the name of a +celebrated ancient Rishi. See I. 51. 10. The meaning of the latter half of the +second verse is obscure. Ludwig renders it ‘ Seek we to win by sacrifice the +immortality which has sprung from Yama.’ Yama seems here to represent +the rising Sun. See Elmi, Dor My thus des Yama, p. 62, + + + +HYMN 84 .] + + +THE RIGVEDA .' + + +107 + + +6 When sacred grass is trimmed to aid the auspicious work, or +the hymn makes its voice of praise sound to the sky. + +Where the stone rings as ’twere a singer skilled in laud,—Indra +in truth delights when these come near to him. + +HYMN LXXXIY. * Indra. + +The Soma hath been pressed for thee, 0 Indra; mightiest, +bold One, come. + +May Indra-vigour fill thee full, as the Sun fills mid-air with +rays. + +2 His pair of Tawny Coursers bring Indra of unresisted might +Hither to Hishis* songs of praise and sacrifice performed by + +men. + +3 Slayer of Yritra, mount thy car; thy Bay Steeds have been + +yoked by prayer. + +May, with its voice, the pressing-stone draw thine attention +hitherward. + +4 This poured libation, Indra, drink, immortal, gladdening, ex¬ + +cellent. + +Streams of the bright have flowed to thee here at the seat of +holy Law. + +5 Sing glory now to Indra, say to him your solemn eulogies. + +The drops poured forth have made him glad: pay reverence + +to his might supreme. + +6 When, Indra, thou dost yoke thy Steeds, there is no better + +charioteer: + +None hath surpassed thee in thy might, none with good steeds +overtaken thee. + +7 He who alone bestoweth wealth on mortal man who ofiereth + +gifts, + +The ruler of resistless power, is Indra, sure, + +8 When will he trample, like a weed, the man who hath no gift + +for him ? + +When, verily, will Indra hear our songs of praise 1 + +9 He who with Soma juice prepared amid the many honours + +thee,— + +Yerily Indra gains thereby tremendous might. + + +4 The briyht: Soma juiee. The scat of holy Law: the place where sacrifice, +prdained by ritd, or eternal Law, is performed, + + +# + + + +108 TUB Brum OB [BOOK /. + +10 The juice of Soma thus diffused, sweet to the taste, the bright + +cows drink, + +Who for the sake of splendour close to mighty India’s side +rejoice, good in their own supremacy. + +11 Craving ljis touch the dappled kine mingle the Soma with + +their milk. + +The milch-kine dear bo Indra send forth his death-dealing +thunderbolt, good in their own supremacy. + +12 With veneration, passing wise, honouring his victorious might, +They follow close his many laws to win them due preemi¬ +nence, good in their own supremacy. + +13 With bones of Dadhyach for his arms, Indra, resistless in + +attack, + +Struck nine-and-ninety Vritras dead. + +14 He, searching for the horse’s head, removed among the moun¬ + +tains, found + +At Saryanavan what he sought. + +15 Then verily they recognized the essential form of Tvashtar’s + +Bull, + +Here in the mansion of the Moon. + +10 The bright cows: the pure and glossy milk which absorbs or drinks the +Soma juice with which it is mixed, and which is close to, or united with, +Indra when offered to and accepted by him in libation. + +11 Send forth: the cows, that is, their milk, exalt and strengthen Indra, + +and incite him to battle with the demons. ■ f the refrain of this + +triad (verses 10, 11, 12) is not very clear. ■■ " 1 Sityana, translates + +it: ‘abiding (in their stalls) expectant of his Sovereignty.’ + +13 Dadhyach. , or in a later form, Dadhicha, was a Rishi, son of Atharvan, +he and his father being regarded as the first founders of sacrifice. He is des¬ +cribed as having the head of a horse given to him by the Asvins which was +afterwards cut off by Indra. With his bones, or, as the legend says, the bones +of this horse’s head, converted into a thunderbolt, Indra slew the Vritras or +demons who withheld the rain. The Vedic legend, which was modified and +amplified in later times, appears to have been connected in its origin with that +of Dadliikr&s, often mentioned in the Veda and described as a kind of divine +horse, probably a personification of the morning Sun in his rapid course. +Dadhyach may \)e the old Moon whose bones, when he dies, become the stars +with which Indra slays the fiends of darkness. + +14 Mountains: the morning clouds. Siiryandvdn: said to be a lake and +district in Kurukshetra, near .the modern Delhi. + +15 Tvushtars an obscure expression for the Sun. The purport of the +verse may be that when, after the rains, the bright moonlight nights came, +men recognized the fact that the light was borrowed from the Sun. Wilson, +following S sly an a, translates the verse : f The (solar rays) found, on this occa¬ +sion the light of Twashtri, verily, concealed in the mansion of the moving +moon,’ See Hymns of the Atharva-veda, X2J^41. + + + +HYMN 85 .] + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +109 + + +16 Who yokes to-day unto the pole of Order the strong and pas¬ + +sionate steers of checkless spirit, + +With shaft-armed mouths, heart-piercing, health-bestowing ? +Long shall he live who richly pays their service. + +17 Who fLeeth forth ? who suffereth ? who feareth h Who knoweth + +Indra present, Indra near us 1 * + +Who sendeth benediction on his offspring, his household, +wealth and person, and the people % + +18 Who with poured oil and offering honours Agni, with ladle + +worships at appointed seasons % + +To whom do the Gods bring oblation quickly ? What offerer, +God-favoured, knows him throughly % + +19 Thou as a God, 0 Mightiest, verily blessest mortal man. + +0 Magh'avan, there is no comforter but thou: Indra, I speak +my words to thee. + +20 Let not thy bounteous gifts, let not thy saving help fail us, + +■ good Lord, at any time ; + +And measure out to us, tliou lover of mankind, all riches +hitherward from men. + +HYMN LXXXV. Maruts. + +They who are glancing forth, like women, on their way, doers +of mighty deeds, swift racers, Rudra’s Sons, + +The Maruts have made heaven and earth increase and grow : +in sacrifices they delight, the strong and wild. + +2 Grown to their perfect strength greatness have they attained ; +the Rudras have established their abode in heaven. + +Singing their song of praise and generating might, they have +put glory on, the Sons whom Rrisni bare. + + +16 The strong and passionate steers; the jealous and indefatigable priests, +who are yoked to the chariot-pole of Order or employed in the performance of +sacrifice ordained by eternal Law. The words of the priests are the arrows +with which their mouths are armed. + +17 The answer to these questions is, the priests, who*represent the feelings +of the man who institutes the sacrifice. + +18 The second line of this verse is rendered by Wilson, following S&yana : + +‘To whom do f ^ 1 ing (the wealth) that has been called for?’ + +This would be ' ; but hdmtc (oblation) can hardly bear the + +interpretation thus forced upon it. + +1 Rudra'$ Sons • the Maruts, or Storm-Gods, are the sons of Rudra and of +Prism, the earth or the speckled cloud. + +% The Rudras; the sons of Rudra. + + + +no * TI1B HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +3 When, Children of the Cow, they shine in bright attire, and + +on their fair limbs lay their golden ornaments, + +They drive away each adversary from their path, and, follow¬ +ing their traces, fatness floweth down, + +4 When, mighty Warriors, ye who glitter with your spears, o’er- + +throwing with your strength e ; en what is ne'er o'erthrown, +When, 0 ye Maruts, ye the host that send the rain, had har¬ +nessed to your cars the thought-fleet spotted deer. + +5 When ye have harnessed to your cars the spotted deer, urging + +the thunderbolt, 0 Maruts, to the fray, + +Forth rush the torrents of the dark-red stormy cloud, and +moisten, like a skin, the earth with water-floods. + +6 Let your swift-gliding coursers bear you hitherward with their + +fleet pinions. Come ye forward with your arms. + +Sit on the grass; a wide scat hath been made for you : delight +yourselves, 0 Maruts, in the pleasant food. + +7 Strong in their native strength to greatness have they grown, + +stepped to the firmament and made their dwelling wide. +When Vishnu saved the Soma bringing wild delight, the Maruts +sate like birds on their dear holy grass. + +8 In sooth like heroes fain for fight they rush about, like com¬ + +batants fame-seekiug have they striven in war. + +Before the Maruts every creature is afraid ; the men are like to +Kings, terrible to behold. + +9 When Tvashtar deft of hand had turned the thunderbolt, + +g >ldon, with thousand edges, fashioned skilfully, + +Indra received it to perforin heroic deeds. Yritra he slew, +and forced the flood of water forth. + +10 They with their vigorous strength pushed the well up on high, +and clove the cloud in twain though it was passing strong. +The Maruts, bounteous Givers, sending forth their voice, in +the wild joy of Soma wrought their glorious deeds. + +3 Children of the Cow: that is, of Prism or the cloud under that type. +Fatness fioweth down: the clouds drop fatness ; the fertilizing rain descends + +4 The glittering spears are the flashes of lightning. The chariot of the +Maruts is said to be drawn by spotted deer or antelopes. + +0 Sit on the grass: on the sacred grass trimmed and strewn for the Gods. + +7 When Vishnu saved the Soma: Vishnu prepareclthc Soma and brought it to +Indra, and the Maruts, Indra’s companions, sat down with him to enjoy it. + +8 The men: the Maruts. Kings: that is, warriors. + +10 The well: here the cloud, as a reservoir of water. + + + +ota t 86.] the mar eda. m + +11 They drave the cloud transverse directed hitherward, and + +poured the fountain forth for thirsting Gotama. + +Shining with varied light they come to him with help : they +with their might fulfilled the longing of the sage, + +12 The shelters which ye have for him who lauds you, bestow + +them threefold on the man who offers. * + +Extent the same boons unto us, ye Maruts. Give us, 0 Hetoes, +wealth with noble offspring. + +HYMN LXXXVI. Manila + +The best of guardians hath that man within whose dwelling- +place ye drink, + +0 Maruts, giants of the sky. + +2 Honoured with sacrifice or with the worship of the sagesA + +hymns, 0 Maruts, listen to the call, + +3 Yea, the strong man to whom ye have vouchsafed to give a + +sage, shall move +Into a stable rich in kine. + +4 Upon this hero’s sacred grass Soma is poured in daily rites ; +Praise and delight are sung aloud. + +5 Let the strong Maruts hear him, him surpassing all men : + +strength he his +That reaches even to the Sun. + +6 For, through the swift Gods’ loving help, in many an autumn, + +Maruts, we + +Have offered up our sacrifice, + +7 Fortunate shall that mortal be, 0 Maruts most adorable, +Whose offerings ye bear away. + +8 0 Heroes truly strong, ye know the toil of him who sings + +your praise. + +The heart’s desire of him who loves. + +9 0 ye of true strength, make this thing manifest by your great¬ + +ness : strike + +The demon with your thunderbolt. + +10 Conceal the horrid darkness, drive far from ns each devour¬ +ing fiend. + +Create the light for which we long. + +11 Gotama; the Rislii to whom the hymn was revealed, + +8 Shall move into a stable rich in kine : shall become the wealthy possessor +of many cows. + +8 Of h ini who loves; of the suppliant who loves and prays to you. + +10 Devouring fiend; 'Atrhi, which stands for attrln, is one of the many + + + + +112 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +HYMN LXXXVIE. Maruts. + +Loud Singers, never humbled, active, full of strength, immov¬ +able, impetuous, manliest, best-beloved, + +They have displayed themselves with glittering ornaments, a +few in number only, like the heavens with stars. + +2 When, Maruts, on the steeps ye pile the moving cloud, ye are +like birds on whatsoever path it he. + +Clouds everywhere slied forth the rain upon your cars. Drop +fatness, honey-hued, for him who sings your praise. + +3' Earth at their racings trembles as if v T eak and worn, when on +their ways they yoke their cars for victory. + +They, sportive, loudly roaring, armed with glittering spears, +shakers of all, themselves admire their mightiness. + +4 Self-moving is that youthful band, with spotted steeds ; thus + +it hath lordly sway, endued with power and might. +Truthful art thou, and blameless, searcher-out of sin : so thou. +Strong Host, wilt be protector of this prayer. + +5 We speak by our descent from our primeval Sire; our tongue, + +when we behold the Soma, stirs itself. + +When, shouting, they had joined Indra in toil of fight, then +only they obtained their sacrificial names. + +6 Splendours they gained for glory, they who wear bright rings; + +rays they obtained, and men to celebrate their praise. +Armed with their swords, impetuous and fearing naught, they +have possessed the Maruts’ own beloved home, + + +names assigned to the powers of darkness and mischief. It is derived from +atra, which means, tooth or jaw, and therefore meant originally an ogre with +large teeth or jaws, a devour er/—Max Muller. See Vedie Hymns, Part I. +(Sacred Books of the East, XXXII.) for a translation and full explanation of +this and’ other Hymns to the Maruts. + +1 A few in member only: ' refers to the Maruts, who are represented a* +gradually rising or just showing themselves, as yet only a few in number, like +the first stars in the sky/—Max Muller. + +5 The Soma juice inspires us, and we are guided by the tradition received +from our ancestors. + +The Maruts obtained divine honours only as a reward for assisting Indra +in his battle with the demon Vritra. + +6 They have possessed the Maruts ’ own beloved home: ‘have established +themselves in what became afterwards known as their own abode, their own +place among the gods invoked at the sacrifice/—Max Muller. + + + +HYMN 89 .] + + +TEE RIG VEDA, 113 + +HYMN LXXXYIII. Maruts. + +Come hither, Maruts, on your lightning-laden oars, sounding +with-sweet songs, armed with lances, winged with steeds. +Fly unto us with noblest food, like birds, 0 ye of mighty power. + +2 With their red-hued or, haply, tawny courser^ which speed + +their chariots on, they come for glory. + +Brilliant like gold is he who holds the thunder. Earth have +they smitten with the chariot's felly. + +3 For beauty ye have swords upon your bodies. As they stir + +woods so may they stir our spirits. + +For your sake, 0 ye Maruts very mighty and well-born, have +they set the stone in motion. + +4 The days went round you and came back, 0 yearners, back, + +to this prayer and to this solemn worship. + +The Gotamas making their prayer with singing have pushed +the well's lid up to drink the water. + +5 No hymn was ever known like this aforetime which Gotama + +sang forth for you, 0 Maruts, + +What time upon your golden wheels he saw you, wild boars +rushing about with tusks of iron. + +6 To you this freshening draught of Soma rusheth, 0 Maruts, + +like the voice of one who prayeth. + +It ru&heth freely from our hands as these libations wont to +flow. + +HYMN LXXXIX. Visvedevas. + +May powers auspicious come to us from every side, never de¬ +ceived, unhindered, and victorious, + +That the Gods ever may be with us for our gain, our guardians +' day by day unceasing in their care. + +2 He who holds the thunder: the holder of the thunder or thunderbolt is +Indra. + +3 Eave they set the stone in motion: men have pressed out the Soma juice + +and offered libations to you. * + +4 And to this solemn worship; (vdvh&ryffm cha devtfm) * The most likely sup¬ + +position is that v&rk&rya was the name given to some famous hymn, some +pgean or song of triumph belonging to the Gotamas. The purport of ‘the +whole line then would be that many days have gone for the Maruts as well as +for the famous hymn addressed to them, or, in other words, that the Gotamas +have long been demoted to the Maruts ...The pushing up of the. lid ;of the +well for to drink, means that they obtained rain from the cloud, which is here, +as before, represented as a.covered well.’-—Max Muller. . + +6 This verse is very obscure. I follow M. M.’s translation which [ is to a +great extent conjectural.’ . + +8 + + + +114 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I . + +2 May the auspicious favour of the Gods be ours, on us descend + +the bounty of the righteous Gods. + +The friendship of the Gods have we devoutly sought: so may +the Gods extend our life that we may live. + +3 We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, Bhaga, the + +friendly* Dak slia, Mitra, Aditi, + +Aryaman, Varuna, Soma, the Asvins. May SarasvatJ, auspici¬ +ous, grant felicity. + +4 May the Wind waft to us that pleasant medicine, may Earth + +our Mother give it, and our Father Heaven, + +And the joy-giving stones that press the Soma’s juice. Asvins, +may ye, for whom our spirits long, hear this. + +5 Him we invoke for aid who reigns supreme, the Lord of all + +that stands or moves, inspirer of the soul, + +That Pushan may promote the increase of our wealth, our +keeper and our guard infallible for our good. + +6 Illustrious far and wide, may Indra prosper us: may Pushan + +prosper us, the Master of all wealth. + +May T&rkshya with uninjured fellies prosper us: Brihaspati +vouchsafe to us prosperity. + +7 The Maruts, Sons of Prism, borne by spotted steeds, moving + +in glory, oft visiting holy rites, + +Sages whose tongue is Agni, brilliant as the Sun,—hither let +all the Gods for our protection come. + +8 Gods, may we with our ears listen to what is good, and with + +our eyes see what is good, ye Holy Ones. + +With limbs and bodies firm may we extolling you attain the +term of life appointed by the Gods. + +9 A hundred autumns stand before us, 0 ye Gods, within whbso + +space ye bring our bodies to decay; + +Within whose space our sons become fathers in turn. Break +ye not in the midst our course of fleeting life. + + +3^ Bkaga t enumerated by Yftska among the deities of the highest sphere, is +an Aditya regarded in the Yeda as bestowing wealth and instituting or pre¬ +siding over love and marriage. Daksha is a creative power associated with +Aditi, and therefore sometimes identified with Praj&pati. + +4 Our Father Heaven: pit£f Dyafis = irarrjf) Zt-vg, Jupiter. + +0 Tdrkshyu: usually described as a divine horse, and probably a personifi¬ +cation of the Sun. Brihaspati: Lord of Prayer. + +7 Whose tongue is Agni: who receive oblations through Agni or fire. + +9 A hundred autumns : regarded as the natural length of human life. Cf. +Isaiah, LX.V. 20 f There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old +-man that hath not filled his days : for the child shall die an hundred year* +old/ + + + + +HYMN 91 .] + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +115 + + +10 Aditi is the heaven, Aditi is mid-air, Aditi is the Mother and +the Sire and Son. + +Aditi is all Gods, Aditi five-classed men, Aditi all that hath +been born and shall be born, + +HYMN XO, Visvedevas. + +May Varuna with guidance straight, and Mitra l£ad ns, he who +knows,- + +And Aryaman in accord with Gods, + +2 For they are dealers forth of wealth, and, not deluded, with + +their might + +Guard evermore the lioly laws. + +3 Shelter may they vouchsafe to us, Immortal Gods to mortal men, +Chasing our enemies away, + +4 May they mark out our paths to bliss, Indra, the Maruts, + +Pushan, and + +Bhaga, the Gods to be adored. + +5 Yea, Pushan, Vishnu, ye who run your course, enrich our + +hymns with kine; + +Bless us with all prosperity. + +6 The winds waft sweets, the rivers pour sweets for the man who + +keeps the Law: + +So may the plants be sweet for us, + +7 Sweet be the night and sweet the dawns, sweet the terrestrial + +atmosphere; + +Sweet be our Father Heaven to us, + +8 May the tall tree be full of sweets for us, and full of sweets + +the Sun: + +May our milch-kine he sweet for us. + +9 Be Mitra gracious unto us, and Varuna and Aryaman : + +Indra, Brihaspatl be kind, and Vishnu of the mighty stride, + +HYMN XCI. • Soma. + +Thou, Soma, art preeminent for wisdom; along the atraightest +path thou art our leader. + +Our wise forefathers by thy guidance, Indu, dealt out among +the Gods their share of treasure. + + +10 Aditi, the Infinite,. mAaijte Kat u r e. + +9 Vishnu of the mighty stride : as the Sun, striding aver or traversing the +three worlds. + +1 Indu: another name of Soma, here identified with the Mom who teache* +men the proper seasons at which to worship the Mane* or deified Father*. +See I. 43. 8, note. + + +116 . ' TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK I, + +2 Thou by thine insight art most wise, 0 Soma, sti’ong by thine + +energies and all-possessing; + +Mighty art thou by all thy powers and greatness, by glories +art thou glorious, guide of mortals. + +3 Thine are King Yaruna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, 0 + +Soma, is thy glory, + +All-pure art thou like Mitra the beloved, adorable, like +Aryaman, 0 Soma, + +4 With all thy glories on the earth, in heaven, on mountains, in + +the plants, and in the waters,— + +With all of these, well-pleased and not in anger, accept, 0 +royal Soma, our oblations, + +5 Thou, Soma, art the Lord of heroes, King, yea, Yyitra-slayer + +thou: + +Thou art auspicious energy, + +6 And, Soma, let it be thy wish that we may live and may not + +die: + +Praise-loving Lord of plants art thou, + +7 To him who keeps the law, both old and young, thou givest + +happiness, + +And energy that he may live. + +8 Guard us, King Soma, on all sides from him who threaten^ us : + +never let + +The friend of one like thee be harmed, + +9 With those delightful aids which thou hast, Soma, for the + +worshipper,— + +Even with those protect thou us, + +10 Accepting this our sacrifice and this our praise, 0 Soma, come, +And be thou nigh to prosper us. + +11 Well-skilled in speech we magnify thee, Soma, with otu* + +sacred songs: + +Come thou to us, most gracious One. + +12 Enricher, healer of disease, wealth-tinder, prospering our store, + +Be, Soma, a good Friend to us, , • + +13 Soma, he happy in our heart, as miloh-kine in the grassy + +meads, + +As a young man in his own house. + +14 0 Soma, God, the mortal man who in thy friendship hath + +delight, + +Him doth the mighty Sage befriend. + + +8 Thine are King Vanina's eternal statutes: thy laws are the same as +Yaruna’s, or Varixna’s laws have their origiu iu thee. : + + +HYMN 91J THE RIG VEDA. . 1.17 + +15 Save us from slanderous reproach, keep us, 0 Soma, from + +distress: ' + +' Be unto us a gracious Friend. + +16 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite + +in thee ; . + +Be in the gathering-place of strength. + +17 Wax, 0 most gladdening Soma, great through all thy rays of + +light, and be + +A Friend of most illustrious fame to prosper us. + +18 In thee be juicy nutriments united, and powers and mighty + +foe-subduing vigour, + +Waxing to immortality, 0 Soma : win highest glories for thy¬ +self in heaven. + +19. Such of thy glories as. with poured oblations men honour, +may they all invest our worship. + +Wealth-giver, furtherer with troops of. heroes, sparing the +brave, come, Soma, to our houses. + +20 To him who worships Soma gives the milch-cow, a fleet steed + +and a man of active knowledge, + +Skilled in home duties, meet for holy synod, for council meet, +a glory to his father. + +21 Invincible in fight, saver in battles, guard of our camp, winner + +of light and water, + +Born amid hymns, well-housed, exceeding famous, victor, in +thee will we rejoice, 0 Soma. + +22 These herbs, these milch-kine, and these running waters, all + +these, 0 Soma, thou hast generated. + +The spacious firmament hast thou expanded, and with the +light thou hast dispelled the darkness. + +% 3 Do thou, God Soma, with thy Godlike spirit, victorious, win for +us a share of riches. + +Let none prevent thee : thou art Lord of valour. Provide for +both sides in the fray for booty. + + +14 The mighty Sage: Soma himself. + +16 Be in the gathering place of strength: be thou the central point and +source of all power. + +17 Through all thy rays of light; through all thy stalks, according to Ludwig +who takes Soma to be the plant. Wilson, following S&yapa, translates; +1 Increase with all twining plants.* + +22 These milch-Jcine: the milk which is to be mixed with the Soma juice* + + + +118 + + +[BOOK I. + + +TEB BY EES OB + +HYMN XCIL Dawn. + +These; Dkwbs Lave raised their banner; in the eastern half +of the mid-air they spread abroad their shining light. + +Like heroes who prepare their weapons for the war, onward +they come bright red in hue, the Mother Cows. + +. 2 Readily have the purple beams of light shot up; the Bed +Cows hive they harnessed, easy to be yoked. + +The Dawns have brought distinct perception as before: red- +hued, they have attained their fulgent brilliancy. + +3 They sing their song like women active in their tasks, along + +their common path hither from far &way, + +Bringing refreshment to the liberal devotee, yea, all things to +the worshipper who pours the juice, + +4 She, like a dancer, puts her b roidered garments on: as a cow + +yields her udder so she bares her breast* + +Creating light ior all the world of life, the Dawn hath laid +. the darkness open as the cows their stall. + +5 We have beheld the brightness of her shining; it spreads + +and drives away the darksome monster. + +Like tints that deck the Post at sacrifices, Heaven’s Daughter +hath attained her wondrous splendour. + +,6 We have o’erpast the limit of this darkness; Dawn breaking +forth again brings clear perception. + +She like a flatterer smiles in light for glory, and fair of face +hath wakened to rejoice us. + +7 The Gotamas have praised Heaven’s radiant Daughter, the +leader of the charm of pleasant voices. + +Dawn, thou conferrest on us strength with offspring and men, +conspicuous with kine and horses. + + +1 These Dawns; * We have the term Uxhasak, in the plural, intending, +according to the Commentator, the divinities that preside over the morning : +but, according to Ylska, the plural is used hunorificuliy only, for the singular +personification.’—Wilson, + +The Mother Cows; the Dawns, with their red clouds, who have just given birth +to the day. + +2 The Red Catos .* the red clouds of morning. + +• 3 Who pours the juice: presses out and offers libations of Soma juice. + +4 Bath laid the darkness open ; the meaning, rather obscurely expressed +with a harsh zeugma or ellipsis, is, Dawn, with her bright clouds, has opened +and emerged from the darkness which surrounded her, in the same manner aa +cowa leave the dark pen or stable in which they have been shut up, as soon as +it is opened in the early morning. + +5 Dike tints that deck the Post: the sacrificial post or pillar, to which the +victims were tied, was anointed by the priests. + +7 Pleasant voices ; of the newly-awakened birds, other animals, and human +n beings. + + + +HYMN 92.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +119 + + +8 0 thou who shinest forth in wondrous glory, urged onward by + +thy strength, auspicious Lady, + +Dawn,’ may I gain that wealth, renowned and ample, in brave +sons, troops of slaves, far-famed for horses. + +9 Bending her looks on all the world, the Goddess ^hines, widely + +spreading with her bright eye westward. + +Waking to motion every living creature, she understands the +voice of each adorer. + +10 Ancient of days, again again born newly, decking her beauty + +with the self-same raiment, + +The Goddess wastes away the life of mortals, like a skilled +hunter cutting birds in pieces. + +11 She hath appeared discovering heaven’s borders: to the far + +distance she drives off her Sister. + +Diminishing the days of human creatures, the Lady shines +with all her lover’s splendour. + +12 The bright, the blessed One shines forth extending her rays + +like kine, as a flood rolls his waters. + +Never transgressing the divine commandments, she is beheld +visible with the sunbeams. + +13 0 Dawn enriched with ample wealth, bestow on us the won¬ + +drous gift + +Wherewith we may support children and children's sons. + +14 Thou radiant mover of sweet sounds, with wealth of horses + +and of kine + +Shine thou on us this day, 0 Dawn, auspiciously. + +15 0 Dawn enriched with holy rites, yoke to thy car thy purple + +steeds, + +And then bring thou unto us all felicities. + +16 0 Asvins wonderful in act, do ye unanimous direct +Your chariot to our home wealthy in kine and gold. + +17 Ye who brought down the hymn from heaven, a light that + +giveth light to man, + +Do ye, 0 Aevins, bring strength hither unto us. + + +10 Like a skilled hunter cutting birds in pieces : ‘ Sftyana takes a vaghni for a +* fowler’s wife’, and vijuh for ‘ birds.’ Benfey takes vijuh for * dice/ and ex¬ +plains the clause as denoting a cunning gambler who tampers with the dice by - +shaving them down . . The phrase vijuh wad ihin *ti occurs again in R. V* +II. 12. 5. where Sftyana takes vijuh for udrejukah ‘a vexer.’ So uncertain are +his explanations.’—J. Muir, 0 . k>\ Texts, V..186, + +11 Her sister: Night. Her lover: the Sun. + +12 Hewr transgressing: always obedient to the eternal Law' or divine order +of the universe. + + + + +120 THE HYMNS OE [BOOK L + +18 Hither may they who wake at dawn bring, to drink Soma, +both the Gods, + +Health-givers, Wonder-Workers, borne on paths of gold. + +HYMN XCIII. Agni-Soma. + +‘Agni and Soma, mighty Pair, graciously hearken to my call, +Accept in friendly wise my hymn, and prosper him who offers +gifts. + +2 The man who honours you to-day, Agiii and Soma, with + +this hymii, + +Bestow on him heroic strength, increase of kino, and noble +steeds. + +3 The man who offers holy oil and burnt oblations unto you, +Agni and Soma, shall enjoy great strength, with offspring, all + +his life. + +4 Agni and Soma, famed is that your prowess wherewith ye + +stole the kine, his food, from Pani. + +Ye caused the brood of Brisaya to perish; ye found the light, +the single light for many. + +5 Agni and Soma, joined in operation ye have set up the shining + +lights in heaven. + +From curse and from reproach, Agni and Soma, ye freed the +rivers that were bound in fetters. + +6 One of you Matarisvan brought from heaven, the Falcon rent + +the other from the mountain. + +Strengthened by holy prayer Agni and Soma have made us +ample room for sacrificing. + + +18 They who wake at dawn : according to S&yana, p the horses of the Asvins. +The expression may apply, with at least equal propriety, to the priests who +rise at day-break to perform the morning sacrifices. + +1 Agni and Soma : or, 0 Agni-Soma, the two Gods forming a dual deity +agnUhomau. + +4 Ye stole the kine : recovered the cows (the rain-clouds: or rays of light) +which the niggard demon had carried off and concealed. Brisaya ; the name + +# of a demon or savage enemy. + +5 From curse and from reproach : according to S Ay an a, f the rivers were +defiled by the dead body of Vritra, which had fallen into them; their waters +were, consequently, unfit to bear any part in sacred rites, until they were +purified by Agni and Soma, that is, by oblations to fire and libations of Soma +j nice. ’—Wilson. + +6 MiUarismn, or, in the nominative case, M Atari sv&, brought Agni or fire +from heaven, and the Falcon brought Soma from the mountain or cloud, +that is, says SAyana, from Svarga on the top of Mount Meru. + + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +121 + + +HYMN 94.] + +7 Taste, Agni, Soma, this prepared oblation; accept it. Mighty + +Ones, and let it please you. + +Vouchsafe us good protection and kind favour : grant to the +sacrificer health and riches. + +8 Whoso with oil and poured oblation honours, with God-devoted + +heart, Agni and Soma,— + +Protect his sacrifice, preserve him from distress, grant to the +sacrificer great felicity. + +9 Invoked together, mates in wealth, Agni-Soma, accept our + +hymns : + +Together be among the Gods. + +10 Agni and Soma, unto him who worships you with holy oil +Shine forth an ample recompense. + +11 Agni and Soma, be ye pleased with these oblations brought + +to you, + +And come, together, nigh to us. + +12 Agni and Soma, cherish well our horses, and let our cows be + +fat who yield oblations. + +Grant power to us and to our wealthy patrons, and cause our +holy rites to be successful. + +HYMN XCIY. Agni. + +Fob Jatavedas worthy of our praise will we frame with our +mind this eulogy as ’twere a car. + +For good, in his assembly, is this care of ours. Let us not, in +thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +2 The man for whom thou sacrificest prospereth, dwelleth with¬ + +out a foe, gaineth heroic might. + +He waxeth strong, distress never approacheth him. Let us +not, in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +3 May we have power to kindle thee. Fulfil our thoughts. In + +thee the Gods eat the presented offering. + +Bring hither the A dityas, for we long for them. Let us not +in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +*2 Who yield oblations : who supply milk to be mixed with Soma juice. +Our wealthy patrons: the rich householders who institute the sacrifices. + +This Hymn and the four following are attributed to the Rishi Kutsa, the +son of Angiras. + +1 Jdtuvedas: Agni. See I. 44. 1. + +As ’twere a car: as a carpenter constructs a car or wain, + +In hi s assembly: among those who have met together to worship him. The +meaning might also be: good, or auspicious, is his providence or loving care of us + +3 Bring hither the Aditya s : the Sons of Aditi ; all the Gods, according to +S&yana. + + + +122 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +A We will bring fuel and prepare burnt offerings, reminding thee +at each successive festival. + +Fulfil our thought that so we may prolong our lives. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +5 His ministers move forth, the guardians of the folk, protecting + +quadruped and biped with their rays. + +Mighty art thou, the wondrous herald of the Dawn. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +6 Thou art Presenter and the chief Invoker, thou Director, + +Purifier, great High Priest by birth. + +Knowing all priestly work thou perfectest it, Sage. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +7 Lovely of form art thou, alike on every side ; though far, + +thou shinest brightly as if close at hand. + +0 God, thou seest through even the dark of night. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +8 Gods, foremost be his car who pours libations out, and let our + +hymn prevail o’er evil-hearted men. + +Attend to this our speech and make it prosper well. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +9 Smite with thy weapons those of evil speech and thought, + +devouring demons, whether near or far away. + +Then to the singer give free way for sacrifice. Let us not in +thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +10 When to thy chariot thou hadst yoked two red steeds and two + +ruddy steeds, wind-sped, thy roar was like a bull’s. + +Thou with smoke-bannered flame attackest forest trees. Let +us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +11 Then at thy roar the very birds are terrified, when, eating up + +the grass, thy sparks fly forth abroad. + +Then is it easy for thee and thy car to pass. Let us not in +thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + + +5 His ministers: his beams of light. + +6 ‘ Agni is here identified with the chief of the sixteen priests engaged at +solemn sacrifices. He is Adhwuryu, usually called the reciter of the Yajush, +—here defined, by the scholiast, as the presenter of the offerings ; he is the +Hotri, or invoking priest: he is the Pras&stri , or the Maitr 7varuna y whose duty +it is to direct the other priests what to do, and when to penorm their func¬ +tions : he is the potri, or priest so termed, and the family or hereditary +jpurohita; or purohita may be the same as the BrahmH of a ceremony,—being, +to men, what Brikaspati is to the gods.’—Wilson, + + +HYMN $5.] + + +TEE MIG VEDA. + + +12S + + +12 He hath the power to soothe Mitra and Varuna: wonderful is + +the Maruts’ wrath when they descend. + +Be gracious : let their hearts he turned to us again. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +13 Thou art a God, thou art the wondrous Friend of Gods, the + +Vasu of the Yasus, fair in sacrifice. + +Under thine own most wide protection may we dwell. Let us +not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +H This is thy grace that, kindled in thine own abode* invoked +with Soma thou soundest forth most benign. + +Thou givest wealth and treasure to the worshipper. Let us not +in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. + +15 To whom thou, Lord of gooily riches, grantest freedom from + +every sin with perfect wholeness, + +Whom with good strength thou quickenest, with children and +wealth—may we be they, Eternal Being. + +16 Such, Agni, thou who knowest all good fortune, God, lengthen + +here the days of our existence. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN XCV. # Agni. + +To fair goals travel Two unlike in semblance : each in succes¬ +sion nourishes an infant. + +One bears a Godlike Babe of golden colour: bright and fair- +shining is he with the other. + + +12 He hath the •power: Agni persuades Mitra and Varuna to send the rain +and protects man from the fury of the Storm-Gods. + +13 The Vasu of the Vasus: best of the class of Gods called Yasus; or +4 the good among the good.* + +16 Tbs second line of * this verse terminates the following hymns, with two +exceptions, as far as the hundred and first Mhta. Mitra, Varuna, and Aditi +have been before noticed. By Sindhu is to be understood the divinity presid¬ +ing over, or identified with, flowing water ; and it may menu either the aea +or flowing streams collectively, or the river liidut*. Prithivi ancl Div are the +prsonified earth and heaven. These are requested to honour , meaning, to +preserve, or perpetuate, whatever blessing has been asked for ) tat .....mfan- +ahant m) ; from mah, to venerate or worship.*—Wilson. + +1 The Two are Day and Night, aud the infant that each suckles in turn is +Agni, as the Sun by day and Fire, or the Moon, by night. + + + + + +126 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK A + +.4 That M&tarisvan rich in wealth and’ treasure, light-winner, +finds a pathway for his offspring, + +Guard of our folk, Fath3r of earth and heaven.* The Gods +possessed the wealth-bestowing AgnL. + +5 Night and Dawn,, changing each the other’s colour, meeting + +together suckle one same Infant: + +Golden between the heaven and earth he shineth. The Gods +possessed the wealth-bestowing AgnL + +6 Root of wealth, gathering-place of treasures, banner of sacri¬ + +fice, who grants the suppliant’s wishes: + +Preserving him as their own life immortal, the Gods possessed +the wealth-bestowing Agni. + +7 Now and of old the home of wealth, the mansion of what is + +born and : what was born aforetime, + +Guard of what is and what will be hereafter,—the Gods pos¬ +sessed the wealth-bestowing Agni: + +8 May the Wealth-Giver grant us conquering riches; may the + +Wealth-Giver grant us wealth with heroes. + +May the Wealth-Giver grant us food with offspring, and +length of days may the Wealth-Giver send us. + +9 Fed with our fuel, purifying Agni, so blaze to us auspiciously + +for glory. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra,. and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven: + +HYMN XGVIT. AgnL + +Chasing with light our sin away, 0 Agni, shine thou wealth +on us. + +May his light chase our sin away. + +2 Fpr goodly fields, for pleasant homes, for wealth we sacrifice + +t officer + +May his light chase our sin away. + +3 Best praiser of all these be he; foremost, our chiefs who + +sacrifice. + +May his light chase our sin away. + +4 Mdtarismii; usually the name of the divine being who brought Agni +from heaven (see I. 31. 8.), said by S&yana to mean in this place Agni himself. + +5 One same Infant: Agni (see I, 95. 1.) whom they nourish, with the obla* - +tion offered by men. + +Golden: as the Sun. + +3 May he, that is Kutsa, the Iiishi of the hymn, be preeminent among +these who celebrate thy praises, and may the householders who have iastitut* +ed this sacrifice be similarly distinguished. + + + +HYMN 99.] THE niGVEDA. 127 + +4 So that thj worshippers and we, thine, Agni, in our sons may + +live. + +May his light chase our sin away. + +5 As ever-conquering Agni’s beams of splendour go to every side, +May his light chase our sin away. + +6 To every side thy face is turned, thou art triulnphant every- +* where. + +May his light chase our sin away. + +7 0 thou whose face looks every way, bear us past foes as in a + +ship. + +May his light chase our sin away. + +8 As in a ship, convey thou us for our advantage o’er the flood. +May his light chase our sin away. + +HYMN XCVIIL Agni. + +Still in Yaisvanara’s grace may we continue: yea, he is King +supreme o’er all things living. + +Sprung hence to life upon this All he looketh. Yaisvanara +hath rivalry with Surya. + +2 Present in heaven, in earth, all-present Agni, —all plants that + +grow on ground hath he pervaded. + +May Agni, may Vaisvanara with vigour, present, preserve us +day and night from i'oemen. + +3 Be this thy truth, Yaisvanara, to us-ward: let wealth in rich + +abundance gather round us. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN XCIX. Agni. + +For Jatavedas let us press the Soma: may he consume the +wealth of the malignant. + +May Agni carry us through all our troubles, through grief as +in a boat across the river. + + +1 Valxvdnara, is an epithet of Agni or Fire aa present with, common to, or +benefiting, all men. + +Sprung hence to life : produced from these two aranis or fire-sticks. + +* This Hymn, consisting of a single stanza, is ascribed to the Rishi Kasyapa, +the son of Marlchi, + + + +128 THE HYMNS OF IBOOK L + +HYMN G. Indra. + +Mat he who hath his home with strength, the Mighty, the +King supreme of earth and spacious heaven, + +Lord of true power, to be invoked in battles,—may Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +2 Whose way is unattainable like Surya's : he in each fight is + +the strong Vritra-slayer, + +Mightiest with his Fxiends in his own courses. May Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +3 Whose paths go forth in their great might resistless, forth- + +milking, as it were, heaven’s genial moisture. + +With manly strength triumphant, foe-subduer,—may Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +4 Among Angirascs he was the chiefest, a Friend with friends, + +mighty amid the mighty. + +Praiser mid praisers, honoured most of singers. May Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour, + +5 Strong with the Rudras as with his own children, in manly + +battle conquering his foemen, + +With his close comrades doing deeds of glory,—may Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +6 Humbler of pride, exciter of the conflict, the Lord of heroes, + +God invoked of many, + +May he this day gain with our men the sunlight. May Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +7 His help hath made him eheerer in the battle, the folk have + +made him guardian of their comfort. + +Solo Lord is he of every holy service. May Indra, girt by +Maruts, be our succour. + + +This Hymn is ascribed to the regal Rishis the V&rsh&giras, the five sons of +the R4j& Vrish&gir, whose names are mentioned in the seventeenth stanza. w + +3 Whose paths; pdnthdmh, paths, is explained as * rays ’ by S&yana, Indra +is here represented as the God of light and of rain, + +5 Unclras: the Maruts, sons of Ru&ra the chief Storm-God. They are the +close comrades or faithful companions of Indra, who regards them not as his +equals but as his children, + +6 The sunlight: the hymn is addressed to Indra for aid in an approaching +battle. S&yapa says that the V&rshagiras pray that they may have daylight +and that their enemies may fight in the dark. + +7 Indra is regarded as their helper and inspiriter in battle and their +protector in .peace. He also presides over &11 acts of worship* and as-such +rewards those who serve him, + + + +IIYMN 100.] + + +THE RIG YE DA. + + +129 + + +8 To him the Hero, on high days of prowess, heroes for help + +and booty shall betake them. + +He hath found light even in the blinding darkness. May +Xndra, girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +9 He with his left hand checketh even the mighty, and with liis + +right hand gathereth up the booty. + +Even with the humble he acquireth riches. May Indra, girt +by Maruts, be our succour. + +10 With hosts on foot and cars he winneth treasures ; well is he + +known this day by all the people, + +With manly might he conquereth those who h$te hirq.. May +Indra, girt by Maruts, be our sqccour. v + +11 When in his ways with kinsmen or with strangers he speedeth + +to the fight, invoked of many, + +For gain of waters, and of sons and grandsons, may Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +J2 Awful and fierce, fiend-slayer, thunder-wielder, with boundless +knowledge, hymned by hundreds, mighty, + +In strength like Soma, guard of the Five Peoples, may Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +13 Winning the light, hitherward roars his thunder like the terri¬ + +fic mighty voice of Heaven. + +PJch gifts and treasures evermore attend him. May Indra, +4 girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +14 Whose home eternal through his strength surrounds him on + +every side, his latid, the earth and heaven, + +May he, delighted with our service, save us. May Indra, girt +by Maruts, be our succour, + +15 The limit of whose power not Gods by Godhead, nor mortal + +men have reached, nor yet the Waters. + +Both Earth and Heayen in vigour he surpasseth. May Indra, +girt by Maruts, be our succour. + +9 Even the humble : not the strong only, but the feeble man also acquires +riches with his help, + +12 Guard of the Five Peoples: of the five classes of beings, according to S£y* +ana, that is, Gods, Gandliarvas, Apsarases, Asuras and R&kshasas. Probably +the five Arya tribes are intended. See I. 7. 9, + +14 The Earth and Heaven, his dwelling-place, are his everlasting song of +praise because they have been established and regulated by him. This is +Jjudwig's explanation of this obscure verse, + +9 + + + + +130 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +16 The red and tawny mare, blaze-marked, high standing, celes¬ + +tial who, to bring Rijrasva riches, + +Drew at the pole the chariot yoked with stallions, joyous, +among the hosts of men was noted. + +17 The Vars^&giras nnto thee, 0 Indra, the Mighty One, sing + +forth this laud to please thee, + +Rijr&sva with his fellows, Ambarisha, Suradhas, Saha&eva, +Bhayamana. + +18 He, much invoked, hath slain Dasyns and Simyus, after his + +wont, and laid them low with arrows. + +The mighty Thunderer with his fair-eomplexioned friends, won +the land, the sunlight, and the waters. + +19 May Indra evermore be our protector, and unimperilled may + +we win the booty. + +This prayer of ours may, Yaruna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMH CL Indra. + +Sing, with oblation, praise to him who maketh glad, who with +Rijisvan drove the dusky brood away. + +Fain for help, him the strong whose right hand wields the bolt, +him girt by Maruts we invoke to be our Friend. + +2 Indra, who with triumphant wrath smote Yyansa down, and + +Sambara, and Pipru the unrighteous one ; + +Who extirpated Sushna the insatiate,— him girt by Maruts +we invoke to be our Friend. + +3 He whose great work of manly might is heaven and earth, and + +Yaruna and Surya keep his holy law; + +Indra, whose law the rivers follow as they flow,—him girt by +Maruts we invoke to be our Friend. + + +16 The epithets in this stanza are taken by Ludwig as names of the six +horses with which Eijrftsva drove to battle and conquered. The last four +verses of the hymn appear to have been added after the victory. + +18 Easy us and Simyua ; men of indigenous hostile races. + +His fair-complexioned friends ; explained by Sfiyana as the glittering Maruts, +means probably the Aryan invaders as opposed to the dark-skinned races of +the country. + +This Hymn and the following thirteen are ascribed to the Rishi Kutsa. + +1 Rijisvan .* a king, favoured and protected by Indra. See I. 51. 5 ; 53. 8. + +The dusky brood; the dark aborigines who opposed the Aryans. + +2 Vyansa, Sambara) Pipru, and Sushna are names of fiends of drought. + + + + +HYMN 101 .] + + +Tm RIGVMDA* + + +181 + + +4 He wlio is Lord and Master of the steeds and kine, honoured— + +the firm and sure—at every holy act; + +Slayer even of the strong who pours no offering out,— him +girt by Maruts we invoke to be our Friend. + +5 He who is Lord of all the world that moves and~breathes, who + +for the Br&kman first before all found the Cows; + +Indra who cast the Dasyus down beneath 1 is feet,—him girt +by Maruts we invoke to be our Friend. + +6 Whom cowards must invoke and valiant men of war, invoked + +by those who conquer and by those who flee; + +Indra, to whom all beings turn their constant thought,—him +girt by Maruts we invoke to be our Friend. + +7 Befulgent in the Budras’ region he proceeds, and with the + +Budras through the wide space speeds the Dame. + +The hymn of praise extols Indra the far-renowned *. him girt +by Maruts we invoke to be our Friend. + +8 0 girt by Maruts, whether thou delight thee in loftiest gather¬ + +ing-place or lowly dwelling, + +Come thenee unto our rite, true boon-bestower : through love +of thee have we prepared oblations. + +9 We, fain for thee, strong Indra, have pressed Soma, and, 0 + +thou sought with prayer, have made oblations. + +How at this sacrifice, with all thy Maruts, on sacred grass, 0 +team-borne God, rejoice thee. + +10 Bejoice thee with thine own Bay Steeds, 0 Indra, unclose thy + +jaws and let thy lips be open. + +Thou with the fair cheek, let thy Bay Steeds bring thee : gra¬ +cious to us, be pleased with our oblation. + +11 Guards of the camp whose praisers are the Maruts, may we + +through Indra, get ourselves the booty. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, lEarth and Heaven. + + +5 Who for the Brdhman: according to S&yana, who recovered for the +Angirases the cows that had been carried off by the Panis. See I. 32. IX. + +7 The Dame * Ludwig suggests that Rod&si, the wife of Rudra, is intended, +and refers to the Old-German myth of the Wind's-Bride. J + +11 Guards of the camp: may we who are the guardians of the camp or +new settlement, praised and favoured by the Maruts, win the spoil. The +words mar&tstotrasya vnj&nasya are somewhat obscure. + + +LS2 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1 . + +HYMN OIL Indra. + +To thee the Mighty One I bring this mighty hymn, for thy +desire hath been gratified by my laud. + +In Indra, yea in him victorious through his strength, the Gods +have jojed at feast and when the Soma flowed. + +2 The Seven Rivers bear his glory far and wide, and heaven and +sky and earth display his comely form. + +The Sun and Moon in change alternate run their course, that +we, 0 Indra, may behold and may have faith. + +■3 Maghavan, grant hs that same car to bring us spoil, thy com +quering car in which we joy in shock of fight. + +Thou, Indra, whom our hearts praise highly in the war, grant +shelter, Maghavan, to us who love thee well. + +4 Encourage thou our side in every fight : _may we, with thee for + +our ally, conquer the foeman’s host. + +Indr^ bestow oh’us j 6y^d“Mrcity , r5Feak down, 0 Maghavan, +the vig&u r oijour foes, + +5 For Kere in divers ways these men invoking thee, holder of + +treasures, sing thee hymns to win thine aid. + +Ascend the car that thou mayest bring spoil to us, for, Indra, +thy fixt mind winneth the victory. + +His arms win kine, his power is boundless, in each act best, +with a hundred helps, waker of battle’s din +Is Indra: none may rival him in mighty strength. Hence, +eager for the spoil, the people call on him. + +7 Thy glory, Maghavan, exceeds a hundred, yea, more than a + +hundred, than a thousand mid the folk, + +The great bowl hath inspirited thee boundlessly: so mayst +thou slay the Vritras, breaker-down of forts ! + +8 Of thy great might there is a threefold counterpart, the three + +earths, Lord of men ! and the three realms of light. + +Above this whole world, Indra, thou hast waxen great: with¬ +out a foe art thou, by nature, from of old, + + +% The Seven Rivers: the chief rivers in the neighbourhood of the earliest +Aryan settlements. See I. 32. 12. + +7 The great howl: the vessel containing the exhilarating Soma juice, or +the mighty libation itself. The forts are the cloud-castles of the demons of +the air which Indra destroys with his lightning: ‘ the clouds whose moving +turrets make the bastions of the storm.’—Shelley, Witch of Atlas . + +8 The three earths: perhaps the earth, the atmosphere, and the heaven. ’ +The three realms of light: or according to Sftyana, the three fires or fire in + +three forms, as the sun in heaven, the lightning in mid-air, and terrestrial +fire on earth. See also I, lOo, 5, + + + +HYMN 103:] + + +tiie mar eda. + + +133 + +9 We invocate thee first among the Deities : thou hast become a +mighty Conqueror in fight. + +May Indra fill with spirit this our singer’s heart, and make +our car impetuous, foremost in attack. + +10 Thou hast prevailed, and hast not kept the booty back, in + +trifling battles or in those of great account. + +We make thee keen, the Mighty One, to succour us: inspire +us, Maghavan, when we defy the foe. + +11 May Indra evermore be our Protector, and unimperilled may + +we win the booty. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CIU Indra. + +That highest Indra-power of thine is distant: that which is +here sages possessed aforetime. + +This one is on the earth, in heaven the other, and both unite +as flag with flag in battle. + +2 He spread the wide earth out and firmly fixed it, smote with +his thunderbolt and loosed the waters. + +Maghavan with his puissance struck down AM, rent Hauhina +to death and slaughtered Vyansa. + +8 Armed with his bolt and trusting in his prowess he wandered +shattering the forts of Dasas. + +Cast thy dart, knowing, Thunderer, at the Dasyu; increase +the Arya’s might and glory, Indra. + +4 For him who thus hath taught these human races, Maghavan, +bearing a fame-worthy title, + +Thunderer, drawing nigh to slay the Dasyus, hath given him¬ +self the name of Son for glory. + +1 That highest Indra-power ; Benfey explains this verse as meaning: In- +dra’s might is in a certain way divided; one part of it is possessed by the +sages who by their hymns, sacrifices and libations of Soma juice give him +complete power to perform his great deeds. S&yana says that the Sun and +fire are equally the lustre of Indra, one in heaven and the other on earth ; +and that by day fire is combined with the Sun, and by night the Sun is com¬ +bined with fire. + +2 Eauhina, said to be a demon, is, like the other fiends of drought, a dark +purple cloud that withholds the rain. + +3 Ddsas: or Dasyus, the non-Aryan inhabitants of the land. + +Knowing; distinguishing the Aryan from the barbarian. + +4 The meaning of this verse appears to be, as Ludwig says, that Indra/in +preparing to slay the Dasyus, has become, as it were, a son to the pious wor¬ +shipper who has proclaimed his great deeds to men. + + + +134 THE IIYMNS OF [BOOK L + +5 See this abundant wealth that he possesses, and put your trust + +in India’s hero vigour. + +He found the cattle, and he found the horses, he found the +plants, the forests and the waters. + +6 To him the truly strong, whose deeds are many, to him the + +strong Bull let us pour the Soma. + +The Hero, watching like a thief in ambush, goes parting the +possessions of the godless. + +7 Well didst thou do that hero deed, 0 Indra, in waking with + +thy bolt the slumbering Ahi. + +In thee, delighted, Dames divine rejoiced them, the flying +Maruts and all Gods were joyful, + +8 As thou hast smitten Sushna, Pipru, Vritra and Kuyava, and + +Sambara’s forts, 0 Indra. + +This prayer of ours may Yaruna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CIY. Indra. + +The altar hath been made for thee to rest on; come like a +panting courser and be seated. + +Loosen thy flying Steeds, set free thy Horses who bear thee +swiftly nigh at eve and morning. + +2 These men have come to Indra for assistance: shall he not + +quickly come upon these ™? + +May the Gods quell the fur; ■.,■;■■■ I m and may they lead +our folk to happy fortune. + +3 He who hath only wish as his possession casts on himself, casts + +foam amid the waters. + +7 Dames divine: the Consorts of the Gods. + +8 Kuyava: meaning, probably, 4 causing bad harvests/ is the name of an¬ +other of the demons of drought. + +2 The Ddsa; explained by S&yana as the destroying demons. It apparently +means here a chief of non-Aryan race whom the suppliants were going to +attack. + +' 3 S&yana explains: the Asura, or demon, Kuyava, who knows the wealth +of others carries it away of himself, and being present in the water he carries +off the water with the foam. In this water which has been carried away +Kuyava’s two wives bathe. Benfey takes the foamy water to mean the ferti¬ +lizing rain. Ludwig's explanation is : While the poor Arya who can only wish +for the wealth which he does not possess has not even ordinary water to wash +himself in, the wives of the enemy, m the insolent pride of their riches, bathe +in milk. + + + +EYMN 104.] + + +TEE MGVEDA. + + +135 + + +Both wives of Huyava in milk have bathed them : may they +be drowned within the depth of SipM. + +4 This hath his kinship checked who lives beside us : with an¬ + +cient streams forth speeds and rules the Hero, + +Anjasi, Kulisi, and Yirapatni, delighting him, bear milk upon +their waters. * + +5 Soon as this Dasyu’s traces were discovered, as she who knows + +her home, he sought the dwelling. + +Now think thou of us, Maghavan, nor cast us away, as doth a +profligate his treasure, + +6 Indra, as such, give us a share of sunlight, of waters, sinless¬ + +ness, and reputation. . + +Do thou no harm to our yet unborn offspring : our trust is in +thy mighty Indra-power. + +7 Now we, I think, in thee as such have trusted: lead us on, + +Mighty One, to ample riches. + +In no unready house give us, 0 Indra invoked of many, food +and drink when hungry. + +8 Slay us not, Indra; do not thou forsake us: steal not away + +the joys which we delight in. + +Bend not our unborn brood, strong. Lord of Bounty ! our +vessels with the life that is within them. + +9 Come to us; they have called thee Soma-lover: here is the + +pressed j uice. Drink thereof for rapture. + +Widely-capacious, pour it down within thee, and, invocated, +hear us like a Father. + + +Kuyava: perhaps a name given by the Aryans to one of the non-Aryan +chieftains. + +SipJid, is said by S^yana to be the name of a river. + +4 This stanza is very obscure. The meaning appears to be that the friend¬ +ship of Indra, who sends down the rain as before, has put an end to the inso¬ +lence of Kuyava. See Ludwig, ITeber dieneuesten Arbeiten auf dem Gehiete +der Hgveda-forschung. + +. The signification of the three rivers in the second line is obscure. Benfey +considers the names to be feminine personifications of the clouds. + +. Vtrajpatni, * the hero’s wife,’ occurs, as Dr. Hall has pointed out, in VI. 49. +7, as an epithet of Sarasvati the Goddess, and it may possibly here mean the +river Sarasvati. + +5 As she who knows her dwelling ; as a cow who knows her stall. + +7 In no unready house: that is, in a house well supplied and furnished. + +8 The joys that we delight in ; probably, our children. + +Our vessels: our wives with their unborn babes. S&yana gives other ex¬ +planations of the expression, + + + + +136 + + +[BOOK L + + +TEE HYMNS OF + +HYMN CY. Visvedevas. + +Within the waters runs the Moon, he with the beauteous +wings in heaven. + +Ye lightnings with your golden wheels, men find not your abid- +ing-plaee. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +2 ^Surely men crave and gain their wish. Close to her husband + +clings the wife, + +And, in embraces intertwined, both give and take the bliss of +love. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +3 0 never may that light, ye Gods, fall from its station in the + +sky. + +Ne’er fail us one like Soma sweet, the spring of our felicity. +Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +4 I ask the last of sacrifice. As envoy he shall tell it forth. +Where is the ancient law divine % Who is its new diffuser + +now ? Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +5 Y© Gods who yonder have your home in the three lucid realms + +of heaven, + +What count ye truth and what untruth % Where is mine an¬ +cient call on you h Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +6 What is your firm support of Law? What Yaruna’s observant + +eye ? + +How may we pass the wicked on the path of mighty Arya- +man ? Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +7 I am the man who sang of old full many a laud when Soma + +flowed. + +Yet torturing cares consume me as the wolf assails the thirsty +deer. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + + +This Hymn is ascribed either to Trita or to Kutsa. It is addressed to the +Yisvedevas on behalf of Trita who had been imprisoned in a well. Bee I. 52. 5. + +1 Within the waters: in the ocean of air. lie tvith the beauteous wings: the +Sun. + +Mark this my woe : the text has only vittdm me asya roda&i , ‘ know of this +of me, 0 Heaven and Earth/ which means, according to S&yana, either 4 be +aware of this my affliction/ or £ attend to this my hymn.’ + +4 I ask the last: the latest or youngest of the Gods, Agni, as being contin¬ +ually reproduced. + +5 The three lucid realms of heaven: the world is divided into earth, sky, +and heaven, and each of these, again, is sometimes spoken of as threefold. + +6 The path of mighty Aryaman : probably the milky way, regarded as the + +path to heaven.—Ludwig. The general meaning of 'h ■ - 1 * ■ 'his and +the two preceding verses is : Is there no longer any ' ■ * right + +and wrong ? Is there no moral government of the world ? If there be, why am +I, a faithful worshipper, allowed to suffer this undeserved misery ? + + + + +HTMN 105.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +137 + + +8 Like rival wives on every side enclosing ribs oppress me sore. + +0 Satakratu, biting cares devour me, singer of thy praise, as + +rats devour the weaver’s threads. Mark this my woe, ye +Earth and Heaven. + +9 Where those seven rays are shining, thence my house and + +family extend. + +This Trita Aptya knoweth well, and speaketh out for +brotherhood. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +10 May those five Bulls which stand on high full in the midst + +of mighty heaven, + +Having together swiftly borne my praises to the Gods, return. +Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +11 High in the mid ascent of heaven those Birds of beauteous + +pinion sit. + +Back from his path they drive the wolf as he would cross the +restless floods. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +12 Firm is this new-wrought hymn of praise, and meet to be told + +forth, 0 Gods. + +The flowing of the floods is Law, Truth is the Sun’s extended +light. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +13 Worthy of laud, 0 Agni, is that kinship which thou hast + +with Gods. + +Here seat thee like a man : most wise, bring thou the Gods +for sacrifice. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +8 Enclosing ribs: according to S&yana, the walls of the well in which Trita +was confined. Weaver’s threads: the’ meaning of #i?nc£ thus explained by +Sftyana is uncertain. Ludwig is of opinion that wooden phallus-idols are +intended. The line recurs in X. 33. 3. + +9 Those seven rags: of the Sun, says S&yana. But probably, as Ludwig +suggests, the rays are the flames of Agni. That is, Agni with his bright +beams, or the worship of Agni, is the central point through which I and +all the members of my family are connected and held together. + +Trita Aptya: A mythical being who dwells in the remotest part of the +heavens, and who knows the celestial origin of the human race. + +10 Those five Balls; the stars of some constellation. According to S&yana, +Indra, Varuna, Agni, Aryaman, and Savitar, or Fire, Wind, Sun, Moon, and +Lightning. Sdyana explains uJcshdnah, bulls or oxen, as ‘ shedders of benefits,* + +11 Those Birds of beauteous pinion: the stars. + +The wolf: darkness or eclipse of the Moon. + +12 Law (ritdm.) eternal order. 1 The meaning of the word as applied to +the natural world connects itself with the alternation of day and night, the +regular passage of the sun through the heavens.- or the unswerving motion of +the rain in its fall from heaven and of the streams along their courses. This +last application of the word may have determined its special sense of �� wafer * +in the later language. Wallis, Cosmology of the JRigveda f p, 93,’ + + + +138 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +14 Here seated, man-like as a priest shall wisest Agni to the Gods +Speed onward our oblations, God among the Gods, intelligent. + +Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +15 Yaruna makes the holy prayer. To him who finds the path + +. we pray. + +He in the heart reveals his thought. Let sacred worship rise +anew. - Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +16 That pathway of the Sun in heaven, made to be highly + +glorified, + +Is not to be transgressed, 0 Gods. 0 mortals, ye behold it +not. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +17 Trita, when buried in the well, calls on the Gods to succour + +him. + +That call of his Brihaspati heard and released him from +distress. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +18 A ruddy wolf beheld me once, as I was faring on my path. + +He, like a carpenter whose back is aching crouched and slunk + +away. Mark this my woe, ye Earth and Heaven. + +19 Through this our song may we, allied with Indra, with all our + +heroes conquer in the battle. + +This prayer of ours may Yaruna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Si'ndku, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CYI. Yisvedevas. + +Call we for aid on Indra, Mitra, Yaruna, and Agni and the +Marut host and Aditi. + +Even as a chariot from a difficult ravine, bountiful Yasus, +rescue us from all distress. + + +16 That pathway of the Sun: according to Benfey, the way of truth, right, +eternal order, as in verse 12. According to Ludwig the path of the Sun +between the tropics is meant. Tho Gods, says S&yana, must not disregard +the path of the Sun, because their existence depends upon him as regulator +of the seasons at which sacrifices are offered to them'. Still less may men +disregard it, who as sinners do not behold or understand it aright. + +17 Brihaspati; the Lord of Prayer. + +18 Bike a carpenter: the comparison is not very clear. It apparently means +that the wolf crept away, arching his back or contracting his limbs, like a +carpenter bending over his work till his back aches. Sfiyana suggests also an +alternative and totally different explanation of the whole passage, by inter¬ +preting vriha, the wolf, as the Moon, and reading mdsakrtf, maker of months, +instead of md sahrit } me once. See Ludwig, liber die neuesten Arbeiten auf +dem Gebiete der lligveda-forsclmng. + +1 Pagffs; originally meaning c the good * is sometimes used, as in this place +to designate Gods in general. + + + + +HYMN 107.] THE MIGVFDA. 139 + +2 Come ye Idityas for our full prosperity, in conquests of the +foe, ye Gods, bring joy to us. + +Even as a chariot from a difficult ravine, bountiful Vasus, +rescue us from all distress. + +,3 May the most glorious Fathers aid us, and the two Goddesses, +Mothers of the Gods, who strengthen Law. ' + +Even as a chariot from a difficult ravine, bountiful Yasus, +rescue us from all distress. + +4 To mighty Narasansa, strengthening his might, to Pushan, + +ruler over men, we pray with hymns. + +Even as a chariot from a difficult ravine, bountiful Yasus, +rescue us from all distress. + +5 Brihaspati, make us evermore an easy path: we crave what boon + +thou hast for men in rest and stir. + +Like as a chariot from a difficult ravine, bountiful Yasus, rescue +us from all distress. + +6 Sunk in the pit the Bishi Kutsa called, to aid, Indra the + +Yritra-slayer, Lord of power and might. + +Even as a chariot from a difficult ravine, bountiful Yasus, +rescue us from all distress. + +7 May Aditi the Goddess guard us with the Gods; may the + +protecting God keep us with ceaseless care. + +This prayer of ours may Yaruna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CYIL Visvedevas. + +Thu sacrifice obtains the Gods’ acceptance: be graciously +inclined to us, Adityas. + +Hitherward let your favour be directed, and be our best +deliverer from trouble. + +2 By praise-songs of Angirases exalted, may the Gods come to +us with their protection. + +May Indra with his powers, Maruts with Maruts, Aditi with +Adityas grant us shelter. + + +• 3 The Fathers: the Manes or spirits of departed ancestors. + +The two Goddesses ; Heaven and Earth. + +4 Nardsansa : a mystical name of Agni, c the Praise of Men.’ + +P'&shan: the God who nourishes men and flocks and herds. + +6 Sunk in the pit: perhaps figuratively for { in distress.’ Kutsa is the +Kishi to whom the hymn is ascribed. + +. 2 Maruts with Maruts: that is, all the Maruts together, or Maruts with +their winds and storm. ' ~ + + + +140 THE HYMNS OF ' [BOOK L + +3 This laud of ours may Varuna and Indra, Aryaman, Agni, +Savitar find pleasant. ^ . + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CVIII. Indra-Agni. + +On that most -wondrous car of yours, 0 Indra and Agni, which +looks round on all things living, + +Take ye your stand and come to us together, and drink liba¬ +tions of the flowing Soma* + +2 As vast as all this world is in its compass, deep as it is, with + +its far-stretching surface, + +So let this Soma be, Indra and Agni, made for your drinking +till your soul be sated. + +3 For ye have won a blessed name together: yea, with one aim + +ye strove, 0 Vritra-slayers. + +So Indra-Agni, seated here together, pour in, ye Mighty Ones, +the mighty Soma. + +4: Both stand adorned, when fires are duly kindled, spreading the +sacred grass, with lifted ladles. + +Drawn by strong Soma juice poured forth around us, come, +Indra-Agni, and display your favour. + +5 The brave deeds ye have done, Indra and Agni, the forms ye + +have displayed and mighty exploits, + +The ancient and auspicious bonds of friendship,—for sake of +these drink of the flowing Soma. + +6 As first I said when choosing you, In battle we must contend + +with Asuras for this Soma. + +So came ye unto this my true conviction, and drank libations +of the flowing Soma. + +7 If in your dwelling* or with prince or Br&hman, ye, Indra-Agni, + +Holy Ones, rejoice you. + +Even from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drink +libations of the flowing Soma. + +8 If with the Yadus, Turvasas, ye sojourn, with Druhyus, Anus, + +Purus, Indra-Agni! + +Even from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drink +libations of the flowing Soma. + +4 f We have, merely, in the text, the epithets in the dual number: the +commentator supplies the Adhwaryu and liis assistant priest.’—Wilson, Ben- +fey refers the dual epithets to Indra and Agni, translating them severally by +1 honoured,’ f for whom sacred grass has been strewn,’ * towards whom the' +ladles have been uplifted.’ A + +8 This verse contains the names of the five well-known Aryan tribes or fami¬ +lies, said to be descendants of the five similarly named sons of Yay&ti. See L 7, 9, + + + +HYMN 109.] TEN RIGYEDA. 141 + +9 Whether, 0 Indra-Agni, ye be dwelling in lowest earth, in cen¬ +tral, or in highest, + +Even from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drink +libations of the flowing Soma. + +10 Whether, 0 Indr^-Agni, ye be dwelling in highest earth, in +central, or in lowest, *> + +Even from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drink +libations of the flowing Soma, + +J1 Whether ye be in heaven, 0 Indra-Agni, on earth, on mourn +tains, in the herbs, or waters, + +Even from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drink +libations of the flowing Soma, + +12 If, when the Sun to the mid-heaven hath mounted, ye take + +delight in food, 0 Indra-Agni, + +Even from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drink +libations of the flowing Soma. + +13 Thus having drunk your fill of our libation, win us all kinds + +of wealth, Indra and Agni. + +This prayer of ours may Yaruna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +ana Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CIX. Indra-Agni, + +Longing for weal I looked around, in spirit, for kinsmen, +Indra-Agni, or for brothers. + +No providence hut yours alone is with me: so have I wrought +for you this hymn for succour. + +2 For I have heard that ye give wealth more freely than worth¬ + +less son-in-law or spouse’s brother. + +So offering to you this draught of Soma, I make you this ne\y +. hymn, Indra and Agni, + +3 Let us not break the cords : with this petition we strive to + +gain the powers of our forefathers. + + +9 In lowest earth , in central, or in highest: in earth, midrair, or heaven, the +word earth being used loosely for sphere or world. Or the reference may be +to the fanciful threefold division of the earth. + +2 Than worthless son-in-law or spouse’s brother; the worthless or defective +son-in-law, or suitor, who has not, as Y&ska explains, the necessary qualifica¬ +tions, is obliged to win the consent of his future father-in-law by very liberal ~ +gifts. The maiden’s brother gives her rich presents out of natural affection, + +3 Let us not break the cords? let us not break or irterrupt the long series* +of religious rites observed by our ancestors and continued to our time. Or, +as S&yana explains, let us not cut or break off the long line of posterity, but +ask for * and obtain ‘ descendants endowed with the vigour of their progeni- + + + +1*2 TEE HYMNS OF l&OOK L + +For Indra-Agni the strong drops are joyful, for here in the +bowl's lap are both the press-stones. + +4 For you the bowl divine, Indra and Agni, presses the Soma + +gladly to delight you. + +With hands auspicious and fair arms, ye Asyins, haste, sprinkle +it with sweetness in the waters, + +5 You, I have heard, were mightiest, Indra-Agni, when Vritra + +fell and when the spoil was parted. + +Sit at this sacrifice, ye ever active, on the strewn grass, and +with the juice delight you. + +6 Surpassing all men where they shout for battle, ye Twain ex¬ + +ceed the earth and heaven in greatness. + +Greater are ye than rivers and than mountains, 0 Indra-Agni, +and all things beside them. + +7 Bring wealth and give it, ye whose arms wield thunder: Indra + +and Agni, with your powers protect us. + +How of a truth ' these be the very sunbeams wherewith our +fathers were of old united. + +8 Givg, ye who shatter forts, whose hands wield thunder: Indra + +and Agni, save us in our battles. + +This prayer of ours may Vanina grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CX. Kiblms. + +The holy work I wrought before is wrought again : my sweet¬ +est hymn is sung to celebrate your praise. + +Here, 0 ye Eibhus, is this sea for all the Gods: sate you with +Soma offered with the hallowing word. + +The strong drops; the exhilarating Soma. + +In the bowl's lap: close to the vessel which receives the juice. But see +Ludwig, Ueber die neuesten Arbeiten, etc. pp. 85—S8 r + +4 Ye Asvhis: here called upon to perform the duties of the Adhvaryu and +his assistant priest, to mix the sweetness, or Soma, with water to be offered +to Indra and Agni. + +7 These be the very sunbeams : The meaning of the line may be that the +worship of Indra and Agni is the great bond which has kept the Rishi's +ancestors united. Wilson, following S&yana, translates : f May those rays of +the Sun, by which our forefathers have attained, together, a heavenly region, +shine also upon us.’ + +* 1 This sea for all the Gods: this vessel containing Soma juice for all the +Gods, or for the particular class of Gods called Visvedev&h or Visvedevas. + +The halloioing word: Svdhd (Ave ! Hail!); an exclamation used in making +oblations to the Gods. + + + +HYMN 110.] + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +148 + + +2 When, seeking your enjoyment onward from afar, ye, certain + +of my kinsmen, wandered on yonr way, + +Sons of Sudhanvan, after your long journeying, ye came unto +the home of liberal Savitar. + +3 Savitar therefore gave you immortality, because ye came pro¬ + +claiming him whom naught can hide; ' + +And this the drinking-chalice of the Asura, which till that +time was one, ye made to be fourfold. + +4 When they had served with zeal at sacrifice as priests, they, + +mortal as they were, gained immortality. + +The Ribhus, children of Sudhanvan, bright as suns, were in a +year’s course made associate with prayers. + +5 The Ribhus with a rod measured, as ’twere a field, the single- + +sacrificial chalice wide of mouth, + +Lauded of all who saw, praying for what is best, desiring glo¬ +rious fame among Immortal Gods. + +6 As oil in ladles, we through knowledge will present unto the + +Heroes of the firmament our hymn,— + +The Ribhus who came near with this great Father’s speed, and +rose to heaven’s high sphere to eat the strengthening food. + +7 Ribhu to us is Indra freshest in his. might, Ribhu with powers + +and wealth is giver of rich gifts. + +Gods, through your favour may we on the happy day quell +the attacks of those who pour no offerings forth. + +8 Out of a skin, 0 Ribhus, once ye formed a cow, and brought the- + +mother close unto her calf again. + +Sons of Sudhanvan, Heroes, with surpassing skill ye made +your aged Parents youthful as before. 4 + +2 Seeking your enjoyment: desirous of enjoying libations of Soma juice. + +My kinsmen: Sudhanvan:,, father of the Ribhus, was a descendant of Angi- + +ras, as was also Kutsa the Rishi of the hymn. + +3 Him whom naught can 'hide; or, from whom nothing can be hidden, that +is, Savitar as the Sun. + +The drinking-chalice of the Asura ; the cup that had been made by the +Asura or immortal God Tvashtar. See I. 20. 6. This chalice appears to be the +moon which contains the Amrit or nectar of the Gods. The legend seems to- +mean that Tvashtar as God of the year created it uniformly bright, and that +the Ribhus, as Gods of the seasons, made it fourfold or diversified with four +phases. See Hillebrandt, Vec’ 11 ■ ■*' I. p. 515- + +4 Associate with prayers : 4 \ ■ . he ceremonies (appropriated to + +the different seasons) of the year.’—Wilson. + +5 Measured: in order to divide it into four, as is said in verse 3. + +6 This great Father ; Savitar as- the Sun, the source of all life. Strengthening +food: Soma. + +8 A skin: perhaps the dried-up earth. A cow • the earth refreshed by the +Jlaius. The mother; the earth. Her calf; the autumn Sun. Parents; Hea¬ +ven and Earth. + + + +iu THE 1IYMNS OF IBOOK L + +9 Help us with strength where spoil is won, 0 Indra: joined +with the Ribhus give us varied bounty. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CXI. Ribhus. + +Working with skill they wrought the lightly rolling car: they +wrought the Bays who bear Indra and bring great gifts. + +The Ribhus for their Parents made life young again; and fa¬ +shioned for the calf a mother by its side. + +2 For sacrifice make for us active vital power; for skill and wis¬ + +dom food with noble progeny. + +Grant to our company this power most excellent, that with a +family all-heroic we may dwell. + +3 Do ye, 0 Ribhus, make prosperity for us, prosperity for car, + +ye Heroes, and for steed. + +Grant us prosperity victorious evermore, conquering foes in +battle, strangers or akin. + +4 Indra, the Ribhus 5 Lord, I invocate for aid, the Ribhus, V&jas, + +Maruts to the Soma draught. + +Varuna, Mitra, both, yea, and the Asvins Twain: let them +speed us to wealth, wisdom, and victory. + +5 May Rihhu send prosperity for battle, may Vaja conquering + +in the'fight protect us. + +This prayer of ours may Yanina grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +v HYMN CXII. ^ Asvins, + +To give first thought to them, I worship Heaven and Earth, +and Agni, fair bright glow, to hasten their approach. + +Come hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids wherewith +in fight ye speed the war-cry to the spoil. + +2 Ample, unfailing, they have mounted as it were an eloquent +car that ye may think of us and give. + +Come hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye +help our thoughts to further holy acts. + + +4 Vdjcts : that is, V&ja and his two brothers Ribhu and Vibhvan, more +usually called collectively the Ribhavah or Ribhus. Similarly, in this line +the Ribhus are Ribhu and his brothers, + +1 To give first thought to them: Heaven and Earth are to he the first Qbjeots! +of invocation. Agni, with his signal of bright fire, is also called upon to +hasten the approach of the Asvins to the sacrifice. + +2 They: our offerings. An eloquent car : the chariot of our hymns, + + + + +HYMN 112,] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +145 + + +3 Ye by v the might which heavenly nectar giveth you are in + +supreme dominion Lords of all these folk. + +Come hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye, +Heroes, made the barren cow give milk. + +4 The aids wherewith the Wanderer through his offspring’s + +might, or the Two-Mothered Son shows swiftest mid the +swift; + +* Wherewith the sapient one acquired his triple lore,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +5 Wherewith ye raised from waters, prisoned and fast hound, + +Eebha, and Vandana to look upon the light; + +Wherewith ye succoured Kanva as he strove to win,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, w r ith those aids. + +6 Wherewith ye rescued Antaka when languishing deep in the + +pit, and Bhujyu with unfailing help, + +And comforted Karkandhu, Vayya, in their woe,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +7 Wherewith ye gave Suchanti wealth and happy home, and + +made the fiery pit friendly for Atri’s sake; + +Wherewith ye guarded Purukutsa, Prisnigu,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + + +3 Heavenly nectar: the Soma. The barren cow: of the Rislii Sayu. + +4 The Wanderer: according to Sayana, the Wind. Agni is called his +offspring as having been excited into flame by the wind. Or M4tarisvan may +be intended (see I, 31. 8), who brought Agni from heaven. + +The Two-Mothered Son : Agni sprung from the two fire-sticks. + +The sapient one : said to be th$ Rishi Kakshiv&n. His triple lore : know¬ +ledge of sacrificial food, oblations of clarified butter, and libations of Soma +"juice. The meaning of the passage is uncertain. + +5 Rebha and Vandana are said to have been thrown into wells by the Asuras +or demons, Kanva was somewhat similarly treated, c In these, and similar in¬ +stances subsequently noticed,’ says Wilson, ‘ we may possibly have allusions to +the dangers undergone by some of the first teachers of Hinduism among the +people whom they sought to civilize.’ + +6 Antaka: said to have been a Rajarshi or regal Rishi, Bhujyu : a R&jarshi, +son of Tugra, rescued when in danger of drowning. Vayya: see II. 13. 12 ; +IY. 19. 6. + +7 Purukutsa: see I. 63. 7. Of Suchanti and Prisnigu nothing more is +related, + +Atri: see I. 45. 3; 51. 3. He is said to have been thrown by the Asuras into +a fiery pit. + +10 + + + + + + +•146 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +8 Mighty Ones, with what powers ye gave Paravrij aid what + +time ye made the blind and lame to see and walk; + +Wherewith ye set at liberty the swallowed quail,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids, + +9 Wherewith ye quickened the most sweet exhaustless flood, and + +•comforted Yasishtha, ye who ne'er decay; + +And to Srutarya, Kutsa, Nary a gave your help,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asyins, with those aids. + +10 Wherewith ye helped, in battle of a thousand spoils, Viepalfc + +seeking booty, powerless to move. + +Wherewith ye guarded friendly Vasa, Asya’s son,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asyins, with those aids. + +11 Whereby the cloud, ye Bounteous Givers, shed sweet rain + +for Dirghasravas, for the merchant Ausija, + +Wherewith ye helped Kakshivan, singer of your praise,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids, + +12 Wherewith ye made Basa swell full with water-floods, and + +urged to victory the car without a horse ; + +Wherewith Trisoka drove forth his recovered cows,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asyins, with those aids. + +8 Pardvrij : according to S&yana, the name of a man. Benfey explains the +word as the setting Sun (sideways departing), called blind because his light is +nearly gone, and lame because he no longer travels. The sivallowed quail; +swallowed, or seized, by a wolf. The quail is said by Yftska, as quoted by +S&yana, to signify the Dawn seized and swallowed by the bright Sun. Benfey +takes it to mean the Sun after setting. + +9 As the earliest bringers of light, the Asvins may be said to quicken and + +animate by their coming the streams of the ocean of air. We are not told +how the famous Yasishtha was comforted,* and- Srutarya, Kutsa, and Nary a are +merely said by S&yana to be three Rishis. Kutsa has been mentioned before. +See X. 33. 14 ; 51.6 ; 63. 3. * - + +• 10 Vispald: a lady who was wounded in battle, and made whole by the +Asvins, See 1.116, 16; 117. 11; 118. 8; X. 39,8. Powerless to move ; pierced +through with a lance, according to Ludwig. The meaning of atharvydm is un¬ +certain. Yo-sa; a celebrated Rishi, the seer of Hymn YIIJ. 46. + +11 Dirghasravas: said to be a Rishi who traded for his livelihood. Ausija +h a patronymic meaning son of Usij. KahsMvdn is also said to have been a +son of Usij, See 1.18. 1. + +12 Basd: 1 The Ras&, known to the Zoroastrians as the RantA, was origin¬ +ally the name of .a real river, but when the Aryas moved away from it into +the Punjab, it assumed a mythical character, and became a kind of Okeanos, +surrounding the extreme limits of the earth.’—-M. Muller, Vedic Hymns, +I. 323. No further account is given of the events mentioned in this verse. + + + +HYMN 112.] + + +THE B1QVEDA* + + +147 + + +13 Wherewith ye compass round the Sun when far away, strength¬ + +ened MandhAtar in his tasks as lord of lands, + +And to sage Bharadvaja gave protecting help,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +14 Wherewith, when Sambara was slain, ye guarded well great + +Atithigva, Divodasa, Kasoju, * + +And Trasadasyu when the forts were shattered down,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +15 Wherewith ye honoured the great drinker Vamra., and Upas- + +tuta and Kali when he gained his wife, + +And lent to Vyasva and to Prithi favouring help,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +1*6 Wherewith, 0 Heroes, ye vouchsafed deliyerance to Sayu +Atri, and to Manu long .ago; + +Wherewith ye shot .your shafts in Syumarasmi’s cause,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +17 Wherewith Patharva, in his majesty of form, shone in his +course like to a gathered kindled fire; + +Wherewith ye helped Sary&ta in the .mighty fray,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + + +13 The Asvins .are said to compass the Sun in order to .save him from +■eclipse. + +Mancllidtar : a R&jarslii or regal Rishi. See 'VIII. 39. 8. + +Bharadvaja: a very celebrated Rishi, said to be the son of Brihaspafci. + +14 Sambara ; one of the demons of drought slain by Indra. S&yana takes +atithigvam and kasojum as epithets of Divod&sa the king who was aided by +the Asvins: £ the hospitable Divod&sa as he sought the water (through fear of +the Asuras).’ Trasadasyu : a prince renowned for his victories and liberality, +.and for the favour shown him by the Gods. See IY. 42* 9 ; YII. 19,. 3 ; VIII. +9. 21 ; 19. 33 ; 36. 7. + +15 Vamra: called a Rishi, son of Vikhanas, by SHyana. ,c 'The test calls + +1 *.. K -i..-*-y - much and variously, which the Scholiast explains, + +t., 1 '- '■ ■ "*, ■■ .-'thly moisture or dew. 5 —Wilson. Benfey thinks that + +1 .■ .■ r the name Vamra. + +Ifpastuta : taken by Sayan a as an epithet of Vamra, * praised by all around +him.’ + +Kali: a Rishi, mentioned again .in X. 39.. 8. The Asvins may have restored +him to youth. + +Vyasva: taken by S&yana as an epithet of Prithi, c horseless, or who had lost +his horse.’ Prithi is said to have been a Rajai’shi. + +16 Sayu : see note on verse 3 of this Hymn; see also I. 116, *22 ; 117. 20, + +Atri : see note on verse 7 ; also I. 116. 8. + +Manu: this Manu is said by Sftyana to have been a Rajarshi whom the +.Asvins taught to sow barley and .other grain, + +Sytimarasmi: said to have been a Rishi, seer of hymns 77, 78, Book X, + +17 Palharvd : said by S&yana to have been a R&jarshi. Benfey thinks that +the word pai } iarvan f is a dialectical form of patr&rvan, 1 having winged horses.’ +Ludwig considers S&y ana’s explanation (which I have followed) to be er¬ +roneous and impossible He thinks that Path&rh was the name o.f some + + + +148 TEE EYMNS OF [BOOK L + +18 Wherewith, Augirases 1 ye triumphed in your heart, and + +onward went to liberate the flood of milk; + +Wherewith ye helped the hero Mann with new strength,—* +Come hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +19 Wherewith ye brought a wife for Vimada to wed, wherewith + +ye freely gave the ruddy cows away; + +Wherewith ye carried home Sudevi to Sudas,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids-. + +20 Wherewith ye bring great bliss to him who offers gifts, where¬ + +with ye have protected Bhujyu, Adhrigu, + +And good and gracious Subhara and Eitastup,—Come hither +unto us, 0 Asvins, w T ith those aids. + +21 Whrerewith ye served Krisanu where the* shafts were shot, + +and helped the young man's horse to swiftness in the race; +Wherewith ye bring delicious honey to the bees,—Come hither +unto us, O Asvins, with those aids. + + +stronghold which the Asvins saved from burning, either through the instru¬ +mentality of a man called Jathara or by means' of the rain-clouds. He ac¬ +cordingly renders : ‘ By means of which, at Patharfl, through the power of +Jathara (violence of the rain-clouds) the fire did not flame up, though +prepared and lighted on the way.’ The passage is difficult, and the interpreta¬ +tions put upon the words by Sayan a certainly appear to be forced, but on the +whole I think it safer to follow his guidance. I may observe here that * na,* +which in the Veda means both‘not’and ‘like’ sometimes makes the mean¬ +ing of a passage uncertain. In this line S&yana takes it in the latter sense, +and Ludwig in the former. + +Sarydta: perhaps the same as Saryftti, a son of Manu Vaivasvata. + +18 Anpirases : the text has Angiras only in the singular form, which may +stand, as Ludwig remarks, for the dual. Wilson, following Sftyana, translates : +‘Angiras, (praise the Asvins).’ S&yatia supposes the Rialn to address himself +by this title. Benfey joins angiras with the following word, making angiro * +mdnasd , ‘through affection for the Angirases,’ + +The flood of milk; the cows shut up in the oave, that is, the rain-clouds +prevented from pouring out their water. + +Manu : see verse 16. + +19 Vimada: a Rishi, whose name occurs again in 1.116. 1 ; 117. 20 j VIII. +9. 15 ; X. 20. 10 \ and X. 23. 7. The wife is said to have been the daughter +of Purumitra. + +The ruddy cows: perhaps the red rain-clouds. + +Sudds ; son of Pijivana. See I. 47. 7. + +20 Bhujyu: see note on verse 6. Adhrigu, taken by S&yana as a proper name + +is said to have been' a sacrificer of the Gods. Eitastup is called a Rishi! +S&yana takes suhhdrdm as an adjective, hut has to supply iskam food for it - +to qualify. J + +’ ^ ie ^resrhii of the Avesta ; one of the guardians of the +celestial Soma. See IV. 27.3. + +The young man: whose horse was aided, was Purukutsa. + + + +HYMN 113.] + + +THE MIG VEDA. + + +149 + + +22 Wherewith ye speed the hero as he fights for kiiie in hero + +battle, in the strife for land and sons, + +•Wherewith ye safely guard his horses and his ear,—Come +hither unto us, 0 Asvins, with those aids. + +23 Wherewith ye, Lords of Hundred Powers, helped Kutsa, son + +of Arjuni, gave Turviti and Dabhiti strength* + +Favoured Dhvasanti and lent Purushanti help,—Come hither +unto us, 0 As vins, with those aids. + +24 Make ye our speech effectual, 0 ye Asvins, and this our hymn, + +ye mighty Wonder-Workers. + +In luckless game I call on you for succour: strengthen us also +on the field of battle. + +25 With undiminished blessings, 0 ye Asvins, for evermore both + +night and day protect us. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CXIIL Dawn. + +This light is come, amid all lights the fairest; born is the bril¬ +liant, far-extending brightness. + +Night, sent away for Savitar’s uprising, hath yielded up a birth¬ +place for the Morning. + +2 The Fair, the Bright is come with her white offspring; to her + +the Dark One hath resigned her dwelling. + +Akin, immortal, following each other, changing their colours +both the heavens move onward. + +3 Common, unending is the Sisters’ pathway; taught by the + +Gods, alternately they travel. + +Fair-formed, of different hues and yet one-minded, Night and +Dawn clash not, neither do they tarry. + +4 Bright leader of glad sounds, our eyes behold her; splendid + +in hue she hath unclosed the portals. * + + +23 Kutsa: has been mentioned before as a favourite of Indra. See I. +51. 6. Turviti: see I. 36. 18. Habhiti: see II. 13. 9 ; 15. 9 ; IV. 30. 21 ; +VI. 20. 13 ; 26. 6. Purushanti: a liberal prince. See IX. 5. 8. 3. + +-24 In luckless game : a metaphor borrowed from dicing ; that is,' in a time +of difficulty, perhaps the eve of a desperate battle. S&yana, following a dif¬ +ferent derivation of the word, explains it, in the absence of light, or in the +last watch of night, when the Asvins are especially to he worshipped. + +1 Savitar: the Sun. + +2 Her white of spring; white clouds that attend her. Or the word in the +text may be rendered * bright offspring,’ the Sun whom she precedes. + +Both the heavens: or Day and Night. + +• 4 Leader of glad sounds; awakener of ‘ the charm of earliest birds 1 2 and +the joyful voices of other animals. + + + +150 TEE HYMNS OF {BOOK L + +She, stirring tip the world, hath shown us riches Dawn hath +awakened every living creature. + +5' Rich Dawn, she sets afoot the coiled-up sleeper, one for enjoy¬ +ment, one for wealth or worship, + +Those who saw little for extended vision. All living’ creature’s +hath the Dawn awakened. + +6 One to high sway, one to exalted glory, one to pursue hfs gain, +and one his labour: + +All to regard their different vocations, all moving creatures +hath the Dawn awakened. + +7 We see her there, the Child of Heaven, apparent, the young + +Maid, flushing in her shining raiment. + +Thou sovran* Lady of all earthly treasure, flush on us here-, +auspicious Dawn, this morning’. + +8 She, first of 1 endless moms to come hereafter, follows the path + +of moms that have departed. + +Dawn, at her rising, Urges forth the living :• him who is dead +she wakes not from his slumber. + +9 As thou, Dawn,, hast caused Agni to be kindled, and with the + +Sun's eye hast revealed creation. + +. And hast awakened men to offer worship, thou hast performed, +for Gods, a noble service. + +10 How long a time, and they shall be together,—Dawns that + +have shone and Dawns to shine hereafter ? + +She yearns for former Dawns with eager longing, and goes forth +gladly shining with the* others. + +11 Gone are the men who in the days before us looked on the + +rising of the earlier Morning. + +We, we the living, now behold her brightness, and they come +nigh who shall hereafter see her. + + +5 Those who saw little: during the darkness of night. + +6 This verr...■ V to a division into four castes or classes, regal + +and military', ■■■ ■ ■■■■...' . and-servile; But verses 4, 5, 6- seem to be + +separated by : .' ■ she rest of the Hymn, and may perhaps be a + +later addition to it. + +9 Caused Agni to he hindled: daybreak being the proper time for lighting +the sacrificial fires. + +10 The meaning appears to be : How long have we to live? When will +all our future Dawns be with those that have passed away ? Wilson, follow - +nig S&yapa, translates : ‘ For how long a period is it that the dawns have +risen ? For how long a period will they rise ? * + +She yearns : the Dawn that now shines as the first of Dawns to come is +already eager to join those that have past. + + + +HYMN 113J + + +TUN RIGVNDA. + + +151 + + +12 Foe-chaser, bora of Law, the Law’s protectress, joy-giver, waker + +of all pleasant voices, + +Auspicious, bringing food for Gods’ enjoyment, shine on us +here, most bright, 0 Dawn, this morning. + +13 From days eternal hath Dawn shone, the Goddess, and shows + +this light to-day, endowed with riches. + +So will she shine on days to come; immortal she moves on in +her own strength, undecaying. + +14 In the sky’s borders hath she shone in splendour: the Goddess + +hath thrown off the veil of darkness., + +Awakening* the world with purple horses, on her well-harnessed +chariot Dawn approaches. + +15 Bringing all life-sustaining blessings with her, showing herself + +she sends forth brilliant lustre. + +Last of the countless mornings that have vanished, first of +bright morns to come hath Dawn arisen. + +16 Arise ! the breath, the life, again hath reached us: darkness + +hath passed away, and light approaoheth. + +She for the Sun hath left a path to travel: we have arrived +where men prolong existence. + +17 Singing the praises of refulgent Mornings with his hymn’s web + +the priest, the poet, rises. + +Shine then to-day, rich Maid, on him who lauds thee, shine +down on us the gift of life and offspring. + +18 Dawns giving sons all heroes, kine and horses, shining upon + +the man who brings oblations,— + +These let the Soma-presser gain when ending his glad songs +louder than the voice of V&yu. + +19 Mother of Gods, Aditi’s form of glory, ensign of sacrifice, shine + +forth exalted. + +Rise up, bestowing praise on our devotion: all-bounteous, make +us chief among the people. + +20 Whatever splendid wealth the Dawns bring with them to bless + +the man who offers praise and worship, + +Even that may Mitra, Varuna vouchsafe us, and Aditi and +Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +12 Evil spirits vanish when Dawn appears. She comes in accordance with +the eternal law of the universe which she observes and guards. Her coming +is the signal for men to offer oblations to the Gods. + +16 Where men prolong existence: a new life begins at the return of day-light. + +17 His hymn’s web ; the words which he weaves, or carefully composes. + +18 Louder than the voice of Vdyu: louder even than the roaring of the +wind. Wilson translates: ‘At the conclusion of his praises, (enunciated), +like the wind, (with speed),’ + + + + +152 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +HYMN CXIV. Rudra. + +To the strong Rudra bring we these our songs of praise, to +him the Lord, of Heroes, with the braided hair, + +•That it be well with all our cattle and our men, that in this +village ill be healthy and well-fed. + +. 2 Be gracious unto us, 0 Rudra, bring us joy; thee, Lord of +Heroes, thee with reverence will we serve. + +Whatever health and strength our father Manu won by sacrifice +may we, under thy guidance, gain. + +■ 3 By worship of the Gods may we, 0 Bounteous One, 0 Rudra, +gain thy grace, Ruler of valiant men. + +Come to our families, bringing them bliss: may we, whose +heroes are uninjured, bring thee sacred gifts. + +4 Hither we call for aid the wise, the wanderer, impetuous Rudra, + +perfecter of sacrifice. + +May he repel from us the anger of the Gods : verily«we desire +his favourable grace. + +5 Him with the braided hair we call with reverence down, the + +wild-boar of the sky, the red, the dazzling shape. + +May he, his hand filled full of sovran medicines, grant us pro¬ +tection, shelter, and a home secure. + +6 To him the Maruts’ Father is this hymn addressed, to streng¬ + +then Rudra’s might, a song more sweet than sweet. + +Grant us, Immortal One, the food which mortals eat: be +gracious unto me, my seed, my progeny. + +7 0 Rudra, harm not either great or small of us, harm not the + +growing boy, harm not the full-grown man. + +Slay not a sire among us, slay no mother here, and to our +own dear bodies, Rudra, do no harm. + +8 Harm us not, Rudra, in our seed and progeny, harm us not + +in the living, nor in cows or steeds. + +Slay not our heroes in the fury of thy wrath. Bringing +oblations evermore we call to thee. + + +1 Rudra,: generally explained as the Roarer, from the sound of stormy +winds, the God of tempests and father of the Maruts. He is called Kapar - +din as wearing hair braided and knotted like a cowry shell (kaparda). Prof. +Pischel (Yedische Studien, I. 55. sqep) derives Rudra (the Red, the Brilliant) +from a lost root rud, to be red. + +2 Won by sacrifice : that is, as an institute of earliest sacrifice, enabled us +to obtain by offerings to the Gods. + + + +HYMN 115.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +153 + + +9 Even as a herdsman I have brought thee hymns of praise : +0 Father of the Maruts, give us happiness. + +Blessed is thy most favouring benevolence, so, verily, do we +desire thy saving* help. + +10 Far be thy dart that killeth men or cattle : thy, bliss be with + +us, 0 thou Lord of Heroes. + +Be gracious unto us, 0 God, and bless us, and then vouchsafe +us doubly-strong protection. + +11 We, seeking help, have spoken and adored him : may Budra, + +girt by Maruts, hear our calling. + +This prayer of ours may Yaruna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN CXY. Stay a. + +The brilliant presence of the Gods hath risen, the eye of +Mitra, Yaruna and Agni. + +The soul of all that movetli not or moveth, the Sun hath +filled the air and earth and heaven. + +2' Like as a young man followeth a maiden, so doth the Sun +the Dawn, refulgent Goddess: + +Where pious men extend their generations, before the +Auspicious One for happy fortune. + +3 Auspicious are the Sun’s Bay-coloured Horses, blight, chang¬ + +ing hues, meet for our shouts of triumph. + +Bearing our prayers, the sky’s ridge have they mounted, and +in a moment speed round earth and heaven. + +4 This is the Godhead, this the nrght of Surya : he hath + +withdrawn what spread o’er woi*k unfinished. + +When he hath loosed his Horses from their station, straight +over all Night spreadeth out her garment. + +9 Even as a herdsman: as a herdsman prays for the well-being of his +cattle, so the poet prays for the prosperity of those for whom lie speaks. + +2 The exact meaning of the second line is somewhat -uncertain. As I +have rendered it, in accordance with Ludwig, it reminds one of Shelley’s, +< Han, the imperial shape, then multiplied His generations under the pavilion +Of the Sun’s throne.’ Wilson, following S£ ‘ ''' ■ *At which + +season pious men perform (the ceremonies , S&yaua + +proposes an alternative rendering by taking yng^tni (generations, ^ ages,) to +mean ‘ yokes for ploughs’; { for, at this season, men seeking to propitiate the +gods by the profit which agriculture yields, equip their ploughs.’ + +4 He hath withdrawn ; that is, says Wilson, ‘ the cultivator or artisan +desists from his lat .■ unfinished, upon the setting of the sun*; + +when the sun 2 * 4 has . ■ * *. / himself) the diffused (light which ha# + +been shed) upon the unfinished task,’ + + +154 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I, + +5 In the sky's lap the Sun this form assumeth that Varuna and + +Mitra may behold it. + +His Bay Steeds well maintain his power eternal, at one time +bright and darksome at another. + +6 This day, f O Gods, while Surya is ascending, deliver us from + +trouble and dishonour. + +This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi +and Sin:lhu, Earth and Heaven. + +HYMN GXVI. Asvins. + +I trim like grass my song for the Nasatyas, and send their +lauds forth as the wind drives rain-clouds, + +Who, in a chariot rapid as an arrow, brought to the youthful +Vimada a consort, + +2 Borne on by rapid steeds of mighty pinion, or proudly trust¬ + +ing in the Gods' incitements. + +That stallion ass of yours won, 0 Nasatyas, that thousand in +the race, in Yama's contest. + +3 Yea, Asvins, as a dead man leaves his riches, Tugra left Bhuj- + +yu in the cloud of waters. + +Ye brought him back in animated vessels, traversing air, un¬ +wetted by the billows. + +4 Bhujyu ye bore with wingfcd things, Nasatyas, which for three + +nights, three days full swiftly travelled. + +To the sea's farther shore, the strand of ocean, in three cars, +hundred-footed, with six horses. + +5 Ye wrought that hero exploit in the ocean which giveth no + +support, or hold, or station, + +What time ye carried Bhujyu to his dwelling, borne in a ship +with hundred oars, 0 Asvins. + +5 His power eternal , as maker and ruler of day and night. + +This Hymn and the five following are ascribed to the Rishi Kakshiv&n, + +1 Grass: the sacred grass which is spread on the altar. + +Ndsatyas: a common name of the Asvins. See I. 3. 3. + +Vimuda: the Asvins assisted Vimada, who was attacked when returning +home with his newly-won bride, whom they carried to his house in their own +chariot. Most of the deeds asm bed to the Asvins in this hymn have been +mentioned in I. 112. + +2 Stallion ass ; that draws the car of the Asvins. See I. 34. 9. + +Yama's contest: apparently the race instituted by the Gods when Praj&pati +(here represented by Yama) gave his daughter Suryft in marriage to King +Soma, the Moon, as related in Aitareya-Br&hmana, IV. 2. See Ehni, Der My- +thus des Yama, p. 160. + +8 Bhujyu : see I. 112. 6. + +5 ‘ This/ observes Wilson, f is a rather unintelligible account of a sea-voy¬ +age, although the words of the text do not admit of any other rendering.’ + + + +HTMH116.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +155 + + +6 The white horse which of old ye gave Aghasva, Asvins, a gift + +to be his wealth for ever,— + +Still to be praised is that your glorious present, still to be +famed is the brave horse of Pedu. + +7 0 Heroes, ye gave wisdom to Kakshivan who ^sprang from + +Pajra’s line, who sang your praises. + +Ye poured forth from the hoof of your strong charger a hun¬ +dred jars of wine as from a strainer + +8 Ye warded off with cold the fire’s fierce burning ; food very + +* rich in nourishment ye furnished. + +Atri, cast downward in the cavern, Asvins, ye brought, with +all his people, forth to comfort. + +9 Ye lifted up the well, 0 ye N&satyas, and set the base on high + +to open downward. + +Streams flowed for folk of Gotama who thirsted, like rain to +bring forth thousandfold abundance. + +10 Ye from the old Chyav&na, 0 Nasatyas, stripped, as ’twere + +mail, the skin upon his body, + +Lengthened his life when all had left him helpless, Dasras t +and made him lord of youthful maidens. + +11 Worthy of praise and worth the winning, Heroes, is that your + +favouring succour, 0 Nasatyas, + +What time ye, knowing well his case, delivered Vandana from +the pit like hidden treasure. + +12 That mighty deed of yours, for gain, 0 Heroes, as thunder + +heraldeth the rain, I publish, + +When, by the horse’s head, Atharvan’s offspring Dadhyach +made known to you the Soma’s sweetness. + + +6 Ayh&sva; another name of Pedu ; or an epithet of Pedu ‘ having bad or +vicious horses.’ Pedu was a royal Rishi who worshipped the Asvins and was +thus rewarded. + +7 KakshMn : a famous Rishi, (see 1.18. 1,) a descendant of the Pajras or + +Angirases. Strong charger: that is, the ■ ~ * 1_ ud, from which the + +Asvins poured down copious showers. Of. ■ ■ 1 ■ 1 ■ » i of the horse Pegasus +and the fountain Hippocrene. + +8 Atri •* see I. 112. 7. + +9 The well ; that is the watery cloud. This deed is ascribed to the Maruts +in I. 85. 11. + +10 Dasras; a name of the Asvins ; Wonder-Workers, or Mighty Ones. + +11 Vandana ; see I. 112. 5. + +12 By the horses head: e Indra, having taught the sciences called Pravav- +gyavidyd and Madhuvidyit to Dadhyach, threatened that he would cut off his +head if ever he taught them to any one else. The Asvins prevailed, upon him +to teach them the prohibited knowledge, and, to evade Indra’s threat, took off +the head of the sage, replacing it by that of a horse.’—Wilson. See I. 84. 13, + + + +156 THE HYMNS OF {WOK b + +13 In the great rite the wise dame called, Nasatyas, you, Lords + +of many treasures, to assist her. + +Yc heard the weakling’s wife, as ’twere an order, and gave to +her a son Hiranyahasta. + +14 Ye from tjie wolfs jaws, as ye stood together, set free the quail, + +0 Heroes, 0 Nasatyas. + +Ye, Lords of many treasures, gave the poet his perfect vision +as he mourned his trouble. + +15 When in the time of night, in Khela’s battle, a leg was severed + +like a wild bird’s pinion, + +Straight ye gave YispaM a leg of iron that she might move +what time the conflict opened. + +16 His father robbed Rijrasva of his eye-sight who for the she-wolf + +slew a hundred wethers. + +Ye gave him eyes, N&satyas, Wonder-Workers, Physicians, that +he saw with sight uninjured. + +17 The Daughter of the Sun your car ascended, first reaching as + +it were the goal with coursers. + +All Deities within their hearts assented, and ye, Nasatyas, are +close linked with glory, + +*18 When to his house ye came, to Divodasa, hasting to Bharad- +vaja, 0 ye Asvins, + +The car that came with you brought splendid riches : a por¬ +poise and a bull were yoked together. + + +13 The weakling's wife : or Yadhrimatl, which has that meaning. + +14 Set free the quail: see I. 112. 8. + +_ 15 Khela's battle: the Commentator says that Khela was a Rdjd, whose +illative Yispal4 lost a foot in battle and received an iron leg from the Asvins +at the prayer of Agastya, Khela’s family priest. See I. 112. 10. + +16 RljnUva, mentioned in I. 101.17, was one of the sons of Vrishftgir. The +she-wolf for whonfhe slaughtered the sheep was one of the asses of the Asvins +in disguise, and the Asvins consequently restored to him the eye-sight of which +his angry father had deprived him. + +17 The Daughter of the Sun : 1 Surya, it is related, was desirous of giving +his daughter SCtryA to Soma ; but all the gods desired her as a wife. They +agreed that he who should first reach the sun, as a goal, should wed the dam¬ +sel. The Asvins were victorious ; and Sfiryd, well pleased by their success, +rushed immediately into their chariot.’—Wilson. See note on verse 2 of tills +hymn. + +18 Divoddsa: see I. 112. 14. His family priest was one of the Bharad- +•vfijas. The Asvins, it is said, yoked the poi'poise and the bull together as a +proof of power. + + + +HYMN 117 .] + + +TUB RIGVEDA. + + +157 + + +19 Ye, bringing wealth with rule, and life with offspring, life rich + +in noble heroes, 0 Nasatyas, + +Accordant came with strength to Jahnu’s children who offered +you thrice every day your portion. + +20 Ye bore away at night by easy pathways Jahuslja compassed + +round on every quarter, + +And, with your car that cleaves the foe asunder, Nasatyas +ne’er decaying ! rent the mountains. + +21 One morn ye strengthened Vasa for the battle, to gather spoils + +that might be told in thousands. + +With Indra joined ye drove away misfortunes, yea, foes of +Prithusravas, 0 ye Mighty. + +22 From the deep well ye raised on high the water, so that Eich- + +atka’s son, Sara, should drink it; + +And with your might, to help the weary Sayu, ye made the +barren cow yield milk, Nasatyas. + +23 To Visvaka, Nasatyas ! son of Krishna, the righteous man + +who sought your aid and praised you, + +Ye with your powers restored, like some lost creature, his son +Vishnapu for his eves to look on. + +24 Asvins, ye raised, like Soma in a ladle, Kebha, who for ten + +days and ten nights, fettered + +Had lain in cruel bonds, immersed and wounded, suffering +sore affliction, in the waters. + +25 I have declared your wondrous deeds, 0 Asvins : may this be + +mine, and many kino and heroes. + +May I, enjoying lengthened life, still seeing, enter old age +as ’twere the hous’e I live in. + +HYMN CXYIL Asvins, + +Asvins, your ancient priest invites you hither to gladden you +with draughts of meath, of Soma. + +Our gift is on the grass, our song apportioned : with food and +strength come hither, 0 N&satyas. + + +19 Jalum's children; Jahnu was a Maharshi or great Itishi. + +21 Yum: seel. 112. 10. Prithusravas appears to be identical with Pri- +thusravas Kdnfcba, mentioned in VIII. 46. 21, whose family priest was Vasa. + +22 Sayu: lias been mentioned in I. 112. 16. Of Sara in this verse and of +Visvaka, Krishna, and Vishn&pu in the next we are only told that they were +Bishis. + +24 Rehha: see I. 112. 5. + +25 May this he mine: may I be master of this place or district, a substan¬ +tive of some such signification being understood. + + +153 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +2 That car of yours, swifter than thought, 0 Asvins, which + +drawn by brave steeds cometh to the people, + +Whereon ye seek the dwelling of the pious,—come ye thereon +to our abode, 0 Heroes. + +3 Ye -freed sage Atri, whom the Five Tribes honoured, from the + +strait pit, ye Heroes, with his people, + +Baffling the guiles of the malignant Dasyu, repelling them, ye +Mighty, in succession. + +4 Rebha the sage, ye mighty Heroes, Asvins! whom, like a + +horse, vile men had sunk in water,— + +Him, wounded, with your wondrous powers ye rescued: your +exploits of old time endure for ever. + +5 Ye brought forth Yandana, ye Wonder-Workers, for triumph, + +like fair gold that hath been buried, + +Like one who slumbered in destruction’s bosom, or like the +Sun when dwelling in the darkness. + +6 Kakshivan, Pajra’s son, must laud that exploit of yours, + +Nasatyas, Heroes, ye who wander! + +When from the hoof of your strong horse ye showered a +hundred jars of honey for the people. + +.7 To Krishna’s son, to Visvaka who praised you, 0 Heroes, ye +restored his son Vishnapu. + +To Ghoshk, living in her father’s dwelling, stricken in years, +ye gave a husband, Asvins. + +8 Rushati, of the mighty people, Asvins, ye gave to Syava of + +the line of Kanva. + +This deed of yours, ye Strong Ones, should be published, that +ye gave glory to the son of Nrishad. + +9 0 Asvins, wearing many forms at pleasure, on Pedu ye bestow¬ + +ed a fleet-foot courser, + +•Strong, winner of a thousand spoils, resistless, the serpent- +slayer, glorious, triumphant. + +3 Atri: see I. 116. 8. The Five Tribes: are the confederate Aryan families +named in the note to I. 7. 9. + +4 Rebha: see I. 112. 5. Like a horse: sunk deep in water like a horse when +he is bathed in a river. + +f> Vandana: seel. 116. 11. + +6 KaksJitvdn: see I. 116. 7. Strong horse: see I. 116. 7. + +7 Ghoshd: KakshiVein’s daughter, said to have been afflicted with leprosy +and healed by the Asvins, who found her a husband. + +8 St/dva: a Rishi whom the Asvins cured of leprosy, and enabled to marry +Kushati. The son of Nrishad: Kanva or his descendant Sy&va. + +9 Pedu; see I. 116. 6. The serpent-slayer ; see XX. 88. 4, and Hymns of the +Atharva-veda, X. 4. 47. + + + +HYMN 117 .] + + +THE BIG VEDA. + + +159 + + +10 These glorious things are yours, ye Bounteous Givers; prayer, + +praise in both worlds are your habitation. + +0 Asvins, when the sons of Pajra call you, send strength with +nourishment to him who knoweth. + +11 Hymned with the reverence of a son, O Asvins, ye Swift Ones + +giving booty to the singer, + +Glorified by Agastya with devotion, established Vis pal a again, +N&satyas. + +12 Ye Sons of Heaven, ye Mighty, whither went ye, sought ye + +for his fair praise the home of Kavya, + +When, like a pitcher full of gold, 0 Asvins, on the tenth day +ye lifted up the buiied ? + +13 Ye with the aid of your great powers, 0 Asvins, restored to + +youth the ancient man Chyav&na. + +The Daughter of the Sun with all her glory, 0 ye Nasatyas, +chose your car to bear her, + +14 Ye, ever-youthful Ones, again remembered Tugra, according + +to your ancient manner: * + +With horses brown of hue that flew with swift wings ye +brought back Bhujyu from the sea of billows. + +15 The son of Tugra had invoked you, Asvins; borne on he went + +uninjured through the ocean. + +Ye with your chariot swift as thought, well-harnessed, carried +him ofl‘ 0 Mighty Ones, to safety, +lfi The quail had invocated you, 0 Asvins, when from the wolfs +devouring jaws ye freed her. + +With conquering car ye deft the mountain’s ridges; the off¬ +spring of Visvaeh fe killed with poison. ■ + +17 He whom for furnishing a hundred wethers to the she-wolf, +his wicked father blinded,-— + +To him, Hijrasva, gave ye eyes, 0 Asvins; light to the blind +ye sent for perfect vision. + + +11 Agastya: the family priest of Ivhela. Seel. 116. 15. + +12 Kdvya: Usan&, son of Kavi. Seel. 83. 6. The buried: Keblia. The +meaning is, ‘ why did ye delay so long the rescue of Rebha ? ’ + +13 Chyav&na: see X. 116. 10. The Daughter of the Sun ; see I. 116. 17. + +14 Ye brought back Bhujyu: see I. 116. 3. + +16 The quail: see I. 116. 14. Visvdch: said to be an Asura or fiend. + +17 Bijrdsva: seel. 116, 16. + + +160 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +18 To bring the blind man joy thus cried the she-wolf: 0 Asvins, + +0 ye Mighty Ones, 0 Heroes, + +For me Rijrasva, like a youthful lover, hath cut piecemeal ono +and a hundred wethers. + +19 Great and weal-giving is your aid, 0 Asvins, ye. objects of all + +thought, made whole the cripple. + +Purandhi also for this cause invoked you, and ye, 0 Mighty, +came to her with succours. + +20 Ye, Wonder-Workers, filled with milk for Sayu the milkless + +cow, emaciated, barren; + +And by your powers the child of Purumitra ye brought to +Vimada to be hip consort. + +21 Ploughing and sowing barley, 0 ye Asvins, milking out food + +for men, ye Wonder-Workers, + +Blasting away the Dasyu with your trumpet, ye gave far-spread¬ +ing light unto the Arya. + +22 Ye brought the horse’s head, Asvins, and gave it unto Dadh- + +yacb the offspring of Atharvan. + +True, he revealed to you, 0 Wonder-Workers, sweet Soma, +Tvashtar’s secret, as your girdle. + +23 0 Sages, evermore I crave your favour: be gracious unto all +' my prayers, 0 Asvins. + +Grant me, Nasatyas, riches m abundance, wealth famous and +accompanied with children. + +24 With liberal bounty to the weakling’s consort ye, Heroes, gave + +a son Hiranyahasta; + +And Sy&va, cut into three several pieces, ye brought to life +again, 0 bounteous Asvins. + +25 These your heroic exploits, 0 ye Asvins, done in the days of + +old, have men related. + +May we, addressing prayer to you, ye Mighty, speak with +brave sons about us to the synod. + + +19 Purandhi: or as SAyana explains, 4 the wise maid,’ Ghoshd,. + +20 Sayu: see I. 112. 16 ; and I. 116. 22. Vimada: see I. 112. 19. + +22 Dadhyach; seel. 116. 12. As your girdle: to strengthen and support +you. + +24 The weakling's consort: see I. 116.13. Sydva: cut to pieces by the +Asuras, was made whole by the Asvins, + +25 The synod: the congregation of worshippers. + + + + +IIYMN 118 .] THE RIG VEDA. 161 + +HYMN CXYIIL Asvins. + +Flying, with falcons, may your chariot, Asvins, most gracious, +bringing friendly help, come hither,— + +Your chariot, swifter than the mind of mortal, fleet as the +wind, three-seated,-,, 0 ye Mighty. • + +2 Come to us with your chariot triple seated, three-wheeled, of + +triple form, that rolleth lightly. + +Fill full our cows, give mettle to our hprses, and make each +hero son grow strong, 0 Asvins. + +3 With your well-rolling car, descending swiftly, hear this the + +press-stone ? s song, ye Wonder-Workers. + +How then have ancient sages said, 0 Asvins, that ye most +swiftly come to stay affliction ? + +4 0 Asvins, let your falcons bear you hither, yoked to your + +chariot, swift, with flying pinions, + +Which, ever active, like the airy eagles, carry you, 0 Nasatyas, +to the banquet. + +5 The youthful Daughter of the Sun, delighting in you, ascend¬ + +ed there your chariot, Heroes. + +Borne on their swift wings let your beauteous horses, your +birds of ruddy hue, convey you near us. + +6 Ye raised up Yandana, strong Wonder-Workers! with great + +might, and with power ye rescued Rebha. + +From out the sea ye saved the son of Tugra, and gave his +youth again unto Chyav&na. + +7 To Atri, cast down to the fire that scorched him, ye gave, O + +Asvins, strengthening food and favour. + +Accepting his fair praises with approval, ye gave his eyes again +to blinded Kanva. + +8 For ancient Sayu in his sore affliction ye caused his cow to + +swell with milk, 0 Asvins. + +The quail from her great misery ye delivered, and a new leg +for Vispala provided. + +9 A white horse, Asvins, ye bestowed on Pedu, a serpent-slaying + +steed sent down by Indra, > ‘ + +Loud-neighing, conquering the foe, high-mettled, firm-limbed +and vigorous, winning thousand treasures. + +10 Pnch as ye are, 0 nobly bom, 0 Heroes, we in our trouble call +on you for succour. + + +5 In this and the following verses most of the wonderful deeds of the +Asvins mentioned in the preceding hymn are briefly referred to, + +11 + + + +162 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH L + +Accepting these our songs, for our well-being come to us on +your chariot treasure-laden. + +11 Come unto us combined in love, Nasatyas; come with the fresh +swift vigour of the falcon. + +Bearing oblations I invoke you, Asvins, at the first break of +everlasting morning. + +HYMN OXIX. Asvins. + +Hither, that I may live, I call unto the feast your wondrous +car, thought-swift, borne on by rapid steeds, + +With thousand banners, hundred treasures, pouring gifts, +promptly obedient, bestowing ample room. + +2 Even as it moveth near my hymn is lifted up, and all the re¬ + +gions come together to sing praise. + +I sweeten the oblations; now the helpers come, tjrjani hath, +0 Asvins, mounted on your car. —i __ + +3 When striving man with man for glory they have mot, briskj + +measureless, eager for victory in fight, + +Then verily your car is seen upon the slope when ye, 0 Asvins, +bring some choice boon to the prince. + +4 Ye came to Bhujyu while he struggled in the flood, with flying + +birds, self-yoked, ye bore him to his skes. + +Ye went to the far-distant home, 0 Mighty Ones; and famed +is your great aid to Divodasa given. + +5 Asvins, the car which you had yoked for glorious show your + +own two voices urged directed to its goal. + +Then she who came for friendship, Maid of noble birth, elected +you as Husbands, you to be her Lords. + +6 Rebha ye saved from tyranny; for Atri’s sake ye quenched + +with cold the fiery pit that compassed him. + +Ye made the cow of Sayu stream refreshing milk, and Van- +dana was holpen to extended life. + + +2 Urjdnt: strength, personified. According to S&yano, tfrj&iii is Suryd +the daughter of the Sun. + +3 Upon the slope: that is, of the sky. + +4 Bhujyu , and other persons and incidents referred to in this hymn have +been mentioned in 1.116. + +6 She who came for friendship : S&ryd. The meaning seems to be, as +Ludwig says, that she came intending to avail herself of the services of the +Asvins as bridesmen, and that they became her bridegrooms instead. + + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +HYMN 120.3 + + +MS + + +7 Doars of marvels, skilful workers, ye restored Vandana, like a +car, worn out with length of days. + +' From earth ye brought^ the sage to life in wondrous mode: +be your great deeds done here for him who honours you. + +B Ye went to him who mourned in a far distant place, him who +was left forlorn by treaehery of. his sire. + +Rich with the light of heaven was then the help ye gave, and +marvellous your suceour when ye stood by him. + +% To you in praise of sweetness sang the honey-bee : Ausija +calleth you in .Soma’s rapturous joy. + +Ye drew unto yourselves the spirit of Dadhyaeh, and then the +horse’s head uttered his words to you. + +10 A horse did ye provide for Pedu, excellent, white, 0 ye Asvins, +conqueror of combatants, + +Invincible in war by arrows, seeking heaven, worthy of fame, +like Indra, vanquisher of men. + +HYMN CXX. Asvins* + +Asvins, what praise may win your grace ? Who may be pleas¬ +ing to you both ? + +How shall the ignorant worship you ? + +2 Here let the ignorant ask the means of you who know—for + +none beside you knoweth aught— + +Not of a spiritless mortal man. + +3 Such as ye are, all-wise, we call you. Ye wise, declare to us + +this day accepted prayer. + +Loving you well your servant lauds you. + +8 To him who mourned: Bhujyu. + +9 The honey-bee ; meaning Ausija or the son of Uaij, the sage KakshMn. + +With regard to the legends recounted in these hymns to the Asvins, Hr, +Muir remarks. (0. & Texts, V. 248) : ‘The deliverances of Rebha, Yandana, +paravrij, Bhujyu, Chyav&na, .and others are .explained by Professor Benfey +(following Dr. Kuhn and Professor Muller,) as referring to certain physical +phenomena with winch the Asvins are supposed by these scholars to be con¬ +nected. But this allegorical method of ~ eems unlikely to be + +correct, as it is difficult to suppose that ■ ■ - in question should + +have been alluded to under such a variety of names and circumstances. It +.appears, therefore, to be more probable that the risliis merely refer to certain +legends’which were popularly current of interventions of the Asvins in behalf +of the persons whose names are mentioned.' + + +Parts of this Hymn are difficult and olecure. The first nine stanzas are +In nine different metres. + +% Iu line 2 I adopt Ludwig’s emendation akratau for aJcrau of the text. + + + +164 + + +THE HYMNS OF ' [BOOK L + + +4 Simply, ye Mighty Ones, I ask the Gods of that wondrous + +oblation hallowed by the mystic word. + +Save us from what is stronger, fiercer than ourselves. + +5 Forth go the hymn that shone in Ghosha Bhrigu’s like, the + +song wherewith the son of Pajra worships you, + +Like some wise minister. + +Q Hear ye the song of him who hastens speedily, 0 Asvins, I +am he who sang your praise, + +Hither, ye Lords of Splendour, hither turn your eyes. + +7 For ye were ever nigh to deal forth ample wealth, to give the + +wealth that ye had gathered up. + +As such, ye Vasus, guard us well, and keep us safely from the +wicked wolf. + +8 Give us not up to any man who hateth us, nor let our milch- + +cows stray, whose udders give us food, + +Far from our homes without their calves. + +• 9 May they who love you gain you for their Friends. Prepare ye +us for opulence with strengthening food, + +Prepare us for the food that floweth from our cows. + +10 1 have obtained the horseless car of Asvins rich in sacrifice, +And I am well content therewith. + +11 May it convey me evermore : may the light chariot pass from + +men + +To men unto the Soma draught. + +12 It holdeth slumber in contempt, and the rich who enjoyeth + +not: + +Both vanish quickly and are lost, + + +HYMN CXXI. + + +Inch* a. + + +When will men’s guardians hasting hear with favour the song +of Angiras’s pious children ? + +When to the people of the home he cometh, he strideth to the +sacrifice, the Holy. + + +4 Hollowed by the mystic word : by the exclamation vdshat , used in making +an oblation to a God with fire. This word is of the most essential importance +in sacrifice, but if carelessly and inconsiderately used its effects are deadly, +and against these the Rishi* prays for protection. + +5 Ghosha: S&yana says that Suhastya, the son of GhosM, is intended. + +The son of Pajra: one of the descendants of the Angirases ; here, accord¬ +ing to S&yana, the Hishi Kakshtv&n. + +In this Hymn, as in the preceding, there are several very obscure passages +which can only eonjecturally be translated and explained. + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +165 + + +HYMN 121.] + +2 He stablislied heaven ; he poured forth, skilful worker, the + +wealth of kine, for strength, that nurtures heroes. + +The Mighty One his self-born host 4 regarded, the horse’s mate, +the mother of the heifer. + +3 Lord of red dawns, he came victorious, daily to the Angirases 1 + +former invocation* + +His bolt and team hath he prepared, and stablished the heaven +for quadrupeds and men two-footed. + +4 In joy of this thou didst restore, for worship, the lowing com¬ + +pany of hidden cattle. + +When the three-pointed one descends with onslaught he opens +wide the doors that Gause man trouble. + +5 Thine is that milk which thy swift-moving Parents brought + +down, a strengthening genial gift for conquest; + +When the pure treasure unto thee they offered, the milk shed +from the cow who streameth nectar. + +6 There is he born. May the Swift give us rapture, and like the + +Sun shine forth from yonder dawning, + +Indu, even us who drank, whose toils are offerings, poured +from the spoon, with praise, upon the altar, + + +2 The Mighty One : Indra is here said to have regarded or looked on the +host horn from, or produced by him, that is, perhaps, the heaven and the +earth in general. Specially has he regarded the animals in which the wealth +of the people chiefly consists, among which the mare and the cow naturally +hold the chief place. Ludwig would read mdtaram gdm instead of -mdtaram +g6h. He thinks that the mate of the horse (Sftrya) is the earth, the motherly +cow. Sftyana says that Indra in sport made a mare bring forth a calf, and +Wilson following him translates ; ‘ he made the female of the horse unnatur¬ +ally the mother of the cow.’ + +4 In joy of this : in the rapture arising from drinking this Soma juice. + +The lowing company of hidden cattle: the rain-clouds carried off and kept + +concealed by tbe Panis. + +The three-pointed one: apparently the thunderbolt. Sftyana takes it to +mean Indra (elevated as a triple crest in the three worlds). He : Indra. + +5 Thy slvift-moving Parents ; Heaven and Earth. + +6 The Swift: the swiftly flowing and efficacious Indu or Soma. + +Whose toils are offerings: whose drops of sweat, as we labour in our sacred +duties, count as oblations to the Gods whom we serve. + +Prom yonder dawning ,* probably an indication of time only. + + +m TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK I, + +7 When the wood-pile, made of good logs, is ready, at the Sun's + +worship to bind fast the Bullock, + +Then when thou shinest forth through days of action for the- +Car-borne, the Swift, the Cattle-seeker. + +8 Eight steads thou brightest down from mighty heaven, when + +lighting for the well that giveth splendour. + +That men might press with stones the gladdening yellow, +strengthened with milk, fermenting, to exalt thee. + +9 Thou hurledst forth from heaven the iron missile, brought by + +the Skilful, from the sling of leather, + +When thou, 0 Much-invoked, assisting Kutsa with endless +deadly darts didst compass Sushna. + +10 Boltarmed, ere darkness overtook the sunlight, thou easiest + +at the veiling cloud thy weapon, + +Thou rentest, out of heaven, though firmly knotted, the might +of Sushna that was- thrown around him. + +11 The mighty Heaven and Earth, those bright expanses that + +have no wheels, joyed, Indra, at thine exploit. + +Yritra, the boar who lay amid the waters, to sleep thou sentest +with thy mighty thunder, + +12 Mount Indra, lover of the men thou guardest, the well-yoked + +horses of the wind, best bearers. + +The bolt which Kavya Usana erst gave thee, strong, gladden¬ +ing, Vritra-slaying, hath he fashioned. + +13 The strong Bay Horses of the Sun thou stayedst: this Etasa + +drew not the wheel, 0 Indra. + +Casting them forth beyond the ninety rivers thou dravest +down into the pit the godless. + + +7 To bind fast the Bullock: the Bullock is the Sun himself: the sacrifice is +to secure the blessings of sunlight. S&yana explains : the priest is competent +for the attachment of the animal to the stake. + +The Car-borne, the Swift, the Cattle-seeker; apparently appellations of Indra, + +8 The well that giveth splendour: the cloud that sheds fertilizing rain. + +The yellow: the Soma juice. + +9 The Skilful: Tvashtar. + +Kdvya C§and: see I. 51. 10. + +13 The first hemistich of this stanza is most difficult, and I do not see how +it can be satisfactorily translated and explained. I have followed Orassmatm +who translates: 'Du liessest ruhn der Sonne starke Rosse, nicht zog dor +Renner mehr ihr Rail, 0 Indra.’ If this be the meaning, the- reference may +be, perhaps, to an eclipse of the sun. + +Etasa; appears in a double character, first as a sacrificer who offered Soma +juice to Indra and was aided and favoured by that God (I. 51. 15), and second¬ +ly, Etasa is the name of the hordes or of one of the horses, or of the single + + + + +HYMN 122.] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +167 + + +14 Indra, preserve thou us from this affliction; Thunder-armed, + +save us from the misery near us. + +Vouchsafe us affluence in chariots, founded on horses, for our +food and fame and gladness. + +15 Never may this thy loving-kindness fail us; mighty in strength, + +may plenteous food surround us. + +Maghavan, make us share the foemails cattle ; may we be thy +most liberal feast-companions. + +HYMN CXX1I. Visvedevas. + +Say, bringing sacrifice to bounteous Budra, This juice for +drink to you whose wrath is fleeting ! + +With Dyaus the Asura’s Heroes I have lauded the Maruts as +with prayer to Earth and Heaven. + +2 Strong to exalt the early invocation are Night and Dawn who + +show with varied aspect. + +The Barren clothes her in wide-woven raiment, and fair Morn +shines with Surya 5 s golden splendour. + +3 Cheer us the Boamer round, who strikes at morning, the Wind + +delight us, pourcr forth of waters ! + +Sharpen our wits, 0 Parvata and Indra. May all the Gods +vouchsafe to us this favour. + + +horse, of SCirya or the Sun, especially, it seems, of the horse who, during the +night, draws back the chariot of the Sun from the west to the east. In this +verse, according to M. Bergaigne, Etasa himself or his substitute (the word +e na ’ which I have taken to mean * not’ being understood in its alternative +seuse of ‘ like or as ’) is represented as drawing the wheel when Indra has +stayed the course of the Harits or Bay Horses of the Bun. It is not«difficult, +says M, Bergaigne, to reconcile these two different conceptions of the rdle of +Etasa. A saciificer especially favoured by Indra may represent either the +sacrificial fire or the Soma juice that is prepared, consecrated, and offered to +the God, and Soma, in the Veda, is frequently represented as a horse. See +Bergaigne, La Religion Vedique, Vol. II. 330—33$. + +. 1 The meaning of this very difficult verse appears to be, that the offering of +Soma juice is presented to ltudra and to his sons the fierce bub easily appeased +Maruts or Storm-Gods, whom the poet has lauded as the Heroes of Dyaus, the +Immortal, and has at the same time supplicated the Deities Heaven and Earth. +Wilson, following Sayaya, paraphrases the second hemistich : £ I praise him +who with his heroic (followers) as (with shafts) from a quiver expelled (the +Asnras) from heaven : and (I praise) the Murats, (who abide) between heaven +and earth.’ + +2 The barren. ; the unfruitful Night; in which no work is done. + +3 The Raamev round .* ‘the circumambient divinity,’ the Wind. + +Who strikes at morning ; perhaps, blows away all evil spirits of the night. + +Parvata: the presiding Genius of the mountains and ruler of the clouds, +frequently associated with Indra, + + + +168 THE HYMNS OF [.BOOK I. + +4 And Ausija shall call for me that famous Pair who enjoy and + +drink, who come to brighten. + +Set ye the Offspring of the Floods before you; both Mothers +of the Living One who beameth. + +5 For you shall Ausija call him who thunders, as, to win Arju- + +na's assent, cried GliosM. + +I will invoke, that Pushan may be bounteous to you, the rich +munificence of Agni. + +6 Hear,. Mitra-Varuna, these mine invocations, hear them from + +all men in the hall of worship. + +Giver of famous gifts, kind hearer, Sindhu who gives fair fields, +listen with all his waters ! + +7 Praised, Mitra, Varuna S is your gift, a hundred cows to the + +Prikshayamas and the Pajra. + +Presented by car-famous Priyaratha, supplying nourishment, +they came directly. + +8 Praised is the gift of him the very wealthy : may we enjoy it, + +men with hero children: + +His who hath many gifts to give the Pajras, a chief who makes +me rich in cars and horses. + +9 The folk, 0 Mitra-Yaruna, who hate you, who sinfully hating + +pour you no libations, + +Lay in their hearts, themselves, a wasting sickness, whereas +the righteous gaineth all by worship. + +10 That man, most puissant, wondrously urged onward, famed + +among heroes, liberal in giving, + +Moveth a warrior, evermore undaunted in all encounters even +with the mighty. + +11 Come to the man's, the sacrificer’s calling: hear, Kings of + +Immortality, joy-givers! + +While ye who speed through clouds decree your bounty large¬ +ly, for fame, to him the chariot-rider. + + +4 Avsja; the son of Usij, that is, Kakshtvan himself, the llishi of the hymn. + +That famous Pair: the Asvins. The Offspring of the Flood; Agni. + +' The Living One who beameth: or praiseth. Agni appears to be meant. + +5 Him who thunders; Indra. Ghoshd, in I. 117. 5, is said to have been pro¬ +vided with a husband by the Asvins. Arjuna, in this verse, may perhaps have +been the husband’s name. The meaning of the passage is uncertain. S&yana +takes drjuna to mean white skin, or leprosy, from which Ghoshft prayed to +be made free. + +6 Sindhu: the Indus ; the Deity presiding over waters. + +7 Who the Pr 1 - 1 v 4 5 6 7 *■ "• : -rers of swift horses are, is uncertain. + +The Pajra: th \ \ . ■ . .• himself, a member of the priestly family + +of the Pajras. + +11 Kings of Immortality : Yaruna and Mitra, + + + + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +m + + +HYMN 123.] + +12 Vigour will we bestow on that adorer whose tenfold draught + +we come to taste, so spake they. + +May all in whom rest splendour and great riches obtain re¬ +freshment in these sacrifices. + +13 We will rejoice to drink the tenfold present when the twice- + +five come bearing sacred viands. + +What can he do whose steeds and reins are choicest ? These, +the all-potent, urge brave men to conquest. + +14 The sea and all the Deities shall give us him with the golden + +ear and neck bejewelled. + +Dawns, hasting to the praises of the pious, be pleased with +us, both offerers and singers. + +15 Four youthful sons of Masarslra vex me, three, of the King, + +the conquering Ayavasa. + +Now like the Sun, 0 Varuna and Mitra, your car hath shone, +ldhg-shaped and reined with splendour. + +HYMN CXXHL Dawn. + +The Dakshin&’s broad chariot hath been harnessed : this car +the Gods Immortal have ascended. + +Fain to bring light to homes of men the noble and active God¬ +dess hath emerged from darkness. + + +12 Tenfold draught; Soma juice offered in ten ladles, the twice-jive of the +following verse. + +14 Him with the golden ear : perhaps the Sun ; but the meaning of the +hemistich is uncertain. + +15 There is no verb in the first hemistich, and I follow Sdyana in supplying +c vex.’ But shvah may mean e young horses’ as well as 4 youthful sons/ and +the verb to be supplied may be ‘ carry/ as suggested by Grassmann. The +whole hymn, as Wilson observes, * is very elliptical and obscure/ and much of +it is at present unintelligible. + +^ I The DaJcshin Vs broad chariot; the Dakshirul itself, that is the honora¬ +rium or fee presented by the institutor of a sacrifice to the priests who per¬ +form the ceremony. The meaning of the first hemistich appears to be that all + +preparations have been made for ^ ? ..;■ and especially that the + +fee for its performance—a most s • s ready, and that the God + +are coming to the rite. The word ddkshindy&h is considered by S&yana to be +an epithet of ushodevatdydh , understood, that is, * of the Goddess Ushas or +Dawn.’ Wilson accordingly translates, ‘ the spacious chariot of the graceful +(Dawn) ; ’ Ludwig renders the word by { friendly/ and Grassmann by * wealth/ +both scholars applying the epithet to Ushas or Dawn who is not mentioned +in the text. I have followed M. Bergaigne who says : ‘ The interpretation of +the word dales hind in the sense of sacrificial salary, in the first verse of our +hymn as also in the fifth, is, not only 'possible but the ortly possible one, for the +reason that this word has no other sense in the Rig-Veda than that of “salary, +■recompense/’ given either by the earthly maghavan, that is to say by those + + + +170 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH L + +2 She before all the living world hath wakened, the Lofty One + +who wins and gathers treasure. + +Revived and ever young on high she glances. Dawn hath +come first unto our morning worship. + +3 If, Dawn, # thou Goddess nobly born, thou dealest fortune this + +day to all the race of mortals, + +May Savitar the God, Friend of the homestead, declare before +the Sun that we are sinless. + +4 Showing her wonted, form each day that passeth, spreading + +the light she visiteth each dwelling. + +Eager for conquest, with bright sheen she cometh. Her por¬ +tion is the best of goodly treasures. + +5 Sister of Yaruna, sister of Bhaga, first among all sing forth, + +0 joyous Morning. + +Weak be the strength of him who worketh evil: may $e sub¬ +due him with our carjdie guerdon. + +6 Let our glad hymns and holy thoughts rise upward, for the + +flames brightly burning have ascended. + +The far-refulgent Mornings make apparent the lovely treasures +which the darkness covered. + +7 The one departeth and the other cometh : unlike in hue day’s + +halves march on successive. + +One hides the gloom of the surrounding Parents. Dawn on +her shining chariot is resplendent. + +8 The same in form to-day, the same to-morrow, they still keep + +Yaruna’s eternal statute. + + +who pay the priest for performing the sacrifice, or by the heavenly mar/havan , +Indra, who in his turn pays for the sacrifice by favours of every kind to the +man who causes it to be offered.’ See La Religion Vedique , Vol. III. pp. 2S$, ff., +for M. Bergaigne’s translation of, and polemical commentary on, this hymn. + +The noble and active Goddess: Tishas, Aurora, or Dawn. The word Goddess +is not in the text. + +3 May Savitar : the all-seeing deity Savitar who presides over, but is some¬ +times distinguished from, the Sun, is appealed to as the best judge of the sup¬ +pliant’s innocence. + +5 Our ear the guerdon: may the liberal fee given for the performance of the + +sacrifice be to us as a war-chariot to enable us to overpower those who would +injure us. + +7 Day's halves: day and night. The surrounding Parents are the all-en¬ +compassing Heaven and Earth: the nightly darkness which envelops them +Is hidden or dispelled by the day ■ + + + + +HYMN 124.] THE K1GVEDA. m + +Blameless, in turn they traverse thirty regions, and dart across +the spirit in a moment. + +9 She who hath knowledge of the first day's nature is born re¬ +fulgent white from out the darkness. + +The Maiden breaketh not the law of Order, day fey day coming +to the place appointed. * + +10 In pride of beauty like a maid thou goest, 0 Goddess, to the + +God who longs to win thee, + +And smiling, youthful, as thou shinest brightly, before him +thou discoverest thy bosom. + +11 Fair as a bride embellished by her mother thou showest forth + +thy form that all may see it. + +Blessed art thou, 0 Dawn. Shine yet more widely. No other +Dawns have reached what thou attain est. + +12 Rich in kine, horses, and all goodly treasures, in constant oper¬ + +ation with the sunbeams, + +The Dawns depart and come again assuming their wonted +forms that promise happy fortune. + +13 Obedient to the rein of Law Eternal give us each thought + +that more and more shall bless us. + +Shine thou on us to-day, Dawn, swift to listen. With us be +riches and with chiefs who worship. + +HYMN CXXIY. Dawn, + +The Dawn refulgent when the fire is kindled, and the Sun +rising, far diffuse their brightness. + +Savitar, God, hath sent us forth to labour, each quadruped, +each biped, to be active. + +2 Not interrupting heavenly ordinances, although she minisheth +human generations, + +The last of endless morns that have departed, the first of +those that come, Dawn brightly shineth. + + +8 They traverse thirty regions : I follow M. Bergaigne in understanding tho +thirty regions or spaces to be an indefinite expression for the whole universe. +A more elaborate attempt at explanation will be found in Wilson’s Translation +in a Note from Bentley’s Hindu Astronomy . They are^ the Dawns, and they +may be said to pass across or through the spirit, to enlighten it. The second +hemistich is very difficult and obscure, and can he translated only provisionally. + +10 The God who longs to tain thee: the Sun, the lover of Dawn.. + +13 Chiefs xoho worship : the wealthy institutors of sacrifices. + + +1 The fire: the sacrificial fire lighted * ‘ * ’* ”’* rites. + +2 She minisheth: by marking the lapse ' ■ *. ■. time. Ct I. 92.10,11. + + +172 TUB II7MNS OF [BOOK L + +3 There in the eastern region she, Heaven's Daughter, arrayed + +in garments all of light, appeareth. + +Truly she followeth the path of Order, nor faileth, knowing +well, the heavenly quarters. + +4 Hear is she seen, as't were the Bright One's bosom : she show- + +eth sweet things like a new song-singer. + +She eometh like a fly awaking sleepers, of all returning dames +most true and constant. + +5 There in the east half of the watery region the Mother of + +the Cows hath shown her ensign. + +• Wider and wider still she spreadeth onward, and filleth full +the laps of both her Parents. + +6 She, verily, exceeding vast to look on debarreth from her light + +nor kin nor stranger. + +Proud of her spotless form she, brightly shining, turneth not +from the high nor from the humble. + +7 She seeketh men as she who hath no brother, mounting her + +car, as't were to gather riches. + +Dawn, like a loving matron for her husband, smiling and well +attired, unmasks her beauty. + +8 The Sister quitteth, for the elder Sister, her place, and having + +looked on her departeth. + +She decks her beauty, shining forth with sunbeams, like wo¬ +men trooping to the festal meeting. + +9 To all these Sisters who ere now have vanished a later one + +each day in course succeedeth. + +. So, like the past, with days of happy fortune, may the new +Dawns shine forth on us with riches. + +10 Bouse up, 0 Wealthy One, the liberal givers; let niggard +traffickers sleep on unwakened : + +Shine richly, Wealthy One, on those who worship, richly, glad +Dawn ! while wasting, on the singer. + + +4 Like a fly: admasduna; see Geldner, Yedische Studien, II. 179. + +5 The watery region: the misty sky. The Ooivs: rays of light. + +Both her Parents : Heaven and Earth. + +7 She seeketh men: this is not very clear. Perils the Sun, her lover or +husband, is intended. + +8 The cider Sister: Day, for whom Night makes room* + +10 While wasting: as in verse 2. + + + +HYMN 125.] + + +THE RIQVEDA. + + +173 + + +11 This young Maid from the east hath shone upon us; she har- + +nesseth her team of bright red oxen. + +She will beam forth, the light will hasten hither, and Agni +will be present in each dwelling. + +12 As the birds fly forth from their resting-places, ®so men with + +store of food rise at thy dawning. + +Yea, to the liberal mortal who remaineth at home, 0 Goddess +Dawn, much good thou bringest. + +13 Praised through my prayer be ye who should be lauded. Ye + +have increased our wealth, ye Dawns who love us. + +Goddesses, may we win by your good favour wealth to be told +by hundreds and by thousands. + +HYMN OXXV* Sranaya, + +Coming at early morn he gives his treasure; the prudent one +receives and entertains him. + +Thereby increasing still his life and offspring, he comes with +brave sons to abundant riches. + +2 Rich shall he be in gold and kine and horses. Indra bestows + +on him great vital power, + +Who stays thee, as thou comest, with his treasure, like game +caught in the net, 0 early comer. + +3 Longing, I came this morning to the pious, the son of sacrifice, + +with car wealth-laden. + +Give him to drink juice of the stalk that gladdens; prosper +with pleasant hymns the Lord of Heroes. + +4 Health-bringing streams, as milch-cows, flow to profit him who + +hath worshipped, him who now will worship. + +To him who freely gives and fills on all sides full streams of +fatness flow and make him famous. + +5 On the high ridge of heaven he stands exalted, yea, to the + +Gods he goes, the liberal giver. + +The streams, the waters flow for him with fatness: to him this +guerdon ever yields abundance. + +12 With store of food :. we should expect 'who seek their food/ and, bo +S& yana explains pitubhftjah. The wealthy may be meant who share their +store'with others and must work to replenish it. + +This hymn is a dialogue between a wandering priest and a pious and liberal +prince. For the explanatory legend, which is cited by S&yana, see the note +in Wilson’s translation. + +1 The priest (Kakshiv&n) speaks. His treasure: the wealth that will follow +sacrifice. The prudent one: the prince. + +2 The prince (Svanaya) speaks. + +3 The priest speaks. Him; Indra, + + + +174 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /. + +6 For those who give rich meeds are all these splendoursj for + +those who give rich meeds suns shine in heaven. + +The givers of rich meeds are made immortal; the givers of +rich fees prolong their lifetime. + +7 Let not the liberal sink to sin and sorrow, never decay the + +pious chiefs who worship 1 + +Let every man besides be their protection, and let affliction +fall upon the niggard. + +HYMN CXX.VI. Bhdvayavya. + +With wisdom I present these lively praises of BMvya dweller +on the bank of Siudhu; + +For he, nnconquered King, desiring glory, hath furnished me +a thousand sacrifices. + +2 A hundred necklets from the King, beseeching, hundred + +gift-steeds I at once accepted ; + +Of the lord’s cows a thousand, I Kakshivan. His deathless +glory hath he spread to heaven. + +3 Horses of dusky colour stood beside me, ten chariots, Svanaya’s + +gift, with mares to draw them. + +Kine numbering sixty thousand followed after. Kakshivan +gained them when the days were closing. + +4 Forty hay horses of the ten cars’ master before a thousand lead + +the long procession. + +Heeling in joy Kakshivan’s sons and Pajra’s have groomed the +coursers decked with pearly trappings, + +•5 An earlier gift for you have I accepted, eight cows, good milk¬ +ers, and three harnessed horses, + +Pajras, who with your wains with your great kinsman, like +troops of subjects, have been fain for glory. + + +1 Bhdvyti ; the prince Svanay a of the preceding hymn is here again eulo- +■ gized for his munificence under the name of his father BMva or Bh&vayavya, +who lived on the bank of Siudhu or the Indus. + +3 With mares to draw them: or, with damsels or female slaves. Cf. VI. 27. 8, + +4 Pajra: the founder of the priestly family f< om which Kakshtvdn was +descended. + +The sixth stanza of the hymn is ascribed to S van ay a, and the seventh to his +wife Homosa. They have no apparent connexion with what precedes, and are +in a different metre. They seem to be a fragment of a popular song. See Ap¬ +pendix. + + + +HYMN 127. ] + + +175 + + +THE RIG VEDA* + +HYMN CXXVII. + +Agiti I hold as herald, the munificent, the gracious, Son of +Strength, who knoweth all that live, as holy Singer, know¬ +ing all. + +Lord of fair rites, a God with form erected turning to the Gods, +He, when the flame hath sprung forth from the holy oil, the +offered fatness, longeth for it with his glow. + +2 We, sacrificing, call on thee best worshipper, the eldest of Angi- + +rases, Singer, with hymns, thee, brilliant One ! with singers’ +hymns ; + +Thee, wandering round as’t were the sky, who art the invok¬ +ing Priest of men, + +Whom, Bull with hair of flame, the people must observe, the +people that he speed them on. + +3 He with his shining glory blazing far and wide, he verily it is + +who slayeth demon foes, slayeth the demons like an axe: + +At whose close touch things solid shake, and what is stable +yields like trees. + +Subduing all, he keeps his ground and flinches not, from the +skilled archer flinches not. + +4 To him, as one who knows, even things solid yield: through + +fire-sticks heated hot he gives his gifts to aid. Men offer +Agni gifts for aid. + +. He deeply piercing many a thing hews it like wood with fer¬ +vent glow. + +Even hard and solid food he crunches with his might, yea, +hard and solid food with might. + + +This hymn, and the twelve that follow it, are attributed to the flislii Parueh- +chhepa. They are generally very obscure and frequently unintelligible. One +of their peculiarities is * to reiterate a leading word which occurs the third or +fourth from the end of the first line, and sometimes also of the third, and to +repeat it as the last word of the line. Thus we have here s&num sahaso Jata- +vedasam, vipram na X&tavedasam ; this is little else than a kind of verbal +alliterative jingle, but the Scholiast thinks it necessary to assign to the repeated +word a distinct signification. 7 —Wilson. + +2 Eldest of A ngirases; see I. 1. 6. + +3 From the shilled archeo*flinches not: not even a strong man armed with +his bow can turn him from his course. + +4 Eire-sticlcs : the two pieces of wood which are still used to produce the +sacrificial fire.- + + + +176 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +r BOOK L + +5 Here near we place the sacrificial food for him who shines + +forth fairer in the night than in the day, with life then +stronger than by day. + +His life gives sure and firm defence as that one giveth to a +son. + +The during fires enjoy things given and things not given, the +(during fires enjoy as food. + +6 He, roaring very loudly like the Maruts’ host, in fertile cul¬ + +tivated fields adorable, in desert spots adorable, + +Accepts and eats our offered gifts, ensign of sacrifice by desert; +So let all, joying, love his path when he is glad, as men pur¬ +sue a path for bliss. + +7 Even as they who sang forth hymns, addressed to heaven, the + +Bhrigus with their prayer and praise invited him, the +Bhrigus rubbing, offering gifts. + +For radiant Agni, Lord of all these treasures, is exceeding +strong. + +May he, the wise, accept the grateful coverings, the wise accept +the coverings. + +8 Thee we invoke, the Lord of all our settled homes, common + +to all, the household’s guardian, to enjoy, bearer of true +hymns, to enjoy. + +Thee we invoke, the guest of men, by whose mouth, even as +a sire’s, + +All these Immortals come to gain their food of life, oblations +come to Gods as food. + +9 Thou, Agni, most victorious with thy conquering strength, + +• most Mighty One, art born for service of the Gods, like +wealth for service of the Gods, + +Most mighty is thine ecstasy, most splendid is thy mental +power. + +Therefore men wait upon thee, undecaying One, like vassals, +undecaying One. + +10 To him the mighty, conquering with victorious strength, to +Agni walking with the dawn, who sendeth kine, be sung +your laud, to Agni sung; + +As he who with oblation comes calls him aloud in every place. +Before the brands of fire he shouteth singer-like, the herald, +kindler of the brands. + +6 Things given and things not given; both sacrificial offerings and the grass +brushwood of the jungle. + +7 The Bhrigus: descendants of Bhrigu, the earliest cherisher of Agni, or +kindler of fire. Rubbing : agitating the fire-sticks. 2he coverings: according +to S&yana, the oblations of clarified butter, etc. + + + +HYMN 128.] + + +THE JUG VEDA. + + +Ill + + +11 Agni, beheld by us in nearest neighbourhood, accordant with +the Gods, bring us, with gracious love, great riches with thy +gracious love. + +Give us, 0 Mightiest, what is great, to see and to enjoy the +earth. + +As one of awful power, stir up heroic might for those who +praise thee, Bounteous Lord! + +HYMN CXXVIII. ' Agni. + +By Manu’s law was born this Agni, Priest most skilled, born +for the holy work of those who yearn therefor, yea, bom +for his own holy work. + +All ear to him who seeks his love, and wealth to him who +strives for fame, + +Priest ne’er deceived, he sits in P&’s holy place, girt round in +Ila’s holy place. + +2 We call that perfeeter of worship by the path of sacrifice, with + +reverence rich in offerings, with worship rich in offerings. + +Through presentation of our food he grows not old in this his +form; + +The God whom Matarisvan brought from far away, for Manu +brought from far away. + +3 In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift-swal¬ + +lowing, bellowing Steer, bearing the genial seed, bearing +the seed and bellowing. + +Observant with a hundred eyes the God is conqueror in the +wood: - + +Agni, who hath his seat in broad plains here below, and in the +high lands far aw r ay. + +4 That Agni, wise High-Priest, in every house takes thought for + +sacrifice and holy service, yea, takes thought, with mental +power, for sacrifice. + +Disposer, he with mental power shows all things unto him who +strives; + +Whence he was horn a guest enriched with holy oil, horn as +Ordainer and as Priest. + + +1 lid's holy place : the altar ; Id& or 114 is personified Prayer and Wor* +ship. + +2 Mdtarmva/n: see I. 81. 3. + +12 + + + +173 TUB IIYMMS OF [BOOK I. + +5 When through his power and in his strong prevailing flames + +the Maruts’ gladdening boons mingle with Agni’s roar, boons +gladdening for the active One, + +Then he accelerates the gift, and, by the greatness of his +wealth, ^ + +Shall rescue us from overwhelming misery, from curse and +overwhelming woe. + +6 Vast, universal, good, he was made messenger; the speeder + +with his right hand hath not loosed his hold, through love +of fame not loosed his hold. + +He bears oblations to the Gods for whosoever supplicates. + +Agui bestows a blessing on each pious man, and opens wide +the doors for him. + +7 That Agni hath been set most kind in camp of men, in sacri¬ + +fice like a Lord victorious, like a dear Lord in sacred +rites. + +His are the oblations of mankind when offered up at IjiVs +placo. + +He shall preserve us from Varuna’s chastisement, yea, from +the groat God’s chastisement. + +8 Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth : him, + +dear, most thoughtful, have they made their messenger, +him, offering-!)calmer have they made, + +Beloved of all, who knowetli all, the Priest, the Holy One, +the Sage— + +Him, Friend, for help, the Gods when they are fain for wealth, +him, Friend, with hymns, when fain for wealth. + +HYMN CXXIX. . Indra. + +The car which, Indra, thou, for service of the Go Is, though <it +be far away, 0 swift One, bringest near, which, Blameless +One, thou bringest near. + +Place swiftly nigh us for our help : he it thy will that it he +strong. + +Blameless and active, hear this speech of orderers, this speech +of ns like orderers. + +2 Hear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show +thy strength, for cry of battle with the men, with moil of +war for victory. + +He who with heroes wins the light, who with the singers gains +the prize, + +Him the rich seek to gain even as a swift strong steed, even +as a courser fleet and strong. + + +5 The Maruts' gladdening boons: storm and rain. + + +HYMN 129.] + + +THE IMG YE DA. + + +179 + + +3 Thou, Mighty, pourest forth the hide that holds the rain ; thou + +keepest far away, Hero, the wicked man, thou shuttest out +the wicked man. + +Indra, to thee I sing, to Dyaus, to Rudra glorious in himself, +To Mitra, Varuna I sing a far-famed hymn, tp the kind God +a far-famed hymn. + +4 We wish our Indra here that he may further you, the Friend, + +beloved of all, the very strong ally, in wars the very strong +ally. + +In all encounters strengthen thou our prayer to be a help +to us. + +No enemy—whom thou smitest down—subdueth thee, no +enemy, whom thou smitest down. + +5 Bow down the overweening pride of every foe with succour + +like to kindling-wood in fiercest flame, with mighty succour, +Mighty One. + +Guide us, thou Hero, as of old, so art thou counted blameless +still. + +Thou drivest, as a Priest, all sins of man away, as Priest, in +person, seeking us. + +6 This may I utter to the present Soma-drop, which, meet to be + +invoked, with power, awakes the prayer, awakes the demon- +slaying prayer. + +May he himself with darts of death drive far from us the +scorner’s hate. + +Far let him flee away who speaketh wickedness, and vanish +like a mote of dust. + +7 By thoughtful invocation this may we obtain, obtain great + +wealth, 0 Wealthy One, with hero sons, wealth that is +sweet with hero sons. + +Him who is wroth we pacify with sacred food and eulogies, +Indra the Holy with our calls inspired and true, the Holy One +with calls inspired. + +8 On, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his + +own lordliness, to drive the wicked hence, to rend the evil- +hearted ones! + +The weapon which devouring fiends cast at us shall destroy +themselves. + +Struck down, it shall not reach the mark; hurled forth, the +fire-brand shall not strike. + +g With riches in abundance, Indra, come to us, come by an +unobstructed path, come by a path from demons free. + + + +180 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK L + +Be with us when we stray afar, be with us when our home is +nigh. + +Protect us with thy help both near and far away : protect us +ever with thy help. + +10 Thou art opr own, 0 Indra, with victorious wealth : let might + +accompany thee, the Strong, to give us aid, like Mitra, to +give mighty aid. + +0 strongest saviour, helper thou, Immortal! of each warrior's +car. + +Hurt thou another and not us, 0 Thunder-armed, one who +would hurt, 0 Thunder-armed J + +11 Save us from injury, thou who art well extolled: ever the + +warder-off art thou of wicked ones, even as a God, of +wicked ones; + +Thou slayer of the evil fiend, saviour of singer such as I. +Good Lord, the Father made thee slayer of the fiends, made +thee, good Lord, to slay the fiends. + +HYMN CXXX. Indra. + +Come to us, Indra, from afar, conducting us even as a lord of +heroes to the gatherings, home, like a King, his heroes' + +■ lord. + +We come with gifts of pleasant food, with juice poured forth, +invoking thee, + +As sons invite a sire, that thou mayst get thee strength, thee, +bouuteousest, to get thee strength. + +2 0 Indra, drink the Soma j uice pressed out with stones, poured + +from the reservoir, as an ox drinks the spring, a very +thirsty bull the spring. + +For the sweet draught that gladdens thee, for mightiest fresh¬ +ening of thy stength, + +Let thy Bay Horses bring thee hither as the Sun, as every day +they bring the Sun. + +3 He found the treasure brought from heaven that lay concealed, + +close-hidden, like the nestling of a bird, in rock, enclosed in +never-ending rock. + +Best Angiras, bolt-armed, he strove to win, as J t were, the +stall of kine ; + +. So Indra.hath disclosed the food concealed, disclosed the doors, +the food that lay concealed. + + +11 The Father: the Latin genitor ; the Supreme God, the Maker + +and Father of the Universe, + + + +M7MN ISO.] TUB BIGYBDA* 181 + +•4 Grasping his thunderbolt with both hands, Indra made its +edge most keen, for hurling, like a carving-knife for Ahi’s +slaughter made it keen. + +Endued with majesty and strength, 0 Indra, and with lordly +might, + +Thou crashest down the trees, as when a craftsman fells, crash- +est them down as with an axe. + +5 Thou, Indra, without effort hast let loose the floods to run +their free course down, like chariots, to the sea, like chariots +showing forth their strength. + +. They, reaching hence away, have joined their strength for one +eternal end, + +Even as the cows who poured forth every thing for man, yea, +poured forth all things for mankind. + +' 6 Eager for riches, men have formed for thee this song, like as +a skilful craftsman fashioneth a car, so have they wrought +thee to their bliss ; + +Adorning thee, 0 Singer, like a generous steed for deeds of +might, + +Yea, like a steed to show his strength and win the prize, that +he may bear each prize away. + +7 For Puru thou hast shattered, Indra! ninety forts, for Divo- + +d&sa thy boon servant with thy bolt, 0 Dancer, for thy +woi’shipper. + +For Atithigva he, the Strong, brought Sambara from the +mountain down, + +Distributing the mighty treasures with his strength, parting +all treasures with his strength. + +8 Indra in battles holp his Aryan worshipper, he who hath hun¬ + +dred helps at hand in every fray, in frays that win the +light of heaven. + +' ‘ Plaguing the lawless he gave up to Manu J s seed the dusky + +skin; + +Blazing, } t were, he burns each covetous man away, he burns +the tyrannous away. + + +3 We found the treasure: the Soma. The food concealed: according to S&- +yana, in the first place the rain enclosed in the clouds, and in the second place +the seeds shut up in the earth which await the rain to make them germinate. + +5 Bor man ; or for Manu, the great progenitor of the human race. + +7 Ptiru: the name of a prince protected by Indra. JDivoddsa; called also +Atithigva. See I. 92, 191. + +Sambara: a demon of the air ; or perhaps in this place some human adver¬ +sary of Atithigva. + +Dancer; thou who dancest in battle; dancer of the .war-dance. + + + +T1IE HYMNS OF + + +182 + + +IBOOK L + + +9 Waxed strong in might at dawn he tore the Sun's wheel off. + +. Bright red, he steals away their speech, the Lord of Power, +their speech he steals away from them, + +As thou with eager speed, 0 Sage, hast come from far away +to help, + +As winning for thine own all happiness of men, winning all +happiness each day. + +10 Lauded with oar new hymns, 0 vigorous in deed, save us with +strengthening help, thou Shatterer of the Forts ! + +Thou, Indra, praised by Divodasa's clansmen, as heaven grows +great with days, shalt wax in glory. + +HYMN CXXXI. Indra, + +To Indra Dyaus the Astira hath bowed him down, to Indra +mighty Earth with wide-extending tracts, to win the light, +with wide-spread tracts. + +All Gods of one accord have set Indra in front preeminent. + +For Indra all libations must be set apart, all man's libations +set apart. + +2 In all libations men with hero spirit urge the Universal One, + +each seeking several light, each fain to win the light apart. + +Thee, furthering like a ship, will we set to the chariot-pole of +strength, + +As men who win with sacrifices Indra's thought, men who win +Indra with their lauds. + +3 Couples desirous of thine aid are storming thee, pouring ’their + +presents forth to win a stall of kine, pouring gifts, Indra, +seeking thee. + +When two men seeking spoil or heaven thou bringest face to +face in war, + +Thou showest, Indra, then the holt thy constant friend, the +Bull that ever waits on thee. + + +9 He tore the Sun's wheel off: according to Sayana, Bralund had promised +the Aauras or fiends that Indra’s thunderbolt should never destroy them. +Indra, accordingly, cast at them the wheel of the Sun’s chariot and slew them +therewith. + +He steals their speech: Sayan a thinks that the meaning is that Indra depriv¬ +ed his enemies of life. + +0 Sage : 0 Indra, + +10 By Hivoddsa's clansmen: by me, Paruchehhepa, a member of the house +or family of Divod&sa. + +3 Couples: sacrifieers and their wives who are associated with them in offer¬ +ing oblations. + +The Bull: the fiercely rushing thunderbolt. + + + +HYMN 132.] + + +THE MGYEDA. + + +183 + + +4 This thine heroic power men of old time have known, where¬ + +with thou breakest down, Indra, autumnal forts, breakest +them down with conquering might. + +Thou hast chastised, 0 Indra, Lord of Strength, the man who +worships not, + +And made thine own this great earth and theste water-floods, +with joyous heart these water-floods. + +5 And they have bruited far this hero-might when thou, 0 Strong + +One, in thy joy holpest thy suppliants, who sought to "win +thee for their Friend. + +Their battle-cry thou madest sound victorious in the shocks of +war. + +One stre im after another have they gained from thee, eager +for glory have they gained. + +6 Also this morn may he be well-inclined to us, mark at our call + +our offerings and our song of praise, our call that we may +win the light. + +As thou, 0 Indra Thunder-armed, wilt, as the Strong One, slay +the foe, + +Listen thou to the prayer of me a later sage, hear thou a +later sage’s prayer. + +7 0 Indra, waxen strong and well-inclined to us, thou very mighty, + +slay the man that is our foe, slay the man, Hero I with thy +bolt. + +Slay thou the man who injures us: hear thou, as readiest to +hear. + +Far be malignity, like mischief on the march, afar be all +malignity; + +HYMN CXXXIL Indra. + +Htclpeu, Tndra Maghavan, by thee in war of old, may we sub¬ +due in fight the men who strive with us, conquer the men +who war with us. + + +4 Autumnal forts ; strongholds on high ground, occupied as places of refuge +during the heavy rains, or £ the brilliant battleniented cloud-castles, which +are so often visible in the Indian sky at. this period of the year. 1 —Muir, 0. S. +Texts, II. 379. + +Men of old time: I have followed Sftyana here. But pflrdvah probably +means the Purus, one of the five great Aryan tribes or clans. + +I This day: the hymn is addressed to Indra just before an expected battle. + +May ioc divide the spoil: divide it in anticipation '; secure it by our sacrifice. + + + +184 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK A + +This day that now is close at hand bless him who pours the +Soma juice. + +In this- our sacrifice may we divide the spoil, showing our +strength, the spoil of war. + +2 In war which w r ins the light, at the free-giver’s call, at due + +oblatioft of the early-rising one, oblation of the active one, +Indra slew, even as we know—whom each bowed head must +reverence. + +May all thy bounteous gifts be gathered up for us, yea, the +good gifts of thee the Good. + +3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they + +made thee chooser of the place, for thou choosest the place +of sacrifice. + +Speak thou and make it known to us: they see within with +beams of light. + +Indra, indeed, is found a seeker after spoil, spoil-seeker for his +own allies. + +4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the + +Angirases thou openedst the stall, openedst, giving aid, the +stall. + +In the same manner for us here fight thou and be victorious. +To him who pours the juice give up the lawless man, the law¬ +less who is wroth with us, + +5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they + +conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, press, eager, on¬ +ward seeking fame. + +To him in time of need they sing for life with offspring and +with strength. + +Their hymns with Indra find a welcome place of rest: the +hymns go forward to the Gods. + +6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, drive ye away + +each man who fain would war with us, drive him far from +us with the bolt. + + +2 The early-rising and active one is the offerer of the sacrifice. + +3 They made thee chooser of the place: the meaning appears to be that In¬ +dra is present at such sacrifices only as he chooses to favour. + +Speak thou and make it known : Wilson, following S&yapa. paraphrases : ' do +thou declare that (rite), that men may thence behold the intermediate (firma¬ +ment bright) with the rays (of the sun).’ I find the passage unintelligible. + +4 The man who pours the juice is the worshipper of Indra, and the lawless +man is the non-Aryan inhabitant of the country, the natural enemy of the +new settlers. + +6 Parvata: the presiding Genius of mountains and clouds, frequently +associated with Indra, or, according to S&yana, another form of that God, +Cl 1, 122. 3. + + + +HYMN 133.] TIIE RIG VEDA. 1S5 + +Welcome to him concealed afar shall be the lair that he hath +found. + +So may the Bender rend our foes on every side, rend them, 0 +Hero, everywhere. + +HYMN CXXXIII. # Indra. + +With sacrifice I purge both earth and heaven: I burn up +great she-fiends who serve not Indra, + +Where throttled by thy hand the foes were slaughtered, and +in the pit of death lay pierced and mangled. + +2 0 thou who castest forth the stone, crushing the sorceresses 7 + +heads, + +Break them with thy wide-spreading foot, with thy wide-spread¬ +ing mighty foot. + +3 Do thou, 0 Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses 7 daring + +strength. + +Cast them within the narrow pit, within the deep and narrow- +pit. + +4 Of whom thou hast ere now' destroyed thrice-fifty with thy + +fierce attacks. + +That deed they count a glorious deed, though small to thee, +a glorious deed. + +5 0 Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery-weaponed + +fiend: + +Strike every demon to the ground. + +6 Tear down the mighty ones. 0 Indra, hear thou us. For + +heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, 0 Thunder-armed, +as dreading fierce heat, Thunder-armed ! + +Most Mighty mid the Mighty Ones thou speedest with strong +bolts of death, + +Not slaying men, unconquered Hero l with the brave, 0 Hero, +with the thrice-seven brave.. + +7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his + +gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostilities of Gods. +Pouring, he strives, unchecked and strong, to win him riches +thousandfold. + +Indra gives lasting weal h to him who pours forth gifts, yea, +wealth he gives that long shall last. + + +This hymn is a prayer for the destruction of witches, goblins, and evil spi¬ +rits of various sorts. + +2 Who castest forth the stone: hurlest the thunderbolt. + +6 Not slaying men ; that is destroying evil spirits only. The thrice-seven +brave: the Maruts, Indra’s ( allies. These were forty-nine in number, and +thrice-seven is used indefinitely for a larger multiple of seven. + + + + +186 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +HYMN CXXX1V. Y&yu. + +YXrVy let fleet-foot coursers bring thee speedily to this our +feast, to drink first of the juice we pour, to the first +draught of Soma juice. + +May om; glad hymn, discerning well, uplifted, gratify thy +mind. + +Come with thy team-drawn car, 0 Vayu, to the gift, come to +the sacrificer’s gift. + +2 May the — -k--rs, 0 Vayu, gladden thee, effectual, + +well \ \ ■ I to the heavens, strong, blent with + +milk and seeking heaven ; + +“That aids, effectual to fulfil, may wait upon our skilful power. + +Associate teams come hitherward to grant our prayers: they +shall address the hymns we sing. + +3 Two red steeds Vayu yokes, Vayu two purple steeds, swift¬ + +footed, to the chariot, to the pole to draw, most able, at the +pole, to draw- + +Wake up intelligence, as when a lover wakes his sleeping love. + +Illumine heaven and earth, make thou the Dawns to shine, +for glory make the Dawns to shine. + +4 For thee the radiant Dawns in the far-distant sky broaden + +their lovely garments forth in wondrous beams, bright- +coloured in their new-born beams. + +For thee the nectar-yielding Cow pours all rich treasures forth +as milk. + +The Marut host hast thou engendered from the womb, the +Maruts from the womb of heaven. + +£ For thee the pure bright quickly-flowing Soma-drops, strong in +their heightening power, hasten to mix themselves, haste +to the water to be mixed. + +To thee the weary coward prays for luck that he may speed +away. + +Thou hy thy law protectest us from every world, yea, from +the world of highest Gods. + +6 Thou, Vflyii, who hast none before thee, first of all hast right +to drink these offerings of Soma juice, hast right to drink +the juice out-poured, + + +1 Vdyn : the God of wind. + +4 Nectar-yielding cow: Sabarduglut; yielding amrit, ambrosia, nectar, or +food for the Gods. + + + + +HYMN 135.] + + +THE RIG YE DA. + + +187 + + +Yea, poured by all invoking tribes who free themselves from +taint of sin. + +For thee all cows are milled to yield the Soma-milk, to yield +the butter and the milk. + +HYMN CXXXY. VAy* Indra-Vayu. + +Strewn is the sacred grass; come, Yayu, to our feast, with +team of thousands, come, Lord of the harnessed team, with +hundreds, Lord of harnessed steeds ! + +The drops divine are lifted up for thee, the God, to drink them +first. + +The juices rich in sweets have raised them for thy joy, have +raised themselves to give thee strength. + +2 Purified by the stones the Soma flows for thee, clothed with + +its lovely splendours, to the reservoir, flows clad in its re¬ +fulgent light. + +For thee the Soma is poured forth, thy portioned share mid +Gods and men. + +Drive thou thy horses, Yayu, come to us with love, come well- +inclined and loving us. + +3 Come thou with hundreds, come with thousands in thy team + +to this our solemn rite, to taste the sacred food, Yayu, to +taste the offerings. + +This is thy seasonable share, that comes corradiant with the +Sun. + +Brought by attendant priests pure juice is offered up, Yayu, +pure juice is offered up. + +4 The chariot with its team of horses bring you both, to guard + +us and to taste the well-appointed food, Yayu, to taste the +offerings! + +Drink of the pleasant-flavoured juice : the first draught is +assigned to you. + +0 Vayu, with your splendid bounty come ye both, Indra, with +bounty come ye both. + +5 May our songs bring you hither to our solemn rites: these + +drops of mighty vigour have they beautified, like a swift +steed of mighty strength. + +Drink of them well-inclined to us, come hitherward to be our +help. + +Drink, Indra-V&yu, of these juices pressed with stones, +Strength-givers 1 till they gladden you. + + +0 T/ie Soma-milk; the libation consisting of Soma juice mixed with milk. + + +188 + + +T1IE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK /. + +6 These Soma juices pressed for you in waters here, borne by + +attendant priests, are offered up to you: bright, V&yu, are +they offered up. + +Swift through the strainer have they flowed, and here are shed +for both of you, + +Soma-drops, fain for you, over the wether’s fleece, Somas over +the wether’s fleece. + +7 0 Vayu, pass thou over all the slumberers, and where the press- + +stone rings enter ye both that house, yea, Indra, go ye both +within. + +The joyous Maiden is beheld, the butter flows. With richly- . +laden team come to our solemn rite, yea, Indra, come ye to +the rite. + +8 Ride hither to the offering of the pleasant juice, the holy Fig- + +tree which victorious priest surround: victorious be they +still for us. + +At once the cows yield milk, the barley-meal is dressed. For +thee, + +0 V&yn, never shall the cows grow thin, never for thee shall +they be dry. + +9 These Bulls of thine, 0 Vayu with the arm of strength, who + +swiftly fly within the current of thy stream, the Bulls in¬ +creasing in their might, + +Horseless, yet even through the waste swift-moving, whom no +shout can stay, + +Hard to be checked are they, like sunbeams, in their course, +hard to be checked by both the hands. + +HYMN CXXXVI. Mitra-Varuna. + +Bring adoration ample and most excellent, hymn, offerings, to +the watchful Twain, the bountiful, your sweetest to the +bounteous Ones. + +Sovrans adored with streams of oil and praised at every sacri¬ +fice, + +Their high imperial might may nowhere he assailed, ne’er may +their Godhead be assailed. + + +6 The. wethers*s fleece the filter or strainer made of wool, used in purifying +the Soma juice. See I. 2. 1. + +7 Where the press-stone rings: where men are pressing out the Soma juice. +The joyous Maiden : probably Ushas or Dawn. + +8 The holy Fig-tree; the vessel for holding the Soma juice, made of the +wood of the Asvatfcha or Ficus Religiosa ; or, as S&yana explains it here, the +Soma itself. + +The barley-meal: forming a part of the offering. + +0 Hulls : blasts of wind. + + + +THE JR1GYEDA. + + +189 + + +HYMN 136.] + +2 For the broad Sun was seen a path more widely laid, the path + +of holy law hath been maintained with rays, the eye with +Bhaga’s rays of light. + +Firm-set in heaven is Mitra’s home, and Aryaman’s and +Yar una’s. + +'t + +Thence they give forth great vital strength which merits praise, +high power of life that men shall praise. + +3 With Aditi the luminous, the celestial, upholder of the people, + +come ye day by day, ye who watch ^leepless, day by day. +Resplendent might have ye obtained, Adityas, Lords of liberal +gifts. + +Movers of men, mid both, are Mitra, Yaruna, mover of men is +Aryaman. + +4 This Soma be most sweet to Mitra, Yaruna: he, in the drink¬ + +ing-feasts, shall have a share thereof, sharing, a God, among +the Gods. + +May all the Gods of one accord accept it joyfully to-day. +Therefore do ye, 0 Kings, accomplish what we ask, ye Righte¬ +ous Ones, whatever we ask. + +5 Whoso with worship serves Mitra and Yaruna, him guard ye + +carefully, uninjured, from distress, guard from distress the +liberal man. + +Aryaman guards him well who acts uprightly following his law, +Who beautifies their service with liis lauds, who makes it beauti¬ +ful with songs of praise. + +6 Worship will I profess to lofty Dyaus, to Heaven and Earth, + +to Mitra and to bounteous Yaruna, the Bounteous, the Com¬ +passionate. + +Praise Indra, praise thou Agni, praise Bhaga and heavenly +Aryaman. + +Long may we live and have attendant progeny, have progeny +with Soma’s help. + + +2 Bhaga's rays of light: 1 the ancient god, Bhaga/ says Mr. Wallis, ‘lias +become in the Kigveda little more than .a source from which descriptions of +the functions of other gods are obtained, or a standard of comparison by +which their greatness is enhanced. His name has survived in the Slavonic +languages as a general name for god, a sense which it also has in the Avesta. +To judge from the Bigveda, Bhaga would seem to be a survival from an ancient +Sun-worship,’ The Cosmology of the Rigveda, p, 11. It is difficult to explain +every expression in the verse ; but the general meaning appears to be that +the heaven has been lighted by the Sun, and that there is the home of the +Gods who thence show forth the powers which men should glorify. + +3 Aditi and Adityas: seel. 14. 3. + +4 He : Soma himself, meaning perhaps the Moon. + + + + +190 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK I. + +7 With the Gods 5 help, with Indra still beside us, may we be +held self-splendid with the Maruts. + +May Agni, Mitra, Varuna give us shelter: this may we gain, +we and our wealthy princes. + +HYMN CXXXVII. Mitra-Varuna. + +With stones have we pressed out: 0 come; these gladdening +drops are blent with milk, these Soma-drops which gladden +you. + +Come to us, Kings who reach to heaven, approach us, coming +hitherward. + +These milky drops are yours, Mitra and Varuna, bright Soma +juices blent with milk. + +2 Here are the droppings; come ye nigh; the Soma-droppings + +blent with curd, juices expressed and blent with curd. + +Now for the wakening of your Dawn together with the Sun- +God's rays, + +Juice waits for Mitra and for Varuna to drink, fair juice for +drink, for sacrifice. + +3 As ’twere a radiant-coloured cow, they milk with stones the stalk + +for you, with stones they milk the Soma-plant. + +May ye come nigh us, may ye turn hither to drink the Soma +juice. + +The men pressed out this juice, Mitra and Varuna, pressed +out this Soma for your drink. + +HYMN OXXXVIII. Pftehan. + +Strong Pu shan’s majesty is lauded evermore, the glory of his +lordly might is never faint, his song of praise is never faint. + +Seeking felicity I laud him nigh to help, the source of bliss, + +Who, Vigorous One, hath drawn to him the hearts of all, drawn +them, the Vigorous One, the God. + +2 Thee, then, 0 Pushan, like a swift one on his way, I urge with +lauds that thou mayst make the foemen flee, drive, camel¬ +like, our foes afar. + +As I, a man, call thee, a God, giver of bliss, to be my Friend, + +So make our loudly-chanted praises glorious, in battles make +them glorious. + + +1 Pdshan: see I. 14. 3, and 42. 1. + +2 Cauid-lihc ; S&yana explains : ( as a camel carries away his load, so carry +away our enemies from the battle.’ The meaning is obscure. + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +191 + + +HYMN 139.] + +3 Thou, Pushan, in whose friendship they who sin a: forth praise +enjoy advantage, even in wisdom, "through thy grace, in +wisdom even they are advanced. + +So, after this most recent course, we come to thee with prayers +for wealth. + +dSTot stirred to anger, 0 Wide-Euler, come to us,-come thou to +us in every fight. + +4r Not stirred to anger, come, Free-giver, nigh to us, to take this +gift of ours, thou who hast goats for steeds, Goat-borne ! +their gift who long for fame. + +So, Wonder-Woz'ker! may we turn thee hither with effectual +lauds. + +I slight thee not, 0 Pushan, thou Resplendent One: thy friend¬ +ship may not be despised. + +HYMN CXXXIX. Visvedevas. + +Heath) be our prayer ! In thought I honour Agni fh'st: now +straightway we elect this heavenly company, Indra and Vayu +we elect. + +For when our latest thought is raised and on Vivasvan centred +well, + +Then may our holy songs go forward on their way, our songs +as’t were unto the Gods. + +2 As there ye, Mitra, Vanina, above the true have taken to +yourselves the untrue with your mind, with wisdom’s mental +energy, + +So in the seats wherein ye dwell have we beheld the Golden +One, + +Not with our thoughts or spirit, but with these our eyes, yea, +with the eyes that Soma gives. + + +4 Thou who hast goats for steeds; Pflshan’s chariot, like Thdrr’s in the +Bdda, is said to be drawn by a team of goats. + +1 Vivasv-ln: the radiant celestial Agni. + +2 This verse is exceedingly difficult. Ludwig’s explanation, if I have under¬ +stood him rightly, is to the following effect: The Golden One, which is in the +home of Mitra and Varuna, is the Sun which is only the image or copy of the +transcendental reality, the golden shell that covers the face of the satyam or +verity. This apparent Sun Mitra and Varuna have taken to themselves im +addition to their real essence. As this real essence is perceived not with the +eyes of the body but by the eyes of the spirit strengthened by the elevating +Soma-draught, so on the other hand the apparent Sun is not an object of + + + +192 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK L + + +3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sound¬ + +ing their loud song forth to you, these living men, to their +oblations, living men. + +All glories and all nourishment, Lords of all wealth! depend +on you. + +The fellies of your golden chariot scatter drops, Mighty Ones ! +of your golden car. + +4 Well is it known, 0 Mighty Ones : ye open heaven; for you + +the chariot-steeds are yoked for morning rites, unswerving +steeds for morning rites. + +We set you on the chariot-seat, ye Mighty, on the golden car. +Ye seek mid-air as by a path that leads aright, as by a path +that leads direct. + +5 0 Bich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us + +blessings day and night. + +The offerings which we bring to you shall never fail, gifts +brought by us shall never fail. + +6 These Soma-drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, + +pressed out by pressing-stones, are welling forth for thee, +for thee the drops are welling forth. + +They shall make glad thy heart to give, to give wealth great +and wonderful. + +Thou who acceptest praise come glorified by hymns, come thou +to us benevolent. + +7 Quickly, 0 Agni, bear us: magnified by us thou shalt speak + +for us to the Gods adorable, yea, to the Kings adorable : +When, 0 ye Deities, ye gave that Milch-cow to the Angirases, +They milked her : Aryatnan, joined with them, did the work : +he knoweth her as well as I. + +8 Ne’er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never + +may your bright glories fall into decay, never before our +time decay. + +What deed of yours, new every age, wondrous, surpassing +man, rings forth, + +Whatever, Maruts ! may be difficult to gain, grant ns, whatever +is hard to gain. + +spiritual perception. Consequently the poet says ; ‘ With our bodily eyes we +have seen the Sun, but enlightened by the Soma juice we have recognized +it as being only an image of you.* The untrue is the Sun; the true is the +transcendental essence of the God. + +7 That Milch-cow: according to S&yana, the Cow of Plenty. M. Bergaigne +(La lteligion V&lique, I. 135, 310) thinks that prayer is meant, 4 the ancient +prayer of the Fathers.’ The meaning of the latter part of the verse is uncertain. + + +HYMX 140.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +193 + + +9 Dadbyach of old, Angiras, Priyamedha, these, and Kanva, Atri, +Manu knew my birth, yea, these of ancient days and Mann +knew. + +Their long line stretcheth to the Gods, our birth-connexions +are with them. + +To these, for their high station, I bow down with song, to Indra, +Agni, bow with song. + +10 Let the Invoker bless : let offerers bring choice gifts; Brihas- + +pati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, Steers that’have +many an excellence. + +Now with our ears we catch the sound of the press-stone that +rings afar. + +The very Strong hath gained the waters by himself, the Strong +gained many a resting-place. + +11 0 ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, 0 ye Eleven + +who make earth your dwelling, + +Ye who with might, Eleven, live in waters, accept this sacrifice, +0 Gods, with pleasure. + +HYMN CXL. Agni. + +To splendid Agni seated by the altar, loving well his home, +I bring the food as ? twere his place of birth, + +I clothe the Bright One with my hymn as with a robe, him +with the car of light, bright-hued, dispelling gloom. + + +9 JOadhyach of old: all these ancient sages have been mentioned in former +hymns. As predecessors of Paruchchhepa, the Rishi of this hymn, they are +said to have known his ancestry. + +10 Let the Invoker bless: let the Hotar, or invoking priest utter the Ydjgd, +words of consecration used at 'sacrifice. + +JBrihaspati: see I, 14. 3. + +With Steers: according to S&yana, a metaphorical expression for strong +and copious libations of Soma juice. + +The very Strong : the Soma. The resting-places are the different recept¬ +acles into which the juice flows. + +11 0 ye Eleven Gods : on this S&yana remarks : 'Although, according to +the text, * There are only three gods’, (Nirukta, vii. 5), the deities who repre¬ +sent the earth, etc., are but three, still through their greatness, i, e. their +respective varied manifestations, they amount to thirty-three, according +to the saying, * other manifestations of Him exist in different places.’— +J. Muir, 0, S. Texts , v. 10. + +This and the twenty-four following hymns are ascribed to the Rishi Dlrgha- +tamas, the son of Ucbathya. + +1 The food as *twere his place of birth: the oblation of clarified butter +which makes the fire spring up into fresh life. + +13 + + +194 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +2 Child of a double birth he grasps at triple food; in the year’s + +course what he hath swallowed grows anew*. + +He, by another’s mouth and tongue a noble Bull,, with other, +as an elephant, consumes the trees. + +3 The pair© who dwell together, moving in the dark, bestir + +themselves : both parents hasten to the babe, +Impetuous-tong ued, destroying, springing swiftly forth, one to +be watched and cherished, strengthener of his sire. + +4 For man, thou Friend of men, these steeds of thine are yoked, + +impatient, lightly running, ploughing blackened lines, +Discordant-minded, fleet, gliding with easy speed, urged on wazxl +by the wind and rapid in their course. + +5 Dispelling on their way the horror of black gloom, making a + +glorious show these flames of his fly forth, + +When o’er the spacious tract he spreads himself abroad, andi +rushes panting on with thunder and with roar. + +6 Amid brown plants he stoops as if adorning them, and rushes + +bellowing like a bull upon his wives. « + +Proving his m : ght, he decks the glory of his form, and shakes +his horns like one terrifle, hard to stay. + +' 7 Now covered, now displayed, be grasps as one who knows, +having his resting-place in those who know him well. + +A second time they wax and gather Godlike power, and blend¬ +ing both together change their Parents’ form. + +. 8 The maidens with long tresses hold him in embrace; dead, +they rise up again to meet the Living One. + +Releasing them from age with a loud roar he comes, filling +them with new spirit, living, unsubdued. + + +2 Child of a double birth: born first from the fire-sticks and then anew by +consecration. + +Triple food: clarified butter, fried cakes, Soma juice. + +By another's mouth; according to Sayana, ‘ he receives the oblation by +means of the ladle of the ministering priests, and in another form, that is +the fire that burns forests, he consumes the trees.’ + +3 The pair who dwell together; the two fire-sticks from which Agin is +produced by friction. His sire: said to be the institutor of the sacrifice. + +4 In this and the four following stanzas Agni is described not in his +sacrificial form but as the fire that destroys the jungle and prepares the way +for new settlements. + +6 As adorning them : with the glory of his flame. + +7 As one who knows : because, coming from heaven with the waters, he +makes the plants grow, and is said to live within them. + +, Change their Parents' form: perhaps, as Ludwig suggests, the plants alter +the appearance of the earth, and Agni or fire that of the sky. + +8 2 he maidens with long tresses; the curling flames. + + + + +jOT 141.3 + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +195 + + +9 Licking the mantle of the Mother, far and wide he wanders +over fields with beasts that flee apace. + +Strengthening all that walk, licking up all around, a blackened +path, forsooth, he leaves where’er he goes. + +10 0 Agni, shine resplendent with our wealthy chiefs, like a + +loud-snorting bull, accustomel to the house. + +Thou casting off thine infant wrappings blazest forth as +though thou hadst put on a coat of mail for war. + +11 May this our perfect prayer be dearer unto thee than an + +imperfect prayer although it please thee well. + +With the pure brilliancy that radiates from thy form, mayest +thou grant to us abundant store of wealth. + +12 Grant to our chariot, to our house, 0 Agni, a boat with mov¬ + +ing feet and constant oarage, + +One that miy further well our wealthy princes and all the +folk, and be our certain refuge. + +13 Welcome our laud with thine approval, Agni. May earth and + +heaven and freely-flowing rivers +Yield us long life and food and corn and cattle, and may the +red Dawns choose for us their choicest. + +HYMN CXLI. Agni. + +.Yea, verily, the fair effulgence of the God for glory was +established, since he sprang from strength. + +When he inclines thereto successful is the hymn: the songs +of sacrifice have brought him as they flow. + +2 Wonderful, rich in nourishment, he dwells in food; next, in +the seven auspicious Mothers is his home. + +Thirdly, that they might drain the treasures of the Bull, the +maidens brought forth him for whom the ten provide. + +9 The Mother: the earth, whose vesture of grass and shrubs he licks and +consumes. + +Strengthening all that walk: giving them strength and speed to fly +before him. + +IQ Thine infant wrappings: the waters that enveloped the f Child of the Floods.’ + +11 This our perfeet prayer : see'Yedic Hymns, I, 225. + +12 A boat: according to Sdyana, the sacrifice, with priests for oars, and +Gods, prayers and offerings, for feet. + +1 From strength : from violent agitation of the fire-stick. + +2 He dwells in food : he is the cause of the production of men’s food, as +sender of rain and as sacrificial fire. + +T 1 2 •* *f .thers : according to Sdyana, the rains which fertilize + +th- ■■ ■» ■ :■ v. ■■ . + +The Bull: Agni. The maidens , and the ten , are the fingers which produce +the fire by attrition and tend it afterwards. + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +3 Whafc time from out the deep, from the Steer’s wondrous + +form, the Chiefs who had the power produced him with +their strength; + +When Matarisvan rubbed forth him who lay concealed, for +mixture of the sweet drink, in the days of old. + +4 When from the Highest Father he is brought to us, amid the + +plants he rises hungry, wondrous!y. + +As both together join to expedite his birth, most youthful he +is born resplendent in his light. + +5 Then also entered he the Mothers, and in them pure and + +uninjured he increased in magnitude. + +As to the first he rose, the vigorous from of old, so now he +runs among the younger lowest ones. + +6 Therefore they choose him Herald at the morning rites, press¬ + +ing to him as unto Bhaga, pouring gifts, + +When, much-praised, by the power and will of Gods, he goes +at all times to his mortal worshipper to drink. + +7 What time the Holy One, wind-urged, hath risen up, serpent- + +like winding through the dry grass zznrestrained, + +Dust lies upon the way of him who burneth all, black-winged +and pure of birth who follows sundry paths. + +8 Like a swift chariot made by men who know their art, he + +with his red limbs lifts himself aloft to heaven. + +Thy worshippers become by burning black of hue: their +strength flies as before a hero’s violence. + +9 By thee, 0 Agni, Varuna who guards the Law, Mitra and + +Aryaman, the Bounteous, are made strong; + +For, as the felly holds the spokes, thou with thy might +pervading hast been born encompassing them round. + +10 Agni, to him who toils and pours libations, thou, Most Youth¬ +ful ! sendest wealth and all the host of Gods. + +Thee, therefore, even as Bhaga, will we set anew, young Child +of Strength, most wealthy 1 in our battle-song. + + +3 Agni appears here to have been partly produced by the Chiefs, the SCm +or Gods, from the depth of the atmosphere, from Parjanya the rainy cloud +symbolically represented as a bull, and partly generated by M&fcarisvan +(see I. 31. 3) by attrition, and brought by him to the earth to receive +libations of Soma juice. + +4 The Highest Father: Dyaus. Both together: Heaven and Earth. + +5 The Mothers .* the waters. The younger loxee&t ones: the plants in which +also he dwells. + +6 Herald: or, Hotar. Bhaga; see I. 136. 2. + + +THE RIGYED'A. + + +HYMN 1420 + + +19? + + +11 Vouchsafe us riches turned to worthy ends, good luck abiding + +in. the house, and strong capacity, + +Wealth that directs both worlds as they were guiding-reins, +and, very Wise, the Gods’ assent in sacrifice. + +12 May he, the Priest resplendent, joyful, hear ua, he with the + +radiant car and rapid horses. + +May Agni, ever wise, with best directions to bliss and highest +happiness conduct us. + +13 With hymns of might hath Agni now been lauded, advanced + +to height of universal kingship. + +Now may these wealthy chiefs and we together spread forth +as spreads the Sun above the rain-clouds, + +HYMN OXLIL Iprte. + +Kindled, bring, Agni, Gods to-day for him who lifts the +ladle up. + +Spin out the ancient thread for him who sheds, with gifts, +the Soma juice. + +2 Thou dealest forth, Tanunapat, sweet sacrifice enriched + +with oil, + +Brought by a singer sueh as I who offers gifts and toils for thee. + +3 He wondrous, sanctifying, bright, sprinkles the sacrifice with + +mead, + +Thrice, Nar&sansa from the heavens, a God mid Gods adorable. + +4 Agni, besought, bring hitherward Indra the Friend, the + +Wonderful, + +For this my hymn of praise, '0 sweet of tongue, is chanted +forth to thee. + +5 The ladle-holders strew trimmed grass at this well-ordered + +sacrifice; + +A home for Iudra is adorned, wide, fittest to receive the Gods. + +6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist + +the rite, + +High, purifying, much-desired, so that the Gods may enter in. + +7 May Night and Morning, hymned with lauds, united, fair to + +look upon. + +Strong Mothers of the sacrifice, seat them together on the +grass. + + +1 The ladle ; the sacrificial ladle containing the oblation. + +Spm out the ancient thread: perform the sacrifice ordained of old. + +2 TanUnapdt: Son of Thyself ; Agni. Bee I. 13. 2. + +3 Nardmnsa : a name of Agni. Bee I. 13. 2. + +The Doors Divine ; of the hall of sacrifice. See I. 13. fi. + + + +198 . THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +8 May the two Priests Divine, the sage, the sweet-voiced lovers + +of the hymn, + +Complete this sacrifice of ours, effectual, reaching heaven +to-day. + +9 Let Hotri pure, set among Gods, amid the Maruts Bharati,; +I]a, Sarasvati, Mahi, rest on the grass, adorable. + +10 May Tvashtar send us genial dew abundant, wondrous, rich + +in gifts, + +For increase and for growth of wealth, Tvashtar our kinsman +and our Friend. + +11 Yanaspati, give forth, thyself, and call the Gods to sacrifice. +May Agni, God intelligent, ‘speed our oblation to the Gods. + +12 To Vayu joined with Pushan, with the Maruts, and the host + +of Gods, + +To Indra who inspires the hymn cry Glory I and present +the gift. + +13 Come hitherto enjoy the gifts prepared with cry of Glory I + +Come, + +O Indra, hear their calling ; they invite thee to the sacrifice. + +HYMN CXLIIJ. Agni. + +To Agni I present a newer mightier hymn, I bring my words +and song unto the Son of Strength, + +Who, Offspring of the Waters, beariug precious things sits on +the earth, in season, dear Invoking Priest. + +2 Soon as he sprang to birth that Agni was shown forth to + +M Otaris van in the highest firmament. + +When he was kindled, through his power and majesty his +fiery splendour made the heavens and earth to shine. + +3 His flames that wax not old, beams fair to look upon of him + +whose face is lovely, shine with beauteous sheen. + +The rays of Agni, him whose active force is light, through +the nights glimmer .sleepless, ageless, like the floods. . + +8 The tivo Priests Divine : see I. 13. 8. + +9 H otrd: a Goddess of sacrifice, regarded as the consort of Agni. + +JBMrati: a Goddess of sacred speech. + +Ild, Sarasvati , Mahi: see I, 13. 9. + +11 Vanaspati: the sacrificial post, said to he a form of Agni. + +. 12 Gr V Glory I; Sv&M ! the sacred word uttered at the end of sacrificial +invocations. + + +2 M&tarhvan: see I. 31. 3. + + + +THE MIG VEDA. + + +199 + + +HYMN 144.] + +4 Send thou with hymns that .Agni to his own abode, who rules, + +one Sovran Lord of wealth, like Yaruna, + +Him, All-possessor, whom the Bhrigns with their might +brought to earth's central point, the centre of the world. + +5 He whom no force can stay, even as the Manfts’ roar, like + +to a dart sent forth, even as the bolt from heaven, + +Agni with sharpened jaws chews up and eats the trees, and +conquers them as when the warrior smites his foes. + +6 And will not Agni find enjoyment in our praise, will not the + +Vasu grant our wish with gifts of wealth 1 +Will not the Inspirer speed our prayers to gain their end ? +Him with the radiant glairce I laud w r ith this my song. + +7 The kiudler of the flame wins Agni as a Friend, promoter of + +the Law, whose face is bright with oil. + +Inflamed and keen, refulgent in our gatherings, he lifts our +hymn on high clad in his radiant hues. + +8 Keep us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with + +guards auspicious, very mighty. + +With guards that irever slumber, never heedless, never be¬ +guiled, 0 Helper, keep our children. + +HYMN CXLIV. Agni. + +The Priest goes forth to sacrifice, with wondrous power send¬ +ing aloft the hymn of glorious brilliancy. + +He moves to meet the ladles turning to the right, which are +the first to kiss the place where he abides. + +2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encom¬ + +passed in the home and birth-place of the God. + +He, when he dwelt extended in the waters’ lap, absorbed those +Godlike powers for which he is adored. + +3 Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end, the two + +copartners strive to win this beauteous form. + +Like Bhaga must he be duly invoked by us, as he who drives +the car holds fast the horse’s reins. + + +4 Earth's central 'point: the altar. + +6 The F<7SU ; the God Agni. + +1 The place where he abides : Agni’s dwelling-place; the altar. + +2 Of Holy Law : flowing in accordance with the order of the universe. + +3 The two copartners: the two priests, Hotar and Adhvaryu, according to +Sdyana. Perhaps Day and Fight are intended, as Ludwig suggests. + + + +200 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +4 He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair + +who dwell together in the same abode, + +By night as in the day the grey one was born young, passing +tmtouched by eld through many an age of man. + +5 Him the ten fingers, the devotions, animate : we mortals call + +on him a God to give us help. + +He speeds over the sloping surface of the land: new deeds +hath he performed with those who gird him round. + +6 For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest + +o’er all that is in heaven and on the earth; + +And these two Mighty Ones, bright, golden, closely joined, +rolling them round are come unto thy sacred grass. + +7 Agni, accept with joy, be glad in tbis our prayer, joy-giver, + +self-sustained, strong, born of Holy Law ! + +For fair to see art thou turning to every side, pleasant to +look on as a dwelling filled with food. + +HYMN CXLY. Agni. + +Ask ye of him, for he is come, he knoweth it; he, full of +wisdom, is implored, is now implored. + +With him are admonitions and with him commands : he is +the Lord of Strength, the Lord of Power and Might. + +2 They ask of him : not all learn by their questioning w T hat he, + +the Sage, hath grasped, as ’twere, with his own mind/ +Forgetting not the former nor the later word, he goeth on, +not careless, in his mental power. + +3 To him these ladles go, to him these racing mares: he only + +will give ear to all the words I speak. + +All-speeding, victor, perfecter of sacrifice, the Babe with +flawless help hath mustered vigorous might, + +4 Whate’er he meets he grasps and then runs farther on, and + +straightway, newly born, creeps forward with his kin. + +He stirs the wearied man to pleasure and great joy what time +the longing gifts approach him as he comes. + + +4 The grey one.- Agni. Of. I. 164,1. + +5 Him the ten fingers; see I. 141. 2. Those who gird 1dm round: his wor¬ +shippers. + +6 These two Mighty Ones : Heaven and Earth. + +3 These racing mares: these libations that quickly reach Agni. + +The. Bale with flawless help ; the evcr-youthful Agni who protects his +worshippers. + + + +HYMN 146.] + + +THE RIGVEBA. + + +201 + + +5 He is a wild thing of the flood and forest: he hath been laid +upon the highest surface. + +He hath declared the lore of works to mortals,’ Agni the Wise, +for he knows Law, the Truthful. + +HYMN CXLVI. Agni. + +I laxtd the seven-rayed, the triple-headed, Agni all-perfect in +his Parents* bosom, + +Sunk in the lap of all that moves and moves not, him who +hath filled all luminous realms of heaven. + +2 As a great Steer he grew to these his Parents; sublime he + +stands, untouched by eld, far-reaching. + +He plants his footsteps on the lofty ridges of the broad earth: +his red flames lick the udder. + +3 Coming together to their common youngling both Cows, fair¬ + +shaped, spread forth in all directions, + +Measuring out the paths that must bo travelled, entrusting +all desires to him the Mighty. + +4 The prudent sages lead him to his dwelling, guarding with + +varied skill the Ever-Youthful. + +Longing, they turned their eyes unto the River: to these the +Sun of men was manifested. + +5 Born noble in the regions, aim of all mens’ eyes, to be implored + +for life by great and small alike, + +Par as the Wealthy One hath spread himself abroad, he is +the Sire all-visible of this progeny. + + +5 Upon the highest surface: the meaning is not clear, but the reference +appears to be to celestial Agni in the firmament rather than to the sacrificial +fire upon the altar. + +1 f The three heads may be the three daily sacrifices, or the three household +fires, or the three regions, earth, heaven and mid-air. The seven rays are the +seven flames of fire.’—Wilson, + +His Parents' bosom: the lap of Heaven and Earth. + +2 The udder: the clouds of the sky. + +8 Both Cows: apparently Heaven and Earth ; according to S&yana, the +institutor of the rite and the priest, or the saerificer and his wife. + +4 The River: Agni, whose bounties flow like streams of water. + +5 The Wealthy One : the rich and mighty Agni. + + + +202 + + +[BOOK l + + +THE HYMNS O'F + +HYMN OXLYIL Agni. + +How, Agni, have the radiant ones, aspiring, endued thee with +the vigour of the living, + +So that, on both sides fostering seed and offspring, the Gods +may jcy in Holy Law’s fulfilment 2 +' 2 Mark this my speech, Divine One, thou, Most Youthful! +offered to thee by him who gives most freely. + +One hates thee, and another sings thy praises: I thine adorer +laud thy form, 0 Agni. + +3 Thy guardian rays, 0 Agni, when they saw him, preserved + +blind Mamateya from affliction. + +Lord of all riches, he preserved the pious : the foes who fain +would harm them did no mischief. + +4 The sinful man who worships not, 0 Agni, who, offering not, + +harms us with double-dealing,— + +: Be this in turn to him a heavy sentence: may he distress +himself by his reviliugs. + +5 Yea, when a mortal knowingly, 0 Victor, injures with double + +tongue a fellow-mortal, + +TYom him, praised Agni! save thou him that lauds thee: +bring us not into trouble and affliction. + +HYMN CXLYIII. Agni. + +What Matarisvan, piercing, formed by friction, Herald of all +the Gods, in varied figure, + +Is he whom they have set mid human houses, gay-huod as +light and shining forth for beauty. + +2 They shall not harm the man who brings thee praises : such + +as I am, Agni my lielp approves me. + +All acts of mine shall they accept with pleasure, laudation +from the singer who presents it. + +3 Him in his constant seat men skilled in worship have taken + +and with praises have established. + +As, harnessed to a chariot,, fleet-foot horses, at his command +let bearers lead him forward. + +1 The radiant ones: thy bright rays. + +On both sides : both in men and women ; or (offspring) of both sexes.. + +3 Mihmitexja: Dirgliatamas, the Rishi of the hymn, son of Mamatft, the +wife of TJchathya. + +1 Wilson, following S&yana, translates : f The wind, penetrating (amidst the +fuel) has excited (Agni) the invoker (of the gods) the multiform, the minister +of all the deities.’ But then ydt, what or when, is left untranslated, and the +explanation of Matarisvan as V&yu or wind cannot be justified by any Rigveda +text. * * + + + +HYMN 150.] THE RIG VEDA, 20$ + +4 Wondrous, full many a thing he chews and crunches : he + +shines amid the wood with spreading brightness. + +Upon his glowing flames the wind blows daily, driving them +like the keen shaft of an archer. + +5 Him, whom while yet in embryo the hostile, both skilled and + +fain to harm, may never injure, + +Men blind and sightless through his splendour hurt not: his +never-failing lovers have preserved him. + +HYMN CXLtX. Agni. + +Hither- he hastes to give, Lord of great riches, King of the +mighty, to the place of treasure. + +The pressing-stones shall serve him speeding near us. + +2 As Steer of men so Steer of earth and heaven by glory, he + +whose streams all life hath drunken, + +Who hasting forward rests upon the altar. + +3 He who hath lighted up the joyous castle, wise Courser like + +the Steed of cloudy heaven, + +Bright like the Sun, with hundredfold existence. + +4 He, doubly born, hath spread in his effulgence through the + +three luminous realms, through all the regions, + +Best sacrificing Priest where waters gather. + +5 Priest doubly born, he through his love of glory hath in his + +keeping all things worth the choosing. + +The man who brings him gifts hath noble offspring. + +HYMN CL. * Agni. + +Agni, thy faithful servant I call upon thee with many a gift, +As in the keeping of the great inciting God ; + +2 Thou who ne'er movest thee to aid the indolent, the godless man, +Him who though wealthy never brings an offering. + +3 Splendid, 0 Singer, is that man, mightiest of the great in heaven. +Agni, may we be foremost, we thy worshippers. + +1 The place of treasure: the altar, where riches are obtained by sacrifice +and prayer. + +2 As Steer of men : preeminent, like a strong bull, among men. + +3 The joyous castle : or the castle Narminx; meaning, probably, the proud +. stronghold of some demon, + +4 Where waters gather ; according to S&yana, in the place of sacrifice where +water is collected for ceremonial purpose. But the reference is probably to +Agni’s appearance in the firmament, the watei*s above the earth, m the form +of lightning. + +5 Doubly born; from the fire-sticks and again at consecration. + +3 That man : who propitiates thee by sacrifice and praise, + +0 Singer ; singer of hymns, sage, or priest. + + + + +204 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +HYMN CLT. Mitra and Varuna. + +Heaved and earth, trembled at the might and voice of him, +whom, loved and Holy One, helper of all mankind, + +The wise who longed for spoil in fight for kine brought forth +with power, a Friend, mid waters, at the sacrifice* + +2 As these, like friends, have done this work for you, these + +prompt servants of Purumilha Soma-offerer, + +Give mental power to him who sings the sacred song, and +hearken, Strong Ones, to the master of the house. + +3 The folk have glorified your birth from Earth and Heaven, + +to be extolled, ye Strong Ones, for your mighty power. + +Ye, when ye bring to singer and the rite, enjoy the sacrifice +performed with holy praise and strength. + +4 The people prospers, Asuras! whom ye dearly love: ye, + +Bighteous Ones, proclaim aloud the Holy Law. + +That efficacious power that comes from lofty heaven, ye bind +unto the work, as to the pole an ox. + +5 On this great earth ye send your treasure down with might: + +unstained by dust, the crowding kine are in the stalls. + +Here in the neighbourhood they cry unto the Sun at morning +and at evening, like swift birds of prey. + +6 The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto + +*ye sing the song, Mitra and Varuna. + +Send down of your free will, prosper onr holy songs: ye are +sole Masters of the singer’s hymn of praise. + +7 Whoso with sacrifices toiling brings you gifts, and worships, + +sage and priest, fulfilling your desire,— + +To him do ye draw nigh and taste his sacrifice. Come well- +inclined to us unto our songs and prayer. + +8 With sacrifices and with milk they deck you first, ye Bigliteous + +Ones, as if through stirrings of the mind. + +To you they bring their hymns with their collected thought, +while ye with earnest soul come to us gloriously. + + +1 Of him: Agni. + +2 As these; the priests. Purumilha; the prince who offers the sacrifice. +Strong Ones: ye mighty Gods, Mitra and Varnna. + +3 When ye bring: him, Agni, to the sacrifice. + +4 Asuras : immortal Gods, especially the ancient deities. + +That efficacious power: as Wilson observes, the meaning is not very obvious, +although it is clear that the adequacy of worship or sacrifice to effect its objects, +©r realize its rewards, is intended. + + + + +HYMN 152.] + + +THE F1GVFDA. + + +205 + + +9 Bieli strength of life is yours: ye, Heroes, have obtained +through your surpassing powers rich far-extending might. +Hot the past days conjoined with nights, not rivers, not the +Panis have attained your Godhead and your wealth. + +HYMH CLII. Mitra-Varuna. + +The robes which ye put on abound with fatness : uninterrupted +courses are your counsels. + +All falsehood, Mitra-Varuna I ye conquer, and closely cleave +unto the Law Eternal. + +2 This might of theirs hath no one comprehended. True is the + +crushing word the sage hath uttered, + +The fearful four-edged bolt smites down the three-edged, and +those who hate the Gods first fall and perish. + +3 The Footless Maid precedeth footed creatures. Who marketh, + +Mitra-Varuna, this your doing ? + +The Babe Unborn supporteth this world’s burthen, fulfilleth +Law and overcometh falsehood. + +4 We look on him the darling of the Maidens, always advancing, + +never falling downward, + +Wearing inseparable, wide-spread raiment, Mitra’s and Varuna’s +delightful glory. + +5 Unbridled Courser, born but not of horses, neighing he flieth + +on with back uplifted. + +The youthful love the mystery thought-surpassing, praising in +Mitra-Varuna, its glory. + +9 The Panis: the envious demons who carry away and conceal the cows or +rays of light. + +X The robes which ye put on: the oblations of clarified butter with which +the Gods may be said to be clothed. + +Uninterrupted courses are your counsels: your designs are always fully +carried into effect. Or the meaning may be as Wilson, following S&yana, +renders it: 1 your natures are to be regarded as without defect.’ + +2 The fearful four-edged bolt; Ludwig suggests an emendation of the text +and then translates : 4 thrice strikes the edge [of Indra’s thunderbolt], four +times the fearful edge.’ I give the literal English of the words as they stand, +the sense being, according to S&yana, that he who has more arms is stronger +than he who has fewer, the arms intended being, perhaps, sacrifice and prayer. + +3 The Footless Maid; Dawn. The £abe Unborn: the Sun before his +appearance in heaven. + +4 The darling of the Maidens : the Sun, the lover of the Dawns. + +5 The mystery thought-surpassing : the mystery of the Sun’s motion exoites +wonder, and Mitra and Varuna are praised in connexion with it. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /, + +6 May the milch-kine who favour Mamateya prosper in this + +world him who loves devotion. + +May he, well skilled in rites, beg food, and calling Aditi with +his lip$ give us assistance. + +7 Gods, Mitra-Varuna, with love and worship, let me make you + +delight in this oblation. + +May our prayer be victorious in battles, may we have rain +from heaven to make us prosper. + +HYMN CLIII. Mitra-Varuna. + +We worship with our reverence and oblations you, Mitra- +Varuna, accordant, mighty, + +So that with us, ye Twain whose backs are sprinkled with oil, +the priests with oil and hymns support you. + +2. Your praise is like a mighty power, an impulse : to you, Twain +Gods, a well-formed hymn is offered, + +As the priest decks you, Strong Ones, in assemblies, and the +prince fain to worship you for blessings. + +3 0 Mitra-Varuna, Aditi the Milch-cow streams for the rite, for + +folk who bring oblation, + +When in the assembly he who worships moves you, like to a +human priest, with gifts presented. + +4 So may the kine and heavenly Waters pour you sweet drink + +in families that make you joyful. + +Of this may he, the ancient House-Lord, give us. Enjoy, +drink of the milk the cow provideth. + + +6 Md matey a: the son of Mamatft, Dlrghatamas the Tvishi of the hymn. + +Him who loves devotion : apparently PurumJlha the institutor of the +sacrifice, mentioned in stanza 6 of the preceding hymn. + +May he beg food: the food that remains after the oblations have been +presented and consumed. + +Aditi: X follow Ludwig in taking Aditi in the usual signification. S&yana +takes it as meaning £ a perfect ceremony’ which is to be completed, and +Grassmann as famine, dearth, or want, which is to be averted. + +The hymn is full of difficulties, and cannot at present be satisfactorily +translated. + +2 The 'prince: the wealthy man who institutes the sacrifice. + +3 Aditi , the Milch-cow ; aditi regarded as the source of rewards for the +pious; or Aditi may be taken as an epithet, f the exhaustless,’ qualifying +Milch-cow. + +4 The ancient House-Lord; Agni, the guardian of the homestead, + + + +EYME 155.] • THE RIGVEDA. 207 + +HYMN CLIY. Vishnu. + +I will declare the -mighty deeds of Vishnu, of him who +measured out the earthly regions, + +Who propped the highest place of congregation, thrice setting +down his footstep, widely striding. * + +2 For this his mighty deed is Vishnu lauded, like some wild + +beast, dread, prowling, mountain-roaming ; + +He within "whose three wide-extended paces all living creatures +have their habitation. + +3 Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Vishnu, the Bull far- + +striding, dwelling on the mountains, + +Him who alone with triple step hath measured this common +dwelling-place, long, far extended. + +4 Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperish¬ + +able, joy as it may list them, + +Who verily alone upholds the threefold, the earth, the heaven, +and all living creatures. + +5 May I attain to that his well-loved mansion where men devoted + +to the Gods are happy. + +For there springs, close akin to the Wide-Strider, the well of +meath in Vishnu’s highest footstep. + +6 Fain would we go unto your dwelling-places where there are + +many-horned and nimble oxen, + +For mightily, there, shineth down upon us the widely-striding +Bull’s sublimest mansion. + +HYMN CLV . Vishnu-Indra, + +To the great Hero, him who sets his mind thereon, and Vishnu, +praise aloud in song your draught of juice,— + +Gods ne’er beguiled, who borne as’t were by noble steed, have +stood upon the lofty ridges of the hills. + + +1 The highest place of congregation: heaven, where the Gods are assembled. +Thrice setting down his footstep: see I. 22. 16. + +2 For this his mighty deed: I have followed S&yana who takes the active +verb in a passive signification. Prof. Peterson translates : ‘ Vishnu makes +loud boast of this/ which is perhaps a more accurate rendering. + +5 Meath: or nectar, or honey ; meaning celestial Soma. + +6 Your dwelling-places ; Vishnu’s and probably Indra’s. + +Many-horned and nimble oxen: the stars with their ever-twinkling rays. + +. Of. I. 105. 10 ; Valakhilya 7. 2, + +.1 To the great Eero: Indra. Who sets his mind thereon ; who loves praise. + + + +208 TBE HYMNS OF '[BO'OK L + +2 Your Soma-drinker keeps afar your furious rush, Indra and + +Vishnu, when ye come with all your might. + +That which hath been directed well at mortal man, bow-armed +Krisanu's arrow, ye turn far aside. + +3 These offerings increase his mighty manly strength : he brings + +both Parents down to share the genial how. + +He lowers, though a son, the Father’s highest name ; the third +is that which is high in the light of heaven. + +4 We laud this manly power of him the Mighty One, preserver, + +inoffensive, bounteous and benign; + +His who strode, widely pacing, with three steppings forth over +the realms of earth for freedom and for life. + +5 A mortal man, when he beholds two steps of him who looks + +upon the light, is restless with amaze. + +But his third step doth no one venture to approach, no, nor +the feathered birds of air who fly with wings. + +6 He, like a rounded wheel, hath in swift motion set his ninety + +racing steeds together with the four. + +Developed, vast in form, with those who sing forth praise, a +youth, no more a child, he cometh to. our call. + +HYMN CLVI. Vishnu. + +Far-shining, widely famed, going thy wonted way, fed with +the oil, he helpful, Mitra-like, to us. + +So, Vishnu, e’en the wise must swell thy song of praise, and +he who hath oblations pay thee solemn rites. + + +2 Your Soma-drinker : you gently approach your devout worshipper and do +him no harm. + +Krisdnu : one of the guardians of the heavenly Soma, apparently a demon +of drought who prevents men from enjoying the ambrosial rain. + +S Both Parents: Heaven and Earth. The genial flow: the sacrificial offering, +the libation of Soma juice. + +lie lowers, though a son: the meaning appears to be that Vishnu takes rank +in the sacrifice above his own father Dyaus, and that Agni has the third place. + +5 ‘ His (Vishnu’s) path on earth and in the firmament is within mortal +observation ; not so that in heaven.’—Wilson. Mis third step: in the highest +heaven. Cf. I. 1 54. 5. + +0 This verse is not very intelligible. Wilson following Sfiyana, gives the +following explanation: c Vishnu is here identified with Time, comprising +ninety-four periods: the year, two solstices, five seasons, twelve months, +twenty-four half-months, thirty clays, eight watches, and ’ 1 / ■ V .’ + +Ludwig translates the first hemistich : ‘ and under fo- ■ ■ ' .' - . r + +se&sonsj he, like a round wheel, hath set in motion ninety spokes.’ The steeds, +or spokes, are the days of the solar year, ninety in each of the four seasons. + + + +BYMM 157.] THS HIGVEDA. m + +2 He who brings gifts to him the Ancient and the Last* to + +Vishnu who ordains, together with his Spouse, + +Who ' tells the lofty birth of him the Lofty One, shall verily +surpass in glory e’en his peer. + +3 Him have ye satisfied, singers, as well as ye know, primeval + +germ of Order even from his birth. + +Ye, knowing e'en his name, have told it forth : may we, Vishnu, +enjoy the grace of thee the Mighty One. + +4 The Sovran Varuna and both the Asvins wait on this the .will + +of him who guides the Marut host. + +Vishnu hath power supreme and might that finds the day, +and with his FriendTimbars the stable of the kine. + +5 Even he the Heavenly One who came for fellowship, Vishnu + +to Indra, godly to the godlier, + +Who, Maker, throned in three worlds, helps the Aryan man, +and gives the worshipper his share of Holy Law. + +HYMN CLVII. Asvins. + +Agni is wakened: Surya riseth from the earth. Mighty, re¬ +fulgent Dawn hath shone with all her light. + +The Asvins have equipped their chariot for the course. God +Savitar hath moved the folk in sundry ways. + +2 When, Asvins, ye equip, your very mighty car, bedew, ye + +Twain, our power with honey and with oil. + +To our devotion give victorious strength in war: may we win +’ riches in the heroes’ strife for spoil. + +3 High to us come the Asvins’ lauded three-wheeled car, the car + +laden with meath and drawn by fleet-foot steeds, +Three-seated, opulent, bestowing all delight: may it bring +weal to us, to cattle and to men. + +4 Bring hither nourishment for us, ye Asvins Twain j sprinkle + +us with your whip that drops with honey-dew. + +2 Together with his Spouse: sumajjdnaye; explained by S&yana to mean +‘ self-born, 5 and by Ludwig ‘very delightful.’ + +4 With his Friend: assists his friend Indra in releasing the rain imprisoned +in the mountains of cloud, or the rays of light that have been stolen. + +5 Mis share of Holy Law: his share of the blessings which follow the per¬ +formance of sacrifice. + +1 Savitar: the Sun as the great cause of life. + +3 Three-wheeled car: see I. 34. 5. + +4 Your whip : see Hymns of the Atharva-veda, IX. 1, which is a glorifica¬ +tion of the Asvins’ Honey-Wr, -.r. perhaps, the early* stimulating +and life-giving breeze which ,-\j n\.« .no first appearance of these Lords +of Light and Heralds of Dawn, + +14 ‘ v + + + +210 TEE HYMNS OF IBOOK l + +Prolong our days of life, wipe out our trespasses; destroy our +foes, be our companions and our Friends. + +5 Ye store the germ of life in female creatures, ye lay it up + +withija all living beings. + +Ye haver sent forth, 0 Asvins passing mighty, the fire, the +sovrans of the wood, the waters. + +6 Leeches are ye with medicines to heal us, and charioteers are + +ye with skill in driying. + +Ye Strong, give sway to him who brings oblation and with his +heart pours out his gift before you. + +HYMN CLYIII. Asvins. + +Ye Vasus Twain, ye Rudras full of counsel, grant us, Strong +Strengthened, when ye stand beside us, + +What wealth Auchathya craves of you, great Helpers when +ye come forward with no niggard succour. + +2 Who may give you aught, Vasus, for your favour, for what, + +at the Cow’s place, ye grant through worship ? + +Wake for us understanding full of riches, come with a heart +that will fulfil our longing. + +3 As erst for Tugra’s son your cai*, sea-crossing, strong, was + +equipped and set amid the waters, + +So may I gain your shelter and protection as with winged +course a hero seeks his army. + +4 May this my praise preserve Uchathya’s offspring: let not + +these Twain who fiy with wings exhaust me. + +'Let not the wood ten times up-piled consume me, when fixed +for you it bites the ground it stands on. + +5 The most maternal streams, wherein the Dasas cast me + +securely bound, have not devoured me. + +When Traitana would cleave my head asunder, the D&sa +wounded his own breast and shoulders. + +5 The sovrans of the wood; the tall trees of the forest. + +X Ye Vasus Twain , ye Rudras : the Asvins are addressed as identical with +these two classes of Gods. See I. 31. 3. and 34.11. + +Auchathya : the son of Uchathya, Dlrghatamas the Rishi of the hymn. + +2 The Cow's place; according to S&yana, the altar; the Cow being the +the earth. + +3 Tugra's son r see I. 116. 3. + +4 Uchathya's offspring : the poet himself. These Twain ; day and night. +From this and the following verse it would appear that Blrghatamas had been +subjected to the ordeals of fire, water, and single comhat with a man called +Traitana, and preserved in all three by the Asvins, See Ludwig, Der Rig- +veda, IN. p. 44. + + + +Tm MGVBDA. + + +211 + + +QTMtf 160 .] + +6 Dirghatam&s the son of Mamat& hath come to length of days +in the tenth age of human kind. + +He is the Brahman of the waters as they strive to reach their +end and aim; their charioteer is he. + +HYMN OLIX. Heaven and Earth, + +t £&AIsE with sacrifices mighty Heaven and Earth at festivals, +the wise, the Strengtheners of Law. + +Who, having Gods for progeny, conjoined with Gods, through +• wonder-working wisdom bring forth choicest boons, + +2 With invocations, on the gracious Father’s mind, and on the + +Mother’s great inherent power I muse. + +^Prolific Parents, they have made the world of life, and for +their brood all round wide immortality. + +3 These Sons of yours well skilled in work, of wondrous power, + +brought forth to life the two great Mothers first of all. + +To keep the truth of all that stands and all that moves, ye +guard the station of your Son who knows no guile. + +4 They with surpassing skill, most wise, have measured out the + +Twins 'united in their birth and in their home. + +They, the refulgent Sages, weave within the sky, yea, in the +depths of sea, a web for ever new. + +5 This is to-day the goodliest gift of Savitar: this thought we + +have when now the God is furthering us. + +On us with loving-kindness Heaven and Earth bestow riches +and various wealth and treasure hundredfold! + +HYMN CLX, Heaven and Earth. + +These, Heaven and Earth, bestow prosperity on all, sustainers +of the region, Holy Ones and wise, + +Two Bowls of noble kind: between these Goddesses the God, v +the fulgent Sun, travels by fixed decree. + + +6 The tenth age: perhaps the tenth decade. The meaning of the verse, +which appears to be a later addition, is obscure, + +3 These Sons of yours: the Bibhus, who restored their Parents* youth. +See I. 20. 4, The two great Mothers : the Parents of all, Heaven and Earth. + +Tour Son who hnows no guile : Stlrya, or the Sun, who is regarded as the +symbol of truth. 1 Solem q-uis dieere falsum Audeat ? * + +4 The Twins: Heaven and Earth, In the depths of sea; in the aerial +ocean or atmosphere. + +1 Two Bowls: so called from their hemispherical appearance. But see Hille* +brandt, Vedische Mythologie, I. p. 177, and Ludwig, Ueber die N. A. auf dem +Q, der Bgveda-forschung, p. 87. + + + + +212 TEE HYMNS OF - [BOOK A + +, 2 Widely-capaeious Pair, mighty, that never fail, the Father and +the Mother keep all creatures safe: + +The two world-halves, the spirited, the beautiful, because the +Father hath clothed them in goodly forms. + +3 Son of th^se Parents, he the Priest with power to cleanse, Sage, + +sanctifies the worlds with his surpassing power. + +Thereto for his bright milk he milked through all the days +the party-coloured Cow and the prolific Bull, + +4 Among the skilful Gods most skilled is he, who made the two + +world-halves which bring prosperity to all; + +Who with great wisdom measured both the regions out, and +stablished them with pillars that shall ne’er decay, + +5 Extolled in song, 0 Heaven and Earth, bestow on us, ye + +mighty Pair, great glory and high lordly sway, + +Whereby we may extend ourselves ever over the folk; and +send us strength that" shall deserve the praise of men. + +HYMN CLXI. Ribhus. + +' Why hath the Best, why hath the Youngest come to us ? +Upon what embassy comes he ? What have we said ? + +We have not blamed the chalice of illustrious birth. We, +Brother Agni, praised the goodness of the wood, + +2 The chalice that is single make ye into four : thus have the + +Gods commanded; therefore am I come. + +If, 0 Sudhanyan’s Children, ye will do this thing ye shall +participate in sacrifice with Gods. + +3 What to the envoy Agni in reply ye spake, A courser must be + +made, a chariot fashioned here, + +A cow must be created, and the Twain made young. When +we have done these things, Brother, we turn to you. + +4 When thus, 0 Ribhus, ye“ had done ye questioned thus, + +Whither went he who came to us a messenger ? + + +2 The Father: Byaus, or perhaps Tvashfcar, + +3 Son of these Parents: the Sun, the offspring of Heaven and Earth, + +For Ms bright milk: he has drawn the dew as milk from his mother Earth, +and obtained his light from Heaven his father. + +4 Most shilled is he: S&yana observes that having magnified Heaven and +Earth by praising their son, the poet now magnifies them by lauding their +maker. See Muir, 0. S . Texts, v, SO, + +■ l The Ribhus ask Agni why he comes to them. The chalice: see I. 2Q. 6 . + +- g 4 Conner must be made, etc ,; see I. 20. 2, 3, 4, and I, 110, and 111, + + + +the mar eda. + + +HYMN 161.] + + +213 + + +Then Tv ash tar, when he viewed the four wrought chalices, +concealed himself among the Consorts of the Gods. + +5 As Tvashtar thus had spoken, Let us slay these men who have + +reviled the chalice, drinking-cup of Gods, + +They gave themselves new names when Soma juipe was shed, +and under these new names the Maiden welcomed them. + +6 Indra hath yoked his Bays, the Asvins 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 car is horsed, Brihas- + +pati hath brought the Cow of every hue. + +Ye went as Bibhu, Vibhvan, V&ja to the Gods, and skilled +in war, obtained your share in sacrifice. + +7 Ye by your wisdom brought a cow from out a hide; unto that + +ancient Pair ye gave again their youth. + +Out of a horse, Sudhan van's Sons, ye formed a horse : a cha¬ +riot ye equipped, and went unto the Gods. + +8 Drink ye this water, were the words ye spake to them; or + +drink ye this, the rinsing of the Munja-grass. + +If ye approve not even this, Sudhanvan’s Sons, then at the +third libation gladden ye yourselves. + +9 Most excellent are waters, thus said one of you; most excel¬ + +lent is Agni, thus another said. + +Another praised to many a one the lightning cloud. Then +did ye shape the cups, speaking the words of truth. + +10 One downward to the water drives the crippled cow, another +trims the flesh brought on the carving-board. + +One carries off the refuse at the set of sun. How did the Pa¬ +rents aid their children in their task ! + + +4 Then Tvashtar; represented as hiding himself for shame among the God¬ +desses—probably the Celestial Waters—when he saw this alteration of his work, +dnd in anger proposing to slay the Ribhus who had thus disgraced him. + +5 New names ; probably Ritus, Seasons, in place of Ribhus.—Ludwig. TM +Maiden / apparently the daughter of Tvashtar, meaning, perhaps, as Ludwig +BUggests, the first Dawn of the year, of which Tvashtar is the God. + +6 The Cow of every hue: the fruitful earth restored to youth by the Gods + +of the Seasons. + +8 The rinsing of the Munja-grass ■: or Soma juice which has been filtered +through a strainer made of that grass. ‘ The two first alternatives intimate +that the Ribhus may be participant of the libations offered at dawn or at +noon ; the third applies to the evening sacrifice ; the right of the RibhuS tp +share in this being elsewhere acknowledged.*—Wilson. + +9 The meaning of these sayings in this place is not clear. + +10 The restoration to youth of the aged Parents, Heaven and Earth, ap¬ +pears to be symbolically described under the figure.of a sacrifice. + +How did the Parents aid ?; weak and exhausted with age they were unable +to give any assistance. + + + +214 TMJS EYMNS OF \[BOOK L + +11 On the high places ye have made the grass for man, and water + +in the Talleys, by your skill, 0 Men, + +Bibhus, ye iterate not to-day that act of yours, your sleeping +in the house of him whom naught can hide. + +12 As, compassing them round, ye glided through the worlds, + +where had the venerable Parents their abode % + +Ye laid a curse on him who raised his arm at you: to him +who spake aloud to you ye spake again. + +13 When ye had slept your fill, ye Bibhus, thus ye asked, 0 thou + +whom naught may hide, who now hath wakened us ? + +The goat declared the hound to be your wakener. That day, +in a full year, ye first unclosed your eyes. + +14 The Maruts move in heaven, on earth this Agni; through the + +mid-firmament the Wind approaches. + +Varuna comes in the sea’s gathered waters, 0 Sons of Strength, +desirous of your presence. + +HYMN GLXir. The Horse. + +Slight us not Varuna, Aryaman, or Mitra, Eihhukshan, +Indra, Ayu, or the Maruts, + +When we declare amid the congregation the virtues of the +strong Steed, God-descended. + +2 What time they bear before the Courser, covered with trap¬ +pings and with wealth, the grasped oblation, + + +11 In ike house of him whom naught can hide: in the mansion of the Sun, +to whom the Hibhus went to obtain immortality. In this and the remaining +stanza, according to S&yana, the Ilibhus are identified with the rays of the +snn. + +13 When ye had slept; in the mansion of the Sun. + +The goat declared the hound to he your wakener: the meaning is obscure. +^Ayana’s rendering is, ‘ the Sun replied that the awakener was the wind/ + +That d&y: Wilson, following SAyana, explains : ‘you have made this world +to-day luminous, after the year has expired ; that is, the rainy season being +’ past, the rays of the sun and moon are again visible/ + +14 Sons of Strength: ye powerful Hibhu3. + +1 Rihhuhshan: a name of Indra, as lord of the Hibhus. + +Ayu: said hy both commentators, SAyana and Mahidhara, to be used in +this place for VAyu, the God of Wind. Ayu is probably Agni. + +Amid the congregation: at sacrifice. + +God-descended: sprung from the Gods, or, according to SAyana, horn as the +type of various deities. + +2 Grasped oblation: the offering that is to be made for the horse, and +which has been taken from the remains of the burnt-offering made the night +before, + + + + +HYMN 162.] RI&VMtiA. 215 + +The dappled goat goeth straightforward, bleating, to the place +dear to Indra and to Pushan. + +3 Dear to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pushan, is first led + +forward with the vigorous Courser, + +While Tvashtar sends him forward with the Charger, acceptable +for sacrifice, to glory. + +4 When thrice the men lead round the Steed, in order, who + +goeth to the Gods as meet oblation, + +The goat precedeth him, the share of Pushan, and to the Gods +the sacrifice announceth. + +5 Invoker, ministering priest, atoner, fire-kindler, Soma-presser, + +sage, reciter, + +With this well ordered sacrifice, well finished, do ye fill full +the channels of the rivers. + +6 The hewers of the post and those who carry it, and those who + +carve the knob to deck the Horsed stake; + +Those who prepare the cooking-vessels for the Steed,—may +the approving help of these promote our work. + +7 Porth, for the regions of the Gods, the Charger with his + +smooth back is come; my prayer attends him. + +In him rejoice the singers and the sages. A good friend have +we won for the Gods 3 banquet. + +8 May the fleet Courser’s halter and his heel-ropes, the head-stall + +and the girths and cords about him. + +And the grass put within his mouth to bait him,—among the +Gods, too, let all these be with thee. + +9 What part of the Steed’s flesh the fly hath eaten, or is left + +sticking to the post or hatchet, + +Or to the slayer’s hands and nails adhereth,—among the Gods, +too, may all this be with thee. + +10 Food undigested steaming from his belly, and any odour of +raw flesh remaining, + +This let the immolators set in order and dress the sacrifice +with perfect cooking. + + +The dappled goat : this goat is to be tied to the horse at the sacrificial post. +P&shan here is said by Sayana to stand for Agnh + +4 Who goeth to the Gods: the object of the sacrifice is to send the horse to +the Gods that he may obtain wealth and other blessings for his sacrifices. + +5 Invoker , etc : these are the designations of eight of the sixteen priestB em¬ +ployed at solemn rites. The sage (stiviprah, a priest of profound knowledge) +is the superintendent of the whole ceremony. + +Fill full the channels : obtain abundance of rain ; or perhaps offer oblations +in abundance. + + + +m TEM BTMm OF ■ [BOOK £ + +11 What from thy body which with fire is roasted, when thou art + +set upon the spit, distilleth,— + +Let not that lie on earth or grass neglected, but to the long¬ +ing Gods let all be offered. + +12 They who observing that the Horse is ready call out and say, + +The smell is good; remove it; + +And, craving meat, await the distribution,—may their approv¬ +ing help promote our labour. + +1-3 The trial-fork of the flesh-cooking caldron, the vessels out of +which the broth is sprinkled, . + +The warming-pots, the covers of the dishes, hooks, carving- +boards,—all these attend the Charger. + +14 The starting-place, his' place of rest and rolling, the ropes + +wherewith the Charger’s feet were fastened, + +The water that he drank, the food he tasted,—among the +Gods, too, may all these attend thee. + +15 Let not the fire, smoke-scented, make thee crackle, nor glow¬ + +ing caldron smell and break to pieces. + +Offered, beloved, approved, and consecrated,—such Charger +do the Gods accept with favour. + +16 The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him, the upper + +covering and the golden trappings, + +The halters which restrain the Steed, the heel-ropes,—all these, +as grateful to the Gods, they offer. + +17 If one, when seated, with excessive urging hath with his heel +' * or with his whip distressed thee, + +All these thy woes, as with the oblations’ ladle at sacrifices, +with my prayer I banish. + +18 The four-and-thirty ribs of the swift Charger, kin to the Gods, + +the slayer’s hatchet pierces. + +Cut ye with skill, so that the parts be flawless, and piece by +piece declaring them dissect them. + +19 Of Tvashtar’s Charger there is one dissector,—this is the + +custom—two there are who guide him. + +Such of his limbs as I divide in order, all these, amid the +balls, in Are I offer. + + +18 Four-and-thirty: bo many out of the thirty-six. As the Sacrificial +Horse is the symbol of the heavens, the thirty-four ribs represent the sun, +the moon, the five planets, and the twenty-seven nahshatras or lunar as- +terisms. See Ludwig, Her Rigveda, III. p. 186. Piece by piece declaring +them: the dissectors are to name the aeveral parts as they divide them, each +part being sacred to a separate divinity. + +19 Amid the balls; the meat made up into balls. + + + + +SYMN 163.] TEE MlGYMtiA. 217 + +20 Let not thy dear soul burn thee as thou comest, let not the + +hatchet linger in thy body. + +Let not a greedy clumsy immolator, missing the joints, +mangle thy limbs unduly. + +21 No, here thou diest not, thou art not injured : l fy easy paths + +unto the Gods thou goest. + +Both Bays, both spotted mares are now thy fellows, and to +the ass’s pole is yoked the Charger. + +22 May this Steed bring us all-sustaining riches, wealth in good + +kine, good horses, manly offspring. + +Freedom from sin may Aditi vouchsafe us : the Steed with +our oblations gain us lordship! + +HYMN CLXIIL The Horse. + +What time, first springing into life, thou neighedst, proceed¬ +ing from the sea or upper waters, + +Limbs of the deer hadst thou, and eagle pinions. 0 Steed, +thy birth is high and must be lauded. + +2 This Steed which Yama gave hath Trita harnessed, and him, + +the first of all, hath Indra mounted. + +His bridle the Gandharva grasped. 0 Yasus, from out the +Sun ye fashioned forth the Courser. + +3 Yama art thou, 0 Horse; thou art Aditya; Trita art thou by + +secret operation. + +Thou art divided thoroughly from Soma. They say thou +hast three bonds in heaven that hold thee. + + +20 Burn thee : make thee sad, + +21 Both Bays: thou art now associated in heaven with the two bay horses +of Indra, the two spotted mares of the Maruts, and the ass that draws +the 'chariot of the Asvins. + +A full description of an Asvamedha or Horse-sacrifice in later times may +be found in the B&m&yana, Book I., CJantos 10—13. + +1 From the sea: the Sacrificial Horse is here identified with the Sun in the +ocean of air. + +2 Yama : here said to mean Agnl, as a solar deity. Trita: as God of the +remote birth-place of the Sun, See I, 187, note. + +The Gandharva .* Visv&vasu, a heavenly being who dwells in the region of +the air and guards the celestial Som&, + +3 Aditya ; the Sun, + +By secret operation: by the mysterious effect of the sacrifice. + +Soma; here, perhaps, the Moon ; but the meaning is uncertain. + + + + +218 TBM EYMNS OF [ BOOK T. + +4 Three bonds, they say, thou hast in heaven that bind thee, + +three in the -waters, three within the ocean. + +To me thou seemest Yaruna, 0 Courser, there where they say +is thy sublimest birth-place. + +5 Here, Courser, are the places where they groomed thee, here + +are the traces of thy hoofs as winner. + +Here have I seen the auspicious reins that guide thee, which +those who guard the holy Law keep safely. + +6 Thyself from far I recognized in spirit,—a Bird that from + +below flew through the heaven. + +I saw thy head still soaring, striving upward by paths unsoiled +by dust, pleasant to travel. + +7 Here I beheld thy form, matchless in glory, eager to win thee + +food at the Cow’s station. + +Whene’er a man brings thee to thine enjoyment, thou swallow- +est the plants, most greedy eater. + +8 After thee, Courser, come the car, the bridegroom, the kine' + +come after, and the charm of maidens. + +Bull companies have followed for thy friendship : the pattern +of thy vigour Gods have copied. + +9 Horns made of gold hath he : his feet are iron; less fleet than + +he, though swift as thought, is Indra. + +The Gods have come that they may taste the oblation of him +who mounted, first of all, the Courser. + +10 Symmetrical in flank, with rounded haunches, mettled like +heroes, the Celestial Coursers + +. Put forth their strength, like swans in lengthened order, when +they, the Steeds, have reached the heavenly causeway. + + +4 The three bonds in heaven are said by Sftyana to be his * media of origin, +that is the Vasus, Aditya, and Heaven. 1 By the waters, it is said that the +habitable world is intended, and that the three bonds therein are tillage, rain, +and seed. In the ocean, that is the firmament, they are cloud, lightning, and +thunder. Vanina,: on account of the-three bonds (See I. 24. 15). + +6 In this and the following stanza the horse is regarded as identical with +the Sun in his course through heaven, and as accepting the oblations offered +by the worshipper. The Gold's station: the chief place of earth, the Cow, +is the altar, + +*1 Most greedy eater: regarded as a mere earthly horse, + +9 Bo.rns yiade of gold; according to S&yaua, the word horns is used figur¬ +atively for mane. The Sun’s rays are probably intended. + +Who mounted , first of all , the Courser: Indra, as is said in verse 2. + +10 The horses of the Sun are said to be spoken of. The exact meaning of +the words is. uncertain, + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +219 + + +HYMN 164.] + +11 A body formed for flight hast thou, 0 Charger; swift as the + +wind in motion is thy spirit. + +Thy horns are spread abroad in all directions: they move +with restless beat in wildernesses. + +12 The strong Steed hath come forward to the slaughter, ponder¬ + +ing with a mind directed God-ward. + +The goat who is his kin is led before him: the sages and the +singers follow after. + +13 The Steed is come unto the noblest mansion, is come unto his + +Father and his Mother. + +This day shall he approach the Gods, most welcome : then he +declares good gifts to him who offers. + +HYMN CLXIV. Visvedevaa. + +Of this benignant Priest, with eld grey-coloured, the brother +midmost of the three is lightning. + +The third is he whose back with oil is sprinkled. Here I +behold the Chief with seven male children. + +2 Seven to the one-wheeled chariot yoke the Courser; bearing + +seven names the single Courser draws it. + +Three-naved the wheel is, sound and undecaying, whereon are +resting all these worlds of being. + +3 The seven who on the seven-wheeled car are mounted have + +horses, seven in tale, who draw them onward. + +Seven Sisters utter songs of praise together, in whom the +names of the seven Cows are treasured. + + +11 Thy horns : meaning, here, perhaps hoofs. + +13 His Father and his Mother: Heaven and. Earth. + +Wilson remarks: ‘ Although more mystical than the preceding hymn, +especially in regard to the intimations of the identity of the horse with the +sun, there is nothing in it incompatible with the more explicit description in - +the former StiJcta of the actual sacrifice of a horse.’ + +1 The priest is Aditya, the Sun. His next brother is lightning, another +form of fire, and the third brother is Agni GQrhapatya, the western sacred fire +maintained by each householder, and fed with oblations of clarified butter. + +The seven male children are probably the priests. + +2 Seven: priests. The one-wheeled chariot : the Sun. Seven names: perhaps +the seven solar rays. Three-naved: with reference, probably, to the three +seasons, the hot weather, the rains, and the cold weather. On this wheel of +the Sun all existing things depend. + +3 The seven .* according to Sayana, the seven solar rays, or the seven divi¬ +sions of the year, solstice, season, month, fortnight, day, night, hour. The +seven wheels of the chariot and the seven horses may also, according to S&- +yana, be the solar rays. + +Seven Sisters: probably the seven celestial rivers, which, as emblems of fer¬ +tility may bear the name of cows. S&yana explains the seven Sisters as the + + + + +220 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +4 Who hath beheld him as he sprang to being, seen how the + +boneless One supports the bony ? + +Where is the blood of earth, the life, the spirit % Who may ap¬ +proach the man who knows, to ask it ? + +5 Unripe ii5‘ mind, in spirit nndisceming, I ask of these the Gods* + +established places; + +For up above the yearling Calf the sages, to form a web, their +own seven threads have woven. + +6 I ask, unknowing, those who know, the sages, as one all igno¬ + +rant for sake of knowledge, + +What was that One who in the Unborn’s image hath stablished +and fixed firm these worlds’ six regions. + +7 Let him who knoweth presently declare it, this lovely Bird’s + +securely founded station. + +Forth from his head the Cows draw -milk, and, wearing his +vesture, with their foot have drunk the water. + +8 The Mother gave the Sire his share of Order: with thought, + +at first, she wedded him in spirit. + +She, the coy Dame, was filled with dew prolific : with adoration +men approached to praise her, + + +solar rays, or the six seasons and the year, or the six pairs of months with the +intercalary month, and the seven Cows as the seven notes of music as employed +;n chanting the praises of the Sun. + +4 How the boneless One supports the bony: or in more conventional and less +literal words, how the unsubstantial one (feminine) supports that (masculine) +which is endowed with substance. + +The boneless or unsubstantial is Prakriti, Nature, the original source of the +substantial, that is the material and visible world. According to Hillebrandt, +Vedische Mythologie, I. p. 388, the boneless One is the Sun and the bony the +Moon. See M. Muller, India, What can it Teach us ? pp. 245, 246. + +5 The yearling Calf: probably the Sun, in reference to his yearly course. +What the seven threads are is uncertain. S&yana says they are the seven +forms of the Soma sacrifice, or the seven metres of the Vedas. Ludwig thinks +that the general meaning of the stanza is ; I (the poet) content myself with +asking for information about the places or traces of the Gods in our world ; +but the sages talk about things which are beyond my power of comprehension. + +6 In the Unborn*s image: in the form of Aja or the Unborn Creator, repre¬ +sented by the Sun. Of. VIII. 41.10. + +7 This lovely Bird's...station: the place of the Sun. + +The Cows draw milh: * The solar rays, .although especial agents in sending +down rain, are equally active in its re-absorption.’—Wilson. + +8 The mother Barth gay© the father Heaven his share in the great work of +cosmical production, + +Dew prolife ; the fertilising rain*. + + + + +HYMN 164,] THM MOVED A. ' 221 + +9 Yoked was the Mother to the boon Cow's car-pole ; in the dank +rows of cloud the Infant rested. + +Then the Calf lowed, and looked upon the Mother, the Cow who +• wears all shapes in three directions. + +10 Bearing three Mothers and three Fathers, single he stood + +erect: they never make him weary. + +There on the pitch of heaven they speak together in speech +all-knowing but not all-impelling. + +11 Formed with twelve spokes, by length of time unweakened, + +rolls round the heaven this wheel of during Order. + +Herein established, joined in pairs together, seven hundred +Sons and twenty stand, 0 Agni. + +12 They call him in the farther half of heaven the Sire five-footed, + +of twelve forms, wealthy in watery store. + +These others say that he, God with far-seeing eyes, is mounted +on the lower seven-wheeled, six-spoked car. + +13 Upon this five-spoked wheel revolving ever all living creatures + +rest and ai’e dependent. + +Its axle, heavy-laden, is not heated: the nave from ancient +time remains unbroken. + +14 The wheel revolves, unwasting, with its felly ; ten draw it, + +yoked to the far-stretching car-pole. + +The Sun's eye moves encompassed by the region: on him depend¬ +ent rest all living creatures. + + +9 Yoked was the Mother : Earth undertook the functions of the cow who +supplies milk for sacrifices. + +The Infant: the young Sun. + +The Calf lowed: the cloud thundered. In three directions: heaven, mid-air, +and earth. + +10 Three Mothers and three Fathers: the three earths and the three heavens. +This fanciful threefold division has occurred before. See I. 105. 5. + +they speak: the Gods converse together about the Sun, says S&yana, in +speech that knows all but does not extend to or impress all. + +11 The wheel formed with twelve spokes is the year with its twelve months. +The seven hundred and twenty sons, joined in pairs, are the days and nights +of the year, three hundred and sixty of each, + +12 Five-footed: the five feet are, S&yana says, the five seasons, the dewy +and cold seasons being counted as one. The twelve forms are the months of +the year. The seven wheels of the car are said to be the seven solar rays, and +the six spokes of each wheel are the six seasons, I find the stanza unintelli¬ +gible. + +18 The five-spoked wheel: in reference, perhaps, to the five seasons, as in +verse 12. + +14 Ten draw it: probably the ten regions of space. + +The region ; the firmament, mid-air. + + + +222 TBB STUBS OB [BOOB t + +15 Of the co-born they call the Seventh single-born; the six twin + +pairs are called Eishis, Children of Gods, . + +Their good gifts sought of men are ranged in order due, and +various in their form move for the Lord who guides. + +16 They toM me these were males, though truly females: ho + +who hath eyes sees this, the blind discerns not. + +The son who is a sage hath comprehended: who knows this +rightly is his fathers father, + +17 Beneath the upper realm, above this lower, bearing her calf + +at foot the Cow hath-risen. + +Whitherward, to what place hath she departed ? Where calves +she ? Not amid this herd of cattle. + +18 Who, that the father of this Calf discerneth beneath the upper + +realm, above the lower, + +Showing himself a sage, may here declare it? Whence hath +the Godlike spirit had its rising? + +19 Those that come hitherward they call departing, those that + +depart they call directed hither. + +And what so ye have made, Indra and Soma, steeds bear as +J t were yoked to the regior/s car-pole. + +20 Two Birds with fair wings, knit with bonds of friendship, in + +the same sheltering tree have found a refuge. + + +15 The co-bom: the six pairs of months, or six seasons of two months each. +The single-born is the thirteenth and intercalary month, S&yana explains +rishayah, Kishis, in this stanza as gantdrah, goers; but in what sense is uncertain, + +•16 They told me these were males: Wilson observes : * This is a piece of +grammatical mysticism ; rasmi, a ray of the sun, here personified as a female, +is properly a noun masculine/ But this is just the reverse of the explanation +required. The meaning is obscure. + +Grassmann suggests that the meaning is that Night and Morning, both +feminine, have received the masculine name of Day. + +The son who is a sage: 4 According to the Scholiast, the Sun is to be consider¬ +ed as the father of the rays of light, which again, in their collective capacity, +being the cause of rain, are the fosterers or parents of the earth : the Sun is +therefore father Of the father, and he who knows this is identical with the +Sun/-—-Wilson. The meaning of the last semi-hemistich is probably that an +intelligent son may be called the parent of an ignorant father, as being his +superior in knowledge. + +17 Ushas or Dawn hath risen between heaven and earth, carrying with her +the young Sun her offspring. This herd of cattle: the visible world. + +18 Ushas is the mother, but who is able to say who the father of the Sun is I + +19 This stanza may refer to the planets which change their relative +position as they revolve. Indra is here the Sun, and Soma the Moon, + +20 S&yana says that the two Birds are the vital and the Supreme Spirit, + +dwelling in one body. The vital spirit enjoys the fruit or rewards of actions +while the Supreme Spirit is merely a passive spectator. « + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +223 + + +HYMH 164.] + + +One of the twain eats the sweet Fig-tree’s fruitage; the other +eating not regardeth only. + +21 Where those line Birds hymn ceaselessly their portion of life + +eternal, and the sacred synods, + +There is the Universe’s mighty Keeper, who, wise,4rath entered +into me the simple. + +22 The tree whereon the fine Birds eat the sweetness, where they + +all rest and procreate their offspring,— + +Upon its top they say the fig is luscious : none gaineth it who. +knoweth not the Father. + +23 How on the Gayatri the Gayatri was based, how from the + +Trishtup they fashioned the Trishtup forth, + +How on the Jagati was based the Jagati,—they who know, +this have won themselves immortal life. + +24 With Gayatri he measures out the praise-song, Santa with + +praise-song, triplet with the Trishtup, + +The triplet with the two or four-foot measure, and with the +syllable they form seven metres. + + +21 The fine Birds here are perhaps the priests, and the Keeper of the +Universe may be Soma. + +22 S&yana explains mparnft, well-winged, in this and the preceding stanza +as smooth-gliding (rays). Their offspring is, he says, the light, and the Father +is the cherishing and protecting Sun. All explanations of these three stanzas +can be only conjectural. Ludwig is of opinion that they are originally +unconnected fragments and that they have been inserted together in this +hymn merely because the word suparntt (used apparently in various senses) +has a prominent place in each stanza. + +Suparnd (dual) has been explained by different scholars as two species of +souls ; day and night, Sun and Moon ; (plural) as rays of light ; stars ; metres, +spirits of the dead ; priests ; and the tree on which they rest as the body ; +the orb or region of the Sun ; the sacrificial post; the world ; and the +mythical World-Tree. A generally satisfactory explanation is scarcely to be +hoped for, + +23 Wilson, following Sdyana, paraphrases this stanza as follows: f They +who know the station of Agni upon the earth ; the station of V&yu that was +fabricated from the firmament, and that station of the Sun which is placed +in heaven, obtain immortality.’ He observes that the purport of the +phraseology, borrowed from the several metres GdyatrS, -Trishtubh, and +Jagati, is not very clear, and that it may be merely an obscure and mystic +reference to tbe text of the Veda, a knowledge of which is essential to final +felicity. The meaning seems to be that those who are thoroughly acquainted +with the appropriate rewards which follow the employment of each of the- +sacred metres named are on the right road to immortal life. + +24 Triplet: the word in the text vdhd is said to mean either two or three +connected stanzas. + +Two or four-foot measure: consisting of two or foxwpddcts or semi-hemistichs. + +And loith the syllable : they form the seven generic metres of the Veda with +the syllable, which is the chief element of metre, the Gdyatil consisting of eight +syllables, the Trishtup of eleven, and the Jagati of twelve. See Wilson’s note. + + + +224 THE MIMES OF [BOOK I. + +25 With Jagati the flood in heaven he stablished, and saw the + +Sun in the Bathantara Saman. + +G&yatri hath, they say, three brands for kindling: hence it +excels in majesty and vigour. + +26 I invocafe the milch-cow good for milking, so that the milker, + +deft of hand, may drain her. + +May Savitar give goodliest stimulation. The caldron is made +hot; I will proclaim it. + +27 She, lady of all treasure, is come hither yearning in spirit for + +her calf and lowing. + +May this cow yield her milk for both the Asvins, and may +she prosper to our high advantage. + +28 The cow hath lowed after her blinking youngling j she licks + +his forehead, as she lows, to form it. + +His mouth she fondly calls to her warm udder, and suckles +him with milk while gently lowing. + +29 He also snorts, by whom encompassed round the Cow lows as + +she clings unto the shedder of the rain. + +She with her shrilling cries hath humbled mortal man, and, +turned to lightning, hath stripped off her covering robe. + +30 That which hath breath and speed and life and motion lies + +firmly stablished in the midst of houses. + +Living, by offerings to the Dead he moveth, Immortal One +the brother of the mortal, + +311 saw the Herdsman, him who never stumbles, approaching +by his pathways and departing. + +He, clothed with gathered and diffusive splendour, within the +worlds continually travels. + + +25 He: Brahmfi, according to Sftyana. + +Bathantara,: one of the most important S&ma-hymns ; S&maveda II. !. i. +ll = Rigveda VII. 82. 22, 23. + +Three brands: the three pddas, divisions, or lines of the verse being +fancifully likened to the sticks with which the sacrificial fire is kindled. + +26 The milch-cow in this and the two following stanzas may be the cow +who supplies milk for the sacrifice. But S&yana says that the cow may be the +rain-cloud, the milk being the rain and the milker V&yu the God of Wind +who causes it to flow. The calf, S&yana says, is the world longing for the +rain to fall. + +29 He also: probably Parjanya, the personified Storm-Cloud. The Cow +here is undoubtedly a cloud. + +30 The subject of the first hemistich is apparently^Agni. The Moon, +sustained by sacrificial offerings to the Departed, appears to be the subject of +the second. But see Hymns of the Atharva-vecla IX. 10. 8. + +31 The Herdsman: the Sun, the guardian of the world. + + + +HYMN 164.] + + +THE BIGVEDA. + + +225 + + +32 He who hath made him doth not comprehend him : from him + +who saw him surely is he hidden. + +He, yet enveloped in his Mother’s bosom, source of much life, +hath sunk into destruction. + +33 Dyaus is my Father, my begetter: kinship is#here. This + +great earth is my kin and Mother. + +Between the wide-spread world-halves is the birth-place; the +Father laid the Daughter’s germ within it. + +34 I ask thee of the earth’s extremest limit, where is the centre + +of the world, I ask thee. + +I ask thee of the Stallion’s seed prolific, I ask of highest +heaven where Speech abideth. + +35 This altar is the earth’s extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours + +is the world’s centre. + +• The Stallion’s seed prolific is the Soma; this Brahman +highest heaven where Speech abideth, + +36 Seven germs unripened yet are heaven’s prolific seed: their + +functions they maintain by Vishnu’s ordinance. + +End lied with wisdom through intelligence and thought, they +compass us about present on every side, + +37 What thing I truly am I know not clearly: mysterious, + +fettered in my mind I wander. + +When the first-born of holy Law approached me, then of +this speech I first obtain a portion, + +38 Back, forward goes he, grasped by strength inherent, the Im¬ + +mortal bom the brother of the mortal. + + +32 Lightning, the immediate cause of rain, with his countless offspring the +f, - V*' ps, appears to be alluded to. + +-■ ■; literally bowls or vessels into which the Soma is poured, + +a figurative expression for heaven and earth. The firmament or space between +these two is, as the region of the rain, the womb of all beings, The Father +is Dyaus and the daughter is Earth whose fertility depends upon the germ of +rain laid in the firmament. + +35 The earth's extremest limit: the altar, as the place nearest to heaven, the +place where the Gods visit men. + +The Stallion : Dyaus, or Father Heaven. + +This Brahman; The priest so named who recites the texts of the Veda. + +36 This stanza, as Ludwig remarks, is one of the most unintelligible in the +whole Veda. The seven , according to S&yana, are the solar rays, and Vishnu +is”said to be the Sun. + +37 The first-born of holy Law ; according to S&yana, the first-born (percep¬ +tions) of the truth, Soma may be intended, as’ suggested by Bergaine, +Religion V&lique, I. 150, + +38 This stanza api->ears to refer to the Sun in bis daily course from east to +west and his nightly return to the east, the former visible to men and the +latter invisible. + +They , in this case, would mean the Sun by day and the Sun by night. + +15 •;& + + + +226 ‘ TEE ETMES OF [BOOK T. + +Ceaseless they move in opposite directions : men mark tlie +one and fail to mark the other. + +39 Upon what syllable of holy praise-song, as ’twere their + +highest heaven, the Gods repose them,—* + +-Who kimvs not this, what will he do with praise-song 1 But +they who know it well sit here assembled. + +40 Fortunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we + +also be exceeding wealthy. + +Feed on the grass, 0 Cow, at every season, and coming hither¬ +ward drink limpid water. + +41 Forming tlie water-floods, the buffalo hath lowed, one-footed + +or two-footed or four-footed, she, + +Who hath become eight-footed or hath got nine feet, the +thousand-syllabled in the sublimest heaven. + +42 From her descend in streams the seas of water ; thereby the + +world’s four regions have their being. + +Thence flows the imperishable flood, and thence the universe +hath life. + +43 I saw from far away the smoke of fuel with spires that rose + +on high o’er that beneath it. + +The Mighty Mon have dressed the spotted bullock. These +were the customs in the days aforetime. + +44 Three with long tresses show in ordered season. One of them + +shearcth when the year is ended. + +One with his powers the universe regardeth: of one the +sweep is, seen, but not his figure. + +45 Speech hath been measured out in four divisions, the Brah¬ + +mans who have understanding know them. + +39 The syllable is the Pranava, the mystical sacred syllable Om, This +■syllable is set forth in the Upanishads as the object of profound religious +meditation, and the highest spiritual efficacy is attributed to it. + +40 This stanza is addressed to the cow who supplies the milk for libations. + +41 The buffalo hath loioed: the great rain-cloud has thundered. S&yana + +r-s.pir.ir.v or e forced, as sounding from the cloud; two-footed, from cloud and +<;y ; .A-' from the four cardinal points; eight-footed, from the four + +points and the four-intermediate points ; nine-footed , from these points and +the zenith. (lanrt, the buffalo, is, according to S&yana, VdJc, Speech, the voice +of heaven. + +42 From her; from the buffalo, or cloud. The world's four regions: the +whole world. + +43 The smoke of fuel: arising from burning eow-dung. The Mighty Men: +the Heroes, the Gods. The spotted bullock: the Soma. The whole may, +perhaps, be a figurative description of the -gathering of the rain-clouds. + +44 The three are Agni who bums up the vegetation, the all-seeing Sun. +.and the invisible Yayu or Wind. + + + +EYMN 164.] + + +TEE RIG YEDA. + + +227 + + +Three kept in close concealment cause no motion; of speech, +men speak only the fourth division. + +46 They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is heavenly + +nobly-winged Garutman. + +To what is One, sages give many a title: they*call it Agni, +Yama, Matarisvan. + +47 Dark the descent: the birds are golden-coloured; up to the + +heaven they fly robed in the waters. + +Again descend they from the seat of Order, and all the earth +is moistened with their fatness. + +48 Twelve are the fellies, and the wheel is single j three are the + +naves. What man hath understood it ? + +Therein are set together spokes three hundred and sixty, +which in nowise can be loosened. + +49 That breast of thine exhaustless, spring of pleasure, where¬ + +with thou feedest all things that are choicest, + +Wealth-giver, treasure-finder, free .bestower,—bring that, Sara- +svati, that we may drain it. + +50 By means of sacrifice the Gods accomplished their sacrifice; + +these were the earliest ordinances. + +These Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there +where the Sadhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling. + +51 Uniform, with the passing days, this water mounts and falls + +again. + +The tempest-clouds give life to earth, and fires re-animate the +heaven. + +45 Three kept in close concealment: the three might mean the three Vedas; +but this interpretation does not suit the rest of the half-line. The fourth +division: ordinary language. See Wilson for Sfiyana’s elaborate explanation +of this stanza, and Muir, 0. S. Texts, II. 155. + +46 Garutmdn: the Celestial Bird, the Sun. All these names, says the +poet, are names of one and the same Divine Being, the One Supreme Spirit +under various manifestations. . + +47 Dark the descent: the rays of light descend into the darkness of the +earth when wrapped in night, and rise again to heaven with the moisture +which they have absorbed to descend again in the form of fertilizing rain. + +• 48 The single wheel is the year ; the twelve spokes are the months; the +three naves are the three seasons of four months each ; and the spokes are +the days of the luni-solar year. The stanza is out of place here. + +49 Sarasvati: see I. 3. 10. + +50 The Sldhyas: said by Ydska to be ‘the Gods whose + +the sky.’ They are named among the minor divinities in : ■ ■ . *• + +and, as Wilson observes, * it would seem that in Silyana’s day the purport of +the designation liad become uncertain.’ + +51 Fires re-animate the heaven .* the oblations offered in sacrificial fires +delight and strengthen the Gods. + + +228 .THE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +52 Tlie Bird Celestial, vast with noble pinion, the lovely germ of +plants, the germ of waters, + +Him who delighteth us with rain in season, Sarasvan I invoke +that he may help us. + +HYMN CLXV. Indra. Maruts. + +With what bright beauty are the Maruts jointly invested, +peers in age, who dwell together ? + +From what place have they come? With what intention? +Sing they their strength through love of wealth, these +Heroes ? + +2 Whose prayers have they, the Youthful Ones, accepted? Who + +to his sacrifice hath turned the Maruts? + +We will delay them on their journey sweeping—with what +high spirit!—through the air like eagles. + +3 Whence comest thou alone, thou who art mighty, Indra, Lord + +of the Brave? What is thy purpose? + +Thou greetest us when meeting us the Bright Ones. Lord of +Bay Steeds, say what thou hast against us. + +4 Mine are devotions, hymns; sweet are libations. Strength + +stirs, and hurled forth is my bolt of thunder. + +They call for me, their lauds are longing for me. These my +Bay Steads bear me to these oblations. + +5 Therefore together with our strong companions, having adorn¬ + +ed our bodies, now we harness + +Our spatted deer with might, for thou, 0 Indra, hast learnt +and understood our Godlike nature. + +6 Where was that nature then of yours, 0 Maruts, that ye + +charged me alone to slay the Dragon ? + +For I in truth am fierce and strong and mighty. I bent +away from every foeman’s weapons. + + +52 Samsvdn: or Saras vat, is the name of a Biver-G-od usually assigned +as a consort to Sarasvatt. In this place the Sun is meant, and sdrasvantcm +may be taken as a mere epithet, ( rich in water ’ which he absorbs. + +Indra, the Maruts, and the great sage Agastya are regarded as the Bishis +of this hymn, which appears to be, as Wilson observes, a vindication of * the +separate, or at least preferential, worship of Indra, without comprehending, +at the same time, as a matter of course, the adoration of the Maruts.’ The +hymn is translated and fully explained in Prof. Max Muller's Yedic Hymns, +Part I. + +1 Indra speaks. + +3 Here the Maruts address Indra whom they meet alone, unattended by +fchera as was usual. + +4 Indra replies, + +5 The Maruts again speak. + +6 Indra claims for himself the glory of the victory over.. Vritra. + + + +HYMH 165.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +229 + + +7 Yea, much hast thou achieved with mb for comrades, with + +manly valour like thine own, thou Hero. + +Much may we too achieve, 0 mightiest Indra, with our great +power, we Maruts, when we will it. + +8 Yritra I slew by mine own strength, 0 Maruts, having waxed + +mighty in mine indignation. + +I with the thunder in my hand created for man these lucid +softly flowing waters. + +9 Nothing, 0 Mag ha van, stands firm before thee; among the + +Gods not one is found thine equal. + +None born or springing into life comes nigh thee. Do what +thou hast to do, exceeding mighty! + +10 Mine only be transcendent power, whatever I, daring in my + +spirit, may accomplish. + +For I am known as terrible, 0 Maruts : I, Indra, am the Lord +of what I ruined. + +11 Now, 0 ye Maruts, hath your praise rejoiced me, the glorious + +hymn which ye have made me, Heroes! + +For me, for Indra, champion strong in battle, for me, your¬ +selves, as lovers for a lover. + +12 Here, truly, they send forth their sheen to meet me, wearing + +their blameless glory and their vigour. + +When I have seen you, Maruts, in gay splendour, ye have +delighted me, so now delight me. + +13 Who here hath magnified you, 0 ye Maruts % speed forward, + +0 ye lovers, to your lovers. + +Ye Radiant Ones, assisting their devotions, of these my holy +rites be ye regardful. + +14 To this hath Manya’s wisdom brought us, so as to aid, as aids + +the poet him who worships. + +Bring hither quick! On to the sage, ye Maruts ! These +prayers for you the singer hath recited. + + +11 * In this verse Indra, after having declined with no uncertain sound the +friendship of the Maruts, repeats himself of his unkind ness towards his old +friends. The words of praise which they addressed to him in verse 9, in spite +of the rebuff which they had received from Indra, have touched his heart, +and we may suppose that, after this, their reconciliation was complete.’— +Max Muller. + +14 This verse is exceedingly difficult, and its translation at present can he +only conjectural. + +Mdnya , apparently, means the son of Mftna. + +M&nddrya, probably the name of the poet, but explained differently by +84yana and Muhfdhara, + + + + +230 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK /, + +15 May this your praise, may this your song, 0 Maruts, sung +by the poet, Mana’s son, M&ndarya, + +Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we +find strengthening food in full abundance I + +HYMN CLXVL Maruts. + +Now let us publish, for the vigorous company the herald of +the Strong One, their primeval might. + +With fire upon your way, 0 Maruts loud of voice, with battle, +Mighty Ones, achieve you? deeds of strength. + +2 Bringing the pleasant meath as J twere their own dear son, + +they sport in sportive wise gay at their ^gatherings. + +The Kudras come with succour to the worshipper; self-strong +they fail not him who offers sacrifice, + +3 To whomsoever, bringer of oblations, they, immortal guard¬ + +ians, have given plenteous wealth, + +For him, like loving friends, the Maruts bringing bliss bedew +the regions round with milk abundantly. + +4 Ye who with mighty powers have stirred the regions up, your + +coursers have sped forth directed by themselves. + +All creatures of the earth, all dwellings are afraid, for bril¬ +liant is your coming with your spears advanced. + +5 When they in dazzling rush have made the mountains roar, + +and shaken heaven’s high back in their heroic strength, +Each sovran of the forest fears as ye drive near, and the +shrubs fly before you swift as whirling wheels. + +6 Terrible Maruts, ye with ne’er-diminished host, with great + +benevolence fulfil our heart’s desire. + +Where’er your lightning bites armed with its gory teeth it +crunches up the cattle like a well-aimed dart. + + +15 1 borrow three-fourths of this verse from Prof. M. Miiller. + +This hymn and the twenty-five following are ascribed to the Bishi Agastya, +who appears in the R&mftyana as the friend and counsellor of Btaa. He is +one of those indefinable mythic personages who are found in the ancient +traditions of many nations, and in whom cosmogonical or astronomical +notions are generally figured. Thus it is related of Agastya that the Vin- +dhyan mountains prostrated themselves before him ; and yet the same +Agastya is believed to be the regent of the star Canopus. + +1 The Strong One : Indra, who is preceded by the Maruts. + +2 The Miidraa: the Maruts, sons of the Strong-God Budra. + +3 Milk: fertilizing rain. + +5 As ye drive near: similar abrupt changes of person are common in the +Veda. + + + +■HYMN 166.1 + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +231 + + +7 Gibers of during gifts whose bounties never fail, free from ill- + +will, at sacrifices glorified, + +They sing their song aloud that they may drink sweet juice : +well do they know the Hera’s first heroic deeds. + +8 With castles hundredfold, 0 Maruts, guard ye well the man + +whom ye have loved from ruin and from sin,— + +The man whom ye the fierce, the Mighty Ones who roai’, +] reserve from calumny by cherishing his seed. + +9 0 Maruts, in your car’s are all things that are good: great + +powers are set as 5 1were in rivalry therein. + +Bings are upon your shoulders when ye journey forth : your +axle turns together both the chariot wheels. + +10 Held in your manly arms are many goodly things, gold chains + +are on your chests, and glistering ornaments. + +Door-skins are on their shoulders, on their fellies knives: +they spread their glory out as birds spread out their wings. + +11 Mighty in mightiness, pervading, passing strong, visible from + +afar as ’twere with stars of heaven, + +Lovely with pleasant tongues, sweet singers with their mouths, +the Maruts, joined with ludra, shout forth all around, + +12 This is your majesty, ye Maruts nobly born, far as the sway + +of Aditi your bounty spreads. + +Even Indra by desertion never disannuls the boon bestowed +by you upon the pious man. + +13 This is your kinship, Maruts, that, Immortals, ye were oft in + +oldeu time regardful of our call. + +Having vouchsafed to man a hearing through this prayer, by +wondrous deeds the Heroes have displayed their might, + +14 That, 0 ye Maruts, we may long time flourish through your + +abundant riches, 0 swift movers, + +And that our men may spread in the encampment, let me +complete the-rite with these oblations. + +15 May this your laud, may this your song, 0 Maruts, sung by + +the poet, MAna’s son, Mand&rya, + +Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we +find strengthening food in full abundance, + +10 On their fellies hilves: their war-chariots have sharp scythe-like blades +attached to their wheels, or sharp edges to their fellies. + +11 Sweet singers: the Maruts* song in the music of - the winds. + +12 The swag of Aditi: ‘ What the poet says is simply this, that the bounty +of the Maruts extends as far as the realm of Aditi, i. e. is-endless, or extends +everywhere, Aditi being in its original conception the deity of the unbounded +world beyond, the earliest attempt at expressing the Infinite.*—Max Muller. + +This also is one of the hymns translated and fully explained by Prof. Max +Muller in Vedic Hymns, Part L + + + +232 + + +THE HYMNS OH + + +[BOOK l + + +HYMN CLXVIL Indra. Maruts. + +A thousand are thy helps for as, 0 Indraa thousand, Lord +of Bays, thy choice refreshments. + +Wealth of a thousand sorts hast thou to cheer us: may preci¬ +ous goods come nigh to us in thousands. + +2 May the most sapient Maruts, with protection, with best boons + +brought from lofty heaven, approach us, + +Now when their team of the most noble horses speeds even +on the sea's extremest limit. + +3 Close to them clings one moving in seclusion, like a man's wife, + +like a spear carried rearward, + +Well grasped, bright, decked with gold; there is Yak also, +like to a courtly, eloquent dame, among them. + +4 Far off the brilliant, never-weary Maruts cling to the young + +Maid as a joint possession. + +The fierce Cods drave not Rodasi before them, but wished for +her to grow their friend and fellow. + +5 When chose immortal Rodasi to follow—she with loose tresses + +and heroic- spirit — + +She clomb her servant's chariot, she like Surya with cloud-like +motion and refulgent aspect. + +6 Upon their car the young men set the Maiden wedded to glory, + +mighty in assemblies, + +When your song, Maruts, rose, and, with oblation, the Soma- +pourer sang his hymn in worship. + +7 I will declare the greatness of these Maruts, their real great¬ + +ness, worthy to be lauded, + +How, with them, she though firm, strong-minded, haughty, +travels to women happy in their fortune. + + +2 The $ 611*8 extremest limit: the skirts of the sea of air, the firmament. + +3 Sftyana says that the lightning is spoken of, moving in the clouds, as if in +secret, like the well-attired wife who remains in the women’s apartment, but +sometimes showing itself, like the hymn or prayer recited at religious cei’emo- +liies. The comparisons are scarcely intelligible. Vftk here is the voice of +Heaven, the thunder. Bee Max Muller, Vedic Hymns, Part I. + +5 Rodasi: usually regarded as the consort of Rudra, said by Sftyana to +mean here the lightning, the bride of tlie Maruts. + +S&ryd: the daughter of the Sun, who mounted the chariot of the Asvins. +Bee 1.116.17. + +7 She: Rodasi. In the second hemistich there is no substantive, only ad¬ +jectives in the feminine gender. Wilson, following S&yanft, renders the last +half-line by ‘ supports a flourishing progeny.’ Ludwig thinks that Rodasi ap¬ +pears as ElXeidvut of the Greek pantheon, the Goddess who presides over +childbirth. + + + + +HYMN 168 .] + + +THE MI$ VEDA. + + +233 + + +8 Mitra and Yanina they guard from censure: Aryaman too, + +discovers worthless sinners. + +Firm things are overthrown that ne’er were shaken : he pros¬ +pers, Maruts, who gives choice oblations. + +9 None of us, Maruts, near or at a distance, hath Tiver reached + +the limit of your vigour. + +' They in courageous might still waxing boldly have compassed +round their foemen like an ocean. + +10 May we this day be dearest friends of Indra, and let us call on + +him in fight to-morrow. + +So were we erst. New might attend us daily ! so be w r ith us +Ribhukshan of the Heroes 1 + +11 May this your laud, may this your song, 0 Maruts, sung by + +the poet, Mena’s son, Mfind ary a, + +Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we +find strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN OLXVIII. Maruts. + +Swift gain is his who hath you near at every rite : ye welcome +every song of him who serves the Gods. + +So may I turn you hither with fair hymns of praise to give +great succour for the weal of both the worlds. + +2 Surrounding, as it were, self-born, self-powerful, they spring + +to life the shakers-down of food and light j +Like as the countless undulations of the floods, worthy of praise +when near, like bullocks and like kine. + +3 They who, like Somas with their well-grown stalks pressed out, + +imbibed within the heart, dwell there in friendly wise. + +'Upon their shoulders rests as ’twere a warrior’s spear, and in ■ +their hand they hold a dagger and a ring. + +10 The hymn appears to have been recited on the eve of an expected battle. +Mibhukshan ; a name of Indra, as lord of the Ribhus. + +1 The text of the first line is manifestly corrupt, and translation is conjec¬ +tural. See Max Muller, Sacred Books of the East, XXXII, p. 281. + +2 The shakers-down: violently sending down the rain which is followed by +sunlight and fertility. + +When near: terrific in appearence at a distance, but gentle when propitiated +with worship. + +3 The first hemistich is obscure. Perhaps the meaning is that the bene¬ +ficial effects of the storm are lasting like the inspiring influence of Soma juice. + +Warrior's spear: i llambhint I now take with Sftyana in the sense of a +wife clinging to the shoulders of her husband, though what is meant is the +spear, or some other weapon, slung over the shoulders; see 1. 167, 3,’— +fuller, Vedic Hymns, I. 283, + + + +234 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK L + +4 Self-yoked, they have descended lightly from the sky. With + +your own lash, Immortals, urge yourselves to speed. +Unstained by dust the Maruts, mighty in their strength, have +oast down e'en firm things, armed with their shining spears. + +5 Who among you, 0 Maruts armed with lightning-spears, moveth + +you by himself, as with the tongue his jaws ? + +Ye rush from heaven's floor as though ye sought for food, bn +many errands like the Sun's diurnal Steed, + +6 Say where, then, is this mighty region's farthest hound, where, + +Maruts, is the lowest depth that ye have reached, + +When ye cast down like chaff the firmly stablished pile, and +from the mountain send the glittering water-flood ? + +7 Your winning is with strength, dazzling, with heavenly light, + +with fruit mature, 0 Maruts, full of plenteousness. + +Auspicious is your gift like a free giver’s meed, victorious, +spreading far, as of immortal Gods. + +8 The rivers roar before your chariot fellies when they are utter¬ + +ing the voice of rain-clouds. + +The lightnings laugh upon the earth beneath them, what time +the Maruts scatter forth their fatness. + +9 Prism brought forth, to fight the mighty battle, the glittering + +army of the restless Maruts. + +Nurtured together they begat the monster, and then looked +round them for the food that strengthens. + +10 May this your laud, may this your song, 0 Maruts, sung by +the poet, Manas son, Mandarya, + +Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we +find strenthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXIX. indra. + +As, Indra, from great treason thou protectest, yea, from great +treachery these who approach us, + +So, marking well. Controller of the Maruts, grant us their +blessings, for they are thy dearest. + + +5 What, asks the poet, Is the moving principle of the Maruts ? Who gives +them their first impulse, as a man when he wishes moves hi' x * ■ *’■ JI -v.~-, ? + +* This stanza/ remarks Wilson, 6 is exceedingly elliptical and : ■■ ; + +completion of the text is entirely conjectural.' + +9 Prisni: the mother of the Maruts. See I. 24. 3. The monster: the mass +of dark storm-clouds. + + +1 These who approach us; the Maruts. + + + + +HYMN 170 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +235 + + +2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, +in thy wisdom, Indra. + +The host of Maruts goeth forth exulting to win the light- +bestowing spoil of battle. + +3SThat spear of thine sat firm for us, 0 Indra : the Maruts set +their whole dread power in motion. + +E’en Agni shines resplendent in the brushwood: the viands +hold him as hoods hold an island. + +4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, 0 Indra, as guerdon won by + +mightiest donation. + +May hymns that please thee cause the breast of Vayu to +swell as with the mead’s refreshing sweetness. + +5 With thee, 0 Indra, are most bounteous riches that further + +every one who lives uprightly. + +Now may these Maruts show us loving-kindness, Gods who +of old were ever prompt to help us.- + +6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, 0 Indra: exert + +thee in the great terrestrial region; + +For their broad-chested speckled deer are standing like a +King^s armies on the field of battle. + +7 Heard isThFTmT^“the Advancing Baruts, terrific, glittering, + +and swiftly moving, + +Who with their rush o’ertlirow as ’twere a sinner the mortal +who would fight with those who love him. + +8 Give to the M&nas, Indra with the Maruts, gifts universal, + +gifts of cattle foremost. + +Thou, God, art praised with Gods who must be lauded. May +we find strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXX. Indra. Maruts. + +Naught is to-day, to-morrow naught. Who comprehends the +mystery ? + +We must address ourselves unto another’s thought, and. lost +is then the hope we formed. + +2 The Maruts are thy brothers. Why, 0 Indra, wouldst thou +take our lives ? + +Agree with them in friendly wise, and do not slay us in the fight. + +3 Sat firm : was firmly and properly held by tlie Warrior-God. + +6 The Men : the Maruts. Their chariot is drawn by spotted deer. + +8 The Mdnas; men of the family of the poet M&na. + +X Lost is then the hope we formed : Indra appears to have appropriated to +himself the sacrifice intended for the Maruts, who complain, accordingly, of +their dependence on another’s will and of their disappointed hopes. + +2 This is spoken by Agastya, who offered the sacrifice. + + + +236 + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I . + + +3 Agastya, brother, why dost thou neglect us, thou who art our + +friend 1 + +We know the nature of thy mind. Verily thou wilt give us +naught. + +4 Let them prepare the altar, let them kindle fire in front: + +we two + +Here will spread sacrifice for thee, that the Immortal may +observe. + +5 Thou, Lord of Wealth, art Master of all treasures, thou, Lord + +of friends, art thy friends’ best supporter. + +0 Indra, speak thou kindly with the Maruts, and taste obla- +„ tiorns in their proper season. + + +HYMN CLXXI. Maruts. + +To you I come with this mine adoration, and with a hymn I +crave the Strong Ones’ favour, + +A hymn that truly makes you joyful, Maruts. Suppress your +anger and unyoke your horses. + +2 Maruts, to you this laud with prayer and worship, formed in + +the mind and heart, ye Gods, is offered. + +Come ye to us, rejoicing in your spirit, for ye are they w r ho +make our prayer effective. + +3 The Maruts, praised by us, shall show us favour; Maghavan, + +lauded, shall be most propitious. + +Maruts, may all our days that are to follow be very pleasant, +lovely and triunphant, + +4 I fled in terrror from this mighty Indra, my body trembling in + +alarm, 0 Maruts. + +Oblations meant for you had been made ready; these have we +set aside; for this forgive us. + + +3 The Maruts complain that Agastya does not support their claim. + +4 Spoken by Agastya to Indra. We; Agni and I. The Immortal ; Agni. + +5 Agastya continues his conciliatory speech, + +1 Unyoke your horses: stay with us and enjoy the sacrifice. 1 * 3 4 This hymn, + +again,’ as Wilson remarks, ' indicates a sort of trimming between the worship +of Indra and the Maruts.’ + +3 Unable to translate the second hemistich satisfactorily, I have followed +Sftyana who takes vdndni as an adjective, lovely. Grassmann translates : +1 May all our days stand upright like beautiful trees,’ and Ludwig suggests +r battling ? spears ? for komytt vdndni. * May our trees (our lances) through +Our valour stand always erect.’—Max Muller. + +4 Agastya apologizes for having allowed Indra to enjoy the offerings intend¬ +ed for the Marutg, + + + + +HYMN 173.]' j THE RIGVEDA. 237 + +5 By whom the Mftnas recognize the daysprings, by whose strength +at the dawn of endless mornings, + +Give us, .thou Mighty, glory with the Maruts, fierce with the +fierce, the Strong who givest triumph. + +• 6 Do thou, 0 Indra, guard the conquering Heroes, find rid thee +of thy wrath against the Maruts, + +With them, the wise, victorious and bestowing. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXII. Maruts. + +Wonderful let your coming be, wondrous with help, ye Bount¬ +eous Ones, + +Maruts, who gleam as serpents gleam. + +2 Far be from us, 0 Maruts, ye free givers, your impetuous shaft; + +Far from us be the stone ye hurl. + +3 0 Bounteous Givers, touch ye not, 0 Maruts, Trinaskanda’s + +folk; + +Lift ye us up that we may live. + +HYMN CLXXIIL Indra. + +The praise-song let him sing, forth bursting bird-like : sing we +that hymn which like heaven’s light expandeth, + +That the milk-giving cows may, unimpeded, call to the sacred +grass the Gods’ assembly. + +2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud +roar like some wild beast that hungers. + +Praised God ! the glad priest brings his heart’s devotion; the +holy youth presents twofold oblation. + + +5 By whom: thou, Indra, by whom, eto. + +1 Who gleam as serpents gleam: referring to the flashes of lightning that +accompany the Gods of storm, + +2 The stone: the thunderbolt, + +3 Trinaskanda's folk: Trinaskanda appears to be the name of some chief not +elsewhere mentioned. Wilson, following S&yapa, translates:protect my people +(although 1 be) as insignificant as grass.’ + +1 Let him sing: let the Udgdtar priest sing the S&man or metrical hymn of +praise, which spreads and blesses like the light of heaven. + +2 The Bull: perhaps the institutor of the sacrifice ; or Indra himself may +he intended. Sftyana offers both explanations. + +The Bulls: the officiating priests. + +Praised God!: addressed to Indra. The meaning of the hemistich is obs¬ +cure, The word mithund (literally, pairs) which I have rendered in accordance +with S&yana and Wilson, means according to Grassmann, * both the worlds/ and +according to Ludwig, ‘ the couples consisting of the sacrificers and the respec¬ +tive wives.’ + + +238 + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1. + + +3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with + +him bring the earth’s autumnal fruitage. + +Let the Horse neigh led near, let the Steer bellow: let the +Yoice go between both worlds as herald. + +4 To him ewe offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their + +strength-inspiring praises. + +May fndra, wondrous in his might, accept them, car-borne and +swift to move like the Nasatyas. + +5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car-borne + +Warrior, Maghavan the Hero; + +Stronger in war than those who figlit against him, borne by +strong steeds, who kills enclosing darkness; + +6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness; the earth and + +heavens suffice not for his girdles. + +Indra endues the earth to he his garment, and, God-like, wears +the heaven as ’twere a frontlet, + +7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in + +the van,—to draw thee hither, + +Indra, the hosts agree beside the Soma, and joy, for his great +actions, in the Chieftain. + +8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods + +come to cheer these people. + +To thee the Cow is sum of all tilings grateful when with the +wish thou seekest men and princes. + +9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were + +through praise of chieftains, + +That Indra still may linger at our worship, as one led swift to +work, to hear our praises. + +10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, +wielder of the thunder. + +Like true friends of some city’s lord, within them held in good +rule with sacrifice they help him. + + +% The Priest ; , who is also the Horse and the Steer. The measured + +stations: the different fire-altars. Fruitage: grain for the oblation. The Voice• +thunder. + +4 The N&satyas: the Asvins, whose chariot is famed for swiftness. + +8 In the sea: reaching thee in the sea of air * or ‘ the sea 1 may mean the +large reservoir of boma juice. The wish / granting all their desires. + +y In this One / this one true friend Indra. + +- di ^ ult Wilson, following Sdyana, translates: * Emulous + +m commendation like (those contending for the favour) of men, may Indra +the wielder of the thunderbolt, be equally (a friend) to us : like thie who +desirous of his friendship (conciliate) the lord of a city (ruling) with good +sacrifices!^’ 80 d ° ° Ur intemediate (representatives) propitiate^Indra) with + + + +HYMN 174.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +239 + + +11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes + +around angry in spirit; + +As pleasure at the ford invites the thirsty, as the long way +brings him who gains his object. + +12 Let us not here contend with Gods, 0 Indra, for here, 0 Mighty + +One, is thine own portion, + +The Great, whose Friends the bounteous Maruts honour, as +with a stream, his song who pours oblations. + +13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay + +Steeds, find us hereby advancement. + +So mayst thou lead us on, 0 God, to comfort. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXIV. Indra. + +Thou art the Xing of all the Gods, 0 Indra: protect the men, +0 Asura, preserve us. + +Thou Lord of Heroes, Maghavan, our saver, art faithful* very +rich, the victory-giver. + +2 Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spnlc e with insult by break¬ + +ing down seven autumn forts, their refuge. + +Thou stirredst, Blameless 1 billowy foods, and gavest his foe a +prey to youthful Purukutsa. + +3 With whom thou drives-t troops whose lords are heroes, and + +bringest daylight now, much woi*sliipped Indra, + +With them guard lion-like wasting active Agni to dwell in our +tilled fields and in our homestead. + +4 They through the greatness of thy spear, 0 Indra, shall, to + +thy praise, rest in this earthly station. + +To loose the floods, to seek, for kine, the battle, his Bays ' he +mounted, boldly seized the booty. + +5 Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark-red + +horses of the Wind are docile. + + +11 Indra will came at last although he tarries now. We must wait pa¬ +tiently. The thirsty traveller comes to the stream and reaches his journey’s +end at last. + +Wilson observes with truth that 1 this hymn is in general elliptical and obs¬ +cure.’ A translator has to endeavour to give the probable meaning of the +words as they stand, without venturing on conjectural completion of fancied +ellipses and the insertion of words at pleasure after the manner of S&yana. + +' 1 The men: the priests. Vs: tby worshippers. Asura: immortal and divine. + +2 Autumn forts: probably strongholds on high ground, occupied in the rainy +reason. Purukutsa : has been mentioned before. See I. 63. 7. + +3 With whom,: the Maruts. + +4 They: the enemy. lie: Indra. + +5 Kutsa: the Rishi of that name. Wilson paraphrases after S&yana : ‘ Bear +(the sage) Kutsa to that ceremony (to which) thou desirest (to convey him}/ + + + +240 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +Let the Sun roll his chariot wheel anear us, and let the Thund.- +erer go to meet the foemen. + +6 Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain + +the vexers of thy friends, who give not. + +They who beheld the Friend beside the living were cast aside +by thee as they rode onward. + +7 Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a + +covering for the Dasa. + +Maghavan made the three that gleam with moisture, and to +his home brought Kuyavach to slay him. + +8 These thine old deeds new bards have sung, 0 Indra. Thou + +conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever. + +Like castles thou hast crushed the godless races, and bowed +the godless scorner’s deadly weapon. + +9 A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, 0 Indra, + +like the running rivers. + +When o’er the flood thou broughtest them, 0 Hero, thou kept- +est Turvasa and Yadu safely. + +10 Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the +men, most gentle-hearted, + +Giving us victory over all our rivals. May we find strengthen¬ +ing food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXV. Indra , + +Glad thee : thy glory hath been quaffed, Lord of Bay Steeds, +as ’twere the bowl’s enlivening mead. + +For thee the Strong there is strong drink, mighty, omnipotent +to win. + +2 Let our strong drink, most excellent, exhilarating, come to + +thee, + +Victorious, Indra! bringing gain, immortal, conquering in +fight. + +3 Thou, Hero, winner of the spoil, urgest to speed the ear of man. +Burn, like a vessel with the flame, the lawless Dasyu, Conqueror! + +6 Who (jive not; who offer no oblations ; barbarians who do not worship the +Gods of the Aryans. The Friend : Indra. Beside the living; Ayu, the living +may perhaps he a proper name here. + +7 The three that gleam, with moisture ; what the three are is not clear. Wil¬ +son translates : f has made the three (regions) marvellous by his gifts.* Some +reference to three mornings appears to be intended. Kuyavdch: probably the +name of a demon, or barbarian, + +9 Turvum and Yadu; eponyjni of Aryan tribes. See I. 36. 8. + +1 Thy glory hath been quaffed: thou hast drunk what incites thee to glori¬ +ous deeds, namely the Soma juice contained in the bowl. + + + +HYMN 176,] + + +TUB RIG VEDA. + + +Ul + +4 Empowered by thine own might, 0 Sage, thou stolest Surya’s + +chariot wheel. + +Thou barest Kutsa with the steeds of Wind to Sushna as his +death. + +5 Most mighty is thy rapturous joy, most splendid is thine + +active power, + +Wherewith, foe-slaying, sending bliss, thou art supreme in +gaining steeds. + +6 As thou, 0 Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, as + +water to the thirsty, + +So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthen¬ +ing food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXVI. Indra. + +Cheer thee with draughts to win us bliss: Soma, pierce Indra +in thy strength. + +Thou stormest trembling in thy rage, and findest not a foeman +nigh. + +2 Make our songs penetrate to him who is the Only One of men ; +For whom the sacred food is spread, as the steer ploughs the + +barley in. + +3 Within whose hands deposited all the Five Peoples’ treasures + +rest. + +Mark thou the man who inj ures us and kill him like the heav¬ +enly bolt. + +4 Slay everyone who pours no gift, who, heard to reach, delights + +thee not. + +Bestow on us what wealth he hath: this even the worshipper +awaits. + +5 Thou holpest him the doubly strong whose hymns were sung + +unceasingly. + +When Indra fought, 0 Soma, thou holpest the mighty in the +fray. + +6 As thou, 0 Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, like + +water to the thirsty, + +So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthen¬ +ing food in full abundance. + +4 Thou stalest JS&rya's chariot wheel ; Indra is said to have taken the wheel +of the chariot of the Hun and to have cast it like a quoit against the demon of +drought. + +Kutsa: the Rishi mentioned in the preceding hymn. Indra defended him +against Sush.ua, or protected mankind from drought. See I. 51. 6. + +5 Most mighty is thy rapturous joy: "Wilson translates : t Thy inebriety is + +most intense/ See I. 51. 2. -- + +3 The Rive Peoples’ treasures: the wealth of all the Aryan*. See I. 7. 9. + +16 + + + +242 + + +TBS HYMNS OF + + +[BOOH /. + + +HYMN CLXXVII. Indra . + +The Bull of men, who cherishes all people, King of the Baces, +Indra, called of many, + +Fame-loving, praised, hither to me with succour turn having +yokedjooth vigorous Bay Horses ! + +2 Thy mighty StaLlions, yoked by prayer, 0 Indra, thy Coursers +to thy mighty chariot harnessed,— + +Ascend thou these, and borne by them come hither; with +Soma juice out-poured, Indra, we call thee. + +B Ascend thy mighty ear: the mighty Soma is poured for thee, +and sweets are sprinkled round us. + +Come down to us-ward, Bull of human races, come, having +harnessed them, with strong Bay Horses, + +4 Here is God-reaching sacrifice, here the victim; here, Indra,, + +are the prayers, here is the Soma. + +Strewn is the sacred grass: come hither, Sakra; seat thee and +drink *. unyoke thy two Bay Coursers. + +5 Come to us, Indra, come thou highly lauded to the devotions + +of the singer Mana. + +Singing, may we find early through thy succour, may we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXYIII. v Indra. + +If, Indra, thou hast given that gracious hearing wherewith +thou holpest those who sang thy praises. + +Blast not the wish that would exalt us : may I gain all from +thee, and pay all man’s devotions. + +2 Let not the Sovran Indra disappoint us in what shall bring +both Sisters to our dwelling. + +To him have run the quickly flowing waters. May Indra +come to us with life and friendship. + +S Victorious with the men, Hero in battles, Indra, who hears +the singer’s supplication. + +Will bring his car nigh to the man who offers, if he himself +upholds the songs that praise him. + +1 The Bull: the hero, or chief distinguished by superior strength. + +2 _3 The word here rendered by * mighty J (vrishan) is commonly applied + +in the Yed& to living beings and things preeminent for strength, and the Yedic +poets delight in repealing it and its compounds and derivatives. c But this is +nothing yet/ observes Prof. Max Muller, c compared to other passages, when +the poet cannot get enough of vrishan and vrishabhtf.’ Of. II. 1& 6 -; Y. 30. 5 ; +Y. 40 2, 3 ; VIII. 13, 31—3&. + +2 Both Sisters; Night and Morning. The quickly flowing waters: for the +libations. , „ . .... ... . . + + + +THE &IGVEDA. + + +243 + + +HYMN 180.] + +4 Yea, Indra, with the men, through love of glory consumes the + +sacred food which friends have offered. + +The ever-strengthening song of him who worships is sung in +fight amid the clash of voices. + +5 Aided by thee, 0 Magbavan, 0 Indra, may we subdue our foes + +who count them mighty. + +Be our protector, strengthen and increase us. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXX. AavhiS' + +Lightly your coursers travel through the regions when round +the sea of air your car is Eying. + +Your golden fellies scatter drops of moisture; drinking the +sweetness ye attend the Mornings. + +2 Ye as ye travel overtake the Courser who flies apart, the + +Friend of man, most holy. + +The prayer is that the Sister may convey you, all praised, +meath-drinkers i to support and strengthen. + +3 Ye have deposited, matured within her, in the raw cow the + +first milk of the milch-cow, + +Which the bright offerer, shining like a serpent mid trees,, +presents to you whose form is perfect. + +4 Ye made the fierce heat to be full of sweetness for Atri at his + +wish, like streaming water. + +Fire-offering thence is yours, 0 Asvins, Heroes : your car-wheels +speed to us like springs of honey. + +5 Like Tugra's ancient son may I, ye Mighty, bring you to give + +your gifts with milk-oblations. + +Your greatness compassetk Earth, Heaven, and Waters: decay¬ +ed for you is sorrow's net, ye Holy. + + +For Hymn CLXXIX. See Appendix. + +2 The Courser: the Sun. The Sister : Ushas, Dawn. + +3 The first milk : ye deposited the milk within the Cosmic Cow, and this is +found unaltered in the cows of earth. + +The bright offerer; I follow Roth in taking this to be the fire, creeping +through the fuel as a snake that creeps and gleams through the bushes. But +'the hemistich is very difficult and the meaning is doubtful. Wilson, after +S&yana. -— ; 4/ f r vigilant in the midst of the ceremony) as a thief +(in the ' , , Ludwig says that hvdrd means neither snake + +iior thief, but a tub or wooden vessel. + +4 Atri : see I. 112. 7. + +5 TugraJs ancient son : Bee 1.117. 4. Greatness; I adopt Ludwig’s conjec¬ +ture mdhimd for mffhintf* * . + + + +244 THE HYMNS OF [BOOR L + +6 When, Bounteous Ones, ye drive your yoked team downward, +ye send, by your own natures, v~ 4 --.^.- v i v 7 . + +Swift as the wind let the prince pi . . you : he, like + +a pious man, gains strength for increase. + +* 7 For verUy we truthful singers praise you: the niggard trafficker +is here excluded. + +Now, even now do ye 0 blameless Asvins, ye Mighty, guard +the man whose God is near him. + +8 You of a truth day after day, 0 Asvins, that he might win the + +very plenteous torrent, + +Agastya, famous among mortal heroes, roused with a thousand +lauds like sounds of music. + +9 When with the glory of your car ye travel, when ye go speed¬ + +ing like the priest of mortals, + +And give good horses to the sacrificers, may we, Nasatyas ! +gain our share of riches. + +10 With songs of praise we call to-day, 0 Asvins, that your new +chariot, for our own well-being, + +That circles heaven with never-injured fellies. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXXI. Asvins. + +What, dearest Pair, is this in strength and riches that ye as +Priests are bringing from the waters ? + +This sacrifice is your glorification, ye who protect mankind and +give them treasures. + +J 2 May your pure steeds, rain-drinkers, bring you hither, swift as +the tempest, your celestial coursers, + +Rapid as thought, with fair hacks, full of vigour, resplendent in +their native light, 0 Asvins. + +3 Your car is like a torrent rushing downward: may it come +nigh, broad-seated, for our welfare,— + +Car holy, strong, that ever would be foremost, thought-swift, +which ye, for whom we long, have mounted. + + +6 The prince ; the institutor of the sacrifice. + +8 The very plenteom torrent ; to obtain abundance of rain. Agastya: the +Pvishi of the hymn. + +' s 9 When you assist the pious chiefs in battle, and they win the spoil, let the +priests who officiated at the sacrifices which won that aid receive their due share +of the booty as their reward. + +1 From the voters: from the firmament. + + + +TlIB IlTGYBbA. + + +titMti 182 j + + +240 * + + +4 Here sprung to life, they both have sung together, with bodies + +free from stain, with signs that mark them; + +One of you Prince of Sacrifice, the Victor, the other counts as +Heaven's auspicious offspring. + +5 May your car-seat, down-gliding* golden-coloured, according to + +your wish, approach our dwellings. + +Men shall feed full the bay steeds of the other, and, Asvins +they with roars shall stir the regions. + +6 Forth comes your strong Bull like a cloud of autumn, sending + +abundant food of liquid sweetness. + +Let them feed with the other's ways and vigour i the upper +streams have come and do us service. + +7 Your constant song hath been sent forth, Disposers! that flows + +threefold in mighty strength, 0 Asvins. + +Thus lauded, give the suppliant protection : moving or resting +.hear mine invocation. + +8 This song of bright contents for you is swelling in the men's + +hall where threefold grass is ready. + +Your strong rain-cloud, ye Mighty Ones, hath swollen, honour¬ +ing men as 'twere with milk's outpouring. + +6 The prudent worshipper, like Pushan, Asvins ! praises you as +he praises Dawn and Agni, + +When, singing with devotion, he invokes you. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + + +HYMN CLXXXIT. Asvins. + +This was the task. Appear promptly, ye prudent Ones. Here +is the chariot drawn by strong steeds: be ye glad. + +Heart-stirring, longed for, succourers of Vispal&, here are +Heaven's Sons whose sway blesses the pious man. + +6 Your strong Bull: your swift chariot. "Wilson remarks : c This and.the +preceding stanza are not very explicit in the comparison which is intimated +between*the functions of the two Asvins, for the use of anyasya , of the other, +in the second half of the verse, is all that intimates that elcasya , of the one, is +understood in the first half.’ + +7 That flows threefold: from three priests. + +8 Threefold grass : sacred grass arranged to form three layers or seats. + +9 -ds he praises Dawn and Agni: that is, at the morning sacrifice. + +1 This was the task: this sacrifice is the work at which you have to preside. + +Be ye glad : delight yourselves with the Soma juice. + +Succourers of Vispald : by giving her an iron leg. See I. 116. 15. Or the +word in the text may mean, as explained by S&yana, * rich in benevolence to +men/ + + +246 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK L + + +2 Longed for, most Indra-like, mighty, most Marat-like, most + +wonderful in deed, car-borne, best charioteers,. + +Bring your full" chariot hither heaped with liquid sweet: +thereon, ye Asvins, come to him who offers gifts. + +3 What make ye there, ye Mighty? Wherefore linger ye with + +folk who, offering not, are held in high esteem ? + +Pass over them; make ye the niggard’s life decay: give light +unto the singer eloquent in praise. + +4 Crunch up on every side the dogs who bark at us: slay ye + +our foes, 0 Asvins ; this ye understand. + +Make wealthy every word of him who praises you: accept +with favour, both Nasatyas, this my laud. + +5 Ye made for Tugra’s son amid the water-floods that animated + +ship with wings to fly withal, + +Whereon with God-devoted mind ye brought him forth, and +fled with easy flight Jr om out the mighty surge. + +6 Four ships most welcome in the midst of ocean, urged by the + +Asvins, save the son of Tugra, + +Him who was cast down headlong in the waters, plunged in +the thick inevitable darkness. + +7 What tree was that which stood fixed in surrounding sea to + +which the son of Tugra supplicating clung ? + +Like twigs, of which some winged creature may take hold, ye, +Asvins, bore him off safely to your renown. + +8 Welcome to you be this the hymn of praises uttered by + +■Manas, 0 Nasatyas, Heroes, + +From this our gathering where we offer Soma. . May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXXin. Asvins, + +Make ready that which passes thought in swiftness, that hath +three wheels and triple seat, ye Mighty, + +Whereon ye seek the dwelling of the pious, whereon, three¬ +fold, ye fly like birds with pinions. + + +5 Tugra?s son: see X. 116. 3, 4. + +6 In the midst of ocean: I can make nothing of the j&thalasya of the text, +and insert these words as substitute for translation. + +7 What tree was that: figuratively of the Asvins who saved him, as,, in a + +sudden inundation, a tree saves the man who climbs it. An 1 ‘" + ' vn - + +pretation of the legend will be found in M. Bergaigne’s La 'i i( ■ ■ ■ : + +III. 10.17. + +1 The three-wheeled chariot of the Asvins has been mentioned before; +Bee I. 34. 1. + + + +BYMN 184,] 'THE R1QVPJDA. 247 + +2 Light rolls your easy chariot faring earth-ward, what time, for + +food, ye, full of ’wisdom, mount it* + +May this song, wondrous fair, attend your glory: ye, as ye +travel, wait on Dawn Heaven's Daughter. + +3 Ascend your lightly rolling car, approaching the* worshipper + +who turns him to his duties,— + +Whereon ye come unto the house to quicken man and his +offspring, 0 Nasatyas, Heroes. + +4 Let not the wolf, let not the she^wolf harm you. Forsake me + +not, nor pass me by for others. + +Here stands your share, here is your hymn, ye Mighty: yours +are these vessels, full of pleasant juices. + +5 Gotama, Purumilha, Atri bringing oblations all invoke you + +for protection. + +Like one who goes straight to the point directed, come, ye +Nasatyas, to mine invocation. + +6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise + +hath been bestowed on you, 0 Asvins. : + +Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. May +we find strengthening focd in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXXIV. Asvins. + +Let us invoke you both this day and after: the priest is here +with lauds when morn is breaking ; + +Nasatyas, wheresoe'er ye he, Heaven's Children, for him who +is more liberal than the godless. + +2 With us, ye Mighty, let yourselves be joyful, glad incur + +stream of Soma slay the niggards. + +Graciously hear my hymns and invitations, marking, 0 Heroes, +with your ears my longing. + +3 Nasatyas, Pushans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in + +order Sury&'s bridal. + +Your giant steeds move on, sprung from the waters, like an¬ +cient times of Varuna the Mighty. + + +4 Let not the wolf; let no enemy prevent your coming. ^ Ludwig thinks +that there is an ironical reference to the wolf from whose jaws the Asvins ■ +rescued the quail., Bee I. 117. 16. + +6 Gotama, Purumilha, Atri; sages favoured by the Asvins. + +3 Pdshans: ye who cherish men like Pushan himself. + +Sdri/d: the daughter of the Sun and the consort of the Asvins. See I. +116. 17. Giant steeds: cf. I. 46. 3. + +What the times or ages of Varuna are is uncertain. + + +m Titt HYMNS OP [BOOK L + +4 Your grace be with us, ye who love sweet juices: further + +the hymn sung by the poet M&na, + +When men are joyful in your glorious actions, to win heroic +strength, ye Bounteous Givers. + +5 This praise was made, 0 liberal Lords, 0 Asvins, for you with + +fair adornment by the Manas. + +Come to our house for us and for our children, rejoicing, 0 +N&satyas, in Agastya. + +-6 We have passed o’er the limit of this darkness ; our praise +hath been bestowed on you, 0 Asvins. + +Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. May +we find strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXXV. Heaven and Earth. +Whether of these is elder, whether later ? How were they +born ? Who knoweth it, ye sages ? + +These of themselves support all things existing : as on a car +the Day and Night roll onward. + +2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a wide¬ + +spread offspring having feet and moving. + +Like your own son "upon his parents’ bosom, protect us, +Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger. + +3 I call for Aditi’s unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, + +meet for worship. + +Produce this, ye Twain Worlds, for him who lauds you. +Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger. + +4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, + +Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, + +Both mid the Gods, with Day and Night alternate. Protect +us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger. + +t 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters +lying in their Parents’ bosom, + +Kissing the centre of the world together. Protect us, Heaven +and Earth, from fearful danger. + +6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, + +with the Gods’ protection. + + +3 Aditi* s gift: all the blessings of infinite Nature. According to S&yana, +Aditi means here the firmament, in which case her gift would be seasonable +rain and consequent wealth. + +4 Parents of Gods: as with the Greeks, Heaven and Earth are regarded as +the father and mother of the Gods. + +5 The meaning is obscure. Ludwig suggests Baksha and Aditi as the +parents. The centre of the world means usually the altar. + +6 With the Gods* protection; to come to us with the favouring help of the + +Gods. The nectar; the rain. 1 + + + +fUE ni GY EDA. + + +- 249 + + +BYjVX 186.] + +• Who, beautiful to look on,- make the nectar'. Protect us* + +Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger. + +7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,—these* + +reverent, I address at this our worship, + +The blessed Pair, victorious, all-sustaining. Protect us, Heaven +and Earth, from fearful danger. + +8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods* + +our friend, our house’s chieftain, + +Thereof may this our hymn be expiation. Protect US, Heaven +and Earth, from fearful danger. + +9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may 1 * 3 4 + +they attend me with their help and favour. + +Enrich the man more libez*al than- the godless. May we, ye +Gods, be strong with food rejoicing. + +10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for + +all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. + +Be near us, keep us from reproach and trouble. Father and +Mother, with your help preserve us. + +11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, 0 Earth and Heaven, wherewith, + +Father and Mother, I address you. + +Nearest of Gods be ye with your protection. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance. + +HYMN CLXXXYE Vievedevas.- + +Loved of all men, may Savitar, through praises offered as +sacred food, come to our synod, + +That jmu too, through our hymn, ye ever-youthful, may glad¬ +den, at your visit, all our people. + +2 To us may all the Gods come trooped together, Aryaman, + +» Mitra, Varuna concordant, + +That all may be promoters of our welfare, and with great +might preserve our strength from slackness. + +3 Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly: the Conqueror + +• through our lauds is friendly-minded : + +That he may be our Varuna rich in glory, and send food like +a prince praised by the godly. + +4. To you I seek with reverence, Night and Morning, like a cow- +good to milk, with hope to conquer, + +1 Savitar: the Sun, especially regarded as the vivifier and generator. Ye + +ever youthful: Visvedevas, or All-Gods. + +3 Our Varuna: our lord and protector. + +4 Like a cow: the singer is the cow and his hymn the milk. + +With hope to conquer; to overcome sine, according to S£yana. + + + +250 THE HYMNS OH lBOOK L + +Preparing on a common day the praise-song with milk of vari¬ +ous hues within this udder. + +f> May the great Dragon of the Deep rejoice us: as one who +nourishes her young comes Sindhu, + +With whmi we will incite the Child of Waters whom vigorous +coursers swift as thought bring hither, + +8 Moreover Tvashtar also shall approach us, one-minded with +the princes at his visit. + +Hither shall come the Yritra-slayer Indra, Buler of men, as +strongest of the Heroes. + +7 Him too our hymns delight, that yoke swift horses, like + +mother cows who lick their tender youngling. + +To him our songs shall yield themselves like spouses, to him +the most delightful of the Heroes. + +8 So may the Maruts, armed with mighty weapons, rest here on + +heaven and earth with hearts in concord, + +As Gods whose cars have dappled steeds like torrents, destroy¬ +ers of the foe, allies of Mitra. + +9 They hasten on to happy termination their orders when they + +are made known by glory. + +As on a fair bright day the arrow fiieth, o’er all the barren +soil their missiles sparkle. + +10 Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pushan, for power and + +might have they, their own possession. + +Friendly are Vishnu, Vata, and Hibhukshan: so may I bring +the Gods to make us happy. + +11 This is my reverent thought of you, ye Holy ; may it inspire + +you, make you dwell among us,— + +Thought, toiling for the Gods and seeking treasure. May we +find strengthening food in full abundance. + + +A common, day: belonging to the past niglit and the present morning. + +Millc of various hues ; the libations of milk mixed with the yellow or brown +Soma juice. + +This udder: apparently a figurative expression for the place of sacrifice +whence the milky libations flow. + +5 Dragon of the Deep: Ahibudhnya, a divine being that dwells in, and pre- +skies over the firmament. Sindhu: the Indus. + +The Child of Waters: Agni. + +6 Tvashtar: the heavenly artist. The princes: institutors of the sacrifice. + +7 That yoke swift horses; that quickly bring the Gods to the sacrifice. + +Their tender youngling: S&yana takes the epithet tdruncm as applying to + +Indra c the ever-youthful.’ + +10 Ilibhuhshmi: a name of Indra, as Lord of the Itibhus. Sec I. 162.1. + + + +HYMN 187.] + + +THE MG VEDA. + + +251 + + +HYMN CLXXXVII. Praise of Food. + +Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength, + +By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vritra limb from limb. + +2 0 pleasant Food, 0 Food of meath, thee have we chosen for + +our own, 9 + +So be our kind protector thou. + +3 Come hitherward to us, 0 Food, auspicious with auspicious + +help, + +Health-bringing, not unkind, a dear and guileless friend. + +4 These juices which, 0 Food, are thine throughout the regions + +are diffused. + +Like winds they have their place in heaven. + +5 These gifts of thine, 0 Food, 0 Food most sweet to taste, + +• These savours of thy juices work like creatures that have +mighty necks. + +6 In thee, 0 Food, is set the spirit of great Gods. + +Under thy flag brave deeds were done : he slew the Dragon +with thy help. + +7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds, + +Even from thence, 0 Food of meath, prepared for our enjoy¬ +ment, come, + +8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of + +earth, 0 Soma, wax thou fat thereby. + +9 What, Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley-brew, + +Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. + +10 0 Vegetable, Cake of meal, be wholesome, firm, and strength¬ + +ening : + +Vatftpi, grow thou fat thereby. + +11 0 Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, + +like cows, our sacrificial gifts, + +From thee who banquetest with Gods,~from thee who banquet- +est with us. + + +1 Trita: a mysterious ancient deity frequently mentioned in tlie Iligveda, +principally in connexion with. Indra, Vftyu, and the Maruts. His home is in +the remotest part of heaven, and he is called Aptya, the Watery, that is, +sprung from, or dwelling in the sea of cloud and vapour. By S&yapa he is +identified sometimes with Vdyu, sometimes with Ipdra as the pervader of the +three worlds, and sometimes with Agni stationed in the three fire-receptacles, + +2 The God addressed is the Soma. + +5 Like creatures that have mighty necks; like’strong bullocks. + +6 The spirit of great Gods; thou incitest Indra and the Gods to perform +glorious and benevolent acts. + +9 V&tdpi ; the fermenting Soma, According to Sayana, the body. + + + +JifMtis o'P + + +t bO0£ t + +HYMN CLXXXVIII. Aprls, + +Winner of thousands, kindled, thou shinest a God with Gods +to-day. + +Bear our oblations, eiiyov, Sage. + +2 Child of thyself ! the sacrifice is for the righteous blent with +meath, + +Presenting viands thousandfold* + +8 Invoked and worthy of our praise bring Gods ■Whose due is +sacrifice; + +Thou, Agnij givest countless giftst + +4 To seat a thousand Heroes they eastward have strewn the +grass with might, + +Whereon, Adityas, ye shine forth* + +6 The sovran all-imperial Doors, wide, good, matiy and manifold* +Have poured their streams of holy oik + +6 With gay adornment* fair to see, .in glorious beauty shine +. they forth: + +Let Night and Morning rest them here* + +7 Let these two Sages first of all, heralds divine and eloquent* +Perform for us this sacrifice. + +8 You I address, Sarasvati* and Bh&rati* and I1H* all i +Urge ye us on to glorious fame. + +9 Tvashto the Lord hath made all forms and all the cattle of + +the field t + +Cause them to multiply for Us. + +10 Send to the Gods* Yanaspati, thyself, the Sacrificial draught \ +Let Agni make the oblations sweet. + +11 Agni, preceder of the Gods, is honoured with the sacred song i +He glows at offerings blest with Hail! + +The Apris are the various forms of Agni, according to S&yapa, which are +invoked in the hymn* + +1 Thou: Agni* + +2 Child of Thyself: Agui. See I. 13. 2* + +4 Adityas : see I. 14. 3. + +5 Phe sovrdn alt-bfiperiat floors: of the sacrificial hall through which Gods +enter. They are types of the portals of the East through which light comes +into the world. See Wallis, Cosmology of the Rigvecla, p. 19* + +7 These two Sages: heralds or invokers, because they call the Gods. See I. +13. 8. + +8 Sarasvati and Bhdratt and lid : see I. 13. d, + +10 Yanaspati: see I. 13. 11. + +11 Blest with Mail /: see I. 13. 12. + + + +HYMN 189.] . THE RIG VEDA. .253 + +HYMN CLXXXIX. Agni. + +By goodly paths lead us to riches, Agni, thou God who know- +est every sacred duty. + +Bemove the sin that makes us stray and wander : most ample +adoration will we bring thee. * + +2 Lead us anew to happiness, 0 Agni; lead us beyond all danger + +and affliction. + +Be unto us a wide broad ample castle; bless, prosper on their - +way our sons and offspring. + +3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases: let them strike + +lands that have no saving Agni. + +God, make our home again to be a blessing, with all the Im¬ +mortal Deities, 0 Holy. + +4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the + +dwelling which thou lovest. + +0 Conqueror, most youthful, let no danger touch him who +praises thee to-day or after. + +5 Give not us up a prey to sin, 0 Agni, the greedy enemy that + +brings us trouble; + +Not to the fanged that bites, not to the toothless: give not +us up, thou Conqueror, to the spoiler. + +6 Such as thou art, born after Law, 0 Agni, when lauded give + +protection to our bodies, + +From whosoever would reproach or injure; for thou, God, +rescuest from all oppression. + +7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at + +early morn, 0 holy Agni. + +Be thou obedient unto man at evening, to be adorned, as keen, +by eager suitors. + +■8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana’s son, +to him victorious Agni. + +.* May we gain countless riches with the sages. May we find +strengthening food in full abundance, + + +This hymn, as Ludwig observes, appears to have been composed at a time of +pestilence. + +3 That have no saving Agni: or, which do not maintain the sacred fire ; +whose inhabitants do not worship Agni. + +6 The fanged; venomous serpents. The toothless : wild animals that do +not bite, but injure with their horns, etc. + +7 Both these classes : worshippers and non-worshippers. + +Be thou obedient; be a useful servant in the house. + +As keen : akrdh , applied to Agni in all the places where it occurs in the +.Kigveda, appears to mean hasty, violent, eager, or keen. Ludwig thinks that +it means here a sacrificial post, and Grassmann, a banner. Wilson, following +S&yana, paraphrases : * be compliant (with his wishes) ; like an institutor of +the rite, (who is directed) by the desires (of the priests)/ + + + + +m + + +[BOOR l + + +ms HYMNS OB + +HYMN OXC, Brihaspati. + +Glorify tliou Brihaspati; the scatheless, who must be praised +with hymns, sweet-tongued and mighty, + +To whom as leader of the song, resplendent, worthy of lauds, +'both Ghds and mortals listen. + +2 On him wait songs according to the season, even as a stream + +of pious men set moving. + +Brihaspati—for he laid out the expanses—was, at the sacrifice, +vast MS. tans van. + +3 The praise, the verse that offers adoration, may he bring forth, + +as the Sun sends his arms out, + +He who gives daily light through this God's wisdom, strong +as a dread wild beast, and inoffensive. + +4 His song of praise pervades the earth and heaven: let the + +wise worshipper draw it, like a courser. + +These of Brihaspati, like hunters’ arrows, go to the skies that +change' their hue like serpents. + +5 Those, God, who count thee as a worthless- bullock, and, + +wealthy sinners, live on thee the Bouuteous,— + +On fools like these no blessing thou bestowest; Brihaspati, +thou punishest the spiteful. + +6 Like a fair path is he, where grass is pleasant, though hard + +to win, a Friend beloved most dearly. + +Those who unharmed by enemies behold us, while they would +make them bare, stood closely compassed. + +1 Brihaspati: Lord of Prayer. See I. 14. 3. + +2 For he laid out the expanses : spread out and revealed to- the eyes of men: +the broad regions of heaven and earth. The meaning of the second hemistich +is not clear. Wilson paraphrases ;• { for that Brihaspati is the manifester (of +all), the expansive wind that (diffusing) blessings has been produced for (the- +diffusion of) water.’ There seems to be nothing in the Kigveda to justify the +identification of M&tamvan with the wind, and only in the later language has +ritd the sense of water. See I. 31. 3. + +- 3 He; Brihaspati. He who gives daily light: the regular appearance of +the Sun depends upon Brihaspati’s wisdom. + +Inoffensive : arakshdsah, according to Sfcyana, 1 2 * free from, the opposition of +B&kshasas.’ + +, 4 These of Brihaspati ; these sacred songs, compared to arrows. + +That change their hue Wee serpents: dhimdydn. See 1. 3. 9. + +6 This stanza is unintelligible to me. Wilson render? - x : 4 * 6 B‘ / «- 1 1 ' + +way to him who goes well and makes good offerings, like * ' . ■ ,i + +of (a ruler who) restrains the bad ; and may those sinless men who instruct +us, although yet enveloped (by ignorance) stand extricated from tlieir cover¬ +ing’ ; and remarks : 4 it is not clear how those who are enveloped by ignorance +should be competent to teach; another explanation is, let those who revile +us, and are being protected, be deprived of that protection/ + + + +'TlIE RIOTED A. + + +255 + + +HYMN m.j + +7 He to whom soiigs of praise go forth like' torrents, as rivers + +eddying under banks flow sea-ward— + +Bpihaspati the wise, the eager, closely looks upon both, the- +waters and the vessel. + +8 So hath Brihaspati, great, strong and mighty, the God exceed¬ + +ing powerful, been brought hither. + +May he thus lauded give us kine* and horses*. May we' - find +Strengthening food in full abundance.. + +HYMN CXCL Water. Grass.. Sun.. + +Venomous, slightly venomous, or venomous aquatic worm,— +Both creatures, stinging, unobserved, with poison have infected +me. + +2 Coming, it kills the unobserved; it kills them as it goes away, +It kills them as it drives them off, and bruising bruises, them + +to death. + +3 Sara grass,. Darbha, Kusara, and Saxrya, Munja, Tirana, + +Where all these creatures dwell unseen, with poison have in¬ +fected me. + +4 The cows had settled in their stalls, the beasts of prey had + +sought tlieir lairs. + +Extinguished were the lights of men, when things unseen in¬ +fected me. + +5 Or these, these reptiles, are observed, like lurking thieves at + +evening time, + +Seers of all, themselves' unseen : be therefore very vigilant. + + +7 This stanza also is very obscure, Brihaspati is said to look upon the +waters and the vessel, that is the river to be crossed and the boat which is to +be used, meaning perhaps the sacrifice and all that is used in performing it.. +Ludwig thinks that a play upon the words is intended, fipah meaning both +water and a religious ceremony and tar ah both ferry-boat and prompt energy. + +This so-called hymn is a spell or charm said to have been recited by Agastya +when, he suspected that he had been poisoned. Its silent repetition is said to +be an effectual' antidote- against ‘ all venom in reptiles, insects, scorpions, roots, +and artificial poisons/ I generally follow Sfiyana ; but his explanations are +not always satisfactory, and several passages must be left in their original obs¬ +curity. + +1 The exact meaning of the words in the first line is uncertain. + +Both creatures ; both classes, either the venomous and the slightly venomous, +or land-reptiles and water-snakes. + +2 Coming, it hills the unobserved: the herb, UBed as an antidote, coming +to the man who has been bitten kills the venomous creatures who secretly at¬ +tacked him. + +8 Bara grass, etc: these are different sorts of grass in which snakes and +other venomous reptiles lurk- + + + + +256 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK I. + +6 Heaven is your Sire, your Mother Earth, Soma yotir Brother, + +Aditi + +Your Sister: seeing all, unseen, keep still and dwell ye hap- +P%- + +7 Biters of shoulder or of limb, with needle-stings, most veno¬ + +mous, + +Unseen, whatever ye may be, vanish together and be gone. + +8 Slayer of things unseen, the Sun, beheld of all, mounts, east¬ + +ward, up, + +Consuming all that are not seen, and evil spirits of the night. + +9 There hath the Sun-God mounted up, who scorches much and + +everything, + +Even the Aditya from the hills, all-seen, destroying things un¬ +seem + +10 1 hang the poison in the Sun, a wine-skin in a vintner’s house, +He will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom + +Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath. + +11 This little bird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy poison up. +She will not die, nor shall we die : his path is far: he whom + +Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath. + +12 The three-times-seven bright sparks of fire have swallowed up + +the poison’s strength. + +They will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom +Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath. + +13 Of ninety rivers and of nine with power to stay the venom’s + +course,— + +The names of all I have secured ; his path is far: he whom Bay +Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath. + +6 Heaven, or Dyaus, is here said to he the father of the snakes. + +Soma: the Moon. + +10/ hang the poison in the Sun: * I deposit the poison in the solar orb, like +a leather bottle in the house of a vender of spirits.’—Wilson. See Wilson’s +note in which he says that by the Sun or as S&yana paraphrases it, the orb of +the Sun , i is probably to be understood a mystical diagram, or figure wholly +or partly typical of the solar orb: the Sun being considered as especially +instrumental in counteracting the operation of poison.’ + +He will not die: the Sun will not die from the effects of the poison thus ap¬ +plied, and we also who have been bitten shall through his favour recover. + +11 This little bird: according to Sftyana, the bird which we call the fran¬ +coline partridge, said to be a ‘ remover of poison.’ + +12 Bright sparks of fire; either, says S&yana, the seven flames of fire multi¬ +plied, or the twenty-one varieties of another kind of bird unaffected by eating +poison. + +13 Of ninety rivers and of nine: the numbers are used indefinitely for all +the rivers of the country. + + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +257 + + +HYMN 191 .] + +’Id- So"have the peahens three-times-scven, so have the maiden +Sisters Seven + +Carried thy venom: far away, as girls bear water in their +jars, + +15 The poison-insect is so small ; I crush the creature with a + +stone. + +I turn the poison hence away, departed unto distant lands, + +16 Forth issuing from the mountain’s side the poison-insect spake + +and said; * + +The scorpion’s venom hath no strength; Scorpion, thy venom +is but weak, + + +14 The peahens three-iimes-seven: peafowls are regarded as the great enemies +of snakes. The number appears to be merely fanciful and borrowed from +verse 12. + +The maiden Sisters Seven : the seven chief rivers of the land, + +15 As hushumbha means poison-bag, Jcushumbhakdh in the test is taken by- +Ludwig and Grassmann to mean venomous insect. + +Sftyana explains it as the nakulct , ntiul or mungoose whose hostility to the +rfuoke is proverbial. Wilson paraphrases: £ May the insignificant mungoose +cany off thy venom, (Poison): if not, I will crush the vile (creature) with a + + +17 + + + +ft + + +$ + + + + +BOOK THE SECOND. + + +HYMN I. * Agni. + +Thou, Agni, shining* in thy glory through the days, art brought +to life from out the waters, from the stone: + +From out the forest trees and herbs that grow on ground, +thou, Sovran Lord of men art generated pure. + +2 Thine 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 +Brahman, Lord and Master in our home. + +3 Hero of Heroes,” Agni! thou art Indra, thou art Vishnu of + +the Mighty Stride, adorable s + +Thou, Brahmanaspati, the Brahman finding wealth: thou, O' +Sustained with thy wisdom tendest us. + +4 Agni, thou art King Vanina whose laws stand fast; as Mitra, + +Wonder-Worker, thou must be implored. + +Aryaman, heroes’ Lord, art thou, enriching all, and liberal +Ansa in the synod, 0 thou God. + + +The hymns of this Book, with the few exceptions that will be noted, are as¬ +cribed to the Itishi Gritsamada. As Book I. is called the Book of the Sat ar¬ +chins, that is of the seers of a hundred or large indefinite number of llichas or +verses, so this Book is commonly called Lhe G&rtsamada Mand&la or Book of +Giitsamada. + +1 Through the days; for the days of sacrifice, according to Sdyana. + +The luatcrs : from the waters of the firmament, as lightning. + +From out the forest trees: in the frequently occurring conflagrations caused +by the friction of dry branches. Agni is also said to have his home in plants, +perhaps originally on account of a phosphorescent light which some plants +emit. + +2 Agni concentrates in himself the various functions of different classes of +human priests, the most important of which are mentioned in the verse. The +classification of the priests and the description of their duties are given with +variations by different authorities. The Hotar or Herald invokes the Gods ; +the Potar, Purifier, or Cleanser, is the assistant of the Brahman or praying +priest who remedies any defect in the ritual ; the Neshtar or Leader leads for¬ +ward the wife of the sacrificer ; the Agnidh or Kindler lights the sacrificial +fire ; the Pras&star or Director is the assistant of the Hotar ; and the Adh- +varyu or ministering priest is the deacon who measures the ground, builds the +altar, and makes all the preparations necessary for the sacrifice. The duties.of +the priests, however, varied at different times and according to the nature of +the ceremony which they were engaged to perform. + +3 Vishnu of the Mighty Stride : see I. 32. 16. + +4 Ansa .* the Distributer ; one of the Adityas, + + + +2G0 THE HYMNS OF [.BOOK II + +5 Thou givest. strength, as Tvashtar, to the worshipper : thou, + +wielding Mitra’s power, hast kinsh ip with the Dames. + +Thou, urging thy fleet coursers, givest noble steeds; a host +of heroes art thou with great store of wealth. + +6 Rudra art thou, the Asura of mighty heaven: thou art the + +Maruts* host, thou art the Lord of food, + +Thou goest with red winds: bliss hast thou in thine home* +As Pushan thou thyself protectest worshippers. + +7 Giver of wealth art thou to him who honours thee ; thou art + +God Savitar, granter of precious things. + +As Bhaga, Lord of men ! thou rulest over wealth, and guard- +est in his house him who hath served thee well. + +S To thee, the people's Lord within the house, the folk press for¬ +ward to their King most graciously inclined. + +Lord of the lovely look, all things belong to thee: ten, hun¬ +dred, yea, a thousand are outweighed by thee. + +9 Agni, men seek thee as a Father with their prayers, win thee, +bright-formed, to brotherhood with holy act. + +Thou art a Son to him who duly worships thee, and as a trusty +Friend thou guardest from attack. + +10 A Ribhu art thou, Agni, near to be adored; thou art the + +Sovran Lord of foodful spoil and wealth. + +Thou shinest brightly forth, thou burliest to bestow: pervad¬ +ing sacrifice, thou lendest us thine help. + +11 Thou, God, artAditi to him who offers gifts: thou, Hotra + +Bharati, art strengthened by the song. + +Thou art the hundred-wintered I}a to give strength, Lord of +Wealth ! Vritra-slayer and Sarasvati. + +12 Thou, Agni, cherished well, art highest vital power; in thy + +delightful hue are glories visible. + +Thou art the lofty might that furthers each design : thou art +wealth manifold, diffused on every side. + +.13 Thee, Agni, have the Adityas taken as their mouth; the +Bright Ones have made thee, 0 Sage, to be their tongue. +They who love offerings cling to thee at solemn rites : by thee +the Gods devour the duly offered food. + +14 By thee, 0 Agni, all the Immortal guileless Gods eat with thy +mouth the oblation that is offered them. + + +5 The Dames: the Consorts of the Gods. + +11 Hotrd , Bhdmti , Ud are personifications of parts of religious worship. +The epithet * hundred-wintered ’ appears to refer to the natural duration of +human life. Sarasvati: see I, 10. + + +TRE klQVEDA. + + +261 + + +By tb.ee do mortal men give sweetness to tbeir drink. + +Bright art thou born, the embryo of the plants of earth. + +15 With these thou art united, Agni; yea, thou ? God of noble + +birth, surpassest them in majesty, + +Which, through the power of good, here spreads abroad from +thee, diffused through both the worlds, throughout the earth +and heaven. + +16 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy + +praise, 0 Agni, guerdon graced withkine and steeds,— + +Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss. With +brave mexr in the assembly may -vve speak aloud. + +HYMN IL Agni. + +With sacrifice exalt Agni who knows all life; worship him +with oblation and the song of prase, + +Well kindied, no ly fed, heaven’s Lord, Celestial Priest, who +labours at the p;>le where deeds of might are done. + +2 At night and morning, Agni, have they called to thee, like + +milch-bine in then' stalls lowing to meet their young. + +As messenger of heaven thou lightest all night long the fami¬ +lies of men, thou Lord of precious moos. + +3 Him have the Gods established at the region’s base, doer of + +wondrous deeds, Herald of heaven and earth ; + +Like a most famous car, Agni the purely bright, like Mitra to +be glorified among the folk. + +4 Him have they set in his own dwelling, in the vault, like the + +Moon waxing, fulgent, in the realm of air. + +Bird of the firmament, observant with his eyes, guard of the +place as ’twere, looking to Gp Is and men, +o May he as Priest encompass all the sacrifice: men throng to +him with offerings and with hymns of praise. + +Paging with jaws of gold among the growing plants, like heaven +with all the stars, he quickens earth and sky. + + +13 With brave men,: attended by brave sons, who will support and streng¬ +then us, + +1 Who labours at the pole .- who takes the chief part in the performance of +all-important, sacrifice. A metaphor from oxen drawing a car or wain. + +2 Have they called: the priests. + +3 At the region's base; at the altar, according to S&yana, + +4 The word hvdrt, here rendered ‘in the vault/ is difficult. S&yana explains +' it as r solitary.’ Roth would alter the text. + +Guard of the place ; of the most sacred place, the altar. + + + + +262 TJfE HYMNS OF [EOOH IL + +6 Such as thou art, brilliantly kindled for our weal, a liberal + +giver, send us riches in thy shine, + +For our advantage, Agni, God, bring Heaven and Earth hither +that they may taste oblation brought by man. + +7 Agni, give us great wealth, give riches thousandfold : unclose to + +us, like doors, strength that shall bring renown. + +Make Heaven and Earth propitious through the power of prayer, +and like the sky's bright sheen let mornings beam on us. + +S Enkindled night by night at every morning's dawn, may he +shine forth with red Same like the realm of light,— + +Agni adored in beauteous rites with lauds of men, fair guest +of living man and King of all our folk. + +9 Song chanted by us men, 0 Agni, Ancient One, has swelled +unto the deathless Gods in lofty heaven— + +A milch-cow yielding to the singer in the rites wealth mani¬ +fold, in hundreds, even as he wills. + +10 Agni, may we show forth our valour with the steed or with the + +power of prayer beyond all other men; + +And over the Five Faces let.our glory shine high like the realm +of light and unsurpassable. + +11 Such, Conqueror ! be to us, be worthy of our praise, thou for + +whom princes nobly born exert themselves; + +Whose sacrifice the strong seek, Agni, when it shines for nevei’- +failing offspring in thine own abode. + +12 Knower of all that lives, 0 Agni, may we both, singers of praise + +and chiefs, be in thy keeping still. + +Help us to wealth exceeding good and glorious, abundant, rich +in children and their progeny. + +13 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy + +praise, 0 Agni, guerdon, graced with kine and steeds,— + +Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss. With +brave men in the assembly may we speak aloud. + +HYMN III Aprts. + +Agni is set upon the earth well kindled; he standeth in the +presence of all beings. + +Wise, ancient, God, the Priest and Purifier, let Agni serve the +Gods for he is worthy. + +8 May he: Agni. ; + +9 A milch-cow: the hymn of praise brings riches to the worshipper. + +10 With the steed: with the war-car in battle as well as with prayer in sacrifices. +The Five Races: the five great Aryan tribes. See I. 7. 9. + +11 The strong ; the wealthy worshippers. + +Never failing offspring; one of the chief rewards of the worship of Agni. + + + +jrrav 3 .] + + +tits may eda. + + +263 + + +2t May Nar&sansa lighting up the chambers, bright in his majesty +through threefold heaven, + +Steeping the gift with oil-diffusing purpose, bedew the Gods at +ohiefest time of worship. + +3 Adored in heart, as is thy right, 0 Agm, serve the Gods first + +to-day before the mortal + +Bring thou the Marut host. Ye men, do worship to Indra +seated on the gi'ass, eternal. + +4 G Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth 7 + +sake, well laid upon this altar,— + +On this bedewed with oil sit ye, 0 Yasus, sit all ye Gods, ye +Holy, ye Adityas. + +5 Wide be the Doors, the Goddesses, thrown open, easy to pass, + +invoked, through adorations. + +Let them unfold, expansive, everlasting, that sanGtify the class +famed, rich in heroes. + +6 Good work for us, the'glorious Night and Morning, likejemaje + +weavers, waxen from aforetime, + +Yielders of'rich milk, interweave in concert the long-extended v +thread, the web of \vorship. + +7 Let the two heavenly Heralds, first, most wise, most fair, pre¬ + +sent oblation duly with the -sacred verse, + +Worshipping Gods, at ordered seasons decking them at three +high places at the centre of the earth. + +8 Sarasvati who perfects our devotion, I]a divine, Bharatl all¬ + +surpassing,— + + +"2 Nardsama; 1 the Praise of Men/ Agni. The chambers: the receptacles of +the offerings, according to Say ana. At chiefest time of worship; when the +oblation of clarified butter is cast into the fire. + +3 Before the mortal: before the mortal priest. + +4 0 Grass divine: the sacred grass, strewn on the floor of the hall of sacrifice +as a seat for the Gods, is one of the Apris or deified objects which are to be +propitiated in this hymn. All these are regarded as forms of Agni. + +5 The Doors : of the hall of sacrifice. These appear to have been regarded +as types of, and even fancifully identified with, the doors of the cosmic house, +the portals of the East through which the morning light enters into the world. +See Cosmology of the Rigreda , p. 19. + +The class: the maghamns, the eminent and wealthy men who institute +sacrifices, + +•6 Yielders of rich milk: cheerful givers of rewards. + +7 Two heavenly Heralds: invokers or priests. According to S&yana, the +personified fire of earth and of the firmament. See I. 13. S. + +The centre of the earth: the altar. The three high places: of the three +fires, + + + +m THE HYMNS 0$ [BOOK II, + +Three Goddesses, with power inherent, seated, protect this holy +Grass, our flawless refuge ! + +9 Born is the pious hero swift of hearing, like gold in hue, well +formed, and full of vigour, + +May Tv&shtar lengthen out our line and kindred, and may +they reach the place which Gods inhabit. + +10 Yanaspati shall stand linear and start us, and Agni with his + +arts prepare oblation. + +Let the skilled heavenly Immolator forward unto the Gods the +offering thrice anointed. + +11 Oil has been mixt: oil is his habitation. In oil he rests : oil is +* his proper province. + +Come as thy wont is: 0 thou Steer, rejoice thee; bear off the +oblation duly consecrated. + +HYMN IY. Agni. + +Fob you I call the glorious refulgent Agni, the guest of men, +rich in oblations, + +Whom all must strive to win even as a lover, God among godly +people, Jatavedas. + +2 Bhrigus who served him in the home of waters set him of old + +in houses of the living. + +Over all worlds let Agni be the Sovran, the messenger of Gods +with rapid coursers. + +3 Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend + +when they would dwell among them. + +* Against the longing nights may he shine brightly, and show the +offerer in the house his vigour. + +• 4 Sweet is his growth as of one’s own possessions; his look +when rushing fain to burn is lovely. + +He darts his tongue forth, like a harnessed courser who shake* +his flowing tail, among the bushes. + +8 Three Goddesses : presiding over different departments of worship. + +9 The pious herq: a son devoted to the Gods + +10 Vanaspati : the sacrificial post, or Agni in that form. See I, 13, 11, + +The heavenly Immolator : Agni, typically so called. + +11 Oil: the clarified butter oblation. Thou Steer : mighty Agni. + +Duly consecrated : offered with the holy word SvaM. See I. 18. 12. + +This hymn and the three that follow are ascribed to the Rishi Som&huti +of the ancient priestly family of Bhrigu, one of the first institutors of sacrifice. + +1 Jdtavedas : Agni, whoknows all life. See I. 44. 1. + +2 Who served him in the home of waters : existing in the form of lightning +in the firmament before he was brought down to earth. + + +FMV5.] TBM UlGtEDA* - 205 + +5 Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,—he gave, + +as ’twere, his hue to those Who love him. + +Known is he by his bright delightful splendour, and waxing +old renews his youth for ever. + +6 Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like nvater down + +the chariot ways he roareth. + +On his black path he shines in burning beauty, marked as it +were the heaven that smiles through vapour. + +7 Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming + +like an ox without a herdsman, — + +Agni refulgent, burning up the bushes, with blackened lines, +as though the earth he seasoned. + +8 I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour, have sung my hymn + +in this our third assembly. + +0 Agni, give us wealth with store of heroes and mighty +strength in food and noble offspring. + +9 May the Gritsamadas, servmg in secret, through thee, 0 Agni + +overcome their neighbours, + +Kich in gool heroes and subduing foemen. That vital.power +give thou to chiefe^mid.singers. + +HYMN V. Agni, + +Herald and teacher was he born, a guardian for our patrons’ +help, + +Earner by rites of noble wealth. That Strong One may vc +grasp and guide; + +2 In whom, Leader of sacrifice, the seven reins, fax* extended, +meet; + +Who furthers, man-like, eighth in place, as Cleanser, all the +work divine. + +5 Since they who honour me ; Agni appears to be the speaker of these word?. + +7 As though the earth he seasoned: as though, by burning the weeds and +hushes, he dressed and prepared the ground for tillage. + +8 Third assembly : at the third of the three daily sacrifices. + +9 Serving hi secret : by the peaceful discharge of priestly duties, not by +warfare like the chiefs who institute the sacrifice. + +X Our patrons : the wealthy institutes of the sacrifice. That Strong One : +Agni. + +2 Leader : hTetar, one of the sixteen priests. + +The seven reins : the seven priests engaged in their several duties. + +Cleanser : Potar, one of the sixteen priests. See II. 1. 2. + +3 The first hemistich, as it stands, is unintelligible to me. Wilson, after +S&yana, paraphrases : 4 Whatever (offerings the priest) presents, whatever +prayers he recites.’ + + + +266 TEE HYMNS OF IBOOK II. + +3 When swift lie follows, this behest, bird-like he chants the holy +prayers. + +He holds all knowledge in his grasp even as the felly rounds +the wheel. + +, 4 Together with pure mental power, pure, as Director, was he +born. + +•Skilled in his own unchanging laws he waxes like the growing +boughs. + +■5 Clothing them in his hues, the kine of him the Leader wait on +him. + +Is he not better than the Three, the Sisters who have come to +us? + +<6 When, laden with the holy oil, the Sister by the Mother stands, + +The Priest delights in their approach, as corn at coming of the +rain. + +7 For his support let him perform as ministrant his priestly task ; + +Yea, song of praise and sacrifice: we have bestowed, let us +obtain. + +6 That so this man, well skilled, may pay worship to all the +Holy Ones, + +And, Agni, this our sacrifice which we have here prepared, to +thee. + +HYMN VI. Agni. + +Agni, accept this flaming brand, this waiting with nay prayer +on thee: + +Hear graciously these songs of praise. + +2 With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of +Strength, + +With this fair hymn, thou nobly born. + + +4 Director: Pras&star, one of the priests. See II, 1. 2. + +5 The stanza is obscure. Ludwig thinks that Agni is here called the Leader +because he leads the sister Dawns to the sacrifice, and that they are said to be +three in number to correspond with the number of the cows. + +•6 The Sister: Ushas or Dawn. The Mother: the northern altar, represent¬ +ing Earth. + +7 Let him: Agni as priest. + +8 This man ; the worshipper. + +This waiting with my 'prayer on thee: this e beseeching and besieging' as +Milton says. Or ujpasddam taken in a special sense may mean the ceremony +called Upasad which formed part of the Jyotishtoma, a very important Soma +ceremony. + +2 Seeker of horses: in order to bestow them on the worshipper. + + + +HYMN 7.1 TUB BIGVBDA. 267 + +3 As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth-lover, giver of our + +wealth! + +With reverence let us worship thee. + +4 Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious + +things. # + +Drive those who hate us far away. + +5 Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which + +no man may resist: + +Give food exceeding plentiful. + +6 To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! + +through our song, + +Most holy Herald I come thou nigh. + +7 Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to + +and fro, + +As envoy friendly to mankind. + +8 Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou + +the Gods, + +And seat thee on this sacred grass. + +HYMN VII. Agni. + +0 Vasu, thou most youthful God, Bharata, Agni, bring us +wealth, + +Excellent, splendid, much-desired. + +2 Let no malignity prevail against us, either God’s or man’s : +Save us from this and enmity. + +3 So through thy favour may, we force jhrough_all our enemies + +away, + +As /twere through ,, strea ming, water-floods. + +4 Thou, Purifier Agni, high shinest forth, bright, adorable, +When worshipped with the sacred oil. + +5 Ours art thou, Agni, BMrata, honoured by us with barren + +cows, + +With bullocks and with kine in calf: + +6 Wood-fed, bedewed with sacred oil, ancient, Invoker, excellent, +The Son of Strength, the Wonderful. + +7 Both races : Gods and men. Well shilled : acquainted with both. + +1 Vasu ; one of the class of Gods so named. BMrata : Agni is so called +according to S&yana, either as having been produced by attrition by the priests, +or as being the bearer of oblations. The meaning is, probably, specially con¬ +nected with the Bharatas or Warriors.’ + +5 With kine in calf: ashtapadibhih is thus explained by S&yana, and is used +in the language of the ritual for animals with young. Roth and Grassmann +understand ‘ verses ’ consisting of eight feet, divisions, or syllables. According +to Bergaigne, these cows represent prayers. + + + +TUB HYMNS OP + + +[POOR //. + +HYMN VIII. Agni. + +Now pl’aise, as one who strives for strength, the harnessing of +Agni’s car, + +The liberal, the most splendid One; + +2 Who, guiding worshippers aright, withers, untouched by age, + +the foe : + +When worshipped fair to look upon 5 + +3 Who for his glory is extolled at eve and morning in our homes, +Whose statute is inviolate; + +4 Who shines refulgent like the Sun, with brilliance and with + +fiery flame, + +Pecked with imperishable sheen. + +5 Him Atri, Agni, have our songs strengthened according to his + +sway; + +All glories hath he made his own. + +6 May we with Agnfls, Indra’s help, with Soma’s, yea, of all the + +Gods, + +Uninjured dwell together still, and conquer those who fight +with us. + +HYMN IX. . Agni, + +Accustomed to the Herald’s place, the Herald hath seated +him, bright, splendid, passing mighty, + +Whose foresight keeps the Law from violation, excellent, +pure-tongued, bringing thousands, Agni. + +: 2 Envoy art thou, protector from,the foeman; strong God, thou +leadest us to higher blessings. + +Kefulgent, be an ever-heedful keeper, Agni, for us and for +our seed and offspring. + +3 May we adore tbee in thy loftiest birth-place, and, with our +praises, in thy lower station. + +The place whence thou hast issued forth I worship: to thee +well kindled have they paid oblations. + + +5 Him, Atri: Agni appears here to be called by the name of the ancient +sage Atri. Or tiirim may be an epithet of Agni, signifying the devourer of +the food with wliich he is supplied, as Sdyana explains it. + + +I The Herald: or HotarAgni, the Invoker of the Gods. The name +comes, with more emphasis, at the end of the verse. The Law: especially +sacrifice. + +3 In thy loftiest birth-place: as the fire of the Sun in heaven. Thy loiocr +station: the firmament, where Agni is born as lightning. The place whence +thou hast issued forth; the altar where the sacrificial fire burns. + + + +TIIB JIIGYEDA . + + +HYMN 10.] + + +269 + + +4 Agni, best Priest, pay worship with oblation; quick ly com¬ + +mend the gift to be px-esented; + +For thou art Lord of gathered wealth and treasure: of the +bright song of praise thou art inventor. + +5 The twofold opulence, 0 Wonder-Worker, of th£e new-born + +each day never decreases. + +Enrich with food the man who lauds thee, Agni: make him +the lord of wealth with noble offspring. + +6 May he, benevolent with this fair aspect, best sacrificer, bring + +the Gods to bless us. + +Sure guardian, our protector from the foeman, shine, Agni, +with thine affluence and splendoui\ + +HYMN X. Agni. + +Agni, first, loudly calling, like a Father, kindled by man upon +the seat of worship, + +Clothed in his glory, deathless, keen of insight, must ho +adorned by all, the Strong, the Famous. + +2 May Agni the resplendent hear my calling, through all my + +songs, Immortal, keen of iusight. + +Dark steeds or ruddy draw his car, or carried in sundry ways +he makes them red of colour. + +3 On wood supine they got the well-formed Infant: a germ in + +various-fashioned plants was Agni; + +And in the night, not compassed round by darkness, he dwells +exceeding wise, with rays of splendour. + +4 With oil and sacred gifts I sprinkle Agni who makes his home + +in front of all things living, + +Broad, vast, through vital power o'er all expanded, coxxspicu- +ous, strong with all the food that feed’s him. + +5 I pour to him who looks in all directions: may he accept it + +with a friendly spirit. + +Agni with bridegroom's grace and lovely colour may not be +touched when all his form is fury. + + +5 The twofold opulence: enriching Gods with sacrifice and men with earthly +blessings. + +New-born each day: rekindled at the morning sacrifice. + +1 First; chief of the Gods. Loudly calling: roaring as fire, or, lo be in¬ +voked by all, according to S&yana. Like a Father ; supporting the Gods by +conveying oblations to them. + +2 Carried in sundry wmjs : to one fire-receptacle after another. + +3 On wood supine : the lower piece of wood in which fire is produced. + +A germ : latent in plants, with reference to the luminosity of some plants. +Sec II. 1, 1. + + + +270 THE Stum OF [BOOK It + +6 By choice victorious, recognize thy portion: with thee for* +envoy may we speak like Manu. + +Obtaining wealth, I call on perfect Agni who with an eloquent +tongue dispenses sweetness, + +HYMN XL Indra. + +Hs5ae thou my call, 0 Indra; be not heedless : thine may we +be for thee to give us treasures; + +For these presented viands, seeking riches, increase thy +strength like streams of water flowing. + +2 Floods great and many, compassed by the Dragon, thou badest + +swell and settest free, 0 Hero, + +Strengthened by songs of praise thou rentest piecemeal the +D&sa, him who deemed himself immortal. + +3 For, Hero, in the lauds wherein thou joyedst, in hymns of + +praise, 0 Indra, songs of Rudras, + +These streams in which is thy delight approach thee, even as +the brilliant ones draw near to Vayit. + +4 We who add strength to thine own splendid vigour, laying + +within thine arms the splendid thunder— + +With tis mayst thou, 0 Indra, waxen splendid, with Surya +overcome the Dksa races. + +5 Hero, thou slewest in thy Valour Ahi concealed in depths, + +mysterious, great enchanter, + +Dwelling enveloped deep within the waters, him who checked +heaven and stayed the floods from flowing. + +6 Indra, we laud thy great deeds wrought aforetime, we laud + +thine exploits later of achievement; + +We laud the bolt that in thine arms lies eager; we laud- thy +two Bay Steeds, heralds of Sflrya. + +6 By choice; according to S&yana, ' with lustre/ Recognize thy portion : +acknowledge the sacrificial offering to he suitable. + +Like Manu ; with the wisdom and authority of Manu who was instructed +directly by the Gods. + +2 Compassed ly the Dragon; obstructed by the great serpent Ahi, + +The Ddsa: the savage or demon Ahi. See I. 32. 11, + +3 Songs of Rudras: like those sung by the Rudras or Maruts, Indra's +allies. + +These streams; sacrificial waters or libations. V&yu, the God of wind, was +entitled to the first draught of the Soma juice. See verae 14 of this hymn. + +4 Splendid: the word subhm } splendid, occurs in all three places in the text. + +5 Concealed in depths: of the atmosphere. + +6 Herald of Sdrya; announcing the coming of the sunlight after the heavy +rain which Indra has sent. + + +1IYMU IT.] TUB MGTEJDA, 271 + +7 lndra, thy Bay Steeds allowing forth their vigour have sent a + +loud cry out that droppeth fatness. + +The earth hath spread herself in all her fulness : the cloud +that was about to move hath rested, + +9 + +8 Down, never ceasing, hath the rain-cloud settled: bellowing, + +it hath wandered with the Mothers. + +Swelling the roar in* the far distant limits, they have spread +. wide the blast sent forth by lndra, + +9 lndra hath hurled down the magician Yritra who* lay beleaguer¬ + +ing the mighty river. + +Then both the heaven and earth trembled in terror at the +strong Hero’s thunder when he bellowedv + +10 Loud roared the mighty Hero’s bolt of thunder,, when he, the + +Friend of man, burnt up the monster, + +And, having drunk his fill of flowing Soma, baffled the guileful +D&nava’s devices. + +11 Drink thou, 0 Hero lndra, drink the Soma ; let the joy-giving + +juices make thee joyful. + +They, filling both thy flanks, shall swell thy vigour. The +juice that satisfies hath holpen lndra, + +1'2 Singers have we* become with thee, 0 lndra: may we serve +duly and prepare devotion. + +Seeking thy help we meditate thy praises : may we at once +enjoy thy gift of riches. + +13 May we be thine, such by thy help, 0 lndra, as swell thy + +vigour while they seek thy favour. + +Give us, thou God, the riches that we long for, most powerful,, +with store of noble children. + +14 Give us a friend, give us an habitation*; lndra, give us the com¬ + +pany of Maruts, + +And those whose minds accord with theirs, the Yayus,. who +drink the first libation of the Soma. + +15 Let those enjoy in whom thou art delighted, lndra, drink + +Soma for thy strength and gladness. + +Thou hast exalted us to heaven, Preserver, in battles, through +the lofty hymns that praise thee. + +7 The loud cry that drops fatness: is the thunder that precedes the fertiliz¬ +ing rain. The earth hath spread herself: to receive the rain, + +8 The Mothers : the original waters above the firmament. + +They: Indra’s attendants, the Maruts or Storm-Gods. + +9 The mighty river: the great cloud that holds the rain, + +10 The guileful Ddnava's devices: the magic arts of the demon Vritra, + +14 The Vdyus; the plural is used honorifically for the singular. + + + +272 + + +TUB HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK II. + + +16 Great, verily, are they, 0 thou Protector, who by their songs + +of praise have won thy blessing. + +They who strew sacred grass to be thy dwelling, holpen by thee +have got them strength, 0 Indra, + +17 Upon the great Trikadruka days, Hero, rejoicing thee, O Indra, + +drink the Soma. + +Come with Bay Steeds to drink of onr libation, shaking the +drops from out thy beard, contented, + +18 Hero, assume the might, wherewith thou elavest Yrifcra piece¬ + +meal, the Mnava Auruav&bha. + +Thou hast disclosed the light to light the Aiya: on thy left +hand, 0 Indra, sank the Dasyu. + +19 May we gain wealth, subduing with thy succour and with + +the Arya, all our foes, the Dasyus. + +Our gain was that to Trita of our party thou gavest up +Tvashtar’s son Yisvarupa, + +20 He cast down Arbuda what time his vigour was strengthened + +by libations poured by Trita. + +Indra sent forth his whirling wheel like Surya, and aided by +the Angirases rent Yala. + +21 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, yield in return a, + +boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy praisers ; let not fortune fail us. Loud may wo +speak, with brave men, in the assembly. + + +HYMN XII. + + +Indra. + + +He who, just born, chief God of lofty spirit by power and might +became the Gods’ protector, + +Before whose breath through greatness of his valour the two +worlds trembled, He, 0 men, is Indra. + + +17 Trikadruka days ; the first three days of the Abhiplava festival. + +3 8 Aumavdbha: son of Urnav&bha, a demon. The Dasyu ; the barbarian, +the original inhabitant of the land. According to S&yaua the demon Vritra is +meant. + +19 It is difficult to make anything intelligible of this stanza. Trita is said +by S&yana to be a Malmrshi or great lUalii, and Yisvarupa is said to be a +three-headed monster slain by Indra. Bee Sacred Books of the East, XII. 164. + +20 Ai'bitda: a demon of the atmosphere. See I. 51 6. + +Sent forth his whirling wheel; Indra is said to have used a wheel of the +Bun’s chariot as a missile. + +Valet; the brother of Vritra or Vritra himself. See I. 11. 5, 1 + +21 That wealthy Cow of thine: meaning, probably, Tishas or Dawn, who brings / k + +good gifts to man. Or sdddkshind mayhdni may be translated f that liberal .Jk +meed ’ of thine, that is the rich reward which Indra bestows upon his worship- j +pers, regarded as the counterpart of the ddkshind or honorarium given hy the ' ’ + +institutes of sacrifices to the priests who perform the ceremonies. + + + + +HYMN 12.] THE 2110VEDA. 2 1* + +2 He who fixed fast and firm the earth that staggered, and set + +at rest the agitated mountains, + +Who measured out the air’s wide middle region and gave the * +heaven support, He, men, is Indra. + +3 Who slew the Dragon, freed the Seven Rivers, anS drove the + +kine forth from the cave of Vala, + +Begat the fire between two stones, the spoiler in warriors’ battle, +He, 0 men, is Indra. + +4 By whom this universe was made to tremble, who chased away + +the humbled brood of demons, + +Who, like a jrambler gather ing his winnings, seized the foe’s +riches, He^O men, is LncLraT-——--- + +5 Of ivEom, the Terrible, they ask, Where is He ? or verily they + +say of him, He is not. + +He sweeps away, like birds, the foe’s possessions. Have faith +in him, for He, 0 men, is Indra. + +6 Stirrer to action of the poor and lowly, of priest, of suppliant + +who sings his praises ; + +Who, fair-faced, favours him who presses Soma with stones +* made ready, He, O men, is Indra. + +7 He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, and % + +the villages, and cattle ; + +He who gave EeingTd'the Sun and Morning, who leads the +waters, He, O men, is Indra. + +8 To whom two armies cry in close encounter, both enemies, the + +stronger and the weaker; + +Whom two invoke upon one chariot mounted, each for himself, +He, O ye men, is Indra. + +9 Without whose help our people never conquer; whom, battling, + +they invoke to give them succour; + +He of whom all this world is but the copy, who shakes things +moveless, He, 0 men, is Indra. + +10 He who hath smitten, ere they knew their danger, with his +hurled weapon many grievous sinners ; + +Who pardons not his boldness who provokes him, who slays +the Dasyu, He, 0 men, is Indra. + + +3 Begat the fire between two stones i generated lightning between heaven and +earth. + +5 Like birds ; as birds are captured by the fowler. According to others ( like +stakes of gamblers,’ the meaning of v/jttfy being uncertain. See X. 92. 10, note. + +7 Who leads the waters: brings the periodical rains. + +8 Whom two invoke; the warrior and the charioteer. + +13 + + +274 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1L + +11 He who discovered in the fortieth autumn Sambara as he dwelt + +among the mountains; + +Who slew the Dragon putting forth his vigour, the demon lying +there, He, men, is Indra. + +12 Who with seven guiding reins, the Bull, the Mighty, set free + +the Seven great Floods to flow at ploaauro; + +Who, thunder-armed, rent Kauhina in pieces when scaling +heaven, He, 0 ye men, is Indra. + +13 Even the Heaven and Earth bow down before him, before his + +very breath the mountains tremble. + +Known as the Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, who wields +the bolt, He, 0 ye men, is.Indra. + +14 Who aids with favour him who pours the Soma and him who + +brews it, sacrificer, singer. + +Whom prayer exalts, and pouring forth of Soma, and this our +gift, He, 0 ye men, is Indra. + +15 Thou verily art fierce and true who sendest strength to the + +man who brews and pours libation. + +So may we evermore, thy friends, 0 Indra, speak loudly to the +synod with our heroes. + +HYMN XIII. Indra. + +The Season was the parent, and when born therefrom It entered +rapidly the floods wherein it grows. + +Thence was it full of sap, streaming with milky juice: the +milk of the plant's stalk is chief and meet for lauds. + +2 They come trooping together bearing milk to him, and bring +him sustenance who gives support to all. + +The way is common for the downward streams to flow. Thou +who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds. + + +12 Seven guiding reins: or, according to Ludwig, seven bright rays, said to +mean seven forms of Indra. Rauhina : the name of a demon of drought. + +■ 15 With our heroes ; with our brave sons around us. + +1 The Season: the Rains, the most important of the seasons. So monsoon, +a corruption of mausim, any season, means the Rains especially. It: the +Soma-plant. + +2 They come: probably the cows whose milk is to be used in sacrifice. + +The way is common: referring to the water used in the Soma ceremony. +S&yana explains the stanza differently, and Wilson paraphrases it thus: * The +aggregated (streams) come, bearing everywhere the water, and conveying it as +sustenance for the asylum of all rivers, (the ocean): the same path is assigned +to all the descending (currents) to follow ; and as he who has (assigned) them +(their course), thou, (Indra), art especially to be praised. 1 2 + + + + +HYMN 13.] T&E RIGVEJDA. 275 + +3 One priest announces what the institutor gives : one, altering + +the forms, zealously plies his task. + +The third corrects the imperfections left by each. Thou who +didst these things first art worthy of our lauds. + +4 .Dealing out food unto their people there they sit^like wealth + +to him who comes, more than the hack can bear. + +Greedily with his teeth he eats the master's food. Thou who +didst these things first art worthy of our lauds. + +5 Thou hast created earth to look upon the sky: ‘thou, slaying + +Ahi, settest free the rivers' paths. + +Thee, such, a God, the Gods have quickened with their lauds, +even as a steed with waters: meet for praise art thou. + +6 Thou givest increase, thou dealest to us our food : thou milkest + +from the moist the dry, the rich in sweets. + +Thou by the worshipper layest thy precious store : thou art sole +Lord of all. Meet for our praise art thou. + +7 Thou who hast spread abroad the streams by stablished law, + +and in the field the plants that blossom and bear seed; + +Thou who hast made the matchless lightnings of the sky,— +vast, compassing vast realms, meet for our praise art thou. + +8 Who broughtest Narmara with all his wealth, for sake of food, + +to slay him that the fiends might be destroyed, + +Broughtest the face unclouded of the strengthening one, per¬ +forming much even now, worthy aft thou of praise. + +9 Thou boundest up the Dasa’s hundred friends and ten, when, + +at one's hearing, thou holpest thy worshipper. + + +8 According to Sayana. three priests are here indicated, the Hotar who +announces the sacrifice, the Adlivaryu who apportions the several pieces of the +victim, and the Brahman who corrects mistakes and remedies defects in the ritual. + +The first four stanzas are full of difficulties and in places absolutely unin¬ +telligible. My version of stanza 3, which generally follows S&yana, will not +bear critical examination, but at present I have nothing better to propose. + +4 There they ■ sit: according to S iyana, * the householders abide in their +homes/ To him who comes: to a guest.’ Be eats the master's food: probably, +Agni consumes the oblations of the householder. + +6 Thou milkest from the moist: producest the dry nutritious grain from +the moist stalk. + +8 This stanza is unintelligible. Ndrmara : said to be a fiend slain by Indra. + +The strengthening one: according to Sayana, if rjay anti is the name of a female + +.demon or Pisachi. Grassmann takes it to mean the Sun. Ludwig thinks it is +the name of a stronghold used as a store-house of provisions. + +9 The meaning of the first half-verse is uncertain, the text being evidently +corrupt. I adopt Ludwig’s emendation, dfaasya, in place of the unintelligible +vd ya&ya. + + + +276 THE HYMNS OF ' [BOOK II. + +Thou for Dabhiti boundest Dasyus not with cords; thou wast +a mighty help. Worthy of lauds art thou. + +10 All banks of rivers yielded to his manly might; to him they + +gave, to him, the Strong, gave up their wealth. + +The six directions hast thou fixed, a fivefold view : thy victories +reached afar. Worthy of lauds art thou. + +11 Meet for high praise, 0 Hero, is thy power, that with thy + +single wisdom thou obtainest wealth, +sThe life-support of conquering Ja tushthira. Indra, for all +thy deeds, worthy of lauds art thou. + +12 Thou for Turviti heldest still the flowing floods, the river- + +stream for Vayya easily to pass, + +Didst raise the outcast from the depths, and gavest fame unto +the halt and blind. Worthy of lauds art thou. + +13 Prepare thyself to grant us that great bounty, 0 Yasu, for + +abundant is thy treasure. + +Snatch up the wonderful, 0 Indra, daily. Loud may we +y speak, with heroe s, in asse mbly. + +X ^HYMNXIY. Indra. + +Ministers, bring the Soma juice for Indra, pour forth the +gladdening liquor with the beakers. + +To drink of this the Hero longeth ever; offer it to the Bull, +for this he willetb. + +2 Ye ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, like a +tree, the rain-withholding Vritra— + +Bring it to him, him who is fain to taste it, a draught of +this which Indra here deserveth. + +HabMti; a flishi, named in I. 112. 23. Not with cords: in a prison without +cords, the grave. + +1 0 All banks of rivers; the dams that prevented the rivers of the clouds from + +flowing. The six directions: above, below, before, behind, right, left. The +fivefold view: inasmuch as we cannot see what is below the ground. Sftyana +explains the shad vishtlrah as heaven, earth, day, night, water, and plants, and +the pdflcha sandrisah as the five races of men. « + +11 JdtAshthira: a certain man of that name, says Sdyana ; perhaps the +institutor of the sacrifice. + +12 Turviti and Vayya appear to have been enabled to ford a great river by +the aid of Indra. See I. 61 11. Turviti was the sou of Vayya. See I. 54. 6. + +The outcast: or Par&vrij as a proper name. See I. 112. 8, where the +miracle is ascribed to the Asvins. + +13 Snatch up the wonderful: that is, gain quickly wondrou.s wealth. This +appears to be the literal meaning of the words which Wilson paraphrases, +after S&yana ; * mayest thou be disposed to grant us exceeding abundance.’ + +1 Ministers ; Adhvaryus, or priests, whose duty was to make the prepara¬ +tions for sacrifice, + + + +flYMN 14.] ' THE niQVEDA, 277 + +, 3 Ye ministers, to him who smote Dfibbika, who drove the kine +forth, and discovered Vala, + +" Offer this draught, like Vita in the region : clothe him with +Soma even as steeds with trappings. + +4 Him who did Urapa to death, Adhvaryus! though showing + +arms ninety-and-nine in number; + +Who cast down headlong Ai'buda and slew him,—speed ye +that Indra to our offered Soma. + +5 Ye ministers, to him who struck down Svasna, and did to + +to death Vyansa and greedy Sushna, + +And Rudhikras and Namuchi and Pipru,—to him, to Indra, +pour ye forth libation. + +6 Ye ministers, to him who, as with thunder, demolished + +Sambara's hundred ancient castles; + +Who cast down Varchin’s sons, a hundred thousand,—to him, +to Indra, offer ye the Soma. + +7 Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast + +them down upon earth's bosom; + +Who quelled the valiant men of Atithigva, Kutsa, and Ayu,— +bring to him the Soma. + +8 Ministers, men, whatever thing ye long for obtain ye quickly + +bringing gifts to Indra. + +Bring to the Glorious One what hands have cleansed; to +Indra bring, ye pious ones, the Soma. + +9 Do ye, 0 ministers, obey his order: that, purified in wood, in + +wood uplift ye. + +Well pleased he longs for what your hands have tended : offer +the gladdening Soma jnice to Indra. + +10 As the cow's udder teems with milk, Adhvaryus, so fill with +Soma Indra, liberal giver. + +I know him: I am sure of this, the Holy knows that I fain +would give to him more largely. + + +3 DribMka: one of the numerous demons slain by Indra. + +Like Vdta in the region: bringing rain, as the Wind-God does. + +As steeds with trappings; the meaning of jtih is uncertain. S&yana ex¬ +plains it, * as an old man (is covered) with garments.’ + +4 Tirana; another demon, Arbuda: a demon mentioned in I. 51. 6. + +5 Svasna, Vyansa , and the rest, are demons, some of whom have been +previously mentioned. + +6 Sambara; a fiend mentioned several times in Book I, Varchin; a demon +who reviled Indra, and was slain with all his sons and followers. + +7 The valiant men: vtrctn; heroes. S&yana supplies * assailants,* as Ati¬ +thigva, Kutsa, and Ayu appear in Book I. as’favoured by Indra, Here their +battle with Turvay&na (1. 5*8. 10) is referred to, + +• 9 In wood; in the wooden receptacle. + + +278 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IL + +11 Him, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrest¬ + +rial wealth that earth possesses, + +Him, Indra, fill with Soma as a garner is filled with barley +full: be this your, labour. + +12 Prepare uhyself to grant us that great booty, 0 Yasu, for + +abundant is thy treasure. + +Gather up wondrous wealth, 0 Indra, daily. Loud may we +.speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XY. Indra. + +Now, verily, will I declare the exploits, mighty and true, of +him the True and Mighty. + +In the Trikadrukas he drank the Soma : then in its rapture +Indra slew the Dragon. + +2 High heaven in unsupported space he stablished : he filled the + +two worlds and the air’s mid-region. + +Earth he upheld, and gave it wide expansion. These things +did Indra in the Sonia’s rapture. + +3 From front, as ’twere a house, he ruled and measured; pierced + +with his bolt the fountains of the rivers, + +And made them flow ‘ at ease by paths far-reaching. These +things did Indra in the Soma’s rapture. + +4 Compassing those who bore away Dabhiti, in kindled fire he + +burnt up all their weapons, + +And made him rich with kine and cars and horses. These +things did Indra in the Soma’s rapture. + +5 The mighty roaring flood he stayed from flowing, and carried + +those who swam not safely over. + +They having crossed the stream attained to riches. These +things did Indra in the Soma’s rapture. + +6 With mighty power he made the stream flow upward, crushed + +with his thunderbolt the car of Ushas, + +Bending her slow steeds with his rapid coursers. These things +did Indra in the Soma’s rapture. + + +1 In The Trikadrukas: see II. 11. 17. In its rapture: in the exhilaration +produced by drinking the fermented juice. See I. 51. 2 and note. + +3 From front t as ’twere a house: the formation of the world is compared to +the building of a house. Wilson renders : * (He it is) who has measured the +eastern (quarters) with measures like a chamber.’ + +* 4 Dabhiti: see II. 13. 9. + +5 Of. I. 13. 12. + +6 The car of Ushas: the destruction of the chariot of Ushas or Dawn by +Indra is described more fully in IY. 39. 8. + + + +HYMN 16.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +279 + + +7 Knowing the place wherein the maids were hiding, the outcast + +showed himself and stood before them. + +The cripple stood erect, the blind beheld them. These things +did Indra in the Soma's rapture. + +8 Praised by the Angirases he slaughtered Vala, an$ burst apart + +the bulwarks of the mountain. + +He tore away their .^deftly-built defe nces . These things did +Indra in the Soma's rapture/ + +9 Thou, with sleep whelming Chumuri and Dhuni, slowest the + +Dasyu, keptest safe Dabliiti. + +There the staff-bearer found the golden treasure. These things +did Indra in the Soma’s rapture. + +10 How let that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, yield in return + +a boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy praisers : let not fortune fail us. Loud may we +speak, with brave men, in assembly. + +HYMN XVI. Indra. + +To him, your own, the best among the good, I biing eulogy, +like oblation in the kindled fire. + +We invocate for help Indra untouched by eld, who maketh +all decay, strengthened, for ever young. + +2 Without whom naught exists, Indra the Lofty One ; in whom + +alone all powers heroic are combined. + +The Soma is within him, in his frame vast strength, the +-thunder in his hand and wisdom in his head. + +3 Not by both worlds is thine own power to be surpassed, nor + +may thy car be stayed by mountains or by seas. + +None cometh near, 0 Indra, to thy thunderbolt, when with +swift steeds thou fiiest over many a league. + +4 For all men bring their will to him the Besolute, to him the + +Holy One, to him the Strong they cleave. + +Pay worship with oblation, strong and passing wise. Drink +thou the Soma, Indra, through the mighty blaze. + + +7 Paravrij, here rendered * the outcast/ is taken by Sftyana as the name of +a llishi who was lame and blind. When some girls made sport of him he +prayed to Indra and was made sound. + +9 Ckumuri and jDknni : Astiras or demons. + +The staff-bearer : the door-keeper, or chamberlain, of Dabhiti. The golden +treasure: of Chumuri and Dhuni. + + +1 Like oblation; praise that magnifies and strengthens Indra as oblations of +clarified butter east into the fire increase the flame. + + + +80 the hymns of [book ii. + +5 The vessel of the strong flows forth, the flood of meath, unto + +the Strong who feeds upon the strong, for drink. + +Strong are the two Ad h vary us, strong are both the stones. +They press the Soma that is strong for him the Strong. + +6 Strong m thy thunderbolt, yea, and thy ear is strong; strong + +are thy Bay Steeds and thy weapons powerful. + +Thou, Indra, Bull, art Lord of the strong gladdening drink : +with the strong Soma, Indra, satisfy thyself. + +7 I, bold by prayer, come near thee in thy sacred rites, thee + +like a saving ship, thee shouting in the war. + +Verily he will hear and mark this word of ours; we will pour +Indra forth as 7 twere a spring of wealth. + +8 Turn thee unto us ere calamity come nigh, as a cow full of + +pasture turns her to her calf. + +Lord of a Hundred Powers, may we once firmly cling to thy +fair favours even as husbands to their wives. + +9 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, yield in return a + +boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy puaisers : let not fortune fail us. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XVII. Indra. + +Like the Angirases, sing this new song forth to him, for, as +in ancient days, his mighty powers are shown, + +When in the rapture of the Soma he unclosed with strength +the solid firm-shut stables of the kine. + +2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught mea¬ + +suring out his power, increased his majesty; + +Hero who fortified his body in the wars, and through his great¬ +ness set the heaven upon his head. + +3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time + +thou showedst power, through prayer, before this folk. +Hurled down by thee the car-borne Lord of Tawny Steeds, the +congregated swift ones fled in sundry ways. + + +5 The vessel of the strong: tlie reservoir containing the strong Soma. In +reference to the repetition of the word 1 2 3 4 strong ’ in this and the following +stanza see 1. 177. 2, S. + +Both the stones; for pressing out the Soma juice. + +1 Praise Indra after the manner of the ancient Angirases with a new song, +because his ancient deeds are continually renewed for our advantage. + +2 Fortified his body: protected it with a coat of mail. + +3 The congregated swift ones: according to S&yana, the Astiras or enemies + +qf the Gods. According to Both the waters of the heaven. + + + + +IIYMJSf 18.] + + +TUB RIGVEDA, + + +281 + + +4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong +in vital power waxed great above them all. + +He, borne on high, overspread with light the heaven and earth, +and, sewing up the turbid darkness, closed it in. + +B He with his might made firm the forward-bending hills, the +downward rushing of the waters he ordained. + +Fast he upheld the earth that nourisheth all life, and stayed +the heaven from falling by his wondrous skill. + +6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated + +from all kind of precious wealth, + +The thunderbolt, wherewith, loud-roaring, he smote down, and +striking him to death laid Krivi on the earth. + +7 As she who in her parents* house is growing old, I pray to thee +- as Bhaga from the seat of all. + +Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here : give us +the share wherewith thou makest people glad. + +8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver: thou givest us, 0 Indra, + +strength and labours. + +Help us with manifold assistance, Indra : Mighty One, Indra, +make us yet more wealthy, + +9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, give in return + +a boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may wc speak, +with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XYIII. Indra. + +The rich new car hath been equipped at morning; four yokes +it hath, three whips, seven reins to guide it : + +Ten-sided, friendly to mankind, light-winner, that must be urged +to speed with prayers and wishes. + + +4 Borne on high ; or perhaps 4 luminous/ as Prof. Max Muller renders it. + +5 Forward-bending : ready to fall until Indra fixed them. + +6 Krivi; originally 4 a leather bag * and metaphorically 4 a eloud/ said by +Sctyana to be an Asura or demon. + +7 As Bhaga: as the God who distributes wealth, and also presides over love +and marriage. From the seat of all: from the hall of sacrifice where seats of +sacred grass are provided for all the Gods. + +1 The rich new car is the morning sacrifice which travels to the Gods and +obtains wealth for the worshipper. The/our yokes are the four pair of stones +for pressing out the Soma juice; the three whips are the three tones of +prayer ; the seven reins are the seven metres. The meaning of dasdritrah, +* ten sided/ is not clear. S&yaua explains aritrdh as e preservers from enemies, +i, e. sins/ the planets, Grassmann thinks that’wheels are meant. + + + + + +282 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IL + +2 This is prepared for him the first, the second, and the third + +time: he is man’s Priest and Herald. + +Others get offspring of another parent: he goeth, as a noble +Bull, with others. + +3 To India’s car the Bay Steeds have I harnessed, that new + +well-spoken words may bring him hither. + +Here let not other worshippers detain thee, for among us are +many holy singers, ✓ + +4 Indra, come hitherward with two Bay Coursers, come thou + +with four, with six when invocated. + +Come thou with eight, with ten, to drink the Soma. Here is +the juice, brave Warrior: do not scorn it. + +5 0 Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, + +thirty, forty horses. + +Come thou with fifty well trained coursers, Indra, sixty or +seventy, to drink the Soma. + +6 Come to us hitherward, 0 Indra, carried by eighty, ninety, or + +an hundred horses. + +This Soma juice among the Sunahotras hath been poured out, +in love, to glad thee, Indra. + +7 To this my prayer, 0 Indra, come thou hither: bind to thy + +car’s pole all thy two Bay Coursers. + +Thou art to be invoked in many places: Hero, rejoice thyself +in this libation. + +8 Ne’er be my love from Indra disunited: still may his liberal + +Milch-cow yield us treasure. + +So may we under his supreme protection, safe in his arms, +succeed in each forth-going. + +9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, give in return + +a boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + + +2 The fint t the second , and the third time ; the three daily sacrifices are +referred to. He is man's Priest: Agni must be meant. + +The second hemistich is obscure. Wilson, after S&yana, paraphrases : +‘ Other (priests) engender the embi'yo of a different (rite), but this victorious +(sacrifice), the showerer (of benefits) combines with other (ceremonies).’ + +4 With two Bay Coursers: this is the usual number. The progressive +multiplication in this and the following stanzas is perhaps intended to in¬ +dicate the ever increasing rapidity with which the eager worshipper prays +Indra to approach. The Scholiast says that by their supernatural power the +two horses of Indra multiply themselves indefinitely. + +6 The Simahotras: apparently a family so called; ~ x o -i< <\ 0Be w h 0 + +sacrifice with happy result.’ According to Sayana, ; .■■■,. \ „ .:. r - certain + +vessels into which the Soma juice was poured. ’ * % + + + +HYMN 19 ,] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +283 + + +HYMN XIX. Indra. + +Draughts of this sweet juice have been drunk for rapture, of +the wise Soma-presser’s offered dainty, + +Wherein, grown mighty in the days aforetime, Indra^bath found +delight, and men who worship. + +2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent + +piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters, + +So that the quickening currents of the rivers flowed forth like +birds unto their resting-places. + +3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon’s slayer, sent forth the + +flood of waters to the ocean. + +He gave the Sun his life, he found the cattle, and with the +night the works of days completed. + +4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless + +gifts. He slayeth Vritra. + +Straight was he to be sought with supplications by men who +struggled to obtain the sunlight. + +5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,—Indra, the + +God, the Mighty, to the mortal; + +For Etasa with worship brought him riches that keep distress +afar, as ’twere his portion. + +6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy + +Sushna, plague of harvest; + +And Tndra, for the sake of Divod&sa, demolished Sambara’s nine- +and'-ninety castles. + + +1 Have been drunk: by Indra. + +3 And with the night; perhaps, by giving the night for rest enabled men to + +perform the labours of the day. Or, as aktwnd may mean ‘by light, 1 * * * 5 6 7 ‘effected + +the manifestation of the days by light/ as Wilson renders it after S&yana. + +5 See I. 61. 15. The legend says that a certain King who wished for a son +worshipped Stirya who, to grant his prayer, was born himself as the King’s son. +Afterwards when some dispute arose between’this King’s son who was named +Surya and the Rishi Etasa, Indra sided with the latter. In I. 61.15, a chariot +race appears to be referred to, and I have translated the passage accordingly, +following S&yaha in taking Stirya to be the name of a man. If, however, as is +very possible, Stirya there is the Sun-God the meaning is that Indra, in order +to favour his faithful worshipper Etasa, compelled Siirya or the Sun to bring +back his chariot and horses to the east; that is the return of day on some parti¬ +cular occasion is attributed to Indra’s intervention on behalf of his favourite. +This appears to be the meaning of this verse also. Bee. also I. 121. 13. + +As ’twere his portion; as (a father gives) his portion (to a son), according +to S&yana. + +6 Kutsa and Divoddsa, favourites of Indra, and Sushna and Sambara, demons + +of drought, have occurred frequently in Book I. + + + + +284 TIIB HYMNS OF [BOON It. + +7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, 0 Indra, strengthening + +thee and fain ourselves for glory, + +May we with best endeavours gain this friendship, and nlayst +thou bend the godless seorner’s weapons, + +8 Thus the Gritsamadas for thee, 0 Hero, have wrought their + +hymn and task as seeking favour. + +May they who worship thee afresh, 0 Indra, gain food aiid +strength, bliss, and a happy dwelling, + +9 How may that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, give in return + +a boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly, + +HYMN XX. Indra. + +As one brings forth his car when fain for combat, so bring we + +power to thee—regard us, Indra- + +Well skilled in song, thoughtful in spirit, seeking great bliss +from one like thee amid the Heroes. + +2 Indra, thou art our own with thy protection, a guardian near + +to men who love thee truly. + +Active art thou, the liberal man*s defender, his who draws +near to thee with right devotion. + +3 May Indra, called with solemn invocations, the young, the + +Friend, be men’s auspicious keeper, + +One who will further with his aid the singer, the toiler, praiser, +dresser of oblations. + +& With laud and song let me extol that Indra in whom of old +men prospered and were mighty. + +May he, implored, fulfil the prayer for plenty of him who +worships, of the living mortal. + +5 He, Indra whom the Angirases’ praise delighted, strengthened +their prayer and made their goings prosper. + +Stealing away the mornings with the sunlight, he, lauded, +crushed even Asna’s ancient powers. + + +1 For combat ; or, perhaps, for the race. + +8 The toiler : the man who labours in the discharge of religious duties. + +4 The living mortal: the present worshipper, as distinguished from the men +of old. + +5 Made their goings prosper: by recovering for them the stolen cows, fre¬ +quently mentioned in Book X. Asna , 'the voracious,’ said to be the name of +a dei&on, one of the many foes overthrown by Indra, + + + +H TUN 21.] TUB MIG VBJDA . 2S^ + +6 He verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him up for + +man, best Wonder-Worker. + +He, self-reliant, mighty and triumphant, brought low the dear +head of the wicked D&sa. + +7 Indra the Vyitra-slayer, Fort-destroyer, scattered the D&sa hosts + +who dwelt in darkness. + +For man hath he created earth and waters, and ever helped the +prayer of him who worships. + +8 To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the + +tumult of the battle. + +When in his arms theyj^idjdie bolt, he slaughtered the Dasvua +and cast down their f orts^oFI ron. + +9 How may that wealthy Cow of thine, 0 Indra, give in return a + +boon to him who lauds thee. + +Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XXL Indra. + +To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light; him who +is Lord for ever, Lord of men and tilth, + +Him who is Lord of horses, Lord of kine, of floods, to Indra, +to the Holy bring sweet Soma juice. + +2 To him the potent One, who conquers and breaks down, the + +Victor never vanquished who disposes all, + +The mighty-voiced, the rider, unassailable, to Indra ever- +conquering speak your reverent prayer, + +3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over .men, o’erthrower, + +warrior, he hath waxen as he would; + +Host-gatherer, triumphant, honoured mid the folk. Indra’s +heroic deeds will I tell forth to all. + + +6 D4sa; said by SAyana to be an Asura, or demon of that name. The word +is frequently applied to the foes of the Aryas, to the malignant demons of the +air as well as to the barbarous and hostile inhabitants of the land, and it is not +always clear whether human or superhuman enemies are intended. + +The dear head; the DAsa’s own head ; dear = <j>(X oy * n Homer. + +. 7 The jDdsa hosts who dwelt in darkness: the words thus rendered are vari* +ously explained. It is uncertain whether the aborigines of the country ant +meant, or the demons of air who dwell in the dark clouds. + +8 The Dasyus: the Asuras or demons, according to SAyana. + +1 The Lord: literally, conqueror of all, of wealth, etc. + +2 Mighty-voiced : SAyana gives two explanations, ‘having a full throat/ or +' praised by many,’ Mider : borne through, the sky. + + + +286 THE HYMHS OF [BOOK II. + +4 The -strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the + +deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable ; + +Who speeds the good, the breaker-down, the firm, the vast,— +Indra whose rites bring joy hath made the light of Dawn. + +5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs + +found furtherance from him who speeds the flood. + +In Indra seeking help with -worship and with hymn, they +drew him to themselves and won them kine and wealth. + +6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability + +and fortune; + +Increase of riches, safety of our bodies, charm of sweet speech, +and days of pleasant weather. + +HYMN XXII. Indra. + +At the Trikaclrukas the Great and Strong hath drunk drink +blent with meal. With Vishnu hath he quaffed the poured +out Soma juice, all that he would. + +That hath so heightened him the Great, the Wide, to do his +mighty work. + +So may the God attain the God, true Indu Indra who is true. + +2 So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He + +with his majesty hath filled the earth and heaven, and waxen +strong. + +One share of the libation hath he swallowed down: one share +he left. + +So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true, + +3 Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou + +grewest great; with hero deeds subduing the malevolent, +most swift in act; + +Giving prosperity, and lovely wealth to him who praiseth thee. +So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is truo. + +4 This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Demcer, thy first and ancient + +work, worthy to be told forth in heaven, + +What time thou sentest down life with a God’s own power, freez¬ +ing the floods. + +All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord +of Hundred Powers, find for us strength and 1 2 food. + +4 The furious fiend: Vritra. + +6 Ability: to perform sacred ceremonies, according to Sayana. + +1 The Trilcadnthis: the first three days of the Abhiplava ceremony. + +Indu : a drop, especially of Soma juice ; another name of the deified, Soma, + +2 Krivi: a demon. See II. 16. + +4 Dancer; active in battle, dancer of the war-dance. + + + +HYMN 23.] + + +287 + + +THE RIG VEDA . + +HYMN XXIII. Brahmanaspati. + +We call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise +among f the wise, the famousest of all, + +The King supreme of prayers, 0 Brahmanaspati: h$ar us with +help; sit down in place of sacrifice. + +2. Brihaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from +thee, the wise, a share in holy rites. + +As with great light the Sun brings forth the rays of morn, so +thou alone art Father of all sacred prayer. + +3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou + +mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice; + +The awful car, Brihaspati, that quells the foe, slays demons, +cleaves the stall of kine, and finds the light. + +4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress + +o’ertakes not him who ofiei'S gifts to thee. + +Him who hates prayer thou punishest, Brihaspati, quelling his +wrath : herein is thy great mightiness. + +5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures + +double-tongued have overcome the man,— + +Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful +guard, thou keepest, Brahmanaspati. + +6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths *. we, for thy + +service, sing to thee with hymns of praise. + +Brihaspati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, +precipitate, destroy. + +7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evil- + +minded, arrogant, rapacious man,— + +Him turn thou from our path away, Brihaspati: give us fair +access to this banquet of the Gods. + +8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as + +the comforter who loveth us. + +Strike, 0 Brihaspati, the Gods’ revilers down, and let not the +unrighteous come to highest bliss. + +1 Brahmanaspati: alternating with Brihaspati, the Deity in whom the action +of the worshipper upon the Gods is personified. See I. 14. 3. A comparative¬ +ly recent God, as the representative of the hierarchy, he is gradually encroach¬ +ing on the jurisdiction of Indra the Warrior God of the Kshatriyas, claiming + +his achievements as his own *and assuming his attributes. See Weber, Uber +den V&japeya, Sitzungsberichte der K. P. Academie der Wissenschaften, 1S92 +XXXIX, p. 15. * + +3 Revilers: blaspheming demons of darkness. Cleaves the stall of Icine: opens +the prison where the cows or rays of light have been shut up. + +7 This banquet of the Gods ■: sacrifice in general, and especially the sacrifice +which is performing. + + + +283 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK If, + +9 Through thee, kind prosperer, 0 Brahmanaspati, may we obtain +the wealth of men which all desire : + +And all our enemies, who near or far away prevail against us, + +crush, and leave them destitute. + +♦; + +10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brihaspati, + +gain highest power of life. + +Let not the guileful wicked man be lord of us: still may we +prosper, singing goodly hymns of praise. + +11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle-cry, consumer + +of the foe, victorious in the strife, + +Thou* art sin’s true avenger, Brahmanaspati, who tamest e’en +the tierce, the wildly passionate. + +12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming + +him a man of might mid lords, would slay,— + +Let not his deadly blow reach us, .Brihaspati; may we humi¬ +liate the strong ill-doer’s wrath. + +13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked + +in tight, and reverently adored, + +Brihaspati hath overthrown like cars of war all wicked enemies +who fain would injure us. + +14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest-flaming brand, those who + +have scorned thee in thy manifested might. + +Show forth that power that shall deserve the hymn of praise; +destroy the evil-speakers, 0 Brihaspati. + +lb Brihaspati, that which the foe deserves not, which shines among +the folk effectual, splendid, + +That, Son of Law i which is with might refulgent—that trea¬ +sure wonderful bestow thou on us. + +16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy + +for the wealth of him who sits at ease, + +Who cherish in their heart abandonment of Gods. Brihaspati, +no further rest shall they obtain. . + +17 For Tvashtar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee + +to life, preeminent o’er all the things that be. + +Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Brihaspati, who slays the spoiler +and upholds the mighty Law. + + +15 Son of Livw: who hast thy being in accordance with vita, truth or eternal +JLaw and Order. + +* 16 This stanza is difficult, and the translation is conjectural, Wilson +observes that S&yana’s explanation is not very intelligible. + + + +ITTAfy 24.] TTIE RIG VEDA. '289 + +18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras ! + +thou openedst the stall of kine. + +Thou, 0 Brihaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water- +floods which gloom had compassed round. + +19 0 Brahmanaspati, he thou controller of this ouf hymn and + +prosper thou our children. + +All that the Gods regard with love is blessM. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XX tV. %*ahmanaspati. + +Be pleased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord; we +will adore thee with this new and mighty song. + +As this thy friend, our liberal patron, praises thee, do thou, +Brihaspati, fulfil our hearts’ desire. + +2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be + +bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of S&mbara; + +Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmanaspati,*—he made +his way within the mountain stored with wealth. + +3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong + +things were loosened and the firmly fixed gave way. + +He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, +dispelled the darkness and displayed the light of heaven. + +4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a hood of meath, + +which Brahmanaspati hath opened with his might— + +All they who see the light have drunk their fill thereat; to¬ +gether they have made the watery fount flow forth. + +5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe’er they be ; with + +moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselves to you. +Effortless they pass on to perfect this and that, appointed works +which Brahmanaspati ordained. + + +18 Angiras ; Brihaspati is here called by the name of the ancient patriarch +as Agni is in I. 1. 6 According to the Bhdgavata Purdna Brihaspati is the +son of Angiras. + +Thou . didst hurl down: the deed usually ascribed to Indra is here attri¬ + +buted to Brihaspati as the Lord of effectual prayer. See I. 14. 3, and 62 3. + +1 Thy friend, our liberal patron: the institutor of the sacrifice, the faithful +worshipper of the God and the rewarder of the priests. + +2 The holds of S.xmbara: great black clouds before they pour their rain. + +The mountain stored with wealth : the cloud full of precious rain. + +5 This stanza is difficult. Ludwig takes ttt bhilvanA, * those creatures/ +whose nature is imperfectly known, to be the sun and moon, the parents of +months and years, which without any effort on their part bring to pass whatever +Brahmanaspati decrees. + +19 + + + +2$0 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK II. + +6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the + +Pa\'.is ; nobl est treasur e hidden in the cave,— + +Those JFfgfc:, living marko : iI;l* falsehoods, turned them hack +whence they had come, and sought again to enter in. + +7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them + +back, the sages stood again upon the lofty ways. + +Cast down with both their arms upon the rock they left the +kindled fire, and said, No enemy is he. + +8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the +■ , mark vghate’er it be that he desires. + +Excellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, keen-eyed to +look on men and springing from his ear. + +9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled + +is he, in battle Brahmanaspati. + +When, gracious, for the hymn he brings forth food and wealth, +the glowing Bun untroubled sends forth fervent heat. + +10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of + +liberal Brihaspati. + +These are the boons of him tbe Strong who should be loved, +whereby both classes and the people have delight. + +11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, + +by thy mighty strength hast waxen great,— + +He is the God spread forth in breadth against the Gods : he, +Brahmanaspati, eneompasseth this All. + +12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the + +waters break not your commandment. + +Come to us, Brahmanaspati and Indra, to our oblation like yoked +steeds to fodder. + + +> 6 The Pan is are the robber-fiends who carry off and hide the cows or raya +of light. Those sages : the Angirases, to whom the stolen cows are said to +have belonged. Having marked the falsehoods: having seen through the +guiles of the fiends who sought to mislead them. + +* 7 They left the kindled fire: the cows, or waters and the light which follows +their effusion, were set free by fire-oblations of which the Angirases are regard¬ +ed as the earliest institutors. No enemy : that is, man’s greatest friend, The +stanza is obscure, and Sayana’s explanation is unsatisfactory. + +8 Springing from his ear: the bow-string being drawn to the right ear. +The word may, perhaps, mean also, * finding their home in, i. e. reaching the +ears' of men, and might be translated ( levelled to the ear.’ + +9 He brings together and he parts: brings friends together in worship, and +disperses enemies in battle. + +10 Both classes: according to S&yana, the institutors of the sacrifice and the +priests, or Gods and men. + +"11 In breadth against the Gods: in his mightiness the representative of all +the Gods. + +12 Even the waters: all nature, even the strong and rapid water-floods; + + + +BYMN 26.] PEE RIGVEDA. 291 + +13 The sacrificial femes most swiftly hear the call: the priest of + +the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. + +Hating the stern, remitting at his will the debt, strong in the +shock of fight is Brahmanaspati. + +14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full + +effect when he would do a mighty deed. + +The kine he drave forth and distributed to heaven, even as a +copious flood with strength flows sundry ways. + +15 0 Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well- + +guided, full of vital strength. + +Heroes on heroes send abundantly to us, when.thou omnipoten +through prayer seekest my call. + +16 0 Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and + +prosper thou our children. + +All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XXY. Brahmanaspati. + +He lighting up the flame shall conquer enemies : strong shall +he be who offers prayer and brings his gift. + +He with his seed spreads forth beyond another’s seed, whom¬ +ever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend. + +2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread bis +wealth by kine : wise by himself is he. + +His children and his children’s children grow in strength, +whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend. + +3 He, mighty like a raving river’s billowy flood, as a bull con¬ + +quers oxen, overcomes with strength. + +Like Agni's blazing rush he may not be restrained, whomever +Brahmanaspati takes for his friend. + +4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first + +with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine. + +He slays in unabated vigour with great might, whomever +Brahmanaspati takes for his friend. • + +. 5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many +a fjawless shelter hath been granted him. + +Blest with the happiness of Gods he prospers well, whomever +Brahmanaspati takes for his friend. + +HYMN XXYL Brahmanaspati. + +The righteous singer shall o’ercome his enemies, and he who +. serves the Gods subdue the godless man. + +>'T The zealous mail shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper +share the food of him who worships not. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1L + +2 Worship, thou hero; chase the arrogant' afar: put on aus¬ + +picious courage for the fight with foes. + +Prepare oblation so that thou rnayst have success: we crave +the favouring help of BrahmanaspatL + +3 -Ho with* his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty + +for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth, + +Who with oblation and a true believing heart serves Brah- +mauaspati the Father of the Gods. + +4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him + +Bmlmianaspati leads forward on his way, + +Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his +wonderful deliverer from woe. + +HYMN XXVII. Adilyas, + +hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever +offer to the Kings Adityas. + +May Mitra, Aryaman, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuna, +Daksha, and Ansa. + +2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this +^ day accept this praise-song— + +Adityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all +guile and falsehood, blameless, perfect. + +3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many + +eyes, fain to deceive the wicked, + +Looking within behold the good and evil: near to the Kings +is even the thing most distant. + +4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, + +Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being, + +Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal +u Law, the debt-mcaotors . + +2 Worship, thou hero: the llishi addresses the exhortation to himself, + +8 The Father of the Gods ; S&yana explains pitdram, father, by pd lay ltd rani, +protector, + +1 With the ladle: that is, with my tongue that utters praises as the +sacrificial ladle pours out the oblations of clarified butter, + +, Adityas : see I. 14, 3. + +Bhaga: the name of this ancient God still survives in the Slavonic +languages as a general^ name for God. He is frequently invoked together +with Pftshan and the Adityas, See I. 14. 3, + +Daksha: active energy, spiritual power personified, and called an Aditya +or son of Adifci. Sftyana takes the word as an epithet of Ansa, powerful. + +Ansa : another of the Adityas, the Distributer, See II. 1, 4, + +3 Looking within : iuto the hearts of men. + +4 The debt-exactors ; the punishers of sin. + + + +tntMN 27%3 fuM kwvfiMt m + +5 May I, A dityas, share in this your favour 1 which, Aryaman, + +brings profit e’en in danger. + +Under your guidance, Vanina and Mitra, round troubles may +t pass, like rugged places. + +6 Smooth.is your path, 0 Aryainan and Mitra; excellent is it, + +Varuna^and thornless. + +Thereon, Adityas, send us down your blessing: grant us a +shelter hard to be demolished. + +7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Arya¬ + +man, beyond all hatred. + +May we uninjured, girt by many heroes, win Varvma’s and +Mitra’s high protection. + +8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; + +three are their functions in the Gods’ assembly. + +Mighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness; fair is it, +Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra. + +9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold + +aloft the three bright heavenly regions. + +Ne’er do they slumber, never close their eyelids, faithful, far- +ruling for the righteous mortal, + +10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura ! or + +be they mortals. + +Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns : ours be the blest +long lives of our forefathers. + +11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the east + +nor yet the west, Adityas. + +Simple and guided by your wisdom, Vasus ! may I attain the +light that brings no danger. + +12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom + +their everlasting blessings prosper, + +Moves with his chariot first in rank and wealthy, munificent +and lauded in assemblies. + +13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells + +i beside the waters rich with pasture. + +None slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is +under the Adityas 7 8 * 10 guidance. + + +7 Mother of Kings: Adibi, the Infinite, mother of the Adityas. + +8 Three are their functions : perhaps the absorption, retention, and effusion + +of rain. + +10 a divine and immortal being; apparently a higher title than + +devdh , Gods or Bright Ones. + +Ill know nothing of myself and cannot attain to the light of day, or the +light of true knowledge, without your assistance. + + + + +294 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 12 , + +14 Aditij Mitra, Yaruna, foi’give us however we have erred and +. sinned against you. + +May I obtain the broad light free from peril: 0 Indra, let +not during darkness seize us. + +15 For him" the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from + +heaven: he thrives most highly favoured. + +He goes to war mastering both the mansions: to him both +portions of the world are gracious. + +16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressor’s, your snares + +•spread out against the foe, Adityas, + +May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman : uninjured may +we dwell in spacious shelter. + +17 May I not live, O Yaruna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, + +dear friend's destitution. + +King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XXYIII. Yaruna. + +This laud of the self-radiant wise Aditya shall be supreme o'er +all that is in greatness. + +I beg renown of Yaruna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind +to him who worships. + +2 Having extolled thee, Yaruna, with thoughtful care may we + +have high fortune in thy service, + +Singing thy praises like the fires at coming, day after day, of +.mornings rich in cattle. + +3 May we be in thy keeping, 0 thou Leader, wide-ruling Yaruna, + +Lord of. many heroes. + +0 Sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, pardon us, Gods, admit us +, to your friendship. + +4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the SuStainer: the rivers run +* by.Yaruna’s commandment. + + +14 During darkness; death, night, darkness are to be dreaded: daylight is +Comparatively free from danger. + +15 The Twain'united: heaven and earth which together make up the world. +Both the mansions; that is, he retains possession of his own dwelling and + +gains possession of that of his enemy. + +JBoth portions of the world: heaven and earth. + +17 May I never see my wealthy patron, the institutor of the ceremony +reduced to poverty. + +1 This laud the poet magnifies the importance of the worship which he +offers to the Aditya Yaruna, the great King over all, the God of natural, peace¬ +ful, moral order as contrasted with Indra the God of battles. + + + +295 + + +HYMN 29.] THE RIGVEVA. + +These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing: swift have they +flown like birds in air around us. + +5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we + +swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order. + +Let not my thread, while I weave song, be severed, nor my +work’s sum, before the time, be shattered. + +6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger : accept me graciously, + +thou Holy Sovran. + +Cast off, like cords that hold a calf, my troubles: I am not +even mine eyelid’s lord without thee. + +7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asufa, + +at thy bidding wound the sinner. + +Let us not pass away from light to exile. Scatter, that we may +live, the men who hate us. + +8 0 mighty Varum, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we + +speak forth our worship. + +For in thyself, invincible God, thy statutes ne’er to be moved +are fixed as on a mountain. + +9 Move far from me what sins I have committed : let me not suffer, + +King, for guilt of others. + +Full many a mom remains to dawn upon us: in these, 0 +Varuna, while we live direct us. + +10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened + +me affrighted in my slumber— + +If any wolf or robber fain would harm us, therefrom, 0 Varuna, +give thou us protection. + +11 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear + +friend’s destitution. + +King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, +with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XXIX. Visvedevas. + +Upholders of the Law, ye strong Adityas, remove my sin like +her who bears in secret. + +You, Varuna, Mifcra and all Gods who listen, I call fco help me, +I who know your goodness. + +2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly +all those who hate us. + +5 Swell . thy spring of Order - observe and strengthen thy statutes and + +ordinances from which life and all blessings flow. + +1 Like her who hears in secret.- as an unwedded'mother abandons her secretly +bora child in some distant place. • + + + + +296 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK II. + +As givers of good things deal with us kindly; this day be graci¬ +ous to us. and hereafter. + +3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, + +Vasus, with our ancient friendship ? + +O Aditif and Varuna and Mitra, Indra and Maruts, make us +well and happy. + +4 Ye, 0 ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen; as such be kind to me + +who now implore you. + +Let not your car come slowly to our worship: of kinsmen such +as you ne’er let us weary. + +5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised + +me as a sire the gambler. + +Far be your nets, far, Gods, be mine offences: seize me not +like a bird upon her offspring. + +6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in + +my heart I may approach you. + +Protect us, God; let not the wolf destroy us. Save us, ye +Holy, from the pit and falling. + +7 May I not live, 0 Yarum, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear + +friend’s destitution. + +King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XXX. Indra and Others. + +Ttie streams unceasing flow to Indra, slayer of A hi, Savitar, +God, Law s fulfiller, + +Bay after day goes on the sheen of waters. What time hath +past since they were first set flowing 1 + +2 His Mother—for she knew—spake and proclaimed him who + +was about to cast his bolt at Vritra. + +Cutting their paths according to his pleasure day after day +flow to their goal the rivers. + +3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Yritra shot + +his deadly missile. + +Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued +the foe with sharpened weapons. + +5 As a sire the gambler: as a father punishes his son for gambling. + +Your nets ; the nooses or snares which ye spread for the wicked. + +1 Savitar; the Sun, as identical with Indra. The Scholiast explains the +word here as the instigator or impeller of all. + +What time hath passed 1: meaning that the waters are eternal. + +2 The first hemistich is obscure. I follow Ludwig’s conjectural interpre¬ +tation (Her Rigveda, V. 63), who reads vidvsht for vidushe, and refers to the +legend related in IV. 18. His Mother': Aditi, the mother of Indra. + +3 Aloft he stood: Indra, See I, 32. Enveloped in a cloud ; referring to Yritra. + + + + +HYMN 31,] TEE R TOYED A. 297 + +4 As with a bolt, Brihaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou + +Yrikadvaras', the Asura's, heroes. + +Even as in time of old with might thou, siewest, so slay even +now our enemy, 0 Indra. + +5 Cast dowii from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder where¬ + +with in joy thou smitest dead the foeman. + +For gain of children make us thine, 0 Indra, of many child¬ +ren's children and of cattle. + +6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain + +are the rich worshipper's advancers. + +Graciously favour us, In;lra and Soma; give us firm standing +in this time of danger. + +7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let + +us say, Press not the Soma; + +For him who cares for me, gives gifts, supports me, who comes +with kine to me who pour lihat-ions. + +8 Sarasvati, protect us : with the Maruts allied thou boldly + +conquerest our focmen, + +While hidra does to death the daring chieftain of Sandikas +exulting in his prowess. + +9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,*— aim at + +him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon. + +Brihaspati, with arms thou slayest foemen: 0 King, give uffc +the spoiler to destruction. + +10 Perform, 0 Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic + +which thou hast to finish. + +Long have they been inflated with presumption: slay them, +and bring us hither their possessions. + +11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly + +host, the company of Maruts, + +That we may gain wealth with full store of heroes, each day +'more famous, and with troops of children. + +HYMN NXXL Visvedevas. + +Help, Varuna and Mitra, 0 ye Twain allied with Yasus, Rudras, +and Adityas, help our cai*, + +That, as the wild birds of the forest from their home, our horses +may fiy forth, glad, eager for renown. + +4 Vrikadvarus : supposed by Ludwig to be the King of the Sandikas, the +hymn * being a prayer for victory in an approaching battle with him. The +A sura would then mean King. + +7 Comes loith kine: referring to Indra who rewards his worshippers with + +gifts of cattle. - + +1 Eelp oar car: in the chariot-race. According to Prof. Windisch, f car' is a +figurative expression for * hymn of praise.’ See that scholar’s exhaustive dis¬ +cussion of this hymn in Festgruss an Rudolf von Roth, 1893, pp. 139—144* + + + +298 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IL + +2 Yea, now ye Gods of one accord speed on our car what time + +among the folk it seeks an act of might; + +When, hasting through the region with the stamp of hoofs, +our swift steeds trample on the ridges of the earth. + +3 Or may our Indra here, the Friend of all mankind, coming from + +heaven, most wise, girt by the Marut host, + +Accompany, with aid untroubled by a foe, our car to mighty +gain, to win the meed of strength. + +1 Or may this Tvashtar, God who rules the world with power, + +one-minded with the Goddesses speed forth our car ; + +Ila and Bhaga the celestial, Earth and Heaven, Pushan, Puran- +dhi, and the Asvins, ruling Lords. + +5 Or, seen alternate, those two blessed Goddesses, Morning and + +Night who stir all living things to act: + +While with my newest song I praise you both, 0 Earth, that +from what moves not ye may spread forth threefold food. • + +6 Your blessing as a boon for suppliants we desire: the Dragon of + +the Deep, arid Aja-Ekapad, + +Trita, Ribhukshan, Savitar shall joy in ns, and the Floods’ +swift Child in our worship and our prayer. + +7 These earnest prayers I pray to you, ye Holy: to pay you + +honour, living men have formed them, + +Men fain to win the prize and glory. May they win, as a car- +horse might the goal, your notice. + +HYMN XXXII. Various Deities. + +Graciously further, 0 ye Heaven and Earth, this speech striv¬ +ing to win reward, of me your worshipper. + +First rank I give to you, Immortal, high extolled \ s I, fain to +win me wealth, to you the mighty Pair. + +2 Let not man’s guile annoy us, secret or by day *. give not us + +up a prey to these calamities. + +Sever not thou our friendship : think thereon for us. This, +with a heart that longs for bliss, we seek from thee. + + +4 Purandki; meaning the bold, or the intelligent, may be either aw epi¬ +thet of Ptishan or the name of a separate deity. + +5 / praise you both , 0 Earth ; i e, 0 Heaven and Earth ; the pair being +always regarded as closely connected, the mention of one U sufficient. + +From lohat moves Dot : from plants as distinguished from animals. + +6 The Drayon of the Veep: Ahibudhnya, who dwells in the depth of air. See +I, 186. 5. Aja- Bfavp&d: ‘ the unborn one-footed/ the Sun. See VI. 50. 14, +note. Trita: a Vedic God, appearing in connexion with Indra. The Floods' +swift Child: Agni. For the other names see Index. + +2 These calamities: some pressing troubles or imminent dangers not further +specified. From thee: probably Indra.. + + + +HYMN 33.] THE RIG VEDA. 299 + +3 Bring hither with benignant mind the willing Cow teeming + +with plenteous milk, full, inexhaustible. + +0 thou invoked by many, day by day I urge thee with my +word, a charger rapid in his tread. + +4 With eulogy I call on Raka. swift to hear : may she ^auspicious, + +hear us, and herself observe. + +With never-breaking needle may she sew her work, and give +a hero son most wealthy, meet for praise. + +5 All thy kind thoughts, 0 Rak&, lovely in their form, wherewith + +thou grantest wealth to him who offers gifts— + +With these come thou to us this day benevolent, 0 Blessed +One, bestowing food of thousand sorts. + +6 0 broad-tressed Sinivali, thou who art the Sister of the Gods, +Accept the offered sacrifice, and, Goddess, grant us progeny. + +7 With lovely lingers, lovely arms, prolific Mother of many sons— +Present the sacred gifts to her, to Sinivali Queen of men. + +8 Her, Sinivali, her, Gungu, her, Raka, her, Sarasvati, Indrani + +to mine aid I call, and Varunani for my weal. + +HYMN XXXIII. Rudra. + +Father of Maruts, let thy bliss approach us: exclude us not +from looking on the sunlight. + +Gracious to our fleet courser be the Hero: may we transplant' +us, Rudra, in our children. + +2 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, Rudra, may + +I attain a hundred winters. + +Far from us banish enmity and hatred, and to all quarters +maladies and trouble. + +3 Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra,' armed with the + +thunder, mightiest of the mighty. + +Transport us over trouble to well-being: repel thou from us all +assaults of mischief. + +4 Let us not anger thee with worsihip, Rudra, ill praise, Strong + +God t or mingled invocation. + + +4 Rdkd: the G-oddess presiding over the actual day of full moon, and appa¬ +rently associated with child-birth. + +6 SinivdU: a similar lunar Goddess, who aids the birth of children. + +8 GungH: identified by Sityana with Kuhu, another lunar Goddess, or the +day of conjunction when the moon rises invisible. Indrdnt and Varundni are +the consorts respectively of Indra and Varuna. + +1 The Hero : Rudra. According to Ludwig: Let our brave son be mighty +with the charger. + +4 With worship; with imperfect worship. Mingled invocation: in which +other Gods also, who have no claim to the particular oblation, are addressed. ' + + + + +300 THE HYMNS OP [POOR If. + +Do thou with strengthening balms incite our heroes : I hear +thee famed as best of all physicians. + +5 May I with praise-songs win that Rudra’s favour who is adored +with gifts and invocations. + +Ne’er may the tawny God, fair-cheeked* and gracious, swift¬ +hearing,’yield us to this evil purpose* + +■ 6 The Strong, begirt by Maruts, hath refreshed tne* with tnost +invigorating food, imploring. + +As he who finds a shade in fervent sunlight may I, uninjured, +win the bliss of Rudra. + +7 Where is that gracious hand of thine, 0 Rudra, the hand that + +giveth health and bringeth comfort, + +Remover of the woe that Gods have sent us ? 0 Strong One, + +look thou on me with compassion: + +8 To him the strong, great, tawny, fair-complexioned, I utter + +forth a mighty hymn of praises* + +* We serve the brilliant God with adorations, we glorify the +splendid name of Rudra + +9 With firm limbs, multiform,' the strong, the tawny adorns him¬ + +self with bidght gold decorations: + +The strength of Godhead ne’er departs from Rudra, him who +is Sovran of this world, the mighty. + +10 Worthy, thou earnest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy many- +hued and honoured necklace. + +Worthy, thou cufctest here each fiend to pieces: a mightier +than thou there is not, Rudra. + +, 11 Praise him the chariot-borne, the young, the famous, fierce, +slaying like a dread beast of the forest. + +0 Rudra, praised, be gracious to the singer: let thy hosts +spare us and smite down another. + +12 1 bend to thee as thou approaches r, Rudra, even as a boy be¬ + +fore the sire who greets him. + +I praise thee Bounteous Giver, Lord of heroes : give medicines +to us as thou art lauded. + +13 Of your pure medicines, 0 potent Maruts, those that are + +wholesomest and health-bestowing, + +Those which our father Manu hath selected, I crave from +Rudra for our gain and welfare. + +5 Yield us to this evil purpose; give us up to the malice of our enemy. + +6 The Strong: or the Bull, Rudra, accompanied by his eons the Karats. + +8 Fair'Complexioned: the white complexion of Siva, the later representative +of Rudra, has, therefore, as Wilson observes, its origin in the Itigveda, + +13 Those which our father Manu hath selected • Wilson observes that ‘this +All (ides to the vegetable seeds which Manu, according to the MaMbhdvata x + + + + +THE RIOTED A. + + +H^MN 34.] + + +301 + + +14 May Budra's missile turn aside and spare us, the great wrath + +of the impetuous One avoid us. + +Turn, Bounteous God, thy strong bow from our princes, and +be thou gracious to our seed and offspring. + +15 0 tawny Bull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to + +be wroth, 0 God, nor slay us, + +Here, Budra, listen to our invocation. Loud may we speak, +with heroes, in assembly, + +HYMN XXXIV, Maruts, + +The Manats of resistless might who love the rain, resplendent, +terrible like wild beasts in their strength, + +Glowing like flames of fire, impetuous in career, blowing the +wandering rain-cloud, have disclosed the kine. „ + +2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are decked with stars, + +like cloud-born lightnings shine the torrents of their rain, +Since the strong Budra, 0 Maruts with brilliant chests, sprang +into life for you in Prism's radiant lap. + +3 They drip like horses in the racings of swift steeds; with the + +stream’s rapid ears they hasten cm their way. + +Maruts with helms of gold, ye who make all things shake, +come with your spotted deer, one-minded, to our food. + +4 They have bestowed on Mitra all that live, to feed, they who + +for evermore cause-their swift drops to flow : + +Whose steeds are spotted deer, whose riches never fail, like +horses in full speed, bound to the pole in works. + +5 With brightly-flaming kine whose udders swell with milk, + +with glittering lances on your unobstructed paths, + + +was directed to take with him into the vessel in which he was preserved ut +the time of the deluge.’ + +14 Our princes : our wealthy patrons, the institutors of our sacrifices. + + +1 Have disclosed the kine: ( give vent to its (collected) rain.’—Wilson. + +.2 Prisin'8 radiant lap : Prisni the mother of the Maruts, probably ‘the +speckled cloud,’ is, according to S&yaua, the Earth who in the form of a +brindled cow was impregnated by Itudra, + +3 With the stream's rapid ears : * The waves raised by the storm may be +regarded as the ears with which the stream listens to the roaring of the +tempest. 1 * 3 4 5 —Ludwig. Wilson, after Silyana, paraphrases; * and they rush along + +• with swift (horses) on the skirts of the sounding (cloud). 5 + +4 The meaning of the first line is not clear. Wilson renders it: ( The +prompt-giving Maruts ever confer upon , the (offerer of sacrificial) food, as +upon a friend, all these (world-supporting) waters/ + +Hound to the pole in work s : carrying on their appointed duties as horses +draw the chariot to whose pole they are harnessed. * + +5 With brightly-fuming kine: clouds that emit flashes of lightning before +they pour down their stores of fertilizing rain. + + + +302 THE EYMm OF [BOOK 1L + +0 Maruts, of one mind, like swans who seek their nests, come +to the rapturous enjoyment of the meath. + +6 To these our prayers, 0 Maruts, come unanimous, come ye to +our libations like the praise of men, * + +Make it swell like a mare, .in udder like a cow, and for the +singer grace the song with plenteous strength. + +,7 Give us a steed, 0 Maruts, mighty in the car; prevailing prayer +that brings remembrance day by day; + +Food to your praisers, to your bard in deeds of might give +winning wisdom, power uninjured, unsurpassed. + +8 When the bright-chested Maruts, lavish of their gifts, bind at + +the time of bliss their horses to the cars, + +Then, as the milch-cow feeds her calf within the stalls, they +pour forth food for all oblation-bringing men. + +9 Save us, 0 Maruts, Vasus, from the injurer, the mortal foe + +who makes us looked upon as wolves. + +With chariot all aflame compass him round about: 0 Rudras, +cast away the foeman's deadly bolt. + +10 Well-known, ye Maruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when + +they milked Prisni's udder, close akin to her. + +Or when to shame the bard who lauded, Rudra's Sons, ye the +infallible brought Trita to decay. + +11 We call you, such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to + +the oblation paid to Yislmu Speeder-on. + +With ladles lifted up, with prayer, we seek of them preeminent, +golden-hued, the wealth which all extol. + + +6 Like the praise of men : which attends pious worshippers, + +Make it swell: make our sacred song effectual, metaphorically full of milk. +Frol M. Muller would read asvftni instead of tiscdni: ‘ Fulfil (our prayer) like +the lidder of a barren cow,’ + +7 Brings remembrance: makes the Gods remember ns. + +10 Prism here is the firmament, and her udder is the cloud from which +the Maruts drew the rain. There is a very abrupt change from the second +person to the third, from ‘ye’ to ‘they.’ + +I can make nothing of the second hemistich. Wilson paraphrses it: ‘ You +(destroyed) the reviler of your worshipper, and (came), irresistible sons of +Jtudra, to Trita for the destruction of his enemies,’ Trita is said by S&yana to +be a Ilishi. Ludwig in his . note on the passage takes Trita to be a name of +the Soma, + +11 Vishnu Speeder-on: who runs his rapid course round heaven. S&yana +explains Vishnu to mean ‘ the diffusivs and desirable Soma.’ Perhaps, as +Ludwig thinks, sacrifice in general is intended, of which Vishnu iB the repre¬ +sentative. + + + + +HYMN 35,] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +303 + + +12 They, the Dasagvas, first of all brought sacrifice : they at the + +break of mornings shall inspirit us. + +Dawn with her purple beams uncovereth the nights, with +great light glowing like a billowy sea of milk. + +13 The Rudras have rejoiced them in the gathered bands at seats + +of worship as in purple ornaments. + +They with impetuous vigour sending down the rain have taken +to themselves a bright and lovely hue. + +14 Soliciting their high protection for our help, with this our adora¬ + +tion we sing praise to them, + +Whom, for assistance, like the five terrestrial priests, Trita +hath brought to aid us hither on his car. + +15 So may your favouring help be turned to us-ward, your kind¬ + +ness like a lowing cow approach us, + +Wherewith ye bear your servant over trouble, and free your +worshipper from scoff and scorning. + +HYMN XXX Y. Son of Waters. + +Eager for spoil my flow of speech I utter: may the Floods* +Child accept my songs with favour. + +Will not the rapid Son of Waters make them lovely, for he it +is who shall enjoy them? + +2 To him let us address the song well-fashioned, forth from the + +heart. Shall he not understand it? + +The friendly Son of Waters by the greatness of Godhead +bath produced all things existing. + +3 Some floods unite themselves and others join them: the + +sounding rivers fill one common storehouse. + +On every side the bright Floods have encompassed the bright +resplendent Offspring of the Waters. + +4 The never-sullen waters, youthful Maidens, carefully decking, + +■ wait on him the youthful. + +He with bright rays shines forth in splendid beauty, unfed +with wood, in waters, oil-enveloped. + + +12 The Das'tgvas : the Marutsare here said to have been the first performers +of sacrifice, the true Dasagvas, The priests so called belonged originally to the +race or school of Angiras. + +14 The second hemistich is very obscure. Sfiyana’s explanation (see Wilson) +is altogether unsatisfactory. + +* 1 The Floods* Child : or Son of the Waters, Apftmnap&t, a name of Agni as +born in the form of lightning from the waters of the aerial ocean or firmament. +Make them lovely: grace them with acceptance. + + + + +304 THE HYMNS OF IhOOKlL + +5 To him three Dames are offering food to feed him, Goddesses + +to the God whom none may injure. + +Within the waters hath he pressed, as hollows, and drinks +their milk who now are first made mothers. + +6 Here was the horse’s birth ; his was the sunlight. Save thou + +our princes from the oppressor’s onslaught. + +Him, indestructible, dwelling at a distance in forts unwrought +lies and ill spirits reach not. + +7 He, in whose mansion is the teeming Milch-cow, swells the + +Gods’ nectar and eats noble viands. + +The Son of Waters, gathering strength in waters, shines for his +worshipper to gwe him treasures. + +8 He who in waters with his own pure Godhead shines widely, + +law-abiding, everlasting— + +The other worlds are verily his branches, and plants are born +of him with all their offspring. + +9 The Waters’ Son hath risen, and clothed in lightning ascended + +up unto the curled cloud’s bosom ; + +And bearing with them his supremest glory the Youthful Ones, +gold-coloured, move around him. + +10 Golden in form is he, like gold to look on, his colour is like + +gold, the Son of Waters. + +When he is seated fresh from golden birth-place those who +present their gold give food to feed him. + +11 This the fair name and this the lovely aspect of him the Waters’ + +Son increase in secret. + +Whom here the youthful Maids together kindle, his food is +sacred oil of golden colour. + +12 Him, nearest Friend of many, will we worship with sacrifice + +and reverence and oblation. + +5 Three Dames .* 114, Saras vati, and Bh&rati, the personifications of sacred +prayer and worship. Within the mUcrs : Agni dwelt within the waters as their +unborn babe. + +C Here was the Worse’s birth: the produr^-'i * " m r* V!." 1, ■- . ■ y' .■ + +the Bunbut the meaning is doubtful. T ■■■•t ■.‘ ■ + +refer to the creation of the natural ho" ■ . ■. ■ . ‘ ■ + +heavenly horse, Biswas the sunlight: \ ■■■ V ' . , ■ . . + +t Brought: in the pasties of the clouds as opposed to the stone strongholds of men. + +9 The Youthful Ones ,* the rivers or waters of the aerial ocean. + +10 Golden in form • when wearing the shape of lightning. Those who present +their gold: the mstitutors of sacrilice who reward the priests, + +11 In secret.' Ap4mnap&t, the celestial Agni, increases and grows strong with¬ +out men seeing the process. The terrestrial Agni is kindled and tended by the +sister fingers and fed with oil or clarified butter. + +12 Nearest Friend of many ; lowest down, and so nearest to men, of all the +Gods. Make his back to shine : with butter offered in sacrifice. + + + +TEE RTQVEEA. + + +ETMN 30*] + +I make his back to shine, with chips provide him; I offer food- +and with my songs exalt him. + +13 The Bull hath laid his own life-germ within them. He sucks + +them as an infant, and they kiss him. , + +He, Son of Waters, of unfading colour, hath entered here as in +another’s body. + +14 While here he dwelleth in sublimest station, resplendent with + +the rays that never perish, + +The Waters, bearing oil to feed their offspring, flow, Youthful +Ones, in wanderings about him. + +15 Agni, I gave good shelter to the people, and to the princes + +goodly preparation. + +Blessed is all that Gods regard with favour. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMH XXXVI. Various Gods. + +Water and milk hath he endued, sent forth to thee : the men +have drained him with the Alters and the stones. + +Drink, Indra, from the Hotar’s bowl—Arst right is thine— +Soma hallowed and poured with Vashat and Svahfi. + +2 Busied with saeriAce, with spotted deer and spears, gleaming + +upon your way with ornaments, yea, our Friends, + +Sitting on sacred grass, ye Sons of Bharata, drink Soma from +the Potar’s bowl, 0 Men of heaven. + +3 Come unto us, ye swift to listen: as at home upon the sacred + +grass sit and enjoy yourselves. + +And, Tvashtar, well-content be joyful in the juice with Gods +and Goddesses in gladsome company. + + +13 Within them: within tlie waters. The Bull: apparently Agni himself. + +As in another's body : that is, fire originally celestial as Ap&mnap&t, has come +to men as terrestrial and sacrificial fire, contained in the wooden drill from +which it is produced by friction. + +15 As the result of my hymns to Agni our people have dwelt safely, and +our wealthy men have been enabled to offer well-conducted sacrifices. + + +1 The Soma juice has been pressed out with the stones, strained through +the filters, and then mixed with water and milk before it is offered to Indra. +The Botar's boiol: the sacred vessel held by the Hotar or Hotri, one of the +chief officiating priests. + +Vashat and SudM, meaning respectively ‘ may he (A’gni) bear' it (to the +Gods)’ and Ave 1 or Hail 1 are words of consecration and blessing used when +oblations are offered, + +2 Sons of Bharata: the Maruts, sons of RudrA the Warrior, Potar: +etymologically, Cleanser, the title of another of the priests. + +20 + + + +m the hymns of [book n. + +4 Bring the Gods hither, Sage, and offer sacrifice; at the three + +altars seat thee willingly, 0 Priest. + +Accept for thy delight the proffered Soma meath: drink' from +the Kindler’s bowl and fill thee with thy share. + +5 This is the strengthener of thy body's manly might: strength, + +victory for all time are placed within thine arms. + +, pressed for thee, Maghavan, it is offered unto thee : drink from +the chalice of this Brahman, drink thy fill. + +6 Accept the sacrifice; mark, both of you, my call: the Priest + +hath seated him after the ancient texts. + +My prayer that bids them come goes forth to both the Kings: +drink ye the Soma meath from the Director’s bowl. + +HYMN XXXVII. Various Gods. + +Enjoy thy fill of meath out of the Hotar’s eup : Adhyaryus, +he desires a full draught poured for him. + +Bring it him : seeking this he gives. Granter of Wealth, +drink Soma with the Ritus from the Hotar’s cup, + +2 He whom of old I called on, him I call on now. He is to be + +invoked; his name is He who Gives. + +Here brought by priests is Soma meath. Granter of Wealth, +drink Soma with the Ritus from the Potar’s cup. + +3 Fat may the horses be wherewith thou speedest on : Lord of + +the Wood, unharming, strengthen thou thyself. + +Drawing and seizing, Bold One, thou who grantest wealth, drink +Soma with the Ritus from the Neshtar’s cup. + +4 From Hotar’s cup and Potar’s he hath drunk and joyed : the + +proffered food hath pleased him from the Nesh tar’s bowl. + +The fourth cup undisturbed, immortal, let him drink who giveth +, wealth, the cup of the wealth-giving God. + +5 Yoke, O ye Twain, to-day your hero-bearing car, swift-moving + +hitherward: your loosing-place is here. + +Mix the oblations, then come hither with the meath, and drink +the Soma, ye rich in abundant strength. + +4 Sage ; Agiii. The Kindler: the Agnfdh, the priest who lights the fire. +The three altars: of the G&rhapatya, Ahavaniya, and Dakshina fires. + +6 Both the Kings: Mitra and Varuna. The Director: Pras&star, another +priest, first assistant of the Hotar. + +1 Agni is addressed as Dravinod&s or Wealth-giver. Adhmryus: minister¬ +ing priests. Tfa Rjt%s ; the Seasons or the deities presiding over the Seasons. +See 1.15. + +* 3 Lord of the Wood: Agni, regarded as the King of plants. The NesJdar's +cup : the Nesh tar is the priest who leads forward the wife of the sacrificer, ' +•. *5 0 ye Tmin; Asvins, + + + +BYMN 38.] , THE MOVED A. 307 + +6 Agni, accept the fuel and our offered gift: accept the prayer of +man, accept our eulogy. + +Do thou with all, with Ritu, 0 thou Excellent, fain, make the +great Gods all fain taste the gift we bring. + +HYMN XXXVIII. # Savitar. + +Uprisen is Savitar, this God, to quicken, Priest who neglects +not this most constant duty. + +To the Gods, verily, he gives rich treasure, and blesses him +who calls them to the banquet. + +2 Having gone up on high, the God broad-handed spreads his + +arms widely forth that all may mark him. + +Even the waters bend them to his service: even this wind rests +in the circling region. + +3 Though borne by swift steeds he will yet unyoke them,: e’en + +the fleet chariot hath he stayed from going. + +He hath checked e’en their haste who glide like serpents. +Night closely followed Savitar’s dominion. + +4 What was spread out she weaves afresh, re-weaving : the skilful + +leaves his. labour half-completed. + +He hath arisen from rest, and parted seasons; Savitar hath +approached, God, holy-minded. + +5 Through various dwellings, through entire existence, spreads, + +manifest, the household light of Agni. + +The Mother gives her Son the goodliest portion, and Savitar +hath sped to meet his summons. _ “ + +6 With alii with Ritu: the meaning is, apparently, with all the Kit us ; but +Ilitu in the text is in the singular number. + +1 To quicken: the meaning of Savitar, as a name of the Sun, being the great +generator or vivifier. Priest: vdhnih; or, perhaps, the supporter, or, the luminous. + +3 Their haste who glide like serpents; the speed of the fleet-footed horses +who draw the chariot of the Sun. + +4 The meaning of this stanza is obscure. I have given what appears to be +the sense of the words as they stand, but the verse, as a whole, is scarcely in¬ +telligible. Wilson, following S&yana, paraphrases it thus : 'She (Night), en¬ +wraps the extended (world) like (a woman) weaving (a garment): the prudent +man lays aside the work he is able (to execute) in the midst (of his labour):. +but all spring up (from repose) when the divine, unwearied Sun,'who has divid¬ +ed the seasons, again appears/ Roth takes ardniatih, which I have rendered +by holy-minded, as a substantive, the Genius of Devotion, and translates : + +( Again had the Weaver (Aramati) drawn in what she had spun out (the web +or tissue of devotion and sacrifice), the devout man had left off in the midst of. +his task (at the approach of night); then Aramati arises anew and arranges the +seasons ; the divine Savitar is present (i, e. morning returns)/ + +' 5 The Mother : Ushas or Dawn assigns to her Son Agni the Agnihotra rite +which is performed at;day-break, and Savitar, or the rising Sun, is present at. +the ceremony after the lighting of the sacrificial fire. Thus Agni is honoured +by deities in heaven as well as by men on earth, + + + +308 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1L + +6 He comes again, unfolded, fain for conquest: at liome was he, + +the love of all things moving. + +Each man hath come leaving his evil doings, after the Godlike +Savitar’s commandment. + +7 The wild beasts spread through desert places seeking their + +watery share which thou hast set in waters. + +The woods are given to the birds. These statutes of the God +Savitar none disobeyeth. + +8 With utmost speed, in restless haste at sunset Yaruna seeks + +his watery habitation. + +Then seeks each bird his nest, each beast his lodging. In due +place Savitar hath set each creature. + +9 Him whose high law not Yaruna nor Indra, not Mitra, Arya- + +man, nor Rudra breaketh, + +Nor evil-hearted fiends, here for my welfare him I invoke, +God Savitar, with worship. + +10 May they who strengthen bliss, and thought and wisdom, and + +the Dames’ Lord and Narasansa aid us. + +That good may come to us and wealth be gathered, may we +be Savitar the God’s beloved. + +11 So come to us our hearts’ desire, the bounty bestowed by thee, + +from heaven and earth and waters, + +That it be well with friends and those who praise thee, and, +Savitar, with the loud-lauding singer. + +HYMN XXXIX. Asvins. + +Sing like the two press-stones for this same purpose; come +like two misers to the tree of treasure; + +Like two laud-singing Brahmans in the assembly, like .the +; . folk’s envoys called in many places. + + +* 6 He comes again : Agni, re-kindled in the morning, resumes his full power. +He, whom all living beings love, was present, but latent, during the night. + +* 7 Savitar provides for the wild beasts of the desert and for the birds of the air. +^ 8 Though not generally regarded in the Veda as the God of the ocean, +Varuna is yet frequently connected with the waters, either of the firmament +or of earth. + +10 They who strengthen bliss ; the Gods in general. The Dames * Lord: the +guardian of the consorts of the Gods, Tvashtar, who is generally represented +as attending or attended by them. + +* Nardsansa; ‘ the Praise of Men/ a name of Agni. + +: 1 In this hymn the Asvins are compared to a number of objects, animate +aqd inanimate, in many of which the only point of resemblance is duality. +y$mg like the two press-stones: may your auspicious brightness as you approach +be aS clear as the ringing sound of the press-stones, and may similar blessings +reward the worshippers. * + + + +HYMN 40.] THE MOVED!. 309 + +2 Moving at morning like two car-borne heroes, like to a pair of + +goats ye come electing ; * + +Like two fair dames embellishing their bodies, like a wise mar¬ +ried pair among the people. + +3 Like to a pair of horns come first to us-ward, like to a pair of + +hoofs with rapid motion; + +Come like two Ghakwas in the grey of morning, come like two +ohariot wheels at dawn, ye Mighty. + +4 Bear us across the rivers like two vessels, save us as ye were + +yokes, naves, spokes, and fellies. + +Be like two dogs that injure not our bodies; preserve us, like +two crutches, that we fall not. + +5 Like two winds ageing not, two confluent rivers, come with + +quick vision like two eyes before us. + +Come like two hands most helpful to the body, and guide us +like two feet to what is precious. + +6 Even as two lips that with the mouth speak honey, even as + +two breasts that nourish our existence, + +Like the two nostrils that protect our being, be to us as our +ears that hear distinctly. + +7 Like two hands give ye us increasing vigour; like heaven and + +earth constrain the airy regions. + +Asvins, these hymns that struggle to approach you, sharpen ye +like an axe upon a whetstone. + +8 These prayers of ours exalting you, 0 Asvins, have the Gritsa- + +madas, for a laud, made ready. + +Welcome them, 0 ye Heroes, and oome'hither. Loud may we +speak, with brave^men, in assembly. + +HYMN XL. Soma and Pfish&n. + +Soma and Pushan, Parents of all riches, Parents of earth and +Parents of high heaven, + +Like tioo misers to the tree of treasure : as misers come to dig up the gold +they have buried at the foot of a tree, so come ye to the libation made of the +juice of the precious Soma plant. The folk's envoys: the messengers whom the ina- +titutors of sacrifices send to the priests when they wish- to. secure their servioes. + +2 Ye come electing: to choose and accept the offerings made. + +3 Ghakwds: the Chakrav&ka, or as it is now called in Hindi, the ChakwA, + +is a bird frequently mentioned in later poetry as a type of love and constancy. +The male bird and his mate are condemned to spend their nights on opposite +banks of a river, and are allowed to meet again in the early morning. The +English name of the bird is Brahmany duck. Chakwd, is properly the male +bird, and Chakwi the female. - + +1 Soma: addressed in this hymn is the God who represents and animates +the juice of the Soma plant. See I. 18. 4. + +PUshan; a solar deity who protects and multiplies cattle and other property, +See I, 42. + + + + +3i'o mz &rms op [book tt + +You Twain, brought forth as the whole world's protectors, the +Gods have made Centre of life eternal. + +2 At,birth of these two Gods all Gods are joyful: they have + +caused darkness, which we hate, to vanish. + +With these, with Soma and with Pushan, Indra generates ripe +warm milk in the raw milch-cows. + +3 Soma and Pushan, urge your chariot hithei*, the seven-wheeled + +car that measures out the region, + +That stirs not all, that moves to every quarter, five-reined and +harnessed by the thought, ye Mighty. + +4 One in the heaven on high hath made his dwelling, on earth + +and in the firmament the other. + +May they disclose to us great store of treasure, much-longed- +for, rich in food, source of enjoyment. + +5 One of you Twain is Parent of all creatures, the other journeys + +onward all-beholding. + +Soma and Pushan, aid my thought with favour : with you may +we overcome in all encounters. + +6 May Pushan stir our thought, the all-impelling, may Soma + +Lord of riches grant us riches. + +May Aditi the perfect Goddess aid us. Loud may we speak, +with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XLT. Various Deities. + +0 Vayu, come to us with all the thousand chariots that are +thine, + +* ■' Team-borne, to drink the Soma juice. + +2. Drawn by thy team, 0 Vayu, come; to thee is offered this, + +* .*■ the pure: + +. Thou visitest the presser’s house. + +3 Indra and Vayu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come to-day and +; drink + +•, Of the bright juice when blent with milk. + +■' 2 Pipe warm milk: see I. 62, 9. + +3 That stirs not all: that moves and influences the highest beings only. + +4 One in the heaven on high: Pushan, as a celestial God. The other: Soma, +/who dwells on earth in plants, and in the firmament as the Moon. + +' 5 One of you : Soma. With allusion, perhaps, to the libations of Soma juice +<which produce the rain upon which the production and growth of all creatures +depend. Albbeholding: as a solar deity, or the Sun. + +1 V&yu, the God of wind, is addressed in the first, two stanzas. • In those +' that follow the poet, invokes Indra and Vftyu, Mitra and Varuna, the Asvins, +Indra, the Vifjvedevas, Sarasvatt, and Heaven and Earth, ’ . + +€ + + + + +mi RtovEZu. m + +4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Law-strengtheners, Mitra- + +Yaruna! + +Listen ye here to this my call. + +5 Both Kings ,\v:ho never injure aught seat them‘in their suprem- + +^esTEome, + +The thousand-pillared, firmly-based. + +6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts, +They wait on him whose life is true. + +7 With kine, N&satyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, Kudras, + +to the house + +That will protect its heroes well; + +8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us + +may harm, + +Yea, no malicious mortal foe. + +9 As such, O longed-for Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied + +sort, + +Wealth that shall bring us room and rest. + +10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e’en mighty fear away, +For firm is he and swift to act. + +11 Indra be gracious unto us : sin shall not reach us afterward, +And good shall be before us still. + +12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security, +The foe-subduer, swift to act. + +13 0 all ye Gods, come hitherward : hear this mine invocation, + +seat + +Yourselves upon this sacred grass.* + +14 Among the Sunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening + +drau'ght: • + +Drink ye of this delightsome juice. + +15 Ye Maruts led by Indra, Gods with Pfishan for your bounte- + +'ousest, + +Hear all of you this call of mine. + +*/l6 Best Mother, best of Bivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvati, + +We are, as ; twere, of no impute: dear Mother, give thou us +renown. + + +14 Among the Sunahotras : the family of whichGritsamada, the Rishi of the +hymn, was a member. Cf. II. 18. 6, note. + +15 With Piishan for your bounteoumt: that is, among whom Pushan is the +most liberal giver of good gifts ; or the meaning may be, whose benefactor Is +Pnshan. + +10 Sarasvati: see I. 3. 10, + + + +312 THE HYMNS OH [BOOK 11, + +17 In thee, Sarasvati, divine, all generations have their stay. + +Be glad with Sunahotra’s sons : 0 Goddess grant us progeny. + +18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvati, these prayers of ours, +Thoughts which Gritsamadas beloved of Gods bring, Holy One, + +to thee. + +19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both, +And Agni who conveys our gifts. + +20 This our effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and + +Earth + +Present unto the Gods to-day. + +21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit + +them down + +To-day to drink the Soma here. + +HYMN XLII. Kapinjala. + +Telling his race aloud with cries repeated, he sends his voice +out as his boat a steersman. + +0 Bird, be ominous of happy fortune; from no side may +calamity befall thee. + +2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle : let not the arrow¬ + +bearing archer reach thee. + +Still crying in the region of the Fathers, speak here auspicious, +bearing joyful tidings. + +3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly + +southward of our dwellings, + +So that no thief, no sinner may oppress us. Loud may we +speak, with heroes, in assembly. + +HYMN XL1II; Kapinjala. + +Here on the right sing forth chanters of hymns of praise, even +the winged birds that in due season speak. + + +19 Ye who bless sacrifice; according to S&yana, the two havirdhdnas or +vehicles on which the Soma and other offerings are put, and which are sup¬ +posed to represent Heaven and Earth, are addressed. It is more likely, as +Ludwig suggests, that Agni and the human priest are intended. f We choose +you both, thee, the human priest, and Agni the God.’ + +This Hymn is said to he addressed to Indra in the form of a kapinjala, +the bird which we call the Francoline partridge. + +1 He : the kapinjala. + +2 In the region of the Fathers: towards the quarter where the Fathers +Pitaras, or spirits of deceased ancestors dwell, that is, the south, the cry of +birds from that quarter being regarded as auspicious. + +This Hymn is said to be addressed, like the preceding, to Indra in the form +of a kapinjala or Francoline partridge. + + + + +HYMN 43.] * TEE RIGVEBA. + +He, like a Sama-chanter utters both the notes, skilled in the +mode of Trishtup and of Gayatri. + +2 Thou like the chanter-priest chantest the S&ma, Bird; thou + +singest at libations like a Brahman's son. • + +Even as a vigorous horse when he comes near the mare, an- +. nounce to us good fortune, Bird, oil every side, proclaim in +all directions happy luck, 0 Bird. + +3 When singing here, 0 Bird, announce good luck to us, and + +when thou sittest still think on us with kind thoughts. +When flying off thou singest thou art like a lute. + +With brave sons in assembly may we speak aloud. + + +1 Sdma-chanter: the Udg&fcar, one of the four chief priests whose duty is +to chant the hymns of the Samaveda. Both the notes • a high and a middle, +Trishtup : the measure consisting of forty-four syllables in a verse or stanza ; +four PAdas or demi-hemistichs of eleven syllables each. G&yatrt: the measure +consisting of twenty-four syllables in a stanza, three lines of eight syllables +each, or one line of sixteen and one of eight. + +2 A Brahman 1 2 8 son : the Brahmaputra, or Brahman-priest^s son, is said to be +the same as the Br&hmau&chchhansi, one of the sixteen priests, who recites +the mantra that iB not to be sung or chanted. + + + +Jr + + +t + +i + + +X + + + +BOOK THE THIRD, + + +HYMN I. + + +Agni. + + +Thou, Agni, who wilt have the strong, hast made me the Soma’s +priest, to worship in assembly. + +Thou shinest to the Gods, I set the press-stones. I toil; be +joyful in thyself, 0 Agni. + +2 East have we turned the rite ; may the hymn aid it. With + +wood and worship shall they honour Agni. + +From heaven the synods of the wise have learnt it: e’en for +the quick and strong they seek advancement. + +3 The Prudent, he whose will is pure, brought welfare, allied by + +birth to Heaven and Earth in kinship. + +The Gods discovered in the midst of waters beautiful Agni +with the Bisters’ labour. + + +i Him, Blessed One, the Seven strong Floods augmented, him +white at birth and red when waxen mighty. + +As mother mares run to their new-born youngling, so at his +birth the Gods wondered at Agni* + + +The Hymns of Book III. are ascribed to the Rishi Visv&mitra or to mem¬ +bers of his family. Visv&mitra holds an important place in Indian, tradition, +according to which he was born a Kshatriya, but by the virtue of his intense +' austerities raised himself to the Br&hman caste. The rivalry between Visvamitra +and the Rishi Vasishtlia is alluded to in many passages of the Rigveda, and, +it is thought that as caste distinctions had not at that time become fixed, the +later stories on the subject of this rivalry may have rested on a Vedic legend +- which says that King Sud&s, having employed Vasishtha as his domestic priest, +allowed on various occasions Visvftmitra also to officiate, which led to jealousies +and quarrel between these two functionaries. The story of Visvamitra is told +• at full length in the Mmdyana ,, I. 51—55, (Schlegel’s edition, and Griffith s + + +translation). + +The first and eleven following hymns are ascribed to Visvamitra himself. + +1 Past have we turned the rite • towards the region of the Gods ; ‘we have +performed a successful sacrifice.’—Wilson. + +2 The quick and strong ; Agni, according to S&yana. Ludwig suggests that +* the quick, or clever’ may mean the priest, and ‘ the strong ’ the warrior, tne +Maghavan or institutor of the sacrifice. + +3 The Prudent: all-knowing Agni, son of Heaven and Earth. . + +Witk.the Sisters' labour: the meaning is not dear, Ludwig- suggests upast +instead of apdsi ; ‘ in the sisters’ bosom,’ in tbe depth of the sister rivers,. • _ - + + + +318 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1IL + +5 Spreading with radiant limbs throughout the region, purging + +his power with wise purifications, + +Robing himself in light, the life of waters, he spreads abroad +his high and perfect glories. + +6 He sought heaven’s Mighty Ones, the Unconsuming, the un-* + +impaired, not clothed and yet not naked. + +Then they, ancient and young, who dwell together, Seven sound¬ +ing Rivers, as one germ received him. + +7 His piles, assuming every form, are scattered where flow sweet + +waters, at the spring of fatness; + +There stood the milch-kine with full-laden udders, and both +paired Mighty Mothers of the Wondrous. + +8 Carefully cherished, Son of Strength, thou shonest assuming + +lasting and refulgent beauties. + +Pull streams of fatness and sweet juice descended, there where +the Mighty One grew strong by wisdom. + +9 Prom birth he knew even his Father’s bosom, he set his voices + +and his streams in motion; + +Knew him who moved with blessed Friends in secret, with the +young Dames of heaven. He stayed not hidden. + +10 He nursed the Infant of the Sire and Maker : alone the Babe + +sucked many a teeming bosom. + +Guard, for the Bright and Strong, the fellow-spouses friendly +to men and bound to him in kinship. + +11 The Mighty One increased in space unbounded; full many a + +glorious flood gave strength to Agni. . + +Friend of the house, within the lap of Order lay Agni, in the ' +Sister Rivers’ service. + + +8 Heaven*s mighty Ones ; the waters above the firmament, the seven rivers +of the next hemistich. Not clothed and yet not naked; having only the lucid +waters for robes. + +7 His piles: the heaped clouds. Spring of fatness ; the place whence the +fertilizing rain flows. The milch-kine also are the laden clouds, and the paired +Mighty Mothers are Heaven and Earth, the parents of the Wondrous Agni. + +9 His Father's bosom : his father, according to S&yana, is the firmament ; +hut as the firmament is not represented in the Veda as a*God, Dyaus, or Tyash- +tar, is probably intended, as Ludwig suggests. + +The blessbd Friends must be the Ribhus, and the young Dames the Gn&s or +consorts of the Gods. He stayed not hidden ; refers not to Agni but to his +father, Tvashtar. + +10 He .* the father. Many a swelling bosom : of the celestial Waters. + +The Bright and Strong : Agni. The fellow-spouses ; Heaven and Earth, or +Right and Morning. + +31 In the Sister Fivers* service : or in their bosom, if upasi may be read for + + + +JTYMNl.] TBE RIGYEDA, 317 + +12 As keen supporter where great waters gather, light-shedder + +whom the brood rejoice to look on; + +He who begat, and will beget, the dawn-lights, most manly, +C hild, of Floods, is youthful Agni. + +13 Him, varied in his form, the lovely Infant of floods and plants + +the blessfed wood hath gendered. + +Gods even, moved in spirit, came around him, and served him +at his birth, the Strong, the Wondrous. + +14 Like brilliant lightnings, mighty luminaries accompany the + +light-diffusing Agni, + +Waxen, as ’twere in secret, in his dwelling, while in the +boundless stall they milk out Amrit. + +15 I sacrificing serve thee with oblations and crave with longing + +thy good-will and friendship. + +Grant, with the Gods, thy grace to him who lauds thee, pro¬ +tect us with thy rays that guard the homestead. + +16 May we, 0 Agni, thou who leadest wisely, thy followers and + +masters of all treasures, + +Strong in the glory of our noble offspring, subdue the godless +when they seek the battle. + +17 Ensign of Gods hast thou become, 0 Agni, joy-giver, knower + +of all secret wisdom. + +Friend of the homestead, thou hast lightened mortals : car- +borne thou goest to the Gods, fulfilling. + +18 Within the house hath sate the King Immortal of mortals, + +filling full their sacred synods. + +Bedewed with holy oil he shineth widely, Agni, the knower of +all secret wisdom. + +19 Come unto us with thine auspicious friendship, come speeding, + +Mighty, with thy mighty succours. + +Grant us abundant wealth that saves from danger, that brings +a good repute, a glorious portion. + +20 To thee who art of old these songs, 0 Agni, have I declared, + +the ancient and the later. + +These great libations to the Strong are offered : in every birth +is Jatavedas stablished. + +12 The brood; par excellence , the host of Maruts. + +13 The hlessbd wood: one of the fire-sticks by which Agni is kindled. + +H The boundless stall: limitless aerial spaoe. Amrit: water, according to +S&yana. + +17' Thou goest to the Gods, fulfilling : completing our sacrifices and making +them effectual. + +20 Songs : literally, births ; that is, productions. In every birth is Jdtave- +das staMished ; Agni who knows all life is appointed in every generation aa +the great high priest who mediates between Gods and men. + + + +318 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK UL + +21 Stablishe4 in every birth is J&tavedas, kindled perpetual by +the Visvamitras. + +May we rest ever in the loving-kindness, in the auspicious +grace of him the Holy. + +2.2 This sacrifice of ours do thou, 0 Mighty, 0 truly Wise, bear +to the Gods rejoicing. + +Grant us abundant food, thou priestly Herald, vouchsafe to +give us ample wealth, OAgni. + +23 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, +lasting, rich in marvels. + +To us be born a son, and spreading offspring. Agni, be this +thy gracious will tp us-ward, + +HYMN II. Agni. + +To him, Yaisvanaya, who strengthens Holy Law, to Agni we +present our praise like oil made pure. + +. With thoughtful insight human priests bring him anear, our +Herald from of old, as an axe forms a car. + +2 He made the heaven and earth resplendent by his birth : Child + +of two Mothers he was meet to be implored, + +Agni, oblation-bearer, gracious, ever-young, infallible, rich in +radiant light, the guest of men. + +3 Within the range of their surpassing power, by might, the + +Gods created Agni with inventive thought. + +I, eager to win strength, address him, like a steed, resplendent +with his brilliance, with his ample light. + +4 Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength + +confident, choice-worthy, meet to be extolled : + +The Bhrigus* bounty, willing, strong with sages* lore, even' +Agni shining forth with light that comes from heaven. + +5 For happiness, men, having trimmed the sacred grass, set + +Agni glorious for his strength before them here; + +Yea, with raised ladles, him bright, dear to all the Gods, +perfecting aims of works, Budra of solemn rites. + + +1 Vanvdmrct: Agni who belongs to all men; the God of all Aryan +families. + +Our praise: literally * the wish,’ explained by Sayana as stutim } that is the +praise which thou wishest for and which we now offer, + +% Child of two Mothers .* of Heaven and Barth, or of the two fire-sticks. + +4 The Bhrigus' bounty: Agni, the treasure which the Blirigua received • +from M&tarisvan and bestowed on other nien. ■ + +1 0 Mudra; here a synonym* of Agni. See I, 27,10, + + + + +HYMN II.] THE RIG VEDA, 310 + +6 Around tli 3 T dwelling-place, O brightly-shining Priest, are men + +at sacrifice whose sacred grass is trimmed. + +Wishing to do thee service, Agni, they are there, desirous of +thy friendship: grant them store of wealth. + +7 He hath filled heaven and earth and the great realm of light,. + +when at his birth the skilful held him in their hold. + +He like a horse is led 1 forth to. the sacrifice, Sage>. graciously +inclined, that he may win us strength. + +8 Honour the oblation-bearer, him who knows fair rites, serve + +ye the Household Friend who knows all things that be. + +He drives the chariot of the lofty ordinance: Agni most +active, is the great High Priest of Gods. + +9 They who are free from- death, fain for him, purified three + +splendours of the mighty Agni, circling all. + +To man, for his enjoyment, one of these they gave; the other +two have passed into the sister sphere. + +10 Man's sacrificial food hath sharpened like an a^e, for bright¬ + +ness, him the Sage of men, the people's Lord. + +Busied with sacred rites he mounts and he descends^ He hath +laid down his vital germ within these worlds. + +11 He stirs with life in wombs (dissimilar in kind, born as a Lion + +or a loudly-bellowing Bull; + +Vaisvanara immortal with wide-reaching might, bestowing +goods and wealth on him who offers gifts. + +12 Vaisvanara, as of old, mounted the cope of heaven, heaven's + +ridge, well greeted, by those skilled in noble songs. + +He, as of old, producing riches for the folk, still watchful, tra¬ +verses the common way again. + +13 For new prosperity we seek to Agni, him whose course is splen¬ +did, gold-haired, excellently bright, + +Whom Matarisvan stablished, dweller in the heaven, meet for +high praise and holy, sage and true to Law. + +7 He: Agni. The skilful: the priests. + +8 He drives the chariot: he is the leader of sacrifice ordained by holy law. + +0 They who are free from death: the immortal Gods. Three splendours: +with reference to his appearance as the Sun, the lightning, and domestic fire, +the last of which is given to man as his own special possession. + +2 0 Within these, worlds: the germ of fire is always latent in the fire-sticks +or two pieces of wood which are employed to produce the flame. + +11 Born as a Lion: destructive and voracious, and as a loudly-bellowing Bull , +with reference to his strength and the roar of his flames. + +12 The common way: the path of the Gods, which as the- Sun he travels +oyer. + + + +320 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOH m. + +H As pare and swift of course, beholder of the light, who stands +in heaven's bright sphere a sign, who wakes at dawn, + +Agni, the head of heaven, whom, none may turn aside—to him +the Bowerful with mighty prayer we seek. + +T$ The cheerful Priest, the pure, in whom no guile is found, Friend +of the House, praise-worthy, dear to all mankind, + +Fair to behold for beauty like a splendid car,—Agni the Friend +of men we ever seek for wealth. + +HYMN III. Agni. + +To him who shines afar, Vaisvanara, shall bards give precious +things that he may go on certain paths : + +For Agni the Immortal serves the Deities, and therefore never +breaks their everlasting laws. + +-2 He, wondrous envoy, goes between the earth and heaven, firm- +seated as the Herald, great High Priest of men. + +He compasseth with rays the lofty dwelling-place, Agni, sent +forward by the Gods, enriched with prayer. + +3 Sages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacri¬ + +fice, who fills the synod full ; + +In whom the singers have stored up their holy acts: to him +the worshipper looks for joy and happiness. + +4 The Sire of sacrifice, great God of holy bards, Agni, the measure + +and the symbol of the priests, + +Hath entered heaven and earth that show in varied form: the +Sage whom many love rejoiceth in his might. + +5 Bright Agni with the bright car, Lord of green domains, YAisva- + +nara dweller in the floods, who finds the light, + +Pervading, swift and wild, encompassed round with powers, +him very glorious have the Gods established here. + +6 Agni, together with the Gods and Manu's folk by thought ex¬ + +tending sacrifice in varied form, + +Goes, car-borne, to and fro with those who crown each rite, the +fleet, the Household Friend, who turns the curse aside. + + +14 Who wakes at dawn: when re-kindled for the morning sacrifice. + +1 That he may go on certain 'paths; may constantly visit men. + +2 The lofty dwelling-place; the hall or chamber in which sacrifice is celebrated. +Lord of green domains : who has dominion over bushes and trees, + +- 6 To and fro: between heaven and earth. , $how who crown each rite; the +Qod» who make sacrifice effectual. + + + +EYMN 4 .] + + +TUB RIG VEDA, + + +321 + + +7 Sing, Agni, for long life to us and noble sons : teem thou with + +plenty, shine upon us store of food. + +Increase the great man’s strength, thou ever-vigilant: thou, +longing for the Gods, knowest their hymns full well. + +8 The Mighty One, Lord of the people and their guest, the + +leader of their thoughts, devoted Friend of priests, + +.Our solemn rites’ announcer, datavedas, men with worship +ever praise, with urgings for their weal. + +.9 Agni the God resplendent, giver of great joy, hath on his +lovely car compassed the lands with might. + +Let us with pure laudations in his house approach the high +laws of the nourisher of multitudes. + +M> I celebrate thy glories, 0 Yaisvanara, wherewith thou, 0 far¬ +sighted God, hast found the light. + +Thou filledst at thy birth both worlds, ;the -earth and heaven : +all this, 0 Agni, hast thou compassed of thyself. + +J'l By his great skill the Sage alone hath brought to pass a great +deed, mightier than Yaisvanara 5 s wondrous acts. + +Agni sprang into being, magnifying both his Parents, Heaven +and Earth, rich in prolific seed. + +HYMN IY. AprIs. + +Be friendly with each kindled log of fuel, with every flash +bestow the boon of riches. + +Bring thou the Gads, O God, unto our worship: serve, well- +inclined, as Friend thy friends, 0 Agni. + +2 Agni whom daily Yaruna and Mitra the Gods bring thrice a +day to this our worship, + +Tananapat, enrich with meath our service that dwells with +holy oil, that offers honour. + + +7 The great man's strength: the strength of the eminent man who is the +institutor of the sacrifice. + +# Approach the high laws: perform tlie sacrifices.—M. Muller. + +11 The first hemistich of this stanza is somewhat obscure. S&y ana’s +paraphrase as given by Wilson is : ‘ From acts that are acceptable* to + +Yaisvanara comes great (wealth) ; for ho, the sage (Agni) alone, bestows (the +reward) of zeal in (the performance of) his worship.’ + +The Apris who are said to be the deities of this hymn are the divine or + +deified beings and objects to which F’' . :i ’’ 1 "? verses are addressed. + +The hymn, as Wilson remarks, * is*" more , ■ ^ \ : ‘ -i obscure than any of +the preceding addressed to the Apris, except Sfikta III, of the Second +Mandala [II. 3.], to which it bears the nearest analogy : they are both perhaps +of somewhat later date than the others.’ + +2 Tavilnapdt: a name of Agni ; * Child of Thyself’ See X, 12 f 2. + +81 + + +322 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK III + +3 The thought thatbringeth every boon proceedeth to worship + +first the Priest of the libation, + +That we may greet the Strong One with otfr homage. Urged, +may he bring the Gods, best Sacrificer. + +4 On high" your way to sacrifice was made ready; the radiant + +flames went upward to the regions. + +Full in the midst of heaven the Priest is seated : strew we +the sacred grass where Gods may rest them. + +5 Claiming in mind the seven priests’ burnt-oblations, inciting + +all, they came in settled order. + +To this our sacrifice approach the many who show in hero +beauty at assemblies. + +6 Night and Dawn, lauded, hither come together, both smiling, + +different are their forms in colour, + +That Varuna and Mitra may accept us, and Indra, girt by +Maruts, with his glories. + +7 I crave the grace of heaven’s two chief Invokers: the seven + +swift steeds joy in their wonted manner. + +These speak of truth, praising the truth eternal, thinking on +Order as the guards of Order. + +8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, I]a accordant with the Gods, + +with mortals Agni, + +Sarasvati with all her kindred Rivers, come to this grass, Three +Goddesses, and seat them. + +9 Well pleased with us do thou 0 God, 0 Tvashtar, give ready + +issue to our procreant vigour, + +Whence springs "the hero, powerful, skilled in action, lover of +Gods, adjuster of the press-stones. + +10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests; and let the +Immolator, Agni, dress it. + +He as the truer Priest shall offer worship, for the Gods’ genera¬ +tions well he knoweth. + +4 Your way ; a path for Agni and the Barkis or sacred grass, the God and +the deified object addressed in the stanza. + +In the midst of heaven; in the centre of the radiant hall of sacrifice, as +SSyana explains it. + +5 This stanza refers to the deified doors of the hall of sacrifice, and to the +deities who preside over them. + +7 Heaven's two chief Invokers: Agni and perhaps Yaruna. See I. 13.8. + +The seven swift steeds ; seven ministering priests. + +8 Bhdrati , lid, and Sarasvati are Goddesses presiding over different depart¬ +ments of religious worship. See I. 13. 9. The name of Agni is inserted some¬ +what uiiCGimecfcedly. + +10 Lord of Forests: Vanaspati, a large tree; here the sacrificial post which +is said to be a form of Agni. + +-Truer Priest: as compared with human priests, + + + + +THE MOVE DA. + + +323 + + +HYMN 5 .] + + +11 + + +Come thou to us, 0 Agni, duly kindled, together with the +potent Gods and Indra. + +On this our grass sit Aditi, happy Mother, and let our Hail! +delight the Gods Immortal. + + +HYMN V. + + +Agni. + + +Agni who shines against the Dawns is wakened, the holy +Singer who precedes the sages. + +With far-spread lustre, kindled by the pious, the Priest hath +thrown both gates of darkness open. + +2 Agni hath waxen mighty by laudations, to be adored with + +hymns of those who praise him. + +Loving the varied shows of holy Order at the first flush of dawn +he shines as envoy. + +3 Amid men’s homes hath Agni been established, fulfilling with + +the Law, Friend, germ of watei*s. + +Loved and adored, the height he hath ascended, the Singei*, +object of our invocations. + + +4 Agni is Mitra when enkindled duly, Mitra as Priest, Vanina, +Jatavedas; + +Mitra as active minister and House-Friend, Mitra of flowing +rivers and of mountains. + + +5 The Earth’s, the Bird’s dear lofty place he guardeth, he guard- + +eth in his might the course of Surya, + +Guardeth the Seven-headed in the centre, guardeth sublime the +Deities’ enjoyment. + +6 The skilful God who knows all forms of knowledge made for + +himself a fair form, meet for worship. + +This Agni guards with care that never ceases the Soma’s skin, +the Bird’s place rich in fatness. + + +II Happy Mother: literally, having excellent sons, the Adityas, + +I Who shines against ike Dawns: rekindled for the morning sacrifices. + +Who precedes the sages: as their guide and teacher. The Priest: Agni, + +3 The height: the place called the north altar, says S&yana. Perhaps the +height of heaven may be intended. + +4 Agni is here identified with Mitra, the Sun, and both these Gods are +identified with Varuna. + +5 The dear lofty place of the earth may he the altar, or the eastern point. +The Bird is the Sun who flies through heaven. The Seven headed , said by +S&yana to be the host of Maruts, is more probably the Sun drawn by his seven +horses. + +6 The Soma’s sTdn ; the meaning of the words sasasya ckdrma is not clear. +An envelope or a covering, which in some mystical way is supposed to conceal +the Soma-plant, appears to be intended. The Bird's place: the station of the +Sun, who is adored with oblations of clarified butter. + + + + +324 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III. + +7 Agni hath entered longingly the longing shrine rich with fat¬ + +ness, giving easy access. + +. Kesplendent, pure, sublime, and purifying, again, again he +renovates his Mothers. + +8 Bom suddenly, by plants he grew to greatness, when tender + +shoots with holy oil increased him, + +Like waters lovely when they hasten downward : may Agni +in his Parents 5 lap protect us. + +9 Extolled, the Strong shone forth with kindled fuel to the + +eartlVs centre, to the height of heaven. + +May Agni, Friend, adorable Matarisvan, as envoy bring the +Gods unto our \yorship. + +JO Best of all luminaries lofty Agni supported with hi$ flame +' the height of heaven, + +When, far from Bhrigus, M4tari§van kindled the oblation- +bearer yrhere he lay in secret. + +JJ, As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, +lasting, rich in marvels. + +To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this +thy gracious will to us-ward. + +HYMN VI. Agni, + +Urged on by deep devotion, 0 ye singers, bring, pious ones, +the God-approaching ladle. + +Borne onward to the right it travels eastward, and, filled with +oil, to Agni bears oblation, + +2 Thou at thy birth didst fill both earth and heaven, yea, Most +Adorable, thou didst exceed them. + +Even through the heayen's and through the earth’s expanses +let thy swift seven-tongued flames roll on, 0 Agni. + + +7 His Mothers ; or his parents, Heaven and Barth, who ara strengthened +and restored to thoir youth by sacrifice. + +The plants are the twigs used £*s fuel, and the tender shoots are the bunch +of grass used in sprinkling the clarified butter pver the fire. + +9 The earth!s centre: earth’s most important place, the altar. + +In the secqnd hemistich Agni is identified with IVfatarisvap the divine or +semi-divine being who brought him from heaven. + +10 Far from Bhfigus: the words in the text WQuld seem to mean that +Matarisvan took the fire from the Bhrigus ; but, as Ludwig suggests, pari +perhaps implies separation. S&yana explains Bhrigus in this place by rays +of the Sun. + +* 1 The C ■ 7 ..' T - ladle : the sacrificial ladle with which the oblation + +of clarifie ‘ 1 . : . offered to the Gods. + +Borne onward to the right: or to the south of the fire-altar. According to +Ludwig, bearing the sacrificial gift. + + + +BYMJST 6 ;] THE MIG VEX) A: 825 + +3 Both Heaven and Earth and Gods who shohld be worshipped! + +establish thee as Priest for every dwelling, + +Whenever hUtlistn faniilies, God-devdted, bringing oblations, +laud thy splendid lustre; + +4 Firxh in the Gods’ home is the Mighty seated,- between vast + +Heaven and Earth, the well-beloved— +those' Cows! who’ yield, Unharmdd, their neetar, Spouses of the +Far-Strider, ever-young, United. + +& Great are the deeds of thee, the Great, 0 Agni: thou by thy +power hast spread out earth and heaven. + +As soon as thou wast bdrri thou wast an envoy, thou,- Mighty +One, wast Leader of the people. + +6 Bind to the pole with cords of holy Order thy long-maned +ruddy steeds who sprinkle fatiiess. + +Bring hither, 0 thou God, all Gods together: provide them +noble worship, Jatavedas. + +t Even from the sky thy brilliant lights shone hither: still +hast thou beamed through many a radiant morning, + +That the Gods praised: their joyous Herald’s labour eUgerly +burning, Agni, in the forests. + +8 The Gods who take delight in air’s Wide region, or those the + +dwellers in heaven’s realm of brightness, + +Or those, the Holy, prompt to hear, our helpers, who, car- +borne, turn their horses hither, Agni— + +9 With these, borne on One car, Agni, approaoh its, or borne on + +many, for thy steeds are able. + +Bring, with their Dames, the Gods, the Three-and-Thirty, +after thy Godlike nature, and be joyfuL + +10 He is the Priest at Whose repeated worship even wide Heaven + +and Earth sing out for increase; + +They fair and true and holy coming forward stand at his +sacrifice who springs from Order. + +11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, + +lasting, rich in marvels. + +To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this +thy gracious will to us-ward. + + +4 The Mighty : Agni. Those Cows : Heaven and Earth who yield all bless¬ +ings, here called also the spouses of Vishnu the God of the mighty stride, +that is, the Sun, or as S&yana says, of the far-extending Agni, + +9 The Three-and'Thirty; see L 34, 11. + + + + +326 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 111, + +HYMN VII. Agni. + +The seven tones risen from the white-backed viand have +made their way between the pair of Mothers. + +Both circumjacent Parents come together : to yield us length +of days they hasten forward. + +2 The Male who dwells in heaven hath Mares. and Milchkine: + +he came to Goddesses who bring' sweet treasure. + +To thee safe resting in the seat of Order the Cow alone upon +her way procecdeth. + +3 Wise Master, wealthy finder-out of riches, he mounted those + +who may with ease be guided. + +He, dark-backed, manifold with varied aspect, hath made +them burst forth from their food the brush-wood. + +4 Strength-giving streams bear hither him eternal, fain to sup¬ + +port the mighty work of Tvashtar. + +He, flashing in his home with all his members, hath entered +both the worlds as they were single. + +5 They know the red Bull's blessing, and are joyful under the + +flaming-coloured Lord's dominion: + +They who give shine from heaven with fair effulgence, whose +lofty song like I]a must be honoured. + + +This hymn and the five following are ascribed to the Itishi Visv&mitra. + +1 The seven tones are the hymns sung in seven tones, or metres. The +white-backed viand is the Soma mingled with milk, and the pair of Mothers +or Mother and Father are Heaven and Earth whose intermediate space the +hymns have reached. The circumjacent Parents are Heaven and Earth. The +construction in the first half of the stanza is difficult, the masculine form +ye being apparently used for the feminine. S&yana inserts rasmayah, rays, +which he makes the subject of the first sentence, and explains dMs% viand, +by c the all-sustaining Agni,’ and saptd vftnth, seven voices or tones, by ‘the +Sowing rivers.’ The hymn is full of difficulties ; * an intentionally obscure +hymn,’ says Professor Grassmann, * whose partially corrupt text cannot, on +account, of this obscurity, be satisfactorily re-established.’ + +. 2 The Male who dwells in heaven: celestial Agni. The Mares and Milch - +kine are the Goddesses of the air. To thee: to Agni. + +The Cow; V&k the Goddess of Speech, i. e. speech itself, prayer. + +3 Wise Master ; Agni. Those: his mares, the rapidly advancing flames +'that bear him onward. Dark-backed: with smoke. + +4 Strength-giving streams: the waters of the air which bring down the +embryo Agni in rain. The mighty work of Tvashtar : the whole creation, or, +as there is no substantive expressed, the son of Tvashtar, the Sun, may be +intended. As they were single; hath pervaded and illumined heaven and +earth simultaneously, as though they were one world. + +§ The red Bull: Agni, They; perhaps the Gods, lid : Prayer or Praise* + + + +ITTMN 8.] THE RIG VEDA. W + +6 Yea, by tradition from the ancient sages they brought great + +strength from the two mighty Parents, + +To where the singer’s Bull, the night’s dispeller, after his +proper law hath waxen stronger. + +7 Seven holy singers guard with five Adhvaryus the Bird’s + +beloved firmly-settled station. + +The willing Bulls, untouched by eld, rejoice them: as Gods +themselves the ways of Gods they follow. + +■ 8 I crave the grace of heaven’s two chief Invokers: the seven +swift steeds joy in their wonted manner. + +These speak of truth, praising the Truth Eternal, thinking +on Order as the guards of Order. + +9 The many seek the great Steed as a stallion: the reins obey +the Lord of varied colour. + +0 heavenly Priest, most pleasant, full of wisdom, bring the +great Gods to us, and Earth and Heaven. + +10 Rich Lord, .the Mornings have gleamed forth in splendour, + +fair-rayed, '*-■'» , 1 '. r. worshipped with all viands, + +Yea, with th ■ :! earth, 0 Agni. Forgive us, for + +our weal, e’en sin committed. + +11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, + +lasting, rich in marvels. + +To us be born a son, and spreading offspring. Agni, be this +thy gracious,* will to us-ward. + +HYMN VIII. Sacrificial Post. + +God-serving men, 0 Sovran of the Forest, with heavenly +meath at sacrifice anoint thee. + +Grant wealth to us when thou art standing upright as when +reposing on this Mother’s bosom. + +' 6 They ; the men who first honoured Agni who is called the singer's Bulb +the strong God who protects his worshipper. + +7 Adhvaryus: ministering priests. The Bird: the rapidly-flying Agni. +The willing Bulls: the zealous priests, who in this stanza are boldly called +Oods. ‘Ci 'Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are Gods V (St. John, x. 11). + +8 Heaven's two chief Invohers: or Hotars; according to S&yana, the celestial +and the terrestrial Agni. This stanza is repeated from III. 4. 7. + +9 The many ; the. adjective is feminine and has no substantive expressed. +The Dawns may be intended, or perhaps libations. + +II This concluding stanza is the burden of several hymns of this Booh, +and there is considerable variation in S&yaua’s interpretation of it in the +different places in which it occurs. + +1 0 Sovran of the Forest: the tall tree (vanaspdtiJ out of which is made +the sacrificial post to which the victim is tied. The post when consecrated +is a deified object and is regarded as a form of Agni. + +With heavenly meath : or balm; sacred oil or clarified butter. For a full +account of the ceremony of anointing the Sacrificial Post, see Hau^s Aitarev. +Br&hmanam, Vol. II. pp. 74-78. + + + +328 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK TIL + +2 Set up to eastward of the fire enkindled, accepting prayer + +that wastes not, rich in heroes, + +Driving far from us poverty and famine, lift thyself up to +bring us great good fortune. + +3 Lord of the Forest, raise thyself up on the loftiest spot of + +earth. + +Give splendour, fixt and measured well, to him who brings +the sacrifice. + +4 Well-robed, enveloped, he is come, the youthful: springing to + +life his glory waxeth greater. + +Contemplative in mind and God-adoring, sages of high in¬ +telligence upraise him. + +. 5 Sprung up he rises in the days’ fair weather, increasing in +the men-frequented synod. + +With song the wise and skilful consecrate him: his voice the +God-adoring singer utters. + +6 Ye whom religious men have firmly planted; thou Forest- + +Sovran whom the axe hath fashioned,— + +Let those the Stakes divine which here are standing be fain +to grant us wealth with store of children. + +7 0 men who lift the ladles up, these hewn and planted in the + +ground, + +Bringing a blessing to the field, shall bear our precious gift +to Gods. + +8 Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, careful leaders, Earth, Heaven, and + +Prithivi and Air’s mid-region, + +Accordant Deities, shall bless our worship and make our +sacrifice’s ensign lofty. + +9 Like swans that flee in lengthened line, the Pillars h^ve come + +to us arrayed in brilliant colour. + +They, lifted up on high, by sages, eastward, go forth as Gods +to the Gods’ dwelling-places. + +10 Those Stakes upon the earth with rings that deck them seem +to the eye like horns of horned creatures ; + +3 The loftiest $jpot of earth ; the altar. + +4 Well-robed, enveloped: with a cord or garland. + +5 In the days■ fair weather: when the periodical Rains are over. + +7 These hewn and planted: apparently splinters cut from the tree. + +’ 8 Prithivi ; Earth regarded as single, and not as one of the constantly +connected pair Heaven and Earth. + +9 Pillars: apparently chips or splinters (of. stanza 7) which fall from the +tree, as it is cut to form the Saorifici&l ftt&ke, like white or grey birds alight¬ +ing on the ground. + + + +EYMB 9 .] + + +329 + + +tee may eea. + +Or, as upraised by priests ill invocation, let them assist us in +the rush to battle. + +11 Lord of the Wood, rise with a hundred branches: with thousand +branches may we rise to greatness, <• + +Thou whom this hatchet, with an edge well whetted for great +felicity, hath brought before us, + +HYMN IX. Agni. + +We as thy friends have chosen thee, mortals a God, to be our +help, + +The Waters* Child, the blessed, the resplendent One, victorious +and beyond compare. + +2 Since thou delighting in the woods hast gone unto thy mother + +streams, + +Not to be scorned, Agni, is that return of thine when from +afar thou now art here. + +3 O’er pungent smoke hast thou prevailed, and thus art thou + +benevolent. + +Some go before, and others round about thee sit, they in whose +friendship thou hast place. + +4 Him who had passed bey ond his foes, beyond continual p ursuits. +Him the unerring Ones, observant, found in'floo , 337couclhed like + +a lion in his lair. + +5 Him wandering at his own free will, Agni here hidden from + +our view, + +Him Matarisvan brought to us from far away produced by fric¬ +tion, from the Gods. + +6 0 Bearer of Oblations, thus mortals received thee from the + +Gods, + +Whilst thou, the Friend of man, guardest each sacrifice with +thine own power, Most Youthful One. + +7 Amid thy wonders this is good, yea, to the simple is it clear, +When gathered round about thee, Agni, lie the herds where + +thou art kindled in the mom. + + +2 That return of thine: thy descent from the celestial waters in which thou +art horn as lightning. + +3 Some: according to S&yana, the Adhvaryus ; others: the S£ma-priests who +sit and recite the prayers and hymns. + +4 The unerring Ones: the Gods, who followed and found the fugitive Agni. + +5 Matarisvan; the divine or semi-divine being who brought Agni to men. +Bee Index. + +7 In the morn : before the cattle are sent out to graze. The herds , accord¬ +ing to the Scholiast, include men as well as quadrupeds, + + + +330 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 111 + +8 Offer to him who knows fair rites, who burns with purifying + +glow, + +Swift envoy, active, ancient, and adorable: serve ye the God. +attentively. + +9 Three times a hundred Gods and thrice a thousand, and three + +times ten and nine have worshipped Agni, + +For him spread sacred grass, with oil bedewed him, and +stablished him as Priest and Sacrifices + +HYMN X. Agni. + +Thee, Agni, God, Imperial Lord of all mankind, do mortal +men + +With understanding kindle at the sacrifice. + +2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and + +Priest. + +Shine forth in thine own home as guardian of the Law. + +3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all Life, + +He, Agni! wins heroic might, he prospers well. + +4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us, + +Decked by the seven priests, to him who bringeth gifts. + +5 To Agni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty + +speech, + +To him Ordainer-like who brings the light of songs. + +6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet- for laud, * + +he springs to life, ' + +To mighty strength and great possession, fair to see. + +7 Best Sacrifice^ bring the Gods, 0 Agni, to the pious man : + +A joyful Priest, thy splendour drive our foes afar! + +8 As such, 0 Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might: + +Be nearest Friend to those who laud thee, for their weal. + +9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindle + +thee, + +Oblation-bearer, deathless, cherisher of strength. + +HYMN XI. Agni. + +Agni is Priest, the great High Priest of sacrifice, most swift +in act: + +He knows the rite in constant course. * + +9 In the Vaisvadeva Nivid or Hymn of Invitation to the Visvedevas, the +number of the Gods is said to be 3 times 11, then 33, then 303, then 3003. +By adding together 33 + 303 + 3003 the number 3339 is obtained. See Haug’s +Aitareya Br&hmanam, II. p. 212, note. + +5 Who brings the light of songs / who brightens and inspires our hymns* + + + +HYMN 12,] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +SSI + +2 Oblation-bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger, +Agni comes nigh ns with the thought. + +3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his + +thought * + +To prosper this man’s aim and hope. + +4 Agni, illustrious irom old time, the Son of Strength who + +knows alb life, + +The Gods have made to be their Priest. + +5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men, + +A chariot swift and ever new. + +6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his + +enemies, + +Agni is mightiest in fame, + +7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains +■ A home from him whose light makes pure. + +& From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring +happiness, + +Singers of him who knows all life. + +9 0 Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious +things: + +The Gods are centred all in thee, + +HYMN XII. Indra-Agni, + +Moved, Indra-Agni, by our hymn, come to the juice, the pre¬ +cious dew: + +Drink ye thereof, impelled by song. + +2 0 Indra-Agni, with the man who lauds you comes the waken¬ + +ing rite: + +So drink ye both this juice outpoured. + +3 Through force of sacrifice I choose Indra-Agni who love the wise ; +With Soma let these sate them here. + +4 Indra and Agni I invoke, joint-victors, bounteous, unsubdued, +Foe-slayers, best to win the spoil. + +5 Indra and Agni, singers skilled in melody hymn you, bringing + +lauds: + +I ohoose you for the sacred food. + +6 Indra and Agni, ye p ast do wn the ninety forts which Dasas held, +Together, with one mxgEBy deedl + + +2 With the thought: or, through our prayer. + +3 This man’s : who institutes the sacrifice. + +6 The ninety forts: ninety is usecHndefiniiely for a large number. The +forts are the strongholds of the non-Aryan inhabitants of the country. + + + +332 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 1IL + +7 To Indra-Agni reverent thoughts go forward from the holy + +task + +Along the path of sacred Law.- + +8 d Indfst-Agni, powers are yours, and dwelling's and delightful + +food: + +Good is your readiness to act; + +9 'Indra and Agni, in your deeds of might ye deck heaven^ + +lucid realms: + +Famed is that hero strength of yourS.- + +HYMN XIII; Agni. + +To Agni, to this God of yours I sing aloud with utmost +power. + +May he come to us with the Gads, and sit, best Offered, on +the grass. + +2 The Holy, whose are' earth and heaven, and succour waits' + +upon his strength; + +Him meii who bring oblations laud, and they who wish to +gain, for grade. + +3 He is the Sage who guides these men, Leader of sacred rites + +is he. + +Him, your own Agni, serve ye well, who winneth and bestow- +eth wealth. + +4 So may the gracious Agni grant most goodly shelter for our + +use; + +Whence ill the heaVens or in the floods Ire shall pour wealth +upon our lands. + +5 The singers kindle him, the Friest, Agni the Lord of tribes + +of men, + +Resplendent and without a peer through his oWn excellent +designs* + +6 Help US, thou Brahman, best of all invokers of the Gods in + +song. + +Beam, Friend of Maruts, bliss on us, 0 Agni, a most liberal +God.- + +7 Yea, grant Us treasure thousandfold with children and with + +nourishment, + +And, Agni, splendid hero strength, exalted, wasting not away. +7 The holy task : sacrifice* + +The hymn and that which follows are ascribed to the Rishi Rishabha, a son +of Visvitmitra. + +6 Thou Bnihnmi; Agni is here addressed, as the Brahman or praying +priest,. + + + +HYMN 15.] + + +333 + + +THE RTQVEDA, + +HYMN XIV. Agni, + +The pleasant Priest is come into the synod, true, skilled in +sacrifice, most wise, Ordainer. + +Agni, the Son of Strength, whose Gar is lightning, whose hair +is flame, hath shown on earth his lustre. + +2 To thee I offer reverent speech : accept it: to thee who mark*? + +est it, victorious, faithful! + +Bring, thou who knowest, those who know, and seat thee amid +the sacred grass, for help, O Holy. + +3 The Two who show their vigour, Night and Morning, by the + +wind’s paths shall haste to thee, 0 Agni. + +When men adprn the Ancient with oblations, these seek, as on +two chariot-seats, the dwelling. + +4 To thee, strong Agni! Varjina and Mitra and all the Maruts + +sang a song of triumph, + +What fime unto the people’s lands thou earnest, spreading +them as the Sun of men, with lustre. + +5 Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this + +day fulfilled for thee thy longing. + +Worship the Gods -with most devoted spirit, a Priest with no +unfriendly thought, 0 Agni. + +6 For, Son of Strength, from thee come many succours, and + +powers abundant that a God possesses. + +Agni, to us with speech that hath no falsehood grant riches, +real, to be told in thousands, + +7 Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for + +thee, strong, wise of purpose ! + +Be thou the Friend of each good chariot’s master. All this +enjoy thou here, immortal Agni. + +HYMN XV. Agni. + +Resplendent with thy wide-extending lustre, dispel the terrors +of the fiends who hate us. % + +May lofty Agni be my guide and shelter, the easily-invoked, +the good Protectqr, + +2 Be thou to us, while now the morn is breaking, be thou a +guardian wjmn the Sun hath mounted. + +2 Those who Jcnow: the Gods. + +3 The Ancient; Agni* + +4 Spreading them: causing Aryan men to spread as the sun spreads his + +rays. _ * + +5 Thy longing : for oblations. + +6 All this; all our sacrificial offerings. + + + +334 TI1E HYNMB OF [BOOK ITT. + +Accept, as men accept a true-born infant, my laud, 0 Agni +nobly born in body. + +3 Bull, who beholdest men, through many mornings, among + +the $ark ones shine forth red, 0 Agni. + +Lead us, good Lord, and bear us over trouble : Help us who +long, Most Youthful God, to riches. + +4 Shine forth, a Bull invincible, 0 Agni, winning by conquest + +all the forts and treasures. + +Thou data vedas who art skilled in guiding, the chief high sav- • +ing sacrifice’s Leader. + +5 Lighting Gods hither, Agni, wisest Singer, bring thou to us + +many and flawless shelters. + +Bring vigour, like- a car that gathers booty: bring us, 0 Agni, +beauteous Earth and Heaven. + +6 Swell, 0 tlion Bull and give those powers an impulse, e r en + +Earth and Heaven who yield their milk in plenty, + +Shining, 0 God, with Gods in clear effulgence. Let not a +mortal’s evil will obstruct us. + +7 Agni, as holy food to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, last¬ + +ing, rich in marvels. + +To us be bora a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this +thy gracious will to us-ward. + +HYMN XVL Agni. + +This Agni is the Lord of great felicity and hero strength ; + +Lord of wealth rich in children, wealth in herds of kine; Lord +of the battles with the foe, + +2 Wait, Maruts, Heroes, upon him. the Prosperer in whom is + +! 1 * ■ ■ * » ■■■ , v wealth; + +W;. ■ '■ 'i 0 conquer evil-hearted men, who overcome + +the enemy. + +3 As such, Q Agni, deal us wealth and hero might, O Bounteous + +One! + +Most lofty, very glorious, rich in progeny, free from disease +and full of power. + +4 He who made all that lives, who passes all in might, who + +orders service to the Gods, + +Pie works among the Gods, he works in hero strength, yea, also +in the praise of men. + +3 Among the dark ones ; in the darkness of the nights. + +6 Hflieir milk; rain and all fertilizing influence. + +2 Who : referring to the Maruts ; the verbs being in the third person. + +3 Most lofty, etc; these epithets qualify wealth and hero might. + + + +HYMN 18.] + + +TEE JUG VEDA. + + +m + + +5 Give us not up to indigence, Agni, nor want of hero sons, + +Nor, Son of Strength, to lack of cattle, nor to blame. Drive + +thou our enemies away. + +6 Help us to strength, blest Agni! rich in progeny, abundant, + +in our sacrifice. ' • + +Flood us with riches yet more plenteous, bringing weal, with +high renown, most Glorious One 1 + +HYMN XVII. Agni, + +Duly enkindled after ancient customs, bringing all treasures, +he is balmed with unguents,— + +Flame-haired, oil-clad, the purifying Agni, skilled in fair rites, +to bring the Gods for worship. + +2 As thou, 0 Agni, skilful Jatavedas, hast sacrificed as Priest of + +Earth, of Heaven, + +So with this offering bring the Gods, and prosper this sacrifice +to-day as erst for Manu. + +3 Three are thy times of life, 0 J&ta vedas, and the three morn- + +' ings are thy births, 0 Agni. + +With these, well-knowing, grant the Gods’ kind favour, and +help in stir and stress the man who worships. + +4 Agni most bright and fair with song we honour, yea, the ador¬ + +able, 0 Jatavedas. + +Thee, envoy, messenger, oblation-bearer, the Gods have made +centre of life eternal. + +5 That Priest before thee, yet more skilled in worship, stablished + +of old, health-giver by his nature,— + +After his custom offer, thou who knowest, and lay our sacri¬ +fice where Gods may taste it. + +HYMN XV1IL Agni. + +Agni, be kind to us when we approach thee, good as a friend +to friend, as sire and mother. + +The races of mankind are great oppressors : burn up malignity +that strives against us. + +2 Agni, bum up the unfriendly who are near us, burn thou the +foeman’s curse who pays no worship. + + +3 Three are thy times of life : the existence of Agni upon earth is said to be +threefold as dependent on the supply of fuel, claritied butter, and Soma. The +three mornings ; Agni is re-born every morning, and the number three appears +to be used merely for the sake of accordance with the three times of life pre¬ +viously mentioned. + +5 That Priest before thee : Agni’s more skilful predecessor is probably the +celestial Agni, the high priest who sacrifices for the Gods, The terrestrial +Agni is to take him for his model. + + + +336. . THE HYMNS OF [BOOK TIL + +Bum, Yasu, thou who markest well, the foolish: let thine +eternal nimble beams surround thee. + +3 With fuel, Agni, and with oil, desirous, mine offering I present + +for strength and conquest, + +With prayer, so far as I have power, adoring—this hymn +divine to gain a hundred treasures. + +4 Give with thy glow, thou Son of Strength, when lauded, great + +vital power to those who toil to serve thee. + +Give richly, Agni, to the Yisvarnitras in rest and stir. Oft have +we decked thy body, + +g Give us, 0 liberal Lord, great store of riches, for, Agni, such +art thou when duly kindled. + +Thou in the happy singer’s home bestowest, amply with arms +extended, things of beauty. + +HYMN XIX. * Agni. + +Agni, quick, sage, infallible, all-knowing, I choose to be our +Priest at this oblation. + +In our Gods’ service he, best skilled, shall worship : may he +obtain us boons for strength and riches. + +2 Agni, to thee I lift the oil-fed ladle, bright, with an offering, + +bearing our oblation* + +From the right hand, choosing the Gods’ attendance, he with +riph presents hath arranged the worship. + +3 Of keenest spirit is the man thou aidest: give us good off¬ + +spring, thou who givest freely. + +In power of wealth most rich in men, 0 Agni, of thee, the +Good, may \ye sing forth fair praises. + +4 Men as they worship thee the God, 0 Agni, ha ye set on thee + +full many a brilliant aspect. + +So bring, .Most Youthful One, the Gods’ assembly, the +Heavenly Host which thou to-day shalt honour. + +,5 When Gods anoint thee Priest at their oblation, and seat thee +for thy task as Sacrificer, + +0 Agni, be thou here our kind defender, and to ourselves +vouchsafe the gift of glory. + +HYMN XX. Agni, + +With lauds at break of mom the priest invoketh Agni, Dawn, +Dadhikras, and both the Asvins* + +4 Full many a brilliant aspect / bright appearance, or splendid presence. + +I Hadhihrds: or Badhikrft, is a ipythical being described as a kind of +divine horse, and probably a personification of the morning Sun, He is +invoked in the morning together with Agni, Ushas, and the Asvins. + + + +"BYHN 21J YIIB RIGYEDA , 337 + +* + +‘ With one consent the Gods whose light is splendid, longing +to taste our sacrifice, shall hear us. + +2 Three are thy powers, 0 Agni, three thy stations, three-are + +thy tongues, yoa ? ; many, Child of Order ! „ + +Three bodies hast thou which the Gods delight in: with +these protect our hymns with care unceasing, + +3 0 Agni, many are the names thou bearest, Immortal, God, + +Divine, and Jatavedas: + +And many charms of charmers, All-Inspirer ! have they laid in +thee, Lord of true attendants i + +4 Agni, like Bhaga, leads the godly people, he who is true to + +Law and guards the seasons. + +Ancient, all-knowing, he the Vritra-slayer shall bear the singer +safe through every trouble. + +5 I call on Savital* the God, on Morning, Brihaspati, and + +Dadhikras and Agni, + +On Varuna and Mitra, on the Asvins, ^Bhaga, the Vasus, +liudras, and Adityas. + +HYMN XXI. Agni + +Set this our sacrifice among the Immortals : be pleased with +these our presents, Jatavedas. + +0 Priest, 0 Agni, sit thee down before us, and first enjoy the +drops of oil and fatness. + +2 For thee, 0 Purifier, flow the drops of fatness, rich in oil. +After thy wont vouchsafe to us the choicest boon that Gods + +may feast. + +3 Agni, Most Excellent! for thee the Sage are drops that drip + +with oil. + +Thou art enkindled as the best of Seers. Help thou the +sacrifice. + +4 To thee, 0 Agni, mighty and resistless, to thee stream forth + +the drops of oil and fatness. + +With great light art thou come, 0 praised by poets ! Accept +our offering, 0 thou Sage. + + +2 Three are thy powers: or three kinds of strengthening food, clarified +butter, fuel, and Soma. Three thy stations : three altars, or the three worlds. +Three arc thy totvmes: the three tires, G&rhapatya, Ahavantya, and Dakshina, +Three bodies: or forms as Fdvaka, Pavamftna, and Such!. + + +3 The names thou■ bearest: or the natures thou possesses^ Many charms ; +or supernatural powers. + +22 + + + +m THE HYMNS OF {BOOK. UT. + +5 Fatness exceeding rich, extracted from the midst,—this as our +gift we offer thee. + +Excellent God, the drops run down upon thy skin. Deal +them^to each among the Gods. + +' ■ * =* HYMN XXII. Agni. + +This is that Agni whence the longing Indra took the pressed +Soma deep within his body. + +Winner of spoils in thousands, like a courser, with praise art +thou exalted, Jltavedas. + +2 That light of thine in heaven and earth, 0 Agni, in plants, + +0 Holy One, and in the waters, + +Wherewith thou hast spread wide the air's mid-region— +bright is that splendour, wavy, man-beholding. + +3 0 Agni, to the sea of heaven thou goest: thou hast called + +hither Gods beheld in spirit. + +The waters, too, come hither, those up yonder in the Sun's +realm of lights and those beneath it. + +4 Let fires that dwell in mist, combined with those that have + +their home in floods, + +Guileless accept our sacrifice, great viands free .from all disease. +. 5 Agni, as holy food to thine Invoker give wealth in cattle, +lasting, rich in marvels. + +To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this +thy gracious will to us-ward. + +HYMN XXril. Agni. + +Rubbed into life, well stablished in the dwelling, Leader of +sacrifice, the Sage, the Youthful, + +Here in the wasting fuel Jatavedas, eternal, hath assumed +immortal being. + +2 Both Bh&ratas, Devasravas, Devavata, have strongly rubbed + +to life effectual Agni. + +0 Agni, look tliou forth with ample riches : he, every day, + +* - bearer of food to feed us. + +3 Him nobly born of old the fingers ten produced, him whom + +his Mothers counted dear. + +5 Fatness exceeding rich , extracted from the midst: this hymn, S&yana says, +is suitable for animal sacrifices. The fatness here spoken of is, as Professor +Wilson remarks, the same that is described in Leviticus, IV. 9, as ‘the fat +that covereth the inwards, and all the fab that is upon the inwards.’ + +1 Whence: literally, wherein ; that is poured out on whom or which. + +*2 Both BMratas: sons of JBharata, the two Ilishis of the hymn. + +, l 3 HU Mothers ; the two fire-sticks from which Agni springs to life. + + +HYMN 25.] THE RIG VEDA. 339 + +Praise Devavata’s Agni, thou Devasravas, him who shall be +the people's Lord. + +4 He set thee in the earth's most lovely station, in IA’s place, +in days of j:air bright weather. A + +On man, on Apaya, Agni { on the rivers Drishadvati, Saras- +vati, shine richly. + +0 Agni, as holy food to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, +lasting, rich in marvels. + +To us be born a son and spreading offspring Agni, be this +thy gracious will to us-ward + +HYMN XXIV. Agni. + +Agist i, subdue opposing bands, and drive our enemies away. +Invincible, slay godless foes: give splendour to the wor- +* shipper. + +2 Lit with libation, Agni, thou, deathless, who callest Gods to + +.feast, + +*. Accept our sacrifice with joy. + +3 With splendour, Agni, Son of Strength, thou who art wor¬ + +shipped, wakeful One, + +Seat thee on this my sacred grass. + +4 With all thy fires, with all the Gods, Agni, exalt the songs + +we sing. + +And living men in holy rites. + +5 Grant, Agni, to the worshipper wealth rich in heroes, plen¬ + +teous store: + +Make thou us rich with many sons. + +HYMN XXV. Agnt + +Thoxj art the sapient Son of Dyaus, 0 Agni, yea, and the +Child of Earth, who knowest all things. + +Bring the Gods specially, thou Sage, for worship. + +2 Agni the wise bestows the might of heroes, grants strengthen¬ +ing food, preparing it for nectar. + +Thou who art rich in food bring the Gods hither. + + +4 He: the worshipper. Earth's most lovely station: according to S&yapv +on the northern altar, lid's place ; the place of prayer and praise. + +^ Driahadvatt and Sarasvati (see Book I. 3. 10.) are well known streams ; +Apayd, which is not mentioned elsewhere, appears to have been a little stream +in the same neighbourhood, near the earlier settlements of the Aryan immi¬ +grants. ■ + +This hymn and the eight following are ascribed to-the Eishi ViavAmitr-a., + + + + +340 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III + +'3 Agni,. infallible, lights Earth and Heaven, immortal Goddesses +gracious to all men,— + +» Lord through his strength, splendid through adorations. + +4 Gome to r the sacrifice, Agni and Indra: come to tho offerer’s + +house -who hath the Soma. + +Come, friendly-minded, Gods, to drink the Soma. + +5 In the floods’ home art thou enkindled, Agni, 0 JAtavedas', + +Son of Strength, eternal, + +Exalting with thine help the gathering-places. + +HYMN XXVI. Agni + +Severing in our heart Agni Vaisviinara, the findor of the light, +whose promises are true, + +* The liberal, gladsome, car-borne God, we Kusikas invoke him +with oblation, seeking wealth with songs. + +2 That Agni, bright, Vaisvanara, we invoke for help, and + +Matarisvan worthy of the song of praise; + +Brihaspati for man’s observance of the Gods, the Singer +prompt to hear, the swiftly-moving guest. + +3 Age after age Vaisvanara, neighing like a horse, is kindled + +with the women by the Kusikas. + +i May Agni, he who Avakes among Immortal Gods, grant us +heroic strength and wealth in noble steeds. + +4 -Let them go forth, the strong, as flames of fire with might. + +Gathered for victory they have yoked their spotted deer. +Pourers of floods, the Maruts, Masters of all wealth, they +who can ne’er be conquered, make the mountains shake. + +■5 The Maruts, Friends of men, are glorious as the fire; their +. mighty and resplendent succour Ave implore. + +-■Those storming Sons of Rucba clothed in robes of rain, +boon givers of good gifts, roar as the lions roar, + +6 We, band on band and troop following troop, entreat with +’ - • fair lauds Agni’s splendour and the Maruts’ might. + +m floods hemic ,; m th© fii'm&mexrb, t-hc home of the aerial waters. +y \ r ’ * the worlds or regions inhabited by living beings, + + +• ■ L .* common to, dear to, or dwelling with, all Aryan men. + +*- men of the family of the Riahi Kusika. + +. -,2 MdLarman : said here by Sayapn to mean Agni as God of the lightning; +but the usual sense of the word is appropriate enough. + +, 3 P ie ^omev: the fingers, elseAvliero called the damsels, and the +Bisters, which agitate the fire-stick. + +4 c "Z'et"tfiefn go forth .• the AXaruts, or Storm-Gods, + + + +&YMN 27:J $&£ RIOTS DA. 3M + +With spotted deer for steeds, with wealth that never fails, +they, wise Ones, come to sacrifice at our gatherings. + +7 Agni am I who know, by birth, all creatures. Mine eye is + +butter, in my mouth is nectar * + +I am light threefold, measurer of the Region; exhaustl^ss +heat am I, named burnt-oblation. + +8 Bearing in mind a thought with light accordant, he purified + +the Sun with three refinings 3 + +By his own nature gained the highest treasure, and looked +abroad over the earth and heaven. + +0 The Spring that fails not with a hundred streamlets, Father +inspired of prayers that men should utter, + +The Sparkler, joyous in his Parents’ bosom,—him, the Truth- +speaker, sate ye, Eai’th and Heaven. + +HYMN XXVII. Agni. + +, In ladle dropping oil your food goes in oblation up to heaven, +Goes to the Gods in search of bliss. + +2 Agni I laud, the Sage inspired, crowner of sacrifice through + +song, + +Who listens and gives bounteous gifts. + +3 0 Agni, if we might obtain control of thee the potent God, +Then should we overcome our foes. + +4 Kindled at sacrifices he is Agni, hallower, meet for praise, +With flame for hair: to him we seek, + +5 Immortal Agni,. shining far, enrobed with oil, well worshipped, + +bears + +The gifts of sacrifice away. + +6 The priests with ladles lifted up, worshipping here with holy + +thought. + +Have brought this Agni for our aid. + + +7 Here Agni speaks and declares his universality as the Soul of all. Ho +knows all living creatures. His eye, or in his eye, is the light which is fed +with offerings of sacred oil. The amrit, nectar, or ambrosia, which m»the +re ward of piety, is obtained by burnt-offerings or through the mouth of- +Agni. He traverse? or measures out the firmament, and as light he shines as +the sun in heaven, the lightning in mid-air, and fire on earth. See note'on +the passage in Wilson’s Translation. + +8 With three refinings; according to S&yana, with his three purifying forms +as Agni, V&yu, aud Siirya, or fire, wind, and sun. But pavitraih may mean +* with mental divisions,’ and the sense would he that Agni divided light into +three, sun, lightning and fire. + +9 Hu Par ents’ bosom; in close connexion with Heaven and Earth. + + + +342 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Tit + +7 Immortal, Sacrifice^ God, with wondrous power he leads the + +way, + +Urging the great assembly on. + +8 Strong, r< he is set on deeds of stx^ength. In sacrifices led in + +front, + +As Singer he completes the rite. + +9 Excellent, he was made by thought. The Germ of beings have + +I gained, + +Yea, and the Sire of active strength. + +10 Thee have I stablished, Excellent, 0 strengthened by the sage’s + +prayer! + +Thee, Agni, longing, nobly bright. + +11 Agni, the swift and active One, singers, at time of sacrifice, +Eagerly kindle with their food. + +12 Agni the Son of Strength who shines up to the heaven in + +solemn rites, + +The wise of heart, I glorify. + +13 Meet to be lauded and adored, showing in beauty through the + +dark, + +Agni, the Strong, is kindled well. + +1 i Agni is kindled as a bull, like a horse bearer of the Gods ; + +Men with oblations worship him. + +15 Thee will we kindle as a bull, we who are Bulls ourselves, 0 +Bull, + +Thee, Agni, shining mightily. + +HYMN XXVIII. Agni. + +Agni who knowest all, accept our offering and the cake of +meal, + +At dawn’s libation, rich in prayer ! + +2 Agni, the sacrificial cake hath been prepared and dressed for + +thee: + +Accept it, 0 Most Youthful God. + +3 Agni, enjoy the cake of meal and our oblation three days old : +Thou, Son of Strength, art stablished at our sacrifice. + + +9 He was made by thought: by holy thought, or devotion. + +15 We\oho are Bulls ourselves; priests are frequently called bulls, on ac¬ +count of their great power. Cf. III. 7. 7. + +3 Our oblation three days old; the Soma juice prepared the day before yes¬ +terday and Mb to ferment. + + + +BY MX 29,] THE RJGVEDA. 343 + +4 Here at the midday sacrifice enjoy thou the sacrificial cake, + +wise, J&ta vedas ! + +Agni, the sages in assemblies never minish the portion due to +thee the Mighty. + +5 0 Agni, at the third libation take with joy the offered cake of + +sacrifice, thou, Son of Strength. + +Through skill in song bear to the Gods our sacrifice, watchful +and fraught with riches, to Immortal Gods. + +6 0 waxing Agni, knower, thou, of all, accept our gifts, the cake, +'And that prepared ere yesterday. + +HYMN XXIX. Agni + +Herb is the gear for friction, here tinder made ready for the +spark. + +Bring thou the Matron; we will rub Agni in ancient fashion +forth. + +2 In the two fire-sticks Jafcavedas lieth, even as the well-set germ + +in pregnant women, + +Agni who day by day must be exalted by men who watch and +worship with oblations. + +3 Lay this with care on that which lies extended : straight hath + +she borne the Steer when made prolific. + +With his red pillar—radiant is his splendour—in our skilled +task is bom the Son of I]a. + +4 In Ila’s place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth, +That, Agni Jatavedas, thou mayst bear our offerings to the + +Gods. + +5 Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very + +wise and fair to look on. + +O men, bring forth the most propitious Agni, first ensign of +the sacrifice to eastward. + + +1 Here is the gear for friction; the word adhimdnthanam means the upper +•fire-stick and the string used in agitating it. The tinder is a tuft of dry +Kusa grass placed so as to catch the flame produced by attrition. The Matron: +the lower piece of wood in which the spark is generated. S&yana explains +the word vhpdtntm y feminine of vispati, lord of the people, as protectress o| +men by means of the sacrifices which are performed with the help of the fire +which she produces. + +3 Lay this with care : place the upper fire-stick, which is to be turned rap¬ +idly round, upon the lower piece of wood which is prepared to receive it. The +Son of lid: Agni. + +4 In II Vs place: on the northern altar, the place of worship and libation, +■or prayer and praise. + + + + +344 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK ///. + +6 When with their arms they mb him straight he shineth forth + +like a strong courser, red in colour, in the wood. + +Bright, checkless, as it were upon the As vine* path, hepa^ð +by the stones and burneth up the grass, + +7 Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, + +the Singer praised by sages ; + +Whom, as adorable and knowing all things, Gods set at solemn +rites as offering-bearer. + +8 Set thee, 0 Priest, in thine own place, observant: lay doVra + +the sacrifice in the home of worship. + +Thou, dear to Gods, shalt serve them with oblation : Agni, give +long life to the sacrnicer, + +9 Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow-workers 1 Ye shall attain + +to wealth without obstruction. + +This Agni is the battle-winning Hero by whom the Gods have +- overcome the Dasyus. + +10 This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou + +shonest forth. + +Knowing this, Agni, sit thee down, and prosper thou the songs +we sing, + +11 As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasansa born + +diffused in varied shape. + +Formed in his Mother he is Matarisvan; he hath, in his course, +become the rapid flight of wind. + +12 With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful + +hand, a Sage, + +Agni, make sacrifices good, and for the pious bring the Gods. + +13 Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror + +with mighty jaws, unfailing. + +The sisters ten, unweddcd and united, together grasp the +Babe, the new-born Infant. + +14 Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, + +when in his Mother’s bosom, in her lap, he glowed. + +Giving delight each day he closeth not his eye, since from +the A sura’s body he was brought to life. + +6 As it were, upon the Asvins' path : with the speed of the Asvins ? chariot. + +6 In thine own place : the ceut.ro of the north altar. + +31 As Germ Celestial: or child of the Asura Dyaus, that is, in the form of +lightning. In his Mother; according to S&yana, in tbe maternal atmosphere, + +13 The sisters ten : the angers used in producing fire. + +14 The Antra's body: the Asura i~. '“v "Ny. Pyaus. Professor Wilson, + +followingSstyana, translates, ‘from I.. : ■ (spark-) emitting wood,’* + + + +HYMN 30iJ + + +THE RIOT ED A, + + +346 + + +15 Even as the Maruts 1 onslaughts who attack the foe, those + +born the first of all knew the full power of prayer. + +The Kusikas have made the glorious hymn ascend, and, each +one singly in his home, have kindled fire. # + +16 As we, 0 Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what + +time the solemn sacrifice began, % + +So surely hast thou worshipped, surely hast thou toiled : come +thou unto the Soma, wise and knowing all. + +HYMN XXX. Indra. + +The friends who offer Soma long to find thee: they pour forth +Soma and present their viands. + +They bear unmoved the cursing of the people, for all our +wisdom comes from thee, 0 Inclra. + +2 Not far for thee are mid-air’s loftiest regions: start hither, + +Lord of Bays, with thy Bay Horses. + +Made for the Firm and Strong are these libations. The +pressing-stones are set and fire is kindled. + +3 Fair cheeks hath Indra, Maghavan, the Victor, Lord of a + +great host, Stormer, strong in aciion. + +What once thou didst in might when mortals vexed thee,—- +„ where now, 0 Bull, are those thy hero exploits ? + +4 For, overthrowing what hath ne’er been shaken, thou goest + +forth alone destroying Vritras. + +For him who followeth thy Law the mountains and heaven +- and earth stand as if firmly stablished. + +5 Yea, Much-invoked ! in safety through thy glories alone thou + +spake?,t truth as Vritra’s slayer. + +E’en these two boundless worlds to thee, 0 Indra, what time +thou graspest them, are but a handfuL + +6 Forth with thy Bay Steeds down the steep, 0 Indra, forth, + +crushing foemen, go thy bolt of thunder! + +Slay those who meet thee, (hose who flee, who follow : make +all thy promise true ; be all completed. + +7 The man to whom thou givest as Provider enjoys domestic + +plenty undivided. + +Blest, Indra, is thy favour dropping fatness : thy worship, +Much-invoked ! brings gifts in thousands. + +8 Thou, Indra, Much-invoked ! didst crush to pieces Kun&ru + +handless fiend who dwelt with Danu. + +15 Thom horn the first of all; the most ancient Rishis such as Kusika and +his sons. + +8 Xandvu; the name of a demon. Ddnit: mother of Yritra. Seo I. 32. 9, + + + + +346 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK IJL + +Thou with might, Indra, smotest dead the scorner, the +footless Vritra as he waxed in vigour. + +9 Thou hast established in her seat, 0 Indra, the level earth, +vasfc, vigorous, unbounded. + +The Bull hath propped the heaven and air’s mid-region; By +thee sent onward let the floods flow hither. + +10 He who withheld the kine, in silence yielded in fear before +thy blow 0 Indra. + +He made paths easy to drive forth the cattle. Loud-breath¬ +ing praises helped the Much-invoked One. + +■11 Indra alone filled full the earth and heaven, the Pair who +meet together, rich in treasures. + +Yea, bring thou near us/ro.n the air’s mid-region strength, +on thy car, and wholesome food, 0 Hero. + +12 Surya transgresses not the ordered limits set daily by the + +Lord of Tawny Coursers. + +When to the goal he comes, bis journey ended, his Steeds he +looses : this is Indra’s doing. + +13 Men gladly in the course of night would look on the broad + +bright front of the refulgent Morning ; + +And all acknowledge, when she comes in glory, the manifold +and goodly works of Indra. + +14 A mighty splendour rests upon her bosom : bearing ripe milk + +the Cow, unripe, advances. + +All sweetness is collected in the Heifer, sweetness w T hieh +Indra made for our enjoyment. + +15 Barring the way, they comer Be firm, 0 Indra; aid friends + +to sacrifice and him who singeth. + +These must be slain by thee, -malignant mortals, armed with +ill arts, our quiver-bearing foemen. + +16 A cry is heard from enemies most near us: against them + +send thy fiercest-flaming weapon. + +Bend them from under, crush them and subdue them. Slay, +Magliavan, and make the fiends our booty. + +9 The Brill: the mighty Indra. + +10 In silence : I adopt Prof. M. Muller’s interpretation (Vedic Hymns, I. pp. +’227, 228) of -the difficult word aftitrindh, ' which had evidently become +unintelligible even at the time of Y&ska.’ + +'"12* Set daily : with reference, perhaps, as Professor Ludwig remarks,-bo +the apparent change in the sun’s place of rising. + +14 The Cow , and the Heifer: beneficent Uslias or Morning. + +15 They come: those who revile and hinder the worship of Indra. + + + + +'tiTMN 81J FITS MTGVEDA, 34T + +17 Boot up the race of Rakshasas, 0 Indra; rend it in front and + +crush it in the middle. + +How long hast thou behaved as one who wavers 1 Cast thy +hot dart at him who hates devotion: « + +18 When borne by strong Steeds for our weal, 0 Loader, thou + +seatest thee at many noble viands, + +May we be winners of abundant riches. May Indra be our +wealth with store of children. + +19 Bestow on us resplendent wealth, 0 Indra; let us enjoy thine +■ overflow of bounty. + +Wide as a sea our longing hath expanded, fulfil it, 0 thou +Treasure-Lord of treasures. + +20 With kine and horses satisfy this longing ; with very splendid + +bounty still extend it. + +Seeking the light, with hymns to thee, 0 Indra, the Kusikas +have brought their gift, the singers. + +21 Lord of the kine, burst the kine’s stable open; cows shall be + +ours, and strength that wins the booty. + +Hero, whose might is true, thy home is heaven : to us, 0 +Maghavan, grant gifts of cattle. + +22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this + +fight where spoil is gathered, + +The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays +the Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +f HYMN XXXI. Indra. + +Wise, teaching, following the thought of Order, the soilless +gained a grandson from his daughter. + +Fain, as a sire, to see his child prolific, he sped to meet her +with an eager spirit. + + +1 I am unable to give a satisfactory or even an intelligible version or +explanation of the first two stanzas which appear to attribute, in a very +obscure manner, to Agni and the Gods in heaven the customs or laws of +succession to property among men. In the first stanza vdhnih , which usually +means an oblation-bearer, a sacrificer, a priest, or one who is borne along as a +God in a celestial car, is said by S&yana to mean sonless, the father <>f a +daughter only, because he transfers his property through his married +daughter into another family. The sonless father, according to B&yana, +* stipulates that his daughter’s soil, his grandson, shall be his son, a mode of +affiliation recongnized by law ; and, relying on an heir thus obtained, and one +who can perform his funeral rites, he is satisfied.’ This may be intelligibly, +but what it has to do with Agni or with the rest of the hymn is nat clear. +Grassmann takes vdhnih to mean the upper fire-stick, and 'the daughter to +mean the lower piece of wood.. + + + +>348 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK TIL + +2 The Son left not his portion to the brothel*, he made a home + +to hold him who should gain it* + +What time his Parents gave the Priest his being, of the good +pair one acted, one promoted. + +3 Agni was horn trembling with tongue that flickered, so that + +the Red’s great children should be honoured. + +Great is their germ, that born of them is mighty, great the +Bays’ Lord’s approach through sacrifices. + +4 Conquering bands upon the Warrior waited: they recognized + +great light from out the darkness. + +The conscious Dawns went forth to meet his coming, and the +sole Master of the kine was Indra. + +5 The sages freed them from their firm-built prison : the seven + +priests drave them forward with their spirit. + +All holy Order’s pathway they discovered : he, full of know¬ +ledge, shared these deeds tlu’ough worship. + +6 When Sarama had found the mountain’s fissure, that vast and + +ancient place she plundered throughly. + +In the floods’ van she led them forth, light-footed: she who +well knew came first unto their lowing. + +7 Longing for friendship came the noblest singer : the hill pour¬ + +ed forth its treasure for the pious. + + +2 The Son leftnot him portion to the hr other: Wilson, following Sayana tran¬ +slates: ‘(a son) Lorn of the body does not transfer (paternal) wealth to a +sister.’ Ludwig takes the meaning to bo : the bodily son (of Dyaus, or of the +heavenly waters) did not transmit his inheritance (that is, sacrifice) to a bro¬ +ther. A home: the plants which receive and hold Agni, who obtains the in¬ +heritance of sacrifice. Hist Parents; perhaps the fire sticks, one of which by +agitation produces the flame in the other. The good pair : the terrestrial offerer +who performs the sacrifice, and the celestial offerer who makes it effectual. +See Bergaigue,Aa Religion Vedifiue, I. 234. + +Ludwig allows that the meaning of the first two stanzas is problematical, and +Wilson says of his own translation : 2 3 4 5 * 7 these two verses, if rightly interpreted, +are wholly unconnected with the subject of the SiUda , and come in without +any apparent object: they are very obscure, and are only, made somewhat in¬ +telligible by interpretations which seem to be arbitrary, and are very unusual, +although uot peculiar to Sayaru, his explanations being based on those of ILlskad + +3 The Red's great children .* the Uot rays of the glowing lire. That born of +them: Indra’s coming, which is caused by the kindling of sacrifical fire. + +4. Conquering b aids: the ever-victorious Maruts, The Warrior: Indra, +-their leader. Master of the kine ; recoverer of the vanished rays of light. + +5 The sages and the seven priests; are the Angirases. + +8 Savamd: the hound of Indra. See I. 62. 3. In the foods' van: hasten¬ +ing out of the mountain cavern in advance of the liberated waters. Them; +the cows, the waters and the rays of light + +7 Tiie noblest singer ; as a noun of multitude, all the Angirases, : + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +349 + + +HYMN SL] + +• The Hero with young followers fought and conquered, and +straightway Angiras was singing praises* + +8 Peer of each noble thing, yea, all-excelling, all creatures doth + +he know, he slayeth Sushna. * + +Our Leader, fain for war, singing from heaven, as Friend ha +. saved his lovers from dishonour. + +9 They sate them down with spirit fain for booty, making with + +hymns a way to life eternal. + +And this is still their place of frequent session, whereby they +sought to gain the months through Order. + +1.0 Drawing the milk of ancient seed prolific, they joyed as they +beheld their own possession. + +Their shout of triumph heated earth and heaven. When the +kine showed, they bade the heroes rouse them. + +11 Indra dravo forth the kine, that Vritra-slayer, while hymns + +of praise rose up and gifts were offered. + +For him the Cow, noble and far-extending, poured pleasant +juices, bringing oil and sweetness. + +12 They made a mansion for their Father, deftly provided him a + +great and glorious dwelling ; + +With firm support parted and stayed the Parents, and, sitting, +fixed him there erected, mighty. + +13 What time the ample chalice had impelled him, swift waxing, + +vast, to pierce the earth and heaven,— + +Plim in whom blameless songs are all united : all powers invim +cible belong to ludra. + +14 1 crave thy powers, I crave thy mighty friendship: full many + +a team goes to the Vritra-slayer. + +Great is the laud, we seek the Prince’s favour. Be thou, O +Maghavan, our guard and keeper. + +4 The Hero .* ludra with his allies the Marais. + +„ 9 They : the Angirases, who had been eager to recover the cows. To gain +the months : to acquire the power of keeping the monthly festivals. + +10 Or, 4 * * * * * * * 12 13 14 They joyed to see them, as their own possession, yielding the milk + +of ancient seed prolific.’ The Angirases rejoiced as they again beheld the rays + +of light, shedding what originates and supports all life. Sftyana’s rendering +of tins difficult stanza is thus given by Wilson : ' Comte:nplating their own + +(pabtle) giving milk to their former progeny (the Any / rasas) were delighted ; + +their shouts spread through heaven and earth ; they replaced the recovered- + +kine in their [daces, and stationed guards over the cows.’ + +12 For their Father: according to B&yana, for their protector Indra. But +Agni may be meant, the mansion being the place of sacrifice. The Parents : +Heaven and Barth, parents of all things. + +13 The ample ekaliee: the bowl of Soma juice. But, according to Ludwig, +elhishdnd here and elsewhere, means earnest wish, longing. + +14 Fall many a team: hymns sent forth like teams of horses. + + + +350 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH IIL + +15 He, having found great, splendid, rich dorninion, sent life and + +motion to his friends and lovers. + +Indra who shone together with the Heroes begat the song, +the fire, and Sun and Morning. + +16 Vast, the House-Friend, he set the waters flowing, all-lucid, + +widely spread, that move together. + +. By the wise cleansings of the meath made holy, through days +and nights they speed the swift streams onward. + +17 To thee proceed the dark, the treasure-holders, both of them + +sanctified by Surya’s bounty, + +The while thy lovely storming Friends, 0 Indra, fail to attain +the measure of thy greatness. + +18 Be Lord of joyous songs, 0 Vritra-slayer, Bull dear to all, who + +gives the power of living. + +Come unto us with thine auspicious friendship, hastening, +Mighty One, with mighty succours. + +19 Like Angiras I honour him with woi’ship, and renovate old song + +for him the Ancient. + +Chase thou the many godless evil creatures, and give us, Magha- +van, heaven’s light to help us. + +20 Far forth are spread the purifying waters : convey thou us + +across them unto safety! + +Save us, our Charioteer, from harm, 0 Indra, soon, very soon, +make us win spoil of cattle. + +21 His kine their Lord hath shown, e’en Vritra’s slayer: through + +the black hosts be passed with red attendants. + +Teaching us pleasant things by holy Order, to us hath he +thrown open all his portals. + +22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight + +where spoil is gathered, + +The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the +Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +. 16 By the wise cleansings: or according to S4yana, the wise purifiers, that is, +Agni, V4yu, and Surya, who act as purifiers of the libation of Soma juice. + +17 The dark , the treasure-holders ; or, the dark one and the treasure-holder ; +Night and Day. Storming Friends: the Maruts. + +. 20 The purifying waters : the epithet p&vakcth, purifying, is entirely out of +place here. Ludwig suggests plpaMh, wicked, which would be more suitable. +21 Kine: rays of light. Fed attendants ; the Maruts. + +• ‘ Many of the verses in this hymn/ Prof. Wilson observes, f are of more +than usual obscurity/ Prof. Grassmann places the hymn in liis Appendix. + + + +HYMN 3*2;] + + +THE RJOVEDA. + + +351 + + +HYMN XXXII. indra. + +Drink thou this Soma, Indra, Lord of Soma; drink thou the +draught of noonday which thou lovest. + +Puffing thy cheeks, impetuous,* liberal Giver, here loose thy +two Bay Horses and rejoice thee. + +2 Quaff it pure, meal-blent, mixt with milk, 0 Indra; we have + +poured forth the Soma for thy rapture. + +Knit with the prayer-fulfilling band of Maruts, yea, with the +Rudras, drink till thou art sated; + +3 Those who gave increase to thy strength and vigour, the Maruts + +singing forth thy might, 0 Indra. + +Drink thou, 0 fair of cheek, whose hand wields thunder, with +Rudras banded, at our noon libation. + +4 They, even the Maruts who were there, excited with song the + +meath-ereated strength of Tndra. + +By them impelled to act he reached the vitals of Vritra, though +. v he deemed that none might wound him. + +5 Pleased, like a man, with our libation, Indra, drink, for endur¬ + +ing hero might, the Soma. + +Lord of Bays, moved by sacrifice come hither : thou with the +Swift Ones stirrest floods and waters. + +6 When thou didst loose the streams to run like racers in the + +swift contest, having smitten Vritra +With flying weapon where he lay, 0 Indra, and, godless, kept +the Goddesses encompassed. + +7 With reverence let us worship mighty Indra, great and sub¬ + +lime, eternal, ever-youthful, + +Whose greatness the dear world-halves have not measured, no, +nor conceived the might of him the Holy. + +8 Many are Indra’s nobly wrought achievements, and non6 of all + +the Gods transgress his statutes. + +He beareth up this earth and heaven, and, doer of marvels, he +begat the Sun and Morning. + + +1 Pujing thy cheeks: meaning, apparently, smacking thy lips in anticipation +of the Sonia-draught. Sftyana explains it as, ‘ filling their (Indras horses’) +jaws with fodder.’ Impetuous: this appears to be the meaning of the epithet +rijtshin as derived from the root rij, rather than, as Sfiyana explains it, ‘drinker +of the spiritless residue of the Soma.’ The latter meaning, however, is admis¬ +sible, and is supported by good authority. + +3 The Maruts singing forth thy might: the song of the Maruts is the music +of ‘ The wing&d storms, chaunting their thunder-psalm/—Shelley. + +5 Like a man : ox*, as thou wast pleased with the libation of Manu. + +The Swift Ones : the Maruts. + +•" 6 The Goddesses: the heaven'y waters. + +7 The dear world-halves : heaven and earth. + + + +352 THE HYMN'S OF [BOOK III. + +'9 Herein, 0 Guileless One, is thy true greatness, that soon as +, horn thou (frankest up the Soma. + +Bays may not check the power of thee the Mighty, nor the +nights, Indra, nor the months, nor autumns. + +10 As soon as thou wast bom in highest heaven thou drunkest +’ Soma to delight thee, Indra ; + +And when thou hadst pervaded earth and heaven thou wast +the first supporter of the singer. + +11 Thou, puissant God, more mighty, slowest Ahi showing his + +strength when couched around the waters. + +The heaven itself attained not to thy greatness when with one +hip of thine the earth was shadowed. + +12 Sacrifice, Indra, made thee wax so mighty, the dear oblation + +with the flowing Soma. + +0 Worshipful, with worship help our worship, for worship helped +thy bolt when slaying Ahi. + +13 With sacrifice and wish have I brought Indra \ still for new + +blessings may 1 turn him hither, + +Him magnified by ancient songs and praises, by lauds of later +time aud days yet recent. ^ + +14 I have brought forth a song when longing seized me : ere the + +decisive day will I laud Indra; + +Then may he safely bear us over trouble, as in a ship, when +both sides invoeatc him. + +15 Full is his chalice: Glory ! Like a pourer I have filled up the + +vessel for his disking. + +Presented on the right, dear Soma juices have brought us +Indra, to rejoice him, hither. + +16 Not the. deep-flowing flood, 0 Much-invoked One! not hills + +that compass thee about restrain thee, + +Since here incited, for thy friends, 0 Indra, thou brakost e’en +the firm-built stall of cattle. + +17 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in tho fight + +where spoil is gathered, + +The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays +the Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +11 When with one hip of thine tho earth to m nhadoieed: Prof. Wilson, follow¬ +ing Snyarta, translates : ‘as t.h <u remainwlst concealing the earth by one of +(thy) flames,’and observes that the meaning is not very efrar. But sphiyt +means a hip and not a flame, and the poet appears to mean that a portion of +Indra’a body shadowed or covered the earth while the rest was in the heavens. +So, in Book X. 119 11, Indra is represented as saying when exhilarated by +Soma: divi me any a} j, paksho 'dh6 nmjdm aehtkrisham. one side of me is in +, the .sky, and J have drawn the other down. + +V 14 Kre the decisive day: on the eve of an important, battle, + + + +HYMN 33.] + + +353 + + +the may eh a, + +HYMN XXXIII. Indra. + +Forth from the bosom of the mountains, eager as two swift +mares with loosened rein contending, + +Like two bright mother cows who lick their youngling, +Vip&s and Sutudri speed down their waters. + +2 Impelled by Indra whom ye pray to urge you, ye move as + +'twere on chariots to the ocean. + +Flowing together, swelling with your billows, 0 lucid Streams, +each of you seeks the other. + +3 I have attained the most maternal River, we have approached + +Vipas, the broad, the blessed. + +Licking as ’twere their calf the pair of Mothers flow onward +to their common home together. + +4 We two who rise and swell with billowy waters move forward + +to the home which Gods have made us. + +Our flood may not be stayed when urged to motion. What +would the singer, calling to the Eivers ? + +5 Linger a little at my friendly bidding; rest, Holy Ones, a + +moment in your journey. + +With hymn sublime soliciting your favour Kusika’s son hath +called unto the River. + +6 Indra who wields the thunder dug our channels : he smote + +down Vritra, him who stayed our currents. + +Savitar, God, the lovely-handed, led us, and at his sending +forth we flow expanded. + +The hymn is a dialogue between Visv&mitra and the rivers Vip&s and Sntu- +dri who are regarded severally as the Risliis or seex-s of the verses ascribed to +them. The legend cited by S&yana says that Visv&mitra, the Purohita or +family priest of King Sud&s, having obtained wealth by means of his office, +took the whole of it and came to the confluence of the Vip&s and the Sutudri, +Others followed. In order to make the rivers fordable he lauded them with +the first three verses of the hymn. The hymn has some poetical beauty, and +is interesting as a relic of the traditions of the Aryans regarding their pro¬ +gress eastward in the Land of the Five Rivei’S. + +1 Viptis: considered to be identical with the Hyphasis of Arrian, is the +modern Be&s which rises in the Himalaya and falls ijito the Sutlej, the +S itudri of the text, a little to the south-east of Amritsar. + +4 The rivers speak in reply to Visvftmitra’s address. + +5 Visv&mitra speaks again. At my friendly bidding : according to the +Scholiasts, Y&ska and S&yana, the meaning of me vdchase somy&ya is, ( to my +speech importing the Soma*; ’ that is, the object of my address is that I may +cross over and gather the Soma-plant. The word somyd , consisting of, coni¬ +n'cted with, or inspired by, Soma, appears to have here its inore general +meaning of lovely, pleasant, or friendly. Kusika's son: Viav&mitra, + +6 The rivers speak. Savitar: said by S&yana to be used here as an epithet +of Indra, ‘ the impeller of the whole world,’ + +23 + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK ill . + +7 That hero deed of Indra must be lauded for*ever that he rent' + +Ahi in pieces. + +He smote away the obstructers with his thunder, and eager +for their course forth flowed the waters. + +8 Never forget this word of thine, 0 singer, which future gene¬ + +rations shall reecho. + +In hymns, 0 bard, show us thy loving-kindness. Humble us +not mid men. To thee be honour I + +9 List quickly, Sisters, to the bard who eometh to you from far + +away with car and wagon. - + +Bow lowly down; be easy to be traversed: stay, Rivers, with +your floods below our axles. + +10 Yea, we will listen to thy words, 0 singer. With wain and + +car from far away thou comest. + +Low, like a nursing mother, will I bend me, and yield me as a +maiden to her lover. + +11 Soon as the Bharatas have fared across thee, the warrior band,, + +urged on and sped by Indra, + +Then let your streams flow on in rapid motion. I crave your +favour who deserve our worship. + +i 2 The warrior host, the Bharatas, fared over ; the singer won the +favour of the Rivers. + +Swell with your billows, hasting, pouring riches. Fill full your +channels, and roll swiftly onward. + +13 So let your wave hear up the pins, and ye, 0 Waters, spare the +thongs; + +And never may the pair of Bulls, harmless and sinless, waste +away. + +HYMN XXXIV. Indra. + +Fort-renuer, Lord of Wealth, dispelling foemen, Indra with +lightnings hath o’ercome the Dasa. + + +7 Visv&mitra speaks. + +8 The rivers speak. + +9 Visvamitra speaks. + +10 The rivers speak. + +11 Visvctmitra speaks. The Bharatas: the family of Visv&mitra. + +13 This verse, in a different metre, is manifestly a later addition. The pins ; +of the yokes. The pair of Bulls; the two strong rushing rivers. Of. +Horace’s tauriformis Anfidus. Prof. Wilson, following S&yapa, gives a some¬ +what different version of the stanza : ‘ Let your waves (rivers) so flow that +the pin of the yoke may be above (their) waters : leave the traces full, and +may (the two streams) exempt from misfortune or defect, and uncensured, +exhibit no (present) increase/ -1 + +1 Fort-render : breaker-down of the cloud-castles of the demons who with¬ +hold the rain as well as of the strongholds of the hostile non-Aryan tribes, + + + +THE R1GVEDA. + + +HYMN 34.] + + +3fr5 + + +Impelled by prayer and waxen great in body, he hath filled +earth and heaven, the Bounteous Giver. + +2 I stimulate thy zeal, the Strong, the Hero, decking my song + +of praise for thee Immortal. + +0 Indra, thou art equally the Leader of heavenly hosts and +human generations. + +3 Leading his band Indra encompassed Vritra; weak grew the + +wily leader of enchanters. + +- He who burns fierce in forests slaughtered Vyansa, and made +the Milch-kine of the nights apparent. + +4 Indra, light-winner, days 5 Creator, conquered, victorious, hos¬ + +tile bands with those who loved him. + +For man the days 5 bright ensign he illumined, and found the +light for his great joy and gladness. + +5 Fotward to fiercely falling blows pressed Indra, herolike + +doing.many hero exploits. + +These holy songs he taught the bard who praised him, and +widely spread these Dawns 5 resplendent colour. + +6 They laud the mighty acts of him the Mighty, the many + +glorious deeds performed by Indra. + +He in his strength, with all-surpassing prowess, through +wondrous arts crushed the malignant Dasyus. + +7 Lord of the brave, Indra who rules the people gave freedom + +to the Gods by might and battle. + +Wise singers glorify with chanted praises these his achieve¬ +ments in Vivasv<Ws dwelling. + +8 Excellent, Conqueror, the victory-giver, the winner of the + +light and Godlike Waters, + +He who hath won this broad earth and this heaven,—in +Indra they rejoice who love devotions. + +9 He gained possession of the Sun and Horses, Indra obtained + +the Cow who feedeth many. + +Treasure of gold hejvon; he smote the Dasyus, and gave +protection to the Aryan colour, + +3 He who hums fierce in forests : perhaps the thunderbolt. Vyansa: the +name of one of the demons of drought. See I. 101. 2, and 103, 2. + +Made the MUch-Hne of the nights apparent according to Srlyana, ‘made +manifest the (stolen) cows (that had been hidden) in the night; * that is, +recovered the rays of light. ~ + +7 In Viva&vdn's dwelling: in the sacrificial chamber, in' the home of the +worshipper who represents Vivasv&n, the Radiant God, regarded as the +Celestial Sacrificer. + +9 The Aryan colour; or, race of Aryas ; according to SAyana, the noblest +tribe or order, meaning the first three classes or castes. + + + +356 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III . + +10 He took the plants and days for his possession \ he gained the + +forest trees and air’s mid-regiop. + +Vala he cleft, and chased away opponents: thus was he tamer +of the overweening. + +11 Call 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 Vritras, wins apd gathers treasures. + +HYMN XXXV. . indra. + +Mount the Bay Horses to thy chariot harnessed, and come to +us like Vayu with his coursers. + +Thou, hastening to us, shalt drink the Soma. Hail, Indra ! +We have poured it for thy rapture. + +. 2 For him, the God who is invoked by many, the two swift Bay +.Steeds to the pole J harness, + +That they in fleet course may bring Indra hither, e’en to this +sacrifice arranged completely. + +3 Bring the strong Steeds who drink the warm libation, and, + +Bull of Godlike nature, be thou gracious. + +Let thy Steeds eat; set free thy Tawny Horses, apd roasted +grain like this consume thoa daily. + +4 Those who are yoked by prayer with prayer I harness, fleet + +friendly Bays who take their joy together. + +Mounting thy firm and easy car, 0 Indra, wise and all-know¬ +ing come thou to the Soma. + +5 No other worshippers must stay beside them thy Bays, thy + +vigorous and smooth-hacked Coursers. + +Pass by them all and hasten onward hither: with Soma +pressed we will prepare to feast thee. + +6 Thine is this Soma: hasten to approach it. Drink thou there-? + +of, benevolent, and cease not. + +Sit on the sacred grass at this our worship* and take these +. drops into thy belly, Indra. + +7 The grass is strewn for thee, pressed is the Soma; the grain + +is ready for thy Bays to feed on. + +To thee who lovest them, the very mighty, strong, girt by +Maruts, are these gifts presented. + + +2 7 harness; my prayer causes Indra to harness. + +3 Who drink the warm libation i or, according to S&yana, < who protect.us +from our enemies/ Boasted grain: ft ied barley, according to Sayana. The +grain would appear to be intended for Indra’s horses, Sec stanza 7. * + + + + +THE MIG VEDA. + + +MTMJSt 36 .] + + +357 + + +8 This the sweet draught, with cows, the men, the mountains, + +the waters, Indra, have for thee made ready. + +Come, drink thereof, Sublime One, friendly-minded, foreseeing, +knowing well the ways thou goest. + +9 The Maruts, they with whom thou sharedst Soma, fndra, who + +made thee strong and were thine army,— + +With these accordant, eagerly desirous drink thou this Soma +with the tongue of Agni. + +10 Drink, Indra, of the juice by thine own nature, or by the + +tongue of Agni, 0 thou Holy. + +Accept the sacrificial gift, 0 Sakra, from the Adhvaryu’s hand +or from the Hotar’s, + +11 Call 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 Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +HYMN XXXYI. Indra. + +With constant succours, fain thyself to share it, make this +oblation which we bring effective. + +Grown great through strengthening gifts at each libation, he +hath become renowned by mighty exploits. + +2 For Indra were the Somas erst discovered, whereby he grew + +strong-jointed, vast, and skilful. + +Indra, take quickly these presented juices : drink of the strong, +that which the strong have shaken. + +3 Drink and wax great. Thine are the juices, Indra, both Somas + +of old time and these we bring thee. + +Even as thou drankest, Indra, earlier Somas, so drink to-day, +a new guest, meet for praises. + +4 Great and impetuous, mighty-voiced in battle, surpassing + +power is his, and strength resistless. + +Him the broad earth hath never comprehended when Somas +cheered the Lord of Tawny Coursers. + +8 With cows: that is, with the milk which is mixed with Soma. The nun : +who make all preparations for the sacrifice. The mountains: on which the +Soma grows ,* or perhaps the pressing-stones brought from the hill-side. The +paters : used to purify the Soma. + +10 By thine own nature: by thine own strength, or effort ; spontaneously. +Sakra,; Mighty One.; a common name of Indra. + + +2 Drink of the strong: that is, of the strong Soma juice, which has been +shaken, i. e. violently pressed out, by the strong pressing-stones. + +4 Mighty-voiced: the exact meaning of virapsln is uncertain. Prof. Wilson +renders it, after S&yana, by * defier of foes,’ + + +m THE HYMNS OP {BOOK TIL + +5 Mighty and strong he waxed for hero exploit: the Bull was + +furnished with a Sage's wisdom. + +Indra is our kind Lord; his steers have vigour; his cows are +man^ with abundant offspring, + +6 As floods according to their stream flow onward, so to the sea, + +as borne on cars, the waters. + +Vaster is Indra even than his dwelling, what time the stalk +milked out, the Soma, fills him. + +7 Lager to mingle with the sea, the rivers carry the well-pressed + +Soma juice to Indra. + +They drain the stalk out with their arms, quick-handed, and +cleanse it with a stream of mead and filters. + +■’8 Like lakes appear his flanks filled full with Soma: yea, he con¬ +tains libations in abundance. + +When Indra had consumed the first sweet viands, he, after +slaying Vritra, claimed the Soma. + +8 Then bring thou hither, and let none prevent it: we know + +thee well, the Lord of wealth and treasure. + +That splendid gift which is thine own, 0 Indra, vouchsafe to +us, Lord of the Tawny Coursers. + +10 0 Indra, Maghavan, impetuous mover, grant us abundant + +wealth that brings all blessings. + +Give us a hundred autumns for our life-time : give us, 0 fair¬ +cheeked Indra, store of heroes. + +11 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight + +where spoil is gathered, + +The Strong, who, listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays +the Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +HYMN XXXVII. Indra. + +0 Tndua, for the strength that slays Vritra and conquers in +the fight, + +We turn thee hitherward to us. + + +5 His cows : I follow S&yana, Both, Ludwig, and Grassmann in giving this +^meaning to ddkshinrfh, as the meaning 4 guerdons,’ * donations,’ does not suit +the passage. + +6 As rivers increase the size of the ocean, so libations of Soma juice aug¬ +ment the greatness of Indra until he is too vast for his home the heaven to +contain him. + +7 The sea: perhaps the sacrificial reservoir. The rivers ; waters used in the +Soma ceremonies. + +They drain: that is, the officiating priests. + +9 Bring thou hither; bring the wealth for which we pray. + +10, A hundred autumns; see I. 89, 9, + + + +HYMN 33 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +359 + + +2 0 Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, may those who praise thee + +hitherward + +Direct thy spirit and thine eye, + +3 0 Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, with all our songs we in- + +vocate ' * + +Thy names for triumph over foes. + +4 We strive for glory through the powers immense of him whom + +many praise, + +Of Indra who supports mankind. + +5 For Vritra’s slaughter I address Indra whom many invocate, +To win us booty in the wars. + +6 In battles be victorious. We seek thee, Lord of Hundred Powers, +Indra, that Vritra may be slain. + +7 In splendid combats of the hosts, in glories where the fight + +is won, + +Indra, be victor over foes. + +8 Drink thou the Soma for our help, bright, vigilant, exceeding + +strong, + +0 Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers. + +9 0 Satakratu, powers -which thou mid the Five Races hast dis¬ + +played— + +These, Indra, do I claim of - thee. + +10 Indra, great glory hast thou gained. Win splendid fame which + +none may mar: + +We make thy might perpetual. + +11 Come to us either from anear, or, Sakra, come from far away. +Indra, wherever he thy home, come to us thence, 0 Thunder¬ +armed. + +HYMN XXXVIII. Indra. + +Hasting like some strong courser good at drawing, a thought +have I imagined like a workman. + +Pondering what is dearest and most noble, I long to see the +sages full of wisdom. + + +2 Those who praise thee: the institutorB of the sacrifice. + +3 Vigilant: according to S&yana, Soma prevents sleep. + +9 Satakratu: Lord of a hundred, or countless, powers. + +The Rive Races : Indra is the special protector of the five Aryan tribes. + +This hymn is ascribed to the Lisin Prajdpati, of the family of Visv&mitra, +or Praj&pati, son of Yhk, or both together, or Visvdmitra himself. The deity +is said to he Indra, although he is mentioned only in the concluding verse. +The hymn is intentionally obscure, and in parts unintelligible. + +1 Like a loorkman : as a carpenter prepares his wood. + +1 long to see the sages: that I may learn from them what I wish to know. + + + + +360 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Jit + +2 Ask of the sages’ mighty generations; firm-minded and devout + +they framed the heaven. + +These are thy heart-sought strengthening directions, and they +have come to be the sky’s upholders. + +3 Assuming in this world mysterious natures, they decked the + +heaven and earth for high dominion, + +Measured with measures, fixed their broad expanses, set the +great worlds apart held firm for safety. + +4 Even as he mounted up they all adorned him: self-luminous he + +travels clothed in splendour. + +That is the Bull’s, the Asura’s mighty figure : he, omniform, +hath reached the eternal waters. + +5 First the more ancient Bull engendered offspring: these are + +his many draughts that lent him vigour. + +From days of old ye Kings, two Sons of Heaven, by hymns of +sacrifice have won dominion. + +6 Three seats ye Sovrans, in the holy synod, many, yea, all, ye + +honour with your presence. + +There saw I, going thither in the spirit, Gandharvas in their +course with wind-blown tresses. + +7 That same companionship of her, the Milch-cow, here with the + +strong Bull’s divers forms they stablished. + +Enduing still some new celestial figure, the skilful workers +shaped a form around him. + +8 Let no one here debar me from enjoying the golden light which + +Savitar diffuses. + +He covers both all-fostering worlds with praises even as a wo¬ +man cherishes her children. + + +3 For high dominion; that Indra might rule over them. + +4 Even as he mounted up: that is, Indra as the Sun. + +The eternal waters: or, according to Prof. Roth, ‘ the forces of eternity/ + +J> The more ancient Bull: Indra as the Sun. + +Two Sons of Heaven: or of Dyaus ,* Varuna and perhaps Mitra. + +6 The three seats are heaven, the firmament or mid-air, and the earth. The +poet appears to mean, by the words that follow, that no place of sacrifice is +duly consecrated unless these Gods are present. + +The Gandharvas, according to the Scholiast, are the guardians of the Soma. +Here, probably, they are merely sunbeams. + +7 The Milch-cow is Dawn, and the strong Bull is apparently Indra as the +Sun> ‘This stanza/ Professor Wilson remarks, ‘is singularly obscure, and is +very imperfectly explained by the commentators/ + +8. This stanza also is hardly intelligible. + + + +THM HIQYMDA. + + +EYMN 39.1 + + +mi + + +9 Fulfil, ye Twain, his work, the Great, the Ancient: as heavenly +blessing keep your guard around us. + +All the wise Gods behold his varied actions who stands erect/ +whose voice is like a herdsman^. + +10 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in thef +fight where spoil is gathered, + +The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays- +the Vritras, wins and gathers richer + +HYMN XXXIX. indra, + +To Indra from the heart the hymn proceedeth, to him the Lord/ +recited, built with praises; + +The wakening song sung forth in holy synod: that Which +born for thee, 0 Indra, notice. + +2 Born from the heaven e'en in the days aforetime, wakening/ + +sung aloud in holy synod, + +Auspicious, clad in white and shining raiment, this is the +ancient hymn of our forefathers. + +3 The Mother of the Twins hath borne Twin Children: my + +tongue’s tip raised itself and rested silent. + +Killing the darkness at the light's foundation, the Couple newly +born attain their beauty. + +4 Not one is found among them, none of mortals, to blame our + +sires who fought to win the cattle. + +Their strengthener was Indra the Majestic; he spread their +stalls of kine, the Wonder-Worker. + +5 Where as a Friend with friendly men, NavagVas, with heroes, + +on his knees he sought the cattle. + +There, verily with ten Daeagvas Indra found the Sun lying +hidden in the darkness. + +9 Ye Twain: apparently Mitra and Varuna. The Great , the Ancient; Dyaus. +Whose voice is like a herdsman 1 s: Professor Wilson renders this, 1 blandly- +speaking.’ The meaning appears to be, using his voice for the protection of +man, like a herdsman who calls out to his cattle. + + +This hymn and the following thirteen are ascribed to the Rishi Visv&mitra. + +2 Glad in white and shining raiment; clothed with energy and splendour. + +3 The Mother of the Twins: according to S&yana, Ushas or Dawn. Twin +Children: the Asvins. My tongue 1 s tip raised itself ; I prepared to praise the +Asvins, but was unequal to the task. + +4 See M. Muller, Chips, IT. 29 (Edition of 1895). + +5 Navagvas: - 1 ,, 1 '\mily often associated with the Angirasei + +and described as : : i ■ battles. See I. 33. 6, and 62. 4. + +Dasagvas: memoers oi, or priestly allies connected with, the family of +Angiras, See I, 62, 4. + + + +m\ the hymns of [book iil + +6 Indra found meath collected in the milch-cow, by foot and + +hoof, in the cow's place of pasture* + +That which lay secret, hidden in the waters, he held in his +right r hand, the rich rewarder. + +7 He took the light, discerning it from darkness: may we be far + +removed from all misfortune. + +These songs, 0 Soma-drinker, cheered by Soma, Indra, accept +from thy most zealous poet. + +8 Let there be light through both the worlds for worship : may + +we be far from overwhelming evil. + +Great woe comes even from the hostile mortal, piled up; but +good at rescue are the Yasus. + +9 Gall 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 Yritras, wins and gathers riches. + +HYMN XL. Indra, + +Thee, Indra, we invoke, the Bull, what time the Soma is +■expressed. + +So drink thou of the savoury juice. + +2 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength-conferring Soma + +juice•. + +Quaff, pour down drink that satisfies. + +3 Indra, with all the Gods promote our wealth-bestowing + +• sacrifice, + +Thou highly-lauded Lord of men. + +4 Lord of the brave, to thee proceed these drops of Soma juice + +expressed, + +The bright drops to thy dwelling-place. + +5 .Within thy belty, Indra, take juice, Soma the most excellent: +Thine are the drops celestial. + +6 Drink our libation, Lord of hymns: with streams of meath + +thou art bedewed: + +Our glory, Indra, is thy gift. + +7 To Indra go the treasures of the worshipper, which never + +fail: + +He drinks the Soma and is strong, + + +6 Indra found meath: sweet rain. By foot and hoof: tracking the cows +by their foot-marks, That which lay secret t the rain which was imprisoned +itt the clouds, + + + +HYMN *2.] THE RIG VEDA. 3*63 + +8 From far away, from near at hand, 0 Vritra-slayer, come + +to us: + +Accept the songs we sing to thee* + +9 When from the space between the near and fa& thou art + +invoked by us, + +Thence, Indra, come thou hitherward. + +HYMN XLI, Indra. + +Invoked to drink the Soma juice, come with thy Bay Steeds, +Thunder-armed ! + +‘ Come, Indra, hitherward to me. + +2 Our priest is seated, true to time; the grass is regularly + +strewn; + +The pressing-stones were set at morn. + +3 These prayers, 0 thou who hearest prayer, are offered : seat + +thee on the grass. + +Hero, enjoy the offered cake. + +4 0 Vritra-slayer, be thou pleased with these libations, with + +these hymns, + +Song-loving Indra, with our lauds. + +5 Our hymns caress the Lora of Strength, vast, drinker of the + +Soma’s juice, + +Indra, as mother-cows their calf. + +6 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great + +munificence: + +Yield not thy singer to reproach. + +7 We, Indra, dearly loving thee, bearing oblation, sing thee + +hymns: + +Thou, Vasu, dearly lovest us. + +8 0 thou to whom thy Bays are dear, loose not thy Horses far + +from us : + +Here glad thee, Indra, Lord divine. + +9 May long-maned Coursers, dropping oil, bring thee on swift + +car hitherward, + +Indra, to seat thee on the grass. + +HYMN XLII. Indra. + +Come to the juice that we have pressed, to Soma, Indra, blent +with milk : + +Come, favouring us, thy Bay-drawn carl + + +9 The space between the near and far : the firmament or mid-air, between +the earth and the distant tiky. + + + +iU VMP tiftim OP [BOOK lit + +2 Come, Indra, to this gladdening drink* placed on the grass, + +pressed out with stones : + +Wilt thou not drink thy fill thereof ? + +3 To Indra have my songs of praise gone forth, thus rapidly + +sent hence,- + +To turn him to the Soma-draught. +i Hither with songs of praise we call Indra to drink the Soma +juice: + +Will he not come to us by lauds ? + +6 Indra, these Somas are expressed. Take them within thy +belly, Lord + +Of Hundred Powers, thou Prince of Wealth/ + +6 We know thee winner of the spoil, and resolute in battles, +Sage! + +Therefore thy blessing we implore. + +1 Borne hither by thy Stallions, drink, Indra, this jnice which + +we have pressed, + +Mingled with barley and with milk. + +8 Indra, for thee, in thine own place, I urge the Soma for thy + +draught: + +Deep in thy heart let it remain. + +9 We call on thee, the Ancient One, Indra, to drink the Soma + +juice, + +We Kusikas who seek thine aid. + +HYMN XLIIL Indra. + +Mounted upon thy ohariot-seat approach us: thine is the +Soma-draught from days aforetime. + +Loose for the sacred grass thy dear companions. These men +who bring oblation call thee hither* + +2 Come our true Friend, passing by many people; come with + +thy two Bay Steeds to our devotions; + +3E*or these our hymns are calling thee, 0 Indra, hymns formed +for praise, soliciting thy friendship. + +3 Pleased, with thy Bay Steeds, Indra, God, come quickly to + +this our sacrifice that heightens worship; + +For with my thoughts, presenting oil to feed thee, I call +thee to the feast of sweet libations. + + +9 We Kusikas ; members of the family of Kusika who was the father or +the grandfather of Visvdmitra, the Itfshi of the hymn. + +I Thy dear companions : thy horses, + + + +HYMN 44 .] TIIB JUG VEDA, 365 + +i Yea, let thy two Bay Stallions bear thee hither, well limbed +and good to draw, thy dear companions. + +Pleased with the corn-blent offering which we‘bring thae, +may Indra, Friend, hear his friend's adoration. 9 + +5 Wilt thou not make me guardian of the people, make me, im + +petuous Maghayan, their ruler ? + +Make me a Rishi haying drunk of Soma? Wilt thou not give +me wealth that lasts for ever ? + +6 Yoked to thy chariot, let thy tall Bays, Indra, companions of + +thy banquet, bear thee hither, + +Who from of old press to heayen’s farthest limits, the Bull’s +impetuous and welhgroomed Horses. + +7 Drink of the strong pressed out by strong ones, Indra, that + +which the Falcon brought thee when thou longedst; + +In whose wild joy thou stirrest up the people, in whose wild +joy thou didst unbar the cow-stalls. + +8 Call we on Indra, Maghavau, auspicious, best Hero in the fight + +where spoil is gathered; + +The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the +Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +hymh xliw I* dra . + +May this delightsome Soma be expressed for thee by tawny +stones, + +Joying thereat, 0 Indra, with thy Bay Steeds come: ascend +thy goldemcoloured car, + +g In loye thou njadest Ushas glow, in love thou madesfc Surya +shine. + +Thou, Indra, knowing, thinking, Lord of Tawny Steeds, above +all glories waxest great. + +3 The heaven with streams of golden hue, earth with her tints +of green and gold— + +The golden Pair yield Indra plenteous nourishment: between +them moves the golden One. + + +7 The strong; the Soma juice. The strong ones: the press-stones. + +That which the Falcon brought thee: the Soma is said, to have been brought +from heaven by a falcon. See I. 8Q. 2, and 93. 6. + +Throughout the hymn the poet rings the changes on words said to be deriva* +tives of the root hri to take, as haryatd, delightsome, harydn, loving, hari, bay +pr tawny, h&rit, green, yellow, or gold-coloured. + +3 The golden One : the Sum + + + +m !PHB HYMNS OF [BOOK III + +4r When bom to life the golden Bull illumines all the realm of +light. + +He takes his golden weapon, Lord of Tawny Steeds, the golden +thunder in his arms. + +5 The bright, the well-loved thunderbolt, girt with the bright, +Indra disclosed, + +Disclosed the Soma juice pressed out by tawny stones, with +tawny steeds drave forth the kine. + +HYMN XLY. + +Come hither, Indra, with Bay Steeds, joyous, with tails like +peacocks 5 plumes. + +Let no men check thy course as fowlers stay the bird : pass +o 5 er them as o ? er desert lands. + +2 He who slew Yritra, burst the cloud, brake the strongholds + +and drave the floods, + +Indra who mounts his chariot at his Bay Steeds 5 cry, shatters +e 5 en things that stand most Arm. + +3 Like pools of water deep and full, like kine thott clierishest + +thy might] + +.Like the milch-cows that go well-guarded to the mead, like +water-brooks that reach the lake. + +4 Bring thou us wealth with power to strike, our share 5 gainst + +him who calls it his. + +Shake, Indra, as with hooks, the tree for ripened fruit, for +wealth to satisfy our wish. + +5 Indra, self-ruling Lord art thou, good Leader, of most glorious + +fame. + +So, waxen in thy strength, 0 thou whom many praise, be thou +most swift to hear our call. + +4 The golden Bull ; Indra as the Sun. + +5 Qirt with the bright: surrounded by flashes of light. With tawny steed#: +or by means of the tawny pressing-stones, i, e. inspirited by draughts of the +expressed Soma juice. + +1 Tails lihe peacock*splumes: trailing clouds with fringes of purple and gold, + +'3 Mice pools of water: the meaning appears to be, as Prof. Ludwig suggests : +thy mental power is as inexhaustible as the water in deep springs, as safe from +harm as carefully guarded cows that go without straying to their pasture, and +ever full like streams that pour water into a lake. Professor Wilson, follow¬ +ing Sftyana, paraphrases thus : 4 Thou cherishest the celebrator of the pious rite +as (thou liliest) the deep seas (with water); or as a careful herdsman (cherishes) +the cows : (thou imhibest the Soma) as cows (obtain) fodder, and the juices +flow into thee) as rivulets flow into a lake.’ A r ratu } which I have rendered by +* might/ means power, either mental or bodily, and sometimes also, especially +in later works, a sacrificial ceremony, S&yana has filled up supposed ellipses* +in, the most arbitrary way. + + + +IIYMN 47 !] + + +THE RIG VEDA. * 3 'Iff + +HYMN XLYI. ' ’ i nd ™ + +Of thee, the Bull, the Warrior, Sovran Euler, joyous and fierce* +.ancient and ever youthful, + +The undecaying One who wields the thunder, ren&wned and! +great, great are the exploits, Indra. + +2 Great art thou, Mighty Lord, through manly vigour, 0 fierce + +One, gathering spoil, subduing others, + +Thyself alone the universe’s Sovran; so send forth men to +combat and to rest them. + +3 He hath surpassed all measure in his brightness, yea, and the + +Gods, for none may be his equal. + +Impetuous Indra in his might exceedeth wide vast mid-air and +heaven and earth together. + +4 To Indra, even as rivers to the ocean, flow forth from days of + +old the Soma juices; + +To him wide deep and mighty from his birth-time, the well of +holy thoughts, all-comprehending. + +5 The Soma, Indra, which the earth and heaven bear for thee as + +a mother hears her infant, + +This they send forth to thee, this, vigorous Hero ! Adhvaryus +purify for thee to drink of. + +HYMN XLVIL indra. + +Deink, Indra, Marut-girt, as Bull, the Soma, for joy, for rap¬ +ture even as thou listest. + +Pour do.wn the flood of meath within thy belly : thou from of +old art King of Soma juices. + +2 Indra, accordant, with the banded Maruts, drink Soma, Hero, + +as wise Vritra-slayer. + +Slay thou our foemen, drive away assailants and make us safe +on every side from danger. + +3 And, drinker at due seasons, drink in season, Indra, with friend- . + +ly Gods, our pressed-out Soma. + +The Maruts following, whom thou madest sharers, gave thee +the victory, and thou slewest Vritra. + +4 Drink Soma, Indra, banded with the Maruts who, Maghavany + +strengthened thee at Ahi’s slaughter, + +’Gainst Sambara, Lord of Bays! in winning cattle, and now re¬ +joice in thee, the holy Singers. + +3 Impetuous : or, according to Sftyana, whom Professors Wilson and Ludwig +follow, ‘ drinker of the spiritless Soma juice,’ 4 er dee auch die somatrester/ + +4 In id inning cattle N -q-.-. stolen kine, the vanished rays of light, + +or, generally, in battle ■ of drought. + + + +MB . THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III, + +5 The Bull whose strength hath waxed, whom Maruts follow, +free-giving I'ndra, the celestial Ruler, + +Mighty, all-conquering, the victory-giver, him let us call to +fjran£ us new protection. + +HYMN XLVIIL Indra. + +Soon as the young Bull sprang into existence he longed to +taste the pressed-out Soma's liquor. + +Prink thou thy fill, according to thy longing, first, of the +goodly mixture blent with Soma, + +% That day when thou wast born thou, fain to taste it, drankest +the x^lant's milk which the mountains nourish. + +That milk thy Mother first, the Dame who bare thee, poured +for thee in thy mighty Father's dwelling. + +3 Desiring food he came unto his Mother, and on her breast + +beheld the pungent Soma. + +Wise, he moved on, keeping aloof the others, and wrought +great exploits in his varied aspects. + +4 Fierce, quickly conquering, of surpassing vigour, he framed + +his body even as he listed. + +E'en from his birth-time Indra conquered Tvashtar, bore off +the Soma and in beakers drank it. + +t> Call 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 Yjritras, wins and gathers riches, + +HYMN XL IX, Indra. + +Great Indra will I laud, in whom all people who drink the +Soma have attained their longing ; + +Whom, passing wise, Gods, Heaven and Earth, engendered, +formed by a Master's hand, to crush the Vritras, + +5 'This stanza recurs in VI. 19, 11. + +1 The young Bull: Indra. + +% Which the mountains nourish : the Soma plant is said to have grown on +the hills. Thy Mother: Aditi. Thy mighty Bather: according to the later my¬ +thology Kasyapa was the husband of Aditi and father of Indra and the other +deities, and S&yana says that in this passage Kasyapa is intended. But it +seems almost certain that Tvashtar, whom Indra conquered at his birth, is +here referred to as his mighty Father. See Bergaigne, La Religion Vidigue, +III. 58 ff, + +1 Formed by a Master's hand: or fashioned by Viblivan one of the Ribhus. +According to Sftyana, appointed by Brahxnft for the government of the* world. +-The Vritras : Vritra and similar fiends, or, generally, the enemies of the Gods +and Aryans. + + + +HYMN 50 .] TIIE RIG VEDA, 3^ + +2 Whom, most heroic, borne by Tawny Coursers, - verily none + +subdueth in the battle; * + +Who, reaching far, most vigorous, bath shortened the Dasyu’s +life with Warriors bold of spirit. >■ - ^ J + +3 Victor in fight, swift mover like a war-horse, pervading both + +worlds, rainer down of blessings, + +To be invoked in war like Bhaga, Father, as ’twere, o£ hymns, +fair, prompt to hear, strength-giver. + +4 Supporting heaven, the high back of the region, his car fg + +Vayu with his team of Vasus. + +Illumining the nights, the Sun’s creator, like Dhishana he +deals forth strength and riches. + +5 Call 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 Vritras, wins and gathers treasure. + +HYMH L. Indra. + +Let Indra drink, All-bail ! for his is Soma,—the mighty Bull +come, girt by Maruts, hither. ' + +Far-reaching, let him fill him with these viands, and let our +offering sate his body’s longing. + +2 I yoke thy pair of trusty Steeds for swiftness, whose faithful + +service from of old thou lovest. + +Hero, fair of cheek! let thy Bay Coursers place thee : drink +of this lovely well-effused libatiou. + +3 With milk they made Indra their good Preserver, lauding for + +help and rule the bounteous rainer. + +Impetuous God, when thou, hast drunk the Soma, enraptured +send us cattle in abundance. + + +2 With Warriors bold of spirit; his allies the Maruts. + +4 His car is Vdt/n : the construction of the first hemistich is difficult: +and the sense is doubtful. The meaning may be, as V&yu the God of wind +moves like a chainot on high drawn by the coursers of the air, so Indra +moves accompanied by the Vasus or Maruts. + +Like JDhishand : the Wish-Goddess, a deity presiding over prosperity. See +I. 96. 1, note ; IV. 34. I ; V. 41. 8. + +1 All-hail /; I take svdhd here as an exclamation addressed to Indra* +S&yaaa explains the word by svdhdkrikmimam somum, (let Indra drink) this. +Soma offered with Sv&hd. + +3 With milk ; with libations of Soma juice mingled with milk. + +24 + + +370 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III. + +4 With kine and horses satisfy this longing; with very splendid +bounty still extend it. + +Seeking the light, with hymns to thee, 0 Indra, the Kusikas +havQ) brought their gift, the singers. + +, 5 Call 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 Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +> HYMN LL Indra. + +High hymns have sounded forth the praise of Maghavan, sup¬ +porter of mankind, of Indra meet for lauds ; + +Him who hath waxen great, invoked with beauteous songs, +Immortal One, whose praise each day is sung aloud. + +2 To Indra from all sides go forth my songs of praise, the Lord + +of Hundred Powers, strong, Hero, like the sea, + +Swift, winner of the booty, breaker-down of forts, faithful and +ever-glorious, finder of the light. + +3 Where battle’s spoil is piled the singer winneth praise, for + +Indra taketh care of matchless worshippers. + +He hr Vivasvan’s dwelling findeth his delight: praise thou the +ever-conquering slayer of the foe. + +4 Thee, valorous, most heroic of the heroes, shall the priests + +glorify with songs and praises. + +Full of all wondrous power he goes to conquest: worship is +his, sole Lord from days aforetime. + +» 5 Abundant are the gifts he gives to mortals : for him the earth +bears a rich store of treasures. + +The heavens, the growing plants, the living w T aters, the forest +trees preserve their wealth for Indra. + +6 To thee, 0 Indra, Lord of Bays, for ever are offered prayers + +and songs: accept them gladly. + +As Kinsman think thou of some fresh assistance; good Friend, +give strength and life to those who praise thee. + +7 Here, Indra, drink thou Soma with the Maruts, as thou didst + +drink the juice beside Saryata. + +Under thy guidance, in thy keeping, Hero, the singers serve, +skilled in fair sacrifices. + +4 This stanza Ib found also in Hymn XXX. 20 of this Book. + +3 In Vivasvdn’s dwelling: in the sacrificial chamber of the worshipper. +See III, 34. 7. + +7 Shydta; said by Sfiyatia to have been a son of Sary&ta who was +perhaps the same as {Sary&ti, a son of Manu Yaivasvata. See I. 51.12 ; 112. 17 + + + +HYMN 52 .] TR* HIQYSDA. + + +Bfl + + +8 So eagerly desirous drink the Soma, our juice, 0 Indra, with + +thy friends the Mar'uts, + +Since at thy birth all Deities adorned thee for the great fight, +0 thou invoked of many. - + +9 He was your comrade in your 2eal, 0 Maruts i they, rich in + +noble gifts, rejoiced in Indra. + +With them together let the Vifitra-slayer drink in his home the +worshipper’s libation. + +10 So, Lord of affluent gifts, this juice hath been expressed for + +thee with strength : + +Drink of it, thou who lovest Song, + +11 Incline thy body to this juice which suits thy Godlike nature + +well; + +May it cheer thee who lovest it. + +12 Brave Indra, let it work through both thy flanks, and through + +thy head by prayer, + +And through thine arms, to prosper us, + +HYMN LIL Indra, + + +Indra, accept at break of day our Sonia mixt with roasted + + +2 + + + +5 + + +6 + + +corn,,. + +With groats, with cake, with eulogies. + +Accept, 0 Ineira, and enjoy the well-dressed sacrificial cake; + +Oblations are poured forth to thee. + +Consume our sacrificial cake, accept the songs of praise we sing, + +As he who Woos a ccepts his bride. + +Famed from of old, accept the cake at our libation poured at +dawn, ■ + +For great, 0 Indra, is thy power. + +Let roasted corn of our midday libation, and sacrificial cake +here please thee, Indra, + +What time the lauding singer, keen of purpose and eager as a +bull, with hymns implores thee. + +At the third sacrifice, 0 thou whom many praise, give glory +to the roasted corn and holy cake. + +With offered viands and with songs may we assist thee, Sage, +whom Vaja and the Ribhus wait upon. + + +8 For the great fight; the battle with Vritra and the demons of drought. + +1 With groats , with cdhe: harambkinam ctpdpdvantctm ; haramMxt is coarse¬ +ly ground corn, or meal mixed with curds, a kind of gruel i apUpd is a cake +made of flour. + +Stanzas 1—4, in G&yatrl metre, accompany the morning offeringstanza 5, +in TMshtup, the offering of noon ; and 6, in Jagati, the evening libation.^ + +6 Give glory ; honour by accepting. Vdja and the Ribhus: the three Ilibhus. + + + +372 TIIE HYMNS OF [BOOK UL + +7 The groats have wo prepared for thee with Pushan, com for + +thee, Lord of Bay Steeds, with thy horses. + +Eat thou the meal-cake, banded with the Maruts/ wise Hero, +Vrit^a-slayer, drink the Soma. + +8 Bring forth the roasted corn to meet him quickly, cake for + +the bravest Hero mid the heroes. + +Indra, may hymns accordant with thee daily strengthen thee, +Bold One, for the draught of Soma. + +HYMN LIIL Indra, Parvata, Etc. + +On a high car, 0 Parvata and Indra, bring pleasant viauds, +with brave heroes, hither. + +Enjoy the gifts, Gods, at our sacrifices: wax strong by hymns, +rejoice in oar oblation. + +2 Stay still, 0 Maghavan, advance no farther: a draught of + +well-pressed Soma will I give thee. + +With sweetest song I grasp, 0 Mighty Indra, thy garment's +hem as a child grasps his father's. + +3 Adhvaryu, sing we both; sing thou iii answer: make wc a + +laud acceptable to Indra. + +Upon this sacrifieer's grass be seated: to Indra shall our eulogy +be uttered. + +4 A wife, 0 Maghavan, is home and dwelling : so let thy Bay + +Steeds yoked convey thee hither. + +Whenever we press out for thee the Soma, let Agni as our Herald +speed to call thee. + +5 Depart, 0 Maghavan; -again come hither : both there and here + +thy goal is, Indra, Brother, + +Where thy tall chariot hath a place to rest in, and where thou +loosest thy loud-neighing Courser. + + +7 With PtUhan : because karambhd, groats or gruel, is the usual offering to +that God. Com: for Indra 1 a horses. + +In addition to Indra and his frequent associate Parvata, the Genius of the +mountains and clouds, the Goddess V&k or Speech (stanzas 15, 16), and the +several parts of the chariot or wain (17—20) are regarded as the deities or +objects reverently mentioned ov addressed in this hymn. + +1 With brave heroes,’ accompanied, or followed by heroic sons. + +3 Adhvaryu, sing we both ; the Ho tar calls on the Adhvaryu to join him in +the performance of the ceremony. + +4 A wife, . is home and dwelling: or, perhaps, ‘Wife, Maghavan, is home, + +so is this chamber that is, Indra is to regard the sacrificial chamber as his +home for the present, until he returns to his consort and Ins other home in +heaven. + + + + +TEE RIO VEDA, + + +373 + + +8YMX 53 ,] + +6 Thou hast drunk Soma, Indra, turn thee homeward; thy joy + +is in thy home, thy gracious Consort; + +Where thy tall chariot hath a place to rest in, and thy strong +Courser is set free with guerdon. * + +7 Bounteous are these, Angirases, Yirupas : the Asura's Heroes + +and the Sons of Heaven. + +They, giving store of wealth to Yisvamitra, prolong his life +through countless Soma-pressings. + +8 Maghavan weareth every shape at pleasure, effecting magic + +changes in his body, + +Holy One, drinker out of season, coming thrice, in a moment, +through fit prayers, from heaven. + +9 The mighty sage, God-born and God-incited, who looks on men, + +restrained the billowy river. + +When Visvamitro, was SucLWs escort, then Indra through the +Kusikas grew friendly. + +10 Like swans, prepare a song of praise with pressing-stones, glad + +in your hymns with juice poured forth in sacrifice. + +Ye singers, with the Gods, sages who look on men, ye Kusikas, +drink up the Soma's savoury meatb. + +11 Come forward, Kusikas, and be attentive; let loose Sudan's + +horse to win him riches. + +East, west, and north, let the King slay the foeman, then at +earth's choicest place perform his worship. + +12 Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. +This prayer of Yisvamitra keeps secure the race of Bharatas. + +6 Thy gracious Consort: Indrftui. With guerdon: with com and water. + +7 Professor Wilson, following fchlyana, paraphrases ; ‘These sacrifices are + +(BJiojas), of whom the diversified Angirases (are the priests): and the heroic +sons of the expeller (of the foes of the Gods) from heaven, bestowing riches upon +ViSvAmitra at the sacrifice of a thousau 1 '••--■‘■rr.*'. r—v— his life.’ The Bhojas +(bounteous ones) are said to be the K v ■ ’■ of Sud&s, and the + +diversified Angirases MedMtithi and the rest of the race of Angiras. ‘ The Asura,’ +explained by SAyapa as the expeller of the foes of the Gods from heaven, is said +to be Bttdra, and his sons are the Maruts. The Virfipas are connected with +Angiras in X, 62. 5., and a Vivfipa ia mentioned in I. 45. 3. and VIII. 64. 6. + +8 DrinJcer out of season: drinking the celestial Soma whenever he wishes, +irrespectively of the appointed times for libations on earth. Thrice ; to the +three daily libations. + +9 The mighty sage: YifwAmitra. See III. 33, note. # + +11 In this and the two following stanzas the priests implore the aid of Indra +for King SudAs who is going forth to battle. + +Earth's choicest place: th§, altar, + +12 The race of Bharatas : the descendants of VisvAmitra, Bharata being the +son of the celebrated SakuntalA who was Yisvtoitra’s daughter by the Apser +ras MenA* + +$ee Vedic India (Story of the Nations series), pp. 319 ft + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +m + + +[BOOK IlL + + +13 The Visvamitras have sung forth this prayer to luclra Thunder- + +armed : + +So let him make us prosperous. + +14 Amongst he Kikatas what do thy cattle ? They pour no milky + +draught, they heat no caldron. + +Bring thou to us the wealth of Pramaganda; give up to us 0 +Maghavan, the low-born. + +15 Sasarpart, the gift of Jamadagnis, hath lowed with mighty + +voice dispelling famine. + +The Daughter of the Sun hath spread our glory among the +Gods, imperishable,'deathless. + +16 Sasarpari brought glory speedily to these, over the generations + +of the Fivefold Race; + +Daughter of Paksha, she bestows new vital power, she whom +the ancient Jamadagnis gave to me. + + +’rf likf KtkcUas : the non-Aryan inhabitants of a c-vrit-v A .\.V, TCosala + +or Oudhj usually identified with South Bihar. The-,.,, + +bestowed by Indra are unprofitable when in the possession of men who do not +worship the Aryan Gods. Pramaganda : the prince of the Kfatas * accord¬ +ing to Sayan a the word means < the son of the usurer/ V* 5 * Ceoul + +15 Sasarpari the gift of famadagnis: according to Sftyana, Sasarpari fswifflv +moving, or gliding everywhere), is a name or an epithet of V&k Voice ? + +of + s ?. rya the Sun - The + +latxon of Sfiyana s quotation from Shadgurusishya's Commentary on the +AxiukramamB, as given with an addition inWebb's Indizche art + +ing the two verses beginning “ Sasarparih” those acquainted with 'antiou tv +tell a story. At a sacrifice of king Saudtea the power andsDeenh of J* +*•7 completely vaaquished by Sakti, Bon of Vaaish th a fm,d the Ion of +Gfidhi (visvanutra) being so overcome became deiec+^ri" TKc t i * +drew from the abode of the sun a w called “S^tvi ”Th! + +BrahmA, or of the sun, and gave her to him Then that V w « of + +apretct ( approach’ (see verse 111 iw i with the words up- + +Voice, he paid homage to the Jamadagnfs tbe + +beginning f Sasarparih ’.—0 S Texts T a sing miem with the two verses + +with Prof. Roth who thinks thaTsalroarf “ ” 1clil,e(3 to W + +?ll r ^ l ° 4eh H oaanot be re e^dod as entirety safcSactorv “ COm ‘ + +ar ° h iBhiS Wh0 biasing fire. + +perioTof ftfaSJ*®'’ that k ’ ° f the Sw w!w light and dark + + +f + + +HYMN 53.] TUB RIG VEDA, 375 + +17 Strong be the pair of oxen, firm the axles, let not the pole slip + +nor the yoke be broken. + +May Indra keep the yoke-pins from decaying : attend ns, thou +whose fellies are uninjured, + +18 0 Indra, give our bodies strength, strength to the bulls who + +draw the wains, + +Strength to our seed and progeny that they may live, for thou +art he who giveth strength. + +19 Enclose thee in the heart of Khayar timber, in the car wrought + +of Sinsapd, put firmness. + +Show thyself strong, 0 Axle, fixed and strengthened : throw us +not from the car whereon we travel. + +20 Let not this sovran of the wood leave us forlorn or injure us, +Safe may we be until we reach our homes and rest us and un¬ +yoke. + +21 With various aids this day come to us, Indra, with best aids + +speed us, Maghavan, thou Hero. + +Let him who hateth us fall headlong downward i him whom +we hate let vital breath abandon. + +22 He heats his very axe, and then cuts a mere Semal blossom off. +0 Indra, like a caldron cracked and seething, so he pours out + +foam. + + +17 In this and the three following stanzas Visvdmitra being about to depart +from King Sudds’s sacrificial hall blesses, or invokes good luck for, the several +parts of the chariot or wain on which he is going to travel. + +Attend us : the chariot is here addressed. + +19 Khayar timber; the hard wood of the Khadira, or Acacia Catechu, of +which the pin of the axle was 'made. Sinsapd : Dalbergia Sisu, also a com¬ +mon timber-tree. + +20 This sovran of the wood: the timber of which the body of the car is made. + +21 Prof. Roth is of opinion that this hymn consists of fragments composed +by Visvdmitra or his descendants at different dates, and that the verses (9— +13), in which that Ilishi represents himself and the Kusikas as being the priests +of Sudds are earlier than the concluding verses (21—24), which consist of im¬ +precations directed against Vasishtha. These last verses, he remarks, contain +an expression of 'wounded pride, and threaten vengeance against an enemy +who had come into possession of some power or dignity which Visvdmitra him¬ +self had previously enjoyed. With regard to the relations between Visvd- +mitra and Vasishtha as priests of Sudds, see Muir’s Original Sanskrit Texts, I. +pp. 371 + +22 Professor Wilson remarks : f The construction is elliptical: the ellipse is +supplied by the scholiast, as the tree is- cut down by the axe so may the enemy +be cut down as one cuts off without difficulty the flower of the Simbala. so +may he be destroyed : as the cauldron when struck, and thence leaking, scat¬ +ters foam or breath from its mouth, so may that hater, struck by the power +of my prayer, vomit foam from his mouth.’ The phrases are probably, &s +Ludwig explains, merely proverbial expressions for threats full of sound and +fury followed by insingnificant results. + +The Semal (Simbala) is the Silk-cotton tree. ...... + + + +376 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IlL + +23 Men notice not the aiTow, 0 ye people; they bring the red +beast deeming it a bullock. + +A sluggish steed men run not with the courser, nor ever lead +an ags before a charger. + +24c These men, the sons of Bharata, 0 Indra, regard not severance +or close connexion. + +They urge their own steed as it were another’s, and take him, +swift as the bow’s string, to battle. + +HYMN LIY. Visvedevas. + +To him adorable, mighty, meet for synods, this strengthening +hymn, unceasing, have they offered. + +May Agni hear us with his homely splendours, hear us, Eter¬ +nal One, with heavenly lustre. + +2 To mighty Heaven and Earth I sing forth loudly: my wish +goes out desirous and well knowing +Both, at whose laud in synods, showing favour, the Gods re¬ +joice them with the living mortal. + +. 23 Men notice not the arrow: or, according to Sftyana, ‘men heed not the +destroyer,’ i. e. the power of Visv&mitra who will destroy his enemies is not +known to, or regarded by, his opponents. + +They fo'ing the red 6 east: the meaning of lodluim is uncertain. S&yana ex¬ +plains it as lubdham , desirous (that his penance might not be frustrated). +Prof. Roth suggests that lodhdm means red, and denotes an animal of some +kind contrasted with pa&il (a tame or sacrificial animal, a bullock), so that the +clause would have somewhat the same meaning as * they look on the wolf as if +it were a hare.’ Durga, the commentator on the Nirukta, says : ‘ The text in +which this word (lodhti) occurs is a verse expressing Hatred of Vasishtha. But +X am a K&pishlhala of the family of Vasishtha; and therefore do not interpret +it.’ See Muir’s 0. & Texts, I. pp. 344, 372. + +Deeming it a Wloch; according to S&yana, thinking the sage, Visvftmitra, +who kept silence of his own accord to be merely stupid like some inferior ani¬ +mal. In the secoad line the rivalry of Vasishtha with himself appears to be +ridiculed. + +• 24 The son of Bharata: descendants and adherents of Visv&mitra. Prof. +Wilson, following S&yana, paraphrases the stanza: e These sons of Bharata, +Indra, understand severance (from the Vasishthas), not association (with +them); they urge their steeds (against them) as against a constant foe ; they +bear a stout bow (for their destruction) in battle.’ The word dranam, strange, +foreign, another’s, gives no intelligible sense. Prof. Ludwig suggests in its place +Jcaranam, an ever-ready helper. Dr. Muir suggests that the word may mean +‘as if to a distance.* - + +} To him: Agni. Meet for synods; to be worshipped in sacrificial assem¬ +blies. May Agni hear us: both as terrestrial fire used for sacrifice and +domestic purposes and as celestial fire in the form of the Sun. They ,* the +priestly singers. + +2 Knowing loth: recognizing the greatness of Heaven and Earth, The liv* +mg mortal ; eaen as worshippers. + + + + +HYMN 54 .] THE pGVEDA* S77 + +3 0 Heaven and Earth, may your great law be faithful; he ye + +our leaders for our high advantage. + +To Heaven and Earth I offer this my homage, with food, 0 +Agni, as I pray for riches. * + +4 Yea, holy Heaven and Earth, the ancient sages whose word + +was ever time had power to find you ; + +And brave men in the fight where heroes conquer, 0 Earth, +have known you well and paid yon honour. + +5 What pathway leadeth to the Gods 1 Who knoweth this of a + +truth, and who will now declare it % + +Seen are their lowest dwelling-places only, hut they are in re¬ +mote and secret regions. + +6 The Sage who looketh on mankind hath viewed them bedewed, + +rejoicing in the seat of Order. + +They make a home as for a bird, though parted, with one same +will finding themselves together. + +7 Partners though parted, with far-distant limits, on one firm + +place both stand for ever watchful, + +And, being young for evermore, as sisters, speak to each other +names that are united. + +8 All living things they part and keep asunder; though bearing + +up the mighty Gods they reel not. + +One All is Lord of what is fixed and moving, that walks, that +dies, this multiform creation. + +9 Afar the Ancient from of old I ponder, our kinship with our + +mighty Sire and Father,— + + +5 Seen are their lowest dwelling-places: the constellations ; but the Gods +are also in mysterious and higher realms beyond, and who knows the path +that leads thither ? + +6 The Sage who looketh on mankind: the all-seeing and omniscient Sun. +Them: Heaven and Earth. Bedewed: with the water above the firmament +and rain respectively. In the sent of Order: in the place which the eternal +Order of the Universe has assigned to them. They make a home: though +meeting together, they leave a space, like a bird's nest, between them. + +7 Speak to each other names that are united: address each other or perhaps, +are addressed, by dual appellations, such as urvi, the Two Spacious Ones, +dydvdprithivii Heaven-Earth, etc. + +8 One All: ‘We find mention in one hymn of a primordial substance or +unit out of which the universe was developed. This is ‘ the one thing * f 6kam) +which we have met with in connection with Aja, the Unborn (Book I. 164, 6, +46.), and which is also used synonymously with the universe in accordance +with the principle which is the key to much of the later mysticism that cause +and effect are identical. The poet endeavours, in a strain which preludes the +philosophy of the Upanishads, to picture to himself the first state of the +world, and the first signs of life and growth in it.’—Wallis, Cosmology of the +Bigveda } p. 58. + + + + + +378 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III. + +Singing the praise whereof the Gods by custom stand on the +spacious far-extended pathway. + +10 This laud, 0 Heaven and Earth, to you I utter: let the kind- + +hearted hear, whose tongue is Agni, + +Young, Sovran Rulers, Yaruna and Mitra, the wise and very +glorious Adityas. + +11 The fair-tongued Savitar, the golden-handed, comes thrice from +• heaven as Lord in our assembly. + +Bear to the Gods this song of praise, and send us, then, Savi¬ +tar, complete and perfect safety. + +12 Deft worker, skilful-handed, helpful, holy, may Tvashtar, God, + +give us these things to aid us. + +Take your delight, ye Ribhus joined with Pushan: ye have +prepared the rite with stones adjusted. + +13 Borne on their flashing car, the spear-armed Maruts, the nim¬ + +ble Youths of Heaven, the Sons of Order, + +The Holy, and Sarasvati, shall hear us: ye Mighty, give us +wealth with noble offspring. + +14 To Vishnu rich in marvels, songs and praises shall go as singers + +on the road of Bhaga,— + +The Chieftain of the Mighty Stride, whose Mothers, the many +young Dames, never disregard him. + +15 Indra, who rules through all his powers heroic, hath with his + +majesty filled earth and heaven. + +Lord of brave hosts, Fort-crushei*, Vritra-slayer, gather thou +up and bring us store of cattle. + +16 My Sires are the N&satyas, kind to kinsmen; the Asvins } + +kinship is a glorious title. + +For ye are they who give us store of riches; ye guard your +gift uncbeated by the bounteous. + + +9 Singing the praise whereof: that is, with reference to which kinship with +our father Dyaus or Heaven the Gods themselves bear witness to its exis¬ +tence. + +11 Comes thriee: at the three daily sacrifices. + +12 These things: for which we pray. + +14 On the road.of Bhaga; or on the path of good fortune or felicity. + +The. Chieftain of the Mighty Stride ; Vishnu as the Sun. The Mothers ,. +according to Sftyana, are the regions of space which generate all beings. S&- +yana supplies djhdm , command, after ydsya , whose, and Prof. Wilson renders +the passage accordingly, 'whose commands the many-blending regions of space, +the generators (of all beings) do nob disobey.’ + +16 My Sires are the Ndsatyas ; the Asyins regard me with fatherly affection, +Ye; the Asyins. Uncheated by the bounteous; never deceived by liberal men +ike us. ~ " + + + +HYMN 55 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +379 + + +17 This is, ye Wise, your great and glorious title, that all ye + +Deities abide in lndra. + +Friend, Much-invoked! art thou with thy dear Eibhus: + +, fashion ye this our hymn for our advantage. n + +18 Aryaman, Aditi deserve our worship : the laws of Vamna re¬ + +main unbroken. + +The lot of childlessness remove ye from us, and let our course +be rich in kine and offspring. + +19 May the Gods’ envoy, sent to many a quarter, proclaim us + +sinless for our perfect safety. + +May Earth and Heaven, the Sun, the Waters, hear us, and +the wide firmament and constellations. + +20 Hear us the mountains which distil the rain-drops, and, rest¬ + +ing linn, rejoice in A fresheuing moisture. + +May Aditi with the Adityas hear i;s, and Maruts grant us +their auspicious shelter. + +21 Soft be our path for ever, well-provisioned: with pleasant + +meath, 0 Gods, the herbs besprinkle. + +Safe be my bliss, 0 Agui, in thy friendship : may I attain +the seat of foodful riches, + +22 Enjoy the offering; beam thou strength upon ns; combine + +thou for our good all kinds of glory. + +Conquer in battle, Agni, all those foe men, and light us every +day with loying-kindness. + +HYMN LV, Visvedevas. + +At the first shining of the earliest Mornings, in the Cow’s +home was born the Great Eternal. + +Now shall the statutes of the Gods be valid. Great is the +Gods’ supreme and sole dominion. + +17 Abide in lndra: not, as Sftyana explains, in the sphere or world of +lndra. The meaning is, as Professor Luclwig points out, that the glory of +the Gods consists in their recognition as forming a part of the true, supreme +and all-embracing divine principle, in which, as the Absolute God, all their +individual attributes are absorbed and vanish, + +Fashion ye ; perhaps merely, give a favourable issue to, + +19 The Gods' envoy: Agni. + +21 With pleasant meath: with refreshing rain. + + +1 In the Cow's home: in the firmament or heaven, the place of the +mystical Cosmic Cow. The Great Eternal: the two adjectives are in the +neuter gender without a substantive. S&yana supplies jyotih, light, in the +form of the Sun. Great is, etc. * Great’ and incomparable is the divine +nature of the gods.’—Muir. + + + + +380 THE HYMNS OF [WOK 111 + +2 Lot not the Gods here injure us, 0 Agni, nor Fathers of old + +time who know the region, + +Nor the sign set between two ancient dwellings. Great is the +GodsJ, supreme and sole dominion. + +3 My wishes fly abroad to many places: I glance back to the + +ancient sacrifices. ,, . + +Let ns declare the truth when fire is kindled. Great is the +Gods’ supreme and sole dominion. + +4 King Universal, borne to sundry quarters, extended through + +the wood be lies on couches. + +One Mother rests: another feeds the Infant. Great is the +Gods’ supreme and sole dominion. + +5 Lodged in old plants, he grows again in younger, swiftly within + +the newly-born and tender. + +Though they are unimpregned, ho makes them fruitful. +Great is the Gods’ supreme and sole dominion. + +6 Now lying far away, Child of two Mothers, he wanders unres¬ + +trained, the single youngling. + +These are the laws of Varuna and Mitra. Great is the Gods’ +supreme and sole dominion. + +7 Child of two Mothers, Priest, sole Lord in synods, he still pre¬ + +cedes while resting as foundation. + +They who speak sweetly bring him sweet addresses. Great +is the Gods’ supreme and sole dominion. + + +2 The meaning of the atanza is, as Professor Ludwig says : May we be +able to calculate correctly the time of the Bun’s approach, that is, the +moment of his rising, when we should begin our sacred ceremonies. Let not +the Gods lead uS astray, or allow us to err, in this matter ; let not the +Fathers, or spirits of the departed, who are acquainted with the region in +which the Sun first appears, and who have transmitted their knowledge to +their descendants, nor the Sun himself (or, perhaps, Agni) deceive us. Two +ancient dwellings : 'heaven and earth, the homes respectively of Gods and +men. + +3 I glance bach: so Prof. M, Muller translates the passage. + +4 King Universal: Agni, the God of all Aryan men. To sundry quarters: +to various altars, for sacrificial purposes. + +One Mother: the earth. Another: the heaven. Or, as Prof, Ludwig +suggests, the lower of the two fire-sticks remains still while the upper stick, +which is agitated, gives him life and strength. + +5 Agni is latent in all plants, and from those that are old and decaying he +passes into the young and tender ones. + +6 Far aivay: or, in the west, as Sftrya or the Sun when he has set. + +He wanders : when he has risen again. + +7 Priest: Agni, the herald who calls the Gods, the hotar or invoker. + +, As foundation: as the root and basis of every religious act. + + + +HYMN 55.] + + +THE R1GVEDA . + + +361 + + +8 As to a friendly warrior when he battles, each thing that- + +comes anear is seen to meet him. + +The hymn commingles with the cow's oblation. Great is the +Gods 5 supreme and sole dominion. n + +9 Deep within these the hoary envoy pierceth; mighty, he goeth + +to the realm of splendour, + +And looketh on us, clad iu wondrous beauty. Great is the +Gods 5 supreme and sole dominion, + +10 Vishnu, the guardian, keeps the loftiest station, upholding + +deal*, immortal dwelling-places. + +Agui knows well ail these created beings. Great is the Gods 5 +supreme and sole dominion. + +11 Ye, variant Pair, have made yoursolves twin beauties : one of + +the Twain is dark, bright shines the other; + +And yet these two, the dark, the red, are listers. Great is +the Gods 5 supreme and sole dominion. + +12 Whore the two Cows, the Mother and the Daughter, meet and + +give suck yielding their lordly nectar, + +1 praise them at the seat of law eternal. Great is the Gods’ +supreme and sole dominion. + +13 Loud hath she lowed, licking the other’s youngling. On what + +world hath the Milch-cow laid her udder? + +This Ila streameth with the milk of Order. Great is the Gods’ +supremo and sole dominion. + +14 Earth weareth beauties manifold: uplifted, licking her Calf + +of eighteen months, she staudeth.. + + +8 Agui is here represented as a champion who draws men to meet him as +a friend. The hymn, c ommuajles: penetrates, as it were, atid accompanies the +libation of milk and {Soma juice. + +9 Within these ; plants in general. The hoary envoy: Agni, the ancieut +messenger between Gods and men. To the realm of sciendum'; to heaven as +the &un, + +10 Loftiest station: in the zenith. Cf. X. 154. 5, 5. + +11 Ye , variant Pair: Day and Night. + +12 The two Cows ; Earth and Heaven, according to S&yana ; more pro¬ +bably ISight and Morning are intended. The seat of law eternal: the altar, +the place of sacrifice appointed by everlasting law or twUS, + +13 Loud hath she lowed: Heaven, as the .rain pours down. The other's +youngliuy, or calf, is Agni. On what world; no one knows where the rain +comes from. This lid: a name of the earth ; or lid may mean, with the +freshening draught (of rain), + +14 Earthpadyd, according to S&yana, has this meaning. Uplifted.., . + +she staudeth: apparently, Heaven, but according to B&yana, the Earth +elevated iu the form of the northern altar. + +Her calf of eighteen months: or according to Sdyana’s alternative ex¬ +planation, 1 her calf who protects the three worlds.' The calf is the Sun. + + + + +382 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK III. + +Well-skilled I seek the seat of law eternal. Great is the Gods’ +supreme and sole dominion. + +*".5 Within a wondrous place the Twain are treasured; the one is +manifest, the other hidden. + +One common pathway leads in two directions. Great is the +Gods 5 supreme and sole dominion. + +16 Let the milch-kine that have no calves storm downward, yield¬ + +ing rich nectar, streaming, unexhausted, + +These who are ever new and fresh and youthful. Great is the +Gods 5 supreme and sole dominion. + +17 What time the Bull bellows in other regions, another herd + +receives the genial moisture; + +For lie is Bhaga, King, the earth’s Protector. Great is the +Gods 5 supreme and sole dominion. + +18 Let us declare the Hero’s wealth in horses, 0 all ye folk : of +; this the Gods have knowledge. + +Great is the + +“Gods 5 supreme and sole dominionT + +19 Tvashtar the God, the omniform Creator, begets and feeds' man¬ + +kind in various manner. + +His, verily, are all these living creatures. Great is the Gods 7 +supreme and sole'dominion. + +20 The two great meeting Bowls hath he united : each of the + +Pair is laden with his treasure. + +The Hero is renowned for' gathering riches. Great is the +Gods’ supreme and sole dominion. + +21 Yea, and on this our earth the All-Sustaincr dwells like a King + +with noble friends about him. + +In his protection heroes rest in safety. Great is the Gods’’ +supreme and sole dominion. + +15 Within a wondrous place: when Morning comes, Night is concealed +in some mysterious place to which Morning or Bay also retires in turn when +Night succeeds. From this mysterious prison Morning and Night come to +us by the same path, one departing as the other approaches. + +16 The milch-kine tiutt have no calves: the heavy clouds which pour out +their fertilizing rain as cows yield their refreshing milk, hut which ar<? +unlike cows inasmuch as they have no calves. + +17 The Bull: In'dra as Parj any a; the God of the rain cloud. + +Another herd ; the fertilizing shower falls in other regions. + +18 The number of Indra’s horses is variously stated. Here he is said to* +be drawn by six horses, the six seasons of the year, or by five at a time,, or +the seasons regarded as five by the combination of hmanta and §i§ira : the* +cold and the dewy seasons. + +20 The two great meeting Bowls : the heaven and earth,, hemispherical in +appearance, which meet at the horizon. So the author of The Witness of the +speaks of ‘ the great bowl of the earth, which hollowed to the horizon/ + + + + +THE BIG VEDA. + + +IiYkN 56-1 + + +383 + + +22 Bioh in their gifts'for thee are herbs and waters, and earth +brings all her wealth for thee, 0 Indra. + +May we as friends of thine share goodly treasures. Great is +the Gods’ supt*eme and sole dominion. > + +HYMN LYI. Vbvedevas. + +Not men of magic skill, not men of wisdom impair the Gods’ +first sbedfast ordinances. + +Ne’er may the earth and heaven which know not malice, nor +* the fixed hills, be bowed by sage devices. + +2 One, moving not away, supports six burthens: the Cows pro¬ + +ceed to him the true, the Highest. + +Near stand three Mighty Ones who travel swiftly : two are +concealed from sight, one is apparent. + +3 The Bull who wears all shapes, the triple-breasted, three-ud- + +dered, with a brood in many places, + +liuleth majestic with his triple aspect, the Bull, the Everlast¬ +ing Ones’ impregner. + +4 When nigh them, as th eir tracer he observed them : he called + +aloud the dear name of Adityas. + +The Goddesses, the Waters, stayed to* meet him: they who +were wandering separate enclosed him. + +5 Streams ! the wise Gods have thrice three habitations. Child + +of three Mothers, he is Lord in synods* + +22 The All-Snstainer: Indra. + +1 The statutes of the Gods are’unalterable’;- they stand fixed for ever like +the benignant heaven and earth and like the mountains that never can be +moved. + +2 The meaning of the-stanza is-uncertain* According, to Sftyana, the one, +moving not away, is the stationary year which sustains the load of the six +seasons, and the Cows are the solar rays which pervade the year, or the Sun. +as its representative. Professor Ludwig.thinks that Tvashtar may be intend¬ +ed, and that the cows may be the’ consorts of’ the God's who * are generally +represented as beiring him company. Three Mighty Ones: according to +SAyana, heaven, the firmament,.and the earth, of which the eaith is fully +visible and the first two are only seen imperfectly. Who travel swiftly : this +is Sityana’s explanation of dtydh\ coursers ; but the meaning is not clear. + +3 The Bull: the God who presides over the year. The-three breasts and +the three udders are probably heaven, the firmament, and’the earth. His +triple aspect ."thesix seasons, reduced 1 by combination to three,the hot season, +the rains, and the cold season. The Everlasting Ones, according to Sayana, +are the plants : but the three Mighty Ones, or the Waters,, may be intended. + +4 //.V.V” r.~ P-^-ywor Ludwig, says, Agni as Savitar, the God pre¬ +siding ■ ■■ ■ 1 ■» T ■ Adityas Here appear to He the months. + +5 T) each of the three worlds having three subdivi¬ + +sions. Child of three Mothers : Agni as Savitar. appears to. be meant, the +three mothers being, perhaps, the three* seasons. According to Sayana, +trimltti here means 'the measurer of the three-(worlds),’ the Sun. Ladies +of the Waters i * I1&, Saraavati;. and’ Bh&rati. Thrice : at the* three daily +sacrifices. + + + +384 ' TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK UL + +Three are the holy Ladies of the Waters, thrice here from +heaven supreme in our assembly. + +6 Do thou, 0 Savitar, from heaven thrice hither, three times a + +day* send down thy blessings daily. + +Send us, 0 Bhag i, triple wealth and treasure; cause the two +worlds to prosper us, Preserver I + +7 Savitar thrice from heaven pours down abundance, and the + +fair-handed Kings Vanina, Mitra; + +And spacious Heaven and Earth, yea, and the Waters, solicit +wealth that Savitar may send us. + +:8 Three are the bright realms, best, beyond attainment, and +three, the Asura’s Heroes, rule as Sovrans, + +Holy and vigorous, never to be injured. Thrice may the Gods +from heaven attend our synod. + +HYMN LVII. Visvedevas. + +Mr thought with fine discernment hath discovered the Cow +who wanders free without a herdsman, + +Her who hath straightway poured me food in plenty *. Indra +and Agni therefore are her praisers. + +2 Indra and Pushan, deft of hand and mighty, well-pleased have + +drained the heaven's exhaustless udder. + +As in this praise the Gods have all delighted, may I win bles¬ +sing here from you, 0 Vasus. + +3 Fain to lend vigour to the Bull, the sisters with reverence re¬ + +cognize the germ within him. + +The Cows eome lowing hither to the Youngling, to him endued +with great and wondrous beauties. + +6 Cause the two worlds I follow Prof. Ludwig in taking dhishane as an +.accusative. + +8 The bright realms: heaven, divided into three. The A sura'a Heroes: +according to S£yana, Agni, Y&yu, and Surya. + +Thisjiymu and the five following are attributed to the ftishi Visvamitra. + +1 With fine discernment: the participle viv Herein in the masculine form ap¬ +pears to he used instead of the feminine form with manisM , thought. S&- +yaua reads manisMm in the accusative case, and following himfProfessor Wil¬ +son translates : * May the discriminating Indra apprehend my glorification (of +the Gods), which is free as a milch-cow grazing alone, without a cowherd.’ +The Cow: Ydlc, Voice or Speech, the voice of prayer and praise which the poet +proceeds tc v ‘V^-v 1 employ, and which Indra and Agni are said to +approve an . 1 ■ ’■ acceptance. + +% As in \ ^ . . ■: is no substantive in the text. S^'ina supplies + +redgtUt, altar. + +3 The Bull .- Agni. The sisters: the fingers which produce the fire by fric¬ +tion. The germ, within him: Agni’s fructifying power. The Youngling: +Agni. According to S&yana the Cows are the plants which spring up in the +vegetable world, adorned with all its various products, as cows go eagerly to +their calves. ! + + + +THE JUG VEDA. + + +BYMN 5 $,] + + +385 + + +4 Fixing with thought, at sacrifice, the press-stones, I bid the +„ well-formed Heaven and Earth come hither; + +For these thy flames, which give men boons in plenty, rise up +on high, the beautiful, the holy, , + +5 Agni, thy meath-sweet tongue that tastes fair viands, which + +among Gads is called the far-extended,— + +Therewith make all the Holy Ones be seated here for our help, +and feed them with sweet juices. + +6 Let thy stream give us drink, 0 God, O Agni, wonderful and + +exhaustless like the rain-clouds. + +Thus care for us, 0 Vasu Jatavedas, show us thy loving-kind¬ +ness, reaching all men. + +* + +HYMN LVIIL Asvins. + +The Ancient's Milch-cow yields the things we long for: the +Son of Dakshina travels between them. + +She with the splendid chariot brings refulgence. The praise +of Ushas hath awoke the Asvins. + +2 They bear you hither by well-ordered statute: our sacred + +offerings rise as if to parents. + +Destroy in us the counsel of the niggard: come hitherward, +for we have shown you favour, + +3 With lightly-rolling car and well-yoked horses hear this, the + +press-stone's song, ye Wonder-Workers. + +Have not the sages of old time, ye Asvins, called you most +prompt to come and stay misfortune ? + +4 Remember us, and come to us, for ever men, as their wont is, + +invoeate the Asvins. + +Friends as it were have offered you these juices, sweet, blent +with milk at the first break of morning. + +5 Even through many regions, 0 ye Asvins—high praise is yours + +among mankind, ye Mighty— + +Come, helpers, on the paths which Gods have travelled: here +your libations of sweet, meath are ready. + + +4 T-hy flames: 0 Agni. + +6 Jdtavedas : knowing all things that live or exist. + +1 The Ancient’s Milch-cow : bounteous Ushas or Dawn, daughter of .an¬ +cient Dyaus or Heaven. Dakshilid ; the sacrificial guerdon, personified. +Her son is Agni, the Sun who travels between heaven and earth. + +2 They; our offerings of prayer and praise. Destroy %n us: remove from +us all illiberal thoughts, and let us be bounteous in our worship of the $ods. + +5 Even tkrouyh many regions : come to us even from far away, although +many other worshippers also will try to detain you, + +25 + + + +386 TUB HYMNS OF [BOOK III . + +6 Ancient your home, auspicious is your friendship: Heroes, + +your wealth is with the house of Jahnu. + +Forming again with you auspicious friendship, let us rejoice +witli draughts of meath together. + +7 0 Asvins, Very Mighty Ones, with Vayu and with his steeds, + +one-minded, ever-youtliful, + +N&satyas, joying in the third day’s Soma, drink it, not hostile, +Very Bounteous Givers. + +8 Asvins, to you are brought abundant viands in rivalry with + +sacred songs, unceasing. + +Sprung from high Law your car, urged on by press-stones, +goes round the earth and heaven in one brief moment. + +9 Asvins, your Soma sheds delicious sweetness : drink ye thereof + +and come unto our dwelling. + +Your cai', assuming many a shape, most often goes to the +Soma-pi'essex^s place of meeting. + +HYMN LIX. Mitra. + +Mitra, when speaking, stirreth men to labour: Mitra sustain- +eth both the earth and heaven. + +Mitra behold eth men with eyes that close* not. To Mitra +bring, with holy oil, oblation. + +2 Foremost be he who brings thee food, 0 Mitra, who strives to + +keep thy sacred Law, Aditya. + +He whom thou helpest ne’er is slain or conquered, on him, +from near or far, falls no affliction, + +3 Joying in sacred food and free from sickness, with knees bent + +lowly on the earth’s broad surface, + +Following closely the Aditya’s statute, may we remain in +Mitra’s gracious favour. + +{ 4 Auspicious and adorable, this Mitra was bom with fair dominion. +King, Disposer. + +May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, rest in his pro¬ +pitious loving-kindness. + +5 The great Aditya, to be served with worship, who stirreth +men, is gracious to the singer. + +■ 6 The house of Jahnu; the family of the Kusikas, of whom Jahnu was +the ancestor. * Jahnu’s children’ are mentioned as having been favoured +worshippers of the Asvins in Book I. 116. 19. + +7 The third day's Soma: pressed out the day before yesterday, and in the +meantime left to ferment. + +1 Stirreth men to labour; Mifcra being the God of Day, Cf. YII, 302, + + + + +&FMX GO.] TEE JUG VEDA, gS7 + +To Mitra, him most highly to be lauded, offer in fire oblation +that he loveth. + +6 The gainful grace of Mitra, God, supporter of the rgce of man, +Gives splendour of most glorious fame. + +7 Mitra whose glory spreads afar, he who in might surpasses + +heaven, + +Surpasses earth in his renown. + +8 All the Five Races have repaired to Mitra, ever strong to aid. +For he sustaineth all the Gods. + +9 Mitra to Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy +„ grass, + +Gives food fulfilling sacred Law. + +HYMN LX. iiibhus. + +Herb is your ghostly kinship, here, 0 Men: they came desir¬ +ous to these holy rites with store of wealth, + +With wondrous arts, whereby, with schemes to meet each +need, + +Ye gained, Sudhan van’s Sons ! your share in sacrifice. + +2 The mighty powers wherewith ye formed the chalices, the + +thought by which ye drew the cow from out the hide, + +The intellect wherewith ye wrought the two Bay Steeds, +through these, 0. Ribhus, ye attained divinity, + +3 Friendship with Iudra have the Ribhus fully gained : grand¬ + +sons of Manu, they skilfully urged the work. + +Sudhari van’s Children won them everlasting life, serving with +holy rites, pious with, noble acts. + +4 In company with Indra come ye to the juice, then gloriously + +shall your wishes be fulfilled. + +Not to be paragoned, ye Priests, are your good deeds, nor +your heroic acts, Ribhus, Sudhauvan’s Sons. + +5 0 Indra., with the Ribhus, Mighty Ones, pour down the Soma + +juice effused, well-blent, from both thy hands. + +Maghavan, urged by song, in the drink-offerer’s house rejoice +thee with the Heroes, with Sudhanvan’s Sons. + + +8 All the Five Faces: all Aryan men. h I + +9 Gives food fulfilling sacred Law the food which enables men to offer the + +appointed sacrifices. -^ + +1 Here is your ghostly kinship : here, in the sacrificial chamber where the + +deities are worshipped, ye, Rib 1 ■ ■’-‘.f'.’V ~-n, are spiritually connected + +with the G-ods as partakers of ■. They: the Ribhus. With + +store of wealth : their great skill the ' wondrous arts ’ of the following line. + +2 Sec X. 20. 2, 3, 6. ..... + + + +m the hymns of [book hi. + +6 With Ribhu near, and Vaja, Indra, here exult, with Saehi, + +praised of many, in the juice we pour. + +These homes wherein we dwell have turned themselves to thee, +—devotions to the Gods, as laws of men ordain. + +7 Gome with the mighty Ribhus, Indra, come to us, strengthen¬ + +ing with thy help the singer's holy praise; + +At hundred eager calls come to the living man, with thousand +arts attend the act of sacrifice, + +HYMN LXI. Ushas. + +■ 0 Usbas, strong with strength, endowed with knowledge, +accept the singer’s praise, 0 wealthy Lady. + +Thou, Goddess, ancient, young, and full of wisdom, moves b, +all-bounteous ! as the Law ordaineth. + +2 Shine forth, 0 Morning, thou auspicious Goddess, on thy + +bright car awaking pleasant voices. + +Let docile horses of far-reaching splendour oonvey thee +hitherward, the golden-coloured. + +3 Thou, Morning, turning thee to every creature, standest on + +high as ensign of the Immortal, + +To one same goal ever and ever wending : now, like a wheel, +0 newly-born, roll hither. + +4 Letting her reins drop downward, Morning cometh, the + +wealthy Dame, the Lady of the dwelling; + +Bringing forth light, the Wonderful, the Blessed hath spread +her from the bounds of earth and heaven. + +5 Hither invoke the radiant Goddess Morning, and bring with + +reverence your hymn to praise her. + +She, dropping sweets, hath set in heaven her brightness, and, +fair to look on, hath beamed forth her splendour. + +6 From heaven, with hymns, the Holy One was wakened: + +brightly to both worlds came the wealthy Lady, + +To Morning, Agni, when she comes refulgent, thou goest +forth soliciting fair riches. + +7 On Law’s firm base the speeder of the Mornings, ths Bull, + +hath entered mighty earth and heaven. + +Great is the power of Varuna and Mitra, which, bright, hath +spread in every place its splendour, + +6 Bachi: Might, personified, the Consort of Indra, + +7 The living man ; the worshipper. + +3 The Immortal: the Sun. + +4 Letting her reins drop: perhaps, sending down rays of light. + +'7 The Bull* the Sun, who, as following the Dawns, may be said to urge +them onward. + + + + +MTM A f 62.] + + +WE MgTBDA. + + +m + + +HYMN LXIL Indra and Ottos, + +YoiJR well-knoWn prompt activities aforetime needed no im¬ +pulse from your faithful servant. + +Where, Indra-Yanina, is now that glory wherewith ye +brought support to those who loved you? + +2 This mail) most diligent, seeking after riches, incessantly + +invokes you for your favour. + +Accordant, Indra-Varuna, with Maruts, with Heaven and Earth, +hear ye mine invocation. + +3 0 Indra-Yaruna, ours be this treasure, ours.be wealth, Maruts, + +with full store of heroes. + +May the Varutris with their shelter aid us, and Bharati and +Hotrli with the Mornings. + +4 Be pleased with our oblations, thou loved of all Gods, Brihas- + +pati; + +Give wealth to him who brings thee gifts. + +5 At sacrifices, with your hymns worship the pure Brihaspati— +I pray for power which none may bend— + +6 The Bull of men, whom none deceive, the wearer of each + +shape at will, + +Brihaspati Most Excellent. + +7 Divine, resplendent Pfishan, this our newest hymn of eulogy +By us is chanted forth to thee. + +8 Accept with favour this my song, be gracious to the earnest + +thought, + +Even as a bridegroom to his bride. + + +The hymn consists of sis trichas or triplets, the deities of which are +severally (1) Indra and Vanina, (2) Brihaspati, (3) Pvtshan, (4) Savitar, (5) +Borna, (6) Mitra and Varuna. + +1 This stanza is difficult on account of the uncertainty of the meaning of +thrimdyah in the first line and of sinam in the second. Professor Wilson +renders it: ‘ Iudra and Varuna, may these people who are relying upon you, +and wandering about (in alarm), sustain no injury from a youthful (adver¬ +sary) ; for where is that reputation (you enjoy) on account that you bestow +sustenance on your friends ? ’ Professor Ludwig’s translation is to the follow¬ +ing effect: 4 These that are counted yours, these whirling weapons, were +made not to be hurled at your dependent. Varuiia, Mitra, where is this your +glory, wherewith against your friends ye send your missile?’ My version +follows Professor Roth’s interpretation in the St. Petersburg Lexicon. + +2 This man : the worshipper. + +3 The VarMrts: guardian Goddesses ; the Consorts of the Gods, accord¬ +ing to the Commentator. Bhdratt and Jffotrd: Goddesses presiding over +different departments of religious worship. + +4 Brihaspati: Lord of Prayer. . + + + +390 THE MG VEDA. IBOOK TIL + +9 May lie who sees all living things, sees them together at a +glance,— + +May he, may Pushan be our help. + +10 May wp attain that excellent glory of Savitar the God ; + +So may he stimulate our prayers. + +11 With understanding, earnestly, of Savitar the God we crave +Our portion of prosperity. + +12 Men, singers worship Savitar the God with hymn and holy + +rites, + +Urged by the impulse of their thoughts. + +13 Soma who gives success goes forth, goes to the gathering- + +place of Gods, + +To seat him at the seat of Law. + +14 To us and to our cattle may Soma give salutary food, + +To biped and to quadruped. + +15 May Soma, strengthening our power of life, and conquering + +our foes, + +In our assembly take his seat. + +16 May Mitra-Varuna, sapient Pair, bedew our pasturage with + +oil, + +With meath the regions of the air. + +17 Far-ruling, joyful when adored, ye reign through majesty of + +might, + +With pure laws everlastingly. + +18 Landed by Jamadagni's song, sit in the place of holy Law ; +l)rink Soma, ye who strengthen Law. + + +10 This stanza is the S&vitrf, the G&yatri par excellence , * the celebrated verse +of the Vedas which forms part of the daily devotions of the Brahmans,, and +was first made known to English readers by Sir AV. Jones’s translation of a +paraphrastic interpretation ; he renders it, Let us adore the supremacy of that +divine sun, the godhead, who ilium mates all, from whom all proceed, to whom +all must return, whom we invoke to direct our understandings aright in our +progress towards his holy seat.’—AVilson. Bee Riyveda Sanhitd, Vol. III. p. +111 . + +13 The gathering-place of Gods: the sacrificial chamber. The seat of Law; +the place where sacrifice ordained by eternal Law is performed. + +16 With oil: with clarified butter, with fatness, that is, with fertilizing +rain. With month : ur with honey, that is with sweet refreshing dew. + +18 Jainadugiti , may, according to Bay ana, be in tins place an epithet of +VFvfunitva, and mean c bv whom the lire lias been kindled ; ’or Jamadugni +may be another Uislii and the seer of the hymn. + + + +BOOK THE FOURTH. + + +HYMN L Agni. + +Thee, Agni, have the Gods, ever of one accord, sent hither +down, a God, appointed messenger, yea, with their wisdom +sent thee down. + +The Immortal, 0 thou Holy One, mid mortal men, the God- +devoted God, the wise, have they brought forth, brought +forth the omnipresent God-devoted Sage. + +2 As such, 0 Agni, bring with favour to the Gods thy Brother + +Varuna who loveth sacrifice, the Chief who loveth sacrifice, +True to the Law, the Aditya who supporteth men, the King, +supporter of mankind. + +3 Do thou, 0 Friend, turn hither him who is our Friend, swift + +as a wheel, like two car-steeds in rapid course, Wondrous 1 +to us in rapid course. + +0 Agni, find thou grace for us with Varuna, with Maruts +who illumine all. + +Bless us, thou Radiant One, for seed and progeny, yea, bless +us, 0 thou Wondrous God. + +4 Do thou who knowest Varuna, 0 Agni, put far away from us + +the God's displeasure. + +Best Saerificer, brightest One, refulgent, remove thou far +from us all those who hate us. + +5 Be thou, 0 Agni, nearest us with succour, our closest Friend + +while now this Morn is breaking. + +Reconcile to us Varuna, be bounteous: enjoy the gracious +juice; be swift to hear us. + +6 Excellent is the glance, of brightest splendour, which the + +auspicious God bestows on mortals,— + +The God's glance, longed-for even as the butter, pure, heated, +of the cow, the milch-cow’s bounty. + +7 Three are those births, the true, the most exalted, eagerly + +longed-for, of the God, of Agni. + +He came invested in the boundless region, pure, radiant, +friendly, mightily resplendent. + + +This hymn, and the following forty, are ascribed to the Riahi V&madeva, +son of Qotama, £ - + +7 Three are those births : the manifestations of Agni in heaven as the Sun , +in the firmament as lightning, and on earth as sacrificial and domestic fire. + + + + +'392 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK It. + +8 This envoy joyeth in all seats of worship, borne on his golden + +car, sweet-tongued Invoker: + +Lovely to look on, with red steeds, effulgent, like a feast rich +in fopd, joyous for ever. + +9 Allied by worship, let him give man knowledge: by an ex¬ + +tended cord they lead him onward. + +He stays, effectual, in this mortal's dwelling, and the God +wins a share in his possessions. + +10 Let Agni—for he knows the way—conduct us to all that he + +enjoys of God-sent riches, + +What all the Immortals have prepared with wisdom, Dyaus, +Sire, Begetter, raining down true blessings. + +11 In houses fir 3 t he sprang into existence, at great heaven’s base, + +and in this region's bosom; + +Footless and headless, both his ends concealing, in his Bull's +lair drawing himself together. + +12 Wondrously first he rose aloft, defiant, in the Bull's lair, the + +home of holy Order, + +Longed-for, young, beautiful, and far-i*esplendent: and seven +dear friends sprang up unto the Mighty. + +13 Here did our human fathers take their places, fain to fulfil + +the sacred Law of worship. + +Forth drave they, with loud call, Dawn's teeming Milch-kine. +hid in the mountain-stable, in the cavern. + +14 Splendid were they when they had rent the mountain : others, + +around, shall tell forth this their exploit. + +• They sang their song, prepared to free the cattle : they found +the light; with holy hymns they worshipped. + + +8 Sweet-tongued ; with tasting the oblations ; or, perhaps, pleasant-voiced. + +9 By an extended cord: by virtue of the endless chain or series of regularly +performed sacrifices. Effectual ; perfecting the sacrifices, or fulfilling all the +desires of the worshipper. + +A share in Ms possessions .* because the wealth of the worshipper depends +upon the favour of Agni. + +11 Footless and headless: without distinguishable head or feet. + +His Bull's lair: apparently the fuel in which he grows strong ; according +to Sftyana, 4 in the nest of the rain cloud.’ + +12 The home of holy Order: the altar, the place of law-appointed sacrifice. +Seven dear friends: seven minor priests ; or the frequently mentioned seven +tongues or rays of fire. + +13 Our human fathers; the Angirases. Teeming MUch-Hne: the fays of * +light. + +H Splendid; illumined by the recovered rays of light; + + + +THE ItfQ VEDA. + + +HYMN l/J + + +398 + + +15 Eager, with thought intent upon the booty, the men with + +their celestial speech threw open +The solid mountain firm, compact, enclosing, confining Cows, +the stable full of cattle. + +16 The Milch-cow's earliest name they comprehended : they found + +the Mother’s thrice-seven noblest titles. + +This the bands knew, and sent forth acclamation : with the +Bull’s sheen the Bed One Was apparent. + +17 The turbid darkness fled, the heaven was splendid: up rose + +the bright beam of celestial Morning. + +Sfirya ascended to the wide expanses, beholding deeds of men +both good and evil. + +18 Then, afterwards they looked around, awakened, when first + +they held that Heaven-allotted treasure. + +Now all the Gods abide in all their dwellings. Varuna, Mitra, +be the prayer effective* + +19 1 will call hither brightly-beaming Agni, the Herald, all-sup¬ + +porting, best at worship. + +He bath disclosed, like the milch-cows’ pure udder, the Soma’s +juice when cleansed and poured from beakers. + +20 The freest God of all who should be worshipped, the guest who + +is received in all men’s houses, + +Agni who hath secured the Gods’ high favour,—may he be +gracious, to us, Jcitavedas. + +15 The booty : the Cows, the rays of light. Their celestial speech : prayer. + +' 16 The Milch-cow’s: here, according to S&yana,' V&k or Voice, Speech, or +especially prayer. It is uncertain what is meant by the Mother's thrice-seven +noblest (titles, names, forms, or some similar word being necessarily under¬ +stood). Professor Wilson, following S&yana, renders the passage : * knowing +the thrice-seven excellent (forms) of the maternal (rhythm)/that is, the twenty- +one metres of the Vedas ; or, he adds, the passage may refer f to the ancient +nomenclature of cattle, as uttered by the Angirases as EM, surabhi , guggulu, +gandhint, etc/ + +With the Bull’s sheen ,* with the splendour of the Sun. The Red One : Tishas +or Dawn, + +18 That Heaven-allotted treasure: the recovered rays of light. + +19 Sd-yana’s explanation of the second line of this stanza is different, and +Professor Wilson, following him translates : c without milking the pure udder • +(of the cow), without purified food of the Soma offered in libation/ implying, +according to the Scholiast, * that no offering is made to Agni on the occasion ; +praise alone is addressed to him/ Nd, in the Veda, it may be remembered, +means both not and Wee, and in some passages it is difficult to determine in +which of its senses the word is to be taken. + + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK IV, + + +HYMN II. Agni. + +The Faithful One, Immortal among mortals, a God among +the Gods, appointed envoy, + +Priest, best at worship, must shine forth in glory: Agni shall +be raised high with man’s oblations. + +2 Born for ns here this day, 0 Son of Vigour, between both + +races of born beings, Agni, + +Thou farest as an envoy, having harnessed, Sublime One ! +thy strong-muscled radiant stallions. + +3 I laud the ruddy steeds who pour down blessing, dropping + +oil, fleetest through the thought of Order. + +Yoking red horses to and fro thou goest between you Deities +and mortal races. + +4 Aryaman, Mitra, Variina, and Indra with Vishnu, of the + +Gods, Maruts and Asvins— + +These, Agni, with good car and steeds, bring hither, most +bountiful, to folk with fair oblations. + +5 Agni, be this our sacrifice eternal, with brave friends, rich in + +kine and sheep and horses, + +Bich, Asura! in sacred food and children, in full assembly, +wealth broad-based and during. + +6 The man who, sweating, brings for thee the fuel, and makes + +his head to ache, thy faithful servant,— + +Agni, to him be a self-strong Protector: guard him from all +who seek to do him mischief. + +7 Who brings thee food, though thou hast food in plenty, wel¬ + +comes his cheerful guest and speeds him onward, + +Who kindles thee devoutly in his dwelling,—to him be +wealth secure and freely giving. + +8 Whoso sings praise to thee at eve or morning, and, with + +oblation, doth the thing thou lovest,— + +In his own home, even as a gold-girt courser, rescue him from +distress, the bounteous giver. + +9 Whoso brings gifts to thee Immortal, Agni, and doth thee + +service with uplifted ladle,—■ + +Let him not, sorely toiling, lose his riches; let not the sinner’s +wickedness enclose him. + +.2 Between both raoes of born beings; between Gods and men, the Gods also +being called jdtSh or born, as sons of Heaven and Earth. + +3 The thought of Order: the thought of Law-appointed sacrifice. + +You Deities ; the Gods of whom thou, Agni, art one. + +6 Makes his head to ache; with the load of wood which he carries on it. + +7 Freely giving: enabling tile possessor to be bountiful in turn. + + + + +MYMN 2 .] + + +THE JUG VEDA. + + +395 + + +10 Whose well-wrought worship thou acceptest, Agni, thou God + +a mortals gift, thou liberal Giver,— + +Dear be his sacrifice to thee, Most Youthful! and may we +strengthen him when he adores thee. + +11 May he who knows distinguish sense and folly of men, like + +straight'and crooked backs of horses. + +Lead us, 0 God, to wealth and noble offspring: keep penury +afar and grant us plenty. + +12 This Sage the Sages, ne’er deceived, commanded, sotting + +him down in dwellings of the living. + +Hence mayst thou, friendly God, with rapid footsteps behold +the Gods, wonderful, fair to look on. + +13 Good guidance hast thou for the priest, 0 Agni, who, + +Youngest God ! with out-poured Soma serves thee. + +Paxler of men, thou joyous God, bring treasure splendid and +plentiful to aid the toiler. + +14 Now all that we, thy faithful servants, Agni, have done with + +feet, with hands, and with our bodies, + +The wise, with toil, the holy rite have guided, as those who +frame a car with manual cunning. + +15 May we, seven sages first in rank, engender, from Dawn the + +Mother, men to be ordainers. + +May we, Angirases, be sons of Heaven, and, radiant, burst +the wealth-containing mountain. + +16 As in the days of old our ancient Fathers, speeding the work + +of holy worship, Agni, + +11 He who knows: the wise Agni. Like straight and crooked backs: + +asvdndm } of horses, is supplied by S ay ana; as a horse-keeper or groom +il!"! between well-shaped and ill-shaped backs. Keep penury afar: + +I f, "„v. Roth in his interpretation of ditini and dditim in this + +passage. Professor Wilson, following S fry ana, translates: * be bountiful to the +liberal giver ; shun him who gives not.’ ‘'Give us this life on earth, keep off +the life to come.’— Max Muller. + +12 This Sage: Agni. The Sages : the other Gods, Commanded: ordered +to become a priestly herald or invoker. With' rapid footsteps: I follow +S&yana ; but the correctness of his explanation is doubtful. According to +Pischel, padbhih here means ‘ with (thine) eyes.’ + +15 ‘Again, through the identification of the fathers with the light they are + +brought into connection with the metaphor'of generation.The fathers + +are united with the Dawn, and desire with her to beget male children. In a +liymn to Soma they are mentioned along with the morning Sun as having +placed the germ in the earth ; and the fruitfulness of heaven and earth, +which give birth to gods and men, is Tlescribed as produced by the fathers.’— +Wallis, Cosmology of the Rigrcda , p. 72. . e + +The wealth-containing mountain: the cloud with its store of rain, or the +cave in which the cow’s or rays of light were imprisoned. + + + +m THE HYMNS OP [BOOK TV* + +Sought pure light and devotion, singing praises; they cleft +the ground and made red Dawns apparent. + +1? Gods, doing holy acts, devout, resplendent, smelting like ore +theiv human generations, + +Enkindling Agni and exalting Indra, they came encompassing +the stall of cattle. + +18 Strong One! he marked them—-and the Gods before them— + +like herds of cattle in a foodful pasture. + +There they moaned forth their strong desire for mortals, to +aid the True, the nearest One, the Living. + +19 We have worked for thee, we have laboured nobly—bright + +Dawns have shed their light upon our worship— + +Adding a beauty to the. perfect Agni, and the God’s beauteous +eye that shines for ever. + +20 Agni, Disposer, we have sung these praises to thee the Wise : + +do thou accept them gladly. + +Blaze lip on high and ever make us richer. Give us great +wealth, 0 thou whose boons are many. + +HYMN IIL Agni. + +Win, to assist you, Rudra, Lord of worship, Priest of both +worlds, effectual Sacrificer, + +Agni, invested with his golden colours, before the thunder +strike and lay you senseless. + +2 This shrine have we made ready for thy coming, as the fond + +dame attires her for her husband. + +* Performer of good work, sit down before us, invested while +these flames incline to meet thee. + +3 A hymn, 0 Priest, to him who hears, the gentle, to him who + +looks on men, exceeding gracious, + +A song of praise sing to the God Immortal, whom the stone, +presser of the sweet juice, worships. + + +' 17 Gods r the godlike Angirases. SmeCtmg like ore: purifying their hum¬ +anity, as ore is purified by smelting. + +18 Strong One: 0 mighty Agni, He marked them: Indra saw the kine of +the Angirases, the stolen rays of light. The True , the Nearest One , the Living : +Agni appears to be meant. - + +J Rudra: here meaning Agni. Before the thunder strike: before death +overtakes you. Professor Ludwig refers to the Atharvaveda, XII. 2. 9, where +Agni Kravy&d, or Agni in his most terrific form, is spoken of as the God of +Death who stupefies men with his thunderbolt. + +2 The fames: there is no substantive in the text. S&yana supplies ( flames or +songs of praise,’ or‘ ladles’ may be the word understood. Professor Ludwig +supplies visah or prajdh * families or people,’ and Professor Grassxnann +i libations,' + + + + +HYMN 3.] TIIE RIG VEDA, 3.97 + +4 Even as true knower of the Law, 0 Agni, to this our solemn + +rite be thou attentive. + +When shall thy songs of festival be sung thee ? When is thy +friendship shown within our dwelling ? s + +5 Why this complaint to Vanina, 0 Agni? And why to + +Heaven ? for what is our transgression ? + +How wilt thou speak to Earth and bounteous Mitra % What +wilt thou say to Aryaman and Bhaga ? + +6 What, when thou blazest on the lesser altars, what to the + +mighty Wind who comes to bless us, + +True, circumambient % what to Earth, 0 Agni, what wilt +thou say to man-destroying Rudra ? + +7 How to great Pushan who promotes our welfare,—to honoured + +Rudra what, who gives oblations ? + +What sin of ours to the far-striding Vishnu, what, Agni, wilt +thou tell the Lofty Arrow. + +' 8 What wilt thou tell the truthful band of Maruts, how ansv r er +the great Sun when thou art questioned ? + +Before the Free, before the Swift, defend us: fulfil heaven’s +work, all-knowing Jata vedas. + +9 I crave the cow’s true gift arranged by Order: though raw, +she hath the sweet ripe juice, 0 Agni. + +Though she is black of hue with milk she teemeth, nutritious, +brightly shining, all-sustaining. + +10 Agni the Bull, the manly, hath been sprinkled with oil upon +his back, by Law eternal. + +He who gives vital power goes on unswerving. Prisni the +Bull hath milked the pure white udder. + + +5 Why this complaint ; why dost thou accuse us of sin ? + +0 On the lesser altars : on the dMshnyAs, sH cover¬ +ed with sand on which the fire is placed. .‘.V. ■■ ■' , ; y of + +wicked men, says the Scholiast. Rudra is generally represented as a bene¬ +volent God. + +7 The Lofty Arrow: the lightning. + +8 How answer the great &un: the sense of stanzas 5—8 appears to be, as + +Prof'™-" T.' ' 1 " .** bserves : thou hast no grounds for complaining of us to +any : y i >: ; be, rather, our advocate if Surya comes forward as our + +accuser. + +Before the Free, befm'e the Swift: the Sun. + +9 The first, line is difficult. ( I solicit the milk of the cow essential for the +sacrifice.’—Wilson. Though raw: this opposition of the uncooked cow and +the milk cooked or ripened in her udder has been noticed before. See .1, 62. 9. + +10 Prisni: here said to he Surya or the Sun, whp draws his light from the +sky. But see Bcnfey, Vedica und Verwandtes, pp, 71, 75. + + + +398 THE HTMNS OF {BOOK 1\\ + +11 By Law the Angirases cleft the rock asunder, and sang their + +hymns- together with the cattle. + +Bringing great bliss the men encompassed Morning ; light +was# apparent at the birth of Agni.' + +12 By Law the Immortal Goddesses the Waters, with meath-rich + +waves, 0 Agni, and uninjured, + +Like a strong courser lauded in his running, sped to flow +onward swiftly and for ever, + +,13 Go never to the feast of one who harms us, the treacherous +neighbour or unworthy kinsman. + +Punish us not for a false brother’s .trespass. Let us not feel +the might of friend or foeman. + +li 0 Agni, keep us safe with thy protection, loving us, honoured +God ! and ever guarding. + +Beat thou away, destroy severe affliction : slay e’en the demon +when he waxes mighty, + +15 Through these our songs of praise he gracious, Agni; moved + +by our prayers, 0 Hero, touch our viands. + +Accept, 0 Angiras, these our devotions, and let the praise +which Gods desire address thee. + +16 To thee who knowest, Agni, thou Disposer, all these wise + +secret speeches have I uttered, + +Sung to thee, Sage, the charming words of wisdom, to thee, +0 Singer, with my thoughts and praises. + +HYMN IY. Agni. + +Put forth like a wide-spreading net thy vigour; go like a +mighty King with his attendants. + +Thou, following thy swift net, shootest arrows: transfix the +fiends with darts that burn most fiercely. + +■ 2 Forth go in rapid flight thy whirling weapons : follow them +closely, glowing in thy fury. + +Spread with thy tongue the wdnged flames, 0 Agni; unfet¬ +tered, cast thy firebrands all around thee. + +3 Send thy spies fonvard, fleetest in thy motion; he, ne’er de¬ +ceived, the guardian of this people +From him who, near or far, is bent on evil, and let no trouble +sent from thee o’ercome us. + + +This hymn is said by S&yana to be addressed to Agni as slayer’ of tlie Rak- +shasas, that is, as God of the fire with which the immigrant Aryans burnt the +jungle, drove back the hostile aborigines, and cleared the ground for encamp¬ +ment or permanent settlement. + +3 Thy spies; thy first flames, sent forward as if to reconnoitre. + + + +TI1B R1QVBDA. + + +399 + + +tlYMX 4.] + +4 Bise up, 0 Agni, spread thee out before us: burn down our + +foes, thou who hast ^sharpen ed arrows. + +Him, blazing Agni! wEo’worked us mischief, consume +thou utterly like dried-up stubble. * + +5 Eise, Agni, drive off those w r ho fight against us : make mani¬ + +fest thine own celestial vigour. + +Slacken the strong bows of the demon-driven: destroy our +foemen whether kin or stranger. + +G Most Youthful God, he knoweth well thy favour who gave an +impulse to this high devotion. + +All fair days and magnificence of riches hast thou beamed +forth upon the good man’s portals. + +• 7 Blest, Agni, he the man, the liberal giver, who with his lauds +and regular oblation + +Is fain to please thee for his life and dwelling. May all his +days be bright: he this his longing. + +8 I praise thy gracious favour: sing in answer. May this my + +song sing like a loved one with thee. + +Lords of good steeds and cars may we adorn thee, and day by +day vouchsafe thou us dominion. + +9 Here of free choice let each one serve thee richly, resplendent + +day by day at eve and morning. + +So may -we honour thee, content and joyous, passing beyond +the glories of the people. + +10 Whoso with good steeds and fine gold, 0 Agni, comes nigh + +thee on a car laden with treasure, + +His Friend art thou, yea, thou art his Protector whose joy it +is to entertain thee duly. + +11 Through words and kinship 1 destroy the mighty: this power + +I have from Gotama my father. + +Mark thou this speech of ours, 0 thou Most Youthful, Friend +of the House, exceeding wise, Invoker. + +12 Knowing no slumber, speedy and propitious, alert and ever + +friendly, most unwearied, + +May thy protecting powers, unerring Agni, taking their places +here, combined, preserve us. + + +5 The demon-driven : those whom evil spirits incite to attack us. + +8 Sing in answer : with the auspicious sound of thy crackling flames. + +11 Through words and "kinship: that is, through my close alliance with +Agni, effected by the prayers with which my fathers and I have worshipped +him. + +The mighty; the R&ksli&sas or demons; according to S&yansu + + + +400 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK IV • + +13 Thy guardian rays,, 0 Agni, when they saw him, preserved +blind M&mateya from affliction. + +Lprd of all riehes, he preserved the' pious : the foes who fain +would harm them did no mischief, + +li Jiided by thee with thee may we be wealthy, may we gain +strength with thee to guide us onward. + +Fulfil the words of both, 0 Ever Truthful: straightway do +this, thou God whom pow r er emboldens. * v, + +15 0 Agni, with this fuel will we serve thee; accept the laud we +sing to thee with favour. + +Destroy the cursing B&kshasas; preserve, us, 0 rich in friends, +from guile and scorn and slander, + +HYMN V. " Agni. + +How shall we give with one accord oblation to Agni, to +V^svinara the Bounteous 1 + +-<xxeat light, with full high growth hath he uplifted, and, as + +' , %,a pillar bears the roof, sustains it. + +% Beproach not him who, God and self-reliant, vouchsafed this +bounty unto me a mortal,— + +Deathless, disceraer, wise, to me the simple, Vaisv&nara most +manly, youthful Agni. + +3 Sharp-pointed, powerful, strong, of boundless vigour, Agni +who knows the lofty hymn, kept secret ' „ + +As the lost milch-cow’s track, the doubly Mighty,—he hath +declared to me this hidden knowledge. + +A May be with sharpened teeth, the Bounteous Giver, Agni, +consume with flame most fiercely glowing' + +Those who regal'd not Varuna’s commandments and the dear +stedfast laws of sapient Mitra. + +13 This stanza has occurred before, I. 147. 3. Blind M&niateya: the Kiaiu +Dirghafcamas. Lord of all riches : Agni. + +1R The words of both: the wishes of Gods and men. S&yana gives a differ¬ +ent explanation, and Prpfessor Wilson translates accordingly ; c destroy both +(sorts of calumniators.)’’ + +’ The Rishi V&madeva, as Professor Roth observes, 4 professes to make +known a mysterious and recondite wisdom, which had been revealed to him + +by Agni,’ and the language of the hymn is correspondingly difficult and +obscure. + +'' 1 Vaisvdmra t common God of all Aryan men. + +ft This bounty: the gift of this mysterious knowledge., + + +EYMiV 5 ,] + + +TEE 111 GVED A. + + +401 + + +5 Like you^Vu 1 _,w?ispu_ w- fh^" 4 - b^y^ m Y.\. : + +w^crte-..'r! - :•.■■!' ■ : :'TT"T... + +They wli - ' .:'i -in, :L.yLv,(^o-- + +der%d this abysmal station. + +6 To me, weak, innocent, thou, luminous Agni,hast boldly given + +as ’twere a heavy burthen, + +This Prishtha hymn, profound 'and strong and mighty, of +seven elements, and with offered dainties. + +7 So may' our song that purifies, through wisdom reach in a + +moment him the Universal, + +Established on the height, on earth’s best station, above the +beauteous grassy skin of Prism. + +8 Of this my speech what shall I utter further 2 They indicate + +the milk stored up in secret + +When they have thrown as ’twere the cows’ stalls open. The +Bird protects earth’s best and well-loved station. + +9 This is the Great Ones’ mighty apparition which from of pld + +the radiant Cow hath followed. + +This, shining brightly in the place of Order, swift, hasting +on in secret, she discovered. + +10 He then who shone together with his Parents remembei’ed +Prisni’s fair and secret treasure, + +Which, in the Mother Cow’s most lofty station, the Bull’s +. tongue, of the flame bent forward, tasted. + + +5 This abysmal station; that is, says S&yana, narakasthdnam or hell. The +wicked are the cause of the existence of the place of punishment prepared +for them. + +0 This Prishtha hymn: Prishtha is the name of a particular arrangement +of S&mans employed at the mid-day oblation. + +7 The Universal: Vaisvftnara Agni. Established on the height: according +to this conjectural translation, "which follows a suggestion of Professor +Ludwig, the reference is to Agni placed on the altar, above the surface of the +earth (Prisni). But the meaning of jdbd.ru (on the height ?) • is uncertain. +Professor Wilson translates: 4 whose swift-ascending brilliant (orb) is sta¬ +tioned on the east of the earth, to mount, like the sun, above the immove¬ +able heaven.’ + +8 This stanza appears to allude to the Angirases recovering the lost rays +of light, the milk stored up in secret . The Bird; the Sun who flies thrpugb +heaven. + +9 The Great Ones ’ mighty apparition: the solar orb ; the Great Ones being +the Sun’s rays. The radiant Cow: Ushas or pawn who disoovers the Sun as +he travels in secret, or by night, from west to east, and follows him till he Is +about to rise. + +10 He: Agni. Ills Parents : Heaven and Earth. Prisni is the Cow whose + +milk .is used in the oblation which Agni, the Bull, devours. ' + +26 + + + +' m VUE HYMNS OF [BOOK IV* + +11 With reverence I declare the Law, 0 Agni; what is, comes + +by thine order, J&ta vedas. + +Of this, whate’er it be, thou art the Sovran; yea, all the +wealth that is in earth or heaven. + +12 What is our wealth therefrom, and what our treasure? Tell + +us, 0 Jatavedas, for thou knowest, + +What is our best course in this secret passage: we, unre¬ +proached, have reached a place far distant. + +13 What is the limit, what the rules, the guerdon ? Like fleet- + +foot coursers speed we to the contest +When will the Goddesses, the Immortars Spouses, the Dawns, +spread over us the Sun-God’s splendour fc + +14 Unsatisfied, with speech devoid of vigour, scanty and frivolous + +and inconclusive, + +Wherefore do they address thee here, O Agni ? Let these who* +have no weapons suffer sorrow. + +15 <; ,The 7 * majesty of him the Good, the Mighty, aflame*, hath +shone for glory in the dwelling. + +He,' clothed in light, hath shone most fair to look on, wealthy +in boons,, as a home shines with riches. + +HYMN YL Agm. + +Priest of our rite, stand up erect, 0 Agni, in* the Gods’ ser¬ +vice best of sacrifices, + +For over every thought thou art the Euler: thou furtherest +e’en the wisdom of the pious. + +2’ He was set down mid men as. Priest -unerring, Agni, wise, +welcome in our holy synods. + +Like Savitar he hath lifted up his splendour, and like a +builder raised his smoke to heaven. + +3 The glowing ladle*, filled with oil, is lifted: choosing Gods’ 1 +service to the right he circles. + +Eager he rises like the new-wrought pillar which, firmly set +and fixed, anoints the victims. + +When sacred grass is strewn and Agni kindled, the Adhvaryu +rises to his task rejoicing. + +Agni the Priest, like one who* tends the cattle, goes three +times round, as from of old he wills it. + +14 These who have no weapons: who are unprovided with the necessary +elements of sacrifice, and therefore unable to please Agni. + +2 Like a builder : as- the builder of a house raises a pillar. + +3 To the right he circles; is carried round to the altars. Anoints the +victims: smears them with the clarified- butter with which it (the sacrificial +post) has been previously anointed. + + + +TME RIGVEDA. + + +BY MX T.J + + +m + + +5 Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, + +with sweet speech, cheerful, true to Order. + +His fulgent flames run forth like vigorous horses: all crea¬ +tures are affrighted when he blazes. ’ • + +6 Beautiful and auspicious is thine aspect, 0 lovely Agni, ter*- + +rible when spreading. + +Thy splendours are not covered by the darkness : detraction +leaves no stain upon thy body. + +7 Naught hindered his production, Bounteous Giver: his Mother + +and his Sire wei’e free to send him. + +Then as a Friend benevolent, refulgent, Agni shone forth in +human habitations. + +8 He, Agni, whom the twice-five sisters, dwelling together, in + +the homes of men engendered, + +Bright like a spear’s tooth, wakened in the morning, with +powerful mouth and like an axe well-sharpened. + +9 These thy Bay Coursers, Agni, dropping fatness, ruddy and + +vigorous, speeding straightly forward, + +And red steeds, wonderful, of mighty muscle, are to this +service of the Gods invited: + +10 These brightly-shining flames of thine, 0 Agni, that move for + +ever restless, all-subduing, + +Like falcons hasting eagerly to the quarry, roar loudly like +the army of the Maruts. + +11 To thee, 0 flaming God, hath prayer been offered.. Let the + +priest laud thee: give to him who worships. + +Men have established Agni as Invoker, fain to adore the +glory of the living. + +HYMN VII. Agm* + +Here by ordainers was this God appointed first Invoker, best +at worship, to he praised at rites; + +Whom Apnavana and the Bhrigus caused to shine bright-, +coloured in the wood, spreading from home to home. + + +7 His Mother and Ms Sire: Earth and Heaven. To send Mm: to be +messenger between men and Gods. + +8 The twice-five sisters: the priest's fingers which produce the sacrifiexal fire*? + +9 Bay Coursers: haritah ; Hants; the prototype (the word being femmiue) +of the Greek c Charites.' ’ See M. Miiiter, Chips from a German Workshop, +IV. 141 (new edition). + +11 The glory of the living: Agni as Har&Jansa, the Praise or Glory of Men. * + +1 Mere: at this ceremony. Ordainers: the regulators of the sacrifice* +Aphavdna : a Ilishi of the family of Bhrjgu. + + + + +404 TH& jbLxtoJSto Ol [bOOxx lY, + +2 When shall thy glory as a God, Agni, be suddenly shown + +forth ? + +For mortal men have held thee fast, adorable in all their +homes, + +3 Seeing thee faithful to the Law, most sapient, like the starry + +heaven, + +Illumining with cheerful ray each solemn rite in every house. + +4 Viv&sv&n’s envoy living men have taken as their ensign, swift, +The ruler over all mankind, moving like Bhrigu in each home. + +5 Him the intelligent have they placed duly as Invoking Priest, +. Welcome, with sanctifying flame, best worshipper, with seven- +v fold might ] + +. 6 In his Eternal Mothers, in the wood, concealed and unapproa-* +ched; + +Kept secret though his flames are bright, seeking on all sides, +quickly found, + +; 7 That,, as food spreads forth in this earthly udder, Gods may +rejoice them in the home of Order, + +'Great Agni, served with reverence and oblation, flies ever to +the sacrifice, the Faithful. + +8 Bird of each rite, skilled in an envoy’s duties, knowing both + +worlds and that which lies between them, + +Thou goest from of old a willing Herald, knowing full well +heaven’s innermost recesses. + +9 Bright' God, thy path is black; light is before thee: thy + +moving splendour is the chief of wonders. + +When she, yet unimpregnate, hath conceived thee, even When +newly born thou art an envoy. + +10 Yet newly born, his vigour is apparent when the wind blows +upon his fiery splendour. + +His sharpened tongue he layeth on the brushwood, and with +his teeth e’en solid food Qonsqmethr + +4 Vivasvdn’s envoy ,* according to S$yana, the messenger of the worshipper. +Moving like Bhrigu; or shining; Bhrigu being originally a personification +of lightning. + +5 Sevenfold might: A'gni’s seven flames. + +6 Eternal Mothers : the Celestial Waters. Seeking on all sides • roaming at +will in search of food* + +7 In this earthly wider ; here on earth, and especially at the altar from +which oblations come. Only when the elements of sacrifice are forthcoming +can Agni invite ,ai)d bring the Gods. The hoyne of Order ; the place of law-* +ordained sacrifice. + +“8 'Bird of each rite : attending all sacrifices. That which lies between them* +the firmament or mid-air between heaven and earth. + +9 She , get uhivipfpgnate : the piece of wood in which fire is produced, + + + +ftfMN 9.] ' ' THfi RIG VEDA. 40& + +11 When he hath borne off food with swift flame swiftly, strong +Agni makes himself a speedy envoy, + +Follows the rustling of the wind, consuming, and courser-like, +speeds, drives the swift horse onward. • + +HYMN VIIL Agni. + +Your envoy who possesses all, Immortal, bearer of your gifts, +Best worshipper, I woo with song. + +2 He, Mighty, knows the gift of wealth, he knows the deep + +recess of heaven: + +He shall bring hitherward the Gods. + +3 He knows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in + +his home : + +He gives e’en treasures that we love. + +4 He is the Herald: well-informed, he doth his errand to and + +fro, + +Knowing the deep recess of heaven. + +5 May we be they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts, + +Who cherish and enkindle him. + +6 Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious, + +Who have served Agni reverently. + +7 So unto us, day after day, may riches craved by many come, +And power and might spring up for us. + +8 That holy Singer in his strength shoots forth his arrows + +swifter than + +The swift shafts of the tribes of men. + +HYMN IX. Agni. + +Agni, show favour ; great art thou who to this pious man art +come, + +To seat thee on the sacred grass. + + +11 W/ien he hath borne off food: I follow S;tyana, but am not satisfied with +his explanation. Courser-like; Agni, himself a courser, drives on the wind as +it were a courser. Professor Ludwig suggests that drvd here may mean a +rider, not a courser. + +2 Knows the gift of wealth: how to enrich his worshippers. ' ; + +4 Doth his errand to a/nd fro : boars to the Gods the prayers, praises, and +oblations of their worshippers, and brings them down to the sacrifice. . + +8 That holy Singer: Agni the Priest. The stanza is difficult. Professor +Wilson, following S&yana, translates : ‘ May the wise Agni entirely obviate' +by his power the removeable (ills) of men the descendants of Mann,’ I have +adopted Professor Ludwig’s interpretation. + + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IV. + +2 May he the Immortal, Helper, hard to be deceived among + +mankind, + +Become the messenger of all. + +3 Around the altar is he led, welcome Chief Priest at solemn + +rites, + +* Or as the Potar sits him down. + +4 Agni in fire at sacrifice, and in the house as Lord thereof, + +And as a Brahman takes his seat. + +5 Thou comest as the guide of folk who celebrate a sacrifice, +And to oblations brought by men. + +6. Thou servest as his messenger whose sacrifice thoti lovest +well, + +To bear the mortars gifts to heaven. + +7 Accept orir solemn rite; be pleased, Augiras, with our + +sacrifice: + +Give ear and listen to our call. + +8 May thine inviolable car, wherewith thou guardest those + +who give, + +Cometiear to us from every side. + +HYMN X. # Agni. + +Tins day with praises, Agni, we bring thee that which thou +lovest. + +Right judgment, like a horse, with our devotions. + +2 For thou hast ever been the Car-driver, Agni, of noble +Strength, lofty sacrifice, and rightful judgment. + +3 Through these our praises come thou to meet us, bright as + +the sunlight, + +0 Agni, well disposed, with all thine aspects. + +4 Now may we serve thee singing these lauds this day to thee, + +Agni. + +Loud as the voice of Heaven thy blasts are roaring. + +5 Just at this time of the day and the night thy look is the + +sweetest: + +It shineth near us even as gold for glory. + +6 Spotless thy body, brilliant as gold, like clarified butter: + +This gleams like gold on thee, 0 Self-dependent. + +5 Chief Prie&t: Hotar, the presenter of the oblation. The Potar * literally, +Cleanser or Purifier, another of the sixteen priests usually employee!. + +4 I read ntdgnd as proposed by Prof. Max Muller and Prof. Ludwig m place +of the almost impossible utd gnffh of the text. ^ + +2 Oar-driver : promoter, + +6 Thk ,* thy splendour, + + + +HYMN 12 ;] f ' THE RIGYEI)A . > 4,07 + +.7 All hate and mischief, yea, if committed, Agni, thou turnest, +Holy One, from the man who rightly worships. + +- 8 Agni, with you Gods, prosperous be our friendships and kin¬ +ships. . • + +Be this our bond here by this place, thine altar. + +HYMN XI. Agni. + +Thy blessed majesty, victorious Agni, shines brightly in the +neighbourhood of Shrya. + +Splendid to see, it shows even at night-time, and food is fair +to look on in thy beauty. + +2 Agni, disclose his thought for him who singeth, the well, + +Strong God ! while thou art praised with fervour. + +Vouchsafe to us that powerful hymn, 0 Mighty, which, Ra¬ +diant One ! with all the Gods thou lovest. + +3 From thee, 0 Agni, springs poetic wisdom, from thee come + +thoughts and hymns of praise that prosper; + +From thee flows wealth, with heroes to adorn it, to the true¬ +hearted man who gives oblation. + +4 From thee the hero springs who wins the booty, bringer of + +help, mighty, of real courage. + +From thee comes wealth, sent by the Gods, bliss-giving; +Agni, from thee the fleet impetuous charger, + +5 Immortal Agni, thee whose voice is pleasant, as first in rank, + +as God, religious mortals + +Invite with hymns; thee who removest hatred, Friend of the +Home, the household’s Lord, unerring. + +6 Far from us thou removest want and sorrow, far from us all + +ill-will when thou protectest. + +t Son of Strength, Agni, blest is he at evening, whom thou as +God attendest for his welfare. + +HYMN XII. Agni. + +Whoso enkindles thee, with lifted ladle, and thrice this day +offers thee food, 0 Agni, + +May he excel, triumphant through thy splendours, wise , +through thy mental power, 0 Jatavedas. + + +: 8 This altar: literally, this udder; that is, the place whence oblations +proceed. + +1 In th$ neighbourhood of Sttrya ; by day, in the sunshine. + +2 The well: the source of sacred song. ’ , + +4 The hero; or the strong horse. ' + + + + +m THE. HYMNS OF [BOOK IK + +2 Whoso with toil and trouble brings thee fuel, serving the + +majesty of mighty Agni, + +He, kindling thee at evening and at morning, prospers, and +comes to wealth, and slays his foemen. + +3 Agni is Master of sublime dominion, Agni is Lord of strength +- and lofty riches. + +Straightway the self-reliant God, Most Youthful, gives trea¬ +sures to the mortal who adores him. + +4 Most Youthful God, whatever sin, through folly, we here, as + +htiman beings, have committed, + +In sight of Aditi make thou us sinless : remit, entirely, Agni, +our offences. + +5 Even in the pi^esence of great sin, 0 Agni, free us from prison + +of the Gods or mortals. + +Never may we who are thy friends be injured : grant health +« and strength unto our seed and offspring. + +6 Even as ye here, Gods Excellent and Holy, have loosed the + +cow that by the foot was tethered, + +So also set us free from this affliction: long let our life, 0 +Agni, be extended. + +HYMN XIII. Agni. + +Agni hath looked, benevolently-minded, on the wealth-giving +spring of radiant Mornings. + +Come, Asvins, to the dwelling of the pious: Surya the God is +rising with his splendour. + +2 Savifcar, God, hath spread on high his lustre, waving his flag +like a spoil-seeking hero. + +Theiv stablished way go Yaruna and Mitra, what time they +make the Sun ascend the heaven. + + +4 Aditi: apparently the great omnipresent Power which controls the +forces of the universe, and from, which no sins are hidden. + +5 Prison of the Gods or mortals: actual imprisonment by men and +corresponding chastisement by the Gods, + +, 6- The cow .* the cow-buffalo, tied to a post, representing symbolically the +man,who is in the bonds'of sin. Of. X. 126. 6. + + +2 Waving 7iis flag: according to S&yaua, { scattering the dew.* But there +can be no doubt that draped, the Zend drafsha, means a banner in this place. +S&yana explains scttvd, a hero, as 1 a bull,’ but this interpretation cannot be +accepted. + +Their stablished way: the course appointed for them in the eternal order of +the universe. + + + + +MTMiY 15 .] + + +THE RIQVEDA , + + +m + +3 Him whom they made to drive away the darkness, Lords of + +sure mansious, constant to their object, + +Him who beholds the universe, the Sun-God, seven strong and +youthful Coursers carry onward. • + +4 Spreading thy web with mightiest Steeds thou comest, rending + +apart, thou God, the black-hued mantle. + +The rays of Surya tremulously shining sink, like a hide, the +darkness in the waters. + +5 How is it that, unbound and not supported, he falleth not + +although directed downward % + +By what self-power moves he ? Who hath seen it ? He guards +the vault of heaven, a close-set pillar. + +HYMN XIV. Agni. + +Ti-ib God hath looked, even Agni Jkta vedas, to meet the +Dawns refulgent in their glories. + +Come on your chariot, ye who travel widely, come to this +sacrifice of ours, Nasatyas. + +2 Producing light for all the world of creatures, God Savitar + +hath raised aloft his banner. + +Making his presence known by sunbeams, Surya hath filled +the firmament and earth and heaven. + +3 Bed Dawn is come, riding with brightness onward, distin¬ + +guished by her beams, gay-hued and mighty. + +Dawn on her nobly-harnessed car, the Goddess, awaking men +to happiness, approacheth. + +4 May those most powerful steeds and chariot bring you, O + +Asvins, hither at the break of morning. + +•Here for your draught of meath are Soma juices : at this our +sacrifice rejoice, ye Mighty. + +5 How is it that, unbound and unsupported, he falleth not + +although directed downward ? + +By what self-power moves he ? Who hath seen it 1 He guards +the vault of heaven, a close-set pillar % + +HYMN XV. Agni. + +Agni the Herald, like a horse, is led forth at our solemn rite, +God among Gods adorable. + +3 Courser's: hctrticth; Harits. Of. IV. 6. 9. + +This hyttrn is an imitation of the preceding. The last stanza is adopted +word for word* + +5 He; in the text ayam, this, that is Sftrya, the Sun, mentioned in stanza 2. + +1 Is led forth: implying the formal bringing of fire from the household +fire to light the sacrificial fire. + + + +4W 7MEIBYMNS10F [BOOK IV . + +2 Three times unto our solemn rite comes Agnix like a charioteer* +Bearing the viands to the Gods. + +3 Bound the oblations hath he paced, Agni the Wise, the Lord + +of Strength, + +Giving the offerer precious boons. + +4 He who is kindled eastward for Sriujaya, Devavata’s son, +Resplendent, tamer of the foe. + +5 So mighty be the Agni whom the mortal hero shall command, +With sharpened teeth and bountiful. + +6 Day after day they dress him, as they clean a horse who wins + +the prize, + +Dress the red Scion of the Sky. + +7 When Sahadeva’s princely son with two bay horses thought + +of me, + +Summoned by him I drew not back. + +£ And truly those two noble bays * I straightway took when +offered me, + +' 1 From Sahadeva’s princely son. + +& Long, 0 ye Asvins, may he live, your care, ye Gods, the +princely son* + +Of Sahadeva, Somaka. + +10 Cause him the youthful prince, the son of Sahadeva, to enjoy +Long life, 0 Asvins, 0 ye Gods. + +HYMN XVI. indra. + +Impetuous, true, let Magliavan coine hither, and let his Tawny +Coursers speed to reach us. + +For him have we pressed juice exceeding potent; here, prais¬ +ed with song, let him effect his visit. + + +2 Three times : with reference to the three sacrifices, + +4 Eastward: on the uttaravedt or north altar. Sr injay a : a certain Soma- +sacrificer, haschit somaydji, says Sayana. Professor Wilson observes; f We +have several princes of the name in the Pur&nas, but none distinguished by +this patronymic : the Srinjayas are also a people in the west of India,’ + +* 6 Ihe red Scion of the Sky : or, Arusha, the Child of Heaven, i. e. the Bun. + +7 Sahadeva 1 s princely son : Somaka, the institutor of the sacrifice, son of a +named Sahadeva. With two bay horses : which were to be the priest’s +honorarium. + +9 Your care: there is no substantive in the text. Sdyana supplies tavpahak +satisfies i. e. worshipper. Professor Ludwig regards vdm as a dativus ethicus, . + +1 Impetuous: according to S&yana, rijtshV, the word in the text, means +accepter, or drinker, of the. spiritless Soma, of the Soma when its essence or +strength has passed away. Professor Ludwig follows S&yana. + + + +TIIE Mia VEDA. + + +411 + + +HYMN 16 .] + +2 Unyoke, as at thy journey's end, 0 Hero, to gladden thee to- + +day at this libation. , * * + +Like Usanft, the priest a laud shall utter, a hymn to thee, the +Lord Divine, who markest. 5 + +3 When the Bull, quaffing, praises our libation, as a sage paying + +holy rites in secret, + +Seven singers here from heaven hath he, begotten, who e’en +by day have wrought their works while singing. + +4 When heaven’s fair light by hymns was made apparent (they + +made great splendour shine at break of morning), + +He with his succour, best of Heroes, scattered the blinding +darkness so that men saw clearly. + +5 Indra, Impetuous One, hath waxed immensely; he with his + +vastness hath filled earth and heaven. + +E’en beyond this his majesty extendeth who hath exceeded all +the worlds in greatness. + +6 SUvra who knoweth well all human actions hath with his + +eager Friends let loose the waters. + +They with their songs cleft e’eu the mount tia open and will¬ +ingly disclosed the stall of cattle. + +7 He smote away the floods’ obstructer, Vpitra; Earth, conscious, + +lent her aid to speed thy thunder. + +Thou sentest forth the waters of the ocean, as Lord through +power and might, 0 daring Hero. + +8 When, Much-invoked l the water’s rock thou deftest, Saram& . + +showed herself and went before thee. + +Hymned by Angirases, bursting the cow stalls, much strength +thou foundest for us as our leader. + +9 Gome, Maghavan, Friend of Man, to aid the singer imploring + +thee in battle for the sunlight. + +Speed him with help in his inspired invokings : down sink the +sorcerer, the prayerless Dasyu. + +2> Like Usand; the Rishi Usanft, or Usamas, called also K&vya or Kavi’s +son, appears in the Veda as the especial friend of Indra. See I. 51. 10 ; 33, +5 ; 117, 12. + +3 The Bull: the mighty Indra, Seven singers: the meaning of this line is +not clear. Professor Wilson, fallowing S&yana, translates : . * and this gene¬ +rates the seven efficient (rnys) from heaven, which, being glorified, have made +(manifest) the objects of (human) perception.’ + +■ 4 Scattered , etc: or, fashioned blind turbid darkness so that men saw +clearly. + +6 Sakra: Indra, the powerful. His eager Friends : the Maruts. + +- 8 Summit: the hound of Indra, who tracked the stolen cows.. See I, +62. 3, and 72, 8. + + + +412 TEE HYMNS OP [BOOK IV. + +10 Come to our home resolved to slay the Dasyu : Kutsa longed + +eagerly to win thy friendship. + +Alike in form ye both sate in his dwelling : the faithful Lady +was in doubt between you. + +11 Thou comest, fain to succour him, with Kutsa,—a goad that + +masters both the Wind-God's horses, + +That, holding the brown steeds like spoil for capture, the sage +may on the final day be present. + +12 For Kutsa,' with thy thousand, thou at day-break didst hurl + +down greedy Sushpa, foe of harvest. + +Quickly with Kutsa’s friend destroy the Dasyus, and roll the +chariot-wheel of Sfirya near us. + +13 Thou to the son of Yidathin, Kijisvan, gavest up mighty Mii- + +gaya and Pipru. + +Thou smotest down the swarthy fifty thousand, and rentest +forts as age consumes a garment. + +14 What time thou settest near the Sun thy body, thy form, + +Immortal One, is seen expanding : + +. Thou a.wild elephant with might invested, like a dread lion +as thou wieldest weapons. + +15 Wishes for wealth have gone to Indra, longing for him in war + +for light and at libation, + +Eager for glory, labouring with praise-songs: he is like home, +like sweet and fair nutrition. + +16 Call we for you that Indra, prompt to listen, him who hath + +done so much for men’s advantage; + +Who, Lord of envied bounty, to a singer like me brings quick¬ +ly booty worth the capture. + +■ 10 Kutsa: a R&jarshi or royal Eiahi, frequently mentioned as the favoured +friend of Indra. + +•' The faithful Lady: even Kutsa’s wife could hardly distinguish one from +the other; or, as S&yana explains, Indra took Kutsa to his own home where +jSacht his consort was uncertain which of the two was Indra. + +11 The sage ; Kutsa. The final day: the decisive day of battle. + +12 With thy thousand : thy many followers. Poe of harvest: orKuyava +maybe the name of another fiend or barbarous enemy. See I. 104.3. +Kutsa* s friend: the thunderbolt, according to S&yana. Roll the chariot-wheel +of SHrya near us: bring back the daylight. + +13 Rijisvan: a prince mentioned before as protected by Indra. See I. 51. 5. +Mrigaya 'and Pipm: demons of the air. The swaffky fifty thousand: black +R&kshasas, fiends, or hostile aborigines. + +• 14 What time thou settest mar the Sun thy body: perhaps, as Professor +Ludwig suggests, a poetical explanation of an eclipse of the sun. + +15 Eager for glory: a transition from ‘wishes* to ‘wishers’ .implied +therein. Nutrition ; according to Sayan a, like Lakshmi the Goddess of +prosperity. + + + + +the may eda. + + +J tYMtt 17,] + + +113 + + +17 When the sharp-pointed arrow, 0 thou Hero, flicth mid. any + +conflict of the people, + +When, Faithful One, the dread encounter cometh, then be +thou the Protector of our body. + +18 Further the holy thoughts of V&madeva; be thou a guileless + +Friend in fight for booty. + +W ; e come to thee whose providence protects us .* wide be thy +sway for ever for thy singer. + +19 0 Indra, with these men who love thee truly, free givers, + +Magliavan, in every battle, + +May we rejoice through many autumns, quelling our foes, as +days subdue the nights with splendour. +gO Now, as the Bhrigus wrought a car, for Indra the Strong, the +Mighty, we our prayer have fashioned, + +That he may ne’er withdraw from us his friendship, but be +our bodies’ guard and strong defender, +gl Now, Indra J lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell +high like rivers for the singer. + +For thee a new hymn, Lord of Bays, is fashioned. May we, +pq,r-borne, through song be victors ever. + +HYMN £VII ? Indra, + +Great art thou, Indra ; yea, the earth, with gladness, and +heaven confess to thee thine high dominion. + +Thou in thy vigour having slaughtered Vritra didst free the +floods arrested by the Dragon. - • + +2 Heaven trembled at the birth of thine effulgence; Earth trem¬ +bled at the fear of thy displeasure. + +The stedfast mountains shook in agitation: the waters flowed, +and deserf spots were flooded, + +S Hurling his bolt with might he cleft the mountain, while, +putting forth his strength, he showed his vigour. + +He slaughtered Vritra with his bolt, exulting, and, their lord +slain, forth flowed the waters swiftly. + +4 Thy Father Dyaus esteemed himself a hero; most noble was +the work of Indra’s Maker, + +His who begat the strong bolt’s Lord who roareth, immovable +like earth from her foundation, + +19 Free givers : liberal ipsti tutors of sacrifice, + +20 As the Bhrigus : according to S&yaya== splendid carpenters ; but the +reference must be to the celebrated priestly family, and *car* may be used +metaphorically for the hymn which rapidly reaches the Gads, + +1 The Dragon : Ahi, the serpent-demon who stays the rain from falling, + +4 Esteemed himself a kero : asr being the father of such a son. + + + + +514 TUBIIYMXS OF [BOOK IK + +5 He who alone overthrows the world of creatures, Indra the + +peoples 5 King, invoked of many— + +Yerily all rejoice in him, extolling the boons which Maghavau +the God hath sent them. + +6 All So&a juices are his own for ever, most gladdening draughts + +are ever his, the Mighty, + +Thou ever wast the Treasure-Lord of treasures: Indra, thou +lettest all folk share thy bounty, + +7 Moreover, when thou first wast born, 0 Indra, thou struckest + +terror into all the people. + +Thou, Maghavan, rentest with thy bolt the Dragon who lay +against the water-floods of heaven. + +. 8 The ever-slaying, bold and furious Indra, the bright bolt’s +Lord, infinite, strong and mighty, + +Who slayeth Vritra and acquireth booty, giver of blessings, +Maghavan the bounteous: + +9 Alone renowned as Maghavan in battles, he frighteneth away +assembled armies. + +' He bringeth us the booty that he winneth: may we, well- +loved, continue in his friendship. + +10 Renowned is he when conquering and when slaying: ’tis he +who winneth cattle in the combat, + +When Indra hardeneth his indignation all that is fixed and +all that moveth fear him. + +■ 11 Indra hath won all kine, all gold, all horses,—Maghavan, he +who breaketh forts in pieces; + +Most manly with these men of his who help him, dealing out +wealth and gathering the treasure. + +12 What is the care of Indra for his Mother, what cares he for +the Father who begat him ? + +His care is that which speeds his might in conflicts, like wind +v borne onward by the clouds that thunder. + +II H I — ««■ " ■ . '■ 1 . - I. - II >■ II ■> —— . . .» + +5 Extolling: I follow Professor Wilson in taking grinathK as a nominative +plural, a lightened form for grinantdh, Otherwise it is difficult to make +sense out of the second line. + +8 Indra: in this stanza is in the accusative case without a subject or a +"governing verb. Say ana supplies vayam stotdrah stumeti , 1 we Bingers praise/ + +11 Who breaketh forts in pieces : as it seems impossible to make any sense +out of pilrvfy, I have adopted Professor Grassmann’s conjecture, which is +somewhat reluctantly accepted by Professor Ludwig, and read pUrbhid ins¬ +tead of the word in the text. S&yana supplier sitrusendh., f armies of +enemies/ These men : who sing his praises and so increase his strength. + +12 His care is : there are no corresponding words in the text, but it +necessary to supply something of the kind. The meaning is, Lucira is in¬ +dependent of, and cares nothing about, his parents, but he does care for his +dear ally the thunderbolt. + + + + +THE MGYEDA, 41 §> + +13 Maghayan makes the settled man unsettled : he scatters dust + +that he hath swept together, + +Breaking in pieces like Heaven armed with lightning; +Maghavan shall enrich the man who lauds him. ^ + +14 He urged the chariot-wheel of Sarya forward: Etasa,- speed¬ + +ing on his way, he rested. + +Him the black undulating cloud bedeweth, in this mid-air's +depth, at the base of darkness, + +15 As in the night the sacrificing priest. + +16 Eager for booty, craving strength and horses, we singers stir + +Indra, the strong, for friendship, + +Who gives the wives we seek, whose succour fails not, to +hasten, like a pitcher to the fountain. + +17 Be thou our guardian, show thyself our kinsman, watching + +and blessing those who pour the Soma; + +As Friend, as Sire, most fatherly of fathers, giving the- +suppliant vital strength and freedom. + +18 Be helping Friend of those who seek thy friendship: give + +life, when lauded, Indra, to the singer. + +For, Indra, we the priests have paid thee worship, exalting +thee with these our sacrifices. + +19 Alone, when Indra Maghavan is lauded, he slayeth many + +ne'er-resisted Yritras. + +Him in whose keeping’ is the well-loved singer never do Gods +or mortals stay or hinder. + +20 E'en so let Maghavan, the loud-voiced Indra, give us true + +blessings, foeless, men's upholder. + +Kin * of all creatures, give us glory amply, exalted glory due +to him who lauds thee. + +21 Now, Indra I lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell + +high like rivers for the singer. "v + +For thee a new hymn, Loi'd of Bays l is fashioned. May w% +car-borne, through song be victors ever. + + +13 Scatters dust: causes commotion and keeps the world in a state of unrest. + +14 Tills difficult stanza appears to refer to an eclipse of the Sun. Indra +was urging on the Sun’s chariot when suddenly he rested or stopped Etasa +the horse that drew it, and threw him hack into the black moist cloud of +the darkness of night. See 1. 121. 13, and A. Kuhn, Mythologisehe Studien, +1. pp. 58—60. + +15 The sacrificing priest: lets the fire shine, understood. S&yava explain?, +'* as the sacrificer sprinkles Soma upon the invoking priest Agni,’ taking htitfi, +a nominative case, as hdtdram , an accusative. Professor Grassmann thinks +that the single P&da was originally a gloss on the preceding stanza. + +16 Who gives the wives we seek: perhaps referring, as Professor Ludwig +observes, to' the forcible abduction of women after a victory. + + + +m + + +THE. HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK IV. + + +HYMN XVIII. Indra and Others, + +This is the ancient and accepted pathway by which all Gods +haye come into existence. + +Hereby could one be born though waxen mighty. Let him +not, otherwise, destroy his Mother. + +2 Not this way go I forth : hard is the passage. Forth from + +the side obliquely will I issue. + +Much that is yet undone must I accomplish: one must I +combat and the other question. + +3 He bent his eye upon the dying Mother: My word I now + +withdraw. That way I follow. + +In Tvashfcar’s dwelling Indra drank the Soma, a hundred- +worth of juice pressed from the mortar. + +4 What strange act shall he do, he whom his Mother bore for a + +thousand months and many autumns ? + +No peer hath he among those born already, nor among those +who shall be born hereafter. + +. j5 Deeming him a reproach, his. Mother hid him, Indra, endow¬ +ed with all heroic valour. + +Then up he sprang himself, assumed his vesture, and filled, +as soon as born, the earth and heaven. + +6 With lively motion onward flow these waters, the Holy Ones, +shouting, as ’twere, together. + +Ask them to tell thee what the floods are saying, what girdling +rock the waters burst .asunder. + +Indra Aditi, and V&madeva are said tojbe the Ilishis or seers as well as +the deities of the hymn, as it consists of conversation in which all bear part. +The hymn appears to be made up of somewhat 1 ' 1 "" -- J .. r • J - 11 + +Commentators do not seem to have been success'. ■ : 1 ■ ■' + +the stanzas to the several speakers. See Prof. " ■ “ ■ . o + +gtudien, II. pp. 42—54), and Prof; Ludwig’s criticism thereon, Ueber die +peuesten Arbeiten auf dem Gebiete der V .—- 1 ‘. p p> 342 S qq. + +1 The main subject is the birth and - I 1 He refuses to be + +%om in the usual manner and insists on coming into the world in another +way. The ■ \ ■ V. his father, Aditi his mother, or some other— +dissuades hi 1 ■ 1 ■ seems, (stanza 3) with success. The Commen¬ + +tators erroneously take the stanza as referring to the birth of V&madeva. + +2 Indra, as yet unborn, is the speaker. One : perhaps Vritra. The other : +perhaps Vishnu, Whom he addresses in stanza 11. + +3 Indra, who has changed his mind, speaks the second half of the first line. + +4 It is not clear who the speaker is. Professor Wilson observes i * Aditi +defends her son upon the plea that, a* his period of gestation was marvellous, +his actions are not to be compared with those of any others.’ + +5 Deeming him a reproach; either because he appeared to be weak, or +because, as S&yana says, he was born in a chamber in privacy unworthy of so + +great a God. , . + +6 What girdling rock: an allusion to the prison of thick cloud from Whim +Indra freed the waters. + + + +THE RIOTED A > * 4}7 + +7 Are they addressing him with words of welcome $ Will; the + +floods take on them the shame of Indra ? + +With his great thunderbolt my Son hath slaughtered Vritra, +and set these rivers free to wander. * + +8 I east thee from me, mine,—thy youthful mother; thee, mine + +own offspring, Kushava hath swallowed. * + +To him, mine infant, were the waters gracious. Indra, my +Son, rose up in conquering vigour. + +9 Thou art mine own, 0 Maghavan, whom Vyansa struck to + +the ground and smote thy jaws in pieces. + +But, smitten through, the mastery thou wonnest, and with +thy bolt tbe Dasa’s head thou crush edst. + +10 The Heifer hath brought forth the Strong, the Mighty, the + +unconquerable Bull, the furious Indra. + +The Mother left her unlicked Calf to wander, seeking, himself, +the path that he would follow. + +11 Then to her mighty Child the Mather turned her, saying, My + +son, these Deities forsake thee. + +Then Indra said, about to slaughter Vritra,, 0 my friend +Vishnu, stride full boldly forward. + +12 Who was he then who made thy Mother widow ? Who sought + +to slay,,.thee lying still or moving ? . + +What God, when by the foot thy Sire thon tookest and slowest, +was at hand to give thee comfort ? ,, + +7 Woi'ds of welcome: nivids, sentences or sliort formularies inserted in a +liturgy and containing epithets or short invocations of the Gods. + +The shame of Inch'a ; his fancied guilt incurred in slaying Vritra. Seel, +S2.14. + +8 Mine: S Ay an a explains mdmat as 1 exulting/ Professor Roth, whom +Professor Grassmann and the translators of the SiebenzigJLieder follow* ren¬ +ders it by now—now. I have preferred Professor Ludwig’s, interpreiation, +originally due to Benfey, and taken the word as another foj*m of mama. The +word is important as expressing Aditi’s acknowledgment of Indra as, her son. +fiushctyd ; according to &&yana, a R&kshasf or female demon who. swallowed +Indra at his birth; according to von Roth, the name of a river. + +10 The Heifer ; Aditi, the young mother of Indra. + +11 Stride full boldly forward ; that is, assist me in my battle with Vritra, +Professor Grassmann and the translators of the Siepenzig Litder render the +passage differently. ‘ 0 Vischnu, Freund, geh etwas doch zur Seite, and, + +1 Vishnu mein Freund geh etwas ausdem Wege; that is, ‘ step aside, or put +of the way/ and let me conquer Vritra without thy aid- . , , ', + +12 This, appears tjp be Vishnu’s answer. Why dost thou ask me to help +thee now ? Didst thou not slay thine own father, thy father who sought to +kill thee when yet unborn and when coming to the birth \ Vy^usa appears +to be the father whom Indra slew (stanza 9), SAyana merely says that the +allusions are variously explained by the followers of the TaittiriyU school qr +the Yajurveda. + +27 + + + +418 + + +TUB MYMtfS OF + + +BOOK IV ; + + +13 In deep distress I cooked a dog's intestines. Among the Gods +I found not one to comfort. + +My consort I beheld in degradation. The Falcon then brought +nie the pleasant Soma. + +HYMN XIX. Indra. + +‘Thee, verily, 0 Thunder-wielding Indra, all the Gods here, + +■ the Helpers swift to listen, + +And both the worlds elected, thee the Mighty, High, waxen +strong, alone to slaughter Yritra. + +2 The Gods, as worn with eld, relaxed their efforts: thou, + +Indra, bom of truth, wast Sovran Euler. + +Thou slewest Ahi who besieged the waters, and duggest out +their all-supporting channels. + +3 The insatiate one, extended, hard to waken, who slumbered in + +perpetual sleep, 0 Indra,— + +The Dragon stretched against the seven prone rivers, where + +,! . ho joint was, thou rentest with thy thunder. + +4 Indra with might shook earth and her foundation as the +>'■ wind stirs the water with its fury. + +Striving, with strength he burst the firm'asunder, and tore +away the summits of the mountains. + +5 They ran to thee as mothers to their offspring: the clouds, + +like chariots, hastened forth together. + +Thou didst refresh the streams and force the billows : thou, +Indra, settest free obstructed rivers. + +6 Thou for the sake of Yayya and Tutviti didst stay the great +, stream, flowing, all-sustaining; + +Yea, at their prayer didst check the rushing river and make +the floods easy to cross, 0 Indra. + +13 This appears to be V&mad'eva’s excuse for having in his utmost need +cooked and eaten, or desired to- eat, impure flesh. * So Mann has, V&madeva +who well knew right and wrong, was by no means rendered impure, though +desirous, when oppressed with hunger* of eating the flesh of d ! ogs for the +preservation of his life, X. 106/—Wilson. According to Ludwig, Bergaigne, +and Hillebrandt, the stanza is spoken by Indra. The Falcon : alluding to the +way in which the Soma was first brought from heaven. S&yana explains it +as ( Indra coming swiftly as a falcon.’ + +2 Relaxed their efiorts ; or abdicated their functions as protectors and made +over to Indra the duty of slaying the oppressor Yritra. + +3 Where no joint wa&: that would have facilitated his dismemberment. + +6 The clouds: according to Sftyana, a dr ay ah, mountains or clouds, here . +means the Maruts. + +6 Vayya and TurvUi: Turviti has been mentioned frequently in Book,!, as +having been protected by Tndra, and Vayya is said to have been his father +and. companion. See I, 64. 6 ; II. 13. 12. + + + + +THE MOVED A. + + +HY$N 20 .] + + +m + + +7 He let the young Maids skilled in Law, unwedded, like foun¬ + +tains, bubbling, flow forth streaming onward. + +He inundated thirsty plains atid deserts, and milked the dry +Cows of the mighty master. • + +8 Through many a mom and many a lovely autumn, having + +slain Vritra, he set free the rivers. + +Indra hath set at liberty to wander on earth the streams +encompassed, pressed together. + +9 Lori of Bay Steeds, thou broughtest from the ant-hill the + +unwedded damsel’s son whom ants were eating. + +The blind saw clearly, as he grasped the serpent, rose, brake +the jar: his joints again united. + +10 To the wise man, 0 Sage and Sovran Ruler, the man who + +knoweth all thine ancient exploits +Hath told these deeds of might as thou hast wrought them, +great acts, spontaneous, and to man’s advantage. + +11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let powers swell + +high, like rivers, for the singer. + +For thee a new hymn, Lord of Bays I is fashioned. May we, +car-borne, through song be victors ever. + +’ HYMN XX. # Iadi*. + +From near or far away may mighty Indra, giver of succour, +come for our protection, + +Lord of men, armed with thunder, with the Strangest, +slaying his foes in conflict, in the battles. + +2 May Indra come to us with Tawny Coursers, inclined to us, to + +favour and enrich us. + +May Maghavan, loud-voiced and wielding thunder, stand by +us at this sacrifice, in combat. + +3 Thou, honouring this our sacrifice, O Indra, shalfc give us + +strength and fill us full of courage. + +To win the booty, Thunder-armed t like hunters may we with + +thee subdue in fight our foemen. + +1 The young Maids skilled in Law: the rivers that know and follow the +law of their being, the Order of the universe. ^ , , , „ ^ + +He milked the dry Cows ; he drew rain from the clouds which had hitherto +been prevented by their mighty master Yritra from yielding their stores. + +9 S^yana says that Agru (un wedded) was a woman of that name, whose son +Was hidden in an ant-hill, whence Indra rescued him, restored his fr'ghi, and +reunited his broken joints. . , ' + +Drake the jar: broke through the ant-hill m Which he Was confined. .Pro¬ +fessor Ludwig thinks that the son of the unWedded dam'sel is the lightning; +which burst forth from the parent cloud. The passage is obscure. + +1 With the Strongest: the most powerful Maruts. + + + +^20 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IV, + +4 Loving us well, benevolent, close beside us, drink, Godlike +Indra, of the well-pressed Soma. + +Drink of the. me^th we offer, and delight thee with food that +cometh from the mountain ridges. + +§ Ri m who is sung aloud by recent sages, like a ripe-fruited +tree, a scythe-armed victor,— + +I, like a bridegroom thinking of his consort, call hither Indra, +him invoked of many; + +. 6 Him who in native strength is like a mountain, the lofty +Indra born of old for conquest, + +Terrific wielder of the ancient thunder, filled full with +splendour as a jar with water, + +, 7 Whom from of old there is not one to hinder, none to curtail +the riches of his bounty. + +Pouring forth freely, 0 thou Strong and Mighty, vouchsafe us +richer, God invoked of many ! + +8 Qf wealth and homes of men thou art the ruler, and opener + +of the stable of the cattle. + +Helper of men, winner, of spoil in combats, thou leadeat. to an +ample heap of riches. + +9 By what great might is he renowned as strongest, wherewith + +the Lofty One stirs up wild battles ? + +Best soother of the worshipper’s great sorrow, he gives pos¬ +sessions to the man who lauds him. + +s ’ **" * ** * * + +10 Slay us not; bring, bestow on us the ample gift which thou +hast to. give to him who offers. + +At this new gift, with this laud sung before thee, extolling +thee, we, Indra, will declare it. + + +4 That cometh from tjie mountain, rid/jes.: where the Soma was said especi¬ +ally to grow. According to Sly ana’s interpretation, the translation would +he, * with the food brought thee with the hymn of noonday. L PvUhtka +means both * back, or high ridge,' and * a hymn employed at the midday +oblation,’ and the meaning of the adjeotive prhhthya is similarly ambiguous, + +5 A scythe-armed victor ; the meaning is uncertain. Slyana explains Brin yah, + +as‘armed with a hook or sickle/ ‘skilled in the use of arms.’ Professor +Ludwig translates, ‘ wie ein fassender haken,’ ‘ like a grasping hook.’ Pro¬ +fessor Aufrecht thinks that Brinyo naj&td may perhaps mean, * like a winner +of sickles (as a prize,).’ Professor Grassmann thinks that a reaper, " cutting +down corn with his sickle, is intended, . + +6 Wielder of the ancient thundw: X follow S&yana, but am not satisfied +with^ his explanation. Professor Grassmann follows BolleUsen in reading +vr.ajam f cowpen, instead of vctjram, thunderbolt, and this is the reading given + +’ *dso in the §t. Petersburg Lexicon, If this alteration were adopted the +translation would be, ‘the fierce discloser of the firm-built cow-stall,’ + + + + + + +TEE RTQ VEDA, + + +mmwziX + +11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power siveli, +high, like rivers, for the singer. + +. A new hymn, Lord of Bays! for thee is fashioned. May we* +car-borne, through song be victors ever. * + +HYMN XXI. Indra. + +May Indra come to us for our protection ; here be the Hero * +praised, our feast-companion. + +May he whose powers are many, waxen haighty, cherish, like +t)yaus, his own supreme dominion, + +2 Here magnify his great heroic exploits, most glorious One, + +enriching men with bounties, + +Whose will is like a Sovran in assembly, who rules the +people, Conqueror, all-surpassing. + +3 Hither let Indra come from earth or heaven, hither with + +' speech; from firmament or ocean ; + +With Maruts, from the realm of light to aid us, or from a +distance, from the seat of Order. + +d That Indra will we laud in our assemblies, him who is Lord +of great and lasting riches, + +Victor with V&yu where the herds are gathered, who leads +with boldness on to higher fortune. + +5 May the Priest, Lord of many blessings, striving,—who + +I fixing reverence on reverence, -giving + +Vent to his voice, inciteth men to worship—with lauds bring +Indra hither to our dwellings. + +6 When sitting pondering in deep devotion in Ausija’s abode + +they ply the press-stone, + +May he whose wrath is fierce, the mighty bearer, come as the +house-lord’s priest within our chambers. + +7 Surely the power of BMrvara the mighty for ever helpeth to + +support the singer; _ _ + +| Fi'om a distance, from the seat of Order: perhaps, from the farthest limit of +the ordered universe. According to S&yana,' from the region of cloud, meghalohdt. + +% Where the herds are gathered : in places where cattle, the prize of victory, +abound. + +5 The Finest: apparently Agni. Fixing reverence on reverence : urging men +to continual adoration. + +6 Avsija is generally a patronymic of the Rishi Kakshiv&n and others. +According toS&yana the institutOrof the sacrifice is meant. The stanza is obscure. + +7 Bhdrvara : according to S&yana, a name of Indra as son of Bharvara, the +supporter of the world, that is, Praj&pati, Professor Grassmann thinks that +Agui is meant, and Professor Ludwig considers it tolerably clear that Bhftrvara +is identical with Ausija. The exact meaning of the stanza is doubtful, but its +general purport appears to be that Bh&rvara, whether he be Ausija. or Indra, +or Agni, has a store of wealth or power to protect the worshipper and assist +him in the performance of his religious duties, + + + +422 TEE HYMNS OF [BOON IV. + +That which in Ausija’s abode lies hidden, to come forth for +delight and for devotion. + +8 When he unbars the spaces of the mountains, and quickens + +with his floods the water-torrents, + +He finds in lair the buffalo and wild-ox when the'wise lead +V him on to vigorous exploit. + +9 Auspicious are thv hands, thine arms well-fashioned which + +proffer bounty/Indra, to thy praiser. + +What sloth is this? Why dost thou not rejoice thee ? Why +dost thou not delight thyself with giving? + +JO So Indra is the truthful Lord of treasure. Freedom,he gave +to man by slaying Vritra. + +Much-lauded S help us with thy power to riches: may I be +sharer of thy Godlike favour. + +-11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let jfbwer swell +high, like rivers, for the singer. + +For thee a new hymn, Lord of Bays ! is fashioned. May we, +care-borne, through song be victors ever. + +' HYMN XXIh Indra. + +That gift of ours which Indra loves and welcomes, even that +he makes for us 3 the Great and Strong One. + +He who comes wielding in his might the thunder, Magbavan, +gives prayer, praise, and laud, and Soma. + +2 Bull, hurler of the four-edged rain-producer with both’Tiis +arms," strong, mighty, most heroic; + +Wearing as wool Parushui for adornment, whose joints for +sake of friendship he hath covered, + + +8 When he unbars ; when Indra lays open the interior of the mountain of +clouds within which the rain is imprisoned. + +The buffalo and wild-ox: the Gaura (Bos gaurus) and the Gavaya (Bos +gavaeus) are two kinds of wild cattle. The gaurdsya and yavaya&ya of the +t.ext must be taken as partitive genitives after viddt, he finds. ‘ The purport +of the expression, according to the scholiast, is, that Indra obtains these two +animals tau dwau pasil labhate, either for himself as sacrificial flesh, or for his +worshippers, some of whom, at least, even now, would not object to eat the +flesh of the wild oxen,’—Wilson, + +2 Rain-producer : the thunderbolt or lightning which is supposed to cause +rain by opening the cloud. + +Parushni: one of the rivers of the Panj&b, called in later times IrAvati, the +modern Mvi, Indra appears to be represented as clothing himself in the +wool-like waves, or fleecy vapours, of the river, and lovingly covering or unit¬ +ing in one stream her several joints, limbs, or branches. ( The phraseology +here,’ Professor Wilson remarks, c is somewhat obscure, and the scholiast does +not materially enlighten us,’ - - • ' + + + + +MYMN 22J TEE RIGVEDA. ' 423 + +3 God who of all the Gods was bom divinest, endowed with + +ample strength and mighty powers, + +And bearing in his arms the yearning thunder, with violent +rush caused heaven and earth to tremble, # + +4 Before the High God, at his birth, heaven trembled, earth, + +many floods and all the precipices. + +The Strong One bringeth nigh the Bull’s two Parents : loud +sing the winds, like men, in air’s mid-region. + +5 These are thy great deeds, Indra, thine, the Mighty, deeds to + +be told aloud at all libations, + +That thou, 0 Hero, bold and boldly daring, didst with thy +bolt, by strength, destroy the Dragon. + +6 True are all these thy deeds, 0 Most; Heroic. The Milch-kine + +issued from the streaming udder. + +In fear of thee, 0 thou of manly spirit, the rivers swiftly set +themselves in motion. + +7 With joy, 0 Indra, Lord of Tawny Coursers, the Sisters then, + +these Goddesses, extolled thee, + +When thou didst give the prisoned ones their freedom to +wander at their will in long succession. + +8 Pressed is the gladdening stalk as ’twere a river: so let the + +rite, the toiler’s power, attract thee +To us-ward, of the Bright One, as the courser strains his +exceedingly strong leather bridle. + +9 Ever by us perform thy most heroic, thine highest, best + +victorious deeds, 0 Victor. + +For us make Vritras easy to be conquered: destroy the +weapon of our mortal foeman. + +10 Graciously listen to our prayer, 0 Indra, and strength of +varied sort bestow thou on us. + +Send to us all intelligence and wisdom: 0 Maghavan, he he +who gives us cattle. + + +4 The meaning of the second line is, Indra brings near, but hold.? apart, +the heaven and the earth, the parents of the mighty Sun, and the winds sing +hx the intermediate space which has thus been provided for them. + +6 The Milch-hine : streams of fertilizing rain. The udder is the cloud. + + +7 The Sisters; the rivers. ^ + +8 The construction of the middle portion of the stanza is very difficult. + +The general meaning appears to be, * The Somahas been Passed and the +iuice flows copiously. Let our sacrifice draw thee hither with all the strength +of a hard-pulling horse.’, Who/ the Bright On? is ia*nob clear; probably Agm +is meant. + + + +m TMM MYMNS OF [BOOK IV. + +XI Now> Iiidra! lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth Swell +high like rivers to the singer. + +- For thee a new hymn, Lord of Bays ! is fashioned. May we, +car-borne, through song he victors ever. + +HYMN, XXIII, Indra. + +kow, what priest's sacrifice hath he made mighty, rejoicing +in the Soma and its fountain ? + +Delighting in the juice, eagerly drinking, the Lofty One hath +waxed for splendid riches. + +2 What hero hath been made his feast-companion ? Who hath + +been partner in his loving-kindness ? + +What know we of his wondrous acts ? How often comes he to +aid and speed the pious toiler? + +3 How heareth Indra offered invocation ? How, hearing, marketh + +he the invoker's wishes ? + +■ What are his ancient acts of bounty? Wherefore call they +him One who filleth full the singer ? + +4 How doth the priest who laboureth, ever longing, win for + +himself the wealth which he possesseth ? + +May he, the God, mark well my truthful praises, having +received the homage which he loveth. + +5 How, and what bond of friendship with a mortal hath the + +God chosen as this mom is breaking ? + +How, and what love hath he for those who love him, who +have entwined in him their firm affection ? + +6 Is then thy friendship with thy friends most mighty ? Thy + +brotherhood with us,—when may we tell it ? + +The streams of milk move, as most wondrous sunlight, the +beauty of the Lovely One for glory. + + +■ 1 Mighty: effectual. Its fountain: more literally, udder; the sacrifice, +the source from which the Soma flows as milk from the udder of the cow. + +For splendid riches: in order to bestow splendid wealth on the sacrificer, +according to S&yana. + +2 What Aero, etc: no one is allowed to share the offerings made to Indra +or to know his benevolent intentions. + +6 The streams of milk: this line is difficult. Indra’s close connexion with +the Sun is referred to, and the general purport may be, as Professor Ludwig +suggests : When thou risest up as the Sun, then we declare thy brotherhood +with us j or in other words, Indra’s beauty is made known as the light, of +the Sun. S&yana explains sdrgtfh as,, the efforts, (udyogdh), gfy, of the nxoy^ +ing one (Indra), + + + + +ttfMM 24.] THE RIG VEDA. 423 + +#' ■ + +7 About to slay the Indra4ess destructive spirit he sharpens + +his keen arms to strike her. + +Whereby the Strong, although our debts’ exactor, drives in +the distant mornings that we know not. , + +8 Eternal Law hath varied food that strengthens; thought of + +eternal Law removes transgressions. + +The praise-hymn of eternal Law, arousing, glowing, hath +oped the deaf ears of the living. + +9 Firm-seated are eternal Law’s foundations ; in its fair form + +are many splendid beauties. + +By holy Law long lasting food they bring us ; by holy Law +have cows come to our worship. + +10 Fixing eternal Law he, too, upholds it: swift moves the might + +of Law and wins the booty. + +To Law belong the vast deep Earth and Heaven: Milch-kine +supreme, to Law their milk they render. + +11 Now, Iudra! lauded, glorified with praises^ let power swell + +high like rivers to the singer. + +For thee a new hymn, Lord of Bays, is fashioned, May we, +car-borne, through song be victors ever. + +HYMN XXIV. Indra. + +What worthy praise will bring before us Indra, the Son of +Strength, that he may grant us riches; + +For Jhe the Hero, gives the singer treasures: he is the Lord +who sends us gifts, ye people. + + +7 Spirit; the Druh, or mischievous female sprite who does not acknow¬ +ledge Indra. The purport of: the second line is : Indra, although the punisher +of our sins, does nob suffer ua to be destroyed by evil spirits, but continuing +to rise as the Sun, urges on a succession of mornings in the light of which +the demons of the night disappear. + +8 Eternal Law: here, S&yana says, the word ritd means Aditya, or Indra, +or sacrifice. Its meaning varies slightly in this and the two following stanzas, +hut the original idea of regularity, conformity to, or establishment by, eternal +order or law, is found throughout. In the second . line eternal Law is the +regular law-ordained sacrifice. Glowmg; brilliant, or clearly sounding. The +living: the worshippper. + +9 They bring us; that is, the cows which have come to our worship , to be +.presented to the priests as payment of their services. + +10 Fixing eternal Law ; the establisher of the law is also its upholder or +administrator. Professor Wilson translates: f The (worshipper) subjecting +Pita (to his will) verily enjoys Pita/ + +To Law belong; or, were made for the sake of order or law-ordained +sacrifice. Milch-kine supreme ; bounteous heaven and earth, which cherish +and support sacrifice or eternal order in general, + +l The Son of Strength: the Mighty One, : + + + +426' THE HYMNS OF \B00KIV. + +He- + +2 To be invoked and hymned in fight with Vritra, that well- + +praised Indra gives us real bounties. + +. That Maghavan brings eomfort in the foray to the religious +man* who pours libations. + +3 Him, verily, the men invoke in combat; risking their lives + +they make him their protector, + +When heroes, foe to foe, give up their bodies, fighting, each +side, for children and their offspring. + +4 Strong God i the folk at need put forth their vigour, striving + +together in the whirl of battle. + +When warrior bands encounter one another some in the +grapple quit themselves like Indra. + +5 Hence many a one worships the might of Indra: hence let + +the brew succeed the meal-oblation. + +Henee let the Soma banish those who pour not: even hence +I joy to pay the Strong One worship. + +6 Indra gives comfort to the man who truly presses, for him + +who longs for it, the Soma, + +Not disaffected, with devoted spirit this man he takes to be +his friend in battles. + +7 He who this day for Indra presses Soma, prepares the brew + +and fries the grains of barley— + +Loving the hymns of that devoted servant, to him may Indra +give heroic vigour-. + +8 When the impetuous chief hath sought the conflict, and the + +lord looked upon the long-drawn battle, + +The matron calls to the Strong God whom pressers of Soma +have encouraged in the dwelling. + +9 He bid a small price for a thing of value : I was content, + +returning, still unpurchased. + +He heightened not his insufficient offer. Simple and clever, +. both milk out the udder. + + +5 Let the brew succeed the meal-oblation: or, let the offering of cooked viands +follow that of the sacrificial cake; let varied offerings be made in rapid suc¬ +cession. Let the Soma banish: let those who pour no Soma-libations to Indra +be kept at a distance from those who thus worship him. ' + +8 When the chieftain has gone out to fight, his wife calls on Indra to +protect him. According to S&yana, the ( impetuous. chief/ 1 the lord/ is +Indra whom his consort recalls to drink the Soma juice which has been +prepared for him by men. + +9 I was content: spoken by Indra. Both milh out the udder .* both the +simple, or needy, buyer and the shrewd seller make as much as they can out +of the bargain ; that is, the buying and selling of Indra, meaning the settle¬ +ment of the fee to be paid to the priest for obtaining Indra's favour by ^sacrifice. +Professor Grassmann banishes stanzas 9 and 10 to an appendix, as not origin¬ +ally belonging to the hymn. + + + + +HYMN 25 .] THE RIG VEDA. 427 + +10 Who for ten milch-kine purehaseth from me this Indra who is +• mine ? + +When he hath slain the Viitras let the buyer give him back +to me. , + +11 Now, Indra 1 lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth swell + +high like rivers for the singer. + +For thee a new hymn, Lord of Bays, is fashioned. May we, +car-borne, through song be victors ever. + +HYMN XXV, Indra. + +What friend of man, God-loving, hath delighted, yearning +therefor, this day in Indra’s friendship ? + +Who with enkindled flame and flowing Soma laudeth him +for his great protecting favour ? + +2 Who hath with prayer bowed to the Soma-lover 1 What + +pious man endues the beams of morning ? + +Who seeks bond, friendship, brotherhood with Indra ? Who +hath recourse unto the Sage for succour ? + +3 Who claims to-day the Deities’ protection, asks Aditi for + +light, or the Adityas? + +Of whose pressed stalk of Soma drink the Asvins, Indra, and +Agni, well-inclined in spirit? + +4 To him shall Agni Bhdrata give shelter ; long shall he look + +upon the Sun uprising, + +Who sayeth, Let us press the juice for Indra, man’s Friend, +the Hero manliest of heroes. + +5 Him neither few men overcome, nor many : to him shall Aditi + +give spacious shelter. + +Dear is the pious, the devout, to Indra; dear is the zealous, +dear the Soma-bringer. + +6 This Hero curbs the mighty for the zealous: the presser’s + +brew Indra possesses solely : + +No brother, kin, or friend to him who pours not, destroyer of +the dumb who would resist him. + + +2 Endues the beams of morning ': the expression means, apparently, * betakes +himself to prayer at day-break/ Sdyana’s interpretation is, ‘Who covers +that is, supports, the cows given by Indra V + +4 Agni Bhtfrata ; Agni as the especial God of the Bkarata family to .which +V&madeva the Hishi of the hymn belonged. 1 + +6 Curbs the mighty: the meaning pf pr&suS’h&t is-somewhatuncertain * +( prompt discomfiter of foes.’—Siyana. ■ Bridling, leading, driving or having +swift horses.’—Prof. Robb. * Conqueror of the mighty.’—P^of. Ludwig; Tltf +dumb : the man who has no voice to praise him, + + + +4# * TME iTYMNS OF [BOOK tf. + +7 Not with the wealthy churl who pours no Soma doth Indra, + +Soma-drinker, hind alliance. + +, He draws away his wealth and slays him naked, own Friend +to him who offers, for oblation. + +8 Highest anc| lowest, men who stand between them, "going, +* returning, dwelling in contentment, + +,, Those who show forth their strength when urged to battle—- +these are the men who call for aid on Indra, + +HYMN XXVI. Indra. + +I was * aforetime Manu, I was Surya: I am the sage Kakshivan, +holy singer. + +Kutsa the son of Arjuni I master. I am the sapient Usana ; +behold me. + +2 I have bestowed the earth upon the Arya, and rain upon the + +man who brings oblation. + +I guided forth the loudly-roaring waters, and the Gods moved +according to my pleasure. + +3 In the wild joy of Soma I demolished Sambara’s forts, ninety- + +and-nine, together; + +And, utterly, the hundredth habitation, when, helping Divo- +d&sa Atithigva. + +4 Before all birds be ranked this Bird, 0 Maruts; supreme of + +falcons be this fleet-winged Falcon, + +Because, strong-pinioned, with no car to bear him, he brought +to Manu the God-loved oblation. + +5 When the Bird brought it, hence in rapid motion sent on the + +wide path fleet as thought he hurried. + +Swift he returned with sweetness of the Soma, and hence the +Falcon hath acquired his glory. + +6 Bearing the stalk, the Falcon speeding onward, Bird bringing + +from afar the draught that gladdens, + +7 Naked; stripped of all his property; destitute. To him who offers, for oblation; +according to SI/ana, * to the man who pours the libation and prepares the +dressed food; *to him who presents the libation and oblation, 1 —Wilson. + +The deity of the first three stanzas is said to be either Indra or Param&tmft +[the Supreme Spiiit or Soul of the universe]: the deity or deified object of the +other stanzas is the Syena or Falcon. + +1 Indra is the speaker of the first three verses, although it is not clear +what he means by saying that he is Kakshiv&n and Usan&, unless he intends +to identify himself with all existence. + +3 Sambara ; Divoddsa; Atithigva (here an adname or epithet of Divod^sa): +see Index of Names, + +, 4 With no car to bear him .* literally, ‘ with his own wheel-less nature/ that +W, by his own natural impulse. Oblation : the Soma, + +, 0 The draught that gladdmv the plant that yields the exhilarating juice, + + + +M IMN 21} TEE BIG VEDA. ♦ ' + +Friend of the Gods, brought, grasping fast, the Soma which +he had taken from yon loftiest heaven. + +7 The Falcon took and brought the Soma, bearing thousand +libations with him, yea, ten thousand. ° + +The "Bold One left Malignities behind him, wis§, in wild joy of +-Soma, left the foolish. v . + +HYMN XXyiL ThefFaton. + +T, as I lay within the womb, considered all generations of , +these Gods in order, + +A hundred iron fortresses confined me, but forth I fLew With +rapid speed a Falcon, + +2 Not at his own free pleasure did he bear me r he conquered + +with his strength and manly courage. + +Straightway the Bold One left the fiends behind him a$d +passed the winds as he grew yet more mighty. + +3 When with loud cry from heaven down sped the, Falcon, + +thence hasting like the wind he bore the Bold One, + +Then, wildly raging in his mind, the archer KrMnu aimed +and loosed the string to strike him. + +4 The Falcon bore him from heaven’s lofty summit as the swift + +car of Indra’s Friend bore Bhujyu. + +Then downward hither fell a flying feather of the Bird +hasting forward in his journey, + +5 And now let Maghavan accept the beaker, white, filled with + +milk, filled with the shining liquid; + +The best of sweet meath whioh the priests have offered : that +Indra to his joy may drink, the Hero, that he may take +and drink it to his rapture. + +7 The Bold One: Indra. + +1 The womb : of the rain cloud. A hundred fortresses:ci * Sambara's hundred +ancient castles* (II, 14.6.) Considered: or reviewed, in hope of finding a deliverer. + +The speaker is Agni, that is, the lightning which rends the cloud and brings +down the sweet rain—the fleet Falcon who brings Soma from heaven. See +Prof. Bloomfield, The Myth of Soma and the Eagle, Festgruss an Rudolf von +Both, 1893, pp 149—155. Of. Hymns of the Atharva-veda, YI. 48.1. + +. 2 Not at his oion free pleasure; the falcon’s mere will was not enough, says +Soma ) he had first to fight and conquer my keepers. + +The Bold One ? Indra. See stanza 7 of the preceding hymn, + +3 The Bold One: meaning Soma. The construction of the first line is +difficult. KfUdnu ,* one of the guards of the celestial Soma. See I. 15i> + +4 The allusion in the first hue is to the rescue of Bhujyu, by the Asvins (see +I. 112. 6), and we should therefore expect indrdwtoh ,, { of Indra*6 two friend^! +instead of iudrdvato. Feather : pw'tyfan; which became on earth the sacked +Parna or pal&^a tree, the beautiful Butea FrondosA + +5* The metrical form and the ritual application indicate the comparatively +recent addition of this stanza to the. ancient hymn. ; + +The hymn has been discussed by Weber, Yedisehe Beitrage, pp. 4. T. + + + + +m ms STUNS OF [BOOS IV. + +6 When ‘also for a_ mortal man, Indra, thou speddest forth the + +Sim, + +And hojpest Etasa with might + +7 What i Yritra-slayer, art not thou, Maghavan, fiercest in thy ++ wrath ? + +So hast thou quelled the demon too. + +8 And this heroic deed of might thou, Indra, also hast achieved, +*' That thou didst smite to death the Dame, Heaven's Daughter, + +meditating ill + +9 Thou, Indra, Mighty One, didst crush Ushas, though Daughter + +of the Sky, + +When lifting up herself in pride. + +10 Then from her chariot Ushas fled, affrighted, from her + +ruined car, + +When the strong Godjiad shattered it. + +11 So there this car of Ushas lay, broken to pieces, in. Vip&S, + +And she herself fled far away. + +12 Thou, Indra, didst with magic power resist the overflowing + +stream + +Who spread her waters o'er the land. + +13 Valiantly didst thou seize and take the store which Sushna + +had amassed, + +When thou didst crush his fortresses. + +14 Thou, Indra, also smotest down Kulitara's son Sambara, + +The Dasa, from the lofty hill. + +15 Of Dasa Varchin's thou didst slay the hundred thousand and + +the five, + +Crushed like the fellies of a car. + + +6 And holpest Mam: that is, the return of day on some particular occasion +is attributed to Indra’s intervention on behalf of his favourite. SeeJndex, + +7 The demon; Vritra the son of Danu. + +8 The destruction by Indra of the chariot of Ushas. or Dawn appears to +mean the extinction of her light after the rising of the Sun. So in II. 15. 6. +Indra is said to have * crushed with his thunderbolt the car of Ushas, rend¬ +ing her slow steeds with his rapid Coursers/ The myth is alluded to in other +passages also. See X. 138. 5. + +11 In Vijpdf : or on the bank of that river. + +3 2 The overflowing stream ,* or, possibly, some stream called VibAli, the +exact meaning of the word being doubtful. + +14 Kulitaru's son; this is S&y ana’s explanation of haulitardm + +15 Of Ddsa Varchin's; of the followers of the demon or savage Varphin, +See II. 14- 0. And the five: the position of pdncha in the stanza seeces tp, +indicate that it is taken separately. S&yana prefixes it to satft, making the’ +number slain a thousand and five hundred. + +Crushed like the fellies of a car; 4 (surrounding) him like the fellies (round +the spokes of a wheel).’—Wilson, + + + +TSJB RIGVEDA, i$k + +16 So Indra, Lord of Heroes, Powers, caused the tra wedded: + +damsel's son, + +The castaway, to share the lauds* + +17 So sapient Indra, Lord of Might, brought Turvasa arid Yadu, + +those + +Who feared the flood, in safety o’er. + +18 Arna and Chitraratha, both Aryas, thou, Indra, slewest swift* +On yonder side of Sarayu. + +19 Thou, Vritra slayer, didst conduct those two forlorn, the + +blind, the lame: + +Hone may attain this bliss of thine. + +20 For Divod&sa, him who brought oblations, Indra overthrew +A hundred fortresses of stone. + +21 The thirty thousand D&sas he with magic power and weapons + +sent + +To slumber, for Dabliiti’s sake. + +22 As such, 0 Vritra-slayer, thou art general Lord of kinefor all, +Thou Shaker of all things that be. + +23 Indra, whatever deed of might thou hast this day to execute, +None be there now to hinder it. + +24 0 Watchful One, may Aryaman the God give thee all goodly + +things. + +May Pushan, Bhaga, and the God Kardlati give all things fair. + +The unioedded damsel's son ; the son of Agrft, according to S&yana, See +IV. 19. 9. + +17 Turvasa and Yadu; so X. 174. 9 * When o’er the flood thou broughtest +them, 0 Hero, thou keptest Turvasa and Yadu safely,’ + +Who feared the flood ; literally, f non-bathers’ (mndtdvd), meaning probably +unable to swim. + +18 Arna and Chitraratha; two kings, says the Scholiast, ‘presuming on +their dignity as Aryas and devoid of faith in, or devotion to, Indra.’ Sarayu +here is probably some river in the Panj&b, and not the Sarayu of Oudh the +modern Sarjii. Turvasa and Yadu may perhaps have crossed the river, and +under the protection of Indra conquered two Aryan chiefs whose lands lay +beyond it, + +19 , The Mind y the lame; see II. 13. 12. where one man only, the outcast, +or Par&vrij, is ppoken of as s the halt and blind.’ + +20 JJivoddsa ; see Index. + +21 Dabhiti : a Ilishi favoured by Indra See Index. + +24 Kdrhlati ; from, the position of the word in the stanza would appear to +be the name of a separate God, but Sty ana (who is followed by Professors Both +and, Grassm&nn as, well as Wilson) takes it as an epithet of Pftshan, i. e. the- +broken-toothed or toothless God. 4 According to the Pur&nas, Pftshan had his +, teeth knocked out by Yirabhadra’s followers at Daksha’s sacrifice.’—Wilson. +The institutor of the sacrifice appears to be addressed in this verse which is +probably a later addition to the original hymn. + +28 + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IT. + +HYMN XXXI. + +With what help will he come to us, wonderful, ever-waxing +Friend, + +Withfwhat most mighty company 1 + +2 What genuine and most liberal draught will spirit thee with + +juice to burst + +Open e’en strongly-guarded wealth ? + +3 Do thou who art Protector of us thy friends who praise thee +With hundred aids approach us. + +4 Like as a courser’s circling wheel, so turn thee hitherward + +to us, + +Attracted by the hymns of men. + +5 Thou seekest as it were thine own stations with swift descent +' of powers: + +I share thee even with the Sun. + +6 What time thy courage and his wheels together, Indra, run +■ _ - , their course + +With thee and with the Sun alike, + +7 So even, Lord of Power and Might, the people call thee: + +Maghavan, + +Giver, who pauses not to think. + +8 And verily to him who toils and presses Soma juice for thee +Thou quickly givest ample wealth. + +9 No, not a hundred hinderers can check thy gracious bounty’s + +flow, + +Nor thy great deeds when thou wilt act. + +10 May thine assistance keep us safe, thy hundred and thy + +■ thousand aids: + +May all thy favours strengthen us. + +11 Do thou elect us in this place for friendship and prosperity, + +* And great celestial opulence. + +----j--- : ---—------— + +2 Genuine and 1 • * r "7 5 * 7 ■ good results and’ causing thee to be + +most bountiful. s 1 , •< ; ; ■ -ft: ■: to burst open the treasure-houses- + +of our enemies and give us their contents j or the allusion may be to the +waters shut up in the clouds. + +4 By the hymns: literally, "by the teams/ niyiidbhih, that is, strings' of +verses, hymns, or praises. + +5 With swift descent of prnws: by the natural and spontaneous outflow of* +divine strength, as water pours down a precipice. + +/ share thee: 1 1 glorify thee together with the Sun/—Wilson. + +7 Maghavan: the rich and munificent One. + + + +&TMH 82.] THE R1GVEDA, ’ + +12 Favour us, Indra, evermore with overflowing store of wealth * +With all thy succours aid thou us. + +13 With new protections, Indra, like an archer, open thou for us + +The stables that are filled with kine. « + +,14 Our chariot, Indra, boldly moves endued with splendour, +ne’er repulsed, + +Winning for us both kine and steeds. + +15 0 Surya, make our fameto be most excellent among the Gods, +Most lofty as the heaven on high, + +HYMN XXXII. Indra. + +0 thou who slewest Yyitra, come, 0 Indra, hither to our side, + +, Mighty One with thy mighty aids, + +2 Swift and impetuous -art thou, wondrous amid the well- + +dressed folk : + +. Thou doest marvels for our help. + +3 Even with the weak thou smitest down him who is strongei*, + +with thy strength + +The mighty, with the Friends thou hast. + +4 0 Indra, we are close to thee; to thee we sing aloud our songs: +Help and defend us, even us. + +5 As such, 0 Caster of the Stone, come with thy succours + +wonderful, + +Blameless, and irresistible. + +6 May we be friends of one like thee, 0 Indra, with the wealth + +of kine, + +Comrades for lively energy. + +7 For thou, 0 Indra, art alone the Lord of strength that comes + +from kine: + +So grant thou us abundant food. + +8 They turn thee not another way, when, lauded, Lover of the + +Song, + +Thou wilt give wealth to those who praise, + +9 The Gotarnas have sung their song of praise to thee that thou + +mayst give, + +Indra, for lively energy. “ . + + +, 2 Amid the well-dressed folk: the adjective Ghi trinishu, feminine plural +in the locative case, stands without a substantive, and S&yana supplies prajdne, +people ; well-dressed, perhaps, for a religious ceremony, or possibly, armed for +war, + +5 Paster of the Stone: wielder of the thunderbolt. + + + +436 TEE ETMEB OF [BOOK IV. + +10 We will declare thy hero deeds, what Dasa forts thou brakest + +down, + +Attacking them in rapturous joy. + +11 The s&ges sing those manly deeds which, Indra, Lover of the Song, +Thou wroughtest when the Soma flowed. + +12 Indra, the^Gotamas who bring thee praises have grown strong + +by thee. + +Give them renown with hero sons. + +13 For, Indra, verily thou art the general treasure even of all: +Thee, therefore, do we invocate. + +14 Excellent Indra, turn to us : glad thee among us with the juice +■ Of Somas, Soma-drinker thou. + +15 May praise from us who think on thee, 0 Indra, bring thee + +near to us. + +Turn thy two Bay Steeds hitherward.' + +16 Eat of our sacrificial cake: rejoice thee in the songs we sing, +Even as a lover in his bridp. + +17 To Indra for a thousand steeds well-trained and fleet of foot + +we pray, + +And hundred jars of Soma juice. ’ + +18 We make a hundred of thy kine, yea, and a thousand, hasten + +nigh: + +So let thy bounty come to us. + +19 We have obtained, a gift from thee, ten water-ewers wrought + +of gold: + +Thou, Yritra-slayer, givest much. + +20 A bounteous Giver, give us much, bring much and not a + +trifling gift: + +Much, Indra, wilt thou fain bestow. + +210 Yritra-slayer, thou art famed in many a place as bountiful: +Hero, thy bounty let us share. + +22 I praise thy pair of Tawny Steeds, wise Son of him who +giveth kine: + +Terrify not the cows with these. + +A_u—_-______ • + +10 In rapturous joy: in exhilaration produced by the Some juice, + +17 Jare : a kh&rtf is properly a measure of grain, and by metonymy a vessel, +jar, or pitcher, containing that quantity, which is said to be equal to about +three of our bushels. + +22 Wise Son of him who giveth him: Indra himself is the special giver of +cattle, and this attribute of his may perhaps, as Professor Ludwig conjectures,, +.he personified in an imaginary father Goshfi, the winner or bestower of, kine; +S fry an a would force on naplt, son, the meaning na pdtayitah , * thou whodost +not cast down* (thy worshippers). With these: two horses of thine. The +meaning of this last T&da is uncertain. + + + +grMtf.m.') mn riqtffa. m + +25 Like two slight images of girls, unrobed, upon a new-wrought +post, + +So shine thy Bay Steeds in their course. + +24 For me the Bays are ready when I start, or start not/with the +dawn, Innocuous in the ways they take. + +HYMN XXXIII. " ?ibhus. + +I send my voice as herald to the Bibhus; I crave the white cow +for the overspi'eading. + +Wind-sped, the Skilful Ones in rapid motion have in an instant +compassed round the heaven. + +2 What time the Bibhus had with care and marvels done proper + +service to assist their Parents, + +They won the friendship of the Gods; the Sages carried away +the fruit of their devotion. + +3 May they who made their Parents, who were lying like posts + +that moulder, young again for ever,— + +May Vaja, Yibhvan, Bibhu, joined with Indra, protect our +sacrifice, the Soma-lovers. + +4 As for a year the Bibhus kept the Milch-cow, throughout a + +year fashioned and formed her body, + +And through a year’s space still sustained her brightness, +through these their labours they were made immortal. + +® Two beakers let us make,—thus said the eldest. Let us +make three,—this was the younger’s sentence. + +Four beakers let us make,—thus spoke the youngest. Tvashtar +approved this rede of yonrs, O Bibhus. + +6 The men spake truth and even so they acted: this Godlike +way of theirs the Bibhus followed. + +And Tvashtar, when he looked on the four beakers resplend¬ +ent as the day, was moved with envy. + + +23 Images of girls: perhaps as caryatids, but the passage is obscure. Pro¬ +fessor Wilson translates : ‘ Like two puppets on an arranged, new, and +slender stage,’ + +■ 24 According to S&yana, Let thy inoffesive hay horses give me a sufficiency +affc sacrifices whether I go to them in a car drawn by oxen or without a car so +drawn, that is, on foot. + +* 1 For the overspreading: a technical expression for pouring the milk into or +over the Soma juice. f For the dilution ( of the Soma libation).’—Wilson. For +thP Ribhns, see Index. + +5 Two beakers ; or sacrificial ladles. See I. 20. 6, + + + +438 TEE E7MNS . OF [BOQR .IV, + +7 When for twelve, days the Eibhus joyed reposing as guests of + +him who never may be hidden, + +They made fair fertile fields, they brought the rivers. Plants +spread o'er deserts, waters filled the hollows. + +8 May they who formed the swift car, bearing Heroes, and the + +Cow omniform and all-impelling, + +Even may they form. wealth for us,—the Eibhus, dexterous¬ +handed, deft in work and gracious. + +9 So in their work the Gods had satisfaction, pondering it with + +thought and mental insight. + +The Gods' expert artificer was Vaja, Indra's Ribhukshan, +Varuna’s was Vibhvan. + +10 They who, made glad with sacrifice and praises, wrought the + +two Bays, his docile Steeds, for Indra,— + +Eibhus, as those who wish a friend to prosper, bestow upon +us gear and growth of riches. + +11 This day have they set gladdening drink before you. Hot + +without toil are Gods inclined to friendship. + +Therefore do ye who are so great, 0 Eibhus, vouchsafe us +treasures at this third libation. + +HYMN XXXIY. Eibhus. + +To this our sacrifice come Eibhu, Vibhvan, Vaja, and Indra +with the gift of riches, + +Because this day hath Dhishan& the Goddess set drink for +you: the gladdening draughts have reached you. + +7 Him who never may be hidden: the Sun ; Savitar. + +8 The swift car: the three-wheeled chariot which bears the Asvins. + +The Cow omniform: or of every hue. ‘ Indra hath yoked his Bays the + +Asvins’ car is horsed, Brihaspati hath brought the Cow of every hue.’_I + +161. 6. + +11 At this third libation: in the evening, the proper time for drink-offerings +to the Eibhus. 6 + +The myth of the Eibhus is exceedingly obscure. They are regarded as +ancient sacrifices who attained immortality as the reward of their pious +labours. The parents whom they restored to youth appear to be the univer¬ +sal parents, heaven and earth, rejuvenated each +spring. The milch-cow (stanza 4) is perhaps thei-v: lt l : + +tive soil. The twelve days (stanza 7) are perhap s ■ i ■■■; n + +twelve nights vratydh prajdpateh, or * holy top:, "i . 11 . + +Atharva-veda, IV. 11.11. For careful study and of the + +myth, see F. H5ve, Fssai sur le mythe de& ii' j' ; ; s ;*■. Jkn( j +Bergaigne, La Religion Vddique, II. 403—413; HI. 51—55, * + +EHshani; a divinity closely connected with Soma and presiding over +prosperity. . + + + + +'ZftMlSr 31 ,] TEE RIG VEDA. + +Knowing your birth and rich in gathered treasure, Bibhus, +rejoice together with the Kitus. + +1 The gladdening draughts and wisdom have approached you : +send ye us riches with good store of heroes + +Si For you was made this sacrifice, 0 Bibhus, which ye, like +men, won for yourselves aforetime. + +To you come all who find in you their pleasure: ye all were +—even the two elder—V&jas. + +4 Bow for the mortal worshipper, 0 Heroes, for him who served + +you, was the gift of riches. + +Drink, Yajas, Bibhus! unto you is offered, to gladden you, +the third and great libation. + +5 <Come' to us, Heroes, Yajas and Bibh.uk shans, glorified for the + +sake of mighty treasure. + +These draughts approach you as the day is closing, as cows, +whose calves are newly-born, their stable. + +6 Come to this sacrifice of ours, ye Children of Strength, in¬ + +voked with humble adoration. + +Drink of this meath, Wealth-givers, joined with Indra with +whom ye are in full accord, ye Princes. + +7 Close knit with Yaruna drink the Soma, Indra; close-knit, + +, Hymn-lover I with the Maruts drink it: + +Close-knit with drinkers first, who drink in season; close-knit +with heavenly Dames who give us treasures. + +8 Bejoice in full accord with the Adityas, in concord with the + +Parvatas, 0 Bibhus; + +In full accord with Savitar, Divine One; in full accord with +floods that pour forth riches. + + +2 Knowing your birth: knowing how you have attained immortality and +deification. The Pit us; the seasons personified and honoured as deities. The +Bibhus as cosmic powers are closely connected with them, + +3 Vdjas ; that is, although V&ja is strictly the name of the-youngest of the +three only, you are all entitled to that appellation which means active, strong, +or spirited. Professor Grassmann translates : * ihr alle seid die ersten hier, +O Vadscha’s ye are all the first (entitled to precedence) here, O Vfijas ; +but the word utd is then left untranslated. + +4 The third and great libation: see the preceding hymn, stanza 11. + +5 RibhuJcshans: Ribhukshan is another name of Ribhu, the eldest of +the three. + +7 Drinkers first: those who claim and receive the libation first; here, +apparently, the IUtus or Seasons. + +8 Parvatas; Gods presiding over mountains and clouds. + + + +m Tm MYum of [book jk i + +9 Ribhus, who helped their Parents and the Asvins, who formed' + +the MilcH-cow and the pair of horses, + +Made armour, set the heaven and earth asunder,—far-reach- +' ing JEIeroes, they have made good offspring. + +10 Ye who Rave wealth in cattle and in booty, in heroes, in inch +•" sustenance and treasure, + +Such, 0 ye Ribhus, first to drink, rejoicing, give unto us and +4 those who laud our present, + +11 Ye were not far: we have not left you thirsting, blameless in + +this our sacrifice, 0 Ribhus. + +Rejoice you with the Maruts and with Indra, with the Kings, +Gods ! that ye may give us riches. + +HYMN XXXV. Ribhus, + +Comb hither, 0 ye Sons of Strength, ye Ribhus; stay not afar, +ye Children of Sudhanvan. + +At this libation is your gift of treasure. Let gladdening +draughts approach you after Indra’s. + +■ 2 Hither is come the Ribhus* gift of riches; here was the drink- +: ing of the well-pressed Soma, + +Since by dexterity and skill as craftsmen ye made the single +chalice to be fourfold. + +3 Ye made fourfold the chalice that was single: ye spake these + +words and said, 0 Friend, assist us ; + +Then, V&jas 1 gained the path of life eternal, deft-handed +.^Ribhus, to the Gods* assembly. + +4 Out of what substance was that chalice fashioned which ye + +made fourfold by your art and wisdom 1 +Now for the gladdening draught press out the liquor, and +drink, 0 Ribhus, of the meath of Soma. + +5 Ye with your cunning made your Parents youthful; the cup, + +for Gods to drink, ye formed with cunning; + +With cunning, Ribhus, rich in treasure, fashioned the two +swift Tawuy Steeds who carry Indra. + +^ Made m'mour: for the Gods. + +10 Those who laud our present: who accompany with hymns, and so recom* +mend to the Gods, our oblation. + +11 The Kings; the other Gods, or the Gods in general. + +v — + +1 After Indr a's: libations having been offered to Indra at dawn and at 5 +noonday. See stanza 7. ' / + +$ 0 Friend: Agni. + +5 Cuming: power and skill as craftsmen ; sdchgd, , • + + + +BTMN 36-3 TME RtGt&DA. ill + +.6 Whoso pours out for you, when days are closing, the sharp +libation for your joy, 0 Yajas, + +For him, 0 mighty Ribhus, ye, rejoicing, have fashioned +wealth with plenteous store of heroes. + +7 Lord of Bay Steeds, at dawn the juice thou drankest: thine, + +, only thine, is the noonday libation. + +Now drink thou with the wealth-bestowing Ribhus, whom for +their skill thou madest friends, 0 Indra. + +8 Ye, whom your artist skill hath raised to Godhead, have sat + +you down above in heaven like falcons. + +, So give us riches, Children of Sudhanvan, 0 Sons of Strength ; +ye have become immortal. + +9 The third libation, that bestoweth treasure, which ye have + +won by skill, ye dexterous-handed,— + +This drink hath been effused for you, 0 Eibhus : drink it with +high delight, with joy like Indra’s. + +HYMN XXXVL llibhus. + +The car that was not made for horses or for reins, three-wheel¬ +ed, worthy of lauds, rolls round the firmament. + +That is the great announcement of your Deity, that, 0 ye +Ribhus, ye sustain the earth and heaven. + +2 Ye Sapient Ones who made the lightly-rolling oar out of your + +mind, by thought, the car that never errs, + +You, being such, to drink of this drink-offering, you, 0 ye +Yajas, and ye Ribhus, we invoke. * + +3 0 Yajas, Ribhus, reaching far, among the Gods this was your + +exaltation gloriously declared, + +In that your aged Parents, worn with length of days, ye +; wrought again to youth so that they moved at will. + +4' The chalice that was single ye have made fourfold, and by +your wisdom brought the Cow forth from the hide. + +So quickly, mid the Gods, ye gained immortal life. Yajas and +Ribhus, your great work must be extolled. + + +6 Fashioned wealth: made or fabricated as craftsmen. + +1 The c(Lr * the three-wheeled chariot of the Asvins, ctraw&by asses, i. & the +grey clouds of morning twilight;. + +3 Ye wrought again to youth: forms of the verb taJcsh, to form, fabricate, +fashion, as a carpenter dpes with wood, are used in this and other hymns to +the Itibhus, the artificers, instead of words signifying restoring, giving, pro¬ +ducing, and the like. + + +442 + + +[BOOK IV. + + +TEE HYMNS OF + +5 Wealth from the Bibhus is most glorious in renown, that +which the Heroes, famed for vigour, have produced. + +In synods must be sung the car which Yibhvan wrought: that +which ye favour, Gods! is famed among mankind. + +€ Strong is the steed, the man a sage in eloquence, the bowman +is a hero hard to beat in fight, + +.Great store of wealth and manly power hath he obtained +whom Vaja, Yibhvan, Bibhus have looked kindly on. + +7 To you hath been assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of +praise: Yajas and Bibhus, joy therein; + +For ye have lore and wisdom and poetic skill; as such, with +this our prayer we call on you to come. + +$ According to the wishes of our hearts may ye, who have full +knowledge of all the delights of men, + +Fashion for us, 0. Bibhus, power and splendid wealth, rich in +high courage, excellent, and vital strength. + +9 Bestowing on us here riches and offspring, here fashion fame +v for us befitting heroes. + +Youchsafe us wealth of splendid sort, 0 Bibhus, that we may +‘make us more renowned than others. + +HYMN XXXYII. Ilibhus. + +Comb to our sacrifice, Yajas, Bibhukshans, Gods, by the paths +which Gods are wont to travel, + +As ye, gay Gods, accept in splendid weather the sacrifice +among these folk of Manus. + +2 May these rites please you in your heart and spirit; may the + +drops clothed in oil this day approach you. + +May the abundant juices bear you onward to power and +strength, and, when imbibed, delight you. + +3 Your threefold going near is God-appointed, so praise is given + +you, Yajas and Bibhukshans. + +So, Manus-like, mid younger folk i offer, to you who are aloft +in heaven, the Soma. + + +^ 5 The car which Vibhvan wrought: or the sacrificial cup ; the text has only +vibhvatashtdh, that which was fabricated by Yibhvan, or as S&yana says* by +the Ilibhus. « + +8 According to the wishes of our hearts ; or, according to S&yana, on account. +of the praises which we have offered to you. * ■. + +1 In splendid weather: after the rains, when protracted sacrifices are not +interrupted by storms. These folk of Manus ; Aryan men. + +•' 8 Threefold going near; coming to the altar at the three daily sacrifices*' + + + + +HYMN 38.] THE RIGVEDA . f43> + +4 Strong, with fair chains of . gold and jaws of iron, ye have a + +splendid car and well-fed horses. * . + +Ye Sons of Strength, ye progeny of Indra, to you the best is +offered to delight you. * + +5 Bibhuksham! him, for handy wealth, the mightiest comrade + +in the fight, + +Him, Indra’s equal, we invoke, most bounteous ever, rich in +steeds. + +6 The mortal man whom, Bibhus, ye and Indra favour with your + +help, + +Must be successful, by his thoughts, at sacrifice and with the +steed. + +7.0 Vajas and Eibhukshans, free for us the paths to sacrifice, +Ye Princes, lauded, that we may press forward to each point +of heaven. + +8 0 Vajas and Eibhukshans, ye Nasatyas, Indra, bless this wealth, +And, before other mens’, the steed, that ample riches may +be won. + +HYMN XXXVIII. Dadhikr&s. + +From you two came the gifts in days aforetime which. Trasa- +dasyu granted to the Purus % + +Ye gave the winner of our fields and plough-lands, and the +strong smiter who subdued the Dasyus. + +5 Him: Ribhu, as representing his brothers also. + +6 By his thoughts: referring to the worshipper who by his devout thoughts +and acts will obtain success in sacrifice. With the steed; referring to the war¬ +rior who will be victorious in battle with hi3 war-chariot. + +7 Press onward to each point of heaven : that is, be everywhere victorious, +achieve, what was in later times the objept of great kings’ highest ambition, +the digvijaya or conquest of lands in every direction. + +8 Ndsatyas: Asvins. The steeds: either the war-horses in general, or, as" +Professor Ludwig suggests, a particular horse that is to be sacrificed. + +Dadhikvds , in the nominative case, or DadhikrA in the crude form, is the +name of a mythical being often mentioned in the ltigveda and the actual sub¬ +ject of this hymn and three others. He is described as a kind of divine horse, +and probably, like T&rkshya, is a personification of the morning sun ; some¬ +times he is considered as a creation of heaven and earth, sometimes of Mitra- +Yaruna, and is invoked in the morning together with Agni, Ushas, and the +Asvins. The name is probably derived from dadhi f thickened milk, and kri, +to scatter, in allusion to the rising sun spreading deWl§^d hoar-frost like milk, +(wa%vrjv T^Xtog cric$B(ji iraXiv. Aeschylus). See St. P. Lexicon, + +or M. Williams’s Dictionary. Professor Ludwig thinks that the hymn is a +fragment, referring not,to the mythical being but to an actual war-horse bear¬ +ing his name. * . + +1 .From you,two; Mitra and Yaruna, according to stanza 2 of the following +hymn ,* Heaven and Earth, according to S&yaua. Trasadasyu: this king has + + +{BOOK tV. + + +444 - mM Mtkm of + +2 And ye gaye mighty Dadhikrds, tlie giver of many gifts, who +visiteth all people, + +Impetuous hawk, swift and of varied colour, like a brave Ring +whom each true man must honour* + +,3 Whom, as ? twere down a precipice, swift rushing, each Pftru +praises and his heart rejoices,—* + +^ Springing forth like a hero fain for battle, whirling the oar and +flying like the tempest. + +4 Who gaineth precious booty in the combats, and moveth, + +winning spoil, among the cattle; + +Shown in bright colour, looking on the assemblies, beyond the +churl, to worship of the living. + +5 Loudly the folk cry after him in battles, as ’twere a thief who + +steals away a garment; < ■ + +Speeding to glory, or a herd of cattle, even as a hungry falcon +swooping downward. + +’,6 And, fain to come forth first amid these armies, this way and +that with rows of cars he rushes, + +: (Jay ,like a bridesman, making him a garland, tossing the dust, +champing the rein that holds him. + +7 And that strong Steed, victorious and faithful, obedient with + +his body in the combat, + +Speeding straight on amid the swiftly pressing, casts o’er his +brows the dust he tosses upward. + +8 And at his thunder, like the roar of heaven, those who attack + +tremble and are affrighted; + +For when he fights against embattled thousands, dread is he +in his striving; none may stay him. + +*9 The people praise the overpowering swiftness of this fleet Steed +who giveth men abundance. + +Of him they say when drawing back from battle. Dadhikr&s +hath sped forward with his thousands. + +been mentioned before (1.112. 14.) ae a favourite of the Asvins. professor +Ludwig points out that, to accord with what is said in IV. 42. 8., the reading +should be Trasadasyum ; * ye who gave Trasadasyu to the PUrus,’ the verb +nttosi standing for the dual nitozcthe. The Pilriis; one of the Aryan tribes. +§ee Index. + +4 Beyond the churl :jgaasing by the niggard who offers no oblations, and +looking kindly ©n the Ipferifice of the living man or devout worshipper. The +word aratim apparently= drdtim. + +5 Speeding : referring to DadhikrAs seeking fame and booty. + +6 Making him a garland: of the chariots that surround him. . V' ■ + +7 Amid the swiftly pressing ; the text has no substantive; sendsu, hosts, or + +people, may be understood* + + + + +jarmw io.j the higyeda: m + +10 Dadhikras hath o’erspread the Fivefold People with vigour, as +the Sun lightens the waters. + +May the strong Steed who winneth hundreds, thousands^ requite +with sweetness these my words and praises. " + +HYMN XXXIX. DadfcikrAs. + +Now give we praise to Dadhikras the rapid, and mention in +our laud the Earth .and Heaven. + +May the Dawns flushing move me to exertion, and bear me +safely over every trouble. + +2 I praise the mighty Steed who fills my spirit, the Stallion + +* Dadhikravan rich in bounties, + +Whom, swift of foot and shining bright as Agni, ye, Yaruna +and Mitra, gave to Purus. + +3 Him who hath honoured, when the flame is kindled at break + +of dawn, the Courser Dadhikr&van, + +Him, of one mind with Yaruna and Mitra may Aditi make +free from all transgression. + +4 When we remember mighty Dadhikravan our food and strength, + +then the blest name of Maruts, + +Varuna, Mitra, we invoke for welfare, and Agni, and the +thunder-wielding Indra. + +5 Both sides invoke him as they call on Indra when they stir + +forth and turn to sacrifi eing. + +To us have Yaruna and Mitra granted the Courser Dadhikras, +a guide for mortals. + +6 So have I glorified with praise strong Dadhikravan, conquer¬ + +ing Steed. + +Sweet may he make our mouths; may he prolong the, days we +have to live. + +HYMN XL. Dadhikrdvan. + +Let us recite the praise of Dadhikravan: may all the Mor% +ings move me to exertion : + +Praise of the Lord of Waters, Dawn, and Agni, Brihaspati +Son of Angiras, and Surya. + +2 Dadkih'dvan: a lengthened, interchangeable form of Dadhikras. + +, 3 Aditi: here a male deity, probably Agni. + +5 When they stvr fodth and turn to sacrificing: when,. men who are going,out +on a foray, or to battle, offer sacrifices for their success. Or the meaning may +be, both those who go out to battle and those who remain at home and +sacrifice. + +6 Sweet may he make our mouths t purify our lips if we have spoken wick¬ +ed words. - + +‘ 1 The Lord : literally, the conqueror, that is; the winner, the obtainer. + + + +Uh THM HYMNS OP [BOOK IT. + +2 Brave, seeking War and booty, dwelling with the good and + +with the swift, may he hasten the food of Dawn. + +May he the true, the fleet, the lover of the course, the bird- +like Dadhikr&van, bring food, strength, and light. + +3 His pinion, rapid runner, fans him on his way, as of a bird + +that hastens onward to its aim, + +v! And, as it were a falcon's gliding through the air, strikes +Dadhikrilvan’s side as he speeds on with might. + +' 4 Bound by the neck and by the flanks and by the mouth, the +vigorous Courser lends new swiftness to his speed. + +Drawing himself together, as his strength allows, Dadhikr&a +springs along the windings of the paths. + +5 The Hansa homed in light, the Vasu in mid-air, the priest +, beside the altar, in the house the guest, + +Dweller in noblest place, mid men, in truth, in sky, born of +flood, kine, truth, mountain, he is holy Law. + +HYMN XLT. Indra-Vanina. + +What laud, 0 Indra-Varuna, with oblation, hath like the +Immortal Priest obtained your favour ? + +Hath our effectual laud, addressed with homage, touched you, +0 Indra-Varuna, in spirit? + +2 He who with dainty food hath won you, Indra and Varuria, +Gods, as his allies to friendship, + +Slayeth the Vritras and his foes in battles, and through your +mighty favours is made famous. + + +2 Hasten the food of Dawn : * accept the (sacrificial) food at the time of +the desirable dawn/—Wilson. This line is difficult, and the meaning is +somewhat obscure. + +; 4 Lends new swiftness to his speed: I adopt S&yana’s interpretation, +tvaraj/ati gantum , Prof. Eggeling translates more literally f speedeth after the +whip’ (Satapatha-Br&hmana, V, 1. 5. 19). + +5 In this stanza Dadhikr&s is identified with the eternal Law of the +universe and with all types or forms of the Supreme Being. He is the +Hansa, the Swan of heaven, or the Sun, the Vasu in mid-air or the Wind, +Agni as the priest and guest of men. As the Sun he is bom from, or amid, +kine or rays of light and springs up from the celestial ocean and the mountains +of cloud behind which he rises. See Professor Wilson’s note on the passage. +The stanza is explained also in Satapatha Br&h'mana Vf. 7. 3, 11 (Sacred Books +of the East, XLI. p. 281). + +The hymn is addressed to Indra-Varuna, that is, Indra and Varuna, con^ +jointly, ’ *: ■ ’ + +1 The Immortal Priest; Agni, 1 + + + + +Mtmm TEE RTQVEBA. A1 + +.? 3 Indra and Yaruna are most liberal givers of treasure to the +men who foil to serve them, + +When they, as Friends inclined to friendship, honoured ‘with +dainty food, delight in flowing Soma. * + +4 Indra and Yaruna, ye hurl, 0 Mighty, on him your strongest + +flashing holt of thunder + +Who treats us ill, the robber and oppressor : measure on him +your overwhelming vigour. + +5 0 Indra-Yaruna, be ye the lovers of this my song, as steers + +who love the milch-cow. + +Milk may it yield us as, gone forth to pasture, the great Cow +pouring out her thousand rivers. + +6 For fertile fields, for worthy sons and grandsons, for the Sun's + +beauty and for steer-like vigour, + +May Indra-Yaruna with gracious favours work marvels for us +in the stress of battle. + +7 For you, as Princes, for your ancient kindness, good comrades + +of the man who seeks for booty, . + +We choose to us for the dear bond of friendship, most liberal +Heroes bringing bliss like parents. + +8 Showing their strength, these hymns for grace, Free-givers ! + +have gone to you, devoted, as to battle. + +For glory have they gone, as milk to Soma, to Indr a-Y aruna +my thoughts and praises. + +9 To Indra and to Varuna, desirous of gaining wealth have + +these my thoughts proceeded. + +They have come nigh to you as treasure-lovers, like mares, +fleet-footed, eager for the glory. + +10 May we ourselves be lords of during riches, of ample suste¬ + +nance for car and horses. + +So may the Twain who work with newest succours bring +r yoked teams hitherward to us and riches. + +11 Come with your mighty succours, 0 ye Mighty; come, Indra- + +Yaruna,. to us in battle. + +What time the flashing arrows play in combat, *nay we +through you be winners in the contest. + +5 Milk may it yield us; bring us a rich reward. The great Cow: of plenty. + +6 For the Sun's heomty : for long life wherein we may continue to aee the +glory of the sun. + +• 8 For glory; to glorify you. , + +9 Eager for the glory s of winning the prize in the chariot-race. + +11 The hymn is a prayer for aid in a coming battle. + + + +m the hymns of [book tv. + +HYMN XLII. IndraVaruna. + +I am the royal Euler, mine is empire, as mine who sway all +7 , life are all Immortals. + +Varuna’s will the Gods obey and follow. I am the King of +men’s most lofty coyer. + +2 I am King Varuna. To me were given these first existing + +high celestial powers. + +Varuna’s will the Gods obey and follow. I am the King of +, men’s most lofty cover. + +3 I Varuna am Indra: in their greatness, these the two wide + +deep fairly-fashioned regions, + +These the two world-halves have I, even as Tvashtar knowing +all beings, joined and held together. + +4 I made to flow the moisture-shedding waters, and set the + +heaven firm in the seat of Order. + +By Law the Son of Aditi, Law Observer, hath spread abroad +the world in threefold measure. + +5 Heroes with noble'horses, fain for battle, selected warriors, + +call on me in combat. + +I Indra Maghavari, excite the conflict; I stir the dust, Lord +of surpassing vigour. + +6 All this I did. The Gods’ own conquering power never im~ + +pedeth me whom none opposeth. + +When lauds and Soma juice have made me joyful, both the +unbounded regions are affrighted. + +7 All beings know these deeds of thine: thou tellest this unto + +Varuna, thou great Disposer ! + +Thou art renowned as having slain the Vritras. Thou madest +flow the floods that were obstructed, + +8 Our fathers then were these, the Seven Eishis, what time the + +son of Durgahu was captive. + +Varuna arid his supersessor Indra severally urge their claims to superiority,, +and the poet decides between them. Of. X. 124. + +1 Varuna is the speaker of the first four stanzas. Men's most lofty cover: +the highest heaven. + +3 Indra ; all that Indra represents, Prince and King of all. + +As Tvashtar: or, as their great artificer. + +4 In tWe seat of Order : in the place appointed by Law or the eternal Order +of the universe. The Son of A'diti ; I, Varuna. + +5 Indra is the speaker of this and of the following stanza. + +7 The poet speaks. + +8 Our fathers then were these : ‘ The seven Fishis were the protectors of +this our (kingdom).’—Wilson. The meaning is obscure. Professor Grassmanir +banishes stanzas 8, 9, and 10 to the appendix as late additions to the hymn. +SSyana says that Purukutsa, son of Lurgaha; being in captivity, his wife +propitiated the Seven Bishis, who by the favour of Indra and Varuna obtain¬ +ed for her a eon named Trasadasyu. For her: the wife of Purukutsa. + + + +JJYMN 43 .] THB RIGVEDA. ' + +For her they gained by sacrifice Trasadasyu, a demi-god, like +Ihdra, conquering foemen. + +9 The spouse of Purukutsa gave oblations to you, '0 Indra- +Yaruna, with homage. * + +Then unto her ye gave King Trasadasyu, the demi-god, the +slayer of the foeman. + +10 May we, possessing much, delight in riches, Gods in oblations +and the kine in pasture; + +And that Milch-cow who shrinks not from the milking, 0 +Indra-Varuna, give to us daily. + +HYMN XLIIL Asvins, + +Who will hear, who of those who merit worship, which of all +Gods take pleasure in our homage ? + +On whose heart shall we lay this laud celestial, rich with fair +offerings, dearest to Immortals ? + +2 Who will be- gracious ? Who will come most quickly of all + +the Gods? who will bring bliss most largely? + +What car do they call swift with rapid coursers ? That which +k the Daughter of the Sun elected. + +3 So many days do ye come swiftly hither, as Indra to give help + +in stress of battle. + +Descended from the s^cy, divine, strong-pinioned, by which pf +all your powers are ye most mighty ? + +4 What is the prayer that we should bring you, Asvins, whereby + +ye come to us when ihvocated ? + +Whether of you confronts e’en great betrayal?. Lovers of +sweetness, Dasras, help and save us. + +£> In the wide space your chariot reachetli heaven, what time it +turheth hither from the ocean. + +Sweets from your sweet shall drop, lovers of sweetness! These +v have they dressed for you as dainty viands* + +6 Let Sindhu with his wave bedew your horses : in fiery glow + +have the red birds come hither. + +Observed of all was that your rapid going, whereby ye were +the Lords of Surya’s Daughter. + +7 Whene’er I gratified you here together, your grace was given + +us, 0 ye rich in booty. + +Protect, ye Twain, the singer of your praises' to you, Nftsa- +tyas, is my wish directed. * + +10 That Milch-cow: wealth.- + +2 The Daughter of the Sun; Sftry&, bride of the Asvins. See X. 116. 17* + +4 Dasras: workers of marvels, mighty ones, a common appellation of the +^svins. + +6 Birds: flying steeds. t Cf. IV. 45. 4. + +29 + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK 17 , + + +HYMN XLIV. Asvins. + +We will invoke this day your car, far-spreading, 0 Asvins, +even the gathering of the sunlight,— + +Oar praised in hymns, most ample, rich in treasure, fitted with +seats, the car that beareth Sarya. + +2 Asvins, ye gained that glory by your Godhead, ye Sons of + +Heaven, by your own might and power. + +Food followetb close upon your bright appearing when stately +horses in your chariot draw you. + +3 Who bringeth you to-day for help with offered oblation, or + +with hymns to drink the juices? + +Who, for the sacrifice’s ancient lover, turneth you hither, + +, Asvins, offering homage ? + +4 Borne on your golden car, ye omnipresent! come to this sacri¬ + +fice of ours, N&satyas. + +Drink of the pleasant liquor of the Soma: give riches to the +people who adore you. + +5 Gome hitherward to us from earth, from heaven, borne on + +your golden chariot rolling lightly. + +Suffer not other worshippers to stay you: here are ye boupd +by earlier bonds of friendship. + +6 Now for us both, mete out, 0 Wonder-Workers, riches exceed¬ + +ing great with store of heroes, + +Because the men have sent you praise, 0 Asvins, and Aja- +milhas come to the laudation. + +7 Whene’er I gratified you here together, your grace was given + +us, 0 ye rich in booty. + +Protect, ye Twain, the singer of your praises; to you, +Nasatyas, is my wish directed. + +HYMN XLV, Asvins. + +Yonder goes up that light: your chariot is yoked that travels +round upon the summit of this heaven. + +Within this car are stored three kindred shares of food, and +a skin filled with meath is rustling aS the fourth. + +1 The gathering of the sunlight: Professor Wilson translates, after S&yapa, + +‘ the associator of the solar ray,’ and observes: * Sangatim goh, is only +explained, goh sangamayitdram , the bringer into union, or associator, of Go • +what the latter is intended for is not explained, and the translation is purely +conjectural, founded upon the connection of the Asvins with light or the sun. 1 +Professor Qrassmann translates: ‘ der zur Milch eilt,’ ‘which hastens to the milk.’ +6 Both ; priests and patrons. Ajamilhas : men of the Ilishi’s family + +The Rishi of this and the remaining hymns of this Book is V&madeva, + +1 Three kindred shares : shares of similar food, for both Asvins and Sury&, +the Skin of meath being intended for earthly beings,—Ludwig., , , + + + +JTFJftf 4K3 TBE RmrEDA. «n + +2 Forth come your viands rich with store of pleasant meath, + +abd cars and horses at the flushing of the dawn, + +Stripping the covering from the surrounded gloom, and +spreading through mid-air bright radiance like the Sun. + +3 Drink of the meath with lips accustomed to the draught; + +harness for the meath’s sake the chariot that ye love. +Refresh the way ye go, refresh the paths with meath; hither, +0 Asvins, bring the skin that holds the meath. + +4 The swans ye have are friendly, rich in store of meath, gold- + +pinioned, strong to draw, awake at early morn, + +Swimming the flood, exultant, fain for draughts that cheer: +ye come like flies to our libations of the meath. + +5 Well knowing solemn rites and rich in meath, the fires sing + +to the morning Asvins at the break of day, + +When with pure hands the prudent energetic priest hath +with the stones pressed out the Soma rich in meath. + +8 The rays advancing nigh, chasing with day the gloom, spread +through the firmament bright radiance like the Sun; + +And the Sun h irnesting his horses goeth forth; ye through +your Godlike nature let his paths be known. + +7 Devout in thought I have declared, 0 Asvins, your chariot +with good steeds, which lasts for ever, + +Wherewith ye travel swiftly through the regions to the +prompt worshipper who brings oblation. + +HYMN XLVI. V&yu. Indra-VAyu. + +Drink the best draught of Soma juice, O Vayu, at our holy +rites: + +For thou art he who drinketh first. + +2 Gome, team-drawn, with thy hundred helps, with Indra seated + +in the car, + +Vkj u, and drink your fill of juice. + +3 May steeds a thousand bring you both, Indra and Y&yu, + +hitherward + +To drink the Soma, to the feast. + +4 For ye, 0 Indra-V&yu, mount the golden-seated car that aids +The sacrifice, that reaches heaven. + + +4 Swans ; the Asvins’ chariot-steeds. * + +6 The rays advancing nigh: I follow the interpretation of S&yana who +supplies c the rays’ and * the gloom ;* but the exact meaning of the half-line +is uncertain. + +- + +2 Drink your Jill; the verb ia in the dual number, Indra being included. + + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK JK + +5 On far-refulgent chariot come unto the man who offers gifts : +Come, Indra-Vayu, hitherward, + +6 Here* Indra-Vayu, is the juice ; drink it, accordant with the + +Gods, + +-Within the giver's dwelling-place. + +7 Hither, 0 Indra-Vayu, be your journey: here unyoke your + +steeds, + +Here for your draught of Soma juice. + +HYMN XLVII. Vayu. Indra-Vfru. + +VAyu, the bright is offered thee, best of the meath at holy rites. +Come thou to drink the Soma juice, God, longed-for, on thy +team-drawn car. + +2 0 Vkyu, thou and Indra are meet drinkers of these Soma- + +draughts, + +For unto you the drops proceed as waters gather to the vale. + +3 0 Indra-Vayu, mighty Twain, speeding together, .Lords of + +Strength, + +v Come to our succour with your team, that ye may drink the +Soma juice. + +4 The longed-for teams which ye possess, 0 Heroes, for the + +worshipper, + +Turn to us, Indra-Vayu, ye to whom the sacrfice is paid. + +HYMN XLVIII. V&yu. + +Taste offerings never tasted yet, as bards enjoy the foeman’s +wealth. + +0 V&yu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice. + +2 Removing curses, drawn by teams, with Indra seated by thy side, +0 Vayu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice. + +3 The two dark treasuries of wealth that wear all beauties wait + +on thee. + +0 V&yu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice. + +1 The "bright: juice, understood. + +1 As bards enjoy the foemaris wealth : vipo nd rftyo ary ah : S&yana explains +vtpo nd as c like a king who makes his enemies tremble,’and rftyo arydh as +‘bestow wealth upon the worshipper.’ Professor Grassmann translates : ‘gleich +lleisern spriess des Frommen Gut/ ‘May the pious man’s wealth sprout like +twigs or suckers.’ Vipo (vipah) may mean either inspired singers, bards, or +twigs, and arth, of which* aryah is the genitive, means both an enemy and a +pious man, a worshipper. I follow Professor Ludwig’s interpretation. 5 The +* bards* are the • inspired singers of the victorious party who share the feooty +after the battle. * , ’ ' + +3 The two dark treasuries of wealth: heaven and earth, not yet illuminated +by the sun. + + + + +%tmf so.1 TEE RTGVEDA, 4% + +4 May mne-and-ninety harnessed steeds who yoke them at thy +will bring thee, + +- O Yayu, on refulgent oar come to the drinking of the Juice, + +f> Harness, 0 Yayu, to thy car a hundred well-fed tawny +steeds, + +Yea, or a thousand steeds, and let thy chariot come to us +with might, + +HYMN XLIX, Indra-Bribaspati, + +Dear is this offering in your mouth, 0 Indra and Brihaspati: +Famed is the laud, the gladdening draught. + +2 This lovely Soma is effused, O Indra and Brihaspati, + +For you, to drink it and rejoice, + +3 As Soma-drinkers to our house come, Indra and Brihaspati—■ + +and Indra—to drink Soma juice, + +4 Youchsafe us riches hundredfold, 0 Indra and Brihaspati, +With store of horses, thousandfold, + +I> 0 Indra and Brihaspati, we call you when the meath is shed, + +’ With songs, to drink the Soma juice. + +6 Brink, Indra and Brihaspati, the Soma in the giver’s house; +Delight yourselves abiding there, + +■ HYMN L. Brihaspati + +Him who with might hath propped earth’s ends, who sitteth +in threefold seat, Brihaspati, with thunder, + +Him of the pleasant tongue have ancient sages, deep-thinking, +holy singers, set before them, + +2 Wild in their course, in well-marked wise rejoicing were .they, + +Brihaspati, who pressed around us. + +Preserve, Brihaspati, the stall uninjured, this company’s rain- +ingj ever-moving birth-place. + +3 And Indra: the words mdrascha of the text are manifestly superfluous, + +Indra and Brihaspati conjointly are the deities of stanzas 10 and'll, which, +with 7, 8, and 9, are evidently a late addition to the original hymn. + +1 In threefold seat: heaven, mid-air, and earth. Set before them: for adora¬ +tion ; or given them the foremost place in sacrifice. + +% They,,,who pressed around m: apparently the Maruts, The stall: like +* the boundless stall’ of III. 1.14, the aerial home of the Maruts. + +This company*s : the text has only asya 7 'of this.’ I follow Professor Ludwig +in. his interpretation of this very difficult stanza, and supply g.anasya, troop or +company, i. e. of the Maruts. According to S&yana, Brihaspati is asked to +protect the worshipper or institutor of the sacrifice. + + + +iU TB2 HYMNS OF [BOON IT ; + +3 Brihaspati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down* +who love the law eternal. + +For thee were dug wells + +murmurin g rounS abo ut pour streams of sweetness. ~’ r ~ ' *' +-4 Brihaspati, when first he had his being from mighty splendour +in supremest heaven, + +Strong, with his sevenfold mouth, with noise of thunder, with +his seven rays, blew and dispersed the darkness. + +5 With the loud-shouting band who sang his praises, with + +thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. + +Brihaspati thundering drave forth the cattle, the lowing cows +who make f oblations ready. + +6 Serve we with sacrifices, gifts,, and homage even thus the + +Steer of all the Gods, the Father. + +Brihaspati, may we be lords of riches, with noble progeny and +store of heroes. + +7, Surely that King by power and might heroic hath made him +,/ lord of all his foes’possessions. + +Who cherishes Brihaspati well-tended, adorns and worships +him as foremost sharer. + +8 In his own house he dwells in peace and comfort: to him for + +‘ ever holy food flows richly. + +To him the people with free will pay homage—the King with +whom the Brahman hath precedence. + +9 He, unopposed, is master of the riches- of his own 'subjects + +and of hostile people. + +The Gods uphold that King with their protection who helps +the Brahman when he seeks Ms favour. + +10 Indra, Brihaspati, rainers of treasure, rejoicing at this sacrifice +drink the Soma. + +Let the abundant drops sink deep within you: vouchsafe us +riches with full store of heroes. + + +3 Have they sat down r probably the Maruts are Intended,, and not horses +as S&yanasaya. Wells springing from the mountain: reservoirs of Soma +juice, pressed out by the stones, have been prepared. + +4 Sevenfold mouth ...... seven rays; as identified with Agm. + +5 Obstructive; or retentive; the meaning of phaligdm is somewhat un¬ +certain ; probably, reservoir, i. e. holder and witliholder of the rain. The Imd- +shouting band: the Maruts. + +10 Mainers of treasure: the meaning of vrishanvasH is uncertain ; e strong +or excellent as bulls,’ according to Ludwig and Grassmann. Perhaps * strong, • +with treasures/ + + + + +M¥MN 51.] + + +THE RI&VEDA, + + +455 + +11 Bribaspati and Indra, make us prosper: may this be your +benevolence to us-ward. + +Assist our holy thoughts, wake up our spirit: weaken the +' hatred of our foe and rivals: « + +HYMN LI. Dawn, + +Foeth from the darkness in the region eastward this most +abundant splendid light hath mounted. + +Now verily the fai'-refulgent Mornings, Daughters of Heaven, +bring welfare to the people. + +2 The richly-coloured Dawns have mounted eastward, like + +pillars planted at our sacrifices, + +And, flushing far, splendid and purifying, unbarred the +portals of the fold of darkness. + +3 Dispelling gloom this day the wealthy Mornings urge liberal + +givers to present their treasures; + +In the \inlightened depth of darkness round them let niggard +traffickers sleep unawakened. + +4 0 Goddesses, is this your car, I ask you, ancient this day, or + +is it new, ye Mornings, + +Wherewith, rich Dawns, ye seek with wealth Navagva, +Dasagva Angira, the seven-toned singer ? + +5 With horses harnessed by eternal Order, Goddesses, swiftly + +round the worlds ye travel, + +Arousing from their rest, O Dawns, the sleeping, and all that +lives, man, bird, and beast, to motion. + +6 Which among these is eldest, and where is she through whom + +they fixed the Bibhus’ regulations 1 +What time the splendid Dawns go forth for splendour, they +i are not known apart, alike, unwasting. + +7 Blest were these Dawns of old, shining with succour, true + +with the truth that springs from holy Order ,* + +With whom the toiling worshipper, by praises, hymning and +lauding, soon attained to riches. + + +3 Niggard traffickers: wealthy churls who offer no sacrifices. + +4 Navagva , Dasagva: individual members of the so-named mythical priestly +families which are frequently associated with the\ Angirasea. Angiva: a +member of the family of Angiras. Seven-toned: literally, * seven-mouthed,' +using in his hymns the seven metres of the Veda, or repeating hymns of +seven kinds. + +. 0 The Ribhus' regulations: the seasons of the year, the RibhUs being +cosmic powers and closely connected with the Ritus. + + + +456 THE HYMNS OF * [BOOK IFl + +8 Hither from eastward all at once they travel, from one place + +spreading in the self-same manner. + +Awaking, from the seat of holy Order the Godlike Dawns +come nigh like troops of cattle. + +9 Thus they go forth with undiminished colours, these Morn¬ + +ings similar,.in self-same fashion, + +Concealing the gigantic might of darkness with radiant bodies +bright and pure and shining. + +10 0 Goddesses, 0 Heaven’s refulgent Daughters, bestow upon + +us wealth with store of children. + +As from our pleasant place of rest we rouse us may we be +masters of heroic vigour. + +11 Well-skilled in lore of sacrifice, ye Daughters of Heaven, + +refulgent Dawns, I thus address you. + +May we be glorious among the people. May Heaven vouchsafe +us this, and Earth the Goddess. + +HYMN LTI. Dawn. + +5 This Lady, giver of delight, after her Sister shining forth, +Daughter of Heaven, hath shown herself. + +2 Unfailing, Mother of the Kine, in colour like a bright red mare, +The Dawn became the Asvins’ Friend. + +3 Yea, and thou art the Asvins’ Friend, the Mother of the Kine + +art thou: + +0 Dawn, thou rulest over wealth. + +4 Thinking of thee, 0 Joyous One, as her who driveth hate away, +We woke to meet thee with our lauds. + +5 Our eyes behold thy blessed rays like troops of cattle loosed + +to feed. + +Dawn hath filled full the wide expanse. + +6 When thou hast filled it, Fulgent One ! thou layest bare the + +gloom with light. + +After thy nature aid us, Dawn. + +7 Thou overspreadest heaven with rays, the dear wide region of + +mid-air + +With thy bright shining lustre, Dawn. . + + +8 Like troops of cattle : going forth to pasture at day-break. + +I After her Sister: when Night has departed. + +3 TheJLwe; the early rays of light, or fleecy clouds of morning. Friend +of the Asvins : as-being worshipped at the same time. + +4 Driveth hate may: especialy the malignity of the evil spirits of the nights + + + + +HYMN 54.} + + +THE R1GYEDA . + + +m- + +' HYMN LIIL Savitar. + +Of .Savitar the God, the sapient Asura, we crave this great +gift which is worthy of our choice, # + +Wherewith he freely grants his worshipper defence. This with +his rays the Great God hath vouchsafed to us. + +2 Sustainer of the heaven, Lord of the whole world’s life, the + +Sage, he putteth on his golden-coloured mail. + +Clear-sighted, spreading far, filling the spacious realm, Savitar +hath brought forth bliss that deserveth laud. + +3 He hath filled full the regions of the heaven and earth : the + +God for his own strengthening waketh up the hymn. + +Savitar hath stretched out his arms to cherish life, producing +with his rays and lulling all that moves. + +4 Lighting all living creatures, ne’er to be deceived, Savitar, + +God, protects each holy ordinance. + +He hath stretched out his arms to all the folk of earth, and, +with his laws observed, rules his own mighty course. + +5 Savitar thrice surrounding with his mightiness mid-air, three + +regions, and the triple sphere of light, + +Sets, the three heavens in motion and the threefold earth, and +willingly protects us with his triple law. + +6 Most gracious God, who brings to life and lulls to rest, he + +who controls the world, what moves not and what moves, +May he vouchsafe us shelter,—Savitar the God,—for tranquil +life, with triple bar against distress. + +7 With the year’s seasons hath Savitar, God, come nigh : may + +he prosper our home, give food and noble sons. + +May he invigorate us through the days and nights, and may +he send us opulence with progeny. + +HYMN LIV, ' Savitar. + +Now must we praise and honour Savitar the God; at this +time of the day the men must call to him, + +Him who distributes wealth to Manu’s progeny, that he may +grant us here riches most excellent. + +2 For thou at first producest for the holy Gods the noblest of +.* all portions, immortality : + +Thereafter as a gift to men, 0 Savitar, thou openest existence*, +life succeeding life. + +1 Savitar ; the Sun as the great vivifier, generator, and producer. + +3 Lulling: the word in the text, nivesdyan, means * bringing to rest.* S&yana + +explains it by * establishing in their several duties/ - + +5 Triple law: according to S&yana, his functions as distributer Of heat, rain, +and cold. Three heavens; see I. 105. 5, + + + + +458 + + +TEE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK IK + +3 If we, men as we are, have sinned against the Gods through + +want of thought, in weakness, or through insolence, + +Absolve us from the guilt and make us free from sin, +0 Savitar, alike among both Gods and men. + +4 None may impede that power of Savitar the Gol whereby he + +will maintain the universal world. + +What the fair-fingered God brings forth on earth’s expanse or +in the height of heaven, that work of his stands sure. + +5 To lofty hills thou sendest those whom Indra leads, and + +givest fixed abodes with houses unto these. + +However they may fly and draw themselves apart, still, +Savitar, they stand obeying thy behest. + +6 May the libations poured to thee thrice daily, day after day, + +0 Savitar, bring us blessing. + +May Indra, Heaven, Earth, Sindhu with the Waters, Aditi +with Adityas, give -us shelter. + +HYMN LV. YisvedevaB. + +Who of you, Yasus, savetb? who protecteth? 0 Heaven and +Earth and Aditi, preserve us, + +Varuua, Mitra, from the stronger mortal. Gods, which of you +at sacrificegiveth comfort? + +2 They who with laud extol the ancient statutes, when they + +shine forth infallible dividers, + +Have ordered as perpetual Ordainers, and beamed as holy- +thoughted Wonder-Workers. + +3 The Housewife Goddess, Aditi, and Sindhu, the Goddess Svasti + +I implore for friendship : + +And may the unobstructed Night and Morning both, day and +night, provide for our protection. + +1 Aryaman, Yaruna have disclosed the pathway, Agni as Lord of + +Strength the road to welfare. + +Lauded in manly mode may ladra-Vishnu grant us their power¬ +ful defence and shelter. + +5 To lofty hills: * Thou elevatest those, of whom Indra is chief, above the +vast clouds: for these, (thy worshippers), thou jproyidest dwelling (places) +filled with habitations.’—Wilson. ‘The difficulties in connection with this +verse are very great, and perhap ■ -Vt—> -ays Professor Peterson, in +whose Hymns from the Rigveda ! . ' I 1 Series, No. XXXYI.) the + +Sanskrit student will find a full statement of these difficulties, and the inter¬ +pretations proposed by S&yaua and by European scholars, not one of which +is convincing. + +2 They: the deities of light; t dividers ’ as separating day from night, and +Ordainers * as fixing and regulating the year and the seasons. + +3 Housewife Goddess: as being the mother of the Gods. Svasti: Prosperity# + + + + +&YMn W .\1 THE RIGVMDA . 459, + +5 I have besought the favour of the Maruts, of Parvata, of Bhaga + +God who rescues. + +From trouble caused by man the Lord preserve us j from woe +sent by his friend let Mitra save us. * + +6 Agree, through these our watery oblations, Goddesses, Heaven + +and Earth, with Ahibudhnya. + +As if to win the sea, the Gharma-heaters have opened, as they +come anear, the rivers. + +7 May Goddess Aditi with Gods defend us, save us the saviour + +God with care unceasing. + +We dare not stint the sacred food of Mitra and Varuna upon +the back of Agni. + +8 Agni is Sovran Lord of wealth, Agni of great prosperity : + +May he bestow these gifts on us. + +9 Hither to us, rich pleasant Dawn, bring many things to he + +desired, + +Thou who hast ample store of wealth. + +10 So then may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Indra, +with bounty come to us. + +HYMN LVI. Heaven and Earth. + +May mighty Heaven and Earth, most meet for honour, be +present here with light and gleaming splendours; + +When, fixing them apart, vast, most extensive, the Steer roars +loudly in far-reaching courses. + +2 The Goddesses with Gods, holy with holy, the Two stand pour¬ +ing out their rain, exhaustless: + +Faithful and guileless, having Gods for children, leaders of +sacrifice with shining splendours. + +5 The Lord ; Varuna. Sent by his Friend : Varuna, as the great chastiser of +men. Professor Roth, whom Professor Grassmann follows, takes jdnydt to +mean caused by Btrangers, and mitriydl caused by friends. + +6 This stanza is difficult and its meaning is obscure. The words dpyebhir +isktaih , ‘through watery oblations/ are rendered by Professor Grasamann, +‘nebst den erwiinschten Wassergottern,’ ‘together with the wished-for +Water-Gods.’ Ahibudhnya : the Dragon of the Deep, is a divine being who +dwells in the depths of the ocean of air. Cf I. 185. 5 ; II. 31. 6, As if to +win the sea : as if wishing to gain the ocean of abundant wealth. The Gharma* +heaters : the priests who prepare the oblation of hot milk or other hot +beverage which is offered especially to the Asvins. Or Gharma may mean the +caldron or vessel in which the oblation is boiled. The meaning seems to be, +as Professor Ludwig explains it, that the priests, sacrificing, and hymning +lead down towards themselves the rivers of the ocean of plenty, + +7 The saviour God: Indra. Upon the back of Agni: poured upon the flames. + +1 The Steer ; according to S&yana, Parjanya the God of rain-clouds. + +2 Powring out their rain ; bestowing good gifts. + + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF [SOOK IV, + + +3 Sure in the worlds he was a skilful Craftsman,he who produced + +these Twain the Earth and Heaven. + +Wise, with his power he brought both realms together, spacious +and deep, well-fashioned, unsupported. + +4 0 Heaven and Earth, with one accord promoting, with high + +protection as of Queens, our welfare, + +- Far-reaching, universal, holy, guard us. May we, car-borne, +through song be victors ever. + +5 To both of you, 0 Heaven and Earth, we bring our lofty song + +of praise, + +■ Pure Ones ! to glorify you both. + +6 Ye sanctify each other’s form, by your own proper might + +ye rule, + +And from of old observe the Law. + +7 Furthering and fulfilling, ye, 0 Mighty, perfect Mitra’s Law. +Ye sit around our sacrifice. + + +2 + + + +4 + + +HYMN LVII, K shetrapa ti, Etc. + +We through the -ield, even as through a +friend, obtain + +What nourisheth our kine and steeds. In such may he be +good to us. + +As the cow yieldeth milk, pour for us freely, Lord of the Field, +the wave that beareth sweetness, + +Distilling meath, well-purified like butter, and let the Lords +of holy Law be gracious. + +Sweet be the plants for us, the heavens, the waters, and full +of sweets for us be air’s mid-region. + +May the Field's Lord for us be full of sweetness, and may we +follow after him uninjured. + +Happily work our steers and men, may the plough furrow +happily. + +Happily be the traees bound; happily may he ply the goad.- + + +' 4 As of Queens: I follow with some hesitation Professor Ludwig’s inter¬ +pretation of pdtntvadbhir,' Professor Wilson, following Sftyana, translates, +with our spacious dwellings, inhabited by our wives' + +• 5 These three concluding verses form in reality another hymn. + +In this hymn various agricultural personifications are addressed, the deity +of the first three stanzas being called Kshetrapati, of the fourth Sana v of +the fifth and eighth Sunftsira, of the sixth and seventh SttA. ‘ It is said in- +the Grihya Sfitras that each verse is to he silently repeated, with an oblation +to fire, at the commencement of ploughing.’—Wilson. + +1 The Master of the Field; Eshetrapati, the popular Genius Loci, said to ■ +mean either Rudra or Agni. + + + +MYMlSr 58,1 THE RIG VEDA. ml + +5 Suna and Sira, welcome ye this laud, and with the milk which + +ye have made in heaven +Bedew ye both this earth of ours. + +6 Auspicious Sit&, come thou near: we venerate and worship thee +That thou mayst bless and prosper us and bring us fruits + +abundantly. + +7 May Indra press the furrow down, may Pushan guide its + +course aright. + +May she, as rich in milk, be drained for us through each +succeeding year. + +8 Happily let the shares turn up the ploughland, happily go the + +plough ers with the oxen. + +With meath and milk Parjanya make us happy. Grant us +prosperity, Suna and Sira. + +HYMN LVIII. Ghnta. + +Forth from the ocean sprang the wave of sweetness: together +with the stalk it turned to Amrit, + +That which is holy oiVs mysterious title : but the Gods’ tongue +is truly Amrit’s centre. + + +5 Suna and Sira; two deities or deified objects who bless or are closely con¬ +nected with agriculture. According 1 to Y&ska. Suna (the anspioious) is V&yiu, +and Sira ;pl uarh; is A.liiyo or the Sun Professor Roth conjectures that the +words mean bore ploughshare and plough. Professor Grassmann translates ; + +( 0 Pflug uud Lenker/ ‘plough and ploughman.' + +6 SUd: the Furrow or Husbandry personified and addressed as a deity *, +in after time the heroine of the R&m&yana. + +7 Indra .* as the God who sends the necessary rain, Indra is prayed to bless +the work by preasing down and deepening the furrow. ‘May Indra take hold +of SUd.’ —Wilson. May she, as rich in milk : according to the Scholiast, s#, +she, here means the sky. + +The hymn is in praise of Qhrita, the clarified butter or oil used in sacrifices, +but a choice of deities is offered in the Index—Agni or Sfirya, Waters, Cows, +or Ghrita. It is, as Professor Wilson observes, ‘ a good specimen of Yaidik +vagueness, and mystification, and of the straits to which commentators are put +to extract an intelligible meaning from the text.' + +1 It would be fruitless, as Professor Ludwig remarks, to repeat all the +various explanations which S&yana gives of the first line of this stanza: they +only show the utter Uncertainty of tradition in reference to the passage. For +instance, samudra , ocean, is said to mean, sacrificial fire ; or celestial fire 1 j -or +■the firmament '; or the udder of the cow ; and tirmi, wave, may accordingly +mean-reward ; or rain ; or butter. Professor Ludwig thinks that the sense: of +the stanza may be : the life-giving essence which develops itself out of the +world-ocean turns into Soma, in the Moon, hut it is neither of these two, hut +the tongue of the Gods (Agni ?) from which the Amrit proceeds and to which +it returns. But see A. Hillebrandt, Vedische Mythologie, I. 321, 322. + + + + +m tm tittm op [poop iv< + +2 Let us declare aloud the name of Ghpita* and at this sacrifice +hold it up with homage. + +So let/the Brahmaii hear the praise We utter. This hath the +four-horned Buffalo emitted. + +Four, are his horns, three are the feet that bear him ; his heads +are two, his hands are seven in number. + +Bound with a triple bond the Steer roars loudly : the mighty +God hath entered in to mortals. + +4 That oil in triple shape the Gods discovered laid down within + +the Cow, concealed by Panis. + +Indra produced one shape, Surya another: by their own power +they formed the third from Vena. + +5 From inmost reservoir in countless channels flow down these + +rivers which the foe beholds not. + +I look upon the streams of oil descending, and lo ! the Golden +Reed is there among them. + +6 Like rivers our libations flow together, cleansing themselves + +in inmost heart and spirit. + + +The Brahman: according to Mahidhara, the ritvij or priest. Probably +Agni is meant. The last half-line of the stanza is translated, after S&yaua, +by Professor Wilson : 1 the fair-complexioned deity perfects this rite/ the +epithet * four-horned 5 being transferred to * Brahman.’ The God maybe +called a buffalo (gaurd, Bos Ganrus) as a type of extraordinary strength. Mahl- +dhara explains gaurd by yctjna, sacrifice, having four horns, that is, four ofib +eiating priests. + +3 Four are his horns: the four horns of Agni as identified with sacrifice are +said by S&yana to be the four Vedas, and, if identified with Aditya, the four +cardinal points The three feet are, in the former case, the three daily sacri¬ +fices, in the latter, morning, noon, and evening. The two heads are, in the +former case, the Brahma udana and the Pravargya ceremonies, in the latter, +day and night. Similarly, the seven hands are explained, alternatively, as the +seven metres of the Veda or the seven rays of the Sun ; and the triple bond +as the Mantra , Kalpu , and Brdhmana , prayer, ceremonial, and rationale, of +the Veda, or the three regions, heaven, firmament, and earth. The Steer is, +either as sacrifice or Aditya, the pourer down of rewards, and the loud roar¬ +ing is the sound of the repetition of the texts of the Veda. Mahidhara's +explanation differs from that of SAyana. The four horns are priests ; or nouns, +verbs, prepositions, and particles ; the three feet are the Vedas, or the first, +second, and third persons, or the past, present, and future tenses ; the two +heads are two sacrifices, or the agent and object; the seven hands are the +metres or the cases of the noun; and the three bonds are the three daily +sacrifices, or the singular, dual, and plural numbers. See Wilson's note. + +4 In triple, shape: as milk, curds, and butter, according to Sftyana. The +meaning seems to be that Indra, Sfirya, and Vena (who is probably Agni), +restored the power of the elements of sacrifice respectively in heaven, the +firmament, and the earth, after they had been rendered ineffectual for a time +by the malignant Panis. + +5 The Golden Reed: Celestial Agni, + + + +MYM$ 58 .] TH2 IUGVjSDA. ‘40 + +The streams of holy oil poor swiftly downward like the wild +beasts that fly before the bowman. + +7 As rushing down the rapids of a river, flow swifter, than the + +wind the vigorous currents,. + +The 1 streams of oil in swelling fluctuation like a red courser +bursting through the fences. + +8 Like women at a gathering fair to look on and gently smiling,, + +they incline to AgnL + +The streams of holy oil attain the fuel, and Jatavedas joyfully +receives them. + +9 As maidens deck themselves with gay adornment to join the* + +bridal feast, I now behold them. + +Where Soma flows and sacrifice is ready,, thither the stream# +of holy oil are running. + +10 Send to our eulogy a herd) of cattle : bestow upon us excellent + +possessions. + +Bear to the Gods the sacrifice* we* offer; the streams of oil flow +pure and full of sweetness. + +11 The universe depends upon thy power and might within, the- + +sea, within the heart* within all life. + +May we attain that sweetly-flavoured wave of thine, brought* +at its gathering, o’er the surface of the floods, + + +10 Send to our eulogy a herd of cattle: this is S&yana/’s interpretation-. The +Gods are addressed, and asked to- reward the aingers. + +11 Thy power: Agni’s. In the sea : in the aerial ocean, the- firmament,, in +which Agni is present as lightning. Within the heart: as Vaisv&uaia, belong¬ +ing to all men. Within all life: as the vital principle, or heat. The warn +is the butter of the ablation. + + + + +BOOK THE FIFTH. + + +HYMN I. AgnL + +Agni is wakened by the people's fuel to meet the Dawn who +eometh like a milcli-cow. + +Like young trees shooting up on high their branches, his flatties +are rising to the vault of heaven. + +2 For worship of the Gods the Priest was wakened : at morning + +gracious Agni hath arisen. + +Kindled, his radiant might is made apparent, and the great +Deity set free from darkness. + +3 When he hath stirred the line of his attendants, with the pure + +milk pure Agni is anointed. + +The strength-bestowing gift is then made ready, which spread +in front, with tongues, erect, he drinketh, ■ + +4 The spirits of the pious turn together to Agni, as the eyes of + +all to Surya. + +He, when both Dawns of different hues have borne him, springs +up at daybreak as a strong white charger! + +5 The noble One was born at days' beginning, laid red in colour + +mid the well-laid fuel. + +Yielding in every house his seven rich treasures, Agni is seat¬ +ed, Priest most skilled in w orship. + +6 Agni hath sat him down, a Priest most skilful, on a sweet¬ + +smelling place, his Mother’s bosom. + +Young, faithful, sage, preeminent o'er many, kindled among +the folk whom he sustaineth. + +7 This Singer excellent at sacrifices, Agni the Priest, they glorify + +with homage. + +Him who spread out both worlds by Law Eternal they balm +with oil, strong Steed who never faileth. + + +1 Yowng trees ; the meaning of yahvdK* here is uncertain. * Like birds'(? ) +flying up (or like strong men reaching up) to a branch’ (M. Miiller), + +3 The line of his attendants : the rc*v ^ imr priests, the people of + +st, 1,. But the exact meaning of the v. ■ : ■ ■■ ■ ■■■ is uncertain. v + +4 To BUrya: to the Sun. Both Dawns : Night and Morning. + +. 5 Sevea rich treasures ; wealth of various sorts, + +6 Bis Mother's bosom; the altar raised above the ground. + +30 + + + +466 ms Emm of [book r* + +8 He, worshipful House-Friend, in his home is worshipped, our + +own auspicious, guest, lauded by sages. + +That strength the Bull with thousand horns possesses. + +In might, 0 Agni, thou excellest others. + +9 Thou quickly passest by all others, Agni, for him to whom + +* * thou hast appeared most lovely, + +Wondrously fair, adorable, effulgent, the guest of men, the +darling of the people. + +10 To thee, Most Youthful God ! to thee, 0 Agni, from near and + +far the people bring their tribute. + +- Mark well the prayer of him who best extols thee. Great, +high, auspicious, Agni, is thy shelter. + +11 Ascend to-day thy splendid car, 0 Agni, in splendour, with the + +Holy Ones around it. + +. ( Knowing the paths by mid-air’s spacious region bring hither +Gods to feast on our oblation. + +12 To him adorable, sage, strong and mighty we have sung forth + +our song of praise and homage. + +Gavishthirahath raised with prayer to Agni this laud far-reach¬ +ing, like gold light to heaven. + +HYMN II. Agni. + +The youthful*Mother keeps the Boy in secret pressed to her +close, nor yields him to the Father. + +But, when he lies upon the arm, the people see his unfading +countenance before them. + +2 What child is this thou earnest as handmaid, 0 Youthful One ? + +The Consort-Queen hath borne him. + +The Babe unborn increased through many autumns. 4 I saw +him born what time his Mother bare him. + +3 I saw him from afar gold-toothed, bright-coloured, hurling + +his weapons from his habitation, + +8 The Bull with thousand horns: Agni as the Sun with his countless rays. + + +1 The kindling of the sacrificial fire is figuratively described. The lower +piece of wood retains the latent spark and will not give it up to the yajamdna +or worshipper until he lias generated it by attrition. When the fire has been +produced, and is shown like a child that is carried on the arm, its brightness +is apparent to all. This seems to be the meaning of the stanza ; but to arrive +at it aratnaH must be read instead of the aratati of the text; and this or some +similar alteration is required by the metre. But see Ludwig’s Commentary. + +2 The meaning is obscure. The handmaid and the Consort-Queen ( mdhisM ) +are perhaps the two fire-sticks. The fire thus produced is not the genuine +Agni, who is born as lightning from the cloud. + +3 I offered sweet libations of Soma juice to Agni when X beheld him. in the + +form of lightning, and consequently the godless who do not acknowledge Jndrft +are unable to injure me, > - + + + +Hymn 2 .] . the rigveda. '«f + +r + +What time I gave him Amrit free from mixture. How can +the Indraless, the hymnless harm me \ + +4 I saw him moving from the place he dwells in, even -&s with a + +herd, brilliantly shining. + +These seized him not: he had been born already. They who +were grey with age again grow youthful. + +5 Who separate my young bull from the cattle, they whose pro¬ + +tector was in truth no stranger ? + +Let those whose hands have seized upon them free them. M^y +he, observant, drive the herd to us-ward. + +6 Mid mortal men the godless have secreted the King of all who + +live, home of the people. + +So may the prayers of Atrigive him freedom. Reproached in +turn be those who now reproach him. + +7 Thou from the stake didst loose e’en Sunahsepa bound,for a + +thousand ; for he prayed with fervour. + +So, Agni, loose from us the bonds that bind us, when thou art +seated here, 0 Priest who knowest. + +8 Thou hast sped from me, Agni, in thine anger: this the protec¬ + +tor of Gods’ Laws hath told me. + +Indra who knoweth bent his eye upon thee : by him instructed +^arl come, 0 Agni, + +9 Agni shines far and wide with lofty splendour, and by his +/ greatness makes all things apparent. + +,4le conquers godless and malign enchantments, and sharpens +7 both his horns to gore the Rakshas. + +4 Even as with a herd: Agni is here represented as the Sun with his hoBt of +rays. These seized Mm not: the Dawns could not detain him : the Sun was +too powerful. But the meaning of t&K, * these/ without a substantive, is + +. somewhat uncertain. They who were grey : the ancient flames of the +cover their youth and strength. Or the half-line may be render^: The +Dawns, the youthful Maidens, grow decrepit.’ This is Professor Ludwig s +"interpretation, and it has much to recommend it, + +5 This stanza is extremely obscure. It may refer to some actual occurrence +to which a mythical colouring has been added. * What enemies have despoiled +my kingdom ? * is S&yana’s explanation of the first half-line. + +. 0 This Btanza appears to refer to some contention between the descendants + +of Airi and some other priestly family, perhaps the Bhrigus, as Professor Dud- +wig thinks, regarding the worship of Agni. Home of the •people: Agni; tiie +asylum of men/—Wilson. + +7 Sunahsepa: see I. 24. Bound for a thousand: bought for a thousand +t cows in order that he might be bound to the sacrificial post, SAyana, who is +followed by Professors Wilson, Roth, and Grassmann, takes sahasrddyUpM +, together, * from a thousand stakes/ + +,, 9 Rakshas: a collective noun signifying the whole race of RAkehasw; +originally, harm, injury. + + + +465 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK V . + +10 Loud in the heaven above be Agni ; s roarings with keen-edged + +weapons to destroy the demons. + +Fort£ burst his splendours in the Soma's rapture. The godless +bands press round but cannot stay him. + +11 As a skilled craftsman makes a car, a singer I, Mighty One ! + +this hymn for thee have fashioned. + +If thou, 0 Agni, God, accept it gladly, may we obtain thereby +the heavenly Waters. + +12 May he, the strong-necked Steer, waxing in vigour, gather the + +foeman's wealth with none to check him. + +.. Thus to this Agni have the Immortals spoken. To man who +spreads the grass may he grant shelter, grant shelter to the +man who brings oblation.* + +HYMN III. Agni. + +Thou at thy birth art Yaruna, 0 Agni ; when thou art kindled +, ^thou becomest Mitra. + +In thee, 0 Son of Strength, all Gods are centred. Indra art +, thou to man who brings oblation. + +2 Aryaman art thou as regardeth maidens : mysterious is thy + +name, 0 Self-sustainer. + +As a kind friend with streams of milk they balm thee what +, time thou makest wife and lord one-minded. + +3 The Maruts deck their beauty for thy glory, yea, Kudra! for + +thy birth fair, brightly-coloured. + +. * That which was fixed as Vishnu's loftiest station—therewith +the secret of the Cows thou guardest. + +4 Gods through thy glory, God who art so lovely! granting abund¬ + +ant gifts gained life immortal, + +, As their own Priest have men established Agni; and serve him +fain for praise from him who liveth. + + +1 Varuncc: regarded as the type of royalty. Mitra; the friendly, bene¬ +ficent God, Indra ; the chief of all the Gods. + +2 Aryaman: in connexion with marriage ; aryamdn meaning also a com¬ + +panion, especially a friend who asks a girl in marriage for another, and Agni +being, as the Sun, the regulator of the season for marriage, and its consecrate +as the sacrificial fire. • * + +3 Fudna; here, as in other places, a name of Agni. ’ + +Vishnu's loftiest station: the height of the firmament, which supplies milk to + +the celestial Cows, and, as mysteriously connected with them, to the cows of +earth. The secret of the Oows ,* apparently, their udder—the cloud—is meant +by gtihyam ndmtcgdndm, * the cows’ secret name.’ + +„ ,4 Gained life immortal: Agni alone, it is said, was originally immortal, and +the other Gods obtained immortality through him,' f - + +From him who liveth: Agni, the special represen taut of vital power. » + + + +&tM2$ 8.1 + + +klGVEDA, m + + +# There is no priest more skilled than thou in worship; nbiie +Self-sustainer ! passes thee in wisdom. + +The man within whose house as guest thou dwellest, 0 God, +by sacrifice shall conquer mortals. + +6 Aided by thee, 0 Agni may we conquer through our oblation, +fain for wealth, awakened: + +May we in battle, in the days’ assemblies, 0 Son of Strength, +by riches conquer mortals, + +S’ He shall bring evil on the evil-plotter whoever turns against us +sin and outrage. + +Destroy this calumny of him, 0 Agni, whoever injures us with +double-dealing. + +8 At this dawn’s flushing, God ! our ancient fathers served thee + +with offerings, making thee their envoy, + +When, Agni, to the store of wealth thou goest, a God enkindled +with good things by mortals. + +9 Save, thou who knowest, draw thy father near thee, who counts + +as thine own son, 0 Child of Power. + +0 sapient Agni, when wilt thou regard ns ? When, skilled in +holy Law, wilt thou direct us % + +10 Adoring thee he gives thee many a title, when 'thou,. Good + +Lord ! acceptest this as Father. + +And doth not Agni, glad in strength of Godhead, gain splendid +bliss when he hath waxen mighty ? + +11 Most Youthful Agni, verily thou bearest thy praiser safely + +over all his troubles. + +Thieves have been seen by ns and open foemen: unknown +have been the plottings of the wicked. + +12 To thee these eulogies have been directed; or to the .Vasu + +hath this sin been spoken. + +But this our Agni, flaming high, shall never yield ns to calumny, + +, to him who wrongs us. + +<5 In the days? assemblies ; gatherings on days appointed for sacrifice. + +8 The store of wealth ; according to S&yana, the place containing the riches +of sacrificial offerings. + +9 Thy father : the sacrifices who supports Agni with oblations, and in his +turn is loved and cherished as a son. + +30 Acceptest this: the homage of the worshipper, When he hath waxen +Tyiykty : or been exalted by our praise. + +11 Thieves have been seen: although we have seen thieves and enemies we +have been saved by Agni from suffering injury from their evil designs. + +12 Hath this sin been spoken: if my praise he not acceptable to Agni, it is +an offence and a sin. Or t 1 *--' '-'■-■vv’i.r r-.ay be, this sin of our enemies who +plot against us has been .v .» ;. A,.; - --. + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK V. + + +m + + +HYMN IV. Agni. + +0 Agni, King and Lord of wealth and treasures, in thee is my +delight at sacrifices. + +Through thee may we obtain the strength we long for, and +overcome the fierce attacks of mortals. + +‘2 Agni, Eternal Father, offering-bearer, fair to behold, far-reach¬ +ing, far-refulgent, + +From well-kept household fire beam food to feed us, and mea¬ +sure out to us abundant glory. + +3 The Sage of men, the Lord of human races, pure, purifying + +Agni, balmed with butter, + +Him the Omniscient as your Priest ye stablish : he wins among +the Gods things worth the choosing. + +4 Agni, enjoy, of one accord with I]a, striving in rivalry with + +beams of Surya, + +t Enjoy, 0 JAtavedas, this our fuel, and bring the Gods to us +to taste oblations. + +J5 As dear House-Friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this +our sacrifice come thou who knowest. + +And, Agni, having scattered all assailants, bring to us the +possessions of our foemen. + +,6 Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon. As, gaining +vital power for thine own body, + +0 Son of Strength, the Gods thou satisfiest, so in fight save +us, most heroic Agni. + +7 May we, 0 Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our + +gifts, fair-beaming Purifier! + +Send to us wealth containing all things precious: bestow upon, +us every sort of ricbes. + +8 Son of Strength, Agni, dweller in three regions, accept our + +sacrifice and our oblation. + +Among the Gods may we be counted pious: protect us with +a triply-guarding shelter. + + +4 Ili ; prayer and praise, personified. With beams of Sdrya : putting forth +thy power at day-break and so vying with the sun. + +6 As, gaining vital poim": as the oblations of men which thou earnest to +the Gods increase thine own strength also. 8&yana takes the second half-line +in connexion with the first: ‘Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon, +obtaining vital strength for thine own body.’ + +8 Dweller in three regions; heaven, firmament* and earth, as the sun, the +lightning, and terrestrial fire. + + + +HYMN 5.] THE MOVED A, 471 + +$ + +9 Over all woes and dangers, Jatavedas, bear us as in a boat +across a river. + +Praised with our homage even as Atri praised thee, 0 Agni, be +the guardian of our bodies. „ + +10 As I, remembering thee with grateful spirit, a mortal, call with + +might on thee Immortal, + +Vouchsafe us high renown, 0 J&ta vedas, and may I be immor¬ +tal by my children. + +11 The pious man, O JUtavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest + +ample room and pleasure, + +Gaineth abundant wealth with sons and horses, with heroes +and with kine for his well-being. + +HYMN V. Apris. + +To Agni, J&tavedas, to the flame, the well-enkindled Godj +Offer thick sacrificial oil. + +2 He, Nar&sansa, ne’er beguiled, inspiriteth this sacrifice: + +For sage is he, with sweets in hand. + +3 Adored, 0 Agni, hither bring Indra the Wonderful, the Friend, +On lightly-rolling car to aid, + +4 Spread thyself out, thou soft as wool! The holy hymns have + +sung to thee. + +Bring gain to us, 0 beautiful J + +5 Open yourselves, ye Doors Divine, easy of access for our aid : +Fill, more and more, the sacrifice. + +6 Fair streugtheners of vital power, young Mothei*s of eternal + +Law, + +Morning and Night we supplicate. + +7 On the wind’s flight come, glorified, ye two celestial Priests of + +man: + +Come ye to this our sacrifice; + +,6.1$, Saras rati, Mahi, three Goddesses who bring us weal, + +Be seated harmless on the grass. + +9 Atri: the famous Ilishi, ancestor of Vasusruta the Riahi or seer of this hymn. + +2prU is the collective name of the Gods and deified objects addressed in +the hymn. See 1,3 8 ; 142 ; 188 ; IX 3 ; III. 4. + +4 Thou soft as wool t : the Barkis or Bacred grass, on which the Gods are 1 +to sit, is addressed. + +5 Boors Divine ; of the sacrificial hall, types of the portals of the East. See +I. 188. 5. + +6 Eternal Law: law-ordained sacrifice. + +7 Two celestial Priests : see I. 18. 8. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [B OOK F. + +9 Bich in all plenty, Tvashtar, come auspicious of thine own +accord: + +Help us in every sacrifice. + +10 Vanaspati, wherever thou knowest the Gods’ mysterious names, + +1 • Send our oblations thitherward. + +11 To Agni and to Yaruna, Indra, thTe Maruts, and the Gods, +With Svaha be oblation brought. + +HYMN YI. Agni, + +I value Agni that good Lord, the home to which the kine +return: + +Whom fleet-foot coursers seek as home, and strong enduring +steeds as home. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +2 ’Tis Agni whom we laud as good, to whom the milch-kine + +come in herds, + +To whom the - chargers swift of foot, to whom our well-born +princes come. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +3 Agni the God of all mankind, gives, verily, a steed to man. +Agni gives precious gear for wealth, treasure he gives when + +he is pleased. Bring food to those who sing thjNpraise. * + +4 God, Agni, we will kindle thee, rich in thy splendour, fading + +not, + +So that this glorious fuel may send forth by day its light for +thee. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +5 To thee the splendid, Lord of flame, bright, wondrous, Prince + +of men, is brought ' + +Oblation with the holy verse, 0 Agni, bearer of our gifts. +Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +6 These Agnis in the seats of fire nourish each thing most + +excellent. + +They give delight, they spread abroad, they move themselves +continually. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +7 Agni, these brilliant flames of thine wax like strong chargers + +mightily, + + +10 Vmaspati: the sacrificial stake, regarded as a form of Agni. + +11 Svdhd; Hail! Glory I is here an Apri, as a personification of Agni, See I. + +1 Strong enduring steeds; or constant worshippers, according to S&yana; +and this interpretation is supported by stanza 2, which is a slightly-varied +repetition of this stanza. + +6 These Agnis; the original flames of Agni manifested in the three fire- +altars, each fire being regarded as an independent representative of Agni, + + + +HYMN 7.] THE RlQVEDA. 4f S + +Who with the treadings of their hoofs go swiftly to the Stalifc +of kine. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +8 To us who laud thee, Agni, bring fresh food and safe and happy + +homes. + +May we who have sung hymns to thee have thee for envoy +in each house. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +9 Thou, brilliant God, within thy month warmest both ladles + +of the oil. + +So fill us also, in our hymns, abundantly, 0 Lord of Strength* +Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +10 Thus Agni have we duly served with sacrifices and with hymns* +So may he give us what we crave, store of brave sons and fleet- +foot steeds. Bring food to those who sing thy praise. ' + +HYMN V?I. Agni. + +Offer to Agni, 0 my friends, your seemly food, your seemly +praise; + +To him supremest o’er the folk, the Son of Strength, the +mighty Lord: + +2 Him in whose presence, when they meet in full assembly, men + +rejoice ; + +Even him whom worthy ones inflame, and living creatures +bring to life. + +3 When we present to him the food and sacrificial gifts of men, +He by the might of splendour grasps the holy Ordinance’s rein. + +4 He gives a signal in the night even to him who is afar, + +When he, the Bright, unchanged by eld, consumes the sovrans + +of the wood. + +5 He in whose service on the ways they offer up their drops + +of sweat, + +On him as their high kin have they mounted, as ridges on +• the earth. + + +7 To the stalls of kine: the flames of Agni who longs for oblations of milk +and butter are compared to the horses of raiders who seize the cattle of their +enemies. + +The Ilishi of this and of the following hymn is said to be Isha of the family +of Atri. But this name appears to have been formed from the word ishayn +(food) in stanza 1, or ishdh in stanza 10, and not to be the name of a real +person. . y + +3 Grasps the holy Ordinance's rein: assumes the direction of the sacrifice +as invoker of the Gods and conveyer of men’s oblations. + +5 On the ways: in the course of sacrifice. The toil of the ministering priests +is often regarded as their offering to the Gods* On him; the meaning of this + + + +THB HYMNS OF [BOOK F, + +6 Whom, sought of many, mortal man hath found to be the +Stay of all; + +He who gives flavour to our food, the home of every man that +lives* + +,7 Even as a herd that crops the grass he shears the field and +wilderness, + +With flashing teeth and beard of gold, deft with his unabat¬ +ed might. + +8 For him, to whom, bright as an axe he, as to Atri, bath flashed + +forth, + +Hath the well-bearing Mother borne, producing when her time ■ +is come. + +9 Agni to whom the oil is $hed by him thou lovest to support, + +Bestow upon these mortals fame and splendour and intelli¬ +gence. + +10 Such zeal hath he, resistless one: he gained the cattle given +by thee. + +' Agni, may Atri overcome the Dasyus who bestow no gifts, +subdue the men who give no food. + +HYMN VIII. Agni. + +0 Agni urged to strength, the men of old who loved the Law +enkindled thee, the Ancient, for their aid, + +Thee very bi’ight, and holy, nourisher of all, most excellent, +the Friend and Master of the home. + +2 Thee, Agni, men have stablished as their guest of old, as + +Master of the household, thee, with hair of flame; + +High-bannered, multiform, distributer of wealth, kind helper, +good protector, drier of the floods. + +3 The tribes of men praise thee, Agni, who knowest well burnt + +offerings, the Discerner, lavisbest of wealth, + + +line is obscure, Professor Wilson, following Sftyana, translates : ‘ and (the +drops) mount upon tbe Areas if they were its own numerous offspring as (boys +ride) upon the back (of a father).’ The meaning may be that the drops mount +upon Agni,who hears the oblations to heaven, as the backs or ridges (of the ‘ +hills) raise themselves above the ground. My version, which follows Professor +Ludwig’s explanation, is only conjectural. + +8 This stanza also is obscure. The well-hearing Mother is the lower fire- +stick which at the proper time produces the spark for the man to whom Agni, +keen and bright as an axe, is manifested as he was to the ancient sage Atri,- +the ancestor of the Rishi of the hymn. + +10 The last P&da is difficult. Professor Wilson, after S&yana, renders it: +'may lahaovercome (hostile) men.' But ishdh is evidently ‘food,’ and,not the +name of a man. + + + + +BTMk 9.] THE BIG VEDA , 47$ + +Dwelling in secret, Blest One I visible to all, loud-roaring,. +skilled in worship, glorified with oil. + +4 Ever to thee, 0 Agni, as exceeding strong have we drawn +nigh with songs and reverence singing hymns. 0 +So be thou pleased with us, Angiras ! as a God enkindled by +the noble with man’s goodly light. + +S> Thou, Agni! multiform, God who art lauded much ! givest in +every house subsistence as of old. + +Thou rulest by thy might o’er food of many a sort: that light +of thine when blazing may not be opposed. + +6 The Gods, Most Youthful Agni, have made thee, inflamed, the + +bearer of oblations and the messenger. + +Thee, widely-reaching, homed in sacred oil, invoked, effulgent, +have they made the Eye that stirs the thought. + +7 Men seeking joy have lit thee worshipped from of old, 0 Agni, + +with good fuel and with sacred oil. + +So thou, bedewed and waxing mighty by the plants, spreadest +thyself abroad over the realms of earth. + +HYMN IX. Agni. + +Bearing oblations mortal men, 0 Agni, worship thee the God. + +I deem thee^Jatavedas : bear our offerings, thou, unceasingly. + +2 In the man’s home who offers gifts, where grass is trimmed, + +Agni is Priest, + +To whom all sacrifices come and strengthenings that win +renown. + +3 Whom, as an infant newly-born, the kindling-sticks have + +brought to life, + +, Sustainer of the tribes of men, skilled in well-ordered sacrifice. + +4 Yea, very hard art thou to grasp, like offspring of the wrig¬ + +gling snakes, + +When thou consumest many woods, like an ox, Agni, in the +, mead. + + +. 8 DmUvng in secret: latent in the fire-sticks, or dwelling in men’s hearts. + +4 The noble : the patron of the sacrifice. + +7 Bedewed; anointed with clarified butter. By the plants: which supply +fueL + + +1 I deem thee Jdtavcdas i I hold thee to be the knower of all created beings. +? A- Like an ox; as an ox eats up the grass, + + + +m fan mum op [book r. + +~ 5 Whose flames, when thou art sending forth the smoke, com¬ +pletely reach the mark, + +When Trita in the height of heaven, like as a smelter fannefch +thee/e’en as a smelter sharpeneth thee* + +6 0 Agni, by thy succour and by Mitral friendly furtherance, +May we, averting hate, subdue the wickedness of mortal men* + +7 0 Agni, to our heroes bring such riches, thou victorious God. +May he protect and nourish us, and help in gaining strength i + +be thou near us in fight for our success* + +• H?MN x. Agni* + +BfttttG us most mighty splendour thou, Agni, resistless on +thy way* + +With overflowing store of wealth mark out for us a path to +strength. + +2 Ours art thou, wondrous Agni, by Wisdom and bounteousness + +of power. + +The might of Asuras rests on thee, like Mitra worshipful in act. + +3 Agni, increase our means of life, increase the house and home + +of these, + +The men, the princes who have won great riches through our +hymns of praise* + +i Bright Agni, they who deck their songs for thee have horses +as their meed* + +The men are mighty in their might, they whose high laud, as +that of heaven, awakes thee of its own accord. + +5 0 Agni, those resplendent flames of thine go valorously forth, +Bike lightnings flashing round us, like a rattling car that +seeks the spoil. + +A Now, Agni, come to succour us; let priests draw nigh to offer +gifts; + +And let the patrons of our rites subdue all regions of the earth. + +7 Bring to us, Agni, Angiras, lauded of old and lauded now, +Invoker! wealth to quell the strong, that singers may extol +thee. Be near us in fight for our success. + +5 Trita : here perhaps Y&yu, the Wind. According to S&yapa, Trita here +means Agni himself diffused in the three regions. + +4 Awakes thee of its own accord: the meaning of this last P&da is doubtful. + +Sdyana disconnects bCdhati tmand from the preceding words, and supplies the +name of the Rishi Gaya : Gaya of his own accord arouses thee. + +6 Subdue ail regions of the earth .* an allusion to the digvijaya, universal +conquest, or subjugation of all neighbouring princes. S&yana explain^ + +alternatively as * wishes 4 * 6 7 ; ‘ compass all their desires/ + + +£YMN 12.] + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +'ffl + +HYMN XL A^i. + +The watchful Guardian of the people hath been born, Agni, +the very strong, for fresh prosperity. ? + +With oil upon his face, with high heaven-touching flame, he +shineth splendidly, pure, for the Bharatas. + +2 Ensign of sacrifice, the earliest Household-Priest, the men have + +kindled Agni in his threefold seat, + +With Indra and the Gods together on the grass let the wise +Priest sit to complete the sacrifice. + +3 Pure, unadorned, from thy two Mothers art thou bom : thou + +earnest from Vivasv&n as a charming Sage. + +With oil they strengthened thee, 0 Agni, worshipped God; +thy banner was the smoke that mounted to the sky. + +4 May Agni graciously come to our sacrifice. The men bear + +Agni here and there in every house. + +He hath become an envoy, bearer of our gifts: electing Agni, +men choose one exceeding wise. + +5 For thee, 0 Agni, is this sweetest prayer of mine: dear to + +thy spirit be this product of my thought. + +As great streams fill the river, so our songs of praise fill thee, +and make thee yet more mighty in thy strength. + +6 0 Agni, the Angirases discovered thee what time thou layest + +hidden, fleeing back from wood to wood. + +Thou by attrition art produced as conquering might, and men, +0 Angiras, call thee the Son of Strength. + +HYMN XII. Agni. + +To Agni, lofty Asura, meet for worship, Steer of eternal Law, +my prayer I offer; + +I bring my song directed to th8 Mighty like pure oil for his +mouth at sacrifices. + +2 Mark the Law, thou who knowest, yea, observe it: send forth +the full streams of eternal Order. + +I use no sorcery with might or falsehood: the sacred Law of +the Bed Steer I follow. + + +1 For the Bharatas: for the sake of the priests, according to S&yana and +Mahidhara. + +2 hi his threefold seat; the three fire-altars. + +3 Thy two-Mothers ; the fire-sticks, Vivas vdn : the sacrificer, according to +S&yana. But see Index. + +, ^ 4 j Here and there: or in different places ; from one altar to another. + +'-fi' Thou, layest hidden alluding to the legend of the flight and capture of +Agni, See X, 65. 1. + + + +m TUB EyMN$ OB [BOOK f* + +3 How hast thou, follower of the Law eternal, become the +knower. of a rieW song, Agni ? + +The God, the Guardian of the seasons, knows me: the Lord +of him who won this wealth I know not, +i Who, Agni, in alliance with thy foeman, what splendid help¬ +ers Won for them their riches ? + +Agni, who guard the dwelling-place of falsehood 1 ? Who are +protectors of the speech of liars ? + +5 Agni, those friends of thine have turned them from thee ; + +• gracious of old, they have become ungracious. + +They have deceived themselves by their own speeches, uttering +wicked words against the righteous. + +6 He who pays sacrifice to thee with homage, 0 Agni, keeps the + +Red Steer’s Law eternal; + +Wide is his dwelling. May the noble offspring of Nahusha who +wandered forth come hither. + +HYMN XIII. Agni. + +With songs of praise we call on thee, we kindle thee with songs +of praise, + +Agni, with songs of praise, for help, + +. 2 Eager for wealth, we meditate Agni’s effectual praise to-day, +Praise of the, God who touches heaven. + +3 May Agni, Priest among mankind, take pleasure in our songs + +of praise, + +And worship the Celestial Polk. + +4 Thou, Agni, art spread widely forth, Priest dear and excellent; + +through thee + +Men make the sacrifice complete. + +5 Singers exalt thee, Agni, well lauded, best giver of our strength: +So grant thou us heroic might. + +6 Thou, Agni, as the felly rings the spokes, encompassest the + +Gods. + +I yearn for bounty manifold. + + +3 Knower of a new song: according to Professor Ludwig, the new song is +one in which for the first time we have been obliged to remind thee of thy +duties as the champion of eternal Law, whereas formerly we had only thanks +and prayers to offer thee. The Guardian of the seasons ; thou, Agni, who, as +the Sun, regulatest the seasons, knowest me ,* but I know nothing of the God +who has befriended my wealthy enemy. + +4 Who are the Gods who have enriched the wicked who hate both thee and +me ? + +6 The meaning of the second line ia obscure. Professor Wilson, following +Sfty&ua, translates : f and may a virtuous successor of the man who diligently +worships thee come in his place.’ I adopt Professor Ludwig’s rendering. 1 + + + + +MYMtf 15,1 + + +THM R1GVEDA. + + +m + + +HYMN XIV, Agni, + +Enkindlistg the Immortal, wake Agni with song of praise; may +he hear our oblations to the Gods- * + +2 At high solemnities mortal men glorify him the Immortal, best +At sacrifice among mankind, + +3 That he may bear their gifts to heaven, all glorify him Agni, + +God, + +With ladle that distilleth oil. + +4 Agni shone bright when born, with light killing the Dasyus + +and the dark: + +He found the Bane, the Floods, the Sun, + +' 5 Serve Agni, God adorable, the Sage whose back is balmedwith +oil: + +Let him approach, and hear my call. + +6 They have exalted Agni, God of all mankind, with oil and hymns +Of praise, devout and eloquent. + +HYMN XV- Agni. + +To him, the far-renowned, the wise Ordainer, ancient and glori¬ +ous, a song I offer. + +Enthroned in oil, the Asura, bliss-giver, is Agni, firm support +of noble riches. + +2 By holy Law they kept supporting Order, by help of sacrifice, + +in loftiest heaven,— + +They who attained with born men to the unborn, men seated +on that stay, heaven's firm sustainer. t + +3 Averting woe, they labour hard to bring him, the ancient, + +plenteous food as power resistless. + +May he, born newly, conquer his assailants; round him they +stand as round an angry lion. + +4 When, like a mother, spreading forth to nourish, to cherish + +and regard each man that livetb,— + +Consuming all the strength that thou hast gotten, thou wander- +eat round, thyself, in varied fashion. + +The Rishi of Hymn XV. is said to be Dharuna of the family of Atri, but- +this name is evidently taken from the words dhartinah. (firm) in stanza I, and +., dharitnam in stanza 2. + +2 They who attained : our ancestors, or the Fathers, who with, or by the +aid of, the priests, were raised to seats in the firmament, + +$$ Thou wanderest round ; seeking fresh wood to bum in order to restore thy +exhausted strength. + + + +484 TEE EY3WS OF [BOOK V. + +5 May strength preserve the compass of thy vigour, God t that +broad stream of thine that beareth riches. + +Thou, like a thief who keeps his refuge secret, hast kolpen +Atri to great wealth, by teaching. + +HYMN XVI. Agni. + +Grbat ' power is in the beam of light, sing praise to Agni, to +the God + +Whom men have set in foremost place like Mitra with their +eulogies. + +2 He by the splendour of Ms arms is Priest of every able man; +Agni conveys oblation straight, and deals, as Bhaga deals, his + +boons. + +3 All rests upon the laud* and love of him the rich, high-flaming + +God, + +On whom, loud-roaring, men have laid great strength as on a +faithful friexid. + +4 So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero +, strength. + +■Yea, Heaven and Earth have not surpassed this Youthful One +iu glorious fame. + +5 0 Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious + +wealth. + +So we and these our princes will assemble for the good of all. +Be near in fight to prosper us. + +HYMN XVII. * Agni. + +Gob, may a mortal call the Strong hither, with solemn rites, +to aid, + +A man call Agni to protect when sacrifice is well prepared. + +2 Near him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to +hold + +Apart yon fiame-hued vault of heaven, lovely beyond the +thought of man. + + +5 May strength preserve: may est thou ever find fresh fuel or strengthening food. +Thou, like a thief: ‘This may, perhaps, imply that the wealth bestowed +upon the Rishi deposited in a secure receptacle, like the hidden booty of a. +thief, but the whole\§#to is obscurely worded,’—Wilson. + +1 Like Mitra: or as afdtend. + +2 Every able man * who has-^eans, will, and skill as a sacrifices. + +4 Of these : institutes of the sacrifice. This Youthful One: Agni, $he +exact meaning of the second line is somewhat uncertain. + + +1 The Strong: Agni. + +2 Near him: Sfirya, + + + +TEE MIG VEDA. + + +HYMN 18 J + +3 Yea, this is by the light of him whom powerful song hath + +bound to act* + +Whose beams of splendour flash on high as though they sprang +from heavenly seed. " * + +4 Wealth loads the Wonder-Worker’s car through his, the very + +wise One’s power. + +Then, meet to be invoked among all tribes, is Agni glorified. + +5 Now, too, the princes shall obtain excellent riches by our lips. +Protect us for our welfare: lend thy succour, 0 thou Son of + +Strength. Be near in fight to prosper us. + +HYMN XVIIL AgJli . + +At dawn let Agni, much-beloved guest of the house, be glori¬ +fied ; + +Immortal who delights in all oblations brought by mortal men. + +2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength +maimed offerings, + +Thy praiser even gains at once the Soma-drops, Immortal Gods! + +S Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with +lengthened life, + +For, God who givest steeds 1 that car hither and thither goes +unharmed. + + +3 This is by the light of kirn: this Sftrya, or the Sun, shines only By the +.light of Agni. + +. 4 When the wonder-working Sun brings us wealth, the merit is due to Agni +—Ludwig, According to S&yana, the*meaning is, as given by Professor Wilson: +' By the worship of him who is pleasing of aspect the provident (heap) wealth +in their cars.’ The absence of a verb makes the exact meaning uncertain. + + +The hymn is aseribed to a Rishi Dvita of the family of Atri, but the name +seems to be borrowed from the Dvita of stanza 2 . + +2 The meaning of this stanza is obscure. According to S&yana, Dvita is the +Rishi of the hymn, and the first line is rendered by Professor Wilson : ‘ jBe +('willing, to main-' a .7* "it -A thino r-wu st-v-narth ^ D-vita, the bearer of the +pure libation.’ Iv.- ■ .\ *. ■■ m \:\\\ ■ he :■ ..r receiver of a maimed + +or imperfect oblation, and Dvita then would be the mythical personage of that +hame to whom, together with Trita, it was customary to wish away and con¬ +sign anjr threatened calamity or unpleasantness (To Trita and to Dvita, Dawn i +bear thou away the evil dream —R. V. X. 47. 16). In the present case, any*, +possible imperfection in the offering made to Agni is previously removed by a +libation to Dvita. See Professor Ludwig’s Commentary, Part I. 338. M. Ber- +gaigne (Religion Vddique, II. 327) gives a different explanation, + +' 3 Nobles: wealthy institutors of the sacrifice ; Maghavans, That car of +yours ; apparently Agni, who carries oblations to the Gods. + +31 + + + +432 + + +ME HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK V. + + +4 They who 1 2 3 4 have varied ways of thought, who guard the lauds +within their lips, + +, , Arid strew the grass before the light, ‘have decked themselves +J wittf high renown. + +,5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite, + +' Heroes’ illustrious, lofty fame, who at the synod met for praise +presented me with fifty steeds. + +HYMN XIX. Agni. + +One state begets another state; husk is made visible from husk: +Within his Mother’s side he speaks. + +2 Discerning, have they offered gifts: they guard the strength + +that never wastes. + +To a strong fort have they pressed in. + +3 Svaitreya’s people, all his men, have gloriously increased in + +might. + +A pold chain Brihaduktha wears, as, through this Soma, seek¬ +ing spoil. + +4 I bring, as ’twere, the longed-for milk, the dear milk of the + +Sister-Pair. + +Like to a caldron filled with food is he, unconquered, con¬ +quering all. + + +4 Varied ways of thought: manifold modeB of showing their devotion. +Guard the lauds: perpetuate hymns of praise by frequent repetition. Before +the Ught according to S&yana, sv&rnare means, e in the sacrifice which leads +man to heaven.’ Professor Grass maun renders the word by ‘ Dem Glanzes- +herrn/ ‘ for the Lord of Light.’ + +1 We know only outward forms and circumstances, and the real nature of +the God is concealed from us. The God speaks only in the bosom of bis mother. +—Ludwig. S&yaua gives a totally different interpretation, the word vavri +(husk or covering) in the first stanza being taken as the name of the Rishi of +the hymn, + +2 Discerning: perhaps, as Prof. Ludwig suggests, distinguishing thy essence +from thy appearance. The strong fort.wh.ich the worshippers have entered and +settled in is, perhaps, their religious knowledge. + +3 Svaitreya’a people have conquered, and their priest Brihaduktha has been +rewarded for his services with a chain of gold, won for him by the Soma-liba- +tiohs which he has offered.—Ludwig. Svaitreya (son of Svitri. See I. 33. 14) +and Brihaduktha are, apparently, proper names. S&yana explains the former +as Agni or lightning ‘abiding in the white firmament,’ and the latter as +‘zealously or highly praising.’ + +4 The dear milk of the Sister-Pair; the Soma dear to Heaven and Earth, +rphe exact meaning of the line is uncertain. + + + +THE RIQYEBA: + + +HYMN 21 .] + +5 Beam of light, come to us in sportive fashion, finding thyself +close to the wind that fans thee. + +These flames of his are wasting flames, like arrows keen-pointed, +sharpened, on his breast. - ^ + +; HYMN XX. Agnl. + +Agni, best winner of the spoil, cause us to praise before the +Gods + +As our associate meet for lauds, wealth which thou verily +deemest wealth. + +2 Agni, the great who ward not off the anger of thy power and + +might + +Stir up the wrath and hatred due to one who holds an alien +creed. + +3 Thee, Agni, would we choose as Priest, the perfecter of strength + +and skill; + +We who bring sacred food invoke with song thee Chief at +holy rites. + +4 Here as is needful for thine aid we toil, 0 Conqueror, day + +by day, + +For wealth, fou Law. May we rejoice, Most Wise One ! at the +feast, with kine, rejoice, with heroes, at the feast. + +HYMN XXI. . Agni. + +We stablish thee as Manus used, as Manus used we kindle thee. +Like Manus, for the pious man, Angiras, Agni, worship Gods. +2 For well, 0 Agni, art thou pleased when thou art kindled +mid mankind. + +Straight go the ladles unto thee, thou high-born God whose +food is oil. + + +5 This stanza is very difficult, and, like much of the reBt of the hymn, can +be only conjecturally translated. + +The Itishis of the hymn are said to be certain members of the family of +Atri called Prayasvats, that is, bringers or possessors of sacred food, a word +which occurs in stanza 3. + +2 Who holds an alien creed: who follows other than Vedie observances. f ;, + +4 For Law : to maintain the holy law, and especially the eternally-ordained +sacrifice. With kme: possessing plenty of cattle. With heroes: with brave +sons about us. + +The hymn is ascribed to a ltishi Sasa, this name being taken from the word +sasdsya in the last P4da of stanza 4. + +1 Manus : another form of Manu. + + + +484 TMW HYNMS OF [ BOOK V. + +3 Thee have all Gods.of one accord established as their mes¬ + +senger. + +.Serving at sacrifices men adore thee as a God, 0 Sage. + +4 Let mortal man adore your God, Agni, with worship due to + +Gods/ + +> Shine forth enkindled, Radiant One. Sit in the chamber of +the Law, sit in the chamber of the food. + +HYMN XXII. \ Agni. + +Like Atri, Visvasaman ! sing to him of purifying light, + +Who must be praised in holy rites, the Priest most welcome +in the house. + +2 Set J&tavedas in his place, Agni the God and Minister. + +Let sacrifice proceed to-day duly, comprising all the Gods. + +3 All mortals come to thee for aid, the God of most observant + +mind. + +Of, thine excelling favour we bethink us as we long for it. + +4 Mark with attention this our speech, O Agni, thou victorious +''One. r + +Thee, Strong-jawed ! as the homestead’s Lord, the Atris with +their lauds exalt, the Atris beautify witfy songs. + +HYMN XXIII. Agni. + +By thy fair splendour’s mighty power, 0 Agni, bring victori¬ +ous wealth, + +Wealth that o’ercometh all mankind, and, near us, conquered +in fight. + +. 2 "Victorious Agni, bring to us the wealth that vanquished in, +war; + +For thou art wonderful arid true, giver of strength in herds +of kine. + +3 For all the folk with one accord, whose sacred grass is trim¬ +med and strewn, + +Invite thee to their worship-halls, as a dear Priest, for choicest +wealth. + + +4 The chcmbei' of the Law: the sacrificial chamber or hall. Of the food ; +of,-as Professor Both explains it, where the sacred grass is strewn; accord¬ +ing to S&yapa, of Sasa, the supposed Rishi of the hymn. + +The ljishi is Visvas&man, of the family of Atri. + +The Rishi is said to be Dyumna Visvacharshani—both these names being +words occurring in the hymn, + +1 By thy fair splendour $ mighty pomer; the words of the text are dyum? +n&sya prdsdhd, . + + + + +TffE RtGYEDA, + + +25 .] + + +m + + +& + +4 For he, the God of all men, hath gotten him might that quel- +leth foes. + +0 Agni, in these homes shine forth, bright God ! for. our pro¬ +sperity, shine, Purifier ! splendidly. ' + + +HYMN XXIY. + +0 Agni, be our nearest Friend, be thou a kind deliverer and a +gracious Friend. + +2 Excellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most + +splendidly renowned. + +3 So hear us, listen to this call of ours, and keep us far from + +every sinful man. + +4 To thee then, 0 Most Bright, 0 Radiant God, we come with + +prayer for happiness for our friends. + +HYMN XXV. ^ + +I will sing near, for grace, your God Agni, for he is good to +us. + +Son of the Brands, may he give gifts, and, righteous, save us +from the foe. + +2 For he is true, whom men of old enkindled, and the Gods + +themselves, + +The Priest with the delicious tongue, rich with the light of +glorious beams. + +3 With wisdom that surpasseth all, with gracious will most + +excellent, + +0 Agni, worthy of our choice, shine wealth on us through +hymns of praise. + +4 Agni is King, for he extends to mortals and to Gods alike. +Agni is bearer of our gifts. Worship ye Agni with your + +thoughts. + +5 Agni gives to the worshipper a son, the best, of mightiest + +fame, + +Of deep devotion, ne’er subdued, bringer of glory to his sire. + + +. 4 The God of all men; visvilcharsTianih, a common epithet of Agni. + +The legend connected with this hymn is discussed by Prof. Max Muller in +Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Xew Series, II. 441 f. See Lanmati s +Sanskrit Reader, p. 368. + +The Rishis of the hymn are members of the family of Atri called Vasuyua +(seekers’ of riches). Cf, stanza 9. + +11 will sing near: I will invite'and bring near with my song. + +2 For he is true ; the faithful ye warder of his worshippers. + + + +[BOOK r. + + +m thk hymns of + +6 Agni bestows the hero-lord who conquers with the men in + +fight. + +Agni bestows the fleet-foot steed, the victor never overcome. + +7 The mightiest song is Agni’s: shine on high, thou who art + +rich in light. + +Like the Chief Consort of a King, riches and strength proceed +* - from thee. + +8 Resplendent are thy rays of light: loud is thy voice like + +pressing-stones. + +Yea, of itself thy thunder goes forth like the roaring of the +heaven. + +9 Thus, seeking riches, have we paid homage to Agni Conqueror. +May he, most wise, as with a ship, carry us over all our foes. + +HYMN XXYI. Agni. + +0 Agni, Holy and Divine, with splendour and thy pleasant +tongue + +Bring hither and adore the Gods. + +2 We pray thee, thou who droppest oil, bright-rayed ! who look- + +est 6n the Sun, + +Bring the Gods hither to the feast. + +3 We have enkindled thee, 0 Sage, bright caller of the Gods to + +feast, + +0 Agni, great in sacrifice. + +4 0 Agni, come with all the Gods, come to our sacrificial gift: +We choose thee as Invoking Priest. + +5 Bring, Agni,, to the worshipper who pours the juice, heroic + +strength : + +Sit with the Gods upon the grass. ' + +6 Victor of thousands, Agni, thou, enkindled, cherishest the laws, +Laud-worthy, envoy of the Gods. + +7 Set Agni Jatavedas down, the'bearer of our sacred gifts, + +Most Youthful, God and Minister. + +7 The exact meaning of the stanza is uncertain. Professor Wilson, follow¬ +ing jS&y&tift, paraphrases the first line: * That (praise) which best conveys +(our veneration is due) to Agni: affluent in splendour, grant us, (Agni), great +(wealth).’ + +Like the Chief Consort of a King: as the chief cpieen proceeds, from her home +in royaL state. Professor Ludwig translates mahisMva by ‘ as a. strong cow/ +but gives in his Commentary the alternative rendering * as a king’s wife/ +S&yana makes mdhisM an adjective agreeing with rayih, and says that iva, +Jike, is pleonastic. I have followed Mahtdhara. + +8 Loud is thy voice : the meaning of this half-line is not certain. + +0 Cherishest the lams: especially religious ordinances, sacrifices, j + + +JtYMN 28.] THE RIGVEDA. 4$7 + +4 8 Duly proceed our sacrifice, comprising all the Gods, to-d&y : +Strew holy grass to be their seat. + +9 So may the Maruts sit thereon, the Asvins, Mitra, Varuna : +The Gods with all their company. + +HYMN XXVII. Agni. + +The Godlike hero, famousest of nobles, hath granted me two +oxen with a wagon. + +Trivyishan’s son Tryaruna hath distiguished himself, Vaieva- +nara Agni! with ten thousands. + +2 Protect Tryaruna, as thou art waxing strong and art highly + +praised, Vaisvanara Agni ! + +Who granteth me a hundred kine and twenty, and two bay +horses, good at draught, and harnessed. + +3 So Trasadasyu served thee, God Most Youthful, craving thy + +favour for the ninth time, Agni; + +Tryaruna who with attentive spirit accepteth many a song +from me the mighty. + +4 He who declares his wish to me, to Asvamedha, to the Prince, +Pays him who with his verse seeks gain, gives power to him + +who keeps the Law. + +5 From whom a hundred oxen, all of speckled hue, delight my + +heart, + +The gifts of Asvamedha, like thrice-mingled draughts of +Soma juice. + +6 To Asvamedha who bestows a hundred gifts grant hero power, +0 Indra-Agni! lofty rule like the unwasting Sun in heaven. + +HYMN XXVIII, Agni. + +Agni inflamed hath sent to heaven his lustre : he shines forth +widely turning unto Morning. + +Eastward the ladle goes that brings all blessing, praising the +. . Gods with homage and oblation. + +The Ilishis are said to be Tryaruna, Trasadasyu, and Asvamedha? or Atri +alone. The metre is Trishtup in stanzas 1,2, 3, and Anush tup in 4, 5, 6; +and, correspondingly, the hymn is made up of two separate and independent +eulogies of munificent princes. + +3 Trasadasyu: Terror of Dasyus ; apparently, as Ludwig suggests, an hon¬ +orary name or title of several princes. A ccepteth : rewards with gifts. + +4 The stanza is difficult. Asvamedha apparently says that the man^ who +requests him to institute a sacrifice is by so doing the enricher of the priests. + +5 Thrice-mingled ; mixed with milk, curds, and parched grain. + +The hymn is ascribed to a supposed Visvav&r&, a lady of the family of Atri. +... 1 The ladle: the sacrificial ladle with which the oil or clarified butter is +token up and poured out. The text has the feminine adjective ghrmcht only* + + + +488 THE MYMm OR [BOOK V. + +2 Enkindled,, thou art King of the immortal world : him who + +; 1 brings offerings thou attendest for his weal. + +He whom thou urgest on makes all possessions his : he sets +before thee, Agni, gifts that guests may claim. + +3 Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, 0 Agni, most excellent +. ,. be thine effulgent splendours. + +Make easy, to maintain our household lordship, and oyerdome +the might of those who hate us. + +4 Thy glory, Agni, I adore, kindled, exalted in thy strength. + +A Steer of brilliant splendour, thou art lighted well at sacred +rites. + +* + +5 Agni, invoked and kindled, serve the Gods, thou skilled in + +sacrifice: + +For thou art bearer of our gifts. + +6 Invoke and worship Agni while the sacrificial rite proceeds : +For offering-bearer choose ye him. + +\ HYMN XXIX. Agni. + +Man’s worship of the Gods hath three great lustres, and three +celestial lights have they established. + +The Maruts gifted with pure strength adore thee, for thou, +O Indra, art their sapient Kishi. + +2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when + +he had drunk of Soma juices, + +He grasped his thunderbolt to slay the Dragon, and loosed, +that they might flow, the youthful Waters. + +3 And, 0 ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of + +this my carefully pressed Soma; + +. For this oblation found for man the cattle, and Indra, having +quaffed it, slew the Dragon. + + +jxM being understood. That brings all blessing; S4yana takes visvdvdrd, to +be the name of a woman. Praising the Gods: said figuratively of the ladle +held by the priest who praises. + +3 Make easy to maintain: or, to follow S&yana : Perfect the well-knit bond +of wife and husband. + +1 Three great lustres: this is S&yana’s explanation of the try&ryamft of +-the text. Professor Ludwig .suggests that human relationships, such as +Maghamns or nobles, priests, and visas or the people, may be intended. The +three celestial lights: the Sun, tho Wind, the Fire, according to S&yana. +They „• the Maruts, says Sayana. Bishi: here meaning beholder, according to +£&yapa. + +$ Brahmans: priests, S&y&ua explains the word as meaning lofty or +mighty in this passage, • . + + + + +HYMN 29.] / THE RIG fED A. 48f + +4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and, supported : wrapped + +even in these he struck;the Beast with terror. + +So Indra forced the Engulfer to disgorgement, and slew* the +Danava panting against him. 0 + +5 Thus all the Gods, 0 Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free + +will the draught of Soma; + +When thou for Etasa didst cause to tarry the flying mares of +Surya racing forward. + +6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished bis nine- + +and-ninety castles all together, + +The Maruts, where they met, glorified Indra: ye with the +Trishtup hymn obstructed heaven. + +. 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred +* buffaloes, even as he willed it. + +And Indra, from man’s gift, for Vritra’s slaughter, drank off +at once three lakes of pressed-out Soma. + +8 When thou three hundred buffaloes’ flesh hadst eaten, and + +drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma, + +All the Gods raised as 4 5 6 7 1were a shout of triumph, to Indra +praise because he slew the Dragon. + +9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, 0 + +Usan& and Indra, to the dwelling, + +Thou earnest thither conquering together with Kutsa and the +Gods : thou slewest Sushna. + +10 One car-wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou + +settest free to move for Kutsa. + +Thou slewest noseless Dasyus with thy weapon, and in their +home o’erthrewest hostile speakers. + +11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty rto Vidathin’s s^on, + +as prey, thou gavest Pipru. + +Bijisvan drew thee into friendship, dressing the sacred food, +and thou hast drunk his Soma. + +4 The Beast: the demon Vritra. The Engulfer .* Vritra, who had swallowed + +the celestial waters. The JDdnava ; the son of Danu, Vritra. + +6 For Etasa: see II. 19. 5. + +6 His nine-and-ninety castles: the aerial castles of Sambara, the demon +of drought. Obstructed heaven; made the loud hymn strike the sky. + +7 Three lakes : large vessels or tubs are probably intended. + +9 Usand: Indra’s special friend. See Index. To the dwelling : of Kutsa. + +10 One cartwheel: an eclipse of the sun appears to be referred to. Noseless : +that is, the flat-nosed barbarians, a-ntisah ; or the word may he, as S&yana +explains it, an-llsah, i, e, mouthless, voiceless, unintelligibly speaking. See +Muir, Original Sanskrit Texts , II. 377. + +XI Gauriviti ; the Rishi of the hymn, Yidathin s son: Rijisvan, mentione +n Book I. as a favourite of Indra. + + + +490 rm HTMtfS OF [BOOK F, + +12 Navagvas and Dasagvas with libations of Soma juice sing + +hymns of praise to Indra. + +Labouring at their task the men laid open the stall of Kine +though firmly closed and fastened. + +13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well + +what hero deeds thou hast accomplished ? + +And the fresh deeds which thou wilt do, Most Mighty! these, +too, will we tell forth in sacred synods. . + +14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done + +all these many acts, 0 Indra. + +What thou wilt do in bravery, Thunder-wielder ! none is there +who may hinder this thy prowess. + +15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the + +new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter. + +Like fair and well-made robes, I, seeking riches, as a deft +craftsman makes a car, have wrought them. + +HYMN XXX. indra. + +. Where is that Hero ? Who hath looked on Indra borne on +light-rolling car by Tawny Coursers, + +Who, Thunderer, seeks with wealth the Soma-presser, and to +his house goes, much-invoked, to aid him 'i + +2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have +sought the Founder’s habitation. + +I asked of othei's, and they said in answer, May we, awakened +men, attain to Indra. + +- 3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds +thou hast performed to please us. + +Let him who knows not learn, who knows them listen: hither +rides Maghavan with all his army, + +4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou + +seekest war to fight with many. + +With might thou clavest e’en the rock asunder, and foundest +out the stable of the Milch-kine. + +5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name + +renowned in far-off regions, + +Since then e’en Gods have been afraid of Indra: he conquered +all the floods which served the D&sa. + + +12 Navagvas and Dasagvas; priestly families connected or identified with + +the Angirases. - + +2 I have beheld: meaning, perhaps, I have tried to behold, I have looked +for. The Founder's habitation : the dwelling-place of Indra who established +the world. . . + +5 Which served the JDdsa; which were subject to the demon Vritra, y~ + + +HYMN 30 .] THE RIGYEDA. 4 $ 1 ‘ + +6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour + +to thee libation of the Soma. + +Indra with wondrous powers subdued the Dragon, thp guileful +lurker who beset the waters. + +7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, + +while joying in the milk, the Giver. + +There, seeking man’s prosperity, thou torest away the head +of Namuchi the D&sa. + +8 Pounding the head of Namuchi the Dasa, me, too, thou madest + +thine associate, Indra ! + +Yea, and the rolling stone that is in heaven both worlds, as +on a ear, brought to the Maruts. + +9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken. What injury can + +his feeble armies do me ? + +Well he distinguished his two different voices, and Indra then +advanced to fight the Dasyu. + +' 10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on +every side, hither and thither. + +. These Indra re-united with his helpers, what time the well- +pressed Soma made him joyful. + +11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the +• Steer bellowed in his habitations. + +So Indra drank thereof, the Fort-destroyer, and gave him +’ - . guerdon, in return, of milch-kine. + + +I The giver : the offerer of oblations. But the meaning of dftncm, is un¬ + +certain. Professor Ludwig translates it by 1 * * * * & * * 9 10 II the splitting (thunderbolt},’ and + +S&yana explains it as ‘ the assailant of the Gods (Vritra).’ + +Namuchi: one of the malignant demons of the atmosphere who withhold + +the rain. . + +& The rolling stone: perhaps the /thunderbolt; or if.the thunderbolt is + +supposed to be the speaker of this stanza, as Professor Ludwig is inclined to + +think, the Sun must he meant; that is, heaven and earth brought the Sun to +the Maruts to aid Indra in his fight with the demon. + +9 Indra is the speaker of the first line. Women: * perhaps the subject + +waters. His two different voices: the meaning may be that Indra heard the +voices of the women as well as the voice of Namuchi, and so knew that he +had not an army of demon-warrio: ■ 0 - '■ '■ "t. Professor Wilson, follow¬ +ing S&yana, translates : ‘the two -s : e v Indra) confinedinthe inner + +apartments. * + +10 With his helpers: with the aid of the Maruts, + +II Eabhru : the Ilishi of the hymn, who appears to have assisted the + +Busamas, a *-/* 1 — -'■jople, in a successful foray, and tohaY® + +rewarded with .. .iv- p of the booty. Binanchaya was the king of this +people. ; + + + + +m THE HYMNS OF IBOOK F + +12 This good deed have the Rugamas done, Agni! that they have + +granted me four thousand cattle* + +; We tiave received Rinanchaya’s wealth, of heroes the most +heroic, which was freely offered. + +13 The Rusamas, 0 Agni, sent me homeward with fair adorn¬ + +ment and with kine in thousands. + +The strong libations have made Indra joyful, when night, +whose course was ending, changed to morning. + +14 Night, well-nigh ended, at Rinanchaya’s coming, King of the + +Rusamas, was changed to morning. + +Like a strong courser, fleet of foot, urged onward, Babhru +hath gained four thousand as his guerdon* + +13 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by +the Rusamas, 0 Agni. + +And we, the singers, have received the caldron of metal which +Was heated for Pravargya. + +HYMN XXXL Indra + +Maghavan Indra turns his chariot downward, the strength- +displaying car which he hath mounted. + +Even as a herdsman driveth forth his cattle, he goeth, first, +uninjured, fain for treasure. + +2 Haste to us, Lord of Bays; he not ungracious : Visit us, lover + +of gold-hued oblation. + +There is naught else better than thou art, Indra: e’en to the +wifeless hast thou given spouses. + +3 When out of strength arose the strength that conquers, Indra + +displayed all powers that he possesses. + +Forth from the cave he drove the milky mothers, and with the +light laid bare investing darkness, + +4 Anus have wrought a chariot-for thy Courser, and Tvashtar, + +Much-invoked ! thy bolt that glitters. + +The Brahmans with their songs exalting Indra increased his +strength that he might slaughter Ahi. + + +" 15 Heated for Pravargya : a ceremony introductory to the Soma-$acrifioe, +in which fresh milk was poured into a heated vessel called maMvtrd or, as- in. +this place, gharmd . + +# 1 Even as a herdsman driveth forth his cattle: so, says S&yana, Indra drives +his enemies before him. Fain for treasure: wishing to obtain the riches of his +enemies. ' + +2 Gold-hued oblation : consisting of yellow Soma juice. Spouses: carried +off in raids favoured by the Warrior-God. + +4 Anus: probably meaning $hrigus, who belonged to that tribe. + +The Brahmans: according to S&yana, the Angirases, or the Maruts, + + + +JTYMN 81.] TEE BIG YE LA, 493 + +5 When heroes sang their laud -to thee the Hero, Indra ! and + +stones and Aditi accordant, + +Without or steed or chariot were the fellies which, sped by +Indra, rolled upon the Dasyul. c + +6 I will declare thine exploits wrought aforetime, and, Maghavan, + +thy deeds of late achievement, + +When, Lord of Might, thou sunderedst earth and heaven, win¬ +ning for man the moistly-gleaming waters. + +7 This is thy deed, e’en this, Wonderful! Singer j • that, slaying + +Ahi, here thy strength thou showedst, + +Didst cheok and stay e’en Sushna’s wiles and magic, and, draw¬ +ing nigh, didst chase away the Dasyus. + +8 Thou, Indra, on the farther bank for Yadu and Turvasa didst + +stay the gushing waters. + +Ye both assailed the fiercethou barest Kutsa: when Gods and +Usana came to you together. + +9 Let the steeds bring you both, Indra and Kutsa, borne on the + +chariot within hearing-distance. + +Ye blew him from the waters, from his dwelling, and chased +the darkness from the noble’s spirit. + +10 Even this sage hath come looking for succour even to V&ta’s + +docile harnessed horses. + +Here are the Maruts, all thy dear companions: prayers have +increased thy power and might, 0 Indra. + +11 When night was near its close he carried forward e’en the Sun’s + +chariot backward in its running. + +Etasa brought his wheel and firmly stays it: setting it east¬ +ward he shall give us courage. + + +5 Stones ; used for expressing the Soma juice. Without or steed or chariot: +that is, the worshippers of Indra overcame their enemies by prayer and the +favour of their God. + +v 8 Yadu and Turvasa: see Index. . Ye loth: Indra and Kutsa. The fierce • +Sushna, a demon of drought Thou barest Kutsa ; to his home. + +9 Ye blew him from the waters: drave Sushna from the atmosphere in which +he dwelt, and thus removed the grief of the eminent men who instituted sacri¬ +fices + +10 Looking for succour: S&yana takes avasyuh here as the name of a Eishi +the seer of the hymn. + +11 The return of the lingering morning sun appears to be attributed^ on +some particular occasion, to the special intervention of Indra on his favourite's +behalf. The stanza is hardly intelligible as it stands. S&yana explains Etasa +by ‘ for Etasa 1 The verse is discussed by Prof. Geldner (Vedische Studiep, +II. 162£), and his explanation is criticized by Prof. Ludwig (Ueber die ISeuels- +teu Arbeiien &c. p. 171). + + + +m THE HYMm OF.' [BOOK V. + +12 This Indra, 0 ye men, hath come to see you, seeking a friend + +who hath expressed the, Soma. + +The creaking stone is laid upon the altar, and the Adhvaryus +cowrie to turn it quickly# + +13 Let mortals who were happy still be happy: let them not come + +to sorrow, 0 Immortal. + +. Love thou the pious, and to these thy people—with whom may +we be numbered—give thou vigour. + +HYMN XXXII Indra. + +The well thou clavest, settest free the fountains, and gavest +rest to floods that were obstructed. + +Thou, Indra, laying the great mountain open, slaying the +Danava, didst loose the torrents. + +. 2 The’fountain-depths obstructed in their seasons, thou, Thun- +s derer! madest flow, the mountain’s udder. + +Strong Indra, thou by slaying e’en the Dragon that lay extend¬ +ed there hast shown thy vigour. + +3 Indra with violence smote down the weapon, yea, even of that + +wild and mighty creature. + +Although he deemed himself alone unequalled, another had been +born e’en yet more potent. + +4 Him, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the + +mist, strong waxing, couched in darkness, + +Him .the bolt-hurling Thunderer with his lightning smote down +and slew, the Danava’s wrath-fire, Sushna. + +5 Though he might ne’er be wounded still his vitals felt that, + +the God’s bolt, which his powers supported, + +When, after offered draughts, Strong Lord, thou laidest him, +fain to battle, in the pit in darkness. + +6 Him as he lay there huge in length extended, still waxing in + +the gloom which no sun lightened, + +Him, after loud-voiced threats, the Hero Indra, rejoicing in the +poured libation, slaughtered. + +7 When ’gainst the mighty D&nava his weapon Indra uplifted, + +power which none could combat, + +When at the hurling of his bolt he smote him, he made him +lower than all living creatures. + + +12 The creaking stone: the upper press-stone. + + +1 The well; the rain-cloud. The fountains: the sources of the waters of +the firmament. The mountain: the massive cloud. + +The Bflnava: Vritra,, the son of Danu, + +4 Of these; of living creatures. + + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +firm 33/] + + +495 + + +8 The fierce God seized that huge and restless eoiler, insatiate, + +drinker of the sweets, recunfjyent, + +And with his mighty weapo|i n| his dwelling smote down the +footless evil-speaking ogre. + +9 Who may arrest his strength or check his vigour ? Alone, resist¬ + +less, he bears off all riches. + +Even these Twain, these Goddesses, through terror of Indra’s +. might, retire from his dominion. + +10 E’en the Celestial Axe bows down before him, and the Earth, +lover-like, gives way to Indra. + +As he imparts all vigour to these people, straightway the folk +bend them to him the Godlike. + +Ill hear that thou wast born sole Lord of heroes of the Five Races, +famed among the people. + +As such my wishes have most lately grasped him, invoking +Indra both at eve and morning. + +12 So, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and en¬ +riching singers. + +What have thy friends received from thee, the Brahmans who, +faithful, rest their hopes on thee, 0 Indra ? + + +HYMN XXXIII. Indra. + +Great praise to Indra, great and strong mid heroes, I ponder +thus, the feeble to the Mighty, + +Who with his band shows favour to this people, when lauded, +in the fight where spoil is gathered, + +2 So made attentive by our hymns, Steer! Indra! thou fastenedst + +the girth of thy Bay Coursers, + +Which, Maghavan, at thy will thou drivest hither. With these +subdue for us the men who hate us. + +3 They were not turned to us-ward, lofty Indra! while yet through + +lack of prayer they stood unharnessed. + +Ascend this chariot, thou whose hand wields thunder, and draw +the rein, 0 Lord of noble horses. + + +9 These Goddesses : Heaven and Earth. + +10 E'en the Celestial Axe: perhaps the thunderbolt, which is one of the mean¬ +ings assigned to svddkitih. S&yana explains the word in this passage as ( the +self-supported heaven,’ and Professor Roth thinks that a tree of very hard +wood, called Svadhiti, is intended, as we might say, even the oak bends down +before him. + +11 Qf the Five Races: belonging to the five Aryan tribes. But see Muir, +Original Sanskrit Texts t Yol, I, 178. + + + +#6 THE BTMNB OF [BOOK V, + +i Thou, because many laudi are thine ? 0 Indra, wast active war¬ +ring in the fields for cattfe. * + +For Surya in his own abod|thou, Hero, formedst in fights even +a f)&sa’s nature. + +5 Thine are we, Indra; thine are 4 JI these people, conscious of +' might, whose cars are set in motibn. + +Some hero come to us, 0 Strong as Ahi! beauteous in war, to +be invoked like Bhaga. + +6 Strength much to be desired is in thee, Indra: the Immortal + +dances forth his hero exploits- ' + +Such, Lord of Treasure, give us splendid riches. I praise the +Friend’s gift, his whose wealth is mighty. + +7 Thus favour us, 0 Indra, with thy succour; Hero, protect + +the bards who sing thy praises. + +JJe friendly in the fray to those who offer the skin of beauti- +I ful and well-pressed Soma. + +; 8 ^ And these ten steeds which Trasadasyu gives me, the gold- +rich chief, the son of Purukutsa, + +1 Resplendent in their brightness shall convey me. Gairikshita +willed it and so eame I hither. + +9 And these, bestowed as sacrificial guerdon, the powerful tawny + +steeds of M&rut&sva; + +And thousands which kind Chyavatana gave me, abundantly +bestowed for my adornment. + +10 And these commended horses, bright and aetive, by Dhvanya +son of Lakshmana presented, + +Came unto me, as cows into the Bishi Samvarana’s stall, with +magnitude of riches. + +HYMN XXXIV. Indra. + +Boundless and wasting not, the heavenly food of Gods goes to +the foeless One, doer of wondrous deeds. + +Press out, make ready, offer gifts with special zeal to him +whom many laud, accepter of the prayer. + +4 The second half of the stanza refers to an eclipse of the sun. Indra is said +to have formed for Sftrya in his own abode , that is, in the eastern heaven, the +nature of a D&sa, i- e. made him a slave or dark. + +0 Dances forth his hero exploits: battle being regarded as a war’dance, as in +the Old German poetry, and in Homer’s piiXir ea&cu *' Apr} L —Ludwig. , + +8 Son of Pamhutsa: Paurukutsya and Gairikshita are both patronymics +of Trasadasyu. + +9 This stanza is obscure. Nothing further is known of Marutdsva or +Ohyavat&na. + +10 Dhvanya and his father Lakshmana are also unknown to fame. These +'three concluding stanzas are banished fco the appendix by Professor Grassmann +as being a later addition to the original hymn. + + + +BYMN 34 ] . ’ THE '&&VE&A. ^ &T + +2 He wbo filled full his belly with?* the Soma’s juice, Maghavan,, + +was delighted with the mea^s sweet draught, + +When Us ana, th%t hemightslay the monstrous beast, gave +him the mighty weapon'With a thousand points, /t + +3 Illustrious is the man js^oever presseth out Soma for him in + +sunshine or in cloud and rain. + +The mighty Maghavan who is the sage’s Friend advanceth +more and more his beauteous progeny. + +4 The Strong God doth not flee away from him whose sire, whose + +mother or whose brother he hath clone to death. + +He, the Avenger, seeketh this man’s offered gifts : this God, +the source of riches, doth not flee from sin. + +5 He seeks no enterprise with five or ten to aid, nor stays with + +him who pours no .juice though prospering well. + +The Shaker conquers or slays in this way or that, and to the +pious gives a stable full of kine. + +6 Exceeding strong in war be stays the chariot wheel, and, hating + +him who pours not, prospers him who pours. + +Indra the terrible, tamer of every man, as Arya leads ' aw^jr +the Dasa at his will. + +7 He gathers up for plunder all the niggards’ gear : excellent + +wealth he gives to him who offers gifts. * + +. Hot even in wi4e stronghbld may all the folk stand firm who +have provoked to anger his surpassing might. + +8 When Indra Maghavan hath marked two wealthy men fight¬ + +ing for beauteous cows with all their followers, + +He who stirs all things takes one as his close ally, and, J Shaker, +with his Heroes, sends the kine to him. + + +. 2 Usand: see I. 51. 10. The monstrous least: Yritra or Ahi ; according to +S&yana, a demon called Mriga. + +3 The meaning of the second half of this stanza is somewhat uncertain. +Professor Wilson, following S&yana, renders it; * Sakra disregards the man +who is proud of his descendants and vain of his person, and who, though +wealthy, is a friend of the base.’ Professor n- i» ii.„ p ro f^ ssor + +Botb/s interpretation of the doubtful words,!"! .■ m \ enPrahler + +stosst zuruck der starke, maclitige den eitlen Stutzer, der dem Kargen sich +gesellt.’ Professor Ludwig, whom I here follow with hesitation, explains +kavd$akh(ih,-or Jcavd sakhd (like Agni, vishnu, Agn&marut, Nftbhiinedishtha, +etc.) as, friend with the wise. + +4 Sakra or the Strong God does not fear the vengeance of those whose' +nearest relations he has killed for neglect of his worship. + +Doth not flee from sin: perhaps, as Dr. Muir suggests, does not fear to +punish the offender against him. + +5’ The Shaker ; he who makes his enemies tremble, according to S&yana. + +6 The chariot ivheel: of his enemies, + +32 + + + +498 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK V. + +9 Agni! I laud the liberal Agnivesi, Satri the type and stand¬ +ard of the pious. + +May the collected waters yield him plenty, and his be power¬ +ful gjiid bright dominion. + +HYMN XXXV. Indra. + +Indra, for our assistance bring that most effectual power of +thine, + +Which conquers men for us, and wins the spoil, invincible in +fight. + +2 Indra, whatever aids be thine, four be they, or, 0 Hero, three, +Or those of the Five Tribes of men, bring quickly all that help + +to us. + +3 The §»id most excellent of thee the Mightiest hitherward we + +call, + +For thou wast born with hero might, conquering, Indra, with +the Strong. + +■^'Mighty to prosper us wast thou born, and mighty is the +strength thou hast. + +In native power thy soul is firm : thy valour, Indra, slays a* +host. + +5 0 Satakratu, Lord of Strength, 0 Indra, Caster of the Stone, +With all thy chariot’s force assail the man who shows himself + +thy foe. + +6 For, Mightiest Vritra-slayer, thee, fierce, foremost among many, + +folk + +Whose sacred grass is trimmed invite to battle where the +spoil is won. + +7 Indra, do thou protect our car that mingles foremost in the + +fights, + +That bears its part in every fray, invincible and seeking spoil. + +8 Come to us, Indra, and protect our car with thine intelligence. +May we, 0 Mightiest One, obtain excellent fame at break of + +day, and meditate our hymn at dawn. + + +9 Agnivcsi: son of Agnivesa, Satri, a prince or chief whose name does not +occur again in the IUgveda. + + +2 Four be they: according to S&yana, the favours or succours given to the +four castes ; three , similarly meaning the succours given to the three worlds. + +3 With the Strong ,* the Maruts, + + + +HYMH 37 J + + +THE RIGVEDA . +HYMN XXXVL + + +499 + + +Indra. + + +May Indra come to us, he who knows rightly to give forth +treasures from his store of riches. $ + +Even as a thirsty steer who roams the deserts may he 4 l 'hik +eagerly the milked-out Soma. + +2 Lord of Bay Horses, Hero, may the Soma rise ~to thy cheeks + +and jaws like mountain-ridges. + +May we, 0 King, as he who driveth coursers, all joy in thee +with hymns, invoked of many ! + +3 Invoked of many, Caster of the Stone !‘ my heart quakes like + +a rolling wheel for fear of penury. + +Shall not Puruvasu the singer give thee praise, 0 ever-pros¬ +pering Maghavan, mounted on thy car ? + +4 Like the press-stone is this thy praiser, Indra. Loudly he lifts + +his voice with strong endeavour. + +With,thy left hand, O Maghavan, give us riches : with thy +right, Lord of Bays, be not reluctant. + +1 15 May the strong Heaven make thee the Strong wax stronger ; +Strong, thou art’borne by thy two strong Bay Horses. + +So, fair of cheek, with mighty chariot, mighty, uphold us, +strong-willed, thunder-armed, in battle, + +6 Maruts, let all the people in obeisance bow down before this +youthful Srutaratha, + +Who, rich in steeds, gave me two dark red horses together +with three hundred head of cattle. + +* + +HYMN XXXVII. Indra. + +Bbdbwssd with holy oil and meetly worshipped, the Swift One +vies with Sfirya’s beam in splendour. + +For him may mornings dawn without cessation who sa*ith, Let +us press Soma out for Indra. + +2 With kindled fire and strewn grass let him worship, and, +Soma-presser, sing with stones adjusted : + +And let the priest whose press-stones ring forth loudly, go +down with his oblation to the river. + + +3 ParUvasu; I, the Kishi ; apparently the same as Prabhuvasu, the seer of +the hymn. + +1 The Swift One : Agni. + +% To the liver; for ablution before sacrificing. + + + +50*0 tee HYMNS OF [BOOK-Y. + +3 This wife is coming near who loves her husband who carries + +to his home a vigorous consort, + +Here ,may his car seek fame, here loudly thunder, and his +wheel make a thousand revolutions, + +4 No troubles vex that King in whose home Indra drinks the + +sharp Soma juice with milk commingled. + +With heroes he drives near, he slays the foeman : Blest, che¬ +rishing that name, he guards his people. + +5 May he support in peace and win in battle : he masters both + +the hosts that meet together. + +Dear shall he be to Surya, dear to Agni, who with pressed +Soma offers gifts to Indra. + +HYMN XXXYIIt. Indra. + +Wide, Indra Satakratn, spreads the bounty of thine ample +grace : + +So, Lord of fair dominion, Friend of all men, give us splendid +wealth. + +, ^ The food which, Mightiest Indra, thou possessest worthy of +renown + +Is bruited as most widely famed, invincible, 0 Golden-hued ! + +3 0 Darter of the Stone, the powers which readily obey thy + +will,— + +Divinities, both thou and they, ye rule, to guard them, earth +s* and heaven, + +4 And from whatever power of thine, 0 Yritra-slayer, it may be, +* Bring thou to us heroic strength ; thou hast a man’s regard + +for us. + +5 In thy protection, with these aids of thine, 0 Lord of Hundred + +Powers, + +• Indra, may we be guarded well, Hero, may we be guarded well, + +HYMN XXXIX. Indra. + +Stqot-dartin Gt Indra, Wondrous One, what wealth is richly +given from thee. + +That bounty, Treasure-Finder ! bring, filling both thy hands, +to us.. + + +3 This wife: according to S&yana, the wife of Indra who accompanies. him +to the sacrifice. + +4 Thefoemcm: or the wicked man, or his enemy, pdpam tiairinam vd. - S&yana, +3 The powers ; according to S&yana, the strong Maruts, + + + +HYMN 40,] YllE RlEVEM. 6o£ + +■2 Bring 'what tiuoiv deemeat worth the wish, 0 Indra, that which +is in heaven. + +■ So may we know thee a& thoit art, boundless in thy mdhifidence* + +3 Thy lofty spirit, far-renowned as fain to give and prompt to +win,— + +With this thou rendest e’en the firm, Stone-Darter I so to gain +thee strength. + +1 Singers with many songs have made Indra propitious to their + +fame* + +Him who is King of humankind, most liberal of your wealthy +ones. + +5 To him, to Indra must be sung the poetfs word, the hymn of +praise. + +To him, accepter of the prayer, the Atria raise their song? on +high, the Atris beautify their songs. ■ + +HYMN XL. Indra. Sftrya, Atri. + +Conn thou to what the stones have pressed, drink Soma, 0 +thou Soma’s Lord, + +Indra best Vritra-slayer Strong One, with the Strong. + +2 Strong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this Soma + +that is pressed, + +Indra, best Vritra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong* + +3 As strong I call on thee the Strong, 0 Thunder-armed, with + +various aids, + +Indra, best Vrita-slayer, Strong One with the Strong. + +4 Impetuous, Thunderer, Strong, quelling the mighty,. Sing, + +potent, Vritra-slayer, Soma-drinker, + +May he come hither with his yaked- Bay Horsea; may Indra +gladden him at the noon libation. + +5 0 Sarya, when the Asura’s descendant, SvarbMnu, pierced + +thee through and through with darkness, + +All creatures looked like one who is bewildered, who knoweth +not the place where he is standing. + + +The hymn is not homogeneous. The first part (1—4) is a separate invoca¬ +tion of Indra, and the subject of the second part is the Sun’s eclipse by +Svarbh&nu and release by Atri. . + +1 With the Strong; together with the Maruis.- + +5 SvarbMnu: the Asura or demon who causes eclipses of the sun and +moon, the B&hu of later times. The name does not occur again in the Big- +veda. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK V, + +6 What time thou smotest down Svarbhanu's magic that spread + +itsglf beneath the sky, 0 Indra, + +By his fouxlih sacred prayer Atri discovered Surya concealed +in gloom that stayed his function. + +7 Let not the oppressor with this dread, through anger swallow + +me up, for I am thine, 0 Atri. + +Mitra art thou, the sender of true blessings : tbou and King +Varuna be both my helpers. + +8 The Brahman Atri, as he set the press-stones, serving the + +Gods with praise and adoration, + +Established in the heaven the eye of Surya, and caused Svar- +bhanu's magic arts.to vanish. + +9 The Atris found the Sun again, him whom Svarbhanu of the +♦ brood + +Of Asuras had pierced with gloom. This none besides had +power to do. + +HYMN XLL Visvedevas. + +Who, Mitra-Varuna, is your pious servant to give you gifts +from earth or mighty heaven 1 + +Preserve us in the seat of holy Order, and give the offerer +power that winneth cattle. + +2 May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, and Ayu, Indra Hibhukshan, + +and the Maruts, love us, + +And they who of one mind with bounteous Rudra accept the +hymn and laud with adorations. + +3 You will I call to feed the car-horse, Asvins, with the wind's + +flight swiftest of those who travel: + + +6 By Ms fourth sacred prayer: according to S&yana, by four stanzas +(5—8) of this hymn. Probably, as Ludwig suggests, a fourth prayer in +addition to the usual liturgy of three prayers against an eclipse. Prof. Lan- +man discusses and translates the latter portion of the hymn in Festgruss an +R. von Roth, pp. 187 f., and adduces an interesting Buddhist parallel from +the Samyutta-bTik&ya, I. ii. 1. + +7 Sftrya or the Sun is the speaker. The oppressor : SvarbMnu, + +9 Of the brood of Asuras : the word dsurdk in this hymn means belonging +to, or descendant of, Asuras, demons or evil spirits. This use of the word is +unknown in the earliest portions of the Rigveda. + +2 Ayu; here said to'mean V&yu, the God of wind. See X, 162.1. The celestial +Agni is probably intended. Ribhukshan; a name of Indra, as Lord oi the +Ribhus. * + +And they who; the Maruts especially, as being Rudra’s sons. + + + +HYMN 41,] THE RIGVEDA. 503 + +Or also to the Asnra of heaven, Worshipful, bring a hymn as +’twere libation. 4 + +4 The heavenly Victor, he whose priest is Kanva, Trita with + +Dyaus accordant, Vata, Agni, + +All-feeding Pushan, Bhaga sought the oblation, as they whose * +steeds are fleetest seek the contest. + +5 Bring ye your riches forward borne on horses : let thought be + +framed for help and gain of treasure. + +Blest be the priest of Ausija through courses, the courses +which are yours the fleet, 0 Maruts. + +6 Bring hither him who yokes the car, your Vayu, who praises + +with his songs, the God and Singer;' + +And, praying and devout, npble and prudent, may the Gods’ +Spouses in their thoughts retain us. + +7 I speed to you with powers that should be honoured, with + +songs distinguishing Heaven’s mighty Daughters, + +Morning and Night, the Two, as ’twere all-knowing ; these +bring the sacrifice unto the mortal. + +8 You I extol, the nourishers of heroes, bringing you gifts, + +Vastoshpati and Tvashtar— + +Rich DhishanH accords through our obeisance—and Trees and +Plants, for the swift gain of riches. + +9 Ours be the Parvatas, even they, for offspring, free-moving? + +who are Heroes like the Vasus. + +May holy Aptya, Friend of man, exalted, strengthen our +word for ever and be near us. + + +3 The Asnra of heaven: or the Lord of heaven. According to SAyaja +Asura means here either the destroyer of life, Rudra, or the giver of life, +Sfirya or V&yu. + +4 The heavenly Victor: Indra. Tritaj according to S&yaoa Trita here is +not the name of a separate deity (Trita Aptya), but an epithet of "Vayu, per¬ +vading the three regions of earth, firmament, and heaven.’ + +5 The priest of Ausija : Atri, the ministrant priest of Kakshtv&n the son +of Usij.—S&yana. + +8 Vdstoshpati ; Lord of the Homestead, Indra, + +' Dhishund : a Goddess presiding over prosperity and gain ; according to +Sdyana, Vftgdevata, the Goddess of speech. * + +9 The Parvatas ; the genii who preside over mountains and clouds. For +offspring ; that they may give us children and children s children. + +Holy iptya: Trita Aptya, a divinity or mythical being who dwells in the +remotest part of the heavens. + + + +THE HYMNS' OF + + +504 + + +- [ECOK V. + + +10 Ta?Itft praised'Mm, germ of the earthly hero, with pure songs +Mrg. the Offspring of the Waters. + +Aghi with might neighs loudly like a charger; he of the +flaming hair destroys the forests. + +!1 Upw shall we speak to the great might of Rudra 1 How +speak to Bhaga who takes thought for riches ? + +May Plants, the Waters, and the Sky preserve us, and Woods +and Mountains with their trees for tresses. + +12 May the swift Wanderer, Lord of refreshments, list to,, our +songs, who speeds through cloudy heaven: + +And may the Waters, bright like castles, hear us, as they flow +onward' from the cloven mountain. + +4 13 We know your ways, ye Mighty Ones; receiving choice meed, +ye Wonderful, we will proclaim it. + +Even strong birds descend not to the mortal who strives to + +■.;, , reach them with swift blow and weapons. + +, 14 Celestial and terrestrial generations, and Waters will I sum¬ +mon to the feasting. + +May days with bright dawns cause my songs to prosper, and +may the. conquered streams increase their waters. + +15 Duly to each one hath my laud been offered. Strong be Va- +rutri with her powers, to succour. + + +10 Germ of the earthly hero : Agni, the Offspring of the Waters, who de¬ +velops into the strong God, or Hero, who appears on earth in the form of ter¬ +restrial fire. + +12 Swift Wanderer: Vftyu, God of the circumambient wind. + +As they flow onward: the text has pdvi srticho. S&yana explains sri'icho +(ladles) by saranasiMh t inclined or accustomed to flow. Professor Ludwig +suggests parisruto (flowing round or over) as the original reading. + +Cloven mountain: according to S&yana, the increasing, i, e . the towering, +or swelling, mountain, or cloud. + +18 This stanza is exceedingly difficult. I follow Professor Ludwig in his +interpretation, and understand the meaning to be : we know what your ways +are, and we glorify you because you reward us for doing so. If you appeared +to us only as hostile and terrible deities we should not praise you. any more +than birds allow themselves to be lured down by the man who shoots at them. +Professor Wilson, following S&yana, paraphrases the stanza : f Mighty Maruts, +of goodly aspect) quickly hear (the praises) that we who repair to you repeat, +offering acceptable (oblations) : (the Maruts) coming hither, well disposed, +come down to us (destroying) with their weapons the mortals opposed to them, +(overcome) by agitation/ + +14 The conquered streams: won from the hostile barbarians. + +‘ 15 Variltri: one-of a class of guardian Goddesses. Bee I. 22, 10, and III, + +62, a, + + + + +jks# rioVmda. + + +MtMN 42 .] + + +505 , + + +Kay the great Mother Basa here befriend us ; , straight-handed, +with the princes, striving forward. + +16 How may we serve the Liberal Ones with worship, the Maruts + +swift of course in invocation, the Maruts far-renowned in +* invocation ■% + +Let not the Dragon of the Deep annoy ns, and gladly may +he- welcome our addresses, + +17 Thus thinking, 0 ye Gods, the mortal wins yon to give him + +increase of his herds of cattle; the mortal wins him, O ye +Gods, your favour. , + +Here he wins wholesome food to feed this body : as for mine +old age, Nirriti consume it 1 + +18 0 Gods, may we obtain from you this favour, strengthening + +food through the Cow's praise, ye Vasus. + +May she who gives good gifts, the gracious Goddess, come +speeding nigh to us for our well-being, + +19 May I]a, Mother of the herds of cattle, and Urvasi with all + +the streams accept us; + +May Urvasi in lofty heaven accepting, as she partakes the +oblation of the living, + +20 Visit us while she shares fojavya’s food. + + +HYMN XLII. . Viyvrfevwr + +Now may our sweetest soug with deep devotion reach Varuna, +Mitra, Aditi, and Bhaga. + +May the Five Priests 3 Lord, dwelling in oblations, bliss-giving +Asura, hear, whose paths are open. + + +Rasd: a mythical stream which flows round the earth and the atmosphere, +here personified as.a benignant Goddess i earth, according to S&yana. See I. +112; 1%, Straight-handed ; holding out her hand to guide and help us* + +16 The Dragon of the Deep: Ahibudhnya, the regent of the depths of the +ftrman^cnt. + +17 Nirriti : the Goddess of destruction. ‘ May Nirriti’ (he thinks) swallow +up my old age (not me).’—Ludwig. + +19 lid: here meaning Barth, according to S&yana, Urvasi ; apparently +Fervour or Enthusiasm personified as a divine being. + +20 Urjavya's food: the viands provided by Lrjavya, the prince or patron +who institutes the sacrifice. + +The hymn is generally difficult and obscure ; and parts of the translation +are, and must at present be, conjectural, + +1 The Five Priests 9 L Viruna, the five priests who serve + +him being five Adityas, A. .. >. i Y&yu is meant, + + + +506 THE HYMNS OF [BOON F. + +2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart-gladden¬ + +ing son, my song that lauds her. + +The prayer they love, bliss-giving, God-appointed, I offer unto +Varuna and Mitra. + +3 Inspirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and + +meath bedew him. + +So then let him, God Savitar, provide us excellent, ready, and +resplendent treasures. + +4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord + +of Bays ! and pious patrons; + +And, with the sacred prayer by Gods appointed, give us the +holy Deities’ loving-kindness. + +5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they + +who conquer Vritra’s treasures, + +And V&ja and Ribhukshan and Purandhi, the Mighty and Im¬ +mortal Ones, protect us! + +6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor + +whom the Maruts follow. + +None of old times, 0 Maghavan, nor later, none of these days +hath reached thy hero prowess. + +7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brihaspati + +distributer of treasures, + +Who, blessing most the man who sings and praises, comes with +abundant wealth to his invoker. + +8 Tended, Brihaspati, with thy protections, the princes are un¬ + +harmed and girt by heroes. + +Wealth that brings bliss is found among the givers of horses +and of cattle and of raiment. + +9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their + +riches, yield us not an ample guerdon. + +Far from the sun keep those who hate devotion, the godless* +prospering in their vocation. + +10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, 0 Maruts, who at + +the feasts of Gods regards the demons. + +May he, though bathed iu sweat, form empty wishes, who +blames his sacred rite who toils to serve you. + +11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who + +is Lord of every balm that healeth. + + +3 The Sagest of the Sages; Savitar, perhaps as identified with Agni, + +5 Ribhukshan : in this place is said by S&yana to mean Ribhu, and Purarh +dhi (the intelligent) to mean Vibhvan, + +11 Pram him: Rudra. + + + + +EYMN 43.] + + +TEE MIG VEDA. + + +507 + + +Worsjbip thou Rudra for his great good favour: adore the Asura, +God, with salutations. + +12 May the House-friends, the cunning-handed Artists/ 5 may the + +Steer’s Wives, the streams carved out by Yibhvan, + +And may the fair Ones honour and befriend us, Sarasvati, +Rrihaddiva, and Raka. + +13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer + +to the Great, the Sure Protector, + +Who made for us this All, in fond love laying each varied form +within his Daughter’s bosom. + +14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, 0 Singer, attain Idaspati + +who roars and thunders, + +Who, rich in clouds and waters with his lightning speeds forth +bedewing both the earth and heaven. + +15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are + +youths in act, the Sons of Rudra. + +The wish calls me to riches and well-being : praise the unwea¬ +ried Ones whose steeds are dappled. + +16 May this my laud reach earth and air’s mid-region, and forest + +trees and plants to win me riches. + +May every Deity be swift to listen, and Mother Earth with no +ill thought regard me. + +17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. * + +18 May we obtain the Asvins’ newest favour, and gain their health- + +bestowing happy guidance. + +Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and +joy, Immortals! + +HYMN XLIII. Visvedevas. + +Mat the Milch-cows who hasten to their object come harmless +unto us with liquid sweetness. + +The Singer, lauding, calls, for ample riches, the Seven Mighty +Ones who bring enjoyment. + +12 The cunning-handed Artists: the Ribhus. The Steer's Wives: the spouses +of the mighty Indra. Garved out by Vibhvan: whose channels were formed +by him as the artificer of Varuna. + +Brihaddivd : a Goddess frequently associated with lid, Sarasvati, and others. +S&yana takes the word in this place as an epithet, e very brilliant,’ of Rdkd, +the Goddess who presides over the day of full moon. + +13 The Great) the Sure Protector: Indra. Eis Daughter .* Earth. Here, as +Ludwig observes, we have the germ of the myth of Praj&pati and his daughter. +Cf. X. 61. + +14 Idaspati: the Lord of the libation ; here Parjanya, God of the rain* + +clouds. - + +1 The Milch-cows; the rivers. The Seven Mighty Ones: probably the Indus,, +the five rivers of the Panj&b, and the Sarasvati, or the Kubhft. See I, 32, 12, + + + + +nos Tb&bymM&P* imoitft + +% With revet^BG& aftck fair, praise will I bring hither, for sake of +strength, exhaustless Earth and Heaven, + +- ]?afch%£ and Mather* sweet qf speech, fair-handed, may they, +far-famed,, in every fight protect us. + +■ H Adhvaryus* make the- sweet libations z'eady, and bring, the +beautiful bright juice to V&yu, + +God,, as our Priest, be thou the fitfst to drink it: we give thee +of the mead to - make thee joyful, + +i Two arms 1 —the Soma’s dexterous immolatorsr-^and the ten +fingers set and fix the press*stone. + +The stalk hath poured, fair with its spreading branches, the +mead’s bright glittering juice that dwells on mountains. + +6 The Sanaa hath been pressed for thee, its loYer, ta give thee +power and might and high enjoyment. + +Invoked-, turn hither in thy oar, 0 Indra, at need, thy two Well- +trained and dear Bay Horses. + +6 Bring by'God-traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Ara- + +tirati, Celestial Lady, + +Exalted,, Worshipped with our gifts and homage, who knoweth +holy Law, to drink sweet Soma. + +7 As on his father’s lap the son-, the darling, so on the fire is set + +the sacred caldron, + +Which holy sitigers deck, as- jf extending, and heating that +which holds the fatty membrane. + +8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty + +song, most sweet and pleasant 1 + +Come in one car, Joy-givers 1 to the banquet, like the bolt bind¬ +ing pole and nave, come hither. + +9 I have- declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pashan + +and victorious Vayu, + + +4 Immolators : or preparers. + +6 Ammati: the Goddess who presides over worship and active piety, and +also personifies the Barth; the Bpenta-Armaiti, or Holy Piety, and Spirit of +Earth, of the Zoroastrians. + +7 As if extending ; perhaps, stretching (over the fire) and so roasting, as +Prof. Roth explains. Beating that which holds the fatty membrane: f roasting +a marrow-yielding animal.’—Wilson. The is the omentum or membrane +enfolding the intestines of the victim, specially offered to Gods in the Vapd* +huti sacrifice. + +8 Jopghers: ye beneficent Asvins. Like the bolt: f As the* cart cannot +move if the axle of the wheel is not fastened by the pin or bolt, so the offer* +ing of the Soma is without efficacy unless the A&wins be present. 1 —Wilson, +from Sayana, + + + +tfifflr itlGVEDA, + + +&YMN 43.] + +‘ Who by their bounty are the hymns 1 inspirers, and of them¬ +selves give power as a possession, + +10 Invoked by us bring hither, Jatavedas ! the Maruts fill*under + +their names and figures. + +Come to the sacrifice with aid all Maruts, all to the songs and +praises of the singer 1 + +11 From high heaven may Sarasvati the Holy visit our sacrifice, + +and from the mountain. + +Eager, propitious, may the balmy Goddess hear our effectual +speech, our invocation, + +12 Set in his seat the God whose back is dusky, Brihaspati the + +lofty, the Disposer. + +Him let us worship, set within the dwelling, the red, the +golden-hued, the all-resplendent, + +13 May the Sustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the Bounteous + +One, invoked, with all his favours, + +Dweller with Dames divine, with plants, unwearied, the Steer +with triple horn, the life-bestower. + +14 The tuneful eloquent priestfs of him who liveth have sought + +the Mother’s bright and loftiest station. + +As living men, with offered gifts and homage they deck the +most auspicious Child to clothe him., + +15 Agni, great vital p.ower is thine, the mighty : pairs waxing old + +in their devotion seek thee. + +May every Deity he swift to listen, and Mother Earth with no +ill thought regard me. + +1 6 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. + +17 May We obtain the Asvins’ newest favour, and gain their + +health-bestowing happy guidance +Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and +joy, Immortals 1 + +■ IX Balmy : literally, filled with, or sprinkling ghritd, oil, fatness, or fertiliz¬ +ing fluid. ‘The showerer of water.’—Wilson. + +12 Whose bach is clusky: darkened by enveloping smoke, Brihaspati being +here identified with Agni. + +13 The Sustamer : or the very strong One, Agni. With triple horn ; ac¬ + +cording to S&yaua, having horns or flames of three colours, red, white, and +black (with smoke). . ., + +14 Eloquent; the meaning of rdspirtfsah is uncertain. S&yana explains it by + +^holders of sacrificial ladles.’ The Mother is the earth, and her loftiest station +is the altar. Of him who liveth : of the living man, the worshipper. The Child +is Agni. * + +15 Pairs: human pairs of worshippers ; husbands and wives. The second +half of this stanza is repeated from stanza 16 of the preceding hymn. + +16 This line and the following stanza are identical with 17 and* .18 of the +preceding hymn. + + + +510 + + +TRE HYMNS OF + + +[BOON K + + +HYMN XLIV. , Visvedevafl. + +As in the first old times, as all were wont, as now, he draweth +forth the power turned hitherward with song, + +The Princedom throned on holy grass, who findeth light, swift, +conquering in the plants wherein he waxeth strong. + +2 Shining to him who leaves heaven’s regions undisturbed, which + +to his sheen who is beneath show fair in light, + +Good guardian art thou, not to be deceived, Most Wise S Far +from deceits thy name dwelleth in holy Law. + +3 Truth waits upon oblation present and to come: naught checks + +, him in his way, this victory-bringing Priest: + +The Mighty Child who glides along the sacred grass, the un¬ +decaying Youth set in the midst of plants. + +i These come, well-yoked, to you for furtherance in the rite : +down come the twin-born strengtheners of Law for him, +With reins easily guided and commanding all. In the deep +: fall the hide stealeth away their names. + +5 Thou, moving beauteously in visibly pregnant ones, snatching +with trees the branching plant that grasps the juice, + +Shinest, true Singer! mid the upholders of the voice. Increase +thy Consorts thou, lively at sacrifice. + + +1 Be draweth forth: the Agnfdh, or priest who kindles the sacrificial fire, draws, +or literally milks out, Agni from the fire-sticks by attrition. I follow Professor +Ludwig in taking dohuse and vardhase as third persons singular. Professor +Orasamann banishes to his Appendix this c most bombastic and intentionally +obscure hymn,’ which he considers to be a later interpolation. The Princedom ; +the Prince, A gnv, jyeshtdtdtim the abstract being used for the concrete. + +2 Shining to him: apparently, to the Sun ; but the meaning is uncertain. + +Who is beneath; the Sun when he is setting, or perhaps Agni. Thou: Indra, + +Z Truth waits upon oblation} the hopes and wishes of the sacrificed are + +realized. It seems impossible to get any meaning out of dtyam (courser) and +I follow Professor I.". a *■ v.!’: rsatydm (truth or realization). The victory- + +bringing Priest, the M w \ u undecaying Youth , is Agni. + +4 These come, well-yoked: probably the priests, closely associated in their +sacred duties, who bring the waters used in the preparation of the Soma and +so are called strengtheners of Law , i. e. furtherers of the law-appointed sacrifice +for him,, for Agni the Child of the Waters. + +The hide stealeth away their names: according to S&yana, Aditya or the Sun +steals (that is, absorbs) the waters in low places ; or Agni appropriates the +offerings presented to him. Professor Ludwig is of opnion that hrivih +(literally, leather bottle or bag, and metaphorically cloud, cistern, or well) in +this place—samudr ah in its twofold signification as Soma reservoir and sea. +The meaning then would be that the names of the waters, i, e. the waters +themselves, fall into the reservoir and into the sea. According to Sfiyana the +whole stanza refers to the Sun, the well-yoked being his ‘ well-combined rays.’ + +5 This stanza is addressed to Agni. Visibly pregnant ones: perhaps the +Waters. With trees: with burning fuel. Thy Consorts; the flames, + + + + +TEE RIGYMDA. + + +511 + + +BTMN 44,] + + +6 Like as he is beheld such is he said to be. They with effectual +splendour in the floods have made +Earth yield us room enough and amply wi4e extent, great +might invincible, with store of hero sons. + +7" Sflrya the Sage, as if unwedded, with a Spouse, in battle-loving +spirit moveth o’er the foes. + +May he, self-excellent, grant us a sheltering home, a house +that wards the fierce heat off on every side. + +8 Thy name, sung forth by Bishis in these hymns of ours, + +goes to the loftier One with this swift mover’s light. + +By skill he wins the boon whereon his heart is set: he who +bestirs himself shall bring the thing to pass. + +9 The chief and best of these abideth in the sea, nor doth libation + +fail wherein it is prolonged. + +The heart of him who praiseth trembleth not in fear there +where the hymn is found connected with the pure. + +10 For it is he: with thoughts'of Kshatra, Manasa, of Yajata, + +and Sadhri, and Evavada, + +With Avats&ra’s sweet songs will we strive to win the mightiest +strength which even he who knows should gain. + +11 The Hawk is their full source, girth-stretching rapturous drink + +of Yisvavara, of Mayin, and Yajata. + +They ever seek a fresh draught so that they may come, know +when thy time to halt and drink thy fill is near. + +12 SadSprina the holy, Tarya, Srutavit, and B&huvrikta, joined + +with you, have slain the foes. + +He gains his wish in both the worlds and brightly shines— +when he adores the host—with well-advancing steeds. + +7 As if unwedded: Sfirya the Sun-God, although wedded to TJshas or Dawn, +is courageous as an unmarried man untroubled by care for wife and child; +may he give us assurance of security as he himself knows how delightful that is. + +'8 Thy name: the name of the institutor of the sacrifice. The loftier One : +Sflrya. This swift mover's light: the flames of Agni. Re who bestirs himself: +the restless Agni. + +9 Of these: hymns of praise. Abideth in the sea: is closely connected with +the vat or reservoir of Soma. According to S&yana the meaning is that the +best of the hymns proceed to the ocean-like Sun (samudravatparyavasdnabhiltam +stir yam ). + +10 For it is he : 1 He verily (is to be glorified).’—"Wilson. Kshatra } Manasa , +etc, are said to be the names of Ilishis associated with Avats&ra to whom +especially the hymn is ascribed. + +11 The Hawk: who brought the Soma from heaven. See XV. 27. Visvavdra , +Mdyin , and Yajata are said to be Kishis. + +12 Saddprina and the others mentioned in this verse are also Ilishis. Re : +each of the Ilishis, The host: of Gods, + + + + +book v. + + +m TEE HYMNS OF + +13 The Worshippers defender is Sutambhara, producer and up- + +lifter of all holy thoughts. + +The ^ilch-coy brought, sweet-flavoured milk was dealt around. +Who speaks the bidding text knows this, not he who sleeps. + +14 The Sacred hymns love him who wakes and -watches : to him + +who watches come the Sama verses. + +This Soma saith unto the man who watches, I rest and have +my dwelling in thy friendship. + +15 Agni is watchful, and the Bichas love him; Agni is watchful, + +S&ma verses seek him. + +Agni is watchful, to him saith this Soma, I rest and have my +dwelling in thy friendship. + +HYMN XLV. ySvedevas. + +Babds of approaching, Hawn who know the heavens are come +with hymns to throw the mountain open. , . + +The Sun hath risen and oped the stable portals ; the doors of +- J men, too, hath the God thrown open. + +2 Sfiry a hath spread his light as splendour: hither -came, the + +Cows’ Mother, conscious, from the stable, ** + +To streams that flow with biting waves to deserts; and heaven" +is stahlished like a firm-set pillar. + +3 This laud hath won the burden of the mountain. To aid the + +ancient birth of mighty waters + +The mountain parted, Heaven performed his office. The wor¬ +shippers were worn with constant serving. + +4 With hymns and Goddoved words will I invoke you, Indra + +and Agni, to obtain your favour, + +For verily sages, skilled in sacrificing, worship the Maruts and +with lauds invite them. + +13 Sutambhara : said to be the name of a Rishk The word means the +bearer of the juice or libation, professor Ludwig says that the Hawk (st. +11) is intended. + +15 The Mchas : the hymns and verses of the Rigveda. + +The hymn is. oxi'erdfag’y and obscure, and in parts it seems to be + +hopelessly niiiuei'icribie. I’r.'iV'-=■..■■■ Wilson’s paraphrase and'Professor Gras- +amann’s translation differ very widely from the version—founded mainly on +Professor Ludwig’s interpretation—which I offer as a temporary makeshift. + +1 Barcls: the Angirases who sing the -praises of Ushas and who know the +exact time when morning rites are to be celebrated. The mountain ; the +eloud in which the stolen Cows, or vanished rays of light, have been Concealed. + +2 The Cows' Mother : Dawn ; the parent of the rays of light, + +3 The burden of the mountain: the store of water which lies like an unborn’ +babe in the bosom of the mountain-like cloud. Performed his office ; aided +the production of the rain. The worshippers: the Angirases. + + + + + +HYMN 45.] THE RIGVEDA. \ 513 + +5 This day approach us: may our thoughts he holy, far from us + +let us cast away misfortune. + +Let us keep those who hate us at a distance, and chaste to +meet the man who sacrifices. + +6 Come, let us carry out, 0 friends, the purpose wherewith the + +Mother threw the Cow’s stall open, + +That wherewith Manu conquered Visisipra, wherewith the +wandering merchant gained heaven’s water. + +7 Here, urged by hands, loudly hath rung the press-stone where¬ + +with Navagvas through ten months sang praises. + +SaramU went aright and found the cattle. Angiras gave effect +to all their labours. + +8 When at the dawning of this mighty Goddess, Angirases all + +sang forth with the cattle,— + +Their spring is in the loftiest place of meeting,—Sarami +found the kine by Order’s pathway. + +9 Borne by his Coursers Seven may Surya visit the field that + +spreadeth wide for his long journey. + +Down on the Soma swooped the rapid Falcon. Bright was +the young Sage moving mid his cattle. + +10 Surya hath mounted to the shining ocean when he hath +yoked his fair-backed Tawny Horses. + +The wise have drawn him like a ship through water : the +floods obedient have descended hither. + + +6 Wherewith : I follow Professor Grassmann in taking ytt as instrumental— +y&yd. The Mother : Dawn. + +Vi isipra; meaning, perhaps, jawless or chinless, may, S&yana says, be +Vritra, and Manu here may mean Indra. Manu probably represents the vic¬ +torious Aryan invader and Visisipra the conquered barbarian. + +The wamdering merchant: S&yana says that this refers to the story of Kak- +shlv&n to whom the Asvins sent rain. See I. 112. 11. + +7 Through ten months: referring to the sacrifices of nine and ten months' +duration performed by the Navagvas and the Dasagvas, priestly families fre¬ +quently mentioned in connexion with the Angirases. These names mean, re¬ +spectively, nine-month miuistrants and ten-month ministrants, and are trans¬ +lated in the St. Petersburg Lexicon by Neuner and Zehner, Niners and Tenners. # +Saramd: see Index. Angiras: Agni. + +8 Their spring; the source of the Cows, that is the Cows themselves. +The loftiest place of meeting: the height of heaven. The half-line is ap¬ +parently parenthetical. + +9 The rapid Falcon which brought the Soma from heaven. The young ‘ +Sage: 'ever young and far-seeing.’ The Sun is intended, moving in the ’ +midst of his rays. + +10 The shining ocean: the luminous firmament. + +33 . + + + + +m THE HYMN'S, OF [BOOK F. + +11 I lay upon the Floods your hymn, light-winning, wherewith +Navagvas their ten months completed, + +; Through this* pur hymn may we have Gods to guard us : +through this our hymn pass safe beyond affliction. + +' * HYMN XLYL Yisvedevas; + +WEnL knowing I have bound me, horse-like, to the pole : + +I carry that which bears us on and gives us help. + +I seek for no release, no turning back therefrom. May he who +knows the way, the Leader, guide me straight + +2 0 Agni, Indra, Yaruna, and Mitra, give, 0 ye Gods, and + +Marut host, and Yishnu. + +May both Nasatyas, Rudra, heavenly Matrons, Pushan, Sara- +svati, Bhaga, accept us. + +3 Iudra and Agni, Mitra, Yaruna, Aditi, the Waters, Mountains, + +Maruts, Sky, and Earth and Heaven, + +Yishnu I call, Pushan, and Brahmanaspati, $nd‘Bhaga, Sahsa, +Savitar that they may help., + +4 May' Yishnu also and V&ta who injures none, and Soma granter + +of possessions give us joy; + +And may the Ribhus and the Asvins, Tvashtar and Vibhvan +remember us so that we may have wealth. + +5 So may the band of Maruts dwelling in the sky, the holy, come + +to us to sit on sacred grass ; + +Brihaspati and Pushan grant us sure defence, Yaruna, Mitra, +Aryaman guard and shelter us. + +6 And may the Mountains famed in noble eulogies, and the fair- + +gleaming Rivers keep us safe from harm. + +' May Bhaga the Dispenser come with power and grace, and +far-pervading Aditi listen to my call. + +7 May the Gods’ Spouses aid us of their own free will, aid us to + +offspring and the winning of the spoil. + +Grant us protection, 0 ye gracious Goddesses, ye who are on +the earth or in the waters’ realm. + + +11 2 lay upon the floods: I offer to the Waters. Light-winning; which +gams for the worshipper the light of heaven. + +The Consorts of the Gods are the deities of the last two stanzas. + +1 /; The llishi Pratikshafcra. The pole; a metaphorical expression for +sacrificial duties. That which bears us on .* the pole, the performance of +sacrifice. *1 support that transcendant and preservative load.’—Wilson. He +utfio knows the way: the divine inner guide : m&rgdbldjfto' ntarydmi devah~~ +S&yana. , * + +3 Sahsa; prayer or wish, personified. Or sdhsam may be a verbal form, +X praise. ^ * + + + + +HYMN m ms HIQVBDA. . 515 + +8 May the Dames; wives of Gods, enjoy our presents, R&t, Asvmf, +Agn&yi, and Indrani. + +May Rodasi and Varuii&ni hear us, and Goddesses qpme at the +Matrons’ season. + +HYMN XLVII. Visvedevas, + +Urging to toil and making proclamation, seeking Heaven's +Daughter comes the Mighty Mother: + +She comes, the youthful Hymn, unto the Fathers, inviting to +her home and loudly calling. + +2 Swift in their motion, hasting to their duty, reaching the cent¬ + +ral point of life immortal, + +On every side about the earth and heaven go forth the spaci¬ +ous paths without a limit. + +3 Steer, Sea, Red Bird with strong wings, he hath entered the + +dwelling-place of the Primeval Father. + +A gay-hued Stone set in the midst of heaven, he hath gone +forth and guards mid-air’s two limits. + +4 Four bear him up and give him rest and quiet, and ten invigor¬ + +ate the Babe for travel. + +His kine most excellent, of threefold nature, pass swiftly round +the boundaries of heaven. + +d Wondrous, 0 people, is the mystic knowledge that while the +waters stand th:* streams are flowing ; + +Thar, separate from his Mother, Two support him,, closely-united, +twin.'?, hero marie apparent. + +8 Bdl: the name of a Goddess, or, as S&yana takes it, bright, qualifying +Asvmt, the Consort of the As vine. Rodast: the Spouse of Rudra. See Index, +At the Matrons' season ; at the .time appointed for the celestial dames, +the Consorts of the Gods. - + +t Iteaven's Daughter ; Ushas or Dawn. The Mighty Mother: perhaps, as +Professor Dud wig suggests, Vftk or Speech is intended, who appears in -the- +second line as the Hymn personified. + +2 The central point of life immortal •' the Sun. The paths : the long lines +of light, + +3 Sea: as the great attracter and receptacle of the waters. + +Me: the Sun. The Primeval Father : Dyaus, or Heaven. + +A gay-hiied Stone: Professor Ludwig would read prtmi-rasmd, * with variegat¬ +ed rays,’ instead of the prlsnir-dsmd of the" text. But the alteration seems to +be unnecessary. + +4 Four: according to S Ay an a, the four chief priests. Possibly Varuna, +Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga are intended—Ludwig. + +Ten: the regions of space ; as the Sun attracts the waters from all sidetf. +Ills Jcine: his rays. Of threefold nature: producing heat, cold (by their ab¬ +sence), and rain. + +'5 The marvel is that the waters stand still in the sea while the rivers are +continually flowing into it. Cf. Eclesiasies, I. 7. Separate from his Mother: +Sftrya’a Mother is the invisible Aditi ; and he is supported by Heaven and +Earth, the closely-connected pair who are visible in this world. —Ludwig. + + + +516 THE HYMNS OH [BOOK K + +6 For him they lengthen prayers and acts of worship: the + +Mothers weave garments for him their offspring. + +Rejoicing, for the Steer’s impregning contact, his Spouses move +on pa^fchs of heaven to meet him. + +7 Be this our praise, 0 Varuna and Mitra; may this be health + +and force to us, 0 Agni. + +May we obtain firm ground and room for resting : Glory to +Heaven, the lofty habitation ! + +HYMN XLVIII. Visvedevas. + +What may we meditate for the beloved Power, mighty in na¬ +tive strength and glorious in itself, + +* Which as a magic energy seeking waters spreads even to the +immeasurable middle region’s cloud ? + +2 ; 0 * 61 ’ all the region with their uniform advance these have +spread out the lore that giveth heroes strength. + +Back, with their course reversed, the others pass away: the +pious lengthens life with those that are' before. + +3. With pressing-stones'and with the bright beams of the day he +' hurls his broadest bolt against the Guileful One. + +Even he Whose hundred wander in his own abode, driving the +days afar and bringing them again. + +4 I, to enjoy the beauty of his form, behold that rapid rush of + +his as ’twere an axe’s edge, + +What time be gives the man who calls on him in fight wealth- +like a dwelling-house filled full with store of food. + +5 Four-faced and nobly clad, Varuna, urging on the pious to his + +task, stirs himself with the tongue. + +’ Naught by our human nature do we know of him, him from +whom Bhaga Savitar bestows the boon. + + +6 They; worshippers- The Mothers ; the Dawns, or the regions of space, +which clothe the Sun with light. His Spouses; the solar rays. + +7 Firm ground and room for resting; * stability and permanence,’—Wilson, + +1 Which as a magic energy; or, what time the magic energy, that is Y&k, +Voice or Speech. + +% These ; Dawns. Before; yet to come. + +3 • With pressing-stones; in alliance with, and strengthened by them, that is, +the libation? which they aid. He : Ihdra. The Guileful One; Vritra. Even he; +Indra as the Sun. Whose hundred ; S&yana supplies, rays. + +4 His form; Agni’s. + +5 Varuna: accoording to Setyaoa, varunah here is an adjective = tama- +vdrdhah, darkness-repelling, and an epithet of*Agni. + +With the tongue: causing the worshipper to speak of him. + +Naught by our human nature; all our knowledge of the God comes by his +inspiration. + +Bhaga; according to S&yana, bkdgak here is an epithet of Savitar, mighty +or adorable. + + + + +HfMN M.1 + + + + +!PJZB &IQVBBA, + +HYMN XLIX. Visvedevas. + +Yhis day I bring God Savitar to meet you, and Bhaga who +allots the Wealth of mortals. * + +You, Asvins, Heroes rich in treasures, daily seeking your friend¬ +ship fain would I turn hitheh + +2 Knowing full well the Asura’s time of coming, worship God + +Savitar with hymns and praises* + +* Let him who rightly kiioweth speak with homage to him who +dealeth out man’s noblest treasure. + +3 Not for reward doth Pushan send his blessings, Bhaga, or + +Aditi: his garb is splendour. + +May Indra, Vishnu, Varuna, Mitra, Agni produce auspicious +days, the Wonder-Work ers> + +1 Sending the shelter which we ask, the foeless Savitar and + +the Rivers shall approach us* + +When I, the sacrifice’s priest, invite them, may we be lords of +wealth and rich possessions. + +5 They who devote such worship to the YaSus, singing their +hymns to Yaruna and Mitra, + +Vouchsafe them ample room, far off be danger, Through +grace of Heaven and Earth may we be happy. + +HYMN L. Visvedevas. + +Lex every mortal man elect the friendship of the guiding God. +Each one solicits him for wealth and seeks renown to prosper +him. + +2 These, leading God, are thine, and these Jiere ready to speak + +after us. + +As such may we attain to wealth and wait with services on +thee. + +3 So further honour as our guests the Hero Gods and then the + +Dames. + +May he remove and keep afar our foes and all who block our +path. + + +$ The Asum's time of coding : the r.r v "*^a~h ^ the divine Savitar, + +3 Aditi: according to t V< */. / u who cannot he impaired, + +Used here as an epithet of Agni, understood, as are also p&shft, * nourishing,’ +and bhdgah, * adorable.’ But S&yana gives also the alternative interpretation +of the words as three deities. + +The Rishi is said to he Svasti (a name apparently borrowed from svastdye 3 +for weai, in stanza 5). + +1 The guiding God : Savitar. + +2 These: worshippers. + +3 The Baines; the Consorts of the Gods. May he: Savitar, + + + +* 51 ? TEE HYMNS QF \BOOK V, + +4 Where fire is set, and swiftly runs the victim dwelling in the +trough, + +He wing, with heroes in his home, friendly to man, lifee con¬ +stant streams. + +May these thy riches, Leader God ! that rule the car, be blest +. , to us, + +Yea, blest to us for wealth and weal. This will we ponder + +praising strength, this ponder as \ye praise the God. , + +' 1 ; ■ + +HYMN LI. : Yi|yedeV>as. + +With all assistants, Agni, come hitherto drink the Soma-* +juice; + +With Gods unto our sacred gifts. + +2 Come to the sacrifice, 0 ye whose ways are right, whose laws + +, are true, ; + +And drink the draught with Agni’s tongue. + +, 3 0 Singer, with the singers, 0 Gracious, with those who move +at dawn, + +:.^Jome to thp Soma-draught With Gods. + +4 To Indra and to Vayu dear, this Soma, by the mortar, pressed, +Is now poured forth to fill the jar. + +5 Vayu ? come hither to the feast, well-pleased unto our "Sacred + +gifts: - + +Drink of the Soma juice effused ; come to the food. + +6 ’ Ye, Indra, Vayu, well deserve to drink the juices pressed by us. +Gladly accept them, spotless Pair : come t6 the food. h . •* : . + +7 For Indra and for V&yu pressed are Soma juices blent with + +.curd, ^ * . + +As rivers to the lowland flow : come to the foocL + +3 Associate with all the Gods, come, with the Asvins and with;" + +Dawn, * ' + +Agni, as erst with Atri, so enjoy the juice. , r - v ■ + +4 This stanza is obscure. JDrdnyak pasuh, the victim or beast cpnne’eted +■with, Or dwelling in, the <E'6na }r i\ih or trough, is apparently the Soma. The +meaning may be that the man who causes the sacrificial fire to be kindled and/ +libations of Soma juice to be prepared is rewarded with brave sons and general +prosperity. + +1 With all assistants • * with all the protecting deities.’—Wilson. - + +2 0 ye: other Gods. + +3 0 Singer: Agni. With the singers: with the human priests. Those who +move at clawn ; the Gods who come to the morning sacrifice. + +8 As erst with Atri: as thou wast accustomed to enjoy the libation offered + +by the ancient Atri, the progenitor of the Xlishi of the hymn, ^ + + +HYMN 52.] TIIE RIGYEHA. 5119 + +9 Associate with Varuna, with Mitra, Soma, Vishnu, come, + +Agni, as erst with Atri, so enjoy the juice. + +10 Associate with Vasus, with Adityas, Indra, V&yu, cpme, Agni + +as erst with Atri, so enjoy the juice. + +11 May Bhaga and the Asvins grant us health and wealth, and + +Goddess Adifci and he whom none resist. + +The Asura Pushan grant us all prosperity, and Heaven and +Earth most wise vouchsafe us happiness. + +12 Let us solicit V&yu for prosperity, and Soma who is Lord of + +all the world for weal; + +For weal Brihaspati with all his company. May the Adityas +bring us health and happiness. + +13 May all the Gods, may Agni the beneficent, God of all men, + +this day be with us for our weal. + +Help us the Ribhus, the Divine Ones, for our good. May Ru- +dra bless and keep us from calamity. + +14 Prosper us, Mitra, Varuna, 0 wealthy Pathya, prosper us. +Indra and Agni, prosper us; prosper us thou, 0 Aditi. + +15 Like Sun and Moon may we pursue in full prosperity our path, +And meet with one who gives again, who knows us well .and + +slays us not. + +HYMN LII, * , Maruts. + +Sing boldly forth, Syavasva, with the Maruts who are loud in +■ song, j - + +Who, holy, as their wont is, joy in glory that is free from guil6. +2 For “in their boldness they are friends of firm and sure heroic +strength. + +They in their course, bold-spirited, guard all men of their +own accord. + +'3 Like steers in rapid motion they advance and overtake the +nights; + +/ Apd thus the Maruts’ power in heaven and on the earth we +celebrate. + +It Health and wealth: svasti; well-being, prosperity. I have slightly +varied the translation of the word, which recurs in every line of stanzas 11—14 +and in the first line of 15. The Asura: the divine and immortal being. S&- +yana explains the word as 1 the expeller of enemies, or the giver of life and +strength/ + +12 With all his company: with all the host of heaven, + +14 Wealthy Pathyd ; * the rich path/ personified as a deity of happiness +and welfare. + +15 Who gives again: who repays the kindness we have Bhown him when he +was our guest. These, as .Professor Ludwig observes, are the wishes of a man +who la starting on a journey to a distant place. + + + +526 mn op [bo op v. + +4 With boldness to you? Maruts let ns offer laud and sacrifice ; +Who all, through ages of mankind, guard mortal man from + +injury* + +5 Praiseworthy, givers of good gifts, Heroes With full and per^ + +feet strength— + +, To Maruts, Holy Ones of heaven, will I extol the sacrifice. + +6 The lofty Heroes cast their spears and weapons bright With + +gleaming gold. + +After these Maruts followed close, like laughing lightning from +the sky, a splendour of its own accord. + +7 They who waxed mighty, of the earth, they who are in the + +wide mid-air, + +Or in the rivers’ compass, or in the abode of ample heaven. + +8 Praise thou the Maruts’ company, the Valorous and truly + +strong. + +The Heroes, hasting, by themselves have yoked their deer for +victory, + +9 Fair-gleaming, on Parushni they have clothed themselves in + +robes of wool, ' + +And with their chariot tires they cleave the rook asunder in +their might. + +10 Whether as wanderers from the way or speeders on or to the + +path, + +, Under these names the spreading band tend well the sacrifice +for me. + +11 To this the Heroes well attend, well do their teams attend to + +this. + +Visible are their varied forms. Behold, they are P&r&vatas. + +12 Hymn-singing, seeking water, they, praising, have danced + +about the spring. + +What are they unto me ? No thieves, but helpers, splendid to +behold* + + +9 Parushni: one of the rivers of the Panjdb, now called the Il&vi. Robes +of wool: the fleecy vapours whieh rise from the waters. See IV. 22. 2. + +11 Pdrdvatas: a tribe who dwelt on the banks of the Parushni who may +have been in the habit of making sudden incursions into the country through +which the Sindhu or Indus flows, + +12 Seeking water : this is Sty ana’s explanation of kubhanyavah, the mean¬ + +ing of which is uncertain. The spring ; apparently, the cloud. According to +S&yana the reference is to the water—or the well—which was miraculously +brought to the thirsting Gk>t$ma by the Maruts. See I. 86. 11. The stanza +,is difficult and obscure. * n + + + + +ilYMtf 62.] Tm RlGVUDA. 521 ■. + +13 Sublime, with lightnings for their spears, Sages and Orderera + +are they. + +Bishi, adore that Marut host, and make them happy* with thy +song. + +14 Eishh invite the Marut band with offerings, as a maid lier + +friend. + +From heaven, too, Bold Ones, in your might haste hither glo¬ +rified with songs. + +15 Thinking of these now let him come, as With the escort of the + +Gods, + +And with the splendid Princes, famed for rapid courses,' to +the gifts. + +16 Princes, Who, when I asked their kin, named Prism as their + +Mother-cow, + +And the impetuous Budra they, the Mighty Ones, declared +their Sire. + +17 The mighty ones, the seven times seven, have singly given + +me hundred gifts. + +I have obtained on Yamuna famed Wealth in kine and wealth +in steeds. + + +14 As a maid her friend; this seems to be a the meaning of mitrdm nd +yoshdnd , which S&yara explains, as a friend (or as Aditya, the Sun) with praise. + +_ 15 The three concluding stanzas are very difficult, and attempts at transla¬ +tion and explanation must be purely conjectural. The following is the subs¬ +tance of Professor Ludwig’s note, S4kins [mighty ones] in stanza 17 are ap¬ +parently a clan (yajam&n&h, or institutors of sacrifice) whose number consisting +of a multiple of seven, gave occasion to their comparison to the Maruts, and +an easy transition to the ddnastuti or eulogy of their liberality. The construe-, +tion is : now thinking of these sacrifices [or, Maruts] may he [the Rishi] come +together, as with the escort of the Gods [invited in stanza 14], in company +with [the Maruts orj the S fir is to the sacrificial offerings. + +Stanza 16 is to be understood figuratively as eulogy of the §fikins who are +here directly identified with the Maruts. The priest must know the lineage +of the sacrifices, because in certain ceremonies he must proclaim their names, +and here Sfikins are considered to have inherited their liberality from Prisui +as their mother and their power from Rudra as their father. + +17 The MigMy Ones : or the SfiMns, as Professor Ludwig explains. + +The seven times seven : there ’ are said to be seven troops of the Maruts, +each consisting of seven. The S£kins, or powerful institutors of sacrifice, +appear to be intended here (see preceding note) as compared to, or identified +with the Maruts. On Yanrnnd: on the banks of the river now known as the +Jumna. + +This and all Rigveda hymns addressed to the Maruts have been translated +and thorougly discussed by Professor Max Muller ha Vedic Hymns, Part X, +(Sacred Books of the East, Yol. XXXII.) + + +522 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK F. + + +HYMN LIIL Maruts. + +Who knows the birth of these, or who lived in the Maruts’ +favour in the days of old +What time their spotted deer were yokedj + +% Who, when they stood upon their oars, hath heard them tell +the way they wentl + +. Who was the bounteous man to whom their kindred rains +flowed down with food of sacrifice ? + +3 To me they told it, and they came with winged steeds radiant + +to the draught, + +. Youths, Heroes free from spot or stain: Behold us here and +praise thou us; + +4 Who shine self-luminous with ornaments and swords, with + +breastplates, armlets, and with wreaths, + +Arrayed on chariots and with bows., + +5 0 swift to pour your bounties down, ye Maruts, with delight + +I loot upon your cars, + +Like splendours coming through the rain. + +6 Munificent Heroes, they have cast heaven’s treasury down for ‘ + +the worshipper’s behoof: + +They set the storm-cloud free to stream through both the +worlds, and rainfloods flow o’er desert spots. + +7 The bursting streams in billowy flood have spread abroad, like + +milch-kine, o’er the firmament. + +Like swift steeds hasting to their journey’s resting-place, to +every side run glittering brooks. + +5 Hither, 0 Maruts, come from heaven, from mid-air, or from +near at hand: + +Tarry not far away from us. + +9 So let not Basfi, Krumu, or AnitabLa, Kubha, or Sindhu hold +you back. + +Let not the watery Sarayu obstruct your way. With us be +all the bliss ye give. + +10 That brilliant gathering of your cars, the company of Maruts, +of the Youthful Ones, + +The rain-showers, speeding on, attend. + +1 Of these: Gods ; the Maruts. + +9 jRasd : a river, probably an affluent of the Sindhu or Indus, as Anilabhd +also seems to have been. Krumu ; a tributary of the Indus, identified by ' +some with the Kurum. KubJid: the Kophdn, or Kabul river which falls into +the Indus near AUock. Sarayu : probably a river in the Panj&b which gave- +Its name to the Sarayu or Sarju of Oudh, + + + + +THE RIG YE DA. + + +m + + +HYMN 51] + +11 With eulogies and hymns may we follow your army, troop by + +troop, and band by band, + +And company by company. + +12 To what oblation-giver, sprung of noble ancestry, have sped +* The Maruts on this course to-day ? + +13 Vouchsafe to us the bounty, that which we implore, through + +which, for child and progeny, + +Ye give the seed of corn that wasteth not away, and bliss +that reacheth to all life. + +14 May we in safety pass by those who slander us, leaving be¬ + +hind disgrace and hate. + +Maruts, may we be there when ye, at dawn, in rest and toil, +rain waters down and balm. + +15 Favoured by Gods shall be the man, 0 Heroes, Maruts! and + +possessed of noble sons, + +Whom ye protect. Such may we be. + +1 6 Praise the Free-givers, At this liberal patron’s rite they joy +like cattle in the mead. + +So call thou unto them who come as ancient Friends: hymn +those who love thee with a song, + +HYMN LIV, Maruts, + +This hymn will I make ready- for the Marut host who bright +in native splendour cast the mountains down. + +Sing the great strength of those illustrious in renown, who +stay the heat, who sacrifice on heights of heaven. + +2' 0 Maruts, rich in water, strengtheners of life are your strong +bands: with harnessed steeds, that wander far. + +Tritar roars out at him who aims the lightning-flash. The +Waters sweeping round are thundering on their way. + +3 They" gleam with lightning, Heroes, „ Casters _of the, Stong , >y +'' wind-rapid Maruts, overthrowers of the hills, + +Oft through desire to rain coming with storm of hail, roaring +in onset, violent and exceeding strong. + + +1 Who sacrifice on heights of heaven: { to whom solemn rites are familiar: +Tby whom the sacrifices called JPrishthci are made,’—Wilson. The word prim* +thd is ambiguous, signifying both height or ridge and a oertain arrangement +‘of hymns (see IV. 20. 4). So also gharmd in the same half-line signifies both +heat and an oblation of hot milk or other heated beverage, and the meaning +of the compound gharmasMbhe is accordingly ambiguous. + +2 Trita: the Vedic God who frequently appears in connexion with the + +Maruts, According to SAyana, Trita is the cloud or company of Maruts sta* +tinned in three places, . ; + + + +m ttfMtis op t book ?. + + +4 When, eighty Eudras, through the nights and through the +days, when through the sky and realms of air, shakers of all, +When over the broad fields ye drive along like ships, e’eii to +strongholds ye Gome, Margts, but are not harmed, + +6 Maruts, this hero strength and majesty of yours hath, like +the Sim, extended d’fcr a lengthened way, + +When in your course like deer with splendour unslibdued ye +bowed the hill that gives imperishable rain* + +6 Bright shone your host, ye Sages, Maruts, when ye sniote the + +waving tree as when the worm consumeth it. + +Accordant, as the eye guides him who walks, have ye led our +devotion onward by an easy path. + +7 Never is he, 0 Maruts, slain or overcome, tiever doth he decay, + +ne’er is distressed or harmed; + +Sis treasures, his resources, never Waste away, whom, whether +he be prince or Bishi, ye direct* ‘ . + +, 8 With harnessed team like heroes overdoming troops, the friendly +Maruts, laden with their water-casks, + +Let the spring flow, and when impetuous they roar they +inundate the earth with floods of pleasant mCath + + +9 + +10 + + + +12 + + +13 + + +Free for the Maruts is the earth with sloping ways, free for the +rushing Ones is heaven with steep descents. + +The paths of air’s mid-region are precipitous, precipitous the +mountains with their running streams* + +When, as the Sun hath risen up, ye take delight, 0 bounteous +radiant Maruts, Heroes of the sky, + +Your coursers weary not when speeding on their way, and +rapidly ye reach the end of this your path, + +Lances are on your shoulders, anklets on your feet, gold chains +"'■■r.’yrrir + +3. .■igT.vi' v ;!i jmv :!;Vdi : '.g hr your hands, and + +visors wrought of gold are laid upon your heads. + +Maruts, in eager stir ye shake the vault of heaven, splendid +beyond conception, for its shining fruit. + +They gathered when they let their deeds of might flash forth. + +The Pious Ones send forth a far-resounding shout. + +Sage Maruts, may we be the drivers of the car of riches full +of life that have been given by you. + +0 Maruts, let that wealth in thousands dwell with us which +never vanishes like Tishya from the sky. + + +12 For its shining fruit: the bright water. + +13 The drivers of the car; that is, the controllers, May we by our, prayers +and sacrifices bring down and enjoy the riches which you give, . + + + + +HYMH 55.] THE RIGYEDA. tit + +14 Maruts, ye further wealth with longed-for heroes, further the + +Bishi shilled in chanted -verses. + +Ye give the Bharata as his strength, a charger, and ye^bestow +a King who quickly listens. + +15 Of you, most swift to succour! I solicit wealth wherewith we + +may spread forth mid men like as the Sun. + +Accept, 0 Maruts, graciously this hymn of mine that we may +live a hundred winters through its power, + +HYMN LV. Maruts. + +With gleaming lances, with their breasts adorned with gold, +the Maruts, rushing onward, hold high power of life. + +They hasten with swift steeds easy to be controlled. Their +cars moved onward as they went to victory. + +2 Ye, as ye wist, have gained of yonr own selves your power; + +high, 0 ye Mighty Ones, and wide ye shine abroad. + +They with their strength have even measured out the sky, +Their cars moved onward as they went to victory, + +3 Strong, born together, they together have waxed great: the + +Heroes more and more have grown to majesty. + +Besplendent as the Sun’s beams in their light are they. Their +cars moved onward as they went to victory. + +4 Maruts, your mightiness deserves to be adored, sight to be + +longed for like the shinin g of the Sun. + +So lead us with your aid to immortality. Their cars moved +onward as they went to victory. + +5 0 Maruts, from the Ocean ye uplift the rain, and fraught with + +vaporous moisture pour the torrents down. + +Never, ye Wonder-Workers, are your Milch-kine dry. Their +ears moved onward as they went to victory. + +6 When to your car-poles ye have yoked your spotted deer to be +.. your steeds, and put your golden mantles on, + +0 Maruts, ye disperse all enemies abroad. Their cars moved +onward as they went to victory, + +Fishy a: an asterism regarded as shaped like an arrow and containing three +stars. According to S&yana Tishya here is synonym oils with Aditya. + +14 The Bharata,: a warrior, or one of family of Bharata. See Index. Ac¬ +cording to S&yana, ►3y&v£sva theRishi of the hymn is intended : ‘to (me) the- +miniatrant priest.'—Wilson. + +Who quickly listens : t,o his people’s prayers. S&yana explains srushtimdntam +as suhhavantam , happy and prosperous. + +Id A hundred winters: a frequently occurring expression, ‘ from which we +might infer/ says Dr. J. Muir, ‘that the Indians still retained some recollec¬ +tion of their having at one time occupied a colder country.* See Original Sans* +hrit Texts , II. 323. —, + +* 5 Your Milch-kine: the rain-clouds, + + + +320 TJtS HYMNS OF [.BOOK V. + +.7 Neither the"mountains nor the rivers keep you back ; whither +ye have resolved thither ye, Maruts, go. + +* Ye compass round about even the heaven and earth. Their +cars moved onward as they went victory. + +8 Whatever is ancient, Maruts, what of recent time, whate’er is' + +spoken, Vasus, what is chanted forth, + +- They who take cognizance of all of this are ye. Their cars +moved onward as they went to victory. + +9 Be gracious unto us, ye Maruts, slay us not: extend ye unto + +us shelter of many a sort. + +Pay due regard unto our friendship and our praise. Their +cars moved onward^as they went to victory. + +10 0 Maruts, lead us on to higher fortune: deliver us, when +, lauded, from afflictions. + +Accept, ye Holy Ones, the gifts we bring you. May we be +masters of abundant riches. + +• HYMN LYI. Maruts. + +Agni, that valorous company adorned with ornaments of gold, +The people of the Maruts, I call down to-day even from the +luminous realm of heaven. * + +2 Even as thou thinkest in thy heart, thither my wishes also + +tend. + +Those who have come most near to thine invoking calls, +strengthen them fearful to behold. + +3 Earth, like a bounteous lady, liberal of her gifts, struck + +down and shaken, yet exultant, comes to us. + +Impetuous as a bear, 0 Maruts, is your rush terrible as a +dreadful bull. + +4 They who with mighty strength overthrow like oxen difficult + +to yoke, + +Cause e’en the heavenly stone to shake, "yea, shake the rocky +mountain as they race along, + +5 Bisemp! even now with lauds I call the very numerous com- + +P any, + +Unequalled, of these Maruts, like a herd of ]$ine, grown up +together in their strength. + +2 Strengthen them: that is, the Maruts, with oblations. + +3 The exact meaning of the first line is somewhat uncertain. S&yana ex¬ +plains it: f As the earth—that is the people of the earth—having a powerful +masters, when oppressed by others, has recourse to him her own master, m +> the army of Maruts comes exulting to us.’ But mWvAihnatt (boumeous, liberal, +bringing forth abundant fruit) cannot mean prabalnsvdnxikd } having a power¬ +ful master. + +Struok down; by the rain sent by the Maruts, + + + + +HYMN 57.] ' THE RIOTED A, . 52,7 + +6 Bind to your car the bright red mares, yoke the red coursers + +to your car. + +Bind to the pole, to draw, the fleet-foot tawny steeds, the +best at drawing, to the pole.' + +7 Yea, and this loudly-neighing bright red vigorous horse who + +hath been stationed, fair to see, + +Let him not cause delay, 0 Maruts, in your course, urge ye +him onward in your cars. + +8 The Maruts’ chariot, ever fain to gather glory, we invoke, +Which Rodasi hath mounted, bringing pleasant gifts, with + +Maruts in her company. + +9 I call that brilliant band of yours, adorable, rapid on the car +Whereon the bounteous Dame, auspicious, nobly bom, shows + +glorious with the Marut host. + +HYMN LYIX. Maruts. + +Of one accord, with Indra, 0 ye Rudras, come borne on your +golden car for our prosperity. + +An offering from us, this hymn is brought to you, as, unto one +who thirsts for water, heavenly springs. + +2 Armed with your daggers, full of wisdom, armed with spears, + +armed with your quivers, armed with arrows, with good bows, +Good horses and good cars have ye, 0 Prism’s Sons: ye, Maruts, +with good weapons go to victory. + +3 From hills and heaven ye shake wealth for the worshipper: in + +terror at your coming low the woods bow down. + +Ye make the earth to tremble, Sons of Prism, when for victory +ye have yoked, fierce Ones ! your spotted deer. + +4 Bright with the blasts of wind, wrapped in their robes of rain, + +like twins of noble aspect and of lovely form, + +The Maruts, spotless, with steeds tawny-hued and red, strong +in their mightiness and spreading wide like heaven. . + +0 Rich in adornment, rich in drops, munificent, bright in their' +aspect, yielding bounties that endure, + +Noble by birth, adorned with gold upon their breasts, the +Singers of the sky have won immortal .fame. + +7 Who hath been stationed : or harnessed to the car. + +. 8 Rodasi : the Consort of Rudra and mother of the Maruts. + +9 The bounteous Dame : Bodast. Shows glorious : or, is glorified. + +1 0 ye Rudras : or Sons of Eudra. For our prosperity : * to the accessible +(sacrifice).’—-Wilson. Heavenly springs : an allusion, says S&yana, to the well, +that is, the cloud which was brought by the Maruts to thirsty Grotama, See +I. '85. 11. + +4 Like twins: all alike. + +5 The Singers of the sky ; chanters of their thunder-psalm. + + + + +528 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK V. + +6 Borne on both shoulders, 0 ye Maruts, are your spears: within + +your arms is laid your energy and strength. + +Bold thoughts are in your heads, your weapons in your cars, +all glorious majesty is moulded on your forms. + +7 Youchsafe to us, 0 Maruts, splendid bounty in cattle and in + +steeds, in cars and heroes. + +Children of Budra, give us high distinction: may I enjoy your +Godlike help and favour. + +8 Ho ! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious un¬ + +to us, ye rich in treasures, + +Ye hearers of the truth, ye sage and youthful, grown mighty, +dwelling on the lofty mountains. + +HYMN LVIII. Maruts. + +Now do I glorify their mighty cohort, the company of these the +youthful Maruts, + +Who ride impetuous on with rapid horses, and radiant in +themselves, are Lords of Amrit. , + +2 The mighty glittering band, arm-bound with bracelets, givers + +of bliss, unmeasured in their greatness, + +With magical powers, bountiful, ever-roaring,—these, liberal +Heroes, venerate thou singer. + +3 This day may all your water-bringers, Maruts, they who impel + +the falling rain, approach us. + +This fire, 0 Maruts, hath been duly kindled; let it find favour +with you, youthful Sages, + +4 Ye raise up for the folk an active ruler whom, Holy Ones I a + +Master’s hand hath fashioned. + +Ye send the fighter hand to hand, arm-mighty, and the brave +hero, Maruts ! with good horses. + +6 Bold thoughts: S&yaiia explains nrimryi—nrimndni as golden tiaras. The +word nrim.no, in one or another of its cases occurs some thirty times in the +Itigveda, and always in the sense of manly power, valour, or valorous deed. + +8 Ye hearers of the truth; or, famous for your truth, for the realization of +your promises, + +1 Lords of Amrit: controllers of the sweet life-giving rain. + +2 Arm-hound 'with bracelets: or, ratljer, Adorned with quoits on their +hands/—M. Muller. + +4 Whom . a Master’s hand hath fashioned; according to S&yana vibhva- + +tashtdm means fabricated or .modelled by Vibhvan, the second of the three +Ribhus, i. e. atyantartipavantam or exceedingly handsome. The fighter hand +to hand ; the man who fights on foot is your gift as well as the warrior who is +borne to battle jn a chariot, + + + +HYMN 59.] + + +the mav eda. + + +m + + +5 They spring forth more and more, strong in their glories, like + +days, like spokes where none are last in order. + +Highest and mightiest are the Sons of Prisni. Fhgn to their +own intention cling the Maruts. + +6 When ye have hastened on with spotted coursers, 0 Maruts, + +on your cars with strong-wrought fellies, + +The waters are disturbed, the woods are shattered. Let Dyaus +the Red Steer send his thunder downward. + +7 Even Earth hath spread herself wide at their coming, and + +they as husbands have with power impregned her. + +They to the pole have yoked the winds for coursers; their +sweat have they made rain, these Sons of Rudra. + +8 Ho! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious + +unto us, ye rich in treasures, + +Ye hearers of the truth, ye sage and youthful, grown mighty, +dwelling on the lofty mountains. + +HYMN LIX. Maruts. + +Your spy hath called to you to give prosperity. I sing to Heaven +and Earth and offer sacrifice. + +They bathe their steeds and hasten through the firmament: +they spread abroad their radiance through the sea of cloud. + +2 Earth shakes and reels in terror at their onward rush, like a + +full ship which, quivering, lets the water in. + +Marked on their ways are they, visible from afar.* the Heroes +press between in mighty armament. + +3 As the exalted horn of bulls for splendid might, as the Sun’s + +eye set in the firmament’s expanse, + +Like vigorous horses ye are beauteous to bebold, and for your +glory show like bridegrooms, 0 ye Men. + +4 Who, 0 ye Maruts, may attain the mighty lore of you the + +mighty, who may reach your manly deeds? + +Ye, verily, make earth tremble like a ray of light what time +-ye bring your boons to give prosperity. + +5 Like steeds of ruddy colour, scions of one race, as foremost + +champions they have battled in the van. + +The Heroes have waxed strong like well-grown manly youths : +with floods of rain they make the Sun’s eye fade away. + +6 Having no eldest and no youngest in their band, no middle¬ + +most, preeminent they have waxed in might, + +- ' 1 ‘ Ymr spy: Agni, as the lightning. According to S&yana spat is for +sprashtd, one who touches (the oblation), the Hotar or presenting priest. + +2 Press between: rush through the air between heaven and earth. + +U + + + +530 THE HYMNS OF ' [BOOK F. + +These Sons of Prisni, sprung of noble ancestry: come hither¬ +ward to us, ye bridegrooms of the sky, + +7 Like birds of air they flew with might in lengthened lines from + +heaven’s high ridges to the borders of the sky. + +The steeds who carry them, as Gods and mortals know, have +caused the waters of the mountains to descend. + +8 May Dyaus, the Infinite, roar for our banquet: may Dawns + +toil for us, glittering with moisture. + +Lauded by thee, these Maruts, Sons of Rudra, 0 Rishi, have +sent down the heavenly treasure. + +HYMN LX. Maruts. + +I laud with reverence the gracious Agni: here may he sit and +part our meed among us. + +As with spoil-seeking cars I bring oblation : turned rightward +I will swell the Marut’s praise-song. + +2 The Maruts, yea, the Rudras, who have mounted their famous + +spotted deer and cars swift-moving,— + +Before you, fierce Ones! woods bow down in terror: Earth, +even the mountain, trembles at your coming. + +3 Though vast and tall, the mountain is affrighted, the height + +of heaven is shaken at your roaring +When, armed with lances, ye are sporting, Maruts, and rush +along together like the waters. + +4 They, like young suitors, sons of wealthy houses, have with + +their golden natures decked their bodies. + +Strong on their cars, the lordly Ones, for glory, have set their +splendomrs on their forms for ever, + +5 None being eldest, none among them youngest, as brothers + +they have grown to happy fortune. + +May their Sire Rudra, young and deft, and Prisni pouring +much milk, bring fair days to the Maruts. + + +7 Gods and mortals: the text has only ubhdye , both (sides or parties). The +word generally means Gods and men ; but perhaps, as Professor Ludwig sug¬ +gests, Heaven and Barth may be intended here, + +8 Hyaus } the Infinite ; Cf. X. 63. 3. + +1 Turned rightward: making reverential salutation by circumambulation +from left to right; the Gaelic deasil. + +4 With their golden natures: with some hesitation I follow Professor Ludwig + +:' 1 * * * 5 * '.Y' *, 7 ' ■. ■ . ■ ‘i old form of the feminine, with svadMih. Professor + +u ■ ' ■ ' ■ 1 " ..translates ; ( with golden (ornaments) and purifying + +waters.’ + +5 Pounng much milk : Prisni, the mother of the Maruts, the cloud of the +firmament, being represented as a cow. + +Bring fair days to the Maruts : perhaps the bright weather which follows + +the Rains. ‘ Grant favourable days for (the sake of) the Maruts,’—Wilson. + + + +BTMN 610 THE RXGVEDA* $8} + +■ 6 Whether, 0 blessed Maruts, ye be dwelling in highest, mid¬ +most, or in lowest heaven, + +Thenee, 0 ye Rudras, and thou also, Agni, notice themerifleial +food we offer, + +7 0 Maruts, Lords of all, when Agni and when ye drive down¬ + +ward from sublimest heaven along the heights, + +Shakers of all, rejoicing, slayers of the foe, give riches to the +Soma-pressing worshipper, + +& 0 Agni, with the Maruts as they gleam and sing, gathered in +troop, rejoicing drink the Soma juice; + +With these the living ones who cleanse and further all, joined +with thy banner, 0 Vaisvanara, from of old. + +HYMN LXI. Maruts, + +0 heroes lordliest of all, who are ye that have singly come +Forth from a region most remote? + +2 Where are your horses, where the reins ? How came ye % how + +had ye the power ? + +Rein w r as on nose and seat on back. + +3 The whip is laid upon the flank. The heroes stretch their + +thighs apart, + +Like women when the babe is born. + +4 Go ye, 0 Heroes, far away, ye bridegrooms with a lovely + +Spouse, + +That ye may warm you at the Are. + +5 May she gain cattle^ Joi^Jher^-meed, hundreds of sheep and + +steeds* and kme, + +Who threw embracing arms around the hero whom Sy&v£sva +praised. + +6 Yea, many a woman is more Arm and better than the man + +■wHo^buTrrxs “ “ — ——- ~ - 7™ 11 ■' ~~ + +Away from Gods, and offers not. + +7 She who discerns the weak and worn, the man who thirsts + +“ arid xs iiTwanFi 0 ~ ~ —— + +She sets her mind upon the Gods. + +8 Joined with thy banner: closely connected with thy ensign or banner of +flame. + +4 With a lovely Spouse: apparently Rodasi, who is sometimes regarded as +the wife of the whole hand of Maruts. + +5 She: according to S&yana, the wife of Taranta (stanza 10) who is ‘the,* +hero whom Sy&v&sva praised.* + +6 More firm: the word thus rendered, sdsiyasi , is taken by S&yana to be the +name of Taranta’s wife. + + + +532 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK V. + +8 And yet fall many a one, unpraised, mean niggard, is entitled + +man: + +Only 2n weregild is he such. + +9 And she, the young, the joyous-spirited, divulged the path to + +Syava, yea, to me. + +Two red steeds earned me to Purumtlha's side, that sage of +far-extended fame, + +10 Him who, like Vaidadasvi, like Taranta, hath bestowed on me +A hundred cows in liberal gift. + +11 They who are borne by rapid steeds, drinking the meath that + +gives delight, + +They have attained high glories here. + +12 They by whose splendour both the worlds are over-spread; + +they shine on ears + +As the gold gleams above in heaven. + +13 That Marut band is ever young, borne on bright cars, un¬ + +blamable, + +Moving to victory, checked by none. + +14 Who knoweth, verily, of these where the All-shakers take + +delight, + +Born, spotless, after sacred Law ? + +15 Guides are ye, lovers of the song ! to mortal man through holy + +hymn, + +And hearers when he cries for help. + +16 Do ye, destroyers of the foe, worshipful and exceeding bright. +Send down the treasures that we crave. + +17 0 tfrmya, bear thou far away to Darbhya this my hymn of + +praise, + +Songs, Goddess, as if chariot-borne. + +18 From me to Rathaviti say, when he hath pressed the Soma + +juice, + +The wish I had departeth not. + +19 This wealthy Rathaviti dwells among the people rich in kine, +Among the mountains, far withdrawn, + +8 Only in weregild: only as regards the fine to be paid for manslaughter, +either by him or for him, can he be accounted a man. The verse is obscure. +See Vedic Hymns (Sacred Books of the East), Part I, p. 360, and Ludwig, +Ueber die neuesten Arbeiten, &c,, p. 40. + +9 And she; Taranta’s wife. Sydva = Sy&v&sva, the Rishi of the hymn. + +10 Vmdadasvi: Purumtlha, eon of Vidadasva. + +11 Phis stanza is apparently the beginning of a separate hymn, in honour +of the Maruts. + +12 As the gold: the golden Sun, + +17 tfrmyd : Goddess of Night. Mrlhya: Rathaviti, son of Darbha. + +18 The wish I had; to perform a sacrifice for the rich and liberal Rathaviti. * + + + +mtmjv n.] + + +nmvMDA, + + +m + + +HYMN LXII f * Mitra-Varuna. + +By your higli Law firm order is established there where they +loose for travel Sarya's horses. # + +Ten hundred stood together: there I looked on this the most +marvellous Deities’ one chief glory. + +2 This, Mitra-Varuna, is your special greatness: floods that stood +there they with the days attracted. + +Ye cause to flow all voices of the cow-pen : your single chariot- +felly hath rolled hither. + +8 0 Mitra-Varuna, ye by your greatness, both Kings, have firmly +stablished earth and heaven. + +Ye caused “the cows to stream, the plants to flourish, and, scat¬ +tering swift drops, sent down the rain-flood. + +4 Let your well-harnessed horses bear you hither : hitherward + +let them come with reins drawn tightly. + +A covering cloud of sacred oil attends you, and your streams +flow to us from days aforetime. + +5 To make the lustre wide_r and more famous, guarding the + +secred grass with veneration, + +Ye, Mitra-Varuna, firm, strong, awe-inspiring, are seated on a +throne amid oblations. + +6 With hands that shed no blood, guarding the pious, whom, + +Varuna, ye save amid oblations. + +Ye Twain, together, Kings of willing spirit, uphold dominion +based on thousand pillars. + +7 Adorned with gold, its columns are of iron : in heaven it glit¬ + +ters like a whip for horses; + + +1 By your high Law • the eternal order of the universe, which in the region +of the Sun regulates the starting and the journeying of his horses, depends +on, or is identical with, the everlasting statutes of Mitra and Varuna. Ten +hundred; rays of the Sun. One chief glory ; the orb of the Sun, the noblest +visible form of Agni and other Gods. + +2 Floods that stood there: they, that is the sunbeams, have in the course of +days milked out or attracted to themselves the waters that stood apart from +the Sun. TasthusMh (standing, stationary) has no substantive expressed, +and the meaning of the second half line is consequently somewhat uncertain. +All voices of the cow pen: the cow-pen is the vast aerial stall which holds +the rain-clouds, the milch-kine of the firmament. The W'-"* r.***'- r " + +the thunder and the roar of the rushing rain. Your single +circumference or felly of the wheel being, by metonymy, put for the chariot. + +4 A covering cloud of sacred oil; of ghrita , butter, u e. fertilizing rain. + +5 On a throne : or on your car. + +6 Ye save amid oblations: the sacrificial hall with its precincts being regard¬ +ed as an inviolable asylum. + +7 Adorned with gold: the chariot of Mitra and Varuna. Like a whip for +horses: according to S&yana, the whip is the lightning and the horses are the +flying clouds. + + + +hi * ¥lm BYMtiS OP [BOOK V, + +Or stablished on a field deep-soiled and fruitful* So may we +share the meath that loads jour car-seat. + +8 Ye mount your car gold-hued at break of morning, and iron- + +pillared when the Sun fs setting, + +And from that place, O Varuna and Mitra, behold infinity and +* limitation. + +9 Bountiful guardians of the world! the shelter that is impene¬ + +trable, strongest, flawless, + +Aid us with that, 0 Varum a and Mitra, and when we long to +win may we be victors. + +HYMN LXIII. Mitra-Varana, + +Guardians of Order, ye whose Laws are ever true, in the +sublimest heaven your chariot ye ascend. + +0 Mitra-Varuna whomsoe'er ye favour, here, to him the rain +with sweetness streameth down from heaven. + +2 This world's imperial Kings, 0 Mitra-Varuna, ye rule in holy +synod, looking on the light. + +We pray for rain, your boon, and immortality. Through heaven +and over earth the thunderous take their way. + +8 Imperial Kings, strong, Heroes, Lords of earth and heaven, +Mitra and Varuna, ye ever active Ones, + +Ye wait on thunder with the many-tinted clouds, and by the +Asura's magic power cause Heaven to rain. + +4 Your magic, Mitra-Varuna, resteth in the heaven. The Sun, +the wondrous weapon, cometh forth as light. + +Ye hide him in the sky with cloud and flood of rain, and water- +drops, Parjanya ! full of sweetness flow. + + +Or stablished: the meaning of this third P&da is not clear. Professor +■Wilson, following S&yana, translates: ‘may we load the vehicle with the liba¬ +tion in an auspicious place, or in the sacrificial hall, (where the columns) are +erected/ + +8 Ivon-pillared: the chariot which shines like gold in the light of the rising +sun looks dim and dark like bronze or iron at sunset. + +Infinity and limitation : ddit-m ditim aha; according to S&yana, Aditi or. +the Earth as an indivisible whole, and Diti as representing the divisible people +and living creatures inhabiting it. Aditi appears to mean infinite Nature, and +Diti to be a Goddess connected with Aditi without any distinct conception, +and merely as a contrast to her. The two words may perhaps mean the eter¬ +nal and the perishable, yonder boundless space and the bounded space near us, +or Sky and Earth, or Nature by day and Nature by night. ‘ At all events, +as Dr. Muir observes, ‘ the two together appear to be put by the poet for the +entire aggregate of visible nature.’ See Original Sanskrit Texts, V. pp. 42, 43. + + +The hymn is a prayer for rain. + +2 The thunderers : the roaring winds. + +3 The A sura’s magic power: the Asura or divine Being here is either Dyaus +or Parjanya. + + + + +THE MGVEDA. + + +535 + + +HYMN 640 + + +4 The Maruts yoke their easy ear for victory, 0 Mitra-Varuna, +as a hero in the wars. + +The thunderers roam through regions varied in t&eir hues. +Imperial Kings, bedew us with the milk of heaven. + +6 Refreshing is your voice, O Mitra-Varuna : Parjanya sendeth + +out a wondrous mighty voice. + +With magic power the Maruts clothe them with the clouds. +Ye Two cause Heaven to rain, the red, the spotless One. + +7 Wise, with your Law and through the Asura’s magic power + +ye guard the ordinances, Mitra-Varuna. + +Ye by eternal Order govern all the world. Ye set the Sun in +heaven as a refulgent car. + +HYMN LXIV. Mitra-Varuna. + +You, foeman-slaying Varuna and Mitra, we invoke with song, +Who, as with penfold of your arms, encompass round the realm +of light. + +2 Stretch out your arms with favouring love unto this man who + +singeth hymns, + +For in all places is sung forth your ever-gracious friendliness. + +3 That I may gain a refuge now, may my steps be on Mitet/s + +path* + +Men go protected in the charge of this dear Friend who harms +us not. + +4 Mitra and Varuna, from you may I, by song, win noblest + +meed + +That shall stir envy in the homes of wealthy chiefs and those +who praise. + +5 With your fair splendours, Varuna and Mitra, to our gather¬ + +ing come, + +That in their homes the wealthy chiefs and they who are your +friends may thrive. + +6 With those, moreover, among whom ye hold your high supre¬ + +macy, + +Vouchsafe us room that we may win strength for prosperity +and wealth. + + +1 With penfold of your arms; I follow- Professor Ludwig in taking vrajfl as +an instrumental case, + +% 3 May my steps he; may I walk in the way of Mitra, that is, may I keep +his holy law. + +5 The wealthy chiefs .* the mstitutors of sacrifice. Your friends; we, the +priests. + +6 With those; with the Gods. + + + +5S6 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH F. + +7 When morning flushes, Holy Ones! in the Gods’ realm where +white Cows shine, + +Supporting Archananas, speed, ye Heroes, with your active +feet hither to my pressed Soma juice. + +HYMN LXY. Mitra-Yaruna. + +Full wise is he who hath discerned : let him speak to us of +the Gods,— + +The man whose praise-songs Yaruna the beautiful, or Mitra, +loves. + +2 For they are Kings of noblest might, of glorious fame most + +widely spread ; + +Lords of the brave, who strengthen Law, the Holy Ones with +every race. + +3 Approaching you with prayer for aid, together I address you + +first. + +We who have good steeds call on you, Most Sage, to give us +strength besides. + +4 E’en out of misery Mitra gives a way to dwelling at our ease, +For he who worships hath the grace of Mitra, fighter in the + +van. + +5 In Mitra’s shelter that extends to utmost distance may we + +dwell, + +Unmenaced, guarded by thy care, ever as sons of Yaruna. + +6 Ye, Mitra, urge this people on, and to one end direct their + +ways. + +Neglect not ye the wealthy chiefs, neglect not us the Bishis : +be our guardians when ye quaff the milk. + +HYMN LXVL Mitra-Yaruna, + +0 sapient man, call the Two Gods, the very wise, who slay +the foe. + +For Yaruna, whose form is Law, place offerings for his great +delight. + + +7 White Cows: the white clouds of early morning. Archandnas; the Rishi +of the hymn. With your active feet: the literal translation of ha&tibhih pad- +hhih would he, with feet provided with hands : * With rapid steeds.’—Wilson, +See M. Bloomfield, Contributions to the Interpretation of the Yeda, Second +Series, p, 35. + +1 Of the Gods : regarding Mitra and Yaruna. + +5 As sons of Vanina.; or perhaps, as Professor Ludwig suggests, with. +Yaruna as our son, that is with kingly descendants. + +6 Ye, Mitra: and Yaruna. + +When ye quaff the milk ; 'in the presenting of the libation.’—Wilson, + +1 0 Sapient man: thou who knowest how to praise the Gods. + +Whose form is Law; according to Sayana , t whose form is water/ + + + + +JEYMN 67.] TEE MiG VEDA, S37 + +2 For they have won unbroken sway in full perf^etmrj^jpxnver + +divine. + +And, like higk^aws» J;^ hath been made beautL + +ful asTIgEtT^ + +3 Therefore we praise you that your cars may travel far in front + +of ours— + +You who accept the eulogy of BAtahavya with his hymns. + +4 And ye show wisdom, Wondrous Gods ! with fulness of intelli¬ + +gence. + +By men’s discernment are ye marked, 0 ye whose might is +purified. + +5 This is the Law sublime, 0 Earth: to aid the Bishis’ toil for + +fame + +The Two, wide-spreading, are prepared. They come with +.ample overflow. + +6 Mitra, ye Gods with wandering eyes, would that the worship¬ + +pers and we + +Might strive to reach the realm ye rule, most spacious and +protected well. + +HYMN LXVII. Mitra-Varurra. + +Ye Gods, Adityas, Varuna, Aryaman, Mitra, verily +Have here obtained supremest sway, high, holy, set apart for +you. + +2 When, Varuna and Mitra, ye sit in your golden dwelling-place. +Ye Twain, supporters of mankind, foe-slayers, give felicity. + +3 All these, possessors of all wealth, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, +Follow their ways, as if with feet, and guard from injury + +mortal man. + + +2 Like high laws : Professor Ludwig would read vratena instead of vrativa, +that is, through holy ordinance. + +3 Rdtahavya: the Kishi of the hymn. X can make nothing out of thi» +stanza, and I follow S&yana in despair of finding a reasonable interpretation. + +4 This stanza also is difficult and obscure, + +5 0 Earth: Prithivt, or Earth, is quite out of place here. Professor Ludwig +suspects a corruption of the text, and Professor Grassmann thinks that the +whole stanza has been inserted by mistake. The two wide-spreading or far- +reaching Gods, Mitra and Varuna, are said to be ready to listen to tbe Rishis' +prayers and so to increase their renown. The copious fall of rain is proof thatr +their prayers have been heard. + +6 Ye Gods: Mitra and Varuna, Mitra only being named. + +2 Your golden dwelling-place; the delightful place of sacrifice, according to +Sftyana. + +3 Follow their ways; their royal ordinances, vratft, that is vratftni. + + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +{BOOK F» + +A For*thcy aro true, they cleave to Law, held holy among every +race, + +Goocf leaders, bounteous in llieir gifts, deliverers even from, +distress. + +5 Which of your persons, Vanina or Mitra, merits not our praise ? +Therefore our thought is turned to you, the Atris 5 thought is +turned to you. + +HYMN LXVIIL Mitra-Varuna. + +Sing forth unto your Varuna and Mitra with a song inspired. +They, Mighty Lords, are lofty Law: + +2 Full springs of fatness, Sovran Kings, Mitra and Varuna, the + +Twain, + +Gods glorified among the Gods, + +3 So help ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth : +Vast is your sway among the Gods. + +4 Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their + +vigorous might. + +The Two Gods wax devoid of guile, + +5 With rainy skies and streaming hoods, Lords of the strength + +that bringeth gifts, + +A lofty seat have they attained, + +HYMN LXIX, Mitra-Varuna. + +Three spheres of light, 0 Va»una, three heavens, three +firmaments ye comprehend, 0 Mitra; + +Waxed strong, ye keep the splendour of dominion, guarding +the Ordinance that lasts for ever. + +2 Ye, Varuna, have kine who yield refreshment; Mitra, your +hoods pour water full of sweetness. + +There stand the Three Steers, splendid in their brightness, +who fill the three world-bowls with genial moisture. + +1 They, Mighty Lords, are lofty Law; ‘(come) mighty deities, to the great +sacrifice.’—Wilson. + +2 Full springs of fatness; originators of streams of fertilizing rain; or +ghntdyoui may mean here as it does elsewhere, dwelling or having their home +with g hr it 4, clarified butter or oil used in sacrifice. + +5 Lords of the strength that bringeth gifts ; * lords of sustenance, suited to +.the liberal donors (of oblations).’—Wilson. + +1 Three firmaments ; according to S&yana, three realms of earth, an inter¬ +pretation which is more in accordance with the second half of stanza 2. + +Three Steers: Agni as terrestrial fire on earth, V&yu as the wind in +the firmament, and Surya as the Sun in heaven. World bowls .* Ludwig explains +differently. See his Ueber die neuesten Arbeiten auf dem Gebiete der llgveda- +iorschung, p. 85, Genial moisture ; the fertilizing rain. + + + +HYMN 72.] Tm RIG VEDA, m + +3 I call at dawn on Aditi the Goddess, I call at noon and when + +the Sun is setting. + +I pray, O Mitra-Varuna, for safety, for wealth and progeny* +in rest and trouble. + +4 Ye who uphold the region, sphere of brightness, ye who + +support earth's realm, Divine Aaioyas, + +The Immortal Gods, 0 VAruna and Mitra, never impair your +everlasting statutes. + +HYMN LiXX. Mitra-Varuna. + +Even far and wide, 0 Varuna and Mitra, doth your grace +extend. + +May I obtain your kind good-will. + +2 From you, benignant Gods, may we gain fully food for + +sustenance. + +Such, 0 ye Rudras, may we be. + +3 Guard us, 0 Rudras, with your guards, save us, ye skilled to + +save, may we + +Subdue the Dasyus, we ourselves. + +4 Or ne'er may we, 0 Wondrous Strong, enjoy another's + +solemn feast, + +Ourselves, our sons, or progeny. + +HYMN LXXL Mitra-Varuna. + +0 Vakuna and Mitra, ye who slay the foemen, come with +might + +To this our goodly sacrifice. + +2 For, Varuna and Mitra, ye Sages are Rulers over all. Fill + +full our songs, for this ye can. + +3 Come to the juice that we have pressed. Yaruna, Mitra, + +come to drink + +This Soma of the worshipper. + +HYMN LXXIL Mitra-Yaruna. + +To Yaruna and Mitra we offer with songs, as Atri did. Sit +on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice. + + +2 0 ye Rudras: 0 Mitra and Varuna. + +4 Or we’er may we: I adopt Professor Ludwig’s explanation. We will +overcome the Dasyus by our own power, or we will never again participate in +any man’s solemn festival held in honour of the Gods : a self-imprecation in +case of failing to carry out their purpose. + +1 With might: S&yana explains barhdrtd as hantdrau satrdndm , destroyers +of enemies. + +: 2 FillfuU our songs; let them overflow with, or produce abundantly, the +results for which we pray. + +1 As Atri did: after the manner of Atri, the founder,of our family. + + + +640 mn HYMNS OP {BOON V. + + +2 By Ordinance and Law ye dwell in peace secure, bestirring men. +Sit on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice. + +3 May Varana and Mitra, for our help, accept the sacrifice. + +Sit on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice. + + +Asvins. + +Whetheb, 0 Asvins, ye this day^Wiar. remote or near at hand, +In many spots or in mid-air, come hither, Lords -of.. ample +wealth. + + +2 These here, who show o’er widest spaoe, bringing full many a + +wondrous act, + +Eesistless, lovingly I seek, I call the Mightiest to enjoy. + +3 Another beauteous wheel have ye fixed there to decorate your + +car. + +With others through the realms ye roam in might unto the +neighbouring tribes. + +4 That deed of yours that is extolled, Yisvas! hath all been done + +with this. + +Bom otherwise, and spotless, ye have entered kinship’s bonds +with us. + + +5 When Sury& mounted on your car that rolls for ever rapidly, +Birds of red hue were round about and burning splendours + +compassed you. + +6 Atri bethinks himself of you, 0 Heroes, with a friendly mind, +What time, Nasatyas, with his mouth he stirs the spotless + +flame for you. + + +1 In many spots: the purti in the text is thus explained by S&yana, + +2 To enjoy: the libation offered to you. According to S4yana, bhujt here +means for enjoyment, or for protection. + +3 There : the third wheel of their chariot, standing by itself in front, is + +especially ornamental. With others: S&yana explains anyft by anyena cliak- +rena } i. e. with another, or the other, wheel; but the two hind wheels must +be intended, or ^ with yugoS. The neighbouring tribes t + +the meaning of r> "■ • i **. Professor Ludwig translates the + +words by ‘zu den geschilechtern der Nahusa/ ‘to the tribes of the [people +called] Hahushas.’ Professor Wilson, following Sayana, translates the stanza +differently : * You have arrested one luminous wheel of (your) car for illumin¬ +ing the form (of the sun), whilst with the other you traverse the spheres (to +regulate) by your power the ages of mankind.’ + +4- Visvas !; S&yana explains visvd, by vydptau, the two who spread through +or pervade : ‘universal {deities).’—Wilson. With this: according to S&yana, +with this Paura (the IJishi of the hymn). Or ‘this’ may mean, as Professor +Ludwig thinks, the third wheel of the car, in which mysterious virtue more +especially resides. Born, otherwise: of divine and not human origin. + +£ Sdryd: the Laughter of the Bun, See I. 116. 17, + + + +HYMN 74.] THE RIG YE HA. HI + +7 Strong is jour swiftly moving steed, famed Lis exertion in the + +course „ + +When by your great deeds, Asvins, Chiefs, Atri is brought to +us again. + +8 Lovers of sweetness, Budras, she who streams with sweetness + +waits on you. + +When ye have travelled through the seas men bring you gifts +of well-dressed food. + +9 Asvins, with truth they call you Twain Tbestowers of felicity; + +At sacrifice most prompt to hear, most gracious ye at sacrifice. + +10 Most pleasing to the Asvins be these prayers which magnify +their might, + +Which we have fashioned, even as cars : high reverence have +we spoken forth. + +HYMN LXXIV. Asvins. + +Where in the heavens are ye to-day, Gods, Asvins, rich in +constancy ? + +Hear this, ye excellent as Steers : Atri inviteth you to come. + +2 Where are they now ? Where are the Twain, the famed, + +Nasatyas, Gods in heaven? + +Who is the man ye strive to reach ? Who of your suppliants +is with you ? + +3 Whom do ye visit, whom approach ? to whom direct your + +harnessed car ? + +With whose devotions are ye pleased? We long for you to +further us. + +4 Ye, Strengtheners, for Paura stir the filler swimming in the + +flood, + +Advancing to he captured like a lion to the ambuscade, + +7 Atri is brought to us again: see I. 112. 7. + +8 She who streams with sweetness: V&k, Yo: :-' fc *■ 58 ■■■ ■ . or our praise, + +stutirasmatieritd. e Our nutritious (adoration)/ seas.* of air. + +1 Rich in constancy: faithful friends of your worshippers. Excellent as +Steers: ( liberal showerers (of benefits).’ —Wilson. + +2 Ofyc'-r' «*. 1J ‘ l 2 * 4 *-)ugh not entirely satisfactory, seems to be + +the only : ■ . ‘ md^ndm in this place. Professor Ludwig + +remarks, _■ ■ ■ . ‘ . > (quis?) could be taken as = (quae), the + +passage w ■ ■ ■ - 1 . . The meaning would then he, which of the + +rivers (of ■ ■■ 'a your presence? S&yana paraphrases the + +passage ; kah stoti vdm yuvayovnadtndm stutindm suclid sahdyah sydt; ‘ what +praiser may be the associate of the praises of you twain ? * + +4 This stanza is desperately difficult. Professor Wilson translates in accor¬ +dance with £>&yana’s explanation ; ‘ Pauras , send to Paura the rain-shedding + + + +‘542 TBB HYMNS OF [BOOK V. + +5 Ye from Chyavana worn with age removed his skin as ’twere + +a robe. + +So, $hen ye made him young again, he stirred the longing of +a dame. + +6 Here is the man who lauds you both ; to see your glory are + +we here. + +Now hear me, come with saving help, ye who are rich in store +of wealth. + +7 Who among many mortal men this day hath won you to himself 1 + +What bard, accepters of the bard % Who, rich in wealth ! with + +sacrifice ? + +8 0 Asvins, may your car approach, most excellent of cars for + +speed. + +Through many regions may our praise pass onward among +mortal men. + +9 May our laudation of you Twain, lovers of meath ! be sweet + +to you, + +Ely hitherward, ye wise of heart, like falcons with your wing- +M steeds. + +10 0 Asvins, when at any time ye listen to this call of mine, + +For you is dainty food prepared: they mix refreshing food for you, + +cloud ; drive it to him who is engaged in sacrifice, as (hunters chase) a Hon in a +forest.’ Professor Wilson remarks : 4 The name of the Rishi is here, according +to the scholiast, arbitrarily applied, first to the As wins, because they are in +relation with Paura as the author of the Suhta ; and although the text gives +Paura in the vocative singular, it is to be understood in the dual Paura , +therefore, being Amins: next it implies, as Pauram,a cloud, from its +being solicited by the Rishi for the fall of rain, as implied by the last term, +Paurdya , to me the Rishi so called.’ Professor Roth is of opinion that Paura, +in the vocative case, means the Asvins, as fillers, increasers, or strengthened ; +and that pauram, in the accusative case, means the Soma, the filler or satisfy¬ +ing juice (ef. II. 11. 11, The juice that satisfies hath holpen Indra), said to be +swimming in the flood, i. e, mixed with water. The second half of the stanza +would then probably mean that the Soma flows on in order to be taken up and +used in libations as a lion goes to the place where men He in wait to capture +him or where a pitfall has been prepared to entrap him. Still there remains +the very great difficulty of Paura in the singular being used instead of the +dual Paurau. Professor Ludwig remarks ; f Paura: S. etad asvinoh sambodha- +nam ; but it is to be taken direct as a cry of warning. Paura 1b to mean the +Asvins, Paura is to mean the Rishi of the hymn, Paura is to mean the cloud. +This is naturally too much. The word udaprutam (swimming in water) shows +that Paura had been enticed to a place where his enemies intended to drown +him. He had gone to the spot as unsuspiciously as a lion approaches the +pitfall, and was already in the water when the Asvins called out to him and +stopped him. According to this explanation the translation would be : ‘ For +Paura ye cried, Paura 1 and saved him when swimming in the flood, Him who +had reached the ambush as a Hon to the capture goes. + +5 Chyavdna ; see I. 116. 10. + +6 Rich in store of wealth: 1 affluent in food,’—Wilson, after S&yana j e lords +of swift horses/—Roth ; possessors of excellent mares/—Ludwig. + + + +HYMN 75,] + + +TBS RIOT EDA, + + +54S + + +HYMN LXXY. , Asvins, + +To meet your treasure-bringing car, the mighty car most dear +to us, ' + +Asvins, the Rishi is prepared, your praiser, with his song of +praise., Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +2 Pass, 0 ye Asvins, pass away beyond all tribes of selfish men, +Wonderful, with your golden paths, most gracious, bringers + +of the flood. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +3 Come to us, O ye Asvin Pair, bringing your precious treasures, + +come + +Ye Rudras, on your paths of gold, rejoicing, rich in store of +wealth. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +4 0 Strong and Good, the voice of him who lauds you well + +cleaves to your car. + +And that great beast, your chariot-steed, fair, wonderful, makes +dainty food. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +5 Watchful in spirit, born on cars, impetuous, listing to his cry, +Asvins, with winged steeds ye speed down to Chyav&na void + +of guile. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +6 Hither, 0 Heroes, let your steeds, of dappled hue, yoked at + +the thought, + +Your flying steeds, 0 Asvins, bring you hitherward, with bliss, +to drink. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +7 0 Asvins, hither come to us; Nasatyas, be not disinclined. +Through longing for the pious turn out of the way to reach + +our home. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +8 Ye Lords of Splendour, free from guile, come, sta nd at this + +our sacrifice + +Beside the singer, Asvins, who longs for your grace and lauds +you both. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +9 Dawn with her white herd hath appeared, and in due time + +hath fire been placed. + +Harnessed is your immortal car, 0 Wonder-Workers, strong +and kind. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. + +1 Lovers of sweetness: drinkers of the sweet Soma juice: according to S&yana, +masters of the Madhuvidyft, or knowledge of sweetness, that is, the knowledge +that teaches where the Soma is to be found. See I, 84. 13. + +2 Selfish men; reading ahamsanfth for aham sand. See Aufrecht, II. V. II, +XLII. note. + +3 Rich in store of wealth: or, Lords of rapid steeds. See note on stanza 6 of +the preceding hymn. + +4 And that great least: the chariot of the Asvins is sometimes said to be +drawn by a stallion ass (see I. 34. 9 ; 116, 2 * 16*2. 21), the dun-coloured animal +representing the grey tints of early morning, + +5 Ohyavdna: see I. 116. 10. + +���' r 8 Who longs for your grace: • S4yana takes avasytim here to be a proper +name, Avasyu, who is said to be the Rishi of the hymn, + +9 In due time : for the morning libation. + + + +544 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK F. + + +HYMN LXXVL + +Agni, the bright face of the Dawns, is shining; the singers' +pious voices have ascended. + +Borne on your chariot, Asvins, turn you hither, and come +unto our fall and rich libation. + +2 Most frequent guests, they scorn not what is ready: even now + +the lauded Asvins are beside us. + +With promptest aid they come at mom and evening, the +worshipper's most blessed guards from trouble. + +3 Yea, come at milking-time, at early morning, at noon of day + +and when the Sun is setting, + +By day, by night, with favour most auspicious. Not only +now the draught hath drawn the Asvins. + +4 For 'this place, Asvins, was of old your dwelling, these were + +your houses, this your habitation. + +Come to us from high heaven and from the mountain. Gome +from the waters bringing food and vigour, +h May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their +health-bestowing happy guidance. + +Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and +joy, Immortals ! + +HYMN LXXYII; Asvins. + +First worship those who come at early morning: let the +Twain drink before the giftless niggard. + +The Asvins claim the saciifice at day-break : the sages yield¬ +ing the first share extol them. + +2 Worship at dawn and instigate the Asvins: nor is the wor¬ +shipper at eve rejected. + +Besides ourselves another craves and worships: each first in +worship is most highly favoured. + + +1 The bright face; making his first appearance at early morning. Libation ; +gharm&m, the offering of hot milk or other heated beverage. + +3 t The Asvins are invited to come at different times, at morning, mid-day +and sunset; and in VIJX 22. 14, it is similarly said that they are invoked in +the evening m well as at dawn. It need not, however, surprise us that they +should be invited to attend the different ceremonies of the worshippers, and +therefore conceived to appear at hours distinct from the supposed natural +periodsof their manifestation.’—J. Mum, 0, Sanskrit Texts , V, 239. + +5 This stanza is identical with Y. 42.18. + +1 Before the giftless niggard; ‘ before the greedy withholders (of the offer¬ +ing).’—Wilson. + +2 Nor is the worshipper at eve rejected : literally, a thing unaccepted or + +rejected. S&yana explains differently : 1 2 the evening is not for the gods; it is +unacceptable to them *—Wilson. r P u;c> ^ough supported by the + +text ptirv&hno vai deodnim, the ■ ■; to the Gods, is not in + +accordance with the use of Vedic times. + + +MYMN 78.] + + +THE TUG VEDA, + + +‘545 + +3 Covered with gold, meath-tinted, dropping fatness, your + +chariot with its freight of food comes hither, + +Swift as thought, Asvins, rapid as the tempest, wherewith ye +travel over all obstructions. + +4 He who hath served most often the N&satyas, and gives the + +sweetest food at distribution, + +Furthers with his own holy works his offspring, and ever +passes those whose flames ascend not. + +5 May we obtain the Asvins’ newest favour, and gain their + +health-bestowing happy guidance. + +Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and +joy, Immortals ! + +HYMN LXXVIII. Asvins. + +Ye Asvins, hither come to ns : N&satyas, be not disinclined. +Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed. + +2 0 Asvins, like a pair of deer, like two wild cattle to the mead: +Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed, + +3 0 Asvins rich in gifts, accept our sacrifice to prosper it: + +, Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed. + +4 As Atri when descending to the cavern called on you loudly + +like a wailing woman, + +Ye came to him, 0 Asvins, with the freshest and most auspici¬ +ous fleetness of a falcon. + +-5 Tree, part asunder like the side of her who bringeth forth a child. +Ye Asvins, listen to my call: loose Saptavadhri from his bonds. + +6 For Saptavadhri, for the seer affrighted when he wept and wailed, +Ye, Asvins, with your magic powers rent up the ti’ee and shat¬ +tered it. + +7 Like as the wind on every side ruffles a pool of lotuses, + +So stir in thee the babe unborn, so may the ten-month babe +descend. + +. 8 Like as the wind, like as the wood, like as the sea is set astir, +So also, ten-month babe, descend together with the after-birth. +9 The child who hath for ten months’ time been lying in his +mother’s side,— + +May he come forth alive, unharmed, yea, living from the living +dame. + + +2 Wild cattle: Gauras, or Boves Gauri. ^ ; + +4 The cavern .* the abyss or deep pit into which, he was cast by Asurafr or +evil spirits. See I. 112. 7 ; 116. 8 ; 117. 8. + +5 Tree, part asunder: Saptavadhri appears to have got his hand or foot + +Jammed in a split tree, and to have been extricated when he called on the +Asvina to aid him, „ ,, + +■ *9 * This and the two stanzas preceding are termed by S&yana the garohas~ +rdvinyupaniskad, the liturgy of child-birth. *—Wilfeon, + +35 + + + +m + + +{BOOK t + + +TIIB HYMNS OB + +c HYMN LXXIX. Dawn. + +0 heavenly Dawn, awaken us to ample opulence to-day +Even as thou hast wakened us with Satyasravas, Vayya’s son, +high-born ! delightful with thy steeds ! + +2 Daughter of Heaven, thou davvnedst on Sunitha Suchadratha’s + +• sop, * + +So dawn thou on one mightier still, on Satyasravas, Yayya’s +son, high-born 1 delightful with thy steeds ! + +3 So, bringing treasure, dawn to-day on us thou Daughter of the + +Sky, + +As thou, 0 mightier yet, didst shine for Satyasravas, Yayya's +, son, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds ! + +4 Here round about thee are the priests who laud thee,. Bright + +One, with their hymns, + +. And men with gifts, 0 Bounteous Dame, splendid with wealth +and offering much, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds ! + +5 Whatever these thy bands perform to please thee or win them + +wealth, + +E’en fain they gird us round and give rich gifts which ne’er +are reft away, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds I + + +The connexion between 1—and 7—9 is not clear. By yoshd nadhamdntf +(a wailing woman) a parturient woman may perhaps, Professor Ludwig thinks, +be intended. Atri, as he descended into the pit, invoked the Asvins that +they might release him as a woman releases the child she bears. A tree— +which i« much harder and firmer than a woman’s body—unclosed itself when +Saptavadhri invoked the Asvins. So shall the parturient woman bring forth +her child through the help of the Asvins and at Atri’s intercession. A con¬ +nexion may thus be established, though here and there it would be rather +forced. • • + +1 Satyasravas; the Rishi of the hymn. Delightful with thy steeds: pleas¬ +ant to those whom thou favourest on account of the horses which thou bestow- +est. The word awustlnrite is variously rendered, e, g, by Professor Wilsoh, +after S&yana, c praised sincerely for (the gift of) horses ; ’ by Prof. Ludwig,. + +( an roasen trefliohes besitzende,' ‘ having an excellent possession in horses .; r +by Prof. Roth, * vom jubel der Rosse begleitete/ ‘ accompanied by the joyous +neigh of horses ;* and by Prof. Grassmann, 'rossereiehe/ 'rich in horses/ + +4 Men with gifts-: the Maghavans, or wealthy householders, who institute +the sacrifice and provide offerings for the Gods and presents for the officiating +priests. + +5 These thy hands: the congregation of worshippers. Which ne'er are + +reft away: or which are never in vain, never fail to obtain their due reward +from heaven : ‘ S&yana,’ Professor Wilson remarks, c seems rather dubious as +to the proper sense of several of these words :....the sum of the mean¬ + +ing, agreeably to the scholiast, is, all they who, offering oblations, worship the +dawn, receive the reward, for the benefit of us, of me, that is the author of the +hymn, ye twum havir-dadutuh stuvanti te sarve apj-usmadavtham phalam +dh&raymti* + + + + +Till! MOVED A. + + +&?MN SO.] + + +754? + + +6 Give to these wealthy patrons fame, 0 affluent Dawn; with + +hero sons, ^ + +To these our princes who have brought rich gifts ne'er to be +reft away, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds ! + +7 Bring lofty and resplendent fame, 0 thou munificent Dawn, + +to these + +. Our wealthy patrons who bestow rich gifts on txs of steeds and +kine, high-born \ delightful with thy steeds 1 + +8 Bring us, 0 Daughter of the Sky, subsistence in our herds of kine, +Together with the sunbeams, with the shine of pure refulgent + +flames, high-born J delightful with thy steeds ! + +_ 9 0 Daughter of the Sky, shine forth; delay not to perform +thy task. + +Let not the Sun with fervent heat consume thee like a robber +foe, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds ! + +10 So much, and more exceedingly, 0 Dawn, it suits thee to bestow, +Thou Radiant One who ceasest not to shine for those who sing +thy praise, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds ! + +HYMN LXXX. Dawn. + +The singers welcome with their hymns and praises the Goddess +Dawn who bringeth in the sunlight, + +Sublime, by Law true to eternal Order, bright on her path, red- +tinted, far-refulgent. + +2 She comes in front, fair, rousing up the people, making the + +pathways easy to he travelled. + +High, on her lofty chariot, all-impelling, Dawn gives her splen¬ +dour at the days’ beginning. + +3 She, harnessing her car with purple oxen, injuring none, hath + +brought perpetual riches. + +Opening paths to happiness, the Goddess shines, praised by all, +giver of every blessing. + +4 With changing tints she gleams in double splendour while + +from the eastward she displays her body. + +She travels perfectly the path of Order, nor fails to reach, as +one who knows, the quarters. + +5 As conscious that her limbs are bright with bathing, she + +stands, as ’twere, erect that we may see her. + + +9 Delay not to perform thy task ; ‘ delay not our (sacred) rite. 1 ��Wilson. + +2 In front of the Sun ; stiryasya purastdt .—S4yana. + +4 The quarters: the regions of the sky which she visits in obedience to +the eternal law of the universe. + +5 With bathing; in the dews of heaven. + + + +•548 THE HYMNS OH [BOOK V, + +Driving away malignity and darkness, Dawn, Child of Heaven, +hath come to ns with lustre. + +6 The Daughter of the Sky, like some chaste woman, hends, +opposite to men, her forehead downward. + +The Maid, disclosing boons to him who worships, hath brought +again the daylight as aforetime. + +HYMN LXXXI. Savitar. + +The priests of him the lofty Priest well-skilled in hymns +harness their spirit, yea, harness their holy thoughts. + +He only knowing works assigns their priestly tasks. Yea, +lofty is the praise of Savitar the God. + +2 The Sapient One arrays himself in every form: for quadruped +and biped he hath brought forth good. + +Excellent Savitar hath looked on heaven’s high vault, and +shineth after the outgoing of the Dawn. + +. 3 Even he, the God whose going-forth and majesty the other +Deities have followed with their might, + +He who hath measured the terrestrial regions out by his great +power, he is the Courser Savitar. + +4 To the three spheres of light thou goest, Savitar, and with + +the rays of Surya thou combinesfc thee. + +Around, on both sides thou eucompassest the night : yea, +thou, 0 God, art Mitra through thy righteous laws. + +5 Over all generation thou art Lord alone: Pushan art thou, + +0 God, in all thy goings-forth. + +Yea, thou hast domination over all this world. Syav&sva +hath brought praise to thee, 0 Savitar. + +HYMN LXXXII. Savitar. + +We crave of Savitar the God this treasure much to be enjoyed. + +The best, all-yielding, conquering gift of Bhaga we would +gladly win. + +2 Savitar’s own supremacy, most glorious and beloved of all, + +No one diminisheth in aught. + +1 The lofty Priest : Savitar. Knowing works : skilled in rules which regulate +religions functions, or perhaps, understanding the intentions or wishes of the +worshippers : ‘he alone knowing their functions directs the - priests/—Wilson. + +2 Arrays himself in evei*y form : makes all erternal objects clearly visible at +sunrise, + +8 The Courser Savitar ; S&yaoa explains ttasah. as white, bright, shining. It +also means a horse, especially one of the horses of the Sun, and here designates +the bun himself under that - form. See Sat&patha-Br&hmana, VI, 3. 1, 18 : +Sacred Books of the East, XLI. p. 195. ’ + +4 According to^ S&yana, Savitar is especially the Sun before rising, and +Surya is the Sun in general. + + + +ss.j 4*#s Matntu. m + +3 For Savitar who is Bhaga shall send riches to his worshipper, f +That Wondrous portion we implore. + +4 Send us this day, God Savitar, prosperity with progeny* + +Drive thou the evil dream away. + +6 Savitar, God, send far away all .sorrows and calamities, + +And send us only what is good. + +6 Sinless in sight of Aditi through the God SavitaFs influence, +May we obtain all lovely things. + +7 We with our hymns this day elect the general God, Lord of + +the good, + +Savitar whose decrees are true* + +8 He who for ever vigilant precedes these Twain, the Day and + +Night, + +Is Savitar the thoughtful God* + +9 He who gives glory unto all these living creatures with the song, +And brings them forth, is Savitar. + +HYMN LXXXIII* Parjanya. + +Sing with these songs thy welcome to the Mighty, with adora¬ +tion praise and call Parjanya. + +The Ball, loud roaring, swift to send his bounty, lays in the +plants the seed for germination, + +2 He smites the trees apart, he slays the demons: all life fears + +him who wields the mighty weapon. + +From him exceeding strong flees e’en the guiltless, when thund¬ +ering Parjanya smites the wicked. + +3 Shall send: suvftti, from the root su or sit, from which Savitar also is form¬ +ed. The principal significations of the root are (1) to generate or bring forth ; +(2) to pour forth, a libation; and (3) to send or impel. See Muir, 0. S. +Texts, Y. 165, + +4 Send us : sdvth, from the same root: Drive thou away: pdrd suva . + +5 Send far away : pard suva. + +6 Influence: sav6> + +7 The general God : visvddevmn : * who possesses all divine attributes,’— +Muir; * (identical with) all the gods,’—Wilson; ‘den allgott,’ ‘the all-god,’— +Ludwig; £ den allgottlichen,’ f the all-divine,’—Grasstnatm. Whose decrees are +true : satydsavam: ‘ who possesses true energy.’—Muir. + +9 He who gives glory : * he who by his creative power produces the objects +of the song of praise.’—Ludwig. - + +1 Parjanya: God of thunderstorms and rain, the generator and nourisher +of plants and living creatures See Muir, 0. S . Texts, V. 140 ff., and, especially, +M. Muller, India, What can it Teach us ? pp. 186—194. + +2 The wicked: dushhHtah, evil-doers. ‘ There does not seem to be any +sufficient reason to understand evil-doers here, and, in verse 9, of the cloud +demons, or simply of the malignant clouds, as S&yana in his explanation of +verse 9 does. The poet may naturally have supposed that it was exclusively, +or principally the wicked who were struck down by thunderbolts,’—Muir, +0 . & Texts P V. 141, + + + +550 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK V f + +3 Like a ear-driver whipping on his horses, he makes the messen¬ + +gers of rain spring forward + +Far off "resounds 1 \ > ^ ~f the lion, what time Parjanya +fills "the sky' i ■■■ + +4 Forth burst the winds,- down come the lightning-flashes: the + +plants shoot up, the realm of light is streaming. + +Food springs abundant for all living creatures, what time +Parjanya quickens earth with moisture. + +5 Thou at whose bidding earth bows low before thee, at whose + +command hoofed cattle fly in terror, + +At whose behest the plants assume all colours, even thou +Parjanya, yield us great protection. + +6 Send down for as the rain of heaven, ye Maruts, and let the + +Stallion's flood descend in torrents. + +Come hither with this thunder while thou pourest the waters +down, our heavenly Lord and Father. + +T Thunder and roar: the germ of life deposit. Fly round us on . +thy chariot water-laden. + +Thine opened water-skin draw with thee downward, and let +the hollows and the heights be level. + +8 Lift up the mighty vessel, pour down water, and let the + +liberated streams rush forward. + +Saturate both the earth and heaven with fatness, and for the +cows let there be drink abundant. + +9 When thou, with thunder and with roar, Parjanya, smitest + +sinners down, + +This universe exults thereat, yea, all that is upon the earth. + +10 Thou hast poured clown the rain*flood: now withhold it. +Thou hast made desert places fit for travel. + +Tlion hast made herbs to grow for our enjoyment: yea, thou +hast won thee praise from living creatures. + +HYMN LXXXIV. Pdthivi. + +Thou, of a truth, 0 Prithivi, bearest *' the tool that rends the +hills : + +Thou rich in torrents, who with might quickenest earth, 0 +Mighty One. + + +10 Thou hast toon thee praise: or, perhaps, ‘thou hast fulfilled the longing + +of the people/ - + +1 PHthivt: in this place not the Goddess Earth or earth personified, but a deity +of the middle air or firmament. * DnnVpd Prithivi * says S&yana, ‘ Prithivt +has two forms.’ The tool that rends the hilts; the instrument that strikes and +pierces the mountains and opens the water-springs, the thunderbolt or the +power that produces similar results. + + + +THE Em VEDA. + + +551 + + +MtUtlt 80.] + +2 To thee, 0 wahdefer at will, ring out the lauds with beams + +of day, , + +Who drivest, like a neighing steed, the swelling ^cloud, O +bright of hue. + +3 Who graspest with thy might on earth e’en the strong sovi'ans + +of the wood, + +When from the lightning of thy cloud the rain-floods of the +heaven descend. + + +HYMN LXXXV. Varunk. + +Sing forth a hymn sublime and solemn, grateful to glorious +Yaruna, imperial Ruler, + +Who hath struck out, like one who slays the victim, earth as +a skin to spread in front of Surya. + +2 In the tree-tops the air he hath extended, put milk in kine + +and vigorous speed in horses, + +Set intellect in hearts, fire in the waters, Surya in heaven and +Soma on the mountain. + +3 Yaruna lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the + +heaven and earth and air’s mid-region. + +Therewith the universe’s Sovran waters earth as the shower of +rain bedews the barley. + +A When Yaruna is fain for milk he moistens the sky, the land, +and earth to her foundation. + +Then straight the mountains clothe them in the rain-cloud : +the Heroes, putting forth their vigour, loose them, + +2 The swelling cloud: pevtim; the exact meaning of the word is doubtful. +Professor Ludwig thinks that the lightning is intended. + +1 Sing forth; prd . arcM. The Rishi addresses himself. Or archd may + +he the first person singular, I sing. Like one who slays the victim ; ‘ not the +ordinary Immolafcor, but the priest who spreads out the skin of the slaughtered +victim to receive its disjointed members.’—Ludwig. + +2 In the tree-tops: vdneshu , explained by S&yana as vrikshdgreshu: ‘ in the +clouds,’ according to the St. Petersburg Lexicon. Sonia on the mountain ; +* the Soma creeper, MaMdhara observes, grows in the clefts of the stones of +mountains, parvatdndm pashnasandhishu somavcdlyd utpddyamdnatwat — +Wilson. + +4 Is fain for milk ; .wishes for libations of milk ; or the meaning may be, + +when he wishes to draw forth the milk, the fertilizing rain, of the clouds. +Earth to her foundation ; the text has only prithivtim, meaning earth in its +full extent (terra) as distinguished from bh-tmim, the land, soil, or ground +(humus or solum). Or prithivim may perhaps mean the firmament here as +Sayana explains it. See note on Prithivt in the preceding hymn. ^ The Heroes : +the strong Maruts. Loose them : loosen the roots of the mountains and make +them tremble. ” ... + + + + +m TEM HYMNS OP . [BOON ft + +5 I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious Vanina + +the Lord Immortal, + +Who standing in the firmament hath meted the earth out with +the Sun as with a measure* + +6 None, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise + +God’s mighty deed of magic, + +Whereby with all their flood, the lucid, rivers fill not one sea +wherein they pour their waters, + +7 If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever + +wronged a brother, friend, or comrade, + +The neighbour ever with us, or a stranger, 0 Varupa, remove +from us the trespass. + +8 If we, as gamesters cheat at play, have .cheated, done wrong + +unwittingly or sinned of purpose, + +Cast all these sins away like loosened fetters, and, Varupa, let +us be thine own beloved. + +HYMN LXXXVI. Indra-Agni. + +Tub mortal man whom ye, the Twain, Indra and Agni, help +in fight, + +Breaks through e’en strongly-guarded wealth as Trita burst +his way through reeds. + +2 The Twain invincible in war, worthy to he renowned in frays, +Lords of the Fivefold People, these, Indra and Agni, we + +invoke. + +3 Impetuous is their strength, and keen the lightning of the + +mighty Pair, + +Which from their arms speeds with the car to Vritra’s slayer +for the kine. + +4 Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, as such, to send your cars : +Lords of quick-coming bounty, ye who know, chief lovers of + +the song. + +5 These who give increase day by day, Gods without guile for + +mortal man, + +Worthy themselves, I honour most, Two Gods as partners, +for my horse. + +5 Deed of magic: mdyftm • or the word may be rendered by ‘ device * or +‘•design.’ See Wallis, Cosmology of the Riyveda, pp. 102, 103. + +1 Through reeds: so Professor Both interprets the v&nih of the text. See +I. 52. 5. According to Sdyana the meaning is, as Trita’ the Bishi breaks + +down and refutes the words or arguments of his opponents. + +2 The Fivefold People; the five Aryan tribes. + +5 I honour most: pur6 dttdh6 ; I set in front, in the most honourable place. +For my horse: that I may win the chariot-race. ‘ For (the sake of obtaining) +horses.’—Wilson, + + + +BYMN *7-J TRE RtGVtftiA. U$ + +6 The stmigth-bes towing offering thus to Indra-Agni hath been +paid, as butter, purified by stones. + +Deal to our princes high renown, deal wealth to tiose wha +sing your praise, deal food to those who sing your praise. + +HYMN LXXXVIL . Karate + +To Vishnu, to the Mighty whom the Maruts follow let your +hymns born in song go forth, Evay&marut j + +To the impetuous, strong band, adorned with bracelets, that +■ rushes on in joy and ever roars for vigour. + +2 They who with might were manifest, and who willingly by + +their own knowledge told it forth, Evay&marut. + +Maruts, this strength of yours no wisdom comprehendetli ? +through their gifts' greatness they are moveless as the +mountains. + +3 Who by the psalm they sing are heard, from lofty heaven, the + +strong, the brightly shining Ones, Evayamarut; , + +In whose abode there is no mightier one to move them, whose +lightnings are as fires, who urge the roaring rivers. + + +6 A s butter : S&yaiia explains ghritdm , sacrificial oil or clarified butter, by +Soma juice; but pHttim, purified, qualifies havydm, the offering, and not +ghvitdm. The libation of Soma juice which has been purified by the operation +of the press-stones, strainer, etc., has been offered like clarified butter or +holy oil* + + +The hymn is ascribed to a Rishi Evayamarut, a name which is evidently +borrowed from the refrain. + +X Born in song: developing themselves and taking form in song : vdchi +nishyanni :—S&yaaa. ‘ Voice-born.’—Wilson. Or girijft may have its usual +meaning, mountain-born, with reference to the close connexion of the hymns +with the pressing-stones which came from the hills. Evaydmarut: Professor +Wilson, following S&yana, translates; ‘ May the voice-born praises of Evay&^ +marub reach you, Vishnu, attended by the Maruts,’ and observes that * the +name of the Rishi, Evaydmarut , remains unaltered in its case termination, +whatever may be its syntactical connection with the rest of the sentence.’ +This is manifestly impossible, and the word is certainly not a proper name. +Evayk) in I. 156. 1, ‘going thy wonted way,’ is an epithet of Vishnu, and +Professor Roth thinks that Evayamarut is an exclamation meaning, 0 Vishnu +and Maruts ! or, 0 Maruts who speed around ! But in both these cases it +would be necessary to change the accent, both in this hymn and in the S&ma- +veda where stanza 1 occurs again. Professor Grassmann suggests, i speeding +(like Vishnu) is the Marut host,’ or, 1 The speeding Vishnu is the true Marut, +or lord of the Maruts/ as the probable meaning of the word. I find Evaytit- +mai*ut unintelligible, and, as Professor Ludwig has done, leave it untranslated, +as a mere sacrificial exclamation. See Vedie Hymns (Sacred Books of tho +East) Part 1. p. 365. + + + +tu THE RIG VEDA. BOOK F. + +4 He of the Mighty Stride forth strode, Evayamarut, out of the + +spacious dwelling-place, their home in common. + +Wheft he, himself, hath yoked his emulous strong horses on +heights, he cometh forth, joy-giving, with the Heroes, + +5 Like your tremendous roar, the rainer with light flashing, + +■strong, speeding, hath made all tremble, Evay&marut, +Wherewith victorious ye, self-luminous, press onward, with +strong reins, decked with gold, impetuous and well- +weaponed. + +6 Unbounded is your greatness, ye of mighty power ; may your + +bright vigour be our aid, Evay&marut.; + +For ye are visible helpers in the time of trouble : like fires, +aglow with light, save us from shame and insult. + +7 So may the Eudras, mighty warriors, Evayamarut, with + +splendid brilliancy, like fires, be our protectors; + +They whose terrestrial dwelling-place is wide-extended, whom +none suspect of sin, whose bands have lofty courage. + +8 Come in a friendly spirit, come to us, 0 Maruts, and hear his + +call who praises you, Evayamarut. + +Like ear-borne men, one-minded with the mighty Vishnu, +keep enmity far from us with your deeds of wonder. + +$ Come to our sacrifice, ye Holy Ones, to bless it, and, free +from demons, hear our call, Evayamarut. + +Most excellent, like mountains in the air’s mid-region, be' +irresistible, ye Wise, to this man’s hater. „ . + + +4 He of the Mighty Stride: Vishnu. According to S&yana, the wide-spread¬ +ing (band of Maruts). Their home: Vishnu’s and Indra’s. With the Heroes ; +with the Maruts. + +6 In the time of trouble: the meaning of prasitau is uncertain. Professor +Wilson, after S&yana, translates ; 1 for you are regulators for overseeing (what +is fit for) the limits of the sacrifice.’ + +9 This man's hater: him who hates the institutor of the sacrifice, or derides +and reviles the holy ceremony. + + + + +BOOK THE SIXTH. + + +i + + +HYMN I. Agni. + +Thou, first inventor of this prayer, 0 Agni, Worker of Marvels, +hast become our Herald. + +Thou, Bull, hast made us strength which none may conquer • +strength that shall overcome all other prowess. + +2 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, + +best Offerer, meet for honour. + +So first to thee have pious men resorted, turning thy mind to- +thoughts of ample riches. + +3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest + +with much wealth as with an army, + +The radiant Agni, lofty, fair to look on, worshipped with mar¬ +row, evermore resplendent. + +4 They who approached the God’s abode with homage, eager for + +glory, won them perfect glory: + +Yea, they gained even sacrificial titles, and found delight in +thine auspicious aspect. + +5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial + +and terrestrial riches. + +Thou, Helper, must be known as our Preserver, Father and +Mother of mankind for ever. + +6 Bear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him* + +joy-giver, skilled in worship. + +Let us approach thee shining in thy dwelling, kneeling upon +our knees, with adoration, + +7 Longing for bliss, pure-minded, God-devoted, Agni, we seek + +thee, such, meet to be lauded. + +Thou, Agni, leddest forth our men to battle, refulgent with +the heaven’s exalted splendour. + +The Rishi of the hymn is Bharadv&ja, to whom, with a few exceptions, all +the hymns of this Book are attributed. + +1 Our Herald: or Invoking Priest who calls the Gods to the sacrifice, +o u r --;7 *"■■■- . T witSf marrow: to whom especially the fat covering of the +5*. .*.!■ ' ■ ■ ■ -dctims was offered. + +4 They who approached the God’s abode ; the Ribhus, Maruts, or Angirases + +may be meant. # + +5 Their celestial and terrestrial riches ; vtityali ubhaydsah; literally, riches of +both kinds. According to S&yana, consisting in cattle and in possessions other +thaii cattle. + + + +Md TUP OP [POOP tl + +8 Sage of mankind, all peoples’ Lord and Master, the Bull of +men, the sender down of blessings, + +Still pressing on, promoting, purifying, Agni the Holy One, +the Lord of riches. + +& Agni, the mortal Who hath toiled and worshipped, brought +thee oblations with his kindled fuel, + +And well knows sacrifice with adoration, gains every joy with +thee to guard and help him. + +10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni 1 + +fuel and oblations, + +With songs, 0 Son of Strength, with hymns, with altar; so +may we strive for thine auspicious favour. + +11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and + +with thy glories, glorious and triumphant, + +Continue thou to shine on us, 0 Agni, with strength abundant, +rich, and long-enduring. + +12 Ypttchsafe us ever, as man needs, 0 Yasit, abundant wealth of + +kine for son and offspring. + +Food noble, plenteous, far from sin and evil, he with us, and +fair fame to make us happy* + +13 May I obtain much Wealth in many places by love of thee and + +through thy grace, King Agni ; + +For in thee, Bounteous One, in thee the Sovran, Agni, are +many boons for him who serves thee. + +HYMN II. Agni. + +Thou, Agni, even as Mitra, hast a princely glory of thine own. +Thou, active Yasu, makest fame increase like full prosperity, + +2 For, verily, men pray to thee with sacrifices and with songs. +To thee the Friendly Courser, seen of all, comes speeding + +through the air. + +3 Of one accord men kindle thee Heaven’s signal of the sacrifice, +When, craving bliss, this race of man invites thee to the + +solemn rite. + +4 Let the man thrive who travails sore, in prayer, for thee the + +Bountiful. + + +8 Sage of mankind, etc: Sage, Lord, Bull, etc. are in the accusative case, in +apposition with ‘thee’ in stanza 7, though separated by an intervening half- +Btanza. + +2 The Friendly Courser : the Sun. + +3 Or, possibly, as suggested by Professor Ludwig, ‘ The men accordant with +the heaven light thee the sign of sacrifice;’ that is, understanding the signs +in heaven and so knowing the proper time for the ceremony. + + + + +MYMN 3.] + + +TIIB MGYBDA. + + +m + +He with the help of lofty Dyaus comes safe through straits +of enmity. f + +5 The mortal who with fuel lights thy flame and offers unto + +thee, + +v ^Supports a house with many a branch, Agni, to live a hund¬ +red years:——— -—— .. + +6 Thy bright smoke lifts itself aloft, and far-extended shines in + +'heaven. + +For, Purifier 1 like the Sun thou beamest with thy radiant +glow. + +7 For in men’s houses thou must be glorified as a well-loved + +guest, + +Gay like an elder in a fort, claiming protection like a son. + +8 Thou, Agni, like an able steed, art urged by wisdom in the + +wood. + +Thou art like wind; food, home art thou, like a young horse +that runs astray. + +9 E’en things imperishable, thou, 0 Agni, like a grazing ox, +Eatest, when hosts, Eternal One! of thee the Mighty rend + +the woods. + +10 Agni, thou enterest as Priest the home of men who sacrifice. +Lord of the people, prosper them. Accept the offering, +Angiras! + +110 Agni, God with Mitra’s might, call hither the favour of the +Gods from earth and heaven. + +Bring weal from heaven, that men may dwell securely. May +we o’ercome the foe’s malign oppressions, may we o’ercome +them, through thy help o’ercome them. + +HYMN IIL Agni. + +True, guardian of the Law, thy faithful servant wins ample +light and dwells in peace, 0 Agni, + +Whom thou, as Yaruna in accord with Mitra, guardest, O God, +by banishing his trouble. + +2 He hath paid sacrifices, toiled in worship, and offered gifts to +wealth-increasing Agni. + +7 Gay like an elder ; Agni must be respected and eared for like a father as +well as protected like a son. + +8 Jn the wood : wherein fire is produced by attrition. The exact meaning +of the stanza is somewhat uncertain. Like wind ; moving everywhere. + +9 Bateit: this or some similar verb must be supplied. + +1 As Varuria in accord with Mitra: that is, Agni, Yaruna, and Mitra as +one.—Ludwig. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +m + + +{BOOR Vt. + + +Him' the displeasure of the famous moves not, outrage and +sc^rn affect not such a mortal. + +3 Bright God, whose look is free from stain like Surya’e, thou, + +swift, what time tbou earnestly desirest, + +Hast gear to give us. Come with joy at evening, where, +Child of Wood, thou mayest also tarry. + +4 Fierce is his gait and vast his wondrous body ? he champeth + +like a horse with bit and bridle, + +And, darting forth his tongue, as 7 8 twere a hatchet, burning the +woods, smelteth them like a smelter. + +5 Archer-like, fain to shoot, he sets his arrow, and whets his + +splendour like the edge of iron : + +The messenger of night with brilliant pathway, like a tree- +roosting bird of rapid pinion. + +6 In beams of morn be clothes him like the singer, and bright + +as Mitra with his splendour crackles. + +Bed in the night, by day the men’s possession : red, he be¬ +longs to men by day, Immortal. . + +7 Like Heaven’s when scattering beams his voice was uttered ; + +among the plants the radiant Hero shouted, + +Who with his glow in rapid course came hither to fill both +worlds, well-wedded Dames, with treasure. + +8 Who, with supporting streams and rays that suit him, hath + +flashed like lightning with his native vigour. + +Like the deft Maker of the band of Maruts, the bright im¬ +petuous One hath shone refulgent. + + +. 3.1 gratefully adopt Professor Pischel’s interpretation of this very difficult +stanza which I had regarded as hopelessly obscure. See Vedische Studies, +I. pp. 37—50, + +4 With bit and bridle; yamasdnd dstf; ‘ champing fodder with his mouth.’— +Wilson. As ’twere a hatchet: Agni, and not his tongue, is likened to the +hatchet. + +5 Of iron : or metal, the exact meaning of dyas being uncertain. + +' 6 In beams of morn; the light of e"~V * l "'^es on the fire and the + +singer alike and simultaneously. ■> ' : 'diffusing friendly + +light.’—Wilson.. The men’s possession; I take nrtn as a shortened form, of +nrintfm; but it is difficult to make sense of the half-stanza. Professor Wilson, +following S&yana, translates : ‘(lie it is) who is luminous by night, and who +lights men (to their work) by day ; who is immortal and radiant ; who lights +men by day’. The verb is supplied by Sdyana. + +7 Like Heaven’s: like the voice of Dyaus, the thumder. Well-wedded + +pomes: having excellent Lords, perhaps Indra and Agni, . , + +8 The deft Maker of the band of Maruts: Dyaus is probably Intended. + + + +HYMN i.J + + +THE MOVES A. + + +6Sd + +' HYMN IV. ' a gnu + +As at man’s service of the Gods, Invoker, thoil, Son of +Strength, dost sacrifice and worship, + +So bring for ns to-day all Gods together, Bring willingly the* +, willing Gods, O Agni. + +2 May Agni, radiant Herald of the morning, meet to Be known* + +accept our praise with favour. + +Dear to all life, mid mortal men Immortal,, our guest, awake +at dawn, is Jatavedas. + +3 Whose might the very heavens regard with wonder r bright + +as the Sun he clothes himself with lustre. + +He who sends forth, Eternal Purifier, hath shattered e’en the* +ancient works of Asna. + +4 Thou art a Singer, Son f our feast-companion : Agni at birth + +prepared his food and pathway. + +Therefore vouchsafe us strength, 0 Strength-bestower, Win +like a King : foes trouble not thy dwelling. + +5 Even he who eats his firm hard food with swiftness, and over¬ + +takes the nights as Vayu kingdoms. + +May we o’ercome those who resist thine orders, like a steed +casting down the flying foemen. + +6 Like Sfirya with his fulgent rays, 0 Agni, thou overspreadest + +both the worlds with splendour. + +Decked with bright colour he dispels the darkness, like Ausija, +with clear flame swiftly flying. + +7 We have elected thee as most delightful for thy beams 1 * * * * 6 7 glow ; + +hear our great laud, 0 Agni. + +The best men praise thee as the peer of Indra in strength, mid +Gods, like Vayu in thy bounty. + + +1 Invoker; Hotar , herald or inviter of the Gods. + +3 A &na : apparently one of the demons of drought. + +4 His food and pathioay: or his pathway to his food may be intended. + +5 His firm hard food : vdrandm annam; the food of elephants, i. e . trees, +according to Professor Ludwig. Professor Wilson, following S&yana, translates +the first half-line ; * He who-whets his (gloom)—dispersing (radiance), who eats +the (offered) oblation.’ As Vdyu kingdoms ; rft&'h.trt standing, perhaps, for rdsh- + +tryd {rcCshtrydni) y but the exact meaning is uncertain. Perhaps, as Professor. +Ludwig suggests, as V&yu or the wind blows uninterrupted through the +whole land, so Agni is kindled at night-fall and again at early dawn before +the night has entirely passed* away. + +6 Like Ausija : perhaps some contemporary priest, who is regarded as +bringing back the daylight by prayer and sacrifice. f Like the adored + +(sun).’—Wilson. + + + + +500 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VI. + +& Now, Agni, on the tranquil paths of riches come to us for our +wa*tl: save us from sorrow. + +Grant) chiefs and bard this boon. May we live happy, with hero +children, through a hundred winters, + +HYMN V. AgnL + +I invocate your Son of Strength, the Youthful, with hymns, +the Youngest God, whose speech is guileless ; + +Sage who sends wealth comprising every treasure, bringer of +many boons, devoid of malice. + +2 At eve and morn thy pious servants bring thee their precious +gifts, 0 Priest of many aspects, + +On whom, the Purifier, all things living, as on firm ground +their happiness have stablished. + +% Thou from of old hast dwelt among these people, by mental +power the charioteer of blessings. + +Hence sendest thou, 0 sapient Jatavedas, to him who serves +thee treasures in sucees&ion. + +4 Agni, whoever secretly attacks us, the neighbour, tbou with +Mitra’s might! who harms us, + +Burn him with thine own Steers for ever youthful, burning +with burning heat, thou fiercest burner. + +3) He who serves thee with sacrifice and fuel,with hymn, 0 Son +of Strength, and chanted praises, + +Shines out, Immortal! in the midst of mortals, a sage, with +wealth, with splendour and with glory. + +6 Do this, 0 Agni, when we urge thee, quickly, triumphant in + +thy might subdue our foemen. + +When thou art praised with words and decked with brightness, +accept this chanted hymn, the singer’s worship. + +7 Help us, that we may gain this wish, 0 Agni, gain riches. + +Wealthy One i with store of heroes. + +Desiring strength from thee may we be strengthened, and win. +Eternal! thine eternal glory. + + +8 Tranquil: avrikMih; literally untroubled by wolves, or enemies. Grant +chiefs and bard: the wealthy men who institute the sacrifice and the priest +Who sings. Or it may be rendered, f Grant the chiefs' bard/ that is, the priest +who sings for his wealthy patrons. A hundred winters: see V. 54. 15, note. + +2 Priest of many aspects : purvantha, having many faces, aspects, or mani¬ +festations. According to S&yana, having many flames instead of faces. + +^ 4 Thine own Stem's; thy strong fames. Burn him , etc.: tdpd tapishtha tdpasd +tapasvdn. + + + +HYMN 1 .] + + +TME MGYEDA, + + +561 + + +HYMN VI. Agni. + +He who seeks furtherance and grace to help him goes to the +Son of Strength with newest worship, + +Calling the heavenly Priest to share the banquet, who rends +the wood, bright, with his blackened pathway. + +2 White-hued and thundering he dwells in splendour, Most + +Youthful, with the loud-voiced and eternal— + +Agni, most variform, the Purifier, who follows crunching many +ample forests. + +3 Incited by the wind thy flames, 0 Agni, move onward, Pure + +One 1 pure, in all directions. + +Thy most destructive heavenly Navagvas break the woods +down and devastate them boldly. + +4 Thy pure white horses from their bonds are loosened: O + +.Radiant One, they shear the ground beneath them, + +And far and wide shines out thy flame, and flickers rapidly +moving over earth’s high ridges. + +5 Forth darts the Bull’s tongue like the sharp stone weapon dis¬ + +charged by him who fights to win the cattle. + +Agni’s fierce flame is like a hero’s onset: dread and resistless +he destroys the forests. + +6 Thou with the sunlight of the great Impeller hast boldly over¬ + +spread the earth’s expanses. + +So drive away with conquering might all perils : fighting our +foemen burn up those who harm us. + +7 Wondrous! of wondrous power i give to the singer wealth + +wondrous, marked, most wonderful, life-giving. + +Wealth bright, O Bright One, vast, with many heroes, give +with thy bright flames to the man who lauds thee. + +HYMN VII. Agni. + +Him, messenger of earth and head of heaven, Agni Vaisvanara, +born in holy Order, + +The Sage, the King, the guest of men, a vessel fit for their +mouths, the Gods have generated, + +2 The loud-voiced and eternal: the Maruts. + +3 Navagvas: the flames of fire being regarded as the ministers of Agni, who +is the best or oldest of the Angirases of whom the Navagvas are a class. + +4 Earth's high ridges: ddhi scCnuprisneh; Prisni here being the multiform earth. + +5 Who fights to wm the cattle: Indra who wars with demons of drought and +darkness. + +6 The great Impeller: Sftrya, the vivifying Sun. + +7 Sd chitra chit- 1 '/ '-' - 44 -y-: 7 ™ ' chitralcshatra chitratamam vasodk^m | + +Chandrdm rayim,± - ■ s’* . chdndra chandrdbhir grinaU yuvasva. + +1 A vessel fit for their mouths ; through whose means they receive men’s +offerings. + +36 + + + +m TMM HYMNS OP [BOOH VI + +2 Him have they praised, mid-point of sacrifices, great cistern of + +libations, seat of riches. + +Vairanara, conveyer of oblations, ensign of worship, have the +; Gods engendered. + +3 From thee, 0 Agni, springs the mighty singer, from thee come +’ heroes who subdue the foeman. + +0 King, Vaisv&nara, bestow thou on us excellent treasures +worthy to be longed for. + +4 To thee, Immortal! when to life thou springest, all the Gods + +sing for joy as to their infant. + +They by thy mental powers were made immortal, Vaisvanara, + +* when thou shonest from thy Parents. + +5 Agni Vaisvanara, no one hath ever resisted theseJ;hy mighty + +ordinances, + +When thou, arising from thy Parents’ bosom, foundest the +light for days’ appointed courses. + +6 The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through + +by the Immortal’s light, Vaisvanara’s brilliancy. + +All creatures in existence rest upon his head. The Seven +swift-flowing Streams have grown like branches forth. + +7 Vaisvanara, who measured out the realms of air, Sage very + +wise who made the lucid spheres of heaven, + +The Undeceivable who spread out all the worlds, keeper is he +and guard of immortality. + +HYMN VIII. Agni. + +At Jatavedas’ holy gathering I will tell aloud the conquering +might of the swift red-hued Steer. + +A pure and fresher hymn flows to Vaisvanara, even as for Agni +lovely Soma is made pure. + +2 That Agni, when in loftiest heaven he sprang to life, Guardian + +of Holy Laws, kept and observed them well. + +Exceeding wise, he measured out the firmament. Vaisvanaiu +attained to heaven by mightiness. + +3 Wonderful Mitra propped the heaven and earth apart, and + +covered and concealed the darkness with his light. + + +2 Mid-point of sacrifices : { tlie bond of sacrifices.’—Wilson. Agni or fire is' +essential in all sacrifices. + +6 The Seven swift-fiowing Streams: the five rivers of the Panj4b, the Indus +and the Sa'rasvati or the Kubha, Have grown: from Vaisvanara Agni. + +7 Of immortality: according to Sayan a, of water which is the cause of +immortality. ‘ Of ambrosial (rain).’—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 9 ,] WHB KIGVBBAi + + +m + + +He made the two bowls part asunder like two skins. Vaisvanara +put forth all his creative power. + +4 'The Mighty seized him in the bosom of the floods: +waited on the King who should be praised. + +As envoy of Vivasvan Matarisvan brought Agni Vaisv&nara +hither from far away* + +*5 In every age bestow upon the singers wealth, worthy of holy +synods, glorious, ever new. + +King, undecaying, as it were with sharpened bolt, smite +down the sinner like a tree with lightning-flash. + +6 Ho thou bestow, 0 Agni, on our wealthy chiefs, rule, with +good heroes, undecaying, bending not. + +So may we win for us strength, 0 Vaisvanara, hundredfold, +thousandfold, 0 Agni, by thy help. + +t 0 thou who dwellest in three places, Helper, keep with effective +guards our princely patrons. + +Keep our band, Agni, who have brought thee presents. Leng¬ +then their lives, Vaisvanara, when lauded. + +HYMN IX. Agni. + +* One half of day is dark, and bright the other ; both atmos¬ + +pheres move on by sage devices. + +Agni Vaisvanara, when born as Sovran, hath with his lustre +overcome the darkness. + +2 I know not either warp or woof, I know not the web they + +weave when moving to the contest, + +3 The two bowls : the heaven and earth, called dhishdne or bowls from their +hemispherical appearance. + +4 The Mighty : the Gods who followed and found the fugitive Agni. The + +people: or the subjects, viaah* Of Vivasvdn, ; according to S&yana, from +Aditya or the Sun. * * + +. ? Who dwellest in three places: in heaven as. the Sun, in the firmament as +lightning, and on earth as fire. - + +• The hymn is somewhat obscure ; but the general purport appears to be; +Agni fe the priests’ guide and teacher. As sunlight dispels the darkness so +he enlightens our understandings. I know nothing of the mysteries of +sacrifice ; but I look to Agni for light, and prepare the ear and eye of my +mind to receive knowledge and inspiration from him, + +1 Both atmospheres : the rajas or atmosphere is divided into two parts, one +half belonging to the sky and the other to the earth. See Wallis, The +Cosmology of the Rigveda , pp. 1]5, 116. + +2 I know not either warp or woof: f The first half of the stanza...implies, + +according to those who know tradition, sa y S Say ana, a + +figurative allusion to the mysteries of sacrifi-. <■: : the warp, tantu , + +are the metres of the Vedas, those of the woof, otu, the liturgic prayers and +ceremonial, the combination of which two is the cloth, or sacrifice : the +dtmavidah , or, Veddntis, understand i 4 " r.* t~ the mysteries of creation, + +the threads of the warp being the those of the woof the + +gross, and their combination the universe.’—Wilson, Professor Grassmann + + +t + +the people + + + + +m m HYMNS OF [BOOK Tl + +Whose son shall here speak words that must be spoken without +* assistance from the Father near him ? + +3 For both the warp and woof he understandeth, and in due + +time shall speak what should be spoken, + +Who knoweth as the immortal world’s Protector, descending, +seeing with no aid from other. + +4 He is the Priest, the first of all: behold him. Mid mortal men + +he is the light immortal. + +Here was he born, firm-seated in his station, Immortal, ever +waxing in his body. + +5 A firm light hath been set for men to look on: among all + +things that fly the mind is swiftest. + +All Gods of one accord, with one intention, move unobstructed +to a single purpose. + +6 Mine ears unclose to hear, mine eye to see him; the light that + +harbours in my spirit broadens. + +Far roams my mind whose thoughts are in the distance. What +shall I speak, what shall I now imagine ? + +7 All the Gods bowed them down in fear before thee, Agni, when + +thou wast dwelling in the darkness. + +Vaisvanara'be gracious to assist us, may the Immortal favour +us and help us. + +HYMN X. Agni, + +Install at sacrifice, while the rite advances, your pleasant, +heavenly Agni, meet for praises. + +With hymns—for he illumines us—install him. He, Jatavedas, +makes our rites successful. + + +and the translators of the Siebenzig Lieder think that a young singer is pre' +paring himself for a contest with older bards, and, being distrustful of his +own unaided powers to find material for his song, expresses his reliance upon +Agni, and seeks inspiration from him. To the contest: the sacrifice is here +intended : a meeting for religious worship ; sangamane devayajune, —S&yana, +Whose son: Agni is the Father whose aid every one requires, however +excellent his own human father may be, + +5 A firm light: Agni remains in his place, and the effectual performance of +the sacrifice depends upon the activity of his mind. + +* According to the Vedanti view of the text, the light is Brajima , seated +spontaneously in the heart as the means of true knowledge, to which all the +senses, together with the mind and consciousness, refer, as to the one cause of +creation, or Parcm&tmd , supreme spirit.’—Wilson. The stanza is translated +by Prof. Wilson, after S&yana : * A steady light, swifter than thought, +stationed among moving beings to shew (the way) to hapinness : all the gods +being of one mind and of like wisdom, proceed respectfully to the presence of +the one (chief) agent, (Vaisvdnara)’. + +1 Install: establish him as your Purohita or Chief Priest ; or set him in +front as the Ahavaniya fire, + + + +ii.j ■ the RiavEDA. M + +% Hear this laud, Kadiant Priest of many aspects, 0 Agni with +the fires of man enkindled, * + +Laud which bards send forth pure as sacred butter/ strength +to this man* as ? twere for self-advantage. + +3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts + +with hymns of praise to Agni, + +And the God, wondrous bright, with wondrous succours helps +him to win a stable filled with cattle. + +4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heavCn + +and earth with far-apparent splendour : + +And he himself hath been, through night's thick dai’knestf, +made manifest by light, the Purifier, +i> With thy most mighty aid, confer, 0 Agni, wonderful wealth +on us and on our princes, + +Who stand preeminent, surpassing others in liberal gifts, in +fame, and hero virtues. + +6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, + +the worshipper presenteth. + +Fair hymns hadst thou among the Bharadvajas, and holpest +them to gain abundant vigour. + +7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we be glad a hund¬ + +red winters with brave sons. + +HYMN XL Agiii. + +Eagerly sacrifice thoti, most skilful, Agni! Priest, pressing +on as if the Maruts sent thee. + +To our oblation bring the two Nasatyas, Mitra and Yaruna +and Earth and Heaven. + +2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful Herald, the God, among +mankind, of holy synods. + +A Priest with purifying tongue, 0 Agni, sacrifice with thy +mouth to thine own body. + +-- f -► + +2 Strength to this man: the hymn is to give strength to the worshipper, +end the priests are to siug with vigour as though their own interests were +immediately concerned. S&yana takes mamatd (out of self-interest) as a pro¬ +per name, 4 As Mamatft (formerly offered it).’—Wilson. + +3 A stable filled with cattle: the expression includes the waters of heaven, +the light of day, and booty in cattle-lifting expeditions. + +6 Bharadvdjas: the family of the great Rishl to whom the hymn was revealed, + +7 A hundred winters; see note on YI. 4‘. 8. + +2 Of holy synods; I follow Professor Ludwig in taking ridatkd as an old + +genitive plural, and not —vidathe s as S&yapa does. Sacrifi.ce . to thine own + +body: or, sacrifice.thy proper body ; or, ( keep thine own body near us to + +be worshipped/ + + + + +tm TBE fffMtfS OP [BOOK 71 + +3 For even the blessed longing that is in thee would bring the + +Gods down to the singer’s worship, + +When*the Angirasea’ sagest Sage, the Poet, sings the sweet +measure at the solemn service. + +4 Bright hath he beamed, the wise, the far-refulgent. Worship + +the two wide-spreading Worlds, 0 Agni, + +Whom as the Living Ohe rich in oblations the Five Tribes, +bringing gifts, adorn with homage. + +5 When I with reverence clip the grass for Agni, when the trim¬ + +med ladle, full of oil, is lifted, + +Firm on the seat of earth is based the altar: eye-like, the +sacrifice is directed Sun-ward. + +- 6 Enrich us, 0 thou Priest of many aspects, with the Gods, Agni, +with thy fires, enkindled. + +0 Son of Strength, clad in the robe of riches, may we escape +from woe as from a prison. + +HYMN XII. Agni. + +King of trimmed grass, Herald within the dwelling, may +Agni worship the Impeller’s World-halves. + +He, Son of Strength, the Holy, from a distance hath spread +himself abroad with light like SCirya, + +2 In thee, most wise, shall Hyaus, for full perfection, King! + +Holy One! pronounce the call to worship. + +Found in three places, like the Speeder's footstep, come to +present men’s riches as oblations J + +3 Whose blaze most splendid, sovran in the forest, shines waxing + +on his way like the Impeller. + +He knows himself, like as a guileless smelter, not to be stayed +among the plants, Immortal + +4 Our friends extol him like a steed for vigour, even Agni in the + +dwelling, Jatavedas. + + +1 The Impeller's World-halves : the heaven and earth, illumined by, and eo +belonging to, the all-vivifying Sun. + +2 In thee: or by thee, in thy lightning form, Dyaus or Heaven shall +pronounce the ydjyd, the consecrating text used at sacrifices, and thus invite +the Gods to be present. Found in three places: in heaven, atmosphere, and +earth, and in the corresponding fire-receptacles at sacrifice. The Speeder's +footstep: the threefold step of Vishfiu as the Sun, traversing the three worlds +of earth, air, and sky. + +3 A guileless smelter: he knows his power to consume what he attacks, + +like a melter of metal who knows what he can do and does not deceive himself. +According to S&yana, dravittf here, means runner. 1 2 3 4 rushing like the innoxious +(wind).’—Wilsou. ’ /. + + + +TEE RIGVELA. + + +m + + +BYMB 13J + + +Tree-fed, he fights with power as doth a champion, like Dawn’s +Sire to be praised with sacrifices. + +5 Men wonder at his shining glows when, paring the wbods with + +ease, o’er the broad earth he goeth, + +. And, like a rushing flood, loosed quickly, burneth, swift as a +guilty thief, o’er desert places. + +6 So mighty thou protectest us from slander, 0 Champion, Agm I + +with all fires enkindled. + +Bring opulence and drive away afflicton. May brave sons glad¬ +den us through a hundred winters. + + +HYMN XIII. Agni. + +From thee, as branches from a tree, 0 Agni, from thee, Auspici¬ +ous God I spring all our blessings— # + +Wealth swiftly, strength in battle with our foemen, the rain +besought of heaven, the flow of waters. + +2 Thou art our Bhaga to send wealth: thou dwellest, like, + +circumambient air, with wondrous splendour. + +Friend art tliou of the lofty Law, like Mitra, Controller, Agni l +God ! of many a blessing. + +3 Agni! the hero slays with might his foeman; the singer bears + +away the Pani’s booty— + +Even he whom thou, Sage, born in Law, incitest by wealth, +accordant with the Child of Waters. + +4 The man who, Son of Strength ! with sacrifices, hymns, lauds, + +attracts thy fervour to the altar, + +Enjoys each precious thing, 0 God, 0 Agni, gains wealth of +corn and is the lord of treasures. + +5 Grant, Son of Strength, to men for their subsistence such + +things as bring high fame and hero children. + +For thou with might givest much food in cattle even to the +wicked wolf when he is hungry. + +6 Eloquent, Son of Strength, Most Mighty, Agni, vouchsafe us + +seed and offspring, full of vigour. + +May I by all my songs obtain abundance. May brave sons +gladden us through a hundred winters. + + +4 Dawn's Sire; Dyaus or Heaven, the Father of Ushas or Dawn, + +3 Bis foeman : vritram signifying any enemy : dvarakam satrum —S&yana. +The Child of Waters ; here said to mean the lightning, born of the watery +cloud. + +5 To the wicked %oolf: or, perhaps, even to the foe Vrika, Of. VII. 68, 8, + + +568 + + +THE HYMNS OE + + +{BOOK TL + + +HYMN XIV. AgnL + +Whoso to Agni hath endeared his thought and service by his +hylbns, + +That mortal eats before the rest, and finds sufficiency of food* + +2 Agni, in truth, is passing wise, most skilled in ordering, a Seer. +At sacrifices Manus’ sons glorify Agni as their Priest. + +3 The foeman’s wealth in many a place, Agni, is emulous to help. +Men fight the fiend, and seek by rites to overcome the riteless foe* + +4 Agni bestows the hero chief, winner of waters, firm in fray. +Soon as they look upon his might his enemies tremble in alarm. + +5 For with his wisdom Agni, God, protects the mortal from + +reproach, + +Whose conquering wealth is never checked, is never checked +in deeds of might. + +6 0 Agni, God with Mitra’s might call hither the favour of the + +Gods from earth and heaven. + +Bring weal from heaven that men may dwell securely. May we +o’ercome the foe’s malign oppressions, may we o’ercome +them, through thy help o’ercome them. + +HYMN XV. Agni. + +With this my song I strive to reach this guest of yours, who +wakes at early morn, the Lord of all the tribes. + +Each time he comes from heaven, the Pure One from of old : +from ancient days the Child eats everlasting food. + +2 Whom, well-disposed, the Bhrigus stablished as a Friend, + +whom men must glorify, high-flaming in the wood. + +As such, most friendly, thou art every day extolled in lauds +by Vitahavya, 0 thou wondrous God. + +3 Be thou the foeless helper of the skilful man, subduer of the + +enemy near or far away, + +Bestow a wealthy home on men, 0 Son of Strength. Give +Vitahavya riches spreading far and wide, give BharadvsLja +wide-spread wealth. + +4 Him, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the + +Herald of mankind, well-skilled in sacred rites, + +1 That mortal eats before the rest: ‘ May the mortal.quickly become + +distinguished as first (amongst men).’—Wilson. ■> + +2 Most shilled in ordering : the chief regulator of religious rites. + +3 Emulous to help: waiting for us to seize and use. + +1 The Ghild; horn of the fire-sticks, or of Heaven and Earth. Everlasting +food: the Amrita contained in the sacrificial offerings. + +2 Vitahavya: either the name of the Rishi, as S&yana takes it, or an +epithet * whose oblations are enjoyed/ qualifying Bhar&dv&ja understood, - + + + + +tiYMN IS.] . ttffH RIQYEDA. m + +Who, like a holy singer, utters heavenly words, oblation-bearer^ +envoy, God, I seek with hymns* ^ + +5 Who with his purifying, eye-attracting form hath shone^upoU + +the eai'th as with the light of Dawn ; + +Who speeding on, as in the fight of Etasa, cometh, untouched +by age, as one athirst in heat. + +6 Worship ye Agni, Agnl, with your iog of wood; praise you? + +belovM, your beloved guest with songs. + +Iuvite ye the Immortal hither with your hymns. A God amotig +the Gods, he loveth what is choice, loveth our service, God +mid Gods. + +7 Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, pure, Cleanse?, + +stedfast, set in front at sacrifice. + +Wise J&tavedas we implore with prayers for bliss, the Priest, +the holy Singer, bounteous, void of guile, + +8 Men, Agni, in each age have made thee, Deathless One, their + +envoy, offering-bearer, guard adorable. + +With reverence Gods and mortals have established thee, the +ever-watchful, omnipresent Household Lord. + +9 Thou, Agni, ordering the works and ways of both, as envoy of + +the Gods traversest both the worlds. + +When we lay claim to thy regard and gracious care, be thou +to us a thrice-protecting friendly guard. + +10 Him fair of face, rapid, and fair to look on, him very wise may + +we who know not follow. + +Let him who knows all rules invite for worship, Agni announce +our offering to the Immortals. + +1 1 Him, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who brings his prayer + +to thee the Wise, 0 Piero, + +The end of sacrifice or its inception; yea, thou endowest him +with power and riches. + +12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us, + +O thou Victor, from dishonour. + +Here let the place of darkening come upon thee ; may wealth +be ours, desirable in thousands. + + +5 In the fight of Etasa: when he contended with Sfirya. See II, 19. $, +where Indra is said to have assisted Etasa. + +9 Of both: of Gods and men. + +11 The second half of the stanza is not clear. Professor Wilson paraphra¬ +ses it after S&yana : ( thou rewardest with strength and with riches him +(who undertakes) the institution, (who effects) the accomplishment, of the + +^pacrifice. + +12 The place of darkening : this passage is very obscure. Professor Ludwig +thinks that the time of battle is meant. May the foes who attack us find + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +570 + + +[BOOK VI + + +13 Agni, tlie Priest, is King, Lord of the homestead, he, Jatayedas, + +knows all generations. + +Most skilful worshipper mid Gods and mortals, may he begin +the sacrifice, the Holy.. + +14 Whate’er to-day thou, bright-flamed Priest, enjoyest from the + +man’s rite—for thou art Sacrifleer— + +Worship, for duly dost thou spread in greatness: bear off thine +offerings of to-day, Most Youthful. + +15 Look thou upon the viands duly laid for thee. Fain would he + +set thee here to worship Heaven and Earth. + +Help us, 0 liberal Agni, in the strife for spoil, so that we +may overcome all things that trouble us, overcome, o’er come +them with thy help. + +16 Together with all Gods, 0 fair-faced Agni, be seated first + +upon the wool-lined altar, + +Nest-like, bedewed with oil. Bear this our worship to Savitar +who sacrifices rightly. + +17 Here the arranging priests, as did Atharvan, rub this Agni + +forth, + +Whom, not bewildered, as he moved in winding ways, they +brought from gloom. + +18 For the Gods’ banquet be thou born, for full perfection and + +for weal. + +Bring the Immortal Gods who strengthen holy Law: so let our +sacrifice reach the Gods. + +that they have to deal with thee as our ally. S&yana explains pfltihah as food +offered in sacrifice, and dkvasmanvfit as dhvastadosham , freed from defects ; +‘May tjie food reach thee free from imperfection.' Professor Grassmami +translates : 1 Be firing mit dir dein rauchumhullter Gang vorf ‘Thy smoke- +enveloped course press forward with thee/ + +13 Knows all generations: visvd veda jdnimd ; etymology of J&tavedas.— +Ludwig. + +14 The man's: who institutes the sacrifice. + +15 Fain would he: the patron of the sacrifice. + +The original hymn seems to end with this stanza, as the repetition, +o’ercome.o’ercome, o’ercome, tarema,..tarema, . larema also indicates. + +16 Wool-lined altar: built up like the nest of a bird with layers of wool, +in which wool and resins for incense are placed. See Aitareya-Br&hmana, + +1. 5. 28 (Haug’s translation p. 62), To Savitar: according to Sfiyana, Savitar +means the originator, the ins tit u tor of the sacrifice, and the dative case is +used in the sense of the genitive, ‘ the sacrifice of tli,e institutor of the rite,' + +In another place he explains savitri ydjamdndya by f for the sake of the +benefit of the sacrificing institutor of the ceremony/ + +■ 17 Atharvan : the priest who first obtained fire and offered Soma and pray¬ +ers to the Gods. As he moved in winding ways ; when he fied tynd tried to +hide himself from the Gods, + + + + + +HYMN 16.] THE R1QVEDA. Ml + +19 0 Agni, Lord and Master of men’s homesteads, with kindled +fuel we have made thee mighty. + +Let not our household gear he found defective. Sharpen us +with thy penetrating splendour. + +HYMN XVI. Agni. + +Priest of all sacrifices hast thou been appointed by the Gods, +Agni, amid the race of man. + +2 So with thy joyous tongues for us sacrifice nobly in this rite. +Bring thou the Gods and worship them. + +3 For well, 0 God, Disposer, thou knowest, straight on, the paths + +and ways, + +Agni, most wise in sacrifice. + +4 Thee, too, hath Bharata of old, with mighty men, implored + +for bliss, * : + +And worshipped thee the worshipful. + +5 Thou givest these abundant boons to Divodasa pouring forth, +To Bharadvaja offering gifts. + +6 Do thou, Immortal Messenger, bring hither the Celestial Folk', +Hearing the singer’s eulogy. + +7 Mortals with pious thought implore thee, Agni, God, at holy rites. +To come unto the feast of Gods. + +8 I glorify thine aspect and the might of thee the Bountiful. + +All those who love shall joy in thee, + +9 Invoker placed by Manus, thou, Agni, art near, the wisest + +Priest: + +Pay worship to the Tribes of Heaven. + +10 Come, Agni, lauded, to the feast; come to the offering of the + +gifts + +As Priest be seated on the grass. + +11 So, Angiras, we make thee strong with fuel and with holy oil. +Blaze high, thou youngest of the Gods. + +12 For us thou winnest, Agni,God, heroic strength exceeding great, + +Far-spreading and,of high renown. • + +13 Agni, Atharvan brought thee forth, by rubbing, from the lotus- + +flower, + +The head of Yisva, of the Priest. + +14 Thee, Vritra’s siayer, breaker down of castles, hath Atharvan’s + +son, + +Dadhyach the Rishi, lighted up. + +4 Bharata: according to S&yana the King of that name, son of Dushyantk +and Sakuntal&, + +13 The lotusxfiawer: apparently a figurative expression for heaven. Visva; +Heayeu, personified. + +14 Dadhyach; see I. 84. IS, note, + + + +gjg XffB HYM^S OF [BOOK PA + +15 The hero P4thya kindled thee the Dasyus’ most destructive + +• foe, + +WinW of spoil ih &vei‘y fight. + +16 Come, here, 0 Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee s +And with these drops shalt thou grow strong. + +17 Where’er thy niind applies itself, vigour preeminent hast + +thou: + +There wilt thou gain a dwelling-place. + +18 Not fof a rrtoment only lasts thy bounty* good to many a one ! +Our service therefore shalt thou gain; + +19 Agni, the Bh&rata, hath been sought, the Yritra-slayer, marked + +of all, + +Yea, Divod&sa’s Hero Lord. + +20 For he gatfe riches that surpass in greatness all the things of + +earth, + +lighting untroubled, unsubdued. + +21 Thou, Agni, as in days of old, with recent glory, gathered + +light. + +Hast overspread the lofty heaven. + +22 Bring to your Agni, 0 my friends, boldly your laud and + +sacrifice i + +Give the Disposer praise and song. + +23 For as sagacious Herald he hath sat through every age + +of man, + +Oblation-bearing messenger. + +24 Bring those Two Kings .whose ways are pure, Adityas, and + +the Marut host, + +Excellent God ! and Heaven and Earth. + +25 For strong and active mortal man, excellent, Agni, is the look +Of thee Immortal, Son of Strength I + +26 Rich through his wisdom, noblest be the giver serving thee + +to-day: + +The man hath brought his hymn of praise. + + +15 Pdthya: probably some celebrated sacrifices Dr* Garbe (Vait&na-Sfitra +II. 14) translates ptithyd vrishd in this text by ‘ der Hengst auf der S trass e, +the Stallion on the way.’ + +18 Not for a moment only lasts thy bounty : Sftyana understands this differ¬ +ently : ‘Let not thy full (blaze) be distressing to the eye.’—Wilson, + +19 The Bhdrata: the especial protector of the Bharatas. Acoording to +Sftyapa the word means either ‘descended from the priests called Bharatas,* +or ‘ the bearer of oblations.’ + +Those Two Kings: Mitra and Varuna, + + + + +HYMN 18.3 THE RIG YE DA* 573. + +27 These, Agni, these are helped by thee, who, strong and active + +all their lives, < + +O’ercome the malice of the foe, fight down the malice of +the foe. + +28 May Agni with his pointed blaze oast down each fierce devour¬ + +ing fiend: + +May Agni win us wealth by war. + +29 0 active JAtavedas, bring riches with store of hero sons: + +Slay thou the demons, O Most Wise. + +30 Keep us, 0 Jdtavedas, from the troubling of the man of sin : +Guard us thou Sage who knowest prayer, + +31' Whatever sinner, Agni, brings oblations to procure our death, +Save us from woe that he would work. + +32 Drive from us with thy tongue, 0 God, the njan who doetb + +evil deeds, + +The mortal who would strike us dead. + +33 Give shelter reaching far and wide to Bharadv&ja, conquering + +Lord! + +Agni, send wealth most excellent. + +34 May Agni slay the Vyitras,—fain for riches, through the lord + +of song, + +Served with oblation, kindled, bright. + +33 His Father’s Father, shining in his Mother’s everlasting side, +Set on the seat* of holy Law. + +36 0 active J&fcavedas, bring devotion that wins progeny, Agni, + +that it may shine to heaven, + +37 0 Child of Strength, to thee whose look is lovely we with + +dainty food/ + +0 Agni, have poured forth our songs. + +38 To thee for shelter are we come, as to the shade froin fervent + +heat, + +Agni, who glitterest like gold. + +39 Mighty as one who slays with shafts, or like a bull with sharp* + +ened horn, + +Agni, thou brakest down the forts. + +35 Bis Father's Father: * here, as before, the mother of Agni is the +the father is heaven : Agni is said to be the father or fcis + +heaven by transmitting to it the flame and smoke of +Wilson. + +37 Child of Strength : sahashrita ; literally, made or +i, e, the vioJejit agitation of tfle fire-stick, + + + + +m + + +TBM HYMNS OP [BOOR tt + + +40 Whom, like an infant newly horn, devourer, in their arms + +they bear, + +Men s s Agni, skilled in holy rites. + +41 Bear to the banquet of the Gods the God best finder-out of + +Wealth. + +Let him be seated in his place* + +42 In JAtavedas kindle ye the dear gitest who hath now appeared +In a soft place, the homestead’s Lord. + +43 Harness, 0 Agni, 0 thou God, thy steeds which are most + +: excellent: + +They bear thee as thy spirit wills* ■ + +44 Come hither, bring the Gods to us to taste the sacrificial feast, +To drink the draught of Soma juice. + +45 0 Agni of the Bbaratas, blaze high with everlasting might, +Shine forth and gleam, Eternal One. + +46 The mortal man who serves the God with banquet, and, bring¬ + +ing gifts at sacrifice, lauds Agni, + +May well attract, with prayer and hands uplifted, the Priest +of Heaven and Earth, true Sacrifices + + +47 Agni, we bring thee, with our hymn, oblation fashioned in +the heart. + +Let these be oxen unto thee, let these be bulls and kine to +thee. + +48' The Gods enkindle Agni, best slayer of Vritra, first in rank, +The Mighty One who brings us wealth and crushes down the +BAkshasas. + + +2 + + +x + + +HYMN XVII. . Indra. + +Drink Soma, Mighty One, for which, when lauded, thou brak¬ +es t through the cattle-stall, 0 Indra; » + +Thou who, 0 Bold One, armed with thunder smotest Vritra +with might, .and every hostile being. + +Drink it thou God who art impetuous victor, Lord of our +hymns, with beauteous jaws, the Hero, + +Bender of kine-stalls, car-borne, thunder-wielding, so pierce +thy way to vvondrous strength, 0 Indra. + +Drink as of old, and let the draught delight thee: hear thou +our prayer and let our songs exalt thee. + +Make the Sun visible, make food abundant, slaughter the foes, +pierce through and free the cattle. + +Idtavedas. kindle ye: the meaning is said to he, that the fire of burnt* +^kindled by the fire produced by attrition, +whose sacrifices are always effectual, +let our oblations be as acceptable to thee as herds of + + + + +H7MN 17.] The R1GVMDA, $75' + +4 These gladdening drops, 0 Indra, Self-sustainer, quaffed shall + +augment thee in thy mighty splendour. + +Yea, let the cheering drops delight thee greatly, great, perfect, +strong, powerful, all-subduing. + +5 Gladdened whereby, bursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest + +splendour to the Sun and Morning. + +The mighty rock that compassed in the cattle, ne’er moved, +thou shookest from its seat, 0 Indra. + +6 Thou with thy wisdom, power, and works of wonder, hast' + +stored the ripe milk in the raw cows’ udders, + +Unbarred the firm doors for the kine of Morning, and, with +■ the Angirases, set free the cattle. + +7 Thou hast spread out wide earth, a> mighty marvel, and, high + +thyself, propped lofty heaven, 0 Indra. + +Both worlds, whose Sons are Gods, thou hast supported, +young, Mothers from old time of holy Order. + +8 Yea, Indra, all the Deities installed thee their one strong + +Champion in the van for battle. + +What time the godless ’was the Gods’ assailant, Indra they +chose to w r in the light of heaven. + +9 Yea, e’en that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy + +bolt, in terror of its anger, + +When Indra, life of every living creature, smote down within +his lair the assailing Dragon. + +10 Yea, Strong One ! Tvashtar turned for thee, the Mighty, the + +bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges, + +Eager and prompt at will, wherewith thou crushedst the boast¬ +ing Dragon, 0 impetuous Hero. + +11 He dressed a hundred buffaloes, 0 Indra, for thee whom all + +accordant Maruts strengthen. + +He, Pashan Vishnu, poured forth three great vessels to him, +the juice that cheers, that slaughters Vritra. + + +6 The ripe milk: the cows are called raw as contrasted with the warm +milk matured in their udders. See 1. 62, 9, This miracle is ascribed to the +Asvins also. See 1. 180. 3. + +7 Whose Sons are Gods: Heaven and Earth are frequently called the parents +of the Gods. So in Greek mythology the Gods sprang from the union of +Uranus and Gaia. * Cent mythologies,’ M. Reville remarks, * sont fondles sur +le mai’iage du ciel et de la terre.’ See Muir, 0. S . Texts, V. p. 24. + +■ 8 The godless ; the demon Yritra, + +11 He: Agni. See V. 29. 7. Three great vessels: literally, lakes. See V. +29. 7. That daughters Vritra ; inspirits Indra to s’ay him. + + + +576 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VL + +12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters; the floods’ great +swell encompassed and obstructed. + +Along* steep slopes their course thou turnedst, Indra, directed +downward, speeding to the ocean. + +J.3 So may our new prayer bring thee to protect us, thee well- +armed Hero with thy bolt of thunder, +jlndra, who made these worlds, the Strong, the Mighty, who +never groweth old, the victory-giver. + +14 So, Indra, form us brilliant holy singers for strength, for + +glory, and for food and riches. + +Give Bharadvaja hero patrons, Indra! Indra, be ours upon the +day of trial. + +15 With this may *we obtain, strength God-appointed, and brave + +sons gladden us through a hundred winters. + +HYMN XVIII. Indra, + +Glorify him whose might is all-surpassing, Indra the much- +invoked who flglits uninjured. + +Magnify with these songs the never-vanquished, the Strong, +the Bull of men, the Mighty Victor, + +g He, Champion, Hero, Warrior, Lord of battles, impetuous, +loudly roaring, great destroyer, + +Who whirls the dust on high, alone, o’erthrower, hath made +all races of mankind his subjects, + +3 Thou, thou alone, hast tamed the Dasyus; singly thou hast + +subdued the people for the Arya. + +Is this, or is it not, thine hero exploit, Indra 1 Declare it at +the proper season. + +4 For true, I deem, thy strength is, thine the Mighty, thine, O + +Most Potent, thine the Conquering Victor j +Strong, of the strong, Most Mighty, of the mighty, thine, +driver of the churl to acts of bounty, + +5 Be this our ancient bond of friendship with you and with +x Angirases here who speak of Vala. + +f Thou, Wondrous, Shaker of things Arm, didst smite him in his +' f^sh strength, and for ce his doors and cas tles. + +14 The day of trial: the decisive day of battle, + +15 With this; stutyd, praise, is understood, + +3 At the proper season: show that thou hast this power by aiding us before +$ is too late and when our enemies have conquered us, + +5 With you; with Indra and his allies, the Maruts, + + + +577 + + +HYMN 18.] + + +THE MW VEDA. + + +6 With holy thoughts m,ust he be called, the Mighty, showing + +his power in the great fight with Vritra. + +He must be called to give us seed and offspring, the Thunderer +must be moved and sped to battle. + +7 He in his might, with name that lives for ever, hath far sur¬ + +passed all human generations. + +He, most heroic, hath his home with splendour, with glory and +with riches and with valour. + +8 Stranger to guile, who ne’er was false or faithless, bearing a + +name that may be well remembered, + +Indra crushed Chumuri, Dhuni, Sambara, Pipru, and Sushna, +that their castles fell in ruin. + +9 With saving might that must be "praised and lauded, Indra, + +ascend thy car to smite down Vritra. + +In thy right hand hold fast thy bolt of thunder, and weaken, +Bounteous Lord, his art and magic. + +10 As Agni, as the dart bums the dry forest, like the dread shaft + +burn down the fiends, 0 Indra; + +Thou who with high deep-reaching spear hast broken, hast +covered over mischief and destroyed it, + +11 With wealth, by thousand paths come hither, Agni, paths that + +bring ample strength, 0 thou Most Splendid. + +Come, Son of Strength, o’er whom, Invoked of many ! the +godless hath no power to keep thee distant. + +12 From heaven, from earth is bruited forth the greatness of him + +the firm, the fiery, the resplendent. + +No foe hath he, no counterpart, no refuge is there from him +the Conqueror full of wisdom + +13 This day the deed that thou hast done is famous, when thou, + +for him, with many^ thousand others +Laidest low Kutsa, Ayu, Atithigva, and boldly didst deliver +Turvayana. + +14 In thee, 0 God, the wisest of the Sages, all Gods were joyful + +when thou slewest Ahi. + + +8 Chumuri) etc: demons of drought. See Index. + +10 The exact meaning of the second half-stanza is uncertain, as gambhtrayd +and rishvayd , deep and high, have no substantive. + +13 For him: for T&rvay&na, who appears to have been an especial favour¬ +ite of Indra. According to S&yana, Mrvaydna, ‘ quickly going/ is an' epithet +of Divodftsa. Sftyana represents the r-v." 1 * 2jL :. r hr, .—.:r ^een achieved for Kutsa, +Ayu, and Atithigva, but this is not - ■ ■ !■■■'•. ' ■ ■ words of the text. A + +new hymn: of praise for some new favour shown to us. + +37 + + + +m Tm HYMNS OF IBOOK VI + +When, lauded for thyself, thou gavest freedom* to sore-afHicted +Heaven and to the people. + +15 This power of thine both heaven and earth acknowledge, the +deathless Gods acknowledge it, 0 Indra. + +. Ho what thou ne’er hast done, 0 Mighty Worker: beget a new +hymn at thy sacrifices. + +HYMN XIX. Indra. + +Great, hero-like controlling men is Indra, unwasting in his +powers, doubled in vastness. + +He, turned to us, ■ hath grown to hero vigour: broad, wide, - he +f hath been decked by those who serve him. + +2 The bowl made Indra $wift to gather booty, the High, the + +Lofty, Youthful, IJndecaying, + +Him who hath waxed by strength which none may conquer, +and even'at once grown to complete perfection. + +3 Stretch out those hands of thine, extend to us-ward thy wide + +capacious arms, and grant us glory. + +Like as the household herdsman guards the cattle, so move +thou round about us in the combat. + +4 Now, fain for strength, let us invite your Indra hither, who + +lieth hidden with his Heroes,— + +Free from all blame, without reproach, uninjured, e’en as +were those who sang, of old, his praises. + +5 With stedfast laws, wealth-giver, strong through Soma, he + +hath much fair and precious food to feed us. + +In him unite all paths that lead to riches, like rivers that +commingle with the ocean. + +.6 Bring unto us the mightiest might, 0 Hero, strong and most +potent force, thou great Subduer I +All splendid vigorous powers of men vouchsafe us, Lord of Bay +Steeds, that they may make us joyful. + +7 Bring us, grown mighty in its strength, 0 Indra, thy friendly - +' rapturous joy that wins the battle, + +Wherewith by tbee assisted and triumphant, we "may laud thee +in gaining seed and offspring. + + +1 Controlling men : or, satisfier of men. * Fulfiller (of the desires) of men/ +—Wilson. + +2 The bowl; that is, the libation of Soma juice. But see Ludwig, Ueber +die neuesten Arbeiten, &c,, p. 87. + +4 Who lieth hidden: S&yani explains chattnam as mtrtindm chtitakam +ndsaicatn; 1 the destroyer (of enemies)’.—Wilson, + + + + +HYMN 20.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +8 Indra, bestow on us the power heroic, skilled and exceeding + +strong, that wins the booty, + +Wherewith, by thine assistance, we may conquer our foes in +battle, be they*kin or stranger. + +9 Let thine heroic strength come from behind us, before us, froni + +above us or below us. + +From every side may it approach us, Indra. Give us the glory +of the realm of splendour. + +10 With most heroic aid from thee, like heroes, Indra, may we + +win wealth by deeds of glory. + +Thou, King, art Lord of earthly, heavenly treasure :■ vouchsafe +us riches vast, sublime, and lasting. + +11 The Bull, whose strength hath waxed, whom Maruts follow, + +free-giving Indra, the Celestial Buler, + +Mighty, all-conquering, the victory-giver, him let us call to +grant us new protection. + +12 Give up the people who are high and haughty to these men + +and to me, 0 Thunder-wielder! + +Therefore upon the earth do we invoke thee, where heroes +win, for sons and kine and waters. + +13 Through these thy friendships, God invoked of many ! may we + +be vietoi'S over every foeman. + +Slaying both kinds of foe, may we, 0 Hero, be happy, helped +by thee, with ample riches. + +HYMN XX. Indra.** + +Grvn us wealth, Indra, that with might, as heaven overtops the +earth, overcomes our foes in battle, + +Wealth that brings thousands and that wins the corn-lands, +wealth, Son of Strength ! that vanquishes the foeman. + +2 Even as the power of D^aus, to thee, 0 Indra, all Asura sway + +was by the Gods entrusted, + +When thou, Impetuous 1 leagued with Vishnu, slewest Vritra +the Dragon who enclosed the waters. , + +3 Indra, Strong, Victor, Mightier than the mighty, addressed + +with prayer and perfect in his splendour, + +Lord of the bolt that hreaketli forts in pieces, became the King +of the sweet juice of Soma. + +9 From 'behind us, etc : or, from, the west, from the north, from the south, +from the east. + +11 This stanza has occurred in III, 47. 5, + +12 Where heroes win: sttrasdtau ; in battle. + +13 Both kinds of foe; kinsman and strangers. See stanza 8. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YL + +4 There, Indra, while the light was won, the Panis fled, ’neath + +a hundred blows, for wise Dasoni, + +And greedy Sushna's magical devices; nor left he any of +their food remaining. + +5 What time the thunder fell and Sushna perished, all life’s + +support from the great Druh was taken. + +: Indra made room for his car-driver Kutsa who sate beside +him, when he gained the sunlight. + +6 As the Hawk rent for him the stalk that gladdens, he wrenched + +the head from Namuchi the D&sa. + +He guarded Nam*, S&yya’s son, in slumber, and sated him +with food, success, and riches. + +7 Thou, thunder-armed, ^ith thy great might hast shattered + +Pipru’s strong forts who knew the wiles of serpents. + +Thou gavest to thy worshipper JE&ijisvan imperishable wealth, +0 Bounteous Giver. + +8 The crafty Vetasu, the swift Dasoni, and Tugra speedily with' + +all his servants, + +Hath Indra, gladdening with strong assistance, forced near as +’twere to glorify the Mother. + +9 Resistless, with the hosts he battles, bearing in both his arms + +the Vritra-slaying thunder. + +He mounts his Bays, as the car-seat an archer; yoked at a +word they bear the lofty Indra. + +10 May we, 0 Indra, gain by thy new "favour; so Purus laud +thee, with their sacrifices, + +That thou hast wrecked seven autumn forts, their shelter, +slaiu Dcisa tribes and aided Purukutsa. + + +4 For wise Busoni: Dasoni would appear in this place to be the name of +gome man whom Indra protected. Sdyana says that the dative case is put +for the ablative, and that the meaning is, 1 from the sage who offers many +oblations,’ that is, from Kutsa. Ludwig takes Dasoni here to be tbo priest of the +Panis: ' fled or fell for or to him ' meaning that he was powerless to save them, + +5 Druh: or, oppressor. Gf IV. 28, 2. + +6 The Hawk: which brought the Soma from heaven. See I. 9S. 6 : IV. +27. Nami ; see X. 48. 9. + +8 Vetasu, Dasoni, and Tugra appear to be names of enemies r^n.pic-o,! by +Indra. But swift, ttltujim, may be a Proper Name, Tui ;i;i -Tuii VI. 20. 4), +and Dasoni (dnsonim) may be an adjective, "having ten arms or helpers/ Of, +X. 49. 4, and see Ludwig, Der Rigveda, III, p. 156. As 'twere to glorify the +Mother; Sftyana takes dyOtan&ya as the name of a r4j4, and according to his +interpretation Indra compelled the conquered foes to approach Dyotana sub¬ +missively as a son comes before a mother. The Mother: the great Mother Aditi. + +10 Autuvm forts; probably strong places on elevated ground occupied by +the D&aas or original inhabitants during the rains and autumn. According lo +S&yana, cities or strongholds of Sarat, a demon, + + + +THE RIOVEDA . + + +■HYMN 21.] + + +5S1 + + +11 Favouring Usana the son of Kavi, thou wast his ancient + +strengthened 0 Indra. + +Thou gavest Navav&stva as a present, to the great father +gavest back his grandson. + +12 Thou, roaring* Indra, dravest on the waters that made a roar¬ + +ing sound like rushing rivers, + +Whit time, 0 Hero, o’er the sea thou broughtest, in safety +broughtest Turvasa and Yadu. + +13 This Indra, was thy work in war: thou sentest Dhuni and + +Chumuri to sleep and slumber. + +Dabhiti lit the flame for thee, and worshipped with fuel, +hymns, poured Soma, dressed oblations. + +HYMN XXL Indra. Visvedevas. + +These tbe most constant singer’s invocations call thee who +art to be invoked, 0 Hero ; + +Hymns call anew the chariot-borne, Eternal: by eloquence +men gain abundant riches. + +2 I praise that Indra, known to all men, honoured with songs, + +extolled with hymns at sacrifices, + +Whose majesty, rich in wondrous arts, surpasseth the magni¬ +tude of earth, and heaven in greatness. + +3 He hath made pathways, with the Sun to aid him, throughout + +the darkness that extended pathless. + +Mortals who yearn to worship ne’er dishonour, 0 Mighty God, +thy Law who art Immortal. + +4 And he who did these things, where is that Indra 1 among + +what tribes ? what people doth he visit ? + +What sacrifice contents thy mind and wishes ? What priest +among them all? what hymn, 0 Indra? + +5 Yea, here were they who, born of old, have served thee, thy + +friends of ancient time, thou active Worker. + +Bethink thee now of these. Invoked 'of many i the midmost +and the recent, and the youngest. + + +11 Navavdstm: an Asura, or a mysterious being who perhaps represents +the Sun, released from captivity or eclipse by Indra and by him restored to +his own or to Iitdra’s father—apparently to Usan& or Heaven, Cf. X. 49. 6; +Bergaigne, II. 223 ; Pischel (Vedische Studien, II. 128); Ludwig, Ueber die +n. Arbeiten auf dem Gebiete der Bgveda-forschung, 160. + +12 See 1.174. 9. + +13 Dhuni and Chumuri: A suras or demons, sent to sleep, that is slain, by +Indra. *Thou, with sleep whelming Chumuri and Dhuni, slowest the Dasyu +kepteat safe Dabhiti’ (II. 16. 9). Cf. VI, 18. 8, + + + +TBM HYMNS OF + + +IBOOK VI. + + +.m + +0 Inquiring after him, thy later servants, Indra, have gained thy +former old traditions. + +Hero, to whom the prayer is brought, we praise thee as great +for that wherein we know thee mighty. + +7 The demon’s strength is gathered fast against thee ; great as +that strength hath grown, go forth to meet it. + +With thine own ancient friend and close companion, the +thunderbolt, brave Champion 1 drive it backward. + +' 8 Hear, too, the prayer, of this thy present beadsman, 0 Indra, +Hero, cherishing the singer* + +For thou wast aye our fathers’ Friend aforetime, still swift to +listen to their supplication* + +9 -Bring to our help tins Jay, for our protection, Varuna, Mitra, +Indra, and the Maruts, + +Pushan and Vishnu, Agni and Purandhi, Savitar also, and the +Plants and Mountains. • + +10 The singers here exalt with hymns and praises thee who art + +very Mighty and Most Holy, + +1 Hear, when invoiced, the invoker’s invocation. Beside thee +there is none like thee, Immortal! + +11 Now to my words come quickly thou who knowest, 0 Son of + +Strength, with all who claim our worship, + +Who visit sacred rites, whose tongue is Agni, Gods who made +Manu stronger than the Dasyu. + +12 On good and evil ways be thou our Leader, thou who art + +known to all as Path-preparer. + +Bring power to us, 0 Indra, with thy Horses, Steeds that are +best to draw, broad-backed, unwearied. + +HYMN XXII. I ndr a, + +With those my hymns I glorify that Indra who is alone to be +invoked by mortals, + +The Lord, the Mighty One, of manly vigour, victorious, Hero, +true, and full of wisdom. + +2 Our sires of old, Navagvas, sages seven, while urging him to +show his might, extolled him, + +Dwelling on heights, swift, smiting down opponents, guileless +in word, and in his thoughts most mighty. + + +9 Purandhi; e the intelligent/ or * the bold ’ may be either an epithet of +Agni or the name of a separate deity. + +2 Navagvas; here, apparently, identified with the Angiras©& + + + +HYMN 22,] TEE RIG VEDA . 58$ + +' 3 We seek that Indra to obtain his riches that bring much food, +and men, and store of heroes. + +Bring us, Lord of Bay Steeds, to make us joyful, celestial +wealth, abundant, undecaying. + +4 Tell thou us this, if at thy hand aforetime the earlier singers +have obtained good fortune, + +What is thy share and portion, Strong Subduer, Asura-slayer, +rich, invoked of many ? + +r 5 He who for car-borne Indra, armed with thunder, hath a hymn, +craving, deeply-piercing, fluent, + +: Who sends a song effectual, firmly-grasping, and strength- +bestowing, he come3 near the mighty. + +■ 6 Strong of thyself, thou by this arkhast shattered, with thought- +swift Parvata, him who waxed against thee, + +And, Mightiest! roaring! boldly rent in pieces things that were +firmly fixed and never shaken. + +' 7 Him will we fit for you with new devotion, the strongest An¬ +cient One, in ancient manner. + +So may that Indra, boundless, faithful Leader, conduct us o’er +all places hard to traverse. + +8 Thou for the people who oppress hast kindled the earthly + +firmament and that of heaven. + +With heat, 0 Bull, on every side consume them j heat earth +and flood for him who hates devotion. + +9 Of all the Heavenly Folk, of earthly creatures thou art the + +King, 0 God of splendid aspect. + +In thy right hand, 0 Indra, grasp the thunder: Eternal! +thou destroyest all enchantments. + +10 Give us confirmed prosperity, 0 Indra, vast and exhaustless +for the foe’s subduing. a + +Strengthen therewith the Arya’s hate and Dasa’s, and let the +arms of Hahushas be mighty. + + +4 What is thy share and portion: { what is the portion, what the offering + +(due) to thee.*—Wilson. Asura-slayer : possibly, the smiter.and conqueror +of the Asura Dyaus. 4 5 6 * * * 10 + +5 Comes near the mighty: 1 encounters (with confidence) the malevolent.’— +Wilson. + +6 Parvata: the Genius of the mountains and clouds, frequently associated + +‘with Indra, According to S4yana (hahvparvand vajrena ), the many-knotted + +thunderbolt is intended. Him who waxed against thee: Vritra. + +. 8 The people who oppress: the R&kshasas and other enemies. + +10 Nahushas ; see VI. 46. 7, note. + + + + +584 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK Yh + +11 Come -with thy team 'which brings all blessings hither, Dis¬ +poser, much-invoked, exceeding holy. + +* Thou <whom no fiend, no God can stay or hinder, come swiftly +with these Steeds in my direction. + +HYMIST XXIII. Indra. + +Thou art attached to pressed-out Soma, Indra, at laud, at +prayer, and when the hymn is chanted; + +Or when with yoked Bays, Maghavan, thou comest, 0 Indra, +bearing in thine arms the thunder. + +2 Or when on that decisive day thou holpest the presser of the + +juice at Vritra’s slaughter; + +Or wheii thou, while the strong one feared, undaunted, gavest +to death, Indra, the daring Dasyus. + +3 Let Indra drink the pressed-out Soma, Helper and mighty + +Guide of him who sings his praises. + +He gives the hero room who pours oblations, and treasure +even to the lowly singer. + +" 4 E’en humble rites with his Bay Steeds he visits: he wields +the bolt, drinks Soma, gives ns cattle. + +He makes the valiant rich in store of heroes, accepts our +praise and hears the singer’s calling. + +5 What he hath longed for we have brought to Indra, who from + +the days of old hath done us service. + +While Soma flows we will sing hymns antj, laud him, so that +our prayer may strengthen Indra’s vigour. + +6 Thou hast made prayers the means of thine exalting, therefore + +we wait on thee with hymns, 0 Indra. + +May we, by the pressed Soma, Soma-drinker 1 bring thee, with +sacrifice, blissful sweet refreshment. + +7 Mark well our sacrificial cake, delighted: Indra, drink Soma + +and the milk commingled. + +Here on the sacrificed grass be seated : give ample room*to +thy devoted servant. + +8 0 Mighty One, he joyful as thou wiliest. Let these our sac¬ + +rifices reach and find thee; + +And may this hymn and these our invocations turn thee, +whom many men invoke, to help us, + +9 Friends, when the juices flow, replenish duly your own, your + +bounteous Indra with the Soma. + +Will it not aid him to support us ? Indra spares him who sheds +the juice to win his favour. + + +JHTMN 24 .] + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +m + +10 While Soma flowed, thus Indra hath been lauded, Ruler of +nobles, mid the Bharadv&jas, + +That Indra may become the singer’s patron and give him +wealth in every kind of treasure. + +HYMN XXIV. Indra. + +Strong rapturous joy, praise, glory are with Indra : impet¬ +uous God, he quaffs the juice of Soma: + +That Maghavan whom men must laud with singing, Heaven- +dweller, King of songs, whose help is lasting. + +2 He, Friend of man, most wise, victorious Hero, hears, with + +far-reaching aid, the singer call him. + +Excellent, Praise of Men, the bard’s Supporter, Strong, he +gives strength, extolled in holy synod. + +3 The lofty axle of thy wheels, 0 Hero, is not surpassed by + +heaven and earth in greatness. " + +Like branches of a tree, Invoked of many! manifold aids +spring forth from thee, 0 Indra. + +4 Strong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are like the + +paths of kine converging homeward. + +Like bonds of cord, Indra, that bind the younglings, no bonds +are they, 0 thou of boundless bounty. + +5 One act to-day, another act to-morrow; oft Indra makes what + +is not yet existent. + +Here have we Mitra, Varupa, and Pftshan to overcome the +foeman’s domination. + +6 By song and sacrifice men brought the waters from thee, as + +from a mountain’s ridge, O Indra. + +Urging thy might, with these fair lauds they seek thee, O +theme of song, as horses rush to battle. + + +1 Strong rapturous joy ; produced by drinking Soma-libations. + +2 Praise of Men : sdhso narflm, as Agni is called Nar&sansa. + +4 Converging homeward: all Indra’s great deeds indicate their divine +author as the tracks made by gracing cows may be traced back to the common +pen from which they have come-forth. + +Like bonds: the ties by whitih Indra’s worshippers are bound to him are +ties of love and not fetters of slavery. There is a play on the word dftman +in the text which derived from d<i, to give, means gift or bounty, and derived +from ddt to bind, means, cord, rope, bond, or fetter: vatsftn&m nd tantdyah +" te Indra dimanvantaK adcmJotnah suddman (Pada text). The word vatsd also +means a youngling, especially a calf, and a dear child, a darling, so that +Indra’s favoured worshippers are also intended. + +5 Here: that is, in Indra we have a champion equal to the three Gods +mentioned. + + + + +686 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VI, + +7 That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with + +age, nor fleeting days enfeeble,— + +Still may his body wax, e’en now so mighty, glorified by the +lauds and hymns that praise him. + +8 Extolled, he bends not to the strong, the stedfast, nor to the + +bold incited by the Dasyu. + +High mountains are as level plains to Indra : even in the deep +he finds firm ground to rest on. + +' 9 Impetuous Speeder through all depth and distance, give +strengthening food, thou drinker of the juices. + +Stand up erect to help us, unreluctant, what time the ■ gloom +of night brightens to morning. + +10 Hasting to help, come hither and protect him, keep him from +harm when he is here, 0 Indra. + +At home, abroad, from injury preserve him. May brave sons +gladden us through a hundred winters. + +HYMN XXV. Indra. + +With thine assistance, 0 thou Mighty Indra, be it the least, +the midmost, or the highest,— + +: Great with those aids and by these powers support us, Strong + +God 1 in battle that subdues our foemen. + +2 With these discomfit hosts that fight against us, and check +the opponent’s wrath, thyself uninjured. + +With these chase all ourjfoes to every quarter: subdue the +tribes of Dasas to the Arya. + +« 3 Those who array themselves as foes to smite us, 0 Indra, be +they kin or be they strangers,— + +Strike thou their manly strength that it be feeble, and drive +in headlong flight our foemen backward. + +* 4 With strength of limb the hero slays the hero, when bright in +arms they range them for the combat. + +When two opposing hosts contend in battle for seed and off¬ +spring, waters, kine, or corn-lands. + + +30 Hastmg to help: I follow Professor Pischel (Vedlsche Studieu, I. p. 41). +in his explanation of ndydm ’ 11 v. V' 'essor Ludwig translates + +somewhat similarly. S&yana / . «■ • Wilson and G-rassmann) + +takes n&y&ith in the signification of leader ; ( accompany the leader. 7 Professor +Roth thinks it may be a proper name. Him; the institutor of the sacrifice. + +The poet prays for victory in a coming battle. + +\ I % Ihese powers: on account of, or by means of, the sacrificial food which +increases thy strength. + + + +HYMN 26.] ' THE R1QVEJDA ; ,587 + +5 Yet no strong man hath conquered thee, no hero, no braye, + +no warrior trusting in his valour. + +Not'one of these is match for thee, 0 Indra. Thou far sur- +passest all these living creatures. + +6 He is the Lord of both these armies’ valour when the com¬ + +manders call them to the conflict: + +When with their ranks expanded they are fighting with a great +foe or for a home with heroes. + +7 And when thy people stir themselves for battle, be thou their + +saviour, Indra, and protector, + +And theirs, the manliest of our friends, the pious, the chiefs +who have installed us priests, 0 Indra. • + +8 To thee for high dominion hath been given, for evermore, for + +slaughtering the Vritras, + +All lordly power and might, 0 Holy Indra, given by Gods for +victory in battle, + +9 So urge our hosts together in the combats: yield up the + +godless bands that fight against us. + +Singing, at morn may we find thee with favour, yea, Indra, +and e'en now, we Bharadv&jas. + +HYMN XXVI. Indra. + +0 Indra, hear us. Raining down the Soma, we call on thee +to win us mighty valour. + +Give us strong succour on the day of trial, when the tribes +gather on the field of battle. + +2 The warrior, son of warrior sire, invokes thee, to gain great + +strength that may be won as booty : + +To thee, the brave man’s Lord, the fiends' subduer, he looks +when fighting hand to hand for cattle. + +3 Thou didst impel the sage to win the daylight, didst ruin + +Sushna for the pious Kutsa. + +The invulnerable demon's head thou olavest when thou wouldst +win the praise of Atithigva. + +4 The lofty battle-car thou broughtest forward; thou holpest + +Dasadyu the strong when fighting. + +, 6 He is the Zord: Indra can give valour and victory to either side as he + +chooses. S&yana explains the first half-stanza differently : * Of both these +(di •;■!!! nr. !.v\ that one acquires wealth whose priests invoke (Indra) at the + +3 The sage ; bMrgavam rishim: —S&yana ; the Rishi, descendant of Bhrigu, + +4 Vetasu: according to S&yana, either a king aided by him or a demon slain +by him. Of. VI. 20. 8. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +m + + +IBOOK VI + + +Along with Vetasu thou slewest Tugra, and madest Tuji strong, +who praised thee, Indra. + +5 Thou madest good the laud, what time thou rentest a hundred + +thousand fighting foes, 0 Hero, + +Slewest the D&sa Sambara of the mountain, and with strange +aids didst succour Divod&sa. + +6 Made glad with Soma-draughts and faith, thou sentest Chumuri + +to his sleep, to please Dabhiti. + +Thou, kindly giving Raji to Pithinas, slewest with might, at +once, the sixty thousand. + +7 May I too, with the liberal chiefs, 0 Indra, acquire thy bliss + +supreme and domination, + +When, Mightiest! Hero-girt! Nahusha heroes boast them in +thee, the triply-strong T)efender. + +8 So may we be thy friends, thy best beloved, 0 Indra, at this + +holy invocation. + +Best be Pratardani, illustrious ruler, in slaying foemen and in +gaining riches. + +HYMN XXVII. Indra. + +What deed hath Indra done in the wild transport, in quaffing +or in friendship with, the Soma h +What joys have men of ancient times or recent obtained within +the chamber of libation h + +2 In its wild joy Indra hath proved him faithful, faithful in +quaffing, faithful in its friendship. + +His truth is the delight that in this chamber the men of old +and recent times have tasted. + +8 All thy vast power, 0 Maghavan, we know not, know not th e +riches of thy full abundance. + +No one hath seen that might of thine, productive of bounty +every day renewed, 0 Indra. + +4 This one great power of thine our eyes have witnessed, where¬ +with thou slewest Varasikha’s children, + +Tujji :■ a of that name, says S&yana. + +6 Raji; a maiden of that name.—S&yana. PiVdvcts: a man so called.—S&yana. +8 Prdtardani .* son of a prince named Pratardana. + +The other names have occurred before. See Index. + + +The liberality of Abhy&vartin Ch&yam&na is said to be the deified object of +stanza 8. + +1 * According to Sdyana the Rishi here expresses his impatience at the delay +of the reward of his praises: in the next verse he sings his recantation/— +Wilson. + +4 Varaaikha : a certain Asura or demon, says S&yana. He seemB to have +been the leader of the Vrichivans, + + + + +HYMN 28 .] + + +THE RIGVEDA, + + +589 + + +When by the force of thy descending thunder, at the mere +sound, their boldest was demolished. + +5 In aid of Abhyavartin Ch ay am an a, Indra destroyed the seed of + +Varasikha. + +At Hariyupiy& he smote the vanguard of the Vrichlvans, and +the rear fled frighted* + +6 Three thousand, mailed, in quest of fame, together, on the + +Yavyavati, 0 much-sought Indra, + +Vri chi van’s sons, falling before the arrow, like bursting vessels +went to their destruction. + +7 He, whose two red Steers, seeking goodly pasture, plying their + +tongues move on ’twixt earth and heaven, + +Gave Turvasa toSrinjaya, and, to giid him, gave the Vriclnvans +up to Daivav&ta. + +8 Two wagon-teams, with damsels, twenty oxen, 0 Agni, + +Abhyavartin Chayamlina, + +The liberal Sovran, giveth me. This guerdon of Prithu’s seed +is hard to win from others. + +HYMN XXVIII. Cows. + +The Kine have come and brought good fortune : let them rest +in the cow-pen and be happy near us. + +Here let them stay prolific, many-coloured, and yield through +many morns their milk for Indra. + +2 Indra aids him who offers sacrifice and gifts: he takes not +what is his, and gives him more thereto. + +Increasing ever more and ever more his wealth, he makes the +pious dwell within unbroken bounds. + +5 Abhy&vartin Chdyamdua: a king, apparently the leader of the P&rthavas, +the enemies of Varasikha and the Vrichlvans. + +HuriyUpiyd : (having golden sacrificial posts), the name of a town, or, accord¬ +ing to others, of a river. + +Vrichimm : Vyichivan is said to have been the eldest son of Varasikha, and +to have given his name to the family or tribe. The name does not occur again +in the Hymns. + +6 Yavydvatt: the name of a river, according to S&yana identical with the +Hariyftpiy& of stanza 5, + +7 He; Indra. Red Steers ; bright horses, according to Sftyana. + +Gave Turvasa to Srinjaya; gave up the Turvasas, a tribe apparently settled +in the north-west of India, bo their neighbours and enemies the Srinjayas. +Haimvdta: Abhyavartin CMyam&na, son of Devav&ta. + +8 With damsels : accompanied with slave-girls ; or, drawn by mares, Cf. +I, 126 8. Of Prithu’s seed : or ‘bestowod by PftrfchaY&s?’ that is, presented +by Abhyavartin, * one of the descendants of Prithu. + + + + +THE HYMNS QF,. + + +[BOOK n t + + +m + +3 These are ne’er lost, no robber ever injures them: no evil- + +minded foe attempts to harass them. + +The master of the Kine lives many a year with these, the Cows +whereby he pours his gifts and serves the Gods. + +4 The charger with his dusty brow o’ertakes them not, and + +never to the shambles do they take their way. + +These Cows, the cattle of the pious worshipper, roam over wide¬ +spread pasture where no danger is. + +5 To me the Cows seem Bhaga, they seem Indra, they seem a + +portion of the first-poured Soma. + +These present Cows, they, 0 ye men, are Indra. I long for +Indra with my heart and spirit. + +: 6 0 Cows, ye fatten e’en the worn and wasted, and make the +unlovely beautiful to look on. + +• Prosper my hoo.se, ye with auspicious voices. Your power is +glorified in onr assemblies. + +7 Crop goodly pasturage and be prolific: drink pure sweet water + +at good drinking-places. + +..Never be thief or sinful man your master, and may the dart of +Rudra still avoid you. + +8 Now let this close admixture be close intermingled with these + +Cows, + +Mixt with the Steer’s prolific flow, and, Indra, with thy hero +might. + +HYMN XXIX. Indra. + +Your men have followed Indra for his friendship, and for his +loving-kindness glorified him. + +For he bestows great wealth, the Thunder-wielder; worship +him, Great and Kind, to win his favour. + +3 Are ne'er lost: nd t(t nasanti: S&yana assigns an imperative meaning to +na&anti and the other verbs in the indicative mood which occur in this and +the following stanzas : * Let not the Cozvs be lost: let no thief, etc/—Wilson. + +4 The charger ... . o'evtakes them not; they are not, or, according to S;tyana, +let them not be, carried off in predatory incursions. + +5 The worshipper regards the Cows as the deities, Bhaga and Indra, who +bring him happiness. They 0 ye men , are Indra: an allusion, apparently, to +the refrain of hymn 12 of Book II., He, 0 men, is Indra. + +7 May the dart of Rudra still avoid you: so, I. 114. 10. ‘ Far be thy dart + +that killeth men or cattle,’ and II. 33. 14. ‘ May Kudra’s missile turn aside + +and spare us, the great wrath of the Impetuous One avoid us/ + +8 This stanza appears to refer to the mingling of the milk (the cows) with +the juice of the strong Soma (the steer), which when offered as a libation to +Indra will increase his heroic strength, But the phraseology is somewhat +obscure, + + + + +HYMN 30.] TEE RIO VEDA. ■ 501 + +2 Him to whose hand, men closely cling, and drivers stand o]i + +his golden chariot firmly stationed. + +With his firm arms he holds the reins; his Horses, the Stal¬ +lions, are yoked ready for the journey. + +3 Thy devotees embrace thy feet for glory. Bold, thunder-arm¬ + +ed, rich, through thy strength, in guerdon, + +Robed in a garment fair as heaven to look on, thou hast dis- +* played thee like an active dancer. + +.4 That Soma when effused hath best consistence, for which the +food is dressed and grain is mingled; + +By which the men who pray, extolling Indra, chief favourites +of Gods, recite their praises. + +5 No limit of thy might hath been appointed, which by its + +greatness sundered earth and heaven. + +These the Prince filleth full with strong endeavour, driving, +as *twere, with help his flocks to waters. + +6 So be the lofty Indra prompt to listen, Helper unaided, golden- + +visored Hero. + +Yea, so may he, shown forth in might unequalled, smite down +the many Yritras and the Dasyus. + +HYMN XXX, i ntlm + +Ikdra hath waxed yet more for hero prowess, alone, Eternal* +he bestoweth treasures. + +Indra transcendeth both the worlds in greatness: one half of +him equalleth earth and heaven, + +2 Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature; none hindereth* +what he hath once determined. + +Near and afar he spread and set the regions, and every day +the Sun became apparent. + +5 The Prince: Indra appears to be meant. Driving ...his flocks: op. I. 10. +% /And the Ram hastens with his troop/ that is, Indra comes with his +band of Maruts. S&yana takes sttrih in its more usual signification of wor¬ +shipper or institute of the sacrifice ; and Professor Wilson translates : 4 the +pious worshipper, hastening (to sacrifice), and earnestly performing worship, +gratifies thee with the offering, as (the cowkeeper satisfies) the herds with +water.’ + +6 Helper unaided: this seems to be the meaning of Htt arnUi, with help +that needs no other help. S&yana explains the words, ‘ by coming or by not +coming/ whether he be present or absent. + +Golden-visored: ‘ Azure-chinned/—Wilson. * With yellow-coloured jaws.’— +Ludwig. I have followed Professor Roth. + +1 Indra hath grown stronger and stronger for the performance of his mighty ' +deeds. + + + +592 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH Ft + +3 E’en now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, + +for their floods thou clavest passage. + +Like men who sit at meat the mountains settled : by thee, +Most Wise ! the regions were made stedfast. + +4 This is the truth, none else is like thee, Indra, no God supe¬ + +rior to thee, no mortal. + +Thou slowest Ahi who besieged the waters, and lettest loose +the streams to hurry sea-ward. + +5 Indra, thou brakest up the floods and portals on all sides, and + +the firmness of the mountain. + +Thou art the King of men, of all that liveth, engendering at +once Sun, Heaven, and Morning. + +HYMN XXXI. Indra. + +Sole Lord of wealth art thou, 0 Lord of riches : thou in thine +hands hast held the people, Indra ! + +Men have invoked thee with contending voices for seed and +waters, progeny and sunlight. + +2 Through fear of thee, 0 Indra, all the regions of earth, though + +naught may move them, shake and tremble. + +All that is Arm is frightened at thy coming,—the earth, the" +heaven, the mountain, and the forest. + +3 With Kutsa, Indra I thou didst conquer Sushna, voracious, + +• bane of crops, in fight for cattle. + +In the close fray thou rentest him: thou stolest the Sun’s +wheel and didst drive away misfortunes. + + +3 Like men who sit at meat: or, perhaps, like flies who settle on food. See +Geldner, Vedische Studien, II. 180. + +1 Men . with contending voices: the combatants on both sides invoke + +Indra’s aid in battle. + +According to Prof. Pischel, Vedische Studieiiy I. 34, the meaning is as +follows : + +( Alone wast thou, Lord of all wealth and riches, yet hast thou made the +folk submissive, Indra, + +When with uplifted voice the tribes invoked thee for water, sons, posterity +and sunlight.’ . + +1 The folk/ lerishtih meaning the speaker’s enemies, and * the tribes/ +char shandy meaning the five Aryan tribes. + +3 Kutsa ; the special favourite of Indra. Bane of crops ■: or Kuyava may +be the name of another demon of drought or savage enemy. See Index. +Thou rentest him; literally, f bittest:’ ddxa, according to S&yana, standing for +adamh. Stolest the Sun’s wheel: see 1.175. 4. * + +Misfortunes; according to Sdyana, ‘ disturbing or injurious R&kshasas, etc,’ + + + +HYMN 32.] THE RIGVEDA. 593 + +4 Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, impregnable, + +of Sambara the Dasyu, + +When, Strong, with might thou holpest Divod&sa who poured +libations out, 0 Soma-buyer, and madest Bharadvaja rich +who praised thee. + +5 As such, true Hero, for great joy of battle mount thy terrific + +car, O Brave and Manly. + +Come with thine help to me, thou distant Boamer, and, glori¬ +ous God, spread among men my glory. + +HYMIST XXXII. into + +I with my lips have fashioned for this Hero words never +matched, most plentiful and auspicious, + +For him the Ancient, Great, Strong, Energetic, the very +mighty Wielder of the Thunder. + +2 Amid the sages, with the Sun he brightened the Parents: + +glorified, he burst the mountain; + +And, roaring with the holy-thouglited singers, he loosed the +bond that held the beams of Morning. + +3 Famed for great deeds, with priests who kneel and laud him, + +he still hath conquered in the frays for cattle, + +And broken down the forts, the Fort-destroyer, a. Friend with +friends, a Sage among the sages. + +4 Come with thy girthed mares, with abundant vigour and + +plenteous strength to him who sings thy praises. + +Come hither, borne by mares with many heroes, Lover of song ! +Steer ! for the people’s welfare. + +4 The hundred castles: probably the castles of cloud which retain the +ram. So, II. 19. 6, ‘And Indra, for the sake of Divod&sa, demolished +Sambara’s nine-and-ninety castles.* . + +# 4 Soma-buyer: purchaser of Soma-libations with the help which he gives to +the worshipper. + +2 He brightened the Parents: illuminated the universal parents, Heaven +and Earth, The sages: the Angirases, the holy-thoughted singei's of the next + +lm 4 With thy girthed mares: the meaning of nivy&bhih> a feminine plural +adjective in the instrumental case, standing without a substantive, is +uncertain. S&yana explains the word by navydbhirnamtardbhih, very new +or young,* and supplies vadavdbhih } 1 mares * Professor. Eoth thinks that +mfanMMh may be a substantive meaning * with garments/ and Professor +Grassmaim translates ‘ mit Gaben/ ‘ with gifts/ that is, presents earned m a +vhivt or apron: With many heroes: puruvtfrdbhih again is an adjective with¬ +out a substantive, in the same gender, number, and case as nivyabhih. Ac¬ +cording to S&yana, it also qualifies mdavdbhih } * with mares/ understood, +and means ‘ having many colts/ + +38 + + + +m THE RIG VEDA, [BOOK VI + +5 Indra with rush and might, sped by his Coursers, hath swiftly +won the waters from the southward. + +Thus set at liberty the rivers daily flow to their goal, incessant +and exhaustless. + +HYMN XXXIII. Indra. + +Give us the rapture that is mightiest, Indra, prompt to bestow +and swift to aid, 0 Hero, + +That wins with brave steeds where brave steeds encounter, +and quells the Vritras and the foes in battle. + +2 For with loud voice the tribes invoke thee, Indra, to aid them + +in the battle-field of heroes. + +Thou, with the singers, hast pierced through the Panis : the +charger whom thou aidest wins the booty. + +3 Both races, Indra, of opposing foemen, 0 Hero, both the Arya + +and the D&sa, + +Hast thou struck down like woods with well-shot lightnings : +thou rentest them in fight, most manly Chieftain l +A Indra, befriend us with no scanty succour, ^prosper and aid us. +Loved of all that liveth, + +When, fighting for the sunlight, we invoke thee, 0 Hero, in +the fray, in war’s division. + +£ Be ours, 0 Indra, now and for the future, he graciously in¬ +clined and near to help us. + +Thus may we, singing, sheltered by the Mighty, win many +cattle on the day of trial. + +HYMN XXXIV. Indra. + +Full many songs have met in thee, 0 Indra, and many a +noble thought from thee proceedeth. + +Now and of old the eulogies of sages, their holy hymns and +lauds, have yearned for Indra. + +2 He, praised of many, bold, invoked of many, alone is glorified + +at sacrifices. + +Like a car harnessed for some great achievement, Indra must +be the cause of our rejoicing. + +3 They make their way to Indra and exalt him, him whom no + +prayers and no laudations trouble; + +5 From the southward; from the quarter whence the Rains come. + +1 Gimm the rapture: let us he benefited by the transport which draughts +of Soma juice produce in thee. ° + +3 They make their way .« that is, prayers and laudations reach Indra and +strengthen him. They do not vex him as they would vex a man who would +be unable to fulfil the prayers and would be conscious that he did not deserve +the laudations, ~ + + +HYMN 35 .] THE RIGVEDA. m + +For when a hundred or a thousand singers laud him who loves +the song their praise delights him. + +4- As brightness mingles with the Moon in heaven, the offered +Soma yearns to mix with Inclra. + +Like water brought to men in desert places, our gifts at sacri¬ +fice have still refreshed him. + +5 To him this mighty eulogy, to Indra hath this our laud been +uttered by the poets, + +That in the great encounter with the foemen, Loved of all life, +Indra may guard and help us. + +HYMN XXXV. Indra. + +* + +When shall our prayers rest in thy car beside thee? When +dost thou give the singer food for thousands 1 +When wilt thou clothe this poet’s laud with plenty, and when +wilt thou enrich our hymns with booty ? + +2 When wilt thoh gather men with men, 0 Indra, heroes with + +heroes, and prevail in combat? + +Thou shalt win triply kine in frays for cattle, so, Indra, give +thou us celestial glory. + +3 Yea, when wilt thou, 0 Indra, thou Most Mighty, make the + +prayer all-sustaining for the singer ? + +When wilt thou yoke, as we yoke songs, thy Horses, and come +to offerings that bring wealth in cattle ? + +4 Grant to the singer food with store of cattle, splendid with + +horses and the fame of riches. + +Send food to swell the mileh-cow good at milking : bright be +its shine among the Bharadv&jas. + + +4 4s brightness mingles with the Moon: I follow Professor Ludwig in his +interpretation of this difficult passage ; but its exact meaning still seems +doubtful. * ArcM is the nominative singular. We have here the later +JyotsnfL or Kaumudi as the wife or feminine power of the Moon. SCtry&, the +daughter of the Sun, i, e. the Moon's light which is borrowed from the Sun +is an earlier conception.’—Ludwig. + +5 By the 'poets: by thoBe who sing hymns of praise. Matibhih — sio*riWh + +_S&yana. In the great encounter with the foemen: man'll ijitraiuryc: iri + +the great victory over Yritra ; that is, generally, in battle with enemies ; +sangrdme, —S&yaoa. + + +1 Rest in thy oar beside thee ?; when shall our prayers reach thee as thou +standest on thy chariot ? The poet expresses impatience at Indra’s inattention +to his petitions. + + + +596 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YL + +5 Lead otherwise this present foeman, Sakra! Hence art thou +praised as Hero, foe-destroyer. + +Him who gives pure gifts may I praise unceasing. Sage, quick* +en the Angirases by devotion. + +HYMN XXXVI. Indra. + +Thy raptures ever were for all men’s profit: so evermore have +been thine earthly riches. + +Thou still hast been the dealer-forth of vigour, since among +Gods thou hast had power and Godhead, + +2 Men have obtained his strength by sacrificing, and ever urged + +him on to hero valour. + +For the rein-seizing, the impetuous Charger they furnished +power even for Vritra r s slaughter. + +3 Associate with him, as teams of horses, help, manly might, and + +vigour follow Indra. + +As rivers reach the sea, so, strong with praises, our holy +songs reach him the Comprehensive. + +4 Lauded by us, let flow the spring, 0 Indra, of excellent and + +brightly-shining riches. + +For thou art Lord of men, without an equal: of all the world +thou art the only Sovran, + + +5 l find this stanza hopelessly obscure, and do not attempt to translate it, +giving instead of a conjectural translation a reproduction of the substance of +S&yana’s absolutely worthless paraphrase, Lead otherwise: according to Sayana, + +* consign to death, to a course different from that of living beings,’—‘Wilson'. + +The Angirases : the descendants of Angirases, that is the Bharadv&jas. + +Professor Ludwig translates : * Also at another time (I wish) hither this +strong (defence), when thou as a hero, Sakra, singest open [aufsingst] the +doors; may I never lose the cow that yields bright juice ; cause thou her to +hasten through the prayer of the Angirasas.’ In his Commentary Prof. + +_Ludwig alters ‘lose the cow, eto.’ into ‘lose the seed-pouring (bull) of the +mileh-cow.’ Professor Aufrecht would read vrijanam instead of vrijdnam +and vriniske instead of grintshe, and Prof. Grassmann translates accordingly ; + +* hTow too, as formerly, I choose for myself this man, when, Strong One, as +hero thou openest the doors. Never then may the steer whose seed streams +fail me. Quicken, 0 Sage, the singers through prayer.’ + +1 Thy raptures ; produced by drinking the Soma juice. Power and God •* +head: asurydm: Asura*hood, the nature and power of an Asura or High +God, Some give a different meaning to dhdrdyathdh: ‘thou maintainest +vigour among the gods.’—Wilson, * Indra is said to give divine power to the +other gods/—Muir, 0 . S. T. } V. 92, + +2 His strength: the powerful aid of Indra. Charger ; Indra, impetuous as +a war-horse who takes the bit between his teeth. Sjtyana explains syilma-* +gribhe : as ‘ seizor of enemies who are, in uninterrupted fines/ ‘ They offer +sacrifices to him as the seizer of an uninterrupted series of foes, their assail* +ant, their subduer, and also for the destruction of yritra. 1 2 —Wilson, + + + + +it&tf rigvmda* + + +38.] + + +fi9<T + + +6 Hear what thou mayst hear, thou who, fain for worship, as +heaven girds earth, guardest thy servant’s treasure ; + +That thou mayst be our own, joying in power, famed through +thy might in every generation. + +HYMN XXXVII. Indra. + +JLet thy Bay Horses, yoked, O mighty Indra, bring thy car +hither fraught with every blessing. + +For thee, the Heavenly, e’en the poor invoketh, may we this +day, thy feast-companions, prosper. + +2 Forth to the vat the brown drops flow for service, and purified + +proceed directly forward. + +May Indra drink of this, our guest aforetime, Celestial King +of the strong draught of Soma. + +3 Bringing us hitherward all-potent Indra on well-wheeled + +chariot, may the Steeds who bear him +Convey him on the road direct to glory, and ne’er may Vayu’s +Amrit cease and fail him. + +4 Supreme, he stirs this man to give the guerdon,—Indra, most + +efficacious of the princes,— + +Wherewith, O Thunderer, thou removest sorrow, and, Bold +One ! partest wealth among the nobles. + +5 Indra is he who gives enduring vigour: may our songs magnify + +the God Most Mighty. + +Best Vritra-slayer be the Hero Indra: these things he gives as +Prince, with strong endeavour, + +HYMN XXXVm. Indra. + +Hb hath drunk hence, Most Marvellous, and carried away our +great and splendid call on Indra. + +The Bounteous, when we serve the Gods, accepteth song yet +more famous and the gifts we bring him. + + +1 Thee, the Heavenly: sv&rvdn appears to apply to tvd, thee, Indra, and to +stand for svarvantam. See Pischel, Vedische Studien , I. 198, 218. + +3 To glory : e to the prize of battle.’—Grassmann. * To our rite.’—Wilson. + +VdyiCs Amrit: ‘ Vrtyu is possessor of the Amrit probably as being Tvashtar’s + +son-in-law. VIII. 26. 21.’—Ludwig. + +4 pds man: the institutor of the sacrifice. Wherewith: on account of +which guerdon. The liberal guerdon given by the nobles who defray the ex¬ +penses of the sacrifice causes Indra in his turn to be gracious and liberal of his +gifts to them. + +5 With strong endeavour: exerting his power on behalf of his worshippers. + +1 He hath drunh hence: Professor Ludwig thinks that the first line must +refer to Agni, who receives the libation hence, that is, from the priest’s cup, +and conveys to Indra the invocation addressed to him. But Indra himself +may be intended in the first line as well as in the second. + + + +60S + + +Tim HYMNS OP [BOOK VI. + + +2 The speaker filleth with a cry to Indra bis ears who cometh + +nigh e’en from a distance. + +May this my call bring Indra to my presence, this call to Gods +composed in sacred verses. + +3 Him have I sung with ray best sang and praises, Indra of + +ancient birth and Everlasting. + +For prayer and songs in him are concentrated : let laud wax +mighty when addressed to Indra: + +4 Indra, whom sacrifice shall strengthen, Soma, and song and + +hymn, and praises and devotion, + +Whom Dawns shall strengthen when the night departeth, Indra +whom days shall strengthen, months, and autumns. + +5 Him, born for conquering might in full perfection, and waxen + +strong for bounty and for glory, + +Great, Powerful, will we to-day, 0 singer, invite to aid us and +to quell our foemen. + +HYMN XXXIX. Indra. + +Of this our charming, our celestial Soma, eloquent, wise, Priest, + +. with inspired devotion, + +Of this thy close attendant, hast thou drunken. God, send +the singer food with milk to grace it. + +2 Craving the kine, rushing against the mountain, led on by Law, + +with holy-minded comrades, + +He broke the never-broken ridge of Vala. With words of +might Indra subdued the Panis. + +3 This Indu lighted darksome nights, O Indra, throughout the + +years, at morning and at evening. + +Him have they stablished as the days’ bright ensign. He +made the Mornings to be bom in splendour. + +4 He shone and caused to shine the worlds that shone not. By + +Law he lighted up the host of Mornings. + + +3 Let laud wax mighty: when the power of Indra is celebrated, the sow +should be lofty as the dignity of the subject demands. 6 + +5 To quell our foemen: or, to conquer Vritras, that is, Vritra and similar fiends. + +- It °l lestial Soma ’ as Professor Wilson observes, ‘ Several of the epithets +in the test are unusual, and agreeably to European notions, very inapplicable +to a beverage. The Soma is called eloquent and wise as giving eloquence and +pnest because it is employed in offerings to the Gods. + +eircLl^ent^art 0 ** '* that is ’ of which milk an d butter constitute the most + ++] . * Al ^? ses * Vala • a <*emon who stole away + +°r ® od8> V e ‘ tiie ra 3 rs Of light. See Index. J + +S 57m Indu: Indu is here the Moon, which is identified with Soma. + +The days bright ensign: the standard by which time is measured. + + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +EYMN 41.] + + +m + + +He moves -with Steeds joked by eternal Order, 'contenting hien +with nave that finds the sunlight, + +5 Now, praised, 0 Ancient King ! fill thou the singer with plente¬ +ous food that he may deal forth treasures. + +Give waters, herbs that have no poison, forests, and kine, and +steeds, and men, to him who lauds thee, + +HYMN XL. India. + +Drink, Indra; juice is shed to make thee joyful: loose thy +Bay Steeds and give thy friends their freedom. + +Begin the song, seated in our assembly. Give strength for +sacrifice to him who singeth. + +2 Drink thou of this whereof at birth, 0 Indra, thou drankest, + +Mighty One ! for power and rapture. + +The men, the pressing-stones, the cows, the waters have made +this Soma ready for thy drinking. + +3 The -fire is kindled, Soma pressed, 0 Indra : let thy Bays, best + +to draw, convey thee hither. + +With mind devoted, Indra, I invoke thee. Come, for our great +prosperity approach us. + +4 Indra, come hither: evermore thou earnest through our great + +strong desire to drink the Soma. + +Listen and hear the prayers which now we offer, and let this +sacrifice increase thy vigour. + +5 Mayst thou, 0 Indra, on the day of trial, present or absent, + +wheresoe’er thou dwellest, + +Thence, with thy team, accordant with the Maruts, Song-lover ! +guard our sacrifice, to help us. + + +HYMN XLI. Indra. + +Comb gracious to our sacrifice, 0 Indra: pressed Soma-drops +are purified to please thee. + +As cattle seek their home, so, Thunder-wielder, come, Indra, +first of those who claim our worship. + +2 With that well-formed most wide extending palate, wherewith +thou ever drinkest streams of sweetness, + +Drink thou ; the Adhvaryu standeth up before thee : let thy +spoil-winning thunderbolt attend thee. + + +4 Nave: used by synecdoche for chariot, + +1 Thy friends ; thy dear horses. + +1 Gracious: more literally, f without anger.* * Unirascible. ’—Wilson, + +2 The Adhvaryu; the ministering priest. + + + +600 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YL + +3 This drop, steer-strong and omniform, the Soma, hath been + +made ready for the Bull, for In dr a. + +Drink this, Lord of the Bays, thou Strong Supporter, this +that is thine of old, thy food for ever. + +4 Soma when pressed excels the unpressed Soma, better, for one + +who knows, to give him pleasure. + +Come to this sacrifice of ours, O Victor: replenish all thy +powers with this libation. + +5 We call on thee, 0 Indra: come thou hither: sufficient be the + +Soma for thy body. + +Rejoice thee, Satakratu ! in the juices: guard us in wars, guard +us among our people. + +HYMN XLII. Indra. + +Bring sacrificial gifts to him, Omniscient, for he longs to drink,. +The Wanderer who comes with speed, the Hero ever in the van. + +2 With Soma go ye nigh to him chief drinker of the Soma's + +juice: + +With beakers to the Impetuous God, to Indra with the drops +effused. + +3 What time, with Soma, with the juice effused, ye come before + +the God, + +'Pull wise he knows the hope of each, and, Bold One, strikes +this foe and that. + +4 To him, Adhvaryu! yea, to him give offerings of the juice + +expressed. + +Will he not keep us safely from the spiteful curse of each +presumptuous high-born foe ? + +HYMN XLIII, Indra. + +In whose wild joy thou madest once Sambara Divod&sa's prey, +This Soma is pressed out for thee, 0 indra: drink ! + + +3 Supporter: sthdtar— Stator in Jupiter Stator, one who causes to stay or +stand, rallier of men in battle. + +4 Replenish all thy powers : or, 'give us all powers in full.* + +5 Satakratu ; Lord of a hundred, i. e. countless, powers. + +3 Strikes this foe and that ; there is no substantive in the text. Skyana +makes tdm tam refer to M mam, hope or wish: ‘And the suppressor (of ene¬ +mies) assuredly grants it, whatever it may be.’ —'Wilson. + +1 Sambara: a demon of draught. Eivoddsa,: called also Atithxgva: ‘Thou +savedst Kutsa when Sushna was smitten down ; to Atithigva gayest Sambara +for a prey.’—I. 51, 6. , + + +TBM RlGVEDA. + + +601 + + +HYMN 44,] + +2 Whose gladdening draught, shed from the points, thou guard- + +est in the midst and end, + +This Soma is pressed out for thee, O Xndra : drink ! % + +3 In whose wild joy thou settest free the kine held fast within + +the rock, + +This Soma is pressed out for thee, 0 Indra: drink ! + +4 This, in whose juice delighting thou gainest the might of + +Magh avail, + +This Soma is pressed out for thee, 0 Indra : drink ! + +HYMN XLIV. Indra, + +That which is wealthiest, Wealthy God ! in splendours most +illustrious, + +Soma is pressed: thy gladdening draught, Indra ! libation’s +Lord! is this. + +2 Effectual, Most Effectual One 1 thine, as bestowing wealth of + +hymns, + +Soma is pressed: thy gladdening draught, Indra! libation’s +Lord! is this. + +3 Wherewith thou art increased in strength, and conquerest with + +thy proper aids, + +Soma is pressed : thy gladdening draught, Indra! libation’s +Lord ! is this. + +4 Him for your sake I glorify as Lord of Strength who wrong- + +eth none, + +The Hero Indra, conquering all, Most Bounteous, God of all +the tribes. + +5 Those Goddesses, both Heaven and Earth, revere the power + +and might of him, + +Him whom our songs increase in strength, the Lord of bounty +swift to come. + +6 To seat your Indra, I will spread abroad with power this song + +of praise. + +The saving succours that abide in him, like songs, extend +and grow. + + +2 From the points: from the sharp ends of the branchlets of the plant. +See Hillebrandt, V, Mythologie, p. 232. In the midst and end: according +to Sftyana, at noon and at the evening libation. + +4 Gainest the might of Maghavan ; Indra acquires his power from libations +of Soma juice. + +6 To seat your Indra; as Indra’s seat is on the barhis or sacred grass that +is spread on the floor of the chamber of sacrifice, so the hymn also, as his +spiritual seat, is supposed to have the^power of inducing him to come. + + + + +602 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK VL + +7 A recent Friend, he found the skilful priest r he drank, and +showed forth treasure from the Gods. + +He conquered, borne by strong all-shaking mares, and was +with far-spread power his friends’ Protector. + +S In course of Law the sapient juice was quaffed: the Deities +to glory turned their mind. + +Winning through hymns a lofty title, he, the Lovely, made +his beauteous form apparent. + +§ Bestow on us the most illustrious strength: ward off men’s +manifold malignities. + +Give with thy might abundant vital force, and aid us gra¬ +ciously in gaining riches. + +10 We turn to thee as Giver, liberal Indra. Lord of the Bay + +Steeds, be not thou ungracious. + +No friend, among mankind have we to look to : why have men +called thee him who spurs the niggard ? + +11 Give us not up, Strong Hero 1 to the hungry : unharmed be + +we whom thou, so rich, befriendest, + +Full many a boon hast thou for men: demolish those who +present no gifts nor pour oblations. + +12 As Indra thundering impels the rain-clouds, so doth he send + +us store of kine and horses. + +Thou art of old the Cherisher of singers : let not the rich who +bring no gifts deceive thee. + +13 Adhvaryu, hero, bring to mighty Indra—for he is King there¬ + +of—the pressed-out juices; + +To him exalted by the hymns and praises, ancient and modem, +of the singing Rishis. + +14 In the wild joy of this hath Indra, knowing full many a form, + +struck down resistless Vritras. + + +7 He found the skilful priest; ‘ Indra appreciates him who is skilled (in +holy rites).’—Wilson. The word yashtdram, sacrifices is supplied by Sftyana. + +Borne by ' .. ” 71 ' ■ .* this is S&yana’s first explanation of + +stauWbhir ■ ;, ■ ‘ plurals in the instrumental case, vculavd- + +bhihf £ with mares,’ being understood. ' Brought by his robust agitators (of +the earth, his steeds).’—-Wilson. Or, Sdyana says, although the words are +feminine, the Maruts may be intended. Other conjectural explanations have +been attempted, but they are not convincing. + +10 Who spurs the niggard: urges even the niggardly to be liberal. See +Pischel, Vedische Studien, I. p. 124. + +12 The Qhlrisher of singers : or, f he whom the singers nourish/ that is. +strengthen by their hymns. + +14 Knowing full many a form: detecting and not deceived by the various +forms assumed by the demon Vritra and his crew. + + + + +EYMN 44,] + + +TUB R1GVEDA, + + +603 + + +Proclaim aloud to him the savoury Soma so that the Hero, +strong of jaw, may drink it. + +15 May Indra drink this Soma poured to please him, and cheered + +therewith slay Vritra with his thunder. + +Come to our sacrifice even from a distance, good lover of our +songs, the bard's Supporter. + +16 The cup whence Indra drinks the draught is present: the + +Amrit dear to Indra hath been drunken, + +That it may cheer the God to gracious favour, and keep far +from us hatred and affliction. + +17 Therewith enraptured, Hero, slay our foemen, the unfriendly, + +Maghavan ! be they kin or strangers, + +Those who still aim their hostile darts to smite us, turn them +to flight, 0 Indra, crush and kill them. + +18 0 Indra Maghavan, in these our battles win easy paths for + +us and ample freedom. + +That we may gain waters and seed and offspring, set thou our +princes on thy side, 0 Indra. + +19 Let thy Bay Stallions, harnessed, bring thee hither, Steeds + +with strong chariot and strong reins to hold them, + +Strong Horses, speeding hither, bearing thunder, well-harness¬ +ed, for the strong exciting potion. + +20 Beside the vat, Strotig God ! stand thy strong Horses, shining + +with holy oil, like waves exulting. + +Indra, they bring to thee, the Strong and Mighty, Soma of +juices shed by mighty press-stones. + +21 Thou art the Bull of earth, the Bull of heaven, Bull of the + +rivers, Bull of standing waters. + +For thee, the Strong, 0 Bull, hath Indu swollen, juice pleasant, +sweet to drink, for thine election. + +22 This God, with might, when first he had his being, with Indra + +for ally, held fast the Pani. + +This Indu stole away the warlike weapons, and foiled the arts +of his malignant father. + +15 The bard's Supporter: or, ‘whom singers nourish,’ as in stanza 12. + +19 In this and the two following stanzas we have the repetition, so dear to +some of the Yedio poets, of vrisha in composition, vrishan and vrishabhd, so +commonly applied in the hymns to living beings and things preeminent for +strength. + +22 This God: Indu or Soma, the Moon. Of his malignant father: Tvashtar +appears to be meant. S&yana’s paraphrase is non-natural: * of the malignant +secreter of (the stolen) wealth, (the cattle).’—Wilson. S&yana makes pituh } +as derived from pd, to protect, —pdlayituh, ‘the safe keeper/ and sedsyu =Lat. +sui, c of his property,’ This safe keeper, secreter, and robber wouid be the +demon Vala. + + + + +604 MS SfMm OP t MOt ft + +23 The Dawns lie wedded to a glorious Consent, and set within + +the Sun the light that lights him. + +He found in heaven, in the third lucid regions, the threefold + +Amrit in its close concealment. + +24 He stayed and held the heaven and earth asunder: the chariot + +with the sevenfold reins he harnessed. + +This Soma set with power within the milch-kine a spring' + +whose ripe contents ten fingers empty. + +HYMN XLV. ^ t Indra. + +Thai? Indra is our youthful Friend, who with his trusty + +guidance led + +Turvasa, Yadu from afar. + +2 Even to the dull and uninspired Indra givestital power, andwins + +Even with slow steed th« offered prize, + +3 Great are his ways of guiding us, and manifold are his eulogies: + +His kind protections never fail. + +4 Friends, sing your psalm and offer praise to him to whom the + +prayer is brought: + +For our great Providence is he. + +5 Thou, Slaughterer of Vritra, art Guardian and Friend of one + +and two, + +Yea, of a man like one of us. + +6 Beyond men’s hate thou leadest us, and givest cause to sing + +thy praise: + +Good Hero art thou called by men. + +7 I call with hymns, as ’twere a cow to milk, the Friend who + +merits praise, + +The Brahman who accepts the prayer. + +23 Glorious Consort: the Sun. In the third lucid regions ; perhaps, as Pro¬ +fessor Ludwig suggests, in the spheres of the Sun, the Moon, and the stars. +1 According to the scholiast, this may merely mean that the Soma becomes +as it were ambrosia when received or concealed in the vessels at the three +diurnal ceremonies, which ambrosia is properly deposited with the gods abid¬ +ing in the third bright sphere, or in heaven.’—Wilson. + +24 The chariot: of the Sun, drawn by seven horses. Whose ripe contents +ten Jingen empty ; this appears to he the meaning of the pakvam damyan- +train 'ittsam of the text, literally, ‘ the ripe spring with ten engines. ’ * * The +mature deeply-organized secretion.’—Wilson. + +1 Turvasa, Yadu ; the names of these two eponymi of Aryan tribes are +frequently associated. See Index. An expedition against Divod&sa appears +to be referred to. + +2 Even to the dull and uninspired; he favours whom he will, and the race +is not always to the swift. + +7 As 'twere a cow to milk : like the cow that is brought to give the milk +that is to be mingled with the Soma libation. The Brahman; Indra regarded +as a Priest* + + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +605 + + +ETME 45.] + +8 Him in whose hands they say are stored all treasures from the + +days of old, + +The Hero, conquering in the fight, + +9 Lord of Strength, Caster of the Stone, destroy the firm forts + +built by men, + +And foil their arts, unbending God ! + +10 Thee, thee as such, 0 Lord of Power, 0 Indra, Soma-drinker, + +true, + +We, fain for glory, have invoked. + +11 Such as thou wast of old, and art now to be called on when + +the prize + +Lies ready, listen to our call. + +12 With hymns and coursers we wilt gain, Indra, through thee, + +both steeds and spoil +Most glorious, and the proffered prize, + +IS Thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, whom men must stir to help, +hast been + +Great in the contest for the prize. + +14 Slayer of foes, whatever aid of thine imparts the swiftest + +course, + +With that impel our car to speed. + +15 As skilfullest of those who drive the chariot, with our art, + +and aim, + +0 Conqueror, win the proffered prize. + +16 Praise him who, Matchless and Alone, was born the Lord of + +living men, + +Most active, with heroic soul. + +17 Thou who hast been the singers’ Friend, a Friend auspicious + +with thine aid, + +As such, 0 Indra, favour us, + +18 Grasp in thine arms the thunderbolt, 0 Thunder-armed, to + +slay the fiends: + +Mayst thou subdue the foemen’s host, + +19 1 call the ancient Friend, allied with wealth, who speeds the + +lowly man, + +Him to whom chiefly prayer is brought. + +20 For he alone is Lord of all the treasures of the earth: he speeds +Hither, chief Lover of the Song, + + +11 When the prize lies ready : to he given to the victor* in the chariot race, +the chief object of the hymn being to secure victory in the approaching +contest through the favour of the God, + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +606 + + +(BOOK VI, + + +21 So with thy yoked teams satisfy our wish with power and +wealth in steeds + +And cattle, boldly, Lord of kine ! + +.22 Sing this, what time the juice is pressed, to him your Hero, +Much-invoked, + +To please him as a mighty Steer. + +23 He, Excellent, withholdeth not his gift of power and wealth + +in kine, + +When he hath listened to our songs. + +24 May he with might unclose for us the cow’s stall, wliosesoe’er + +it.be, + +To which the Dasyu-slayer goes. + +25 0 Indra Satakratu, these our songs have called aloud to thee, +Like mother cows to meet their calves. + +26 Hard is thy love to win ; thou art a Steer to him who longs + +for steers : + +Be to one craving steeds a Steed. + +27 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great +I , munificence : + +Yield not thy singer to reproach. + +28 These songs with every draught we pour come, Lover of the + +Song, to thee, + +As milch-kine hasten to their young: + +29 To thee most oft invoked, amid the many singers’ rivalry +Who beg with all their might for wealth. + +30 Nearest and most attractive may our laud, 0 Indra, come + +to thee. + +Urge thou us on to ample wealth. + +31 Bribu hath set himself above the Panis, o’er their highest head, +Like the wide bush on Ganges bank. + +24 Wkosesoe’cr it be : the meaning of Icuvitsasya here is somewhat uncertain. +S&yana explains it as, of Kuvitsa, a certain person who does much harm. +The meaning appears to be, may Indra open for us the cow-stall and give us +the cattle of any Dasyu whom he, that is, we under his guidance, may attack. + +26 Thou art a Steer: gavdm praddtd, ‘ a giver of cattle/—S&yana. A Steed ; +ctsvapradcth , a giver of horses.—S&yana. + +27 This stanza is repeated, word for word, from III. 41. 6. + +31 Bribu: according to S&yana, the carpenter or artificer of the Panis. + +The Fanis here are, in accordance with the original meaning of the words, +merchants or traders, and the merchant Bribu is eulogized for his piety and. +liberality, qualities which were not the usual characteristics of the class to +which he belonged, A legend, referred to by S&yana, and recorded in the +MAnma dharma-sdstra or Laws of Manu, 10.107, relates that Bharadv&ja, when +distressed by hunger in a lonely forest, accepted many cows from the + + + +EYMST 46.] + + +THF RIO VEDA ; + + +m + +32 He whose good bounty, thousandfold, swift as the rushing of + +the wind, + +Suddenly offers as a gift. + +33 So all our singers ever praise the pious Bribu's noble deed, +Chief, best to give his thousands, best to give a thousand + +liberal gifts. + + +HYMN XLVL Indra, + +That we may win us wealth and power we poets, verily, call +on thee: + +In war men call on thee, Indra, the hero's Lord, in the steed's +race-course call on thee. + +2 As such, 0 Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, praised as + +mighty, Caster of the Stone ! % + +Pour on us boldly, Indra, kine and chariot-steeds, ever to be +the conqueror's strength. + +3 We call upon that Indra, who, most active, ever slays the foe; +Lord of the brave, Most Manly, with a thousand powers, help + +thou and prosper us in fight. + +4 Bichtshama, thou forcest men as with a bull, with anger, in + +the furious fray. + +Be thou our Helper in the mighty battle fought for sunlight, +water, and for life. + +b 0 Indra, bring us name and fame, enriching, mightiest, +excellent, + +Wherewith, 0 Wondrous God, fair-visored, thunder-armed, +thou hast filled full this earth and heaven. + + +carpenter Bribu ; the moral being that men of inferior caste and low condition +may distinguish themselves by their libex-ality. See Wilson’s Note, Voh III. +p, 466. The wide bush ; the belt of underwood. Others would read urukakshah +as one word instead of unlh kdkshah , and explain it as the name of a man, +son of a woman called Gang&. + +33 Chief: sdri, as institutor of the sacrifice. See, on stanzas 31 —33, Prof. +Weber’s Episehes im vedischen Ritual (Sitzungsberichte der K. P. Akadenrie +der Wissenschaften, XXXVIII. pp. 28 sqq.), and M. Muller, Chips from a Ger¬ +man Workshop, IV. 138 (new edition). + + +3 With a thousand powers: sahasramushka, literally, mille testiculos habeas, +The reading of the S&maveda, s&ha&t'amanyo, full of boundless ardour, is, as +Professor Ludwig remarks, much more aesthetic. + +4 Richishama ; or, worthy of praise ! But the exact meaning of the epithet +is somewhat uncertain. + +5 Fair-visored ; or, fair of cheek. + + + + +608 THE HYMNS OF [BOOR VL + +6 We call on thee, 0 King, Mighty amid the Gods, Ruler of + +men, to succour us. + +All that is weak in us, Excellent God, make firm : make our +foes easy to subdue. + +7 All strength and valour that is found, Tndra, in tribes of Na- + +hushas, and all the splendid fame that the Five Tribes enjoy, +Bring, yea, all manly powers at once. + +8 Or, Maghavan, what vigorous strength in Trikshi lay, in Dru- + +hyus or in Puru’s folk, + +Fully bestow on us, that, in the conquering fray, we may +subdue our foes in fight. + +9 0 Indra, grant a happy home, a triple refuge triply strong. +Bestow a dwelling-place on the rich lords and me, and keep + +thy dart afar from these. + +10 They who with minds intent on spoil subdue the foe, boldly + +attack and smite him down,— + +From these, 0 Indra Maghavan who lovest song, be closest +guardian of our lives. + +11 And now, 0 Indra, strengthen us: come near and aid us in +- the fight, + +What time the feathered shafts are flying in the air, the +arrows with their sharpened points. + +12 Oive ug 5 , where heroes strain their bodies in the fight, the + +shelter that our fathers loved. + +To us and to our sons give refuge ; keep afar all unobserved +hostility, + +13 When, Indra, in the mighty fray thou urgest chargers to their + +speed, + +On the uneven road and on a toilsome path, like falcons, eager +for renown, + +14 Speeding like rivers rushing down a steep descent, responsive + +to the urging call, + +That come like birds attracted to the bait, held in by reins in +both the driver’s hands. + +7 Nakushas * people, apparently distinct from the five Aryan tribes par +excellency and dwellers on or near the Indus. According to S&yana, human +beings in general are meant, and Professor Roth explains the word as men +generally, but with the special sense of stranger, or neighbour. See Muir. +0 . 8. Texts, 1. 179, 180, + +8 Trikshi: a king so named, says S&yana. In another place (VIII, 22. 7) +he has the patronymic Tr&sadasyava, son, i. e. peer of, Trasadasyu. In JDruhyus +or in Peru's folk; literally, 4 in Druhyu or in Puru/ the names of the eponymi +of these tribes being used for the tribes themselves. + +12 To us and to our sons give refuge: the Commentator takes acMttam +Unobserved,’ with chardth, and explains the words as * armour unknown by +the enemies/ + + + +JBTJtfN 47.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +em + +p HYMN XLYII. Indra* Etc. + +Yea, this is good to taste and full of sweetness, verily it is +strong and rich in flavour. + +No one may conquer Indra in the battle when he hath drunken +of the draught we offer. + +2 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it bolden- + +ed Indra when he slaughtered Vritra, + +When he defeated Sambara’s many onslaughts, and battered +down his nine-and-ninety ramparts. + +3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath + +aroused from sleep my yearning spirit. + +This Sage hath measured out the six expanses from which no +single creature is excluded. ^ + +A This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, +the lefty height of heaven. + +He formed the nectar in three headlong rivers. Soma supports +the wide mid-air above us. + +>5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the +Dawns who dwell in brightness. + +This Mighty One, the Steer begirt by Maruts, hath propped +the heavens up with a mighty pillar. + +6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for trea¬ + +sures, Hero, Vritra-slayer! + +S'ill thyself full at the mid-day libation, and give us wealth, +thou Treasury of riches. + +7 Look out for us, 0 Indra, as our Leader, and guide ns on to + +gain yet goodlier treasure. + +Excellent Guardian, bear us well through peril, and lead us on +to wealth with careful guidance. + +8 Lead ns to ample room, 0 thou who knowest, to happiness, + +security, and sunlight. + +High, Indra, are the artrns of thee the Mighty : may we betake +us to their lofty shelter. + +9 Set us on widest chariot-seat, O Indra, with two steeds best + +to draw, 0 Lord of Hundreds! + +3 This Sage hath measured out: the creative acts of Indra are ascribed to +Soma which inspirits him to perform them. The six expanses, are the two +worlds, heaven and earth, and the three subdivisions of each ; or, according +to the Commentator, heaven, earth, day, night, water, and plants. + +4 In three headlong rivers : perhaps the three unknown rivers Anjaf i, Kuli&i, + +and Vttajpatnt, of 1.104. 4, which Benfey considers to be personifications of the +clouds ; but the meaning of the half-line is uncertain. * This Soma has de¬ +posited the ambrosia in its three principal (receptacles).’—Wilson. Soma in +stanzas 4 and 5 is probably the Moon-God. , ; + +39 + + + +610 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YL + +Bring us the best among all sorts of viands ; let not the foe’s +wealth, Maghavan, subdue us, + +10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened : sharpen my + +thought as ’twere a blade of iron. + +Approve whatever words I speak, dependent on thee, and grant +me thy divine protection. + +11 Indra the Bescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each + +invocation, + +Sakra I call, Indra invoked of many. May Indra Maghavan +prosper and bless us. + +12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, + +favour us with succour, + +Baffle our foes, and give^us rest and safety, and may we be +the lords of hero vigour. + +13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell + +in his auspicious favour,' + +May helpful Indra as our good Preserver drive from us, even +from afar, our foemen, + +14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, 0 Indra, to thee haste songs + +and prayers and linked verses. + +Thou gatherest, Thunderer! like wide-spread bounty, kine, +water, drops, and manifold libations, + +15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E’en the + +rich noble still hath found him mighty. + +With power, as when one moves his feet alternate, he makes +the last precede, the foremost follow. + +16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man’s tamer, ever advancing + +one and then another. + +King of both worlds, hating the high and haughty, Indra pro¬ +tects the men who are his people. + +17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime; he turns and + +moves away allied with others. + +^Rejecting those who disregard his worship, Indra victorious +lives through many autumns. + + +9 Let not the foe's wealthy Maghavan } subdue us: it seems necessary to +follow Professor Ludwig in taking vttyah in the plural as the subject of the +singular verb t&rft. Other examples of sueh an irregularity are found in +the Veda. + +13 This stanza is apparently the conclusion of the original hymn ; a new +hymn or fragment of a hymn begins with the following stanza.—Ludwig. + +15 With power ; he rules the fortunes of men according to his pleasure, +setting up one and putting down another, making the first last and the last first. + + +HYMN 47:] 1 TUP MG VESA* 6 11 + +18 In every figure lie hath been the model: this is his only form + +for us to look on. + +Indra moves multiform by his illusions \ for his Bay Steeds +are yoked, ten times a hundred. + +19 Here Tvashtar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended + +sway. + +Who will for ever stand upon the foeman’s side, even when +our princes sit at ease % + +20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture: the land, + +though spacious, was too small to hold us. + +Brihaspati, provide in war for cattle; find a path, Indra, for +this faithful singer. + +21 Day after day far from their seat^he drove them, alike, from + +place to place, those darksome creatures. + +The Hero slew the meanly-huckstering Diisas, Varchin and +Sambara, where the waters gather. + +22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers + +and ten mettled horses. + +We have received in turn from Divod&sa Sambara’s wealth, the +gift of Atithigva. + +23 Ten horses and ten treasure-chests, ten garments as an added gift, +These and ten lumps of gold’ have I received from Divodasa's + +hand. + +24 Ten cars with extra steed to each, for the Atharvans hundred + +cows, + +Hath Asvatha to Payu given. + +18 f Indra presents himself as Agni, Vishnu, or Pudr(( t ov any other deity +who is the actual object of worship, and is really the deity to be adored : he +is identifiable with each.’—Wilson.' + +■ Ten times a hundred : * His chariots and horses are multiplied according to +the forms in which he manifests himself: agreeably to the Vaiddvtik inter* +pretation of the stanza, Indra is here identified with Parameswara, the supreme +first cause, identical with creation.’—Wilson. + +19 Tvashtar; supposed by the Commentator to be identified with Indra; +but this is unnecessary. The sway may be merely the authority which +Tvashtar exercises in yoking the chariot-steeds for Indra. + +Who will for ever stand upon the foumarts side ?; that is, Indra will not al-. +ways favour our enemies, even when, as is now the case, our nobles are not +engaged in war.—Ludwig. + +21 Indra is represented as having put to flight the dark aborigines and slain +the niggardly demons or savages Yarchin and J3ambara. See IY. 80. 14, 15. + +22 Prastoha , Pivoddsa , and A tithigva are names of one and the same prince,* +who is called also Asvatha, and S&rnjaya or son of Srinjaya, + +24 For the Atharvans: for the JEtishis of the family of Ath&rvan, says +S&yana. Pdyu ; the brother of Garga the llishi of -the hymn, + +This stanza consists of two PAdas only instead of four. + + + +612 THE nmm OF [BOOK VI + +25 Thus Srinj'aya’s son honoured the Bharadvajas, recipients of + +all noble gifts and bounty. + +26 Lord of the wood, be fifth and strong in body : be* bchribg us, + +a brave victorious hero. ; ; + +Show forth thy strength, compact with straps of leather, and +let thy rider win all spoils of battle. + +27 Its mighty strength was borrowed from the heaven and earth : + +its conquering force was brought from sovrans of the wood. +Honour with holy gifts the Gar like Indra’s bolt, the Car bound +round with straps, the vigour of the floods. + +28 Thou Bolt of Indra, Vanguard of the Maruts, close knit to + +Varuna and Child of Mitra,— + +As such, accepting gifts which here we offer, receive, 0 Godlike +Chariot, these oblations. + +29 Send forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let + +the world in all its breadth regard thee; + +0 Drum, accordant with the Gods and Indra, drive thou afar, +yea, very far, our foemen. + +30 Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour : yea, thunder + +forth and drive away all dangers. + +Drive hence, 0 War-drum, drive away misfortune : thou art +the Fist of Indra : show thy firmness. + +31 Drive hither those, and these again bring hither; the War- + +drum speaks aloud as battle’s signal. + +Our heroes, winged with horses, eome together. Let our car- +warriors, Indra, he triumphant, + +HYMN XL Yin. Agni and Others. + +Sjng to your Agni with eaoh song, at every sacrifice, for +strength. + +Come, let us praise the Wise and Everlasting God, even as a +well-belovM Friend, + + +26 Lw'd of the wood : forest tree, that is the timber of which the car is +hiade. This car is the deified object of this and the two following stanzas. + +29 0 Zh'um: the dundubht addressed and glorified in these concluding +verses was a sort of loud kettle-drum, like that still used. + +Om e to us the cows of tht enemy and send our own cows home in safe-* +ty, Gah, cows, is understood with amtth, those, and im&h, these. + + +• 1 Come, let us ting : it seems necessary to take the singular verb with the +plural pronoun. + + + +*» nmVMbA. + + +MWMN 48.] + + +eis + + +2 The Son of Strength; for is he not our gracious Lord ? Let +us serve him who bears our gifts. + +In battle may he be our help and strengthened yea, be the +saviour of ot*r Jives. + +B Agni, thou beamest forth with light, great Hero, never +changed by time. + +Shining, pure Agni 1 with a light that never fades, beam with +thy fair beams brilliantly. + +4 Thou worshippest great Gods: bring them without delay by + +wisdom and tby wondrous power. + +0 Agni, make them turn hither to succour us. Give strength, +and win it for thyself. + +5 He whom floods, stones, and trees support, the offspring of + +eternal Law; + +He who when rubbed with force is brought to life by men upon +the lofty height of earth; + +6 He who hath filled both worlds full with his brilliant shine, + +who hastens with his smoke to heaven * + +He made himself apparent through the gloom by night, the +Red Bull in the darksome nights, the Red Bull in the dark¬ +some nights. + +7 0 Agni, with thy lofty beams, with thy pure brilliancy,'' + +0 God, + +Kindled, Most Youthful One ! by Bharadvaja’s band, shine on +us, 0 pure God, with wealth, shine, Purifier ! splendidly. + +8 Thou art the Lord of house and home of all the tribes, O + +Agni, of all tribes of men. + +Guard with a hundred forts thy kindler from distress, through +hundred winters. Youngest God t and those who make thy +singers rich. + +9 Wonderful, with thy favouring help, send us thy bounties, + +gracious Lord, + +Thou art the Charioteer, Agni, of earthly wealth: find rest +and safety for our seed. + +10 With guards unfailing never negligent speed thou our child¬ +ren and our progeny. + +Keep far from us, 0 Agni, all celestial wrath and wickedness +of godless men. + + +2 Who hears our gifts: conveys our sacrificial offerings to the Gods. + +5 Floods, stones, and trees: the waters that are mixed with the Soma juice, +the press-stones which crush the plant, and the wood which produces the fire +by attrition or feeds it as fuel. The Tofty height of earth : the altar. + + +m THE HYMNS OF IBOOK VI. + +Thau, Sage, with bright path, Lord of harnessed horses, impe¬ +tuous, promptly honourest the prudent. + +5 That chariot of the Asvins, fair to look on, pleaseth me well, + +yoked with a thought, refulgent, + +Wherewith; Nasatyas, Chiefs, ye seek our dwelling, to give +new strength to us and to our children. + +6 Bulls of the Earth, 0 Vata and Parj any a, stir up for us the + +regions of the W'ater. + +Hearers of truth, ye, Sages, World-Supporters, increase his +living wealth whose songs delight you. + +7 So may Sarasvati, the Heroes Consort, brisk with rare life, the + +lightning's Child, inspire us, + +And, with the Lames accordant, give the singer a refuge unas¬ +sailable and flawless. * + +8 I praise with eloquuenee him who guards all pathways. He, + +when his love impelled him, went to Arka. + +May he vouchsafe us gear with gold to grace it: may Pushan +make each prayer of ours effective. + +9 May Herald Agni, fulgent, bring for worship Tvashkar adored, + +in homes and swift to listen, + +Glorious, first to share, the life-bestower, the ever active God, +fair-armed, fair-handed. + +10 Budi^a by day, Budra at night we honour with these our songs, +the Universe's Father. + +Him great and lofty, blissful, undecaying let us call specially +as the Sage impels us. + + +6 Bulls of the Barth : or of Prithivl as identified with Prism. V4ta is +another name of VAyu, the Wind-God ,* and Parjanya is the Rain-cloud +personified. Hearers of tmth: the Maruts are thus addressed, as making true +or realizing the prayers of men to which they listen. I follow Sftyana's inter¬ +pretation of the second half of the stanza. + +7 The Hero's Consort : virttp itni: according to S&yana, she whose husband +is the hero Prajftpati, or, the protectress of heroes. The River-God Sarasv&n +or Sarasvat is more usually considered to be the consort of Sarasvati, who +originally a River-Goddess, appears in this place in her later and present-day +character of the Goddess of learning and eloquence. See note, borrowed +from Muir, on I. 3 10. The Dames: Gilds, or Consorts of the Gods. + +8 Him who guards all pathways: Pushan, the special protector of travellers +and guardian of roads and paths. See I. 42. Arha: the Sun, to whom PCishan +appears to have gone both as an envoy on behalf of the other Gods when SfiryA +was t,o be given in marriage, and as a suitor on his own account. Sfiryd, it may +be remembered, chose the Asvins to be her husbands. See I. 116. 17. 1 follow +Professor Pischel ( Vedisehe Studien, I. pp. 1—52) in his interpretation of this +difficult stanza. + +10 The Sage; the wise, that is, wisdom-giving, Soma, + + + +bymk so'.J the mgvej>a. * 1 $ + +11 Ye who are youthful, wise* and meet for worship, come, + +Maruts, to the longing of the singer. + +Coming, as erst to Angiras, 0 Heroes, ye animate and quicken +e’en the desert. + +12 Even as the herdsman driveth home his cattle, I urge my + +songs to him the strong swift Hero. + +May he, the glorious, lay upon his body the singer’s hymns* +as stars bedeck the heaven. + +13 He who for man’s behoof in his affliction thrice measured out + +the earthly regions, Vishnu— + +When one so great as thou affordeth shelter, may we with +wealth and with ourselves be happy. + +14 Sweet be this song of mine to Alybudhnya, Parvata, Savitaif, + +with Floods and Lightnings; + +Sweet, with the Plants, to Gods who seek oblations. May +liberal Bhaga speed us on to riches. + +15 Give riches borne on cars, with many heroes, contenting men, + +the guard of mighty Order. + +Give us a lasting home that we may battle with godless bands +of men who fight against us, and meet with tribes to whom +the Gods are gracious. + +HYMN L. Visvedevas. + +I call with prayers on Aditi your Goddess, on Agni, Mitra, +Varuna for favour, + +On Aryaman who gives unasked, the gracious, on Gods who +save, on Savitar and Bhaga. + +2 Visit, to prove us free from sin, 0 Surya, Lord of great might, +the bright Gods sprung from Daksha, + +Twice-born and true, observing sacred duties, Holy and full of +light, whose tongue is Agni. + + +11 As erst to Angiras : angirasvdt; * like rays (of light.).’—Wilson; * like the +Angirasas.'—Roth ; ‘like messengers of the Gods.*—Grassmann, + +12 The strong swift Hero; Vishnu seems to he intended, and not the +company of Maruts as S&yana explains the passage, taking vtr&ya as an' +adjective^heroic or powerful. + +14 Ahibudhnya: the Dragon of the Deep, or ‘ leviathan of the Sea of +Heaven,’ the distant, invisible and deified being who presides over the +firmament. + +15 The guard of mighty Order : the wealth that enables men to institute +the law-ordained sacrifices. To whom the Gods are gracious; 1 to whom the +Gods come to accept libations.* I follow S&yana in thus distinguishing tfdevtk +from ddevih, godless. + +2 Visit, to prove us free from sin : visit and invite the Gods to come and +bear witness to our innocence before the all-seeing Sun. The word andgdstvc + + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VI + +S And, 6 ye Heaven and Earth, a wide dominion, 0 ye most +blissful Worlds, our lofty shelter, + +Give ample room and freedom for our dwelling, a home, ye +Hemispheres, which none may rival. + +4 This day invited may the Sons of Kudra, resistless, excellent, + +stoop down to meet us; + +For, when beset with slight or sore affliction, we ever call upon +the Gods, the Maruts; + +5 To whom the Goddess Eodasi clings closely, whom Pushan + +follows bringing ample bounty. + +What time ye hear our call and come, 0 Maruts, upon your +separate path all creatures tremble. + +6 With a new hymn extol, JO thou who singest, the Lover of the + +Song, the Hero Indra. + +May he, exalted, hear our invocation, and grant us mighty +wealth and strength when lauded. + +7 Give full protection, Friends of man, ye Waters, in peace and + +trouble, to our sons and grandsons. + +For ye are our most motherly physicians, parents of all that +■standeth, all that moveth. + +& May Savitar come hither and approach us, the God who rescues, +Holy, golden-handed, + +The God who, bounteous as the face of Morning, discloses +precious gifts for him who worships. + +9 And thou, 0 Son of Strength, do thou turn hither the Gods +to-day to this our holy service. + +May I for evermore enjoy thy bounty, and, Agni, by thy +grace be rich in heroes. + +10 Come also to my call, 0 ye N&satyas, yea, verily, through my +prayers, ye Holy Sages. + +As from great darkness ye delivered Atri, protect us, Chiefs, +from danger in the conflict. + + +in the locative case (in sinlessness) is used with \ d“i:vo r.'Vs'ion. Sprung, +from Daksha: Daksha is a creative Power assoc:.■■■.' i: \ ii i.; vl therefore +sometimes identified with Praj&pati. S&yana explains ddkshapitrtn in his +commentary on VII. 6*6. 2, as i preservers or lords of strength,’ and the com¬ +pound may mean Lords of vigour, or fathers of strength in this passage also. +Twice-born : having two births or manifestations, dwelling in heaven and ap¬ +pearing also on earth. Whose tongue i$ Agni: who consume oblations by means +of fire. + +3 Ye Hemispheres: dkishane; literally, c two bowls,’ a frequently-occurring +expression for heaven and earth. + +5 Eodasi ; the Consort of Kudra, + + + +HYMN h 1.] * THE RIG VEDA . 610 + +110 Gods, bestow.. upon us riches, splendid with strength and +h eroes, bringing food in plenty. + +- Be gracious, helpful Gods of earth, of heaven, bom of the Cow, +and dwellers in the waters. + +12 May Eudra and Sarasvati, accordant, Vishnu and Vayu, pour + +down gifts and bless us; + +Eibhukshan, Vaju, and divine Vidhatar, Parjanya, Vafca make +our food abundant. + +13 May this God Savitar, the Loi*d, the Offspring of Waters, pour¬ + +ing down his dew be gracious, + +■ And, with the Gods and Dames accordant, Tvashtarj Dyaus +with the Gods and Prithivi with oceans. + +14 May Aja-Ekapad and Ahibudhnya, and Earth and Ocean hear + +our invocation; + +All Gods who strengthen Law, invoked and lauded, and holy +texts uttered by sages, help us. + +15 So with my thoughts and hymns of praise the children of + +Bharadvaja sing aloud to please you. + +The Dames invoked, and the resistless Vasus, and all ye Holy +Ones have been exalted. + +• HYMN LI. Visvedevas. + +That mighty eye of Varuna and Mitra, infallible and dear, is +moving upward. + +The pure and lovely face of holy Order hath shone like gold of +heaven in its arising. + + +11 Born of the Cow: the Maruts, sons of the Cow Prisni, according to S&yana. +The Gods of heaven are said to be the Adityas, those of earth the Vasus, and +those of water, that is, the firmament, the Budras. Both explains gdjdtdh as +1 born of the Btarry heaven. 1 + +12 This and the four following stanzas form a new hymn, or are a recapitu¬ +lation, . with additions, of the preceding verses. And divine Vidhdtar : or +( the divine Disposer.’ + +14 Aja-Ekapdd: according to Both, probably a genius of the storm, e tlie +stormer of one foot 5 See II. 31. 6. But ajd may signify f unborn’ rather than +‘ driver/ and the Sun may be intended, in accordance with the explanation of +the Commentators. Aja-Ekapad is called in X. 65. 13. the hearer of heaven, + +1 and the ascription of one foot to the Sun might he due to his appearance +alone in the sky as opposed to the Dawns and the Aavins.’ See Wallis, +Cosmology of the Rigveda , p. 54. M. Bergaigno says : ‘Aja-Ekapad, then is +the ‘ unborn who has only one foot/ that is to say, ‘ who dwells in the single +isolated world, the place of mystery/ in opposition to the god who manifests- +himself in divers worlds, to Agni or Soma in their various visible forms/ See +La Religion VMique, III. pp. 20—25. + +15 S|yana interprets the first line somewhat differently : * Thus do my sons +the Bharadvtijas worship the Gods with sacred rites and hymns/ + +I Eye of Varuna and Mitra ; the Sun. + + + +620 MTMNS OP [POOR VI + +2 The Sage who knows these Oods ? three tf&nks and orders, and +all their generations near and distant, + +Beholding good and evil acts of mortals, Sura marks well the +doings of the pious. + +* 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, +the noble, + +1 Aryaman, Bhaga, all whose thoughts are faithful: hither I call +the Bright who share in common. + +'4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe-destroyers, great Kings, be- +Stowers of fair homes to dwell in, + +Young, Heroes, ruling heaven with strong dominion, Adityas, +Aditi I seek with worship. + +5 0 Heaven our Father, E$rth our guileless Mother, 0 Brother + +Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. + +Grant us, 0 Aditi and ye Adityas, all of one mind, your mani¬ +fold protection, + +6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she- + +wolf, 0 ye Holy. + +For ye are they who guide aright our bodies, ye are the rulers +of our speech and vigour. + +7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor d o th e deed which + +ye, 0 Vasus, punish. + +1 Ye, Universal Gods ! are all-controllers : may he do harm unto + +himself who hates me. + +8 Mighty is homage : I adopt and use it. Homage hath held + +in place the earth and heaven. + +Homage to Gods! Homage commands and rules them. I +banish even committed sin by homage. + +9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwel¬ + +lers in the home of Order, + +Tq you all Heroes mighty and far-seeing I bow me down, 0 +Holy Ones, with homage. + +10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through +all our troubles these conduct us safely— + +2 Three ranks and orders: according to S&yaua, the three cognizable worlds +or stations of the Gods, the earth of the Vasus/the firmament of the Rudras +and heaven of the Adityas. Sdra: Surya ; the Sun. + +3 Who share in common: sadhany&h; according to S&yana, dhanasahitln +accompanied by wealth.* + +7 het us not suffer for the sin of others : so, VII, 86. 5. * Loose us from sins +committed by our fathers/ Compare also Taittir?ya«Br4hmana, IIL 7. 12. 3. +cited by Muir, 0 . S. T., V. 66. * May Agni free me from the sin which my +mother or my father committed when I was a babe unborn/ + + +THE RIGVEDA, + + +HYMN 52.] + + +.621 + + +Varuna* Mitra, Agni, mighty Rulers, true-minded, faithful to +the hymn’s controllers. + +11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Push an increase our laud, + +increase the Fivefold people. + +Giving good help, good refuge, goodly guidance, be they our +good deliverers, good protectors. + +12 Come now, 0 Gods, to your celestial station: the Bhara- + +dv&jas’ priest entreats your favour. + +He, sacrificing, fain for wealth, hath honoured the Gods with +those who sit and share oblations. + +13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil-hearted thief away, +Far, far, Lord of the brave! and give us easy paths. + +14 Soma, these pressing-stones have* called aloud to win thee for + +our Friend. + +Destroy the greedy Pani, for a wolf is he. + +15 Ye, 0 most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the + +sky. + +Give us good paths for travel: guard us well at home. + +16 How have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without + +a foe, + +The road whereon a man escapes all enemies and gathers +wealth. + +HYMH LII. Visvedevas. + +This I allow not in the earth or heaven, at sacrifice or in +these holy duties. + +May the huge mountains crush him down: degraded be +Atiyaja’s sacrificing patron. + + +10 The hymn's controllers: * those who are prominent in (their) praise/— + +Wilson. A + +11 The Fivefold People; pdftcha jantth; the five Aryan tribes ; * the five +orders of beings/—Wilson. + +12 This stanza is difficult, and I do not thoroughly understand it. + +14 Pani : either one of the envious demons who steal away the light, or the +avaricious and niggardly trafficker who offers no sacrifices to the Gods. + +15 Te, 0 Most Bountiful: all ye Gods, + +16 These four concluding stanzas, in changed metres, are a prayer for +protection on a journey. Professor Grassm&nn banishes them, together with +stanzas 11 and 12, to the Appendix as being in his opinion later additions to +the original hymn. + +1 According to S&yaoa. Rijisv&n curses a rival Rishi Atiy&ja : but the name +Atiy&ja (from uti and yaj) seems to be employed expressly to signify one who +over-sacrifices, that is, sacrifices more than is necessary or prescribed, Super¬ +fluity., as well as deficiency, being a fault that causes a sacrifice to fail. See +Ludwig, IV, 220. + + +tab m HYMNS OF [BOOK VI, + +2 Or he who holds us in contempt, 0 Marufcs, or seeks to blame + +the prayer that we are making, + +May agonies of burning be his portion. May the sky scorch +the man who hates devotion. + +3 Why then, 0 Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer ? why + +then our guardian from reproaches ? + +Why then beholdest thou how men revile us? Cast thy hot +dart at him who hates devotion. + +4 May Mornings as they spring to life protect me, and may the + +Rivers as they swell preserve me. + +My guardians be the firmly-seated mountains ; the Fathers, +when I call on Gods, defend me 1 + +. 5 Through all our days may we be healthy-minded, and look up¬ +on the Sun when he arises. + +Grant this the Treasure-Lord of treasures, coming, observant, +oftenest of Gods, with succour 1 + +6 Most near, most oft comes Indra with protection, and she, + +Sarasvati, who swells with rivers : + +Paijanya, bringing health with herbs, and Agni, well lauded, +swift to listen, like a father. + +7 Hear this mine invocation; come hither, 0 Universal Gods. + +Be seated on this holy grass. + +8 To him who comes to meet you, Gods, with offerings bathed + +in holy oil— + +Approach ye, one and all, to him. + +9 All Sons of Immortality shall listen to the songs we sing, + +And be exceeding good to us. + +10 May all the Gods who strengthen Law, with Ritus, listening + +to our call, + +Be pleased with their appropriate draught. + +11 May Indra with the Marut host, Tvashtar, Mitra, Aryaman, +Accept the laud and these our gifts. + +12 0 Agni, Priest, as rules ordain, offer this sacrifice of ours, +Remembering the Heavenly Folk. + + +3 Boma * the Moon-God. + +ings Sine ' ***• Wh ° m ’ OT throUgh Whom > a11 bleas ‘' + +9 Sons of Immortality: according to the, Scholiast, 'sons of the immortal ’ +(PrajApati, regarded as the progenitor of Gods and men). + +season^ featgSE** ^ S ~ : or - atthe ^^ibed + + + +HYMN 53.] THE lit & VEDA, m + +13 Listen, All-Gods, to this mine invocation, ye who inhabit + +heaven, and air’s mid-regions, + +All ye, 0 Holy Ones, whose tongue is Agni, seated upon this +sacred grass, be joyful, + +14 May the All-Gods who claim our worship hear my thought; + +may the two World-halves hear it, and the Waters’ Child. +Let me not utter words that ye may disregard. Closely allied +with you may wc rejoice in bliss. + +15 And those who, Mighty, with the wiles of serpents, were bom + +on earth, in heaven, where waters gather— + +May they vouchsafe us life of full duration. May the Gods +kindly give us nights and mornings. + +16 At this my call, 0 Agni and Parjanya, help, swift to hear, my + +thought and our laudation. + +One generates holy food, the other offspring, so grant us food +enough with store of children. + +17 When holy grass is strewn and fire enkindled, with hymn and + +lowly homage I invite you. + +All-Gods, to day in this our great assembly rejoice, ye Holy, +in the gifts we offer. + +HYMN LIIL PAsham + +Lord of the path/O Pushan, we have yoked and bound thee +to our hymn. + +Even as a car, to win the prize. + +2 Bring us the wealth that men require, a manly master of a + +house, + +Free-handed with the liberal meed. + +3 Even him who would not give, do thou, 0 glowing Piishan, + +urge to give, + +And make the niggard’s soul grow soft. + + +* 13 AU-Goch: Visve devdh, or Universal Gods. + +1 15 With the wiles of serpents: ahimdijdh ; according to- S&yana, ‘ possessed +of the wisdom or knowledge that kills.’ Cf. 1. 3. 9, note. + +16 The other offspring: Parjanya, the personified Rain-cloud, produces com +and food offered in sacrifice, and Agni promotes the procreation of children. + + +1 Lord of the path: custodian of roads and guide of travellers. To win the +prize: or, to win us wealth or food. + +2 Master of a house: a householder who will institute sacrifices and liber-- +ally reward the officiating priests. + + + +[BOOK VI. + + +m Tm HYMNS OB + +4 Clear paths that we may win the prize; scatter our enemies afar. +Strong God, be all our thoughts fulfilled. + +5 Penetrate with an awl, 0 Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls, +And make them subject to our will. + +6 Thrust with thine awl, 0 Pdshan: seek that which the nig¬ + +gard's heart holds dear, + +And make him subject to our Will, + +7 Tear up and rend in pieces, Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls, +And make them subject to our will. + +S Thou, glowing Pushan, carriest an awl that urges men to +prayer; + +Therewith do thou tear up and rend to shreds the heart of +every one. * + +9 Thou bearest, glowing Lord! a goad with homy point that +guides the cows: + +Thence do we seek thy gift of bliss. + +10 And make this hymn of ours produce kine, horses, and a store +of wealth + +For our delight and use as men. + +HYMN LIT. Pftahan, + +O PftsHAN, bring us to the man who knows, who shall direct +us straight, + +And say unto us, It is here. + +2 May we go forth with Pdshan who shall point the houses out +to us, + +And say to us, These same are they. + +5 Unharmed is Pdshan's chariot wheel; the box ne'er falleth to +the ground, + +Nor doth the loosened felly shake. + +4 Win the prize : or, win us wealth, or food. + +5 With an awl * ' with a goad.’ —Wilson. + +9 With horny point: the exact meaning of g6opas& is uncertain. Others ex¬ +plain jt as 'director of cattle;’ 'furnished with leathern thongs ‘ cow tailed.* +This hymn and the five following have been translated by Dr. Muir, Origi¬ +nal Sanskrit Texts, V. 176—180* Professor Peterson also gives a translation +of Hymns LIII—LVII. in his Hymns from the Mgveda (Bombay Sanskrit +Series No. XXXVI). - + +1 This stanza, S&yana says, is to be muttered by one who seeks his lost +property. The man who knows : the wise man or wizard. + +2 These same are they: these are the houses in which the stolen property is +concealed. + +3 The box .* basket, or inner part of the car. Professor Wilson, following +S&yana, translates : 4 5 The discus of Pdshan does not destroy ; its sheath is not +dwd&rdea, its edge harms not us.’ But the three things mentioned are evi¬ +dently parts of Pdshan’s chariot. + + + +HYMN 55-3 THE RIGVEDA. + +4 Pash an forgetteth not the man who serveth him with offered + +gift: + +That man is first to gather wealth. + +5 May Pushan follow near oar kine; may Pushan keep our + +horses safe; + +May Pushan gather gear for us. + +6 Follow the kine of him who pours libations out and worships + +thee; + +And ours who sing thee songs of praise. + +7 Let none be lost, none injured, none sink in a pit and break + +a limb. + +Return with these all safe and sound. + +8 Pushan who listens to our prayers, the Strong whose wealth + +is never lost, + +The Lord of riches, we implore. + +9 Secure in thy protecting care, 0 Pushan, never may we fail : +We here are they who sing thy praise. + +10 From out the distance, far and wide, may Pushan sti'etch his +right hand forth, + +And drive our lost again to us. + +HYMN LY. Pihhan. + +Son of Deliverance, come, bright God ! Let us twain go to¬ +gether ; be our charioteer of sacrifice. + +2 We pray for wealth to thee most skilled of charioteers, with + +braided hair, + +Lord of great riches, and our Friend. + +3 Bright God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, + +a treasure-heap, + +The Friend of every pious man. + + +7 With these : cows. + +8 We pray to POtshan for the safety of our property because he is the Lord +of wealth ; he himself loses nothing that is his, and he always listens to our. +prayers. + +X Son of Deliverance .* that is, 1 Deliverer/ one who gives men ample room +and freedom. Sftyana explains vimucho napdt in another place as ‘ offspring +of the cloud.’ See I. 42. X. Here, he says, the meaning is, ‘ son of Prajftpati, +who at the creation sends forth from himself all creatures/ Roth explains ‘ +vimtich as ‘ unyoking ’ horses at the end of a journey. Pushan would then be +( the son of return/ the God who brings travellers safely home, which is one +of his especial functions. + +. 2 With braided hair: kapnrdinarn ; an epithet of Rudra also.. See I. 114, 1, * + +3 Whose steeds are goats: cf. I. 138. 4. + +40 + + + +626 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VL + +4 Pushan, who driveth goats for steeds, the Strong and Mighty, + +who is called + +His Sister’s lover, will we laud. + +5 His Mother’s suitor I address. May he who loves his Sister hear, +Brother of Iudra, and my Friend. + +6 May the sure-footed goats come nigh, conveying Pushan on + +his car, + +The God who visiteth mankind. + +HYMN LVI. Pushan. + +Whoso remembers Pushan as eater of mingled curd and meal +Need think no more upon the God. + +2 And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero’s Lord, allied +With him as Friend, destroys the foes. + +3 And there the best of charioteers hath guided through the + +speckled cloud + +The golden wheel of Sira’s car. + +4 Whate’er we speak this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God + +whom many praise, + +Give thou fuliilment of our thought. + +5 Lead on this company of ours, that longs for kine, to win the spoil: +Thou, Pdshan, art renowned afar. + +6 Prosperity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth, +Tending to perfect happiness both for to-moirow and*'to-day. + +4 His Sisters lover: according to Sftyana, Pushan’s sister is Ushas or Dawn. + +5 His Mother's suitor: S&yaua explains mdttir didh islium as rdtreh patim , +lord or husband of Night. Probably Suryft is intended. See Berga’igne, Za +Religion Vidique , II. 428. Compare also Book VI. 48. 8. Hr other of Indra : +as an Aditya or son of Aditi. + +6 Sure-footed: nisrimbMk: this word does not occur elsewhere and its +meaning is uncertain. Wilson renders it ‘harnessed/ and other explanations +have been proposed, but as Dr. Muir observes : ‘All seems guess work/ + +1 Hater of mingled curd and meal: harambMt; Icarambhd was some soft +food, a sort of gruel, offered especially to Pdshan. + +I have followed Professor Ludwig in my translation of this difficult passage, +the meaning seeming to be that in setting before Pdshan the food that he loves +the worshipper has done all that is necessary to secure his help. S&yana’s expla¬ +nation is much the same if ‘ a God’ be substituted for ‘ the God * in line 2, that +is, Pdshan alone is sufficient: the worshipper need think upon no other God. + +3 Pushan seems to be intended. He is said to have driven the Sun’s wheel +parusht f/dvi, literally, ‘ in the brindled bull/ meaning apparently, the speck¬ +led cloud, or train of variegated clouds. ‘ He, the impeller, the chief of +charioteers (Pushan), ever urges on that golden wheel (of his car) for the radi-' +ant sun/—Wilson. Others think that the verse refers to Indra’s pressing ’ +down the wheel of the Sun from the mountain of cloud and bringing back the +light, See Peterson, Hymns from the Rigveda , p. 171, + + + + +nmN ed-i + + +nwvsDA. w + +HYMN LVII. Indra and Pdshatt* + +Indra and Pdshatx will we call for friendship and prosperity +And for the winning of the spoil. + +2 One by the Soma sits to drink juice which the mortar hath + +expressed: + +The other longs for curd and meal. + +3 Goats are the team that draws the one: the other hath Bay + +Steeds at hand; + +With both of these he slays the bends. + +4 When Indra, wondrous stamg, brought down the streams, the + +mighty water-floods, + +Pushan was standing by his side. m + +5 To this, to Pushan’s favouring love, and Indra’s, may we elosely + +cling, + +As to a tree’s extended bough. + +6 As one who drives a car draws in his reins, may we draw + +Pushan near, + +And Indra, for our great success. + +HYMN LVIII. Pushan. + +Like heaven art thou: one form is bright, one holy, like Day +and Night dissimilar in colour. + +All magic powers thou aidest, self-dependent! Auspicious be +thy bounty here, 0 Pushan. + +2 Goat-borne, the guard of cattle, he whose home is strength, + +inspirer of the hymn, set over all the world; + +, Brandishing here and there his lightly-moving goad, beholding +every creature, Pushan, God, goes forth. + +3 0 F&shan, with thy golden ships that travel across the ocean, + +in the air’s mid-region, + +Thou goest on an embassy to Surya, subdued by love, desirous +of the glory. + + +3 The fiends: the Vritras, the demons of drought, or enemies In general. + +1 One holy: *venerable.’—Wilson. This is apparently a euphemism for +‘dark.’ Pushan is here regarded as the Sun present by day and even in his +absence regulating the nighfc also. According to Professor Ludwig, he is re¬ +presented as the summer Sun and the winter Sun. Thou aidest: * thou exer¬ +cises t.*—Muir. + +3 Subdued by love: of Stiry4, the daughter of the Sun. See YI. 49, 8. Of +the glory : of winning Sary4 for his bride. + + + +628 TEE HYMXS OF [BOOK YT, + +4 Near kinsman of the heaven and earth is Pushan, liberal. Lord +of food, of wondrous lustre, + +Whom strong and vigorous and swiftly-moving, subdued by +love, the Deities gave to Sfiryfi. + +HYMN LIX. Indra-Agni, + +X will declare, while juices flow, the manly deeds that ye +have done: + +Your Fathers, enemies of Gods, were smitten down, and, Indra- +Agni, ye survive. + +2 Thus, Indra-Agni, verily your greatness merits loftiest praise. +Sprung from one common Father, brothers, twins are ye; your + +Mother is in every place. + +3 These who delight in flowing juice, like fellow horses at their + +food, + +‘ Indra and Agni, Gods armed with the thunderbolt, we call this +day to come with help. + +4 Indira and Agni, Friends of Law, served with rich gifts, your + +speech is kind + +To him who praises you while these libations flow : that man, +0 Gods, ye ne’er consiunA + +5 What mortal understands, 0 Gods, Indra and Agni, this + +your way 1 + +One of you, yoking Steeds that move to every side, advances +in your common car. + +4 The Deities gave to Stiry 4: 'the formula of the verse gives the idea +rather of a birth than of a marriage. But Piiahan is the lover of his mother, +VI. 55. 5 ; SiiryA then might be the spouse as well as the mother of Pfishan. +She is doubtlessly also the sister with whom Pfishan is united, VI. 55. 4. 5.’— +Bergaigne, La Religion VSdique, II. 428. + +1 Your Fathers . were sm itten down: hatftso vdm pitdro; the meaning is + +obscure. S&yana explains pitdro as Awuras or demons, deriving the word from +a root p^ to injure: * The Pitris the enemies of the gods, have been slain by +you.’—Wilson. Prof Grassmann reads, eonjeeti.- 11 ’ 1 * * 4 5 X '*« ins¬ +tead of the unsuitable pitaro' Gods of an elder ■.:■■■■ ■' Indra + +and Agni, appear to be intended, and the word*- ! i ■ ■■■'%■ bear + +any other meaning. Hat ft so then would mean, f not were slain/ but were struck +down, degraded, and deprived of their power, like the earlier Hellenic Gods, +Professor Ludwig suggests other possible explanations. See also Bergaigne, +La Religion Wdique, IIL 75, and Ehni, Per Mythus des Yama, p f 80, + +, 2 One common Father: Dyaus. \--p- y > ^lyana, Prajfipath * + +Your Mother: Aditi, infinite . : \ ■ - ■■ ; according to Sfiyapa, , + +identified with the wide-extended earth- But see Hhni, Der Mythus des" +Yama, p. 79. + +4 Ye ne’er consume: Prof. Ludwig suggests the reading bkartsatkah , f threa¬ +ten/ instead of bhasdtah. + +5 One of you : Indra, as the Sun, whose horses here are the spreading +beams of light, pursues his appointed way through heaven, + + + + + + +MtMN 0&J TEE BIG VEDA. m + +6 First, ludra-Agui, hath this Maid come footless unto those + +with feet. + +Stretching her head and speaking loudly with her tongue,, she +hath gone downward thirty steps. + +7 E’en now, O Indra-Agni, men hold in their arms and stretch + +their bows, + +, Desert us not in this great fray, in battles for the sake of kina. + +8 The foeman’s sinful enmities, Indra and Agni, vex me sore. +Drive those who hate me far away, and keep them distant + +from the Sun. + +9 Indra and Agni, yours are all the treasures of the heavens + +and earth. + +Here give ye us the opulence that ^prospers every living man- +10 0 Indra Agni, who accept the laud, and hear us for our praise, +Come near us, drawn by all our songs, to drink of this our +Soma juice. + +HYMN LX. Indra-Agni. + +He slays the foe and wins the spoil who worships Indra and +Agni, strong and mighty Heroes, + +Who rule as Sovrans over ample riches, victorious, showing +forth their power in conquest. + +2 So battle now, 0 Indra and thou, Agni, for cows and waters, + +sunlight, stolen Mornings. + +Team-borne, thou makest kine thine own, 0 Agni, thou, +Indra, light, Dawns, regions, wondrous waters. + +3 With Vritra-slaying might, Indra and Agni, come, drawn by + +homage, O ye Yritra-slayers. + +Indra and Agni, show yourselves among us with your supreme +and unrestricted bounties. + + +6 This Maid: the text has only the feminine pronoun iydm (haec) ; Ushas +or Dawn is intended. Footless : moving unsupported in the sky. Of. I. 152. 3. +Stretching her head: according to one of S&yana’s explanations, * having, +abandoned the head, being herself headless,’ which is hardly consistent with +what follows. Thirty steps: the thirty divisions of the Indian day and night +through which Dawn passes before she reappears. But cf. I. 123. 8, + +7 The hymn is a prayer for aid in a fray. + +2 Stolen Mornings: the Dawns and light that have been carried away and +concealed by the Panis or demons of darkn ess. + +3 Vritra-slaying : or, generally, * foeman-slaying/ + + + + +mo THE IIYMNS OF [BOOK VI + +4 I call the Twain whose deeds of old have all been famed in + +ancient days : + +0 Indra Agni, harm us not. + +5 The Strong, the scattevers of the foe, Indra aud Agni, we + +invoke; + +May they be kind to one like me. i + +’6 They slay our Arya foes, these Lords of heroes, slay our Dasa +foes: + +And drive our enemies away. + +7 Indra and Agni, these our songs of praise have sounded* + +forth to you : + +Ye who bring blessings ! drink the juice. + +8 Come, Indra-Agni, with? those teams, desired of many, which + +ye have, + +0 Heroes, for the wershtpper. + +9 With those to this libation poured, ye Heroes, Indra-Agni, + +come: + +Come ye to drink the Soma juice. + +10 Glorify him who compasses all forests with his glowing flame, +And leaves them blackened with his tongue. + +11 He who gains Indra’s bliss with fire enkindled finds an easy + +way + +Over the floods to happiness. + +12 Give us fleet coursers to convey Tndra and Agni, and bestow +Abundant strengthening food on us. + +13 Indra and Agni, I will call you hither and make you joyful + +with the gifts I offer. + +Ye Twain are givers both of food and riches: to win me +strength and vigour I invoke you. + +14 Corue unto us with riches, come with wealth in horses and + +in kine, + +Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, the Gods, as Friends for +friendship, bringing bliss. + +15 Indra and Agni, hear his call who worships with libations + +poured. + +Come and enjoy the offerings, drink the sweetly-flavoured +Soma juice. + + +10 Glorify; addressed to the stotar or praise-singer. + +11 Over the floods : the dangers and troubles that bar his way. + +12 To convey Indra and Agni: to bring you, Indra and Agni, to our sacrifice. + + +BYMJST 610 + + +TEE RTGVBDA. 631 + +HYMN LXI. Sarasvati. + +To Vadhryasva when, he worshipped her with gifts she gave +fierce Divod&sa, canceller of debts. + +Consumer of the churlish niggard, one and all, thine, O +Sarasvati, are these effectual boons. + +2 She with her might, like one who digs for lotus-stems, hath + +burst with her strong waves the ridges of the hills. ^ + +Let us invite with songs and holy hymns for help Sarasvati who +slayeth the P<Lr&vatas. + +3 Thou castest down, Sarasvati, those who scorned the Gods, + +the brood of every Bri>aya skilled in magic arts. + +Thou hast discovered rivers for the tribes of men, and, rich in +wealth ! made poison flow away* from them. + +4 May the divine Sarasvati, rich in her wealth, protect us well, +Furthering all our thoughts with might ; + +5 Whoso, divine Sarasvati, invokes thee where the prize is set, +Like Indra when he smites the foe. + +6 Aid us, divine Sarasvati, thou who art strong in wealth and + +power: + +Like Pushan, give us opulence. + +7 Yea, this divine Sarasvati, terrible with her golden path, +Foe-slayer, claims our eulogy. + +8 Whose limitless unbroken flood, swift-moving with a rapid + +rush, + +Comes onward with tempestuous roar. + +9 She hath spread us beyond all foes,beyond her Sisters, Holy One, +As.Sdrya spreadeth out the duys. + + +1 Vadhryasva: a celebrated Rishi. See X. 69. She: Sarasvati, the River- + +Goddess. Cave: as a son. Canceller of debts: .icnm':mg. bv his birth, the +debt which his father owed to his progenitors. rh<: obligation of + +begetting a son who should perforin the ceremonies which they require. +Churlish niggard: who offers no sacrifices. The meaning of avasdm is uncer¬ +tain. S&yana explains it as ‘gratifying himself only ’ Professor Ludwig +regards it as compounded of a + vasd = thin or meagre. These effectual boons: +the gift of a son. + +2 She: Sarasvati as the river. The description given in the text can hardly +apply to the small stream generally known under that name*, and from this +and other passages which will be noticed as they occur it seems probable that +Sarasvati is also another name of Sindhu or the Indus. See Zimmer, Altm* +disches Leben , pp. 6 ff. Pdrdvatas : see V. 52. 11. + +3 Every Brimya : every demon like TBrisaya, who is said to have been the +father of Vritra. See I. 93. 4. Rich in wealth: vljiaioati: according to +Sttyana, ‘ giver of sustenance.’ + +9 Eer Sisters: the other rivers of the Panj&b. + + + +m MB' HYMNS OF [BOOK YL + +10 Yea, she most dear amid dear streams, Seven-sistered, graciously + +inclined, + +Saras vat! hath earned our praise. + +11 Guard us from hate Saras vat!, she who hath filled the realms + +of earth, + +And that wide tract, the firmament! + +12 Seven-sistered, sprung from threefold source, the Five Tribes* + +prosperer, she must he, + +Invoked in every deed of might. + +13 Marked out by majesty among the Mighty Ones, in glory swift¬ + +er than the other rapid Streams, + +, Created vast for victory like a chariot, Sarasvati must be ex¬ +tolled by every sage. * + +14 Guide us, Sarasvati, to glorious treasure: refuse us not thy + +milk, nor spurn us from thee. + +Gladly accept our friendship and obedience : let us not go from +! thee to distant countries. + +_ HYMN LXII. Asving. + +I laud the Heroes Twain, this heaven’s Controllers : singing +with songs of praise I call the Asvins, + +Fain in a moment, when the moms are breaking, to part the +earth’s ends and the spacious regions. + +2 Moving to sacrifice through realms of lustre they light the + +radiance of the car that bears them. + +Traversing many wide unmeasured spaces, over the wastes ye +pass, and fields, and waters. + +3 Ye to that bounteous path of yours, ye mighty, have ever + +borne away our thoughts with horses, + +Mind-swift and full of vigour, that the trouble of man who +offers gifts might cease and slumber. + + +12 Sprung from threefold source: ‘abiding in the three world)*/ that is, +pervading heaven, earth, and hell, according to S&yana, like Oangft in later +times. + +I To part the earth’s ends: as heralds of light to define the limits of earth +and sky and so separate one from the other. + +. 3 This stanza is very obscure. S&yana’s paraphrase is inconsistent with +the plain meaning of several of the words of the text. * Fierce Aswins, from +that humble mansion to which (you have repaired), you have ever "borne with +ypur desirable horses, as swift as thought, the pious worshippers in some +manner (to heaven): Let the injurer of the liberal man (be consigned by +you) to (final) repose/— Wilson. + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +HYMN 62.] + + +633 + + +. 4 So ye, when ye have yoked your ehariot-liorses, come to the +hymn of the most recent singer. + +Our true and ancient Herald Priest shall bring you, the Youth¬ +ful, bearing splendour, food, and vigour. + +5 With newest hymn I call those Wonder-Workers, ancient and + +brilliant, and exceeding mighty, + +Bringers of bliss to him who lauds and praises, bestowing +varied bounties on the singer. + +6 So ye, with birds, out of the sea and waters bore Bhujyu, son + +of Tugra, through the regions. + +Speeding with wingM steeds through dustless spaces, out of +the bosom of the flood they bore him. + +7 Victors, car-borne, ye rent the rofk asunder; Bulls, heard the + +calling of the eunuch’s consort. + +Bounteous, ye filled the cow with milk for Sayu: thus, swift +and zealous Ones, ye showed your favour. + +8 Whate’er from olden time, Heaven, Earth! existeth, great + +object of the wrath of Gods and mortals, + +Make that, Adityas, Vasus, sons of Rudra, an evil brand to +one allied with demons. + +9 May he who knows, as Varuna and Mitra, air’s realm, ap¬ + +pointing both the Kings in season, + +Against the secret fiend cast forth his weapon, against the +lying words that strangers utter. + +10 Come to our home with friendly wheels, for offspring; come + +on your radiant chariot rich in heroes. + +Strike off, ye Twain, the heads of our assailants who with +man’s treacherous attack approach us. + +11 Come hitherward to us with teams of horses, the highest and + +the midmost and the lowest. + +Bountiful Lords, throw open to the singer the doors e’en of +the firm-closed stall of cattle. + + +6 Rhujyu: see 1.116, 3—5. + +7 The eunuch's consort .* Vadhrimatl. Se eJ^llSrTS. Sayu : see I. 316. 22. + +9 Mitra and Varuna appear liere-as^comprehended in a third God, who +must be the Asura Dyaus. Ide,^comprising the heaven of night as well as the +heaven of day, assigns to Mitra and Varuna the charge, respectively of day +and night. See Ludwig’s Commentary. + +10 For offspring: tdnaydya; to give us offspring. The second line of the +stanza might be rendered ; 1 Turn back, ye Twain, the heads, with secret on¬ +slaught, even of those who seek to harm the mortal.’ + +11 The highest and the midmost or the lowest: or, as Professor Ludwig trans¬ +lates ; 1 the earliest, the midmost, and the latest.* + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VT, + +HYMN LXI1L Asvins. + +Where hath the hymn with reverence, like an envoy, found +both fair Gods to-day, invoked of many— + +Hymn that hath brought the two N&satyas hither? To this +man’s thought be ye, both Gods, most friendly. + +2 Come readily to this mine invocation, lauded with songs, that + +ye may drink the juices. + +Compass this house to keep it from the foeman, that none +may force it, either near or distant. + +3 Juice in wide room hath been prepared to feast you: for you + +the grass is strewn, most soft to tread on. + +With lifted bands your servant hath adored you. Yearning +for you the press-stones shed the liquid, + +4 Agni uplifts him at your sacrifices: forth goes the oblation + +dropping oil and glowing. + +Up stands the grateful-minded priest, elected, appointed to +invoke the two N&satyas. + +5 Loris of great wealth! for glory Surya’s Daughter mounted + +your car that brings a hundred succours. + +Famed for your magic arts were ye, magicians i amid the race +of Gods, ye dancing Heroes ! + +6 Ye Twain, with these your glories fair to look on, brought, to + +win victory, rich gifts for Siiry&. + +After you flew your birds, marvels of beauty: dear to our +hearts I the song, well lauded, reached you. + +7 May your winged coursers, best to draw, Nasatyas 1 convey + +you to the object of your wishes. + +Swift as the thought, your car hath been sent onward to food +of many a sort and dainty viands. + +8 Lords of great wealth, manifold is your bounty: ye filled our + +cow with food that never faileth. + +Lovers of sweetness 1 yours are praise and singers, and poured +libations which have sought your favour. + + +2 Either' near or distant: neighbour or stranger. + +3 In wide room : where there is ample space for the sacrificial ceremonies. + + +5 Sikya's Daughter; see I. 116. 17. Dancing Heroes: ye who dance +through the air. Cf, VIII. 20. 22, and f Day’s harbinger comes dancing from +tlio Gust (Milton—Song On May Morning). + +6 Mich gifts for Siiri/d: who chose the Asvins to be her husbands. + + + +the mar eda. + + +HYMN 64 .] + + +635 ' + + +9 Mine were two mares of Puraya, brown, swift-footed; a hun¬ +dred with Sum; d ha, food with Peruk. + +Sanda gave ten gold-decked and well-trained horses, tame and +obedient and of lofty stature. + +10 N&satyas ! Purupanthls offered hundreds, thousands of steeds + +to him who sang your praises, + +Gave, Heroes ! to the singer Bbaradvaja. Ye Wonder-Workers, +let the fiends be slaughtered. + +11 May I with princes share your bliss in freedom. + +HYMN LXIV. Pawn. + +The radiant Dawns have risen up for glory, in their white +splendour like the waves of waters. + +She maketh paths all easy, to travel, and, rich, hath +shown herself benign and friendly. + +2 We see that thou art good : far shines thy lustre; thy beams, +thy splendours have flown up to heaven. + +Decking thyself, thou makest bare thy bosom, shining in +majesty, thou Goddess Morning. + +.3 Bed are the kine and luminous that bear her the Blessed One +who spreadeth through the distance. + +The foes she chaseth like a valiant archer, like a swift warrior +she repelleth darkness. + +4 Thy ways are easy on the hills: thou passest Invincible . r +Self-luminous! through waters. + +So lofty Goddosa with thine ample pathway, Daughter of +Heaven, bring wealth to give us comfort. + +9 This and the following stanza eulogize the liberality of several wealthy +inatitutors of sacrifice ; but it is difficult to make out what were the gifts +they gave as the verses are filled with epithets without nouns. Vadave, +mares, suits the dual epithets rijr& 3 and ragkv% brown and swift After satdm, +a hundred, Sayana supplies gdvah, cows. Instead of ‘ well-trained * Sfty ana’s +rendering is ‘handsome,* and he supplies axvdn, ‘horses/ or mthdn , ‘ chariots* +for the absent noun. * Obedient, gallant, and well-favoured servants * would +represent his rendering of the last half-line of the stanza. The translations +given by Professors Ludwig and Grassmann differ from each other and from +Sftyapa’s version. As Professor Wilson remarks : ‘ If we render the stanza +literally, it is utterly unintelligible: the greater part of the Siikta is very +obscure/ Puraya, Sumidha, and Peruka are the names of liberal patrons. + +10 PurupantMs: another of these generous nobles. In this case asmnrfm, +of horses, appears in the text. + +11 Your bliss; the felicity which the Asvins bestow. + + +1 Dawns : the plural may be honorific, or may signify Dawn and her rays +of light. + +3 Warrior .* borne on a chariot. + +4 Through waters : of the firmament* + + + + +m TE& EYMNS OF [BOOK VI + +& Dawn, bring me wealth: untroubled, with thine oxen thou +bearest riches at thy will and pleasure; + +Thou who, a Goddess, Ohjld of Heaven, hast shown thee +lovely through bounty when we called thee early. + +?6 As the birds fly forth from their resting-places, so men with +store of food rise at thy dawning. + +Yea, to the liberal mortal who remameth at home, 0 God¬ +dess Dawn,jnuch good thou bringest. + +HYMN LXV. Dawn. + +Shedding her light on human habitations this Child of Heaven +hath called us from our slumber; + +She who at night-time with her argent lustre hath shown her¬ +self e’en through the shades of darkness. + +2 All this with red-rayed steeds have they divided: the Dawns + +on bright cars shine in wondrous fashion. + +They, bringing near the stately rite’s commencement, drive +far away the night’s surrounding shadows. + +3 Dawns, bringing hither, to the man who worships, glory and + +power and might and food and vigour, + +Opulent, with imperial sway like heroes, favour your servant +and this day enrich him. + +4 Now,is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the + +hero, Dawns ! who brings oblation; + +Now for the singer when he sings the praise^song. Even to +one like me ye brought aforetime*.—-— + +5 0 Dawn who standest;**^ ridges, Angirases now + +praise thy^allCblcattle. + +TjYithr^rayer and holy hymn they burst them open : the +heroes’ calling on the Gods was fruitful. + +$ This stanza occurs in a hymn to Dawn ascribed to the Rishi Kakshiv&n* +I. 124. 12. With store r * / ?■ '' iV^VV ‘enjoying or "sharing food,’ is +explained by S&yana as ■' : .' ■ ■*' » have to gain their sustenance.’ +The wealthy may be meant, who share their store with others and must work +to replenish it. {The liberal mortal .* the man who sacrifices to the Gods. To +bring out this meaning more clearly the last line may be translated : * To him +who stays at home and pours oblations, 0 Goddess Dawn, thou givest ample +riches.’ - + +1 At night-time: an allusion, perhaps, to the ‘ false dawn* before the +appearance of the real dawn, although this faint glimmer can hardly be called +lustre. Or the light of stars may be intended, as belonging to Dawn rather +than to Night. + +2 All this . have they divided: separated light from darkness. The + +stately rite : the Agnihotra, or great morning sacrifice. + +5 Angirases here praise: ‘What we are doing here is in reality only a +repetition of what the Anghasas did in ancient times,*—Ludwig. + + + + + +HYMN 66.] THE RIGVEDA, 637 + +6 Shine on us as of old, thou Child of Heaven, on him, rich +Maid ! who serves like Bharadvaja. + +Give to the singer wealth with noble heroes, and upon us bestow +wide-spreading glory. + +HYMN LXVL M*ruts. + +E’en to the wise let that be still a wonder to which the gene¬ +ral name of Cow is given. + +The one hath swelled among mankind for milking: Prisni +hath drained but once her fair bright udder. + +2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing, the Maruts, + +twice and thrice have waxen mighty. + +Golden and dustless were their ears, invested with their great +strength and their heroic vigour. + +3 They who are Sous of the rain-pouring Eudra, whom the long- + +lasting One had power to foster: + +The Mighty Ones whose germ great Mother Prisni is known +to have received for man’s advantage. + +4 They shrink not from the birth ; in this same manner still + +resting there they purge away reproaches. + +When they have streamed forth, brilliant, at their pleasure, +with their own splendour they bedew their bodies. + +5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom + +not the active quickly wins for milking. + +Even the liberal wards not off those fierce ones, those who are +light and agile in their greatness. + +6 Bharadvaja: the great ancestor of the priestly family of which the Eishf +of the hymn was a member. + +1 This meaning may be that while tilings of different nature are designated +by the name of Cow, all that is so called has a claim to our wonder and ad¬ +miration. The Cow of earth yields her milk frequently and in abundance: +Prisni, the Cow of the firmament, has given milk but once, when she brought +forth her offspring, the Maruts. f Once only Prisni’s milk was shed : no second, +after this, is born’ (YI, 48. 22), Sly ana’s interpretation is utterly inconsistent +with the plain meaning of the words of the text. + +2 Tioice and thrice : perhaps in relation to earth and heaven, and to earth, +firmament, and heaven, + +4 Still resting there ; while yet unborn they free their mother from .the +reproach of barrenness,. + +5 Wins for milking : persuades to grant his petitions,' The^ version of the: +second line is merely conjectural as the meaning of dauv^ VwphmH v y +Sayana nn^stctirfh, robbers) is unknown. { The liberal donor: ■ . ■ - ■ "■ y +Maruts who are otherwise in their might the resistless plunderers (of their +wealth),’—Wilson, + + + +638 TUB HYMXS OF l&oox VI + +6 When, strong in strength and armed • with potent weapons, +they had united well-formed earth and heaven, + +Eodasi stood among these furious Heroes like splendour shin¬ +ing with her native brightness* + +, 7 No team of goats shall draw your ear, 0 Maruts, no horse; +no charioteer be he who drives it. + +Halting not, reinless, through the air it travels, speeding +along its paths through earth and heaven. + +8 None may obstruct, none overtake, 0 Maruts, him whom ye + +succour in the strife of battle + +For sons and progeny, for kine and waters: he bursts the cow- +stall on the day of trial. + +9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, + +rapid, strong in native vigour, + +Who conquer mighty strength with strength more mighty: +earth shakes in terror at their wars, 0 Agni, + +10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire + +impetuous in their onset, + +Chanting their psalm, singing aloud, like heroes, splendid from +birth, invincible, the Maruts. + +11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Budra, + +armed with glittering lances. + +Pure hymns are meet for that celestial army: like floods and +mountains have the Strong Ones battled. + +HYMN LXVII. Mitra-Varuna. + +Now Mitra-Yaruna shall be exalted high by your songs, noblest +of all existing; + +They who, as ’twere with reins are best Controllers, unequalled +with their arms to check the people. + + +6 United: by obscuring the horizon with cloud and rain. + +7 No feeble or ordinary team must convey you ; no common charioteer +must drive your chariot. + + +8 Bursts the cow-stall: carries away the enemy’s cattle. + +10 Singing aloud: f causing their opponents to tremble/ according to S&ynna, +who derives the word from the root dhU, to shake. Derived from dhvun , to +sound, dhimayah means singers, musicians, minstrels, leaders of the wild music +of the wind and storm (sturmer.—Ludwig). See Vedische Studien, I. 269. + +11 Like floods and mountains : perhaps, with the impetuosity of rushing +waters and the firm strength of mountains. But the meaning of this last +half-line, as of many other passages of the hymn, is very obscure. + +The hymn has been translated and thoroughly discussed by Peter von Bradke +(Festgruss an R. von Roth, 1893, pp. 117-125). Bee also Vedic Hymns I +368—372 (Sacred Books of the East, XXXII). ^ ? + + + +HYMN 67 .] + + +Tint JUGYEDA. + + +m + +2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the + +sacred grass with loving homage. + +Give us, 0 Mitra-Varuna, a dwelling safe from attack, which +ye shall guard, Boon-Givers 1 + +3 Come hither, Mitra-Varuna, invited with eulogies and loving + +adoration, + +Ye who with your own might, as Work-Controllers, urge even +men who quickly hear to labour. + +4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as + +babes in proper season, + +Whom, Mighty at your birth, the Mighty Goddess brought +forth as terrors to the mortal foeman. + +5 As all the Gods in their great joy*and gladness gave you with + +one accord your high dominion, + +As ye surround both worlds, though wide and spacious, your +spies are ever true and ne’er bewildered. + +6 So, through the days maintaining princely power, ye prop the + +height as ’twei'e from loftiest heaven. + +The Star of all the Gods, established, filleth the heaven and +earth with food of man who liveth. + +7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he &nd + +his attendants fill the chamber. + +The young Maids brook not that none seeks to win them, when, +Quickeners of all! they scatter moisture. + +8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful + +and very wise, attends our worship. + +Nourished by ^holy oil I be this your glory: annihilate the +sacrificer’s trouble. + +9 When, Mitra-Varuna, they strive against you and break the + +friendly laws ye have established, + +They, neither Gods nor men in estimation, like Api’s sons have +godless sacrifices. + + +5 Your spies : messengers or angels, probably the rest of the Adityas. See +I. 25. 13. + +6 The height; the high ridge or summit of heaven. The Star of all the +Gods ; representing all the Gods : the Sun. He draws up the waters, which +descend to fertilize the earth. + +7 He: the worshipper ; or, perhaps, Soma, The chamber: of sacrifice. +The Young Maids: the water, necessary for the preparation of the Soma libation, +is ready and impatiently waiting to be used. + +8 With your tongue: Agni, by whose tongue of fire they consume the obla¬ +tions Your envoy: Agni. + +9 Like Apts sons : { sons of the Waters.*—Grassmann. The meaning is un¬ +certain. Godless sacrifices; unattended by Gods, and therefore fruitless. + + + +640 THE HYMNS OF [.BOOK YL + +10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the + +Nivid texts with steady purpose. + +Then may we sing you lauds that shall be fruitful: do ye not +rival all the Gods in greatness ? + +11 0 Mitra-Varuna, may your large bounty come to us hither, + +near to this our dwelling, + +When the kine haste to us, and when they harness the fleet- +foot mettled stallion for the battle. + +HYMN LXVIII. Indra-Varuna. + +His honouring rite whose grass is trimmed is offered swiftly +to you, in Manu’s wise, accordant, + +The rite which Indra-Varuna shall carry this day to high +success and glorious issue. + +2 For at Gods’ worship they are best through vigour; they have + +become the strongest of the Heroes; + +With mighty strength, most liberal of tbe Princes, Chiefs of +the host, by Law made Vritra’s slayers. + +3 Praise those Twain Gods for powers that merit worship, Indra + +and Varuna, for bliss, the joyous. + +One with his might and thunderbolt slays Vritra; the other +• as a Sage stands near in troubles, + +4 Though dames and men have waxen strong and mighty, and + +all the Gods self-praised among the Heroes, + +Ye, Indra-Varuna, have in might surpassed them, and thus +were ye spread wide, 0 Earth and Heaven. + +5 Righteous is he, and liberal and helpful who, Indra-Varuna, + +brings you gifts with gladness. + +That bounteous man through food shall conquer foemen, and +win him opulence and wealthy people. + +6 May wealth which ye bestow in food and treasure on him who + +brings you gifts and sacrifices, + +Wealth, Gods ! which breaks the curse of those who vex us, +be, Indra-Varuna, e’en our own possession. + +10 Nivid texts: short formularies of invocation inserted in a liturgy. + +11 When the kine haste to us: when the cattle of the men whom we are +about to attack are ready and eager to be carried off. S&yana’s interpretation +of the last line is totally different: ( when (your) praises are’uttered, and the +sacrificers add in the ceremony the Soma that inspires straightforwardness +and resolution, and is the showerer (of benefits).’—Wilson. + +~ 3 /« troubles: ‘in deeds of might/—Ludwig. ‘With snares, or nooses/ +according to Professor Geldner, Vedische Studicn, X. 142. + +4 Self-praised * on account of their own deeds, or their own nature. + + +HYMN 69 .] TEE R1GVEDA . 6« + +7 So also, Indra-Varuna, may our princes have riches swift to +save, with Gods to guard them— + +They whose great might gives victory in battles, and their +triumphant glory spreads with swiftness. + +S Indra and Varuna, Gods whom we are lauding, mingle ya +wealth with our heroic glory. + +May we, who praise the strength of what is mighty, pas3 +dangers, as with boats we cross the waters. + +€ Now will I sing a dear and far-extending hymn to Varuna +the God, sublime, imperial Lord, + +Who, mighty Governor, Eternal, as with flame, illumines both +wide worlds with majesty and power. + +10 True to Law, Indra-Varuma, dripjkers of the juice, drink this + +pressed Soma which shall give you rapturous joy. + +■ Your chariot cometh to the banquet of the Gods, to sacrifice, +as it were home, that ye may drink. + +11 Indra and Varuna. drink your fill, ye Heroes, of this in¬ + +vigorating sweetest Soma. + +This juice is shed by us that ye may quaff it: on this trim¬ +med grass be seated, and rejoice you. + +HYMN LXIX. Indra-Vishnu, + +Indra and Vishnu, at my task’s completion I urge you on +with food and sacred service. + +Accept the sacrifice and grant us riches, leading us on by +unobstructed pathways. + +2 Ye who inspire all hymns, Indra and Vishnu, ye vessels who + +' contain the Soma juices, + +May hymns of praise that now are sung address you, the lauds +that are recited by the singers. + +3 Lords of joy-giving draughts, Indra and Vishnu, come, giving + +gifts of treasure, to the Soma. + +With brilliant rays of hymns let chanted praises, repeated +with the lauds, adorn and deck you. + + +8 Of what is mighty : apparently, riches. + +9 This stanza, in honour of Varuna alone, appears to be the beginning of +another hymn. Professor Grassmann. banishes stanzas 9 and 10 to his Ap¬ +pendix. + +1, At my task's completion ; when all arrangements for the sacrifice have +been made, + +%>Who .inspire: -literally,. ‘ the generators/ janittfrd, By the singers ; or, +* with laudations/ - + +a + + + +642 HYMNS 01 [BOOK TI r + +s 4-May your foe-conquering horses bring you hither, Indra and +Vishnu, sharers of the banquet. + +Of all our hymns accept the invocations: list to my prayers +and hear the songs I sing you. + +£ This your deed, Indra-Vishpu, must be lauded; widely ye +strode in the wild joy of Soma. + +< Ye made the firmament of larger compass, and made the +regions broad for our existence. + +,6 Strengthened with sacred offerings, Indra-Vishnu, first eaters, +served with worship and oblation, + +Fed with the holy oil, vouchsafe us riches r ye are the lake, +the vat that holds the Soma. + +:7 Drink of this meath, 0 Jfndra, thou, and Vishnu; drink ye +your.fill of Soma, Wonder-Workers. + +The sweet exhilarating juice hath reached you. Hear ye my +prayers, give ear unto my calling. + +*8 Ye Twain have conquered, ne’er have ye been conquered ; +never hath either of the Twain been vanquished. + +* Ye> Indra-Vishnu, when ye fought the battle, produced this +infinite with three divisions. + +HYMN LXX. Heaven and Earth. + +: Filled full of fatness, compassing all things that be, wide, +spacious, dropping meath, beautiful in their form, + +The Heaven and the Earth by Varuna’s decree, unwasting, +rich in germs, stand parted each from each. + +2 The Everlasting Pair, with full streams, rich in milk, in their + +pure rule pour fatness for the pious man. + +Ye who are Regents of this world, 0 Earth and Heaven, pour + +, into us the genial flow that prospers men. + +3 Whoso, for righteous life, pours offerings to you, 0 Heaven + +and Earth, ye Hemispheres, that man suceeds. + + +8 Produced this : brought into existence the world with all its crea¬ + +tures, the three divisions being heaven, firmament, and earth. See Professor +Wilson s note for S&yana’s explanation of the passage. + +The deities are Dy&v&prithivf, that is Dyaus, Heaven, and Pritliivt, Earth, +combined in a compound dual. + +■ * of fatness-; containing ghrita, gM f clarified butter, fatness in general* +especially the fertilizing rain. + +, a Hemispheres; dhishane ; two bowls, * Firm-set;—WUson, &u Lem : +m the course of nature. 9 + + + +THE MOV EDA. + + +MYUN 71.1 + + + + +He in his seed is born again and spreads by Law : from you +flow things diverse in form, but ruled alike. + +J 4 Enclosed in fatness, Heaven and Earth are bright therewith ; +they mingle with the fatness which they still increase. + +* Wide, broad, set foremost at election of the priest, to them +the singers pray for bliss to further them. + +■ 5 May Heaven and Earth pour down the balmy rain for us, +balm-dropping, yielding balm, with balm upon your path, +Bestowing by your Godhead sacrifice and wealth, great fame +and strength for us and good heroic might. + +6 May Heaven and Earth make food swell plenteously for tys, +all-knowing Father, Mother, wondrous iu their works. +Pouring out bounties, may, in union, both the Worlds, all- +beneficial, send us gain, and powei*, and wealth. + + +HYMN LXXI. . Savitar. + +Full of effectual wisdom Savitar the God hath stretched out +golden arms that he may bring forth life. + +Young and most skilful, while he holds the region up, thp +Warrior sprinkles fatness over both his hands. + +2 May we enjoy the noblest vivifying force of Savitar the God, + +that he may give us wealth ; + +For thou art mighty to produce and lull to rest the world of +life that moves on two feet and on four. + +3 Protect our habitation, Savitar, this day, with guardian aids + +around, auspicious, firm and true. + +God of the golden tongue, keep us for newest bliss: let not +the evil-wisher have us in his power. + +4 This Savitar the God, the golden-handed, Friend of the home, + +hath risen to meet the twilight. ' + +With cheeks of brass, with pleasant tongue, the Holy, he sends +the worshipper rich gifts in plenty. + + +4 Set foremoat at election of the priest : 'first propitiated at the sacrifice/— +Wilson. _ + +1 Savitar : the Sun as the great generator or vivifier. Sprinkles fatness : +Professor Ludwig thinks that this may be somewhat ironical. ‘ The god +sprinkles his hands, probably, as a preparation for the hard work which he +is about to perform ; but there is an underlying thought that a good deal of +the fatness [in the shape of fertilizing rain] also falls down to the earth. + +4 To meet the twilight: 'at the close of night*—Wilson. Checks of brass; +ciyohaiiuh ; according to S#yana, ' goMen-jawed. + + + +<S44 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VI, + +5 Like a Director, Savitar hath extended his golden arms, exceed¬ +ing fair to look on. + +He hath gone up the heights of earth and heaven, and made +each monster fall and cease from troubling. + +£ Fair wealth, 0 Savitar, to-day, to-morrow, fair wealth produce +for us each day that passes. + +May we through this our song be happy gainers, God, of a +fair and spacious habitation; + +HYMN LXXIL Indra-Soma, + +Great is this might of yours, Indra and Soma: the first high +exploits were your own achivements. + +Ye found the Sun, ye found the light of heaven : ye killed all +darkness and the God^ blasphemers. + +2 Ye, Indra-Soma, gave her light to Morning, and led the Sun + +on high with all his splendour. + +Ye stayed the heaven with a supporting pillar, and spread +abroad, apart, the Earth, the Mother, + +3 Ye slew the flood-obstructing serpent Vrifcra, Indra and Soma: + +Heaven approved your exploit. + +Ye urged to speed the currents of the rivers, and many seas +have ye filled full with waters, + +& Ye in the unripe udders of the milch-kine have set the ripo +milk, Indra, thou, and Soma. + +’ Ye have held fast the unimpeded whiteness within these many- +coloured moving creatures. + +5 Yerily ye bestow, Indra and Soma, wealth, famed, victorious, +passing to our children. + +Ye have invested men, ye Mighty Beings, with manly strength +that conquers in the battle. + +HYMN LXXIII. Brihaspati. + +Served with oblations, first-born, mountain-render, Angiras* +son, Brihaspati, the Holy, + +With twiee-firm path, dwelling in light, our Father, roars +loudly, as a bull, to Earth and Heaven. + +5 A Director ; a priest who directs others. Or, perhaps, * an Invoker/ as +Professor Ludwig suggests. Each monster; every terror of the night. S&yaua’s +interpretation of the last line is totally different : ‘ and, moving along, +delights every thing that is.’—Wilson. + +i. Ye in the unripe udders : the unripe, that is raw, udders are contrasted +with the warm milk that is cooked or matured in them, See I. ,62. 9, The +unimpeded whiteness: the milk which is not prevented from flowing. The +polour of the milk is contrasted with the colour of the cows that produce it, + +1 Brihaspati'; Lord of Prayer ) the^Deity in whom the action of the worships + + +MfMN 75.] THE RlGVEDA. MM + +. 2 Brihaspati, who made for such a people wide room and verge +when Gods were invocated, + +, Slaying his enemies, breaks down their castles, quelling his +foes and conquering those who hate him. + +Brihaspati in war hath won rich treasures, hath won, this God, +the great stalls filled with cattle. + +Striving to win waters and light, resistless, Brihaspati with +lightning smites the foeman. + +BXMN LXXIV. Soma-Rudra, + +IIold fast yotir Godlike sway, 0 Soma-Rudra; let these our +sacrifices quickly reach you. + +Placing in every house your seven great treasures, bring bless¬ +ing to our quadrupeds and bipBds. + +2 Soma and Rudra, chase to every quarter the sickness that + +hath visited our dwelling. + +Drive Nirriti away into the distance, and give Us excellent +and happy glories, + +3 Provide, 0 Soma-Rudra, for our bodies all needful medicines + +to heal and cure us. + +Set free and draw away the sin committed which we have +still inherent in our persons. + +4 Armed with keen shafts and weapons, kind and loving, be + +gracious unto us, Soma and Rudra, + +Release us from the noose of Varuna; keep us from sorrow, in +your tender loving-kindness. + +HYMN LX XV. Weapons of War. + +' The warrior’s look is like a thunderous rain-cloud’s, when, armed +with mail, he seeks the lap of battle. + +Be thou victorious with unwounded body: so let the thickness +of thy mail protect thee. . + +2 With Bow let us win kine, with Bow the battle, with Bow be +victors in our hot encounters. + +per upon the Gods is personified. See I. 14, 3. Mountain-render: 1 Brihaspati +cleft the mountain* (I. 62. S). Dwelling in light: or, perhaps, in the Sun. +The meaning of prdgharmasdd is uncertain. + +2 Such a people: so good a people. When Gods were invocated: in battle. + +’ 3 With lightning: or with Sunlight: * with sacred prayers.’—Wilson.' + +. 1 Quadrupeds and bipeds: or, * bless all of us, men and four-footed creatures.' +2 Ni/rriti: the Goddess of Death and Destruction. + +4 The noose of Vavuna: Varuna, the moral Governor of the world, is repre- +ented as armed with a noose or lasso for the capture and destruction of +the wicked. + + + +m Tin? JFIYMXS OF [BOOK VI. + +‘The Bow brings grief and sorrow to the foeman : armed #ith +the Bow may we subdue all regions. + +3 Close to his ear, as fain to speak, She presses, holding her +well-loved Friend in her embraces. + +' Strained on the Bow, She whispers like a woman—this Bow¬ +string that preserves us in the combat. + +•4 These, meeting like a woman and her lover, bear, mother-like, +their child upon their bosom, + +. May the two Bow-ends, starting swift asunder, scatter, in uni¬ +son, the foes who hate us. + +5 With many a son, father of many daughters, He clangs and + +clashes as he goes to battle. + +Slung on the back, pouring his brood, the Quiver vanquishes +all opposing bands and armies. + +6 Upstanding in the Car the skilful Charioteer guides his strong + +Horses on whithersoe’er he will. + +See and admire the strength of those controlling Beins which +from behind declare the will of him who drives. + +f Horses whose hoofs rain dust are neighing loudly, yoked to +the Chariots, showing forth their vigour. + +With their forefeet descending on the foemen, they, never +flinching, trample and destroy them. + +S Car-bearer is the name of his oblation, whereon are laid his +Weapons and his Armour. + +So let us here, each day that passes, honour the helpful Car +with hearts exceeding joyful. + +'9 In sweet association lived the fathers who gave us life, profound +and strong in trouble, + +Unwearied, armed with shafts and wondrous weapons, free, +real heroes, conquerors of armies. + + +3 She ; the bowstring. Her well-loved fHend: the arrow. Whispers like,a +woman: < twangs like the scream of a woman/—Muir. But the faint sound +made by the string while it is being drawn to the ear is intended. Homer +likens the sound to the voice of a swallow. + +4 These: the two ends of the bow. Like a woman and her love r; or, * draw¬ +ing close like two women to their lovers.’ Their child: the arrow, + +5 Wtih many a son ; the quiver is called the father of sons and daughters, +it is said, because tV v.—’h ~-* r —*~ v- ■ :■ are both masculine and feminine. + +8 Car-bearer; * . ?' stand, or truck on which the + +chariot is placed when not in use. The word seems in this place to mean also +the oblation offered by the warrior to the ideal war-chariot personified, or. to +a tutelary deity of chariots. + +0 There is no verb in this stanza, and the only substantive, pitarah, fathers, +is, explained by both Commentators as p&layitdrak, guards, defenders, that is, +apparently, those who attend the chariot of the chief. Professor Wilson* fob + + + + +THE MOVE DA. + + +HTMN 75.] + + +Uf + + +10 The Brahmans, and the Fathers meet for Soma-draughts* and, + +graciously inclined, unequalled Heaven and Earth. + +Guard us from evil, Pushan, guard us strengthened of Law: +let not the evil-wisher master us. + +11 Her tooth a deer, dressed in an eagle’s feathers, hound with" + +cow-hide, launched forth, She flieth onward. + +There where the heroes speed hither and thither, there may +the Arrows shelter and protect us. + +12 Avoid, us thou whose flight is straight, and let our bodies he’ + +as stone. + +May Soma kindly speak to us, and Aditi protect us well. + +13 He lays his blows upon their backs, he deals his blows upon + +their thighs. + +Thou, Whip, who urgest horses, drive sagacious horses in the +fray. + +14 It compasses the arm with serpent windings, fending away the’ + +friction of the bowstring: + +So may the Brace, well-skilled in all its duties, guard manfully +the man from every quarter. + +15 Now to the Shaft with venom smeared, tipped with deer-horn, + +with iron mouth, + +Celestial, of Parjanya’s seed, be this great adoration paid. + +16 Loosed from the Bowstring fly away, thou Arrow, sharpened + +by our prayer. + +Go to the foemen, strike them home, and let not one be left alive. + + +owing Say an a, translates : 4 The guards (of the chariot), revelling in the +savoury (spoil), distributors of food, protectors in calamity, armed with spears, +resolute, beautifully arranged, strong in arrows, invincible, of heroic valour, +robust, and conquerors of numerous hosts.’ + +10 The Brdhmans and the Fathers; or, perhaps, the sacerdotal Fathers. +The stanza, which is grammatically difficult, seems out of place. + +11 Her tooth a deer: the point of the arrow is made of a piece of deer’s +horn attached to the shaft with leather strings. The butt of the arrow is +feathered. + +13 He: the whip. + +14 It: the brace or guard worn on the archer’s left arm, fastened on with +leather straps. + +15 With venom smeared ; by the Laws of Manu, that is, the ideal Code of +the M&navas, Kshatriyas were forbidden to poison their arrows. Arrows ap¬ +pear to have been of two kinds, one, the older and less effective, tipped with +de&r-horn, and the other with iron mouth , pointed with ayas, bronze or iron. +Celestial , of Parjanya!s seed ; made of the tall reeds that grow in the -Rains +under the influence of Parjanya the Cod of the rain-cloud. + +16 Sharpened by our prayer; 4 whetted by charm/—-Wilson. + + + +m TXE RIG VEDA, [BOOK 71 + +17 There where the flights of Arrows fall like boys whose locks +are yet unshorn. + +Even there may Brahmanaspati, and Aditi protect us well, +protect us well through all our days. + +|8 Thy vital parts I cover with thine Armour: with immortality +King Soma clothe thee. + +Varuna give thee what is more than ample, and in thy triumph +' may the Gods be joyful. + +19 Whoso would kill us, whether he be a strange foe or one of us, + +' May all the Gods discomfit him. My nearest, closest Mail is +prayer. + + +. 17 Like boys whose locks are yet unshorn: ‘ the point of the comparison m +not very obvious, hut it may me$i that the arrows fall where they list, as +hoys before they are left with the lock of hair, before the religious tonsure, +play about wherever they like.’—Wilson. Professor Roth separates visilcM +from Tcumdrft) and translates : ( Where the arrows fly, young and old ; that is, +feathered and unfeathered. * + +18 Thj vital parts: the vdrman, or coat of mail, protected the shoulders, +back, chest, and lower parts of the body. If not made of metal, it was +strengthened and adorned with metal of some kind. The Indians in the +army of Xerxes are said by Herodotus to have worn Ufiara airo %v\u)v +7r£7rotrilLtlva } clothes made out of the bark of trees {VII. 65) j but he pro¬ +bably meant the common soldiers only, and not the chiefs. For a full des¬ +cription of the arms, offensive and defensive, used in Vedic times, see Muir, +0. S. Texts, V. 469 ; AltindUches Leben, pp. 293—301 ; or Dutt’s History of +Civilization in Ancient India, I. p. 88. + + + +APPENDIX I. + +Page 174, Hymn CXXV1, + +1 subjoin a Latin version of the two stanzas omitted in my +translation. They are in a different metre from the rest of the +hymn, have no apparent connexion with what precedes, and look +like a fragment of a liberal shepherd’s love-song. The seventh +stanza should, it seems, precede the sixth : + +6 [Ille loquitur]. Adhaerens, * arete adhaerens, ilia quae +mustelae similis se abdidit, multum humorem effundens, dat miht +complexuum centum gaudia. + +7 [Ilia loquitur]. Prope, prope accede; molliter me tange, +Ne putes pilos corporis mei paucos esse: tota sum villosa sicut +Gandharidum ovis. + +Professor Ludwig thinks that Ydduri (multum humorem, +i. e semen genitale, effundens) may be the name of a slave-girl, +Gandharidun ovis : a ewe of the Gandharis. The country of +Gandhara is placed by Lassen to the west of the Indus and to the +South of the Kophen or Kabul river. King Darius in a rock- +inscription mentions the Ga(n)ddra together with the Bi(n)du +as people subject to him, and the Gandarii, together with the +Parthians, Khorasmians, Sogdians, and Dadikae, are said by Hero¬ +dotus to have formed part of the army of Xerxes. The name of +the country is preserved in the modern Kandahar. See Muir, +Q. S, Texts, ii. 342, and Zimmer, Altindisches Leben, p. 30. + +Page 243, Hymn CLXXIX. + +The deified object of this omitted hymn is said to be Rati or +Love, and its Rishis or authors are Lop&mudra, Agastya, and a +disciple. Lop&mudra is represented as inviting the caresses of +her aged husband Agastya, and complaining of his coldness and +neglect. Agastya responds in stanza 3, and in the second half of + + + +APPENDIX I. + + +630 + +stanza 4 the disciple or the poet briefly tells the result of the +dialogue. Stanza 5 is supposed to be spoken by the disciple who +has overheard the conversation, hut its connexion with the rest of +the hymn is not very apparent. In stanza 6 * toiling with strong en¬ +deavour ’ is a paraphrase and not a translation of the original hhd- +namdnafi IchanUraih (ligombus fodiens) which Sayana explains by +4 obtaining the desired result by means of lauds and sacrifices. , + +M. Bergaigne is of opinion that the hymn has a mystical +meaning, Agastya being identifiable with the celestial Soma whom. +Lop&mudra, representing fervent Prayer, succeeds after long labour +in drawing down from his secret dwelling plaee. See La Bdigion +YMique, ii. 3M £ + +1 < Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night + +arid morn, through age-indueing dawnings. + +‘ Old age impairs the beauty of our bodies. Let husbands still +come near unto their spouses. + +2 For even the men aforetime, la w-ful fillers, who with the Gods + +.•declared eternal statutes,— + +• They have decided, but have not accomplished: so now let +wives come near unto their husbands. + +5 ftTon inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et + +aemulas vineamus. + +Superemus in hac centum artium pugna in qua duas partes +■eonvenientes utrinque commovemus. + +4 Oupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc +utmna illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit. + +Lopamudra taurum [maritum suum] ad se detrahit: insipiens +ilia sapientem anhelantem absorbet. + +.5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath +been imbibed within the spirit, + +To pardon any sins we have committed. Verily mortal man +is full of longings. + +6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for .child¬ + +ren, progeny and power, + +Cherished—a sage of mighty strength—both classes, and with +the Gods obtained his prayer's fulfilment. + +By ‘ both classes * probably priests and princes, or institutors +of sacrifices, are meant. M. Bergaigne understands the expression to +mean the two forms or essences of Soma, the celestial and the +terrestrial. + + + +THE HYMNS OF THE RIGVEDA. + + +BOOK THE SEVENTH. + + +HYMN I. Agni. + +The men from fire-sticks, with their hands* swift movement, +have, in deep thought, engendered glorious Agni, + +Far-seen, with pointed flame, Lord of the homestead. + +2 The Vasus set that Agni in the dwelling, fair to behold, for . + +help from every quarter; + +Who, in the home for ever, must be honoured. + +3 Shine thou before us, Agni, well-enkindled, with flame, Most + +Youthful God, that never fadeth. m + +To thee come all our sacrificial viands. + +4 Among all fires these fires have shone most brightly, splendid + +with light, begirt by noble heroes, + +Where men of lofty birth sit down together. + +5 Victorious Agni, grant us wealth with wisdom, wealth with + +brave sons, famouS and independent, + +Which not a foe who deals in magic conquers. * + +6 To whom, the Strong, at mom and eve comes, maid-like, the + +ladle dropping oil, with its oblation : + +Wealth-seeking comes to him his own devotion. + +7 Burn up all malice with those flames, O Agni, wherewith df + +old thou burntest up Jarfitha, + +And drive Sway in silence pain and sickness, + +8 With him who lightetb up thy splendour, Agni, excellent, + +pure, refulgent, Purifier, * + +Be present, and with us through these our praises. + +9 Agni, tbe patriarchal men, the mortals who have in many + +places spread thy lustre,— + +Be gracious to us here for their sake also. . / _■ + +All the hymns of this Book are ascribed to the Rishi Vasishtha, with whom, +his sons are associated aB the seers of parts of two hymns. + +1 In deep thought ; c with their fingers/ according to S&yana, this- meaning +having been attributed without any philological grounds to the word dVdhiti- +Bkih from its use -iu this and similar passages. + +6 His oim devotion: the worship which belongs especially to him,. „ ; + +7 JarUtha: a B&kehasa or demon with a loud* harsh voice.—Sdyanv . ,, «c + + + + + +g TUB HYMNS OF [BOOK TIL + +10 Let these men, heroes in the fight with foemen, prevail against + +all godless arts of magic,— + +These who approve the noble song I sing thee, + +11 Let ns not sit in want of men, 0 Agni, without descendants, + +heroless, about thee: + +But, 0 House-Friend, in houses full of ohildren. + +12 By sacrifice which the Steeds’ Lord ever visits, there make + +our dwelling rich in seed and offspring, + +Increasing still with lineal successors, + +13 Guard us, 0 Agni, from the hated demon, guard us from + +malice of the churlish sinner: + +Allied with^thee may I subdue assailants. + +.14 May this same fire of mine surpass all others, this fire where +offspring, vigorous and firm-handed, + +Wins, on a thousand paths, what ne’er shall perish. + +.15 This is that Agni, saviour from the foeman, who guards the +' ^ kindler of the flame- from sorrow : + +Heroes of noble lineage serve and tend him. + +J 6 This is that Agni, served in many places, whom the rich lord +who brings oblation kindles, + +And round him goes the priest at sacrifices. + +.17 Agni, may we with riches in possession bring thee continual +offerings in abundance, + +^ Using both means to draw thee to our worship. + +18 Agni, bear thou, Eternal, these most welcome oblations to + +the Deities’ assembly: + +Let them enjoy our very fragrant presents. + +19 Give us not up, Agni, to want of heroes, to wretched clothes, + +to need, to destitution. ^ + +Yield ns not, Holy One, to fiend or hunger; injure us not at +home or in the forest. + +20 Give strength and power to these my prayers, 0 Agni; 0 + +God, pour blessings on our chiefs and nobles. + +Grant that both we and they may share thy bounty. Ye Gods, +protect us evermore with blessings. + +21 Thou Agni, swift to hear, art fair of aspect: beam forth, 0 + +Son of Strength, in full effulgence. + +Let me not want, with thee, a son for ever: let not a manly +hero ever fail us. + + +12 The Steeds‘ Lord ; Agni, whose swift flames are called horses. + +17 Both means: prayer and praise. + +21 For. pver: nltye; perpetual ; who Bhall live for ever in his posterity.' + + + +THE hi GY ED A. + + +BtMtf 2j + +22 Condemn us not to indigence, 0 Agni, beside these flaming + +fires which Gods have kindled ; + +Nor, even after fault, let thy displeasure, thine as a God, O +Son of Strength, overtake us. + +23 0 Agui, fair of face, the wealthy mortal who to the Im¬ + +mortal offers his oblation + +Hath him who wins him treasure by his Godhead, to Whom +the prince, in need, goes supplicating. + +24 Knowing our chief felicity, 0 Agni, bring hither ample + +riches to our nobles, + +Wherewith we may enjoy ourselves, 0 Yictor, with undimini¬ +shed life and hero children. * + +25 Give strength and power to these my prayers, 0 Agni; 0 Gc*d, + +pour blessings on our chiefs and nobles. + +Grant that both we and they may share thy bounty. Ye +Gods, protect us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN II. -Ms- + +Gladly accept, this day, our fuel, Agui: send up thy sacred +smoke and shine sublimely. + +Touch the celestial summits with thy columns, and overspread +thee with the rays of Surya. + +2 With sacrifice to th€|ge we men will honour the majesty of + +holy Narasansa— + +To these the pure, most wise, the thought-inspirers, Gods who +enjoy both sorts of our oblations. + +3 We will extol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom + +Manu kindled, + +Your very skilful Asura, meet for worship, envoy between +both worlds, the truthful speaker. + +4 Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it + +with reverence, on their knees, by Agni. + +Calling him to the spotted grass, oil-sprinkled, adorn him, ye +A 'lhvaryus, with oblation. + +52 Which Gods have kindled; lighted by the ministering priests. + +23 Hath him: possesses, or enjoys the favour of, Agni. ‘ That deity (Agni) + +' favours the presenter of (sacrificial) wealth/—Wilson. + +24 Knowing our chief felicity : understanding what we want to make u& +happy, that is, riches. + +The Apiis are the divine or deified beings arid objects to which the propi¬ +tiatory verses are addressed. For other Apri hymns see X. 13 ; 188 ; II. 3 ; III. +4 ; V. 5 ; IX. 5 ; X. 70 j 110. + +1 Nardmnsa: ‘the Praise of Men’; Agni. Both sorts of our oblation +offerings, of ghrita 3 ght , or clarified butter, and libations of Soma juice*- + + + +A THE HYMNS OF [BOOH Til. + +■ 5 With, holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Boors fain for +chariots in the Gods' assembly. + +; Like two, f uU mother cows who lick their younglings like maid¬ +ens for the gathering, they adorn them. + +6. And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night*, +like a pow good at milking, + +Gome, much-invoked, and on our grass be seated, wealthy, +deserving worship, for oar welfare. + +, 7 f Yon, Bards and Singers at men’s sacrifices, both filled with +wisdom, I incline to worship. + +Send up our offerings when we call upon you, and so among +the God® 1 obtain us treasures. + +3 May Bharatl with all her-Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, +with mortals Agni, + +Sarasvati with all her kindred Rivers, come to this grass, +Three Goddesses, and seat them. + +fS^Well pleased with us do thou, 0 God, 0 Tvashtar, give ready +issue to our procreant vigour, + +Whence springs the hero, powerful, skilled in action, lover +of Gods, adjuster of the press-stones. + +JO Send to the Gods the oblation, Lard of Forests, and let the +Immolator, Agni, dress it. + +He as the truer Priest shall offer worship, for the Gods’ gene- + +^ rations well he knoweth. + +11 Come thou to us, 0 Agni, duly kindled, together with the +potent Gods and Indra. + +5 On this our grass sit Aditi, happy Mother, and let aur Hail \ +delight the Gods Immortal. * + +HYMN III, Agni, + +Associate with fires, make your God Agpi e^voy at sacrifice, +best skilled in worship, + +Established firm among mankind, the Holy, flame-crowned +and fed with oil, the Purifier. + + +5 Doom: the edified doors of the hall of sacrifice where the Gods assemble. +pain for chariots; welcoming the approach of the cars in which the priests +pome to the ceremony, The latter half of tfie stanza is obscure : * (the ladles) +placed to the east are plying the fire with ffkf at sacrifices, as the mother +cows liok the calf, or as rivers (water the fields).’—Wilson. + +6 Like a cow: the dual dhenH, two cows, instead of dhenuh 3 would, as Lud¬ +wig suggests, seem to us to bo preferable. + +7 Bards and Singers; the h6tdr<%, or * two Invokers’ of I, 13. 8 J perhaps +Agni and Varuna, or Varuna and Aditya. + +8 Stanzas 8—XI are identical with stapzas 8—1| of Book III, 4., + +’I Associate: sajdsMh, being a shortened form of sajdshaseth , the nominative +jplural. S&yana explains it as an accusative singular, qualifying Agni. + + + +MYMN 8J • THE JUG VEDA. + +2 Like a steed neigliing eager for the pasture, when he hath +stepped forth from the great enclosure : + +Then the wind following blows upon his splendour, and, +straight, the path is black which thou hast travelled. + +. 3 From thee a Bull but newly born, 0 Agni, the kindled ever-* +lasting flames rise upward; + +Aloft to heaven thy ruddy smoke asoendeth: Agni, thofl +speedest to the Gods as envoy. + +4 Thou whose fresh lustre o’er the earth advanceth when greed- + +B iiy with thy jaws thy food thou eatest. + +Like a host hurried onward comes thy lasso; fierce, with thy +tongue thou piercest, sis ’twere barley* * + +5 The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most + +Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser. + +They kindle him, a guest within his dwelling : bright shines +the splendour of the worshipped Hero. + +6 0 fair of face, beautiful is thine aspect when, veiy near at + +. hand, like gold thou gleamest. * - + +Like Heaven’s thundering roar thy might approaches* and +like the wondrous Sxm thy light thou showest. + +7 That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni 1 with sacrificial + +cakes and fat oblations, + +Guard us, 0 Agni, with those boundless glories as with a +hundred fortresses of iron. + +8 Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hei*o-giving + +hymns wherewith thou savest; + +With these, 0 Son of Strength, 0 Jktavedas, guard us, pre¬ +serve these princes and the singers. + +9 When forth he eometh, like an axe new-sharpened, pure in +1 his form, resplendent in his body, + +Sprung, sought with eager longing,-from his Parents, for the +Gods’ worship, Sage and Purifier: + +10 Shine this felicity on us, 0 Agni: may we attain to perfect +understanding. + +• All happiness be theirs who sing and praise thee. Ye Gods, +pi'eserve us evermore with blessings. + + +2 From Hit great enclosure: r from the vast enclosing (forest).’—Wilson. +Others understand it as the enclosure iu which the horse is confined. + +4 Thou fiercest as * twere barley: the comparison is somewhat compressed : +the meaning is, then penetratest and fellest the trees of the forest with thy +tongue as men cut down barley with a reapiugdiooSt. + +9 From his Parents; the two fire^sbieks. + + + + +'THE Emm OF + + +IBOOK TIL + + +e + +HYMN IV. ' Agni. + +Bring fortH your’gifts to bis refulgent splendour, your hymn +as* purest offering to Agni, + +To him "who goes as messenger -with knowledge between all +sons of men and Gods in heaven, + +2 Wise must this Agni he, though young and tender, since he + +was born, Most Youthful, of his Mother; + +He who with bright teeth seizeth fast the forests, and eats +Ms food, though plenteous, in a moment. + +3 Before his presence must we all assemble, this God’s whom + +men have seized in his white splendour. + +This Agni ho hath brooked that men should seize him hath +shone for man with glow insufferable. + +4 Far-seeing hath this Agni been established, deathless mid + +mortals, wise among the foolish. + +Here, O -victorious God, forbear to harm us : may we for ever +share thy gracious favour. + +5 He who hath occupied his God-made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom + +hath surpassed Immortals. + +A Babe unborn, the plants and trees support him, and the +earth beareth him the All-sustainer. + +6 Agni is Lord of Amrit in abundance, Lord of the gift of "wealth + +and hero valour, * + +* Victorious God, let ns not sit about thee like men devoid of +strength, beauty, and worship. + +7 The foeman’s treasure may be -won with labour: may we be + +masters of our own possessions. + +Agni, no son is he who springs from others-: lengthen not out +the pathways of the foolish. + +8 Unwelcome for adoption is the stranger, one t<? be thought of + +as another’s offspring, + +Though grown familiar by continual presence. May our strong +hero come, freshly triumphant. + + +3 Must we all msemhh : I follow Ludwig in his interpretation of +as we are forsaken, ami our protector is far away (at. 6, 7, 8), we meat crowfi +to the God of Fire for defence. + +6 In the second line I have borrowed from Pro-f. Max Midler,. Vedic Eymn* + +I. p. 80. ? + +7 Let us remain in imdisturW possession of our own property, and let us +have sons of our own begetting and not the adopted children of others. + +8 ^ Men do not look with pleasure and affection on adopted sons ; but we are +longing to see our absent protector return to us.—Ludwig. Other s explain +the Inst half* verse differently ; ‘therefore let there come to us (a son) new-born, +possessed of food, victorious over foes/—Wilson. + + + +MfMtf 5 .] ' TEE MQVSDA. ' t + +9 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us +0 thou Victor, from dishonour. + +Here let the place of darkening come upon thee; may wealth +be ours, desirable, in thousands. + +10 Shine this felicity on us, 0 Agni: may we attain to perfect +understanding. + +All happiness be theirs who sing and praise thee. Ye Gods, +preserve us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN V. Agni. + +Bring forth your song of praise to mighty Agni, the speedy +messenger of earth and heaven, + +Vaif vanara, who, with those who Wake, hath waxen great in +the lap of all the Gods Immortal. + +2 Sought in the heavens, on earth isjAgni stablished, leader of + +rivers, Bull of standing waters. + +Vaisvanara, when he hath grown in glory, shines on the tribes +of men with light and treasure. + +3 For fear of thee forth fled the dark-hued races, scattered + +abroad, deserting their possessions, + +When, glowing, 0 Vaisvanara, for Puru, thou, Agni, didst +light up and rend their castles. + +4 Agni Vaisvanara, both Earth and Heaven submit them to + +thy threefold jurisSiction. + +Befulgent in thine undecaying lustre thou hast invested bo^i +the worlds with splendour. + +5 Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing, our resonant hymns + +that drop with oil, attend thee; + +Lord of the tribes, our Charioteer of riches, Ensign of days, +Vaisvanara of mornings. + +%_ *. , . O - ---- -- - ' "■ + +9 This stanza is a repetition of VI. 15, 12, where See note. + +10 Repeated from stanza 10 of the preceding hymn. + +The hymn is addressed to Agni as Vaisvdnara, the God who is present with, +and benefits, all Aryan men. + +1 With those who wake; tended by the priests. According to S&yana * as¬ +sociated with the wakened Gods.* + +2 Mull of standing waters : the meaning of stiyindm is uncertain.. Perhaps, +as Ludwig suggests, plants and bushes are intended which Agni like a bull +levels with the ground. + +3 The dark-hued races : according to von Roth, the spirits of darkness. For +P'dru : or, for man. + +4 Threefold jurisdiction ; in heaven, mid-air, and earth. + +5 The tawny horses; the hymns that hasten to Agni like eager horses. +Ludwig translates the harUufr of the text by 'gold-yellow,* qualifying 'hymns;* +that is, hymns with libations of yellow Soma juice. + + + +f of [book rtL + +6 In thee, 0 bright a# Mitra, Yasus seated the might of Asurag, +for they loyed thy spirit- + +. ThoU dravest Casyus from their hotae, 0 Agm, and brought* +est forth broad light tot light the Ary a, + +$ Born in the loftiest heaven thou in a moment readiest, like. + +wind, the place where Gods inhabit. + +. Thou, favouring thine offspring, roaredst loudly when giving +life to creatures, Jatavedas. + +8 Send its that strength, Vaifvanara, send it, Agni, that + +strength, 0 JAtavedas, full of splendour, + +■ Wherewith, all-bounteous God, thou pourest riches, as fame +wide-spreading, on the man who offers. + +9 Agni, bestow upon our chiefs and nobles that famous power, + +that wealth which feedeth many. + +Accordant with the Yasus and the Rudras, Agni, Yaisvanara, +give us sure protection. + +HYMN VI. Agni. + +TPkaisb of the Asura, high imperial Ruler, the Manly One in +whom the folk shall triumph— + +. I laud his deeds who is as strong as Indra, and lauding celebrate +the Fort-destroyer. + +2 Sage, Sign, Food, Light,—they bring him from the mountain, +the blessed Sovran of the earth and heaven. + +I decorate with songs the mighty actions which Agni, Fort- +r destroyer, did aforetime. + +8 The foolish, faithless, rudely-speaking niggards, without belief +or sacrifice or worship,— + +Far, far away hath Agni chased those Dasyus, and, in the +east, hath turned the godless westward. + +4 Him who brought eastward, manliest with Iks prowess, the + +Maids rejoicing in the western darkness, + +That Agni I extol, the Lord of riches, unyielding tamer of +, assailing foemen. + +5 Him who brake down the walls with deadly weapons, and + +gave the Mornings to a noble Husband, + +6 Thou dravest ,* cf, X. 117. 21. + +1 Fort-destroyer: demolisher of the cloud-castles of the demons of drought, +or of the strongholds of the non-Ary an tribes. + +2 From the mountain ; from the cloud, as lightning, + +3 Westward; into the darkness of night. + +4 Who brought eastward: brought back the vanished lights of dawn. + +8 To a noble Husband: the Sun, or Agni himself. The tribes of JSdhus; or» +according to von Both, neighbouring people. • + + + +?.] TH£ tiWt£l>A. 4 + +Young Agrii,' who bit'll conquering strength subduing the' +tribes of Naims made them bring their tribute. + +6 In whose protection all men rest by nature, desiring to enjoy + +his gracious favour— + +Agni Vaisvanara in his Parents’ bosom hath found the choic¬ +est seat in earth and heaven. + +7 Vaisvanara the God, at the sun*s setting, hath taken fd + +himself deep-hidden treasures: + +Agni hath taken them from earth and heaven, from the seal +under and the sea above us. + +HYMN VII. «- Agni + +I send forth even your God, victorious Agni, like a strong +courser, with mine adoration* + +Herald of sacrifice be he who knoweth i he hath reached Gods’* +himself, with measured motion. + +2 By paths that are thine own come hither, Agni, joyous, delight¬ + +ing in the Gods’ alliance, + +Making the heights of earth roar with thy fury, burning with +eager teeth the woods and forests. + +3 The grass is strewn; the sacrifice advances : adored as Priest, + +Agni is made propitious, + +Invoking both All-b&on-bestowing Mothers of whom, Most +Youthful! thou wast born to help us, ^ + +4 Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made + +him leader in the solemn worship. + +As Lord in homes of men is Agni stablished, the Holy One, +the joyous, sweetly speaking. + +5 He hath come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home, + +Brahman,^Agni, the Supporter, + +He whom both Heaven and Earth exalt and strengthen, +whom, Giver of all boons, the Hotar worships. + +6 These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought + +'with skill the hymn of adoration; + + +7 Agni becomes the representative of the Sun, and in his absence gives +light and other blessings to man. The sea above us : the ocean of air. + +1 Like a strong courser: glorified with my praises, like a horse that has +been groomed and adorned. Or, perhaps, merely, rapid as a horse.. +measured motion : or, a speedy runner. S&yana explains the word mxUidrufy +in this place as ( consumer of trees/ but in IV. fi. £ as parimitagatih, with +measured motion/ + +3 Both . Mothers ; Heaven and Earth, + + + + +It) + + +ArtflrS'DP {boor riU + + +Who, listening, have advanced the people’s welfare, and set +their thoughts on this my holy statute, + +7 We/the Vasishthas, now implore thee, Agni, 0 Son of +Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure. + +Thou hast brought food to singers and to nobles. Ye Gods, +preserve us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN VIII. Agni. + +The King whose face is decked with oil is kindled with homage +offered by his faithful servant. + +The men, the priests adore him with oblatio'ns. Agni hath +shone forth when the dawn is breaking. + +2 Yea, he hath been acknowledged as most mighty, the joyous + +Priest of men, the youthful Agni. + +He, spreading o’er the earth, made light around him, and +grew among the plants with blackened fellies. + +3 How dost thou decorate our hymn, 0 Agni t What power + +dost thou exert when thou art lauded ? + +^hen, Bounteous God, may we be lords of riches, winners of +precious wealth which none may conquer ? + +4 Far famed is this the Bhamta’s own Agni: he shineth like + +the Sun with lofty splendour. + +He who hath vanquished Puru in the battle, the heavenly +guest hath glowed in full refulgence. + +5 r Full many oblations are in thee collected: with all thine +aspects thou hast waxen gracious. + +Thou art already famed as praised and lauded, yet still, 0 +nobly born, increase thy body. + +6 Be this my song, that winneth countless treasure, engendered + +with redoubled force for Agni, + +That,, splendid, chasing sickness, slaying demons, it may +delight our friend and bless the singers. + +7 We, the Yasishthas, now implore thee, Agni, 0 Son of + +Strength, the Lord of wealth and riches. + +Thou hast brought food to singers and to nobles: Ye Gods, +preserve us evermore with blessings. + +6 Who set their thoughts on this my holy statute: that is, apparently, who +duly observe the law which requires us to worship Agni. * Who are glorifiers +of this truthful (deity).’—Wilson. + + +? IVi’fA blackened fellies; leaving black tracks behind him:* dark-pathed.’— +Wilson. 1 • + +4 The Bharata .* Vasishtha, the puroMta of the’ Bharatas. Pdnt; thr +Ptirus, (one of the Five Aryan Tribes) who opposed the Bharatas. + +. b f°^ ntlesstr€asu ff •' literally, hundreds, thousands. Oar friend: the +jnetitutor of the sacrifice. + + + +mtmx 10 .] + + +fBE MGVEbA. + + +TV + +HYMN IX. Agin. + +Boused from their bosom is the Dawns* belovM, th$ joyous +. Priest, most sapient, Purifier. + +He gives a signal both to Gods and mortals, to Gods oblations, +riches to the pious. + +2 Most wise is he who, forcing doors of Panis, brought the + +bright Sun to us who feedeth many. + +The cheerful Priest, men's Friend and home-companion, +through still night's darkness he is made apparent. + +3 Wise, ne'er deceived, imcircumscribed, refulgent, our gracious + +guest, a Friend with good attendants, + +Shines forth with wondrous light before the^Momings: the +young plants hath he entered, Child of Waters. + +4 Seeking our gatherings, he, your J&tavedas, hath shone ador¬ + +able through human ages, + +Who gleams refulgent with his lovely lustre: the kine have +waked to meet him when enkindled. + +5 Go on thy message to the Gods, and fail not, 0 Agni, with + +their band who pray and worship. + +Bring all the Gods that they may give us riches, Sarasvati, +the Maruts, Asvins, Waters. + +6 Vasishtha, when enkindling thee, 0 Agni, hath slain Jardtha. + +Give us wealth in plenty. + +Sing praise in choral song, 0 Jatavedas. Ye Gods, preserve +us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN X. Agni + +He hath sent forth, bright, radiant, and refulgent, like the +Dawn's Lover, his far-spreading lustre. + +Pure in his^ splendour shines the goLlen Hero : our longing +thoughts hath he aroused and wakened. + +2 He, like the Sun, bath shone white Mom is breaking, and +priests who weave the .sacrifice sing praises, + +Agni, the God, who knows their generations and visits Gods, +most bounteous, I’apid envoy. 0 + + +The Dawns’ belovbd: Agni, as lighted up at day-break. A signal; of +sacrifice, which men are to offer and Gods are to receive. + +6 JarUtha : see VII. 1. 7, where the destruction of Jarfitha is ascribed to +Agni himself. Jarutha, said by Sftyana to have beeu a RAkshasa or demon, +was probably au enemy who was slain in a battle at which Vasislnha was +present as purohita ,—Ludwig. + +X Like the Davm’s Lover : the Sun. See I. 69. 1. + +2 And ’priests: I adopt Sftyana’s interpretation of this half-line. + + + +%4 B fMNB OF E BOOK Vlt + +8 Our songs and holy hymns go forth to Agni, seeking the God +and asking him for riches, + +Him r fair to see,- of goodly aspect, mighty, men’s messenger +who carries their oblations. + +4 Joined with the Vasus,. Agni,' bring thoxi Indra, bring hither + +Mighty Rtfdra With the jCudras* + +Aditi good to all men with Adityas, Brihaspati All-bounteous, +with the Singers, + +5 Men eagerly implore at sacrifices Agni, Most Youthful God, + +the joyous Herald* + +For he is Lord and Ruler over riches, and for Gods’ worship +an unwearied envoy. + +HYMN XI. Agni. + +(Meat art thou, Agni, sacrifice’s Herald : not without thee are +deathless Gods made joyful. + +jpome hither with all Deities about thee: here take thy seat, +the first, as Priest, 0 Agtti. + +2 Men With oblations evermore entreat thee, the swift, to under-* + +* take an envoy’s duty. + +He on whose sacred "grass with Gods thou sittest, to him, +G Agni, are the days propitious* + +3 Three times a day in thee are shown the treasures sent for +r * the mortal who presents oblation. + +Bring the Gods hither like a man, 0 Agni: be thou our envoy, +guarding us from curses. + +4 Lord of the lofty sacrifice is Agni, Agni is Lord of every gift + +presented. + +The Vasus were contented with his wisdom, so the Gods made +him their oblation-bearer. + +$ 0 Agni, bring the Gods to taste our presents: with Indra +leading, here let them be joyful. + +, Convey this sacrifice to Gods in heaven. Ye Gods, preserve + +* us evermore with blessings. + + +4 Singers : or Rikvans, deities who attend and sing the praises of some +God : 1 the adorable (Angirasas)/—Wilson, + + +' 3 Three times a day: at the morning, the noon, and the evening libation. +Or the meaning may he, in the three fire-receptacles. Like a man : acting +like a human priest. The Commentators explain manushvdt by 4 as ,(at the +aaerifiee) of Mann/ * + + + + +HYMX lb] + + +THE RIGVEDA', + + +U + + +HYMN XII. Agni, + +Wb with great reverence have approached The Youngest who +hath shone forth well-kindled in his dwelling, + +With wondrous light between wid,e earth and heaven, well- +worshipped, looking forth in all directions. + +2 Through his great might o’ercoming all misfortunes, praised + +in the house is Agni J&ravedas. + +May he protect us from disgrace and trouble, both us who +laud him and our noble patrons. + +3 0 Agni, thou art Varuna and Mitra; Vasishthas with their + +holy hyums exalt thee. + +With thee be most abundant gain of treasure. Ye Gods, +preserve us evermore with blessings + +HYMN XIII f Agni. + +Bring song and hymn to Agni, Asura-slayer, enlightener of +all and thought-bestower. + +Like an oblation on the grass, to please hirn, I bring thfs tq +Vais vanara, hymn-inspirer. + +2 Thou with thy flame, 0 Agni, brightly glowing, hast at thy + +birth filled full the earth and heaven. + +Thou with thy might, Vaisvanara JAtavedas, settest the Gods +free from the cursfc that bound them. + +3 Agni, when born, thou lookedst on all creatures, like a brisk + +herdsman moving round his cattl$. + +The path to prayer, Vaisv4nara, thou fQpnd^t. Ye God§, +preserve us .evermore with bles.sings, + +HYMN XIV, Agni f + +With reverence and with offered gifts serve we the God whose +flame is bright: + +Let us bring Jatavedas fuel, and adore Agni when we invoke +the Gods. + +•2 Agni, may we perform thy rites with fuel, and honour thee, +0 Holy One, with praises \ + +Honour thee, Priest of sacrifice! with butter, thee, God of +blessed light 1 with our oblation. + + +1 The Youngest : Agni, most youthful gt the Gods, as being continually + +reproduced. . + +2 The curse that hound them: the Gods seem to have been subjeefc to the +infirmities of old age until Ipdra, or, as is here said, Agni, freed them. See + +2 r + + + +14 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK Vlt . + +3 Come, Agni, with the Gods to our invoking, come, pleased, to +offerings sanctified with Vashat. + +May 0 we be his who pays thee, God, due honour. Ye Gods, +preserve us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN XY. Agni, + +Offer oblations in his mouth, the bounteous God's whom we +must serve, + +His who is nearest kin to us: + +2 Who for the Fivefold People's sake hath seated him in every + +home, + +Wise, Youthful, Master of the house. + +3 On all sidegP may that Agni guard our household folk and + +property; + +May he deliver us from woe, + +4 I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky ; +Will he not give us of his wealth ? + +5 ^Whose glories when he glows in front of sacrifice are fair + +to see, + +Like wealth of one with hero sons, + +6 May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who + +bears + +Oblations, best of worshippers, + +7 Lord of the house, whom men must seek, we set thee down, +r 0 Worshipped One I + +Bright, rich in heroes, Agni I God t + +8 Shine forth at night and morn : through thee with fires are + +we provided well. + +Thou, rich in heroes, art our Friend. + +9 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with their + +songs of praise: + +Speech, thousandfold, comes near to thee. + +10 Bright, Purifier, meet for praise, Immortal with refulgent + +glow, + +Agni drives B&kshasas away. + +11 As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength, + +for this thou canst-: + +May Bhaga give us what is choice. + +3 Sanctified with Vashat; Vashal (may he hear it to the Gods) is the +exclamation used at the moment of pouring the sacrificial oil or clarified +hatter on the fire. + +~ 9 Speech: dhshard, the imperishable ; here speech in the shape of praise +and prayer. , , . . ■ + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +Bit mu 16 ] + + +15 + + +12 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame; Bhaga and Savitar the God, +And Diti give us what is good. + +13 Agni, preserve us from distress ; consume our enemies, 0 God> +Eternal, with thy hottest flames, + +14 And, irresistible, be thou a mighty iron fort to us. + +With hundred walls for man’s defence. + +15 Do thou preserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the + +wicked men, + +Infallible ! by day and night. + +HYMN XVI. Aguu + +With this my reverent hymn I call Agni for you, the Son of +Strength, + +Dear, wisest envoy, served with noble sacrifice, immortal +messenger of all. + +2 His two red horses, all-supporting, let him yoke : let him, + +well-worshipped, urge them fast. + +Then hath the sacrifice good prayers and happy end, i nd +heavenly gift of wealth to men. + +3 The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much-invoked, hath + +mounted up, + +And his red-coloured smoke-clouds reach and touch the sky ; +the men are kindliqg Agni well. + +4 Thee, thee Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring + +the Gods hither to the feast. + +Give us, 0 Son of Strength, all food that feedeth man ; give +that for which we pray to thee. + +5 Thou, Agni, art the homestead’s Lord, our Herald at the + +sacrifice. + +Lord of all “hpons, thou art the Cleanser and a Sage. Pay +worship, and enjoy the good. + +6 Give riches to the sacrifices O Most Wise, for thou art he + +who granteth wealth. + +Inspire with zeal each priest at this our solemn rite, all who +are skilled in singing praise. + +7 0 Agni who art worshipped well, dear let our princes be to thee, +Our"*wealthy patrons who are governors of men, who part, as + +gifts, their stalls of kine. + + +12 Diti: generally regarded as the opposite of Adifci, which may have been +the word used by the poet, changed by later reciters, who considered the +metre irregular, into Diti. See Vedic Hymns, L p. 256. + +5 Herald; Hotar , or invoicing priest. Cleanser; Polar, or purifier, another +of the officiating priests. Agni performs the duties of all human priests. + + + +16 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH TIL + +,8 They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, I|a sits +down well-satisfied— + +, <*uard them, Victorious God, from slander and from harm; +give us a refuge famed afar. + +9 Do thou, a Priest with pleasant tongue,, most wise, and very +near to us, + +Agni, bring riches hither to our liberal chiefs, and speed'the +offering of our gifts. + +10 They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved +by desire of great renown— + +Do thou with saving help preserve them from distress, Most +Youthful! with a hundred forts. + +J1 The God who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured +to him. + +Pour ye it forth, then fill the vessel full again: then doth the +God pay heed to you. + +12 Him have the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation- +v bearer, passing wise. + +Agni gives wealth and valour to the worshipper, to folk who +pffer up their gifts. + +KYMtf XVII. Agni. + +Agni, be kindled well with proper 4uel, and let the grass be +Spattered wide about thee. + +2 Let the impatient Portals be thrown open: bring thou the + +Gods impatient to come hither. + +3 Taste, Agni: serve the Gods with our oblation. Offer good + +sacrifices, JAtaved&s ! + +4 Let Jltavedjas pay fair sacrifices, worship and gratify the + +Gods Immortal. * + +5 Wise God, win for ns things that are all-goodly, and let the + +prayers we pray to-day be fruitful. + +6 Thee, eyep thee, the Son of Strength, 0 Agni, those Gods + +haye made the bearer of oblations. + +7 To thee the God may we perform our worship; do thou, + +besought, grant ns abundant riches. + + +8 lid: the Goddess who is regarded as the sacrificial food or oblation per* +sonified : annartipd hmirlakshand dmt —S&yana. + +-2 The impatient Portals; the doors of the sacrificial chamber which long ’ +to bear their part in the holy ceremony, + +6 Those Oods; the famous Gods. + + +HYMN 18.) + + +THE MOVE DA, + + +V + + +HYMN XVIII. Indr f + +All is with thee, O Indra, all the treasures which erst our +fathers won who sang thy praises. + +With thee are milch-kine good to milk, and horses: best win¬ +ner thou of riches for the pious. + +2 For like, a King among his wives thou dwellest: with glories, + +as a Sage, surround and help us. + +Make us, thy servants, strong for wealth, and honour our +songs with kine and steeds and decoration. + +3 Here these our holy hymns with joy and gladness in pious + +emulation have approached thee. + +Hitherward oome thy path that leads to richest may we find +shelter in thy favour, Indra. + +4 Vasishthahath poured forth his prayers, desiring to milk thee + +like a cow in goodly pasture. + +All these my people call thee Lord of cattle : may Indra come +unto the prayer we offer. + +5 What though the floods spread widely, Indra made them + +shallow and easy for Sudas to traverse. + +He, worthy of our praises, caused the Simyu, foe of our hymn, +to curse the rivers’ fury. + +6 Eager for spoil was Turyasa Purod&s, fain to win wealth, like + +fishes urged by hunger. + +The Bhrigus and the JDruhyus quickly listened : friend rescued +friend mid the two distant peoples. + +The hyma glorifies Indra as the protector of Sudds, the King of the Tritsus, +and praises the liberality of that prince. See Vedic India (Story of the +Jfatious Series), pp. 319—832. + +4 Vasishiha: the Rishi of the hymn, and the chief priest who had +accompanied the ^arlike expedition of Sudds. To milk thee: to obtain +riche3 through thy favour by means of my hymn, as men milk the cow at +sacrifice for the milk which is required for libations. + +5 The poet begins to recount the events of Sudds's victorious expedition. +These are not always intelligible partly on account of the obscure phraseology +employed, and partly on account of our ignorance of details which are vaguely +alluded to. In this stanza Sudds, king or chief of the Tritsu tribe, has, with +the aid of Indra, crossed a deep river (the Parushpt which is now called the +Rdvth and put the Simyus to flight, some of the fugitives being drowned in +its waters. The Simyus are mentioned together with the Dasyus, in I, 190. +1.8, as hostile barbarians slain by Indra. The second half of the stanza is +difficult, the meaning of two of the words being uncertain. + +6 Turvasa PurodU ; Turvasa appears here as one of the. enemies of Sudds. +I follow, with much hesitation, Ludwig in taking Purodda as an appellative of +Turvasa *. f Turvasa, who was pi-eceding (at solemn rites).’ —Wilson. The +fihvigus and the JDruhyus: here, apparently, allies of Turvasa. Fishes'; +according to others, Matsyas, a people, + +2 + + + +,18 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH' VIL + +7 Together came the Pakthas, the Bbalanas, the Alinas, the + +Sivas, the Yishanins. + +Yet to the Tritsus came the Aryans Comrade, through love of +spoil and heroes’ war, to lead them. + +8 Fools, in their, folly fain to waste her waters, they parted in¬ + +exhaustible Parushni. + +Lord of the Earth, he with his might repressed them: still lay +the herd and the affrighted herdsman. + +9 As to their goal they sped to their destruction: they sought + +Parushni; e’en the swift returned not. + +Indra abandoned, to Sudas the manly, the swiftly flying foes, +unmanly babblers. + +10 They went like kine unherded from the pasture, each cling¬ + +ing to a friend as chance directed. + +They who drive spotted steeds, sent down by Prisni, gave +ear, the Warriors and the harnessed horses. + +11 The King who scattered one-and-twenty people of both + +Vaikarna tribes through lust of glory — + +As the skilled priest clips grass within the chamber, so hath +the Hero Indra wrought their downfall. + + +7 The Pakthas^ and the rest mentioned in the first line of the stanza +Cppear to have been non-Aryan tribes opposed to the Tritsus. According to +the Scholiast these names are the denominations of various ministers at +religious rites, and following this interpretation Wilson translates the stanza +as follows: ‘ Those who dress the oblation, those who pronounce auspicious +words, those who abstain from penance, those who bear horns (in their hands), +those who bestow happiness (on the^world by sacrifice), glorify that Indra +who recovered the cattle^ of the Ary a from the plunderers, who slew the +enemies m battle.' The Aryans Comrade ; Indra, the aHy of Tritsu against +the non-Ary an confederacy. + +8 The confederates, who were on the right or farther bank of the Parushni, +intending to attack Sudds and the Tritsus, appear to have attempted to make +the river fordable by digging channels and so diverting the water, which, it +se^ms, rushed back into its natural bed and drowned the men who were cross¬ +ing the stream. The second line of the stanza is obscure and the translation +is conjectural. Wilson translates: ‘but he by his greatness pervades the +earth, Kavi, the sou of Chayamdna, like a falling victim, sleeps (in death).* +The herd and the herdsman are, of course, the hostile band and its leader. + +10 They went: the fugitives who escaped drowning. They who drive spotted +steeds : the Maruts, sent down by their mother Prisni to aid Sudds. + +11 People: or. houses, i. e. families. Both Vaikarna tribes: perhaps some +allies of the Druhyus ; but the meaning of vaikurndyoh is uncertain. See +Zimmer, Altindisehes Leben, p. 103. Ludwig thinks that the reference is to +a' mythic battle at some place called Vaikarnau between Indra (the King) +and the Maruts (the one-and-twenty people). Clips grass ; with one clean cut. + + + + +JJYMN 18.] TEE RIO VEDA. 1 9 + +12 Thou, thunder-armed, o'erwhelmedst in the waters famed + +ancient Kavasha and then the Druhyu. + +Others here claiming friendship to their friendship, devoted +unto thee, in thee were joyful. + +13 Indra at once with conquering might demolished all their + +strong places and their seven castles. + +The goods of Ann's son he gave to Tritsu. May we in sacrifice +conquer scornful Puru. + +14 The Anavas and Drnhyus, seeking booty, have slept, the sixty + +hundred, yea, six thousand, + +And six-and-sixty heroes. For the pious were all these mighty +exploits done by Indra. D + +15 These Tritsus under Indra's careful guidance came speeding + +like loosed waters rushing downward. + +The foemen, measuring exceeding closely, abandoned to Sud&s +all their provisions. + +16 The hero's side who drank the dressed oblation, Indra's denser, + +far o'er earth he scattered. + +Indra brought down the fierce destroyer’s fury. He gave +them various roads, the path's Controller. + +17 E'en with the weak he wrought this matchless exploit: e'en +with a goat he did to death a lion. ■ + +He pared the pillar^ angles with a needle. Thus to Sud&s +Indra gave all provisions, 0 + + +12 Kavasha; perhaps the priest of one of the two Vaikarna tribes which + +Zimmer is inclined to identify with the Kuru-Krivis. See Altindisckes Leheti, +p. 127. Others here: ‘for they, Indra, Who are devoted to thee and glorify +thee, preferring thy friendship, enjoy it.’—Wilson. The exact meaning is +uncertain. *> + +13 To Tritsu; to Sudds, the King of the Tritsus. + +14 The Anavas: men of the Anu tribe. The sixty hundred : ‘The enu¬ +meration is very obsc-: -x..** - 7 *-\ satd shat sahasrd shashtir ad hi + +shat , literally, sixty'.;- 1 I, ■ ■, sixty, with six more:’Sdyana + +understands by satdni , thousands, sohasr&nUyarthah’ —Wilson. " * Sixty- +six thousand six hundred and six.' .Ludwig suggests that dasd should be re^d +instead of mt$ } which would make the number 6666. See Benfey, Vedica +xtnd Linguistics pp. 139—162. + +3 5 Measuring exceeding closely: though taking great care of their goods +and reluctantly giving them up. , , + +' 16 The herds side: the party of the hostile leader, the non-Aryans who +denied Indra, and themselves devoured the oblations that should have been +presented to him. Be gave them various roads: made them fly in all direc-, +tiona. + +17 E'en with a goat: impossible deeds mentioned as illustrations of Indra's +miraculous power. + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +20 + + +[BOOK VJl + + +18 To thee have all thine enemies submitted: e'en the fierce + +Bheda hast thou made thy subject. + +Cast down thy sharpened thunderbolt, 0 Indra, on him who +harms the men who sing, thy praises. + +19 Yamipit and the Tritsus aided Indra. There he stripped + +Bheda hare of all his treasures. + +The Ajas and the Sigrus and the Yakshus brought in to him +as tribute heads of horses. + +20 Not to be scorned, but like Dawns past and recent, 0 Indra, + +are thy favours and thy riches. + +Devaka, Manyamana’s son, thou slewest, and smotest Sambaru +from the lofty mountain. + +21 They who, from home, have gladdened thee, thy servants + +Barbara, Vasishtba, Satay&tu, + +Will not forget thy friendship, liberal Giver. So shall the +days dawn prosperous for the princes. + +22 J?riest-like, with praise, I moyc around the altar, earning + +Paijavana’s reward, 0 Agni, + +Two hundred cows from Devav&n’s descendant, two chariots +from Sudas with mares to draw them. + +Gift of Paijavana, four horses bear me in foremost place, +trained steeds with pearl to deck them- +Sudd’s brown steeds, hrmly^stepping, carry me and my son +* for progeny and glory. + +24 Him whose fame spreads between wide earth and heaven, who, +as dispenser, gives each chief his portion, + +Seven flowing Rivers glorify like Indra. He slew Yudhyfln +madhi in close encounter. + + +18 B%cda ; an enemy of Sudds, or an unbeliever, says Sd^ina. + +19 Yamund; the Jumna. Uut it is nqt easy to see bow the expedition* +reached so far. The iVjas, §igrus, and Yakshus were perhaps subject to Bheda, +hut nothing is known regarding them. Heads of horses - which had been +killed in battle. + +20 Like Dawns: renewed eyery day. Devaka: not mentioned elsewhere. +According to Grassrnann devakarn mdnyam&ri&m refers to SUmbara, * thinking +himself a God.’ + +21 Pard§ara is said by one authority to have been the son, and by another the +grandson of the lvishi Vasishtha. S itaydtu is said'to be Sakti, Yasjshtha’s son. + +22 Here begins the ddnasluti or praise qf the prince’s liberality/ Paija¬ +vana : Sudds, descendant of Pijavana. Devavdn’s descendant: Sudds, Deva- +vdn being either ’the same as Divoddsa, the father of Sudds or one of his +forefathers. + +24 Seven flowing Fivers glorify; the seven chief rivers of the Panjdb +glorify him as they glorify Indra. Or, they (men) praise him as the seven +rivers praise Indra. * The seven rivers bear his glory far and wide* (I. 102-2). +Yudhydmtdld: not mentioned elsewhere. + + + +HYMN 19.] THE ktQVMDA. 21 + +25 Attend on him. 0 ye heroic Maruts as on Sud&s’s father +Divodslsa. + +further Paijavana’s desire with favour. Guard faithfully +his lasting firm dominion. + +HYMN XIX. Indra. + +He like a bull with sharpened horns, terrific, singly excites +and agitates all the people: + +Thou givest him who largely pours libations his goods who +pours not, for his own possession. + +& Thou, verily, Indta, gavesfc help to Kutsa, willingly giving +ear to him in battle, + +When, aiding Arjuneya, thou subduedst to him both Kuyava +and the Dasa Sush$a. + +& 0 Bold One, thou with all thine aids hast boldly holpen Sud&s +whose offerings vrete accepted, + +Puru in winning land and slaying foemen, and Trasadasyu +son of PuruketSa. + +4 At the Gods* banquet, hero-souled! with Heroes, Lord of Bay + +Steeds, thou slowest many foemen. + +Thou sentest in swift death to sleep the Dasyu, both Chumuri +and Dhuni, for Dabhxti. + +5 These were thy mighty powers that, Thunder-wield er, thou + +swiftly crushedst nine-and-ninety castles : + +Thou capturedst the hundredth in thine onslaught; thou +slewest Namuchi, thou slewest Yritra. + +6 Old are the blessings, Indra, which thou gavest Sud&s the + +worshipper who brought oblations. + +For thee, the Strong, I yoke thy strong Bay Horses: may our +prayers reach thee and win strength, Most Mighty! + +7 Give us not up, Lord of Bay Horses, Victor, in this thine own + +assembly, to the wicked. + +Deliver us with true and faithful succours : dear may we be +to thee among the princes. . + +25 Maruts ; here, perhaps, the MV-V-vr t f.c-'^hy nobles are intended + +who stand in the same relation to i .* i - to Indra. + +X Excites and agitates: as God of battles. Thou: Indra. This abrupt +change from the third person-to the Second is not unusual iu the Veda. + +2 Arjuneya: Rutsa, descendant of Arjuna, See I. 112. 23. Kuyava: See +I. 103. 8. + +4 For Chumuri , Dhani, and DdbMti , see Vol. I. Index. + +5 Namuchi: another demon of drought. See I. 53. 7. In thine onslaught ; + +according to S£yana, for thy dwelling : * thou hast occupied the hundredth + +*as a place of abode/—Wilson. + +6 Sudds : the King of the Tritsus, celebrated in the preceding hymn, + + + + +22 TUB IIYMUS OF [BOOB VII + +8 May we men, Maghavan, the Mends thou lovest, near thee be + +joyful under thy protection. + +Fain to fulfil the wish of Atithigva humble the pride of Tur- +vasa and Yadva. + +9 Swiftly, in truth, 0 Maghavan, about thee men skilled in + +hymning sing their songs and praises. + +Elect us also into their assembly who by their calls on thee +despoiled the niggards. + +10 Thine are these lauds, 0 manliest of heroes, lauds which + +revert to us and give us riches. + +Favour these, Indra, when they fight with foemen, as Friend +and Hero and the heroes’ Helper. + +11 Now, lauded for thine aid, Heroic Indra, sped by our prayer, + +wax mighty in thy body. + +Apportion to us strength and habitations. Ye Gods, protect us +evermore with blessings. + +HYMN XX. Indra. + +Strong, Godly-natured, bom for hero exploit, man’s Friend, +he doth whatever deed he willeth. + +Saving us e’en from great transgression, Indra, the Youthful, +visiteth man’s home with favour. + +2 Waxing in greatness Indra slayeth Vritra: the Hero with his + +aid hath helped the singer. * + +r He gave Sudas wide room and space, and often hath granted +wealth to him who brought oblations. + +3 Soldier unchecked, war-rousing, battling Hero, unconquered + +from of old, victorious ever, + +Indra the very strong hath scattered armies; yea, he hath +slain each foe who fought against him. + +4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, 0 Ifidra, even both + +the worlds with might, 0 thou Most Mighty. + +Lord of Bays, Indra, brandishing bis thunder, is gratified with +Soma at the banquet. + +5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother + +brought forth him the manly. + +8 Atithigva: probably a descendant of Sud&s who must have lived long +fiefore the composition of this hymn, as the favour bestowed upon him by +Indra is spoken of as old in stanza 6. Yddva: or Yadu’s son. + +9 Meet us also: that is, let us share the blessings which thou withholdesfc +from the illiberal churls who offer no oblations and givesfc to those who call +upon thee and worship thee. + +5 A Ball begat the Ball: ‘A vigorous (god) begot a vigorous (son)/—Muir. +The father of Indra is Kasyapa, according to Sdyana ; hut probably Dyaus is +intended. A strong Mother ; Aditi. + + + + +HYMN 21.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +23 + +He who is Chief of men, their armies’ Leader, is a strong Hero, +bold, and fain, for booty. + +6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, wbo win themselves + +this God's terrific spirit. + +He who with sacrifices worships Indra is lord of wealth, law- +born and law's protector. + +7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger, the greater + +cometh to the lesser's present. + +Shall the Immortal sit aloof inactive ? 0 Wondrous Indra, +bring us wondrous riches. + +8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief + +place, thy friends, 0 Thunder-wielder. * + +May we be best content in this thy favour, sheltered by One +who slays not, but preserves us. + +9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, + +Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. + +Desire of wealth hath come upon thy singer: help us then, +Sakra, to our share of riches. * + +10 Place us by food which thou hast given, G Indra, us and the +wealthy patrons who command us. + +Let thy great power bring good to him who lauds thee. Ye +Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings. + +*HYMN XXL Indra. + +Pressed is the juice divine with milk commingled: thereto +hath Indra ever been accustomed. + +We wake thee. Lord of Bays, with sacrifices : mark this our +laud in the wild joy of Soma. + +2 On to the rite they move, the grass they scatter, these Soma- +drinkers eloquent in synod. + +Hither, for men to grasp, are brought the press-stones, far-thun¬ +dering, famous, strong, that wait on heroes. + + +6 Law-lorn: horn in accordance with the law. + +7 The relations between Gods and men resemble those between elders and +juniors, superiors and inferiors among men. The inferior comes to his superior +with some offering in his hand and is assisted by him in return. So Indra +should accept our oblations, and reward us with wealth. + +9 The eloquent: sttimiih; according to Ludwig, the Greek GTitijivkog +(from crro/Lta, mouth), mouthy, talkative, and, in a good sense, fluent, eloquent. +The Commentators explain the word as f praiser.’ + +1 We ivalce thee ; or, we think of thee, serve thee. + + + + +THE HYMtfS OF [BOOK ttt + +3 Indra, thou setteat free the many waters that were encompassed, + +Hero, by the Dragon. + +Down rolled, -as if on chariots borne, the rivers i through fear +of thee all things created tremble. + +4 Skilled in all manly deeds the God terrific hath with his + +weapons mastered these opponents. + +Indra in rapturous joy shook down their castles: he slew +them in his might, the Thunder-wielder. + +5 No evil spirits have impelled us, Indra, nor fiends, 0 Mightiest + +God, with their devices. + +Let our true God subdue the hostile rabble : let not the lewd +approachyour holy worship. + +6 Thou in thy strength surpassest Enrth and Heaven: the + +regions comprehend not all thy greatness. + +With thine own power and might thou slewest Vritra: no foe +hath found the end of thee in battle. + +7 r Even the earlier Deities submitted their powers to thy supreme +divine dominion. + +Indra wins wealth and deals it out to others ; men in the strife +for booty call on Indra. + +8 The humble hath invoked thee for protection, thee, Lord of + +great felicity, 0 Indra. + +Thou with a hundred aids hast been oifr Helper : one who brings +r, gifts like thee hath his defender. + +9 May we, 0 Indra, be thy friends for ever, eagerly, Conqueror, + +yielding greater homage. + +May, through thy grace, the strength of us who battle quell +in the shock the onset of the foeman. + +10 Place us by food which thou hast given, 0 Indra, us and the +wealthy patrons who command us. * + +Let thy great power bring good to him who lauds thee. Ye +Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN XXII. Indra, + +Drink Soma, Lord of Bays, and let it cheer thee: Indra, the +stone, like a well guided courser, + +Directed by the presser’s aims hath pressed it. + +4 These opponents: according to S&yana, the demons of the air. The text +has no noun for c these/ + +5 The lewd: those who 'do not follow Vedic observances, according to +Y&ska. For a full discussion of the meaning of aisnddevdh see Muir, 0. JS. +Texts, IV. 406—411, + +8 One who * brings gifts like thee; Sftyana interprets differently: < be our +defender against every overpowering (assailant) like to thee/—Wilson. + + + +itVMN 23.] THE RIGVEDA. 25 + +2 So let the draught of joy, thy dear companion s by which, 0 + +Lord of Bays, thou slayest foemen, +iDelight thee, Indra, Lord of princely treasures. + +3 Mark closely, Maghavan, the words I utter, this eulogy + +incited by Yasishtha: + +Accept the prayers I offer at thy banquet. + +4 Hear thou the call of the juice-drinking press-stone: hear thou + +the Brahman’s hymn who sings and lauds thee. + +Take to thine inmost self these adorations. + +8 I know and ne’er forget the hymns and praises of thee, the +Conqueror, and thy strength immortal. + +Thy name I ever utter, Self-Refulgent! + +6 Among mankind many are thy libations, and many a time the + +pious sage invokes thee. + +0 Maghavan, be not long distant from us. + +7 All these libations are for thee, 0 Hero: to thee I offer these + +my prayers that strengthen. ** + +Ever, in every place, must men invoke thee. + +8 Never do men attain, 0 Wonder-Worker, thy greatness, Mighty + +One, who must be lauded, + +Nor, Indra, thine heroic power and bounty. + +9 Among all Rishis, Tn^ra, old and recent, who have engender¬ + +ed hymns as sacred singers, + +Even with us be thine auspicious friendships. Ye God$ +preserve us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN XXIII. Indra. + +Prayers have been offered up through love of glory: Yasishtha, +honour IncJja in the battle. + +He who with might extends through all existence hears words +which I, his faithful servant, utter. + +2 A cry was raised which reached the Gods, 0 Indra, a cry to + +them to send us strength in combat. + +None among men knows his own life’s duration: bear us in +safety over these our troubles. + +3 The Bays, the booty-seeking car I harness : my prayers have + +reached him who accepts them gladly. + + +4 Juice-drinking ; that presses out the juice of the plant, and so may be +said to drink ib, The Scholiast inserts mama, of me: * Hear the invocation o’f +the (grinding) Btone (of me) repeatedly drinking (the Soma)’— Wilson. + +2 A erg was raised: I follow Pischel’s interpretation of this very difficult +stanza. See Vedische Studien , I. pp. 34—36. + + + +26 Tim EYUM OF [BOOK Vlt + +Indra, when he had fdain resistless foemen, forced with his +might the two world-halves asunder. + +4 Like barren cows, moreover, swelled the waters : the singers + +sought thy holy rite, 0 Indra. + +Come unto us as with his team comes V&yu: thou, through +our solemn hymns bestowest booty. + +5 So may these gladdening draughts rejoice thee, Indra, the + +Mighty, very bounteous to the singer. + +Alone among the Gods thou pitiest mortals: 0 Hero, make +thee glad at this libation. + +6 Thus the Yasishthas glorify with praises Indra the Powerful + +whose asm wields thunder. + +Praised, may he guard our wealth in kine and heroes. Ye +Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings. + +HYNM XXIY. Indra. + +A home is made for thee to dwell in, Indra : 0 Much-invoked, +r go thither with the heroes. + +That thou, to prosper us, mayst be our Helper, vouchsafe us +wealth, rejoice with draughts of Soma. + +2 Indra, thy wish, twice-strong, is comprehended: pressed is +the Soma, poured are pleasant juices. + +This hymn of praise, from loosened tongue, made perfect, +draws Indra to itself with loud invoking. +r 3 Come, thou Impetuous God, from earth or heaven come to our +holy grass to drink the Soma. + +Hither to me let thy Bay Horses bring thee to listen to our +hymns and make thee joyful. + +4 Come unto us with all thine aids, accordant, Lord of Bay + +Steeds, accepting our devotions, + +Fair-helmeted, o’ercoming with the mightyf and lending us +the strength of bulls, 0 Indra* + +5 A.s to the chariot pole a vigorous courser, this laud is brought + +to the great strong Upholder. + +This hymn solicits wealth of thee: in heaven, as ’twere above +the sky, set thou our glory. + +6 With precious things. 0 Indra, thus content us: may we attain + +to thine exalted favour. * + +Send our chiefs plenteous food with hero children. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + + +4 Barren cows; which are fatter than others. + +X A home: in the sacrificial chamber. Heroes; or, men ; the priests. +4 Bair-helmcted; or fair-checked, or handsome-chinned. + + + + +26.] + + +mn utovjsDA. + + +27 + + +HYMN XXV. Indra. + +When with thy mighty help, 0 potent Indra, the armies rush +together in their fury, + +When from the strong man’s arm the lightning flieth, let not +thy mind go forth to side with others. + +2 0 Indra, where the ground is hard to traverse, smite down + +our foes, the mortals who assail us. + +Keep far from us the curse of the reviler : bring us accumulat¬ +ed store of treasures. + +3 God of the fair helm, give Sudas a hundred succours, a + +thousand blessings, and thy bounty. + +Strike down the weapon of our mortal foeman*: bestow upon +us splendid fame and riches. + +1 I wait the power of one like thee, 0 Indra, gifts of a Helper + +such as thou art, Hero. + +Strong, Mighty God, dwell with me now and ever: Lord of +Bay Horses, do not thou desert us. + +5 Here are the Kutsas supplicating Indra for might, the Lord + +• of Bays for God-sent conquest. + +Make our foes ever easy to he vanquished: may we, victorious, +win the spoil, 0 Hero. + +6 With precious things, 0 Indra, thus content us: may we + +attain to thine exaltbd favour. + +Send our chiefs plenteous food with hero children. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XXVI. Indra. + +Soma unpressed ne’er gladdened liberal Indra, no juices +pressed without a prayer have pleased him. + +I generate a laud that shall delight him, new and heroic, +so that he*may hear us. + +2 At every laud the Soma gladdens Indra : pressed juices please + +him as each psalm is chanted, + +What time the priests with one united effort call him to aid, +as sons invoke their father. + +3 These deeds he did; let him achieve new exploits, such as the + +priests declare at their libations. + +The battle has begun, and the singer prays to Indra for aid. + +1 The lightning : the swift and flashing arrow. Others : the enemy. + +3 Sudds : according to S&yana, 4 the liberal donor (of oblations)/—Wilson. +The Kutsas : apparently the priests of the hostile party. + +1 Soma impressed: cp. VI. 41. 4, Soma when (properly) pressed excels the +impressed (>>r ill-presned} Soma. Not only must the juice be duly expressed, +but it must be expressed and offered with prayer. + + + +38 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VlL + +Indra hath taken and possessed all castles, like as one com¬ +mon husband doth his spouses. + +4 Even thus have they declared him. Famed is Indra as Con¬ + +queror, sole distributer of treasures ; + +Whose many succours come in close succession. May dear +delightful benefits attend usv + +5 Thus* to bring help to men, Vasishtha laudeth Indra, tliO + +peoples’ Hero, at libation. + +Bestow upon us strength and health in thousands* Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods* with blessings* + +» HYMN XXVII. Indra. + +Men call on Indra in the armed encounter that he may make +the hymns they sing decisive. + +Hero, rejoicing in thy might* in combat gWe US a portion of +the stall of cattle. + +Grant, Indra Maghavan, invoked of many, to these my friends +the strength which thou possessest. + +Thou, Maghavan, hast rent strong places opeti: uneiose for +us, Wise God, thy hidden bounty. + +3 King of the living world, of men, is Indra, of all in varied + +form that earth contain eth. + +Thence to the worshipper he giveth* riches: may he enrich US +also when we laud him. + +4 Maghavan Indra, when we all invoke him, bountiful ever + +sendeth strength to aid us: „ + +Whose perfect guerdon, never failing, bringeth wealth to the +men, to friends the thing they covet. + +5 Quick, Indra, give us room and way to jpehes, au d ^ + +bring thy mind to grant us treasures, + +That we may win us cars and steeds and cattle. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XXVIII. Indra. + +Come to our prayers, 0 Indra, thou who knowest: let thy +Bay Steeds be yoked and guided hither. + +Thou rh mortal men on every side invoke thee, still give thine +ear to us, 0 AlMmpeller. + + +3 AU castles : all the strongholds of the demons of drought, the cloud-cas¬ +tles in which the rain is imprisoned, + +1 Give us a portion, etc ; aid us to capture and carry off the cattle of the +enemy. + + + +HYMN 29,] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +2& + +2 Thy gre&tness reacheth to our invocation, the sages’ prayer + +•which, Potent God, thou guardest, + +' What time thy hand, 0 Mighty, holds the thunder., awful in +strength thou hast become resistless. + +3 What time thou drewest both world-halves together, like + +heroes led by thee who call each other— + +J?or thou wasfc born for strength and high dominion—then +e’en the active overthrew the sluggish. + +4 Honour us in these present days, 0 Indra, for hostile men are + +making expiation. + +Our sin that sinless Yaruna discovered, the Wondrous-Wise +hath long ago forgiven, T + +5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may + +grant us gifts of ample riches, + +Best favourer of the singer’s prayer and praises. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XXIX. i n drS. + +This Soma hath been pressed for thee, 0 Indra: come hither, +Lord of Bays, for this thou lovest. + +Prink of this fair, this well-effused libation : Maghavan, give +us wealth when we implore thee, +g Come to us quickly with thy Bay Steeds, Hero, come to our +prayer, accepting our devotion. ^ + +Enjoy thyself aright at this libation, and listen thou unto the +prayers we offer. + +3 What satisfaction do our hymns afford thee ? When, Magha- +yan? Now let us do thee service. + +Hymns, only hymns, with love for thee, I weave thpe : then +hear, 0 Jndfa, these name invocations, + + +2 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation : thou hast tlie power to come +fo our call if thou wilt. + +3 Drewest both world-halves together: settest heaven and earth opposite to +each other, like armies arrayed for battle. M’en the active: the pneaning of +file halfdine is doubtful, and chit, even, seems to be out of place, Wilson +translates, after Stiyana : * whence the presenter of offerings overcomes him +who offers them not/ According to Professor Grassmann, 1 the active’ is Indra, +and 1 the inactiye ’ is the sluggish demon. Ludwig suggests an alteration of +the text. + +4 Are v^alcing expiation: or, possibly, set themselves in order, that is, +equip and prepare themselves for battle. The Wondrous-Wise: m&y%; Yaruna. + + +3 Now let us do thee service: nUndm ; e no time like the present/—Ludwig. + + + + +30 THE HYMNS OF * [BOOK VII * + +4 They, verily, were also human beings whom thou wast wont + +to hear, those earlier sages. + +Hence I, 0 Indra Maghavan, invoke thee : thou afrt our Pro¬ +vidence, even as a Father. , 4 + +5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may + +grant us gifts of ample riches, + +Best favourer of the singer’s prayer and praises. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XXX. Indra. + +With power and strength, 0 Mighty God, approach us; be +the augmenter, Indra, of these riches; + +Strong Thunderer, Lord of men, for po'tent valour, for manly +exploit and for high dominion. + +2 Thee, worth invoking, in the din of battle, heroes invoke in, + +fray for life and sunlight. + +Among all people thou art foremost fighter: give up our +* enemies to easy slaughter. • • + +3 When fair bright days shall dawn on us, 0 Indra, and thou + +shalt bring thy banner near in battle, + +Agni the Asura shall sit as Herald, calling Gods hither for +our great good fortune. + +4 Tuine are we, Indra, thine, both tl^ese who praise thee, and + +those who give rich gifts, 0 God and Hero. +c Grant to our princes excellent protection : may they wax old +and still be strong and happy. + +5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may . + +grant us gifts of ample idehes, + +Best favourer of the singer’s prayer and praises. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. m + +HYMN XXXI. l ndra . + +Sing ye a song, to make him glad, to Indra, Lord of Tawny +Steeds, + +The*Soraa-drinker, 0 my friends. + +2 To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men + +May do, the Giver of true gifts. + +3 0 Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us thou winnest strength + +and kine, + +Thou winnest gold for us, Good Lord. , . + + +1 For potent valour: that is, to give us potent valour. 51 + +2 Foremost fighter: caster of the spear, warrior, according to von Both • + +but the meaning of sinyah is somewhat uncertain. ^ w '* ' + + + +TEE RIG VEDA . + + +HYMN 32.] + + +31 + + +4 Faithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee: +Mark, 0 Good Lord, this act of ours. + +5 Give us pot up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny : +In thee alone is all my strength. + +6 Thou art mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vritra-slayer, + +thou: + +With thee for Friend I brave the foe. + +7 Yea, great art thou whose conquering might two independent + +Powers confess, + +The Heaven, 0 Indra, and the Earth. + +8 So let the voice Surround thee, which attends t^he Maruts on + +their way, + +Beaching thee with the rays of light. + +9 Let the ascending drops attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in + +heaven: * + +Let all the folk bow down to thee. + +10 Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxeth mighty, your offer¬ + +ings, and make ready your devotion : + +To many clans he goeth, man's Controller. + +11 For Indra, the sublime, the far-pervading, have singers gener¬ + +ated prayer and praises: + +The sages never violatq his statutes. + +12 The choirs have stablished Indra King for ever, for victory, + +him whose anger is resistless : + +And, for the* Bays' Lord, strengthened those he loveth. + + +HYMN XXXII. Indra. + +Let none, no, not thy worshippers, delay thee far away from us. + +Ev^n from fan away come thou unto our feast, or listen if al¬ +ready here. + +2 For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to thee sit by the +juice that they have poured. + +Wealth-ei'a^ing singers have on Indra set their hope, as men +set foot upon a car. + + +7 Independent: svadh&vari ; * abounding in food.*—Wilson. + +8 The voice : ‘the praises of thine adorers.*—Wilson. + +12 Strengthened: 1 barhayd: for abarhayan, as is^ clear from what pre- +cedes.*—Ludwig. Sdyana takes barkayd as the imperative : ‘ urge thy kinsmen, +(worshipper, to glorify) the lord of bay steeds.’—Wilson. + +l am indebted to Max Muller’s translation of this bymn in his Ancient +Sanskrit Zitcrature for many of the renderings which I have adopted. + + +32, TMB HYMNS OF [BOOK VII. + +3 Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the + +strong right hand, + +As a son calleth on his sire. + +4 These Soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for + +Indra here, + +Come with thy Bay Steeds, Thunder-wielder, to our home, to +drink them till they make thee glad. + +5 May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth : + +will he despise our prayer ? + +Him who bestows at once a hundred thousand gifts none shall +restrain when he would give. + +6 The hero "never checked by men hath gained his strength + +through Indra, he + +Who presses out and pours his deep libations forth, 0 Yritra- +. slayer, unto thee. + +7 When thou dost drive the fighting men together be, thou + +Mighty One, the mighty's shield. + +May we divide the wealth of him whom thou hast slain ; bring +us, Unreachable, liis goods. + +8 For Indra, Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma + +juice. + +Make ready your dressed meats: cause him to favour us. The +Giver blesses him who gives, * + +- 9 Grudge not, ye Soma-pourers ; stir you, pay the rites, for +wealth, to the great Conqueror. + +Only the active conquers, dwells in peace, and thrives : not for +the niggard are the Gods. + +10 No one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives, +The man whom Indra and the Marut host defend comes to a + +stable full of kine. + +11 Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose + +strong defender thou wilt be. + +Be thou the gracious helper, Hero l of our oars, be thou the +helper of our men. + +12 His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil. +Him who is Indra, Lord of Bays, no foes subdue, He gives + +the Soma-pourer strength. + +3 With the strong right hand : or, giver of good gifts. + +7 The mighty's shield: ‘ the shield of the mighty (Vasishthas).’—M. M. j +* a protection of the Maghavans/ i. e . the institutes of the sacrifice,—Ludwig. + +8 The Giver blesses him who gives : Indra rewards the liberal worshipper. + +10 Comes to a stable full of kine ; carries off rich booty. + + + +HYMN 32.'] THE RIG VEDA. M + +13 Make for the Holy Gods a hymn that is not mean, but welt& + +arranged and fair of form. + +Even many snares and bonds subdue not him who dwells Tvith +Indra through his sacrifice. + +14 ■ Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hath his wealth* + +in thee? + +The strong will win the spoil on the decisive day through faith +in thee, 0 Maghavan. + +15 In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the* + +treasures dear to thee, . , + +And may we with our princes, Lord of Tawny Steeds ! pass +through all peril, led by thee. * + +16 Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid-" + +most wealth, + +Thou ever rulest all the highest: in the fray for cattle none +resisteth thee' + +17 Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all tfee + +battles that are fought. + +Craving protection, all these people of the earth, 0 Much- +invoked, implore thy name. + +18 If I, 0 Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as thine own,' + +I should support the sjnger, God who givest wealth ! and not +abandon him to woe. + +19 Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in + +whatsoever place he were. . + +No kinship is there better, Maghavan, than thine : a father +even is no more. + +20 With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the + +spoil. • + +Your Indra, Much-invoked, I bend with song, as bends a +wright his wheel of solid wood. + +21 A mortal wins no riches by unworthy praise : wealth comes + +not to the niggard churl. + +Light is the task to give, 0 Maghavan, to one like me on the' +decisive day. + +22 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee, and sing + +. thy praise, + +. Looker on heavenly light, Lord of this moving world, Lord, +Indra, of what moveth not. + + +Plenty or,* Spirit, Boldness. +3 + + + +$& THE HYMNS OF [BOOK TIL + +2§ Nbiic other like to’tjiee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been +or ever will be born. + +, Desiring horses, Indra Magbavan! and kine, as men of might +we call on thee. + +24 Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder thou, the + +younger host. + +, For, Meghavan, thou art rich in treasures from of old, and +must be called in every fight. + +Drive thou away our enemies, 0 Maghavan : make riches easy +to be won. + +Be thou our good Protector in the strife for spoil; Cherisher +of our friends be thou. + +2(? 0 Indra ? give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons. + +Guide us, 0 Much-invoked, in this our way: may we still live +and look upon the light. + +27 Grant that no mighty foes, unknown, malevolent, unhallowed, +tread us to the ground, + +~ With thine assistance, Hero, may we pass through all the +Waters that are rushing down. + +HYMN XXXIII. Vasishtha. + +These who wear hair-knots on the right, the movers of holy +thought, white-robed, have won m$ over. + +I warned the men, when from the grass I raised me, Not from +7 * afar can my Vasishthas help you. + +2 With Soma they brought Indra from a distance, over Vaisanta, +from the strong' libation. + +Indra preferred Vasishthas to the $oma pressed by the son of +Vayata, Pasadyumna. + +24 Bring t Jndm, the Victorious Ones: these would be the Maruts. f Elder +Indra, bring that (wealth to me) being the junior,’—Wilson, 4 Bring all this +to those who are good, 0 Indra, be they old or young.’—M. Muller. + +The hymn is a glorification of Vasishtlia and his family, the latter part +relating his birth and the earlier verses referring to his connexion with King +Sndas. + +I Hair-hiots ; Jcaparda is the chu^a or single lock of hair left on the head +at tonsure, which, according to the Scholiast, it was characteristic of the +Vctsishlhas to wear on the right of the crown of the head. White-robed : +white-coloured, according to S&yana. Me: Vasishtlia, who is the speaker of +stanzp 1—6. c Von Both (under the word av) regards Indra as the speaker. +May it not be SudSs ? ’ — Muir, 0, S, Texts, I. 31$, 320, where stanzas 1—13 +are translated. From, the grass: the sacred grass laid on the floor of the sacri- +flgial chamber. + +2 FV r.-* 1 : Ny the name of a river. Pdsadyumna,; another king who +was i ■ .* . i i. i i at the same time as Sud&s, + + + + +MQ PmDA. + + +&YMN S3.] + +3 So, verily, with these he crossed the river, in company with +these he slaughtered Bheda, + +So in the fight with the Ten Kings, Vasishthas ! did Indra +help Sud&s through your devotions. . + +& I gladly, men! with prayer prayed by our fathers have fixed +your axle j ye shall not, be injured : + +* Since, when ye sang aloud the Sakvarx verses, Vasishthas ! ye +invigorated Indra. + +g Like thirsty men they looked to heaven, in battle with the +Ten-Kings, surrounded and imploring. + +, Then Indra heard Vasishtha as he praised him, and gave the +Tritsus ample room and freedom. '• + +6 Like sticks and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, strips + +ped bare, the Bharatas were found defenceless : » + +Vasishtha then became their chief and leader: then widely +were the Tritsus’ clans extended. + +7 Throe fertilize the worlds with genial moisture: three noble + +Creatures cast a light before them, * + +Three that give warmth to all attend the Morning. All these +have they discovered, these Vasishthas. + +8 Like the Sun’s growing glory is their splendour, and like the + +sea’s is their unfathomed greatness. + +Their course is like jdie wind's. Your laud, Vasishthas, can +never be attained by any other. + +9 They with perceptions of the heart in secret resort to tli£fc + +which spreads a thousand branches. + +The Apsaras brought hither the Vasishthas wearing the vesture +spun for them by Yama. + +3 The river: Yamun$. See VII. 18. 19, Ten Kings : of the confederate +tribe* who oppopeci f^qcUta. gee VII. 18. + +4 Sahvart verses : hymns of praise ip-the Sakvarl metre (14 x 4). + +6 Tritsus : the tribe of which Sud&a was King. Bharatas ; apparently the +s^me as the Tritsus. + +7 Indra is the speaker of thereat of the hymn. 'In explanation of this, +Sftyana quotes a passage from the Sftty&yana Br&hmqna : (1) Agni produces a +fertilizing fluid on the earth, V&yu in the air, the Sun^in the sky. (2) The +^hree noble creatures’ , are the Vasus, Rudnis, and Adityas. The Suq is +their light. (3) Agni, VAyu, and the Sun each attend the DnWn.*—ftlufr* +O.S. Texts, 1. 320. * + +9 That which spreads a thousand branches: according to Ludwig’s Trans¬ +lation, the Sun-God is meant; according to his later view, the reference is t,o +the mystic free sustained by Yaruna in the baseless region (I. 24. 7), +The vesture; the body. The stanza is very obscure, and Silyana’s explana¬ +tion. which overrides grammar, is not satisfactory: ' By the wiRdom seated in +the heapt the Vasishthas traverse the hidden 11 r. M' l 1 world? a n f d + +the Apsarasas sit down, wearing tip* vestupe v ; .ii ... .. i .-sVWitafWt + + + +m T&KHYMNS OF {BOOK VII- + +10 A form of lustre springing from the lightning wast thou, when + +Yaruna and Mitra saw thee. + +Thy one and only birth was then, Vasishtha, when from thy +stock Agastya brought thee hither. + +11 'Born of their love for Urvas*, Vasishtha, thou, priest, art son + +of Yaruna and Mitra; + +And as a fallen drop, in heavenly fervour, all the Gods laid +rhee on a lotus-blossom. + +12 He, thinker, knower both of earth and heaven, endowed with + +many a gift, bestowing thousands, + +Destined to wear the vesture spun by Yama, sprang from the +Apsaras to life^ Yasishtha. + +13 Born at the sacrifice, urged by adorations, both with a com¬ + +mon flow bedewed the pitcher. + +Then from the midst thereof there rose up Mana, and thence +they say was bora the sage Yasishtha. + +11 He brings the bearer of the laud and Slman ; first shall he +speak bringing the stone for pressing. + +With grateful hearts in reverence approach him : to you, O +fratridas, Vasishtha cometh. + +HYMN XXXIY. Yisvedevas. + +May our divine and brilliant hymn go forth, like a swift +chariot wrought and fashioned well. + +Y The waters listen as they flow along; they know the origin of +heaven and earth. + + +10 Vasishtha appears here as an embodiment of lightning, light, or fire, +and to have been brought down to men by Agastya who was born in the same +way us-Yasishtha. + +11 Ur vast: the most celebrated of the Apsarases or nymphs of heaven On +a lotus-blossom; or, according to others, * in the sacred pitcher,’ or water-jar +used in sacrifice. * In the lake.’—Wilson. + +For a full account of this production of Yasishtha, the curious reader is +referred to Muir, 0. S. Texts , I. 321. See M. Muller, Chips, IV. 108, 109, and +Hillebrandt, Varum und Mitra, 148, 149. + +12 The Apsaras ; Urvasl. + +3 3 Mdna ; said to be another name of Agastya. + +14 The bearer of the laud and S4man: the pressing-stone, which was worked +during the recitation of sacred verses. Pratridas : a name used here to +designate the Tiitsus. + +This difficult and obscure hymn has been translated and thoroughly dis« +cussed by Geldner (Vedische Studien , II. pp. 129—155, criticized by Prof, +Ludwig, Ueber die neuesten Arbeiten auf clem Oebiete der Rgveda-forschung t +pp. 163—167). + +2 f An allusion, perhaps, to the subsequently received cosmogony,’ as in ~ +fflanu, that water was the first of created things.’—Wilson. + + + +THE- RIG VEDA. + + +HYMN 34.] + + +87 + + +3 Yea, the broad waters swell their hood for him : of him strong +heroes think amid their foes* + +5 4 Set ye for him the coursers to the pole i like Indra Thunderer +is the Golden-armed. + +5 Arotlse you, like the days, to sacrifice : speed gladly like a +traveller on the way. + +. 6 Go swift to battles, to the sacrifice : set up a hag, a hero for +the folk. + +7 Up from his strength hath risen as *tWere a light: it bearfc +the load as earth bears living things. ^ + +”8 Agni, no demon I invoke the Gods: by law completing it, I +form a hymn* + +9 Closely about you lay your heavenly song, and send your +voice to where the Gods abide. + +10 Varuna, Mighty, with a thousand eyes* beholds the paths + +wherein these rivers run. 1 + +11 He, King of kings, the glory of the floods, o’er all that liveth + +hath resistless sway. + +12 May he assist us among all the tribes, and make the envier’s + +praise devoid of light. + +13 May the foes’ threatening arrow pass us by : may he put far + +from us our bodies’ sin. * + +14 Agni, oblation-eater, through our prayers aid us : to him our + +dearest laud is brought. + +15 Accordant with the Gods choose for our Friend the Waters’ + +Child : may he be good to us. + +.16 With lauds losing the Dragon bom of floods : he sits beneath +the streams in middle air. + +17 Ne’er may the Dragon of the Deep harm us : ne’er fail this + +faithful servant’s sacrifice. + +18 To these our heroes may they grant renown ; may pious men + +march boldly on to wealth. + +1*9 ‘Leading great hosts, with fierce attacks of these, they burn +tbeir foes as the Sun burns the earth. + + +. 3 For him : Indra. + +4 The. Golden-armed ; Savitar. + +6 A hero : a sort of personification of the sacrifice. * An expiatory sacrifice +for (the good of) mankind,’—Wilson. + +16 The Dragon horn of floods : Ahibudhnya, or the Dragon of the Deep of +the following stanza ; the regent of the sea of $dr. + +18 They ; the Gods/ + +19 Of these ; Gods, or Maruts, according to the Scholiast, + + + +TEE EYMNS OF + + +88 + + +[BOOK VJ1.- + + +20 What time our wives draw near to us, may he, deft-handed + +Tvashtar, give us hero sons. + +21 May Tvashtar find our hymn acceptable, and may Aramati, + +seeking wealth, be ours. + +22 May they who lavish gifts bestow those treasures: may + +Rodasi and Varan ani listen. + +May he, with the Varutris, be our refuge, may bountiful +Tvashtar give us store of riches. + +23 So may rioh Mountains and the liberal Waters, so may all + +Herbs that grow on ground, and Heaven, + +And Eartl? accordant with the Forest-Sovrans, and both the +World-halves round about protect us. + +24 To this may both the wide Worlds lend approval, and Varuna + +in heaven, whose Friend is Jndra. + +May all the Maruts give consent, the Victors, that we may +- hold great wealth in firm possession. + +25 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Agni, Waters, Herbs, Trees + +accept the praise we offer. + +May we find refuge in the Maruts 7 bosom. Protect us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XX Xy. Visvedevas. + +Befriend us with their aids Indra and Agni, Indra and +Varuna who receive oblations ! + +Indra and Soma give health, strength and comfort, Indra +and Pushan be our help in battle. + +2 Auspicious Friends to us be Bhaga, Sansa, auspicious bo + +Purandhi and all Riches ; + +The blessing of the true and well-conducted^ and Aryaman in +many forms apparent. + +3 Kind unto us be Maker and Sustainer, and the far-reaching + +Pair with Godlike natures. + +Auspicious unto us be Earth and Heaven, the Mountain, and +the Gods 7 fair invocations. + + +21 Aramati: the Genius of Devotion and active piety. + +22 Vardtrts: protecting Goddesses. + +23 Forest-Sovrans: tall timber trees. + +1 ’Befriend us: &dm no bhuwtdm. The indeclinable word sdm } signifying +happy, auspicious, pleasant, sweet, kind, agreeable, etc., etc., is used with or +without the verb bhH 9 in the first thirteen stanzas. I have valued the expres¬ +sion here and there. + +2 Bxma: Prayer or Wish personified. Or it may be Nar&sansa, Agni, +Purandhi; Plenty, or Spirit, Boldness personified, + +8 far-reaching Pair; Heaven and Earth. + + + +TEE maVEDA. + + +35.] + + +$9 + + +A Favour us Agni with his face of splendour, and Varuna and +Mitra and the Asvins. + +Favour us noble actions of the pious, impetuous Vata blow on +us with favour, + +5 Early invoked, may Heaven and Earth be friendly, and Air’s + +mid-region good for us to look on. + +To us may Herbs and Forest-Trees -be gracious, gracious th& +Lord Victorious of the region. + +6 Be the God Indra with the Vasus friendly, and, with Adityas, + +Varuna who blesseth. + +Kind, with the Rudras, be the Healer Rudra, %nd, with the +Dames, may Tvashtar kindly listen. + +7 Blest unto us be Soma, and devotions, blest be the Sacrifice, + +the Stones for pressing; + +Blest be the fixing of the sacred Pillars, blest be the tender +Grass, and blest the Altar. + +8 May the far-seeing Sun rise up to bless us: be the foftr + +Quarters of the sky auspicious. + +Auspicious be the firmly-seated Mountains, auspicious be the +Rivers and the Waters. + +9 May Aditi through holy works be gracious, and may the + +Maruts, loud in song, be friendly. + +May Vishnu give felicity, and Pdshan, the Air that cherisheth +our life, and Vayu. * + +10 Prosper us Savitar, the God who rescues, and let the radiant + +Mornings be propitious. + +Auspicious to all creatures be Parjanya, auspicious be the +field’s benign Protector. + +11 May all the ^fellowship of Gods befriend us, Saras vati, with + +Holy Thoughts, be gracious. + +Friendly be they, the Liberal Ones who seek us, yea, those +who dwell in heaven, on earth, in waters. + +12 May the great Lords of Truth protect and aid us ; blest to us + +be our horses and our cattle. + +Kind be the pious skilful-handed Ribhus, kind be the Fathers +at our invocations. + +13 May Aja-Ekapad, the God, be gracious, gracious the Dragon + +of the Deep, and Ocean. + + +5 The Lord Victorious: Indra. + +10 The field's benign Protector ; Agni, or Rudra. See IV, 57. 1. + +13 Aja^Ekapdtl: the Sun. See VI. 50, 14, and footnote. + +The, Dragon, of the Deep: Ahibudhnya, regent of the depths of the firma-' +merit. + + + +[BOOK VII. + + +dO THE HYMm OF + +GraeiQus be lie, the swelling Child of Waters, gracious be +Prism who hath Gods to guard her. + +14 So may the Budras, Yasus, and A dityas-accept the new hymn +which we now are making. + +; .May all the Holy Ones of earth and heaven, and the Cow ? s +offspring hear our invocation. + +!s5‘ They who of Holy Gods are very holy, Immortal, knowing +Law, whom man must worship,— + +•May these to-day give us broad paths to travel. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +° HYMN* XXXVI. Visvedevas. + +Let the prayer issue from the seat of Order, for Surya with +his beams hath loosed the cattle. + +With lofty ridges earth is far extended, and Agni’s flame hath +lit the spacious surface. + +$ 0 Asuras, 0 Varuna and Mitra, this hymn to you, like food, +anew I offer. + +One of you is a strong unerring Leader, and Mitra, speaking, +Btirreth men to labour. + +3 The movements of the gliding wind come hither : like cows, +the springs are filled to overflowing. + +Born in the station e’en of lofty heaven the Bull hath loudly + +* bellowed in this’ region. + +.4 May I bring hither with my song. 0 Indra, wise Aryaman +who yokes tby dear Bay Horses, + + +14 Cow's offspring: the Maruts. According to von Both those who are bom +and live in radiant heaven. + +15 Broad paths to travel : perhaps, generally, an easy road to prosperity. + + +1 The seat of Order: { the hall of the sacrifice.’—Wilson. The cattle: rays +of light. + +2 { One of you-(Varuna) ig the lord and unassailable guide, and he who is +called Mitra, (i, e. the friend) calls men to activity. Here so much at least is +declared (and the, same thing is expressed in nearly the same words in other +places), that the light of day, which awakens life, and brings joy and activity +into the world, is the narrower sphere of Mitra’s power j though, however, +Vatuinais not relegated to the night alone, for he continues bo be the lord +and. the first.’—Von Roth, quoted by Muir, 0. S. Texts , Y. 70. The meaning +of ind& translated by ^lord’.ip this,extract, is, in the Veda, rather 'strong,’ + +* energetic,’ and is so given in the St. Petersburg Lexicon, the meaning‘ lord' +belonging to later literature. The second half of the second line is repeated, +with a variation,-from III. 59. 1. + +3 The springs: the fountains of rain; the clouds. The Bull: Parjanya, +Ofl&Qf the rain-cloud. This region: literally, this, udder; the firmament. + + + + +HYMN 37 .] THE RIQVEDA , <41 + +Voracious, with thy noble ear, 0 Hero, him who defeats the +Wrath of the malicious* + +5 In their own place of sacrifice adorers worship to gain long + +life and win his friendship. + +He hath poured food . on men when they have praised him; +be this, the dearest reverence, paid to Rudra. + +6 Coming together* glorious, loudly roaring—Sarasvati, Mother + +of Floods, the seventh— + +With copious milk, with fair streams, strongly flowing, full +swelling with the volume of their water ; + +7 And may the mighty Maruts, too, rejoicing, aid ^our devotion + +and protect our offspring. + +Let not swift-moving Akshara neglect us : they have increas¬ +ed our own appropriate riches. + +8 Bring ye the great Aramati before you, and Pushan ‘.as the + +Hero of the synod, + +Bhaga who looks upon this hymn with favour, and, as otJr +strength, the bountiful Purandhi. + +9 May this our song of praise reach you, 0 Maruts, and WishntT " + +guardian of the future infant. + +May *thqy vouchsafe the singer strength for offspring. Preserve +us evermore, ye God& w T ith blessings. + +HYMN XXXVII. Visvedevas.^ + +Let your best-bearing car that must be lauded, ne’er injured, +bring you Vajas and Ribhukshans. + +Fill you, fair-helm eted l with mighty Soma, thrice-mixed, at +our libations, to delight you. + + +4 Voracious: epitjiet of horses ; but the meaning of dhdyjt is uncertain. +According to S&yana, it means * holding/ * vigorous ;* according to Ludwig, +fpouring forth rain ; ’ according to Grassmann, ‘ thirsty.’ + +5 His friendship ; Rudra’s. + +6 The seventh ; with the .six other celebrated rivers. See I. 32. 12. + +7 ATcshard: V&k, or Voice ; ‘the imperishable goddess of speech,’—Wilson. +Of. VII. 15. 9. + +8 Aramati: the personification of religious worship, or active piety. See +VII. .34, 21. According to S&yana, ardmatmi here is an epithet of maJrfm, +* the never-resting Earth.’ For the various meanings assigned by S£yana to +this word in the various places in which it occurs, see Muir, 0. S. Texts, +XV. 317. + +9 Vishnu: cf. X. 184, 1. + +1 Vdjas and Ribhukshans: that is, Itibhukshan or Ribhu, Vibhvan, and +V&ja, commonly called the Ribhus from the name of the first of the three. +Fair-Kelmeted: * handaome-ehinned.’—Wilson ; * Strong-jawed,’—Ludwig. +Thrice-mixed; with milk, curds, and meal. + + + + +42 TBE MYMNS OF [BOOK ttt + +2 Ye who behold the light of heaven, Ribhukshans, give our rich + +patrons unmolested riches. + +Drink, heavenly-natured, at our sacrifices, and give us bount¬ +ies for the hymns we sing you, + +3 For thou, 0 Bounteous One, art used to giving, at parting + +treasure whether small or ample. + +Filled full are both thine arms with great possessions : thy +goodness keeps thee not from granting riches. + +4'Indra, high-famed, as Vaja and Ribhukshan, thougoest work¬ +ing, singing to the dwelling. + +Lord of Bay Steeds, this day may we Vasishthas offer our +prayers to thee and bring oblations. + +5 Thou winnest swift advancement for thy servant, through +hymns, Lord of Bay Steeds, which thou hast favoured. + +For thee with friendly succour have we battled, and when, 0 +Indra, wilt thou grant us riches ? + +'6 To us thy priests a home, as ’twere, thou givest: when, Indra, +wilt thou recognize our praises ? + +~~ " "May thy strong Steed, through our ancestral worship, bring +food and wealth' with heroes to our dwelling. + +7 Though Nirriti the Goddess reigneth round him, Autumns + +with food in plenty come to Ind*&. + +With three close Friends to length of days he cometh, he +whom men let not rest at home in quiet. + +8 Promise us gifts, 0 Savitar: may riches come unto us in + +Parvata’s full bounty. + +, May the Celestial Guardian still attend us. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XXXVIII. • Savitar. + +On high hath Savitar, this God, extended the golden lustre +which he spreads around him. + +Now, now must Bhaga be invoked by mortals, Lord of great +riches who distributes treasures. + + +S Bounteous One; Maghavan ; Indra, + +4 Working : { the fulfiiler (of wishes )•*—Wilson. The first line is somewhat +obscure. + +7 Nirriti: the Goddess of Death and Destruction, who has no power over +Indra. Three close Friends; the ftibhus, who represent the year, the annual +course of Indra as the Sun. S&ymia’s explanation is different: 1 Indra, the +upholder of the three regions, whom the divine Nirriti acknowledges as ruler, +whom abundant years pass over, whom mortals detain from his own abode, +approaches to (recruit) his decaying strength.’—Wilson j who observes : * the +explanation is not very clear.’ + +5 Parvakfs full bounty: the Genius of mountain and cloud. + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +43 + + +ITYMN 39 .] + +2 Rise up, 0 Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man + +while sacrifice is' offered, + +Spreading afar thy broad and wide effulgence, and bringing +mortal men the food that feeds them. + +3 Let Savitar the God be hymned with praises, to whom the + +Yasus, even, all sing glory. + +Sweet be our lauds to him whose due is worship : may he with +all protection guard our princes. + +4 Even he whom Aditi the Goddess praises, rejoicing in God + +Savitar’s incitement: + +Even he whose praise the high imperial Rulers, Yaruna, Mitra, +Aryaman, sing in concert. + +5 They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty, + +from the earth and heaven, + +May they and Ahibudhnya hear our calling : guard us Yardtri +with the Ekadhenus. + +6 This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,—the wealth + +which Savitar the God possesses. + +The mighty calls on Bhaga for protection, on Bhaga calls the +weak to give him riches. + +7 Bless us the Yajins when we call, while slowly they move, + +strong Singers, to th*e Gods’ assembly. + +Crushing the wolf, the serpent, and the demons, may they +completely banish all affliction. + +8 Deep-skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, O Y&jins, help + +us in each fray for booty. + +Drink of this meath, be satisfied, be joyful; then go on paths +which Gods are wont to travel. + +" HYMN XXXIX. Visvedevas. + +Aoni, erect, hath shown enriching favour; the flame goes for- +ward to the Gods' assembly. + +Like car-bome men the stones their path have chosen : let the +priest, quickened, celebrate our worship. + + +3 The Vasus: the Gods In general, according to S&yana. + +5 Varflirt: 4 the protectress (the goddess of speech).’—Wilson. Ekadhenus ; +the Waters are probably meant: 'excellent cattle.’—Wilson, + +7 Vdjlns: a class of divinities so named, according to S&ynna ; but, accord¬ +ing to Mahfdhara, horses, L e. the teams which draw the chariots of the Gods. +The wolf. or the robber. The serpent: or the assassin. The demons: the +R&kshasas. See Satupniha-Brdhmana, Y. 1, 5. 21—24, (S. Books of the. East, +XU. 27 ) for a different version of stanzas 6 and 7. + +1 The stones ; the pressing*stones have begun their course. + + + +144 THE HtMiVS OF [BOOK til. + +-2 Soft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered: these go like +Kings amid the band around them, + +At the folk’s early call on Night and Morning,—Vayu* and +Pdsbtan with his team, to bless us 4 +>3 Here on their path the noble Gods proceeded: in the wide +firmament the Beauteous decked them. + +■ Bend your way hither, ye who travel widely : hear this our +envoy who hath gone to meet you. + +; 4 For they are holy aids at sacrifices: all Gods approach the +place of congregation. + +Bring these, desirous, to our worship, Agni, swift the Nasa- +tyas, Bhaga, and Purandhi* + +'5 Agni, to these men’s hymns, from earth, from heaven, bririg +Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Agni, + +And Aryaman, and Aditi, and Vishnu. Sarasvati be joyful, +and the Maruts. + +r 6 Even as the holy Wish, the gift is offered: may he, unsated, +come when men desire him. + +Give never-failing ever-conquering riches: with Gods for our +allies may we be victors. + +1 Now have both Worlds been praised by the Vasishthas, and + +holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni. % + +May they, bright Deities, make our song supremest. Preserve +* us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XU Visvedevas. + +Be gathered all the audience of the synod: let us begin their +praise whose course is rapid. + +Whate’er God Savitar this day produces, may we be where +the Wealthy One distributes. * + +2 This, dealt from heaven, may both the Worlds vouchsafe us, + +and Varuna, Indra, Aryaman, and Mitra. + +May Goddess Aditi assign us riches, Vayu and Bhaga make +them ours for ever, + +3 Strong be the man and full of power, 0 Maruts, whom ye, + +borne on by spotted coursers, favour. + +2 These go like Kings; according to S&yana, ‘ may the two lords of people +(Y&yu and Pfishan) .... appear now.’ + +3 Our envoy ; Agni. + +5 Agni : in his own form as a celestial God, not in that of terrestrial fire, +fi He, umated: Agni. + +1 Their praise: praise of the Gods. + +2 Dealt from heaven ; or, distributed by Dyu or Dyaus. + + + +miB mo YET) A, + + +HYMN 41.] + + +46' + + +Him, too, Saras vati and Agni further, and there is none to rob +him of his riches. + +4 This Varuna is guide of Law, he, Mitra, and Aryamau, the + +Kings, our work have finished. + +Divine and foeless Aditi quickly listens. May these deliver +us unharmed from trouble. + +5 ’ With offerings I propitiate the branches of this swift-moving + +God, the bounteous Vishnu, + +Henqe Rudra gained his Rudra-strength: 0 Asvins,- ye sought +the house that hath celestial viands, + +6 Be not thou angry here, 0 glowing Pushan, for \^hat Varutri + +and the Bounteous gave us. + +May the swift-moving Gods protect and bless us, and Vata send +us rain, who wanders round us. + +7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasishthas, and holy + +Mitra, Varuna, and Agni. + +May they, bright Deities, make our song supremest. Preserve us* +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XLI. Bhaga. + +Agki at dawn, and Indra we invoke at dawn, and Varuna and +Mitra, and the Asvins twain: + +Bhaga at dawn, Pushan,^and Brahmanaspati, Soma at dawn, +Rudra we will invoke at dawn. + +2 We will involve strong, early-conquering Bhaga, the Son of + +Aditi, the great supporter: + +Thinking of whom, the poor, yea, even the mighty, even the +King himself says, Give me Bhaga. + +3 Bhaga our guide, Bhaga whose gifts are faithful, favour this + +song, and giv£ us wealth, 0 Bhaga. + +Bhaga, augment our store of kine and horses, Bhaga, may we +be rich in men and heroes. + + +4 Our work: the sacrifice. + +5 The branches: ( ray ah, branches : all other deities are, as it were, branches +of Vishnu, anye dev ah, mkhd iva bharanti: as by a text cited by the scholiast, +Vishnu 'is all divinities, Vishnuh sarvcl dirata Ui sruteh.’ —Wilson. This, +Ludwig remarks, gives no satisfactory interpretation ; but I am unable to'" +offer any thing better at preseut. Grassmann alters vayfth into vaydma: 1 we +with our offerings approach the banquet of this swift-moving G-od, the boun¬ +teous Vish. u ; i. e. come to offer him sacrificial food.’ + +The hymn is addressed chiefly to Bhaga the bountiful, whose name, slightly +corrupted, survives in the Slavonic languages as a general name for God; bub* +the G-ods mentioned in stanza 1, and Tishas, Dhwu or Morning, are also regard¬ +ed as the deities of the verses in which their names occur. + +2 Give me Bhaga: or riches. + + + + +is THE HYMN'S OF [BOOK Vtl. + +4 So may felicity be ears at present) and when the day approaches, + +and at noontide ; + +And may we still, 0 Bounteous One, nt sunset be happy in th# +Deities’ loving-kindness. + +5 May Bhaga verily be bliss-bestower, and through hita, Gods ! + +may happiness attend us. + +As such, 0 Bhaga, all with might invoke thee; as such be +thou our Champion here, 0 Bhaga. + +6 To this our worship may all Dawns incline them, and come to + +the pure place like Dadhikravan. + +As strong steeds draw a chariot may they bring us hitherward +Bhaga^who discovers treasure. + +7 May blessed Mornings dawn on us for eyer, with wealth of + +kine, of horses, and of heroes, + +§fcre£.ming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +° HYMN XLII. . Visvedevas. + +Let Brahmans and Angirases come forward, and let the roar +of cloudy heaven surround us. + +Loud low the Milch-kine swimming in the waters : set be the +stones that grace our holy service. + +2 Fair, Agni, is thy long-known psffcli to travel: yoke for the + +juice thy bay, thy ruddy horses, + +Or red steeds, Hero-bearing, for the chamber. Seated, I call +the Deities’ generations. + +3 They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad Priest + +near them is left unequalled. + +’ Bring the Gods hither,.thou of many aspects; turn hither¬ +ward Aramati the Holy. ^ + + +6 The pure place: the chamber of sacrifice. Like JDadhikrdvan : swift as +Dadhikr&van, the famous horse, the type and model of racers. Bee IV. 39. 3; +40. 1—3. + +1 Angirases: llishis so named, according’ to SAyana. The Milch-kine: the +clouds in the watery firmament;, with allusion also to the milk and water mixed +with the Soma juice. The stones: the press-stones. S&yana's explanation is +different: ‘ may the pious couple, (the Yajamdna and his wife) conjointly +appreciate the beauty of the sacrifice.'—Wilson. + +2 Thy hay , thy ruddy horses ; or the Harits and the Rohits. Tied steeds: or + +4-rushas. Hero-bearing: carrying the Hero Agni. For the chamber: the +sacrificial hall ,* ‘in thy stable.’—M. Muller. . . + +- 3 The human priests cannot equal Agni in efficiency. Aramati: the Genius +of Devotion. Bee VII. 3-6. 3. + + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +47 + + +HYMN 43.] + +4 What time the Guest hath made himself apparent, at ease + +reclining in the rich man’s dwelling, + +Agni, well-pleased, well-placed within the chamber gives to a +house like this wealth worth the choosing. + +5 Accept this sacrifice of ours, 0 Agni; glorify it with Indra + +and the Maruts. + +Here on our grass let Night and Dawn be seated : bring long¬ +ing Varuna and Mitra hither. + +6 Thus hath Vasishtha praised victorious Agni, yearning for + +wealth that giveth all subsistence. + +May he bestow on us food, strength, and riches. ^ Preservo us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XLIII. Visyedevas. + +Sing out the pious at your sacrifices to move with adorations +Earth and Heaven—■ ^ + +The Holy Singers, whose unmatched devotions, like a tree’s +branches, part in all directions. + +2 Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser: with one accord + +lift ye on high the ladles. + +Strew sacred grass meet for the solemn service: bright flames +that love the Gods ha>e mounted upward. + +3 Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the Gods sit + +upon the grass’s summit. + +Let general fire make bright the flame of worship: scorn us +nob, Agni, in the Gods’ assembly. + +4 Gladly the Gods have let themselves be honoured, milking + +the copious streams of holy Order. + +The highest might to-day is yours, the Vasus’: come ye, as +many as ye are, one-minded. + +5 So, Agni, send us wealth among the people: may we be + +closely knit to thee, 0 Victor, + +Unharmed, and rich, and taking joy together. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + + +4 'The Quest: Agni. + +3 Let general jive: or, according to S&yana, c Let the fall ladle balm the +fire of worship/ The exact meaning is uncertain as both, subject and object +are adjectives without substantives. + +. 4 Milking the copious streams: enjoying the libations of law-ordained sacri¬ +fice. ‘Who are the bestowers of water, the shedders of showers/—-Wilson. + + + +48" THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIL + +HYMN XLIV. DadMkrti. + +I call on Dadhikras, the first, to give you aid, the Asvins, +Bhaga, Dawn, and Agni kindled well, A +Indra, and Vishnu, Pashan, Brahmanaspati, Adityas, Heaven +and Earth, the Waters, and the Light, + +2 When, rising, to the sacrifice we hasten, awaking Dadhikr&s + +with adorations, + +Seating on sacred grass the Goddess Ila, let us invoke the +sage swift-hearing Asvins. + +3 While I am thus arousing Dadhikravan I speak to Agni, + +Earth, iand Dawn, and Surya, + +Tbe red, the brown of Varuna ever mindful: may they ward +off from us all grief and trouble, + +4 Foremost is Dadhikrivan, vigorous courser; in forefront of + +the cars, his way he knoweth, A + +Closely allied with Surya and with Morning, Adityas, and +Angirases, and Vasus. + +£> May Dadhikras prepare the way we travel that we may pass +along the path of Order. + +May Agni hear us, and the Heavenly Army: hear us all Mighty +Ones whom none deceiveth, + +HYMN XLV. Savitar. + +May the God Savitar, rich in goodly treasures, filling the +region, borne by steeds, come hither, + +In his hand holding much that makes men happy, lulling to +slumber and arousing oreatures. + +'2 Golden, sublime, and easy in their motion, his arms extend +unto the bounds of heaven, ^ + + +1 Dadhikrds: see. IV. 38. 1 . + +3 Dadhikrduan: a lengthened form of Dadhikras. See IV. 39. 2, and 40. +The red , the hroim: apparently the horse of Varuna, that in. the Sun, is in¬ +tended. Ever mindful: 1 who is mindful of his adorers.’—Wilson. The mean- + +13 g of the word mans chat 6h, or mdoschutdh, is uncertain. Von Roth thinks +that a colour, dun or yellow, is meant. Ludwig would explain it as ‘knotting +snares or nooses.’ Grassmann translates it by, ‘des Mondverseheuehers, 1 * * 4 5 +‘who scares away the Moon.* + +4 In forefront of the cars: according to Say ana, the chariots of the Gods + +are intended. But, as Pisehel observes ( Vedische Studien , I. 1*24), Dadhik- +r&van, the famous race-horse, was for‘the gentlemen of the turf’ in King +Trasadasyu’s time what the matchless English horse Eclipse was in recent +days. It seems probable that Dahhikr&van may have been originally only a +most distinguished racer, glorified and deified by the exaggerated praises of +the bards of a people who were passionately fond of chariot-racing. + + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +HYMN 46] + +Now shall that mightiness of his be lauded : even S&ra yields +to him in active vigour. + +3 May this God Savitar, the Strong and Mighty, the Lord of + +precious wealth, vouchsafe us treasures. + +May he, advancing his far-spreading lustre, bestow on us the +food that feedeth mortals. + +4 These songs praise Savitar whose tongue is pleasant, praise + +him whose arms are full, whose hands are lovely. + +High vital strength, and manifold, may he grant us. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XLVI. * Kudra< + +To Rudra bring these songs, whose bow is firm and strong, the +self-dependent God with swiftly-flying shafts, + +The Wise, the Conqueror whom none may overcome, armed +with sharp-pointed weapons : may he hear our call. + +2 He through his lordship thinks on beings of the earth, cfh + +heavenly beings through his high imperial sway. + +Come willingly to our doors that gladly welcome tliee, and heal +all sickness, Pudra, in our families. + +3 May thy bright arrow which, shot down by thee from heaven, + +flieth upon the earth, pass us uninjured by. + +Thou, very gracious God, hast thousand medicines: inflict no +evil on our sons or progeny. + +4 Slay us not, nor abandon us, 0 Rudra: let not tby noose, when + +thou art angry, seise us. + +Give us trimmed grass and fame among the living. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + + +2 Sdra: the Sun as distinguished from, or a different form of, Savitar who +is said by Sfly&na to be the Sun before his rising. + + +3 Very gracious God: svapivdta. ‘This word is not explained in the +printed text of Say ana, although in the “ Yarietas Lection!*,” appended to +his preface, Prof. Muller notes that in one MS., B, 4, svapivdta is rendered +by jitaprana,, “he by whom life (or breath) is conquered.” In the Nirukta, +X. 7. it is explained by svapta-vachana “ thou whose words are very suitable +or authoritative.” '—Muir, 0. S, Texts, IY, 314, where an exhaustive note on +the word will be found. Wilson renders svapivdta by ‘ wind-appeaser/ and +Grassmann by ‘ vielbegehrter,’ * much-desired.’ + +4 Give us trimmed grass: let us share in sacrifice. Fame among the living: +the St. Petersburg Lexicon takes jivasuiisi to mean rule over the living. +Others take the word as qualifying barhUJd , trimmed grass, i. e. sacrifice, and +signifying { desired by the living/ c to be praised among men,’ e promising (long) +fife.’ See Vedic Hymns , Part L p. 439. + +4 + + + +TBJi HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK ffii + + +m + + +HYMN XLVII. Waters. + +Mat we obtain this day from you, 0 Waters, that wave of +pure refreshment, which the pious +Made erst the special beverage of Indra, bright, stainless, rich +in sweets and dropping fatness. + +2 May the Floods’- Offspring, he whose course is rapid, protect + +that wave most rich in sweets, 0 Waters, + +That shall make Indra and the Yasus joyful. This may we +gain from you to-day, we pious. + +3 All-purifying, joying in their nature, to paths of Gods the + +Goddesses move onward. + +They never violate the laws of Indra. Present the oil-rich +offering to the Rivers. + +4 Whom Sftrya with his bright beams hath attracted, and Indra + +dug the path for them to travel, + +May these Streams give us ample room and freedom. Pro- +* serve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +* HYMN XLVIIL Ribhus. + +Ye liberal Heroes, V&jas and Ribhukshans, come and delight +you with our flowing Soma. + +May your strength, Vibhus, as ye come to meet us, turn hither¬ +ward your car that brings men profit. + +2 May we as Ribhu with your Ribhus Conquer strength with our +* strength, as Vibhus with the Vibhus. 4 + +May Vaja aid us in the fight for booty, and helped by Indra +may we quell the foeman. + +3 For they rule many tribes with high dominion, and conquer + +all their foes in close encounter. + +May Indra, Vibhvan, Vaja, and Ribhukshan destroy by turns +the wicked foeman’s valour. • + +4 Now, Deities, give us ample room and freedom: be all of you, + +one-minded, our protection. + +So let the Yasus grant us strength and vigour. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +' 1 Wave of pure refreshment: ‘sweet essence of the earth ; ’Urmi is said +Here to imply the Soma juice produced from the earth.’—Wilson. ’ + +3 All-Purifying: satdpavitrdh ; literally, with a hundred, that is, countless, +nieans of purification. The Goddesses: the divine Waters. + +1 Yd jets and Mbhuhshans: ye three, Ribhu, Yibhvan, and V&ja, + +2 The meaning is, may we be as powerful as Ribhu, as mighty as the com¬ +pany of the Vibhus (another name of the Ribhus). S&yana explains ribhii as +great, and vibhvah as powerful. In the fight for booty : vtfjasdtau; a play on +the word and name v$ja. + +4 The Vasus: according toS&yana, vdsavah here is an epithet of RibhdvaK , +understood ; ‘ the exacted (Ribhus).’—Wilson.’ + + + +MTM2? 50. J + + +the niGvEm. + + +m. + +HYMN XLIX. Waters + +Eorth from the middle of the flood the Waters—their chief +the Sea—flow cleansing, never sleeping. + +Indra, the Bull, the Thunderer, dug their channels; here let +those Waters, Goddesses* protect me. + +2 Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug + +from the earth, or flowing free by nature, + +Bright, purifying, - speeding to the Ocean, here let those +Waters, Goddesses, protect me. + +3 Those amid whom goes Varuna the Sovran, he who discri¬ + +minates men’s truth and falsehood—■ + +Distilling meath, the bright, the purifying, liere let those +Waters, Goddesses, protect me. + +4 They from whom Varuna the King, and Soma, and all the + +Deities drink strength and vigour, + +They into whom Vaisvfinara Agni entered, here let those +Waters, Goddesses, protect me. • + +HYMN L« Various Deities. + +O Mitra-Varuna, guard and protect me here: let not that +come to me which nests within and swells. + +I drive afar the scorpion hateful to the sight: let not the +winding worm touch*me and wound my foot. + +2 Eruption that appears upon the twofold joints, and that'* + +which overspreads the ancles and the knees, + +May the refulgent Agni banish far awny ; let not the winding +worm touch me and wound my foot. + +3 The poison that is formed upon the Salmali, that which is + +found in streams, that which the plants produce, + +■ All this may all the Gods banish and drive away ; let not the +winding worm touch me and wound my foot. + + +1 The flood: the ocean of air, the firmament. + +The deities are (1) Mitra and Varuna, (2) Agni, (3) Vteve Bev&h, (4) Praise +of the Rivers. Each stanza of the hymn is to be repeated a as an antidote to +the poison or disease which it specifies. + +- 1 That which nests within and swells ; 'the insidious and spreading (poison)* +—Wilson. Sayan a supplies the substantive vishetm. The scorpion; ajaJcd- +vam ; the exact meaning is. uncertain. + +2 Twofold joints : of the arms and legs. S&yana’s interpretation is different?: +* the poison which is generated in the manifold knots (of trees).’—Wilson. , + +3 The Salmali; the silk-cotton tree. Alt the Gods; or, the All-Gods or + +Visvedevash ' > , + +4 + +f; • I: u 1* + + +kt + + +62 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK V1L + +4 The steep declivities, the valleys, and the heights, the chan¬ +nels full of water, and the waterless— + +May those who swell with water, gracious Goddesses, never +afflict us with the Sipada disease, may all the rivers keep +us free from SimidA + +HYMN LI. Adityas. + +Through the Adityas’ most auspicious shelter, through their +most recent succour may we conquer. + +May they, the Mighty, giving ear, establish this sacrifice, to +make us free and sinless. + +2 Let Aditi rejoice and the Adityas, Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman, + +most righteous. + +May they, the Guardians of the world, protect us, and, to +show favour, drink this day our Soma. + +3 All Universal Deities, the Maruts, all the Adityas, yea, and + +all the Ribhjus, + +- Indra, and Agni, and the Asvins, lauded. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LII. Adityas. + +May we be free from every bond, Adityas! a castle among Gods +and men, ye Yasus. + +Winning, may we win Yaruna and Mitra, and, being, may we +be, 0 Earth and Heaven. v + +May Yaruna and Mitra grant this blessing, our Guardians, +shelter to our seed and offspring. + +Let us not suffer for another’s trespass, nor do the thing that +ye, 0 Yasus, punish. + +; 3 The ever-prompt Angirases, imploring riches from Savitar the +God, obtained them. + +So may our Father who is great and holy, £hd all the Gods, +accordant, grant this favour. + +HYMN LIII. Heaven and Earth. + +As priest with solemn rites and adorations I worship Heaven +and Earth, the High and Holy. + +To them, great Parents of the Gods, have sages of ancient +time, singing, assigned precedence. + +4 The Sipada disease: ‘ perhaps the Vaidikform of Slipada, the Cochin + +leg/—Wilson. Simidd : apparently a female demon, or a disease attributed +to her malevolence. - + +3 Universal Deities : vtsve devtth j the All-Gods. Lauded: the sentence is +incomplete, the substantives in the nominative case having no verb. + +1 Being: really and truly being, rich, powerful, and distinguished. + +3 Our Father: Yaruna, the father of Vasishtha j or Savitar, or Praj&pati +may be intended. * * ■ + + + + +&YMN Ml !Pff8 nmVEDA. 53 + +2 With newest hymns set in the seat of Order, those the Two + +Parents, horn before all others, + +Come, Heaven and Earth, with the Celestial People, hither to +us, for strong is your protection. + +3 Yea, Heaven and Earth, ye hold in your possession full many + +a treasure for the liberal giver. + +Grant us that wealth which comes in free abundance. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LIV. Y&stoshpati. + +Acknowledge - us, 0 Guardian of the Homestead : bring no +disease, and give us happy entrance. + +Whatever we ask of thee, be pleased to grant lfc, and prosper +thou our quadrupeds and bipeds* + +2 Protector of the Home, be our promoter : increase our wealth + +in kine and steeds, 0 Indu. + +May we be ever-youthful in thy friendship : be pleased in us +as in his sons a father. + +3 Through thy dear fellowship that bringeth welfare, may we Be + +victors, Guardian of the Dwelling ! + +Protect our happiness in rest and labour. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LV. Y&stoshpati. + +VAstoshpati, who kiltast all disease and wearest every form, + +Be an auspicious Friend to us. + +2 When, 0 bright Son of Sarama, thou showest, tawny-hued f + +thy teeth, + +They gleam like lances’ points within thy mouth when thou +wouldst bite: go thou to sleep. + +3 Sarama’s Son, retrace thy way: bark at the robber and the + +thief. e + +At Indra’s singers barkest thou ? Why dost thou seek to ter¬ +rify us 2 Go to sleep. + + +3 For the liberal giver: or, for Sud&s, + +V&stoshpatl is the Genius or tutelary God of the house. In this hymn +lie is addre^ed also as Indu, another name of Soma the Moon-God. + +V&stoshpati is the deity of the first stanza, and Indra of the rest. + +The metre is G&yatri in stanza 1, TJparisht&dbiiliati (8x3-f-l2) in 2-4, +and Anushtup in 5-8, and the hymn appears to be made up of three corres¬ +ponding pieces unconnected by their subjects. + +2 Son of Saramd: SaramA the hound of Indra, is mother of the two +S&rameyas, the brindled watcli-dogs of Yama, God of the Dead. This stanza +and the two following appear to be addressed by the spirits of Indra’s worship¬ +pers to one of the dogs who would prevent their entering the home of the +pious. + + + +m mis j&ymns ow t book vil + +4 Be on thy guard against the boar, and let the boar beware of + +thee. + +At Indra's singers barkest thou ? Why dost thou seek to +terrify us ? Go to sleep. + +5 Sleep mother, let the father sleep, sleep dog and master of the + +house. + +Let all the kinsmen sleep, sleep all the people who are round +about. + +6 The man who sits, the man who walks, and whosoever looks + +on us, + +Of these we closely shut the eyes, even as we closely shut this +house. + +7 The Bull who hath a thousand horns, who rises up from out + +the sea,— + +By him the Strong and Mighty One we lull and make the +people sleep. + +8 The women sleeping in the court, lying without, or stretched + +- , on beds, + +The matrons with their odorous sweets—these, one and all, +we lull to sleep. + +HYMN LVI. Maruts. + +Who are these radiant men in serried rank, Ru&ra's young +heroes borne by noble steeds ? + +2 Yerily no one knoweth whence they' sprang : they, and they +^ only, know each other's birth. + +8 They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks : they +strove together, roaring like the wind. + +5 This and the three following stanzas form a lullaby or sleep-song, pro¬ +bably sung as a charm by a lover on a secret visit to his love. + +7 The Bull who hath a thousand horns: the Sun, whose setting brings the +time of rest and sleep ; or perhaps the starry heaven is intended + +8 With their odorous sweets : wearing garlands of fragrant flowers on festive +occasions, according to Say aria : ‘decorated with holiday perfumes.’—Wilson. +According to a legend mentioned by S&yana, Vasishtha. having fasted for three +days was entering the house of Varuua in hope of food, when the watch-dog +set upon Mm and was put to sleep hy the repetition of the last four verses, +which are to be recited on similar occasions by thieves and house-breakers. +See Wilson’s note. The hymn has been discussed by Aufrecht, Indischz +Studien , IY. 337f, and by Lanman, Sanskrit Reader , p. §70. + +3 They strew each other with their blasts : the- meaning of svwptfblnh is +uncertain. ‘They go together by their own pure paths.’—Wilson ‘They +plucked each other with their beaks (?)*—M. Muller. ‘They bestrew each +other with light.’—Grassmaftn. ‘They scatter dust over each other with +besoms/—Roth. I follow Professor Ludwig. The meaning appears to be that +-the Hawks or rapid Maruts are so crowded in their onward sweep that those +in front feel the quick breath of those who follow. Similarly (VIII. 20, 21), +the crowded Maruts are likened to cattle who- liok each other’s heads or humps. + + + +TBE me VEDA. + + +BYMN W.] + + +U + + +4 A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder + +mighty Prisni bore. + +5 Ever victorious, through the Maruts, he this hand of Heroes, + +nursing manly strength, + +6 Most bright in splendour, fleetest on their way, close-knit to + +glory, strong with varied power. + +7 Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength: so, + +potent, with the Maruts, be the band. + +'8 Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds : your bold +troop’s minstrel is like one inspired. + +9 Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your dis¬ +pleasure reach us here. * + +10 Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud + +till we are satisfied. + +11 Well-armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, + +their forms, with ornaments of gold. + +12 Pure, Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations : to you, tfle + +pure, pure sacrifice I offer. + +By Law they came to truth, the Law’s observers, bright by +their birth, and pure, and sanctifying. + +13 Your rings, 0 Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains + +of gold are twined ^pon your bosoms. + +Gleaming with drops of rain, like lightning-flashes, after your +wont ye whirl about your weapons. * + +14 Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most + +adorable, ye bear your titles. + +Maruts, accept this thousandfold allotment of household +sacrifice and household treasure. + +15 If, Maruts, y*s regard the praise recited here at this mighty + +singer’s invocation, + +Vouchsafe us quickly wealth with noble heroes, wealth which +no man who hateth us may injure. + + +4 What in her udder: according to S&yana, what beings (Maruts, etc.) +mighty Prisni bore at her udder or in the firmament. + +8 Your hold troop’s minstrel: the leader of the Maruts* thunder-psalm. Like +one inspired : milniriva, like a Muni or inspired saint 1 The sounds produced +by the shaking of the trees are like the varied intonations of a reciter of praises, +is S&yana’s explanation.’—Wilson. Lanman translates differently: Clear is +your whistling. Your hearts are wrathful as the wild onward-rush of a doughty +.troop/ + +14 Ye hear your titles: you make yourselves known. _ ' You send down +(the waters) that beat down (the dust)/—Wilson. Ntfmdni, names, according +to S&yana, means waters, because they-bend down the dust, pdns4n namayanti. + + + +m mn mum of [book m + +16 The Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them like + +youths spectators of a festal meeting, + +Linger, like beauteous colts, about the dwelling, like frisking +calves, these who pour down the water, + +17 So may the Maruts help us and be .gracious, bringing free + +room to lovely’ Earth and Heaven. + +Far be your bolt that slayeth men and cattle. Ye Yasus, +turn yourselves to us with blessings. + +18 The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in + +song your universal bounty. + +He, Bulls ! who hath so much in his possession, free from +duplicity, with hymns invokes you. + +19 These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand-still, and + +strength with mightier strength they break and humble. +These guard the singer J?fom the man who hates him and lay +their sore displeasure on the wicked. + +20 These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy : the Yasus love +r him as an active champion. + +Drive to a distance, 0 ye Bulls, the darkness : give us full +store of children and descendants. + +21 Never, 0 Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car-borne + +Lords ! be hindmost when ye deal it. + +Give us a share in that delighted treasure, the genuine +wealth that, Bulls ! is your possession. + +T22 What time the men in fury rush together for running' streams, +for pastures, and for houses, + +Then, 0 ye Maruts, ye who spring from Budra, be our protec¬ +tors in the strife with foemen. + +23 Full many a deed ye did for our forefathers worthy of lauds + +which, even of old, they sang you. *> + +The strong man, with the Maruts, wins in battle, the charger, +with the Maruts, gains the booty. + +24 Ours, 0 } r e Maruts, be the vigorous Hero, the Lord Divine of + +men, the strong Sustainer, + +With whom to fair lands we may cross the waters, and dwell +in our own home with you beside us. + +25 May Indra, Mitra, Yaruna and Agni, Waters, and Plants, and + +Trees accept our praises. + +May wo find shelter in the Maruts' bosom. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +24 The Lord Divine: literally, the Asura. We may cross the waters: the +Maruts are besought to favour an expedition for the acquisition of new set¬ +tlements on the farther side of a river,' + + + +HYMN 58.] + + +the mQVmu. + + +SI + + +HYMN LVII. Maruts. + +Yea, through the power of your sweet juice, ye Holy 1 the +Marut host is glad at sacrifices. + +They cause even spacious heaven and earth to tremble, they +make the spring flow when they come, the Mighty. + +2 The Maruts watch the man who sings their praises, promoters + +of the thought of him who worships. + +Seat you on sacred grass in our assembly, this day, with +friendly minds, to share the banquet. + +3 No others gleam so brightly as these Maruts with their own + +forms, their golden gauds, their weapons. + +With all adornments, decking earth and heaven, they heighten, +for bright show, their common splendour. + +4 Far from us be your blazing dart, 0 Maruts, when we, + +through human frailty, sin against you. + +Let us not be exposed to that, ye Holy 1 May your most lov¬ +ing favour still attend us. * + +5 May even what we have done delight the Maruts, the blame¬ + +less-Ones, the bright, the purifying. + +Further us, 0 ye Holy, with your kindness: advance us +mightily that we may prosper. + +6 And may the Maruts, praised by all their titles, Heroes, enjoy + +the taste of our oblations. + +Give us of Amrit for the sake of offspring : awake the excel- - +lent fair stores of riches. + +7 Hither, ye Maruts, praised, with all your succours, with all + +felicity come to our princes, + +Who, of themselves, a hundredfold increase us. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LVIII. . Maruts. + +Sing to the troop that pours down rain in common, the +Mighty Company of celestial nature. + + +1 Ye JEColy: according to S&yaoa, the Maruts are addressed. The Marut +host; n&ma MXrutam: the Marut name, i. e. tliose who are called Maruts. + +This hymn, and all the hymns to the Maruts have been translated and +explained in Max Muller’s Vedio Jlymns, I. (Sacred Books of the East, Yol. +XXXII.) + +6 Give us of Amrit: the secret essence which pervades the world and nour¬ +ishes and sustains all must naturally also be the element that promotes re¬ +production.—Ludwig. Yon Both explains the passage differently: * Add ns to +(the number of) the people of eternity, i . e. to the blessed/ * Vouchsafe our +children long life/—Grassmann. ‘ Bestow water upon our progeny/—Wilson. + + + + +58 + + +TBS HYMNS OF + + +[booh nr. + + +They make the world-halves tremble with their greatness : +from depths of earth and sky they reach to heaven. + +2 Yea, your birth, Maruts, was with wild commotion, ye who + +move swiftly, fierce in wrath, terrific. + +Ye all-surpassing in your might and vigour, each looker on the +light fears at your coming. + +3 Give ample vital power unto our "princes: let our fair praises + +gratify the Maruts. + +As the way travelled helpeth people onward, so further us +with your delightful succours. + +4 Your favoured singer counts his wealth by hundreds : the + +strong steed whom ye favour wins a thousand. + +The Sovran whom ye aid destroys the foeman. May this +your .gift, ye Shakers, be distinguished. + +5 I call, as such, the Sons of bounteous Rudra: will not the + +Maruts turn again to us-ward ? + +r What secret sin or open stirs their anger, that we implore the +Swift Ones to forgive us. + +6 This eulogy of the Bounteous hath been spoken : accept, ye + +Maruts, this our hymn of praises. + +Ye Bulls, keep those who hate us at a distance. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LIX. Maruts. + +Whomso ye rescue here and there, whornso ye guide, 0 Deities, +To him give shelter, Agni, Mitra, Varuna, ye Maruts, and +thou Aryaman. + +2 Through your kind favour, Gods, on some auspicious day, the + +worshipper subdues his foes. + +That man increases home and strengthening ample food who +brings you offerings as ye list. + +3 Vasishtha will not overlook the lowliest one among you all. + +0 Maruts, of our Soma juice effused to-day drink all of you +with eager haste. + +4 Your succour in the battle injures not the man to whom ye, + +Heroes, grant your gifts. + +1 From depths of earth and shj: ntrriti here is said to be synonymous with +bhdmi, earth, and avansd, the unsupported, with antarihshi, firmament. But +nirriti, Death, Destruction, as identified with bhUmi, may be the Prithivi of +the atmosphere (see V. 84.), which must originally have been considered to be +the place of departed spirits. + +2 Each looker on the light: vi&vah svardrtk: according to S&yana, every-tree. + +4 Injures not: a litotes for, is of the greatest advantage to. + + + +HYMN 5».] + + +TIIE RIO VEDA. + + +May your most recent favour turn to us again. Come quickly, +ye who fain would drink. + +5 Come hitherward to drink the juice, 0 ye whose bounties give + +you joy. + +These offerings are for you, these, Maruts, I present. Go not +to any place but this. + +6 Sit on our snored grass, be graciously inclined to give the + +wealth for which we long, + +To take delight, ye Maruts, Friends of all, with Sv$M, in +sweet Soma juice. + +7 Decking the beauty of their forms in secret th^ Swans with + +purple backs have flown down hither. + +Around me all the Company hath settled, like joyous Heroes +glad in our libation. + +8 Maruts, the man whose wrath is hard to master, he who would + +slay us ere we think, 0 Vasus, + +May he be tangled in the toils of mischief; smite ye him +down with your most flaming weapon. + +9 0 Maruts, ye consuming Gods, enjoy this offering brought for + +you, + +To help us, ye who slay the foe. + +10 Sharers of household sacrifice, come, Maruts, stay not far away. +That ye may help us, Bounteous Ones. + +11 Here, Self-strong Maruts, yea, even here, ye Sages with your + +sunbright skins ! + +I dedicate your sacrifice. + +12 Tryambaka we worship, sweet augmenter of prosperity. + +As from its stem the cucumber, so may I be released from +death, not tfbft of immortality. + + +5 Whose bounties give you joy: or follow each other closely, and are ever +fresh and ready. + +6 Svdhd: an exclamation, like Ave ! or Hail t used in making oblations to +the <3 ods. + +7 With purple backs : uMlaprishtMh: cf. Horace's c purpurei olores. ? + +8 Mischief; or one of the malicious spirits called Drubs. + +12 Tryambaka ; a name of Rudra. Sweet; according to B&yana, sugartdhvm, +sweet-smelling, means here, 4 whose fame is fragrant/ 4 The verse occurs in the +Yajur-Veda, 6. 30, and is, in some instances, differently interpreted ; Tryam¬ +baka is termed netrntrayopetam Rudram, the triocular Rudra: sugandhim, +divyagandhopetam , of celestial fragrance : the urvdruka is said to mean the +luarkandlm [fruit of the jujube'tree], which, when ripe, fulls of itself from its +stalk.’—Wilson. . - + + + + +80 + + +5P&8 HYMNS OP + + +[poop nu + + +HYMN LX. ’ Mitra-Varuna. + +WflfiN thou, 0 Sun, this day, arising sinless, shalt speak the +truth to Yaruna and Mitra, + +0 Aditi, may all the Deities love u8, and thou, 0 Aryanlan, +while we are singing* + +2 Looking on man, 0 Yaruna and Mitra, this Sun ascendeth up + +by both the pathways, + +Guardian of all things hxt, of all that moveth, beholding +good and evil acts of mortals. + +3 He from their home hath yoked the Seven gold Coursers who, + +dropping oil and fatness, carry Surya. + +Yours, Yaruna and Mitra, he surveyeth the worlds and living +creatures like a herdsman* + + +4 Your coursers rich in store of sweets have mounted i to the + +bright ocean Surya hath ascended, + +For whom the Adityas make his pathway ready, Aryaman, +Mitra, Yaruna, accordant. + +5 For these, even Aryaman, Yaruna, and Mitra, are the chas¬ + +tisers of all guile and falsehood. + +These, Aditi’s Sons, infallible and mighty, have waxen in the +home of Law Eternal. + +6 These, Mitra, Yaruna, whom none 4eceiveth, with great power + +quicken even the fool to wisdom, + +And, wakening, moreover, thoughtful insight, lead it by easy +paths o’er grief and trouble. + +7 They ever vigilant, with eyes that close not, caring for heaven + +and earth, lead on the thoughtless. + +Even in the river’s bed there is a shallow: across this broad +expanse may they conduct us. # + +8 When Aditi* and Yaruna and Mitra, like guardians, give Sudas + +their friendly shelter, + +Granting him sons and lineal succession, let us not, bold ones ! +move the Gods to anger. + + +The hymn is addressed chiefly to Mitra and Yaruna, but S 'trya or the Sun +Is the deity of the first stanza. + +1 Sinless: S&yana makes dntfgdh =andgasah : { declare the truth...that we +are void of sin,’—Wilson. But this seems forced, and the implied meaning of +the poet is clear enough if the word is taken in its usual signification. + +2 Both the pathways: near the earth and high in the firmament. + +6 Mitra, Fanwa: and Aryaman, understood : the verbs are in the plural, + +8 Bold ones: the warning is addressed to the people of Sud&s, who has been +frequently mentioned in preceding hymns. + + + + +HYMN 61 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +61 + +9 May he with offerings purify the altar from any stains of +Yaruna’s reviler. + +Aryaman save us from all those who hate us : give room and +freedom to Sudas, ye Mighty. + +10 Hid from our eyes is their resplendent meeting: by their + +mysterious might they hold dominion. , + +Heroes ! we cry trembling in fear before you, even in the great¬ +ness of your power have mercy. + +11 He who wins favour for his prayer by worship, that he may + +gain him strength and highest riches. + +That good man’s mind the Mighty Ones will follojv : they have +brought comfort to his spacious dwelling. + +12 This priestly task, Gods ! Yaruna and Mitra! hath been par- + +formed for you at sacrifices. + +Convey us safely over every peril. Preserve us evermore, ye +Gods, with blessings, + +r + +HYMN LXI. Mitra-Varuna, + +0 Yaruna and Mitra, Sftrya spreading the beauteous light of +you Twain Gods ariseth. + +He who beholdeth all existing creatures observeth well the zeal +that is in mortals.' r + +2 The holy sage, renowned afai', directeth his hymns to you, 0 + +Yaruna and Mitra,— + +He whose devotions, sapient Gods, ye favour so that ye fill, as +’twere, with power his autumns. + +3 From the wide earth, 0 Varuna and Mitra, from the great + +lofty heaven, ye, Bounteous Givers, + +Have in the fields and houses set your warders who visit every +spot and watch unceasing. + +i I praise the strength of Yaruna and Mitra : that strength, by +mightiness, keeps both worlds asnnder. + +Heroless pass the months of the ungodly : he who loves sacri¬ +fice makes his home enduring. + + +9 May he; Agni may be intended. Vanina?% reviler: those who speak evil +of princes like Sud&s, Varuna being the king’s prototype.—Ludwig. + +10 Their resplendent meeting: that of Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman. + +11 Have brought comfort to his spacious dwelling * ( bestow a spacious man- +sion for a dwelling upon him.’—Wilson. + + +2 Autumns: years of his life. + + + +<£ TBS BYMNS OF [MOB Fit + +§ Steers, all infallible are these your people in whom no wondrous +thing is seen, no worship. + +Guile follows close the men who are untruthful: no secrets +may be hidden from your knowledge. + +6 I will exalt your sacrifice with homage; as priest, I, Mitra- + +Yaruna, invoke you. + +May these new hymns and prayers that I have fashioned +delight you to the profit of. the singer. + +7 This priestly task, Gods ! Yarupa and Mitra !" hath been per¬ + +formed for you at sacrifices. + +Convey us safely over every peril. Preserve us evermore, ye +Gods, tfith blessings. + +HYMN LXII. Mitra-Varursat. + +SfiRYA hath sent aloft his beams of splendour o’er all tho +tribes of men in countless places. + +Together with the heaven he shines apparent, formed by his; +Makers well with power and wisdom. + +2 So hast thou mounted up before us, Surya, through these our + +praises, with fleet dappled horses. + +Declare us free from all offence to Mitra, and Yaruna, and +Aryaman, and Agni. + +3 May holy Agni, Yaruna, and Mit$a send down their riches + +upon us in thousands. + +May they, the Bright Ones, make our praise-song perfect, and,, +when we laud them, grant us all our wishes. + +4 0 undivided Heaven and Earth, preserve us, us, Lofty Ones f + +your nobly-born descendants. + +Let us not anger Yaruna, nor Yftyu, nor him, the dearest +Friend of mortals, Mitra. r + +5 Stretch forth your arms and let our lives be lengthened : + +with fatness dew the pastures of our cattle. + +Ye Youthful, make us famed among the people: hear, Mitra- +Yaruna, these mine invocations. + +5 This stanza is difficult Sftyana’s interpretation as given by "Wilson i's r +* Unperplexed, all-pervading showerers (of benefits), these praises are for you, +in which nothing surprising, no adoration (worthy of you), is beheld; the in¬ +sincere commendations of men serve as offences : eulogies of you, although +offered in secret are not unappreciated/ The version of the Seventy Hymns is +somewhat as follows : ‘ All your avenging spirits, 0 ye Mighty, follow unerr- +ingly the sinner’s traces. They have no sign that men may mark, no figure. +Naught-kKso secret that ye fail to know it.’ This latter involves a slight +alteration ofiffi^e text. I prefer Ludwig’s interpretation, although it is not +absolutely convincing. + +6 To the profit o/V^e singer ; see Vedischc Studien, I. 43. + + + +EYMN 64 .] + + +THE MOVED A. + + +6 Now Mitra, Yaruna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room* +for us and for our children. + +May we find paths all fair and good to travel. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXIII. Mitra-Varuna, + +Common to all mankind, auspicious Surya, he who beholdeth all, +is mounting upward; + +The God, the eye of Yaruna and Mitra, who rolled up dark- +b ness like a piece of leather. + +2 Surya’s great ensign, restless as the billow, that urgeth men + +to action, is advancing; + +Onward he still would roll the wheel well-rounded, which +Etasa, harnessed to the car-pole, moveth. + +3 Refulgent from the bosom of the Mornings, he in whom singers + +take delight ascendeth. + +This Savitar, God, is my chief joy and pleasure, who breaketh +not the universal statute. « + +4 Golden, far-seeing, from the heaven he riseth : far is his goal, + +he hasteth on resplendent. + +Men, verily, inspirited by Surya speed to their aims and do +the work assigned them. + +5 Where the Immortals have prepared his pathway he flieth + +through the region lilce a falcon. + +With homage and oblations will we serve you, 0 Mitra War una, +when the Sun hath risen. + +6 Now Mitra, Yaruna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, + +for us and for our children. + +May we find paths all fair and gooi to travel. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXIY. Mitra-Yaruna. + +Ye Twain who rule, in heaven and earth, the region, clothed +be your clouds in robes of oil and fatness. + +May the imperial Varnna, and Mitra, and high-born Aryaman +accept our presents. + +2 Kings, guards of mighty everlasting Order, come hitherward, +ye Princes, Lords of Rivers. + +Send us from heaven, 0 Yaruna and Mitra, rain and sweet +food, ye who pour down your bounties. + +2 Elam: or, the bright or dappled steed j one of the horses of the Sun. . + +3 Breaketh not : faithfully observes and supports. + +1 Clothed be your clouds: ‘ A covering cloud of sacred oil attends you +(V. 62. 4).' < Impelled by you, (the clouds) assume the form of rain.’—Wilson. + + + +U THE HYMNS OF [BOOK PlL + +3 May the dear God, and Varuna, and Mitra conduct us by the +most effective pathways, + +That foes may say unto Sud&s our chieftain, May we, too, joy +in food with Gods to guard us. + +.4 Him who hath wrought for you this car in spirit, who makes +the song rise upward and sustains it, + +Bedew with fatness, Varuna and Mitra: ye Kings, make glad +the pleasant dwelling-places. + +5 To you this laud, 0 Varuna and Mitra, is offered like bright +Soma juice to Vayu, + +Favour our songs of praise, wake thought and spirit. Preserve +us evejftnore, ye Gods, with blessings, + +HYMN LXV. Mitra-Varuna. + +With hymns I call you, when the Sun hath risen, Mitra, and +Varuna whose thoughts are holy, + +Whose Power Divine, supreme and everlasting, comes with good +heed at each man's supplication. + +2 For they are Asuras of Go Is, the friendly: make, both of you, + +our lands exceeding fruitful. + +May we obtain you, Varuna and Mitra, wherever Heaven and +Earth and days may bless us. + +3 Bonds of the sinner, they bear many nooses : the wicked mortal + +hardly may escape them. + +Varuna-Mitra, may your path of Order bear us o'er trouble as +a boat o'er waters. + +4 Come, taste our offering, Varuna and Mitra : bedew our pasture + +with sweet food and fatness. + +Pour down in plenty here upon the people the choicest of your +fair celestial water. + +■ -——-——-—-. + +3 The second half of the stanza is obscure. The meaning appears to be +that even our foes, the godless who offer no sacrifices, shall envy the pros¬ +perity which we enjoy through the liberality of Sudfts, and shall wish to fol¬ +low our example, to sacrifice to the Gods and to enjoy thoir protection and +the blessings which they send. + +4 This car: this carefully-formed hymn which goes, like a chariot, to the +Gods. + +5 To Y&iju: who receives the first draught of Soma juice at the morning + +libation. - - + +The hymn appears to be composed of fragments of other hymns with a +few original additions. Cf. VII. 63. 5; 66. 7. 12; VI. 68. 8; VII, 62. 5; III +62. 16. See von Bradke, Dyaus Asura, 3—5. + +1 Power Divine : asuryam ; Asurahood. Whose : refers to Mitra and Varuna, + +2 Ancrcis of Gods: the high or ruling Gods of all the deities. + +3 Bonds: binders. Many nooses: * Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell op¬ +pressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas’ (II. 27. 16). r + + + +BYUN 66 .] + + +THE Era VEDA. + + +65 + + +5 To you this laud, 0 Varuna and Mitra, is offered, like bright +Soma juice to Vayu. + +Favour our songs of praise, wake thought and spirit. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXVT. Mitra-V a ru V a. + +Let our strong hymn of praise go forth, the laud of Mitra- +Varuna, + +With homage to that high-born Pair ; + +2 The Two exceeding wise, the Sons of Daksha, whom the Gods + +ordained + +For lordship, excellently great. * + +3 Such, Guardians of our homes and us, 0 Mitra-Varuna, fulfil +The thoughts of those who sing your praise. + +4 So when the Sun hath risen to-day, may sinless Mitra, Arya- + +man, + +Bhaga, and Savitar send us forth. + +5 May this our home be guarded well: forward, ye Bounteous, + +on the way, + +Who bear us safely o'er distress. + +6 And those Self-reigning, Aditi, whose statute is inviolate, + +The Kings who lule a domain. + +7 Soon as the Sun h tth risen, to you, to Mitra-Varuna, I sing, +And Aryaman who slays the foe. + +8 With wealth of gold may this my song bring unmolested + +power and might, + +And, Brahmans, gain the sacrifice. + +9 May we be thine, God Varuna, and with our princes, Mitra, + +thine; + +Food and Heaven's light will we obtain. + +10 Many are they who strengthen Law, Sun-eyed, with Agni for +their tongue, + + +2 Sons of Eahsha * see VI. 50. 2, For lordship : literally for Asurahood. + +4 Sinless; S&yana here, as in VII 60. 1, takes andytih bs — andgasah, so +that, according to his interpretation, the translation would be : may Savitar, +Mitra, Aryaman, and Bhaga send us sinless forth. + +6 Aditi is out of place here, as there is no copulative in the text: whose +mother is Aditi, seems to be intended. + +8 And , Hralmans , gain the sacrifice : the exact meaning ia uncertain : ‘May +it (be effective), sages, for the fulfilment of (the objects of) the sacrifice.’-— +Wilson. + +5 + + + +66 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VII . + +They who direct the three great gatherings with their +thoughts, yea, all things with surpassing might. + +H They who have stablished year and month and then the day, +night, sacrifice and holy verse, + +Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman, the Kings, have won dominion which +hone else may gain. + +12 So at the rising of the Sun we think of you with hymns + +to-day, + +Even as Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman deserve: ye are the chariot¬ +eers of Law. + +13 True to L^aw, born in Law, the strengtheners of Law, terrible, + +haters of the false, + +In their felicity which gives the best defence may we men and +our princes dwell. + +14 ITprises, on the slope of heaven, that marvel that attracts the + +sight, + +As swift celestial Etasa bears it away, prepared for every eye +to see. + +15 Lord of each single head, of fixt and moving things, equally + +through the whole expanse, + +The Seven sister Bays bear Surya on his car, to bring us +wealth and happiness. r + +16 A hundred autumns may we see that bright Eye, God-ordain¬ + +ed, arise: + +A hundred autumns may we live. + +17 Infallible through your wisdom, come hither, resplendent + +Yanina, + +And Mitra, to the Soma draught. + +18 Gome as the laws of Heaven ordain, Yaruna, Mitra, void of + +guile: + +Press near and drink the Soma juice. + +19 Come, Mitra, Yaruna, accept, Heroes, our sacrificial gift: + +Drink Soma, ye who strengthen Law. + + +10 The three great gatherings: or three assemblies. The meaning is not clear. +Ludwig is of opinion that the three castes are intended. + +The meaning of stanzas 10 and 31 is that although there be many deities +Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman are supreme. + +15 Sister Bays: the Harits. See IV. 6. 9; 13, 3. + +18 Q.me as the laws of Heaven ordain: * Come with your glories from the +sky.’—Slyana. ‘Come hither with the hosts of heaven.’—Qrassinarm. + + + + +HYMN 67 .] + + +THE HmVEDA. + + +67 + +HYMN LXVII. Asvins. + +I with a holy heart that brings oblation will sing forth praise +to meet your car, ye Princes, r + +Which, Much-desired! hath wakened as your envoy. I call +you hither as a son his parents. + +2 Brightly hath Agni shone by us enkindled: the limits even + +of darkness were apparent. + +Eastward is seen the Banner of the Morning, the Banner bom +to give Heaven’s Daughter glory. + +3 With hymns the deft priest is about you, Asvins, the eloquent + +priest attends you now, JSf&satyas. + +Come by the paths that ye are wont to travel, ’on car that +finds the light, laden with treasure. + +4 When, suppliant for your help, Lovers of Sweetness ! I seek¬ + +ing wealth call you to our libation, + +Hitherward let your vigorous horses bear you : drink ye with +us the well-pressed Soma juices. ^ + +3 Bring forward, Asvins, Gods, to its fulfilment my never-weari¬ +ed prayer that asks for riches. + +Vouchsafe us all high spirit in the combat, and with your +powers, 0 Lords of Power, assist us. + +6 Favour us in these praters of ours, 0 Asvins. May we have + +genial vigour, ne’er to fail us. + +So may we, strong in children and descendants, go, wealthy, +to the banquet that awaits you. + +7 Lovers of Sweetness, we have brought this treasure to you as + +’twere an envoy sent for friendship. + +Come unto us with spirits free from anger, in homes of men +enjoying ouu oblation. + +8 With one, the same, intention, ye swift movers, o’er the Seven + +Divers bath your chariot travelled. + +Yoked by the Gods, your strong steeds never weary while +speeding forward at the pole they bear you. + +9 Exhaustless be your bounty to our princes who with their + +wealth incite the gift of riches, + +Who further friendship with their noble natures, combining +wealth in kine with wealth in horses. + + +1 Much-desired: { adorable.’—Wilson. + +$ Incite the gift of riches; move the Gods to give riches in return* +Friendship: or, a kinsman, meaning, apparently, the priest + + + +68 TMS HYMNS OF {SOCK fit, + +10 Now hear, 0 Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, +to the home where food aboundeth. + +Vouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our nobles. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXYIII. Asvins. + +Come, radiant Asvins, with your noble horses : accept your +servant’s hymns, ye Wonder-Workers : + +Enjoy oblations which we bring to greet you. + +2 The gladdening juices stand prepared before you : come quick¬ + +ly and partake of mine oblation. + +Pass by t£e calling of our foe and hear us. + +3 Your chariot with a hundred aids, 0 Asvins, beareth you swift + +as thought across the regions, + +Speeding to us, 0 ye whose wealth is SdryA + +4 What time this stone of yours, the Gods’ adorer, upraised, + +sounds forth for you as Soma-presser, +p Let the priest bring you, Fair Ones, through oblations. + +5 The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous : ye gave there¬ + +of a quickening store to Atri, + +Who, being dear to you, receives your favour. + +6 That gift, which all may gain, ye gave Chyav&na, when he + +g ’cw old, who offered you oblations, + +When ye bestowed on him enduring beauty. + +7 What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, 0 Asvins, + +in the middle of the ocean, + +Your horse delivered him, your faithful servant. + + +3 Whose wealth is S&ryd: having Shry& for your possession or treasure. +Sfiry&, the daughter of the Sun. is the consort of the Aavins. See I. 116, 17. + +4 The Gods' adorer: devaycth: literally, turning or going to the Gods, in¬ +asmuch as it is employed in preparing the Soma juice. The priest: here, +perhaps, the pressing*stone. + +5 A quickening store: the meaning of mdhishvantam , which does not occu r +elsewhere, is uncertain. According to S^yana it means a pit or cavern : ye +liberated Atri from the cavern, or, literally, ye separated the cavern from Atri, +Per the leg3nd, see I. 116. 12. + +. 6- Which all may gain : which you Asvins are ready to grant to every +worshipper Who needs it. For the story of Chyavdna seel. 116. 10* 117 +13; 118.6. + +7 Fhajyu: see Vol. X., Index. Your horse: this meaning is suggested by +von Roth for the uncertain word arM> which generally appears to mean +hostile or illiberal 1 ut may perhaps Stand in this pa-sage for arvd, a common +word signifying 1)or e. S *e X. 117. 14 With horses brown of hue that hew +with swift Wxngs ye Irought back Bhujyu from the sea of billows.’ JSee also +VII. 69. 7. + + + +ETMN 69 .] + + +TRF RLGVEDA . + + +69 + + +8 Ye lent your aid to Vrika when exhausted, and listened when + +invoked to Sayu’s calling. + +Ye made the cow pour forth her milk like water, and, Asvins, +strengthened with your strength the barren. + +9 With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with + +glad thoughts at the break of morning. + +May the cow nourish him with milk to feed him. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXIX. Asvins. + +Mat your gold chariot, drawn by vigorous horses, come to us, +blocking up the earth and heaven, * + +Bright with its fellies while its way drops fatness, food-laden, +rich in coursers, man’s protector. + +2 Let it approach, yoked by the will, three-seate 1, extending fay + +and wide o'er fivefold beings, + +Whereon ye visit God-adoring races, bending your cours^ +whither ye will, 0 Asvins. + +3 Renowned, with noble horses, come ye hither : drink, Wond¬ + +rous Pair, the cup that holds sweet juices. + +Your car whereon your Spouse is wont to travel marks with +its track the farthest ends of heaven. + +4 When night was turning to the grey of morning the Maiden, + +Sfirya’s Daughter, chose your splendour. + +When with your power and might ye aid the pious he comes +through heat to life by your assistance. + +<5 0 Chariot-borne, this car of yours invested with rays of light +comes harnessed to our dwelling. + +Herewith, 0 Asvins, while the dawn is breaking, to this our +sacrifice bring peace and blessing. + +6 Like the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning, Heroes, come +nigh this day to our libations. + +Men call on you with hymns in many places, but let not other +worshippers detain you. + +8 Vrika; literally wolf, or robber. Some man bo named seems to be meant. +Sayu: see I. 118. 8; VI. 13, 5. + +9 This singer; the Eishi Vasishtha. The cow: that is brought to supply +the milk required for libations. + +2 Fivefold beings: 1 sarvaprdninah, 1 all living beings, says S&yana. + +3 Tour Spouse: Suryft, daughter of the Sun. + +4c Chose your splendour; seel. 116. IT’. + +6 Thirsty for the lightning: which immediately precedes, or accompanies, +the rain they long for. + + + +70 THM HYMNS OP [BOOR tit + +7 Bhujyu, abandoned in the midst of ocean, ye raised from out + +the water with your horses, + +Uninjured, winged, flagging not, undaunted, with deeds of +wonder saving him, O A ay ins. + +8 Now hear, 0 Youthful Twain, mine invocation : come, Asvins, + +to the home where food aboundeth. + +Vouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our nobles. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings, + +HYMN LXX, Asvins, + +Rich in all blessings, Asvins, come ye hither: this place on +earth is e called your own possession, + +Like a strong horse with a fair back it standeth, whereon, as +in a lap, ye seat you firmly. + +2 This most delightful eulogy awaits you: in the man's house + +drink-offering hath been heated, + +r Which bringeth you over the seas and rivers, yoking as 'twere +two well-matched shining horses. + +3 Whatever dwellings ye possess, 0 Asvins, in fields of men or + +in the streams of heaven. + +Resting upon the summit of the mountain, or bringing food +to him who gives oblation, + +4: Delight yourselves, ye Gods, in plants and waters when Rishis +give them and ye find they suit you. + +Enriching us with treasures in abundance ye have looked back +to former generations. + +5 Asvins, though ye have heard them oft aforetime, regard the + +many prayers which Rishis offer. + +Come to the man even as his heart desireth: may we enjoy +your most delightful favour. * + +6 Come to the sacrifice offered you, N&satyas,. with -men, obla¬ + +tions, and prayer duly uttered. + +Come to Vasishtha as his heart desireth, for unto you these +holy hymns are chanted. + + +7 Horses : not in the text, but supplied by S&yana and obviously understood. +See preceding hymn, 7, note. + +1 This place: the altar. + +2 Drink-offering ; gharma,: the libation of hot milk; or, the caldron in which +it Is prepared. + +4 Ye have looked back to former generations : S&yana explains yugftni diffe¬ +rently : c (favour us) as you have favoured former couples [i. e. sacnficers and +their wives}/—Wilson. + +& The man: the institutor of the sacrifice. + + + +mMN 71 ] + + +tr&JS RiGfEDA. + + +n + +7 This is the thought, this is the song, 0 Asvins .* accept this +hymn of ours, ye Steers, with favour. + +May these our prayers addressed to you come nigh you. +Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXI. Asvins. + +The Night retireth from the Dawn her Sister; the Dark one +yieldeth to the Red her pathway. + +Let us invoke you rich in steeds and cattle: by day and night +keep far from us the arrow. + +2 Bearing rich treasure in your car, 0 Asvins, come to the + +mortal who presents oblation. ^ + +Keep at a distance penury and sickness; Lovers of Sweetness, +day and night preserve us. + +3 May your strong horses, seeking bliss, bring hither your + +chariot at the earliest flush of morning. + +With coursers yoked by Law drive hither, Asvins, your car +whose reins are light, laden with treasure. * + +4: The chariot, Princes, that conveys you, moving at daylight, +triple-seated, fraught with riches, + +Even with this come unto us, Nasatyas, that laden with all +food it may approach us. + +5 Ye freed Chyav&na frorg old age and weakness: ye brought + +the courser fleet of foot to Pedu. + +Ye rescued Atri from distress and darkness, and loosed for +Jahusha the bonds that bound him. + +6 This is the thought, this is the song, 0 Asvins : accept this + +hymn of ours, ye Steers, with favour. + +May these our prayers addressed to you come nigh you. +Preserve us .evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXII. Asvins. + +Come, 0 N&satyas, on your car resplendent* rich in abundant +wealth of kine and horses. + +As harnessed steeds, all our laudations follow you whose forms +shine with most delightful beauty. + +2 Come with the Gods associate, come ye hither to us, N&satyas, + +with your car accordant. + +5 Tvvixt you and us there is ancestral friendship and common +kin: remember and regard it. + +1 The Red; the Sun. The arrow : of disease and death. + +3 Seeking bliss : for men. + +5 For Chyav&na, Eedu, Atri } and Jdhusha, see Vol. I. Index. There-ap- +pearanee, heralded by the Asvins or Gods of Twilight, of the departed Sun +appears to be symbolized in all these legends. + + + + +n THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YU, + +3 Awakened are t3ie songs that praise the Asvins, the kindred V* +prayers and the Celestial Mornings. + +Inviting those we long for, Earth and Heaven, the singer +calleth these Nasatyas hither. + +. 4 What time the Dawns break forth in light, 0 Asvins, to you +the poets offer their devotions. + +God Savitar hath sent aloft his splendour, and fires sing praises +with the kindled fuel. + +5 Come from the west, come from the east, N&satyas, come, As¬ +vins, from below and from above us. + +Bring wealth from all sides for the Fivefold People. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXIIL Asvins. + +We have overpassed the limit of this darkness while, worship¬ +ping the Gods, we sang their praises. + +The song invoketh both Immortal Asvins, far-reaching, born +t- of old, great Wonder-Workers. + +2 And, 0 Nasatyas, man's dear Priest is seated, who brings to + +sacrifice and offers worship. + +Be near and taste the pleasant juice, 0 Asvins: with food, + +I call you to the sacrifices. + +3 We choosing you, have let our worship follow its course: ye + +Steers, accept this hymn with favour. + +Obeying you as your appointed servant, Yasishtha singing +hath with lauds aroused you, + +4 And these Two Priests come nigh unto onr people, united, + +demon-slayers, mighty-handed. + +The juices that exhilarate are mingled. Injure us not, but +come with happy fortune. + +5 Come from the west, come from the east, Nasatyas, come, As¬ + +vins, from below and from above us. + +Bring wealth from all sides for the Fivefold People. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXlY. Asvins. + +These morning sacrifices call you. Asvins, at the break of day. + +For help have I invoked you rich in power and might: for, +house by house, ye visit all. + + +5 The Fivefold People: tlie five Aryan, tribes. See I. 7. 9. + +1 The first half-line has occurred before in I. 92. 6, and 183. 6. + +2 Man's dear Priest: Agni. + +.4 These Two Priests: the Asvins. Demon-slayers: slayers of R&kshasas and +evil spirits of the night which disappear at the coming of the heralds of day. + + + +HYMN 75.] TRB RIGYEDA, 73 + +2 0 Heroes, ye bestow wonderful nourishment: send it to him + +whose songs are sweet. + +Accordant, both of you, drive your car down to us, and drink +the savoury Soma juice. + +3 Approach ye and be near to us: drink, 0 ye Asvins, of the + +meath. + +Draw forth the milk, ye Mighty, rich in genuine wealth : in- +jure us not, and come to us. + +4 The horses that convey you in their rapid flight down to the + +worshipper’s abode, + +With these your speedy coursers, Heroes, Asyjns, come, ye +Gods, come well-inclined to us. + +5 Yea, verily, our princes seek the Asvins in pursuit of food. +These shall give lasting glory to our-liberal lords, and, both + +Nasatyas, shelter us. + +6 Those who have led the way, like cars, offending none, thos^ + +who are guar Mans of the men— + +Also through their own might the heroes have grown strong, +and dwell in safe and happy homes. + +HYMN LXXV. Dawn. + +Born in the heavens the Dawn hath flushed, and showing her +majesty is come as Law ordaineth. + +She hath uncovered fiends and hateful darkness; best of +Angirases, hath waked the pathways. + +2 Rouse us this day to high and happy fortune : to great felicity, + +0 Dawn, promote us. + +Vouchsafe us mainfold and splendid riches, famed among mor» +tals, man-bqfriending Goddess! + +3 See, lovely Morning’s everlasting splendours, bright with their + +varied colours, have approached us. + +Filling tfie region of mid-air, producing the rites of holy wor¬ +ship, they have mounted. + +4 She yokes her chariot far away, and swiftly visits the lands + +where the Five Tribes are settled, + +Looking upon the works and ways of mortals, Daughter of +Heaven, the world’s Imperial Lady. + +3 Dram forth the milk: milk the sweet rain from the firmament. + +6 Who have led the way, like cars: wealthy nobles or princes, ‘the heroes* of +the second line. + +, 1 Best of Angirases : endowed with the noblest characteristics of the holy +Angirases. Waked the pathways: lighted them for men to use. + + + +74 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK fit + +5 She who is rich in spoil, the Spouse of Surya, wondrously + +opulent, rules all wealth and treasures. + +Consumer of our youth, the seers extol her: lauded by priests +ricli Dawn shines out refulgent. + +6 Apparent are the steeds of varied colour, the red steeds car¬ + +rying resplendent Morning. + +On her all-lovely car she comes, the Fair One, and brings rich +treasure for her faithful servant. + +7 True with the True and Mighty with the Mighty, with Gods + +a Goddess, Holy with the Holy, + +She brake?strong fences down and gave the cattle : the kine +were lowing as they greeted Morning. + +8 0 Dawn, now give us wealth in kine and heroes, and horses, + +fraught with manifold enjoyment. + +Protect our sacred grass from man’s reproaches. Preserve us +f evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXVI. Pawn. + +Savitar God of all men hath sent upward his light, designed +for ail mankind, immortal. + +Through the Gods’ power that Eye was first created. Dawn +hath made all the universe apparent. + +2 I see the paths which Gods are wont to travel, innocuous paths + +made ready by the Yasus. + +Eastward the flag of Dawn hath been uplifted; she hath come +hither o’er the tops of houses. + +3 Great is, in truth, the number of the Mornings which were + +aforetime at the Sun’s uprising, + +Since thou, 0 Dawn, hast been beheld repairing as to thy love, +-as one no more to leave him. + +4 They were the Gods’ companions at the banquet, # the ancient + +sages true to Law Eternal. + +The Fathers found the light that lay in darkness, and with +effectual words begat the Morning. + + +7 Gave the cattle: restored the rays of light that had been imprisoned by +the demons of darkness. + +3 As to thy love: to the Sun, who is sometimes called the lover and some¬ +times the husband of Ushas or Pawn. + +4 The Fathers; the ancestors of the Jtishxs in the spirit-world are associated +with the G-oda as companions, friends, and assistants. See M. Muller, India , +What cm it Teach us ? pp. 223, 224. + + +THE EIG7EHA. + + +HYMN 77 .] + + +75 + + +5 Meeting together in the same enclosure, they strive not, of one + +mind, one with another. + +They never break the Gods’ eternal statutes, and injure none, +in rivalry with Vasus. + +6 Extolling thee, Blest Goddess, the Vasisbthas, awake at early + +morn, with lauds implore thee. + +Leader of kine and Queen of all that strengthens, shine, come +as first to us, 0 high-born Morning. + +7 She bringeth bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flush¬ + +ing JDawn is sung by the Yasishthas, + +Giving us riches famed to distant places. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMtf LXXVII. Dawn. + +She hath shone brightly like a youthful woman, stirring to +motion every living creature. + +Agni hath come to feed on mortals’ fuel. She hath made +light and chased away the darkness. ^ + +2 Turned to this All, far-spreading, she hath risen and shone in + +brightness with white robes about her. + +She hath beamed forth lovely with golden colours, Mother of +kine, Guide of the days she bringeth. + +3 Bearing the Gods’ own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her + +Courser white and fair to look on, + +Distinguished by her beams Dawn shines apparent, come +forth to all the world with wondrous treasure. + +4 Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman: prepare + +for ns wide pasture free from danger. + +Drive away those who hate us, bring us riches: pour bounty, +opulent Lady, on the singer. + +5 Send thy most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving + +us lengthened days, 0 Dawn, 0 Goddess, + +Granting* us food, thou who hast all things precious, and +bounty rich in chariots, kine, and horses. + +6 0 Ushas, nobly-born, Daughter of Heaven, whom the Yasish¬ + +thas with their hymns make mighty, + +Bestow thou on us vast and glorious riches. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + + +5 In the same enclosure: the vast aerial hall in which the Gods assemble/ + +1 Agni hath come to feed on mortals ’ fuel ; ‘Agni is to he kindled for the +good of men/—Wilson. + +2 Kine; rays of light. + +3 The Gods' own Eye, and Dawn’s white Courser are the Sun. + + + + +76 + + +[BOOK VIL + + +THE HYMNS OF + +HYMN LXXVIIL Dawn. + +We have beheld her earliest lights approaching : her many +glories part, on high, asunder. + +On car sublime, refulgent, wending hither, 0 Ushas, bring the +wealth that makes us happy. + +. 2 The fire well-kindled sings aloud to greet her, and with their +hymns the priests are chanting welcome. + +Ushas approaches in her splendour, driving all evil darkness +far away, the Goddess. + +3 Apparent eastward are those lights of Morning, sending out + +lustre, 2.8 they rise, around them. + +She hath brought forth Sun, sacrifice, and Agni, and far away +hath fled detested darkness. + +4 Rich Daughter of the Sky, we all behold her*, yea, all men + +look on Dawn as she is breaking. +r Her car that moves self-harnessed hath she mounted, the car +drawn onward by her well-yoked horses. + +5 Inspired with loving thoughts this day to greet thee, we and + +our wealthy nobles have awakened. + +Show yourselves fruitful, Dawns, as ye are rising. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXEX. Dawn. + +RousrNO the lands where men’s Five Tribes are settled, Dawn +hath disclosed the pathways of the people. + +Sim hath sent out her sheen with beauteous oxen. The Sun +with light hath opened earth and heaven. + +2 They paint their bright rays on the sky's far limits: the + +Dawns come on like tribes arrayed for battle. + +Thy cattle, closely shutting up the darkness, asSawitar spreads +his arms, give forth their lustre. + +3 Wealthy, most like to Indra, Dawn hath risen, and brought + +forth lauds that shall promote our welfare. + +Daughter of Heaven, a Goddess, she distributes, best of Angi- +rases, treasures to the pious. + + +1 Five Tribes: of Aryans. Pathways: pathi/d here has apparently the +same meaning as in VII. 75. 1. But according to the Fada text and S&yana +it is an adjective agreeing with Ush&h (Dawn), and signifying beneficial. + +2 They: the Dawns. For battle: supplied by Sayana. + +3 Best of Anyirases: see VII. 75. 1. + + +HYMN -81.J + + +' THU RIGVEDA. + + +11 + + +4 Bestow on ns, 0 Dawn, that ample bounty which thou didst + +send to those who sang thy praises; + +Thou whom with bellowings of a bull they quickened : thou +didst unbar the firm-set mountain’s portals. + +5 Impelling every God to grant his bounty, sending to us the + +charm of pleasant voices, + +Youchsafe us thoughts, for profit, as thou breakest. Preserve +us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXX. Dawn. + +The priests, Vasishthas, are the first awakened to welcome +Ushas with their songs and praises, + +Who makes surrounding regions pan asunder, and shows ap¬ +parent all existing creatures. + +2 Giving fresh life when she hath hid the darkness, this Dawn + +hath wakened there with new-born lustre. + +Youthful and unrestrained she cometh forward: she hath# +turned thoughts to Sun and fire and worship. ^ + +3 May blessed Mornings shine on us for ever, with wealth of + +kine, of horses, and of heroes, + +Streaming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HJMN LXXXL Dawn. + +Advancing, sending forth her rays, the Daughter of the Sky +is seen. + +Uncovering, that we may see, the mighty gloom, the friendly +Lady makes the light. + +2 The Sun ascending, the refulgent Star, pours down his beams + +together with the Dawn. + +0 Dawn, at thiue arising, and the Sun’s, may we attain the +share allotted us. + +3 Promptly we woke to welcome thee, 0 Ushas, Daughter of + +the Sky, + +Thee, Bounteous One, who bringest all we long to have, and to +the offerer health and wealth. + + +4 The second line is translated by Prof. Wilson ; * thou whom (thy worship¬ +pers) welcomed with clamour (loud as the bellowing) of a bull.’ + +Rorta/s; the doors of the mountain or cloud in which the cows or rays 'of +light were imprisoned. Ushas is by implication entreated to open these doors +now for the singer of the hymn. + +2 She hath turned thoughts: or, with S&yana, ‘she hath made manifest +sacrifice, Sun, aud Agni.’ Of. YTI. 78, 3. + +3 Tins stanza is repeated from VII. 41. 7. + + + +78 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YTL + +4 Thou, dawning, workest fain to light the great world, yea, + +heaven, Goddess ! that it may be seen. + +We yearn to be thine own, Dealer of Wealth : may we be to +this Mother like her sons. + +5 Bring us that wondrous bounty, Dawn, that shall be famed + +most far away. + +What, Child of Heaven, thou bast of nourishment for man, +bestow thou on us to enjoy. + +6 Give to our princes opulence and immortal fame, and strength + +in herds of kine to us. + +May she who prompts the wealthy. Lady of sweet strains, may +Ushas Sawn our foes away. + +HYMN LXXXIL Indra-Varuna. + +Grant us your strong protection, Indra-Varuna, our people, +and our family, for sacrifice. + +May we subdue in fight our evil-hearted foes, him who attacks +the man stedfast in lengthened rites. + +2 0 Indra-Varuna, mighty and very rich ! One of you is called + +Monarch and One Autocrat. + +All Gods in the most lofty region of the air have, 0 ye Steers, +combined all power and might in you. + +3 Ye with your strength have pierce<f the fountains of the floods: + +the Sun have ye brought forward as the Lord in heaven. +Cheered by this magic draught ye, Indra-Varuna, made the dry +places stream, made songs of praise flow forth. + +4 In battles and in frays we ministering priests, kneeling upon + +our knees for furtherance of our weal, + +Invoke yon, only you, the Lords of twofold wealth, you prompt +to hear, we bards, 0 Indra-Varuna. + +5 0 Indra-Varuna, as ye created all these creatures of the world + +by your surpassing might, + +In peace and quiet Mitra waits on Varuna, the Other, awful, +with the Maruts seeks renown. + + +6 Lady of meet strains: silnvitdvati: according to Sftyana, 2 * 4 5 speaker of +truth.’ 4 Possessing all that is excellent.’—Ludwig. + +2 One of you: Varuna is called samrctj or universal ruler (thoroughly re¬ + +splendent, according to Sdyana), and Indra svctrdj, independent ruler, or, +according bo S&yana, self-resplendent. + +4 Twofold wealth : celestial and terrestrial. + +5 Waits on Varuna: and so acknowledges his supremacy. The Other :• +Indra. + + +HYMH 83.] THE RIGVEDA. 7$ + +6 That Varuna’s high worth may shine preeminent, these Twain + +have measured each his proper power and might. + +The One subdueth the destructive enemy; the Other with a +few forthereth many a man. + +7 No trouble, no misfortune, Indra-Varuna, no woe from any + +side assails the mortal man + +Whose sacrifice, 0 Gods, ye visit and enjoy : ne’er doth the +crafty guile of mortal injure him. + +8 With your divine protection, Heroes, come to us: mine invo¬ + +cation hear, if ye be pleased therewith. + +Bestow ye upon us, 0 Indra-Yaruna, your friendship and your +kinship and your favouring grace. + +9 In battle after battle, Indra-Yaruna, be ye our Champions, ye + +who are the peoples’ strength, + +When both opposing bands invoke you for the fight, and men +that they may gain offspring and progeny. + +10 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory +and great shelter spreading far. + +We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar’s song +of praise, the God who strengthens Law. + +HYMN LXXXIIL Indra-Varuna. + +Looking to you and your alliance, 0 ye Men, armed with +broad axes they went forward, fain for spoil. + +Ye smote and slew his Dasaand his Aryan enemies, and helped +Sud^s with favour, Indra-Yaruna. + +2 Where heroes come together with their banners raised, in the + +encounter where is naught for us to love, + +Where all things that behold the light are terrified, there did +ye comfort us, 0 Indra-Yaruna. + +3 The boundary of earth were seen all dark with dust: + +0 Indra-Yaruna, the shout went up to heaven. + +The enmities of the people compassed me about. Ye heard +my calling and ye came to me with help. + +6 The One: Yaruna. + +• Indra and Yaruna? are praised by the Vasishthas, the family priests of Sudds, +King of the Tritsus, for having given him the victory over the ten confederate +Kings. See VII. 33. 3. + +1 0 ye Men: or Heroes; Indra and Yaruna. Armed with "broad axes: +e armed with large sickles/—Wilson. Ludwig maintains that the former +meaning is perfectly impossible, and argues that prithupdraavah must-mean +‘ the Prithus and the Parsus/ + +2 Where is naught for us to love: Prof. Grassmann, whom Prof. Peterson +follows, explains differently : * where all that is dear is at stake/ + + +80 TtiB HYMNS OF [BOOK VIL + +1 With your resistless weapons, Indra-Varuna, ye conquered + +Bheda and ye gave Sud&s your aid. + +Ye heard the prayers of these amid the cries of war: effectual +was the service of the Tritsus’ priest. + +5 0 Indra-Varuna, the wickeduess of foes and mine assailants' + +hatred sorely trouble me. + +Ye Twain are Lords of riches both of earth and heaven: so +grant to us your aid on the decisive day. + +6 The men of both the hosts invoked you in the fight, Indra + +and Varuna, that they might win the wealth, + +What time ye helped Sudas, with all the Tritsu folk, when the +Ten Kangs had pressed him down in their attack. + +7 Ten Kings who worshipped not, 0 Indra-Varuna, confederate, + +in war prevailed not o’er Sud&s. + +True was the boast of heroes sitting at the feast: so at their +invocations Gods were on their side. +r 8 0 Indra-Varuna, ye gave Sudas your aid when the Ten Kiugs +in battle compassed him about, + +There where the white-robed Tritsus with their braided hair, +skilled in song worshipped you with homage and with hymn. + +9 One of you Twain destroys the Vritras in the fight, the Other + +evermore maintains his holy Laws. + +We call on you, ye Mighty, with Aur hymns of praise. Vouch¬ +safe us your protection, Indra-Varuna. + +10 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory +and great shelter spreading far. + +We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar’s song +of praise, the God who strengthens Law. + +HYMN LXXXIV. Indra-Varuna. + +Kings, Indra-Varuna, I would turn you 'hither to this our +sacrifice with gifts and homage. + +Held in both arms the ladle, dropping fatness, goes of itself +to you whose forms are varied, + +2 Dvaus quickens and promotes your high dominion who bind + +with bonds not wrought of rope or cordage. + +Far from us still be Varuna’s displeasure : may Indra give us +spacious room to dwell in. + +4 Bheda : see VII. 18." 19. + +5 Both of earth and heaven : or, perhaps, belonging to both sides. + +8 With their braided hair: see VII. 33. 1. ^ + +10 This stanza is repeated from the preceding hymn. + +2 Nyam: cf. VI. 62. 9. Not wrought of rope: moral and figurative, no +material. + + + +HYMN 85.] + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +81 + + +3 Make ye our sacrifice fair amid the assemblies : make ye our + +prayers approved among our princes. + +May God-sent riches come for our possession : further ye us +with your delightful succours. f * + +4 0 Indra-Varuna, vouchsafe us riches with store of treasure, + +food, and^every blessing; + +For the Aditya, bauiaher of falsehood, the Hero, dealeth +wealth in boundless plenty. + +5 May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly + +urging, win me sons and offspring. + +To the Gods' banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. "* + +HYMN LXXXV. Indra-Varana.’ + +For you I deck a harmless hymn, presenting the Soma juice +to Yartina and Indra— + +A hymn that shines like heavenly Hawn with fatness. May +they be near us on the march and guard us. ** + +3 Here where the arrows fall amid the banners both hosts invoke +the Gods in emulation. + +0 Indra-Varuna, smite back those our foemen, yea, smite them +with your shaft to every quarter. + +3 Self-lucid ip their seats^e'en heavenly Waters endowed with + +Godhead Varuna and Indra. + +One of these holds the folk distinct and sundered, the Other +smites and slays resistless foemen. + +4 Wise be the priest and skilled in Haw Eternal, who with his + +sacred gifts and adoration + +Brings you to aid us with your might, Adityas : let him have +viands to promote his welfare. + +5 May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly + +urging, win me sons and offspring. + +To the Gods' banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + + +' 4 ThelcUtya: Varuna. + +1 On the march: the Rishi prays for aid in an expected "battle, + +Z With Godhead: libations of Soma juice, with which water is mingled, +support the Gods in their several stations : somendpydyitd hi devatdh sve sve +stMne * vatishthante .—Sftyana. Distinct and sundered: differently treated, re¬ +warded or punished in accordance with their deserts. ‘The other sustain* +the separate creatures.’—Muir. e The one protects the tribes which are scat¬ +tered abroad.’—Grassmann, + +4 TVs# be the priest: or, wise must the priest be, shilled, etc. Tie: the +institutor of sacrifice. Viands : sacrificial food to be offered to the Gods. + +flL + + + +THE HYMNS OH [BOOK V1L + +HYMN LXXXVI. Varuna. + +Wise, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed +even spacious heaven and earth asunder; +r Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of +old, and spread the earth before him. + +2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna + +and I may be united. + +Wh,at gift of mine will he accept unangered ? When may I +calmly look and find him gracious + +3 Fain to know this my sin I question others : I seek the wise, + +0 Vanina, and ask them. + +This one same answer even the sages gave me, Surely this +Varuna is angry with thee. + +4 What, Varunn, hath been my chief transgression, that thou + +wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises ? + +Tell nie, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I ap¬ +proach thee with mine homage. + +5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those where¬ + +in we have ourselves offended. + +0 King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the +cord a calf, set frGe Vasishtha. + +6 Not our own will betrayed us, but Seduction, thoughtlessness, + +Varuna! wine, dice, or anger. + +The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth +not all evil-doing. + +7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from + +sin, the God inclined to anger. + +This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God +leads on the wise to riches. + +8 0 Lord, 0 Varuna, may this laudation come close to thee and + +lie within thy spirit. + +May it be well with ns in rest and labour. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + + +1 The Star: the Sun. + +5 Like a thief who feeds the cattle: who has performed penance for his theft, + +and, at the completion of the service, offered fodder to the stolen animal: 1 * * 4 * 6 who + +has feasted on stolen cattle.’—M. Muller. But see Pischel, Yedische Studien. + +I. p. 106. + +6 Seduction: or, as Sty an a explains, 4 the settled course of fated + +The old is near: *The stronger perverts the weat erd—Muir. f There is a +senior [God] in the proximity of the junior [man]d—Wilson. + + + +hymh 87j + + +TBB MOVED A. + + +HYMN LXXXVII. Yaruna. + +Yartoa cut a pathway out for Surya, and led the watery floods +of rivers onward. + +The Mares, as in a race, speed on in order. JEfo made great +channels for the days to follow. + +2 The wind, thy breath, hath sounded through the region like + +a wild beast that seeks his food in pastures. + +Within these two, exalted Earth and Heaven, 0 Yaruna, ar£ +all the forms thou lovest. + +3 Yaruna’s spies, sent forth upon their errand, survey the two + +world-halves well formed and fashioned. + +Wise are they, holy, skilled in sacrifices, the furtherers of the +praise-songs of the prudent. + +4 To me who understand hath Yaruna spoken, the names borne + +by the Cow are three times seven. + +The sapient God, knowing the place’s secret, shall speak as +’twere to teach the race that cometh. ^ + +5 On him three heavens rest and are supported, and the three + +earths are there in sixfold order. + +The wise King Yaruna hath made in heaven that Golden Swing +to cover it with glory. + +6 Like-Yaruna from heaven he sinks in Sindhu, like a white- + +shining spark, a strong wild creature. + +Billing in depths and meting out the region, great saving +power hath he, this world’s Controller. + +1 The Marts: the swift rivers. The half-line is difficult. ‘ *■ : " . + +his task) as a horse let loo<e rushes to (a Hock of) mares, he i ■ . . w r .■ ■ +nights from the days.’—Wilson. 1 * 3 4 Like a troop (of horses) let loose, following +the mares, he has made great channels for the clays. 5 6 —Muir. + +3 Var ana's spies : the other Adifcyas, or perhaps the Fathers. + +4 The Cow: according to S5yana, V&k or Speech in the form of a cow +having twenty-one metres attached to her breast, throat, and head, or holding +the names of twenty-one kinds of sacrifice. Aditi may be intended, or Prism +with the thrice-seven Maruts, + +The sapient God: 1 The wise god, though he knows them, has not revealed ■ +the mysteries of (her) place, which he desires to grant to a future generation. 5 — +Muir. According to Sfiyana, nd in this line is not negative. + +5 For the three heavens and three earths see Yol. I., Index. In six/ohl order : +perhaps referring to the heavens and earths, or else the three earths arbitrarily +doubled. * The three earths with their six seasons. 5 —Wilson. That Golden . +Swing: the Sun. + +6 He: the Sun. Sindhu: or the sea. Ruling in depths: referring to +Yaruna whose dominion, following the setting sun, reaches to the depths of +the ocean. Meting out the region: or, who measured out the firmament. +S&yann’s interpretation of this stanza is different: ‘ (Radiant) as the sun, +Varuna placed the ocean (in its bed), white as a drop (of water), vigorous as +an antelope, object of profound praise, distributor of water, the powerful +transporter beyond sin, the ruler of this existing (world)/—Wilson. + + + +THE HYMNS OH + + +[BOOK YIJ, + + +34 + +!J Before tlxis Varuna may w§ be sinless—him who shows mercy +even to the sinner— + +While we are keeping Acliti 1 2 3 * * * 7 s ordinances. Preserve us ever¬ +more. ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXXVIJJ, Vanin* + +Present to Varuna thine hymn, Yasishtha, bright, most der +* lightful to the Bounteous Giver, + +Who bringsth on to us the Bull, the lofty, the Holy, laden +with a thousand treasures. + +2 And now, as l am come before his presence, I take the face of + +Yarena ^or Agni’s. + +So might he bring—Lord also of the darkness—the light m +heaven that I may see its beauty | + +3 When Varuna and I embark together and urge our boat into + +the midst of ocean, + +^ We, when we ride o*er ridges of the waters, will swing withiir +that swing and there be happy. + +4 Varuna placed Yasishtha in the vessel, and deftly with his + +might made him a Pishi. + +When days shone bright the Sage made him a singer, while +the heavens broadened and the Dawns were lengthened. + +5 What hath become of those our ’ancient friendships, whei* + +without enmity wo walked together % + +I, Vanina, thou glorious Lord, have entered thy lofty home ? +thine house with thousand portals. + +6 If he, thy true ally, hath signed against thee, still, Yaruna, + +he is the friend thou lovedst. + +Let us not, Living One, as sinners, know t^ee : give shelter, +as a Sage, to him who lauds thee, + + +7 Aditi's ordinance *; according to S&yana, Aditi here means - the Mighty,* +that is, Yaruna. + +1 The Bull: the Sun, + +2 For Agni\ : that is, it appears to rue to be darning with anger. + +3 { The kernel of the hymn lies in verses 3 to 6. The singer believes that + +he has been forsaken by his helper Yaruna i with anguish he remembers his + +communion with the God in former tinges. In a vision he sees himself trims-; +latecHnto Yaruna’s realm, he goes sailing with the God, is called to be Itishi +or holy singer to the God, and is in his pplace with him. Now, Yaruna has +withdrawn his favour, yet let him have mercy on his singer, and not punish +him f ■ r . . : " Ms sin. The hymn perhaps originally closed with verse + +■ ■ ’■ - note in the Siebenzig Licder, translated by Prof, + +Peterson. $ut &ee JfMebrandt, Varuna und Ultra, pp. 25, 2$. + + + + +HYMN 9^1 TBfi RtatEDL $$ + +7 While we abide in these fixed habitations, and frotn the lap of +Aditi win favour, + +May Yaruna untie the bond that binds us. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN LXXllX. Yaruna. + +Let me not yet, King Yanma, enter into the house of clay : +Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. + +2 When, Thunderer! I move along tremulous like a wind-blown +skin. + +Have mercy, spare nle, Mighty Lord', + +5 0 Bright and Powerful God, through want of strength I erred + +and went astray; + +Have mercy, spare me* Mighty Lord. + +4 Thirst found thy worshipper though he stood in the midst of +water-floods; + +Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. + +6 0 Yaruna, whatever the offence may be which we as men com¬ + +mit against the heavenly host, + +When through our want of thought we violate thy laws, +punish us not, 0 God, for that iniquity-, + +^PIYMN XG. vayu. + +To you pure juices, rich in naeath, are offered by priests through +longing for the Pair of Heroes. + +Drive, Y&yu, bring thine harnessed horse3 hither: drink the +pressed Soma till it make thee joyful. + + +% Aditi: here said to mean earth. + + +The hymn has been translated by Dr. Muir (X S. Texts, Y. 67, Prof. M. +if tiller, Anc. Sansh. Lit , 540, the authors of Siebenzig Zieder, p. 12, -and Prof, +Peterson, Hymns from the lligvcda, p. 287- + +1 The house of clay: the grave. Cf. Atliarva-ve&a, Y. 30. 14. + +2 Thunderer: adrivah , Caster of the Stone, a common ^ epithet of Indra, +hut nob suitable to Yaruna. Tremulous: S&yana adds saitycna, with, cold; +a&d Prof. Wilson observes that 1 the Varuna-'pdsa, a kind of dropsy, seems to +be referred to.'’ Of. Atharva-veda, IV. 16. 7- + +4 r lhirst: avarice. In the midU of water-floods: when surrounded ^ by +abundant wealth. According to the Commentator, the allusion is to Yasish- +tha’s sea-voyage *; or perhaps the perpetual thirst of dropsy may be intended, + +The last three stanzas are addressed to Indra and V&yu as a dual Deity. + +% The Pair of Heroes: Indra and Yftyu. + + + +«$6 THE HYMNS OF [HOOK YIL + +. 2 Whoso to thee, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma unto +thee, pure-drinking Vayu, + +That man thou.makest famous among mortals ; to him strong +sons are born in quick succession. + +3 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, +whom heavenly Bhishana for our wealth appointeth, + +• His team of harnessed horses waits on Vayu, and, foremost, on +the radiant Treasure-bearer. + +< 4 The spotless Dawns with fair bright days have, broken; they +found the spacious light when they were shining. + +Eagerly they disclosed the stall of cattle : floods streamed for +4 them as in the days aforetime. + +5 These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on + +provided with tiveir natural insight. + +Viands attend the car that beareth Heroes, your car, ye Sovran +. Pair, Indra and Vayu. + +6 May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts + +of kiiie and horses, gold and treasures, + +These princes, through full life, Indra and V ayu 1 overcome +in battle with their steeds and heroes. + +7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasishthas, 0 Indra-Vayu, + +with our fair laudations, * + +Exerting all our po- w call you to aid us. Preserve us ever¬ +more, fo Gods, with blessings. + +• : HYMN XCI. vayu. + +Wj&re not, in sooth, the Gods aforetime blameless, whose +pleasure was increased by adoration $ + +For Vayu and fur man in his affliction they carused the Morning +to arise with Surya. • + + +. 3 The God: apparently, Indra. JDhishand: a Goddess of prosperity and + +gain. 27ie radiant Treasure-bearer: perhaps Soma. + +4 They found: the Angirases. ‘They are not named in the text, but +Sftyana refers the whole to them ; by their -praise of Vdyu the dawn broke, +the stolen cattle were rescued, and the obstructed rain set at liberty.’—■ +Wilson. + +5 These: the institutes of sacrifice, + +G These rulers, these primes, are the wealthy nobles who defray the expenses +and reward the priests. + +Indra is associated with V&yu in almost every stanza. + +I For Vdyu: I translate the ray me, of the text, but it is evident that +dydve, for Ayu, or the living one, should be read in its stead. + + + +HYMN 92 .] THE RIGYEDA. 87 + +2 Guardians infallible, eager as envoys, preserve us safe through + +many months and autumns. + +Addressed to you, our fair praise, Indra-V&yu, implores your +favour and reuewed well-being. + +3 Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he seekefch men with rich + +food whose treasures are abundant. + +They have arranged them of one mind with Vayu : the men +have wrought all noble operations. + +4 So far as native power and strength permit you, so far as men + +behold whose eyes have vision, + +0 ye pure-drinkers, drink with us pure Soma: sit on this +sacred grass, Indra and Vayu. * + +5 Driving down teams that bear the lovely Heroes, hitherward, + +Indra-Vayu, come together. + +To you this prime of savoury juice is offered: here loose your +horses and be friendly-minded. + +6 Your hundred and your thousand teams, 0 Indra and Vayi^ + +all-munificent, which attend you, + +With these most gracious-minded come ye hither, and drink, +0 Heroes, of the meath we offer. + +7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasishthas, 0 Indra-V&yii, + +with our fair laudations, + +Exerting all our povtfbr, .call you to aid us. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XCII. vayu. + +O Vayu, drinker of the pure, be near us : a thousand teams +are thine, All-bounteous Giver. + +To thee the rapture-bringing juice is offered, whose first +draught, God, thou'takest as thy portion. + +■ 2 Prompt at the holy rites forth came the presser with* $oma- +draughts for Indra and for Vayu, + +When ministering priests with strong devotion bring to you +Twain the first taste of the Soma. + +3 The teams wherewith thou seekest him who offers, within his +home, 0 Vayu, to direct him, + +Therewith send wealth to us with full enjoymeut, a hero son +and gifts of'Uiue and horses. + + +3 lie seeketh: V&yu. The meaning of the stanza is obscure. +5 The lovely Heroes: Indra and V4yu, + +1 Drinker of the pure: or bright,"Soma, + + +SS TBB BYMNS OF [BOOK VTl + +4 Near to the Gods and making Indra joyful, devout and offer¬ + +ing precious gifts to V&yii* + +Allied with princes, smiting down the hostile, may we with +heroes conquer foes in battle. + +5 With thy yoked teams in hundreds and in thousands corne to + +our sacrifice and solemn worship. + +Come, Vayu, make thee glad at this libation. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN XCIII. Indra-Agni. + +Slayers of enemies, Indra and Agni, accept this day our new¬ +born p^re laudation. + +Again, again I call you prompt to listen, best to give quickly +strength to him who craves it. + +2 For ye were strong to gain, exceeding mighty, growing toge¬ + +ther, waxing in your vigour. + +Lords of the pasture filled with ample riches, bestow upon +strength both fresh and lasting. + +3 Yea when the strong have entered our assembly, and singers + +seeking with their hymns your favour, + +They are like steeds who come into the race-course, those +men who call aloud on Indra-Agni. + +4 The siuger, seeking with his hyrasis your favour, begs splen¬ + +did riches of their first possessor. + +Further us with Dew bounties, Indra-Agni* armed with strong +thunder, slayers of the foeman. + +£> When two great hosts, arrayed against each other, meet +clothed with brightness, in the fierce encounter +Stand ye beside the godly, smite the godless; and still assist +the men who press the Soma. * + +6 To this our Soma^pressing, Indra-Agni, come ye prepared to + +show your loving-kindness, + +For not at any time have ye despised us. So may I draw +you with all strengthenings hither. + +7 So Agni, kindled mid this adoration, invite thou Mitra, + +Varuna, and Indra. + +4 Allied: the priests are the allies and moral supporters of the princes +in war. + +5 In hundreds and in thousands: of. I. 135, 3. + +3 The strong: the nobles who institute sacrifices. + +4 Their first possessor: each God who is invoked. + +5 Great hosts: ‘hosts* must be supplied. The feminine dual adjectives +have no substantive in the text. + + + +THE FTQVEDA. + + +tit MX 0lj + + +8d + + +forgive whatever sin we have committed ; may Aryaman and +Aditi remove it. + +8 While we accel£x*ate these our sacrifices, may we win strength +from both of you, 0 Agni : + +Ne’er may the Maruts, Indra, Vishnu slight us. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blesssngs. + +HYMN XC1V. Indra-Agni. + +As rain from out the cloud, for you, ludra and Agni, from +my soul + +This noblest praise hath been produced. + +2 Do ye, 0 Indra-Agni, hear the singer’s call: accept his songs. +Ye Rulers, grant his heart’s desfre. + +3 Give us not up to poverty, ye Heroes, Indra-Agni, nor +To slander and reproach of men. + +4 To Indra and to Agni we bring reverence, high and holy hymn, + +And, craving help, soft words with prayer. ^ + +5 For all these holy singers here implore these Twain to succour + +them, + +And priests that they may win them strength. + +6 Eager to laud you, wejvith songs invoke you, bearingsacred food, +Fain for success in sacrifice. + +7 Indra and Agui, come tff us with favour, ye who conquer men : +Let not the wicked master xis< + +8 At no time let the injurious blow of hostile mortal fall on us ; +0 Indra-Agni, shelter us. + +9 Whatever wealth we crave of you> in gold, in cattle, or in + +steeds, + +That, Indra-Agjni, let us gain; + +10 When heroes prompt in worship call Indra and Agni, Lord* + +of steeds, + +Beside the Soma juice effused. + +11 Call hither with the song and lauds those who best slay the + +foemen, those + +Who take delight in hymns of praise. . + +7 Aryaman and Aditi: Mitra and others being understood, as the verb i» +plural + +8 0 Agni : that is, Indra and Agni. + +1 As rain: the hymn of praise is copious in its flow, and is doubly bene¬ +ficial, .gratifying the Gods and v>: x o the worshipper. From my + +soul: mdnmanah: explained h ...... ^ ere and in the correspond¬ +ing passage of" the Samaveda by stotuTi , praiser ~~ + +IX Call hither: I follow Trof. Ludwig in • .; i instead of + +dvivdsatah which involves a very harsh construction. + + + +90 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VII + +12 Slay ye the wicked man whose thought is evil, of the demon +kind. + +Slay him who stays the waters, slay the Serpent with your +deadly dart + +HYMN XCY. Sarasvati. + +This stream Sarasvati. with fostering current comes forth, our +sure defence, our fort of iron. + +As on a car, the flood flows on, surpassing in majesty and +might all other waters. + +2 Pure in her course from mountains to the ocean, alone of + +streams Sarasvati hath listened. + +Thinking of wealth and the great world of creatures, she +]loured for N&husha her milk and fatness. + +3 Friendly to man he grew among the women, a strong young + +Steer amid the Holy Ladies. + +He gives the fleet steed to our wealthy princes, and decks +f their bodies for success in battle. + +4 May this Sarasvati be pleased and listen at this our sacrifice, + +auspicious Lady, + +When we with reverence, on our knees, implore her close-knit +to wealth, most kiud to those she loveth. + +5 These offerings have ye made with adoration : say this, Saras¬ + +vati, and accept our praises; + +And, placing us under thy dear protection, may we approach +thee, as a tree, for shelter. + +6 For thee, 0 Blest Sarasvati, Yasishtha hath here unbarred the + +doors of sacred Order. + +Wax, Bright One, and give strength to him who lauds thee. +Preserve us ever iore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +12 Him who stays the waters: udadhim: according to S&yana, like an +ududl. ih, water-holder or pitcher. The Serpent: dbhogam , ‘ tbe coiler,’ explained +differently by S&yana, as ‘one who enjoys good things taken from the +worshippers,’ + +1 Sarasvati: Sindhu or Indus appears to be intended under this name. +See YI. 61. 2, and Vedic Hymns, I. p. 60. + +2 Ndhusha: according to the legend, a King who prayed to Sarasvati who +-gave him butter and milk sufficient for the thousand-year sacrifice which he +was about to perform. The Kahushas, the people living on the banks of the +river, are probably intended. + +3 He grew: Sarasv&n, the consort of Sarasvati. + +5 These offerings: this half-line is very obscure. Prof. Ludwig thinks that +these words may be supposed to be spoken by Sarasvati to her worshippers, +but lie is not satisfied of the correctness of liis conjecture, * Presenting to +thee.. S , thebe oblations with reverence (may we receive from thee affluence}.’ +—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 97.] + + +THE RIGYEHA. + + +.91 + +HYMN XCVI. Sarasvati. + +I sing a lofty song, for she is mightiest, most divine of Streams. +Sarasvati will I exalt with hymns and lauds, and, 0 Yasishtha, +Heaven and Earth. + +2 When in the fulness of their strength the Purus dwell. Beau¬ + +teous One, on thy two grassy banks, + +Favour us thou who hast the Maruts for thy friends : stir up +the bounty of our chiefs. + +3 So may Sarasvati auspicious send good luck; she, rich in spoil, + +is never niggardly in thought, + +When praised in Jamadagni’s way and lauded as Yasishtha +lauds. * + +4 We call upon Sarasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives, +As liberal men who yearn for sons. + +5 Be thou our kind protector, 0 Sarasv&n, with those waves of + +thine + +Laden with sweets and dropping oil. * + +6 May we enjoy Sarasv&u’s breast, all*beautiful, that swells with + +streams, + +May we gain food and progeny. + +HYMN XCYII. Brihaspati. + +Where Heaven and Ea*th combine in men’s assembly, and +those who love the Gods delight in worship, + +Where the libations are effused for Indra, may he come first +to drink and make him stronger. + +2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us—so may +Brihaspati, 0 friends, exalt us— + +That he, the Bounteous God, may find us sinless, who giveth +from a distance like a father. + +1 Heaven and Earth ; heaven as the home of the Goddess, and earth where +she flows as a river. + +2 The Films : an Aryan tribe settled on both hanks of the Sarasvati or +Indus See Vol I., Index. Grassy banks : this, as von Both has suggested, +seems to be the meaning of dndhasl , but the expression is difficult. See +Hillebrandt, Vedische Mythologies p. 254. + +3 Jumadugui: a celebrated ancient Ilishi. + +Indra is the deity of stanza 1, Indra and Brahmanaspati are the deities of +3 and 9, Indra and Brihaspati of 10, and the rest of the hymn is addres&ed to +Brihaspati. Brihaspati and Brahmauuspati are one and the same God, the +Lord of Prayer. See I, 14. 3. + +- 1 Where Heaven and Earth combine: where Gods and men meet at the place +of sacrifice. And make him stronger: Sftyana explains vdyaseha differently: + +1 (may *kis) swift (horses, approach).’—Wilson. + +2 Like a father: although he is far away he gives us what we ask like a +father who is near at hand.—Ludwig. + + + +92 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VlL + +3 That Brahmanaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with + +offerings and with homage. + +May the great song of praise, divine, reach Indra who is the +King of prayer the Gods’ Creation.- + +4 May that Brihaspati who brings all blessings, most dearly + +loved, be seated by our altar. + +Heroes and wealth we crave; may he bestow them, and bear +us safe beyond the men who vex us. + +5 To us these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud + +of ours which gives the Immortal pleasure. + +Let us invoke Brihaspati, the foeless, the clear-voiced God, the' +Holy One of households. + +6 Him, this Brihaspati* his reddmed horses, drawing together, + +full of strength, bring hither. + +Robed in red colour like the cloud, they carry the Lord of +Might whose friendship gives a dwelling. + +7 For he is pure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of + +gold, impetuous* winning sunlight. + +Sublime Brihaspati, easy of access, granteth his friends most +bountiful refreshment. + +8 Both Heaven and Earth, diviue, the Deity’s Parents, have + +made Brihaspati increase in grandeur; + +Glorify him, 0 friends, who merits glory: may he give prayer +fair way and easy passage. + +0 This, Brahmanaspati, is yotir laudation : prayer hath been +made to thunder-wielding Indra. + +Favour our songs, wake up our thought and spirit: destroy +the godless and our foemen’s malice. + +10 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth ih earth alid heaven, thou, 0 +Brihaspati, and thou, 0 Indra. + +Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. +Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings; + + +3 The (rods' creation: devdkriiasya: inspired, or, literally, made, by the +Gods. + +5 Our bymiis of praise which are acceptable to the immortal God have +been given to us by the everlasting deities themselves. Skyana’s explanation +is different; ‘ may the first-boni immortals (by his command) bestow upon titf +the food that is necessary for existence.’—Wilson. + +6 Whose friendship gives a dwelling : I adopt, the interpretation given by +Professor Cowell in his note On the passage in Wilson’s translation. + +7 With hundred wings-: f borne by numerous conveyances.’—Wilson. + +8 In grandeur: or, by their might. + +10 Mean; or, poor. + + + + +&YMN 99.] + + +THE RIGYEDA , + + +93 + + +HYMN XOVIII. Ij>dra. + +Pbiests, offer to the Lord of all the people the milked-out +stalk of Soma, radiant-coloured. + +No wild-bull knows his drinking-place like Indra who ever +seeks him who hath pressed the Sqrua. + +2 Thou dost desire to drink, each day that passes, the pleasant + +food which thou hast had aforetime. + +0 Indra, gratified in heart and spirit, drink eagerly the Soma +set before thee. + +3 Thou, newly-born, for strength didst drink the Soma ; the + +Mother told thee of thy future greatuess. + +0 Indra, thou hast filled mid-air’s wide region, and given the +Gods by battle*room and freedom. + +4 When thou hast urged the arrogant to combat, proud 14 their + +streugth of arm, we will subdue them. + +Or, Indra, when thou tightest girt by heroes, we in the glori- « +ous fray with thee will conquer, + +5 I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts + +which Maghavau hath accomplished. + +IVhen he had conquered godless wiles and magic, Soma be¬ +came his own entire possession. + +6 Thine is this world of fioffks and herds around thee, which + +with the eye of Surya thou beholdest, + +Thou, Indra, art alone the Lord of cattle : may we enjoy the +treasure which thou givest. + +7 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, 0 + +Brihaspati, and thou, 0 Jndra, + +Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. +Preserve us eVermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +' HYMN XCIX. Vishnu, + +Men come not nigh thy majesty who gr-pwest beyond all hound +and measure with thy body. + +Both thy two regions of the earth, 0 Yishnu, we know ; thou, +God, knowegt the highest alsp. + + +1 Radiant-coloured: arunam, red, ruddy, here explained by the Com*; +jnentator as drochaindnam, shining. + +3 Thy future greatness: see IV. 18. 4, where Adifci says :■— £ No peer hath +he among those born already, nor among those who shall be' born hereafter. + +I fwo regions of the earth ; that is, the earth and the firmament. c The +two lower regions are within the range of our perception ; the third belongs t* +Yishnu, whither he stepped with the third of Ids ascending strides.’—Wallis* +Cosmology of the Rigveda y p, 11#. + + + + +U TBE HYMNS OF [WOK YlL + +2 None who is bora or being born, God Vishnu, hath reached + +the utmost limit of thy grandeur. + +The vast high vault of heaven hast thou supported, aud fixed +earth's eastern pinnacle' securely. + +3 Rich in sweet food be ye, and rich in milch*kine, with fertile + +pastures, fain to do men service. + +Both these worlds, Vishnu, hast thou stayed asunder, and +firmly fixed the earth with pegs around it. + +4 Ye have made spacious room for sacrificing by generating + +Sfirya, Dawn, and Agni. + +0 Heroes^ye have conquered in your battles even the bull- +jawed Dasa’s wiles aud magic. + +5 Ye have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou, Vishnu, Sambara's + +nine-and-ninefcy fenced castles. + +Ye Twain smote down a hundred times a thousand resistless +heroes of the royal Vardan. + +6 This is the lofty hymn of praise, exalting the Lords of Mighty + +Stride, the strong aud lofty. + +I laud you in the solemn synods, Vishnu : pour ye food on us +in our camps, 0 Indra. + +7 0 Vishnu, unto thee my lips cry Vashat ! Let this mine offer¬ + +ing, Sipivishta, please thee. ^ + +May these my songs of eulogy exalt thee. Preserve us ever¬ +more, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN C. Vishnu. + +Ne’er doth the man repent, who, seeking profit, bringeth bis +gift to the far-striding Vishnu. + +He who adoreth him with all his spirit winneth himself so +great a benefactor. + +2 Thou, Vishnu, constant in thy courses, gavest good-will to all +' men, and a hymn that lasteth, + +That thou mightst move us to abundant comfort of very +splendid wealth with store of horses. + + +3 The first line appears to be Vishnu's blessing on heaven and earth when +he parted and supported them. + +4 Bull-jawed: or Vrishnsipra may be the name of the Dfisa. + +5 Royal Varchin: see II. 14. 6. + +7 Vashat: the exclamation used on making an oblation. Sipivishta : a name +*f Vishnu of nncertain etymology and meaning. ‘ Invested with rays of light/ +according to S&yana. See Muir, 0. S. Texts , IV. 87, 88, note, + +2 A hymn that lasteth : continually recurring occasion to praise thee. + + + +IIYMN 101.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. ’ + + +95 + + +3 Three times strode forth this God iu all his grandeur over this + +earth bright with a hundred splendours. ' + +Foremost be Vishnu, stronger than the strongest: for glorious +is his name who lives for ever. + +4 Over this earth with mighty step strode Vishnu, ready to + +give it for a home toManu. + +In him the humble people trust for safety : be, nobly born, +hath made them spacious dwellings. + +5 To-day I laud this name, 0 Sipivishta, I, skilled in rules, the + +name of thee the Noble. . + +Yea, I the poor and weak praise thee the Mighty vtfio dwellest +in the realm beyond this region. + +6 What was there to be blamed in thee, 0 Vishnu, when thou + +declaredst, I am Sipivishta'? + +Hide not this form from us, nor keep it secret, since thou didst +wear another shape iu battle. + +7 0 Vishnu, unto thee my lips cry Vashat l Let this mine offer¬ + +ing, Sipivishta, please thee. + +May these my songs of eulogy exalt thee. Preserve us +evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN CI. Parjanya. + +Speak forth three words, the words which light precedeth, +which milk this udder that produceth nectar. + +Quickly made manifest, the Bull hath bellowed, engendering +the germ of plants, the Infant. + +2 Giver of growth to plants, the God who ruleth over the waters +and all moving creatures, + +Vouchsafe us triple shelter for our refuge, and threefold light +to succour an 4befriend us. + + +3 This earth: meaning, says the Commentator, earth, firmament, and heaven. + +6 This stanza is unintelligible. The Commentator on the corresponding +passage of the S&maveda says : ‘ Vishnu formerly abandoning his own form, - +and assuming another artificial shape, succoured Vnsishtha in battle.^ [Recog¬ +nizing the god, the Itishi addresses him with the verse ’ Sipivishta is said to +be a word of equivocal meaning, c clothed with rays of light,’ and * denuded/ +See Wilson’s note, and 0, S, Texts , IV. 87, 88, note. The passage looks like +the germ of the later incarnations of the God which occur in the Sjtapatha- + +Brdhmana and the Purdnas . - + +1 Three words: or texts of the three Vedas. Which light precedeth: intro¬ +duced by the sacred syllable Om. More probably Parjanya is addressed, the +three words being his voice, the thunder (V. $3, 6), henrd in heaven, air, and +earth, and preceded by the lightning-flash. See Bergaigne. Quamnte Uymnes +du Rig-veda. p. 79. Milk this udder ; draw down the sweet rain from the cloud. + +\ The Bull: Parjanya. The Infant: Agni in the form of lightning. + +' 2 Threefold light: with reference to the divisions of the day and the seasons. + + + +$6 + + +TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK TIL + + +3 Now he is sterile, now begetteth offspring, even as he willeth + +doth he change his figure, + +The Father’s genial flow bedews the Mother; therewith the +Sire, therewith the son is nourished. + +4 In him all livi.ug creatures have their being, and the three + +heavens with triply-flowing waters. + +Three reservoirs that sprinkle down their treasure shed their +sweet streams around him' with a murmur. + +5 May this my song to Sovran Lord Parjmiya come near unto + +his heart and give him pleasure. + +May we obtain the showers that bring enjoyment, and God- +protected plants with goodly fruitage. + +6 0e is the Bull of all, and their impregner : he holds the life + +of all things fixed and moving. + +May this rite save me till my hundredth autumn. Preserve +us eyerpaore, ye Gods, with blessings. + +HYMN CII. Parjanya, + +Sisg forth and l&ud Parj.auya, Son of Heaven, who sends the +gift of rain : + +May he provide our pasturage. + +2 Parjanya U the God who forms in kine, in mares, in plants + +of earth, + +And womankind, the germ of life. r + +3 Offer and pour into his mouth oblation rich in savoury juice : +May he for ever give us food. + +HYMN CHI Frogs. + +They who lay quiet for a year, the BHMi mans who fulfil their vows, +The Frogs have lifted up their voice, the voice Parjanya hath +inspired- + +3 Ee is sterile i sends no rain, like a barren cow thaf gives no milk. + +The Father'$ genial flow: ‘The father is the sky, earth the mother, who re^ +reives the rain from the former, which, producing the ipeans of offering liba¬ +tions and oblations, returns again to the parent heaven, well as supports his +offspring—all living creatures.’—Wilson. + +A Three reservoirs ; according to Sayana, clouds in the east, west, and north, +6 The Bull of all ; the plants, understood. + +3 Into his mouth ; that is, Agni, who is the mouth by which the othor Gods +/consume the offerings that are made to them. + + +The hymn has been translated by Dr. Muir, 0 . 8 Texts, V. 438, and by Pro¬ +fessor F. Max Muller in liis Ancient Sanskrit Literature, pp. 494f, who + +remarks : 'The hymn.which is called a panegyric of the frogs, is clearly + +a *atire on the priests j and it is curious to observe that the sathe animal +aliould have been chosen by the Vedic Satirist to represent the priests, which, +by the earliest satirist of Greece, was selected as the representative of the +Homeric heroes.’ But see Oldenberg, Die Feligion des Veda, p. 70. The +kyjan evidently belongs to a late period of Yedic poetry. + + +r + + + + +HYMN 103.] + + +THE RIG VEDA . + + +97 + + +2 What time on these, as on a dry skin lying in the pool's bed, + +the floods of heaven descended, + +The music of the Frogs comes forth in concert like the cows 3 * 5 * 7 8 9 +lowing with their calves beside them. + +3 When at the coming of the Bains the water has poured upon + +them as they yearned and thirsted, + +One seeks another as he talks and greets him with cries of +pleasure as a son his father. + +4 Each of these twain receives the other kindly, while they are + +revelling in the flow of waters, + +When the Frog moistened by the rain springs forward, and +Greeu and Spotty both combine their voices. + +5 When one of these repeats the other's language, as he who + +learns the lesson of the teacher, + +Your every limb seems to be growing larger as ye couverse +with eloquence on the waters. + +G One is Cow-bellow and Goat-bleat the other, one Frog is Green c +and one of them is Spotty. + +They bear one common name, and yet they vary, and, talking, +modulate the voice diversely. + +7 As Brahmans, sitting round the brimful vessel, talk at the + +Soma-rite of Atiratra, ^ + +So, Frogs, ye gather round the pool to honour this day of all +the year, the first of Bain-time. + +8 These Br&hmans with the Soma juice, performing their year¬ + +long rite, have lifted up their voices; + +And these Adhvaryus, sweating with their kettles, come forth +and show themselves, and none are hidden. + +9 They keep the twelvemonth's God-appointed order, and never + +do the men neglect the season. + + +3 With cries of pleasure: akhkhalikritya: uttering tlie imitative exclama" + +tion akhkhakt. + +5 Your every limb : this abrupt change of person is not unfrequent in the + +Veda. + +7 Atirdtra: a ceremony accompanied by three nocturnal recitations. + +8 Year-long rite: ‘ Sayana makes it refer to Gavim ayttnam , a (sacrificial +session, which commences and ends with the atirdtra , and lasts a whole year.’— +Cowell, in Wilson’s Translation. Sweating with their kettles: ‘ There is a +quibble on the word gharminah, having or bearing the vessel, or performm +the rite so termed ; or, suffering from gharnut, heat, or the hot season.’— +Wilson. And none are hidden : g fifty & nh Ice chit: some take mi here as 1 like + +* issue forth like persons who have been hidden.’—Muir. 1 Pop out like her¬ +mits.’—M. Muller. + +9 The men: the priestlike frogs. Thc&e who were heated kettles: the frog4 +who had been burnt and scorched by the hot weather. + +7 + + +98 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YIL + +. Soon as the Rain-time in the year returneth, these who were +heated kettles gain their freedom. + +10 Cow-bellow and Goat-bleat have granted riches, and Green and +Spotty have vouchsafed us treasure. + +The Frogs who give us cows in hundreds lengthen our lives +in this most fertilizing season. + +HYMN CIV. Indra-Soma. + +. Indra and Soma, burn, destroy the demon foe, send downward, +0 ye Bulls, those who add gloom to gloom. + +Annihilate the fools, slay them and burn them up ; ohase them +away from us, pierce the voracious ones. + +2 Indra and Soma, let sin round the wicked boil like as a caldron + +set amid the flames of fire. + +. Against the foe of prayer, devourer of raw flesh, the vile fiend +fierce of eye, keep ye perpetual hate. + +3 Indra and Soma, plunge the wicked in the depth, yea, cast + +them into darkness that hath no support, + +, So that not one of them may ever thence return : so may your +wrathful might prevail and conquer them. + +4 Indra and Soma, hurl your deadly crushing bolt down qd the + +wicked fiend from heaven and from the earth. + +Yea, forge out of the mountains 'your celestial dart wherewith, +ye burn to death the waxing demon race. + + +10 Have granted riches: as the earliest proelaimers of the advent of the +Rains which revive and fertilize the earth. + +‘ It is possibly an echo of this production that we find in a description of +autumn in the Harivamsa, V 8803, where the poet compares the noise made +by a frog, after bis rest of sixteen half months, along 1 with his wives, to the + +recitation of the Rig-veda by a Brahman surrounded by his pupils .On + +this verse the late M. Langlois somewhat naively remarks as follows : Dana +nos mOGurs rien n’ egaleraifc 1* impertinence d’ une comparaison dans laquelle +une grenouille serait assimilde h itn respectable eccl&jiastique, Les Indians, +li ce qu’ il parait, ne voyaient dans telle esp&ce de rapprochement aucune +teinte d* impiete.’—Muir, 0, S. Texts. V. 438. But see Bergaigue, La Religion +Viddque, I. 292. + +The hymn consists chiefly of imprecations directed against demons and +evil spirits, R&kshasas and Yatudhanas. The deities are various. + +1 The demon foe .* rdhshah: the R&kshasas, fiends, demons, goblins, going +about at niglit, disturbing sacrifices and devout men, ensnaring and even +devouring human beings, and generally hostile to the human race. + +2 The vile fiend : himkline: explained by the Commentator as one who + +goes about saying, or What now? A quidnunc, a vile and + +treacherous spy and informer. The word is used as the name of a class of +evil spirits. + + + + + +THE RIQVEDA. + + +99 + + +tiffiMN 104,] + +jp Indra and Soma, cast ye downward out of Leaven your deadly +/ darts cf stone burning with fiery flame, + +; Eternal, scorching darts; plunge the voracious ones within the +' depth, and let them sink without a sound. + +]6 Indra and Soma, let this hymn control you both, even as the +/ girth encompasses two vigorous steeds— +i The song of praise which I with wisdom offer you : do ye, as +Lords of men, animate these my prayers. + +7 In your impetuous manner think ye both thereon : destroy + +these evil beings, slay the treacherous fiends. + +Indra and Soma, let the wicked have no bliss who evermore +assails us with malignity. * + +8 Whoso accuses me with words of falsehood when I pursue my + +way with guileless spirit, + +May he, the speaker of untruth, be, Indra, like water which +the hollowed baud compresses. + +9 Those who destroy, as is their wont, the simple, and with their* 1 + +evil natures harm the righteous, + +May Soma give them over to the serpent, or to the lap of +Nirriti consign them. + +10 The fiend, 0 A.gni, who designs to injure the essence of our + +food, kine, steeds, or bodies, + +May he, the adversary, fhief, and robber, sink to destruction, +both himself and offspring. + +11 May he be swept away, himself and children : may all the + +three earths press him down beneath them. + +May his fair glory, 0 ye Gods, be blighted, who in the day or +night would fain destroy us. + +12 The prudent fiijds it easy to distinguish the true and false ; + +their words oppose each other. + +Of these two that which is the true and honest, Soma protects, +and brings the false to nothing. + +13 Never doth Soma aid and guide the wicked or him who falsely + +claims the Warrior’s title. + +He slays the fiend and him who speaks untruly: both lie en¬ +tangled in the noose of Indra. + +5 Without a sound: so suddenly that they have not time to cry out. + +■ 9 To the serpent: or to death by serpents’ bites. Nirriti ; Death and +Destruction. + +13 The Warrior's title: the rank of a Kshatriya or prince of the military +order. + +The first eleven stanzas ‘ are considered to be a malediction upon the +JRdhshasas by the Rishi. To account for the change of tone [in 3 2—16J, +Bdyana gives an unusual version of the legend told in • the Mahabhdrata of + + + +100 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOlklL + +14 As if I worshipped deities of falsehood, or thought 4|n + +thoughts about the Gods, 0 Agni. \ + +Why art thou angry with us, Jatavedas? Destruction fall ot +those who lie against thee I + +15 So may I die this day if I have harassed any mau’s life or jt + +I be a demon. + +Yea, may he lose all his ten sons together who with false*^ +tongue hath called me Yatudh&ua. + +16 May Indra slay him with a mighty weapon, and let the vilest 54 + +of all creatures perish, + +The fiend who says that he is pure, who calls me a demonr +though devoid of demon nature. + +17 She too who wanders like an owl at night-time, hiding her + +body in her guile and malice, + +May she fall downward into endless caverns. May press-stones +with loud ring destroy the demons. + +^18 Spread out, ye Maruts, search among the people : seize ye and +grind the ltab\ + +Who fly abroad, ■ ■■ at night-time, or sully + +and pollute our holy worship. + +19 Hurl down from heaven thy bolt of stone, 0 Indra: sharpen + +it, Maghavan, made keen by Soma. + +Forward, behind, and from above under, smite down the +demous with thy rocky weapon. + +20 They fly, the demon dogs, and, bent on mischief, fain would + +they harm indomitable Indra. + +Sakra makes sharp his weapon for the wicked: now let him +cast his bolt at fiendish wizards. + +21 Indra hath ever been the fiends’ destroyer who spoil oblatioua + +of the Gods’ invokers : + +Yea, Sakra, like an axe that splits the timber, attacks and +smashes them like earthen vessels. + +’king Halmashapada being transformed t.o a Edkskcisa, and devouring the 100 +sons of Vasishtha : here it is said that a liukshusa, having devoured the +fflshi’s sons, assumed his shape, and said to him, ** 1 am Vasishtha, thou art +the Fdkshasa;” to which Vasishtha replied by repeating this verse [stanza +12J, declaratory of his discriminating between truth and falsehood.’—Wilson. + +* The verses may, as Professor Max Muller supposes, have arisen out of +Vasish^ha’s contest with Visvamitra [see III. 53. 21, note], and it may have +been the latter.personage who brought those charges of heresy, and of murder¬ +ous and demoniacal character against his rival ’—Muir, O. S. T<xts } I. 327,328. + +15 Ydtudhdna: explained by fc&yuna as « Rdkshasa. The Yatudh ma pro¬ +bably was rather the goblin or sorcerer while the ll&kshasa was the violent +and voracious ogre. + +17 Here the malediction on evil spirits in general is resumed and continu¬ +ed to the end of the hymn. She too : the Mkskast , or she fiend. + + + +HTMN 104.] THE RIG VEDA. 101 + +22 Destroy the fiend shaped like an owl or owlet, destroy him in + +the form of dog or cuckoo. + +Destroy him shaped as eagle or as vulture : as with a stone, +0 Indra, crush the demon. + +23 Let not the fiend of witchcraft-workers reach ns : may Dawn + +drive off the couples of Kiraidins, + +Earth keep us safe from earthly woe and trouble : from grief +that comes from heaven mid-air preserve ns, + +24 Slay the male demon, Indra ! slay the female, joying and + +triumphing in arts of magic. + +Let the fools' gods with bent necks fall and perish^ and see no +more the Sun when he arises. + +25 Look each one hither, look around : Indra and Soma, watch + +ye well. + +Cast forth your weapon at the fiends; against the sorcerers +hurl your bolt. + + +23 Kimidivs: or vile spirits. See note on stanza 2. + +24 Fools' (jods : m&radevdh ; explained by S&yana as = m Iranakvtddh, ‘those +who make killing their sport. 7 According to the St. Petersburg Lexicon, +mtlmdevdh = milladevdh, a species of demons or goblins. + + + + + +BOOK THE EIGHTH + + +HYMN I. Indra. + +Glorify naught besides, 0 friends; so shall no sorrow trouble +you. + +Praise only mighty Indra when the juice is shed, and say your +lauds repeatedly : + +2 Even him, eternal, like a bull who rushes down, men’s Con¬ +queror, bounteous like a cow; + +Him who is cause of both, of enmity and peace, to both sides +most munificent. + + +3 Although these men in sundry ways invoke thee to obtain + +thine aid, + +Be this our prayer, addressed, 0 Indra, unto thee, thine exal-^ +tation every day. + +4 Those skilled in song, 0 Maghavan, among these men o’er- + +come with might the foe man’s songs. + +Come hither, bring us strength in many a varied form most +near that it may succour us. + +5 0 Caster of the Stone, I*wonld not sell thee for a mighty price, +,"Nbt for a thousand, Thunderer! nor ten thousaud, nor a + +hundred, Lord of countless wealth ! + +6 0 Indra, thou art more to me thau sire or niggard brother is. +Thou and my mother, 0 Good Lord, appear alike, to give me + +wealth abundantly. + +7 Where art thou ? Whither art thou gone ? For many a + +place attracts thy mind. + +Haste, Warrior, Fort-destroyer, Lord of battle’s din, haste, +holy songs have sounded forth. + +8 Sing out the psalm to him who breaks down castles for his + +faithful friend, + +Yerses to bring the Thunderer to destroy the forts and sit on, +Kanva’s sacred grass. __ + + +2 Bounteous like a cow: the adjective is not in the text, but must be sup¬ +plied in order to make the comparison intelligible. See Vedmhe btudim, I, +103. To both sides: to the singers and the institutors of sacrifice. + +5 A hundred K* meaning ‘ infinite,’ according to the Commentator. + +8 For Ms faithful friend : Ludwig takes Vftvatar to be the name of a Mng +who has been deserted by Indra and consequently defeated ““battle., Xdnvus +sacred grass: trimmed and prepared by Medh&tithi and Medhyatitlu, each of +whom is a son of Kanva, + + +104 TEE IIYMES OF [BOOK VIII, + +9 The Horses which are thine in tens, in hundreds, yea, iti +thousands thine, + +Even those vigorous Steeds, fleet-footed in the course, with +those come quickly near to us. + +10 This day I call Sabardugha who animates the holy song, + +Indra the richly-yielding Milch-cow who provides unfailing + +food in ample stream. + +11 When Sura wounded Etasa, with Vata’s rolling winged car +Indra bore Kutsa Arjuueya off, and mocked Gauclharva the + +unconquered One. + +12 He without ligature, before making incision in the neck, + +Closed up the wound again, most wealthy Maghavan, who + +maketh whole the injured part. + +13 May we be never cast aside, and strangers, as it were, to thoe. +We, Thunder-wielding Indra, count ourselves as trees rejected + +and unfit to burn. + +ft l-4 0 Vritra-slayer, we were thought slow and unready for the fray. +Yet once in thy great bounty may we have delight, 0 Hero, +after praising thee. + +15 If he will listen to my laud, then may our Soma-drops that + +flow + +Rapidly through the strainer gladden Indra, drops doe to the +Tugryas* Strengthened + +16 Come now unto the common laud of thee and of thy faithful + +friend. + +So may our wealthy nobles’ praise givo joy to thee. Fain +would I sing thine eulogy. + +17 Press out the Soma with the stones, and in the waters wash it + +clean. * + + +10 SaharduffM: the general name of cows which supply the milk required +for sacrificial purposes. Bee VI. 48. 11, note. Here Indra himself is intended, +as is shown in the following line. + +11 Stim: S ary a, the Sun-God. Wounded: ‘harassed.*--Wilson. Etasa: a +proUji of India. Bee Vol. I, Index. Vdtu: the Wind-God. Kutsa: see Vol. I., +Index Gavclkarva: the Sun, The meaning of the stanza is somewhat obscure, + +12 Closed up the wound again: healed Etasa who had been wounded by +Sirya. + +13 Couni ourselves as trees: or, 'count us not as trees/ the meaning of ncc } + +r not’ and‘like ’ being ambiguous. # + +15 j Due to the Tugryns’ Strengthen?.)': that belong to Indra the protector of +the chiefs of the race of Tugra, who appear to have been the patrons of the +.Bishia of Ivanva’s family, + +16 Faithful'friend: see stanza 8. + + + +HYMN 1.] + + +TTIE RIG VEDA. + + +105 + + +The men investing it with raiment made of milk shall milk it +forth from out the stems. + +18 Whether thou come from earth or from the lustre of the lofty + +heaven, + +Wax stronger in thy body through my song of praise : fill full +all creatures, 0 Most Wise. + +19 For Indra press the Soma out, most gladdening and most + +excellent. + +May Sakra make it swell sent forth with every prayer and ask¬ +ing, as it were, for strength. + +20 Let me not, still beseeching thee with earnest song at Soma + +rites, + +Anger thee like some wild beast. Who would not beseech +him who hath power to grant his prayer % + +21 The draught made swift with rapturous joy, effectual with its + +mighty strength, + +All-conquering, distilling transport, let him drink : for he in A +ectstasy gives us gifts. + +22 Where bliss is not, may he, All-praised, God whom the pious + +glorify, + +Bestow great wealth upon the mortal worshipper who sheds +the juice and praises him. + +23 Come, Indra, and rejoice*thyself, 0 God, in manifold affluence. +Thou fillest like a lake thy vast capacious bulk with Soma + +and with draughts besides. + +24 A thousand and a hundred Steeds are harnessed to thy golden + +car. + +So may the long-maned Bays, yoked hy devotion, bring Indra +to drink the Soma juice. + +25 Yoked to thy chariot wrought of gold, may thy two Bays + +with peacock tails, + +Convey thee hither, Steeds with their white backs, to quaff +sweet juice that makes us eloquent. + + +17 From out the stems: see Yedische Stndien, I. 133, 178. S&yana explains +the second line differently : ‘ (for by so doing) the leaders (of the rain, the +Maruts) clothing (the sky with clouds) as with a vesture of the hide of the +cow, milk forth (the water) for the rivers.’—Wilson. + +21 Let him drink: pibatu: supplied by the Scholiast ; there being no verb +in the text. ^ + +22 Where Miss is not: that is, in defeat and trouble. But the meaning of +sivdrc is uncertain. * At the sacrifice, 1 is S&yana’s explanation. Von Both sug¬ +gests * in the treasure-chamber/ I adopt Ludwig’s interpretation. + +23 With draughts besides: with thy fellow-topers (the Maruts).’—Wilson, + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +106 + + +[BOOK VIII. + + +26 So drink, thou Lover of the Song, as the first drinker, of this + +juice. + +This the outpouring # of the savoury sap prepared is good and +meet to gladden thee. + +27 He who alone by wondrous deed is Mighty, Strong by holy + +works, + +May he come, fair of cheek; may he not stay afar, but come +and turn not from our call. + +28 Sushna’s quick moving castle' thou hast crushed to pieces with + +thy bolts. + +Thou, Indra, from of old, hast followed after light, since we +have had thee to invoke. + +29 My praises when the Sun - hath risen, my praises at the time + +of noon, + +My praises at the coming of the gloom of night, 0 Yasu, have +gone forth to thee. + +^30 Praise, yea, praise him. Of princes these are the most liberal +of their gifts, + +These, Paramajy&, IsfinditaSva, Prapathi, most bounteous, O - +Medhyatithi. + +31 When to the car, by faith, I yoked the horses longing for the + +way— + +For skilled is Yadu’s son in dealing precious wealth, he who +is rich in herds of kine. + +32 May he who gave me two brown steeds together with their + +cloths of gold, + +May he, Asanga’s son Svanadrafcha, obtain all joy and high +felicities. + + +26 As the first drinker: ‘ According to the scholiast, purv'apah means Vdyu , +who, having arrived first in the race, drank the Soma before the other gods. +The allusion is to the principal graha libation, called A indravdyava, which +Indra and Vdyu share together.’ — Wilson. + +28 Castle: of cloud. Followed after light: to find and bring it back. + +30 Praise him; Indra. Paramajyft, Nindit&sva, and Prapathi appear to be +the names of the chiefs who are praised for their liberality. S&yana makes +Asanga the speaker: ‘Praise me, for we are the most liberal givers : (praise +me as one) who bears the best arms ( paramajyd ), follows the right path (pra- +pathl), and outstrips'a horse in speed (ninditdsva)’ + +31 The horses: presented by the prince. The sentence is incomplete. The +Scholiast supplies at the end of the line taddnim evttmmdm s tuki, then praise +me thus. Yudu/s son; Asanga, descendant of the ancient eponymous hero +Yadu, See Yol. I., Index. Kick in herds of kine: pasuh whi|tk appeal's to be +in apposition with ycldvdh , is hardly intelligible here. Sfiyana explains it as +pasumdn, haviug beasts or cattle, or as a derivative of pas, to see, and mean¬ +ing one who sees what is subtile, silkshmasya, drashtd. Neither of these ex¬ +planations has anything but Silyana’s name to recommend it, but I adopt the +former as a makeshift. + + + +EYMN 2.] THE RIG VEDA. 107 + +33 Playoga’s son Isanga, by ten thousand, 0 Agni, hath surpass¬ +ed the rest in giving. + +For me ten bright-hued oxen have come forward like lotus- +stalks from out a lake upstanding. + +31 What time her husband’s perfect restoration to his lost +strength and manhood was apparent, + +His consort Sasvati with joy addressed him, How art thou +well, my lord, and shalt be happy. + +HYMN II. Indra. + +Here is the Soma juice expressed; O Vasu, drink till thou art +fail : + +Undaunted God, we give it thee. + +2 Washed by the men, pressed out with stones, strained through + +the filter made of wool, + +’Tis like a courser bathed in streams. + +3 This juice have we made sweet for thee like barley, blendings + +it with milk. + +Indra, I call thee to our feast. + +4 Beloved of all, Indra alone drinks up the flowing Soma juice +Among the Gods and mortal men. + +5 The Friend, whom not the brilliant-hued, the badly-mixt or + +bitter draught + +Bepels, the far-extending God; + +6 While other men than we with milk chase him as hunters + +chase a deer, + +And with their kine inveigle him. + +33 Ten bright-hued oxen: meaning ten thousand, according to Sdyana. + +34 Asanga, the King whose liberality, with that of his son (32), and perhaps +his grandsons (30), has been eulogized in the four preceding stanzas, had, the +legend says, been changed to a woman by the imprecation of the Gods and +afterwards restored to his manhood in consequence of his repentance and the +intercession of Medh&tithi and Medhy&tithi whom he richly rewarded, In this +stanza Sasvati congratulates him on his restoration. Professors Ludwig and +Grassmann have translated the stanza more literally. + +1 0 Vasu: or, Good Lord. f Giver of dwellings,’ according to S&yana. + +2 Strained through the filter made of wool: more liberally, 1 2 3 4 5 cleansed by the +tail-wool of the sheep,* the material of which the sieve, strainer, or filter used +for clearing and purifying the Soma juice was made, + +3 Like barley: or, like the sacrificial cake made of barley-meal. + +4 Alone drinks up: he alone is to receive the entire libation, which other +Gods only share among them. + +5 Brilliant-hued: without sufficient mixture with milk to thicken it and +change its colour. The meaning of this and the following stanza is : Indra +prefers our libations, imperfectly prepared as they may be, to the milk-ofterings +with which other men endeavour to attract him. + + + + +I08 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Y1TT. + +7 For him, for Indra, for the God, be pressed three draughts of + +Some juice + +In the Juice-drinker’s own abode. + +8 Three reservoirs exude their drops, filled are three beakers to + +the brim, + +All for one offering to the God. + +9 Pure art thou, set in many a place, and blended in the midst + +with milk + +And curd, to cheer the Hero best. + +10 Here, Indra, are thy Soma-draughts pressed out by us, the + +strong^the pure : + +They crave admixture of the milk. + +11 0 Iudrn, pour in milk, prepare the cake, and mix the Soma- + +draught : + +I hear them say that thou art rich. + +^12 Quaffed juices fight within the breast. The drunken praise +not by their wine, + +The naked praise not when it rains. + +18 Rich be the praiser of one rich, munificent and famed like thee : +High rank be his, 0 Lord of Bays. + +14: Foe of the man who adds no milk, he heeds not any chanted +hymn * + +Or holy psalm that may be sung. + +15 Give us not, Indra, as a prey unto the scornful or the proud : +Help, Mighty One, with power and might. + +16 This, even this, 0 Indra, we implore: as thy devoted friends, +The Kunvas praise thee with their hymns. + + +8 Three reservoirs: or troughs used in the preparation of the Soma-libations. +They are called severally, dranaJcalctsa, pMabhrlt, and ddkavcmiya . + +9 In the midst: ‘in the middle (of the day ?).’—Hxllebrandfc. + +12 This stanza breaks the connexion between stanzas 11 and 13, and Is In +itself almost unintelligible. Wilson paraphrases, after S&yana: c The potations +(of Soma) contend in thy • interior (for thine exhilaration) like the ebriety + +caused by wine: thy .« - • ■ ■ ise thee (filled full of Soma) like the + +udder (of a cow with ■ . ' explanation of nucjndh, naked men, + +as worshippers, stotilwh, ‘ who do not desert the verses of the Veda,’is obvi¬ +ously impossible, u'dhuh , udder, frequently means the rainy sky, and it may +have this meaning here; so that the sense of the passage may possibly be, us +Ludwig suggests, that neither great wealth nor abject poverty tends to make +a man devout. The rich man when he drinks his wine at home and the ill- +clad wretch exposed to the drenching rain are equally regardless of the Gods, + +13 Rich be the jiralsev of the rich: this appears to be the continuation o£ + +* thou art rich ’ of stanza 11. + +14 Indra will not accept worship without oblation. + + + +HYMN 2.] + + +THE XIGVEDA. + + +109 + + +17 Naught else, 0 Thunderer, have I praised iu the skilled singer's + +eulogy: + +On thy laud only have I thought. + +18 The Gods seek him who presses out the Soma; they desire + +not sleep : + +Thev puuish sloth unweariedly, + +19 Come hither swift with gifts of wealth—be not thou angry + +-with us—like + +A great man with a youthful bride. + +20 Let him not, wrathful with us, spend the evening far from + +us to-day, + +Like some unpleasant son-in-law. + +21 For well we know this Hero's love, most liberal of the boong + +he gives, + +His plans whom the three worlds display. + +22 Four forth the gift which Kanvas bring, for none more glorious^ + +do we know + +Than the Strong Lord with countless aids. + +23 0 presser, offer Soma first to Indra, Hero, Sakra, him +The Friend of man, that he may drink; + +24- Who, in untroubled ways, is best provider, for his worshippers, +Of strength in horses a^d in kine. + +25 Pressers, for him blend Soma juice, each draught most excel¬ + +lent, for him + +The Brave, the Hero, for his joy. + +26 The Yritra-slayer drinks the juice. May he who gives a hun¬ + +dred aids + +Approach, nor stay afar from us. + +27 May the strong Bay Steeds, yoked by prayer, bring hither + +unto us our Friend, + +Lover of Song, renowned by songs. + +28 Sweet are the Soma juices, come 1 Blent are the Soma juices, + +come! + +Bishi-like, mighty, fair of cheek, come hither quickly to the +feast. + + +19 J. great man: the exact meaning of maMn, great, is not certain. S&yana +explains'it hv an adntdhikaK eminent on account of liis good qualifies. ‘ Be +not bashful, like the ardent husband of a new bride.’—Wilson. ‘ Like a rich +mail, newly married.’-—G-rassmann. + +20 Like some unpleasant son-in-law: who sees that his company is tmwol? +come and consequently stays at home. + +S3 First to Indra: see VIII. 1. 26. tSahra: Indra, the Mighty One. + + + +ncr the hymns of [book nil. + +29 And lands winch strengthen thee for great bounty and valour, + +and exalt + +Indra who doeth glorious deeds, + +30 And songs to thee who lovest song, and all those hymns + +addressed to thee— + +These evermore confirm thy might. + +31 Thus he, sole doer of great deeds whose hand holds thunder, + +gives us strength, + +He who hath never been subdued. + +32 Yptrahe slays with his right hand, even Indra, great with + +mighty-power, + +And much-invoked in many a place. + +33 He upon whom all men depend, all regions, all achievements, he +Takes pleasure in our wealthy chiefs. + +31 All this hath he accomplished, yea, Indra, most gloriously +■> renowned, + +Who gives our wealthy princes strength. + +35 Who drives his chariot seeking spoil, even from afar, to him + +he loves : + +For swift is he to bring men wealth. + +36 The Sage who, winning spoil with steeds, slays Yritra, Hero + +with the men, + +His servant’s faithful succourer. + +37 0 Priyamedbas, worship with collected mind this Indra whom +The Soma hath full well inspired. + +38 Ye Kanvas, sing the Mighty One, Lord of the Brave, who + +loves renown, + +All-present, glorified by song. + +39 Strong Friend, who, with no trace of feet,*restores the cattle + +to the men + +Who rest their wish and hope on him. + +40 Shaped as a Earn, Stone-hurler! once thou earnest hither to + +the son + +Of Kanva, wise Medhyatithi. + + +34 All this hath he accomplished: the slaughter of Vritra and other great +deeds ; or, he made all these creatures. + +36 The Sage: Indra. With the men: accompanied by the Maruts. + +37 Pnyamedhas: members of the family of one of the Rishis. + +39 With no trace of feet: without tracking the lost cattle (the rays of light) +Iby their footsteps. + +40 Shaped as a Fain: see I. 51. 1. The legend is told in the Shadvinm +JBrdhmana } I, 1. + + + +HYMJSTZ.l THE MGVEDA. Ill + +41 Vibhindu, thou hast helped this man* giving him thousands + +four times ten, + +And afterward eight thousand more. + +42 And these twain pouring streams of milk, creative, daughters + +of delight, + +For wedlock sake I glorify. + +HYMN III. l ndra . + +Drink, Indra, of the savoury juice, and cheer thee with our +milky draught. + +Be, for our weal, our Friend and sharer of the feast, and let +thy wisdom guard us well. + +2 In thy kind grace and favour may we still be strong : expose + +ns not to foe’s attack. + +With manifold assistance guard and succour us, and bring us +to felicity. + +3 May these my songs of praise exalt thee, Lord, who hast^ + +abundant wealth. + +Men skilled m holy hymns, pure, with the hues of fire, have +sung them with their lauds to thee. + +4 Be, with his might euhanced by Rlslris thousandfold, hath + +like an ocean spread himself. + +His majesty is praised a$,true at solemn rites, his power where +holy singers rule. + +5 Indra for worship of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice proceeds, +Indra, as worshippers in battle-shock, we call, Indra that we + +may win the spoil. + +6 With might hath Indra spread out heaven and earth, with + +power hath Indra lighted up the Sun. + +In Indra arc *all creatures closely held; iu him meet the +distilling Soma-drops. + +7 Men with their lauds are urging thee, Indra, to drink the + +Soma first. + +The Ribhus in accord have lifted up their voice, and Rudras +sung thee as the first. + +41 Vibhindu: the prince, the institutor of the sacrifice, + +42 The stanza is obscure, the meaning of a feminine dual which S&yana + +explains by nirmdtryau, makers or creators, i, e. heaven and earth, being un¬ +certain. SS-yana’s paraphrase of the stanza is : * I glorify these two (heaven and +earth), the augmenters of water, the originators (of beings), the benefactors of +the worshipper, on account of their generation (of the wealth so given to me).* +—Wilson. — + +3 With the hues of fire: or, radiant as Agni. + +7 The Ribhus: as deities connected with the seasons which are regulated by +the Sun whom Indra has caused to shine. + + +112 + + +THE HYMNS OH [BOOK VIII + + +8 Indra increased hi§ manly strength at sacrifice, in the wild + +rapture of this juice. + +And living men to-day, even as of old, sing forth their praises +to his majesty. + +9 I crave of thee that hero strength, that thou may at first + +regard this prayer, + +Wherewith thou holpest Bhrigu and the Yatis and Praskanva +when the prize was staked. + +10 Wherewith thou sentest mighty watei'S to the sea, that, Indra, + +is thy manly strength. + +For ever unattainable is this power of him to whom the worlds +have ePied aloud. + +11 Help us, 0 Indra, when we pray to thee for wealth and hero + +might. + +First help thou on to strength the man who strives to win, +and aid our laud, .0 Ancient One. + +12 Help for us, Indra, as thou holpest Paura once, this man’s + +devotions bent on gain. + +Help, as thou gavest E us am a and Syavaka and S varna ra and +Iiripa aid. + +13 What newest of imploring prayers shall, then, the zealous + +mortal sing ? + +For have not they who laud his nTight, and Indra-power won +for themselves the light of heaven % + +14 When shall they keep the Law and praise thee mid the Gods % + +Who counts as Rishi and as sage % + +When ever wilt thou, Indra Maghavan, come nigli to presser’s +or to praiser’s call ? + +15 These songs of ours exceeding sweet, these hymns of praise + +aseeud to thee, # + +Like ever-conquering chariots that display their strength, +gain wealth, and give unfailing aid. + +16 The Bhrigus are like Suns, like Kanvas, and have gained all + +that their thoughts were bent upon. + +The living men of Priyamedha’s race have sung exalting Indra +with their lauds. + + +9 Bhrigu: see Vol. I., Index. Yatis : an ancient race of ascetics connected +with the Blirigus, and, according to one legend, said to have taken part in the +creation of the world. Praskanva: a llishi, son of Kanva, the seer of some +hymns of Book I. * + + +10 The worlds: all men, or all living creatures. + +12 Paura : the son of King Punt. Rimma, Sgdvaht, Svarnara , and Kripa + +inear to have hemi nniii’.MH -1 i „ -t + + +appear to have been princes especially favoured by +following hynm. + + +India. Of.* stanza 2 of' the + + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +115 + + +HYMX 4-] + +17 Best slayer of the Vritras, yoke thy Bay Steeds, Indra, from +afar. + +Come with the High Ones hither, Maghavan, to us, Mighty, to +drink the Soma juice. + +IS For these, the bards and singers, have cried out to thee with +prayer, to gain the sacrifice. + +As such, 0 Maghavan, Indra, who lovest song, even as a lover +hear my call. + +19 Thou from the lofty plains above, 0 Indra, hurledst Vritra + +down. + +Thou dravest forth the kine of guileful Mrigaya and Arbuda +from the mountain’s hold. ' ^ + +20 Bright were the flaming fires, the Sun gave forth his shine, + +and Soma, Indra’s juice, shone clear. + +Indra, thou blewest the great Dragon from the air : men must +regard that valorous deed. + +21 The fairest courser of them all, who runneth on as ’twere to ^ + +heaven. + +Which Indra and the Maruts gave, and Pakasth&man Kaura- + +22 To me hath Pakasth&mau given, a ruddy horse, good at the + +pole, + +Filling his girth and routing wealth; + +23 Compared with whom no other ten strong coursers, harnessed + +to the pole, + +Bear Tugrya to his dwelling-place. + +24 Baiment is body, food is life, and healing ointment giveth + +strength. + +As the free-handed giver of the ruddy steed, I have named +Pakasthaman*fourth. + +HYMN IY. Indra. + +Though, Indra, thou art called by men eastward and westward, +north and south, + +Thou chiefly art with Anava and Turvasa, brave Champion ! +urged by men to come. + +17 High Ones: the Maruts. + +18 To gain the sacrifice: to ensure its proper performance and the blessing* +which flow from it. + +19 Mrigaya: see IV. 16. 13. Arluda: see Vol. I., Index. + +20 The (fveat Dragon: or Serpent, Abi. + +21 Kauraydn : Kauray&na, the son of Kuruy&na. P&kasth&man, whose +liberality is praised in stanzas 21—24, is not mentioned elsewhere. + +23 Tugrya: Bhujyu, son of Tugra. See Vol. X., Index. + +1 2nava: descendant of the eponymous Anu. Turvasa: see Vol. L, Index- + +8 + + + +a U THM HYMNS OP [POOH,rut + +2 Or, Indra, when with Euma, Euisama, Syavaka, and Kyip& + +thou rejoicest thee, + +, Still do the Kanvas, bringing praises, with their prayers, + +0 Indra, draw thee hither: come. + +3 Even as the wild-bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desei’t’s + +watery pool, + +Gome hither quickly both at morning and at eve, and with the +Kanvas drink thy fill. + +4 May the drops gladden thee, rich Indra, and obtain bounty + +for him who pours the juice. + +Soma pressed in the mortar didst thou take and drink, and +hence hast won surpassing might. + +5 With mightier strength he conquered strength, with energy + +he crushed their wrath. + +0 Indra, Strong in youth, all those who sought the fray bent +and bowed down to thee like trees. + +- 6 He who wins promise of thine aid goes girt as with a thou¬ +sand mighty men of war. + +He makes his son preeminent in hero might: he serves with +reverential prayer. + +•7 With thee, the Mighty, for our Friend, we will not fear or feel +fatigue. + +May we see Turvasa and Yadu : thy great deed, 0 Hero, must +be glorified. + +8 On his.left hip the Hero hath reclined himself: the proffered + +feast offends him not. + +- The milk is blended with the honey of the bee : quickly come +hither, haste, and drink. + +9 Indra, thy friend is fair of form and rich in horses, cars, and kine. +He evermore hath food accompanied by wealth, and radian + +joins the company. + +10 Come like a thirsty antelope to the drinking-place: drink . +Soma to thy heart’s desire. + +! Earning it down, .0 Maghavan, day after day, thou gainest thy +surpassing might. + + +. 2 Rusama, Sydvahc r, and Kripa have been mentioned in stanza 12 of the +preceding hymn, JRuma was another of Indra’s favourites. + +3 The wild-bull-; or Gaura (Bos Gaurus), a kind of buffalo. + +7 May we see Turvasa and Yadu: enjoying happiness through thy favour,— +SUyana. + +9 Thy friend; the man whom thou favourest. Joins the company: the +assembly of his equals. + +10 Raining it down: pouring down the transformed Soma in the shape of +rain; See Yedische Studien> I, 88. + + + +TEE RIQVEDA. + + +ETMN 4.] + + +115 + + +11 Priest, let the Soma juice flow forth, for Indra longs to drink + +thereof. + +He even now hath yoked his rigorous Bay Steeds: the Vritra- - +slayer hath come near. * + +12 The man with whom thou fillest thee with Soma deems him¬ + +self a pious worshipper. + +This thine appropriate food is here poured out for thee : come, +hasten forward, drink of it. + +13 Press out the Soma juice, ye priests, for Indra borne upon his + +ear. + +The pressing-stones speak loud of Indra, while they shed the +juice which, offered, honours him. * + +14 To the brown juice may his dear vigorous Bay Steeds bring + +Indra, to our holy task. + +Hither let thy Gar-steeds who seek the sacrifice bring thee fo +our drink-offerings. + +15 Pushan, the Lord of ample wealth, for firm alliance we elect. * +May he with wisdom, Sakra ! Looser! Much-invoked 1 aid us + +to riches and to seed. + +16 Sharpen us like a razor iu the barber's hands; seud riches + +thou who settest free. + +Easy to find with thee are treasures of the Dawn for mortal +man whom thou dost Speed. + +17 Pudmn, I long to win thy love, I long to praise thee, Radiant + +God. + +Excellent Lord, 'tis strange to me, no wish have I to sing the +psalm that Pajra sings. + +18 My kine, 0 Radiant God, seek pasture where they will, ray + +during wealth, Immortal One. f + +Be our protector, Pushan 1 be, most liberal Lord, propitious to +our gathering strength. + +* 19 Rich was the gift Kurunga gave, a hundred steeds at morning +rites. + +Among the gifts of Turvasas we thought of him, the opulent, +the splendid King. + +20 What by his morning songs K&nva, the powerful, hath, with +the PriyamedhaS) gained— + + +15 Ptishan : may here be a name of Indra. Looser: of the chariot-horse* +when thou comest to sacrifices ; or, according to S&yana, liberator (from sin)r +17 Pajra: one of the Pajras, a celebrated priestly family, with whom ‘the +Kanvas appear to have been on hostile terms. 1 - + +19 Kurunga ; this prince’s name does not occur again, + + + +116 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII. + +The herds of sixty thousand pure and spotless kine, have I, +the Eishi, driven away. + +21 The very trees were joyful at my coming : kine they obtained +in plenty, steeds in plenty. + +hymn y. Asvins. + +When, even as she were present here, red Dawn hath shone +from far away, + +She spreadeth light on every side. + +2 Like Heroes on your will-yoked car far-shining, Wonder- + +Workers ! ye + +Attend, Qk Asvins, on the Dawn. + +3 By you, 0 Lords of ample wealth, our songs of praise have + +been observed : + +As envoy have I brought the prayer. + +4: Kanvas must praise the Asvins dear to many, making many +glad, + +Most rich, that they may succour us, + +5 Most liberal, best at winning strength, inciters, Lords of + +splendour who + +Yisit the worshipper’s abode. + +6 So for devout Sudeva dew with fatness his unfailing mead. +And make it rich for sacrifice. * + +7 Hitherward running speedily with horses, as with rapid hawks, +Come, Asvins, to our song of praise : + +8 Wherewith the three wide distances, and all the lights that + +are in heaven + +Ye traverse, and three times of night. + +9 0 Finders of the Day, that we may win us food of kine and + +wealth, * + +Open the paths for us to tread, + +10 0 Asvins, bring us wealth in kine, in noble heroes, and in cars: +Bring us the strength that horses give. + +11 Ye Lords of splendour, glorified, ye Wonder-Workers borne on + +paths + +Of gold, drink sweets with Soma juice. + +CO Pure and spotless: I follow S&yana’s interpretation of nirmajdm , but its +correctness is at least doubtful. Yon Roth suggests ‘ to the watei'ing-place * +as the meaning of the word, and Ludwig ‘ so that none remained behind.’ + +3 lords of ample wealth,: * affluent in sacrifices.’—Wilson. See V. 74. IT. +As envoy: as the messenger of the patron of the sacrifice. + +8 Times of night: ydmas, night-watches of three hours each. + +11 Sweets: or meath, mddhu ; here, perhaps, the milk.—Ludwig. + + + +TIMS RIGVEDA. + + +117 + + +BYMN 5.] + +12 To us, ye Lords of ample wealth, and to our wealthy chiefs + +extend + +Wide shelter, ne’er to be assailed. + +13 Come quickly downward to the prayer of people whom ye + +favour most: + +Approach not unto other folk. + +14 Ye Asvins whom our minds perceive, drink of this lovely + +gladdening draught, + +The meath which we present to you. + +15 Bring riches hither unto us in huudreds and in thousands, + +source „ + +Of plenteous food, sustainiug all, + +16 Verily sages call on yon, ye Heroes, in full many a place. +Moved by the priests, 0 Asvins, come. + +17 Men who have trimmed the sacred grass, bringing oblations + +and prepared, + +0 Asvins, are invoking you. + +18 May this our hymn of praise to-day, most powerful to bring + +you, be, + +0 Asvins, nearest to your hearts. + +19 The skin filled full of savoury meath, laid in the pathway of + +your car— # + +0 Asvins, drink ye both therefrom. + +20 For this, ye Lords of ample wealth, bring blessing for our herd, + +our kine, + +Our progeny, and plenteous food. + +21 Ye too unclose to us like doors the strengthening waters of the + +sky, + +And rivers, ye»who find the day. + +22 When did the sou of Tugra serve you, Men % Abandoned in + +the sea, + +That with winged steeds your car might fly. + +23 Ye, 0 Nasatyas, ministered to Kanva with repeated aid, +When cast into the heated pit. + + +16 By the priests: vdghddbhih: according to S&yana, ‘with horses.’ + +19 The Asvins appear to he invited to halt and drink bhe libations prepared +for them by their worshippers, and not, as S&yana explains, to drink from the +skin suspended in their own car.—Ludwig. + +22 The son of Tugra: Bhujyu, whose rescue by the Asvins has frequently +been related and referred to. The meaning is, I do not honour you only when +I am in distress, as others whom you have aided have done, + +23 Ministered to Kanva: see I, 112. 5 ; and 118, 7. + + +* 118 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Tim + +24 Come near with those most recent aids of yours which merit + +eulogy, + +When I invoke you, Wealthy Gods. + +25 As ye protected Kanva erst, Pfiyamedha and Upastuta, + +Atri, Sinj&ra, Asvins Twain ! + +26 And Ansu in decisive fight, Agastya in the fray for kirfe, + +And, in his battles, Sobhari. + +27 For so much bliss, or even more, 0 Asvins, Wealthy Gods, + +than this, + +We pray while singing hymns to you. + +28 Ascend your car with golden seat, 0 Asvins, and with reins + +of gold, + +That reaches even to the sky. + +29 Golden is its supporting shaft, the axle also is of gold, + +And both the wheels are made of gold. + +^ 30 Thereon, ye Lords of ample wealth, come to us even from afar 1 , +Come ye to this mine eulogy. + +31 From far away ye come to us, Asvins, enjoying plenteous food +Of Dasas, 0 Immortal Ones. + +32 With splendour, riches, and renown, 0 Asvins, hither come + +to ns, + +Msatyas, shining brilliantly. e + +33 May dappled horses, steeds who fly with pinions, bring you + +hitherward + +To people skilled in sacrifice. + +34 The wheel delayeth not that car of yours accompanied by + +song. + +That cometh with a store of food. + +35 Borne on that chariot wrought of gold, foith coursers very +i fleet of foot, + +Come, 0 hfasatyas, swift as thought. + + +24 Wealthy Gods: the meaning of vrishanvasd is uncertain r * rich in showers* +is S&yana’s explanation, and ‘ excellent as steers ’ Prof. Ludwig’s. I follow +von Both, hut his interpretation is conjectural. + +* 25 Kanva, Priymiedha , Upastuta and Atri have been mentioned in Book I. + +S&ya'ia takes sinj&ram to be an epithet of Atri, ‘repeating praises.’ + +26 Ansu: a Worshipper so named.—S&yana. Agastya: appeal's in I. 117.11, +where he is said to have been the family-priest of Khela. The great Bishi +‘ Agastya is the seer of Hymns 166—191 of Book I. See also VII. 33. 10. +Sdbliari: a Bishi, the seer of Hymns 19—22 of this Book. + +81 Plenteous food of Ddsas: the meaning appears to he that even far away +- in the east the !>&sas or non-Aryan inhabitants sacrifice to the Asvins. Sfiyana +explains the stanza differently: ‘ Immortal Asvin3, destroyers of the cities ’*f +the Ddsas, ye bring to us food from afar.’—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 6.] TEE MOVED A. 11$ + +36 0 Wealthy Gods, ye taste and find the brisk and watchful wild + +beast good. + +Associate wealth with food for us. + +37 As such, 0 Asvins, find for me my share of new-presented + +gifts. + +As Kasu, Chedi’s son, gave me a hundred head of buffaloes, +and ten thousand kine. + +38 He who hath given me for mine own ten Kings like gold to + +look upon. + +At Chaidva’s feet are all the people round about, all those +who think upon the shield. + +39 No man, not any, goes upon the path on which the Chedis. + +walk. + +No other prince, no folk is held more liberal of gifts than they. + + +HYMN VI. Indra. + +<r» + +Indba, great in his power and might, and like Parjanya rich +in rain, + +Is magnified by Vatsa’s lauds. + +% When the priests, strengthening the Son of Holy Law, present +their gifts, + +Singers with Order’s hyrpn of praise. + +3 Since Kanvas with their lauds have made Indra complete the + +sacrifice, + +Words are their own appropriate arms. + +4 Before his hot displeasure all the peoples, all the men, how + +down, + +As rivers bow them to the sea. + +5 This power of *his shone brightly forth when Indra brought + +together, like + +: A skin, the worlds of heaven and earth. + + +36 According to S&yana the watchful wild beast is the the Soma which must +be chased or sought after by the Gods. Ludwig would read svapatho, with a +transitive and causal meaning, instead of svadatko , % e , ye when ye appear +in the morning send to sleep the wild beasts that have been awake all night, +The stanza is obscure. + + +37 Buffaloes i or camels. + +’ 38 This stanza appears to be spoken by Kasu who is called Chaidya or son +bf CliedL Who think upon the shield t who are practised in wearing armour +of leather, according to S&yaua. + + +3 Words are their own appropriate arms; 'they declare all weapon* +needless.’—Wileon. * ... + + + +120 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIJL + +6 The fiercely-moving Vritra s head he severed with his thunder¬ + +bolt, + +His mighty hundred-knotted bolt. + +7 Here are—we sing them loudly forth—our thoughts among + +the best of songs, + +Even lightnings like the blaze of fire. + +8-When hidden thoughts, spontaneously advancing, glow, and +with the stream +Of sacrifice the Kanvas shine. + +9 Indra, may we obtain that wealth in horses and in herds of +cows, + +And prayer that may be noticed first. + +10 1 from my Father have received deep knowledge of the Holy + +Law: + +I was born like unto the Sun. + +11 After the lore of ancient time I make, like Kanva, beauteous + +songs, + +And Indra’s self gains strength thereby, + +12 Whatever Rishis have not praised thee, Indra, or have lauded + +thee, + +By me exalted wax thou strong. + +13 When his wrath thundered, when he rent Vritra to pieces, + +limb by limb, + +He sent the waters to the sea. + +14 Against the Dasyu Sushna tliou, Indra, didst hurl thy during + +bolt: + +Thou, Dread One, hast a hero's fame. + +15 Neither the heavens nor firmaments nor regions of the earth + +contain r + +Indra, the Thunderer with his might. + +16 0 Indra him who lay at length staying* thy copious waters + +thou, + +In his own footsteps, smotest down, + +17 Thou hiddest deep in darkness him, 0 Iudra, who had set his + +grasp + +On spacious heaven and earth conjoined. + + +10 From my Father: ‘from Indra, the true protector,’ according to S^yana. + +12 Have not praised thee: have not praised thee yet, that is, will praise +thee hereafter.—Ludwig. + +16 In his own footsteps; or, in the (waters) at his feet. ‘Into the rushing + +streams.’—Wilson. * + +17 Conjoined; like two howls turned towards each other. + + + + +HYMN 6.] + + +THE RIGVEJDA. + + +121 ■ + + +18 Indira, whatever Yatis and Bhrigus have offered praise to thee, +Listen, thou Mighty, to my call. + +19 Indra, these spotted cows yield thee their butter and the + +milky draught, + +Aiders, thereby, of sacrifice; + +20 Which, teeming, have received thee as a life-germ, Indra, with + +their mouth, + +Like Surya who sustaineth all. + +21 0 Lord of Might, with hymns of praise the Kanvas have + +increased thy power, + +The drops poured forth have strengthened thee. + +22 Under thy guidance, Indra, mid thy praises, Lord* of Thunder, + +shall + +The sacrifice be suoo performed. + +23 Indra, disclose much food for us, like a stronghold with store + +of kine: + +Give progeny and heroic strength. + +24 And, Indra, grant us all that wealth of fleet steeds which + +shone bright of old +Among the tribes of Nahushas. + +25 Hither thou seemest to attract heaven’s fold which shines be¬ + +fore our eyes, + +When, Indra, thou art hind to us. + +26 Yea, when thouputtest forth thy power, Indra, thou governest + +the folk, + +Mighty, unlimited in strength. + +27 The tribes who bring oblations call to thee, to thee to give + +them help, + +With drops to thee who spreadest far. + +28 There where the mountains downward slope, there by the + +meeting of the streams +The Sage was manifest with song, + +29 Thence, marking, from his lofty place downward he looks + +upon the sea, + +And thence with i*apid stir he moves. + +18 Tatis: ‘ pious sages,’—Wilson, Arigirases, according to Sftyarta. + +20 The stanza is unintelligible to me. Hay ana says that *’ thee* means Indra +in the shape of the grass which his fertilizing energy causes to grow, and by +feeding on which the cows multiply. This energy of Indra’s is all-supporting +like the sun. See Wilson’s note. Ludwig proposes an alteration of the text. +24 Tribes of Ncthushas ,* or, perhaps, the neighbouring tribes. + +28 The Sage: Indra. ‘ S&y ana’s conclusion of the purport of the verse is, +that men ought to sacrifice in those places where Indra is said to be manifest¬ +ed.’—Wilson, + +29 The sea: the reservoir of Soma juice, + + + +122 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK VIIL + + +30 Then, verily, they see the light refulgent of primeval seed, +Kindled on yonder side of heaven. + +31 Indra, the Kanvas all exalt thy wisdom and thy manly + +power, + +And, Mightiest! thine heroic strength. + +32 Accept this eulogy of mine, Indra, and guard me carefully; , +Strengthen my thought and prosper it. + +33 For thee, 0 Mighty, Thunder-armed, we singers through devo¬ + +tion have + +Fashioned the hymn that we may live. + +34 To Indra have the Kanvas sung, like waters speeding down + +a slop#: + +The song is fain to go to him. + +35 As rivers swell the ocean, so our hymns of praise make Indra + +strong, + +Eternal, of resistless wrath. + +^ 36 Come with thy lovely Bay Steeds, come, to us from regions far +away: + +0 Indra, drink this Soma juice. + +37 Best slayer of the Vritrae, mea whose sacred grass is ready + +trimmed + +Invoke thee for the gain of spoil. + +38 The heavens and earth come after theo as the wheel follows + +Etasa: + +To thee flow Soma-drops effused. + +39 Bejoice, 0 Indra, in the light, rejoice in SaryanavgLn, he +Glad in the sacrificer’s hymn. + +40 Grown strong in heaven, the Thunder-armed hath bellowed, + +Vritra-slayei', Bull, r : + +Chief drinker of the Soma juice. + +41 Thou art a Bishi bom of old, sole Baler over all by might; +Thou, Indra, guardest well our wealth. + +42 May thy Bay Steeds with beauteous backs, a hundred, bring + +thee to the feast, + +Bring thee to these our Soma-draughts. + +43 The Kanvas with their hymns of praise have magnified this + +ancient thought + +That swells with streams of meath and oil. + +* 30 The light : the Sun which, is lighted up beyond the range of men’s sight, + +* 3 $ As the wheel follows Eta set ; as the chariot of the Sun follows the horse + +that draws it. # 0 + +30 Saryanivdn said to be a lake and district in Kurukahetra* See X. of. +Uj note, * * ' + + + +TEE RIGVEBA. + + +EYMN 7.] + + +123 + + +44 Mid mightiest Gods let mortal man choose Indra at the + +sacrifice, + +Indra, whoe’er would win, for help. + +45 Thy steeds, by Priyamedhas praised, shall bring thee, God + +whom all invoke, + +Hither to drink the Soma juice. ; + +46 A hundred thousand have I gained from Parsu, from + +Tirindira, + +And presents of the Yadavas. + +47 Ten thousand head of kine, and steeds three times a hundred + +they bestowed +On Pajra for the S£ma-song* + +48 Kakuha hath reached up to heaven, bestowing buffaloes yoked + +in fours. + +And matched in fame the Y&davas. + + +HYMN VII. Marut*. - + +0 Maruts, when the sage hath poured the Trishtup forth as +food for you, + +Ye shine amid the mountain-clouds.. + +2 When, Bright Ones, fain to show your might ye have deter¬ + +mined on your course, + +The mountain-clouds ha?e bent them down. + +3 Loud roaring with the winds the Sons of Prisni have upraised + +themselves : + +They have poured out the streaming food. + +4 The Maruts spread the mist abroad and make the mountains + +rock and reel, + +When with the winds they go their way; r + +5 What time theVivers aud the hills before your ooming bowed + +them down, + +So to sustain your mighty force. + + +46 From Parsu, from JTirindira: £ from Tirindira the son of Parsu.’— +Wilson. Both names are Iranian (cf. Tiridates, Persa). See Weber’s Epischts +%m Vedischen Ritual, pp. 36—38 (Sitzungsberichte der K. P. Akademie der +Wissenschaften, 1891, XXXVIII). + +Yddams : or Yadus, descendants of the hero Yadu. + +47 Pajra; see VIII. 4, 17. + +48 Kahuha: or, the lofty one, meaning Tirindira. Buffaloes : or camels, + +1 The Trishlup: according to one of S^yana’s three interpretations, the +Soma offering at the midday libation accompanied by hymns in the Trishtup +metre. . . . * + + + +324 _ THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII. + +6 We call on you for aid by night, on you for succour in the day, +Ou you while sacrifice proceeds. + +7 These, verily, wondrous, red of hue, speed on their courses + +with a roar + +Over the ridges of the sky. + +8 With might they drop the loosened rein so that the Sun may + +run his course, + +And spread themselves with beams of light. + +9 Accept, ye Maruts, this my song, accept ye this mine hymn + +of praise, + +Accept, Ribhukshans, this my call. + +10 The dappled Cows have poured three lakes, meath for the +Thunder-wielding God, + +From the great cask, the watery cloud. + +110 Maruts, quickly come to us when, longing for felicity, + +We call you hither from the sky. + +'"12 For, Rudras and Bibhukshans, ye, Most Bountiful, are in the +house, + +Wise when the gladdening draught is drunk. + +13 0 Maruts, send us down from heaven riches distilling raptur- + +ousjoy, + +With plenteous food, sustaining all. + +14 When, Bright Ones, hither from the hills ye have resolved to + +take your way, + +Ye revel in the drops effused. + +15 Man should solicit with his lauds happiness which belongs to + +them, + +So great a band invincible. + +16 They who like fiery sparks with showers of *ain blow through + +the heaven and earth, + +Milking the spring that never fails. + +17 With chariots and tumultuous roar, with tempests and with + +hymns of praise +The Sons of Prisni hurry forth. + +18 For wealth, we think of that whereby ye aided Yadu, Turvasa, +And Kanva who obtained the spoil. + + +8 They drop the loosened rein: they speed forward to prepare the way for +the Sun. + +9 Bibhukshans: Mighty Ones, according to S&yana. + +10 The dappled Cows: the ^Maruts. Three lakes: three large Soma recep¬ +tacles, the 3ronakalasa x the Adkavantya , and the PiUabhrit . The meaning is, +the Maruts have poured down abundant water from the rain-cloud. + + + + +HYMN 7.] THE RIGVEDA. 125 + +19 May these our viands Bounteous Ones ! that flow in streams + +like holy oil, + +With Kanva/a hymns, increase your might. + +20 Where, Bounteous Lords for whom the grass is trimmed are + +ye rejoicing now ? + +What Brahman is adoring you 1 + +21 Is it not there where ye of old, supplied with sacred grass, + +for lauds + +Inspired the strong in sacrifice 1 + +22 They brought together both the worlds, the mighty waters, + +and the Sun, + +And, joint by joint, the thunderbolt. + +23 They sundered Vritra limb from limb and split the gloomy + +mountain-clouds, + +Performing an heroic deed. + +24 They reinforced the power and strength of Trita as he fought, + +and helped + +Indra in battle with the foe. + +25 They deck themselves for glory, bright, celestial, lightning in + +their hands, + +And helms of gold upon their heads. + +26 When eagerly ye from faraway came to the cavern of the Bull, +He bellowed in his fear like Heaven. + +27 Borne by your golden-footed steeds, 0 Gods, come hither to + +receive + +The sacrifice we offer you. + +28 When the red leader draws along their spotted deer yoked to + +the car. + +The Bright Onas come, and shed the rain. + +29 Sushoma, Saryanslvan, and Arjika full of homes, have they, +These Pleroes, sought with downward car. + +19 With Kdnva’s hymns: liynms of the Rishi Punarvatsa, a descendant of +Kanva. + +21 The strong in sacrifice: the Mayhavans , wealthy worshippers. + +24 Trita : a Vedic deity, 7 v v - \ - - s ” 1 - third form, generally associated +with Indra, V&yu, and the IS' •< V, . I., Index. In battle with the + +foe: or, to overcome Yritra. + +26 The cavern of the Ball: perhaps, the hollow of the rain-cloud; * the +opening of the rainy (firmament)/—Wilson. + +28 Leader : or side-horse. + +29 Baryavdodn .* A has occurred before (see I. 84. 14, and VIII 6 . 39) as the +name of a lake. Arjika is said by S&yaya to be the name of a district, and +he takes sushdma (containing excellent Soma) to be an adjective qualifying^. +See Zinuner, A Itindisches Lebcn } p. 19. + + + + +12 a m HYMNS OP [BOOK Tilt + +30 When, Maruts, will ye come to Mm, tlie singer who invokes + +you thus, + +With favours to your suppliant ? + +31 What now ? where have ye still a friend since ye left Indra all + +alone ? + +Who counteth on your friendship now ■? + +32 The Kanvas Bing forth Agni’s praise together with out + +Maruts’ who + +Wield thunder and wear swords of gold. + +33 Hither for new felicity may I attract the Impetuous Ones, + +The Herges with their wondrous strength. • + +34 Before them sink the very hills deeming themselves abysses; + +yea, + +Even the mountains bend them down. + +35 Steeds flying on their tortuous path through mid-air carry + +them, and give + +The man who lauds them strength and life. + +36 Agni was born-the first of all, like Sfirya lovely with his light: +With lustre these have spread abroad. u + +HYMN VIII. Asvins. + +With all the succours that are yours, 0 Asvins, hither come +to us : + +Wonderful, borne on paths of gold, drink ye the meath with +Soma juice. + +2 Come now, ye Asvins, on your car decked with a sun-bright + +canopy, + +Bountiful, with your golden forms, Sages with depth of +intellect. + +3 Come hither from the Nahushas, come, drawn by pure hymns, + +from mid-air. + +0 Asvins, drink the savoury juice shed in the Kanvas’ +sacrifice. + + +SI Left Indra all alone ?; TMs is merely a rhetorical question meaning, ye +never did desert him. The Maruts alone stood by him when he fought with +Vritra. + +86 With lustre these have spread abroad: 'then they (the Maruts) stood +round in their radiance. ’ * The Scholiast intimates that this verse refers to + +the ceremony called Agnimdruta ,, when Agni is first worshipped, then the +Maruts —Wilson, + +3 From the Nahushas r or, according to others, from the neighbouring +people. * + + +MYMX 8.] * THE R1GVEDA. 127 + +4 Come to us hither from the heavens, come from mid-air, well- + +loved by us : + +Here Kanva’s son hath pressed for you the pleasant meath of +Soma juice. + +5 Come, Asvins, to give ear to ns, to drink the Soma, Asvins, + +come. + +Hail, Strengthened of the praise-song ! speed onward, ye +Heroes, with your thoughts. + +6 As, Heroes, in the olden time the Bishis called you to their + +aid, + +So now, O Asvins, come to us, come near to this mine eulogy* + +7 Even from the luminous sphere of heaven come to us, ye who + +find the light, + +Carers for Vatsa, through our prayers and lauds, 0 ye who +hear our call. + +8 Do others more than we adore the Asvins with their hymns + +of praise? + +The Bishi Vatsa, Kanva’s son, hath magnified you with his +songs. + +9 The holy singer with his hymns hath called you, Asvins, hither¬ + +ward ) + +Best Vritra-slayers, free from stain, as such bring us felicity. + +1.0 What time, ye Lords of \mple wealth, the Lady mounted on +your car, + +Then, 0 ye Asvins, ye attained all wishes that your hearts +desired. + +11 Come thence, 0 Asvins, on your car that hath a thousand + +ornaments: + +Vatsa the sage, the sage’s son, hath sung a song of sweets to +you. + +12 Cheerers of many, rich in goods* discoverers of opulence, + +The Asyins, Biders through the sky, have welcomed this my + +song of praise. + +13 0 Asvins, grant us all rich gifts wherewith no man may' + +interfere. + +Make us observe the stated times : give us not over to reproach, + +14 Whether, N&satyas, ye be nigh, or whether ye be far away, +Come thence, O Asvins, on your car that hath a thousand + +ornaments. + + +7 Carers for Vatsa: ye who favour and provide for Vatsa, the Bishi of, +Hymn VI. of this Book. + +10 The Lady: Sdry&, Daughter of the Sun* See. L 118.17. + + + +128 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIIL + +15 Yatsa the Kishi with his songs, N&satyas, hath exalted you: +Grant him rich food distilling oil, graced with a thousand + +ornaments. + +16 Bestow on him, 0 Asvins, food that strengthens, and that + +drops with oil, + +On him who praises you for bliss, and, Lords of bounty, prays +for wealth. + +17 Come to us, ye who slay the foe, Lords of rich treasure, to + +this hymn. + +0 Heroes, give us high renown and these good things of earth +for help. + +18 The Priyamedhas have invoked you with all succours that + +are yours, + +You, Asvins, Lords of solemn rites, with calls entreating you +to come. + +19 Come to us, Asvins, ye who bring felicity, auspicious Ones, + +To Yatsa who with prayer and hymn, lovers of song, hath + +honoured you. + +20 Aid us, 0 Heroes, for those hymns for which ye helped + +Gosarya erst, + +Gave Yasa, Dasavraja aid, and Kanva and Medh&tithi; + +21 And favoured Trasadasyu, ye Heroes, in spoil-deciding fray: +For these, 0 Asvins, graciously assist us in acquiring strength. + +22 0 Asvins, may pure hymns of ours, and songs and praises, + +honour you: + +Best slayers everywhere of foes, as such we fondly yearn +for you. + +23 Three places of the Asvins, erst concealed, are made apparent + +now. + +Both Sages, with the flight of Law come hither unto those +who live. + +HYMN IX. Asvins. + +To help and favour Vatsa now, 0 Asvins, come ye hitherward. +Bestow on him a dwelling spacious and secure, and keep +malignities away. + + +20 Gosarya : said by S&yana to be a name of Sayu. See I. 116, 22. Vasa +and Dasavraja are known only as proMgds of the Asvins. + +21 Trasadasyu; see Vol. I., Index. + +23 Three places; according to Say ana, the three wheels of the Asvins’ +chariot are intended. The three places can only be heaven, firmament," and +earth, hidden during the darkness of night and made visible by the coming +of the Asvins and Dawn. - + +I Vatsa ; apparently another name of jSasakarna, called also KAnva or +descendant of Kanva, the Kishi of the hymn. + + + + +HYMN 9 .] TEE RIG VERA . 129 + +2 All manliness that is in heaven, with the Five Tribes, or in + +mid-air. + +Bestow, ye Asvins, upon us. + +3 Remember Kanva first of all among the singers, Asvins, who +Have thought upon your wondrous deeds. + +4 Asvins, for you with song of praise this hot oblation is effused, +This your sweet Soma juice, ye Lords of ample wealth, through + +which ye think upon the foe. + +5 Whatever ye have done in floods, in the tree, Wonder-Wor¬ + +kers, and in growing plants, + +Therewith, 0 Asvins, succour me. + +6 What force, N&satyas, ye exert, whatever, Gods, ye tend and + +heal, + +This your own Vatsa gains not by his hymns alone: ye visit +him who offers gifts. + +7 How hath the Rishi splendidly thought out the Alvins’ + +hymn of praise. + +Let the Atharvan pour the warm oblation forth, and Soma +very rich in sweets. + +8 Ye Asvins, now ascend your car that lightly rolls upon its + +way. + +May these my praises make you speed hitherward like a cloud +■ of heaven. + +9 When, 0 Nasatyas, we this day make you speed hither with + +our hymns, + +Or, Asvins, with our songs of praise, remember EAnva +specially. + +10 As erst Kakshivan and the Rishi Vyasva, as erst Dirghatamas +invoked you^ presence, + +Or, in th.e sacrificial chambers, Yainya Prithl, so be ye mind¬ +ful of us here, 0 Asvins. + + +3 Thought upon: or touched upon, handled. + +4 Thinlc upon the foe : plan tl\e destruction of the demon of darkness. + +5 Whatever ye have done : Professor Wilson paraphrases after S&yana: +* preserve me with that (healing virtue) deposited by you in the waters^ in +the trees, in the herbs/ + +7 The Atharvan: the priest who has special charge pf the fire and the Sonj£. +I follow Ludwig in taking atharvani as a nominative and not as a locative as +S&yaua does : ‘he will sprinkle the sweet-flavoured Soma and the gharma +* (oblation) on the Atharvan fire/—Wilson. + +10 KaksKMn: see I. 18. 1. Vyasva: see I. 112.15. Dirghatamas: see VoI. +L, Index. Vaiaya: son of Vena. * PritM: the first anointed king. + +9 + + + +THE HYMNS OH + + +130 + + +[BOOK YUI, + + +11 Come as home-guardians, saving us from foemen, guarding + +our living creatures and our bodies, + +Como to the house to give us seed and offspring, + +12 Whether with Indra ye be faring, Asvins, or resting in one + +dwelling-place with Vayu, + +In concord with the Eibhus or Adityas, or standing still in +Vishnu’s striding-places. + +13 When I, 0 Asvins, call on you to-day that I may gather + +strength, + +Or as all-conquering might in war, be that the Asvins’ noblest +grace. • + +14 Now come, ye .Asvins, hitherward: here are oblations set + +for you ; + +These Soma-draughts to aid Yadu and Turvasa, these offered +you mid Kanva’s sons. + +15 Whatever healing balm is yours, Nasatyas, near or far away. +Therewith, great Sages, grant a home to Vatsa and to Vimada. + +16 Together with the Goddess, with the Asvins’ Speech have I + +awoke. + +Thou, Goddess, hast disclosed the hymn, and holy gift from +mortal men. + +17 Awake the Asvins, Goddess Dawn ! Up Mighty Lady of sweet + +strains! " + +Bise, straightway, priest of sacrifice! High glory to the +gladdening draught! + +18 Thou, Dawn, approaching with thy light sliinest together + +with the Sun, + +And to this man-protecting home the chariot of the Asvins comes. + +19 When yellow stalks give forth the juice, as cows from udders + +pour their milk, + +And voices sound the song of praise, the Asvins'���worshippers +show first.. + +20 Forward for glory and for strength, protection that shall + +conquer men, + +And power and skill, most sapient Ones ! + +11 Our living creatures: our dependents and our cattle. + +12 Vishnu's striding-places: from which he made his three great strides +through earth, firmament, and heaven. + +13 That: the granting of my request. + +15 And to Vimada: as ye did to Vimada.—Sdyana. See Vol. I., Index. + +16 The Goddess: Dawn, The Asvins ’ Speech: Y&k or Speech who glorifies ' +the Asvins ; i. e. the hymn that praises them. + +19 Yellow stalks: of Soma plants. + +20 Forward for glory: advance and come to give us glory, etc. + + + + +EYMN 11.] TEE MO VEDA, 181 + +21 When, Asvins, worthy of our lauds/ye seat you in the father’s +house. + +With wisdom or the bliss ye bring. + +HYMN X. Asvins. + +Whether ye travel far away or dwell in yonder light of +heaven, + +Or in a mansion that is built above the sea, come thence, ye +Asvins, hitherward. + +2 Or if for Manu ye prepared the sacrifice, remember also Kanva’s + +son. + +I call Brihaspati, Indra, Vishnu, all the Gods, the Asvins borne +by rapid steeds. # + +3 Those Asvins I invoke who work marvels, brought hither + +to receive, + +With whom our friendship is most famed, and kinship passing +that of Gods. + +4 On whom the solemn rites depend, whose worshippers rise + +without the Sun : + +These who foreknow the holy work of sacrifice, and by their +Godhead drink the sweets of Soma juice. + +5 Whether ye, Lords of ample wealth, now linger in the east + +or west, + +With Druhyu, or with*Anu, Yadu, Turvsa, I call you hither ; +come to me. + +6 Lords of great riches, whether through the firmament ye fly + +or speed through heaven and earth, + +Or with your Godlike natures stand upon your cars, come +thence* 0 Asvins, hitherward. + +HYMN XI. Agni. + +Thou, Agni, God mid mortal men, art guard of sacred rites, +thou art + +To be adored at sacrifice. + +21 In the father's house: in the sacrificial hall of the father of the family, +the wealthy householder who institutes the sacrifice. This stanza is a conti¬ +nuation -of 19 ; alt hough the connexion is interrupted by the intervening stanza. + +1 Above the sea: above the ocean of air. + +3 To receive: our oblations. + +4 Without the sun: Sftyana explains as&rtf differently, connecting in with +sdrl instead of -sttra: * of whom there are worshippers in a place where there +is no worship,*—Wilson. + +5 Druhyu and the other names stand for the tribes called after these +ancient chieftains. See Yol. X,, Index. + +The hymn is translated ip Max Muller’s History of Ancient Sanskrit +Literature. + + +THE HYMNS Of + + +[BOOK rim + + +m + +% 0 Mighty Agni, thou must be glorified at our festivals, +Bearing our offerings to the Gods. + +3 0 Jatavedas Agni, fight and drive our foes afar from us, +Them and their godless enmities. + +4 Thou, Jatavedas, seekest not the worship of a hostile man, +However nigh it he to thee. + +5 We sages, mortals as we are, adore the mighty name of thee, +Immortal Jatavedas 7 name. + +6 Sages, we call the Sage to help, mortals, we call the God to aid : +We call on Agni with our songs. + +7 May Vats& draw thy mind away even from thy loftiest dwel¬ + +ling-place, + +Agni, with song that yearns for thee. + +8 Thou art the same in many a place : mid all the people thou + +art Lord. + +In fray and fight we call on thee. + +9 When we are seeking strength we call Agni to help us in + +the strife, + +The giver of rich gifts in war. + +10 Ancient, adorable at sacrifices, Priest from of old, meet for our +praise, thou sittest. + +Fill full and satisfy thy body, Agni, and win us happiness by +offering worship. + +HYMN XII. ladra. + +Joy, Mightiest Indra, known and marked, sprung most from +Soma-draughts, wherewith + +Thou smitest down the greedy fiend, for that wejong. + +2 Wherewith thou holpest Adhrigu, the great Dasagva, and + +the God • . + +Who stirs the sunlight, and the sea, for that we long. + +3 Wherewith thou dravest forth like cars Sindhu and all the + +mighty floods + +To go the way ordained by Law, for that we long, + +2 Bearing our offerings to the Gods: literally, ‘the oharioteer of solemn rites/ + +1 Joy: mddah: the rapturous exhilaration produced in Indra by drinking +the Soma juice. For that we long: the short refrain or burden which +generally concludes each stanza of each triplet of this hymn is sometimes +rather loosely attached and cannot always be clearly brought out in the proper +place in translation. + +2 Adhrigu ; according to S&yana a Bishi so named. See 1.11 2 . 20 . Dasagva : +one of the priestly family connected with, or identical with, the Angirasea +‘ the acconiplisher of the ten (months’ rite).’—Wilson. Ludwig thinks that +Dasagva here may pieau the Sun. The sea: of air. + + + +HYMN 12.] + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +ltd + +i Accept this laud for aid, made pure like oil, thou Caster of +the Stone, + +Whereby even in a moment thou hast waxen great. + +5 Be pleased, Song-lover, with this song; it hows abundant + +like the sea. + +Indra, with all thy succours thou hast waxen great, + +6 The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our + +friendship’s bond, + +Thou, spreading them like rain from heaven, hast waxen great* + +7 The beams that mark him have grown strong, the thunder + +rests between his arms, w + +When, like the Sun, he hath increased both Heaven and Earth. + +8 When, Mighty Lord of Heroes, thou didst eat a thousand + +buffaloes. + +Then grew and waxed exceeding great thine Indra-power. + +9 Indra consumeth with the rays of Sarya the malicious man: ^ +Like Agni conquering the woods, he hath*grown strong. + +10 This newest thought of ours that suits the time approaches + +unto thee: + +Serving, beloved in many a place, it metes and marks. + +11 The pious germ of sacrifice directly purifies the soul. + +By Indra’s lauds it waxqs great, it metes and marks. + +12 Indra who wins the friend hath spread himself to drink the + +Soma-draught: + +Like worshipper’s dilating praise ; it metes and marks. + +13 He whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering up + +their hymns, + +Hath swelled like oil of sacrifice in Agni’s mouth. + + +8 Didst eat a thousand buffaloes: the buffaloes probably represent the clouds +which the Sun dissipates or consumes.—Ludwig. ‘When thou hast slain +thousands of mighty foes,’—-Wilson. + +10 It metes and marks: defines and discriminates Indra’s good qualities.— +S&yana. + +11 The germ of sacrifice is probably the wish that prompts the offering. + +Stiyana explains differently: 1 The devetifc p’&iser of-the adorable (Tndra) + +purifies in due succession the offering (of the Soma) ; with siicrnd hymns lie +magnifies (the might of Indra; he verily proclaims the measure (of his'merits).* + +12 Worshipper's dilating praise: I follow S&yana : but the stanza is unin¬ +telligible to me. ' Indra, the benefactor of his friend (the worshipper), lias +Surged himself to drink the Soma, in like manner as the pious praise dilates +and proclaims the measure of his merits/—Wilson. The meaning of vet si +(praise, according to Sftyana) is uncertain. Yon Both thinks that the two +press-stones are meant, and others explain it as the sword, knife, or axe used +in sacrifice. + + + +134 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YIIL + +14 Aditi also hath brought forth a hymn for Indra, Sovran Lord •: +The -work of sacrifice for help is glorified. + +15 The ministering priests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy: +God, thy Bays turn not from the rite which Law ordains. + +16 If, Indra, thou drink Soma by Vishnu’s or Trita Apty&’s aider +Or with the Maruts take delight in flowing drops; + +17 Or, Sakra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air, +Rejoice thee in this juice of ours, in flowing drops. + +IB Or, Lord of Heroes, if thou aid the worshipper who sheds the? +juice, + +Or him whose laud delights thee, and his flowing drops. + +19 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your help, +And promptly end the sacrifice—this have they gained, + +20 With worship, him whom men adore, with Soma, him who + +drinks it most, + +Indra with lauds have they increased—this have they gained. + +21 His leadings are with power and might and his instructions + +manifold: + +Pie gives the worshipper all wealth : this have they gained. + +22 For slaying Vritra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost + +place. + +Indra the choral bands have sung/dbr vigorous strength. + +23 We to the Mighty with our might, with lauds to him who + +hears our call, + +With holy hymns have sung aloud, for vigorous strength. + +24 Not earth, nor heaven, nor firmaments contain the Thunder- + +wielding God : + +They shake before his violent rush and vigorous strength. + +25 What time the Gods, 0 Indra, set thee foreifiost in the furious + +fight, + +Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on. + +26 When Vritra, stayer of the floods, thou slowest, Thunderer + +with might, , + +Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on. + +27 When Vishrm, through thine energy, strode wide those three + +great steps of his, + +Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on. + +28 When thy two beautiful Bay Steeds grew great and greater + +day by day, + +Even then all creatures that had life bowed down to thee. + +10 Trita Aptya: sec VIII. 7. 24, note, Here he appears as the preparer of +celestial Soma for Indra, + + + +HYMN 13,] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +135 + + +29 When, Indra, all theMarut folk humbly submitted them to thee, +Even then all creatures that had life bowed down to thee. + +30 When yonder Sun, that brilliant light, thou settest in the + +heaven above, + +Even then all creatures that had life bowed down to thee. + +31 To thee, 0 Indra, with this thought the sage lifts up this eulogy, +Akin and leading as on foot to sacrifice. + +32 When in thine own dear dwelling all gathered have lifted up + +the voice + +Milk-streams at worship’s central spot, for sacrifice, + +33 As Priest, 0 Indra, give us wealth in brave men and good + +steeds and kine + +That we may first remember thee for sacrifice. + +HYMN XIII. Indra. + +Indra, when Soma juices flow, makes his mind pure and meet +for lauds. + +He gains the power that brings success, for great is he. + +2 In heaven’s first region, in the seat of Gods, is he who brings + +success, + +Most glorious, prompt to save, who wins the water-floods. + +3 Him, to win strength, have I invoked, even Indra mighty for + +the fray. r + +Be thou most near to us for bliss, a Friend to aid. + +4 ludra, Song-lover, here for thee the worshipper’s libation flows +Rejoicing in this sacred grass thou shinest forth. + +5 Even now, 0 Indra, give us that which, pressing juice, we + +crave of thee. + +Bring us weali^i manifold which finds the light of heaven. + +6 What time the zealous worshipper hath boldly sung his songs + +to thee, + +Like branches of a tree up-grows what they desire. + +7 Generate songs even as of old, give ear unto the singer’s call : +Thou for the pious hast grown great at each carouse. + + +31 The eeeond line is difficult. Wilson, following SAvana, paraphrases the +stanza: * The wise (worshipper), Indra, offers thee this gratifying sincere +praise along with pious rites at the sacrifice, as (a man places) a kinsman in +(a prominent) position/ + +32 Milk-streams: the sweetly-flowing hymns. + +Wilson remarks : 4 This is probably an ancient hymn, both by its repetitions +and combination of simplicity and obscurity/ + +7 Generate songs: by granting the prayers of the singers. + + + +136 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Fill + +8 Sweet strains that glorify him play like waters speeding down + +a slope, + +Yea, him who in this song is called the Lord of Heaven; + +9 Yea, who alone is called the Lord, the single Buler of the folk, +By worshippers seeking aid; may he joy in the draught. + +10 Praise him, the Glorious, skilled in song, Lord of the two + +victorious Bays: + +They seek the worshipper's abode who bows in prayer. + +11 Put forth thy strength: with dappled Steeds come, thou of + +mighty intellect, + +With swift Steeds to the sacrifice, for 'tis thy joy. + +12 Grant wealth to those who praise thee, Lord of Heroes, + +Mightiest Indra : give +Our princes everlasting fame and opulence. + +13 1 call thee when the Sun is risen, I call thee at the noon of day : +With thy car-horses, Indra, come well-pleased to us. + +14 Speed forward hither, come to us, rejoice thee in the milky + +draught: + +Spin out the thread of ancient time, as well is known. + +15 If, Sakra, Vritra-slayer, thou be far away or near to us, + +Or in the sea, thou art the guard of Soma juice. + +16 Let songs we sing and Soma-dr8ps expressed by us make + +Indra strong: + +The tribes who bring oblations find delight in him. + +17 Him sages longing for his aid, with offerings brought in eager + +haste, + +Him, even as branches, all mankind have made to grow. + +18 At theTrikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirred the mind: +May our songs strengthen him who still hath strengthened us. + +19 When, true to duty, at due times the worshipper offers lauds + +to thee, + +They call him Purifier, Pure, and Wonderful. + + +14 Spin out the thread of ancient times: e extend the ancient sacrifice.'— +Wilson, + +The due performance of sacrifice is regarded as an unbroken thread reaching +through a succession of Jlishis from ancient to modem times. + +1 5 In the sea: in the firmament, or ocean of air. + +17 All mankind: hsJiontfh. But see Muller, Vedic lli/mns, I. 310. + +IS -4i the Trikadrukas: according to Sftyana these are the first three days +of the Abhiplava ceremony. According to some modern scholars they are +probably three peouliar Soma-vessels, or an oblation consisting of three offer¬ +ings of Soma. Span sacrifice: see above note on 14. That stirred the mind: +that urged others to follow the example. + +19 Him: a change of person, Indra being meant. + + + +Hymn is.] tee riqvbda. i$7 + +20 That inind of Rudra, fresh and strong, moves conscious in the + +ancient ways, + +With reference whereto the wise have ordered this. + +21 If thou elect to he my Friend drink of this sacrificial juice, + +By help whereof we may subdue all enemies. + +22 0 In Ira, Lover of the song, when shall thy praiser be most blest? +When wilt thou grant us wealth in herds of kine and steeds ? + +23 And thy two highly-lauded Bays, strong stallions, draw thy + +car who art + +Untouched by age, most gladdening car for which we pray. + +24 With ancient offerings we implore the Young*and Strong + +whom many praise. + +He from of old hath sat upon dear sacred grass. + +25 Wax mighty, thou whom many laud for aids which Rishis + +have extolled. + +Pour down for us abundant food and guard us well. + +26 0 Indra, Caster of the Stone, thou helpest him who praises thee: +From sacrifice I send to thee a mind-yoked hymn. + +27 Hero, yoking for the Soma draught these Horses, sharers of + +thy feast, + +Thy Bay Steeds, Indra, fraught with wealth, consent to come. + +28 Attendants on thy gloryf let the Rudras roar assent to thee, +And all the Marut companies come to the feast. + +29 These his victorious followers hold in the heavens the place + +they love, + +Leagued in the heart of sacrifice, as well we know. + +30 That we may long behold the light, what time the ordered + +rite proceeds, + +He duly measures, as he views, the sacrifice. + +31 0 Indra, strong is this thy car, and strong are these Bay + +Steeds of thine : + +0 Satakratu, thou art strong, strong is our call. + + +20 Eave ordered this : song of praise, or holy ceremony.—Ludwig. + +26 Mind-yoked : made ready by the poet’s mind, as a chariot—to which the +hymn is frequently compared—-is equipped for a journey, + +28 The Rudras : the sons of Rudra, the Maruts. + +29 The heart, literally navel, that is the central point, of sacrifice , is the +receptacle on which oblations are placed, or the uttaravedi or north altar. + +31 Strong: hHshd .* as lias been noticed before (see I. 177. 2. 3.) some of +the Vedic poets delight in the repetition of this word and derivatives from the +same root. S&yana explains vrishd: as ‘showerer of benefits/ and Ludwig +translates it by f *stierltraftig/ strong as a bull. The original meaning of the +word is male, masculine, and, hence, strong. + + + +138 TEE EYMN8 OF [BOOK VIII. + +32 Strong is the press-stone, strong thy joy, strong is the flowing + +Soma juice: + +Strong is the rite thou furtherest, strong is our call. + +33 As strong I call on thee the Strong, 0 Thunderer with thy + +thousand aids: + +For thou hast won the hymn of praise. Strong is our call. + +HYMN XIV. Indra , + +If I, 0 Indra, were, like thee, the single Sovran of all wealth, +My worshipper should be rich in kine. + +2 I should fee fain, 0 Lord of Power, to strengthen and enrich + +the sage, + +Were I the Lord of herds of kine. + +3 To worshippers who press the juice thy goodness, Indra, is a + +cow + +Yielding in plenty kine and steeds. + +4 None is there, Indra, God or man, to hinder thy munificence, +The wealth which, lauded, thou wilt give. + +5 The sacrifice made Indra strong when he unrolled the earth, + +and made + +Himself a diadem in heaven. + +6 Thine aid we claim, 0 Indra, thine who after thou hast waxen + +great + +Hast won all treasures for thine own. + +7 In Soma’s ecstasy Indra spread the firmament and realms of + +light, + +When he cleft Vala limb from limb. + +8 Showing the hidden he drave forth the covj^s for the Angirases, +And Vala he cast headlong down. + +9 By Indra were the luminous realms of heaven established + +and secured, + +Firm and immovable from their place. + +10 Indra, thy laud moves quickly like a joyous wave of water- + +floods: + +Bright shine the drops that gladden thee. + +11 For thou, 0 Indra, art the God whom hymns and praises + +magnify: + +Thou blessest those who worship thee. + +12 Let the two long-maned Bay Steeds bring Indra to drink the + +Soma juice, + +The Bountiful to our sacrifice. + + + +JtYMN 15 .] + + +THE RIGVEDA . + + +m + +13 With waters’ foam thou torest off, Indra, the head of Namuchi, +Subduing all contending hosts. + +14 The Dasyus, when they fain would climb by magic arts and + +mount to heaven, + +Thou, Indra, castest down to earth. + +15 As Soma-drinker conquering all, thou scatteredst to every side +Their settlement who poured no gifts. + +HYMN XY. Indra. + +Sing forth to him whom many men invoke, to him whom +many laud: + +Invite the powerful Indra with your songs of praise. + +2 Whose lofty might—-for doubly strong is he—supports the + +heavens and earth, + +And hills and plains and floods and light with manly power. + +3 Such, Praised by many ! thou art King: alone thou smitest + +Vritras dead, + +To gain, 0 Indra, spoils of war and high renown. + +4 We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers + +in the fray, + +Which, Caster of the Stone ! gives room and shines like gold. + +5 Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for Manu’s + +sake : • + +Now joying in this sacred grass thou beamest forth. + +6 This day too singers of the hymn praise, as of old, this might + +of thine : + +Win thou the waters day by day, thralls of the strong. + +7 That lofty Indra-power of thine, thy strength and thine + +intelligence, + +Thy thunderbolt for which we long, the wish makes keen. + +8 0 Indra, Heaven and Earth augment thy manly power and + +thy renown: + +The waters and the mountains stir and urge thee on. + +9 Vishnu the lofty ruling Power, Varuna, Mitra sing thy praise: +In thee the Maruts 4 5 6 7 company have great delight. + + +IS With waters 1 foam: with a thunderbolt in the form of foam, according +to a later legend. See Lanmau, Sanskrit Reader, p. 875, who takes Namuchi +to be a waterspout in a lake, and c with foam ' to mean Accompanied by foam.’ + +4 Wild delight: Soma juice, the cause of thy rapture, + +5 For Zyu md for Mww*9 Mfa »' that is for man. Ayu was the son of + +Pururavas and Ur vast ~ . . + +6 Thralls of the strong: controlled and imprisoned by Vritra. + +7 The wish: our wishes expressed in prayer and praise, + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +146 + + +[BOOK VILL + + +10 0 Indra, thou wast bom the Lord of men, most liberal of thy + +gifts: + +Excellent deeds for evermore are all thine own. + +11 Ever, alone, 0 highly-praised, thou sendest Vritras to their + +rest: + +None else than Indra executes the mighty deed. + +12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on + +thee for aid, + +Still with our heroes fight and win the light of heaven. + +13 Already have all forms of him entered our spacious dwelling- + +place ^ + +For victory stir thou Indra, up, the Lord of Might. + +HYMN XVI. Indra. + +Praise Indra whom our songs must laud, sole Sovran of +mankind, the Chief +Most liberal who controlleth men. + +2 In whom the hymns of praise delight, and all the glory-giving + +songs, + +Like the floods 5 longing for the sea. + +3 Him I invite with eulogy, best King, effective in the fight, +Strong for the gain of mighty spoil. + +4 Whose perfect ecstasies are wide, profound, victorious, and + +give + +Joy in the field where heroes win. + +5 Him, when the spoils of war are staked, men call to he their + +advocate: + +They who have Indra win the day. + +6 Men honour him with stirring songs, and magnify with solemn + +rites: n + +Indra is he who giveth ease. + +7 Indra is Priest and Bishi, he is much invoked by many men, +And mighty by his mighty powers. + +8 Meet to be lauded and invoked, true Hero with his deeds of + +might, + +Victorious even when alone. + + +33 All forms of him: the various qualities of Indra have been celebrated. +Stir thou: the Rishi addresses himself. Lord of Might: socMpatim : in +later literature, lord or husband of Sach? or his might personified and regarded +as his consort. * ' ‘ + +J I Irahni, mean-V- -t- «Ayana, greater than all. See VI. + +. 7 > “e Brahman -who i. ■ . : <■ that is, Indra regarded as a + +priest. Eishi; according t . V. •holder of all the Aryan race.’ + + + +THE IUGVE&A. + + +141 + + +HYMN 17-3 + +9 The men, the people magnify that Indra with their S&ma songs, +With hymns and sacred eulogies: + +10 Him who advances them to wealth, sends light to lead them + +in the war, + +And quells their foemen in the fray, + +11 May he, the saviour much-invoked, may Indra bear us in a + +ship + +Safely beyond all enemies. + +12 As such, 0 Indra. honour us with gifts of booty, further us. +And lead us to felicity. + +HYMN XVII. • Indra. + +Comb, we have pressed the juice for thee; 0 Indra, drink +this Soma here *. + +Sit thou on this my sacred grass. + +' 2 0 Indra, let thy long-maned Bays, yoked by prayer, bring +thee hitherw r ard: + +Give ear and listen to our prayers. + +3 We Soma-bearing Brahmans call thee Soma-drinker with thy + +friend, + +We, Indra, bringing Soma juice. + +4 Come unto us who bring the juice, come unto this our eulogy, +Fair-visored ! drink thou ©f the juice. + +5 I pour it down within thee, so through all thy members let it + +spread : + +Take with thy tongue the pleasant drink. + +6 Sweet to thy body let it be, delicious be the savoury juice : +Sweet be the Soma to thine heart. + +7 Like women, let this Soma-draught, invested with its robe, + +approach, • + +0 active Indra, close to thee. + +8 Indra, transported with the juice, vast in his bulk, strong in + +his neck + +And stout arms, smites the Vritras down. + +9 0 Indra, go thou forward, thou who rulest over all by might: +Thou Vritra-slayer slay the fiends. + +1 0 Long be thy grasping-hook wherewith thou givest ample wealth + +to him + +Who sheds the j uice and worships thee. + +S With thy friend: ludr&’s companion, the thunderbolt. 'With suitable +praise.’—Wilson. + +7 Like women: dressed in white garments and moving slowly. Its robe: +the milk that colours it. + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +142 + + +[BOOK VIII, + + +11 Here, Indra, is thy Soma-draught, made pure upon the sacred + +grass: + +Run hither, come and drink thereof. + +12 Famed for thy radiance, worshipped well! this juice is shed + +for thy delight: A +Thou art invoked, Akhandala ! + +13 To Kundap&yya, grandson’s son, grandson of Sringavrish! to + +thee, + +To him have I addressed my thought. + +14 Strong pillar thou, Lord of the home ! armour of Soma-offerers : +The drop of Soma breaketh all the strongholds down, and + +Indra is the Rishis’ Friend. + +15 Holy Prid&kusanu, winner of the spoil, one eminent o’er many + +men, + +Lead on the wild horse Indra with his vigorous grasp forward +to drink the Soma juice. + + +HYMN - XVIII. Adityas, + +Now let the mortal offer prayer to win the unexampled grace +Of these Adityas and their aid to cherish life. + + +12 Famed for thy radiance, --■-* *---.•7 ■ ,T ■» words thus rendered, + +sc Xchigo and sttchipdjana, have i ■ ' explained by the Com¬ + +mentator, and their meaning is still uncertain. According to Sayan a, the +former may mean ‘thou whose cattle are strong/ or ‘thou whose radiance +is renowned,’ and the latter ‘ thou of renowned adoration * or * whose hymns +are. renowned ’ See Wilson’s note. Thou art invoked , Akhandala1 ; or, ‘Thou, +0 Destroyer, art invoked.’ This appellation of Indra does‘not occur again in +the IUgveda. See Muir, 0. S. Texts, XV. 190. + +13 Kvndaplyya and Sringavrish appear here to be names of men. Accord¬ +ing to S&yana, kirndapftyya is the name of a particular Soma-ceremony, and +the offspring of Sringavrish is Indra himself. ‘ (Indra), who wast the off¬ +spring of Sringavrish, of whom the Jcundapdyya rite was the protector, (the +sages) have fixed (of old) their minds upon this ceremony.’ See Wilson’s +note who observes that * the construction is loose, and the explanation not +very satisfactory.’ + +14 Lord of the home ; apparently the householder who institutes the sacri¬ +fice is addressed, he vdstoshpate grihapate.— S&yana. The JUshh' Friend: +mlnindm sakhd, the friend of the Munis, sages, saintly men or ascetics; of us +Itishis, according to S&ynna. + +15 Friddkmdnu: I follow Ludwig in taking this to be the name of the +institutor of the sacrifice. According to S&yana who explains it as ‘lifting +up the head or back like a serpent,’ or ‘ to be propitiated, as a serpent is, with +gems, charms, medicaments, etc.,’ it is an epithet of Indra; and the leader +forward of Indra in the second line is the worshipper, understood. Grass- +mann banishes the last three stanzas to his Appendix as not originally form¬ +ing part of the hymn. + +1 Adityas: see I, 14. 3, + + + + +TBE RIG VET)A. + + +143 + + +JffYMN 18.1 + +2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread; +Infallible guards, they strengthen us in happiness. + +3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Yaruna, Mitra, Aryaman +Give us the shelter widely spread which we implore. + +4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O + +Goddess Aditi + +Come, dear to many, with the Lords who guard us well. + +5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof: +Unrivalled, giving ample room, they save from woe. + +6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night, + +Aditi, ever strengthening, save us from grief! * + +7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help, +With loving-kindness bring us weal and chase our foes. + +8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us + +health: + +May they remove iniquity and chase our foes. + +9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us + +pleasantly; + +May the pure Wind breathe sweet on us, and chase our foes. + +10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity; +Adityas, keep us ever far from sore distress. + +11 Remove from us the arr*w, keep famine, Adityas ! far away : +Keep enmities afar from us, Lords of all wealth 1 + +12 Now, 0 Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free, +Yea, even the sinner from his sin, ye Bounteous Gods! + +13 Whatever mortal with the power of demons fain would + +injure us, + +May he, impetuous, suffer harm by his own deeds. + +14 May sin o J ertal£e our human foe, the man who speaketh evil + +things, + +Him who would cause our misery, whose heart is false. + +15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in + +your hearts : + +Ye, Yasus, well discriminate the false and true. + +16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of + +water-floods : + +Keep far from us iniquity, 0 Heaven and Earth. + +17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, 0 Yasus, carry us +Beyond all trouble and distress, borne in your ship. + + +4 With the Lords: s&rlhhth ; that is, the Gods. + +13 With the pmoer of demons: ( from his diabolical nature/—Wilson. + + + +144 TEfE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIIL + +13 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and +their seed + +Extended term of life that they may live long days. + +19 Sacrifice, 0 Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind, + +For in the bond of kindred we are bound to you. + +20 The Maruts* high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God + +who saves, + +Mitra and Varuna for weal we supplicate. + +21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna ! +Unthreatened, Maruts ! meet for praise, and filled with men. + +22 And as we human beings, 0 Adityas, are akin to death, +Graciously lengthen ye our lives that we may live. + +HYMN XIX. Agni. + +Sing praise to him, the Lord of Light. The Gods have made +the God to be their messenger, + +And sent oblation to the Gods. + +2 Agni, the Bounteous Giver, bright with varied flames, laud + +thou, 0 singer Sobhari— + +Him who controls this sacred food with Soma blent, who hath +first claim to sacrifice. + +3 Thee have we chosen skilfullest in sacrifice, Immortal Priest + +among the Gods, + +Wise finisher of this holy rite: • r + +4 The Son of Strength, the bless&d, brightly-shining One, Agni + +whose light is excellent. + +May he by sacrifice win us in heaven the grace of Mitra, +Varuna, and the Floods. + +5 The mortal who hath ministered to Agni with oblation, fuel, + +ritual lore, + +And reverence, skilled in sacrifice, + +19 Your inward monitor: or near remembraacer, not suffering you to rest +until you have rewarded men for their devotions. Ludwig says that the +Mldh of the text is really hi ilah; For sacrifice, Adityas, is your nearest +dwelling-place, ^ + +20 The God who saves: Indra, who is especially the tutelary God of Aryans. + +21 With triple guard ; or, triply defending or defended. According to +S&yana, protecting from heat, cold, and web ; or three-storeyed. + +22 Alia to death; bom subject to death, + +1 The~ Gods: in the first line are, according to Sfiyaaa, the priests, i, e. those +who praise : divyanti stuvanttti devd ritvijo ; but the word may be taken in +its ordinary signification. * ■ m * + +5 Ritual lore: vtidena here can hardly mean, as S&yana explains it, i by +studying the Veda/ It may perhaps mean * by knowledge of the proper use +of the sacred formulas,’ or as 3VL Muller says, ‘ by the bundle of grass ’ used +in sacrifice. See Ane. S. Literature, p. 28, note, and p. 205. + + + + +HYMN 19.] THE RIG VEDA. H5 + +6 Verily swift to run are his fleet-footed steeds, and most re¬ + +splendent fame is his. + +No trouble caused by Gods or wrought by mortal man from +any side o’ertaketh him. + +7 r May we by thine own fires be well supplied with fire, 0 Son + +of Strength, 0 Lord of Might; + +Thou as our Friend hast worthy men. + +8 Agni, who praises like a guest of friendly mind, is as a car + +that brings us gear. + +Also in thee is found perfect security: thou art the Sovran +Lord of wealth. * + +9 That man, moreover, merits praise who brings, auspicious + +Agni, sacrificial gifts: + +May he win riches by his thoughts. + +10 He for whose sacrifice thou standest up erect is prosperous + +and rules o'er men. + +He wins with coursers and with singers skilled in song : with +heroes he obtains the prize. + +11 He in whose dwelling Agni is chief ornament, and, all-desired, + +loves his laud well, + +And zealously tends his offerings— + +12 His, or the lauding sage% word, his, Son of Strength! who is + +most prompt with sacred gifts, + +Set thou beneath the Gods, Vasu, above mankind, the speech +of the intelligent. + +13 He who with sacrificial gifts or homage bringeth very skilful + +Agni nigh, + +Or him who flashes fast with song, +li The mortal wlfo with blazing fuel, as his laws command, +adores the Perfect God, + +Blest with his thoughts in splendour shall exceed all men, as +though he overpassed the floods. + +15 Give us the splendour, Agni, which may overcome each +greedy fiend in our abode, * + +The wrath of evil-hearted folk. + + +7 Hast worthy men: in us thy worshippers. + +10 With coursers and with singers: is successful in ehariot-races and is +rewarded by the Gods for his sacrifices. + +12 Set thou beneath the Gods and above manlcind t is said to mean * spread +through all the sky.’ The meaning of this and the preceding stanza is some r +what obscurely expressed. + +* 14 The Perfect God: dditim, explained by Sftyana as ahhandaniyam, +indivisible, complete, + +10 + + + +;146 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK V1IL + +16 That, wherewith Mitra, Yaruna, and Aryaman, the Asvins, + +Bhaga give us light, + +That may we, by thy power finding best furtherance, worship, +0 Indra, helped by thee. + +17 0 Agni, most devout are they, the sages who have set thee + +Sage exceeding wise, + +0 God, for men to look upon : + +18 Who have arranged thine altar. Blessed God, at morn, brought + +thine oblation, pressed the juice. + +They by their deeds of strength have won them mighty +wealthy who have set all their hope in thee. + +19 May Agni worshipped bring us bliss, may the gift, Blessed + +One, and sacrifice bring bliss : + +Yea, may our praises bring us bliss. + +20 Show forth the mind that brings success in war with fiends, + +wherewith thou conquerest in fight. + +Bring down the many firm hopes of our enemies, and let us +vanquish with thine aid. + +21 I praise with song the Friend of man, whom Gods sent down + +to be herald and messenger, + +Best worshipper, bearer of our gifts. + +22 Thou unto sharp-toothed Agni,^ Young and Radiant God, + +proclaimest with thy song the feast— + +Agni, who for our sweet strains moulds heroic strength when +sacred oil is offered him, + +23 While, served with sacrificial oil, now upward and now down¬ + +ward Agni moves his sword, + +As doth the Asura his robe. + +24: The God^ibhe Friend of man, who bears bur gifts to heaven, +the God witji his sweet-smelling mouth, + +Distributes, skilled. In sacrifice, his precious things, Invoking +Priest, Immortal + +25 Son of Strength, Agni, X thou wert the mortal, bright as +Mitra i worshipped with bur gifts ! + +And I were the Immortal God; + + +16 That: radiance or splendour. + +• 20 Bringdown the many firm hopes: there is no substantive in the text, + +and hopes, resolves, thoughts or something similar must be supplied. + +21 The Friend of man: or mdnurhitam may mean ‘ him who was establish¬ +ed by Manus.’ + +23 .Hi? sword: the flashing flame. The Asura: the Sun, according to +S&yana. Robe: outward form. + + + + +BYMN 1&.} + + +TEE RIO VEDA, + + +147 + + +26 I would not give-thee up, Vasu, to calumny or misery, 0 + +Bounteous One. + +My worshipper should feel no hunger or distress, nor, Agni, +should he live in sin. + +27 Like a son cherished in his father’s house, let our oblation + +rise unto the Gods. + +28 With thine immediate aid may I, excellent Agni, ever gain + +my wish, + +A mortal with a God to help. + +29 0 Agni. by thy wisdom, by thy bounties, by thy leading may + +I gather wealth. #% + +Excellent Agni, thou called my Providence : delight thou +to be liberal. + +30 Agni, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of noble + +heroes and great strength, + +Whose bond of friendship is thy choice. + +31 Thy spark is black and crackling, kindled in due time, + +0 Bounteous, it is taken up. + +Thou art the dear Friend of the mighty Mornings: thou +shinest in glimmerings of the night. + +32 We Sobharis have come to him, for succour, who is good to help + +with thousand powers** + +The Sovran, Trasadasyu’s Friend. + +33 0 Agni, thou on whom all other fires depend, as branches on + +the parent stem, + +I make the treasures of the folk, like songs, mine own, while +I exalt thy sovran might. + +34 The mortal whom, Adityas, ye, Guileless, lead to the farther bank +Of all the princes, Bounteous Ones !— + +35 Whoe’er lie be, Man-ruling Kings! the Regent of the race of + +men— + +May we, 0 Mitra, Yaruna, and Aryaman, like him be further¬ +ed of your law. + +36 A gift of fifty female slaves hath Trasadasyu given me, Puru- + +.kutsa’s son, + +Most liberal, kind, lord of the brave. + +26 In sin: such as neglect of the Gods in consequence of poverty. + +33 The meaning of the second line appears to he : ‘ f praise Agni better +than other men. I overpower their hymns and secure for myself the rewards +which they were intended to obtain/ + +36 Female slaves: vadhUndm,: vadhit means usually a bride, a wife, a woman +in general, and here handmaids or female slaves, the wives or daughters of +conquered D&sas, appear to. be meant. According to von Roth, mares or ; +other female draught-animals are intended. + + + + +148 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII. + +37 And SyAva too for me led forth a strong steed at Suvastu’s • +ford: + +A herd of three times seventy kine, good lord of gifts, he gave +to me. + +HYMN XX. Maruts. ’ + +Let none, Swift Travellers ! check you : come hither, like- +spirited, stay not far away, + +Ye benders even of what is firm. + +2 Maruts, Bibhukshans, Budras, come ye with your cars strong- + +fellied and exceeding bright. + +Come, ye Aor whom we long, with food, to sacrifice, come ye +with love to Sobhari. + +3 For well we know the vigorous might oi^Rudra’s Sons, the + +Maruts, who are passing strong, + +Swift Vishnu’s hand, who send the rain. + +4 Islands are bursting forth and misery is stayed : the""heaven + +and earbh are joined in one. : + +Decked with bright rings, ye spread the broad expanses out, +when ye, Self-luminous, stirred yourselves. + +5 Even things immovable shake and reel, the mountains and the + +forest trees at your approach, + +And the earth trembles as ye come. + +6 To lend free course, 0 Maruts, to your furious rush, heaven + +high and higher still gives way, + +Where they, the Heroes mighty with their arms, display their +gleaming ornaments on their forms. + +7 After their Godlike nature they, the bull-like Heroes, dazzling + +and impetuous, wear + +Great splendour as they show erect. * + +37 Suvctstu is in all probability the Soastos of Arrian (Suwad or Swat) near +the K 6 ph§n or K&bul river. Kine: there is no substantive in the text. The +stanza, which has no comment in the printed edition, is very obscure and can +be only conjecturaily translated. See Ludwig’s Translation and Commentary, + +I. 427; and IV. 380. + +4 SAyana Beems to explain this verse, ‘ The islands fall asunder, the firmest +(trees) experience distress ; they (the winds) distress heaven and earth ; the +waters hurry onward, 0 bright weaponed, self-shining ones, when you agitate +them.’—E. B. C.’s note in Wilson’s Translation. The stanza is difficult. + +I have followed, generally, Ludwig’s version. Islands; the higher unsub¬ +merged grounds. Misery: caused by the preceding hot and dry weather. +Are joined in one: as the heavy rain obscures the horizon. Bright rings : +worn on the arms or the ankles or carried by the Maruts on their shoulders. +See I. 166. 9. + +y 7 Bull-Mice: ti*■» — - * .7 - r - Hshapsavah is uncertain. Show erect: + +ahrutajptavah is , : ■ •• ■■■., ■. + + + + +HYMN 20.] + + +THE MG VEDA. + + +149 + + +8 The pivot of the Sobharis’ chariot within the golden box is + +balmed with milk. + +May they the Well-born, Mighty, kindred of the Cow, aid us +to food and to delight. + +9 Bring, ye who sprinkle balmy drops, oblations to your vigorous + +Marut company, + +To those whose leader is the Bull. + +•10 Come hither, 0 ye Maruts, on your strong-horsed car, solid in +, look, with solid naves. + +Lightly like winged falcons, 0 ye Heroes, come, come to enjoy +our offerings. + +r> + +11 Their decoration is the same; their ornaments of gold are + +bright upon their arms; + +Their lances glitter splendidly. + +12 They toil not to defend their bodies from attack, strong He¬ + +roes with their mighty arms. + +Strong are your bows and strong the weapons in your cars, +and glory sits on every face. + +* 13 Whose name extendeth like a sea, alone, resplendent, so that +all have joy in it, + +And life-power like ancestral might. + +14 Pay honour to these Maruts and sing praise to them, for of + +the wheel-spokes of the car + +Of these loud roarers none is last; this is their power, this +moves them to give mighty gifts. + +15 Blest by your favouring help was he, 0 Maruts, at the earlier + +flushings of the morn, + +And even now shall he be blest. + +16 The strong man to whose sacrifice, 0 Heroes, ye approach + +that ye may taste thereof, + +With glories and with war that winneth spoil shall gain great +bliss, ye Shakers of the world. + +17 Even as Rudra’s Sons, the brood of the Creator Dyaus, the + +Asura, desire, + +0 Youthful Ones, so shall it be: + +8 Box: the interior of the chariot. With milk: with fertilizing rain sent +by the Maruts. The Cow: Prism. + +9 Ye who sprinkle balmy drops: priests who offer libations. Whose leader +is the Bull: whom Indra leads. Or, it may be, whose chariot is drawn by +bulls, as in the following Btanssa. + +10 Solid in look: or with bull-like, or strong look. + +14 None is last: no part of their chariot wheel is behind the rest in speed. +This moves them to give mighty gifts: or, this (characteristic belongs to them) +through greatness of their gifts. + +15 He: your worshipper. + + + + +150 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VHP + +18 And these the bounteous, worthy of the Maruts who more + +onward pouring down the rain— + +Even for their sake, 0 Youthful Ones, with kindest heart take +us to you to be your own. + +19 0 Sobhari, with newest song sing out unto the youthful puri¬ + +fying Bulls, + +Even as a plougber to his steers. + +20 Who, like a celebrated boxer, overcome the challengers in every + +fight; + +They who, like shining bulls, are most illustrious—honour +those Maruts with thy song. + +21 Allied by common ancestry, ye Maruts, even the Cows, alike + +in energy, + +Lick, all by turns, each other’s head. + +22 Even mortal man, ye Dancers breast-adorned with gold, attains + +to brotherhood with you. + +Mark ye and notice us, 0 Maruts; evermore your friendship +is secured to us. + +23 0 Maruts, rich in noble gifts, bring us a portion of the Maruta' + +medicine, + +Ye Coursers who are Friends to us. + +24 Haters of those who serve you ftot, bliss-bringers, bring us + +bliss with those auspicious aids + +Wherewith ye are victorious and guard Sindhu well, and suc¬ +cour Krivi in his need, + +25 Maruts, who rest on fair trimmed grass, what balm soever + +Sindhu or Asikni hath, + +Or mountains or the seas contain, + +26 Ye carry on your bodies, ye who see it all: scfbless ns graciously + +therewith. + +Cast, Maruts, to the ground our sick man’s malady: replace +the dislocated limb. + + +18 The bounteous: the liberal institutors of sacrifice. + +19 Purifying bulls: the strong Maruts who send the sweet rain. + +21 Allied by common ancestry: as the offspring of Prism. The Cows : the +Maruts, Lick...each other's head: as they crowd together in their course. +According to S&yana, { the oows severally liok up the quarters of the sky.’ + +22 Ye Dancers: ye who dance through the air. + +24 Krivi: the eponymus of a warrior tribe in the Fanj&b, in later times +combined with, or identical with the Panchalas. S&yana takes b'ivim here +to mean a well: 'with whioh you provided a well (for Gotama)/—Wilson. + +25 Asikni: the ^oesines of Quintus Curtius, the Yeclio name of the Chandra- +bhdg&, the modern Chen&b. + +26 Replace the dislocated limb: 're-establish his enfeebled frame.’—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 21.] + + +THE Um VEDA + + +151 + + +HYMN XXL Indra, + +We call on thee, 0 Matchless One! We seeking help, posses¬ +sing nothing firm ourselves, + +Call on thee wonderful in fight: + +2 On thee for aid in sacrifice. This youth of ours, the hold, + +the mighty, hath gone forth. + +We therefore, we thy friends, Indra, have chosen thee, free- +giver, as our Guardian God. + +3 Come hither, for the drops are here, 0 Lord of corn-lands, + +Lord of horses, Lord of kine: + +Drink thou the Soma, Soma’s Lord! + +4 For we the kinless singers have drawn hither thee, 0 Indra, + +who hast numerous kin. + +With all the forms thou hast, come thou of bull-like strength, +come near to drink the Soma juice. + +Sitting like birds beside thy meath, mingled with milk, that +gladdeneth and exalteth thee, + +Indra, to thee we sing aloud. + +6 We speak to thee with this our reverential prayer. Why + +art thou pondering yet awhile ? + +Here are our wishes; thou art liberal, Lord of Bays ; we and +our hymns are present here. + +7 For not in recent times alone, 0 Indra, Thunder-armed, have + +we obtained thine aid. + +Of old we knew thy plenteous wealth. + +8 Hero, we knew thy friendship and thy rieh rewards: these, + +Thunderer, now we crave of thee. + +O Vasu, for all wealth that cometh of the kine, sharpen our +powers, fair-tfisored God. + +9 Him who of old hath brought to us this and that blessing, + +Mm I magnify for you, + +Even Indra, 0 my friends, for help: + +10 Borne by Bay Steeds, the Lord of heroes, ruling men, for it + +is he who takes delight. + +May Maghavan bestow on us his worshippers hundreds of +cattle and of steeds, + +11 Hero, may we, with thee for Friend, withstand the man who . + +pants against us in his wrath, + +In fight with people rieh in kine. + +12 May we be victors in the singer’s battle-song, and meet, the + +wicked, Much-invoked! + + +2 This youth of ours; the noble who has instituted tb# a&edfiee, + + + + +152' THE HYMNS 0# [BOOK VI1L' + +With heroes smite the foeman and show forth our strength. +0 Indra, further thou our thoughts. + +13 0 Indra, from ail ancient time rivalless ever and compani¬ + +onless art thou : + +Thou seekest comradeship in war. + +14 Thou findest not the wealthy man to be thy friend: those + +scorn thee who are flown with wine. + +What time thou thunderest and gatherest, then thou, even as +a Father, art invoked. + +15 0 Indra, let us not, like fools who waste their lives at home, + +with friendship such as thine +Sit idly by the poured-out juice. + +16 Giver of kine, may we not miss thy gracious gifts : let us not + +rob thee of thine own. + +Strip even the strong places of the foe, and bring : thy gifts +can never be made vain. + +17 Indra or blest Sarasvati alone bosfcows such wealth, treasure + +so great, or thou, + +- 0 Chitra, on the worshipper. + +18 Chitra is King, and only kinglings are the rest who dwell + +beside Sarasvati. + +He, like Parjanya with his rain, Jiath spread himself with +.. thousand, yea, with myriad gifts. + +HYMN XXII. Asvimr. + +Hitherward have I called to-day, for succour, that most +wondrous car + +Which ye ascended, Asvins, ye whose paths are red, swift to +give ear, for Surya’s sake. + +2 Car ever young, much longed-for, easily invqked, soon guided, +first in deeds of might, + +Which waits and serves, 0 Sobhari, with benevolence, without +a rival or a foe. + +13 Thou seekest comradeship in war: befriendest thy worshippers when +they need thine assistance in battle. + +14 Gatkerest: the clouds. - M. Muller. + +• 17 Chitra: the name of this king does not occur elsewhere in the Rigveda, +18 King: raji. Kinglings: rrfjaMK Parjanya: God of the rain-cloud, +regarded as the type of liberal beneficence. + +1 Ye whose paths are red: mdravartani: this epithet of the Asvins is +variously explained; ‘having a path which causes weeping in battle/ or +*whose paths are praised/—>§:lyana ; e advancing on the path to battle.’— +Wilson; ‘ proceeding on terrible roads.’—Muir; ‘going on Rudra’e path.’— +Ludwig; ‘on your light path.’—Grassmanu ; ‘going on a reddish path.’— +Pischel. See Vedische Studien, I., pp. 15 and 55—60. For Stiryd's sake; who +chose the Asvins as her husbands. See J. 116,17. + + + +THE BIG VEDA. + + +153 + + +HYMN 22.] + +3 These Asvins with our homage, these Two Omnipresent + +Deities + +Hitherward will we bring for kind help, these who seek the +dwelling of the worshipper. + +4 One of your chariot wheels is moving swiftly round, one + +speeds for you its onward course. + +Like a milch-cow, 0 Lords of splendour, and with haste let +your benevolence come to us. + +5 That chariot of yours which hath a triple seat and reins of + +gold, + +The famous car that traverseth the heaven and eeurth, thereon +Nasatyas, Asvins, come. + +6 Ye with your plough, when favouring Manu with your help, + +ploughed the first harvest in the sky. + +As such will we exalt you, Lords of splendour, now, 0 Asvins, +with our prayer and praise. + +7 Come to us, Lords of ample wealth, by paths of everlasting “Law, +Whereby to high dominion ye with mighty strength raised + +Trikshi, Trasadasyu’s son. + +8 This Soma pressed with stones is yours, ye Heroes, Lords of + +plenteous wealth. + +Approach to drink the Sofha, come, drink in the worshipper’s +abode. + +9 0 Asvins, mount the chariot, mount the golden seat, ye who + +are Lords of plenteous wealth, + +And bring to us abundant food. + +10 The aids wherewith ye helped Paktha and Adhrigu, and + +Babhru severed from his friends,— + +With those, 0 Asvins, come hither with speed and soon, and +heal whatever is diseased. + +11 When we continually invoke the Asvins, the resistless, at this + +time of day, + +We lovers of' the song, with songs, + + +4 The movements of the two wheels are not very intelligibly described. See +I. 30. 19, and V. 73. 3 Like a milch-cow: a common type of liberality. + +6 Ploughed the first harvest: first ploughed the ground aud sowed and +reaped: that is, taught, by example, men to do so. Cp. 1.117. 21: k Ploughing +and sowing barley, 0 ye Asvins, milking out food for men, ye wonder-workers, +Blasting away the Dasyu with your trumpet, ye have bestowed wide light +upon the Arya.’ + +7 Trikshi: see VT 46. 8. + +10 PahthUj Adhrigu, and Babhru are said to have been kings. + + + +154 • THE HYMNS OF IBOOK V1IL + +12 Through these, ye Mighty Ones, come hither to my call which + +brings .all blessings, wears all forms,— + +Through Wiiich, All-present Heroes, lavishest of food ye +strengthened Krivi, come through these. + +13 I speak to both of these as such, these Asvins whom I rever¬ + +ence at this time of day : + +With homage we entreat them both. + +14 Ye who are Lords of splendour, ye whose paths are red, at + +eve, at morn, at sacrifice, + +Give us not utterly as prey to mortal foe, ye Rudras, Lords +of ample wealth. + +15 For bliss I call the blissful car, at morn the inseparable Asvins + +with their car +I call, like Sobhari our sire. + +16 Rapid as thought, and strong, and speeding to the joy, bring¬ + +ing your swiftly-coming help, + +Be to us a protection even from far away, Lords of great wealth, +with many aids. + +17 Come, Wonder-Workers, to our home, our home* 0 Asvins, + +rich in cattle, steeds, and gold, + +Chief drinkers of the Soma’s juice ! + +18 Choice-worthy strength, heroic, firm and excellent, uninjured + +by the Rakshas foe, + +At this your coming nigh, ye Lords of ample wealth and all +good things, may we obtain. + +HYMN XXIII. Agni. + +Worship thou J&tavedas, pray to him who willingly accepts, +Whose smoke wanders at will, and none may grasp his flame. + +2 Thou, all men’s friend, Visvamanas, exaltest Agni with thy + +song, + +The Giver, and his flames with which no cars contend. + +3 Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our + +praise,— + +12 Krivi: see VIII. 20. 24. + +14 Ye JRudrcis: ye red-hued or bright Gods. + +17 Mich in cattle: proleptic j which your coming will make rich. + +The Rishi is Visvamanas the son of Vyasva. + +1 Who willingly accepts: prativyhm: according to S&yana, ‘ disposed to +encounter enemies.’ + +2 The second line is difficult, as the adjective vishpardhasah stands without- +a substantive and may be either the accusative plural or the genitive singular ; + +f who is the giver of chariots to the unenvious (worshipper).’—Wihon. + +3 Assault: on the oblations which the fire consumes. . + + + +HYMN 23.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +U6 + + +Through whose discovering power the priest obtaineth +wealth. + +4 Up springs the imperishable flame, the flame of the Reful¬ + +gent One + +Most bright, with glowing jaws and glory in his train. + +5 Skilled in fair sacrifice, extolled, arise in Godlike loveliness, +Shining with lofty splendour, with effulgent light. + +6 Called straight to our oblations, come, 0 Agni, through our + +eulogies, + +As thou hast been our envoy bearing up our gifts. + +7 I call your Agni, from of old Invoking Priest of living men : +Him with this song I laud and magnify for you. + +8 Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and + +his fair form, + +Kind as a friend to men who keep the holy Law. + +9 Him, true to Law, who perfecteth the sacrifice, Law-loving + +ones ! + +Ye with your song have gratified in the place of prayer. + +10 May all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras, + +Who is among mankind the most illustrious Priest. + +11 Imperishable Agni, thinerare all these high enkindled lights, +Like horses and like stallions showing forth their strength. + +12 So give us, Lord of Power and Might, riches combined with + +hero strength, + +And guard us with our sons and grandsons in our frays. + +13 Soon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto Manu’s race, +Agni averteth from us all the demon host. + +14 0 Hero Agni, LOrd of men, on hearing this new laud of mine, +Bum down the Rakshasas, enchanters, with thy flame. + +15 No mortal foe can e’er prevail by arts of magic over him +Who serveth Agni well with sacrificial gifts. + +16 Vyasva the sage, who sought the Bull, hath won thee, finder + +of good things: + +As such may we enkindle thee for ample wealth. + +17 Usana K&vya stablished thee, 0 Agni, as Invoking Priest: +Thee, J&tavedas, Sacrificing Priest for man. + + +9 Lam-loving ones ; * pious worshippers.’—Wilson. Have gratified ; or + +must gratify. + +16 Who sought the Bull: the strong Agni. According to S&yana, ‘the +showerer (of rain),’ + +17 Usan&Kdvya: see Vol. I., Index. + + + +156 + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII. + +18 All Deities of one accord appointed thee their messenger: +Thou, God, through hearing, hadst first claim to sacrifice. + +19 Him may the mortal hero make his own immortal messenger, +Far-spreading, Purifier, him whose path is black. + +20 With lifted ladles let us call him splendid with his brilliant + +flame, + +Men’s ancient Agni, wasting not, adorable. + +21 The man who pays the worship due to him with sacrificial gifts +Obtains both plenteous nourishment and hero fame. + +22 To Jatavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all +With hofnage goes the ladle rich with sacred gifts. + +23 Even as Vyasva did, may we with these most high and liberal + +hymns + +Pay worship unto Agni of the splendid flame. + +24 How sing, as Sthurayfipa sang, with lauds to him who spread- + +eth far, + +To Agni of the home, 0 Bishi, Vyasva’s son. + +25 As welcome guest of human kind, as offspring of the forest + +kings, + +The sages worship ancient Agni for his aid. + +26 For men’s oblations brought to ljim who is the mighty Lord + +of all, + +Sit, Agni, mid our homage, on the sacred grass. + +27 Grant us abundant treasures, grant the opulence which many + +crave, + +With store of heroes, progeny, and high renown. + +28 Agni, Most Youthful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of + +wealth • + +Unto VarosusMman and to all his folk. + +29 A mighty Conqueror art thou, 0 Agni, so disclose to us +Food in our herds of kine and gain of ample wealth. + +30 Thou, Agni, art a glorious God : bring hither Mitra, Yaruna, +Imperial Sovrans, holy-minded, true to Law. + + +18 Through hearing: and, by causing the Gods to hear, men's prayers, + +24 StMraytipa; said by S&yana to be the name of a Rishi. + +25 Forest Icings: tall trees, or trees in general. + +28 Yarosushdman : I follow the St. Petersburg Lexicon in joining varo to +sushUmne and taking the whole as one word and the name of a chief. Ludwig +translates somewhat as follows : f Agni, send quickly to the folk who know +the goodly Sftman well, the gift of wealth, for ever, Youngest God 1 to all.* +But in a later volume of his work (III. p. 162) he comes to the conclusion +that Sush&man is a proper name, and that varo (which may, he thinks, be an +interjection) must not be combined with it. + + + +HYMN 24.] + + +157 + + +THE RIG VEDA, + +HYMN XXIV. Indr a. + +Companions, let us learn a prayer to Indra whom the thunder +arms, + +To glorify your bold and most heroic Friend. + +2 For thou by slaying Vritra art the Yritra-slayer, famed for + +might. + +Thou, Hero, in rich gifts surpassest wealthy chiefs. + +3 As such, when glorified, bring us riches of very wondrous + +fame, + +Set in the highest rank, Wealth-giver, Lord of Bays ! + +4 Yea, Indra, thou disclosest that preeminent dear wealth of + +men : + +Boldly, 0 Bold One, glorified, bring it to us. + +5 The workers of destruction stay neither thy right hand nor + +thy left: + +Nor hosts that press about thee, Lord of Bays, in fight. + +6 0 Thunder-armed, I come with songs to thee as to a stall + +with kine: + +Fulfil the wish and thought of him who sings thy praise. + +7 Chief Vritra-slayer, through the hymn of Yisvamanas think + +of all, + +All that concerneth us, Excellent, Mighty Guide. + +8 May we, 0 Yritra-slayer, 0 Hero, find this thy newest boon, +Longed-for, and excellent, thou who art much invoked ! + +9 0 Indra, Dancer, Much-invoked ! as thy great power is un¬ + +surpassed, + +So be thy bounty to the worshipper unchecked. + +10 Most Mighty, most heroic One, for mighty bounty fill thee full. +Though strong, strengthen thyself to win wealth, Maghavan 1 + +110 Thunderer, never have our prayers gone forth to any God +but thee : + +So help us, Maghavan, with thine assistance now. + +12 For, Dancer, verily I find none else for bounty, saving thee, +For splendid wealth and power, thou Lover of the Song. + +13 For Indra pour ye out the drops ; meath blent with Soma let + +him drink : + +With bounty and with majesty will he further us. + + +9 j Dancer: of the dance of war. According to S&yana, * dancer, or who +cause? to dance, i, e. agitator, exciter, from Indra’s faculty of internal impulse +in all beings. 1 —Wilson. + + +158 THM HYMNS OF [BOOK Vllh + +14 I spake to the Bay Coursers’ Lord, to him who gives ability: +Now hear the son of Asva as he praises thee. + +15 Never was ally Hero born before thee mightier than thou.: +None certainly like thee in goodness and in wealth. + +16 0 ministering priest, pour out of the sweet juice what glad¬ + +dens most: + +So is the Hero praised who ever prospers us. + +17 Indra, whom Tawny Coursers bear, praise such as thine, + +preeminent, + +None by his power or by his goodness hath attained. + +18 We, seeking glory, have invoked this Master of all power and + +might + +Who must be glorified by constant sacrifice. + +19 Come, sing we praise to Indra, friends, the Hero who deserves + +the laud, + +Him who with none to aid overcomes all tribes of men. + +20 To him who wins the kine, who keeps no cattle back, Celes¬ + +tial God, + +Speak wondrous speech more sweet than butter and than +meath. + +21 Whose hero powers are measureless, whose bounty ne'er may + +be surpassed, 0 + +Whose liberality, like light, is over all. + +22 As Vyasva did, praise Indra, praise the Strong unfluctuating + +Guide, + +Who gives the foe's possessions to the worshipper. + +23 Now, son of Vyasva, praise thou him who to the tenth time + +still is new, + +The very Wise, whom living men must glorify. + +24 Thou knowest, Indra, Thunder-armed, how to avoid destructive + +powers, + +As one secure from pitfalls each returning day. + + +14 Son of Asva: i, e. of Vyasva, the Rishi Yi;vamanas. + +20 Who keeps no cattle hack: either literally who aids his worshippers to +win cattle in their raids and gives them all the booty ; or, who sends forth all +the kine or rays of light that he has recovered from the powers ox darkness. +According to S&yana, ‘ who rejects no praise,’ + +23 Who to the tenth time still is neio: continnally renews his liberality to +us. This seems to be the meaning of the dasamam ndvam (tenth-new) of the +text. Sftvana explains differently: * who is the tenth (of the pervading vital +principles), the adorable.’ + +24 Destructive powers; the plural of Nirriti, Death or Destruction; I +adopt Ludwig’s interpretation of the second line. + + + + +BYMN 25.] ' THE RIG VEDA. 159 + +25 O Indra, bring that aid wherewith of old, Most Wondrous! + +thou didst slay + +His foes for active Kutsa : send it down to us. + +26 So now we seek thee fresh in might, Most Wonderful in act! + +for gain : + +For thou art he who conquers all our foes for us. + +27 Who will set free from ruinous woe, or Arya on the Seven + +Streams: + +0 valiant Hero, bend the Dasa’s weapon dow T n. + +28 As to Varosushaman thou broughtest great riches, for their + +gain, + +To Vyasva’s sons, Blest Lady, rich in ample wealth l ’ + +29 Let Narya’s sacrificial meed reach Vyasva’s Soma-bearing sons : +In hundreds and in thousands be the great reward. + +30 If one should ask thee, Where is he who sacrificed? Whither + +lookest thou % + +Like Vala he hath passed away and dwelleth now on Gomati. + +HYMN XXY. Mitra-Varuna. + +I worship you who guard this All, Gods holiest among the +Gods, + +You, faithful to the Law,*wkose power is sanctified. + +2 So, too, like charioteers are they, Mitra and sapient Yaruna, +Sons high-born from of old, whose holy laws stand fast. + +3 These Twain, possessors of all wealth, most glorious, for + +supremest sway + +Aditi, Mighty Mother, true to Law, brought forth. + +27 2vya on the Sever?Streams: from any Aryan enemy in the land of the +Seven Rivers, probably the Indus, the five rivers of the Panj&b, and the +Kubhft, + +28 Varosushdman: see VIII. 23. 28. Blest Lady; Ushas or Dawn is + +addressed. . + +29 Ndrya's sacrificial meed; N&rya appears to be the name of the mstztutor +of the sacrifice. + +30 Ludwig observes: * This stanza clearly refers to the greatness of the + +reward given by Mrya, and its - r : here vn so many cows (presented +fey N&rya) that one might think, .: ; : : : - ^ .• • ■. of the sacrifice, Vala had + +given up his cows [which he had stolen from the Gods, and hidden In a cave], +and taken his departure. 1 Ushas says also, 4 my cows are quite superfluous +here, and I will drive them away to some other place/ The Btanza is addressed +to Ushas, and the second line is the answer she is to give to the question +contained in the first. Gomati: some affluent of the Indus, which m later +times lent its name to the Gomati, or Gumti, which flows through Oudh and +falls into the Ganges. + +2 Charioteers: furthers of eternal Law. See VII. 66. 12. + + + +160 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII + +4 Great Varuna and Mitra, Gods, Asuras and imperial Lords, , +True to Eternal Law proclaim the high decree. + +5 The offspring of a lofty Power, Daksha’s Two Sons exceeding + +strong, + +Who, Lords of flowing rain, dwell in the place of food. + +6 Ye who have gathered up your gifts, celestial and terrestrial + +food, + +Let your rain come to us fraught with the mist of heaven. + +7 The Twain, who from the lofty sky seem to look down on + +herds below, + +Holy^ imperial Lords, are set to be revei'ed. + +8 They, true to Law, exceeding strong, have sat them down + +for sovran rule: + +Princes whose laws stand fast, they have obtained their sway. + +9 Pathfinders even better than the eye, with unobstructed sight, +Even when they close their lids, observant, they perceive. + +10 So may the Goddess Aditi, may the Nasatyas guard us well*> +The Maruts guard us well, endowed with mighty strength. + +11 Do ye, 0 Bounteous Gods, protect our dwelling-place by day + +and night: + +With you for our defenders may^ve go unharmed. + +12 May we, unharmed, serve bountiful Vishnu, the God who + +slayeth none: + +Self-moving Sindhu hear and he the first to mark. + +13 This sure protection we elect, desirable and reaching far, + +Which Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman afford. + +14 And may the Sindhu of the floods, the Maruts, and the Asvin + +Pair, * + +Boon Indra, and boon Vishnu have one mind with us. + +15 Because these warring Heroes stay the enmity of every foe, + +As the fierce water-flood repels the furious ones. + +16 Here this one God, the Lord of men, looks forth exceeding far + +and wide: + +And we, for your advantage, keep his holy laws. + +17 We keep the old accustomed laws, the statutes of supremacy, +The long-known laws of Mitra and of Varuna. + + +6 Dahsha s Two Sons: or sons of power or energy, according to S&yana, +Dakslia. as a creative power, is frequently associated with Aditi. Place of +food: heaven from which the food-producing rain comes. + +12 Sindhu: the Indus. According to vS&yaria, Vishnu who causes wealth +to flow to his woi shippers. + + + +HYMN 26.] TEE RIQVEDA. Ul + +18 He who hath measured with his ray the boundaries of heaven + +and earth, + +And with his majesty hath filled the two worlds full, + +19 Surya hath spread his light aloft up to the region of the sky, +Like Agni all aflame when gifts are offered him. + +20 With him who sits afar the word is lord of food that comes + +from kine, + +Controller of the gift of unempoisoned food. + +21 So unto Surya, Heaven, and Earth at morning and at eve I + +speak. + +Bringing enjoyments.ever rise thou up for us. # . + +22 From Ukshany&yana a bay, from Harayana a white steed, +And from Sush&man we obtained a harnessed car. + +23 These two shall bring me further gain of troops of tawny- + +coloured steeds, + +The carriers shall they be of active men of war. + +24 And the two sages have I gained who hold the reins and bear + +the whip, + +And the two great strong coursers, with my newest song. + +HYMN XXVI. Asvlns. + +3 I call your chariot to receive united praise mid princely +men, + +Strong Gods who pour down wealth, of never vanquished +might* + +2 Ye to Varosushaman come, Nasatyas, for this glorious rite, +With your protecting aid, Strong Gods, who pour down wealth. + +20 Varuna has only to command and men have milk and wholesome food. +SAyana explains differently: ‘ Raise your voice in the spacious hall of sacrifice +to him who is lord over food derived from cattle/—Wilson. + +21 Thou: Surya, that is, according to SAyaua, Mitra and Varuna in Sflrya’s +shape. + +22 Sushdman : here without Varo , the prefix or interjection or whatever it +may be. See VIII. 23. 28. + +23 These two : horses. + +24 Two sages: vljprd: the meaning is uncertain. According to S Ay an a the + +word is an epithet of f coursers’: 1 sagacious/—Wilson.' Ludwig thinks that +the grooms (probably enslaved enemies) are ironically called sages, or as he +translates, BrAhmans. Dr. Muir translates the stanza differently : c I have +celebrated at the same time with a new hymn, these two sages and mighty +[princes], strong, swift, and carrying whips.’ Bub this rendering has little to +recommend it. —— + +* I Princely men: the S&ris or institutes of the sacrifice. + +2 Yarosushdman : see VIII. 23. 28. Who pour down wealth,: vrishanvasti; +see IV. 50. 10, note. + +n + + + +162 + + +TEE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK Till + + +3 So with, oblations we invoke you, rich in ample wealth, to-day, +When night hath passed, 0 ye who send us plenteous food. + +4 0 Asvins, Heroes, let your car, famed, best to travel, come to us, +And, for his glory, mark your zealous servant’s lauds. + +5 Asvins, who send us precious gifts, even when offended, think + +of him: + +For ye, 0 Rudras, lead us safe beyond our foes. + +6 For, Wonder-Workers, with fleet steeds ye fly completely + +round this All, + +Stirring our thoughts, ye Lords of splendour, boney-hued. + +7 With all-sustaining opulence, Asvins, come hitherward to us, +Ye rich and noble Heroes, ne’er to be o’erthrown. + +8 *To welcome this mine offeidng, 0 ye Indralike N&satyas, come +As Gods of best accord this day with other Gods. + +9 For we, like Yyasva, lifting up our vnice like oxen, call on you: +With all your loving kindness, Sages, come to us, + +10 0 Rishi, laud the Asvins well. Will they not listen to thy call 1 +Wiil they not burn the Panis who are nearer them ? + +110 Heroes, listen to the son of Yyasva, and regard me here, +Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, of one accord. + +1 2 Gods whom we yearn for, of your gifts, of what ye bring to +us, bestow + +By princes' hands on me, ye Mighty, day by day. + +13 Him whom your sacrifices clothe, even as a woman with her robe, +The Asvins help to glory honouring him well. + +14 Whoso regards your care of men as succour widest in its reach, +About his dwelling go, ye Asvins, loving us. + +15 Gome to us ye who pour down wealth, qome to the home + +which men must guard : + +Like shafts, ye are made meet for sacrifice by song. + +16 Most fetching of all calls, the laud, as envoy, Heroes, called + +to you: + +Be it your own, 0 Asvin Pair. + +17 Be ye in yonder sea of heaven, or joying in the home of food, +Listen to me, Immortal Ones. + + +5 Rudras: bright Gods. + +6 Honey-hued: madhuvarnd : ‘of fascinating complexion.’—Wilson. + +15 Like shafts ; as arrows are sharpened for their work, so the Asvins are +prepared for the sacrifice by the Rishi’s hymn. The word vishudrtihd, ex¬ +plained by S£yana as two arrows, is difficult, and other readings and explana¬ +tions have been suggested. + + + +EYMX 27 .] TEE RWVEDA. 163 + +18 This river with his lucid flow attracts you, more than all the + +streams,— + +Even Sindhu with his path of gold. + +19 0 Asvins, with that glorious fame come hither, through our + +brilliant song, + +Come ye whose wsgrs are marked with light;- + +20 Harness the steeds who^i^^b^car, 0 Yasu, bring the well- + +fed pair. ~ + +O thou of our meath: come unto] our drink- + +^ -offerings. + +-121 Wonderful Vayu, Lord of Eight, thou who art Tvashtar’s son- +in-law, * + +Thy saving succour we elect. + +22 To Tvashtar’s son-in-law we pray for wealth whereof he hath + +control: + +For glory we seek V&yu, men with juice effused. + +23 From heaven, auspicious Vayu, come; drive hither with thy + +noble steeds: + +Come on thy mighty car with wide-extending seat. + +24 We call thee to the homes of men, thee wealthiest in noble + +food, + +And liberal as a press-stone with a horsed back. + +25 So, glad and joyful in thine heart, do thou, God, Y&yu, first + +of all + +Vouchsafe us water, strength, and thought. + +HYMN XXVII. Visvedevas, + +Chief .Priest is Agni at the laud, as stones and grass at sacri¬ +fice : + +With song I seek the Maruts, Brahmanaspati, Gods for help +much to be desired. + + +18 With his lucid flow: svetayfivart: taken by Say an a as (he name of a river. + +21 Tvashtar's son-in-law: the Commentators give no satisfactory explanation. +SaranyO, Tvashtar’s daughter, was the wife of Vivasv&n, who cannot be identi¬ +fied with V4yu." See Hillebrandt, Vedische Mythologies I. p. 521. + +24 The second line is difficult. The press-sfcone which produces the Soma +juice which makes the Gods bountiful is regarded as a type of liberality; +it may be called literally, horse-backcd, because it bears its + +load of Soma ': a i‘ >rse. ‘ Sharp-backed’, ‘ with sharp ridges’, as + +suggested by Pischel, gives a better meaning. + +1 Chief Priest: according to Sftyana, jpurdhitah here is taken in its primary +sense of ‘ placed in front/ that is, set by the priests on the uttaravedi or +northern altar or fire-receptacle. The laud: ulcthd: a kind of religious service +consisting of the recitation of certain eulogistic verses. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VUl + +, 2 I sing to cattle and to Earth, to trees, to Dawns, to Night, to +plants. + +0 all ye Vasus, ye possessors of all wealth, be ye the further¬ +ed of our thoughts. + +3 Forth go,^ with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use, +To the A dityas, Varuna whose Law stands fast, and the all- + +lightening Marut troop. m + +4 Lords of all wealth, may they be su-ongtheners of man, de¬ + +stroyers of his enemies. + +Lords of all wealth, do ye, with guards which none may harm, +preserve our dwelling free from foes. + +5 Come to *us with one mind to-day, come to us all with one + +accord, + +Maruts with holy song, and, Goddess Aditi, Mighty One, to our +house and home. + +6 Send us delightful things, ye Maruts, on your steeds: come + +,.ye, 0 Mitra, to our gifts. + +Let Indra, Varuna, and the Adityas sit, swift Heroes, on our +sacred grass. + +( 7 We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the banquet +in array, + +And pressed the Soma, call you, Varuna, like men, with sacri¬ +ficial fires aflame. » + +8 0 Maruts, Vishnu, Asvins, Pushan, haste away with minds + +turned hitherward to me. + +Let the Strong Indra, famed as Vritra’s slayer, come first with +. the winners of the spoil. + +9 Ye Guileless Gods, bestow on us a refuge strong on every side, +A sure protection, Vasus, unassailable from near at hand or + +from afar. * + +10 Kinship have I with you, and close alliance, 0 ye Gods, de¬ + +stroyers of our foes. + +Call us to our prosperity of former days, and soon to new felicity. + +11 For new have I sent forth to ydu, that I may win a fair reward, +Lords of all wealth, with homage, this my song of praise like + +a milch-cow that faileth not. + +2 1 sirig to: or I glorify, in order that 1 may win or propitiate them. + +6 Come ye, 0 Mitra: Varuna and Aryaman being understood. + +7 Like men: manushvdt: or after the manner of Manus. + +11 Like a mihh-cov) that faileth not: the meaning of dnydm here is some¬ +what uncertain. S&yana-explains it by adrwhfapilwdm, unprecedented, and +Grassmann by. 4 a stream that never dries up-.’ I have adopted Ludwig’s +•interpretation. + + + +THE MOVED A, + + +BTtMN 27.] + + +16 ^ + + +12 Excellent Savitar hath mounted up on high for you, ye sure + +and careful Guides. + +Bipeds and quadrupeds, with several hopes and aims/and +birds have settled to their tasks. + +13 Singing their praise with Godlike thought let us invoke each + +God for grace, + +Each God to bring you help, each God to strengthen you. + +14 Eor of one spirit are the Gods with mortal man, co-sharers ail + +of gracious gifts. + +May they increase our strength hereafter and to-day, provid¬ +ing ease and ample room. # + +15 1 laud you, 0 ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render + +praise. + +None, Varuna and Mitra, harms the mortal man who honours +and obeys your laws. . + +16 He makes his house endure, he gathers plenteous food who + +pays obedience to your will. + +Born in his sons anew he spreads as Law commands, and pros¬ +pers every way unharmed. + +17 E’en without war he gathers wealth, and goes his way oh + +pleasant paths, + +Whom Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman protect, sharing the gift, +of one accord. + +18 E'en on the plain for him ye make a sloping path, an easy + +way where road is none : . + +And far away from him the ineffectual shaft must vanish, +shot at him iu vain. + +19 If ye appoint the rite to-day, kind Bulers, when the Sun as¬ + +cends, • + +Lords of all wealth, at sunset or at ‘waking-time, or be it ak +the noon of day, + +20 Or, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshipper who goes + +to sacrifice, at eve, + +* May we, 0 Vasus, ye possessors of all wealth, come'then into +the midst of you. + +21 If ye to-day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve, +Lords of all riches, give fair treasure to the man, the wise + +man who hath sacrificed, + +22 Then we, imperial Bulers, claim of you this boon, your wide + +protection, as a son. + +May we, Adityas, offering holy gifts, obtain that which shall +bring us greater bliss. + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +IBOOK VIII. + + +HYMN XXVIII. Visvedevaa. + +The Thirty Gods and Three besides, whose seat hath been the +sacred grass, + +From time of old have found and gained. + +2 Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Agnis, with Consorts, sending boons, +To whom our Vashat! is addressed : + +3 These are our guardians in the west, and northward here, and + +in the south, + +And on the east, with all the tribe. + +4 Even as the Gods desire so verily shall it be. None minisheth + +this poorer of theirs, + +No demon, and no mortal man. + +5 The Seven carry seven spears ; seven are the splendours they + +possess, + +And seven the glories they assume. + +HYMN XXIX. Visvedevaa. + +One is a youth brown, active, manifold: he decks the golden +one with ornament. + +2 Another, luminous, occupies the place of sacrifice, Sage, among + +the Gods. + +3 One brandishes in his hand an ircsn knife, firm, in his seat + +amid the Deities. + +4 Another holds the thunderbolt, wherewith he slays the Vritras, + +resting in his band. + + +1 Thirty Gods and Three: see I. 139. 11. + +2 Agnis; Agni in his various forms and under different names. With Con¬ +sorts: with the G-n&3, Celestial Dames, wives of the GSds. Vashat I- the ex¬ +clamation made when the oblation is offered. + +4 No demon and no mortal man: or no mortal who presents no offerings +to the Gods. + +5 The Seven: the Maruts, seven, or seven times nine, or seven times seven +in number. S&yaoa mentions the legend of their birth, which will be found +in the Rdmdyana, Book I., Cantos 46, 47. The meaning is merely that the +Maruts carry lances, that is, their lightnings, and are splendidly adorned. +See I. 37. The connexion of this stanza with the preceding is not obvious. + +1 One: Soma. ‘ The yellow Soma juice is itself an ornament to the gold on +the finger (Atharvaveda, XVIII. 3. 18, hiranyapftv&h) of the priest.’—Ludwig. +According to others, Soma as the Moon is intended, who ‘ decorates (himself) +with golden ornaments.’—Wilson. + +% Another, luminous: Agni, + +3 One brandishes : Tvashtar, as the Artificer of the Gods. + +4 Another holds the thunderbolt : Indra. + + + +HYMN 31*] THE RIGVEDA. 167 + +5 Another bears a pointed weapon: bright is lie, and strong, + +with healing medicines. + +6 Another, thief-like, watches well the ways, and knows the + +places where the treasures lie. + +7 Another with his mighty stride hath made his three steps + +thither where the Gods rejoice. + +8 Two with one Dame ride on with wingM steeds, and journey + +forth like travellers on their way. + +9 Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshipped + +with holy oil, Imperial Kings. + +10 Some, singing lauds, conceived the Sama-hymn,* great hymn +whereby they caused the Sun to shine. + +HYMN XXX Visvedeva*. + +Not one of you, ye Gods, is small, none of you is a feeble +child : + +All of you, verily, are great. + +2 Thus be ye lauded, ye destroyers of the foe, ye Three-and- +Thirty Deities, + +The Gods of man, the Holy Ones. + +• 3 As such defend and succour us, with benedictions speak to us : +Lead us not from our fathers’ and from Manu’s path into the +distance far away. * + +4 Ye Deities who stay with us, and all ye Gods of all mankind, +Give us your wide protection, give shelter for cattle and for +steed. + +HYMN XXXI. Various Deities. + +That Brahman pleasesIndra well, who worships, sacrifices, pour# +Libation, and prepares the meal. + +5 Another : Budra. See I. 43. 4. + +6 Another: Pushan. See I. 42. + +7 Another with his mighty, stride : Vishnu, Thither: to his station in the +height of heaven. + +8 Two with one Dame: the Asvins with Suryft. See I. 116. 17. + +9 Two, highest: Mitra and Varuna. + +10 Some, singing lauds: the Angi rases, or, according to S&yana, the Airis. + +* 2 Three-and~Thirty Deities: see I. 139. 11. The Gods of man: or, God +whom Manu worshipped, which interpretation is supported by stanza 3. + +4 Who stay with us: or are present at this sacrifice. + +1 Brahman: here any pious worshipper, not one of the regular professional +priests, but the institutor of sacrifice who during the ceremony may be re¬ +garded as their chief. Prepares the meal: pampurod U Uikam pachati:, Way ana; +'cooks the cake which is an essential part of the animal /sacrifice, etc. + + + +169 TEE HYMNS OP {BOON VIII. + +2 Sakra protect? from woe the man who gives him sacrificial + +cake + +- And offers Soma blent ■with milk. + +3 His chariot shall be glorious, sped by Gods, and mighty shall + +he be, + +Subduing all hostilities. + +4 Each day that passes, in his house flows his libation, rich ia +. milk, + +t Exhaustless, bringing progeny. + +5 0 Gods, with constant draught of milk, husband and wife + +with one accord + +Press out 'and wash the Soma juice. + +6 They gain sufficient food: they come united to the sacred grass, +And never do they fail in strength. + +7 Never do they deny or seek to hide the favour of the Gods ; +They win high glory for themselves. + +8 With sons and daughters by their side they reach their full + +extent of life, + +Both decked with ornaments of gold. + +9' Serving the Immortal One with gifts of sacrificial meal and +wealth, + +They satisfy the claims of love and^ay due honour to the Gods. +16 We claim protection from the Hills, we claim protection of +the Floods, + +. Of him who stands by Yishnu’s side. + +11 May Pushan come, and Bhaga, Lord of wealth, All-bounteous, + +for our weal: + +Broad be the path that leads to bliss: m + +12 Aramati, and, free from foes, Yisva with spirit of a God, + +And the Adityas ; peerless might. + +13 Seeing that Mitra, Aryaman, and Yaruna are guarding us. + +The paths of Law are fair to tread. + +9 The Immortal One ; amvltdya ; Agni, or the Immortal (host), that is, the +Gods in general. According to Sftyana, { that they may obtain immortality + +** (in their eons and descendants)/ They satisfy: tiiis pdda is considered by +some, on metrical and other grounds, to he an interpolation. According to- +Pische! (Vedische Studie », I. p. 178), the half»line refers to the beating and +preparation of the rough stalks of the Soma plant* + +10 Of him who stands by Vishmfs side; of Vishnu and his associate Indra. +■—Ludwig. + +12 Aramati; the Genius of Devotion, Vim; DyauB?—Ludwig. * AU +the worshippers/ according to S&yana. + + + +JffYMN 82,] THE RIOTED A* W + +14 I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first + +of you. + +We honour as a well-loved Friend the God who prospereth +our fields, + +15 As in all frays the hero, so jswift moves his car whom Gods + +attend. + +The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities +will conquer those who worship not. + +16 Ne'er are ye injured, worshipper, presser of juice, or pious man. +The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities + +will conquer those who worship not. + +17 None in his action equals him, none holds him 1 2 3 4 5 ' far or keeps + +him off. + +The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities +will conquer those who worship not. + +18 Such strength of heroes shall he his, such mastery of fleet- + +foot steeds. + +The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities +will conquer those who worship not. + +HYMN XXXII. Iudra, + +Kanvas, tell forth with song the deeds of Indra, the Im¬ +petuous, + +Wrought in the Soma's Wttd delight. + +2 Strong God, he slew Anarsani, Sribinda, Pipru, and the fiend +Ahisuva, and loosed the floods. + +3 Thou broughtest down the dwelling-place, the height of lofty + +Arbuda. + +That exploit, Indra, must be famed, + +4 Bold, to your famous Soma I call the fair-visored God for aid, + +’ Down like a torrent from the bill. + +5 Rejoicing in the Soma-draughts, Hero, burst open, like a fort, +The stall of horses and of kine. + +6 If my libation gladdens, if thou takest pleasure in my laud, +Gome with thy Godhead from afar. + +14 Who prospereth our fields; hshetrasftdhasam: Sly ana explains kshetra +(the modern Hindf khet, a field), as sacrifice : ‘ the bountiful perfecter of the +sacrifice.*—Wilson. + +1 The Impetuous: rijishinah: ‘ the drinker of the stale Soma,' —Wilson. + +2 The fiend ; the D&sa, or savage. All the names are names of demons of +drought, of whom Pipru has been mentioned frequently in preceding Books. + +3 Arbuda.: see I 51. 6 ; II. II. 20; 14. 4. + +4 Like a torrent from the hill: ‘as (a traveller invokes) the water [from a + +cloud.’—Wilson. + + + + +170 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YIIL + +7 0 Indra, Lover of the Song, the singers of thy praise are we : +0 Soma-drinker, quicken us. + +8 And, taking thy delight with us, bring us still undiminshed + +food: + +Great is thy wealth, 0 Maghavan. + +9 Make thou us rich in herds of kine, in steeds, in gold: let + +us exert + +Our strength in sacrificial gifts. + +10 Let us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, to whom high + +laud is due, + +Who worketh well to succour us. + +11 He, Satalcratu, even in fight acts as a Yritra-slayer still: + +He gives his worshippers much wealth. + +12 May he, this Sakra, strengthen us, Boon God who satisfies + +our needs, + +Indra, with all his saving helps. + +13 To him, the mighty stream of wealth, the Soma-pres&er’s + +rescuing Friend, + +To Indra sing your song of praise; + +14 Who bringeth what is great and firm, who winneth glory in + +his wars, + +Lord of vast wealth through po^er and might. + +15 There liveth none to check or stay his energies and gracious + +deeds: + +Hone who can say, He giveth not. + +16 No debt is due by Brahmans now, by active men who press + +the juice: * + +Well hath each Soma-draught been paid. + +17 Sing ye to him who must be praised, say lauds to him who + +must be praised, + +Bring prayer to him who must be praised. + +18 May he, unchecked, strong, meet for praise, bring hundreds, + +thousands forth to light, + +Indra who aids the worshipper. + +19 Go with thy Godlike nature forth, go where the folk are + +calling thee: + +Drink, Indra, of the drops we pour. + +, 11 j Satahratu: Lord of a Hundred Powers. + +12 Sakra: the Mighty. + +It) The Brahmans or worshippers have, by offering libations, discharged +their obligations to the Gods, and the Gods have repaid them, or will soon +repay them for their offerings. + +18 Hundreds , thousands; countless treasures for us to enjoy. + + +HYMN 33 .] + + +Tm may eda. + + +171 + + +20 Drink milky draughts which are thine own, this too which + +was with Tugrya once, + +This is it, Indra, that is thine. + +21 Pass him who pours libations out in angry mood or after sin ; +Here drink the juice we offer thee. + +22 Over the three great distances, past the Five Peoples go thy way, +0 Indra, noticing our voice. + +23 Send forth thy ray like Sfirya; let my songs attract thee + +hitherward + +Like waters gathering to the vale. + +24 How to the Hero fair of cheek, Adhvaryu, pour the Soma forth ; +Bring of the juice that he may drink : + +25 Who cleft the water-cloud in twain, loosed rivers for their + +downward flow, + +And set the ripe milk in the kine. + +26 He, meet for praise, slew Vritra, slew Ahlsuva, t^rnavShha’s son, +And pierced through Arbuda with frost. + +27 To him your matchless Mighty One, unconquerable Conqueror, +Sing forth the prayer which Gods have given: + +28 Indra, who in the wild delight of Soma juice considers ' e +All holy Laws among the Gods. + +29 Hither let these thy BayD who share thy banquet, Steeds with + +golden manes, + +Convey thee to the feast prepared. + +30 Hither, 0 thou whom many laud, the Bays whom Priyamedha + +praised + +Shall bring thee to the Soma-draught. + +HYMN XXXIII. Indra. + +We compass tlfee like waters, we whose grass is trimmed and +Soma pressed. + +Here where the filter pours its stream, thy worshippers round +thee, 0 Vritra-slayer, sit. + +20 Which was with Tugrya: like that which thy favourite Bhujyu (see Vol. +I., Index) formerly offered thee. + +22 The three great distances ; the space in front of thee, behind thee, and +at thy side. Noticing our voice: hearing and attending to our invocations. +Come to us who are thy true worshippers, and pass by others who worship +thee in the hope of being avenged upon their enemies or of obtaining pardon +for some sin. + +26 tirnav&bha's son: Aurnavftbha : a demon of drought. SeeII. 11, 18. +With frost: making the piercing cold of winter his weapon. + +1 The filter: or woollen strainer through which the Soma juice is run to +purify it. + + + +{BOOK VIII. + + +in THE HYMNS OF + +2 Men, Vasu! by the Soma, with lands call thee to the fore¬ + +most place: + +When comest thou athirst unto the juiee as home, O Indra, +like a bellowing bull ? + +3 Boldly, Bold Hero, bring us spoil in thousands for the Kanvas* + +sake: + +0 active Maghavan, with eager prayer we crave the yellow- +hued with store of kine. + +4 Medhy&tithi, to Indra sing, drink of the juice to make thee glad. +Close-knit to ids Bay Steeds, bolt-armed, beside the juice is + +he: his chariot is of gold. : + +5 He who iS praised as strong of hand both right and left, most + +wise and bold: + +Indra who, rich in hundreds, gathers thousands up, honoured +as breaker-down of forts. + +6 The bold of heart whom none provokes, who stands in bearded + +confidence ; + +Much-lauded, very glorious, overthrowing foes, strong Helper, +like a bull with might. + +7 Who knows what vital power he wins, drinking beside the + +^flowing juice 1 + +This is the fair-cheeked God who, joying in the draught, +breaks down the castles in his strength. + +8 As a wild elephant rushes on, this way and that way, mad + +with heat, + +• None may compel thee, yet come hitherto the draught; thou +movest mighty in thy power. + +9 When he, the Mighty,^ne’er o J erthrown, stedfast, made ready + +for the fight, + +When Indra Maghavan lists to his praisetfs call, he will not +stand aloof, hut come. + +10 Yea, verily, thou art a Bull, with a bull 2 3 * 5 * * 8 s rush, whom none* +may stay: + + +2 As home: as familiar to thee as thine own home. + +3 The ycllow'kued: there is no substantive, hut gold must be intended. + +6 In bearded confidence: a conjectural paraphrase. Smdsrushu (in (his) + +beard) is said by S&yana to mean here ‘ in combats,’ that is, perhaps, as Ludwig, + +suggests, among ranks of men bristling with spears. But this can hardly be + +the meaning of the word which ( is probably an idiomatic expression for the +fierce look of a warrior who challenges the foe.’—Ludwig, So, in the Edda, +Th6rr, when about to meet a foe, is said to have * raised his beard’s voice.’ +See Grimm, Teutonic Mythology , I. 177 (English Translation). + +8 Mad with heat: that is, mast, or as phonetically spelt, must. + +10 Thou art a Bull: vrishd: or strong and mighty. As has been observed +before (VIII, 13. 81, note), some of the Vedic poets delight in the repetition +of this word and its derivatives. + + + + +HYMN 33. J .THE MOVE DA. .173 + +Thou, Mighty One, art celebrated as a Bull, famed as a Bull +both near and far. + +11 Thy reins are very bulls in strength, bulls' strength is in thy +• golden whip. + +Thy car, O Maghavan, thy Bays are strong as bulls: thou, +Satakratu, art a Bull. + +12 Let the strong presser press for thee. Bring hither, thou + +straight-rushing Bull. + +The mighty makes the mighty run in flowing streams for thee +whom thy Bay Horses bear. + +13 Come, thou most potent Indra, come to drink^the savoury +, Soma juice. + +Maghavan, very wise, will quickly come to hear the songs, the +prayer, the hymns of praise. + +14 When twn. hast mounted on thy car let thy yoked Bay Steeds + +carry thee + +Past other mens' libations, Lord of Hundred Powers, thee, +Vritra-slayer, thee ou* Friend. + +15 0 thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine + +heart. . + +May our libations be most sweet to make thee glad, 0 Soma- +drinker, Heavenly Lor$. + +16 Neither in tby decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,— +The man who brought us unto this. + +17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not dis** + +cipline, + +Her intellect hath little weight. + +18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw + +his car : * + +High-lifted is the stallion's yoke. + +19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy + +feet. Let none + +See what thy garment veils, for thou, a Brahman, hast become +a dame. + + +11 Golden whip: the lightning, with which Indra lashes the clouds, his +horses. + +12 The mighty makes the mighty run: the priest makes the Soma juice flow. +16 The last four stanzas of the hymn are not very intelligible, nor is their + +connexion with the preceding verses obvious. Stanzas 16^ and 18 appear to +he spoken by a woman and 17 by a man. Stanza 19 is said, to be a ddtesse +by Indra to Asanga son of Playoga who had been changed to a woman y +imprecation of the Gods, and who was afterwards restored to manhood. + + + +174 + + +THE H YMNS OF + + +[BOOK Till, + + +HYMN XXXIV. Indra, + +Come hither, Indra, with thy Bays, come thou to Kanva’s +eulogy. + +Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have +gone to heaven, + +2 May the stone draw thee as it speaks, the Soma-stone with + +ringing voice. + +Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, etc. + +3 The stones 5 rim shakes the Soma here like a wolf worrying a + +sheep. + +Ye, etc. + +4 The Kanvas call thee hitherward for succour and to win the + +spoil. + +Ye, etc. + +5 I set for thee, as for the Strong, the first draught^ the juices + +shed. + +6 Come with abundant blessings, come^th perfect care to suc¬ + +cour us. + +7 Come, Lord of lofty thoiis^tf, vvll ° hast ^finite wealth and + +countless aids. + +8 Adorable mid God< the Priest good to mankind shall bring + +thee near. t + +9 As wings the falcon, so thy Bays rushing in joy shall carry + +thee. + +10 Come from the enemy to us, to Svaha ! and the Soma-draught. + +11 Come hither with thine ear inclined to hear, take pleasure in + +our lauds. + +12 Lord of well-nourished Horses, come with^well-fed Steeds alike + +in hue. + +13 Come hither from the mountains, come from regions of the + +sea of air. + +The Rishi is Kip4titM of the family of Kanva, but stanzas 16—18 are +ascribed in the Index to the thousand Yasurochishas who are said to have +been a division of the family of Angiras. + +1 The exact meaning of the second line, which is the burden of the first +fifteen stanzas, is obscure. Ye probably means Indra’s horses, and God bright +by day / (divdvaso) Inclra himself ; that is, ye, horses, and thou, Indra, have +gone to heaven. The Scholiast offers two different explanations, in one case +boldly altering two words of the text. See Wilson’s Translation, note. + +8 The Priest good to manlcind: or, the Invoking Priest, Invoker or Herald +established by Manu, namely Agni. + +10 Svdhd; an exclamation used in sacrifice ; Ave ! or Hail! + + + +&YMN 35.] TEE MOVED A. 17^ + +14 Disclose to ns, 0 Hero, wealth in thousands both of kine and + +steeds + +15 Bring riches hitherward to ns in hundreds, thousands, myriads. +Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by- day! have + +gone to heaven. + +16 The thousand steeds, the mightiest troop, which weandlndra + +have received +From Yasurochis as a gift, + +17 The brown that match the wind in speed, and bright bay + +coursers fleet of foot, + +Like Suns, resplendent are they all. + +18 Mid the Par&vata’s rich gifts, swift steeds whose wheels run + +rapidly, + +I seemed to stand amid a wood. + +HYMN XXXY. a Asvins. + +With Agni and with Indra, Vishnu, Varuna, with the Adityas, +Hudras, Vasus, closely leagued; + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, +drink the Soma juice. + +2 With all the Holy Thoughts, all being, Mighty Ones ! in close + +alliance with the Mountains, Heaven, and Earth; + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, +drink the Soma juice. + +3 With all the Deities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance + +with the Maruts, Bhrigus, Floods; + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, +drink the Soma j uice. + +4 Accept the sacrifice, attend to this my call: come nigh, 0 ye + +Twain Gods, to all libations here. + +Accordant, of one mind with Sftrya and with Dawn, O Asvins, +bring us strengthening food. + +5 Accept our praise-song as a youth accepts a maid. Gome nigh, + +0 ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, +bring us strengthening food. + +16 Vasurochls: vdsurochishak is probably the ablative singular, and not the +nominative plural, of the name of the institutor of the sacrifice. Wilson, +following S&yana, translates : ‘ We, the thousand Vasuroehishas, and Indra +(our leader), when we obtain vigorous herds of horses,—/ + +18 The Pdrdvata is Vasuroehis. The P&r&vatas are probably the 7 rapvrjrat +of Ptolemy, who were settled northwards of Araehosia —Ludwig. + +5 A youth: literally two youths. e As youths are delighted (by the voices +of maidens/—Wilson. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +176 + + +[BOOK YIIL + + +6 Accept the songs we sing, accept the solemn rite. Come nigh, + +0 ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, 0 Asvins, +bring us strengthening food. + +7 Ye fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees; like buffaloes ye + +seek the Soma we have shed. + +Accordant, of one mind with Sdrya and with Dawn, come +thrice, 0 Asvins, to our home. + +8 Ye fly like swans, like those who travel on their way; like + +buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. + +Accordant of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come +thrice, 0 Asvins, to our home. + +9 Ye fly to our oblation like a pair of havvks; like buffaloes ye + +seek the Soma we have shed. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come +thrice, 0 Asvins, to our home. + +10 Coxpe hitherward and drink and satisfy yourselves, bestow + +upon us progeny and affluence. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, 0 Asvins, +grant us vigorous strength. + +11 Conquer your foes, protect us, praise your worshippers; bestow + +upon us progeny and affluence.^ + +Accordant, of one mind with Silrya and with Dawn, 0 Asvins, +grant us vigorous strength. + +12 Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend ; bestow upon + +us progeny and affluence. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, 0 Asvins, +grant us vigorous strength. + +13 With Mitra, Vanina, Dharma, and the Maruts in your com¬ + +pany approach unto your praiser’s call. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with +the Adityas, Asvins ! come. + +14 With Vishnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the + +Maruts come unto your praiser’s call. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with +the Adityas, Asvins 1 come. + +15 With Bibhus and with Vajas, 0 ye Mighty Ones, leagued with + +the Maruts come ye to your praiser’s call. + +Accordant, of one mind with Sflrya and with Dawn, and +with the Adityas, Asvins! come. + +8 Ye come eagerly to the Soma as thirsty hahsas (swans, geese, or flamin¬ +goes) travellers, and buffaloes hasten to the water. + +13 Dharma: Bight, Justice, Law, Virtue or Duty personified. + + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +177 + + +HYMN 35.] + +16 Give spirit to our prayer and animate our thoughts ; slay ye + +the R&kshasas and drive away disease. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, the +presser’s Soma, Asvins ! drink. + +17 Strengthen the Ruling Power, strengthen the men of war; + +slay ye the R&kshasas and drive away disease* + +Accordant, of one mind with.Surya and with Dawn, the pres- +ser’s Soma, Asvins ! drink. + +18 Give strength unto the milch-kine, give the people strength, + +slay ye the Rakshasas and drive away disease. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and witfy Dawn, the +presser’s Soma, Asvins ! drink. + +19 As ye heard Atri’s earliest eulogy, so hear Sy&vasva, Soma- + +presser, ye who reel in joy. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink +juice, 0 Asvins, three days old. + +20 Further like running streams Sy&vasva’s eulogies who presses + +out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink +juice, 0 Asvins, three days old. + +21 Seize, as ye grasp the reins, Sy&v&sva’s solemn rites who pres¬ + +ses out the Soma, ye ^ho reel in joy. + +Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink +juice, 0 Asvins, three days old. + +22 Drive down your chariot hitherward: drink ye the Soma's + +savoury juice. + +Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your +•aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper. + +23 When sacrifice owhich tells our reverence hath begun, Heroes ! + +to drink the gushing juice, + +Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your +aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper. + +24 Sate you with consecrated drink, with juice effused, ye Deities. +Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your + +aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper. + +17 The Ruling Power: icshatrdm : hen<Se Kshatriya, a man of the princely +or military order. + +18 The people: visas : hence Vaisya, a man of the mercantile class or order. + +19 Atri's : as he was the progenitor of the Rishi of the Hymn. See Yol. L, +Index. + +21 Solemn rites: that is, the oblations presented thereat. + +24 Consecrated drink: libations offered with the sacrificial exclamation +Sv&h& ! Ave ! or Hail J +12 + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF +HYMN XXXYL + + +[BOOK YI1L +Indra. + + +Thou helpest him whose grass is trimmed, who sheds the +juice, 0 Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad. + +The share which they have fixed for thee, thou, Indra, Victor +o'er all hosts and space, begirt with Maruts, Lord of Heroes, +winner of the floods. + +2 Maghavan, help thy worshipper: let him help thee. 0 Sata¬ + +kratu, drink Soma to make thee glad. + +The share which they have fixed for thee, etc. + +3 Thou aidest Gods with food, and that with might aids thee. + +0 Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad. + +1 Creator of the heaven, creator of the earth, 0 Satakratu* + +drink Soma to make thee glad. + +' 5 Father of cattle, father of all steeds art thou. 0 Satakratu, +drink Soma to make thee glad. + +6 Stone-hurler, glorify the Atris 5 hymn of praise. 0 Satakratu, + +drink Soma to make thee glad. + +7 Hear thou Syavasva while he pours to thee, as erst thou + +heardest Atri when he wrought his holy rites. + +Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight +. with heroes, strengthening his prayers. + +HYMN XXXVII. Indra. + +This prayer, and those who shed tlie juice, in wars with +Vritra thou holpest, Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy +succours. + +0 Vritra-slayer, from libation poured at noon, drink of the +Soma juice, thou blameless Thunderer. + +2 Thou mighty Conqueror of hostile armaments, 0 Indra, Lord + +of Strength, with all thy saving help. + + +1 Which they have -fixed : which all the Gods have assigned. This half-verse +is the refrain of stanzas 1-—6 . And space, begirt : or, and wide space, girt. The +floods : the waters of heaven, the rain. + +2 Let Mm help thee : according to S&yana, i protect thyself (by drinking +the Soma).’ * The mutual relation between the God and his worshipper is +expressed, and the translation ‘ help thyself * is ridiculous.’—Ludwig. + +3 Food: sacrificial food. That: food, especially in the shape of Soma. + +7 Trasadasyu ; an especial favourite of Indra and the Asvins, celebrated +for his victories and liberality. See Index. + + +1 0 Vritra-slayer , etc : this half-verse is repeated as a refrain in the five +following stanzas. + + + +MYMN 38.] mE RIQVEDA. m + +. 3 Sole Buler, thou art Sovran of this world of life, 0 Imdra, +Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help. + +A Thou only sunderest these two consistent worlds, 0 Indra, +Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help. + +5 Thou art the Lord supreme o’er rest and energy, ’0 Indra, +Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help. + +'6 Thou helpest one to power, and one thou hast not helped, 0 +Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving aid. + +7 Hear thou Syavasva while he sings to thee, as erst thou +heardest Atri when he wrought his holy rites. + +Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in tlie fierce fight +with heroes, strengthening his powers. + +HYMN XXXVIIL IndraAgni, + +Ye Twain are Priests of sacrifice, winners in war and holy +works : + +Indra and Agni, mark this well. + +2 Ye bounteous riders on the car, ye Vritra-slayers unsubdued : +Indra and Agni, mark this well. + +2 The men with pressing-stones have pressed this meath of +yours which gives delight : + +Indra and Agni, mark this well, + +4 Accept our sacrifice for weal, sharers of praise ! the Soma + +shed: + +Indra and Agni, Heroes, come. + +5 Be pleased with these libations which attract you to our + +sacred gifts : + +Indra and Agni^ Heroes, come. + +6 Accept this eulogy of mine whose model is the G&yatri: Indra + +and Agni, Heroes, come. + + +4 Consistent worlds: there is no substantive in the text, and loTcau (worlds) +is supplied by S&yana. + +5 Rest and energy: or peace and war. ‘ Prosperity and gains/—Wilson. + +6 To power : ksatrftya: the rule exercised by princes. + +7 Hep eat ed from ■/ • ■ ■ ■■ ' ' v, ‘ " ly-i with the alteration of two words— + +r Mat ah, singing, '■ pouring (libations), and kshatr&ni + +(princely) powers instead of brdhmdni, prayers, ; as if/ observes Dr, Muir, + +* the former fbrahmdni,) contained a reference to the functions of the priest, +and the latter to those of the prince/— 0. & Texts, I. 263. + +1 Mark this well: { hear (the praise) of this (thy worshipper).’—Wikon. + +2 Bounteous t to Ad ; according to S&yana, f destroyers (of foes)/ + +6 Whose model is the Cdyatrt: composed in G&yatri metre. + + +180 THE HYMNS OH [BOOK YIIL + +7 Come with the early-faring Gods, ye who are Lords of genuine + +wealth : + +Indra-Agni, to the Soma-draught! + +8 Hear ye the call of Atris, hear Syav&sva as he sheds the + +juice : + +Indra-Agni to the Soma-draught 1 + +. 9 Thus have I called you to our aid as sages called on you of +old : + +Indra-Agni to the Soma draught! + +10 Indra’s and Agni’s grace I claim, Sarasvatfs associates +To whonf this psalm of praise is sung. + +HYMN XXXIX. Agni. + +The glorious Agni have I praised, and worshipped with the +sacred food. + +May Agni deck the Gods for us. Between both gathering- +places he goes on his embassy, the Sage. May all the others +die away. + +2 Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our + +newest speech, + +All hatreds of the godless, all the wicked man’s malignities. +Away let the destroyers go. May all the others die away. + +3 Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy mouth. +Acknowledge them among the Gods, for thou art the most + +excellent, the worshipper’s blissful messenger. Let all the +others die away. + +4 Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates. + +He brings the Yasus strengthening gifts, jand grants delight, + +in rest and stir, for every calling on the Gods. Let all the +others die away. + +5 Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act. +He is the Priest of all the tribes, chosen with sacrificial meeds* + +He urges Deities to receive. Let all the others die away, + +7 Early-faring Gods ; ‘Bat Thou wast up at break of day.’—George Herbert. +10 Sarasvatfs associates: according to S&yana, * to whom praise belongs/ + +1 Deck the Gods for us.* ‘ brighten the gods with the oblations at our +sacrifice.’—Wilson. Both gathering-places * heaven and earth. All the others ; +anyaki same: neaping, according to S&yana, all our enemies. + +2 All hatred of ike godless: ardttr ardvndm must be read instead of ardti +rardvndm, —Ludwig. + +5 With sacrificial meeds: dakshindbhih: his dakshinds or honoraria as Priest +are the oblations which he receives as a God. + + + +THE RIGVEBA, + + +181 + + +SYMK 40.] + +6 Agni knows all that springs from Gods, lie knows the mystery + +of men. + +Giver of wealth is Agni, he uncloses "both the doors to us when +worshipped with our newest gift. Let all the others die +away. + +7 Agni inhabiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice. + +He eherisheth with great delight much wisdom, as all things +that he, God among Gods adorable. May all the others die +away. + +8 Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Bace of + +men, + +Him dweller in three homes we seek, best slayer^f the Dasyus +for Mandh&tar, first in sacrifice. Let all the others die away. + +9 Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering-places, triply formed. +Decked as our envoy let the Sage bring hither and conciliate + +the Thrice Eleven Deities. Let all the others die away. + +10 Our Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living +men. + +Thou only rutest over wealth. Bound about thee, as natural +dams, circumfluous the waters run. Let all the others die +away. + +HYMN XL. Indra-Agni, + +Jndra and Agni, surely ye as Conquerors will give us wealth, +Whereby in fight we may o’ercome that which is strong and +firmly fixed, as Agni burns the woods with wind. Let all +the others die away. + +2 We set no snares to tangle you; Indra we worship and adore, +Hero of heroes mightiest. + +Once may he dbme unto us with his Steed, come unto us to +win us strength, and to complete the sacrifice. + +6 That springs from Gods; the past and the present, while the mystery of +men is the future.—Ludwig. Both the doors: of wealth, or, perhaps of +heaven also. + +8 Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men: perhaps meaning, God of all men, +like Vaisv£nara; or the reference may be to the seven priests : f Who is minis¬ +tered to'by seven priests.’—Wilson. ' Acting as seven priests.’—M. Muller* +MandMtar: said to be the same as M&ndh&tar, son of Yuvan&sva, and Bishi +of X. 184. + +9 Three gathering-places: heaven, firmament, and earth. + +10 Round about thee...the waters run: Of. ‘Him, pure, resplendent, + +Offspring of the Waters, the waters pure have on all sides encompassed'. +(II. 35. 3). - + +1 Let all the others die away ; this refrain recurs in all stanzas of the hymn +except the final. + +2 Once: kadftchit: expressive of impatience,—Ludwig. + + + +TMEETXm 0 9 + + +IS2t + + +[BOOK F/ii + + +3 For, famous Indra*-Agiati, ye are dwellers in the midst of frays. +Sages in wisdom, ye are knit to him who seeketh you as +friends. Heroes, bestow on him his wish. + +£ NabMka-Iike, with sacred song Indra’s and Agni's praise I sing, +Theirs to whom all this world belongs, this heaven and this +mighty earth which bear rich treasure in their lap. + +5 To Indra and to Agni send your prayers, as was JSTabhaka’s + +wont,— + +Who oped with side way opening the sea with its foundations +seven—Indra all powerful in his might. + +6 Tear thou asunder, as of old, like tangles of a creeping plant, +Demolish thou the Dasa's might. May we with Indra’s help + +divide the treasure he hath gathered up. + +7 What time with this same song these men call Indra-Agni + +sundry ways, + +May we with our own heroes quell those who provoke us to the +fight, and conquer those who strive with us., + +. 8 The Two refulgent with their beams rise and come downward +from the sky. + +By Indra’s and by Agni’s best, flowing away, the rivers run +which they released from their restraint. + +9 0 Indra, many are thine aids, many thy ways of guiding us, +Lord of the Bay Steeds, Hinva’s Son. To a Good Hero come +our prayers, which soon shall have accomplishment. + +10 Inspire him with your holy hymns, the Hero bright and + +glorious, + +Him who with might demolisheth even the brood of Sushna, +and winneth for us the heavenly streams. + +11 Inspire him worshipped with fair rites, the glorious Hero + +truly brave. + +He brake in pieces Sushna’s brood who still expected not the +stroke, and won far us the heavenly streams. Let all the +others die away. + + +4 NabMka-like: MbMka may have been the father of N&bh&ka the Rishi +of the hymn. + +5 Who oped: f who overspread (with their lustre)/—Wilson. The Commen¬ +tator does not explain the passage. + +7 This same song: a hymn like our own, for victory in battle, + +8 The Two refulgent with their beams: apparently the Sun and Moon. Ac¬ +cording to S&yana, Indra and Agni are intended, + +■ 9 Khiva's Son: Hinva (the driver, impeller, instigator of actions), a father +invented for Indra by the poet. To a Good Kero ; to Indra. ‘ The meaning of +the verse, even with the help of the scholiast, is far from, intelligible/—Wilson* ’ + + + +WYMN 41.] + + +mn niQVEDA. + + +183 + + +12 Thus have we sung anew to Indra-Agni, as sang our sires, +Angirases, and Mandhatar. + +Guard us with triple shelter and preserve us; may we be +masters of a store of riches. + +HYMN XLL Varuna. + +To make this Varuna come forth, sing thou a song . unto the +baud of Maruts wiser than thyself,— + +This Varuna who guardeth well the thoughts of men like +herds of kine. + +Let all the others die away. + +2 Him altogether praise I with the song and hymns our fathers + +sang, and with Nabhaka’s eulogies,— + +Him dwelling at the rivers' source, surrounded by his Sisters +Seven. + +3 The nights he hath encompassed, and stablished the morns + +with magic art: visible over all is he. + +His dear Ones, following his Law, ha,ve prospered the Three +Dawns for him. + +4 He, visible o'er all the earth, stablished the quarters of the + +sky : + +He measured out the eastern place, that is the fold of Varuna : +like a strong herdsman is the God. + +5 He who supports the worlds of life, he who well knows the + +hidden names mysterious of the morning-beams, + +He cherishes much wisdom, Sage, as heaven brings forth each +varied form. + +6 In whom all wisdom centres, as the nave is set within the + +wheel. * + +Haste ye to honour Trita, as kine haste to gather in the fold, +even as they muster' steeds to yoke. + + +1 To make this Varuna come forth : S&yaua explains prabhMaye as an adjee* +tive = prakrishtadhandya : ‘ to that opulent Varuna.’—Wilson. Wiser ; more +skilled in singing. The thoughts: holy thoughts and devotions. The refrain, +Let all, etc., recurs at the end of everjr stanza. + +2 Ndbkdka's : that is, mine own. Sisters Seven; the five rivers of the Panj&b, +the Indus, and perhaps the Kublid. See I 32, note. + +3 His dear 0 " nights, which give place to the mornings. + +Three Dawns : \ : > ■;morning, noon, and evening. + +4 The fold : or, perhaps, the course, meaning the place from which he starts. +6 Tnta: Varnna, here, apparently, identified with this ancient God who + +represents the expanse of heaven. According to S&yana, (Varuna) ‘who abides +in the three worlds,’ + + + +i$ook ntt + + +184 HYMNS OP + +7 He wraps these regions as a robe ; he contemplates the tribes + +of Gods and all the works of mortal men. + +Before the home of Yaruna all the Gods follow his decree. + +8 He is an Ocean far-removed, yet through the heaven to him + +asdhnds the worship which these realms possess. + +With his bright foot he overthrew their magic, and went up +to heaven. + +9 Baler, whose bright far-seeing rays, pervading all three earths, + +have filled the three superior realms of heaven. + +Firm is the seat of Yaruna : over the Seven he rules as King. + +10 Who, aftes; his decree, o’erspread the Dark Ones with a robe +of light; + +Who measured out the ancient seat, who pillared both the +worlds apart as the Unborn supported heaven. Let all the +others die away. + + +HYMN XLIT. Varuna. + +Lokd of all wealth, the Asura propped the heavens, and mea¬ +sured out the broad earth’s wide expanses. + +He, King supreme, approached all living creatures. All these +are Varuna’s holy,operations. + +2 So humbly worship Yaruna tb© Mighty; revere the wise +Guard of the World Immortal. + +May he vouchsafe us triply-barred protection. 0 Earth and +Heaven, within your lap preserve us. + + +7 This stanza is very obscure, and my rendering is conjectural. The com¬ +mentary is defective, and von Roth and Ludwig think that the correctness of +one word in the tex t is doubtful. According to the slight alteration suggest¬ +ed by the latter scholar, * under the lead * would standnnstead of ‘ before the +home.’ + +8 The first line of this stanza also is difficult. Wilson, following Sftyana, +translates : ‘ He is the hidden ocean ; swift he mounts (the heaven) as (the +sun) the sky ; when he has placed the sacrifice in those (regions of the firma¬ +ment)/ Ludwig’s interpretation, which I follow, requires tirdh to be read +instead of turdh (swift). Their magic; the magical arts of the fiends of darkness. + +9 Firm: so Hesiod (Theog. V. 127) calls Ouranos== Varuna the €§0£ + +the firm seat of the Gods. See M. Muller, Chips from a German +Workshop, IV. xx (new edition). The Seven: rivers, understood. + +10 The Dark Ones : the nights, which Varuna turns into days. But see +Chips, IV. xxii. The Unhorn: the primeval, everlasting, uncreated Divine +Being. According to S&yana; the Sun. + +1 The Asura: the High God, Varuna. { The wise spirit/—M. Miiller. + +2 Of the World Immortal; amritasya ; according to S&yana, of amrit or +ambrosia. + + + +HYMN 43 .] + + +THE lit GY EDA. + + +185 + + +3 Sharpen this song of him who strives his utmost, sharpen, + +God Varuna, his strength and insight; + +May we ascend the ship that bears us safely, whereby we may +pass over all misfortune. + +4 Asvins, with songs the singer stones have made yoii hasten + +hitherward, + +N&satyas, to the Soma-draught. Let all the others die away. + +5 As the sage Atri with his hymns, 0 Asvins, called you eagerly, +Nasatyas, to the Soma-draught. Let all the others die away. + +6 So have I called you to our aid, even as the wise have called + +of old, + +Nasatyas, to the Soma-draught. Let all the others die away. + +HYMN XLIII. Agni. + +These songs of mine go forth as lauds of Agni, the disposing Sage, +Whose worshipper is ne’er o’erthrown. + +2 Wise Agni J&tavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee. + +Who willingly receivest it. + +3 Thy sharpened flames, 0 Agni, like the gleams of light that + +glitter through, + +Devour the forests with their teeth. + +4 Gold-coloured, bannered«with the smoke, urged by the wind, + +aloft to heaven + +Eise, lightly borne, the flames of fire. + +5 These lightly kindled fiery flames are all around made visible, +Even as the gleamings of the Dawns. + +6 As Jatavedas speeds along, the dust is black beneath his^feet, +When Agni spreads upon the earth. + +7 Making the plants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies + +not, + +Seeking the tender shrubs again. + +8 Bending him down with all his tongues, he flickers with his + +fiery glow : + +Splendid is Agni in the woods. + +9 Agni, thine home is in the floods: into the plants thou + +forcest way, + +And as their Child art born anew. + +10 Worshipped with offerings shines thy flame, 0 Agni, from +the sacred oil, + +With kisses on the ladle’s month. + +3 The ship : a metaphorical expression for hymn and sacrifice. Cf. X. 46. 7 , +140. 12 ; IX. 89. 2 ; X. 44. 6 ; 63. 10 ; 101, 2 ; 105. 9. + + + +186 THE HYMNS OF [BOOM YIIL + +11 Let ns serve Agni with our hymns, Disposer, fed on ox and + +cow, + +Who bears the Soma on his back. + +12 Yea, thee, 0 Agni, do we seek with homage and with fuel, + +Priest + +Whose wisdom is most excellent. + +13 0 worshipped with oblations, pure Agni, we call on thee as + +erst + +Did Bhrigu, Manus, Angiras. + +14 For thou, 0 Agni, by the fire, Sage by the Sage, Good by the + +Good, ^ + +Friend by the Friend, art lighted up. + +15 So wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to + +the sage, + +0 Agni, to the worshipper. + +16 0 Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds arid + +brilliant sway, + +Take pleasure in this laud of mine. + +17 My praises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows seek the stall to + +meet + +The lowing calf that longs for m$k. + +18 Agni, best Angiras, to thee all people who have pleasant homes +Apart, have turned as to their wish. + +19 The sages skilled in holy song and thinkers with their thoughts + +have urged + +Agni to share the sacred feast. + +20 So, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invoker, strong in forays, pray + +Those who spin oat the sacrifice. • + +21 In many a place, the same in look art thou, a Prince o'er all + +the tribes: + +In battles we invoke thine aid. + + +ll Fed on ox and coio: f the eater of the ox, the eater of the marrow. 1 — +Wilson, Who hears the Soma on his bach: sdmaprishthdya ; £ on whose back +the libation is poured.’—Wilson. + +14 S&yana refers to the Aitaveya Erdhmana, I. 16, ‘which describes how +the fire produced by friction from the two aranis [fire-sticks] is thrown into +the Ahavamya fire, in the Atitbyeshti ceremony. “ In the verse twam hyugne +[For thou, 0 Agni] etc., the one vijora (a sage) means one Agni, the other vipra +the other Agni; the one san (being, existing) means the one, the other san +(in $atd) the other Agni. 1 (Haug's trails.).'—Note by E. B, G. in Wilson’s +Translation. Sdn and satfl may also mean * good. 1 + +16 Made by strength: produced by violent agitation of the fire-stick. + + + + +HYMN 44 .] THE MOVED A . 137 + +22 Pray thou to Agni, pray to him who blazes served with sacred + +oil: + +Let him give ear to this our call. + +23 We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as J&tavedas, one, +Agni! who beats away our foes. + +24 I pray to Agni, King of men, the Wonderful, the President +Of holy Laws : may he give ear. + +25 Him like a bridegroom, him who stirs all people, like a noble + +horse, + +Like a fleet steed, we instigate. + +26 Slaying things deadly, burning up foes, B&kshai§as, on every + +side, + +Shine, Agni, with thy sharpened flame. + +27 Thou whom the people kindle even as Manus did,, best Angiraa! + +0 Agni, mark thou this my speech. ■? + +28 0 Agni, made by strength ! be thou born in the heavens or + +bom in floods, + +As such we call on thee with songs, + +29 Yea, all the people, all the folk who have good dwellings,, + +each apart, + +Send food for thee to eat ^hereof. + +30 0 Agni, so may we, devout, gazed at by men, throughout our + +davs + +Pass lightly over all distress. + +31 We venerate with cheerful hearts the cheerful Agni, dear to all, +Burning, with purifying flame. + +32 So thou, O Agni rich in light, beaming like Surya with thy rays +Boldly demolishost the gloom. + +33 We pray to thee for this thy gift, Yictor! the gift that faileth + +not, + +0 Agni, choicest wealth from thee. + +HYMN XLIY. Agni. + +Pay service unto Agni with your fuel, rouse your Guest with +oil: + +In him present your offerings. + +2 Agni, do thou accept my laud, be magnified by this my song : +Welcome my sweetly-spoken words. + + +28 In the heavens: as the Sun. In floods: in the waters of the firmament +ae lightning. + +30 Gazed at by men: objects of their admiration, * Beholding men.’—Wilson. +‘ Living (among, men), 1 —St* Petersburg Lexicon. + + + +188 TBS HfMNS OP [POOR VIII. + +3 Agni, envoy, I place in front; the oblation-bearer I address : +Here let him seat the Deities. + +4 Agni, the lofty flames of thee enkindled have gone up on high, +Thy bright flames, thou Refulgent One. + +5 Beloved ! let my ladles full of sacred oil come near to thee : +Agni, accept our offerings. + +6 I worship Agni—may he hear!—the cheerful, the Invoker, + +Priest + +Of varied splendour, rich in light. + +7 Ancient Invoker, meet for praise, belovM Agni, wise and strong, +The visitant of solemn rites. + +8 Agni, best Angiras, accept straightway these offerings, and guide +The seasonable sacrifice. + +9 Excellent God, with brilliant flames, enkindled bring thou + +hitherward, + +Knowing the way, the Heavenly Host. + +10 Him, Sage and Herald, void of guile, ensign of sacrifices, him +Smoke-bannered, rich in light, we seek. + +11 0 Agni, be our Guardian thou, God, against those who injure us : +Destroy our foes, thou Son of Strength. + +12 Making his body beautiful, Agni^he Sage hath waxen by +The singer and his ancient hymn. + +13 1 invocate the Child of Strength, Agni with purifying flame, +At this well-ordered sacrifice. + +14 So Agni, rich in many friends, with fiery splendour, seat + +thyself + +With Gods upon our sacred grass. + +15 The mortal man who serves the God Agni within his own + +abode, + +For him he causes wealth to shine. + +16 Agni is head and height of heaven, the Master of the earth + +is he : + +He quickeneth the waters’ seed. + +17 Upward, 0 Agni, rise thy flames, pure and resplendent, blaz¬ + +ing high, + +Thy lustres, fair effulgences. + + +14 Rich in many friends: ‘thou who hast Mitra’s splendour.’—Ludwig. + +15 For him he causes wealth to shine; or, * To him he shines forth opulence/ +' To him he gives riches,’—Wilson. + +16 The waters ’ seed; as lightning, he impregnates the wate rs of the air. + + + +HYMN 45 .] + + +THE RIGYEHA. + + +389 + + +18 For, Agni, thou as Lord of Light rulest o’er choicest gifts: + +may I, + +Thy singer, find defence in thee. + +19 0 Agni, they who understand stir thee to action with their + +thoughts : + +So let our songs enhance thy might. + +20 We ever claim the friendship of Agni, the singing messenger, +Of Godlike nature, void of guile. + +21 Agni who bears most holy sway, the holy Singer, holy Sage, + +Shines holy when we worship him. " w * ° ' + +22 Yea, let my meditations, let my songs exalt thee evermore : +Think, Agni, of our friendly bond. + +23 If I were thou and thou wert I, 0 Agni, every prayer of + +thine + +Should have its due fulfilment here. + +24 For Excellent and Lord of wealth art thou, 0 Agni, rich in + +light: + +May we enjoy thy favouring grace. + +25 Agni, to thee whose laws stand fast our resonant songs of + +praise speed forth +As rivers hasten to the sea. + +26 Agni, the Youthful L8rd of men, who stirreth much and + +eateth all, + +The Sage, I glorify with hymns. + +27 To Agni let us haste with lauds, the Guide of sacrificial rites, +Armed with sharp teeth, the Mighty One. + +28 And let this man, good Agni, be with thee the singer of thy + +praise: + +Be gracious, Holy One, to him. + +29 For thou art sharer of our feast, wise, ever watchful as a + +Sage : + +Agni, thou shinest in the sky. + +30 0 Agni, Sage, before.our foes, before misfortunes fall on us, +Excellent Lord, prolong our lives. + +HYMN XLY. iBdrft. + +Hitherward ! they who light the flame and straightway trim +the sacred grass, + +Whose Friend is Indra ever young. + +26 Eateth all: consumes the entire oblation,—S&yana. But the meaning +is probably general. + +28 This man: the Bishi or singer himself. + +29 In the sky : or, up to heaven. + + + + +m : s tMm of [mog tiTL + +,2 ‘High, is their fuel, great their laud, tnde is their splinter from +the stake, + +Whose Friend is Indra ever young. + +3 Unquelled in fight the hero leads his army with the warrior chiefs? +Whose Friend is Indra ever young. + +4 The new-born Yritra-slayer asked his Mother, as he seized + +his shaft, + +Who are the fieire ? Who are renowned ? + +5 Savasi answered, He who seeks thine enmity will battle like +A stately elephant on a hill. + +.6 And hear^ 0 Maghavan ; to him who craves of thee thou +grantest all: + +Whate’er thou makest firm is firm. + +7 What time the Warrior Indra goes to battle, borne by noble + +steeds, + +Best -of all charioteers is he. + +8 Repel, 0 Thunder-armed, in all directions all attacks on us: +And be our own most glorious God. + +9 May Indra set our car in front, in foremost place to win the spoil? +He whom the wicked injure not. + +10 Thine enmity may we escape, and, Sakra, for thy bounty, rich +In kine, may we come near to th#e; + +11 Softly approaching, Thunder-armed 1 wealthy by hundreds, + +rich in steeds, + +Unrivalled, ready with our gifts. + +12 For thine exalted excellence gives to thy worshippers each day +Hundreds and thousands of thy boons. + +13 Indra, we know thee breaker-down evex^ of strong forts, + +winner of spoil, + +As one who conquers wealth for us. + +14 Though thou art highest, Sage and Bold ! let the drops cheer + +thee when we come +To thee as to a trafficker. + +2 Splinter: the first shaving, splinter, or strip of wood, cut from the yti.pa +or sacrificial post, and used in the sacrifice. + +4 As soon as he was born Indra showed his warlike disposition, and asked +what worthy opponents he should have. + +5 Savas% or, the Strong Dame ; his mother Aditi, A stately elephant: I +follow S4yana who explains ujpstih as dtirsaniyo gajah^ a beautiful elephant, +although in other places the word seems to mean beauty (I. 124 7), and fore¬ +head (V. 80. 6). The allusion is to the size and strength of Yritra, Indra’s fu¬ +ture antagonist. + +I4 As to a trafficker: as to one who knows the value of our worship and +oblations and will give us something in return. + + + +MTMN 45.] Tm RIGVJEDA. 191 + +15 Bring unto us the treasure of the opulent man who, loth to + +give, + +Hath slighted thee for gain of wealth. + +16 Indra, thes'e friends of ours, supplied with Soma, wait and + +look to thee, + +As men with fodder to the herd. + +17 And thee who art not deaf, whose ears are quick to listen, for + +our aid, + +We call to us from far away, + +18 When thou hast listened, make our call one which thou never + +wilt forget, ^ + +And be our very nearest Friend. + +19 When even now, when we have been in trouble, we have + +thought of thee, + +0 Indra, give us gifts of kine. + +20 0 Lord of Strength, we rest on thee, as old men rest upon a + +staff: + +We long to have thee dwell with us. + +21 To Indra sing a song of praise, Hero of mighty valour, him +Whom no one challenges to war. + +22 Hero, the Soma being shed, I pour the juice for thee to drink: +Sate tliee and finish thy carouse. + +23 Let not the fools, or those who mock, beguile thee when they + +seek thine aid : + +Love not the enemies of prayer. + +24 Here let them with rich milky draught cheer thee to great + +munificence: + +Drink as the wild-bull drinks the lake. + +25 Proclaim in our Assemblies what deeds, new and ancient, far + +away + +The Vritra-slayer hath achieved. + +26 In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadru’s Soma juice: +There he displayed his manly might. + +27 True undeniable strength he found in Yadu and in Turvasa, +And conquered through the sacrifice. + +23 The enemies of prayer : according to S&yana those who hate Br&hmans. + +24 The wild-hull: the gaura. + +26 Kticlrtfs Soma juice : Kadru here is apparently the name of a Bishi or +of one of the officiating priests. The St. Petersburg Lexicon takes it to +mean, from & hadril or Soma-vessel. + +27 Undeniable: ahnavdyydm, according to S&yana, is the name of the enemy +of Turvasa and Yadu : ‘ he overcame Ahnav&yya in battle/--Wilson. + + + +192 , THti HYMNS OF IBOOK Vllt + +28 Him have I magnified, onr Lord in common, Guardian of your + +folk, + +Diseloser of great wealth in kine ; + +29 Kihlvukshan, not to be restrained, who strengthened Tugra’s + +son in lauds, + +Indra beside the flowing juice; + +30 Who for Trisoka clave the hill that formed a wide receptacle, +So that the cows might issue forth. + +31 Whate'er thy plan or purpose be, whatever, in transport, thou + +wouldst do, ^ + +Do it not^Indra, but be kind. + +32 But little hath been heard of done i\\n the earth by one + +like thee: ^ + +Let thine heart, Indra, turn to us. + +33 Thine then shall be this high renown, thine shall these lofty + +praises be, + +When, Indra, thou art kind to us. + +34 Not for one trespass, not for two, 0 Hero, slay ns, nor for + +three, + +Nor yet for many trespasses. + +35 I fear one powerful like^hee, the crusher-down of enemies, + +• Mighty, repelling all attacs^, ^ + +36 0 wealthy God, ne'er may I live to see my friend or son in + +need: + +Hitherward let thy heart be turned. + +37 What friend, 0 people, unprovoked, hath ever said unto a + +friend, + +He turns and leaves us in distress ? + +38 Hero, insatiate enjoy this Soma juice so near to thee, + +Even as a hunter rushing down. + + +29 J Ribhuhshan: Indra, Lord of the ftibhus. TwjnCs son; Bhujyu. Ac¬ +cording fco S&yana, tugryavridham means ‘ augmenter of water.’ + +30 The hill is the massive rain-cloud, and the cows are streams of water, + +31 Bo it not; * S&yana understands this, “ do it not, for thou hast done it +for us,—only make us happy.” Could it be that the worshipper had a feeling +of nemesis ? or would he monopolize all ? ’—Note by E, B. C, in Wilson’s +Translation. + + +32 * In the following verses (32—36) the poet seems to express disappoint¬ +ment at the inadequate manifestation of Indra’s power, while he at the sjune +time entreats his grace and forgiveness.’— 0, & Texts, V. p. 111. ’ + +37 This stanza is Indra’s answer to the poet’s complaint. Th^What +seems to be : no friend without good cause calls his friend a traj/orsaken +then have I done, or left undone, that thou shouldst say that I/^ l ahdkah. +thee ? See Ludwig’s Commentary on the very difficult jah^ Jef + + +i + + + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +m + + +HYMN 46.] + +39 Hither I draw those Bays of thine yoked by our hymn, with + +splendid car, + +That thou mayst give unto the priests* + +40 Drive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who press + +around, + +And bring the wealth for which we long: + +41 0 Indra, that which is concealed in strong firm place precipi¬ + +tous : + +Bring us the wealth for winch we long; + +42 Great riches which the world of men shall recognize as sent + +by thee: * + +Bring us the wealth for which we long. + +HYMN XLVI. indra. + +We, Indra, Lord of ample wealth, our Guide, depend on one +like thee, + +Thou driver of the Tawny Steeds. + +2 For, Hurler of the Bolt, we know thee true, the giver of our + +food, + +We know thee giver of our wealth. + +3 0 thou whose majesty the bards celebrate with their songs, + +thou Lord ^ + +Of hundred powers and hundred aids. + +4 Fair guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the Marut + +host, + +And Mitra, void of guile, protect. + +5 Kine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and prospers, by the + +Adityas sped, + +Ever in wealth which all desire. + +6 We pray to Indra for his gift, to him the Fearless and the + +Strong, + +We pray to him the Lord of wealth. + +7 For verily combined in him are all the fearless powers of aid. +Him, rich in wealth, let swift Steeds bring to us, his Bays, to + +Soma juice for his carouse: + +8 Yea, that most excellent carouse, Indra, which slays most ene¬ + +mies, + +With Heroes wins the light of heaven, and is invincible in war : + +The hymn appears to be composed of two or more originally separate hymns +(see Pischel, Vediscfie Studien, I. pp. 7—9). There are seventeen varieties of +metre (see Index of Hymns). The hymn is difficult and obscure in parts, +where only conjectural translations can be given. + +7 Powers of aid: or, succourers j the Maruts may be intended. + +"l3 + + + +194 TEE EYMNS OF [BOOK VIII + +9 Which, merits fame, all-bountiful 1 and, unsubdued, hath vio +tory in deeds of might. + +So come to oar libations, Strongest! Excellent! May we ob¬ +tain a stall of kine. + +10 Responding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as + +of old, + +Re gracious, Greatest of the Great! + +11 For, Hero, nowhere can I find the bounds of thy munificence. +Still do thou favour us, 0 Bolt-anned Maghavan : with strength + +hast thou rewarded hymns. + +12 High, glosifier of his friend, he knows all generations, he + +whom many praise. + +All races of mankind with ladles lifted up invoke that Mighty +Indra’s aid. + +13 Be he our Champion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all + +wealth, the Vritra-slayer, Maghavan, + +14 In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your Hero with high + +laud, to him the Wise, + +To Indra, glorious in his name, the Mighty One, even as the +hymn allow eth it. + +15 Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, Ex¬ + +cellent ! and the strong steed, + +0 Much-invoked, in deeds of might, yea, even now. + +16 Him, Sovran Ruler of all precious things, who even hath + +power o’er this fair form of his, + +As now it taketh shape, and afterward, + +17 We praise, so that the Mighty One may speed to you, Pourer + +of bounties, Traveller, prepared to go. # + +Thou favourest the Maruts known to all, by song and sacrifice. +With song aim praise 1 sing to thee. + +18 We in the sacrifice perform their will whose voice is lifted + +high, + +The worship of those Thundering Ones who o’er the ridges of +these mountains fly in troops. + + +13 This stanza may have been the conclusion of one of the original hymns. + +14 its the hymn alloiveth it: in due accordance with the metre. + +1G SCtyana explains the latter part of the first line and the following * part +of the second as, ‘who overcomes this obstructor (the euemy) as he wages +war.’ I follow Ludwig’s interpretation who refers to III. 53. 8, ‘Maghavan +weareth every shape at pleasure, effecting magic changes in his body ; ’ and +VI. 47, 18, Indra moves multiform by his illusions.’ + +18 Their will: the pleasure of the Maruts. + + + +HYMN 46 .] + + +Tun move da. + + +m + + +19 0 Indra, Mightiest, bring us that which c rushes men of evil minds, +Wealth suited to our needs, 0 Stirrer of the thought, best + +wealth, 0 thou who stirrest thought. + +20 0 Winner, noble winner, strong, wondrous, most splendid, + +excellent, + +Sole Lord of victory, bring all-overpowering wealth, joy-giving, +chief in deeds of might. + +21 Now let the godless man approach who hath received reward + +so great + +As Yasa Asvya, when this light of morning dawned, received +from Prithusravas, from Kanita’s son. m + +22 Steeds sixty thousand and ten thousand kine, and twenty + +hundred camels I obtained; + +Ten hundred brown in hue, and other ten red in three spots; +in all, ten thousand kine. + +2 3 Ten browns that make my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose + +tails are long and fair, + +Turn with swift whirl my chariot wheel; + +24 The gifts which Prithusravas gave, Kauifca’s son munificent. + +He gave a chariot wrought of gold : the prince was passing + +bountiful, and won himself most lofty fame. + +25 Come thou to this great rite of ours, V&yu! to give us vigor¬ + +ous light. + +We have served thee that thou migbtest give much to us, yea, +mightest quickly give great wealth. + +26 Who with thrice seven times seventy horses comes to' us, + +invested with the rays of morn, + +Through these our Soma-draughts and those who press, to +give, drinker ol pure bright Soma juice. + +27 Who bath inclined this glorious one, bounteous himself, to + +give me gifts, + +Borne on firm chariot with the prosperous Nahusha, wise, to +a man yet more devout. + +20 0 winner: of wealth to he given to thy worshippers. * 0 bountiful, +mosb bountiful.’—Wilson. + +21 Vasa Asvya: the Rishi of the hymn. Seel. 112. 10. Prithusravas: +see I 116. 2l! + +22 In all , ten thousand kine : the exact meaning is not very clear. The last +line is rendered differently in Wilson’s Translation ; * a thousand brown +mares, —and ten times ten thousand cows with three red patches.’ + +26 Who : apparently V&yu, but, according to S&yana, Prithusravas. + +27 On firm chariot: literally, on a car made of the wood of the Aradu tree +(Calosanthes Indica). But S&yana makes two proper names of the ’words, + +* with Aradva and Akska.’ + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +196 + + +[BOOK VIII . + + +28 Sole Lord in beauty meet for praise, 0 V&yu, dropping fatness + +down, + +Hurried along by steeds, by camels, and by hounds, spreads +forth thy train: even this it is, + +29 So, as a prize dear to the strong, the sixty thousand have I gained, +Balls that resemble vigorous steeds. + +30 To me come oxen like a herd, yea, unto me the oxen come. + +31 And in the grazing herd he made a hundred camels bleat for me, +And twenty hundred mid the white. + +32 A hundred has the sage received, Dasa Balbutha’s and Taruk- + +sha’s glSts. + +These are thy people, Yayu, who rejoice with Indra for their +guard, rejoice with Gods for guards. + +33 And now to Vasa Asvya here this stately woman is led forth, +Adorned with ornaments of gold. + +HYMN XLYII. Adityas. + +Great help ye give the worshipper, Varava,Mitra, Mighty Ones ! +No sorrow ever reaches him whom ye, Adityas, keep from harm. +Yours are incomparable aids, and good the succour they afford. + +2 0 Gods, Adityas, well ye know the w&y to keep all woes afar. +As the birds spread their sheltering wings, spread your protec¬ +tion over us. + +3 As the birds spread tbeir sheltering wings let your protection + +cover us. + +We mean all shelter and defence, ye who have all things for +your own. + +4 To whomsoever they, Most Wise, have given a home and + +means of life, * + +O’er the whole riches of this man they, the Adityas, have control. + +5 As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows pass us by. +May we be under Indra’s guard, in the Adityas’ favouring grace. + +6 For verily men sink and faint through loss of wealth which + +ye have given. + +Much hath he gained from you, O Gods, whom ye, Adityas, +have approached. + +28 The steeds , camels, and hounds are apparently the fantastic forms of the +clouds that tty before V&yu or the wind. + +■ 31 Mid the white i herds of cows. + +32 JOdsa Balbdtha: probably an aboriginal ally of Prithusravas. See +"Weber, Bpisches im vedischen Ritual, p. 30. + +33 This stately zvoman: probably the wife of the conquered King.—Ludwig. + +X Yours arc , etc: the refrain recurs in every verse of the hymn. + + + +HY&N 4 ?.] THE RIQtEDA. 197 + +7 On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall "visit + +him, + +To whom, Adityas, ye have lent your shelter that extendeth +far. + +8 Resting in you, 0 Gods, we are like men who fight in coats of + +mail. + +Ye guard us from each great offence, ye guard us from each +lighter fault. + +9 May Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us, + +Mother of wealthy Mitra and of Aryaman and Yanina. + +10 The shelter, Gods, that is secure, auspicious, fre^from malady, +A sure protection, triply strong, even that do ye extend to us. + +11 Look down on us, Adityas, as a guide exploring from the + +bank. + +Lead us to pleasant ways as men lead horses to an easy ford. + +12 Ill be it for the demons’ friend to find us or come near to us. +But for the milch-cow be it well, and for the man who strives + +for fame. + +13 Each evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, + +0 Gods, + +The whole thereof remove from us to Trita Aptya far away. + +14 Daughter of Heaven, the dream that bodes evil to us or to + +our kine, + +Remove, 0 Lady of the Light, to Trita Aptya far away, + +15 Even if, 0 Child of Heaven, it make a garland or a chain of + +gold, + +The whole bad dream, whate’er it be, to Trita Aptya we +consign. * + +16 To him whose food and work is this, who comes to take his + +share therein, + +To Trita, and to Dvita, Dawn ! bear thou the evil dream away. + + +13 To Trita Aptya far away: Trita Aptya is a divinity dwelling in the re¬ +motest part of the heavens to whom it was customary to wish away, and +consign any threatened calamity or unpleasantness. As S&yana regards Trita +Aptya as the lvishi of the hymn, he is compelled to force a different interpre¬ +tation on the first half of the second line : * (let it not be found) in Trita +Aptya, keep it far from us.’—Wilson. + +14 Daughter of Heaven: Tishas or Dawn. + +15 * The sense would then be * even though parts of it be pleasant, we put +the whole of the evil dream away.”—Macdonell, Journal of B.. A. 8., July, +1893, p. 461. + +16 To him: to Trita whose business it is to receive these consignments. +ToDvita: a similar being, sometimes associated with Trita. 8ee Y. 18.2. + + + +193 Tins 'HYMNS OF [BOOH VI1L + +17 As we collect the utmost debt, even the eighth and sixteenth + +. P art > * + +So unto Aptya we transfer together all the evil dream. + +18 Now have we conquered and obtained, and from our trespas¬ + +ses are free. + +Shine thou away the evil dream, 0 Dawn, whereof we are +afraid. Yours are incomparable aids, and good the succour +they afford. + +HYMN XLVIIL Soma. + +- Wisely have I enjoyed the savoury viand, religious-thoughted, +best to fed out treasure, + +The food to which all Deities and mortals, calling it mcath, +gather themselves together. + +2 Thou shalt be Arliti as thou hast entered within, appeaser of + +celestial anger. + +Indu, enjoying Indra’s friendship, bring us—as a swift steed +the car—forward to riches. + +3 We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained + +the light, the Gods discovered. + +Now what may foeman’s malice do to harm us ? What, 0 Im¬ +mortal, mortal man’s deception? + +4 Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, 0 Indu, as a kind father to + +his son, 0 Soma, + +As a wise Friend to friend: do thou, wide-ruler, 0 Soma, +lengthen out our days for living. + +5 These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. + +Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a car. + +Let them protect my foot from slipping on, the way: yea, let +the drops I drink preserve mo from disease. + +6 Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction: give us a + +clearer sight and make us better. + +For in carouse I think of thee, 0 Soma, Shall I, as a rich man, +attain to comfort ? + +7 May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, + +like ancestral riches. + +0 Soma, King, prolong thou our existence as Surya makes the +shining days grow longer. + + +1 Meath: mddhu: or, .sweet. + +2 Within: within my heart. Indu: Soma. + +3 We have drunh Soma : see Muir, 0. S . Tewts, III. 264, 265. + +5 From slipping on the way ; ‘may they keep us from a loosely-knit +worship.’—Wilson. + + +HYMN 49.] THE RIGYEDA. 199 + +8 King Soma, favour us and make us prosper : we are thy de¬ + +votees ; of this be mindful. + +Spirit and power are fresh in us, 0 Indu : give us not up unto +our foeman’s pleasure. + +9 For thou hast settled in each joint, 0 Soma, aim of men’s eyes + +and guardian of our bodies. + +When we offend against thine holy statutes, as a kind Friend, +God, best of all, be gracious. + +10 May I be with the Friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of + +Bays ! when quaffed will never barm me— + +This Soma now deposited within me. For this, I pray for longer +life to Indr a. ^ + +11 Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished: they feared, + +and passed away into the darkness. + +Soma hath risen in us, exceeding mighty, and we are come +where men prolong existence. + +12 Fathers, that Indu which our hearts have drunken, Immortal + +in himself, hath entered mortals. + +So let us serve this Soma with oblation, and rest securely in "his +grace and favour. + +13 Associate with the Fathers thou, 0 Soma, hast spread thyself + +abroad through earth &nd heaven. + +So with oblation let us serve thee, Indu, and so let us become +the lords of riches, + +14 Give us your blessing, 0 ye Gods, preservers. Never may sleep + +or idle talk control us. + +But evermore may we, as friends of Soma, speak to the synod +with brave sons around us. + +15 On all sides, Spma, thou art our life-giver: aim of all eyes, + +light-finder, come within us. + +Indu, of one accord with thy protections both from behind and +from before preserve us. + +HYMN XLIX. Agni. + +Agni, come hither with thy fires ; we choose thee as Invoking +Priest. + +Let the extended ladle full of oil balm thee, best Priest, to +sit on sacred grass. + +9 Aim of men’s eyes: or, beholder of men. + +12 Immortal in himself: see note on I. 18. 4. + +13 Soma: here the Moon-God, who is intimately connected with the Pitris +or Fathers. See Hymns of the Atharva-veda , XVlII. 4, 72. + +I place at the end of this Book the eleven hymns, called the Vftlakhilya, +which are usually inserted after Hymn XLYIXI. These hymns are not + + + + +200 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII + +2 For unto thee, 0 Angiras, 0 Son of Strength,'move ladles in + +the sacrifice. + +To Agni, Child of Force, whose locks drop oil, we seek, fore¬ +most in sacrificial rites. + +3 Agni, thou art Disposer, Sage, Herald, bright God ! and + +worshipful, + +- Best offerer, cheerful, to be praised in holy rites, pure Lord ! +by singers with their hymns. + +4 Most Youthful and Eternal, bring the longing Gods to me, + +the guileless, for the feast. + +Come, Vasu, to the banquet that is well-prepared : rejoice +thee, gracious, with our songs. + +5 Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and + +a Sage. + +The holy singers, 0 refulgent kindled God 1 arrangers, call on +thee to come. + +6 Shine, Most Resplendent! blaze, send bliss unto the folk, and + +to thy worshipper : Great art thou. + +So may my princes, with good fires, subduing foes, rest in the +keeping of the Gods. + +7 0 Agni, as thou burnest down to earth even high-grown + +underwood, + +So, bright as Mitra is, burn him who injures us, him who plots +ill against thy friend. + +8 Give us not as a prey to mortal enemy, nor to the wicked + +friend of fiends. + +With conquering guards, auspicious, unassailable, protect us, +0 Most Youthful God. + +9 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protebt us through the + +second hymn, + +Protect us through three hymns, 0 Lord of Power and Might, +through four hymns, Vasu, guard thou us. + +reckoned in the division of the Rigveda into Mandalas (Books) and Anuv&kas +(Chapters), and S&yana does not notice them in his Commentary. See Wil¬ +son's Translation, V. p. 96, note by Cowell. See also Max Muller’s Vedic +Hymns I. (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. XXXII.), pp. xlvi—xlviii. + +Eleven must be added to the number of this hymn and of all that follow +in this Book to make them correspond with the numbers in Max Muller’s +edition of the text. + +2 Whose locks drop oil: ‘ butter-haired.’—Wilson. + +5 The arrangers: of the ritual of sacrifice. + +6 Princes : wealthy patrons. According to S&yana, the Rishi’s own sons +and others may be intended. + +9 The numbers probably have reference to the four quarters of the sky.— +Ludwig. + + + +HJMN 49.] THE EIGVEEA. 201 + +10 Preserve us from each fiend who brings the Gods no gift, +preserve thou us in deeds of strength : + +For we possess in thee the nearest Friend of all, for service +of the Gods and weal. + +110 Holy Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strength¬ +ening life. + +Bestow on us, 0 Helper, that which many crave, more glorious +still by righteousness; + +12 Wherewith we may overcome our rivals in .the war, o’erpower- + +ing the foe’s designs. + +So wax thou by our food, 0 Excellent in strength. Quicken +our thoughts that find out wealth. + +13 Agni is even as a bull who whets and brandishes his horns. +Well-sharpened are his jaws which may not be withstood : the + +Child of Strength hath powerful teeth. + +14 Not to be stayed, 0 Bull, 0 Agni, are thy teeth when thou + +art spreading far and wide. + +Make our oblations duly offered up, 0 Priest, and give us +store of precious things. + +15 Thou best in the wood ; from both thy Mothers mortals kindle + +thee. + +Unweariedly thou beared up the offerer’s gifts, then shinest +bright among the Gods. + +16 And so the seven priests, 0 Agni, worship thee, Free-giver, + +Everlasting One. + +Thou cleavest through the rock with heat and fervent glow; +Agni, rise up above the men. + +17 For you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, rest¬ + +less God. * + +Let us whose food is offered call to all the tribes Agni the +Invoking Priest of men. + +18 Agni, with noble psalm that tells his wish he dwells, thinking + +on thee who gHardest him. + +Speedily bring us strength of many varied sorts to be most +near to succour us. + +19 Agni, Praise-singer! Lord of men, God! burner-up of Bakshasas, +Mighty art thou, the ever-present Household-Lord, Home- + +friend and Guardian fro m the sky. __ + +12 Wherewith: referring to the wealth which Agni is asked to give. . + +15 In the wood: in the pieces of wood used for the production of Agm. + +16 Seven priests: minor Hotar priests, such as the Maitr&varuna and others. +The rock: adrim , explained by S&yana as megharn-, the cloud, + +17 The restless God: or, ‘the irresistible/—Wilson. + +18 He dwells; that is, the pious institutor of sacrifice. + + + +202 THE HYMNS OF [BOOR YIll + +20 Let no fiend come among us, 0 thou rich in light, no spell of +those who deal in spells. + +To distant pastures drive faint hunger: far away, 0 Agni, +chase the demons 5 friends. + +HYMN L. Indra. + +Bote boons,—may Indra, hitherward turned, listen to this +prayer of ours, + +And mightiest Maghavan with thought inclined to us come +near to drink the Soma juice. + +2 For him, strong, independent Ruler, Heaven and Earth have + +fashioned 9 forth for power and might. + +Thou seatest thee as fkst among thy peers in place, for thy +soul longs for Soma juice. + +3 Fill thyself full, 0 Lord of wealth, 0 Indra, with the juice we + +shed. + +We know thee, Lord of Bay Steeds ! victor in the fight, van¬ +quishing e 5 en the invincible. + +4 Changeless in truth, 0 Maghavan Indra, let it be as thou in + +wisdom wiliest it. + +May we, 0 fair of cheek, win booty with thine aid, 0 Thun¬ +derer, swiftly seeking it. ^ + +5 Indra, with all thy saving helps give us assistance, Lord of + +power. + +For after thee we follow even as glorious bliss, thee, Hero, +finder-out of wealth. + +6 Increaser of our steeds and multiplying kine, a golden well, 0 + +God, art thou, + +For no one may impair the gifts laid up in thee. Bring me +whatever thing I ask. + +7 For thou,—come to the worshipper!—wilt find great wealth + +to make us rich. + +Fill thyself full, 0 Maghavan, for gain of kine, full, Indra, +for the gain of steeds. + +8 Thou as thy gift bestowest many hundred herds, yea, many + +thousands dost thou give. + +With singers 5 hymns have we brought the Fort-render near, +singing to Indra for his grace. + + +20 Spell of those who deal in spells: ydtdrydtumtfvatdm: ‘torment of the +evil spirits.—Wilson. + +1 Both boons: Indra is asked to hear the prayer and to drink the Soma. + + + +HYMN 50 .] + + +the nmrEHA. + + +203 + + +9 Whether thesimple or the sage, Indra, have offered praise to thee, +He, Satakratu! by his love hath gladdened thee, ambitious! +ever pressing on ! + +10 If he the Strong of arm, the breaker-down of forts, the great + +Destroyer, hear my call, + +We, seeking riches cry to Indra, Lord of wealth, to Satakratu +with our lauds. + +11 We count not then as sinners, nor as niggardly or foolish men, +When with the Soma juice which we have shed we make Indra, + +the Mighty One, our Friend. + +12 Him have we yoked in fight, the powerful Conqueror, debt- + +claimer, not to be deceived. + +Best charioteer, the Victor marks each fault, he knows the +strong to whom be will come near. + +13 Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid. + +Help us, 0 Maghavan, let thy succour give us this : drive + +away foes and enemies. + +14 For thou, 0 liberal Lord of bounty, strengthenest his ample + +home who worships thee. + +So Indra, Maghavan, thou Lover of the Song, we with pressed +Soma call on thee. + +15 Indra is Vritra-slayer, guard, our best defender from the foe. +May he preserve our last and middlemost, and keep watch + +from behind us and before, + +16 Defend us from behind, below, above, in front, on all sides, + +Indra, shield us well. + +Keep far away from us the terror sent from heaven: keep +impious weapons far away. + +17 Protect us, Ind^a, each to-day, each morrow, and each follow¬ + +ing day. + +0 ur singers, through all days, shalt thou, Lord of the brave, +keep safely both by day and night. + +18 A crushing Warrior, passing rich is Maghavan, endowed with + +all heroic might. + +Thine arms, 0 Satakratu, are exceeding strong, arms which +have grasped the thunderbolt. + +9 The simple or the sage: < the unskilled or the skilled/—Wilson. + +12 Marks each fault: the meaning of hhrimdm is uncertain : according to + +Ludwig it is ‘his v:*r.'■-‘der,’ that is, the worshipper who presents + +him with sacrifice ‘ ": i. takes it with vdjinam: ‘the strong racer.* ■— + +Wilson. The strong : the rich and powerful worshipper. + +15 Our last and middlemost: putram , son, being understood, according to +S&yapa. The expression probably means ‘alljrf us/ + +16* The terror sent from heaven : ‘ supernatural alarm/—Wilson. + + + + +204 + + +THE HYMNS OF [BQOK VIIL, + +HYMN LI. Indra. + +Offer ye up as praise to him that wherein Indrsi takes delight. +The Soma-bringers magnify Indra’s great energy with hymns. . +Good are the gifts that Indra gives. + +2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he +Hath waxen great o’er many folk, yea, over all things horn, + +in might. + +3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e’en with a steed of worth¬ + +less sort. + +This, Indra, must he told of thee who wilt perform heroic deeds. + +4 Come to u§ hither; let us pay devotions that enhance thy + +might, + +Fur which, Most Potent! thou wouldst fain bless the man +here who strives for fame. + +5 For thou, 0 Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold +Who with strong Soma serveth thee, still ready with his + +reverent prayers. + +6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells. +Pleased with the Soma-bringer’s skill he maketh him his mate + +and friend. + +7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto. + +thee* + +Be thou the Guard of all, 0 thou whom many praise. + +8 Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, best for the service of + +the Gods, + +That thou with power dost slay Vritra* 0 Lord of Strength. + +9 He makes the races of mankind like synods of the Beauteous + +One. * + +Indra knows this his manifest deed, and is renowned. + +10 Thy might, 0 Indra, at its birth, thee also, and thy mental +power, + +In thy care, Maghavan rich in kine! they have increased +exceedingly. + + +1 Good are, etc :. the refrain is repeated in each verse. + +2 Chiefs: nribhih: men, meaning Gods, according to S&jana. Folk: or, +tribes. + +3 He will win e'en with a steed of worthless sort: f He.wishes to bestow + +blessings (upon us) with his unurged courser.’—Wilson. + +6 He looketh down: kindly on us as a thirsty man looks eagerly into a well. + +. ® Ltk e synods of the Beauteous One; like assemblies that meet to honour +him ; but the meaning is obscure. + +10 They ; thy worshippers. + + + +TEE ETGVEEA. + + +HYMN 52 .] + + +205 + + +11 0 Yritra-slayer, thou and I will both combine for winning + +spoil. + +Even malignity will consent, 0 Bolt-armed Hero, unto us. + +12 Let us extol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue. + +Dire is his death who pours no gifts : great light bath he who +offers them. Good are the gifts that Indra gives. + +HYMN LIL Indra. + +With powers of Mighty Ones hath he, Ancient, Beloved, been +equipped, + +Through whom the Father Manu made prayers efficacious +with the Gods. * + +2 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne'er + +forsake, + +Nor hymns and prayer that must be said. + +3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Angirases. +This his great deed must be extolled. + +& Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old, +Shall come to bless and succour us at presentation of this +laud. + +5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry +Of Hail! have sung loffd hymns to thee, Indra, to gain a stall + +of kine. + +6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be + +performed, + +Whom singers know devoid of guile. + +7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent + +out their voice, + +And when the priest hath strewn much grass, this is the Friend's +own dwelling-place. + +8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these + +manly deeds, + +And sped the wheel upon its way. + + +11 MuMgnity; or the malignant man. 1 * * 4 * * * 8 The niggard.’—Wilson. + +12 Eire is his death : or, great is bis destruction. + +1 This difficult verse is variously interpreted both by Indian commentators + +and by European scholars. I follow partly Aufrecht’s translation as given by + +Dr. Muir, and partly Ludwig’s Commentary. Bee 0. 3. Texts, I. pp. 163—164; + +Ludwig’s Mgveda , Y. pp. 167—168 ; and Wilson’s Translation, Y. p. 107. + +The Ancient , Eelovbd appears to be Soma and not Indra. + +7 The Friend's: Indra’s. The second line is very obscure. See Bergaigne, + +I. vi., and Vedic Hymns , I., p. 226. I adopt-Ludwig’s interpretation. + +8 The wheel: the Sun. + + + +206 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII. + +9 At the o’erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and + +took + +Soma as cattle take their corn. + +10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Daksha’s + +sons, + +Would fain exalt the Maruts* Lord. + +11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing to the duly-coming Band. +Allied with thee may we prevail. + +12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, + +at the death of Yritra, + +The strongTassigned to him. who sings and praises. May Gods +with Indra at their head protect us. + +HYMN LIII. Indra. + +May our hymns give thee great delight. Display thy bounty, +Thunderer. + +Drive off the enemies of prayer. + +2 Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts. + +Mighty art thou : + +There is not one to equal thee. + +3 Thou art the Lord of Soma pressed, Soma impressed is also + +thine. T + +Thou art the Sovran of the folk. + +4 Come, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the + +prayers of men : + +Thou fullest both the heavens and earth. + +5 Even that hill with rocky heights, with hundreds, thousands, + +held within, + +Thou for thy worshippers brakest through. + +6 We call on thee both night and day to taste the flowing Soma + +juice: + +Do thou fulfil our hearts* desire. + +0 This Steer: Soma; that is, when abundant libations had been offered, +He: Indra. + +10 Daksha's sons: of the same origin with you. * Lords of food/ according +to SA\ ana. + +31 Duly-coming Band: of Maruts, led by Indra. + +12 The strong: perhaps the thunderbolt with which Indra aids the wor¬ +shipper. — + +3 Unpressed: in its natural state in the stalks of the plant. Or, as Ludwig +suggests, the Soma which Indra drinks in heaven may be meant. See VII. +26. 1. + +5 That hill: the cloud with its countless treasures of rain, + +6 Night: just before dawn. + + +HYMN 54 .] + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +207 + +7 Where is that ever-youthful Steer, strong-necked and never + +yet bent down ? + +What Brahman ministers to him ? + +8 To whose libation doth the Steer, betake him with delight + +therein % 2 3 + +Who takes delight in Indra now ? + +9 Whom, Vritra-slayer, have thy gifts and hero powers accom¬ + +panied ? + +Who is thy dearest in the laud ? + +10 For thee among mankind, among the Purus is this Soma shed. + +Hasten thou hither : drink thereof. ^ + +11 This, growing by Sushoma and by Saryan&v&n, dear to thee, +In .Arjikiya, cheers thee best. + +12 Hasten thou hitherward, and drink this for munificence to-day, +Delightful for thine eager draught. + +HYMN LIV. Indra. + +Though, Indra, thou art called by men from east and west, +from north and south, + +Come hither quickly with fleet steeds; + +2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy, +Or in the sea in Soma juice. + +3 With songs 1 call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to + +profit us, + +Indra, to drink the Soma-draught. + +4 Hither, 0 Indra, let thy Bays bear up and bring upon thy car +Thy glory, God ! and majesty. + +5 Thou, Indra, wohldst be sung and praised as great, strong, + +lordly in thy deeds : + +Come hither, drink our Soma juice. + +6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are call¬ + +ing thee + +To sit on this our sacred grass. + +10 Among the P4rus: among men, or among Kings named Pfirus.—S&yana, + +11 Susho • ■- , ' ( y *, river which cannot now be identified. ArjVetya :• + +-i-.i.i- _ . . ■ ■ Suryandvdn is said to he a lake in the district + +&ee V ui. 1., Index. For conjectures regarding Sushom& and +Arjildya see Zimmer, Altindisches Lelen , pp. 12, 13. Cf. VIII. 7. 29. + +2 The effluence of heaven; or the place in heaven from which the Amrit +flows, In the sea : of air ; the firmament. + +3 As a cow,: as the most useful of all animals. + + + +208 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VJ1L + +7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike, +As such we invocate thee now. + +8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the + +Soma juice: + +Indra, be pleased with it, and drink. + +9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song :. come hither¬ + +ward + +With speed, and give us high renown. + +10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me + +spotted kine, + +Kine deck<id with golden ornaments. + +11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold, +Pure, brilliant, and exceeding great. + +12 Durgaha’s grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent, +Have won renown among the Gods. + +HYMN LY. Indra. + +Louo singing at the sacred rite where Soma flows we priests +invoke + +With haste, that he may help, as the bard’s CJherisher, Indra +who findeth wealth for you. + +2 Whom with fair helm, in rapture of the juice, the firm resist¬ + +less slayers hinder not: + +Giver of glorious wealth to him who sing his praise, honouring +him who toils and pours : + +3 Sakra, who like a curry-comb for horses or a golden goad, + +Indra, the Vritra-slayer, urges eagerly the opeuing of the + +stall of kine : + + +9 All pious men: all other worshippers. + +10 The King: who instituted the sacrifice. According to S&yana, Indra is +meant; but this is impossible. + +12 Durgaha’s grandsons: S4y/ma explains durgdhasya by duhlcham gdha- +mdnasga me, of me plunged in grief, and napituh (nepotes) as aralc&hitasya , +unprotected: * Unprotected as I am, and plunged in sorrow (my dependents) +by the favour of the gods obtain food, and are blessed with abundance in a +thousand cattle,' See Wilson’s Translation, and Cowell's note. + +1 We priests invoice: the constjcupiic^^difficult.'Tfbflow Ludwigj and take +hu®£, an infinitive, as equivalSSf to the first person plural. + +3 Gurry-comb for horses ; the purifier of his worshippers and well-skilled in +horses, according to S&yana. Golden goad: wonderful and golden-bodied, +according to S&yana. The meaning of Mjah, as well as of mrikshdh, is uncer¬ +tain, but both seem to signify instruments connected with horses.* + + + +HYMN 55.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +209 + + +4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even + +though buried, piled iu heaps : + +May Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed Thunderer, act +at his pleasure, as he lists. + +5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, even of + +old, from men. + +All that we offer unto thee, 0 Indra, now, sacrifice, laud, effect¬ +ual speech. + +6 To Soma, Much-invoked, Bolt-armed ! for thy carouse, Celestial, + +Soma-drinker! come. + +Thou to the man who prays and pours the juice hast been +best giver of delightful wealth. + +7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Tbunder-wielder drink his fill. +So iu like maimer offer him the juice to-day. Now range you + +by the Glorious One. + +8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows + +the path of his decrees. **? + +So graciously accepting, Indra, this our praise, with wondrous +thought come forth to us. + +9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath + +not done ] + +Who hath not heard his glorious title and his fame, the Vritra- +slayer from his birth % + +10 How great his power resistless ! how invincible the Vritra- + +slayer’s matchless might ! + +Indra excels all usurers who see the day, excels all traffickers +in strength. + +11 0 Indra, Vritra-slaver, we, thy very constant worshippers, +Bring prayers ne’er heard befure to thee, 0 Much-invoked, 0 + +Thunder-armed, to be thy meed. + +12 0 thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward + +many an eager hope. + +Past the drink-offerings, Vasu, even of the good, hear my +call, Strongest God, and come. + +13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. +For there is none but only thou to show us grace, O Maghavan, + +thou much invoked. + + +4 Buried: as gold, precious stones, etc. + +8 The wolf: according to S£yana, the robber. The reason of mentioning +either in this place is not obvious. + +10 Who see the day: who live. According to S&yana, who Zook upon the +Sun in their present life, hut will be sunk in darkness after death. + +14 + + + +210 THE IIYMNS OP IBOOK Vllt + +14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire + +curse deliver us. + +Succour us with thine help and with thy wondrous thought. +Most Mighty, finder of the way. + +15 Now let your Soma juice be poured : be not afraid, 0 Kali’s sons. +This darkening sorrow goes away; yea, of itself it vanishes. + +HYMN LVI. Adityas. + +Now pray we to these Kshatriyas, to the Adityas for their aid, +These who are gracious to assist. + +•2 May Mitra bear us o’er distress, and Varan a and Aryaman, +Yea, the Agility as, as they know. + +3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas’ saving help +To him who offers and prepares. + +4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varum, Mitra, Aryaman, +We claim to be our sure defence. + +5 Guard us, Adityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike: +Are ye nob they who hear our call ? + +6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring + +gifts, + +Graciously bless ye us therewith. + +7 Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there^is freedom, for the sinless, + +wealth, + +0 ye in whom no fault is seen. + +8 Let nob this fetter biud us fast : may he release us for success ; +For strong is Indra and renowned. + +9 0 Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye +♦ destroy + +Your enemies who go astray. r + +10 And thee too, 0 Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address, +Thee very gracious to assist. + +11 Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thou Mother of + +Strong Sons : + +Let no one of our seed be harmed. + +12 Far-spread ! wide-ruliug! grant that we, unharmed by envy, + +may expand : + +Grant that our progeny may live. + +14 From this our miseiy: the hymn was ‘seen ' and employed in a time of +dearfch and famine. Finder of the way: to prosperity. + +15 Kali’s sons ; Kali is the Rishi or seer of the hymn. + +I Kshatriyas : royal princes. + +II Of Strong Sons; the Adityas. + + + +THE MOVE DA.' + + +HYMN 57 .] + + +‘211 + + +13 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, ne’er + +deceived, + +Maintain their statutes, void of guile — + +14 As such, from mouth of raveuing wolves, 0 ye Adityas, + +rescue us, + +Like a bound thief, 0 Aditi. + +15 Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this malignity depart +From us or e’er it strike us dead. + +16 For, Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help, +Both now and in the days of old. + +17 To every one, 0 ye Most Wise, who turneth ev&n from sin to + +you, + +Ye Gods vouchsafe that he may live. + +18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one +Bound from his bonds, 0 Aditi. + +19 0 ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by its : + +So be ye graciously inclined. + +20 Let not Vivasv&n’s weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, + +with skill, + +Destroy us ere old age be nigh + +21 On every side dispel all siu, Adityas, all hostility, + +Indigence, and combiueli attack. + +HYMN LVII. + +Even as a car to give us aid, we draw thee hither for +Strong in thy deeds, checking assault, Lord, Mightiest Indra^ +of the brave I + +2 Great in thy power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that + +comprehendeAh all ! + +Thou hast filled full with majesty. + +3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness + +grasp + +The golden bolt that breaks its way. + +4 Your Lord of might that ne’er hath bent, that ruleth over all + +mankind, + +I call, that he, as he is wont, may aid the chariots and the +men. + + +wrought + + +Indra. +our bliss. + + +3 7 Who turneth even from sin : who comes to you for forgiveness. + +20 Vivasvdn’s weapon : the'deadly bolt of the Sun, or perhaps, metaphor- +cally, of the sacrificer. + +21 Combined attach: 1 the closely drawn neb/—Wilson. + +2 Thou hast filled full: the universe. + + + +[BOOK VIIL + + +#12 TUB HYMNS OF + +5 Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both + +the hosts + +Men call to succour aud to help. + +6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most + +Bountiful, + +Sole Ruler even over wealth. + +7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to + +drink, + +Who, as his praise was sung of old, the Dancer, is the Lord +of men. + +.8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever hath +obtained : + +None will attain unto thy might. + +9 Aided by thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun, +Bolt-armed ! may we win ample spoil, + +10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the + +Song, + +As, in our battles, Indra, thou to Purum&yya gavest help, + +11 0 Thunderer, thou "whose friendship and whose onward + +guidance both are sweet, + +Thy sacrifice must be prepared. + +12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample + +room : + +Give ample room to us to live, + +13 We count the .banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for + +the men, + +And for the cattle, and the car, + +14 Six men, yea, two aud two, made glad with Soma juice, come + +near to me + +With offerings pleasant to the taste. + +15 Two brown-hued steeds, Indrota’s gift, two bays from Ttiksha’s + +son were mine, + +From Asvamedha’s son two red. + +7 The Dancer: in the dance of war. + +10 Purumdyya: according to Say ana, 'me (the Pishi) the possessor of +much wisdom.* + +13 Sacrifice to the Gods procures freedom and security for us and all who +belong to us, + +15 ‘These princes with their respective fathers are the six of V. 14. The +sons of liUcR/ut and A warned ha had originally commenced the sacrifice, but +Indrota and his father Atithigva came to see it and added their gifts. The +sons alone are mentioned : the son is the father’s second self, pitri-imtvcujor +abheddi' —Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation, + + + +HYMN 58 .] + + +THE EIG VEDA. ' + + +21 £ + +16 From Atithigva good car-steeds, from Arksha rein-obeying + +steeds, + +From Asvamedha beauteous ones. + +17 Indrota, Atithigva’s son, gave me six horses matched with + +mares: + +And Putakratu gave besides. + +18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare Yrishanvati, +Obedient to the rein and whip. + +19 0 bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves + +to blame + +Hath found a single fault in you. + +HYMN LVIII, ■ In dr a. + +I send you forth the song of praise for Indu, hero-gladdener. +With hymn and plenty he invites you to complete the sacrifice. + +2 Thou wishest for thy kine a bull, for those who long for his + +approach, + +For those who turn away from him, lord of thy cows whom +none may kill. + +3 The dappled kine who stream with milk prepare his draught + +of Soma juice: + +Clans in the birth-plac^of the Gods, in the three luminous +realms of heaven. + +4 Praise, even as he is known, with song Indra the guardian of + +the kine, + +The Son of Truth, Lord of the brave. + +16 Arhsha: the soil of Riksha. Asvamedlia: the son of Asvamedha. + +17 PHtalcratu: son 5f Asvamedha. + +18 Yrishanvati: according to von Roth, ‘perhaps, that may he found +among stallions/ + +19 0 hound to me: this stanza is addressed to the princes who instituted +the sacrifice and gave the rewards which have been mentioned. + +1 The song of 'praise; trishHibham : used in a general sense for any hymn +of praise. Indu: Soma. According to Sflyana, Indra is meant. + +2 The stanza is difficult. I adopt Pischel’s explanation of naddm and +6datindm . + +3 Clans: vis v cows are meant. Eggeling translates: ‘At + +his birth the *■ ' . ■ ■■ ■'/■ . speckled ones mix the Soma (draught), the + +clans of the gods in the three spheres of the heavens’ (Sacred Books of the +East, XLI. p. 307). Pischel observes : ‘The connexion of the first three +stauzas is probably this: Soma shall he celebrated by you in your song of +praise in order that he may liberally reward you. What thou wishest for +thyself is a bull for the cows, in order that they may be propagated and +provide Indra with milk to be mixed with his Soma juice, while they serve, +the race of Gods in all the three realms of heaven /—Vedische Studien t I, +p. 197. + + + +214 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIIL + +5 Hither his Bay Steeds have been sent, red Steeds are on the + +sacred grass + +Where we in concert sing our songs. + +6 For Indra Thunder-armed the kine have yielded mingled milk, + +and meath, + +What time he found them in the vault. + +7 When I and Indra mount on high up to the Bright One’s place + +and home, + +We, having drunk of meath, will reach his seat whose Friends +are three times seven. + +8 Sing,- sing ^e forth your songs of praise, ye Priyamedhae, sing + +your songs : + +Yea, let young children sing their lauds: as a strong castle +praise ye him. + +9 Now loudly let tbe viol sound, the lute send out its voice with + +might, + +Shrill be the music of the string. To Indra is the hymn up¬ +raised. + +10 When hither speed the dappled cows, unflinching, easy to be + +milked, + +Seize quickly, as it bursts away^ the Soma juice for Indra’s +drink. + +11 Indra hath drunk, Agni hath drunk : all Deities have drunk + +their All. + +Here Varuna shall have his home, to whom the floods have +sung aloud as mother-kine unto their calves. + +12 Thou, Varuna, to whom belong Seven Rivers, art a glorious + +God. + +The waters flow into thy throat as ’twere a pipe with ample +mouth. + +13 He who hath made the fleet steeds spring, well-harnessed, to + +the worshipper. + + +6 In the vault: ( in the cavity of the Soma-vessel/—vonRoth; ‘on the horizon.* +—Ludwig; ‘ near at hand.*—S&yana. + +7 The Bright One's place: the station of the Sun. Whose Friends ar$ +three times seven; Indra who is the friend of the Maruts. I follow Ludwig +in combining the trih suptd sdkhguh of the text into one compound word. +S.iyana’s explanation is different: ‘"let us be united in the twenty-first sphere +of the (universal) friend/—See note in Wilson’s Translation, + +rt ^' L °l : y^ r 9 ara ty : ‘a kind of musical instrument*, says S&yana. + +Godha-i originally the leather guard worn by bowmen on the left arm, and +pthgd (said to mean bowstring) arc also, apparently, names of musical instru¬ +ments. + +12 Varuna’s throat, or palate, is said to mean fcho sea, into which the seven +rivers flow, + + + +HtMfff 59 .] THE RIG VEDA. 215 + +He, the swift Guide, is that fair form that loosed the horses +near at hand. + +14 Indra, the very Mighty, holds his enemies in utter scorn. + +He, far away, and yet a child, cleft the cloud smitten by his +voice. + +15 He, yet a boy exceeding small, mounted his newly-fashioned + +car. + +He for his Mother and his Sire cooked the wild mighty buffalo, + +16 Lord of the home, fair-helmeted, ascend thy ehariot wrought + +of gold. + +We will attend the Heavenly One, the thousanohfooted, red of +hue, matchless, who blesses where he goes. + +17 With reverence they come hitherward to him as to a Sovran + +Lord, + +That they may bring him near for this man’s good success, to +prosper and bestow his gifts. + +18 The Priyamedhas have observed the offering of the men of old, +Of ancient custom, while they strewed the sacred grass, and + +spread their sacrificial food. + +HYMN LIX. Indr-au + +He who, as Sovran Lord*o£ men, moves with his chariots un¬ +restrained, + +The Vritrci-slayer, vanquisher of fighting hosts, preeminent, +is praised with song. + +2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sus¬ + +taining hand of old ^ ; + +The splendid bolt of thunder was deposited, as the great Sun +was set in he*aven. + +3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens + +evermore: ^ „ + +No, not by sacrifice, to ludra praised of all, resistless, daring, + +bold iu might + +15 Hi* Mother and his Sire: Earth and Heaven. The buffalo U the dark + +rain-cloud which ludra pierces with his lightning, or perhaps the demon Yaxa +is intended. w + +16 The Heavenly One : the Sun, which is Indra’s chariot Thousand-footed: +bright with countless rays of light. + +17 This mans: who institutes the sacrifice. + + +2 Puruhanman: the Bishi of the hymn addresses himself. Sustaining: +or vidhartari may (with Ludwig) be taken as a nominative with vtijrah,, the +bolt of thunder as a sustamer (of Order). + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOR VITL + +• 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war,*him at whose birth +the Mighty Ones, + +The Kine who spread afar, sent their load voices out, heavens, +earths sent their loud voices out. . + +5 0 Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were + +thine— + +No, not a thousand Suns could match thee at thy birth, not +both the worlds, 0 Thunderer. + +6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, + +all with strength, 0 Strongest One. + +Maghavan/thelp us to a stable full of kine, 0 Thunderer, with +wondrous aids. + +7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, 0 thou whose life is + +long! + +But one who yokes the briglit-hued steeds, the Etasas, even +Indra yoker of the Bays. + +8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be + +praised, + +To be invoked in shallow waters and in depths, to be invoked +in deeds of might. + +9 0 Yasu, 0 thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. + +Baise us to gain of mighty wealtn, 0 Maghavan, 0 Indra, to +sublime renown. + +10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers. +Guard thyself, valiant Hero, in thy vital parts: strike down + +the Dasa with thy blows. + +11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, +Him let his Mend the mountain cast to rapid death, the + +mountain cast the Dasyu down. + +12 0 Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of com +Within thine hand, of these their kine, to give away, yea, + +gather twice as loving us. + +13 0 my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara’s + +jeraise, + +The liberal princely patron, never to be harmed ? + + +4 The Kine: the heavens and the earths. + +7 Etasas: the horses of the Sun. + +10 In thy vital parts: literally, between thy thighs. «Shelter us between +thy thighs.’-“Wilson. + +31 //is friend: in which he hopes to find refuge: according to S&vana, +Par vat a (mountain) is a Kishi, the friend of Indra. + + +•]? Yhcir ^ ne i the property of the hostile aborigines. + +P Saras prime; Sara must be the institutes of the sacrifice: according +to S&yana he is Indra, ‘the destroyer,’ + + + +■BYMN 60 .] + + +THE MOVED A. + + +217 + + +14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually + +praised, + +That thou, 0 Sara, hast bestowed here one and here another +calf. + +15 The noble, Suradeva’s son, hath brought a calf, led by the ear, + +to three of ns, + +As a chief brings a goat to milk. + +HYMN LX. Agni . + +0 Agni, with thy mighty wealth guard us from all malignity, +Yea, from all hate of mortal man. * + +2 For over thee, 0 Friend from birth, the wrath of man hath + +no control; + +Nay, Guardian of the earth art thou. + +3 As such, with all the Gods, 0 Son of Strength, auspicious iu + +thy flame, + +Give us wealth bringing all things good. + +4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, + +thou + +Protectest while he offers gifts. + +5 Sage Agni, he whom thou dost urge, in worship of the Gods, + +to wealth, + +With thine assistance winneth kine. + +C Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts : +Lead thou ns on to higher bliss. + +7 Save ns, 0 J&tavedaR, nor abandon us to him who sins, + +Unto the evil-hearted man. + +8 0 Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God : + +Over all treasures than art Lord. + +9 So, Son of Strength, thou aidest us to what is great and + +excellent, + +Those, Vasu l Friend 1 who sing thy praise. + +10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with +piercing flame, + +Our offerings, with our homage, to the Lord of wealth, to +him whom many praise, for help : + + +14 Here one and here another; elcam-ckam : meaning many. + +15 Sdradevas son: Sara. S&yana explains sanmdevyah as cows won in + +battle. * May Maghavan, taking them by the ears, lead the cows with their +calves from our three (destructive enemies),, as the owner leads a goat to +drink.’—Wilson. - + +2 Guardian of the earth: hshrfpdvdn : ‘ Lord of the night.’—S&yana. + +5 Winneth leine: literally, is a goer among cows : ‘ walks (lord) among +crowds of cattle/—Wilson. + + + +818 THE BTMNS OF [BOOK VIJF + +11 To Agui JAtavedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give + +us precious gifts, + +Immortal, from of old Priest among mortal meu, the most +delightful in the house : + +12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance; +Agni, the first in songs, first with the warrior steed; Agni to + +win the land for us. + +13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friend¬ + +ship sake. + +Agni we ever seek for seed and progen} T , the Vasu who +protects^ ul* lives. + +14 Solicit withyom* chants, for help, Agni theGod withpiercingfiame, +For riches famous Agni, Purumilha and ye men ! Agni to + +light our dwelling well. + +15 Agni we laud that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give ns + +health and strength. + +Let him as Guardian be invoked iii all the tribes, the lighter- +up of glowing brands. + +HYMN LXL Agni. + +Prepare oblation: let him come; and let the minister serve again +Who knows the ordering thereof. + +2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, +Beside the shoot of active power. + +3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the + +race of man; + +With him for tongue they seize the food. + +4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain ; life-giving, he hath + +climbed the wood. + +And with his tongue hath struck the rock. + +12 With the warrior steed; arvati: the fierce and rapid fire that clears the +jungle for the advance of the Aryan settlers. + +H To light our 'dwelling well: I follow Ludwig’s explanation. Sftyana +takes sudUdye as a proper name : * a house for (me) Suditi.’—Wilson. + +15 The lighter-up of glowing brands; vdsturrisktinttm : according to Sdyana, + +1 the giver of homes to us Rishis.’ + +The language of the hymn is intentionally obscure, and much of my +translation (in which I generally follow Ludwig) must be regarded as +conjectural. + +1 Let him come: Agui. The minister: or, the Adhvaryu. + +2 The shoot; Agni, according to Sftyana : the stalks of the Soma-plant, +according to von Roth. + +3 They seek: that is, the Gods. + +4 The twofold plain; the expanses of earth and heaven. Climbed the wood; +a forest conflagration is referred to. + + + + +HYMN 61.] TEE RIQVEDA, + + +no + + +5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and + +seeks + +The Mother to declare his praise. + +6 And now that great and .mighty team, the team of horses that + +are his, + +And traces of his car, are seen. + +7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, +On the stream’s loud-resounding bank. + +8 Entreated by Yivasvan’s ten, Indra cast down the water-jar +With threefold hammer from the sky. + +9 Three times the newly-kindled flame proceeds around the + +sacrifice : + +The priests anoint it with the meath. + +10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its + +wheel above, + +Exhaustless, with the mouth below. + +11 The pressing-stones are set at work : the meath is poured into + +the tank, + +At the out-shedding of the fount. + +12 Ye cows, protect the fount; the two Mighty Ones bless the + +sacrifice. m + +The handles twain are wrought of gold. + +13 Pour on the juice the ornameut which reaches both the heaven + +and earth : + +Supply the liquid to the Bull. + + +5 The radiant Calf: Agni in the form of lightning. Mere: in the sky +above us. The Mother ; the cloud, which will praise him with a thunder-psulra. + +7 The seven i officiating priests, or assistants. See II. 1. 2. A single cow : +the text has only ikdtn (imam). Sdyana supplies, cow, which he explains as the +ghanna, pitcher or caldron used for heating milk, etc., in the Piavargya cere- +xnouv. Loud-resounding hank; with,reference to the sacrificial exclamations, +uttered by the officiating priests. The two : the Adhvaryu and the Pmtipnis- +th&tar, his Assistant, direct the five others in the performance of the ceremony. + +8 Entreated by Viva&vdn’s ten: according to Sty ana. the ten fingers of the +worshipper. Ten priests are probably meant. Indra: Agni or Adi by a may be +meant.— Say an a- The water-jar ; the raiuy cloud. Eamtner:^ meaning, pro¬ +bably, the sjigiag lightning. S&yana explains it by ra&tntnd, with his ray. + +10 The fount; avatdm ; the ghanna or maJid otra, the contents of which are +poured into the fire. Its wheel: apparently, the circular nm on whieh it +usually stands and which is now inverted that all the liquid may flow out. +According to Hillebraudt (Vedmhe Mythology I. 325) the fount is the Moon, + +12 The two Mighty Ones: Heaven and Earth. But as the meaning of +raps add is unknown, the sentence can be only conjeoturally translated: aiie +two kinds of milk) in the sacrifice are plentiful and friufc-givmg. Wilson. + +13 The ornament: the milk which is mingled with the Soma. To the Bull; +to Agni. + + + +[BOOK vni. + + +220 TEE BYMNS OF + +14 These know their own abiding-place : like calves beside- the + +mother cows + +They meet together with their kin. + +15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food . + +in heaven, + +To ludra, Agui light and prayer. + +16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in por¬ + +tions seven, + +Together with the Sun's seven rays. + +17 1 took some Soma when the Sun rose up, 0 Mitra, Varupa, +That is the sick man’s medicine. + +18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well-beloved's + +home, + +He with his tongue hath compassed heaven. + +HYMN LXIL Asvins, + +Rouse ye for him who keeps the Law, yoke your steeds, +Asvins, to your car : + +Let your protecting help be near* + +2 Come, Asvins, with your car more swift than is the twinkling + +of an eye ; r + +Let your protecting help be near. + +3 Asvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery pit for Atri's sake : + +Let your protecting help be near. + +4 Where are ye? whither are ye gone? whither, like falcons, + +have ye flown ? + +Let your protecting help he near. + +5 If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call, + +Let your protecting help be near. + +6 The Asvins, first to hear our prayer, for closest kinship I + +approach : + +Let your protecting help he near. + +7 For Alri ye, 0 .Asvins, made a dwelling-place to shield him well* +Let your protecting help be near, + + +14 These know: the cows know, and come to, tile place where they are to +be milked for sacrificial purposes as well as they know their own stable, + +15 Devouring; perhaps the flames ; but the stanza is obscure. + +16 The Pious One : Agni. Dealt in portions seven : one for each priest. + +18 This Well-beloved's home: 1 the place which I, the eager offerer, choose.* +—Wilson. Ilaryatd, ‘the well-beloved,* is perhaps the Soma. + +1 Wfto keeps the Law: which enjoins sacrifice. The Iyiahi means himself. + +3 For Atri's sake; see I. 116. 8* + + +TEE RIO VEDA. + + +HYMN 62 ..] + + +221 + + +8 Ye warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly spake : +Let your protecting help be near. + +9 Erst Saptavadhri by his prayer obtained the trenchant edge + +of fire: + +Let your protecting help be near. + +10 Come hither, 0 ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of + +mine : + +Let your protecting help be near. + +11 What is this praise told forth of you as Elders in the ancient + +way % + +Let your protecting help be near. r + +12 One common brotherhood is yours, Asvins, your kindred is the + +same : + +Let your protecting help be neai\ + +13 This is your chariot, Asvins, which speeds through the regions, + +earth and heaven : + +Let your protecting aid be near. + +14 Approach ye hitherward to us with thousands both of steeds + +and kine : + +Let your protecting help be near. + +15 Pass us not by, remember us with thousauds both of kine + +and steeds ; + +Let your protecting help he near. + +16 The purple tinted Dawu hath risen, and true to Law hath made + +the light: + +Let your protecting help be near. + +17 He looked upon the Asvins, as an axe-armed man upon a tree : +Let your protecting help be near. + +18 By the black band encompassed round, break it down, bold + +one, like a fort. + +Let yonr protecting help be near. + + +9 Saptavadhri: see Y. 78. 6. His release seems to have been effected by +employing fire. But see Myriantheus, Bit Alvins, pp. 88, 90. + +11 ‘ Why is this (repeated invocation) addressed to you as if you were +decrepit like old men ? ’—Wilson. + +12 One common brotherhood : as twin children of the consort of Yivasv4n,“ +the Sun. + +17 The meaning is obscure. * Asvins, the ■■ h. .■ 1 (sun cleaves + +the darkness) as the woodman with his axe at 1 . ■ . “■*» ’ '[• [the demon] + +looked at the Asvins.’—Grasamann. + +18 The first line is said by Sftyana to be addressed to Saptavadhri. It + +seems to express ■*:. •"" L before an attack upon a Ddsa enemy. + +But see Myriantt ■ . ; • 90.x + + + + +[BOOK vui . + + +^ 2*2 THE HYMNS OF + +HYMN LXTII. Agni., + +Exerting all our strength with thoughts of power we glorify +in speech + +Agui your dear familiar Friend, the darling Guest in every +home. + +2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil like Mitra, men presenting gifts +Eulogize with their songs of praise; + +3 Much-lauded Jatavedas, him who bears oblations up to heaven + +Prepared in service of the Gods. + +4 To noblest Agni, Friend of man, best Vritra-slayer, are we come, +Him in wKose presence Kiksha’s sou, mighty Srutarvan, waxes + +great; + +5 To deathless Jatavedas, meet for praise, adored with sacred oil, +Visible through the gloom of n'ght; + +• 6 Even Agni whom these priestly men worship with sacrificial +gifts, + +With lifted ladles offering them. + +7 0 Agni, this our newest hymn hath been addressed from us to + +thee, + +0 cheerful Guest, well-born, most wise, worker of wonders, +ne’er deceived. + +« + +8 Agni, may it be dear to thee, most grateful, and exceeding + +sweet: + +Grow mightier, eulogized therewith. + +9 Splendid with splendours may it be, and in the battle with + +the foe + +Add loftier glory to thy fame. + +10 Steed, cow, a lord of heroes, bright like Jndra, who shall fill + +the car, + +Whose high renown ye celebrate, and people praise each glo¬ +rious deed. + +11 Thou whom Gopavana made glad with song, 0 Agni Angiras, +Hear this my call, thou Holy One. + +12 Thou whom the priestly folk implore to aid the gathering of + +the spoil, + +Such be thou in the fight with foes. + +1 I follow Ludwig in his interpretation of this stanza, the construction of +which is difficult. + +2 Like Ultra : or as a friend ; or like the Sun.—S&yana. + +10 Steed, cow: there is no verb to govern these accusatives. Perhaps, let +it, that is, the hymn, give, may be understood. S&ynna explains g£m, cow, +by gantdram , goer. * (Worship) ye men. the bright (Agni) who goes like a +horse and fills our chariots (with spoil).’—Wilson. + + +HYMN 64.] THE RIO VEDA. m + +13 I, called to him who reels with joy, Srufcarvan, Biksha's son, + +shall stroke + +The heads of four presented steeds, like .the long wool of fleecy +rams. + +14 Four coursers with a splendid car, Savistha's horses, fleet of foot, +Shall bring me to the sacred feast, as flying steeds brought + +Tugru’s son. + +15 The very truth do I declare to thee, Parushni, mighty flood. +Waters! no man is there who gives more horses thau Savish- + +tha gives. + +HYMN LXIY. * Agni. + +Yoke, Agni, as a charioteer, thy steeds who best invite the Gods ; +As ancient Herald seat thyself. + +2 And, God, as skilfnllest of all, call for us hitherward the Gods : +Give all our wishes sure effect. + +3 For thou, Most Youthful, Son of Strength, thou to whom + +sacrifice is paid, + +Art holy, faithful to the Law. + +4 This Agni, Lord of wealth and spoil hundredfold, thousand¬ + +fold, is bead + +And chief of riches and Sage. + +5 As craftsmen bend the felly, so bend at our general call: come + +uigh, + +Angiras, to the sacrifice. + +6 Now, 0 Virupa, rouse for him, Strong God who shines at early + +morn, + +Fair praise with voice that ceases not. + +7 With missile of this Agni, his who looks afar, will we lay low +The thief in combat for the kine. + +8 Let not the Companies of Gods fail us, like Dawns that float + +• away, + +Like cows who leave the niggardly. + + +14 Tugra's son : Bhujyu. See Vol. X., Index. + +15 Parushni ; now the E&vi, the river on whose bank Srutarvan offered + +his sacrifice. - + +1 Ancient Herald ; or, chief Invoker, + +6 Virtipa,: the Eishi of the hymn who addresses himself. Who shines at +early morn; or, aspiring heavenward. + +’ 7 The thief: the hymn is a prayer for aid in an expedition for the recovery +of stolen cattle. + +8 Like Da tuns that float away: ‘ like cows that bathe them in the stream/ +according to the explanation given in the St. Petersburg Lexicon, Like cows +who leave the niggardly ; 1 the kine abandon not a little (calf).'—Wilson, + + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK YIIL + +9 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely-hating foe +Smite us, as billows smite a ship. + +10 0 Agni, God, the. people sing reverent praise to thee for + +strength : + +With terrors trouble thou the foe. + +11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning cattle, winning + +weal th ? + +Maker of room, make room for us. + +12 In this great battle cast us not aside as one who bears a load : +Snatch up the wealth and win it all. + +13 0 Agni, lee this plague pursue and fright another and not us : +Make our impetuous strength more strong. + +14 The reverent or unwearied man whose holy labour he accepts, + +, Him Agni favours with success. + +15 Abandoning the foeman’s host pass hither to this company: +Assist the men with whom I stand. + +16 As we have kuown thy gracious help, as of a Father, long ago, +So now we pray to thee for bliss, + +HYMN LXV, Indra. + +Not to forsake me, I invoke this Indra girt by Maruts, Lord +Of magic power who rules with might. + +2 This Indra with his Marat Friends clave into pieces Vritra’s + +head + +With hundred-knotted thunderbolt. + +3 Indra, with Marut Friends, grown strong, hath rent asunder + +Vritra, aud + +Released the waters of the sea. a + +4 This is that Indra who, begirt by Maruts, won the light of + +heaven + +That he might drink the Soma juice. + +5 Mighty, impetuous, begirt by Maruts, him who loudly roars, +Indra we iuvocate with songs. + +6 Indra begirt by Maruts we invoke after the ancient plan, + +That he may drink the Soma juice. + +7 0 liberal Indra, Marut-girt, much-lauded Satakratu, drink +The Soma at this sacrifice. + +8 To thee, 0 Indra, Marut-girt, these Soma juices, Thunderer! +Are offered from the heart with lauds. + + +3 Of the sea: of the firmament or ocean of air. + + + +EYUE 66 ,] + + +TEE REIVED A. + + +225 + + +9 Drink, Indra, with thy Marat Friends, pressed Soma at the +morning rites, + +Whetting thy thunderbolt with strength. + +10 Arising in thy might, thy jaws thou shookest, Indra, having + +quaffed + +The Soma which the mortar pressed. + +11 Indra, both worlds complained to thee when uttering thy + +fearful roar, + +What time thou smotest Dasyus dead. + +12 From Indra have I measured out a song eight-footed with nine + +parts, + +Delicate, faithful to the Law. * + +HYMN LXVI. Indra. + +Scarcely was Satakratu born when of his Mother he inquired, +Who are the mighty 1 Who are famed ? + +. 2 Then Savasi declared to him Aurnavabha, Ahisuva: + +Son, these be they thou must overthrow. + +3 The Vritra-slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered in¬ + +to naves: + +The Dasyu-killer waxed in might. + +4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty + +pails, + +Pails that were filled with Soma juice. + +5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva + +through, that he + +Might make the Brahmans’ strength increase. + +11 Complained to thee: in terror. When uttering thy fearful roar: the +meaning of Icrdksham&nam, rendered thus conjecturally, is uncertain. + +12 Eight-footed with nine parts: the hymn consists of triplets, each of + +which contains nine Pddas, parts or half-lines, of eight feet or syllables each. +That is, the metre is octosyllabic (8 x 3), and the triplet contains three stanzas +in that metre, or nine octosyllabic P&das. From Indra: originating in him +as its subject or inspirer, Faithful to the Law: closely connected with +sacrifice. -’ + +1 Op. VIII. 45. 4. + +2 Savasi: or, the Mighty One, Indra’s Mother. Aurnavdbha: or Urnav&bha’s +son. * See VIII. 32. 26. These : and other fiends, as U, these, is plural. + +4 Pails: or bowls ; literally, lakes. The meaning of the word MnuM in +this stanza is uncertain. It appears to be an adjective qualifying sardnsi +pails or lakes. See note in Wilson’s Translation. + +5 The Gandharva: a heavenly being who dwells in the region of the air +and guards the celestial Soma, that is, the rain. See I. 22. 14, and 163. 2. +According to S&yana, the Gandharva is the rain-cloud itself, which Indra shat¬ +tered, and so released the fertilizing water. + +15 + + + +223 'Em HYMN® OF [BOOK VIM . + +6 Down from the. mountains Indra shot hither his well-directed + +shaft: + +He gained the ready brew of rice. + +7 One only is. that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hund¬ + +red barbs, + +Which, Indra, thou hast made thy friend. + +8 Strong as the Ribhus at thy birth, therewith to those who + +praise thee, men + +And women, bring thou food to eat. + +D By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, +abundantly: + +Firm in tlfy heart thou settest them. + +10 All these things Vishnu brought, the Lord of ample stride + +whom thou hadst sent— + +A hundred buffaloes, a brew of rice and milk; and Indra +slew the ravening boar. + +11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well; good is + +thine arrow, decked with gold. + +Warlike and well equipped thine arms are, which increase +sweetness for him who drinks the sweet. + +HYMN LXVIL Ipdra . + +Bring us a thousand, Indra, as "'our guerdon for the Soma +juice: + +Hundreds of kine, 0 Hero, bring. + +2 Bring cattle, bring us ornament, bring us embellishment and +steeds. + +Give us, besides, two rings of gold. + + +6 The stanza is similarly explained by S&yana. Indira smote the rain from +the clouds, and obtained food fpr men, + +7 One only: Iudra alone is the wielder of the thunderbolt. + +10 All these things: the buffaloes or dark clouds, and the rice and milk or +fertilizing rain. 'Slew ; the Verb is supplied by Sfyana, The ravening hoar : +Vritra. Cf. I. 61. 7, where the deed is similarly related. See Prof. A. A. Mac- +donell, Journal R, A. Society , 1895, p. 186. + +11 Which increase sweetness /or him who drinks the sweet: this is Ludwig’s +interpretation of two very difficult words which mean according to Wilson's +Translation, 1 2 * 4 destructively overthrowing, destructively piercing;' according +to the St. Petersburg Lexicon, Mike two bees delighting in sweetness ; ’ and +according to Grassmann, c sweetness loves thy two lips.' + +1 A thousand: cows, understood. + +2 Two rings: the meaning of mand here is somewhat uncertain. See Max + +MUUer* India, What can it Teach us! pp 125.126; Weber, Fpisches im Vedi*~ + +chen Ritual , p, 80 ; and Zimmer, Altindisches Lehen t pp. $0, 51. + + + +HXMM 63.] mR MGXEDA. 227 + +3 Apd, Bold One, bring in ample store rich jewels to adorn tha^ag, +For thou, Good Lord, art far renowned. + +4 None other is there for the priest* Hero! but, thou, to give + +him gifts, + +To win much spoil and prosper him. + +5 Indra can never be brought low, Sakra can. never be subdued; +He heareth and? beholdeth alj. + +6 He spieth out the wrath of man, he who camnever be deceived : +Ere blame can. come he marketh it. + +7 He hath his stomach full.of might, the Yritra-slayer, Conqueror, +The Soma-drinker, ordering all. + +8 In thee all treasures are combined, Soma! all*bless&d things + +in thee, + +Uninjured, easy to bestow. + +9 To thee speeds forth my hope.that craves the gift of corn, and + +kine and gold, + +Yea, craving horses, speeds to thee. + +10 Indra, through hope in thee alone even this sickle do I grasp. +Fill my hand, Maghavan; with all that it can hold qf barley +cut or gathered up. + +HYMN LXYIII. Soma. + +This here is Soma, ne’er restrained, active, all-conquering +bursting forth, * + +K-ishi and Sage by sapience. + +2 All that is bare he covers o’er, all that is sick he medicines: +The blind man sees, the cripple walks. + +3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien nien, +Hatreds that waste and weaken us. + +4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from + +heaven and earth +Drivest the sinner’s enmity. + +5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the + +Giver’s grace, + +And satisfy his wish who thirsts. + +8 Soma: here said to mean Indra himself. + +10 f It would appear as if the field were a barren one and the poet sought +from Indra a harvest which he had not sown.’—Wilson. + +1 Bursting forth : according to Skyana, causing (fruit) to spring forth. + +4 Impetuous One: rijishin: according to S&yana, ‘ possessed of the remains +or dregs of the Soma juice offered in the third savancc,* + +5 They: the'priesta. The Giver's: bountiful 'Indra’s. Mis wish.: Indra’* +longing for Soma-libations. + + + +228*' THE HYMNS OF IBOOK 7111. + +6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may he speed the pious + +man, + +And lengthen his remaining life. + +7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy + +thoughts, + +Be sweet, 0 Soma, to our heart. + +8 0 Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, 0 King : +Wound not our heart with dazzling flame. + +9 When in my dwelling-place I see the wicked enemies of Gods, +King, chase their hatred far away, thou Bounteous One, + +dispel our foes. + +HYMK LXIX. lack*. + +O Satakbatu, truly I have made none else my Comforter. +Indra, be gracions unto us. + +2 Thou who hast ever aided us kindly of old to win the spoil, + +As such, 0 Indra, favour us. + +3 What now ? As prompter of the poor thou helpest him who + +sheds the juice. + +Wilt thou not, Indra, strengthen us % + +4 0 Indra, help our chariot on, yea, Thunderer, though it lag + +behind : + +Give this my car the foremost place. + +5 Ho there ! why sittest thon at ease $ Make thou my ohariot + +to be first: + +And bring the fame of victory near. + +6 Assist our car that seeks the prize. What can be easier for + +thee ? + +So make thou us victorious. + +7 Indra, be firm: a fort art thou. To thine** appointed place + +proceeds + +The auspicious hymn in season due. + +8 Let not our portion be disgrace. Broad is the course, the prize + +is set, + +The barriers are opened wide. + +9 This thing we wish, that thou mayst take thy fourth, thy +sacrificial name. + +So art thou held to be our Lord. + +--- - - *.... . .. . —_____, + +9 The wicked enemies: or, the enmities ; that is, when I see that the Gods + +are displeased with me. - + +4 The hymn is a prayer for success in a coming chariot race. + +7 To thine appointed place; ‘to thee the repelier (of enemies),’—Wilson. + +9 Thy fourth, thy sacrificial name: the other three, according to S&yana, are +the constellation-name, the secret name, and the revealed name. + + +. YffE MG VEDA. + + +IlYMX 71.] + + +' 2<^9 + + +.10 Ekadyd hath, exalted you, Immortals : both Goddesses and +Gods hath he delighted. + +Bestow upon him bounty meet for praises. May he, enriched +with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN LXX. Indra. + +Indra, God of the mighty arm, gather for us with thy right +hand + +Manifold and nutritious spoil. + +2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty + +wealth, + +Mighty in measure, prompt to aid. c + +3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor + +mortal men + +Restrain thee like a fearful Bull. + +4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self¬ + +ruling King : + +In bounty may he barm us not. + +5 Let prelude sound and following chant: so let him hear the + +Sam an sung, + +And with his bounty answer us. + +6 0 Indra, with thy right hand briug, and with thy left remem¬ + +ber us: * + +Let us not lose our share of wealth. + +7 Come nigh, 0 Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of + +the churl + +Who giveth least of all the folk. + +8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, +Even that booty win with us. + +9 Indra, thy swiftly-coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all, +Sounds quick in concert with our hopes. + +HYMN LXXI. Indra. + +Haste forward to us from afar, or, Vritra* slayer, from anear, +To meet the offering of the meath. + + +10 The Gods in general are the deities of this stanza. JBlcadyii is the seer of +the hymn. He, enriched with prayer: Indra, exalted by our hymn. + +5 Let prelude sound: prd stoshadXipagdsishat: let the prastotar and the ud~ +gdtar, two of the officiating priests at the chanting of a 8toan, discharge their +functions : the former singing the prelude and-the latter the accompaniment. + +- 8 Win with us : make us thy. allies. + +9 Sounds in concert with our hopes: answers to our.expectation, perhaps +as Ludwig thinks, the word s sounds ’ refers to the herd of cattle which pr.o- +bably constituted the spoil that is spoken of. + + + +*2S0 TEE RTMISfS OF (BOOK Tiff. + +% Strong are the Soma-draughts ; come nigh: the juices fill thee +. with delight: + +Drink boldly even ah thoU aft wont, + +3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food : let it content thy wish + +and thought, + +And be delightful to thine heart. + +4 Come to us thou who hast no foe : we call thee down to hymns + +of praise, + +In heaven’s subli'mest realm of light. + +5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk + +for thy carouse, + +Indra, is offered up to thee, + +6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, + +and sate + +Thyself with juices blent with milk. + +7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, +Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof. + +8 The Soma seen within the vats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, +Driuk thou, for thou art Lord thereof. + +9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through + +the air to thee, + +Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof. + +HYMN LXXII. Visvedevaa, + +Wu choose unto ourselves that high protection of the Mighty Gods +That it may help and succouf us. + +2 May they be ever our allies, Varuiia, Mitra, Aryaman, +Far-seeiug Gods who prosper us. + +3 Ye futtherers of holy Law, transport us safe* o’er many woes, + +As over water-floods in ships. + +4 Dear wealth be Aryaman to us, Yaruna dear wealth meet for + +praise : + +Dear wealth we choose unto ourselves. + +5 For Sovrans of dear wealth are ye, Adifcyas, not of sinner’s + +wealth, + +Ye sapient Gods who slay the Joe. + +6 We in our homes, ye Hounteoij/a Ones, and while we journey + +on the road, + +Invoke you, Gods, to prosper us. + +8 Moon; in allusion to the double meaning o| Soma, the plant and its +juice, and the Hoon, + +9 The Mawh .* see I, 80. 2, and 93. Q. + + + + +to + + +HYMN 74 .] + + +THE MIGVEDA. + + +231 + + +7 Regard us, Indra, Yishnu, here, ye Asvins and the Marul host, +Us who are kith and kin to you. + +8 Ye Bounteous Ones, from time of old we here set forth our + +brotherhood, + +Our kinship in the Mother’s womb. + +9 Then come with Indra for your chief, at early day, ye Boun¬ + +teous Gods: + +Yea, I address you now for this. + +HYMN LXXIII. Afciih + +Aoni, your dearest Guest, I laud, him who is loying as a friend, +Who brings us riches like a car. + +2 Whom as a far-foreseeing Sage the Gods have, from the ol&eri + +time, + +Established among mortal men. + +3 Do thou. Most Youthful God, protect the men who offer, heat + +their sougs, + +Aud of thyself preserve their seed, +i What is the praise wherewith, 0 God, Anglras, Agni, Son 6t +Strength, + +We, after thine own wish and thought, + +5 May serve thee, 0 thou €hild of Power, and with what sacri¬ + +fice’s plan % + +What prayer shall I now speak to thee f + +6 Our God, make all of us to dwell in happy habitations, and +Reward our songs with spoil and wealth. + +7 Lord of the house, what plenty fills the songs which thou iasr + +pi rest now, + +Thou whose hymn helps to win the kine? + +8 Him Wise and Strong they glorify, the foremost Champion in + +the fray. + +And mighty in his dwelling-place. + +9 Agni, he dwells in rest aud.peaee who smites and no one smites + +again: + +With hero sons he prospers well. + + +HYMN LXXIY. Asvins. + +To this mine invocation, 0 ye Asvins, ye Nasatyas, eome. + +To drink the savoury Soma juice. + + +8 In the Mother's womb : as common children of Aditi the General Mother + +0t preserve their seed : or, and guard our offspring and ourselves. + +He: the faithful worshipper. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK TUI. + +,2 This laud of mine, ye Asvins Twain, and this mine invitation +, hear, + +, To drink the savoury Soma juice. + +3 Here Krishna is invoking you, 0 Asvins, Lords of ample wealth, + +To drink the savoury Soma juice. + +4 List, Heroes, to the singer’s call, the call of Krishna lauding + +To drink the savoury Soma juice. + +P Chiefs, to the sage who sings your pi’aiae grant an inviolable +home, + +To drink the savoury Soma juice. + +6 Come to the worshipper’s abode, Asvins, who here is landing + +you, + +To drink the savoury Soma juice, + +,7 Yoke to the firmly-jointed car the ass which draws you, Lords +of wealth, + +To drink the savoury Soma juice. + +8 Come hither, Asvins, on your car of triple form with triple seat, + +To drink the savoury Soma juice, + +9 0 Asvins, 0 Nasatyas, now accept with favouring grace my + +songs, * + +To drink the savoury Soma juice. + +HYMN LXXV. AryId*. + +Ye Twain are wondrous strong, well-skilled in arts that heal, +both bringers of delight, ye both won Daksha’s praise. + +Visvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not +off our friendship, come and set me free, + +2 How shall he praise yon now who is distraught in mind? Ye +Twain give wisdom for the gain of what is good. + +Visvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not +off our friendship, come and set me free. + + +5 To drink: so that ye may drink. + +7 The aw; cf. I. 34. 9 ; 116. 2 ; and 162. 21. + +8 Of triple form with triple seat: see I. 34. 2, 9, + +The Kishi is Visvaka son of Krishna. + +1 .Daksha’s praise: on the occasion mentioned in I. 116. 2 ; or when the +Asvins won Suryd for their bride, I. 116. 17. To save his life: according to +k&yana, ‘for the sake of his son.’ ■ Gome and set me free: ‘flying loose (your +reins and gallop hither)/—Wilson. ‘ Unyoke your horses/—Grassmann, + +2 Distraught vn mind: referring either to Visvaka himself, or the man for +whom lie invokes the Asvins’ aid. According to S&yana, Viman&li (distraught +m mmdj here is the name of a Bishi. + + + +TEE PIGVEDA. + + +233 + + +irri*fiV 76.] + +• 3 Already have ye Twain, possessors of great wealth, prospered +, Yishnapu thus for gain of what is good. + +Visvaka calls on yon as such to save his life. Break ye not +off our friendship, come and set me free. + +4 And that Impetuous Hero, winner of the spoil, though he is + +far away, we cnll to succour us, + +Whose gracious favour, like a father’s, is most sweet. Break +ye not off our friendship, come and set me free. + +5 About the holy Law toils Savitar the God: the horn of holy + +Law hath be spread far and wide. + +The holy Law hath quelled even mighty men qf war. Break +ye not off our friendship, come and set me free. + +HYMN LXXVI. Asvins, + +Splendid, 0 Asvins, is your praise. Come, fountain-like, to +pour the stream. + +Of the sweet juice effused—dear is it, Chiefs, in heaven—drink +like two wild-bulls at a pool. + +2 Drink the libation rich in sweets, 0 Asvins Twain : sit. Heroes, + +on the sacred grass. + +Do ye with joyful heart in the abode of man preserve his life +by means of wealth, ^ + +3 The Priyamedhas bid you com e wi th all th e succours that are yours. +Come to his house whose holy grass is trimmed, to dear sacri¬ +fice at the morning rites. + +4 Drink ye the Soma rich in meath, ye Asvins Twain : sit gladly + +on the sacred grass. + +So, waxen mighty, to oui eulogy from heaven come ye as wild- +bulls to the pool. + +5 Come to us, 0 ye Asvins, now with steeds of many a varied hue, +Ye Lords of splendour, wondrous, borne on paths of gold, + +drink Soma, ye who strengthen Law. + +6 For we the priestly singers, fain to hymn your praise, invoke + +you for the gain.of strength. * + +So, wondrous, fair, and famed for great deeds come to us, +through our hymn, Asvins, when ye hear. + +3 YishndpH ; the Xli shi’s son or grandson. + +4 Thai Impetuous Eero; Indra. ‘These two verses/ says Grassmann, * are +taken from, another hymn. Verse 6 is addressed to Savitar, and verse 4, as +it appears, to Indra. The refrain, which is altogether unsuitable here, has +been added in order to connect the verses with the preceding hymn/ + +2 The libation: gharmam; the heated milk or other beverage, ox the vessel +in which it is heated. + +3 The Priyamedhas ; Priyamedha and his family. + + + +m Tm HYMNS OF [BOOK Till, + +HYMN LXXVII. Indra. + +As cows low to their calves in stalls, so with our songs we +glorify + +This Indra, even your Wondrous God who checks attack, who +joys in the delicious juice. + +2 Celestial, bounteous Giver, girt about with might, rich, moun¬ + +tain-like, in precious things, + +Him swift we seek for foodful booty rich in kine, brought +hundredfold and thousandfold. + +3 Tndra, the strong and lofty hills are powerless to bar thy way. +None stajnthat act of thine when thou wouldst fain give + +wealth to one like me who sings thy praise. + +4 A Warrior thou by strength, wisdom, and wondrous deed, in + +might excellest all that is. + +Hither may this our hymn attract thee to our help, the hymn +which Gotamas have made. + +5 For in thy might thou stretchest out beyond the boundaries + +of heaven. + +The earthly region, Indra, comprehends thee not. After thy +Godhead hast thou waxed. + +6 When, Maghavan, thou honourest the worshipper, no one is + +there to stay thy wealth. * + +Most liberal Giver thou, do thou inspire our song of praise, +that we may win the spoil. + +HYMN LXXVIII, Indrfc. + +To Indra sing the lofty hymn, Maruts! that slays the Vritras best» +Whereby the Holy Ones created fur the God the light divine +that ever wakes. + +2 Indra who quells the Curse blew Curses far away, and then in + +splendour came to us. + +Indra, refulgent with thy Marut host! the Gods strove eagerly +to win thy love. + +3 Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise. +Let Satakratu, Vritra-slayer, kill the foe with hundred-knotted + +thunderbolt. + +1 As cows: the cows who are milked for sacrificial purposes, whose calve* +are shut up during the ceremony. + +5 The earthly region: the rajas region, middle air, or firmament is frequent* +ly divided into two, one half belonging to the earth and the other to the 6ky, +See Wallis, Cosmology of the Biyveda , pp. 114, 115. + +Maruts ; here meaning the singers of the hymn of praise. ( Priests. 1 — +Wilson. The light divine: the Sun, which the Yisvedevas generated or created +for Indra, + + + +TME RIG VEDA. + + +235 + + +MYMN 70 .] + +4 Aim and fetch boldly forth, 0 thou whose heart is bold : great + +glory will be thine thereby. + +In rapid torrent let the mother waters spread. Slay Vritra, win +the light of heaven. + +5 When thou, unequalled Maghavan, wast bom to smite the + +Yritras dead, + +Thou spreadest out the spacious earth and didst support and +prop the heavens. + +6 Then was the sacrifice produced for thee, the laud, and song + +of joy, + +Thou in thy might surpassest all, all that now is and yet +shall be. ^ + +7 Haw kine thou filledst with ripe milk. Thou madest Surya + +rise to heaven. + +Heat him as milk is heated with pure Sama hymns, great joy +to him who loves the song. + +HYMN LXXIX. 1 In&ra. + +May Indra, who in every fight must be invoked, be near to us. +May the most mighty Yritra-slayer, meet for praise, come to +libations and to hymns. + +2 Thou art the best of all ijL sending bounteous gifts, true art + +thou, lordly in thine act. + +We claim alliance with the very Glorious One, yea, with the +Mighty Son of Strength. + +3 Prayers unsurpassed are offered up to thee the Lover of the + +Song. + +Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, accept these fitting hymns, hyrims +which we have thought out for thee. s + +4 For thou, 0 Maghavan, art truthful, ne’er subdued, and + +bringest many a Yritra low. + +A a such, 0 Mightiest Lord, Wielder of Thunder, send wealth +hither to the worshipper. + + +7 Raw kin'e; cf. I. 62 0; 180. 3; II. 40. 2; IV 3. 9; VI. 72. 4 ; 17. 6; 44. +24; VIII, 32. 25. Thou madest S&rya rise to heaven: Sayana relates a legend that +when the Pania had carried off the cows of the Angirases and placed them in a +mountain enveloped in darkness, Indra, at the prayer of the Rishia, set the +sun in heaven in order that he might see and recover their cattle. Meat him +as milk is heated: this line is difficult. ‘ (Priests) excite (Indra) with yvjur +praises as men heat the Gharma with Stiman-hymna.' —Wilson. Gharma +means either the hot milk or other beverage offered in the Pravargya cere¬ +mony, or the vessel in which it is heated. Great joy to him who loves the song: +'or .perhaps the meaning is, theBrihat-S&tnan (one of the most important S&ma +hymns, the first and seoond verses of V. VI 46), is dear to him who loves + +song. - + +3 Hitting hymns ; ytjand ; see Wilson’s Translation and note. + + +$HE HYMNS OF + + + + +[BOOK VIII. + + +6 0 Indra, thou art far-renowned, impetuous, 0 Lord of Strength. +Alone thou slayest with the. guardian of mankind resistless +never-conquered foes. + +6 As such we seek thee now, 0 Asura, thee most wise, craving +thy bounty as our share. + +Thy sheltering defence is like a mighty cloak. So may thy +glories reach to us. + +HYMN LXXX. Indra. + +Down to the stream a maiden came, and found the Soma hy +the way. + +Bearing it to her home she said, For Indra will I press thee +out, for Sakra will I press thee out. + +2 Thou roaming yonder, little man, beholding every house in + +turn, + +Drink thou this Soma pressed with teeth, accompanied with +grain and curds, with cake of meal and song of praise. + +3 Fain would we learn* to know thee well, nor yet can we attain + +to thee. + +Still slowly and in gradual drops, 0 Indu, unto Indra flow. + +4 Will he not help and work for us 1 Will he not make us + +wealthier 1 + +Shall we not, hostile to our lord^unite ourselves to Indira now ? + +, 5 0 Indra, cause to sprout again three places, these which I +declare,—- + +My father’s head, his cultured field, and this the part below +my waist. + +6 Make all of these grow crops of hair, yon cultivated field of + +ours, + +My body, and my father’s head. * + +7 Cleansing Ap&la, Indra I thrice, thou gavest sunlike skin to + +her, + +Drawn, Satakratu ! through the hole of car, of wagon, and of +yoke. + +5 The guardian of mankind: ludra’s thunderbolt with which he slays the + +demons of drought. - + +The Ilishi is Ap&l& of the family of Atri. + +1 A maiden: ApftlA + +2 Little man : vtrakah: according to S&yaua, hero. Indra is intended, +perhaps as Sfirya the Sun-God. + +3 Indu: Soma. + +4 He: Indra. Hostile to our lord: Ap&lft, it is said, was afflicted with a +cutaneous disease and was consequently repudiated by her husband. + +7 Sunlike : bright and clear. 1 Sftyana says that Indra dragged her through +the wide hole of his chariot, the narrower hole of the cart and the small hole +of the yoke, and she cast off three skins. The first skin became a hedgehog, + + + +HYMN 81.] THE RIQVEDA. ni + +HTMIST LXXXI. Indra.. + +Invite ye Indra with a song to, drink your draught of Soma +juice, + +All-conquering Satakratu, most munificent of all who live. + +2 Lauded by many, much-invoked, leader of song, renowned + +of old: + +His name is Indra, tell it forth. + +3 Indra the Dancer be to us the giver of abundant strength : + +May he, the mighty, bring it near. + +4 Indra whose jaws are strong hath drunk of worshipping + +Sudaksha’s draught, ^ + +The Soma juice with barley mixt. + +5 Call Indra loudly with your songs of praise to drink the Soma + +juice, • - M + +For this is what augments his strength. + +6 When he hath dmuk its gladdening drops the God with + +vigour of. a God ~ + +Hath far surpassed all things that are. + +7 Thou speedest down to succour us this ever-conquering God + +of yours, + +Him who is drawn to all our songs; + +(j, v + +8 The Warrior not to be restrained, the Soma-drinker ne’er + +o’er thrown, + +The Chieftain-of resistless might. + +9 0 Indra, send us riches, thou Omniscient, worthy of our + +pi'aise: + +Help us in the decisive fray. + +tlie second an alligator, the third a chameleon. X suppose, with Prof. Aufrecht, +that the hole or space of the chariot and cart represents the opening between' +the four wheels; the hole of the yoke seems to me to mean the opening +through which the animal’s head passed, corresponding to Homer’s %evy\rj, +IT. 19. 406.’—Cowell. + +For the legend from the S^ty&yana Br&hmana, founded on the hints con¬ +tained in this hymn and repeated by Sfiyana' m his Commentary, see also +Wilson’s Translation, Vol. V, + +Prof. Anfrecht has published the text and commentary of this hymn in +Indkche Stndien, IY. p. 1 sqq. See M. Muller’s Kig-veda SambitA, Vol. IIT., +2nd edition, p. 33 sqq. + +3 The Dancer: active in battle, dancer of the war dance. Near : alhijnH ; +or, up to our knees. + +4 Sudahsha’s draught: offered by a Bishi of that name. + +7 According to S&yana this stanza is addressed by the Yajamdna or sacrb +ficer to the Stotar or praising priest, and he gives an imperative s*enBe to the +indicative, thou speedest down : * Bring hither/—Wilson. + + + + +2aa the hymns of [book vm. + +10 Even thence, 0 Indra, come: tp us with food that givea a + +hundred powers, + +With food that gives a thousand powers. + +11 We sought the wisdom of the wise. Sakra, Kine-giver, + +Thunder-armed ! + +May we with steeds overcome in fight. + +12 We make thee, Satakratu, find enjoyment in the songs we sing, +Like cattle in the pasture lands. + +13 For, Satakratu, Thunder-armed, all that we craved, as men + +are wont,. + +All that we hoped, have we attained. + +14 Those, Son of Strength, are come to thee who cherish wishes + +in their hearts: + +0 Indra, none excelleth thee. + +15 So, Hero, guard us with thy care, with thy most liberal + +providence, + +Speedy, and terrible to foes. + +16 0 Satakratu Indra, now rejoice with that carouse of thine +Which is most splendid of them all; + +17 Even, Indra, that carouse which slays the Vritras best, most + +widely famed, + +Best giver of thy power and migh#.. + +18 For that which is thy gift we know, true Soma-drinker, + +Thunder-armed, + +M,igbty One, amid all the folk. + +19 For Indra, Lover of Carouse, loud be our songs about the + +juice : + +Let poets sing the song of praise. + +20 We summon Indra to the draught, in whom all glories rest, + +in whom + +The seven communities rejoice. + +21 At the Trikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirs the + +mind: + +Let our songs aid and prosper it. + +10 Even thence: from where thou art; from heaven. + +11 Of the wise: Indra. Eine-giver: godare perhaps, * burster open of +the cow-stall‘ cleaver of mountains/—Wilson. + +12 Like cattle: as the cowherd refreshes his cattle.—S&yana. + +18 Thy gift: the wealth which thou givest. Amid all the folk: among all +the worshippers who offer thee Soma.—S&yana. *• + +20 Seven communities: sapid sansddah: probably = all the folk, in stanza +18; ‘the seven associated priests/—Wilson, + +21 At the Trikadrukas: see VlII. 13. 18, and note. + + + + +IfXMfr 32 .] TRE RiqyEp4. ^ + +jS } 2, Lpt tlie drops pass within thep as. thp rivers flaw into the sea,: +0 Indra, naught excelleth thee. + +23 Thou, wakeful Hero, by thy might hast taken food of Soma +juice, + +Which, Iudra, is within thee how. + +24 t 0 Indra, Yritra-slayer, let Soma be ready for thy maw. + +The drops be ready for thy forms. + +25 Now Smtakaksha sings his song that cattle and the steed may + +come, + +That Iudra’s very self may come. + +26 Here, Indra, thou art ready by our Soma juices shed for thee, + +Sakra, at hand that thou mayst give. * + +2.7 Even from far away our songs reaph thee, O Caster of the + +Stone : + +May we come very close to thee. + +2.8 For so thou art the hero's Fripnd, a Hero, too, art thou, and + +strong: + +So may thine heart be won to us. + +29 So hath the offering, wealthiest Lord, been paid by ajl th^ + +worshippers : + +So dwell thou, Indra, even with me. + +30 Be not thou like a slothful priest, 0 Lord of spoil and wealth : + +rejoice + +In the pressed Soma bleilt with milk. + +31 0 Iudra, let not ill designs surround us in the sunbeanis’ light: +This may we gain with thee for Friend. + +32 With thee to help us, Iudra, let us answer &U our enemies: +For thou art ours and we are thine, + +33 Indra, the poets^nd thy friends, faithful to thee, shall loudly sing +Thy praises as they follow thee, + +HYMN LXXXII. Iudra. + +Surya, thou mountest up to meet the Hero famous for his +wealth, + +Who hurls the bolt and works for man: + +2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine-andruinety +castles down, + +Slew Yritra and smote Ahi dead. + +24 Thy forms: thy various bodies or splendours.—-S&yana. + +25 Sratalcaksha: the Rishi of the hymn. + +30 Priest: brahmft,: Brahman or praying priest. + +31 In the sunbeams' light: as Indra stands in the closest relationship to + +the Sun. —-7 + +2 Nine-and-ninety castles: cloud-castles of the demon Samb.ara. + + +240 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK VW. + +3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full + +broad stream + +. Biches in horses, kine, and corn. + +4 Whatever, Vritra-slayer! thou, S&rya, hast risen upon to-day, +That, Indra, all is in thy power. + +5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, + +I shall not die, * + +That thought of thine is true indeed. + +6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, + +Both far away and near at hand. + +7 We make ti^is In dra very strong to strike the mighty Yritra dead; +A vigorous Hero shall he be. + +8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o’er the joyous + +draught, + +Bright, meet for Soma, famed in song. + +9 By song as ’twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry + +was prepared: + +Lofty, invincible he grew. . + +10 Indra, Song-lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us, +Whenever, Maghavan, thou wilt. + +11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none + +disregards, + +Neither audacious man nor God. # + +12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beau¬ + +teous helm! revere +Thy might which no one may resist. + +13 Thou in the black cows and the red. and in the cows with spot¬ + +ted skin + +This white milk hast deposited. r + +14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon’s + +furious might, + +Fear of the monster fell on them. + +15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not, +The Vritra-slayer showed his might. + +16 Him your best Vritra-slayer, him the famous Champion of + +mankind + +I urge to great munificence, + +8 Was made: was created byPraj&pati.—S&yana. + +12 Lord of the beauteous helm: or, ‘deity of tlxe handsome jaw.’—Wilson. + +13 In the black cows: of I. 62. 9. + +14 The Dragon's furious might: the fierce attack of the demon Ahi. Of +the monster: or, of the wild beast, Ahi. + +16 Champion: 1 joioprd to mrdham, as suggested in the St.PetersburgLexicon, + + + +HYMN 82 ] + + +THE XIG VEDA. + + +241 + + +17 To come, Much-lauded ! Many-named! with this same thought + +that lougs for milk, + +Wheue’er the Soma j nice is shed. + +18 Much-honoured by libations, may the Vritra-slaycr wake for us ; +May Sakra listen to our prayers. + +19 0 Hero, with wliat aid dost thou delight us, with what suc¬ + +cour bring + +Riches to those who worship thee ? + +20 With whose libation joys the Strong, the Hero with his team + +who quells + +The foe, to drink the Soma juice? * + +21 Rejoicing in thy spirit bring thousandfold opulence to us : +Enrich thy votary with gifts, + +22 These juices with their wedded wives flow to enjoyment lov¬ + +ingly : + +To waters speeds the restless one. + +23 Presented strengthening gifts have sent Indra away at sacri¬ + +fice, + +With might, unto the cleansing bath. + +24 These two who share his feast, Bay Steeds with golden manes, + +shall bring him to m +The banquet that is laid for him. + +25 For thee, 0 Lord of Light, are shed these Soma-drops, and + +grass is strewn : + +Bring Indra to his worshippers. + +26 May Iuclra give thee skill and lights of heaven, wealth to his + +votary + +And priests whg praise him : laud ye him. + +27 0 Satakratu, wondrous strength and all our lauds I bring to + +thee; + +Be gracious to thy worshippers. + + +17 To come: that is, that thou, Indra, mayst come. This abrupt change +of person is not uncommon in the Veda. + +22 The wedded toives: of the Soma juices are said to be the two waters +called vastilivaryah, and eJcadhandh , used in the Soma ceremonies. To enjoy¬ +ment : to be drunk by Indra. To waters speeds the restless one; or, with Grass- +mann, * The lover of the waters speeds.’ The exact meaning of nichumpundh +is uncertain, Y&ska deriving it from cham, to eat, and Mahidhara from ehup, +to creep or move slowly. The meaning of the sentence is, according to the +Scholiast, that, at the time of the concluding purificatory ceremony which is +to atone for errors and omissions in the principal .sacrifice, the stale Soma is +thrown into the waters. See Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation. + +23 The cleansing bath; the avabhritha, here, apparently, the bath or vessel +in which the Soma plants were rinsed and purified. + +16 + + + +242 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIII. + +28 Bring to us all things excellent, 0 Satakratu, food and strength; +For, Indra, thou art kind to us. + +29 0 Satakratu, bring to us all blessings, all felicity : + +For, Indra, thou art kiud to us. + +30 Bearing the Soma juice we call, best Vritra-slayer, unto thee : +For, Indra, thou art kiud to us. „ + +31 Come, Lord of rapturous joys, to our libation with thy Bay + +Steeds, come + +To our libation with thy Steeds. + +32 Known as best Vritra-slayer erst, as Indra Satakratu, come +With Bay Bteeds to the juice we shed. + +33 0 Vritra-slayer, thou art he who drinks these drops of Soma : + +come + +With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed. + +34 May Indra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rules the Skilful + +Ones : + +Yea, may the Strong give potent wealth. + +HYMN LXXXIII. Maruts. + +The Cow, the famous Mother of the wealthy Maruts, pours +her milk: + +' Both horses of the cars are yoked,— + +2 She in whose bosom ail the Gods, and Sun and Moon for men + +to see, + +Maintain their everlasting Laws. + +3 This all the pious sing to us, and sacred poets evermore; + +The Maruts to the Soma-draught! + +4 Here is the Soma ready pressed : of this the Maruts drink, of + +this + +Self-luminous the Asvins drink. + + +34 Handy: ribhum. That rules the Skilful Ones: ribhukshmam. The +Strong: vdjt These words are used as plays upon the names of tile Riblius, +or as Gfrassinann says, the verse may have been taken from a hymn addressed +to the Ribhus. ‘ May Indra bring to us the bounteous Ribliu Ribhukehana +to partake of our sacrificial viands ; may he, the mighty/ bring the mighty +(Vrija) /—Wilson. Cowell remarks : 4 Ribhukshava was the eldest and Vrfja +the youngest of the three brothers. The Riblius have a share in the evening +libation between PrajApati, and Savitri, see Ait. Bntlim. iii. 30. This verse +is addressed to the Riblius in the evening libation on the ninth day of the +Dwridasalm ceremony (zb. v. 21).’ + +1 The Cow: Prism. + +2 In whose bosom: *in whose presence.’—'Wilson. + +The Maruts: are to be invoked, understood. + + +HYMN 84 .] + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +2 48 + + +5 Of this, moreover, purified, set in three places, procreant, +Drink Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. + +6 And Indra, like the Herald Priest, desirous of the milky juice, +At early morn will quaff thereof, + +7 When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as + +through troops of foes ? + +When hasten they whose might is pure? + +8 What favour do I claim this day of you great Deities, you + +who are + +Wondrously splendid in yourselves? + +9 I call, to drink the Soma, those Maruts who spread all realms + +of earth + +And luminous regions of the sky. + +10 You, even such, pure in your might, you, 0 .ye Maruts, I in¬ + +voke + +From heaven to drink this Soma juice. + +11 The Maruts, those who have sustained and propped the + +heavens and earth apart, + +I call to drink this Soma juice. + +12 That vigorous baud of Maruts that abide th in the mountains, I +Invoke to drink this Soma juice. + +HYMN LXXXIV. Indra. + +Song-loveb ! like a charioteer come songs to thee when Soma +flows. + +0 Indra, they have called to thee as mother-kine unto their +calves. + +2 Bright juices hitherward have sped thee, Indra, Lover of the + +Song. + +Drink, Indra, of this flowing sap : in every house ? tis set for thee. + +3 Drink Soma to inspirit thee, juice, Indra, which the Falcon + +brought: + +For thou art King and Sovran Lord of all the families of men. + +4 0 Indra, hear Tirnschfs call, the call of him who serve th thee. +Satisfy him with wealth of kine and valiant offspring: Great + +art thou. + +5 Set in three places: first, in a trough ; then in a straining-cloth ; then in +a third trough or vessel called PMabhrit . Procreant: granting progeny to +the worshipper. + +6 The Herald Priest: Agni. + +1 Dike a charioteer: straight and swift to their object. + +8 Which the Falcon brought: see I. 80. 2, and 93. 6. + + + +244 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VUL + +5 For he, 0 Indra, hath produced for thee the newest gladden¬ + +ing song, + +A hymn that springs from careful thought, ancient, and full +of sacred truth. + +6 That Indra will we laud whom songs and hymns of praise have + +magnified. + +Striving to win, we celebrate his many deeds of hero might, + +7 Come now and let us glorify pure Indra with pure Sama hymn. +Let the pure milky draught delight him strengthened by pure + +songs of praise. + +8 0 Indra, come thou pure to us, with pure assistance, pure thy¬ + +self. + +Pure, send thou riches down to us, and, meet for Soma, pure, +be glad. + +D 0 Indra, pure, vouchsafe us wealth, and, pure, enrich the +worshipper. + +Pure, thou dost strike the Yritras dead, and strivest, pure, +to win the spoil. + +HYMN LXXXV. Indra. + +For him the Mornings made they? courses longer, and Nights +with pleasant voices spake to Indra. + +For him the Floods stood still, the Seven Mothers, Streams +easy for the heroes to pass over. + +5J The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice-seven close- +pressed ridges of the mountains. + +Neither might God nor mortal man accomplish what the Strong +Hero wrought in full-grown vigour. + +3 The mightiest force is Indra’s bolt of iron when firmly grasped +in both the arms of Indra. + +His head and mouth have powers that pass all others, and all +his people hasten near to listen. + + +5 Newest . ancient: recent in form and expression, bnt ancient in + +substance. See Muir, 0. S . Texts, III. 238, 239. + +7 Pure Indra with pure Sthna hymns: according to S&yana, * Indra, purified +with pure Sftrna-hymns,’ from the pollution he had incurred by killing the +Br&hman Vritra. See Wilson’s Translation, note. + +1 The heroes: perhaps Turvasa and Yadn—• Ludwig. + +2 The Barter: of the thunderbolt; ludra. Though in troulle : because he + +had none to aid him. What the thrice-seven ■’ ■’ * ’ ies of the mountains + +are, is uncertain See Wilson’s Translation. . ■ thinks that the + +battle of the Sun with the demons of winter may be meant. + +3 To listen ; to the commands which issue from his mouth. + + + + +245 + + +ItYMN 85 .] THE RIG VEDA, + +4 I count thee as the Holiest of the Holy, the caster-down of + +what hath ne’er been shaken. + +I count thee as the Banner of the heroes, I count thee as the +Chief of all men living. + +5 What time, 0 Indr a, in thine arms thou tookest thy wildly + +rushing bolt to slay the Dragon, + +The mountains roared, the cattle loudly bellowed, the Brah¬ +mans with their hymns drew nigh to Indra. + +6 Let ns praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all + +things that after him sprang into being. , + +May we win Mitra with our songs, and Indra, and wait upon +our Lord with adoration. * + +7 Flying in terror from the snort of Yritra, all Deities who were + +thy friends forsook thee. + +So, Indra, be thy friendship with the Maruts: in all these +battles thou shalt be the victor. + +8 Thrice-sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles + +of beaming light, worthy of worship. + +We come to thee : grant us a happy portion. Let us adore +thy might with this oblation. + +9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares + +withstand thy bolt of'thunder ? + +Weaponless are the Asuras, the godless : scatter them with +thy wheel, Impetuous Hero. + +10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the + +beauteous hymn for sake of cattle. + +Lay on his body many songs for Indra invoked with song, for +will not he regard them? + +11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy + +thought as by a boat o’er rivers, + +Stir with thy hymn the body of the Famous and Dearest One, +for will not he regard it ? + +12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes: praise + +with fair praise, invite him with thine homage. + + +5 Wildly rushing; this is M. Muller’s translation of madaehyiUam. It +might be rendered also ‘ sped in thy rapturous joy.’ ‘ Bauschbeschleuuigten.’— +Ludwig. The Dragon: Ahi. + +7 With the Maruts: as they alone stood by him in the conflict. + +8 Thrice-sixty ; or sixty-three, according to S&yana, nine companies consist¬ +ing of seven each. See Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation. Like piles of +beaming light: ( like cows gathered together.’—Wilson j f like morning stars.’ +—Q-rassmann. I have followed Ludwig. + +9 With thy wheel ; or discus, a sharp-edged quoit used as a weapon o war. + + + +246 + + +TEB EtM&S OF {BOOK VUL + + +Draw near, 0 singer, and refrain from outcry. Make thy voice +heard, for will not he regard it ? + +13 The Black Drop sank in Ansumatfs bosom, advancing with + +ten thousand round about it. + +Indra with might longed for it as it panted : the hero-hearted +laid aside his weapons. + +14 I saw the Drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank + +of Ansumatfs river, + +Like a black cloud that sank into the water. Heroes, I send +you forth. Go, fight in battle. + +15 And then the Drop in Ansumatfs bosom, splendid with light, + +assumed its proper body ; + +And Indra, with Bdhaspati to aid him, conquered the godless +tribes that came against him. + +16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the + +seven who ne'er had met a rival. + +The hidden Pair, the Heaven and Earth, thou foundest, and +to the mighty worlds thou gavest pleasure. + +17 So, Thunder-armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst + +boldly smite that power which none might equal; + +With weapons broughtest low the plight of Sushna, and, Indra, +foundest by thy strength the cattle. + +18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very + +mighty slayer of the Vritras. + +Then didst thou set the obstructed rivers flowing, and win +the floods that were enthralled by Dasas. + +ID Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resist¬ +less in his anger. + +He only doth great deeds, the only Hero, sole Vritra-slayer +he, with none beside him. + + +12 Draw near, 0 singer, and refrain from outcry: ‘ 0 priest, adorn thyself +grieve not (for poverty).’—Wilson. + +13 dhe Black Drop: the darkened Moon. Ansumatt: a mystical river q£ +the air into which the Moon dips to recover its vanished light. Ten thousand : +probably, demons of darkness ; the numerals are without a substantive. As it +panted:, while striving against its assailants. Laid aside his weapons: after +conquering the demons and restoring the darkened Moon. + +14 Indra addresses the Maruts. + + +S&yana explains stanzas 13—>15 differently, in accordance with a legend +which was probably suggested by this passage. He takes di-apaah hrlshnah, +black drop to mean‘the swift moving Krishnah,’ an Asura or demon who +with ten thousand of his kind had occupied the banks of the river Ausumatt, +which, lie says, is the Yamuml or Jumna, and was there defeated by* Indra. +a *d the Maruts. See Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation. + +16 1 he seven: Krishna, Vritra, Namnclii, Sambara, and others.—SSyana. + + + +THE am VEDA, + + +247 + + +HYMN 88 .] + +20 Indra is Vritra’s slayer, man’s sustainer : lie must be called; + +with fair praise let us call him. + +Maghavan is our Helper, our Protector, giver of spoil and +wealth to make us famous. + +21 This Indra, Vritra-slayer, this Eibhukshan. even at his birth, + +was meet for invocation. + +Doer of many deeds for man’s advantage, like Soma quaffed, +for friends we must invoke him. + +HYMN LXXXVI. Indra: + +O Indha, Lord of Light, what joys thou broughtest from the +Asuras, n + +Prosper therewith, 0 Maghavan, him who lauds that deed, +and those whose grass is trimmed for thee. + +2 The unwasting share of steeds and kine which, Indra, thou + +hast fast secured, + +Grant to the worshipper who presses Soma and gives guerdon, +not unto the churl. + +3 The riteless, godless man who sleeps, 0 Indra, his unbroken + +sleep,— + +May he by following his own devices die. Hide from him +wealth that nourishes. + +4 Whether, 0 Sakra, thou*be far, or, Vritra-slayer, near at hand, +Thence by heaven-reaching songs he who hath pressed the + +juice invites thee with thy long-maned Steeds. + +5 Whether thou art in heaven’s bright sphere, or in the basin of + +the sea; + +Whether, chief Vritra-slayer, in some place on earth, or in the +firmament, approach. + +6 Thou Soma-drinker, Lord of Strength, beside our flowing + +Soma juice + +Delight us with thy bounty rich in pleasantness, 0 Indra, with +abundant wealth. + +7 0 Indra, turn us not away: be the companion of our feast. +For thou art our protection, yea, thou art our kin: 0 Indra, + +turn us not away. + +8 Sit down with us, 0 Indra, sit beside the juice to drink the meath. +Show forth great favour to the singer, Maghavan ; Indra, with + +us, beside the juice. + + +21 Rihhukshan: or, Lord of Ribhus. + +1 Joys: riches.—Sftyana, From the Asuras ; from the powerful ll&kshasas. + +—fly ana. t + +2 Gives guerdon: liberally rewards the priests, + + + +{BOOK FIIt + + +248 THE HYMNS OF 1 + +9 0 Caster of the Stone, nor Gods nor mortals have attained to +thee. + +Thou in thy might surpassest all that hath been made : the +Gods have not attained to thee. + +10 Of one accord they made and formed for kingship Indra, the + +Eero who in all encounters overcometh, + +Most eminent for power, destroyer in the conflict, fierce and +exceeding strong, stalwart and full of vigour. + +11 Bards joined in song to Indra so that he might drink the + +Soma juice, + +The Lord of Light, that he whose laws stand fast might aid +with power and with the help he gives. + +12 The holy sages form a ring, looking and singing to the Bam. +Inciters, full of vigour, not to be deceived, are with the chant¬ +ers, nigh to hear. + +IB Loudly I call that Indra, Maghavan the Mighty, who evermore +possesses power, ever resistless. + +Holy, most liberal, may ho lead us on to riches, and, Tlmndor- +armed, make all our pathways pleasant for us. + +14 Thou knowest well, 0 Sakra, thou Most Potent, with thy + +strength, Indra, to destroy these castles. + +Before thee, Thunder-armed ! all beings tremble: the heavens +and earth before thee shake with terror. + +15 May thy truth, Indra, Wondrous Hero! be my guard: bear + +me o’er much woe, Thunderer ! as over floods. + +When, Indra, wilt thou honour us with opulence, all-nourish¬ +ing and much-to-be-desired, 0 King ? + +HYMN LXXXVIL Indra. + +To Indra sing a Sama hymn, a lofty song tfo Lofty Sage, + +To him who guards the Law, inspired, and fain for praise. + +2 Thou, Indra, art the Conqueror: thou gavest splendour to + +tho Sun. + +Maker of all things, thou art Mighty and All-God. + +3 Badiant with light thou woutest to the sky, the luminous + +realm of heaven/ + +The Deities, Indra, strove to win thee for their Friend. + +4 Gome unto ns, 0 Indra, dear, still conquering, nnconcealable, +Yast as a mountain spread on all sides, Lord of Heaven. + +32 The Ram: Indra. Sec I. 51. 1, and VIII. 2.40, Inciters: apparently, +the Gods themselves, + +2 All-Gad; risrad era'll: 1 the lord of all the gods/—Wilson. + +4 Ifiiconceulabh; as the Sun-God. + + + +HYMN 88-] THE litGVEDA. UQ + +§ 0 truthful Soma-drinker, thou art mightier than both the +worlds. + +Thou strengthenest him who pours libation, Lord of Heaven. + +6 For thou art he, 0 Indra, who stormeth all castles of the foe? +Slayer of Dasyus, man’s Supporter, Lord of Heaven. + +7 Now have we, In cl r a, Friend of Song, sent our great wishes + +forth to thee, + +Coming like floods that follow floods. + +8 As rivers swell the ocean, so, Hcro,our prayers increase thy might. +Though of thj r self, 0 Thunderer, waxing day by day. + +9 With holy song they bind to the broad wide-yofeed car the Bay + +Steeds of the rapid God, + +'Bearers of In dm, yoked by word. + +10 0 Indra, bring great strength to us, bring valour, Satakratu, + +thou most active, bring +A hero conqueriug in war. + +11 For, gracious Satakratu, thou hast ever been a Mother and a + +Sire to us, + +So now for bliss we pray to thee. + +12 To thee, Strong, Much-invoked, who showest forth thy strength, + +0 Satakratu, do I spoilt: + +So grant tliou us heroic strength. + +HYMN LXXXVIII. Indra. + +O Thunderer, zealous worshippers gave thee drink this time +yesterday. + +So, Indra, listen here to those who bring the laud : come near +unto our dwelling-place. + +2 Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed, rejoice thee : this we crave. + +Here the disposers wait on thee. + +Thy loftiest glories claim our lauds beside the juice, 0 Indra, +Lover of the Song. + +3 Turning, as ’twere, to meet the Sun, enjoy from Indra all good + +things. + +When he who will be born is born with power we look to trea¬ +sures as our heritage. + +7 Coming like floods: in crowds. But the half-line is very obscure. ‘As +men going by water (splash their Mends) with handfuls.’—Wilson. + +10 A hero: an heroic son. - + +2 Disposers : the priests who order religious ceremonies. + +3 This stanza is difficult and obscure. Mahldhara’s explanation is : ‘The +gathering (rays) proceeding to the sun distribute all Indra’s treasures (to +living beings, sc. as rain, corn, etc.) ; may we too by our power leave those +treasures as an inheritance to him who has been or will be born.’ See Co^oITb +note in Wilson’s Translation, + + + +550 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH VJ1L + +4 Praise him who sends us wealth, whose bounties injure none i + +good are the gifts which Indra grants. + +He is not wroth with one who satisfies his wish : he turns his +mind to giving boons. + +5 Thou in thy battles, Indra, art subduer of all hostile bands. +Father art thou, all-conquering, cancelling tho curse, thou + +victor of the vanquisher. + +6 The Earth and Heaven clung close to thy victorious might, as + +to their calf two mother-cows. + +When thou attaches!. Vritra all the hostile bands shrink and +faint, luc^ra, at thy wrath. + +7 Bring to your aid the Eternal One, who shoots and noue may + +shoot at him, + +Inciter, swift, victorious, best of Charioteers, Tugrya’s unvan¬ +quished Strengthener; + +8 Arrauger of things unarrauged, e’en Satakratu, source of + +might, + +Indra, the Friend of nil, for succour we invoke, Guardian of +treasure, sending wealth. + +HYMN LXXXIX. Indra. V4k» + +I move beforo thee here present hr-person, and all the Deities +follow behind me. + +When, Indra, thou securest me my portion, with me thou +shalt perform heroic actions. + +2 The food of meath in foremost place I give thee, thy Soma + +shall be pressed, thy share appointed. + +Thou on my right shalt be my friend and comrade; then +shall we two smite dead full many a foeman. + +3 Striving for strength bring forth a laud to Indra, a truthful + +hymn if he in truth existeth. + +One and another say, There is no Indra. Who hath beheld +him % Whom then shall we honour ? + + +$ As to their calf: or the translation may tie, as sire and mother to their +child. + +7 Tugrija is Bhujyu, the son of Tugra. See Vol. I., Index. + +S Arranger of things unarrauged: i bhe eonsecrator of others but himself +consecrated by none. 7 —Wilson. + +1 This stanza is spoken by Agni. + +2 Indra answers. + +3 Addressed to the priests. One and another: n6ma ; but according to +Sftyana, Nema is the name of the Rishi. £ Nema says, "verily there is no +Indra.” ’—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 89 .] THE RIG VEDA* 2*1 + +4 Here am I, look upon me here, 0 singer. All that existeth I + +surpass in greatness. + +The Holy Law's commandments make me mighty. Bending +with strength I rend the worlds asunder. + +5 When the Law's lovers mounted and approached me as I sate + +lone upon the dear sky's summit, + +Then spake my spirit to the heart within me, My friends have +cried unto me with their children. + +6 All these thy deeds must be declared at Soma-feasts, wrought, + +Indra, Bounteous Lord, for him who sheds the juice, + +When thou didst open wealth heaped up by ^iany, brought +from far away to Sarabba, the Rishi’s kin. + +7 Now run ye forth your several ways : he is not here who kept + +you back. + +For hath not Indra sunk his bolt deep down in Yritra's vital +part ? + +8 On-rushing with the speed of thought within the iron fort he + +pressed: + +The I^alcon went to heaven and brought the Soma to the +Thunderer. + +9 Deep in the ocean lies tb£ bolt with waters compassed round + +about, + +And in continuous onward flow the floods their tribute bring +to it. + +10 When, uttering words which no one comprehended, V&k, +Queen of Gods, the Gladdener, was seated, + +The heaven's four regions drew forth drink and vigour : now +whither hatBher noblest portion vanished? + + +4 Indra speaks this and the following stanza. + +5 The Raw's lovers; the priests who in sacrifice ascend to Indra. According +to Hiilobrandt (F. Mythologies I. 354), the Maruts ; sUumantah meaning not +< with tlieir children,’ but 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 with the Infant (Soma).’ + +6 The priest addresses Indra. Snrabha: a Eislii of that name.—Sdyapa. +Tho original hymn appeal's to end with this stanza. + +7 Addressed to the waters of heaven after Indra’s battle with Yritra. + +8 lie: the Falcon. The iron fort; the stronghold or cloud in which the +Soma or ambrosial rain was imprisoned. Cf. IY. 27, 2. + +9 In the ocean : as produced naturally in the sea of air. + +10 This and the following stanza have no apparent connexion with what +precedes. Vdh: or Vfich, vox, voice, or Speech personified. Her unintel¬ +ligible words are the thunder. Her noblest portion: according to S&yana, the +rain which follows thunder. Or the thunder itself may be intended. See +Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation. Was seated .* at the sacrifice offered +to fier- + + + +m TUB BYMJSfS OF [BOOK VIII, + +11 The Deities generated V&k the Goddess, and animals of every + +figure speak her. + +May she, the Gladdener, yielding food and vigour, the Milch- +cow Yak, approach us meetly lauded. + +12 Step forth with wider stride, my comrade Vishnu; make room, + +Dyaus, for the leaping of the lightning. + +Let us slay Yritra, let us free the rivers : let them flow loosed +at the command of Indra. + +HYMN XC. Various. + +Yea, specially that mortal man hath toiled for service of the +Gods, + +Who quickly hath brought near Mitra and Varan a to share +his sacrificial gifts. + +2 Supreme in sovran power, far-sighted, Chiefs and Kings, most + +swift to hear from far away, + +Both, wondrously, set them in motion as with arms, in com¬ +pany with Surya’s beams. + +3 The rapid messenger who runs before you, Mitra-Varuria, with + +iron head, swift to the draught, + +4 He whom no man may question, none may summon back, who + +stands not still for colloquy,— ° + +From hostile clash with him keep ye us safe this day; keep +ns in safety with your arms. + +5 To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent song, O pious one, + +A pleasant hymn that shall protect to Varuna : sing forth a +laud unto the Kings. + +6 The true, Bed Treasure they have sent, one only Son bom of + +the Three, + +They, the Immortal Ones, never deceived, survey the families +of mortal men. + +7 My songs are lifted up, and acts most splendid are to be per¬ + +formed. + +Come hither, ye Nasatyas, with accordant mind, to meet and +to enjoy my gifts. + + +11 Speak her; articulately-speaking men and lower animals all derive their +voices from her. + +12 This stanza, which is out of place here, is spoken by Indra when he is +about to attack Vritra. See IV. 18. 11. + +• 3 The rapid messenger : the lightning, as one of the forms of Agni. + +6 The true, Fed Treasure; the Sun. The Three: heaven, mid-air, and earth, + + + +HYMN 90 .] + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +253 + + +8 Lords of great wealth, when we invoke your bounty which no + +demon checks, + +Both of you, furthering our eastward-offered praise, come, Chiefs +whom Jamadagni lauds ! + +9 Come, V&yu, drawn by fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches + +heaven. + +Poured on the middle of the straining-cloth, and cooked, this +bright drink hath been offered thee. + +10 He comes by straightest paths, as ministering Priest, to taste + +the sacrificial gifts. + +Then, Lord of harnessed teams ! drink of the twofold draught, +bright Soma mingled with the milk. + +11 Verily, Surya, thou art great; truly, Aditya, thou art great. +As thou art great indeed, thy greatness is admired ; yea, verhy, + +thou, God, art great. + +12 Yea, Surya, thou art great in fame: thou evermore, O God, + +. art great. + +Thou by thy greatness art the Gods’ High Priest, divine, far- +spread unconquerable light. + +13 She yonder, bending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich + +in rays, n + +Is seen, advancing as it were with various tints, amid the ten +surrounding arms. + +14 Past and gone are three mortal generations: the fourth and + +last into the Sun hath entered. + +He mid the worlds his lofty place hath taken. Into green +plants is gone the Purifying. + +15 The Rudras’ Mother, Daughter of the Vasus, centre of nectar, + +the Adityas’ Sister— + +To folk who understand will I proclaim it—injure not Adit*, +the Cow, the sinless. + + +13 She yonder: Tishas or Dawn. The ten surrounding arms: the ton +regions of the world. + +14 Three mortal generations: according to the legend, Prajftpati produced + +in succession three kinds of creatures who all died. The fourth generation +lived and enjoyed the light and warmth of the Sun. See Cowell's note in +Wilson’s Translation, or f *: ” .■ r ‘ \ ■ II. 5. 1. 1— 4. Into green plants: + +S&yana explains harttah ■ ■■ . e sky, and p&vcimdmh (the Puri- + +fyiug) as Vdyu or the ' . • ■ ■■ akes pavamdnah to he the Soma, + +and JiarUah to be the horses of the Sun. I have followed Ludwig’s inter¬ +pretation ; but I find the stanza almost unintelligible. + +15 Centre of nectar: or, of anmt, or immortality, or the world of the +immortal Gods. The Coxo ; the earthly cow, as the type of Adifci or universal +Nature, must not be offended. The stanza is spoken by the priest who has +received the cow as his reward. + + + +254 THE HYMNS OH [BOOK VllL + +16 * Weak-minded men have as a cow adopted me who came hither +from the Gods, a Goddess, + +Who, skilled in eloquence, her voice uplifteth, who standeth +near at hand with all devotions. + +HYMN XCI. Agni. + +Lord of the house, Sage, ever young, high power of life, O • +Agni, God, + +Thou givest to thy worshipper*. + +2 So with our song that prays and serves, attentive, Lord of + +spreading light, + +Agni, bring hitherward the Gods. + +3 For, Ever-Youthful One, with thee, best Furtherer, as our ally, + +• We overcome, to win the spoil. + +4 As Aurva Bhrigu used, as Apnav.ina used, I call the pure +Agni who clothes him with the sea. + +5 I call the Sage who sounds like wind, the Might that like + +Parjanya roars, + +Agni who clothes him with the sea, + +6 As Savitar’s productive Power, as him who sends down bliss, I call +Agni who clothes him with the sqa. + +7 Hither, for powerful kinship, I call Agni, him who prospers you, +Most frequent at our solemn rites; + +8 That through this famed One’s power, he may stand hy us + +even as Tvashtar comes +Unto the forms that must be shaped. + +9 This Agni is the Lord supreme above all glories mid the Gods ; +May he come nigh to ns with strength. + +10 Here praise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering + +Priests, + +Agni, the Chief at sacrifice ; + +11 Piercing, with purifying flame, enkindled in our homes, most + +high, + +Swiftest to hear from far away. + + +16 Weak-minded men: ‘Men are too feeble in their intellect to comprehend +me in my true form and my real nature : they can only understand iny worth +in the shape of a cow.’—See Ludwig, Jl, V IV. 245, 246, + +The concluding stanza is spoken by Adifci as a cow. + +4 Aurva Bhrigu: or, perhaps, Aurva and Bhrigu. The ancient Rishi +Aurva is said to have been the grandson of Bhrigu. Apnavclna: another +ancient Rishi, mentioned iu connexion with the Bhrigus and the earliest +worship of Agni, in ‘Book IV, 7. 1. + + + +HYMN 91 .] + + +THE UIGVEDA. + + +m + + +12 Sage, laud the Mighty One who wins the spoil of victory like + +a steed, + +And, Mitra-like, unites the folk. + +13 Still turning to their aim in thee, the oblation-bearer's sister + +hymns + +Have come to thee before the wind. + +14 The waters find their place in him, for whom the threefold + +sacred grass + +Is spread unbound, unlimited. + +15 The station of the Bounteous God hath, through his aid which + +none impair, ° + +A pleasant aspect like the Sun. + +16 Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gift&jpf + +sacred oil, ~ * + +Bring thou the Gods and worship them. + +17 The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, + +0 Angiras, + +The bearer of our gifts to heaven. + +1S Wise Agni, Gods established thee, the Seer, noblest messenger, +As bearer of our sacred gifts. + +19 No cow have I to call rttine own, no axe at hand wherewith + +to work, + +Yet what is here I bring to thee. + +20 0 Agni, whatsoever be the fuel that we lay for thee. + +Be pleased therewith. Most Youthful God. + +21 That which the wliite-ant eats away, that over which the + +emmet crawls— + +May all of this be oil to thee. + +22 When he enkindles Agni, man should with his heart attend + +the song: + +I with the priests have kindled him. + +12 Sage: the priest is addressed. + +13 Before the wind: or, in front of the wind, with which the fame is +fanned. + +14 * The waters rest in Agni, who abides as lightning in the firmament/— +Note in Wilson’s Translation which I have followed closely in this stanza. + +15 Or, a comma being substituted for the full stop at the end of the preced¬ +ing stanza, and paddm (station) taken as in apposition to patlam (place) in 14 ; +* The station of the bounteous : he hath, through his aid which none impair, +A pleasant aspect like the Sun.’ + +19 AsPrayoga, the Kislii of the hymn, has no cow and no' axe to eut wood, +Agni is asked in this and the two following stanzas to dispense with the custom¬ +ary offerings of milk, and to accept such wood as the worshipper can pick up. + +22 With his heart: a derout spirit will compensate the want of milk and +properly prepared fuel. + + + +256 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VJIl. + +HYMN XCIL Agni. + +That noblest Furtherer hath appeared; to whom men bring +their holy works. + +Our songs of praise have risen aloft to Agni who was born to +give the Arya strength. + +2 Agni of Divod&sa turned, as ’twere in majesty, to the Gods. +Onward he sped along the mother earth, and took his station + +in the height of heaven. + +3 Him before whom the people -shrink when ho performs his + +glorious Aeeds, + +Him who wins thousands at the worship of the Gods, himself, +that Agni, serve with songs. + +# The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to opulenco, 0 Vasu, +he who brings thee gifts. + +He, Agni, wins himself a hero singing lauds, yea, one who feeds +a thousand men. + +5 He with the steed wins spoil even in the fenced fort, and gains + +imperishable fame. + +In thee, 0 Lord of wealth, continually we lay all precious +offerings to the Gods. + +6 To him who dealeih out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest + +of men, + +To him, like the first vessels filled with savoury juice, to Agni +go the songs of praise. + +7 Yotaries, richly-gifted, deck him with their songs, even as the + +steed who draws the car. + +On both, Strong Lord of men! on child and grandson pour +the bounties which our nobles give. + +S Sing forth to him, the Holy, most munificent, sublime with +his refulgent glow, + +To Agni, ye Upastutas. + +9 Worshipped with gifts, enkindled, splendid, Maghavan shall +win himself heroic fame. + +And will not his most newly shown benevolence come to us +with abundant strength % + + +2 Of Hhoddsa: whom Divod&sa especially worshipped and claimed as his +tutelary God. The stanza is obscure, and my translation founded on von +lioth’s interpretation of prdvi vdvrite , which lias been accepted by Cowell, must +be regarded as conjectural See Wilson’s Translation and note. + +4 A hero: a brave son. • - + +7 The second line is obscure. 1 Graceful lord of men, grant wealth to us r/ck + +n children and grandchildren.’—Wilson. I + +8 Upastutas; singers so named after the Kishi Upastuta. See I. 36. + + + +HYMN 92 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +257 + + +10 Priest, pvesser of the juice! praise now the dearest Guest of + +all our friends, + +Agni, the driver of the cars. + +11 Who, finder-out of treasures open and concealed, bringeth them + +hither, Holy One; + +Whose waves, as in a catai*act, are hard to pass, when he, +through song, would win him strength. + +12 Let not the noble Guest, Agni, be wroth with us: by many a + +man his praise is sung, + +Good Herald, skilled in sacrifice. + +13 0 Vasu, Agni, let not them be harmed who come in any way + +with lauds to thee. + +Even the lowly, skilled in rites, with offered gifts, seeketh thee +for the envoy’s task. + +14 Friend of the Maruts, Agni, come with Rudras to the Sonia- + +draught, + +To Sobhari’s fair song of praise, and be thou joyful in the light. + + +10 Priest, presser of the juice: dsdva: stotcih. —Sftyana. • ‘Singer of hymns.’ +—Wilson. + +11 Whose loaves: billowy floods of flame rushing on like waters falling down + +a precipice. * Whose (flames), as he hastens tu wage the battle by 'means of our +sacred rite, are hard to be passe? 'V ' ■ ,ves rushing down a decli¬ +vity.’—-Wilson. See also Pischel, > - ' . X. p. 134. Through sony; + +inspirited and strengthened by pur hymns. + +13 For the envoy's task; to bear his oblations to the Gods. + + + + +ViLAKHILYA. + + +(Book VIII. Hymns 49—59. M. Muller.) + + +HYMN I. Indra. + +To you will I sing ludra’s praise who gives good gifts as well +we know; + +The praise of Maghavan who, rich in treasure, aids his singers +with wealth thousandfold. * + +2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the + +offerer slays his foes. + +As from a mountain how the water-brooks, thus flow his gifts +who feedeth many a one. + +3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, 0 Indra, Lover of + +the Song, + +As waters seek the lake where they are wout to rest, fill thee, +for bounty, Thunderer. + +4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, + +the sweetest of the meath drink thou, + +Tnat in thy joy thou mayst scatter thy gifts o’er us, plente- +ously, even as the dust. + +5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Sotna-pressers like a + +horse— + +Laud, Godlike Indra, which rnilch-kiue make sweet for thee : +with Kanva’s sons are gifts for thee. + +6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, pre¬ + +eminent, with unfailing wealth. + +0 Thunderer, as a plenteous spring pours forth its stream, so, +Indra, flow our songs to thee. + +7 Ff now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the enrth, +Come thence, high-thoughted ! to our sacrifice with the Swift, + +come, Mighty with the Mighty Ones. + +See Book VIII., Hymn XLIX., note. Professor Cowell's version of these +eleven hymns will be found in Appendix I. of Wilson’s Translation, Vo2, V. +I am indebted to him for some improvements on the version which I hftd +previously prepared. + +2 As with a hundred hosts: ‘like a weapon with a hundred edges.*—Cowell, +4 That.. .gives eloquence: vivdhshanam: from rack ; 1 swelling*! froth vahsh =* +ulcsh. —von Roth, and Cowell. Plevteously, even as the dust: the meaning of +the text is obscure The St. Petersburg Lexicon takes dhrishdd—dnshddt +the nether millstone: ‘just as the mill-stone pours out meal,”—Cowell. + +7 The Swift and the Mighty Ones, are India’s horses. + + + +260 TEE HYMNS OP [ VALAKHTLYA . + +8 The active, fleet-foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift + +to victory, like the Wind, + +Wherewith thou goest round to visit Mauus* seed, wherewith +all heaven is visible. + +9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine, +As, Maghavan, thou favouredst Medbyatithi, and, in the fight, + +Nipatithi. + +10 As, Maghavan, to Ivanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and +Dasavraja; + +As, Indra, to Gosarya and Rijisvau thou vouchsafedst wealth +in kine an$ gold. + +HYMN II. Indra. + +Sakra I praise, to win his aid, far-famed, exceeding bountiful, +Who gives, as ’twere in thousands, precious wealth to him +who sheds the juice and worships him. + +2 Arrows with hundred points, unconquerable, arc this Indra’s + +mighty arms in war. + +He streams on liberal worshippers like a hill with springs, +when juices poured have gladdened him. + +3 What time the flowing Soma-drops have gladdened with their + +taste the Friend, ° + +Like water, gracious Lord ! were my libations made, like milch- +kine to the worshipper. + +4 To him the peerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth + +flow the drops of pleasant meath. + +The Soma-drops which call on thee, 0 gracious Lord, have +brought thee to our hymns of praise. + +5 He rushes hurrying like a steed to Soma thatt adorns our rite, +Which hymns make sweet to thee, lover of pleasant food. The + +call to Paura thou dost love. + +6 Praise the strong, grasping Hero, winner of the spoil, ruling + +supreme o’er mighty wealth. + +Like a full spring, 0 Thunderer, from thy store hast thou +poured on the worshipper evermore. + + +° V' 77 a Kishi whose name has frequently occurred. Ntjpdtithi : + +■ 1 - ■ . . ^ ere and V&lakhilya Hymn III. + +10 Trasadasyu: see. Yol. I., Index. Paktha: a favourito of the Asvins, +See VIII. 22. 10, Easavraja; see VIII. 8. 20, iromrya; see VIII. S. 30. +Rijisvan: see Vol. I., Index. + +5 The call to Paura: the invitation to Paura 1 s house. According to von +Koth pauvd means the filler, the satisfier: * thou appro vest the summons to +the satisfying beverage. 1 —CowelL See V. 74. 4. + + + +B YMN 3.] TIIE HIG VEDA . 261 + +7 Now whether thou be far away, or in the heavens, or on the + +earth, + +0 Inclra, mighty-thoughted, harnessing thy Bays, come Lofty +with the Lofty Ones. + +8 The Bays who draw thy chariot, Steeds who injure none, sur¬ + +pass the wind’s impetuous strength— + +With whom thou sileneest the enemy of man, with whom thou +goest round the sky. + +9 0 gracious Hero, may we learn anew to know thee as thou art: +As in decisive fight thou holjjest Etasa, or Vasa ’gainst + +Dasavraja, ^ + +10 As, Maghavan, to Banva at the sacred feast, to' Dirghanitha +thine home-friend, + +As to Gosarya thou, Stone-darter, gavest wealth, give me a gold- +bright stall of kine, + +HYMN in. Indra. + +As with Manu Samvarani, Indra, thou drankest Soma juice, +And, Maghavan, with Nipatithi, Medhyatithi, with Pushtigu +and Srushtigu,— + +3 The son of Prishadvana was Praskanva’s host, who lay decre¬ +pit and forlorn. * + +Aided by thee the Bishi Dasyave-vrika strove to obtain thou¬ +sands of kino. + +3 Call hither with thy newest song Indra who lacks not hymns + +of praise, + +Him who observes and knows, inspirer of the sage, him who +seems eager to enjoy. + +i He unto when* they sang the seven-headed hymn, three- +parted, in the loftiest place, + +He sent his thunder down on all these living things, and so +displayed heroic might. + +7 This stanza is almost a repetition of stanza 7 of Hyinn I. + +9 Eta m: seel. 61. 15. Vasa,: mentioned as a favourite of the Asvms in +X. 40. l\ Dasavraja ; said in stanza 10 of Hymn I. to have been helped by + +Indra. , .... + +10 Dirghanitha: Ludwig takes this word to be an adjective qualifying +widhe adhvare, ‘ at the sacrificial feast of long duration.’ A gold-bright stall +of kinc: according to Ludwig, a stall graced with bay steeds, would be a +better translation. + +1 Sdmvarani: son of the Vedic Bishi Samvarana. See V. 33, 10. At the +end of the stanza, c so drink with us,’ is to be understood. + +2 Eorlorn : rejected and cast out by his kindred. Dasyave-vrika ; literally, +the Wolf-to-the-Dasyu, that is, Destroyer of fiends or barbarians. + +4 The seven-headed; sung by seven heavenly singers. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +262 + + +[YALAKHILYA. + + +5 We invoeate that Tndra who bestoweth precious things on us. +Now do we know his newest favour; may we gain a stable that + +is full of kine. + +6 He whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, obtains + +great wealth to nourish him. + +We with our Soma ready, Lover of the Song! call, Indra +Maghavan, on thee. + +7 Ne’er art thou fruitless, Indra; ne’er dost thou desert the + +worshipper: + +But now, 0 Maghavan, thy bounty as a God is poured forth +ever mor$ and more. + +8 He who hath overtaken Krivi with his might, and silenced + +Sushna with death-bolts,— + +When he supported yonder heaven and spread it out, then first +the son of enrth was born. + +9 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, Dasas here be- + +long. + +Directly unto thee, the pious Rnsama Paviru, is that wealth +brought nigh. + +10 In zealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling +oil and rich in sweets. ^ + +Riches have spread among us and heroic strength, with us are +flowing Soma-drops. + +HYMN IV. Indra. + +As, Sakra, thou withManu called Vivasv&n drankest Soma juice, +As, Indra, thou didst love the hymn by Trita’s side, so dost +thou joy with Ayu now. + +2 As thou with M&farisvan, Medliya, Prishftdhra, hast cheered + +thee, Indra, with pressed juice, + +Drunk Soma with Bij unas, Sy&marasmi, by Dasonya’s, Dasa- +sipra’s side. + +3 ’Tis he who made the lauds his own and boldly drank the + +Soma juice, + + +8 The son of earth ; man. + +9 Eusama Pavtru: the Rusamas are mentioned in V. 30. 13—15. The +name of Pavtru does not occur again. + +1 Yivasvda: or Yivasvat, was the father of Manu who is generally called +Vaivasvata. Ayu: the Rishi of the hymn, or the sacrificer. + +2 Mdtarisvan : the Rishi of Hymn VI. of the V41akhilya, Meclhya: the +Rishi of Hymns V. IX. and X. Prishadhm: the Rishi of Hymn VIII. Syfi- +marasmi; mentioned, as a favourite of the Asvins, in I. 112. 16. The names +of Rijunas, Dasonya, and Dasasipra do not ocour again in the Rigveda. + + + +THE RIG VEX)A. + + +263 + + +HYMN 5 .] + +He to whom Vishnu came striding Tiis three wide steps, as +Mitra’s statutes ordered it. + +4 In whose laud thou didst joy, Indra, at the great deed, O + +Satakratu, Mighty One 1 + +Seeking renown we call thee as the milkers call the cow who +yields abundant milk. + +5 He is our Sire who gives to us, Great, Mighty, ruling as he wills. +Unsought, may he the Strong, Rich, Lord of ample wealth, + +give us of horses and of kine. + +6 He to whom thou, Good Lord, givest that he may give increas¬ + +es wealth that nourishes. „ + +Eager for wealth we call on Indra, Lord of wealth, on Sata¬ +kratu with our lauds. + +7 Never art thou neglectful: thou guardest both races with thy + +care. + +The eall on Indrn, fourth Aditya ! is thine own. Amrit is +stablished in the heavens. + +8 The offerer whom thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, liberal + +Maghavan, favourest,— + +As at the call of Kanva so, 0 gracious Lord, hear thou our +songs and eulogy. + +9 Sung is the song of ancient time : to Indra have ye said the + +prayer. + +They have sung many a Brihafci of sacrifice, poured forth the +worshipper’s many thoughts. + +10 Indra hath tossed together mighty stores of wealth, and both +the worlds, yea, atid the Sun. + +Pure, brightly-shining, mingled with the milk, the draughts +of Soma havb made Indra glad. + +HYMN V. Indra. + +As highest of the Maghavans, preeminent among the Bulls, +Best breaker-down of forts, kine-winner, Lord of wealth, we +seek thee, Indra Maghavan. + +2 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in +thy might, + +5 Ruling as he wills ; f lie who acts as the sovereign/—Cowell. + +7 Both races : Gods and men. Fourth Aditya; Varuna, Mitra, and Arya- +man being the other three. Amrit: ‘ ambrosia/—Cowell. + +8 As thou hearest, must be supplied at the beginning of the stanza. + +9 Brihati ; verse iu the Brihalt metre. + +. 1 Highest: or, nearest. The Bulls; strong heroes. + +2 Ayu, Eutm, Atithigva; see I. 53. 10. + + + +2 64 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[. VALAKHILYA - + +As such, rousing thy power, we invocate thee now, thee +Satakratu, Lord of Bays. + +3 The pressing-stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath + +of all, + +Drop* that have been pressed out afar among the folk, and +those that have been pressed near us. + +4 liepel all enmities and keep them far away: let all win + +treasure for their own. + +Even among Sishtas are the stalks that make thee glad, +where thou with Soma satest thee. + +5 Come, Indr^ very near to us with aids of firmly-based resolve ; +Come, most auspicious, with thy most auspicious help, good + +Kinsman, with good kinsmen, come ! + +6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, + +victor in the fray. + +Aid with thy powers the men who sing thee lauds and keep +their spirits ever pure and bright. + +7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace : +With holy offerings and invocations of the Gods, we mean, + +that we may win the spoil. + +8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. + +Still with thy help I seek the fight. + +So, at the raiders 7 head, I, craving steeds and kino, unite +myself with thee clone. + +HYMN YL Indm. + +Indra, the poets with their hymns extol this hero might of +thine : + +They strengthened, loud in song, thy power*that droppeth oiL +With hymns the Pauras came to thee. + +2 Through piety they came to Indra for his aid, they whoso +libations give thee joy. + +As thou with Krisa and Samvarta hast rejoiced, so, Indra, be +thou glad with us. + + +4 Sishtas: apparently a tribe of no great importance. Stalks: of the +Soma-plant. + +8 At the raiders r head: at the head of the band who are going forth to seize +the cattle of their enemies. Ton Both thinks that mattndm should be read in +stead of matlundm, and Grass in ami translates accordingly, ‘in Aufang meiuer +Bitten/ * at the beginning of my prayers.’ + +1 Pauras: ‘ the offerers.’—Cowell. See Y&lakhilya, II. 5. + +2 Krisa: the Bishi of Hymn VII. of the Y&Uikhilya. Samvarta; not +mentioned elsewhere. + + + +HYMN 7.] THE RIG VEDA. 245 + +3 Agreeiug in your spirit, all ye Deities, come nigh to us. + +Vasus and Itudras shall come near to give us aid, and Mamts +listen to our call. + +1 May Pushan, Vishnu, and Saras vati befriend, and the Seven + +Streams, this call of mine : + +May Waters, Wind, the Mountains, and the Forest-Lord, and +Earth give ear unto my cry. + +5 Indra, with thine own bounteous gift, most liberal of' the + +Mighty Ones, + +Be our boon benefactor, Vriti a-slayer, be our feast-companion +for our weal. * + +6 Leader of heroes, Lord of battle, lead thou us to combat, thou + +Most Sapient One. + +High fame is theirs who win by invocations, feasts and enter¬ +tainment of the Gods. + +7 Our hopes rest on the Faithful One : in Indra is the people’s life. +0 Maghavan, come nigh that thou mayst give us aid : make + +plenteous food stream forth for us. + +8 Thee would we worship, Indra, with our songs of praise: 0 + +Satakratu, be thou ours. + +Pour down upon Praslumva' bounty vast and firm, exuberant, +m that shall never fail. + +HYMN VIL Fraskanva’s Gift, + +Great, verily, is Indra’s might. I have beheld, and hither +comes + +Thy bounty, Dasyave-vrika ! + +2 A hundred oxen white of hue are shining like the stars in + +heaven, r + +So tall, they scorn to prop the sky. + +3 Bamboos a hundred, hundred dogs, a hundred skins of boasts + +wcll-tannod, + +A hundred tufts of Balbaja, four hundred red-hued mares +are mine. + +4 The Forest Lord: vanasjniti * the tall timber tree, frequently meaning the +Sacrificial Post. + +5 Benefactor: or Bhaga, the God who distributes wealth. + +1 f Great is Indra’s power, and the gifts which I have received from thee, 0 +destroyer of the Dasyus, can be compared only to his bounty/ Dasyave- +vrika, here, is the name, not of the Bishi, bnt of a hero who in alliance with +the Kanvas has been victorious in his attack on the hostile barbarians. See +Ludwig. Yol. IH. p. 164. + +3 Balbaja : a kind of coarse grass (Eleusine Indica), used in religious cere¬ +monies, and for other pui poses when plaited, + + + +ns ihe Emm of [vIlakrilya. + +4 Blest by the Gods, Kanvayanas ! be ye who spread through + +life on life: + +Like horses have ye stridden forth. + +5 Then men extolled the team of seven: not yet full-grown, its + +fame is great. + +The dark mares rushed along the paths, so that no eye could +follow them. + +HYMN VIII. Praskauva’s Gift. + +Thy bounty, Dasyave-vrika, exhaustless hath displayed itself : +Its fulness is as broad as heaven. + +2 Ten thousand Dasyave-vrika, the son of P&fcakrat&, hath +From his own wealth bestowed on me. + +3 A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy sheep, +A hundred slaves, and wreaths besides. + +4 There also was a mare led forth, picked out for Putakrat&’s sake, +Not of the horses of the herd. + +5 Observant Agni batb appeared, oblation-bearer with his car. +Agni with his resplendent flame hath shone on high as shines + +the Sun, hath shone like Siirya in the heavens. + +HYMN IX, Aavins. + +Endowjsb, 0 Gods, with your primeval wisdom, come quickly +with your chariot, 0 ye Holy. * + +• Come with your mighty powers, 0 ye Nasatyas; come hither, +drink ye this the third libation. + +2 The truthful Deities, the Three-and-Thirty, saw you approach +before the Ever-Truthful. + + +4 Ednvdyavns: descendants of Knnva. * + +5 The team of seven: 1 eiebeugespannef*/ — Grass maun ; ‘seven-yoked +team/—Cowell. But the exact meaning here of sdptdsya is uncertain. Von +Roth thinks that it is probably a proper name. Ludwig takes it in the sense +of a bond of friendship or alliance. The dark mares: there is no substautive, +and 4 mares’ is conjecturally supplied. According to Ludwig, the dark hosts +of the Dasyus conquered by Dasyave-vrika are intended, and the whole stanza +would be more correctly translated: + +'Then no more thought they of the great renown of the collective bond. + +The dark tribes rushed along the paths so that no eye could reach to them/ +See Ludwig’s Commentary, Vol. V, p. 552. + +2 The son of P&takratd: or, more probably, called Pautakrata after his +father Putakratu.—Ludwig. + +3 Slaves: discCn: conquered barbarians. + +4 Pieked out: or, adorned. Pdtakrald : the wife of Putakratu. + +I Ndsatyas: * truthful ones.’—Cowell. See Vol I,, Index. + +‘' 2 The Taree-and-Tflirty: or, Turice-Eleven. See I. 34. 11. The Ever- +Truthful: the Sun, whose approach is heralded by the Asvius. + + + +the rigveda. + + +267 + + +HtMN 11 ,] + +Accepting this our worship and libation, 0 Asvins bright with +fire, drink ye the Soma, + +3 Asvins, that work of yours deserves our wonder,—the Bull of + +heaven and earth and air’s mid region; + +Yea, and your thousand promises in battle,—to all of these +come near and drink beside us. + +4 Here is your portion laid for you, ye Holy: come to these + +songs of ours, 0 ye Nasatyas. + +Drink among us the Soma full of sweetness, and with your +powers assist the man who worships. + +HYMN' X. ^ Visvedevas. + +He whom the priests in sundry ways arranging the sacrifice, +of one accord, bring hither, + +Who was appointed as a learned Brkhman,—what is the sacri¬ +fice's knowledge of him? + +2 Kindled in many a spot, still One is Agni; Surya is One + +though high o’er all he shineth. + +Illumining this All, still One is Ushas, That which is One +hath into All developed. + +3 The chariot bright and radiant, treasure-laden, three-wheeled, + +with easy seat, and lightly rolling, + +Which She of Wondrous Wealth was born to harness,—this +car of yours I call. Drink what remaineth. + +HYMN Xr. Indra-Varuna. + +In offerings poured to you, 0 Indra-Varuna, these shares of +yours stream forth t o glorify your state. + +Ye haste to the libations at each sacrifice when ye assist the +worshipper who sheds the juice. + +2 The waters anl the plants, 0* Indra-Varuna, had efficacious + +vigour, and attained to might: + +3 The Bull: the Sun, whom, as his heralds and revealers, they may be said +to have created. Thousand promises: * a characteristic periphrasis for the +Maghavans, or wealthy nobles/—Ludwig. + +1 The hymn appears to consist of unconnected fragments, and the purport +of this stanza is not obvious. + +3 She of Wondrous Weatlh : Ushas or Dawn. Was horn io harness; or, as +Prof. Cowell translates : ‘At whose yoking the Dawn was bom.’ The chariot +of the Asvins precedes that of the Dawn. + +2 The waters and the plants: used in sacrifice ; the Soma-plan ta and the +water employed in preparing the juice for libation. The meauing of the +stanza seems t<> be : although you are far away in the most distant firmament, +our libations have had power to attract you. Regard us only : the godless +man is unworthy of your consideration even as an enemy. + + + +268 THE RIGVEDA. [ VALAKHJL7A . + +Ye who have gone beyond the path of middle air,—no godless +man is worthy to be called your foe. + +3 True is your Krisa’s word, Indra and Varuna: The seven holy +voices pour a wave of meath. + +For their sake, Lords of splendour I aid the pious man who, +unbewildered, keeps you ever in his thoughts. + +A Dropping oil, sweet with Soma, pouring forth their stream, +are the Seven Sisters in the seat of sacrifice. + +These, dropping oil, are yours, 0 Indra-Vanma: with these +enrich with gifts and help the worshipper. + +5 To our greftt happiness have we ascribed to these Two Bright + +Ones truthfulness, great strength, ai$ majesty. + +0 Lords of splendour, aid us through "the Three-times-Seven, +as we pour holy oil, 0 Indra-Varuna. + +6 What ye in time of old, Indra and Varuna, gave Ttishis—re¬ + +velation, thought, and power of song, + +And places which the wise made, weaving sacrifice,—these +through my spirit’s fervid glow have I beheld. + +7 0 Indra-Yaruna, grant to the wondiippers cheerfulness vpid + +of pride, and wealth to nourish them. + +Vouchsafe us food, prosperity, an<J progeny, and lengthen out +our days that we may see long life. + + +3 The seven holy voices: the voices of the seveii priests or sacred bards. +^ e c IX. 103. 3. A wave of meath; ‘astream of honey.’—Cowell. + +4 The Seven Sisters: ‘sister-streams of the Soma.’—Cowell. + +5 The Three-times-Seven: perhaps the Maruts, thrice-scven being used in¬ +definitely for a larger number consisting of troops of seven. Bee I. 133. 6. + +6 Revelation: srutam: that which wns heard (from Ahe beginning); sacred +knowledge. ‘Fame.’—Cowell. Places: perhaps, as Ludwig suggests, homes +in the world to come, which the wise Kishis have prepared for themselves by’ +performing sacrifice here below. Through my spirit's fervid glow: t&pasd: +according to Grassmann and Cowell, this tdpas means ‘the holy austerities 1 +of the Itisliis, and not the sacred fervour of the seer of the hymn. I have +followed Ludwig. + + + +BOOK THE NINTH. + + +HYMN X, Soma Pavam&na. + +In' sweetest and most gladdening stream flow pure, 0 Soma, + +on thy way, + +Pressed out for Indra, for his drink. + +2 Fiend-queller, Friend of all men, he hath with the wood at¬ + +tained unto + +His place, his iron-fashioned home. + +3 Bo thou best Vritra-slayer, best grantor of bliss, most liberal : + +Promote our wealthy princes’ gifts. + +4 Flow onward with thy juice unto the banquet of the Mighty + +Gods : + +Flow hither for our strength and fame. + +5 0 Inclu, we draw nigh to thee, with this one object day by day : + +To thee alone our prayers are said. + +6 By means of this eternal fleece may Surya’s Daughter purify + +Thy Soma that is foaming forth. + +7 Ten sister maids of slender form seize him within the press + +and hold + +Him firmly on the final day. + +8 The virgins send him forth ; they blow the skin musician¬ + +like, and fuse + +The triple foe-repelling meath, + +i Nearly all the hymns of this Book are addressedjto the deified Soma juice, + +! or to Soma, or Indu, thejMoon, who as containing the celestial nectar, the drink +of the Gods, is identified with the Soma-plant and its exhilarating juice. As + +i the Moon-God pours down his ambrosial:' r - d. 1 - J-1 - ■ sieve of heaven, he is + +addressed and worshipped as Pavamilua " 1 1 . ' represented by the + +Soma juice as it undergoes purification by flowing through the wool which +is used as a filter or strainer. See Muir, 0 . S, Texts, V. 258 sqq., Hillebrandfc, +Veclische Mt/ihologie, I, 385 sqq., and Max Muller, Chips, IV. 353—367. But cf« +Oldonberg, Religion des Veda , 5P9—612. + +•1 Flow pure : pdvasva: i purify thyself.’--Ludwig. + +2 With the loood: some wooden vessel or implement, perhaps the sruva or +dipping-spoon. Iron-fashioned home; receptacle that has been hammered or +formed with a tool of di/as, iron or other metal. It is nob clear what vessel is +intended. + +6 S&rytt's Daughter : Sradd lift or Faith. See 8 ttapatha-Brdhmana, XII, 7. + +3. n. + +7 Ten sister maids: the priest’s fingers. The final day: on which the Soma +is effused. + +8 Virgins: the unwedded ones: the fingers. Musician-like: or, as men +blow a bagpipe ; but the meaning of bdhurdm and the second half-line is nob +clear. * They seize it glittering like a water-skin,’—Wilson. + + +270 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX, + +9 Inviolable milch-kin© round about him blend, for Indra’s drink, + +The fresh young Soma with their milk, + +10 In the wild raptures of this draught, Indra slays all the + +Vritras : he, + +’The Hero, pours his wealth on us. + +HYMN II. Soma PavamAna, + +Soma, flow on, inviting Gods, speed to the purifying cloth : +Pass into Indra, as a Bull. + +2 As mighty food speed hitherward, Indu, as a most splendid + +Steer: + +Sit in thy place as one with strength. + +3 The well-loved meath was made to flow, the stream of the + +creative juice: + +The Sage drew waters to himself. + +4 The mighty waters, yea, the floods accompany thee Mighty One, +When thou wilt clothe thee with the milk. + +5 The lake is brightened in the floods. Soma, our Friend, + +heaven’s prop and stay, + +Falls on the purifying cloth. + +6 The tawny Bull hath bellowed, fai.v as mighty Mitra to behold: +He shines together with the Sun. + +7 Songs, Indu, active iii their might are beautified for thee, + +wherewith + +Thou deckest thee for our delight. + +8 To thee who givest ample room we pray, to win the joyous + +draught: + +Great are the praises due to thee. + +9 Indu, as Indra’s Friend, on us pour with a stream of sweet¬ + +ness, like + +Parjanya sender of the rain. + +10 Winner of kine, Indu, art thou, winner of heroes, steeds, and +strength : + +Primeval Soul of sacrifice. + + +3 The Sage: the Soma. Waters: with which the stalks of the plant are +sprinkled. + +5 The lake: the Soma juice. + +6 The tawny Bull: ‘ the golden-hued showerer of blessings. *—Wilson. The +strong greenish-yellow Soma juice. Hath bellowed; an exaggerated expression +for the sound made by the juice as it drops, but in keeping with its represent** +ation as a bull. + +9 Like Parjanya: enriching and blessing us as the rain-cloud fertilizes the +giound. + + + +HYMN 4 .] + + +TEE R1GVEDA. + + +m + + +HYMN II T. Soma Pavam&ng. + +Here present this Immortal God hies, like a bird upon her +wings. + +To settle in the vats of wood. + +2 This God, made ready with the hymn, runs swiftly through + +the winding ways, + +Inviolable as he flows. + +3 This God while flowing is adorned, like a bay steed for war, + +by men + +Devout and skilled in holy songs. + +4 He, like a warrior going forth with heroes, as he flows along +Is fain to win all precious boons. + +5 This God, as he is flowing on, speeds like a car and gives his gifts : +He lets his voice be heard of all. + +6 Praised by the sacred bards, this God dives into waters, and + +bestows + +Rich gifts upon the worshipper. + +7 Away he rushes with his stream, across the regions, into + +heaven, + +And roars as he is flowing on. + +8 While flowing, meet for ^sacrifice, he hath gone up to heaven + +across. + +The regions, irresistible. + +9 After the way of ancient time, this God, pressed out for + +Deities, + +Flows tawny to the straining-cloth. + +10 This Lord of many Holy Laws, even at his birth engendering +strength, * + +Effused, flows onward in a stream. + +HYMN IV. Soma Pavam&na. + +0 Soma flowing on thy way, win thou and conquer high re¬ +nown y + +And make us better than we are. + + +1 The vats of wood: dr&tidni : large wooden vessels, tubs or troughs, which +receive the Soma juice. + +2 The winding ways: of the wool which forms the strainer.—Ludwig. +‘ Rushes against the enemies/—Wilson. + +6 Dives into waters ; called vasativaryabt, with which the stalks of the Soma- +plant are sprinkled. + +9 Pressed out for Deities: the Soma juice being identified with the Amrit +or nectar, the drink of the Gods, contained in the Moon. + +1 Better than we are: or, happier than we are* + + +272 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +2 Win thou tlie light, win heavenly light,' and, Soma, all feli¬ + +cities ; + +And make us better than we are. + +3 Win skilful strength and mental power. 0 Soma, drive away + +our foes; + +And make us better than we are. + +4 Ye purifiers, purify Soma for Indra, for his drink : + +Make thou us better than we are. + +5 Give us our portion in the Sun through thine own mental + +power and aids; + +And make u-s better than we are. + +6 Through thine own mental power and aid long may we look + +upon the Sun; + +Make thou us better than we are. + +7 Well-weaponed Soma, pour to us a stream of riches doubly + +great; + +And make us better than we are. + +8 As one victorious, unsubdued in battle pour forth wealth to us; +And make us better than we are. + +9 By worship, Pavamkna! men have strengthened thee to prop + +the Law: + +Make thou us better than we are. + +10 0 Indu, bring us wealth in steeds, manifold, quickening all +life; + +And make us better than we are. + +HYMN Y. Aprts. + +Enkindled, Pavamana, Lord, sends forth his light on every side +In friendly show, the bellowing Bull. + +2 He, Pavamana, Self-produced, speeds onward sharpening his + +horns: + +He glitters through the firmament. + +3 Brilliant like wealth, adorable, with splendour PavamS.ua + +shines, + +Mightily with the streams of meath. + + +4 Purifiers: priests whose business is to purify the juice. Make thm • 0 +Soma + +9 ^ P]'°P tye Ira W : vidharmmi: ‘ for their own upholding.’—Wilson. + +‘ aU^rwching 1 ^VVilscm '* V( ^ yam ** ex P liiined SSyana as a sarvagdmhum : + +In this Apr! hymn attributes of Agni are transferred to Soma Pavam&na. + +8ambd f^ : . properly applicable to Agni. Thebellowinq +* he showerer ot blessings, uttering a loud sound. 1 ’—Wilson. 9 + +% Self -produced; Tmiln&p&t; properly a name of Agni ; here, the Moon. + + + +HYMN 6 .] + + +THE HIG VEDA. + + +m + + +4 The tawny Pavam&na, who strews from of old the r grass with + +might, + +Is worshipped, God amid the Gods. + +5 The golden, the Celestial Poors are lifted with their frames + +on high, + +By Pavamana glorified. + +6 With passion Pavamana longs for the great lofty Pair, well- + +formed, + +Like beauteous maidens, Night and Dawn. + +7 Both Gods who look on men I call, Celestial* Heralds : Jndra’s + +Self + +Is Pavamina, yea, the Bull. + +S' This, Pavamana’S sacrifice, shall the three beauteous Goddes¬ +ses, + +Sarasvati and Bharati and Ila, Mighty One, attend. + +9 I summon Tvashtar hither, our protector, champion, earliest- +born, + +Indu is Indra, tawny Steer; Pavamana is Prajapati. + +10 0 PavamAna, with the meath in streams* anoint Yanaspati, + +. The ever-green, the golden-hued, refulgent, with a thousand +boughs. ^ + +11 Come to the consecrating rite of Pavamana, all ye Gods,— +Yayu, Surya, Brihaspati, Indra, and Agni, in accord. + +HYMN YL Soma Pavamana. + +Soma, flow on with pleasant stream, a Bull devoted to the Gods, +Our Friend, unto the woollen sieve. + +2 Pour hitherward, as Indra’s Self, Indu, that gladdening + +stream of thine, + +And send us coursers full of strength. + +3 Flow to the filter hitherward, pouring, that ancient gladden¬ + +ing juice, + +.* Streaming forth power and high renown. + +4 Hither the sparkling drops have flowed, like waters down a + +steep descent: + +■ They have reached Indra purified. + + +5 The Celestial Doors: the doors of the hall of sacrifice are here identified +with the portals of the east through which light comes into the world. See +II; 3. 5. + +7 Celestial Heralds: seel. 13.8. Indra’s Self: indrah here is- explained +by S&yana as = dtptah ; ‘radiant.’—Wilson. + +10 Vanasjpati : the sacrificial state. + +11 The consecrating rite: svsth&kriiim: oblation accompanied with the +utterance of the sacred formula Sv&M. + + +18 + + + +[BOOK IX. + + +m TMM BY Mm OK + +■5 Whom, having passed the filter, ten dapxeg cleanse, as J twer@ +a vigorous steed, + +While he disports him in the wood,-—* +fi The steer-strong juice with milk pour forth, for feast and +service of the Gods, + +f ^-To him who bears away the draught. + +7 Effused, the God flows onward with his stream to Indra, to + +the God, + +So that his milk may strengthen him* + +8 Soul of the sacrifice, the juice effused flows quickly on : he + +keeps + +His ancient wisdom of a Sage. + +$ So pouring forth, as Indra’s Friend, strong drink, best Glad-* +dener ! for the feast, + +Thou, even in secret, storest hymns. + +HYMN VII, Soma Pavara&na. + +Forth on their way the glorious drops have flowed for main¬ +tenance of Law, + +Knowing this sacrifice’s course. + +2 Down in the mighty waters sinks the stream of meath, most + +excellent, ' » + +Oblation best of all in worth. + +3 About the holy place, the Steer true, guileless, noblest, hath + +sent forth + +Continuous voices in the wood. + +4 When, clothed in manly strength, the Sage flows in celestial + +wisdom round, + +The Strong would win the light of heaven. ' + +5 When purified, he sits as King above the hosts, among his folk, +What time the sages bring him nigh. + + +5 Whom: relative to juico in the following stanza. Ten dames: the fingers. +The wood: the vat or trough. + +0 To him who bears away the draught ; to Indra, Others take hhardya to +mean { for .strength or prowess in battle/ + +9 Even in secret: wisdom lies hidden in the Soma, and cannot be recog¬ +nized until one drinks the juice.—Ludwig. + +2 The mighty waters : the holy waters called vasatiraryah, + +3 In the wood; according to Sayaua, vane here udake, in the water. The +stanza'is very difficult, and I am unable to offer a satisfactory translation. + +4 The Strong ; Indra, ‘ Then the mighty (Indra) in heaven is eager to + +repair to the oblation/—Wilson. / + +5 Above the hosts, among his folic ; or, as preferred by Prof, Ludwig in his +Commentary, above the contending tribes or people (vteah). + + + + +HYMN 8.] THE RIGVELA. 275 + +6 Dear, golden-coloured, in the fleece he sinks, and settles in + +the wood : + +The Singer shows his zeal in hymns. + +7 He goes to Indra, Vayu, to the Asvins, as his custom is, + +With gladdening juice which gives them joy. + +8 The streams of pleasant Soma flow to Bhaga, Mitra-Varuna,— +Well-knowing through his mighty powers. + +9 Gain for us, 0 ye Heaven and Earth, riches of meath to win +us wealth : + +Gain for us treasures and renown. + +HYMN VIII. # Soma Pavam&n’a. + +Obeying Indra’s dear desire these Soma juices have flowed +forth, + +Increasing his heroic might. + +2 Laid in the bowl, pure-flowing on to Vayu and the Asvins, + +may + +■ These- give’ ns great heroic strength. + +3 Soma, as thou art purified, incite to bounty Indra/s heart, + +To sit in place of sacrifice. + +4 The ten swift fingers deck thee forth, seven ministers impel + +thee on *. + +The sages have rejoiced in thee. + +5 When through the filter thou art poured, we clothe thee with + +a robe of milk + +To be a gladdening draught for Gods. + +6 When purified within the jars, Soma, bright red and golden- + +hued, + +Hath clothed him with a robe of milk. + +7 Flow on to us and make us rich. Drive all our enemies away. +0 Indu, flow into thy Friend. + +8 Send down the rain from heaven, a stream of opulence from + +earth. Give us, + +0 Soma, victory in w r ar. + +9 May we obtain thee, Indra’s drink, who viewest men and + +findest light, + +Gain thee, and progeny and food. + +8 Well-knowing, through his mighty powers: that is, the streams that, +through the power of Soma, know the way they should go. ‘ The worshippers +knowing its (virtues are rewarded) with happiness.’—Wilson. + +7 Flow on to us and make us rich : or, * Flow to us wealthy,worshippers/ +Thy Friend ; Indra. Cf. IX. 2. L + + + +[BOOK IX. + + +27 TEE IIYM‘NS OP + +HYMN IX. Soma Pavarafttfa, + +The Sage of Heaven whose heart is wise, when laid between +both hands and pressed, + +Sends us delightful powers of life. + +2 On, onward to a glorious home; dear to the people void of + +guile, + +With excellent enjoyment, flow: + +3 He, the bright Son, when born illumed his Parents who had + +sprung to life, + +Great Son great Strengthened of Law. + +4* Urged by the seven devotions he liatli stirred the guileless +rivers which + +Have magnified the Single Eye. + +5 These helped to might the Youthful One, high over all, invin¬ + +cible, + +Even Indu, Indra! in thy law. + +6 The Immortal Courser,, good to draw, looks down upon the + +Seven: the fount +Hath satisfied the Goddesses. + +.7 Aid us in holy rites, 0 Man : 0 Pavarmna, drive away +Hark shades that must be met in fight. + +8 Make the paths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore: +Make the lights shine as erst they shone. + +9 Give, Pavamana, high renown, give kine and steeds and hero + +sons : + +Win for us wisdom, win the light. + +HYMN X. Soma Pavam&na. + +• + +Like cars that thunder on their way, like coursers eager for +renown, + +Have Soma-drops flowed forth for wealth. + +% Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariotsf +that are urged to speed, + +Like joyful songs of singing-men. + + +I The Sage of Heaven : the Soma. Both hands: naptybh': literally, two +granddaughters. According to S&yana, two boards used in pressing the Soma +are intended. See Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation. + +3 J3is Parents : mdtard; literally, his two mothers ; Heaven and Earth. + +£ Seven devotions; practised in the preparation of the Soma. S&yana Calces +sapta with nadi/ah; 'gladdens the seven guileless rivers.’—Wilson.’ Single +Bye: Soma, the Moon. + +- 6 Courser: the flowing Soma. The Seven; rivers. The fount: 'Full, as a +wfell, lie has'satisfied the divine'stream’s.’—Wilson. + +7 0 Man: manly Soma, ' ■ “ + + + +MYMN 11 .] TBE RIGYEBA. 277 + +3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced + +with eulogies, + +And, with seven priests, the sacrifice. + +4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abund¬ + +antly with song, + +The Soma juices in a stream, + +5 Winning Vivasv&n’s glory and .pi’oducing Morning’s light, the + +Suns + +Pass through the openings of the cloth. + +6 The singing-men of ancient time open the doors of sacred + +songs— # + +Men, for the mighty .to accept. + +7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother¬ + +hood, + +Filling the station of the One. + +8 He gives us kiuship with the Gods, and with the Sun rnnitea + +our eye: + +The Sag.e’s offspring hath appeared. + +9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heav¬ + +ens which priests ; + +Have placed within the sacred cell. + +HYMN XI. Soma Pavam&na, + +Sing forth .to Indu, 0 ye men, to him who now is purified, +Fain to pay worship to the Gods. + + +:5 The‘Suns -: so called as being creators of the light': ‘ the eun-bright +juices.’—Wilson. Vivasvdn: the morning Sun. + +6 Men, for the mighty to accept: c ;men, offerers of Soma;’ according to +S&yana. + +7 The seven priests: the adhvaryus who bring the water with which the +stalks of the Soma-plants are sprinkled. The One ; .Soma.—S&yana. + +8 He ■ ' ■ •. ■ 7 ’’ *- *’ Gods: I follow Prof. Pischel’s interpretation + +of this \ ..; unites our navel with the navel of the Gods, + +our eye wnn one aim, wias is, he brings us into union with the Gods in +heaven.’— Vedische Stitdien , I, 3 p. 69. 4 1 take into my navel the navel of the + +sacrifice [the Soma], * —Wilson. ‘He [Sonia] as kinsman has brought us a +kinsman [Surya].’—Ludwig. The Sage's offspring: a periphrasis for the Sage +himself, that is, Soma.—Ludwig. + +9 This stanza is very obscure. I have adopted Benfey’s explanation w&o +' here follows an occasional interpretation of div or dyulolca , given by the +Scholiast, which identifies it with >the dronalcalam or large Soma- trough. He +takes it as .meaning that the Sun looks towards the place where the-Soma .lies + +while it is pressed.S&yana seems to interpret this verse as meaning that + +Indra views the Soma with afteotion even after it has been drunk by the +priests [fixed in the heart].’—Cowell, in Wilson’s Translation, + + + + +278 TUB HYMNS OF [BOON /X + +2 Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvana have com* + +mingled milk, + +Divine, devoted to the God. + +3 Bring, by thy flowing, weal to kine, weal to the people, weal + +to steeds, + +Weal, 0 thou King, to growing plants. + +4 Sing a praise-song to Soma brown of lme, of independent might, +The Red, who reaches up to heaven. + +5 Purify Soma when effused with stones which hands move + +rapidly, + +And pour the sweet milk in the meath. + +6 With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the libation with + +the curds*. + +To Indra offer Indu up. + +7 Soma, foe-queller, chief o’er men, doing the will of Gods, + +pour forth + +Prosperity upon our kine. + +8 Heart-knower, Sovran of the heart, thou art effused, 0 Soma, that +Indra may drink thee and rejoice, + +0 0 Soma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,— + +Indu ! with Indra for ally. + +HYMN Xlt. Soma Pavamftna, + +To Indra have the Soma-drops, exceeding rich in sweets, been +poured, + +Shed in the seat of sacrifice. + +2 As mother kine low to their calves, to Indra have the sages + +called, + +Called him to drink the Soma juice. + +3 In the stream’s wave wise Soma dwells, distilling rapture, in + +his seat, + +Resting upon a wild-cow’s hide. + +4 Far-sighted Soma, Sage and Seer, is worshipped in the central + +point + +Of heaven, the straining-cloth of wool. + + +2 The Atharvans : tlie priests, who perform the duties of the Adbvaryus. + +3 Bing: the usual designation of Soma in the Br&hmana. + +4 The Bed: kad&chidarunavarndya; ‘ sometimes red-coloured/—S&yana. + +3 In the stream's wave: in the water with which the stalks are sprinkled. +Upon a wild-cow's hide: this, which is Benfey’s explanation of gaurt, seems +to he borne out by g6r adhi tvachi , upon the ox-hide, of IX. 101. 11. +S&yana’s interpretation is different; * to a chant in the middle tune.’ — Wilson. +i Of heaven ; divah : see IX. 10. 9, and note. + + + + +FtYM.V 13 .] + + +TMF }UQVFDA. + + +27 $ + +5 In close embraces Indu holds Soma when poured withiu the + +jars, + +Aud on the purifying sieve. + +6 Intlu sends forth a vo'ce on high to regions of the sea of air, + +Shaking the vase that drops with me&th, + +7 The Tree whose praises never fail yields heavenly milk among + +■ our hymns, + +Urging men’s generations on. + +8 The Wise One, with the Sage’s stream, the Soma urged to + +speed, flows on + +To the dear places of the sky. ^ + +9 G Pavam&ua, bring us wealth bright with a thousand splen¬ + +dours, yea, + +0 Indu, give us ready help. + +HYMN XIII, Soma Pavainin*. + +Passed through the fleece in thousand streams the Soma, +purified, flows on + +To Indra’s, Vayu’s special place. + +2 Sing forth, ye men who long for help, to PavamAna,to the Snge, + +Effused to entertain the Gods. + +8 The Si>ma-dt*Gps with thousand powers are purified for victory, + +Hymned to become the feast of Gods. + +4 Yea, as thou flowest bring great store of food that we may +win the spoil: + +Indu, bring splendid manly might. + +*5 May they in flowing give us wealth in thousands, and heroic . +power,— + +These Godlike Soma-drops effused. + +5 Indu holds Soma: ‘the deity seems to be thus opposed to the mei'e +plant.’—Cowell’s note Ludwig suggests that Indu here m\y be the Moon, +as the time of important liturgical ceremonies depends upon the Moon’s +phases. So also Hillebrandt, Y. M. } I., p. 316. + +6 To regions of the sea of air: or samtdrdsya hrre may mean, of the sea +or water into which the Soma juice falls. Shaking: or, perhaps, stirring +(with joy). I Vic vase: kdsam: the drona/calam, the large wooden vessel for +holding the juice. According to SAyana, who-»e interpretation I have followed +in the first line. Jcdsam here means the cloud. + +7 The Tree: Soma. Men's generations: sacrificial seasons, according to + +S&yana - + +1 fndra’s , Vdyu’s special place: the vessels especially prepared to hold +libations intended for Indra and V&yu. + +3 For victory: vftjas&taye: 1 for the attainment of food.’—Wilson. So +S&yaua in stanzas 3 and 4 ; but in 6 the word is explained by mngrdmdya, +to battle, in the first clause where lie inserts it after kigdnflh t urged, and by +annaldbhdya t for the attainment of food, in the second clause. + + + +THE HYMNS OF ' [BOOK IN, + +A Like coursers by their drivers urged, they -were poured forth, +for victory, + +Swift through the woollen straining-cloth. + +7 Noisily flow the Soma-drops, like miloh-kine lowing to their + +calves: + +They have ran forth from both the hands. + +8 As Gladdener whom Indra loves, 0 Pavam&na, with a roar +Drive all our enemies away. + +9 0 Pavamanas, driving off the godless, looking on the light, + +Sit in the place of sacrifice. + +- HYMN XIY. Soma Pavam&na. + +HbposinGt on the river’s wave the Sage hath widely flowed +around, + +Bearing the hymn which many love. + +2 When the Five kindred Companies, active in duty, with the + +song + +Establish him, the Powerful, + +3 Then in his j nice whose strength is great, have all the Cods + +rejoiced themselves, + +When he hath clothed him in the milk. + +4 Freeing himself he flows away, leaving his body’s severed limbs. +And meets his own Companion here. + +5 Be by the daughters of the priest, like a fair youth, hath been + +adorned, + +Making the milk, as ’twere, his robe. + +A O’er the fine fingers, through desire of milk, in winding course +he goes, + +And utters voice which he hath found. r + +7 The nimble fingers have approached, adorning him the Lord + +of Strength : + +They grasp the vigorous Courser’s back. + +8 With a roar: making a loucl noise in dropping. + +1 On the river's wave: in the vasativart waters, which are used to sprinkle +the stalks Bearing the hymn ; Prof. Gfelduer explains this as meaning, { Bear¬ +ing away th« much coveted prize,’ Soma being regarded as a courser or race¬ +horse. ^ See Veclische Studien , L, p. 120. + +2 Five kindred Companies : referring, probably, to some sacrifice instituted +in common by representatives of the five Aryan tribes. + +4 His own Companion: Indra. He meets : this (sangato hhavati) is Sdyana’s +explanation of s hnjighnate ; but it is not easy to see how the word can bear +this signification. + +5 Daughters : or granddaughters ; the fingers. + +6 Which he hath found : 1 which the worshipper recognizes.’——Wilson. + + + +HYMN 16;] THE MOV EVA. 281 + +§ Comprising all the treasures that are in the heavens and on +the earth, + +Come, Soma, as our faithful Friend, + +HYMN XY. Soma Favam&na# + +Through the fine fingers, with the song, this Hero comes with +rapid cars. + +Going to Indra’s special place, + +2 In holy thought he ponders much for the great worship of + +the Gods, + +Where the Immortals have their seat. + +3 Like a good horse is he led put, when on the path that shines + +with light + +The mettled steeds exert their strength. + +4 He brandishes his horns on high, and whets them, Bull who + +leads the herd, + +Doing with might heroic deeds. + +5 He moves, a vigorous Steed, adorned with beauteous rays of + +shining gold, + +Becoming Sovran of the streams. + +6 He, over places rough to pass, bringing rich treasures closely + +packed, + +Descends into the reservoirs. + +7 Men beautify him in the vats, him worthy to be beautified, +Him who brings forth abundant food. + +8 Him, even him, the fingers ten and the seven songs make + +beautiful, + +Well-weaponed, best of gladdeners. + +* HYMN XYI. Soma Pavam&na. + +The pressers from the Soma-press send forth thy juice for +rapturous joy: + +The speckled sap runs like a flood. + +1 ImdrtCs special place: f Indra’s abode.’—Wilson. In Hymn XIII. 3, + +nishh'itam is explained by S&yana as the vessel prepared and set apart. + +.3 Like a good horse: .the text has only Mtdh which may mean either good +.or placed. ‘ Placed (in the cart) he is brought.'—Wilson. + +4 Horns: cf. IX. 5. 2. + +5 Rays of shining gold : as the Moon. + +6 Places rough to pass: the wool of the strainer. S&yana gives a totally +different explanation of this stanza. .See Wilson’s Translation. I have follow¬ +ed Prof. Ludwig. + +8 Seven songs: the songs of the seven priests. + +1 From the Soma-press : onydh, ablative dual of onl, signifying apparently +an implement or a vessel, consisting of two pieces, used in the preparation + + + +282 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX, + +2 With strength we follow through the sieve him who brings + +might and wins the kine, + +Enrobed in water with his juice. + +3 Pour on the sieve the Soma, ne'er subdued in waters, waterless, +And make it pure for Indra's drink. + +4 Moved by the purifier’s thought, the Soma flows into the sieve : +By wisdom it hath gained its home. + +5 With humble homage, Indra, have the Soma-drops flowed forth + +to thee, + +Contending for the glorious prize. + +6 Purified in <his fleecy garb, attaining every beauty, he +Stands, hero-like, amid the kine. + +7 Swelling, as ’twere, to heights of heaven, the stream of the + +creative juice + +Falls lightly on the cleansing sieve. + +8 Thus, Soma, purifying him who knoweth song mid living men, +Thou wanderest through the cloth of wool. + +HYMN- XVII. Soma Pavam&ua, + +Like rivers down a steep descent, slaying the Vritras, full +of zeal, # + +The rapid Soma-streams have flowed. + +2 The drops of Soma juice effused fall like the rain upon the + +earth : + +To Tndra flow the Soma-streams. + +3 With swelling wave the gladdening drink, the Sonia, flows + +into the sieve, + +Loving the Gods and slaying fiends. + +4 It hastens to the pitches, poured upon the sieve it waxes + +strong + +At sacrifices through the lauds. + +5 Soma, thou shinest mounting heaven as ’twere above Fght's + +triple realm, + +And moving seenTst to speed the Sun. + + +of the Soma-juice. The word is said to be employed to denote, metapliori* +cally, heaven and earth. 1 They who express thee, the juice of heaven and +earth.’—Wilson. + +3 Waterless: clnaptam, which S4yana explains by an&plam, not reached, +or overtaken, by enemies. The meaning is not clear, + +4 Its home: in the large wooden vessel called dronakalam. + +5 Contending for the glorious prize: like race-horses. ‘ Giving thee vigour +for the great confliot.’—Wilson, + + +’’ 5 Addressed to Soma as the Moon. + + + +HYMN 19.] THE RIO VEDA ' 283 + +6 To him, the head of sacrifice, singers and bards have sung. + +their songs, + +Offering what he loves to see. + +7 The men, the sages with their hymns, eager for help, deck thee + +strong steed, + +Deck thee for service of the Gods. + +8 Flow onward to the stream of meath: rest efficacious in + +thy home, + +Fair, to be drunk at sacrifice. + +HYMN XVIII. Soma Pavam/ina. + +Thou, Soma, dweller on the hills, effused, hast flowed into +the sieve : + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +2 Thou art a sacred Bard, a Sage ; the meath is offspring of + +thy sap : + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +3 All Deities of one accord have come that they may drink + +of thee: + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +£ He who containeth in his hands all treasures much to be +desired : + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +5 Who milketh out this mighty Pair, the Earth and Heaven, + +like mother kine : + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +6 Who in a moment mightily floweth around these two world- + +halves : * + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +7 The Strong One, being purified, hath in the pitchers cried + +aloud : + +All-bounteous art thou in carouse. + +HYMN XIX. Soma PavamAna. + +0 Soma, being purified bring us the wondrous treasure, meet +For lauds, that is in earth and heaven. + + +6 The head of sacrifice: the most important element of the ceremony. +According to S&yana, at the head, that is, on the last and most important day +of the effusion of the Soma juice. Offer inf/ what he loves to see: s entertaining +affection for him the all-beholding/—Wilson. + +8 Meath : or honey. In thy home: in the dronahalasa , + +1 Dweller on the hills : * pressed between the stones/—Wilson. + + + +.2&4 THE HYMMS OF IBOOK 7X + +2 For ye Twain, Indra, .Soma, are Lords of the light, Lords of + +the kine: + +Great Rulers, prosper ye our .songs. + +3 The tawny Steer, while cleansed among the living, bellowing + +on the grass, + +Hath sunk and settled in his home. + +4 Over the Steer’s productive flow the sae.red -songs were + +resonant, + +The mothers of the darling Son. + +5 Hath he not, purified, impregned the kine who long to meet + +their Lol'd, + +The kine who yield the shining milk ? + +6 Bring near us those who stand .aloof; strike fear into our + +enemies: + +0 Payam&na, find us wealth. + +7 Soma, bring down the foeman’s might, his vigorous strength + +and vital power, + +Whether he be afar or near. + +HYMD7 XX. Soma PavamAna, + +Fobt# through the >straining-olOth the Sage flows to the +banquet of the Gods, + +Subduing all our enemies. + +’2 For he, as Pavamana, sends thousandfold treasure in the +shape + +Of cattle to the singing-men. + +3 Thou -graspest -aid things with thy mind, -and purifiest thee + +with thoughts : + +As such, 0 Soma, find us fame. + +4 Pour lofty glory on us, send sure riches to our liberal lords, +Bring food to those who sing thy praise. + +5 As thou art cleansed, 0 Wondrous Steed, 0 Soma, thou hast + +entered, like + +A pious King, into the songs. + +6 He, Soma, like a courser in the floods invincible, made clean +With hands, is resting .in the jars. + +4 .Hymns are sang over the Soma-stream, and are called -mothers of the +precious juice because it is prepared while they are sung. + +5 The kine: the vasativarl waters which long to mingle with the Soma, + +5 Steed: vahne: ‘ bearer (of our offerings).’—Wilson. + +6 Like a courser: 1 the bearer (of oblations)’.'*—Wilson. + + + + +iFtMN 22 .] !THE RIG VEDA . + + +285 * + + +7 Disporting, like a liberal chief, thon goest, Soma, to thesiev^,.. +Lending the laud a Hero’s strength. + +HYMN XXI. SomftPftvamAna. + +To Indra flow these running drops, these Sonias frolicsome in +mood. + +Exhilarating, finding light; + +2 Driving off foes, bestowing room upon the presser, willingly +Bringing their praiser vital force. + +3 Lightly disporting them, the di'ops flow to one common reservoir, + +And fall into the river’s wave. r + +A These Pavam&nas have obtained all blessings much to be desired, +Like coursers harnessed to a car. + +5 With view to us, 0 Soma-drops, bestow his manifold desire +On him who yet hath given us naught. + +6 Bring us our wish with this design, as a wright brings his new- + +wrought wheel: + +Flow pure and shining with the stream. + +7 These drops have cried with resonant voice : like swift Bteeds + +they have run the course, + +And roused the good map’s hymn to life. + +HYMN XXII. Soma Pavamfam. + +These rapid Soma-streams have stirred themselves to motion +like'string steeds, + +Like cars, like armies hurried forth. + +2 Swift as wide winds they lightly move, like rain-storms of. + +Par j any a, like + +The flickering flames of burning fire. + +3 These Soma juices, blent with curds, purified, skilled in sa¬ + +cred hymns, + +Have gained by song their hearts’ desire. + +A Immortal, cleansed, these drops, since first they flowed, have +never wearied, fain + +. To reach the region and the ir paths. __ + +7 Chief : S&yana explains makhah by ddntim, gift. + + +5 This stanza is obscure, and S&yana’s commentary is imperfect. It seems +thdt the Soma-drops are prayed to enrich the institutor of the sacrifice who +has not as yet rewarded the priests. + +7 Run tKt c outsb : reached the dvonhlccilcisct. + + +3 By song: vvptt: by knowledge, according to S&yana. The Bt. Petersb. +Diet, explains vip as-the twigs (cf. vepres) which form the bottom of +funnel and support the filtering-cloth/—Cowell, m WilsdH s Translation. + + + +TNM HYMNS OF + + +S86 + + +[BOOH IX* + + +* 5 Advnncing they have travelled o'er the ridges of the earth +and heaven, + +And this the highest realm of all. + +6 Over the heights have they attained the highest thread that + +is spun oat, + +And this which must he deemed most high. + +7 Thou, Soma, holdest wealth in kine which thou hast seized + +from niggard churls: + +Thou calledst forth the outspun thread. + +HYMN XXIII. Soma Pavamftna, + +Swift Soma®drops have been effused in stream of meath, the +gladdening drink, + +For sacred lore of every kind. + +2 Hither to newer resting-place the ancient Living Ones are + +come. + +They made the Sun that he might shine. + +3 0 Pavamana, bring to us the imsaorifioing foemail's wealth, +And give us food with progeny. + +4 The living Somas being cleansed diffuse exhilarating drink, +Turned to the vat which drips with meath., + +5. Soma flows on intelligent, possessing sap and mighty strength, +Brave Hero who repels the curse. + +6 For Indra, Soma ! thou art cleansed, a feast-companion for + +the Gods : + +Indu, thou fain wilt win us strength. + +7 When he had drunken draughts of this, Indra smote down + +resistless foes : + +Yea, smote them, and shall smite them still! + +HYMN X\[V. Soma Pavam&na. + +Hitherward have the Somas streamed, the drops while they +are purified : + +^ When blent, in waters they are rinsed. + +6 Or, 'Streams rushing down have filled the threads, most excellent, spread + +out beneath'; that is, the threads of J1 ' ■. . See note in Wilson. + +According to S&yana * the .thread ’ it : : . ■ this which must be + +pe.ep.ied most high ’ may be, as Ludwig suggests, the place of sacrifice which +w also to be held holy. Wilson translates the second line*.—‘this rite ia +glorified thereby.’ + +7 From niggard churls: or from, the Papis, Thou calledst out the outspun +thread: thou hast called aloud at the outspread sacrifice.’—Wilson, + +2 i\W resting-place: a newly-prepared place of sacrifice. The ancient +Living Ones ; the Soma-drops. + + + +11YMN 25] + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +2S7 + +2 The milk hath run to meet them like floods rushing down a + +precipice : + +They'come to Indra, being cleansed. + +3 0 Soma Pavamana, thou art flowing to be Indra’s drink : + +The men have seized and lead thee forth. + +4: Victorious, to be hailed with joy, 0 Soma, flow, delighting +men, + +To him who ruleth o’er mankind. + +5 Thou, Indu, when, effused by stones, thou runnest to the + +filter, art + +Ready for Indra’s high decree. * + +6 Flow on, best Vyitra-slayer ; flow meet to be hailed with joyful + +lauds. + +Pure, purifying, wonderful. + +7 Pure, purifying is he called the Soma of the meath effused. +Slayer of sinners, dear to Gods. + +HYMN XXV. Soma Pavamana. + +Green-hited ! as oue who giveth strength flow on for Gods to +drink, a draught +For Vayu and the Marut^host. + +2 0 Pavamana, sent by song, roaring about thy dwelling-place. +Pass into Vayu as Law bids. + +3 The Steer shines with the Deities, dear Sage in his appointed + +home, + +Foe-slayer, most beloved by Gods. + +4 Taking each beauteous form, he goes, desirable, while purified,. +Thither where the Immortals sit. + +5 To Indra Soma flows, the Red, engendering song, exceeding + +wise, + +The visitor of living men. + +4 To him who ruleth o’er mankind: to Indra. + +5 Ready for Indra’% high decree: Wilson, following S&yana, translates ; +f an ample portion for Indra’s belly/ See Bergaigne, La Religion V&diquc, +III. 210 ff., for the meaning of dMnian in the Rigveda. + +2 Into Ydyu: into the vessel appropriated to V&yu. —Qftyana. + +5 The Red: arvshdh ; here explained by Sftyana as = drochamdnah , shining +or radiant The visitor of living men: dyushdk; the meaning of this word +is uncerUm. The St. Petersburg Lexicon explains it as, conjointly with +men ; with human co-operation. Ludwig in his translation renders it by +‘dor den lebenden besucht/ who visits the living man ; but in his Comment¬ +ary suggests that it may mean, during the whole of life. ‘Constantly/—. +Wilson, + + + +TEE HYMNS OH + + +[BOOK IX. + +6 Flow, best exhilarate, Sage, flow to the filter in a stream +To seat thee in the place of song. + +HYMN XXVI. Soma Pavamdna. + +The sages with the fingers’ art have dressed and decked* that +vigorous Steed +Upon the lap of Aditi. + +2 The kine have called aloud 1 to him exhaustless with a thou¬ + +sand streams, + +To Indu who supporteth heaven. + +3 Him, nourisher of many, Sage, creative Pavamana, they +Have sent, by wisdom, to the sky. + +4 Him, dweller with Vivasvan, they with use of both arms have + +sent forth, + +The Lord of Speech infallible. + +5 Him, green, beloved, many-eyed, the Sisters with the pressing- + +stones + +Send down to ridges of the sieve. + +6 0 Pavaihatia, Indu, priests hurry thee on to Indra, thee +Who aidest song and cheerest him. + +HYMN XXVII. Soma PavamAna. + +This Sage, exalted by our lauds, flows to the purifying cloth, + +. Scattering foes as he is cleansed. + +2 As giving power and winning light, for Indra and for V&yu he +Is poured upon the filtering-cloth. + +3 The men conduct him, Soma, Steer, Omniscient, and the Head + +of Heaven, + +* Effused into the vats of wood. + + +6 Of song: arkdsya; archaniyasyendrasya, of the adorable Indra, accord¬ +ing to Sftyana. Arka has two meanings in the Bigveda (1) song or hymn of +praise and (2) light or splendour. See Pischel, Vedische iStudien , X. pp. 23—26. + +1 Aditi: the earth. + +2 The bine: who supply the milk that is mixed with the Soma juice. + +4 P' * ' ere the sacrifices Of both arms; bhiuijoh; accord¬ +ing to " . ■ arms of the body. The St. Petersburg Lexicon + +explains the word as meaning a sort of vice or implement for holding wood +wliile it is being cut. Lord of speech: making men eloquent. + +5 Many-eyed: ( far-beholding.’—Wilson. The Sisters: the fingers of the + +officiating priest. _ + +3 Omniscient: or,* all-possessing. Phis of wood: vdneshu: according to +Benfey, into the streams of water. + + +HYMN 29.] THE RIGYE&A. m- + +4 Longing for kine, longing for gold hath Indu Pavamana lowed, +Still Conqueror, never overcome. + +5 This Pavam&na, gladdening draught, drops on the filtering - + +cloth, and then + +Mounts up with Surya to the sky. + +6 To Indra in the firmament this mighty tawny Steer hath flowed, +This Indu, being purified. + +HYMN XXYIII. Soma PavamAna. + +Urged by the men, this vigorous Steed, Lord of the mind, +Omniscient, + +Runs to the woollen straining-cloth. + +2 Within the filter hath he flowed, this Soma for the Gods + +effused, + +Entering all their essences. + +3 He shines in beauty there, this God Immortal in his dwelling- + +place, + +Foe-slayer, dearest to the Gods. + +4 Directed by the Sisters ten, bellowing on his way this Steer +Runs onward to the wooden vats. + +5 This Pavam&na, swift and strong, Omniscient, gave splendour + +to + +The Sun and all his forms of light. + +6 This Soma, being purified, flows mighty and infallible, + +Slayer of sinners, dear to Gods. + +HYMN XXIX. Soma Pavam4na. + +Forward with mighty force have flowed the currents of this +Steer effused,„ + +Of him who sets him by the Gods. + +2 The singers praise him with their song, and learned priests + +adorn the Steed, + +Brought forth as light that merits laud. + +3 These things thou winnest lightly while purified, Soma, Lord + +of wealth : + +Fill full the sea that claims our praise. + + +4 Longing for Jane: who supply milk to mix with the Soma juice. Gold ; +worn on the finger of the priest who presses out the juice. Lowed: made +a noise in dropping. + +5 Mounts up: as the Moon. + +1 Who sets him ly the Gods: or, who decorates the Gods. ‘Who seeks to +surpass the gods.’—Wilson. + +3 These things; for which we pray. The sea,: the Soma-vat or reservoir. +19 + + + +290 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +4 Winning all precious things at once, flow on, 0 Soma, with + +thy stream: + +Drive to one place our enemies. + +5 Preserve us from the godless, from ill-omened voice of one + +and all, + +That so we may be freed from blame. + +6 0 Indu, as thou flowest on bring us the wealth of earth and + +heaven, + +And splendid vigour, in thy stream. + +HYMN XXX. Soma PavamAna, + +Streams of this Potent One have flowed easily to the strain¬ +ing-cloth : + +While he is cleansed he lifts his voice. + +2 Indu, by pressevs urged to speed, bellowing out while beautified +Sends forth a very mighty sound. + +3 Pour on us, Soma, with thy stream man-conquering might + +which many crave, + +Accompanied with hero sons. + +4 Plitlier hath Pavamana flowed, Soma flowed hither in a stream, +To settle in the vats of wood. f ,, + +5 To waters with the stones they drive thee tawny-hued, most + +rich in sweets, + +0 Indu, to be Indra’s drink. + +6 For Indra,for the Thunderer press the Soma very rich in sweets, +Lovely, inspiriting, for strength. + +HYMN XXXI. Soma. Pavamana. + +The Soma-drops, benevolent, come forth'as they are purified. +Bestowing wealth which all may see. + +2 0 Indu, high o'er heaven and earth be thou, incrcaser of our + +might: + +The Master of all strength be thou. + +3 The winds are gracious in their love to thee, the rivers flow + +to thee: + +Soma, they multiply thy power. + +5 IU-opiened voice: svccndt, explained by S&yaria as - §abdft"ri~rf'iriipd‘. sovnrl +or word in the form of blame; the raging fury of the deniv.-:: ;,r Use i/odiova +man, according to Grassmann. _ + +2 A very mighty sound: or, a sound which Indra loves. + +1 Wealth which all may see: f intellectual wealth.'—Wilson. + +S The winds; cf. ' Vftyu is Soma’s guardian God’ (X. 85. 5 ). + + + +the mar eda. + + +HYMN 32 .] + + +291 + + +4 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite + +in thee: + +Be in the gathering-place of strength. + +5 For thee, brown-hued ! the kine have poured imperishable oil + +and milk + +Aloft on the sublimest height. + +6 Friendship, 0 Indu, we desire with thee who bearest noble + +arms, + +With thee, 0 Lord of all that is. + +HYMN XXXII. Soma Pavamdna. + +The rapture-shedding Soma-drops, effused in* our assembly, +have + +Flowed forth to glorify our prince. + +2 Then Trita’s Maidens onward urge the Tawny-coloured with + +• the stones, + +Indu for Indra, for his drink, . + +3 Now like a swan he maketh all the company sing each his + +hymn: + +He, like a steed, is bathed in milk. + +4 0 Soma, viewing heaven and earth, thou runnest like a dart¬ + +ing deer: * + +Set in the place of sacrifice. + +5 The cows have sung with joy to him, even as a woman to her + +love: + +He came as to a settled race, + +6 Bestow illustrious fame on us, both on our liberal lords and me, +Glory, intelligence, and wealth. + +4 This stanza has occurred*before. Seel. 91.16. .Be in the gathering place +of strength: be the central point and source of all power, + +5 The kine : of the clouds, the waters. Oil and milk ; sweet and fertilizing +rain. Or the cows who supply milk for the libation may be intended, in +which case * the sublimest ’ would be the place of sacrifice. + + +1 Our prince: the noble who institutes the sacrifice. + +2 Trita’s Maidens: the fingers of the priest. See IX. 38. 2, + +3 Like a swan: as a sentinel hansa (swan, wild-goose, or flamingo) at the +approach of danger sounds a note of alarm which is answered by all the +rest.—-Ludwig. + +\ t'q -*-- 1 — taktah with ( thou/ Soma, and explains it by + +■' i sq,n> being mixed with milk, curds, etc. Else- +v. \ * swift/ + +5 Cows ; praises, according to Sftyapa. As to a settled race; as a horse is +brought to run a race that has been arranged. * As a hero hastens to the +welcome contest.’—Wilson. + + + +292 TMB HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +HYMN XXXIII. Soma Pavam&na. + +Like waves of waters, skilled in song tlie juices of the Soma +speed + +Onward, as buffaloes to woods. + +2 With stream of sacrifice the brown bright drops have flowed + +with strength in store +Of ki-ne into the wooden vats. + +3 To Indra, Vayu, Yaruna, to Vishnu, and the Maruts, flow +The drops of Soma juice effused. + +4 Three several words are uttered: kine are lowing, cows who + +give thei£ milk: + +The Tawny-hued goes bellowing on. + +5 The young and sacred mothers of the holy rite have uttered + +praise: + +They decorate the Child of Heaven. + +6 From every side, 0 Soma, for our profit, pour thou forth + +four seas + +Filled full of riches thousandfold. + +JBYMN XXXIY. Soma Pavam&na. + +The drop of Soma juice effused flojvs onward with this stream +impelled, + +Bending strong places, with its might. + +2 Poured forth, to Indra, Yaruna, to V&yu and the Marut host, +To Vishnu, flows the Soma juice. + +3 With stones they press the Soma forth, the Strong conducted + +by the strong: + +They milk the liquor out with skill. + +4 J Tis he whom Trita must refine, ’tis he who shall make Indra + +glad: + +The Tawny One is decked with tints. + + +4 Three several words: according to S&yana, trividhd stutih , praise of three +kinds, from the three Vedas. ‘ The priests utter the three sacred texts.’— +Wilson. Probably three triplets chanted during the ceremony. See Bergaigne, +I. 288. + +5 Mothers of the holy rite: apparently, the cows who supply milk for +libations. The Child of Heaven: the Soma, which, according to a text quoted +by S Ay ana, ‘ was in the third heaven from hence.’ + +6 Four seas; imaginary seas, to correspond with the four quarters of heaven. + +1 Strong places: the strongholds of enemies, the fiends who withhold the +rain. + +4 Trita: the preparer of the Celestial Soma. + + + +HYMN 36.] + + +THE R1GVEDA. + + +293 + + +5 Him do the Sons of Prism milk, the dwelling-place of sacrifice, +Oblation lovely and most dear. + +6 To him in one united stream these songs flow on straight + +forward: he, + +Loud-voiced, hath made the milch-kine low. + +HYMN XXXV. Soma Pavam&na. + +Pour forth on us abundant wealth, 0 Pavamana, with thy +stream, + +Wherewith thou mayest And us light. + +2 0 Indu, swayer of the sea, shaker of all things, flow thou on, + +Bearer of wealth to us with might. % + +3 With thee for Hero, Valiant One ! may we subdue our ene¬ + +mies : + +Let what is precious flow to us. + +4 Indu arouses strength, the Sage who strives for victory, + +winning power, + +Discovering holy works and means. + +5 Mover of speech, we robe him with our songs as he is purified, +Soma, the Guardian of the folk ; + +6 On whose way, Lord of Holy Law, most rich, as he is purified, +The people all have set*their hearts. + +HYMN XXXVI. Soma Pavam&na. + +Forth from the mortar is the juice sent, like a car-horse, to +the sieve: + +The Steed steps forward to the goal. + +2 Thus, Soma, watchful, bearing well, cheering the Gods, flow +past the sieve, + +Turned to the vat that drops with meath. + + +5 2T* ' r1 ' ,71 '' sacrifice: the Soma-plant contains within itself the + +chief ■. ■ . . and the preparation of the juice ia only the devel¬ + +opment of its nature.—Ludwig. + +2 The sea : the reservoir of Soma juice. + +4 Discovering holy works and means: ( acquainted with sacred rites arid +arms/—Wilson. + +6 On whose way : on whose statutes or decrees. + +1 To the goal: k&rshman: apparently, a line or furrow drawn across the +end of the race-course. In I. 116. 17, S&yana explains Tcttrshman as a piece +of wood serving as a goal, but in this place he takes it to mean, * the God- +attracting battle-field called a sacrifice,’ devdndtfidkarshanavati yajndfchye sang- +rdme. See Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation* + +2 The vat ; the dronahalasa. + + +294 THE HYMNS OH [BOOK. IX + +3 Excellent Pavam&na, make the lights shine brightly out + +for us: 1 ^ + +Speed us to mental power and skill. + +4 He, beautified by pious men, and coming from their hands + +adorned, + +Flows through the fleecy straining-cloth. + +5 May Soma pour all treasures of the heavens, the earth, the + +firmament + +Upon the liberal worshipper. + +6 Thou mountest to the- height of heaven, 0 Soma, seeking + +steeds and kine, + +And seeking heroes, Lord of Strength! + +HYMN XXXVIL Soma PavamAna. + +Soma, the Steer, effused for draught, flows to the purifying sieve, +Slaying the fiends, loving the Gods. + +2 Far-sighted, tawny-coloured, he flows to the sieve, intelligent, +Bellowing, to his place of rest. + +3 This vigorous Pavamana runs forth to the luminous realm of + +heaven, + +Fiend-slayer, through the fleecy sieve. + +4 This Pavam&na up above Trita’s high ridge hath made the Sun, +Together with the Sisters, shine. + +5 This Vritra-slaying Steer, effused, Soma, room-giver, ne’er + +deceived, + +Hath gone, as ’twere, to win the spoil. + +6 Urged onward by the sage, the God speeds forward to the + +casks of wood, ^ * + +Indu to Indra willingly. + +HYMN XXXVIII. Soma Pavam&na. + +This Steer, this Chariot, rushes through the woollen filter, +as he goes + +To war that wins a thousand spoils. + + +1 For draught: pUdye ; f for the drinking (of the gods)/—Wilson. + +2 Intelligent : or, endowed with strength. + +4 TrittCs high ridge : according to Sityapa, { the high place (of the sacrifice) +of Trita’ the Itishi. Bat the heavenly home of Trifca, the celestial preparer of +the Soma for Indra, is intended. The Sisters: the Dawns. + +6 Willingly; mahhdnd: ‘plenteously.’—Ludwig. 4 In his might.’—Cowell. + +1 To war that wins a thousand spoils : more literally, to thousandfold booty, +or deed of might, + + +THE RIO VEDA. + + +295 + + +HYMN 39 .] + + +2 The Dames of Trita with the stones onward impel this +Tawny One, + +Indu to Indra for his drink. + +S Ten active fingers carefully adorn him here; they make him +bright + +And beauteous for the gladdening draught. + +4 He like a falcon settles down amid tho families of men, +Speeding like lover to his love. + +5 This young exhilarating juice looks downward from its place + +in heaveu, + +This Soma-drop that-pierced the sieve. + +6 Poured for the draught, this tawny juice flows forth, intel¬ + +ligent, crying out,* + +Unto the well-belov&d place. + +HYMN XXXIX. Soma Pavamftna. + +Flow on, 0 thou of lofty thought, How swift in thy beloved +form, + +Saying, I go whore dwell the Gods. + +2 Preparing what is unprepared, and bringing store of food + +to man, + +Make thou- the raiu despond from heaven. + +3 With might, bestowing power, the juice enters the purifying + +sieve, + +Far-seeing, sending forth its light. + +4 This is it which in rapid course hath with the river’s wave + +flowed down + +From heaven upon fhe straining-cloth. + +5 Inviting him from far away, and even from near at hand, the + +j uice + +' For Indra is poured forth as meath. + +6 In union they have sung the hymn: with stones they urge the + +Tawny One. + +Sit in the place of sacrifice. + + +2 The Dames of Trita; as Trita is the celestial purifier of tlie Soma, the +fingers of the earthly purifiers are called his dames, or his maidens as in +IX. 32. *2. + +5 From its place in heaven: or divdh may be the genitive case, taken with +sfsnh, the Child of Heaven, as in IX. 33. 5. + +6 The well-beloved 'place: the dronakalasa or vat in which it rests. + +2 Preparing what is unprepared: 4 consecrating the uuconsecrated worship¬ +per or place, 1 is S^,yana’s explanation. + +6 -Sit; 0 Gods.—S&yana. + + +TME HYMNS OP + + +m + + +[JBfiOP IX. + + +HYMN XL. ' • + +The Very Active hath assailed, while purified, all enemies.: +They deck the Sage with holy songs. + +2 The Red hath mounted to his place; to Indra goes the mighty + +juice: + +He settles in his firm abode. + +3 0 Indu, Soma, send us now great opulence from every side, +Pour on us treasures thousandfold. + +4 0 Soma Pavam&na, bring, Indu, all splendours hitherward: +Find for us food in boundless store. + +5 As thou arte cleansed, bring hero strength and riches to thy + +worshipper, + +And prosper thou the singer’s hymns.' + +6 0 Indu, Soma, being cleansed, bring hither riches doubly- + +piled, + +Wealth, mighty Indu, meet for lauds. + +HYMN XLI. Soma Pavamdna. + +Active and bright have they come forth, impetuous in speed +like bulls, + +Driving the black skin far away. + +3 Quelling the riteless Dasyu, may we think upon the bridge of +bliss, + +Leaving the bridge of woe behind, + +3 The mighty Pavamana’s roar is heard as ’twere the rush of rain : +Lightnings are flashing to the sky. + +4 Pour out on us abundant food, when thou art pressed, 0 Indu, + +wealth + +In kine and gold and steeds and spoil. + +5 Flow on thy way, Most Active, thou ; fill full the mighty heav¬ + +ens and earth, + +As Dawn, as S&rya with his beams. + + +2 The Red; Soma. His place; th q dronahalasd, or reservoir. His firm, +abode; heaven. + +■ ,T - 7 . dvibdrhasam.; according to S4yaua, 'from both worlds, + +1 . = + + +I They; the Soma juices. The blade shin; meaning, apparently, both the +black pall or covering of night and the R&kshasas or dark-skinned Dasyus or +hostile aborigines. + +3 The cleansing of the terrestrial Soma is identified with the puri6 cation +of the celestial nectar accompanied by rain and lightning. See HillebrandL +V. M. 343, 362. + + +HYMN 43.] FBE MIQVEDA. 297 + +6 On every side, 0 Soma, flow ’round us with thy protecting +stream, + +As Rasa flows around the world. + +HYMN XLIL Soma Pavam4na. + +Engendering the Sun in floods, engendering heaven's lights, + +green-hued, + +Robed in the waters and the milk, + +2 According to primeval plan this Soma, with his stream, effused +Flows purely on, a God for Gods. + +3 For him victorious, waxen great, the juices with a thousand + +powers " + +Are purified for winning spoil. + +4 Shedding the ancient fluid he is poured into the cleansing sieve: +He, thundering, hath produced the Gods. + +5 Soma, while purifying, sends hither all things to be desired, +He sends the G 9 ds who strengthen Law. + +6 Soma, effused, pour on us wealth in kine, in heroes, steeds, + +and spoil, + +Send us abundant store of food. + +.H^MN XLIII. Soma Pavamdna. + +We will enrobe with sacred song the Lovely One who, as a +Steed, + +Is decked with milk for rapturous joy. + +2 All songs of ours desiring grace adorn him in the ancient way, +Indu for Indra, for his drink. + +3 Soma flows ou when purified, beloved and adorned with songs, +Songs of the sage Medhy&tithi. + +4 0 Soma Pavam&na, find exceeding glorious wealth for ns, +Wealth, Indu, fraught with boundless might. + +5 Like courser racing to the prize Indu, the lover of the Gods, +Roars, as he passes, in the sieve. + +6 Rasd: a mythical stream that flows round the atmosphere and the earth. +See V. 41. 15, and X. 108. 1. + +1 In -floods; in the waters on high ; in the firmament. + +4 Hath produced the Gods: yatra somo ’bhisMyate tatra devd myatamprddur - +lhavanti; where Soma is effused, there the gods constantly appear.—S&yana. + +I a steed: is bathed in water. For rapturous joy: ( for the exhilaration +(of the gods)/—Wilson. + +8 MedhydtitJU: the Rishi of the hymn. + +5 Racing to the prize: vdjasrit ; 4 rushing into battle. — Wilson. + + + + +298 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH IX + +6 Flow on thy way to win' ns strength, to speed the sage who +praises thee: + +Soma, bestow heroic power. + +HYMN XLIV. Soma Pavamdna. + +Indtj, to us for this, great rite, bearing as Twere thy wave to +Gods, + +Unwearied, thou art flowing forth. + +2 Pleased with the hymn, impelled by prayer, Soma is hurried +far away, + +The Wise One in the Singer’s stream. + +Z Watchful among the Gods, this juice advances to the cleans¬ +ing sieve ; + +Soma, most active, travels on. + +4 Flow onward, seeking strength for us, embellishing the sacri¬ +fice : + +The priest with trimmed grass calleth thee. + +£> May Soma, ever bringing power to Bhaga and to Vayu, Sage +And Hero, lead us to the Gods. + +6 So, to increase our wealth to-day, Inspirer, best of Furtherers, +Win for us strength and high renown. + +HYMN XLY. SomaPavamd.ua. + +Flow, thou who viewest men, to give delight, to entertain the +Gods, + +Indu, to Indra for hk drink. + +2 Stream to thine embassy for us : thou hastenest, for Indra, to +Tho Gods, 0 better than our friends. + +3 We balm thee, red of hue, with milk to fit thee for the rap¬ + +turous joy : + +Unbar for us the doors of wealth. + + +6 Heroic power: ‘excelleut male offspring/—Wilson. + + +1 For this great rite: 1 to give us abundant wealth/—Wilson. Umoearied : +ayasyah: according to S&yana, this is the name of the Bishi: ( Ay&sya +(goeth) towards the gods (in sacrifice)/—Wilson. + + +2 Thou hastenest: Sftyana gives a different explanation of this part of the +stanza: * thou (who) arfc drunk for Indra, (pour) on the gods wealth for (us +their) friends/—Wilson. I have adopted Ludwig’s interpretation. + +3 We balm thee, red of hue: or, ( Yea, we adorn thee, red/ For the rap¬ +turous jog : muddy a: ‘for the purpose of exhilaration/—Wilson. + + + +4 % * + +'v/fS mm ■ + +W-'MYMN 40.] THE U1QYEDA. 299 + +; + +if 4 He through the sieve hath passed, as comes a courser to the +pole, to run : ’ + +Indu belongs unto the Gods. + +5 All friends have lauded him as he sports in the wood, beyond + +the fleece : + +Singers have chanted Indu’s praise. + +6 Flow, Indu, with that stream wherein steeped thou announc- + +est to the man + +Who worships thee heroic strength. + +HYMN XLYI. Soma PavamAna. + +Like able coursers they have been sent forth be the feast +of Gods, + +Joying in mountains, flowing on. + +2 To Yayu flow the Soma-streams, the drops of juice made + +beautiful + +Like a bride dowered by her sire. + +3 Pressed in the mortar, these, the drops of juice, the Somas + +rich in food, + +Give strength to Indra with their work. + +4 Deft-handed men, run hither, seize the brilliant juices blent + +with meal, + +And cook with milk the gladdening draught. + +5 Thus, Soma, Conqueror of wealth ! flow, finding furtherance + +for us, + +Giver of ample opulence. + +6 This Pavamana, meet to be adorned, the fingers ten adorn, +The draught that shall make Indra glad. + + +4 To the pole; the meaning of dhuram here is not clear, and the compari¬ +son is not obvious. ‘ As a horse in going passes the shaft (of the chariot).’— + +.Wilson. ‘As a horse (presses) through the yoke,’—Grassmann. Ludwig +suggests ‘ hedge ’ or * barrier ’ as the probable meaning of the word in this +place. + +5 In the wood } beyond the fleece; when he has passed through the woollen +strainer and fallen into the wooden trough or vat. Singers : ndvfth : shouts +of joy, according to the St. Petersburg Lexicon. + +1 They have been sent forth : dsrigran (effusi sunt) is applicable both to the +effused Soma-drops and to horses loosed or started for a race. Joying in +mountains : coming from plants grown on hills, + +2 Dowered by her sire ; meaning, perhaps, possessed of property inherited +from her father. + +4 Deft-handed: suhastyak cannot be satisfactorily accounted for. Stikastyd , +a dual, may have been the original reading. See Ludwig’s Comment-ary, Yol. +V., pp, 347, 348. + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOQK /X + +, HYMN XLYII. Soma PavamAna. + +Great as he was, Soma hath gained strength hy this. high*** +solemnity : + +Joyous he riseth like a bull* + +2 His task is done: his crushings of the Dasyus are made + +manifest: + +He sternly reekoneth their debts. + +3 ‘Soon as his song of praise is born, the Soma, Indra’s juice, + +becomes + +A thousand-winning thunderbolt. + +‘ 4 Seer and S^astainer, he himself desireth riches for the sage +When he embellisheth his songs. + +5 Fain would they both win riches as in races of the steeds. In war +Thou art upon the conquerors’ side. + +HYMN XLYIII. Soma PavamAna. + +With sacrifice we seek to thee kind Cherisher of manly might +In mansions of the lofty heavens; + +2 Gladdening, crusher of the bold, ruling with very mighty sway, +Destroyer of a hundred forts. + +3 Hence, Sapient One! the Falcon, strong of wing, unwearied, + +brought thee down, + +Lord over riches, from the sky. + +4 That each may see the light, the Bird brought us the guard + +of Law, the Friend +Of all, the speeder through the air. + +5 And now, sent forth, it hath attained to mighty power and + +majesty, + +Most active, ready to assist. + + +1 Riseth : or, roareth. Sctbdam learoti, —SAyapa. v + +2 lie sternly reekoneth their debts: ‘ resolute he acquits the debts (of the +worshipper).*—Wilson. + +3 A thousand-winning thunderbolt ; all-powerful to slay the wicked and to +reward worshippers, + +4 Sustuiner: I follow Ludwig in taking mdhartdri as a nominative singular. +But see Cowell’s note in Wilson’s Translation. + +5 They both: Soma and the sage or singer.—Ludwig. SAyana interprets +the stanza differently ;—* Thou desirest to give wealth to those who conquer +in combat as (men offer fodder) to horses in battle.’—Wilson. + +1 Kind Cherisher of manly might : ‘ auspicious bearing wealth.’—Wilson, + +2 Hundred forts: cf. IV. 26. 3. + +3 The Falcon : see IV. 26 and 27. + +4 The Friend of all: or, the common possession. The speeder through the +air; rajasHram: { the showerer of water.’—Wilson. + + + + +HYMN 50.] + + +SOI + + +THE RIGVEDA. + +HYMN XLIX. Soma Pavam&na. + +Pour down the rain upon us, pour a wave of waters from the +sky, + +And plenteous store of wholesome food. + +2 Flow onward with that stream of thine, whereby the cows + +have come to us, + +The kino of strangers to our home, + +3 Chief Friend of Gods in sacred rites, pour on us fatness with + +thy stream, + +Pour down on us a flood of rain. + +4 To give us vigour, with thy stream run thiYugh the fleecy + +straining-cloth : + +For verily the Gods will hear, + +5 Onward hath Pavam&na flowed and beaten off the Eakshasas, + +Flashing out splendour as of old. * + +HYMN L. Soma Pavam&na. + +Loud as a river’s roaring wave thy powers have lifted up +themselves: + +Urge on thine arrow’s sharpened point. + +2 At thine effusion upward rise three voices full of joy, when thou +Flowest upon the fleecy ridge. + +3 On to the fleece they urge with stones the tawny well-beloved + +One, + +Even Pavam&na, dropping meath. + +4 Flow with thy current to the sieve, 0 Sage most powerful to + +cheer, + +To seat thee in the place of song. + +5 Flow, Most Exhilarating ! flow anointed with the milk for + +balm, + +• Indu, for Tndra, for bis drink. + + +4 The Gods will hear: the sound that thou makest in flowing.—S&yana. + +5 Flashing out splendour as of old : or, 4 5 Making lights shine as erst they + +shone.’ - + +1 Urge on thine arrow's sharpened point: vdn&sya ehodayd pavim: apparent¬ +ly a hold metaphorical expression for 4 make a noise like that of a discharged +arrow.’ 4 Emit thy sound like that of a (rushing), arrow.’—Wilson. Or +vdndsya may mean of (thy) reed, pipe, flute, or other musical instrument, and +S&yana explains pavtm by subdam. Benfey accordingly (S&maveda, II. 5. 1, +5. 1.)*renders the passage : ‘Erhebe deiner Flobe Schall,’ ‘ Lift up the music* +;of thy flute.’ According to Hillebrandt, V. M., I. p. 43, the reed or arrow +-means the sharp-pointed stalk of the Soma-plant. + +2 Three voices full of joy: or, three several joyful words. See IX. 33, 4. +The fleecy ridge: 4 the summit of the fleece.’—Wilson. + +4 In the place of song: see IX. 25. 6. 4 On Indra's lap.’—Wilson. + + +302 THU HYMNS OP [BOOK IX. + +HYMN LI. Soma Pavam&na. + +Adhvarytj, on the filter pour the Soma juice expressed with +stones, + +And make it pure for Indra’s drink. + +2 Pour out for Indra, Thunder-armed, the milk of heaven, the + +Soma’s juice, + +Most excellent, most rich in sweets. + +3 These Gods and all the Marut host, Indu! enjoy this juice of + +thine, + +This Pavamlna’s flowing meath, + +4 For, Soma, thou hast been effused, strengthening for the wild + +carouse, * ' v + +0 Steer, the singer, for our help. # ** + +J5 Flow with thy stream, Far-sighted One, effused, into the cleans¬ +ing sieve: + +Flow on to give us strength and fame. - , + +HYMN LII. Soma PavamAna. + +Wealth-winner, dwelling in the sky, bringing us vigour with +the juice, + +Flow to the filter when effused. " + +2 So, in thiue ancient ways, may he, beloved, with a thousand +streams + +Bun o’er the fleecy straining-cloth. + +‘ 3 Him who is like a caldron shake ; 0 Indu, shake thy gift to us +Shake it, armed Warrior ! with thine arms. + +4 Indu, invoked with many a prayer, bring down the vigour of + +these men, + +Of him who threatens us with war. + +5 Indu, Wealth-giver, with thine help pour out for us a hundred, + +yea, + +A thousand of thy pure bright streams. + +4 For the wild carouse : ‘ for speedy exhilaration.’—Wilson. + +2 May he : the juice, regarded as distinct from Soma who is addressed. + +3 Him who is Wee a caldron : beat or bruise the Soma that is full of juice +as a caldron is of water. With thine arms : or, with the blows (of the pressing- +stones). The meaning of the second and third ‘shake’ seems to be ‘send +rapidly.’ ‘(Soma), send (us) him who is like a pot; Indu, send us now wealth ; +swift-flowing (Soma), send it with blows (of the stones).’—Wilson. Professor +Grassmann says that by ‘ him who is like a caldron’ the wealthy enemy is +intended, whose possessions are to be poured out upon the pious worshippers. + + +HYMN 55.] + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +803 + +HYMN LIII. ' Soma Pavam&na. + +0 thou with stones for arms, thy powers, crushing the fiends, +have raised themselves : + +Chase thou the foes who compass us. + +2 Thou conquerest thus with might when car meets car, and + +when the prize is staked : + +With fearless heart .will I sing praise. + +3 No one with evil thought assails this Pavam&na’s holy laws: + +. Crush him who fain would fight with thee. + +4 For Indra to the streams they drive the tawny rapture-drop¬ + +ping Steed, * + +Indu the bringer of delight. + +HYMN LIY. Soma Pavam&na. + +After hi* ancient splendour, they, the bold, have drawn the +brigbt*milk from + +The' Sage who wins a thousand gifts. + +2 In aspect he is like the Sun; he runneth forward to the lakes, +Seven currents flowing through the sky. + +3 He, shining in his splendour, stands high over all things that + +exist— ^ + +Soma, a God as Surya is. + +4 Thou, Indu, in thy brilliancy, ponrest on us, as Indra’s Friend, +Wealth from the kine to feast the Gods. + +HYMN LV. Soma Pavamftna. + +Pour on us with thy juice all kinds of corn, each sort of nourish¬ +ment, + +And, Soma, all felicities. + +2 As thine, 0 Indu, is the praise, and thine what springeth from +the juice, + +Seat thee on the dear sacred grass. + +1 With stones for arms: adrwah: generally an appellative of Indra, the +slinger or caster of the stone or thunderbolt; here, according to Sftyana,= +grfivavan soma f 0 Soma, possessor of, that is, expressed by, the stones. + +2 When oar meets car ; in battle. When the prize is staked: in the chariot- +race ; or the reference may be also to battle. + +4 To the streams: tbe vasattvart waters. + +1 They , the hold : tbe Soma-pressers. The Sage: or Hishi; Soma. + +2 The lakes: of air. Seven currents: corresponding to the seven earthly +rivers. ‘ He unites with the seven down-descending rivers of heaven/— +Wilson. + +4 From the kine: consisting of milk, curds, etc. + + + +TEM HYMNS OF + + +m + + +[BOON JX + + +3 And, finding for ns kine and steeds, 0 Soma, with thy juici + +flow on + +Through days that fly most rapidly. + +4 As one who conquers, ne'er subdued, attacks and slays the + +enemy, + +Thus, Vanquisher of thousands ! flow. + +HYMN LVI. . Soma Pavam4na. + +Swift to the purifying sieve flows Soma as exalted Law, +Slaying the fiends, loving the Gods. + +2 When Soma pours the strengthening food a hundred ever- + +active streams + +To Indra’s friendship win their way. + +3 Ten Dames have sung to welcome thee, even as a maiden + +greets her love: + +0 Soma, thou art decked to win. + +4 Flow hitherward, 0 Indu, sweet to Indra and to Vishnu ; guard +The men, the singers, from distress. + +HYMN LVIL Soma Pavam&na. + +Thy streams that never fail or waste flow forth like showers +of rain from heaven, + +To bring a thousand stores of strength. + +2 He flows beholding on his way all well-beloved sacred lore, +Green-tinted, brandishing his arms. + +3 He, when the people deck him like a docile king of elephants. +Sits as a falcon in the wood. + +4 So bring thou hitherward to us, Indu, while thou art purified, +All treasures both of heaven and earth. * + +HYMN LVIIL Soma Pavam&na. + +Swift runs this giver of delight, even the stream of flowing +juice: + +Swift runs this giver of delight. + +4 Vanquisher of thousands ; or, thou who winnest thousands, i, e. countless + +spoils or treasures. -- + +3 Ten Fames; the fingers, whose sound is heard in the operation of pressing + +the Soma juice. - + +3 Like a docile king of elephants: von Roth, in the St. Petersburg +Lexicon, suggests ibhe for ibliah , * like a pious king among his retinue ; ’ but +no alteration is necessary, ibhuh and r&jd being taken together in the sense +of elephant-king or stately and noble elephant. See Vedhehe Studien , I. p. +XV. Sits as a falcon in the wood: in the wood, as referring to the Soma, +meaning the wooden trough or vat. ‘ Sits on the waters like a hawk.’—Wilson. + +1 Swift: tdrat: ‘rescuing (his worshippers from sin).’—Wilson. + + + +TME RJGVEDA. + + +HYMN 60.] + + +SOS + + +2 The Morning knows all precious things, the Goddess knows her + +grace to man: + +Swift runs this giver of delight. ~ + +3 We have accepted thousands from Dhvasra’s and PurushantFs + +hands : + +Swift runs this giver of delight. + +4 From whom we have accepted thus thousands and three times + +ten besides : + +Swift runs this giver of delight. + +HYMN LIX. Soma Pavam&na. + +Flow onward, Soma, winning kine, and steeds; and all that +gives delight: + +Bring hither wealth with pi'Ogeny. + +2 Flow onward from the waters, flow, inviolable, from the plants : +Flow onward from the pressing-boards. + +3 Soma, as Pavamana, pass over all trouble and distress : + +Sit on the sacred grass, a Sage. + +4 Thou, Pavamana, foundest light; thou at thy birth becamest + +great: + +0 Indu, thou art over all. + +* + +HYMN LX. Soma Pavam&na. + +Sing forth and laud with sacred song most active Pavamana, +laud + +Indu who sees with thousand eyes. + +2 Thee who hast thousand eyes to see, bearer of thousand bur¬ +thens, they + +Have filtered through the fleecy cloth. + + +3 Dhvasra and Purmhanti were ‘ two kings who conferred great wealth on +Taranta and Parumilha, two risliis of the family of Vidadasva . See p. +XXXIII. of Max-Miiller’s Rig-veda, Yol. V.’—Cowell’s note in Wilson’s +Translation. + +4 Thus thousands and three times ten ; S&yana, taking tdnd (thus, in this +manner) to mean i 2 garments/ mistaking trihsdtum, thirty, for trisatam } three +hundred, and neglecting the cha (and), interprets 1 three hundred thousand +garments.’ * Thirty robes and thousands.’—E. B. Cowell. Crassmann places +this hymn in his Appendix as a composition of fragments and out of place +where it stands in the text. + +2 The waters ; the vasatlvart waters. The pressing-hoards ; dhuhdndhhyah : +according to S&yana, grdvdbhyah, the pressing-stones. + +1 With sacred song : gdyatHna: * with a Gdyatri hymn/—Wilson. + +2 Bem'er of thousand burthen 's: or, bringer of thousand bounties, + +20 + + + +m THE HYMNS OF f BOOK IX. + +. 3 He, Pakamana, hath streamed through the fleece: he runs, +into the jars, + +Finding his way to Indra’s heart. + +4 That Iadra may be bounteous, flow, most active Soma, for our +weal: + +Bring genial seed with progeny. + +‘ HYMN LXI. Soma Pavam&na. + +Flow onward, Indu, with this food for him who in thy wild +delight + +. Battered the nine-and-ninety down, + +2 Smote swiftly forts, and Sambara, then Yadu and that Turvasa, +For pious Divodasa’s sake. + +3 Finder of horses, pour on us horses and wealth in kine and + +gold, + +And, Indn, food in boundless store. + +4 We seek to win thy friendly love, even Pavamana’s flowing + +o’er + +The limit of the cleansing sieve. + +5 With those same waves which in their stream o’erflow the + +purifying sieve, + +Soma, be gracious unto us. r + +6 0 Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides,—for thou + +canst,— + +Biches and food with hero sons. + +7 Him here, the Child whom streams have borne, the ten swift + +fingers beautify: + +With the Adityas is he seen. + +8 With Indra and with V&yu he, effused, flows onward v T ith the + +beams + +Of Surya to the cleansing sieve. + +9 Flow rich in sweets and lovely for our Bhaga, V&yu, Pftshan, + +flow + +For Mitra and for Yaruna. + +10 High is thy juice’s birth: though set in heaven, on .earth it +hath obtained + +Strong sheltering power and great renown. + + +1 The nine-and-ninety: ‘ninety-nine (cities of the foe).’—'Wilson, + +3 In'boundless store: literally, in thousands. + +7 Whom streams have borne: smdhumdtaram: ‘whose parents are the +livers,’—Wilson. B<»rn as the Moon in the ocean of air. With the Adityas +is he seen: that is, he is counted as one of the Adityas. + + + +HYMN Cl.] + + +TUB RIG VEDA. + + +W + +11 Stiiving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly + +man, + +Yea, all the glories of mankind. + +12 Finder of room and freedom, flow for Indra whom w r e must + +adore, + +For Varuna and the Marut host. + +13 The Gods have come to Indu well-descended, beautified with + +milk, + +The active crusher of the foe. + +14 Even as mother cows their calf, so let our praise-songs strength¬ + +en him, + +Yea, him who winneth Indra’s heart. + +15 Soma, pour blessings on our kihe, pour forth the food that + +streams with milk: + +Increase the sea that merits laud. + +16 From heaven hath Pavamana made, as Twere, the marvellous + +thunder, and + +The lofty light of all mankind. + +17 The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, of Pavam&na, + +Kin s ! » + +Flows o’er the woollen straining-cloth. + +18 Thy juice, 0 Pavamana, sends its rays abroad like splendid + +skill, + +Like lustre, all heaven’s light, to see. + +19 Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that + +brings delight, + +Slaying the wicked, dear to Gods. + +20 Killing the foeman and his hate, and winning booty every + +day, + +Gainer art thou of steeds and kine. + +21 Red-hued, be blended with the milk that ■ seems to * yield its* + +lovely breast, + +Falcon-like resting in thine home. + + +13 Well-descended: literally, well-born or well-produced j 4 (who is) com¬ +pletely generated.’—Wilson. + +15 The sea : samudrdm: according to Sdyana, water generally. + +'16* The purified [Soma] has generated the great light which is common to +all mankind, like the wonderful thundering of the skv.’—Muir, 0. S. Texts,. +IV. 112. The great light common to all men, or vaisvdnardm or the lofty +light of all mankind , is Agni Vaisv&nara. + +20 The foeman and his hate: f the hostile Vritra. 1 —Wilson. + + + +m TME HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +22 Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter + +Yritra w r ho + +Compassed and stayed the mighty floods. + +23 Soma who raiuest gifts, may we' win riches with our hero + +sons: + +Strengthen, as thou art cleansed, our hymns. + +24 Aided by thee, and through thy grace, may we be slayers + +when we war: + +Watch, Soma, at our solemn rites. + +25 Chasing our foemen, driving off the godless, Soma floweth on* +Going to Inara’s special place, + +26 0 Pavam&na, hither bring great riches, and destroy our foes : +O Indu, grant heroic fame. + +27 A hundred obstacles have ne’er checked thee when fain to + +give thy boons, + +When, being cleansed, thou combatest. + +28 Indu, flow on, a mighty juice; glorify us among the folk : +Drive all our enemies away. + +29 Indu, in this thy friendship most lofty and glorious may we +Subdue all those who war with us. + +30 Those awful weapons that thou hast, sharpened at point to + +strike men down— + +Guard us therewith from every foe. + +HYMN LXII. Soma Pavamdna. + +These rapid Soma-drops have been poured through the puri¬ +fying sieve + +To bring us all felicities. + +2 Dispelling manifold mishap, giving the courser’s progeny, + +Yea, and the warrior steed, success. + + +25 The godless: drdvnah: those who present no sacrificial offerings ; ‘ the +withholders (of wealth).’—Wilson. Special place: that is, the vessel set +apart for his libations. + +-26 Heroic fame: or, fame with brave sons. + +• 27 Obstacles: or enemies, according to S&yana, Thva combatest: malcha- +syase: according to S&yana, f when thou wish est to give us wealth.’ 'The +meanings "fight,” “strive,” etc., are foreign to S&ya*; a, being derived from +a, comparison of fia^io/uaif macto, etc.’—Editor’s note in Wilson’s Trans¬ +lation. + +30 Weapons : the Moon being the warrior who overcomes the darkness of + +night. See Hillebrandt, V. M., I. 340. Cf. ‘The moon.advances like an + +indignant warrior through a fleeing army.’—S. T. Coleridge. + + + +tbe mar eda. + + +BTttN 62.] + + +BO0 + + +3 Bringing prosperity to kine, they make perpetual lift flow +To us for noble eulogy. + +4 Strong, mountain-born, the stalk hath been pressed in the + +streams for rapturous joy : + +Ilawk-like he settles in his home. + +5 Fair is the God-loved juice; the plant is washed in waters, + +pressed by men : + +The mileh-kine sweeten it with milk. + +6 As drivers deck a courser, so have they adorned the meath*s + +juice for + +Ambrosia, for the festival. ^ + +7 Thou, Indu, with thy streams that drop sweet juices, which + +were poured for help, + +Hast settled in the cleansing sieve. + +8 So flow thou onward through the fleece, for Indra flow, to be + +his drink, + +Finding thine home in vats of wood. + +9 As giving room and freedom, as most sweet, pour butter forth + +and milk, + +O Iudu, for the Angirases. + +10 Most active and benevolent, this Pavamlna, sent to us +For lofty friendship, meditates. + +11 Quellerof curses, mighty, with strong sway, this Pa vara ana + +shall + +Bring treasures to the worshipper. + +12 Pour thou upon us thousandfold possessions, both of kine and + +steeds, ^ + +Exceeding glorious, much-desired. + +13 Wandering far, with wise designs, the juice here present is + +effused, + +Made beautiful by living men. + + +$ ltd : here, according to S&yana, meaning * food.’ 1 Labetrank,’ refreshing +draught.—Grassmann. + +4 The stalk : the Soma-plant, which is said to have grown on the mountain#. + +6 la waters * the vasativarl waters. + +6 For ambrosia; amritdya; ‘for the sake of immortality.*—Wilson. + +9 For the Angirases: or, from the Angirases. The Jamadagnis were not +members of that family.—Ludwig. + +10 Meditates: ‘is known (to all).*—Wilson. + +13 Wandering far; urugdydh: according to Sftyana, much-lauded, or praised +by many. + + + +[BOOK IX. + + +?lff TEJS HYMNS OF + +14 for Indra flows the gladdening drink, the measurer of the + +region, Sage, + +With countless wealth and endless help. + +15 Born on the mountain, lauded here, Indu for Indra is set down, +As in her sheltering nest a bird. + +16 Pressed by the men, as ’twere to war hath Soma Pavam&oa + +sped, + +To rest with might within the vats. + +17 That he may move, they yoke him to the three-backed triple- + +seated car + +By the Seven Bishis’ holy songs, + +J8 Drive ye that Tawny Courser, 0 ye pressers, on his way to war, +Swift Steed who carries oil the spoil. + +19 Pouring all glories hither, he, effused and entering the jar, +Stands like a hero mid the kine. + +20 Indu, the living men milk out thy juice to make the rapturous + +draught: + +Gods for the Gods milk out the meath. + +21 Pour for the Gods into the sieve our Soma very rich in sweets, +Him whom the Gods most gladly *hear. + +22 Into his stream who gladdens best these Soma juices have + +been poured, + +Lauded with songs for lofty fame. + +23 Thou flowest to enjoy the milk, and bringest valour, being + +cleansed: + +Winning the spoil flow hitherward. + +24 And, hymned by Jamadagnis, let all nourishment that kine + +supply, + +And general praises, flow to us. + +25 Soma, as leader of the song flow onward with thy wondrous + +aids, + +For holy lore of every kind. + + +14 The measurer of the region; who measured out and made the firmament. + +15 Born 6n the mountain: or, perhaps, as S&vana takes it, ‘made manifest +by song.’ + +17 Sy ihe Seven RUhis' holy songs; or ‘Of Rishis, with seven holy songs'; +the car being the saorifiee, the three backs or ridges being the three daily +libations, the three seats being the three Vedas. + +19 Mid the Jcine: among the enemy’s cattle, for whose possession he is +fighting. So, says S&yana, Soma stands among the sacrifices. + +20 The living men: the worshippers, according to Sdyana ; but perhaps, as + +Ludwig suggests, his stotdrah should be sotdrah 7 pressers. ’ Gods ; devfth; the +priests. * • ' + + + +t£tE JRIGtEDA. + + +MYMX 63.] + + +m + + +26 Do thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of £he sea, +Flow onward, thou who niovest all. + +27 0 Soma, 0 thou Sage, these worlds stand ready to attest thy + +might x + +For thy behoof the rivers flow. + +28* Like showers of rain that fall from heaven thy streams per¬ +petually flow + +To the bright fleece spread under them, + +29 For potent Indra purify Indu effectual and strong, + +Enjoyment-giver, Mighty Lord. + +30 Soma, true, Pavamana, Sage, is seated in the cleansing sieve. +Giving his praiser hero strength. + +HYMN LXITI. Soma Pavamana. + +Pour hitherward, 0 Soma, wealth in thousands and heroic +strength, + +And keep renown secure for us. + +2 Thou makest food and vigour swell for Indra, best of glad- + +deners 1 + +Within the cups thou seatest thee. + +3 For Indra and for ViShnu poured, Soma hath flowed into + +the jar: + +May Vayu find it rich in sweets. + +4 These Sonias swift and brown of hue, in stream of solemn + +sacrifice + +Have flowed through twisted obstacles, + +<5 Performing every noble work, active, augmenting Indra’s +strength, * + +Driving away the godless ones. + +6 Brown Soma-drops, effused, that seek Indra, to their appro - + +priate place + +Flow through the region hitherward. + +7 Flow onward with that stream of thine wherewith thou gavesfc + +S irya light, + +Urging on waters good to men. + +8 Pie, Pavamana, high o’er man yoked the Sun’s courser Etasa +To travel through the realm of air. + + +26 Waters of the sea; of the sea of air, tlie firmament. + +4 Twisted obstacles: either the twigs of which the frame of the filter was +made, or the rough surf ice of the wool of the strainer. ‘Are let loose upon +the IMkshasasi —Wilson. + +5 In this and the following stanza Soma is identified with the Sun. + + + +m THE HYMNS OE [BOOK IX. + +9 And those ten Coursers, tawny-hued, he harnessed that the +Sun might come : + +Indu, he said, is Indra’s self. + +10 Hence, singers, pour the gladdening juice to V&yu-and to +Indr a, pour + +The drops upon the fleecy cloth. + +110 Soma Pavamana, find wealth for us not to be assailed, +Wealth which the foeman may not win. + +12 Send riches hither with thy stream in thousands, both of + +steeds and kine, + +Send spoil £1 war and high renown. + +13 Soma the God, expressed with stones, likeSurya, floweth on + +his way, + +Pouring the juice within the jar. + +14 These brilliant drops have poured for us, in stream of solemn + +sacrifice, + +Worshipful laws and strength in kine. + +15 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Somas, blent with + +curdled milk, + +Effused for Indra Thunder-armed. + +r. + +16 Soma, do thou most rich in sweets, a gladdening drink most + +dear to Gods, + +Flow to the sieve to bring us wealth. + +17 For Indra, living men adorn the Tawny Courser in the streams, +Indu, the giver of delight. + +18 Pour for us, Soma, wealth in gold, in horses and heroic sons, +Bring hither strength in herds of kine. + +19 For Indra pour ye on the fleece him very sweet to taste, who + +longs + +For battle as it were in war. + +20 The singers, seeking help, adorn the Sage who must be decked + +with songs: + +Loud bellowing the Steer comes on. + +21 The singers with their thoughts and hymns have, in the stream + +of sacrifice, + +Caused Soma, active Steer, to roar. + +9 Cotirsers; or Hants. C£. IV. 6. 9 and 13. 3. + +10 Hence; from this vessel. + +14 Worshipful laws: the meaning of dhamdnyttryd is not clear. * (Plowing) +towards the dwellings of respectable (worshippers).’— Wilson. * Venerable +might.’—Ludwig. + + + +JTTMN 64.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +313 + + +22 God, working with mankind, flow on; to Indra go thy gladden¬ + +ing juice: + +To Vayu mount as Law commands. + +23 0 Soma Pavamana, thou pourest out wealth that brings re¬ + +nown : + +Enter the ]ake, as one we love. + +24 Soma, thou ho west chasing foes and bringing wisdom and de¬ + +light : + +Drive off the folk who love not Gods. + +25 The Pavamanas have been poured, the brilliant drops of Soma + +juice, ^ + +For holy lore of every kind. + +26 The Pavam&nas have been shed, the beautiful swift Soma- + +drops, + +Driving all enemies afar. + +27 From heaven, from out the firmament, hath Pavamana been + +effused + +Upon the summit of the earth. + +28 0 Soma, Indu, very wise, drive, being purified, with thy stream +All foes, all Kakshasas away. + +29 Driving the Pakshasas afar, 0 Soma, bellowing, pour for us +Most excellent and splendid strength. + +30 Soma, do thou secure for us the treasures of the earth and + +heaven, + +Indu ! all boons to be desired. + +HYMN LXIY. Soma Pavamdna. + +Soma, thou art*a splendid Steer, a Steer, 0 God, with steerlike +sway: + +Thou as a Steer ordainest laws. + +2 Steer-strong thy might is as a steer’s, steer-strong thy wood, + +steer-like thy drink : + +A Steer indeed, 0 Steer, art thou, + +3 Thou, Indu, as a vigorous horse, hast neighed together steeds + +and kine: + +Unbar for us the doors to wealth. + + +23 The lake: the dronakalasa , vat or reservoir, + +27 The summit of the earth: the raised altar. + +1 Steer; S&yana, as usual, explains vrishd by varshakah c Sprinkler.’—"Wilson, +3 Neighed together: collected, through the efficacy of the sound thou +makebt in dropping through the filter, and enriched ub with, steeds and kine. + + + +‘M£ THE HYMNS OF [BOOK it. + +■4 Out of desire of cows and steeds and heroes potent Soma-drops, +Brilliant and swift, have been effused. + +5 They purified in both the hands, made beautiful by holy men, +Flow onward to the fleecy cloth. + +6 These Soma juices shall pour forth all treasures for the wor¬ + +shipper + +From heaven and earth and Armament. + +7 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Finder of all, have been + +effused, + +Even as Surya’s rays of light. + +8 Making thdelight that shines from heaven thou floweston to + +every form : + +Soma, thou swellest like a sea. + +9 Urged on thou sendest out thy.voice, 0 Pavamana; thou hast + +moved, + +Like the God Surya, to the sieve. + +10 Indu, Enlightener, Friend, hath been purified by the sages’ + +hymns: + +So starts the charioteer his steed— + +11 Thy God-delighting wave which hath flowed to the purifying + +sieve, + +Alighting in the home of Law. + +12 Flow to our sieve, a gladdening -draught that hath most inter¬ + +course with Gods, + +Indu, to Indra for his drink. + +13 Flow onward with a stream for food, made beautiful by sapient + +men: + +Indu with sheen approach the milk. * + +14 While thou art cleansed, Song-Lover, bring comfort and + +vigour to the folk, + +Poured, Tawny One ! on milk and curds. + +15 Purified for the feast of Go Is, go thou to Indra’s special place, +Resplendent, guided by the strong. + +16 Accelerated by the hymn, the rapid drops of Soma juice +Have flowed, urged onward, to the lake. + +17 Easily have the living drops, made beautiful, approached + +the lake, + +Yea, to the place of sacrifice. + +8 To every form: to bring us blessings in every shape. + +9 To the sieve: vkllmrmani: { iu observance of the law/ according to M. +jBergaigno. See La Religion VecUque, III. 218, note. + +16 The lake; samudrdm: according to S&yana, the sea of air, the firmament. +The dronakalct§:i, vat or reservoir, is probably intended. + + +HYMN 61 ] TEE MGfEEA % 31 $ + +18 Compass about, our faithful Friend, all our possessions with + +thy might: + +Guard, hero like, our sheltering home. + +19 Loud neighs the Courser Etasa, with singers, harnessed for + +the place, + +Guided for travel to the lake. + +20 What time the Swift One resteth in the golden place of sacrifice, +He leaves the foolish far away. + +21 The friends have sung in unison, the prudent wish to sacrifice : +Down sink the unintelligent. + +22 For Indra girt by Maruts, flow, thou Indu, vefy rich in sweets, +To sit in place of sacrifice. + +23 Controlling priests and sages skilled in holy song adorn thee + +well; + +The living make thee beautiful. + +24 Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna drink Pavamana’s juice, yea, thine ; +0 Sage, the Maruts drink thereof. + +25 0 Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgest onward + +speech + +Thousandfold, with the^lore of hymns. + +26 Yea, Soma, Indu, while thou art purified do thou bring to us +Speech thousandfold that longs for war. + +27 0 Indu, Much-invoked, while thou art purifying, as the Friend +Of these men enter thou the lake. + +28 Bright are these Somas blent with milk, with light that flashes + +brilliantly + +And form that utters loud acclaim. + +.29 Led by his drivers, and sent forth, the Strong Steed hath come +nigh for spoil, + +Like warriors when they stand arrayed. + +30 Specially, Soma, coming as a Sage from heaven to prosper us, +Flow like the Sun for us to see. + + +19 The Courser Etasa : here meaning Soma. Vdluiih (from vah, Lat. veh-o) +is properly a horse of burden, or draught-horse. + +21 The friends: the priests ; or perhaps the Maruts. Down sink: naraJce, +into hell, says fifty ana. + +. 26 That longs for war: mabhasyilvarii: ‘desiring wealth.’—Wilson. See +IX 61. 27, note. + +23 Form: Icriptt: stream, according to Sftyana. + +30 Specially: ridhdh: said by Yftska to be the Vedic form of pr Whale, and +to be used in the* sense of prospering. See Wilson’s Translation, Editor’s note. +Or rldhdk may mean, lightly, easily, without effort. + + + +316 + + +TBB MYMNS OF + + +[BOOK 7X. + + +HYMN LXV. Soma Pavam&na. + +The glittering maids send Sara forth, the glorious sisters, close- +allied, + +Send Indu forth, their mighty Lord. + +2 Pervade, 0 Pavam&na, all our treasures with repeated light, +God, coming hither from the Gods. + +3 Pour on us, Pavam&na, rain, as service and fair praise for + +Gods: + +Pour all to be our nourishment. + +4 Thou art a Steer by lustre: we, 0 Pavam&na, faithfully +Call upon tfiee the Splendid One. + +5 Do thou, rejoicing, nobly-armed ! pour upon us heroic strength : +0 Indu, come thou hitherward. + +6 When thou art cleansed with both the hands and dipped in + +waters, with the wood +Thou comest to the gathering-place. + +7 Sing forth your songs, as Yyasva sang, to Soma Pavamana, to +The Mighty One with thousand eyes ; + +8 Whose coloured sap they drive with stones, the yellow meath- + +distilling juice, + +Indu for Indra, for his drink. + +9 We seek to gain the friendly love of thee that Strong and + +Mighty One, + +Of thee the winner of all wealth. + +10 Flow onward with thy stream, a Steer, inspiriting the Maruts’ + +Lord, + +Winning all riches by thy might. + +11 I send thee forth to battle from the press, 0 Pavam&na, + +Strong, + +Sustaiuer, looker on the light. . + +12 Acknowledged by this song of mine, flow, tawny-coloured, + +with thy stream : + +Incite to battle thine ally. + +13 0 Indu, visible to all pour out for us abundant food : + +Soma, be thou our prospered + +# 1 The glittering maids: the fingers, perhaps with reference to the gold +rings worn by the priests when they press the Soma. SHra: here said to +mean Soma; ‘the invigorating. 1 —Wilson. The glorious sisters; the fingers. + +3 As service: as the cause of worship. + +6 With the icood: f (taken'up) with the wooden vessel.’—Wilson, Cf. IX. + +1 . 2 . + +7 Yyasva: a Riehi frequently mentioned in Book YIII, + +12 Thine ally: India. + + + +THE RIG VEDA . + + +317 + + +HYMN 65,] + +14 The pitchers, Indn, with thy streams have sung aloud in + +vigorous might : + +Enter them, and let Iudra drink. + +15 0 thou whose potent gladdening juice they milk out with the + +stones, flow on, + +Destroyer of our enemies. + +16 King Pavamana is implored with holy songs, on man’s behalf, +To travel through the firmament, + +17 Bring us, 0 Indu, hundredfold increase of kine, and noble + +steeds, + +The gift of fortune for our help. - ^ + +18 Pressed for the banquet of the Gods, 0 Soma, bring us might, + +and speed, + +Like beauty for a brilliant show. + +19 Soma, flow on exceeding bright with loud roar to the wooden + +vats, + +Falcon-like resting in thine home. + +20 Soma the Water-winner flows to Indra, Vayu, Varuna, + +To Vishnu and the Marut host. + +21 Soma, bestowing food upon our progeny, from every side +Pour on us riches thousandfold ! + +22 The Soma juices which have been expressed afar or near at + +hand, + +Or there on Saryanavan ? s bank, + +23 Those pressed among JLrjikas, pressed among the active, in + +men’s homes, + +Or pressed among the Races Five— + +24 May these celestial drops, expressed, pour forth upon us, as + +they flow, + +Bain from the heavens and hero strength. + +25 Urged forward o’er the ox-hide flows the Lovely One of + +tawny hue, + +Lauded by Jamadagni’s song. + +26 Like horses urged to speed, the drops, bright, stirring vital + +power, when blent + +With milk, are beautified in streams. + +* 22 Saryandvdn'8 hauls: this lake is said to be on the borders of the Kura- +leshetra country. + +23 Arjihas: apparently a non-Aryan people in the North-West, See VIII. +53.11. + +25 O'er the ox-hide : the leather sheet that received the droppings of the +Soma. + + + +81 j THE HYMNS OF {HOOK IX, + +27 So they who toil with juices send thee forward for the Gods-* + +repast: + +So with this splendour flow thou on, + +28 We choose to-day that,chariot-steed of thine, the Strong, that + +brings us bliss, + +The Guardian, the desire of all, + +29 The Excellent, the Gladdener, the Sage with heart that un¬ + +derstands, + +The Guardian, the desire of all; + +30 Who for ourselves, 0 thou Most Wise, is wealth and fair + +intelligence, + +The Guardian, the desire of all. + +HYMN LXYI. Soma PavamAna, + +For holy lore of every sort, flow onward thou whom all men love,. +A Friend to be besought by friends. + +2 O’er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavam&na, + +stand, + +Turned, as thy stations, hitherward. + +3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side +Thy-stations as the seasons come. + +4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind,. +A Friend for friends, to be our help. + +5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their + +essences, + +Soma, spread purifying power. + +6 0 Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give + +command : + +The streams of milk run forth to thee. * + +7 Flow onward. Soma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra’s heart. +Bringing imperishable fame, + +8 Driving thee in Vivasvan’s course, the Seven Sisters with + +their hymns + +Made melody round thee the Sage. + +28 The guardian : pHntam: according to Pisehel, ‘ den sch well widen/ + +* the swelling one.’ See his exhaustive excursus on the word in Vedisohe +Studien , X. pp. 191—194. + +The Rishis are the hundred VaikMnasaa, said to have been a race of saintly +hermits sprung from the nails of Prajftpati. + +2 With these Turn : probably a double asterism. See Rillebrandt, V, M, +p, 446 ; and Gaidicke, Her Adcusativ im Veda, p 199, + +8 The stream of S>una is likened to the course of Vivasvdn or the Sun, + +The Seven Sisters are probably the Seven Rivers of stanza 6. According to +S&yana 1 the seven kindred (priests)’ are intended. + + + +JFTYMX 66.] ‘ THE RIG VEDA. S19 + +9 The virgins deck thee o’er fresh streams' to drive thee to the +sieve when thou, + +A singer, bathest in the wood. + +10 The streams of Pavam&na, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have + +poured them forth +Like coursers eager for renown. + +11 They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath- + +distilling vat: + +The holy songs have sounded forth. + +12 Like milch-kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have + +reached the lake, + +Have reached the place of sacrifice. + +13 0 Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us, +When thou wilt robe thyself in milk, + +14 In this thy friendship, and with thee to help us, fain to + +sacrifice, + +Indu, we crave thy friendly love. + +15 Flow on, 0 Soma, for the great Viewer of men, for gain of kine +Enter thou into Indra’s throat. + +16 Best art thou, Soma, of the great, Strongest, of strong ones, + +Indu : thou > + +As Warrior ever hast prevailed. + +17 Mightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the + +brave, + +More liberal than the bountiful, + +18 Soma, as Sura, bring us food, win offspring of our bodies : we +Elect thee for our friendship, we elect thee for companionship. + +19 Agni, thou por^est life; send down upon us food and vigorous + +strength: + +Drive thou misfortune far away. + +20 Agni is Pavamana, Sage, Chief Priest of all the Paces Five: +To him whose wealth is great we pray. + +21 Skilled in thy task, 0 Agni, pour splendour with hero strength + +on us, l + +Granting me wealth that nourishes. + + +9 The virgins: the fingers. + +12 The lake : tlie dromikalasd or reservoir. + +] 5 For gain of Idne ; gdvishiaye: according to S&yana, 1 for the seeker of +the kine of the Angirasea/ + +18 AsSHra: see IX. 65. 1, ‘Who art a hero/—Wilson. * From the Sun/—- +Ludwig. + +19 Misfortune: duchchhtin 4m; frequently personified as an evil power; +4 the Rdkshasas.' —Wilson, + + + +$20 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX f + +22 Deyond his enemies away fco sweet praise Pavam&na flows, +Like Surya visible to all. + +23 Adorned by living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in + +food, + +Far-sighted Indu is a Steed. + +21 He, Pavamana, hath produced the lofty Law, the brilliant +light, + +Destroying darkness black of hue. + +25 From tawny Pavam&na, the Destroyer, radiant streams have + +sprung, + +Quick streams from him whose gleams are swift. + +26 Best rider of the chariot, praised with fairest praise_mid + +beauteous ones, + +Gold-gleaming with the Marut host, + +27 May Pavam&na, best to win the booty, penetrate with rays, +Giving the singer hero strength. + +28 Over the fleecy sieve hath flowed the drop effused : to Indra + +comes + +Indu while he is purified. + +29 This Soma, through the pressing-stones, is sporting on the ox¬ + +hide, and + +Summoning Indra to the draught. + +30 0 Pavamana, bless us, so that we may live, with that bright + +milk + +Of thine which hath been brought from heaven. + +* HYMN LXVIL Soma and Others. + +Thou, Soma, hast a running stream, joyoCis, most strong at +sacrifice: + +Flow bounteously bestowing wealth. + +2 Effused as cheerer of the men, flowing best gladdener, thou art +A Prince to Indra with thy juice. + +3 Poured forth by pressing-stones, do thou with loud roar send + +us in a stream + +Most excellent illustrious might. + + +23 Is a Steed: c one wlio continually goes to the Gods/ is Sdyana’s explana¬ +tion of fityah, horse or courser. + +25 The Hestroyer: of darkness. Of. IS. 61. 30. + +27 Penetrate: the whole world.—S&yana. + +29 On the ox-hide : see IS. 65. 25. + +2 A Prince : sdrih: a rich and liberal patron. + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +321 + + +HYMN 67 .] + +4 India, aarged forward, flowetli through the fleecy cloth : the + +Tawny One + +With his loud roar hath brought us strength. + +5 Indu, thou flowest through the fleece, bringing felicities and + +fame, + +And, Soma, spoil and wealth in kine. + +6 Hither, 0 Indu, bring us wealth in steeds and cattle hundred¬ + +fold : + +Bring wealth, 0 Soma, thousandfold. + +7 In purifying, through the sieve the rapid drops of Soma juice +Gome nigh to Indra in their course. + +8 For Indra floweth excellent Indu, the noblest Soma j uiee, +The Living for the Living One. + +9 The glittering maids send Sura forth: they with their song + +have sung aloud +To Pavamana dropping meath, + +10 May Pushan, drawn by goats, be our protector, and on all his + +paths + +Bestow on us our share of maids. + +11 This Soma flows like gladdening oil for him who wears the + +braided looks: + +He shall give us our share of maids. + +12 This Soma juice, 0 glowing God, flows like pure oil, effused + +for thee: + +He shall give us our share of maids. + +13 Flow onward, Soma, in thy stream, begetter of the sages 7 + +speech: + +Wealth-giver anfcmg Gods art thou. + +14 The Falcon dips within the jars; he wraps him in his robe + +and goes + +Loud roaring to the vats of wood. + +15 Soma, thy juice hath been effused and poured into the + +pitcher: like + +A rapid hawk it rushes on. + +16 For Indra flow most rich in sweets, 0 Soma, bringing him + +delight. + +9 The glittering maids send SAra forth: repeated from IX. 65.1. + +10 Our share of maids: desirable and approved wives.—S&yana. + +11 For him who wears the braided lochs: hapardlne ; see I. 114.1, and VII. +83. 8. Here Pftshan is intended. + +12 0 glowinq God : Pushan. + +14 The Falcon: the falcon-like Soma. + +21 + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +n% + + +lBOOK 2X. + + +17 They were sent forth to feast the Gods, like chariots that + +display their strength. + +18 Brilliant, best givers of delight, these juices have sent Vayu + +forth. + +19 Bruise;! by the press-stones and extolled. Soma, thou goest + +to the sieve. + +Giving the worshipper hero strength. + +20 This juice bruised by the pressing-stones and lauded passes + +through the sieve. + +Slayer of demons, through the fleece. + +21 0 Pavamaha, drive away the danger, whether near at hand +Or far remote, that finds me here. + +22 This day may Pavam&na cleanse us with his purifying power. +Most active purifying Priest. + +23 0 Agni, with the cleansing light diffused through all thy fiery + +glow, + +Purify thou this prayer of ours. + +24 Cleanse us with thine own cleansing power, 0 Agni, that is + +bright with flame, + +And by libations poured to thee.^ + +25 Savitar, God, by both of these, libation, purifying power, / +Purify me on every side. + +26 Cleanse us, God Savitar, with Three, 0 Soma, with snblimest + +forms, + +Agni, with forms of power and might. + +27 May the Gods’ company make me clean, and Vasus make me + +pure by song. c + +Purify me, ye General Gods ) 0 Jatavedas, make me pure. + +28 Fill thyself full of juice, flow forth, 0 Soma, thou with all thy + +stalks, + +The best oblation to the Gods. + +29 We with our homage have approached the Friend who seeks + +our wondering praise, + +Young, strengthener of the solemn rite. + + +18 Have sent Vdyn forth: have drawn him down from heaven. ‘Are let +forth for Vayu.’—Wilson. + +26 The Three snblimest forms are said to be Agni, V&yu, and Surya. or +Fire, Wind, and Sun. + +27 The Gods' company; the yajamdnas or sacrifices, or the troop of Gods, +Indra and others.—SAyaua. General Gods ; vlsve devdh ; or, all ye Gods. + + + +THE MOVED A. + + +323 + + +HYMN 68 .] + +30 Lost is Al&yya’s axe, 0 Soma, God : do thou send it back hither + +in thy flow + +Even, Soma, God, if ’twere a mole. + +31 The man who reads the essence stored by saints, the P&vamfini + +hymns, + +Tastes food completely purified, made sweet by Matarisvaffs +touch. + +32 Whoever reads the essence stored by saints, the P&vamani + +hymns, + +Sarasvati draws forth for him water and butter, milk and +meath. ^ + +HYMN LXVIII. Soma Pavamflna. + +The drops of Soma juice like cows who yield their milk have +flowed forth, rich in meath, unto the Shining One, + +And, seated on the grass, raising their voice, assumed the milk, +the covering robe wherewith the udders stream. + +2 He bellows with a roar around the highest twigs : the Tawny + +One is sweetened as he breaks them up. + +Then, passing through the sieve into the ample room, the God +throws off the dregs according to his wish. + +3 The gladdening drink that measured out the meeting Twins + +fills full with milk the Eternal Ever-waxing Pair. + +Bringing to light the Two great Regions limitless, moving +above them he gained sheen that never fades. + +30 This stanza is well-nigh unintelligible. Al&yya may, as is suggested +in the St. Petersburg Lexicon, be a name of Indra, and the lost axe may be +the thunderbolt which the poet thinks has long lain idle, and which Soma +is prayed to replace in the hands of the Thunderer, even though it were +■worthless and mischievous like a mole. S&yana’s interpretation is different:— +‘May the battle-axe of the foe destroy the foe alone : flow to us, bright Soma ; +(slay) the villain only, bright Soma.’—Wilson. + +31 By mints: by the Rishis to whom they were revealed. Pdvamint + +hymns: the hymns in this Book dedicated to the purification of the Soma +juice. By Mdtarisvan's touch: ‘ . .v. means Vdyu because + +it breathes in the atmosphere • ,! od is sweetened and + +purified by the purifying wind and the man eats it.*—Wilson. Mfitarisvan +'probably represents Agni. - + +1 The Shining One ; devdm; the radiant Indra. The second line is obscure. +According to S&yana, usriydh here means ‘ cows’ and not milk :—‘the lowing +kine sitting on the barhis grass hold in their udders the pure (juice) welling +up/—Wilson. + +2 The highest twigs: of the Soma-plant, which as being the tenderest and +juiciest are crushed first.—Ludwig. ‘He with a noise reechbes the principal +(praises): separating the growing herbs, the green-tinted (Soma) sweetens +them/—Wilson. + +. 3 The meeting Twins: Soma is called the Creator and Preserver of heaven + +a nd earth. + +» + + + +324 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK ix. + + +4 Wandering through the Parents, strengthening the floods, + +the Sage makes his place swell with his own native might. + +The stalk is mixed with grain: he comes led by the men +together with Ijhe sisters, and preserves the Head. + +5 With energetic intellect the Sage is born, deposited as germ + +of Law, far from the Twins. + +They being young at first showed visibly distinct the Creature +that is half-concealed and half-exposed. + +6 The sages knew the form of him the Gladdener, what time + +the Falcon brought the plant from far away. + +Him who assures success they beautified in streams, the stalk +who yearned therefor, mighty and meet for praise. + +7 Together with the Eishis, with their prayers and hymns ten + +women deck thee, Soma, friendly when effused. + +Led by the men, with invocations of the Gods, through the +fleece, thou hast given us strength to win the spoil. + +8 Songs resonant with praise have celebrated him, Soma, Friend, + +springing forth, with his fair company. + +Even him who, rich in rneath, with undulating stream, +Winnner of Wealth, Immortal, sends his voice from heaven. + +9 He sends it into all the region /orth from heaven. Soma, + +while he is filtered, settles in the jars. + +With milk and 'waters is he decked when pressed with stones: +Indu, when purified, shall find sw T eet rest and room. + +10 Even thus poured forth flow on thy w T ay, 0 Soma, vouchsafing +us most manifold lively vigour. + +We will invoke benevolent Earth and Heaven. Give us, ye +Gods, riches with noble heroes. + +HYMN LXIX. ^ Soma Pavamdna. + +Laid like an arrow on the bow the hymn hath been loosed +like a young calf to the udder of its dam. + +4 The Parents : heaven and earth. The floods : the waters of the firma¬ +ment. Grain: especially barley. Makes his place swell ; enriches his own +station, the uttaravedi or northward altar. The sisters: the fingers. The +Head: apparently Sfirya. * Slyana’s explanation of sirah, viz., sirnam +bhutajdtam (the withered world?)/needs explaining more than the original +itself.’—Wilson. + +5 The Sage: the Sun. Far from the Twins: rising in a distant region +beyond heaven and earth. The Creature that is half-concealed and half- +exposed: the meaning appears to be, as Ludwig says, that heaven and earth +while they were yet unseparated, produced the Moon : the Sun came into +being only when*they had been separated through Soma’s energetic agency. + +7 Ten women: the fingers. + +1 Hath been loosed , <kc.: 'is let loose to (Indra) the fosterer as a calf to the +udder of its mother.’ e Sdyana takes ddhani [to the udder] twice over : he + + + + +HYMN 69.] THE RIG VEDA, 325 + +As one who cometli first with full stream she is milked : thus +Soma is impelled to this man’s holy rites. + +2 The thought is deeply fixed; the savoury juice is shed; the + +tongue with joyous sound is stirring in the mouth; + +And Pavamana, like the shout of combatants* the drop rich +in sweet juice, is flowing through the fleece. + +3 He flows about the sheep-skin, longing for a bride ; he loosens + +Aditi’s Daughters for the worshipper. + +The sacred drink hath come, gold-tinted, well-restrained : like +a strong Bull he shines, whetting his manly might. + +4 The Bull is bellowing; the Cows are coming tfSgh ; the God¬ + +desses approach the God’s own resting-place. + +Onward hath Soma passed through the sheep’s fair bright +fleece, and hath, as ’twere, endued a garment newly washed. + +5 The golden-hued, Immortal, newly bathed, puts on a brightly- + +shining vesture that is never harmed. + +He made the ridge of heaven to be his radiant i*obe, the +sprinkling of the bowls from moisture of the sky. + +6 Even as the beams of Surya, urging men to speed, that cheer and + +send to sleep, together rush they forth, + +These swift outpourings in long course of holy rites ; no +form save only Indra shows itself so pure. + +7 As down the steep slope of a river to the vale, drawn from + +the Steer the swift strong draughts have found a way. + + +says it is used of Indra because he is the nourisher of everything/—Wilson. +.4s one uko cometli first: according to S&yana, as a cow coining before her +calf yields her milk, (^p Indra, coming before his worshippers pours various +blessings upon them). First: agre: at the head; at the • beginning of the +religious ceremony. + +2 The tongue with joyous sound is stirring in the mouth: probably the +priest’s tongue influenced by the exhilarating Soma juice. * The Soma stream, +emitting pleasant juice is driven into (Indra’s) mouth/—Wilson. + +3 Longing for a bride: seeking the waters with winch he is to be united. +Aditi’s Daughters: probably, the plants, whose buds Soma as the Moon opens +and fertilizes with his nectareous beams. e The daughters of Infinity [Aditi] +are probably the quarters of the sky/—Ludwig. + +4 The Ball: Soma. According to S&yana, the Ooios are the propitiatory +hymns of praise, which are called also Goddesses or divine. + +5 Brightly-shining vesture: the milk with which the Soma juice is mixed. +Sftyana explains the second half of the stanza differently, taking chamvbh, +bowls or beakers into which the Soma juice is poured, as meaning metaphori¬ +cally the two great receptacles of all living beings, or lieaveu and earth, and +introducing Aditya who is not mentioned in the text *.—‘ he has created (Aditya) +who stands on the back of the sky for the destruction (of sin) and purification, +(and has created) Aditya’s brilliance, the cover of the two worlds/—Wilson. + + + + +826 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX . + +Well be it with the men and cattle in our home. May powers, +0 Soma, may the people stay with us. + +8 Pour out upon us wealth in goods, in gold, in steeds, in cattle + +and in corn, and great heroic strength. + +Ye, Soma, are my Fathers, lifted up on high as heads of +heaven and makers of the strength of life. + +9 These Pavamanas here, these drops of Soma, to Indra have + +sped forth like cars to booty. + +Effused, they pass the cleansing fleece, while, gold-hued, they +cast their covering off to pour the rain down. + +10 0 Indu, flowrthou on for lofty Indra, flow blameless, very +gracious, foe-destroyer. + +Bring splendid treasures to the man who lauds thee. 0 +Heaven and Earth, with all the Gods protect us. + +HYMN LXX. Soma Pavam&na. + +The three times seven Milch-kine in the eastern heaven have +for this Soma poured the genuine milky draught. + +Four other beauteous Creatures hath he made for his adorn¬ +ment, when he waxed in strength through holy rites. + +2 Longing for lovely Amrit, by his wisdom he divided, each + +apart from other, earth and heaven. + +He gladly wrapped himself in the most lucid floods, when +through their glory they found the God J s resting-place. + +3 May those his brilliant rays be ever free from death, inviolate, + +for both classes of created things,— + +Rays wherewith powers of men aud Gods are purified. Yea, +even for this have sages welcomed him as King. + +4 He, while he is adorned by the ten skilful qnes, that he too in + +the Midmost Mothers may create, + +7 Vdjrth and krishtdyah, powers and people, are explained by S&yana as +‘ food * and * offspring.’ + +8 Ye, Soma : ‘ Soma is treated as plural by attraction ; or, as S&yana puts +it, the plurality of the pitris is applied to Soma.’— Wilson. Probably' Moon +and Stars are intended. See Hillebrandt, V. M. f I. p. 398. + +10 With all the Gods: devaih: ‘ subhagairdhanaih with auspicious riches.’— + +S&yana. “ -- + +1 The three times seven Milch-Une are, according to S&yana, the twelve +months, the five seasons, the three worlds, and Aditya or the Sun. Probably, +as Ludwig says, the seven celestial rivers, multiplied by three to correspond +with the threefold division of the heavens, are intended. These supply the + +genuine r 1 -'. *. to the four other beauteous creatures , the Yasati- + +vari and ,1 waters, which are terrestrial and factitious, made + +to adorn or purify Soma. + +5 Both classes: animate and inanimate. Or Gods and men. + +4 The ten skilful ories ; the fingers. The Midmost Mothers ; the clouds + + + +HYMN 70 .] + + +THE MIG VEDA. + + +m + + +While he is watching o’er the lovely Amrit’s ways, looks on +both races as Beholder of mankind. + +5 He, while he is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, + +rejoiees in his place between the earth and heaven. + +The Steer dispels the evil-hearted with his might, aiming at +offerings as an archer at the game. + +6 Beholding, as it were, Two Mother Cows, the Steer goes roar¬ + +ing on his way even as the Maruts roar. + +Knowing Eternal Law, the earliest light of heaven, he, pas¬ +sing wise, was chosen out to tell it forth. + +7 The fearful Bull is bellowing with violent might, far-sighted, + +sharpening his yellow-coloured horns. + +Soma assumes his seatiti the well-fashioned place: the cowhide +and the sheepskiu are his ornament. + +8 Bright, making pure his body free from spot and stain, on + +the sheep’s back the Golden-coloured hath flowed down. +Acceptable to Mitra, VAyu, Vanina, he is prepared as three¬ +fold meath by skilful men. + +9 Flow on for the Gods’ banquet, Soma, as a Steer, and enter + +Indra's heart, the Soma’s reservoir. + +Bear us beyond misfortune ere we be oppressed: the man who +knows the land directs the man who asks. + +10 Urged like a car-steed, flow to strength, 0 Soma: Indu, flow +onward to the throat of IriHra. + +Skilled, bear us past, as in a boat o’er water: as battling +-Hero save us from the foemau. + + +that hang between heaven and earth, in which, perhaps, Soma aids in produc¬ +ing the rain. But the meaning is uncertain, S&yana explains prame by +lohdn pramdtum, ‘ to measure out, or create, the worlds.’ Both races : God* +and men. + +6 As it were , Two Mother Oows: Heaven and Earth. S&yana explains the +second PMa of the second line differently;—‘ the intelligent (Pavamlna) +chose man to be the offerer of his praise.’—Wilson. + +8 Threefold: according to Sftyana, mixed with the Vasattvarf water, curds, +and milk. Probably, poured into three separate vessels, one for each of the +three deities mentioned. + +9 The man who knows the land : who is acquainted with the roads or ways. +4 S&yana completes the simile : {£ as by telling him he protects (helps) him, so +dp thou who knowest the roads of the sacrifice protect us by telling us the +sacrificial paths.” ’—Wilson. But, of course, the application is intended to +be general. + +X0 Bear m past: carry us over all difficulties and dangers. From the foe +man: niddh ; * from the reviling (of the foe).’—Wilson, + + + + +328 . THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 7X + +HYMN LXXI. Soma PavamAna. + +The guerdon is bestowed : tbe Mighty takes his seat, and, ever- +watchful, guards from fiend and evil sprite. + +Gold-hued, he makes the cloud his diadem, the milk his carpet +iu both worlds, and prayer his robe of state. + +2 Strong, bellowiug, he goes, like one who slays the folk; he lets + +tins lme of Asuras flow off from him, + +Throws off his covering, seeks his father’s meeting-place, and +thus makes for himself the bright robe he assumes. + +3 Onward he flows, from both the hands, pressed out with + +stones : excited by the prayer, the water makes him wild. +He frolics affd draws near, completes bis work with song, and +bathes in streams to satisfy the worshipper. + +4 They pour out meath around the Master of the house, Celestial + +Strengthener of the mountain that gives might; + +In whom, through his great powers, oblation-eating cows in +their uplifted udder mix their choicest milk. + +5 They, the ten sisters, on the la.p of Aditi, have sent him for¬ + +ward like a car from both the arms. + +He wanders and comes near the Cow’s mysterious place, even +the place which his inventions have produced. + +6 Like as a falcon to his home, so speeds the God to his own + +golden wisely-fashioned place to rest. + + +1 The guerdon : the honorarium givej%,to the priests, consisting originally +of a cow. The Mighty ; Soma. His carpet: upastire: that which is spread, +scattered, or sprinkied. Cp. IX. 69. 5, where upastaranam is translated by +‘ sprinkling.’ + +2 flue of Asuras : or, celestial brightness; ( V : . 1 2 3 4 5 ' * -Grassmann. + +‘ He pnts forth that Jawm-slaying tint of his’. ■' his father’s + +meeting-place : goes to meet the yajamdna or saerificer. According to S Ay an a : +‘the food (pitiih), that is, the Soma, goes to the prepared reservoir.’ + +3 The water makes him wild: vrishdyate ndbhasd: ncibhas in the Soma- +liymns is used to signify either the rain-water in which, or the cloud from +which, the Boma flows to the earth. Here it means the water with which +the Soma-plant is sprinkled. See Yeduche Studien } I. p 135. According to +Ludwig: ‘he acts like a bull in the sea of cloud.’ To satisfy the worshipper * +I adopt Ludwig’s suggestion and take ydjate as a dative of the participle. +Wilson translates, after S&yana:—‘he is honoured at the (god)—protected +(sacrifice).’ + +4 The Master of the house : according to Sftyana, the conqueror of the fort +of the enemy. See IX. 78. 3. The mountain that gives might: the cloud. +In the second half of this stanza I adopt SAyana’s interpretation as a make¬ +shift, although it seems impossible that mUrdhim, * head,’ should here mean +‘uplifted.’ Ludwig takes fulhani , ‘udder,’ in the sense of ‘ b eh alter,’ or re¬ +ceptacle into which the Soma flow's. + +5 On the lap of Aditi: on the earth, ‘near to the ground.’—Wilson +The Cow’s mysterious place ; or, distant place, is the udder of heaven, the +cloud. + + + +TIIE BIG VEDA. + + +329 + + +HYMN 72.] + +With song they urge the darling to the sacred grass : the +Holy One goes like a courser to the Gods. + +7 From far away, from heaven, the red-hued noted Sage, Steer + +of the triple height, hath sung unto the kine. + +With thousand guidings he, leading this way and that, shines, +as a singer, splendidly through many a morn. + +8 His covering assumes a radiant hue; where’er he comes into + +the fight he drives the foe afar. + +The Winner of the Floods, with food he seeks the host of +heaven, he comes to praises glorified with milk. + +9 Like a bull roaming round the herds he bellows: he hath + +assumed the brilliancy of_ Surya. + +Down to the earth hath looked the heavenly Falcon : Soma +with wisdom views all living creatures. + +HYMN LXXII, Soma Pavam&na. + +They cleanse the Gold-hued : like a red Steed is he yoked, and +Soma in the jar is mingled with the milk. + +He sendoth out his voice, and many loving friends of him the +highly-lauded hasten with their songs. + +2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra’s + +throat they pour the &oma juice, + +When, with the ten that dwell together closely joined, the +men whose hands are skilful cleanse the lovely meath-. + +3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring + +sound which Surya’s Daughter loves. + +The Falcon brought it to him for his own delight: now with +the twofold kindred sisters is his home. + +4 Washed by the men, stone-pressed, dear on the holy grass, + +faithful to seasons, Lord of cattle from of old, + +Most liberal, completing sacrifice for men, 0 Indra, pure bright +Soma, Indu, flow’s for thee. + + +7 Of the triple height: working in heaven, firmament, and earth.—Ludwig. +See IX. 75. 3. + +9 The hear enhj Falcon: divydh suparnah: ‘celestial, flying gracefully/— +Wilson. Soma, "says Sftyana, is said to go gracefully, * because it is carried +off by Gdyatri in the shape of a hawk.’ + +2 Indra's: throat: literally, belly ; the dronahalasa. or reservoir. The +ten: the fingers. + +3 The cows: the milk and curds. The roaring sound of the effused Spma +is said to be dear to Surya’s Daughter, Uslias or Dawn, because it is chiefly +heard in the early morning. The Falcon: I adopt Ludwig’s interpretation of +the strange word vinamgrisdh as no other meaning seems suitable here. +According to S&yana, the word means praiser, or worshipper. The twofold +hindred sisters: the fingers of both hands. + + + +330 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /X + +5 0 Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma + +flows on for thee after his Godlike kind. + +Plans thou fulfillest, gatherest thoughts for sacrifice: in the +bowls sits the Gold-lined like a roosting bird. + +6 Sages well-skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that + +roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One. + +The milk, the hymns unite them with him in the place of +sacrifice, his seat who is produced anew. + +7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distil¬ + +led into the streams, into the waters' wave, + +As Indra’s thunderbolt, Steer with far-spreading wealth, Soma +is flowing'on to make the heart rejoice. + +8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the + +praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise. + +Let us not lack rich treasure reaching to our home, and may +we clothe ourselves in manifold bright wealth. + +9 Hither, 0 Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand + +gifts of cattle and of gold, + +Measure thou forth, yea, splendid ample strengthening food : +do thou, 0 Pavam&na, heed this laud of ours. + +HYMN LXXyi. Soma Pavamftna. + +They from the spouting drop have sounded at the rim : naves +speed together to the place of sacrifice. + +That Asura hath formed, to seize, three lofty heights. The +ships of truth have borne the pious man across. + +2 The strong Steers, gathering, have duly stirred themselves, + +and over the stream's wave the friends sent forth the song. +Engendering.the hymn, with flowing streams of naeath, Indra's +dear body have they caused to wax in strength. + +3 With sanctifying gear they sit around the song : their ancient + +Eather guards their holy work from barm. + +7 The heart; of Indra. As Indra’& thunderbolt: cp. IX. 77. 1. + +1 They: the ■ from whose run or edge the Soma-drops fall + +noisily. Naves t ■ , wheels, again by the same figure, chariots, + +mid then by metaphor the swiftly-running Soma-drops. That Asura : the +divine Soma. To seize: to be held and used. Three lofty heights : the three +elevated worlds. The ships of truth: or, of the truthful (Soma). According +to S&yaua, the four vessels which hold the Aditya, Agrayana, Ukthya, and +Dhruva libations. + +2 The strong Steers: the priests. + +3 Their ancient Father: Soma ; or, perhaps, Agnt. Vanina: ( Soma the +ftll-envelopper.'—Wilson. Him: Soma. In sustaining Hoods: in the Vasatt- +varf waters,—Sdyana, + + + + +HYMN 74.] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +331 + + +Vanina hath o'erspread the mighty sea of air. Sages had +power to hold him. in sustaining floods. + +4 Sweet-tongued, exhaustless, they have sent their voices down +together, in heaven's vault that pours a thousand streams. + +His wildly-restless warders never close an eye : in every place +are found the bonds that bind man fast. + + +5 O'er Sire and Mother they have roared in unison, bright with + +the verse of praise, burning up riteless men, + +Blowing away with supernatural might from earth and from +the heavens the swarthy skin which Indra hates. + +6 Those which, as guides of song and counsellor^ of speed, were + +manifested from their ancient dwelling place,— + +From these the eyeless and the deaf have turned aside: the +wicked travel not the pathway of the Law. + +7 What time the filter with a thousand streams is stretched, + +the thoughtful sages purify their song therein. +Bright-coloured are their spies, vigorous, void of guile/ excel¬ +lent, fair to see, beholders of mankind. + +8 Guardian of Law, most wise, he may not be deceived : three + +Purifiers hath he set within his heart. + +With wisdom he beholds all creatures that exist: he drives into +the pit the hated riteless ones. + +9 The thread of sacrifice spun in the cleansing sieve, on Vanina's + +tongue-tip, by supernatural might,— + +This, by their striving, have the prudent ones attained: he +who hath not this power shall sink into the pit. + +HYMN LXXIV. Soma Pavamftna* + + +Born like a youngling he hath clamoured in the wood, when +he, the Bed, the Strong, would win the light of heaven. + + +4 They: the beams that radiate from Soma; somavamayah: Soma-rays.— +S&yana. + +5 Sire and Mother: the general parents, Heaven and Earth. The swarthy +shin; ( the black-skinned (Rakshasas)* —Wilson. + +6 Those: rays. I follow S&yana’s interpretation. The first line is very + +obscure. . „ A ~ + +7 The filter: the tip of their tongue. Cf. stanza 9, and hymn 75. 2. See ±ser- +gaigne, La Religion Vedigue, I. 283. Bright coloured: rudrtfsah: sons of +Rudra, according to S&yana. But see Yedische Studien, I. pp, 55, 56. + +8 Of Law: of law-ordained sacrifice. The three Purifiers whom Soma sets +within his heart and combines in his own being are Agni, V4yu, Surya, the + + +purifying powers of fire, wind, and sun. + +9 On Varuna's J -Vasativari waters in which Soma dwells + +(va^ati) stand on ti , ' i . Q V~r-;. He who hath not this + +power: f he who is incompetent for th ■ ■■ ■' + + +1 In the wood: in the wooden vat. According to Sayana, ‘ in the water, * + + + +332 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +IBOOK IX. + + +He comes with heavenly seed that makes the water swell: him +for wide-spreading shelter we implore with prayer. + +2 A far-extended pillar that supports the sky, the Soma-stalk, + +filled full, moves itself every way. + +He shall bring both these great worlds while the rite proceeds: +the Sage holds these who move together and all food. + +3 Wide space hath he who follows Aditi’s right path, and mighty, + +well-made food, meath blent with Soma juice ; + +He who from hence commands the rain, Steer of the kine, +Leader of floods, who helps us hence, who claims our laud. + +4 Butter andfmilk are drawn from animated cloud; thence + +Amrit is produced, centre of sacrifice. + +Him the Most Bounteous Ones, ever-united, love; him as our +Friend the Men who make all swell rain down. + +5 The Soma-stalk hath roared, following with the wave : he + +swells with sap for man the skin which Gods enjoy. + +Upon the lap of Aditi he lays the germ, by means wherof we +gain children and progeny. + +6 In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the + +Exhaustless Ones descend with procreaut power. + +The kindred Four have been sent downward from the heav¬ +ens : dropping with oil they bring Amrit and sacred gifts. + +7 Soma assumes white colour when he strives to gain: the + +bounteous Asura knows full many a precious boon. + +Down the steep slope, through song, he comes to sacrifice, +and he will burst the water-holding cask of heaven, + +2 lie shall bring both these great worlds: shall bring Heaven and Earth to + +the sacrifice. r + +3 He who follows Aditi's right path: the regularly moving moou. Sayana +takes dditih with gavyiitih : * the way to earth is broad.’—Wilson. Somewhat +similarly Hiilebraudt, V. M ., I. 360. + +4 The Most Bounteous Ones, the Men who make all swell, are, probably, the +Maruts who fertilize the earth, and send Soma down in the rain. S&yana’s +explanation is different:—‘the assembled liberal givers [the yajamdnai or +sacrificers] delight him : (the Soma juices) the leaders, the protectors shower +down the accumulated (water) ’—Wilson. For the meaning of pdravah those +who swell, or cause to swell, ‘ protectors’ according to StVyana, see VedUche +Studien, I, p. 85. + +5 For man; for the sacrificer. The skin: his own body.—S&yana. Upon +the lap of Aditi: of the earth, according to Stiyaua. The meaning is that +Soraa is the source of all Nature’s productive power. + +6 In the third region: dwelling in heaven. The Exhaustlcss Ones: these + +are the kindred Four of the following line, *. ,r '. ■ ■ ■ ■ V" - to S&yana, four + +rays or digits of Soma. It is most probab ■ ■■ -ddesses SinivAli, + +Kuhu or Gungii, Bftktt/and Anumati are meant. Cp. II. 32. 6, 7.’—Ludwig. + +7 Strives to gain: seeks to enjoy heaven.—Silyana. The water-holding cask: +the water-laden cloud. + + + + +TEE BIO VEDA. + + +HYMN 75.] + + +33 a + + +8 Yea, to the shining milk-anointed beaker, as to his goal, hath + +stepped the conquering Courser. + +Pious-souled men have sent their gifts of cattle unto Kak- +shivan of the hundred winters. + +9 Soma, thy juice when thou art blended with the streams, + +flows, Pavamana, through the long wool of the sheep. + +So, cleansed by sages, 0 best giver of delight, grow sweet for +Indra, Pavamana 1 for his drink. + +HYMN LXXY. Soma Pavamana. + +Graciously-minded he is flowing on his way to win dear +names o’er which the Youthful One grows £reat. + +The Mighty and Far-seing One hath mounted now the mighty +Surya’s car which moves to every side. + +2 The Speaker, unassailable Master of this hymn, the Tongue of + +sacrifice pours forth the pleasant meath. + +Within the lustrous region of the heavens the Son makes the +third secret name of Mother and of Sire. + +3 Sending forth flashes he hath bellowed to the jars, led by the + +men into the golden reservoir. + +The milky streams of sacrifice have sung to him: he of the +triple height shines brightly through the morns. + +4 Pressed by the stones, with hymns, and graciously inclined, + +illuminating both the Parents, Heaven and Earth, + +He flows in ordered season onward through the fleece, a cur¬ +rent of sweet juice still swelling day by day. + +5 Flow onward, Soma, flow to bring prosperity: cleansed by the + +men, invest thee with the milky di’aught. + +What gladdening drinks thou hast, foaming, exceeding strong, +even with these incite Indra to give us wealth. + +8 The conquering Courser: the swiftly-flowing Soma. Eakshtvdn: the +Rishi of the bymn. + +1 O’er which: that is the Youthful One, the fresh and strong Soma, +exceeds iu greatness even the high titles which he wins by his gracious deeds. + +2 Speaker; Master; Tongue of sacrifice: Soma, the giver of eloquence. +The Son: Soma. Of Mother and of Sire: of his parents. Heaven and Earth. +What the third secret name , that is, probably, a name in addition to those of +Heaven and Earth, and comprising both deities, may be, docs not appear. +S&yana’s explanation is different *.—* the son (the sacrifice!-) assumes a third +name unknown to his parents ; ’ that is, Wilson adds, ‘a name not given at +birth...He [S&yana] cites BaudMyana, who gives Somaydjin [Somay&ga sacri- +ficerj as an instance of a third name/ + +3 The milky stream^: cf. I. 144. 2. Of the triple height: dwelling in three +high places, heaven, the firmament or the mountain-top, and the place of sac¬ +rifice. Cf. IX, 71. 7. + + +[BOOK IX. + + +234 THE HYMNS OF + +HYMN LXXYI. Soma Pavamftna. + +On flows the potent juice, sustainer of the heavens, the strength +of Gods, whom men must hail with shouts of joy. + +The Gold-lined, started like a courser by brave men, impe¬ +tuously winneth splendour in the streams. + +2 He takes his weapons, like a hero, in his hands, fain to win + +light, car-borne, in forays for the kine. + +Indu, while stimulating Indra’s might, is urged forward and +balmed by sages skilful in their task. + +3 Soma, as thou art purified with flowing wave, exhibiting thy + +strength e$ter thou Indra’s throat. + +Make both Worlds stream for us, as lightning doth the clouds : +mete out exhaustless powers for us, as ’twere through song. + +4 Onward he flows, the King of all that sees the light: the + +K-ishis’ Lord hath raised the song of sacrifice; + +Even he who is adorned with Surya’s arrowy beam, Father of +hymns, whose wisdom is beyond our reach. + +5 Like as a bull to herds, thou flowest to the pail, bellowing as + +a steer upon the waters’ lap. + +So, best of Cheerers, thou for Inara flowest on that we, with +thy protection, may overcome iu^fight. + +HYMN LXXVIL Soma Pavam&na. + +More beauteous than the beautiful, as Indra’s bolt, this Soma, +rich in sweets, hath clamoured in the vat. + +Dropping with oil, abundant, streams of sacrifice flow unfco him +like milch-kine, lowing, with their milk. + +2 On flows that Ancient One whom, hitherward, from heaven, + +sped through the region of the air, the Ijklcon snatched. + +He, quivering with alarm and terrified in heart before bow¬ +armed Krisauu, holdeth fast the sweet. + +3 May those first freshest drops of Soma juice effused flow r on + +- their way to bring us mighty strength in kine. + +Beauteous a s serpents ^ worthy to be looked upon, they whom +t. \ VS each sacred gift and all our prayers have pleased. + + +3 As ’twere through song; * now with, the rice, i. e. at the very time the +rite is being performed.’ —Wilson. + +2 The Falcon : see I. 93. 5. He: Soma, according to S&yana, but more +probably the falcon, Krisdnu: the archer who guards the celestial Soma. +See 1.112. 21. + +3 Serpents: the meaning of ahyhli is uncertain here. S&yana explains it +* by JtjSu&h- yvom<}XU-- ( pleasing to ’look upon like beautiful well-adorned +' (women).’—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 78.1 THE RIG VET)A. 835 + +4 May that much-lauded ludu, with a heart inclined to us, well- + +knowing, fight against our enemies. + +He who hath brought the germ beside the Strong One's seat +moves onward to the widely-opened stall of kine. + +5 The active potent juice of heaven is flowing on, great Yaruna + +whom the fro ward man can ne’er deceive. + +Mitra, the Holy, hath been pressed for troubled times, neigh¬ +ing like an impatient horse amid the herd. + +HYMN LXXVIII. Soma PavamSna. + +Kaising his voice the King bath flowed upon his way; invest¬ +ed with the waters he would win the kine. * + +The fleece retains his solid parts as though impure, and bright +and cleansed he seeks the special place of Gods. + +2 Thou, Soma, art effused for Xndra by the men, balmed in the +■ wood as wave, Sage, Viewer of mankind. + +Full many are the paths whereon thou mayest go ; a thousand +bay steeds hast thou resting in the bowls. + +3 Apsarases who dwell in waters of the sea, sitting within, have + +flowed to Soma wise of heart. + +They urge the Master of the house upon his way, and to the +Eternal Pavamana pr<ay for bliss. + +4 Soma flows on for us as winner of the kine, winner of thousands, + +cars, water, and light, and gold; + +He whom the Gods have made a gladdening draught to drink, +the drop most sweet to taste, weal-bringing, red of hue. + + +4 He who hath brought the germ: here the sacrificer and not Soma +meant.—Ludwig. The Strong One : Agni. + +5 In this stanza Soma is compared to, or mystically identified with, Varuna +and Mitra. S&yana leaves Yanina unexplained, hut interprets Mitra by +sarveshdm mltrabhutah , * (Soma) the friend of all.* + +1 The fleece: literally, the sheep ; the filter made of wool. Solid parts: +tctnrd: the fragments of stalk which will not pass through the strainer. +According to S&ynna, ‘with its own covering,’— f tlie sheep with its fleece.’— +Wilson. The special place of Gods: the vessels which hold the libations +assigned to various ©ods. + +2 Balmed in the wood : according to Sftyana, ‘art driven into the water/ +Bay steeds: swiftly-running tawny drops, + +3 Apsarases who dwell in waters of the sea: * nymphs of the firmament.’— +Wilson. The mymphs are identified with their element, and represent the +water with which the Soma juice is mixed. The Master of the house: har~ +mymya sahshanim; Soma. In IX. 71. 4, Sftyana explains these words as +* overpowerer, or stormer of the fort of the enemy/ and in this place as ‘ the +sprinkler of the hall of sacrifice/ Sahshani , from the root sa/i, means over¬ +powerer, and from the root such, connected with, especially as master and +possessor. + + + +336 THE HYMNS OF [ROOK IX, + +5 Soma, as PavamAna thou, our faithful Friend, making for us +these real treasures, flowest on. + +Slay thou the enemy both near and far away : grant us secur¬ +ity and ample pasturage. + +HYMN LXXIX. Soma PavamAna. + +Spontaneous let our drops of Soma juice flow on, pressed, gol- +den-hued, among the Gods of lofty heaven. + +Perish among us they who give no gifts of food ! perish the +godless 1 May our prayers obtain success. + +2 Forward to us the drops, distilling meath, shall flow, like riches + +for whose sake we urge the horses on. + +Beyond the<Sraf iy hindering of all mortal men may we conti¬ +nually bear precious wealth away. + +3 Yea, verily, foe of hate shown to himself is he, yea, verily, des¬ + +troyer too of other hate. + +As thirst subdueth in the desert, conquer thou, 0 Soma Pava- +mana, men of evil thoughts. + +4 Near kin to thee is he, raised loftiest in the heavens : upon the + +earth’s high ridge thy scions have grown forth. + +The press-stones chew and crunch thee on the ox’s hide: sages +have milked thee with their hands into the streams. + +5 So do they hurry on thy strong and beauteous juice, 0 Indu, + +as the first ingredient of the draught. + +Bring low, thou Pavamana, .every single foe, and be thy might +shown forth as sweet and gladdening drink. + +HYMN LXXX. Soma PavamAna. + +On flows the stream of Soma who beholds mankind: hy ever¬ +lasting Law he calls the Gods from heaven. + +He lightens with the roaring of Brihaspatx: the lakes have not +contained the pourings of the juice. + + +1 They who give no gifts of food; I can find no satisfactory explanation of +ishoh dratiyah, so I give Sftyana’s interpretation as a makeshift. ‘May they +be destroyed who are the withholders of food from us/—Wilson. + +2 Urge the horses on: SAyana explains arvatcih, horses, by ‘ strong enemy.’ +‘By whose aid we encounter the powerful (enemy).’—Wilson. + +3 ‘ Soma knows how to defend not only himself, but us also.’—Ludwig. +Destroyer: literally, the wolf. + +4 He: ‘the Moon.’—Ludwig. ‘Thy best juice dwells in the navel of + +heaven, that which receives (the oblation).’—Wilson. On the ox's hide: +* Although men of the present time pour out the Soma upon the skin of a +bh.ck antelope and not on a cowhide or oxhide, still it is measured out for +sale on an oxhide.’—SAyana. - + +I The roaring of Brihaspati: that is, says SAyana, the voice or praise of +the worshipper. Agni may be intended, as Ludwig suggests. The lakes: or +seas (samii' 1 2 3 4 -'*-!-* 1 T - 11 y the Soma-reservoirs. SAyana takes na as a + +particle of , : ■ i' „ libations cover (the earth)like rivers.’—Wilson, + + + + +THE MG VEDA, + + +337 + + +HYMN 81.1 + +2 Tliou, powerful Soma, thou to whom the cows have lowed, as- + +cendest, bright with sheen, thine iron-fashioned home. + +Thou, leugtheuiug our princes' life and high renown, flowest for +Indra as his mighty gladdening drink. + +3 Best giver of delight, he flows to Indra's throat, robing him¬ + +self in might, Auspicious One, for fame. + +He spreads himself abroad, to meet all things that be: the +vigorous Tawny Steed flows sporting on his way. + +4 The men, the ten swift fingers, milk thee out for Gods, even + +thee most rich in meath, with thousand flowing streams. +Soma who winnest thousands, driven by the^ien, expressed +with stones, bring, as thou flowest, all. the Gods. + +5 Deft-handed men with stones, the ten swift fingers, drain thee + +into waters, thee, the Steer enriched with sweets. + +Thou, Soma, gladdening Indra and the Heavenly Host, flowest +as Pavamana like a river's wave. + +HYMN LXXXI. Soma Pavam&na. + +Onwabd to Indra's throat move, beauteously adorned, the +waves of Soma as lie purifies himself, + +When they, brought forward with the lovely curd of kine, +effused, have cheered 6he Hero to bestow his gifts. + +2 Hither hath Soma flowed unto the beakers, like a chariot- + +horse, a stallion swift upon his way. + +Thus, knowing both the generations, he obtains the rights and +dues of Gods from yonder and from hence. + +3 While thou art cleansed, 0 Soma, scatter wealth on us; + +Indu, bestow great bounty as a liberal Prince. + +Giver of life, with wisdom help to opulence; strew not our +home possessions far away from us. + +4 Hither let Pushan Pavamana come to us, Yaruna, Mitra, + +bountiful, of one accord, + +The Maruts, Asvins, Vayu, and Brihaspati, Savitar, Tvashtar 1 , +tractable Sarasvati. + + +2 Iron-fashioned home: Bee IX. 1. % + +2 Both the generations: of Gods and men. S&yana takes ubkdyasya jan- +manah with devfitndm: — { aud knowing bath races of gods—those who come +to (the sacrifice) from the other world and those who (come) from this world.* +—Wilson. + +3 Help to opulence: according to S&yana, i help Yasu (the Bishi of the +hymn) to prosperity.* + +4 Tractable; snyamd: easily led (by prayer). According to S4yana=sim- +grahd, beautiful in foim + +22 + + + + +338. THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /X + +5 Both Heaven and Earth, the all-invigorating Pair, Vidhatar, +Aditi, and Aryaman the God, + +Bhaga who blesses men, the spacious Firmament,—let all the +Gods in Pavamkna take delight. + +HYMN LXXXTI. Soma Pavam&na, + +Even as a King hath Soma, red and tawny Bull, been pressed : + +the Wondrous One hath bellowed to the kine. + +While purified he passes through the filtering fleece to seat +him hawk-like on the place that drops with oil. + +2 To glory goest thou, Sage with disposing skill, like a groomed + +steed thm rushest forward to the prize. + +0 Soma, be thou gracious, driving off distress : thou goest, +clothed in butter, to a robe of state. + +3 Parjanya is the Father of the Mighty Bird : on mountains-, + +in earth’s centre hath he made his home, + +The waters too have flowed, the Sisters, to the kine : he meets +the pressing-stones at the beloved rite. + +4 Thou givest pleasure as a wife delights her lord. Listen, G + +Child of Pajri, for to thee I speak. + +Amid the holy songs go on that we may live: in time of +trouble, Soma, watch thou free from blame. + +5 As to the men of old thou earnest, Indu, unharmed, to + +strengthen, winning hundreds, thousands, + +So now for new felicity flow onward : the waters follow as thy +law ordaineth. + +HYMN LXXXIIL Soma PavamAna. + +Spread is thy cleansing filter, Brahmanaspati: as Prince, +thou entered its limbs from every side. + +5 All-invigorating: msvaminvS: ‘all-pervading. 5 —SAyana, Vidhdtar: the +Disposer, regarded as a separate deity, as Dh&tar is the Maker, Ordainer, or +Establishes - + +1 As a King: ‘magnificent as a king.’—Wilson. That drops with oil: +SAyana here explains ghyitavantam by udaJcavantam, watery. + +2 To a robe of state: nirnijam: ‘ to the cleansing (vessel). 5 —Wilson, + +3 Parjanya ; the God of the rain-cloud and waters of the air in which the +mighty Bird, the Moon, is born. In earth's centre; at the altar, in the +oblation. + +4 Pajrd: according to S Ay ana, the earth. The St. Petersburg Lexicon + +explains the word as meaning the moist fresh Soma-plant of which Soma, the +juice, is the child. Perhaps, as Ludwig suggests, PajrA may be the name of +the sacrificer’s wife. - + +1 Bralimauaspati’s filter appears to be the heavenly filter through which +the rain descends to earth. See Bergaigne, La Religion VMiqtie, I. 79, 2Q1. +The raw : uncooked oblation. Which bear: * bearing (the sacrifice). 7 —Wilson. +This: according to S Ay ana, to this filter. Ludwig thinks that Agni or Sfirya +is meant by ‘ tut.’ + + + +THE R1G7EDA. + + +3-39 + + +HYMN 84] + +The raw, whose mass hath not been heated, gains not this : +they only which are dressed, which bear, attain to it. + +2 High in the seat of heaven is spread the Scorcher’s sieve : its + +threads are standing separate, glittering with light. + +The Swift Ones favour him who purifieth this : with cons¬ +ciousness they stand upon the height of heaven. + +3 The foremost spotted Steer hath made the Mornings shine, + +and yearning after strength sustains all things that be. + +By his high wisdom have the Mighty Sages wrought: the +Fathers who behold mankind laid down the germ. + +4 Gandharva verily protects his dwelling-place^ Wondrous, he + +guards the generations of the Gods. • + +Lord of the snare, he takes the foeman with the snare : those +who are most devout have gained a share of meath. + +5 Bich in oblations ! robed in cloud, thou compassest oblation, + +sacrifice, the mighty seat of Gods. + +King, on thy chariot-sieve thou goest up to war, and with a +thousand weapons winnest lofty fame. + +HYMN LXXXIY. Soma Pavam&na. + +Flow, cheering Gods, most active, winner of the flood, for +Indra, and for Vayu, and for Varuna. + +Bestow on us to-day wicfe room with happiness, and in thine +ample dwelling laud the Host of Heaven. + +2 He who hath come anear to creatures that have life, Immortal +Soma flows onward to all of them. + +Effecting, for our aid, both union and release, Indu, like +Surya, follows closely after Dawn. + +2 The Scorches sieve : e The filter of the foe-scorching (Soma)/—Wilson. +The Swift Ones: e his swift-flowing (juices) protect the purifier (the worship¬ +per).’—Wilson. + +3 The Mighty Sages: those who possess supernatural wisdom ; the Gods. +The Fathers; * The fruitfulness of heaven and earth, which give birth to gods +and men, is described as produced by the fathers.’—Wallis, Cosmology of the +R. F, p. 72. See X. 64. 14. + +4 Oandhai'va: here, the Sun. His: Soma’s. + +5 Robed in cloud : ndbhah: meaning, water from the clouds. With a thou¬ +sand weapons: more literally, having a thousand, that is, countless, sharp +points. ‘Thousand-rayed.’—Ludwig. + +1 In thine ample dwelling: ‘ on the spacious sacrificial ground.’—S&yana. + +2 The second line is obscure. Wilson translates, after S&yana :— 1 2 * * * 6 Indu, + +“binding and loosing, accompanies the sacrifice (for its protection) as the sun + +the dawn ; ’ that is, binding or connecting the sacrifice with the gods and loos¬ + +ing or separating it from the Asuras or evil spirits. But this explanation is +unsatisfactory, Ludwig suggests that * union’ refers to Soma’s binding to¬ + +gether heaven and earth, Gods and men, and for the meaning of ‘ release ’ he +refers to IX, 68. 6, + + + +340 THE HYMNS OH . [BOOK JX + +3 He who is poured with milk, he who within the plants hastes + +bringing treasure for the happiness of Gods, + +, He, poured forth in a stream flows with the lightning’s flash, +Soma who gladdens Indra and the Host of Heaven. + +4 Winner of thousands, he, this Soma, flows along, raising a + +vigorous voice that wakens with the dawn. + +Indu with winds drives on the ocean of the air, he sinks +within the jars, he rests in Iudra’s heart. + +5 The kine with milk dress him who makes the milk increase, + +Soma, amid the songs, who finds the light of heaven. +Winner of wealth, the effectual juice is flowing on, Singer +and Sage by wisdom, dear as heaven itself. + +HYMN LXXX Y. Soma Pavam&na. + +Flow on to Indra, Soma, carefully effused : let sickness stay +afar together with the fiends. + +Let not the double-tongued delight them with thy juice : here +be thy flowing drops laden with opulence, + +2 0 Pavamana, urge us forward in the fight: thou art the + +vigour of the Gods, the well-loved drink. + +Smite thou our enemies who raise r the shout of joy : Indra, +drink Soma juice, and drive away our foes. + +3 Unharmed, best Cheerer, thou, 0 Indu, flowest on: thou, + +even thou thyself, art Indra’s noblest food. + +Full many a wise man lifts to thee the sonsr of praise, and +hails thee with a kiss as Sovran of this world. + +4 Woudrous, with hundred streams, hymned in a thousand songs, + +ludu pours out for Indra his delightful meath. + +Winning us land and waters, flow thou hitherward: Rainer +of bounties, Soma, make broad way for us. + +5 Ro.iriug within the beaker thou art balmed with milk: thou + +passest through the fleecy filter all at once. + +Carefully cleansed and decked like a prize-winning steed, 0 +Soma, thou hast flowed down within Iudra’s throat. + +6 Flow onward sweet of flavour for the Heavenly Race, for + +Indra sweet, whose name is easily invoked : + +Flow sweet for Mitra, Yanina, and V&yu, rich in meath, in¬ +violable for Brihaspati. + +7 Ten rapid fingers deck the Courser in the jar: with hymns + +the holy singers send their voices forth. + +The filtering juices hasten to their eulogy, the drops that +gladden find their way to Indra’s heart. + + + +HYMN 86 .] THE MGVEHA. 341 + +8 While thou art purified pour on us hero strength, great, far- + +extended shelter, spacious pasturage. + +Let no oppression master this our holy work: may we, 0 +Indu, gain all opulence through thee. + +9 The Steer who sees afar hath risen above the sky: the Sage + +hath caused the lights of heaven to give their shine. + +The King is passing through the filter with a roar : they drain +the milk of heaven from him who looks on men. + +10 High in the vault of heaven, unceasing, honey-tongued, the + +Loving Ones drain out the mountain-haunting Steer,— + +The drop that hath grown great in waters, in *Jie lake, meath- +rich, in the stream’s wave and in the cleansing sieve. + +11 The Loving Ones besought with many voices the Eagle who + +had down away to heaven. + +Hymns kiss the Youngling worthy of laudation, resting on +earth, the Bird of golden colour. + +12 High to heaven’s vault hath the Gandharva risen, beholding + +all his varied forms and figures. + +His ray hath shone abroad with gleaming splendour : pure, +he hath lighted both the worlds, the Parents. + +HYX1N LXXXVI. Soma Pavam&na, + +Thy gladdening draughts, 0 Pavamana, urged by song flow +swiftly of themselves like sons of fleet-foot mares. + +The drops of Soma juice, those eagles of the heavens, most +cheering, rich in rneath, rest in the reservoir. + +2 As rapid chariot-steeds, so turned in several ways have thine + +exhilarating juices darted forth, + +Soma-drops vicfa in meath, waves, to the Thunder-armed, to +Indra, like milch-kine who seek their calf with milk. + +3 Like a steed urged to battle, finder of the light, speed on¬ + +ward to the cloud-born reservoir of heaven,, + +A Steer that o’er the woolly surface seeks the sieve, Soma +while purified for Indra’s nourishment. + + +9 The Steei ■ who sees afar: wise Soma, the Moon. + +10 The Loving Ones : ventlh : the Gods or, specially, the Maruts. Accord¬ +ing to S&yana, great Rishis, called Venas. The mountain-haunting Steer: Soma, +first seen over the mountain heights. See Hillebrandt, V. M., I. 389, + +11 Soma in this stanza is the Eagle, the Youngling or infant, and the Bird +of golden colour. + +12 The Gandharva: here Soma, tlie Moon. See Hillebrandt, V. M., I. 429. + +3 Speed onward ; hasten to pour down the rain from the cloud, + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK IX . + + +4 Fleet as swift steeds, thy drops, divine, thought-swift, have + +been, 0 Pavamaua, poured with milk into the vat. + +The Kishis have poured in continuous Soma-drops, ordainers +who adorn thee, Friend whom Bishis love. + +5 0 thou who seest all things, Sovran as thou art and passing + +strong, thy rays encompass all abodes. + +Pervading with thy natural powers thou flowest on, and as +the whole world’s Lord, 0 Soma, thou art King. + +6 The beams of Pavam&na, sent from earth and heaven, his + +ensigns who is ever stedfast, travel round. + +When on fche sieve the Golden-hued is cleansed, he rests +within the vats as one who seats him in his place. + +7 Served with fair rites he flows, ensign of sacrifice: Soma + +advances to the special place of Gods. + +He speeds with thousand currents to the reservoir, and passes +through the filter bellowing as a bull. + +3 The Sovran dips him in the sea and in the streams, and set +in rivers with the waters’ wave moves on. + +High heaven’s Sustaiuer at the central point of earth, raised +on the fleecy surface Pavamana stands. + +9 He on whose high decree the heavens and earth depend hath +roared and thundered like the summit of the sky. + +Soma flows on obtaining Indra’s friendly love, and, as they +purify him, settles in the jars. + +10 He, light of sacrifice, distils delicious meath, most wealthy, + +Father and begetter of the Gods. + +He, gladdening, best of Cheerers, juice that Indra loves, enrich¬ +es with mysterious treasure earth and fyeaven. + +11 The vigorous and far-seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, + +shouting to the beaker, with his thousand streams. + +Coloured like gold he rests in seats where Mitra dwells, tho +Steer made beautiful by rivers and by sheep. + +.12 In forefront of the rivers Puvam&na speeds, in forefront of +the hymn, foremost among the kine. + + +4 Friend whom Rishis love ; Hshishdna: tlie word does not occur elsewhere, +and its precise meaning is uncertain. *0 mAi-enjoyed/—Wilson. ‘ Thou who +playesi the part of a Rishi,’—hudwig. + +8 The sea and the streams are the firmament and its waters. Soma,, who +is at the same time the God in heaven and the earthly beverage, is said to +combine with the solar rays in the clouds, and thus to cause the rain to +descend. See Hillebrandt, F. M.. I. 215. Central point of earth; the place +of sacrifice. + +H rivers and by sheep; by the purifying waters and the woollen +strainer, + + + + +HYMN 86 ,] + + +THE RIGYEDA, + + +343 + +He shares the mighty booty in the’van of war: the well-armed +Steer is purified by worshippers, + +13 This heedful Pavamana, like a bird sent forth, hath with his + +wave flowed onward to the fleecy sieve, + +0 Indra, through thy wisdom, by thy thought, 0 Sage, Soma +flows bright and pure between the earth and heaven. + +14 He, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the Holy One, filling + +the firmament, stationed amid the worlds, + +Knowing the realm of light, hath come to us in rain: he sum¬ +mons to himself his own primeval Sire. + +15 He who was first of all to penetrate his forrj bestowed upon + +bis race wide shelter and defence. + +From that high station which he hath in loftiest heaven he +comes victorious to all encounters here. + +16 Iudu hath started forth for Indra’s special place, and slights + +not as a Friend the promise of his Friend. + +Soma speeds onward like a youth to youthful maids, and gains +the beaker by a course of hundred paths. + +17 Your songs, exhilarating, tuneful, uttering praise, are come into + +the places where the people meet. + +Worshippers have exalted Soma with their hymns, and milch- +kine have come near to meet him with their milk. + +18 0 Soma, Indu, while they cleanse thee, pour on 11 s accumu¬ + +lated, plentiful, nutritious food, + +Which, ceaseless, thrice a day shall yield us hero power en¬ +riched with store of nourishment, and strength, and meath. + +19 Far-seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the + +Furtherer o£ day, of morning, and of heaven. + +Mixt with the streams he c msed the beakers to resound, and +with the singers' aid they entered Indra's heart. + +20 On, with the prudent singers, flows the ancient Sage and gnided + +by the men hath roared about the vats. + +Producing Trita's name, may he pour forth the meath, that +V&yu and that Indra may become his Friends. + +14 His own primeval Sire: or, the ancient Father of this (All). Indra is +meant. + +15 He: Soma. His form: Indra'8. His race : Indra and the Gods. + +16 Slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend; 'the friend leaves +not the stomach of his friend.’ —Wilson. S&yana derives samgiram from +samgrt, to swallow, instead of from samyrt, to assent. Hundred paths: +through the interstices of the wool. + +18 Thrice a day: at the three appointed sacrifices. + +20 Producing Trita's name : literally, begetting, that is, making (jandyan) +the name of Trita ; meaning probably, as Prof. Ludwig suggests, reminding + + + +344 THE HYMHS OF [BOOK /X + +21 He, being purified, bath made the Mornings shine : this, even + +this is he who gave the rivers room. + +He made the Three Times Seven pour out the milky flow: +Soma, the Cheerer, yields whate’er the heart finds sweet. + +22 Flow onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, + +poured within the beaker and the sieve. + +Sinking into the throat of Indra with a roar, led by the men +thou madest Surya mount to heaven. + +23 Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, 0 + +Indu, entering the depths of Indra*s throat. + +Far-sighted Soma, now thou lookest on mankind : thou didst +unbar th$?eow-stall for the Angirases. + +24 In thee, 0 Soma, while thou pnrifiedst thee, high-thoughted + +sages, seeking favour, have rejoiced. + +Down from the heavens the Falcon brought thee hitherward, +even thee, 0 Indu, thee whom all our hymns adorn. + +25 Seven Milch-kine glorify the Towny-coloured One while with + +his wave in wool he purifies himself. + +The living men, the mighty, have impelled the Sage into the +waters’ lap, the place of sacrifice. + +26 Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making his + +ways all easy for the pious man? + +Making the kine his mantle, he, the lovely Sage, runs like a +sporting courser onward through the fleece. + +27 The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams + +sing, as they hasten near, to him the Golden-hued. + +Him, clad in robes of milk, swift fingers beautify on the third +height and in the luminous realm of heaven. + +28 These are thy generations of celestial seed : thou art the + +Sovran Lord of all the world of life. + +This universe, 0 Pavam&na, owns thy sway; thou, Indu, art +the first establisher of Law. + + +us of Trita, with whom he is closely connected. * Generating the water of +the threefold (Indra).’—Wilson. + +_ 21 The Three Times Seven; the Beven celestial rivers, corresponding to the +rivers of earth, multiplied by three to accord with the threefold division of +the heavens. According to S&yana, cows are meant. + +23 Thou didst unbar the cow-stall: didst recover the cattle stolen by the +Panis, that is the rays of light that the fiends of darkness had carried off; +the great deed of Indra being ascribed to Soma his inspirer. + +25 Seven Milch-kine: the celestial rivers. + +26 Making the hine his mantle; he who is afterwards covered or mingled +with milk. + + + +srurrse.] the mgveda. 345 + +29 Thou art the sea, 0 Sage who bringest all to light: tinder + +thy Law are these five regions of the world. + +Thou reachest out beyond the earth, beyond the heavens: +thine are the lights, 0 Pavam&na, thine the Sun. + +30 Thou in the filter, Soma Pavamana, art purified to support + +the region for the Gods. + +The chief, the longing ones have sought to hold thee fast, +and all these living creatures have been turned to thee, + +31 Onward the Singer travels o’er the fleecy sieve: the Tawny + +Steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats. + +Hymns have been sung aloud in resonant hai^?ony, and holy +songs kiss him, the Child who claims our praise. + +32 He hath assumed the rays of Sfirva for his robe, spinning, as + +be knows how, the triply-twisted thread. + +He, guiding to the newest rules of Holy Law, comes as the +Women’s Consort to the special place. + +33 On flows the King of rivers and the Lord of heaven: he + +follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law. + +The Golden-hned is poured forth with his hundred streams, +Wealth-bringer, lifting up his voice while purified. + +34 Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavam&na, pourest out, like wond¬ + +rous Sura, through the fleece, an ample sea. + +Purified with the hands, pressed by the men with stones, thou +speedesfc on to mighty booty-bringing war. + +35 Thou, PavamA.ua, sendest food and power in streams: thou + +sit test.in the beakers as a hawk on trees, + +For Indra poured as cheering juice to make him glad, as near¬ +est and far-seeing bearer-up of heaven. + +36 The Sisters Seven, the Mothers, stand around the Babe, the + +noble, new-born Infant, skilled in holy song, + +Gandharva of the floods, divine, beholding men, Soma, that he +may reign as King of all the world. + + +29 Thou art the sea: Soma and the sea being alike producers of rain. +Lights: stars. + +SO The region: mid-air ; the firmament. The chief , the longing ones : the +Venas, the Maruts. + +32 >S pinning.. Ah? '■■V-v thread: bearing his part in morning, noon¬ +day and evening <*. /' • Women's Consort: Lord and husband of the + +Waters of heaven. The special place: 1 the consecrated (vessel).’—Wilson. + +34 Like wondrous Sdra : adorable like the Sun. + +36 The Sisters Seven : the great rivers which may provide water for Soma- +sacrifices. Gandharva: frequently identified with the Sun, here means Soma, +the Moon, + + + +[BOOK IX, + + +346 THE KYMNS OF + +37 As Sovran Lord thereof thou passest through these worlds, 0 + +Indu, harnessing thy tawny well-winged Mares. + +May they pour forth for thee milk and oil rich in sweets .* 0 +Soma, let the folk abide in thy decree. + +38 0 Soma, thou beholdest men from every side: 0 Pavamana, + +Steer, thou wanderest through these. + +Pour out upon us wealth in treasure and in gold : may we +have strength to live among the things that be. + +39 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as im~ + +pregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life. + +Rich in bray© men art thou, Soma, who winuest all: these holy +singers wait upon thee with the song. + +40 The wave of flowing meath hath wakened up desires : the + +Steer enrobed in milk plunges into the streams. + +Borne on his chariot-sieve the King hath risen to war, and +with a thousand rays hath won him high renown. + +41 Dear to all life, he sends triumphant praises forth, abundant, + +bringing offspring, each succeeding day. + +From Indra crave for us, Indu, when thou art quaffed, the bles¬ +sing that gives children, wealth that harbours steeds. + +42 When days begin, the strong juice, lovely, golden-hued, is +recognized by wisdom more aud more each day, + +He, stirring both the Races, goes between the two, the bearer +of the word of men and word of Gods. + +43 They halm him, balm him over, balm him thoroughly, caress +the mighty streugth and balm it with the meath. + +37 Tawny ...Mares; haritah ; Harits, Of. IV. 6.9; 13.3; VII. 66.15; +IX. 63. 9. + +38 Through these: there is no substantive. S&yana supplies ajpah t waters. + +40 Desires; the meaning of mndndh; is not certain; ‘voices (of praise). 7 — +Wilson. With a thousand rays: sahnsrabhrishtih: literally, having a thousand +edges or sharp points. Op. IX. 83. 5 + +41 The blessing: this seems to be very nearly the meaning of brdhma here. +But the word may as usual be rendered by prayer, or devotion. * Solicit +Indra (to give) us food productive of progeny. 7 —Wilson, + +42 When days begin; according to S&yana, early in the morning. The +commencement of the year is more probably intended. The second half of +the stanza is obscurely expressed. It appears to mean that Soma acts as a +mediator between heaven and earth, urging men to offer, and the Gods to +receive, worship, bearing up to heaven the hymns and praises of human +worshippers and bringing back to them the assurance that their petitions +will be granted. S&yana’s explanation is different: ‘ approaching the two +men (the praiser ajid the worshipper or secular and sacred people) he passes +in the midst (of heaven and earth, bestowing), upon the upholder (of the +rite) both human and divine (riches). 7 —Wilson. I follow Ludwig who takes +dhartdri as nominative singular. + + + +ETMN 87.] + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +347 + + +They seize the flying Steer at the stream’s breathing-place: +cleansing with gold they grasp the Animal herein. + +44 Sing forth to Pavam&na skilled in holy song: the juice is + +flowing onward like a mighty stream. + +He glideth like a serpent from his aucient skin, and like a +playful horse the Tawny Steer hath run. + +45 Dweller iu floods. King, foremost, he displays his might, set + +among living things as measurer of days. + +Distilling oil he flows, fair, billowy, golden-hued, borne on a +car of light, sharing one home with wealth. + +46 Loosed is the heavens’ support, the uplifted ^cheering juice : + +the triply-mingled draught flows round into the worlds. + +The holy hymns caress the stalk that claims our praise, when +singers have approached his beauteous robe with song. + +47 Thy streams that flow forth rapidly collected run over the + +fine fleece of the sheep as thou art cleansed. + +When, Indu, thou art balmed with milk within the bowl, +thou sinkest in the jars, 0 Soma, wheu expressed. + +48 Winner of power, flow, Soma, worthy of our laud : run on¬ + +ward to the fleece as well-belov&d meath. + +Destroy, 0 Indu, all voracious Bakshasas. With brave sons +in the assembly let our speech be bold. + +HYMN LXXXYIL Soma Pavam&na. + +Hot onward to the reservoir and seat thee : cleansed by the +men speed forward to the battle. + +Making thee beauteous like an able courser, forth to the +sacred grass with reins they lead thee. + +2 Indu, the weif-armed God, is flowing onward, who quells the + +curse and guards from treacherous-onslaught, + +Father, begetter of the Gods, most skilful, the buttress of +the heavens and earth’s supporter. + +3 Bishi and Sage, the Champion of the people, deft and sagaci¬ + +ous, Usanfi in wisdom, + + +43 At the stream's breathing-place: where the stream seems to stay^ still +for a moment to recover breath. Cleansing with gold: with gold-ringed +Angers. The Animal: Soma. + +45 As measurer of days: Soma being identified with the Moon. + +46 Triply-mingled: or, poured into three vessels, the dronahalasa, ddhava- +ntya, and pHtabhrit. Robe: the integuments which cover the juice ; that is +the exterior of the stalk and shoots. + +3 Vsand in wisdom: as wise as the celebrated Usanfi. Sfiyana explains +differently, regarding Usan& as the discoverer ; ‘ Esanas —he verily by his + + + + +348 . THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /X + +He hath discovered even their-hidden nature, the Cows’ con¬ +cealed and most mysterious title. + +i This thine own Soma rich in meath, 0 Indra, Steer for the +Steer, hath flowed into the filter. + +The strong Free-giver, winning hundreds, thousands, hath +reached the holy grass that never fails him. + +5 These Somas are for wealth of countless cattle, renown there¬ + +for, and mighty strength immortal. + +These have been sent forth, purified by strainers, like steeds +who rush to battle fain for glory. + +6 He, while Ke cleanses him, invoked of many, hath flowed to + +give the people all enjoyment. + +Thou whom the Falcon brought, bring dainty viands, bestir +thyself and send us wealth and booty. + +7 This Soma, pressed into the cleansing filter, hath run as + +’twere a host let loose, the Courser; + +Like a strong bull who wdiets his horns keen-pointed, like a +brave warrior in the fray for cattle. + +8 He issued forth from out the loftiest mountain, and found + +kitie hidden somewhere in a stable. + +Soma’s stream clears itself for thee, 0 Indra, like lightning +thundering through the clouds of heaven, + +9 Cleansing thyself, and borne along with Indra,Soma, thou goest. + +ronnd the herd of cattle. + +May thy praise help us, Mighty One, prompt Giver, to the +full ample food which thou bestowest. + +HYMN LXXXVIII, Soma Pavam^a. + +For thee this Soma is effused, 0 Iudra: drink of this juice; + +for thee the stream is flowing— + +Soma, which thou thyself hast made and chosen, even Indu, +for thy special drink to cheer thee. + + +poetic gift discovered the secret milk of those cows which was hidden and +concealed.’—Wilson. By title or name of the Cows, water appears to be +intended. + +4 Steer for the Steer; or, Strong for the Strong. + +5 Mighty strength immortal; 1 ample food and ambrosia/—Wilson, + +8 From out the loftiest mountain: S&yana makes antdrddreh depend upon +Tcuchit } somewhere : ‘ This Soma stream has come from on high and has +detected the cattle which were in a stall (hidden) somewhere within the +mountain/—Wilson. Grassmann translates: ‘Er ist entsprungen aus dem +hoehsten Pressstein.’ ‘ He hath sprung forth from the most lofty press-stone/ + +9 The herd of cattle: Soma accompanies Indra in his expedition to recover +the stolen cattle,*—S&yana. Or the cattle or cows may be the milk with which +Soma is mixed, + + + +HYMN 89.] + + +THE MOVED A. + + +349 + + +2 Like a capacious car hath it been harnessed, the Mighty, to + +acquire abundant treasures. + +Then in the sacrifice they celebrated all triumphs won by +Nahus in the battle. + +3 Like V&yu with his team, moving at pleasure, most gracious + +when invoked like both N&satyas, + +Thou art thyself like the Wealth-Giver, Soma! who grants +all boons, like song-inspiring Pushan. + +4 Like Indra who hath done great deeds, thou, Soma, art slayer + +of the Vritras, Port-destroyer. + +Like Pedu’s horse who killed the brood of serpents, thus thou, +0 Soma, slayest every Dasyu. n + +5 Like Agni loosed amid the forest, fiercely he winneth splen¬ + +dour in the running waters. + +Like one who fights, the roaring of the mighty, thus Soma +Pavamana sends his current. + +6 These Sotnas passing through the fleecy filter, like rain de¬ + +scending from the .clouds of heaven, + +Have been effused and poured into the beakers, swiftly like +rivers running lowly seaward. + +7 Plow onward like the ^potent band of Maruts, like that + +Celestial Host whom none revileth. + +Quickly be gracious unto us like waters, like sacrifice victo¬ +rious, thousand-fashioned. + +8 Thine are King Vanma’s eternal statutes, lofty and deep, 0 + +Soma, is thy glory. + +All-pure art thou like Mitra the beloved, adorable, like Arya- +man, O Soma. + +- HYMN LXXXIX. Soma Pavamdna. + +This Chariot-horse hath moved along the pathways, and Pava¬ +mana flowed like rain from heaven. + + +2 I can make nothing out of the second line of this stanza. The version +which. I give a3 a temporary makeshift is founded on Ludwig’s remarks in +his. Commentary on the passage, Vol. V. p. 308, of his Mgveda. Wilson, +following S&yana, translates :—* After this (i. e. after the harnessing of the +waggon.—Note.) may all the races of men expecting our (attack) go to the +desirable battle.’ * Now let the races of all men, rising up like trees, come +near to him in order to obtain success,’ would, according to Grassmann, be +nearer the meaning. + +4 PedvCs horse: given to him by the Asvxns. See I. 116. 6; 117. 9 ; 118. +9 ; 119.10. + +7 Dike sacrifice : according to S&yana, yajfiah, sacrifice, means here, worthy +of sacrifice:—* (thou art) of a thousand shapes, adorable like (Indra) the +victor in battle.’—-Wilson. + +8 This stanza is found also in Book I. 91. 3, + + +350 TMB HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +With ns hath Soma with a thousand currents sunk in the wood, +upon his Mother’s bosom. + +2 King, he hath clothed him in the robe of rivers, mounted the + +straightest-going ship of Order. + +Sped by the Hawk the drop hath waxed iu waters : the father +drains it, drains the Father’s offspring. + +3 They come to him, red, tawny, Lord of Heaven, the watchful + +Guardian of the meath, the Lion. + +, First, Hero in the fight, he seeks the cattle, and with his eye +the Steer is oar protector. + +4 They harness to the broad-wheeled car the mighty Courser + +whose back bears meath, unwearied, awful. + +The twins, the sisters brighten him, and strengthen—these +children of one dame—the vigorous Kaeer. + +5 Four pouring out the holy oil attend him, sitting together + +in the same container. + +To him they flow, when purified, with homage, and still, +from every side, are first about him. + +6 He is the buttress of the heavens, supporter of earth, aud in + +his hand are all the people, + +* Be the team’s Lord a well to thee^the singer : cleansed is the +sweet plant’s stalk for deed of glory. + +7 Fighting, uninjured come where Gods ai’e feasted; Soma, as + +Vrifra-slayer flow for Indra. + +Vouchsafe us ample riches very splendid: may we be masters +of heroic vigour. + +HYMN XC. Pavamftna. + +Urged on, the Father of the Earth and Heaven hath gone +forth like a car to gather booty, + +Going to Indra, sharpening his weapons, and in his harid +containing every treasure. + + +2 The father drains it: 1 The scholiast finds it * difficult to make sense of +this: pitd (palako lohah) lie supposes to mean the Adhvaryu, who extracts +the juice of the Soma which is born from the heaven as from a father ; or the +first milker may be the yajamdna and the second the A dhvaryu ; or dithe +may be repeated out of respect.’—Wilson. + +4 Sisters,,... children of one dame; the priest’s finger's. + +5 Four: the quarters of the sky. Container: the firmament. + +6 The team's Lord; Soma as resembling V&yvt, Cp. IX. 88. 3, S Ay an a +explains differently : ‘ may fSoma) the fountain (of desires) be possessed "of +horses for thee (his) adorer,’—Wilson. + +1 Father: janitd; generator, of earth by sending rain, and of heaven by +obtaining oblations for the gods.—S&yana, + + + + +HYMN 91J THE IIIGVEH A. 351; + +2 To him the tones of sacred song have sounded, Steer of the + +triple height, the Life-bestower. + +Dwelling in wood as Yaruna in rivers, lavishing treasure he +distributes blessings. + +3 Great Conqueror, warrior-girt, Lord of all heroes, How on + +thy way as he who winneth riches ; + +With sharpened arms, with swift bow, never vanquished in +battle, vanquishing in fight the foemen. + +4 Giving security, Lord of wide dominion, send us both earth + +and heaven with all their fulness. + +Striving to win the Dawns, the light, the waters, and cattle, +call to us abundant vigour, + +5 0 Soma, gladden Yaruna and Mitra; cheer, Indu Pavamana ! + +Indra, Yishnu. + +Cheer thou the Gods, the Company of Maruts: Indu, cheer +mighty Indra to rejoicing. + +6 Thus like a wise and potent King flow onward, destroying + +with thy vigour all misfortunes. + +For our well-spoken hymn give life, 0 Indu. Do ye preserve +us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN XCI. ' Soma Pavam&na. + +As for a cbariot-race, the skilful Speaker, Chief, Sage, In¬ +ventor, hath, with song, been started. + +The sisters ten upon the fleecy summit drive on the Car-horse +to the resting-places. + +2 The drop of Soma, pressed by wise Nahushyas, becomes the +banquet of the Heavenly People— + +Indu, by hands of mortal men made beauteous, immortal, +with the sheep and cows and waters, +v 3 Steer roaring unto Steer, this Pavamana, this juice runs to +the white milk of the milch-cow. + +Through thousaud fine hairs goes the tuneful Singer, like +Sura by his fair and open pathways. • + +2 Of the triple height: see IX. 71. 7. + +4 Call to us: send us with thy shout or roar. + +6 The hymn ends with the usual concluding half-line of the hymns ascribed +to the Yasishthas. + +1 The skilful Speaker: Soma who makes us eloquent. The resting-places: +sddandni: the seats, the reservoirs in which he settles. + +o y, i-. T i. probably a neighbouring people, See YI. 46. 7, and note on +.V ■ ‘ has the same meaning. + +3 Silva: Sftrya, the Sun. Fair and open : adhvqsmdbhih: ‘ imperishable/— +Wilson. + + + +352 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX + +4 Break down the strong seats even of the demons: cleansing + +thee, Indu, robe thyself in vigour. + +Bend with thy swift bolt, coming from above them, those who +are near and those who yet are distant. + +5 Prepare the forward paths in ancient manner for the new hymn, + +thou Giver of all bounties. + +Those which are high and hard for foes to conquer may we +gain from thee, Active ! Food-bestower! + +6 So purifying thee vouchsafe us waters, heaven's light, and cows, + +offspring and many children. + +Give us health, ample land, and lights, 0 Soma, and grant us +long to ldbk upon the sunshine. + +HYMN XCIL Soma Pavam&na. + +The gold-hued juice, poured.out upon the filter, is started like +a car sent forth to conquer. + +He hath gained song and vigour while they cleansed him, and +hath rejoiced the Gods with entertainments. + +2 He who beholdeth man hath reached the filter: bearing his + +name, the Sage hath sought his dwelling. + +The Rishis came to him, seven holy singers, when in the bowls +he settled as Invoker. * + +3 Shared by all Gods, most wise, propitious, Soma goes, while + +they cleanse him, to his constant station. + +..Let him rejoice in all his lofty wisdom : to the Five Tribes +the Sage attains with labour. + +4 In thy mysterious place, 0 Pavamana Soma, are all the Gods, + +the Thrice-Eleven. + +Ten on the fleecy height, themselves, self-prompted, and seven +fresh risers, brighten and adorn thee. + +5 Now let this be the truth of Pava’m&na, there where all singers + +„ gather them together, + +That he hath given us room and made the daylight, hathholpen +Manu and repelled the Hasyu. + +5 Those: portions of thee, according to Sftyana + +6 In the second half of the stanza, instead of taking wide, ample, +with fahetram, field, land, S&yana joins it, as ^uiUni, with jydtinshi, lights :— + +' make our land prosper, diffuse the luminaries widely (in the firmament)/— +Wilson. - + +2 The Rishis: according to S&yana, Bharadv4ja, Kasyapa, Gotama, Atri, +Visvftmitra, Jamadagni, Vasishtha. + +3 The Five Tribes: the five Aryan tribes. According to S&yana, ' the five +classes of beings/ l e. } four castes and the Nishadas. + +4 The Thrice-Eleven: see 1.139. 11, Ten: the fingers. + +5 Manu: as the representative of the Aryan race. + + + +THE maVEDA. + + +353 + + +HYMN 94.] + +6 As the priest seelcs the station rich in cattle, like a true King +who goes to great assemblies, + +Soma hath sought the beakers while they cleansed him, and, +like a wild bull, in the wood hath settled. + +HYMN XCIII. Soma Pavamfina. + +Ten sisters, pouring out the rain together, swift-moving think¬ +ers of the sage, adorn him. + +Hither hath run the gold-hued Child of Sfirya and reached +the vat like a fleet vigorous courser. + +2 Even as a youngling crying to his mothers, the bounteous + +Steer hath flowed along to waters. ^ + +As youth to damsel, so with milk he hastens ori>to the chosen +meetiug-place, the beaker. + +3 Yea, swollen is the udder of the milch-cow : thither in streams + +goes very sapient Indu. + +The kine make ready, as with new-washed treasures, the +Head and Chief with milk within the vessels. + +4 With all the Gods, 0 Indu Pavam&na, while thou art roaring + +send us wealth in horses. + +Hither upon her car come willing Plenty, inclined to us, to +give us of her treasures. + +5 Now unto us mete riches, while they cleanse thee, all-glorious, + +swelling wealth, with store of heroes. + +Long be his life who worships thee, 0 Indu. May be, enriched +with prayer, come soon and early. + +HYMN XCIV. Soma Pavam&na. + +When beauties strive for him as for a charger, then strive +the songs like soldiers for the sunlight. + +Acting the Sag's, he flows enrobed in waters and song as +’twere a stall that kine may prosper. + + +6 The station rich in cattle: * the hall where the victim is stationed ’— +Wilson. To great assemblies: or, to war and battle. The wood: the wooden +vat or reservoir. - + +1 Ten sisters: the fingers which press out the juice of the Soma-plant. +Thinkers: or thoughts, devotions. According to S&yaua, fingers. Child of +Sdrya: S&yana explains j&h, offspring, by jdydh wives, i. e., the quarters of +the heaven, called Sfirya’s wives because they are made manifest by his rays. + +3 The Head and Chief: 'the elevated Soma* —Wilson. + +4 Send us ; more literally, open or disclose to us. + +5 The hymn ends with the half-line which is the special conclusion of the +hymns ascribed to Nodhas. See Book I. 58, 60—64. + +1 The meaning is apparently : when the beautifying "waters hasten emu- +lously to cleanse Soma as though he were a horse, the voices of singing +worshippers vie with each other* like the shouts of men who are fighting for +23 + + + + +[BOOK IX , + + +354 TEE MYMA 7 8 OF + +2 The worlds expand to hirg who from aforetime found light to +spread the law of life eternal. + +The swelling sqngs, like kiue within the stable, in deep +devotion call aloud on Ipdu. + +5 When the Sage bears his holy wisdom round him, like a car +visiting all worlds, the Hero, + +Becoming fame, mid Gods, unto the mortal, wealth to the +skilled, worth praise mid the Ever-present, + +4 For glory horn he hath come forth to glory: he giveth life + +and glory to the singers. + +They, clothed in glory, have become immortal. He, measured +ip bis course, makes frays successful. + +5 Stream to us food and vigour, kine and borses : give us broad + +lights and fill the Gods with rapture. + +All these are easy things for thee to master : thou, Favamana +Soma, quellest foemen. + +HYMN XGY. Soma Pavaiudna. + +Loud neighs the Tawny Steed when started, settling deep in +the wooden vessel while they cleanse him. + +L 4 ed by the men he takes the milk for raiment: then shall he, +through his powers, engender praise-songs. + +2 As one who rows drives on his boat, he, Gold-hued, sends + +forth his voice, loosed on the path of Order. + +As God, the secret names of Gods he utters, to be declared on +sacred grass more widely. + +3 Hastening onward like the waves of waters, our holy hymns + +are pressing nigh to Soma. + +To him they come with lowly adoration, and, longing, enter +him who longs to meet them. « + +4 They drain the stalk, the Steer who dwells on mountains, + +even as a Bull who decks him on the upland. + + +light and life. Soma flows on in his wisdom, blent with the waters, and +surrounded with hymns into the midst of which he enters as into a stable +full of kine in order to make them increase and multiply. + +3 The stanza is somewhat obscure. Worth praise: or. adorable. The Ever- +j present: the Gods who come to help men. Wilson, following S&ya* a, trans¬ +lates the second line : * then desirous of bestowing upon mortals the wealth +that abides with the gods, he (is) to be glorified in the many places of sacrifice +for the preservation of the riches he has given.’ + +5 All these; all the H4ksbasas, according to S&yana. + +1 Deep in the wooden vessel; literally f in the belly of the wood.’ + +2 Me utters ; reveals to the priest who is to declare them at sacrifice. + + + +EYMN 96.] TEE XIGfVEDA, 855 + +Hymns follow and attend him as he bellows; Trita be,ars +Varuna aloft in ocean. + +5 Sending thy voice out as Director, loosen the Invoker's thought, +0 Indu, as they cleanse thee. + +While thou and Indra rule for our advantage, may we b§ +masters of heroic vigour. + +HYMN XCVI. Soma Pavam&na. + +In forefront of the cars forth goes the Hero, the Leader, win¬ +ning spoil: his host rejoices. + +Soma endues his robes of lasting colours, and blesses, for his +friends, their calls on Indra. + +2 Men decked with gold adorn his golden tendril, incessantly + +with steed-impelling homage. + +The Friend of Indra mounts his car: well-knowing, he comes +thereon to meet the prayer we offer. + +3 0 God, for service of the Gods flow onward, for food sublime, + +as Iudra’s diink., 0 Soma. + +Making the floods, bedewing earth and heaven, come from the +vast, comfort us while we cleanse thee. + +4 Flow for prosperity and constant vigour, flow pn^for happi¬ + +ness and high perfection. + +This is the wish of alf these friends as^tfkled: this i$ my +wish, 0 Soma Pavamana. + +5 Father of holy hymns, Soma flo^nward, the Father of the + +S '' + +tor, t]xe Father who begat Indra + +of the poets, JEtishi of sages, + +\ of forests, over the cleansing + +^ ^ —-——— . .. - .. .. + +^"4 Trita: the preparer of the celestial Soma. Varuna: here meaning +Soma ; * fche defeater of enemies.’—Wilson. In ocean: in tfre firmament. + +5 As Director: u-pavakUva: ujpavaktft here appears to mean Adhvaryu ; +yatMdhvaryuK. —S&yaua. Loosen the Invoker's thought: aid the Hotar or +invoking priest to give free utterance to his thought or hymn. + +1 Of lasting colours: rabhas&ni: ( hastily made/—Wilson. * Brilliant/— +Grassmann. + +2 Steed-impelling: urging him on, as a whip urges on a horse. + +3 From the vast: from the wide firmament. There is no substantive in +the text. + +6 Brahman of Gods: thou art Brihaspati, the Lord of Prayer, among the +Gods, or, chief among the priests. Axe: the handle of the axe b,eing + + + +356 THE HYMNS OF [.BOOK /X + +7 He, Soma Pavam&na, like a river, hath stiiTed the wave of + +voice, our songs and praises + +Beholding these inferior powers in cattle, he rests among them +as a Steer well-knowing. + +8 As Gladdener, Warrior never harmed in battle, with thousand + +genial streams, pour strength and vigour. + +As thoughtful PavamSna, urge 0 Indu, speeding the kine, +the plant's wave on to Indra. + +9 Dear, grateful to the Gods, on to the beaker moves Soma, + +sweet to Indra, to delight him. + +With hundred powers, with • thousand currents, Indu, like +a strong casvhorse, goes to the assembly. + +10 Born in old time as finder-out of treasures, drained with the + +stone, decking himself in waters, + +Warding off curses, King of all existence, he shall find way +for prayer the while they cleanse him. - + +11 For our sage fathers, Soma Pavamana, of old performed, by + +thee, their sacred duties. + +Fighting an vanquished, open the enclosures : enrich us with +large gifts of steeds, aud heroes. + +12 As thou didst flow for Mann Life-bestowing, Foe-queller, + +Comforter, rich oblations, + +Even thus flow onward now conferring riches : combine with +Indra, and bring forth thy weapons. + +13 Flow onward. Soma, rioh in sweets and holy, enrobed in + +waters on the fleecy summit + +Settle in vessels that are full of fatness, as cheering and most +gladdening drink for Indra. + +14 Pour, hundred-streamed, winner of thousands, nighty at the +■ Gods' banquet, pour the rain of heaven, + +While thou with rivers roarest in the beaker, and blent with +milk prolongest our existence. + +15 Purified with our holy hymns, this Soma o’ertakes maligni¬ + +ties like some strong charger, + + +naturally made of the strongest wood.—M, Muller. Ludwig thinks that +lightning may he intended. According to the St. Petersburg Lexicon, +svadhitih here means ft tree with very hard wood. See V. 32. 10. + +7 The second line is obscure. Wilson translates : * the showerer (of bene¬ +fits) beholding the hidden (treasure) presides over these irresistible powers, +knowing about the cattle.’ + +9 Goes to the assembly: ‘ proceeds like a strong horse to battle.’-—Wilson. + +11 The enclosures: the obstructions which keep the rain from falling. + +13 Full of fatness; ghritdvdnti; according to S&yana, ‘water-holding. + + + +■ JffTMN 96.] ■ THE XtGVEDA. 357 + +Like fresh milk poured by Aditi, like passage in ample room, +or like a docile car-horse. + +16 Cleansed by the pressers, armed with noble weapons, stream + +to us the fair secret name thou bearest. + +Pour booty, like a horse, for love of glory : God, Soma, send +us kine, and send us Vayu, + +17 They deck him at his birth, the lovely Infant, the Maruts + +with their troop adorn the Car-horse. + +By songs a Poet and a Sage by wisdom, Soma goes singing +through the cleansing filter. + +18 Light-winner, Bishi-minded, Bishi-maker, hymned in a thou¬ + +sand hymns, Leader of sages, * + +A Steer who strives to gain his third form, Soma is, like +Viraj, resplendent as a Singer. + +19 Hawk seated in the bowls, Bird wide-extended, the Banner + +seeking kine and wielding weapons, + +Following close the sea, the wave of waters, the great Bull +tells his fourth form and declares it. + +20 Like a fair youth who decorates his body, a courser rushing + +to the gain of riches, + +A steer to herds, so, flowing to the pitcher, he with a roar +hath passed into the beakers. + +21 Flow on with might as Pavam&na, Indu : flow loudly roaring + +through the fleecy filter. + +Enter the beakers sporting, as they cleanse thee, and let thy +gladdening juice make Indra joyful. + +22 His streams have been effused in all their fulness, and he + +hath entered, balmed with milk, the goblets. + +Singing his p^alm, well-skilled in song, a Chanter, he comes +as 'twere to his friend's sister roaring. + +23 Chasing our foes thou comest, Pavam&na! Indu, besung, as + +lover to his darling. + +As a bird flies and settles in the forest, thus Soma settles, +purified, in goblets. + + +15 By Aditi; regarded as the Cosmic Cow. + +16 Vdyu: the breath of life, life.—S&yana. + +18 Bis third form : the form that he wears in heaven ; 1 the third region +(heaven)/—Wilson. Virdj: splendid or most illustrious Indra.—Sftyana. + +19 The banner: drapsdh; usually meaning, a drop, or a spark. See IV. 13. 2. +His fourth form: the Moon. According to S&yana, the region of the Moon +which is said to be above that of the Sun. + +22 As ’twere to his friend 1 s sister: S&yana explains jdmim, sister, by jdydni, +wife : * like (a libertine) to the wife of a friend.’—Wilson. The meaning i& +probably no more than * as lover to his darling ’ in the following stanza. + + + + +m the Hymns oP [hook ix. + +24 With full stream and abundant milk, 0 Soma, thy b&ams +come, like a woman, as they cleanse thee. + +He, gold-hued, rich in boons, brought to the waters, hath +roared within the goblet of the pious. + +HYMN XCVTI. Soma Pavamdna. + +Made pure by this man’s urgent zeal and impulse, the God +hath to the Gods his juice imparted. + +He goes, effused and singing, to the filter, like priest to mea¬ +sured seats supplied with cattle. + +2 Bobed in fair raiment meet to wear in battle, a mighty Sage + +pronounc i vg invocatio n s, + +Boll onward to the beakers as they cleanse thee, far-seeing at +the feast of Gods, and watchful. + +3 Dear, he is brightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince among + +us, nobler than the noble. + +Boar out as thou art purified, run forward. Do ye preserve +us evermore with blessings. + +4 Let us sing praises to the Gods: sing loudly, send ye the + +Soma forth for mighty riches. + +Let him flow, sweetly-flavoured, through the Alter, and let our +pious one rest in the pitcher. ° + +5 Winning the friendship of the Deities, Indu flows in a thou¬ + +sand streams to make them joyful. + +Praised by the men after the ancient statute, he hath come +nigh, for our great bliss, to Indra. + +6 Plow, Gold-hued, cleansing thee, to enrich the singer: let thy + +juice go to Indra to support him. + +Come nigh, together with the Gods, for bounty. Do ye pre¬ +serve us evermore with blessings. + +7 The God declares the Deities’ generations, like Usana, pro¬ + +claiming lofty wisdom. + +With brilliant kin, far-ruling, sanctifying, the Boar advances, +singing, to the places. + +. 1 Urgent zeal and impulse; hemdnd, by impulse (from the root hi) is said +by S&y an a to mean ‘ by gold,’ that is, by the gold-adorned hand of the priest. +Measured seats supplied with cattle: ‘the halls prepared (for sacrifice) con¬ +taining victims/—Wilson. Singing; the sound of the flowing juice is com¬ +pared to the priest’s recitation of sacred texts. + +7 The God; Soma, who has been called the Father of the Gods. Lihc +Us and: the sound of the flowing and dropping Soma juice is likened to the +song of the famous sage and sacred poet. The Boar; strong, swift Sonia. +Sjwging; making a souud with the descending drops of juice. S&yana explains +differently :—* making a noise (as) a wild boar (makes a noise) with its foot.’— +Wilson. The places; the filters. + + + +HYMN 97.] TBS ill GY EDA, 359 + +8 The Swans, the Vrishaganas from anear us have biotight their + +restless spirit to onr dwelling. + +Friends come to Pavam&na meet for praises, and sound in con* +cert their resistless music. + +9 He follows the Wide-strider’s rapid movement: cows low, &s + +’fcwere, to him who sports at pleasure. + +He with the sharpened horns brings forth abundance: the +Silvery shines by night, by day the Golden. + +10 Strong Indu, bathed in milk, hows on for Indra, Soma ex¬ + +citing strength, to make him joyful. + +He quells malignities and slays the demons, the King of mighty +power who brings us comfort. + +11 Then in a stream lie flows, milked out with press-stones, + +mingled with sweetness, through the fleecy filter— + +Indu rejoicing in the love of Indra, the God who gladdens, +for the God’s enjoyment. + +12 As he is purified he pours out treasures, a God bedewing Gods + +with his own juices. + +Indu hath, wearing qualities by seasons, on the raised fleece +engaged the ten swift fingers. + +13 The Red Bull bellowing to the kine advances, causing the + +heavens and earth to roar and thunder. + +WelTis he heard like Xudra’s shout in battle : letting this voice +be known he hastens hither. + +14 Swelling with milk, abounding in sweet flavours, urging the . + +xneath-rich plant thou goest onward. + +Raising a shout thou flowest as they cleanse thee, when thou, + +O Soma, arjf effused for Iiidra. + +15 So flow thou on inspiriting, for rapture, aiming death-shafts + +at him who stays the waters. + +Flow to us wearing thy resplendent colour, effused and eager +for the kine, 0 Soma. + + +8 The Swans * the singers, descendants of the Rishi Vrishagana. + +9 The Wide-strider's rapid movement: the swift course of the Sun. Cam +low as 'twere: Say ana explains gftvah. cows, by anye gantdrdh. other goers, +takes na as negative, and derives animate from md, to measure, instead of +from md } to bleat or low/.—‘ other goers cannot overtake him (though he is) +moving easily.’—Wilson.’ Be with the sharpened horns ; Soma as the Moon: +the silvery light by night and the golden-coloured juice by day. + +12 Wearing qualities by seasons: ' clothed iu pleasaut radiance according to +the season.’—Wilson. + +15 Him who stays the waters: Yritra, + + + +360 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +16 Pleased with us, Indu, send us as thou flowest good easy paths + +iu ample space and comforts. + +Dispelling, as ’twere with a club, misfortunes, run o’er the +height, run o’er the fleecy summit. + +17 Pour on us rain celestial, quickly streaming, refreshing, fraught + +with health and ready bounty. + +Flow, Indu, send these Winds thy lower kinsmen, setting them +free like locks of hair unbraided. + +18 Part, like a knotted tangle, while they cleanse thee, 0 Soma, + +righteous and unrighteous conduct. + +Neigh like a 0 tawny courser who is loosened, come like a youth, +0 God, c house-possessor. + +19 For the Gods’ service, for delight, 0 Indu, run o’er the height, + +run o’er the fleecy summit. + +With thousand streams, inviolate, sweet-scented, flow on for +gain of strength that conquers heroes. + +20 Without a car, without a rein to guide them, unyoked, like + +coursers started in the contest, + +These brilliant drops of Soma juice run forward. Do ye, O +Deities, come nigh to drink them. + +21 So for our banquet of the Gods, 0 Indu, pour down the rain + +of heaven into the vessels. + +May Soma grant us riches sought with longing, mighty, ex¬ +ceeding strong, with store of heroes. + +22 What time the loving spirit’s word had formed him Chief of + +all food, by statute of the Highest, + +Then loudly lowing came the cows to Indu, the chosen, well¬ +loved Master in the beaker, + +23 TbeSnge, Celestial, liberal, raining bounties, pours as he flows + +the Genuine for the Truthful. + +The King shall be effectual strength’s upholder : he by the ten +bright reins is mostly guided. + +24 He who beholds mankind, made pure with filters, the King + +supreme of Deities and mortals, + +From days of old is Treasure-Lord of riches: he, Indu, cheri¬ +shes fair well-kept Order. ^ + +17 Winds: cf. £ V&yu is Soma’s guardian God’ (X. 85. 5). + +22 Sayana’s explanation of the first line is extremely laboured : —‘When + +the prais- i-u ~ 7 - 1 --t — - 1 \ notifies him as that of a noisy (crowd) + +iu front ■'■■■.: ■ for the support (he affords).*—Wilson, + +23 The Genuine for the Truthful: rititm ritftya; the Soma j nice for Indra. +The ten bright reim: or rays, i. e,, the fingers. The half-line is difficult. + + + + +HYMH 97.] THE R1GYEDA. 361 + +25 Haste, like a steed, to victory for glory, to Indra’s and to + +Vayu’s entertainment. + +Give us food ample, thousandfold: be, Soma, the finder-out +of riches when they cleanse thee. + +26 Effused by us let God-delighting Somas bring as they flow a + +home with nohle heroes— + +Bich in all boons like priests acquiring favour, the worship¬ +pers of heaven, the best of Cheerers, + +27 So, God, for service of the Gods flow onward, flow, drink of + +Gods, for ample food, 0 Soma. + +Eor we go forth to war against the mighty: t^ake heaven and +earth well stablished by thy cleansing. * + +28 Thou, yoked by strong men, neighest like a courser, swifter + +than thought is, like an awful lion* + +By paths directed hitherward, the straightest, send thou us +happiness, Indu, while they cleanse thee. + +29 Sprung from the Gods, a hundred streams, a thousand, have + +been effused: sages prepare and purge them. + +Bring us from heaven the means of winning, Indu; thou art +forerunner of abundant inches. + +30 The streams of days were poured as’twere from heaven: the + +wise King doth not treat his friend unkindly. + +Like a son following his father’s wishes, grant to this family +success and safety. + +31 Now are thy streams poured forth with all their sweetness, + +when, purified, thou goest through the filter. + +The race of kine is thy gift, Pavam&ua: when born thou +madest Surya rich with brightness. + +32 Bright, bellowing along the path of Order, thou shinest as the + +form of life eternal. + +Thou flowest on as gladdening drink for Indra, sending thy +voice out with the hymns of sages. + +33 Pouring out streams at the Gods’ feast with service, thou, + +Soma, lookest down, a heavenly Eagle. + +Enter the Soma-holding beaker, Indu, and with a roar ap¬ +proach the ray of Surya. + +34 Three are the voices that the Courser utters: he speaks the + +thought of prayer, the law of Order. + + +30 The streams of days the libations of Soma juice which we offered every +day. Like a son: the Soma juice is regarded as the son of the yajamdna or +sacrificer who causes it to be prexiared. + +34 The Courser is Soma, and the three voices (vftchah) or words which he +utters are according to S&yaua praises or sacred texts in the form of the three + + + + +362 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK 7X + +To the Cow’s Master come the Cows inquiring: the hymns +with eager longing come to Soma; + +35 To Soma come the Cows, the Mileh-kine longing, to Soma + +sages with their hymns inquiring. + +Soma, effused, is purified and blended: our hymns and Trish- +tup songs unite in Soma. + +36 Thus, Soma, as we pour thee into vessels, while thou art puri¬ + +fied flow for our welfare. + +Pass into Indra with a mighty roariiig : make the voice swell, +and generate abundance. + +37 Singer of tfue songs, ever-watchful, Soma hath settled in the + +ladles when they cleanse him. + +Him the Adhvaryus, paired and eager, follow, leaders of sacri¬ +fice and skilful-handed. + +38 Cleansed near the Sun as 5 twere, he as Creator hath filled full + +heaven anil earth, and hath disclosed them. + +He by whose dear help men gain all their wishes shall yield +the precious meed as to a victor. + +39 He, being cleansed, the Strengthener and Increaser, Soma the + +Bounteous, helped us with his lustre, + +Wherewith our sires of old who-'knew the footsteps found +light and stole the cattle from the mountain. + +40 In the first vault of heaven loud roared the Ocean, King of + +all being, generating creatures. + +Steer, in the filter, on the fleecy summit, Soma, the Drop +effused, hath waxen mighty. + +41 Soma the Steer, in that as Child of Waters he chose the Gods, + +performed that great achievement. + +He, Pavamana, granted strength to Indra; he, Iudu, gene* +rated light, in Surya, + +42 Make Ykyu glad, for furtherance and bounty: cheer Varuna + +and Mitra, as they cleause thee. + +Gladden the Gods, gladden the host of Maruts : make Heaven +and Earth rejoice, 0 God, 0 Soma. + +43 Flow onward righteous slayer of the wicked, driving away + +our enemies and sickness, + +Blending fchv milk with milk which cows afford us. We are +thy friends, thou art the Friend of Indra. + + +Vedas. The three tones, low, middle, and high, are probably intended. Or +v&huh (the courser) may mean the bearer of the oblation, yajamdna , as +Sftyaua explains. + +40 In the first vault: that is in the highest firmament. The Ocean: Soma. + + + +M YMX 97 .] fSB &IGVBDA. 363 + +44 Pour ns a fount of meafch, a spring of treasure; send us a + +hero son and happy fortune. + +Be sweet to Indra when they cleanse thee, Indu., and pour +down riches on us from the ocean. + +45 Strong Soma, pressed, like an impetuous courser, hath flowed + +in stream as a flood speeding downward. + +Cleansed, he hath settled in his wooden dwelling: Indu hath +flowed with milk and with the water's. + +46 Strong, wise, for thee who longest for his coming, this Soma + +here flows to the bowls, 0 Indra. + +He, chariot-borne, sun-bright, and truly potent, was poured +forth like the longing of the pious. + +47 He, purified with ancient vital vigour, pervading all hi3 + +Daughter’s forms and figures, + +Finding his threefold refuge in the waters, goes singing, as a +priest, to the assemblies. + +48 How, ehaiiot-borne, flow unto us, God Soma, as thou art + +purified flow to the saucers, + +Sweetest in waters, rich in meath, and holy, as Savitar the +God is, truthful-minded. + +49 To feast him, flow mid song and hymn, to V&yu, flow purified + +to Yaruna and Mitra. + +Flow to the song-inspiring car-borne Hero, to mighty Indra, +him who wields the thunder. + +50 Pour on us garments that shall clothe us meetly, send, + +purified, milch-kine, abundant yielders. + +God Soma, send us chariot-drawing horses that they may +bring us treasures bright and golden. + +51 Send to us in a stimm celestial riches, send us, when thou + +art cleansed, what earth containeth, + +So that thereby we may acquire possessions and Riahihood in +Jamadagni’s manner. + +52 Pour forth this wealth with this purification: flow onward to + +the yellow lake, 0 Indu. + +Here, too, the Ruddy, wind-swift, full of wisdom, shall give +a son to him who cometh quickly. + + +47 HU Daughter's forms and figures : Soma pervades, and imparts a share +of his nutritious power to, the grass, herbs, and shrubs which are the varied +forms assumed by Earth his daughter. + +51 Rishihood in Jamadagni's manner: ‘make our sacred prayer (sweet) as +Jamadagni.’—Wilson. + +52 Yellow ; the meaning of mdnschatvd is uncertain. See YII. 44, 3, note + + + +364 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX. + +53 Flow on for ns with this purification to the famed ford of, thee + +whose due is glory. + +May the Foe-queller shake us down, for triumph, like a tree’s +ripe fruit, sixty thousand treasures. + +54 Eagerly do we pray for those two exploits, at the blue lake + +and Prisana, wrought in battle. + +He sent our enemies to sleep and slew them, and turned away +the foolish and unfriendly. + +55 Thou comest unto three extended filters, and hastenest + +through each one as they cleanse thee. + +Thou art the giver of the gift, a Bhaga, a Maghavan for +liberal §brds, 0 Indu. + +56 This Soma here, the Wise, the All-obtainer, flows on his way + +as King of all existence. + +Driving the drops at our assemblies, Indu completely traverses +the fleecy filter. + +57 The Great Inviolate are kissing Indu, and singing in his place + +like eager sages. + +The wise men send him forth with ten swift fingers, and balm +his form with essence of the waters. + +58 Soma, may we, with thee as Pavam^na, pile up together all + +our spoil in battle. + +This boon vouchsafe us Varuna and Mitra, and Aditi and +Sindhu, Earth and Heaven ! + +HYMN* XCVIII. Soma Pavamftna. + +Stream on us riches that are sought by many, best at winning +strength, + +Riches, 0 Indu, thousandfold, glorious, conquering the great. + +53 To the famed ford: possibly, as Ludwig suggests, the aid of Soma ia +craved at some ford of a neighbouring river, famous on account of a battle +that has been fought there, and destined to be the scene of an approaching +conflict. + +54 The first line is conjecturally translated after Ludwig, who takes +Prisana to be the name of a place. S&yana’s elaborate explanation is dif¬ +ferent ‘ These two great acts, the raining (of arrows) and the humiliation +(of foes), are the givers of happiness ; they are deadly either in a fight on +horseback or in a hand-to-hand fight/-—Wilson. Here Siiyana explains +mrfnschatvg (at the blue or yellow lake ?) by ‘ in battle with horses/ and +pristine (at Prisana ?) by c in close, or hand-to-hand encounter/ Two victories +appear to be referred to, and that is about all that can be said. + +55 The three extended filters are said to be fire, wind, and sun, in addition +to the one artificial filter of wool. + +57 The Great Inviolate: the Gods. Kissing; or sipping. + +58 All our spoil in battle; yet to be won in the approaoiling fight wherein +we look to Soma for help and victory. + + + +MYMN 98.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +305 + + +2 Effused, lie bath, as on a car, invested him in fleecy mail : +Onward hathlndu flowed'in streams, impelled, surrounded by + +the wood. + +3 Effused, this Indu hath flowed on, distilling rapture, to the + +fleece: + +He goes ereot, as seeking kine, in stream, with light, to sacrifice. +4c For thou thyself, 0 Indu, God, to every mortal worshipper +Attractest riches thousandfold, made manifest in hundred +forms. + +5 Good Yritra-slayer, may we he still nearest to this wealth of + +thine + +Which many crave, nearest to food and happiness, Eesistless +One 1 + +6 Whom, bright with native splendour, crushed between the + +pair of pressing-stones— + +The wavy Friend whom Indra loves—the twiee-five sisters +dip and bathe, + +7 Him with the fleece they purify, broAvn, golden-hued, beloved + +of all, + +Who with exhilarating juice goes forth to all the Deities. + +8 Through longing for this sap of yours ye drink what brings + +ability, + +Even him who, dear as heaven's own light, gives to our princes +high renown. + +9 Indu at holy rites produced you, Heaven and Earth, the + +Friends of men, + +Hill-haunting God the Goddesses, They bruised him where +the roar was loud. + +10 For Vritra-slaying Indra, thou, Soma, art poured that he may + +drink, + +Poured for the guerdon-giving man, poured for the God who +sitteth there. + +11 These ancient Somas, at the break of day, have flowed into + +the sieve, + +Snorting away at early morn these foolish evil-hearted ones. + + +2 By the wood : the wooden vat or trough. + +3 Seeking kine: desirous of the milk which is to be mixed with his juice. + +9 This stanza is difficult. S&yana explains it differently :— ( Divine heaven +and earth, the progeny of Mann, the Soma juice is generated at your sacrifices, +radiant, abiding in the griuding stones ; (the priests) bruise him at the loud- +sounding ceremony.*—Wilson. Mill-haunting: cf. IX. 85. 10. + +10 For the guerdon-giving man: for the good of the institute of the +sacrifice, + +11 Snorting away ,* driving away with the bubbling sound they make, • + + + +• 3$6 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK /X + +12 Friends, may the princes, ye and we, obtain this Most B&- +splendent One, + +Gain him who hath the smell of strength, win him whoa#* +home is very strength. + +HYMN XC1X. Soma Pavam&na, + +They for the Bold and Lovely One ply manly vigour like a bow : +Joyous, in front of songs they weave bright raiment for the +Lord Divine. + +2 And he, made beautiful by night, dips forward into strength¬ + +ening food, + +What time the sacrifice's thoughts speed on his way the +Qolden-bued. + +3 We cleanse this gladdening drink of his, the juice -which Indra + +chiefly drinks,— + +That which kine took into their mouths, of old, and princes +take it now. + +4 To him, while purifying, they have raised the ancient psalm + +of praise : + +And sacred songs which bear the names of Gods have suppli¬ +cated him, + +5 They purify him as he drops, courageous, in the fleecy sieve. + +Him they instruct as messenger Vo hear the sage’s morning + +prayer. + +6 Soma, best Cheerer, takes his seat, the while they cleanse him + +in the bowls. + +He as it were impregns the cow, and babbles on, the Lord of Song. + +12 Who hath the smell of strength : vltjagnndhyam : * fragrant and invigo¬ +rating.’—Wilson. ‘ Forming or having a wagon-load of goods or spoil.*—S. P, +Lexicon. Efim whose home is strength: vtfjapastyam: ‘food and dwellings.*— +Wilson. ‘Him who has a house full of goods.’—S. P. Lexicon. + +1 They : the priests. Ply manly vigour Wee a bow: ‘stretch the bow of +manhood.’—Wilson. They exert all their manly strength, or as Benfey, +suggests, attack and storm the God with prayer and sacrifice, ‘ beseeching and +besieging ’ as Milton says. The Lord Divine ; the Asura (Zend, Ahura), here +meaning Soma. + +2 By night: kshapfi ; ‘ at the end of the night.’—Wilson. Ludwig trau- ^ +slates kshapfi, by ‘ der fiirst,’ ‘ the prince.’ + +3 Which kine took into their mouths : in the form of the juices of grass +from which the milky portion of the libation is evolved. + +4 Sftyaua’s explanation of the second line of this stanza, is different:—‘ and +the fingers exercising their pressure are able (to prepare the oblation) for the [ +gods.’—Wilson. + +6 He as it io$re impregns the cow; meaning, perhaps, as Ludwig suggests, +that the milk becomes efficacious as a libation only when it is mixed with ,f +Soma juice, \ + + +THE MOVED A. + + +367 + + +HYMN 100.] + +7 He is effused and beautified, a God for Gods, by skilful men. +He penetrates the mighty floods collecting all he knows therein. + +8 Pressed, Indu, guided by the men, thou art led to the clean¬ + +ing sieve. + +Thou, yielding Indra highest joy, takest thy seat within the +bowls. + +HYMH C. Soma Pavatn&na, + +Tris Guileless Ones are singing praise to Indra’s well beloved +Friend, + +As, in the morning of its life, the mothers lick the new born +calf. ^ + +2 0 Indu, while they cleanse thee, bring, 0 Soma, doubly-waxing + +wealth : + +Thou in the worshipper’s abode causest all treasures to in¬ +increase. + +3 Set free the song which mind hath yoked, even as thunder + +frees the rain : + +All treasures of the earth and heaven, 0 Soma, thou dost +multiply. + +4 Thy stream when thou art pressed runs on like some victorious + +warrior’s steed, + +Hastening onward through the fleece like a swift horse who +wins the prize. + +5 Flow on, Sage Soma, with tby stream to give us mental power + +and strength, + +Effused for Indra, for his drink, for Mitra and for Yanina. + +6 Flow to the Alter with thy stream, effused, best winner, thou, + +of spoil, + +0 Soma, as mosf? rich in sweets for Indra, Yishnu, and the +Gods. + +7 The mothers, void of guiles, caress thee, Golden-coloured, in + +the sieve, + +As cows, 0 Pavam&na, lick the new-born calf, as Law com¬ +mands. + + +7 Collecting all he knows therein : the meaning of this half-line is not clear : +—‘ wheu he is recognized amongst these (people) as the giver (of riches).* +— Wilson. + +1 The Guileless Ones : the vamttvari waters. + +7 As Law commands : vldhctnnarii: see Bergaigne, La Religion " V4digue t +III. 218. note 2. *At the sacrifice. 1 —Wilson, 1 In the realm of heaven.’— +Graaauianu, + + + + +868 TMK HYMNS OF ’ [BOOK B&f] + +8 Thou, Pavam&tia, mo vest on with wondrous rays to grea|;!ii^ + +nown. • ' , i 'Wf + +Striving within the votary’s house thou dvivest all the glooms +away. + +9 Lord of great sway, thou liftest thee above the heavens, above + +the earth. + +Thou, Pavamana, hast assumed thy coat of mail in majesty. + +HYMN OL Soma Pavam&na. + +Fob first possession of your juice, for the exhilarating drink, +Drive ye away the dog, my friends, drive ye the long-tongued +dog awa^ # + +2 He who with purifying stream, effused, comes flowing hither¬ + +ward, . + +Indu, is like an able steed. + +3 The men with all-pervading song send unassailable Soma forth, + +By pressing-stones, to sacrifice. + +i The Somas, very rich in sweets, for which the sieve is des¬ +tined, flow, + +Effused, the source of Indra’s joy: may your strong juices +reach the Gods. + +5 Indu flows on for Indra’s sake : thus have the Deities declared. +The Lord of Speech exerts himself, Euler of all, because of + +might. + +6 Inciter of the voice of song, with thousand streams the ocean + +flows, + +Even Soma, Lord of opulence, the Friend of Indra, day by +day. + +7 As Pushan, Fortune, Bhaga,*comes this Soma while they make + +him pure. + +He, Lord of all the multitude, hath looked upon the earth +and heaven. + +8 The dear cows lowed in joyful mood together to the gladden¬ + +ing drink. + +The drops as they were purified, the Soma juices, made them +paths. + +9 0 Pavam&na, bring the juice, the mightiest, worthy to be + +famed, + +Which the Five Tribes have over them, whereby we may win +opulence. + +9 The coat of mail: clrdp'm; see IX. 86,14. + +1 Drive ye away: prevent clogs or R&kshasas from drinking the Soma juice. + + + +HYMN 102.J TEE R1QYEDA. 369 + +10 For us the Soma juices flow, the drops best furtherers of our + +weal, + +Effused as friends, without a spot, benevolent, finders of the +light. + +11 Effused by means of pressing-stones, upon the ox-hide visible, +They, treasure-finders, have announced food unto us from + +every side. + +12 These Soma juices, skilled in song, purified, blent with milk + +and curd, + +When movingand when firmly laid in oil, resemble lovely Sims. + +13 Let not the power of men restrain the voice of the outpour¬ + +ing juice: + +As Bhrigu’s sons chased Maklia, so drive ye the greedy hound +away. + +14 The Friend hath wrapped him in his robe, as in his parents’ + +arms, a son. + +He went, as lover to a dame, to take his station suitor-like, + +15 That Hero who produces strength, he who hath propped both + +worlds apart, + +Gold-liued, hath wrapped him iii the sieve, to settle, priest¬ +like, in his place. + +16 Soma upon the ox’s skin through the sheep’s wool Hows purified. +Bellowing out, the Tawny Steer goes on to Indra’s special + +place. + +HYMN Cir, Soma Pavam&na. + +The Child, when blended with the streams, speeding the plan +of sacrifice, + +Surpasses all things that are dear, yea, from of old. + +2 The place, near the two pressing-stones of Trita, hath he +occupied, + +Secret and dear through seven lights of sacrifice. + + +13 Makha; apparently, a demon whose name does not occur again in the +Bigveda. + +16 Special place : 1 2 * prepared station.’—Wilson. The vessel containing the +libation appropriated to Iudra. + +1 The streams : literally 4 the great,’ * waters’ being understood. . + +2 I am indebted to Prof. Macdonell (Journal of the B. A, July, 1893, +pp. 457-8) for the translation and explanation of this and the following very +difficult stanzas. The place: far away in heaven where Trita presses and + +prepares the celestial Soma for Indra. Me ; Soma. Dear: to Soma. Seven +lights of sacrifice: probably the seven rays or tongues of the sacrificial fire +with which Soma is closely connected. * Through the seven ordinances of + +sacrifices.’—Macdonell. + +24 + + + +870 TEE HYMNS OF [BOOK IX, + +3 Urge to three courses, on the heights of Trita, riches in a + +stream ; + +He who.is passing wise measures his courses out. + +4 Even at his birth the Mothers Seven taught" him, for glory, + +like a sage, + +So that he, firm and sure, hath set his mind on wealths ^ + +5 Under his sway, of one accord, are all the guileless Deities +Warriors to be envied, they, when they are pleased. + +6 The Babe whom they who strengthen Law have generated, + +fair to see, + +Much longed-for at the sacrifice, most liberal Sage,— + +7 To him, united, of themselves, come the young Parents of the + +. rite, + +When they adorn him, duly weaving sacrifice. + +8 With wisdom and with radiant eyes unbar to us the stall of + +heaven, + +Speeding at solemn rite the plan of Holy Law. + +HYMJNT CIII. Soma Pavam&ua. + +To Soma who is purified as ordering Priest the song is raised : +Bring meed, as'twere, to one who makes thee glad with hymns. + +2 Blended with milk and curds he flows on through the long + +wool of the sheep. + +The Gold-hued, purified, makes him three seats for rest. + +3 On through the long wool of the sheep to the mea tli-dropping + +vat he flows: + +The Rishis’ sevenfold quire hath sung aloud to him. + +4 Shared by all Gods, Infallible, the Leader of our holy hymns, +Golden-hued Soma, being cleansed, hath reached the bowls. + + +8 ‘Ths main justification of my interpretation/ says Prof. Macdonell, ‘is +that I supply no extraneous word with * trfni/ but explain it by the third +line. The meaning of my translation is : ‘Do thou, Soma, on the heights of +Trifca, direct the fertilizing streams which produce wealth into the channels +of Trita, for thou knowest these channels, haying measured them out with +thy streams/ Three courses: or channels, of Trita. He who is passing wise + +Soma. Mis: Trita’s. + +4 The Mothers Seven: the Seven Rivers. + +5 Warriors to be envied: the meaning of the line is uncertain. + +6 They who strengthen law ; according to S&yana, the vasattvari waters. + +7 The young Parents of .the rite: ever-young, fre&h and strong Heaven and + +Earth. _ + +2 Three seats for rest ; three reservoirs in which he may settle. The dvo- +nalcalasa, the ddhavaniya , and the pHtabhrit* + +8 The Rishis sevenfold quire; ‘ the seven metres of the JRishis /—Wilson. + + + +HYMN 105.] •' TEE RIGVEDA. 871 + +5 After thy Godlike qualities, associate with Indra, go, + +As a Priest-purified hy priests, Immortal One. + +6 Lik^'^ es-r-horse who shows his strength, a God effused for + +"Deities, + +The penetrating Pavam&na flows along. + +HYMN CIY. Soma Pavam&na. + +Sit down, 0 friends, and sing aloud to him who purifies himself : +Deck him for glory, like a child, with holy rites. + +2 Unite him bringing household wealth, even as a calf, with +mother kine, + +Him who hath double strength, the God-delighting juice. + +S Purify him who gives us power, that he, mdfet Blessed One, +maybe + +A banquet for the Troop, Mitra, and Varuna. + +4 Yoices have sung aloud to thee as finder-out of wealth for us : +We clothe the hue thou wearest with a robe of milk. + +5 Thou, Indu, art the food of Gods, 0 Sovran of all gladdening + +drinks: + +As Friend for friend, he thou best finder of success. + +6 Drive utterly away from us each demon, each voracious fiend, +The godless and the fal^e : keep sorrow far away. + +HYMN CY. Soma Pavam&na. + +Sing ye aloud, 0 friends, to him who makes him pure for glad¬ +dening drink: + +They shall make sweet the Child with sacrifice and laud. + +2 Like as a calf with mother cows, so Indu is urged forth and sent, +Glorified by our hymns, the God-delighting juice. + +3 Effectual means of power is he, he is a banquet for the Troop, +He who hath b&en effused, most rich in meath, for Gods. + +4 Flow to us, Indu, passing strong, effused, with wealth of kine + +and steeds : + +I will spread forth above the milk thy radiant hue. + +5 Lord of the tawny, Indu, thou who art the Gods’most special + +food, + +As Friend to friend, for splendour he thou good to men. + +5 After thy Godlike qualities: according to S&yana, { to the hosts of the gods/ + +6 Penetrating: vydnasih; ‘ spreading widely into the vessels/—Wilson. + +2 Unite him: ‘ Associate him the support of the mansion with the mater¬ +nal (waters) as the calf (with the mother)/—Wilson + +3 The Troop; the handed Maruts. + +5 Lord of the tawny ; harlndm * Skyana supplies paidn&m, cattle. + + +372 + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOH IX. + +6 Drive utterly, far away from us each godless, each voracious +foe: + +0 Indu, overcome and drive the false afar. + +HYMN CVI. SomaPaWna. + +To Indra, to theMighty Steer, may these gold-coloured juices go, +Drops rapidly produced, that find the light of heaven, + +2 Effused, this juice victorious flows for Indra, for his mainte¬ + +nance. + +Soma bethinks him of the Conqueror, as he knows. + +3 May Indra in his raptures gain from him the grasp that gath¬ + +ers spoil, * + +And, winning waters, wield the steer-strong thunderbolt. + +4 Flow vigilant for Indra, thou Soma, yea, Indu, run thou on : + +’ Bring hither splendid strength that finds the light of heaven. + +5 Do thou, all-beautiful, purify for Indra’s sake the mighty juice, +Path-maker thou, far seeing, with a thousand ways. + +6 Best finder of prosperity for us, most rich in sweets for Gods, +Proceed thou loudly roaring on a thousand paths. + +7 0 Indu, with thy streams, in might, flow for the banquet of + +the Gods : + +Rich in meath, Soma, in our beaker take thy place. + +8 Thy drops that swim in water have exalted Indra to delight: +The Gods have drunk thee up for immortality, + +9 Stream opulence to us, ye drops of Soma, pressed and purified, +Pouring down rain from heaven in floods, and finding light. + +10 Soma, while filtered, with his wave flows through the long wool + +of the sheep, + +Shouting while purified before the voice of spng. + +11 With songs they send the Mighty forth, sporting in wood, + +above the fleece: + +Our psalms have glorified him of the triple height. + +12 Into the jars hath he been loosed, like an impetuous steed + +for war, + +And lifting up his voice, while filtered, glided on. + +13 Gold-hued and lovely in his course, through tangles of the + +wool he flows, + +And pours heroic fame upon the worshippers. + +The hymn is a Bort of rifaccimento of Hymn 104. + +2 For his maintenance .* bh&rdya: or, for bottle. The Conqueror: Indra +11 Him of the triple height: triprhhthdm: the three heights are probably +the firmament, the mountain, and the altar. ‘ Abiding in three receptacles’ * +—"Wilson. + + + +HYMN 107 .] THE MOVED A. 373 + +14 Flow thus, a faithful votary: the streams of meath have +been effused. + +Thou comest to the filter, singing, from each side. + +HYMN CVIT. Soma. Pavam&na. + +Henge sprinkle forth the juice effused, Soma, the best of +sacred gifts, + +Who, friend of man, hath run amid the water-streams. + +He hath pressed Soma out with stones. + +2 Now, being purified, flow hither through the fleece inviolate + +and most odorous. * + +We gladden thee in waters when thou art effused, blending +thee still with juice aud milk. + +3 Pressed out for all to see, delighting Gods, Tndu, Far-sighted + +One, is mental power. + +4 Cleansing thee, Soma, in thy stream, thou flowest in a watery + +robe ; + +Giver of wealth, thou sittesfc in the place of Law, 0 God, a +fountaiu made of gold. + +5 Milking the heavenly udder for dear meath, he hath sat in + +the ancient gathering-place. + +Washed by the men, the Strong, Far-seeing One streams forth +nutritious food that all desire. + +6 0 Soma, while they cleanse thee, dear and watchful in the + +sheep's long wool, + +Thou hast become a Singer most like Angiras: thou madest +Suiya mount to heaven. + +7 Bountiful, besY of furtherers, Soma floweth on, Hishi and. + +Singer, keen of sight. + +Thou hast become a Sage most welcome to the Gods: thou +madest Surya mount to heaven. + +8 Pressed out by pressers, Soma goes over the fleecy backs of + +sheep, + +Goes, even as with a mare, in tawny-coloured stream, goes +in exhilarating stream. + +9 Down to the water Soma, rich in kiue, hath flowed with cows, + +with cows that have been milked. + + +1 He; the priest. + +4 In the place of Law: in the place of Law-ordained sacrifice. + +5 Milking the heavenly udder for dear meath: extracting the sweet and +precious juice from the stalk and tendrils of the Soma plant. + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +374 + + +[BOOK IZ + + +They have approached the mixing-vessels as a sea : the cheerer +streams for the carouse. + +10 Effused by stones, 0 Soma, and urged through the long wool + +of the sheep, + +Thou, entering the saucers as a man the fort, gold-hued hast +settled in the wood. + +11 He beautifies himself through the sheep’s long fine wool, like + +an impetuous steed in war, + +Even Soma Pavamana who shall be the joy of sages and of +holy bards, + +12 0 Soma,—for the feast of Gods, river-like he hath swelled + +with surge, + +With the stalk’s juice, exhilarating, resting not, into the vat +that drops with meath. + +13 Like a clear son who must be decked, the Lovely One hath + +clad him in a shining robe. + +Men skilful at their work drive him forth, like a car, into the +rivers from their hands. + +14 The living drops of Soma juice pour, as they flow, the glad¬ + +dening drink, r + +Intelligent drops above the basin of the sea, exhilarating, +finding light. + +15 May Pavam&na, King and God, speed with his wave over the + +sea the lofty rite : + +May he by Mitra’s and by Varuna’s decree flow furthering the +lofty rite. + +16 Ear-seeing, lovely, guided by the men, the God whose home is + +in the sea— * + +17 Soma, the gladdening juice, flows pressed for Indra with his + +Marut host: + +He hastens o’er the fleece with all his thousand streams: men +make him bright and beautiful. + +18 Purified in the bowl and gendering the hymn, wise Soma joys + +among the Gods. + +Eobed in the flood, the Mighty One hath clad himself with +milk and settled in the vats. + + +9 They have approached the mixing-vessels like a sea ; samvdrandni t from +sctmvri, to cover, enclose, surround, must, apparently, mean the vessels that +contain the juices and not the juices themselves as S&yapa explains ;—‘his +enjoyable juices go (to the pitcher as waters) to the ocean.Wilson. + +12 0 Soma . he t is a sort of periphrasis for Soma in the nominative case. + +14 Of the sea: of the firmament, or sea of air. + + + + +275 + + +HYMN 108.] THE RIGYEEA. + +19 0 Soma, Indu, every day thy friendship hath been my delight. +Many fiends follow me ; help me, thou Tawny-hned; pass on + +beyond these barriers. + +20 Close to thy bosom am I, Soma, day and night, 0 Tawny-hued, + +for friendship sake. + +Surya himself refulgent with his glow have we o’ertaken in his +course like birds. + +21 Deft-handed ! thou when purified liftest thy voice amid the sea. +Thou, Pavam&na, makest riches flow to us, yellow, abundant, + +much-desired. + +22 Making thee pure and bright in the sheep’s* Jong wool, thou + +hast bellowed, steer-like, in the wood. + +Thou flowest, Soma Pavamfina, balmed with milk unto the +special place of Gods. + +23 Flow on to win us strength, flow on to lofty lore of every kind. +Thou, Soma, as Exhilarator wast the first to spread the sea + +abroad for Gods. + +24 Flow to the realm of earth, flow to the realm of heaven, 0 + +Soma, in thy righteous ways. + +Fair art thou whom the sages, 0 Far-seeing One, urge onward +with their songs andjhymns. + +25 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Pavam&nas in a stream, +Girt by the Maruts, gladdening, Steeds with Inra’s strength, + +for wisdom and for dainty food. + +• 26 Urged onward by the pressers, clad in watery robes, Indu is +speeding to the vat. + +He gendering light, hath made the glad Cows low, the while +he takes them as his garb of state. + +* HYMN CVIir. Soma Pavam&na, + +For Indra, flow thou Soma on, as gladdening juice most +sweet, intelligent, + +Great, cheering, dwelling most in heaven. + +2 Thou, of whom having drunk the Steer acts like a steer: +drinking of this that finds the light, + +19 Many fiends: the text has only pur&ni, many, in the neuter plural. +S&yaua supplies rakshdhsi Bilks has as or fiends. Pass on beyond these barriers : + +* overcome those who surround me.*—Wilson. + +20 Close to thy bosom am I: * I (delight) in thy presence.’—Wilson. + +21 Amid the sea: antarikshe kala&e vd, in the firmament or in the beaker, +says S&yana. + +25 The Pavamdnas: * thy purified juices/—Wilson. + +2 The Steer acts Wee a steer : vrishabhd vrishdydte: 1 the ehowerer Indra is +invigorated.'—Wilson. Etasa: one of the horses of the Sun ; or a horse in +general;—‘ as a horse comes to the battle.'—S&yana. + + + + +376 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK 7X + + +He, Excellently Wise, is come to strengthening food, to +and wealth like Etasa. + +3 For, verily, Pavamaua, thou hast, splendidest, called all the + +generations of +The Gods to immortality. + +4 By whom Dadhyach Navagva opens fastened doors, by whom + +the sages gained their wish, + +By whom they won the fame of lovely Amrita in the felicity of +Gods. + +5 Effused, he floweth in a stream, best rapture-giver, in the long + +wool of tlie> sheep, + +Sporting, as r ’twere the waters’ wave. + +6 He who from out the n>cky cavern took with might the red- + +refulgent watery Cows,— + +Thou masterest the stable full of kine and steeds : burst it, +brave Lord, like one in mail. + +7 Pi*ess ye and pour him, like a steed, laud-worthy, speeding + +through the region and the flood, + +Who swims in water, roars in wood; + +8 Increaser of the water, Steer with thousand streams, dear to + +the race of Deities; r + +Who bom in Law hath waxen mighty by the Law, King, God, +and lofty Ordinance. + +0 Make splendid glory shine on us, thou Lord of strengthening +food, God, as the Friend of Gods : + +Unclose the fount of middle air. + +10 Roll onward to the bowls, 0 Mighty One, effused, as Prince + +supporter of the tribes. ^ + +Pour on us rain from heaven, send us the waters’ flow : incite +our thoughts to win the spoil. + +11 They have drained him the Steer of heaven, him with a + +thousand streams, distilling rapturous joy, + +Him who brings all thing excellent. + +12 The Mighty One was bom Immortal, giving life, lightening + +darkness with his shine. + +Well-praised by sages he hath by his wondrous power assumed +the Threefold as his robe. + + +4 Dadhyach Navagva: Dadhyach was the son of Atharvan the priest who +first obtained fire and offered Soma and prayer to the Gods. Here he is called +a Navagva and consequently one of the Angirases. See both names in Yol. +I., Index, Won the fame of lovely Amvita; * obtained the sustenance of the +delicious (ambrosial) water/—Wilson. + +12 The Threefold ; the morning, noon, and evening libation. + + + +EYMN 109.] THE RIG VEDA. 377 + +13 Effused is he who brings good things, who brings us bounteous + +gifts and sweet refreshing food, + +Sonia who brings us quiet homes : + +14 He whom our Indra and the Marufc host shall drink, Bhaga + +shall drink with Aryaman, + +By whom we bring to us Mitra and Varuna and Indra for our +great defence. + +15 Soma, for Indra’s drink do thou, led by the men, well-weapon- + +ed and most gladdening, + +Flow on with greatest store of sweets. + +16 Enter the Soma-holder, even Indra’s heart, as^mvers pass into + +the sea, + +Acceptable to Mitra, V&yu, Varuna, the noblest Pillar of the +heavens. + +HYMN CIX. Soma Pavam&na. + +Pleasant to Indra’s, Mifcra’s, Pfishan’s Bhaga’s taste, speed +onward, Soma, with thy flowing stream. + +2 Let Indra drink, 0 Soma, of thy juice for wisdom, and all + +Deities for strength. + +3 So flow thou on as bright celestial juice, flow to the vast, im¬ + +mortal dwelling-place. + +4 Flow onward, Soma, as a mighty sea, as Father of the Gods, + +to every form. + +5 Flow on, 0 Soma, radiant for the Gods and Heaven and Earth, + +and bless our progeny. + +6 Thou, bright Juice, art Sustainer of the sky : flow, mighty, in + +accordance w*th true Law. + +7 Soma, flow splendid with thy copious stream through the + +great fleece as in the olden time. + +8 Born, led by men, joyous, and purified, let the Light-finder + +make all blessings flow. + + +13 The metre of this stanza is G&yatrl YavamadhyA, that is GAyatrf having +the middle like a barley-corn, thick in the middle and tapering at both ends : +first a PAda of eight syllables, then one of twelve, and lastly another of eight. + +The Rtshis are the Agnavo DhishnyAh, sacrifical Agnis or Fires, said to be +sons of isvara the Supreme Deity of post-Vedic times. + +3 Flow to the vast immortal dwelling-place: ‘ flow for immortality and +spacious abode.’—Wilson. + +4 To every form: to all the forms or essences of the Gods into which he +enters. Or to every power, to aid us in every way. + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +m + + +' [BOOK JX + + +9 Indu, while cleansed, keeping the people safe, shall +all possessions for our own. + +10 Flow on for wisdom, Soma, and for power, as a strong courser + +bathed, to win the prize. + +11 The pressers purify this juice of thine, the Soma, for delight, + +and lofty fame. + +12 They deck the Gold-hued Infant, newly-born, even Soma, + +Indu, in the sieve for Gods. + +13 Fair Indu hath flowed on for rapturous joy, Sage for good + +fortune irvthe waters* lap. + +14 He bears tfle beauteous name of Indra, that wherewith he + +overcame all demon foes. + +15 All Deities are wont to drink of him, pressed by the men and + +blent with milk and curds. + +16 He hath flowed forth with thousand streams effused, flowed + +through the filter and the sheep's long wool. + +17 With endless genial flow the Strong hath run, purified by the + +waters, blent with milk. . + +18 Pressed out with stones, directed by the men, go forth, 0 + +Soma, into Indra’s throat. + + +19 The mighty Soma with a thousand streams is poured to Indra + +through the cleansing sieve. + +20 Indu they balm with pleasant milky juice for Indra, for the + +Steer, for his delight. + +21 Lightly, for sheen, they cleanse thee for the Gods, gold-colour¬ + +ed, wearing water as thy robe. + +22 Indu to Indra streams, yea, downward streams, Strong, flow¬ + +ing to the floods, and mingling there. + +HYMN CX. Soma Pavara&na. + +Q’ekpowering Yritras, forward run to win great strength : + +Thou speedest to subdue like one exacting debts. + +2 In thee, effused, 0 Soma, we rejoice ourselves for great su¬ + +premacy in fight: + +Thou, Pavam&na, enterest into mighty deeds. + +3 0 Pavam&na, thou didst generate the Sun, and spread the mois¬ + +ture out with power, + +Hasting to us with plenty vivified with milk. + +14 He "bears; according to S&yana, the translation of the first half-line +would be ; Indra’s fair body he supports, wherewith, etc. V + +3 With plenty vivified with mills; ( with abundant wisdom that procures f. +cattle (for thy worshippers)/—Wilson. "/ + + +T£E BtGVfiDA. + + +379 + + +EYtitf 111 J + +4 Thou didst produce him, Deathless God! mid mortal men + +foe mamtenan.ee of Law and lovely Amrita: + +Thou evermore hast moved making strength flow to us. + +5 All round about hast thou with glory pierced for us as 'twere + +a never-failing well for men to drink, + +Borne on thy way in fragments from the pressed arms, + +6 Then, beautifully radiant, certain Heavenly Ones, have sung + +to him their kinship as they looked thereon, + +And Savitar the God opens as ; twere a stall. + +7 Soma, the men of old whose grass was trimmed addressed the + +hymn to thee for mighty strength and for renown : + +So, Hero, urge us onward to heroic power. + +8 They have drained forth from out the great depth of the sky + +the old primeval milk of heaven that claims the laud: + +They lifted up their voice to Indra at his birth. + +9 As long as thou,* 0 Pavam&na, art above this earth and heaven + +and all existence in thy might, + +Thou standest like a Bull the chief amid the herd. + +10 In the sheep's wool hath Soma Pavam&na flowed, while they + +cleanse him, like a playful infant, + +Indu with hundred powers and hundred currents. + +11 Holy and sweet, while purified, this Indu flows on, a wave of + +pleasant taste, to Indra,— + +Strength-winner, Treasure-finder, Life-bestower. + +12 So flow thou on, subduing our assailants, chasing the demans + +hard to be encountered, + +Well-armed and conquering our foes, 0 Soma. + +HYMN CXI. Soma Pavamana. + +With this his golden splendour purifying him, he with his +own allies subdues all enemies, as Sura with his own allies. +Cleansing himself with stream of juice he shines forth yellow- +hued and red, when with the praisers he encompasses all +forms, with praisers having seven mouths. + + +5 In fragments: in pieces of the crushed stalk and shoots of the Soma* plant. + +6 Beautifully radiant; vasuniohah; according to S&yana, a proper name, +Vasuruohas, plural of Vasurueh, Opens as ’twere a stall: ‘drives away the +obstructing (darkness).’—Wilson. + +1 He: Soma. All enemies ; the fiends of darkness. As Silva with Ms own +allies : as Sfirya or the Sun with his attendant beams of light. A ll forms: +vlsvd I'Upft : all the lunar mansions, according to S&yana. According to Hille- +brandt, (assumest) all beauty. With the praisers ,* rikvabhih .* perhaps the +Angirases are intended. Raving seven mouths: that is, one mouth each, the +mouth being mentioned in reference to their love of Soma juice. + + + +MS HYMNS OF + + +aso + + +[BOOS /X + + +2 That tfe&siite of the Panis thou discoveredst; thou with + +mothers deckest thee in thine abode, with songs of wc^Siip +in thine home. + +As ’twere from far, the hymn is heard, where holy songs +resound in joy. He with the ruddy-hued, threefold hath +won life-power, he, glittering, hath won life-power. + +3 He moves intelligent, directed to the East. The very beau¬ + +teous car rivals the beams of light, the beautiful celestial +car. + +Hymns, lauding manly valour, came, inciting Tndra to success, +that ye rr^iy be unconquered, both thy bolt and thou, both +be uncoifquered in the war. + +HYMN CXII. Soma Pavam&na. + +We all have various thoughts and plans, and diverse are the +ways of men. + +The Brahman seeks the worshipper, wright seeks the cracked, +and leech the maimed, Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +2 The smith with ripe and seasoned plants, with feathers of the + +birds of air, + +With stones, and with enkindled flames, seeks him who hath +a store of gold. Flow, Iadu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +3 A bard am I, my dad’s a leech, mammy lays corn upon the + +stones. + +Striving for wealth, with varied plans, we follow our desires +like luue. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + + +2 Treasure of the Pants; the rays of light carried off and concealed by the +demons of darkness. Thy Mothers: apparently the Dawns. According to S&yana +the vasativuri waters. Threefold: there is no substantive in the text, and it +is uncertain whab tndMtuhhih refers to. S&yana refers it to the vasativart +waters, and explains it by ‘ the supporters of the three worlds.* Grassmann +thinks that the beverages, consisting of three ingredients, mixed with the +Soma juice are intended. Probably the Dawns, sometimes spoken of as three +(cf. VIII. 41. 3), are meant. + +3 The very beauteous car: of Soma. Beam of light: sunbeams. + +The hymn appears to be an old popular song transformed into an address +to Soma by attaching to each stanza a refrain which has no connexion with +the subject of the song. But see Vedische Studies I. p, 107. The hymn is +translated in Muir’s 0. S. Texts, V. 424. + +1 The Brahman * ‘ This verse distinctly proves that the priesthood already +formed a profession.’—Muir, 0. S. Texts, 1. 252. + +2 Plants : meaning here reeds which were made into arrows. With stones, +and with enkindled fames: according to Sftyana, with glistening stones, to +form the heads of the arrows Who hath a store of gold: and will be able +to pay well for the arrows which the artisan makes for him. + +3 My dad: tatah ; a familiar expression, corresponding to nan$ ? mammy. + + + +TRE RIGVEDA. + + +381 + + +HYMN 113 .] + + +4 The horse would draw an easy car, gay hosts attract the laugh +and jest. + +The male desires his mate's approach, the frog is eager for the +flood. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +HYMN CXIII. Soma Pavamta. + +Let Vyitra-slayiug Indra drink Soma by Saryan&v&n’s side, + +U p vigour in his heart, prepared" to do heroic deeis. +Flow, f_ ow f or Indra’s sake. + +2 Lord of theQuaru,*^ flow thou on, boon Soma, from Arj ika land, + +E (fused with ardour au^ w ith faith, and the true hymn of + +sacrifice. Flow, Indu, flow w Indra’s sake* + +3 Hither hath Sfirya's Daughter brought the wiki Steer whom + +Parjanya nursed. + +Gandkurvas have seized hold of him, and in the Soma laid +the juice. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +4 Splendid by Law ! declaring Law, truth-speaking, truthful in + +thy works,. + +Enouncing faith, King Soma ! thou, 0 Soma, whom thy maker +decks. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +5 Together flow the meeting streams of him the Great and truly + +Strong. + +* ^ ^ + +The juices of the juicy meet. Made pure by prayer, 0 Golden- +hued, flow, Indu, flow for Indra's sake. + +6 0 Pavam&na, where the priest, as he recites the rhythmic + +prayer, + +Lords it o'er Soma with the stone, with Soma bringing forth +delight, flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +7 0 Pavam&na, place me in that deathless, undecaying world +Wherein the light of heaven is set, and everlasting lustre shines. + +Flow, Indu, flow for Indra's sake. + +8 Make me immortal in that realm where dwells the King, Yivas- + +v&n's Son, + +Where is the secret shrine of heaven, where are those waters +young and fresh. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra's sake. + +1 Sctryandvdn: a lake in the Kurukshetra district. + +2 Of the Quarters: of the four regions of the sky. Arjilca land: accord¬ +ing to S&yana, the country of the Rijikas. Gf. VIII. 7. 29. + +3 The wild Steer whom Parjanya nursed : the mighty Soma-plant whoBe +growth has been fostered by the God of the rainy cloud. Stirya's Daughter: +Tjvaddhd or Faith. Cf. DC. I. 6. Gandharvas; guardians of the heavenly +Soma. See Vol. I., Index. + +4 Thy maker; the Soma-presser, or the institutor of the sacrifice:—'the +upholder (of the rite).’—Wilson. + +8 The King: Yama, the ruler of departed spirits, son of Vivasvfin. See +Yol. I., Index. + + + +382 + + +TEE RIG VEDA. + + +IEOOE IX. + + +9 Makeme immortal in that realm where they move even as they list,' + +In the third sphere of inmost heaven where lucid worlds are +full of light. Flow, Indu, flow for Tndra’s sake. + +10' Make me immortal in that realm of eager wish and strong desir%*-^ +: The region of the radiant Moon, where food and full delight +are found. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +11 Make me immortal in that realm where happiness +, sports, where + +Toys and felicities combine, and longing^w^ ff ^ are fulfilled. +Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake^-'""^ + +- Soma Pavam&na, + +The man v%o walketh^^ 6 Laws of Indu Pavam&na bid,— + +Men call him ripMtf children, him, 0 Soma, who hath met thy +thought, Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +2 Kasyapa, Rishi, lifting up thy voice with hymn-composers’ lauds, + +Pay reverence to King Soma born the Sovran Ruler of the + +1 plants. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + +3 Seven regions have their several Suns; the ministering priests + + +are seven; + +Seven are the Aditya Deities,—with these, 0 Soma, guard thou +us. Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake, + +4 Guard us with this oblation whi*h, King Soma, hath been +dressed for thee. + +Let not malignity conquer us, let nothing evil do us harm. +Flow, Indu, flow for Indra’s sake. + + +9 When they move even as they list: { where action is unrestrained. 1 —Muir. +* Where the sun wanders at will. 1 —Wilson. + +10 Of the radiant Moon :~the adjective bradhndsya i of the ruddy or brilliant, +stands without a substantive. ‘Sun’ is supplied by S&yana, ‘Des rots* +tralenden.’—Ludwig, See Hillebrandt, Vedische Mythologies I.,*396. + +As regards the joys of the departed, referred to in sCanzas 7—12, Professor +von Both observes (Journ, Amer. Orient, Soc. iii, 343, quoted by Dr. Muir, +<?, S. Testis, Y. 307) 1 The place where these glorified ones are to live is heaven. +In order to show that not merely an outer court of the divine dwellings is +set apart for them, the highest heaven, the midst or innermost part of heaven, +is expressly spoken of as their seat. This is their place of rest ; and itB +divine splendour is not disfigured by any specification of particular beauties +or enjoyments, such as those with which other religions have been wont to + +adorn the mansions of the blest.There thr- 1 —”y ■ the language used + +to describe their condition is the same with ■/.| *■!■■■ the most exalted +felicity.’ - + +2 Kasyapa : the seer of the hymn addresses himself. + +3 Seven regions: the regions of the sky, the four quarters with intermediate +points. They are sometimes said to be five, six, or seven in number, but +more frequently eight, Aditya Deities: Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, +Daksha, Ansa, and perhaps Dh&tar, Other enumerations also are given, and +their number is sometimes said to be eight. See M. Muller, Vedic Hymns, I. +p, 252f (Sacred Books of the East, XXXII). + + + + +BOOK THE TENTH. + + +HYMN I. Agni. + +High 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. + +2 Thou, 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 +coni# forth, loud roaring, from thy Mothers. + +3 Here, bemg manifested, lofty Vishnu, full wise, protects his + +own supreb^st station. + +When they have-offered in his mouth their sweet milk, to +him with one accord^ they sing forth praises. + +4 Thence bearing food the Mothers come to meet thee, with + +food for thee who givest ibodjLts increase. + +These in their altered form agail>^bhou meetest. Thou art +’ Invoking Priest in homes of mortals. + +5 Priest of the holy rite, with car that glitters, refulgent Ban¬ + +ner of each act of worship, + +Sharing in every God through might aud glory, even Agni +Guest of men I summon hither. + +6 So Agni stands on eartlda most central station, invested in + +^veil-decorated garments. + +Born, red of hue, where men pour out libations, O King, a$ +great High Priest bring the Gods hither. + +7 Over the earth and over heaven, 0 Agni, thou. Son, hast ever + +spread above thy Parents. + +Come, Youthfullest! to those who long to meet thee, and +hither bring the Gods, O Mighty Victor. + +1 The Mighty : Agni. + +2 Among the plants: according to S&yana, in the fire-sticks. + +3 Vishnu: in the form of Agni who is his manifestation on earth. They r +worshippers. + +4 The Mothers: the plants which nourish life. In their altered form: a* +dry wood which Agni, as fire, consumes. + +5 Sharing in: because Agni as the bearer of men’s oblations supports ail +other Gods. + + + +384 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK X + + +HYMN H. Agni. + +Gladden the yearning Gods, 0 thou Most Youthful: bring +them, 0 Lord of Seasons, knowing seasons, + +With all the Priests Celestial, 0 Agni. Best worshipper art +thou of all Invokers. + +2 Thine is the Herald’s, thine the Cleanser’s office, thinker art + +thou, wealth-giver, true to Order. + +Let us with Svaha offer up oblations, and Agni, worthy God, +pay the Gods worship. + +3 To the Gods’ pathway have we travelled, ready to execute + +what work we may accomplish. + +Let Agni, to? he knows, complete the worship. He is the +Priest; let him fix rites and seasons. + +4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, 0 Deities + +with whom is knowledge, + +Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, skilled ,to +assign each God his fitting season. + +5 When, 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. + +6 Because 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. + +7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, + +and Tvashtar, maker of fair things, created, + +Well knowing, all along the Fathers’ pathway, shine with +resplendent light, enkindled, Agni. + +HYMN III. , Agni. + +0 King, the potent and terrific envoy, kindled for strength, is +manifest in beauty. + +He shines, all-knowing, with his lofty splendour : chasing +black Night he comes with white-rayed Morning. + +1 Seasons: the proper times of worship. Priests Celestial: Agui heing the +Hotar, the Asvins the Adbvaryus, Tvashtar the Agnidh, and Mitra the +Upavaktar. Asval&yana, as cited by Sfiyana,* gives a different enumeration. +See Wilson, note. + +2 The Herald is the Hotar or invoking priest: the Cleanser is the Tatar or +Purifier, the assistant of the Brahman. Svihd: an exclamation=Ave ! or Hail l + +3 The Cods’ pathway: 4 the path that leads to the gods ’—Wilson. + +6 The father: PrajApatx ; or the iustifcutor of the sacrifice.—S&yana. + +7 The Fathers' pathway : the way that leads to the home of the Manes or + +Ancestral Spirits. - + +1 0 King; Ludwig takes rdjan here as the nominative case. With white- +rayed Morning: I follow Ludwig in taking ruiattm as instrumental for +rusatydm* + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +385 + + +HYkN 4.] + + +2 Having o’ercome the glimmering Black with beatity, and + +bringing forth the Dame, the Great Sire’s Daughter, +Holding aloft the radiant light of Surya, as messenger of heav * +en he shines with treasures, _ * + +3 Attendant on the Blessed jD^rn'e'the Blessed hath come : the + +Lover followeth + +Agni, far-spreadj*^with conspicuous lustre, hath compassed +Night A^J^vhitely-shining garments, + +4 His gQh*|s-forth kindle as ’twere high voices, the goings of the + +ptfspieious Friend of Agni. + +-5che rays, the bright beams of the strong-jawed, mighty, +adorable Steer are visible as he cometh. • +b Whose 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. + +6 His 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. + +7 So bring us ample wealth: seat thee envoy of the two + +youthful Matrons, Earth and F^vem +Let Agni rapid with his # rapid worses, impetuous with impe¬ +tuous Steeds, come id f ‘ ,jer * + + +HYMN IY, Agni. + +To thee will T *end praise and bring oblation, as thou hast +merited tauds when we invoked thee. + +A fo.-cain in the desert art thou, Agni, 0 Ancient King to +man who fain would worship. + +* Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek +the warm stall, 0 Most Youthful, + +Thou art the messenger of Gods and mortals, and gqest glori¬ +ous with thy light between them. + +3 Making 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. + + +2 Glimmering Blaok: dark niglxt, faintly lijrY.n l ! y vtnra. The Great Sire’s + +Daughter: Ushas or Dawn, daughter of . r ir<».ivii. + +3 The lover / Agni who appears together with Dawn. + +4 The first line is almost unintelligible. ‘The blazing flames of that mighty + +Agm 4o not (deter) his adorers.—Wilson. . - ® ■ * - + + +l To man: or, to Pfiru. +3 Thy Mother: Eartb* +2$ + + +386 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH X + +4 Foolish are we, 0 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. + +5 He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke-bannered, gray, he + +makes the wood his dwelling. + +Ho swimmer, Steer, he presses through the waters, and to his +place accordant mortals bear him. + +6 Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt W forest the + +twain with their ten girdles have secured him. + +This is a new hymn meant for thee, 0 Agni: yoke as it ^ ere +thy car with parts that glitter. + +7 Homage and prayer are thine, 0 J&fcavedas, and this my song ' + +shall evermore *exalfc thee. + +Agni, protect our children and descendants, and guard with +ever-watchful care our bodies. + +HYMN Y. Agni. + +Hje only is the Sea, holder of treasures : born many a time +. he view§the hearts within us. + +He hides hntKi^the secret couple's bosom. The Bird dwells +in the middlebt<^he fountain.- 1 2 3 + +2 Inhabiting one dwellmg^face in common, strong Stallions and* , + +the Mares have come + +The sages guard the seat of HSiy^Wer, and keep the highest +names concealed within them. + +3 The Holy Pair, of wondrous power, have . they formed + +the Infant, they who bred produced him, + +The central point of all that moves and moves w hile‘ + +they wove the Sage's thread with insight. + +4 The form: the Ahavaniya fire. The Youthful Maiden: ^according to\ +S&yana, either the mixed oblation, or the young earth as compared with her +withered plants. + +6 The twain: the two arms, with their grasping fingers which produce fire +by agitation of the fire-stick. + +1 He: Agni as the Sun, The secret couple’s bosom: the meaning is uncer¬ +tain. The fire-sticks in which Agni is latent may be intended. 4 He waits +on the cloud in the neighbourhood of the hidden (firmament)/—Wilson. The +Bird: the Sun. The fountain: the source of light in the east. + +2 Strong Stallions : perhaps the flames of the Sun. Mares: waters of the +firmament. The highest names: of Agni, such as J&tavedas and Vaisv&nara. +Concealed within them: in their secret hearts, for worship. + +3 The Holy Pair: Heaven and Earth, . The Infant: Agni. The while they + +wove: viyantah in the text is unintelligible, and I follow Wallis in reading +vayuntt in its stead, The Sage’s thread: the series of sacrifices to which Agni +is entitled. + + + +HYMN 6 .] THE RIGVEDA. 387 + +4 For tracks of Order and refreshing viands attend from ancient + +times the goodly Infant. + +Wearing him as a mantle, jEarth and Heaven grow strong by +food of pleasant drink and fatness. + +5 He, calling loudly to the Seven red Sisters, hath, skilled in + +sweet dr/nk, brought them to be looked on, + +He. horn of old, in middle air hath halted, and sought and +found the covering robe of Pdahan. + +6 Seven 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. * + +7 Not Being, Being in the highest heaven, in Aditi's bosom and + +in Daksha's birthplace, + +Is Agni, our first-born of Holy Order, the Milch-cow and the +Bull in life's beginning. + +HYMN VX Agni. + + +This is that Agni, he by whose protection, favour, and help +the singer is successful; + +Who with the noblest flames of glowing fuel comes forth en¬ +compassed with far-spi^ading lustre. + +5 The Seven red Sisters: the seven tongues or flames of Agni, called Mli f +Icardlt, etc.—SAyana. And found the covering robe of P'dskan: and hath +reappeared in the form of Pdshan or the Sun. + +■ 6 Pathways: long lines of light. The Wise ; the Fathers. The troubled +mortal: the man who is longing for daybreak may approach the pathway of- +light. Wallis translates the second line differently :—‘The support of life in +the home of the highest, at the divergence of the ways, standeth on sure +ground.' He: apparently Agni as the Sun, to whom the troubled or sinful +man comes for light or* forgiven ess. Pillar: support and stay of the uni¬ +verse, like the Skamb ha of Atharva-veda, X. 7. Where paths are parted: +where' ends the dark road which the Sun travels by night, and the bright +path of his daily course begins. 1 + +7 Not Being , Being . non-existent, existent. ‘ asachcha sachcha, ‘both +unevolved and evolved/ identifying Agni with the first cause and first effect +with a reference to such texts as Asad evam idam agra dsit ‘the non existent + +existent (or unevolved) was verily before this (creation).'_Wilson, from + +Adki=t>vva[ue, Dahsha^ivipyua. Here Agni is represented as +Prajapafci who as a yet undeveloped embryo is at the same time both male +and xemale.-—Ludwig. Or Daksha may be the Sun and Aditi the Earth. ‘ In +fact Agm is identified with all things. These latter hymns to Agni are very +obscure: the notions are mystical; many of the terms are unusual, or are + +un usually applied; and the construction is singularly elliptical and loose _ + +Wilson. + + +Tins Hymn has been wholly translated, with comments, by Wallis. See +The Cosmology of the Rigveda, pp. 48—50. ■ + + + +388 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK X + +2 Agni, the Holy Ola the everlasting, who shines far beaming + +with celestial splendoura* & + +He who hath come unto hi^'L^ends with friendship, like a +fleet steed who never trips or stunvh]es. + +3 He who is Lord of all divine oblation, shared "by all living + +men at break of morning, x + +Agni to whom our offerings are devoted, in whbm.yests he +whose car, through might, is scatheless. + +4 Increasing by his strength, while lauds content him, with" + +easy flight unto the Gods he travels. + +Agni the cheerful Priest, best Sacrifices balms with his tongue +the Godb with whom he mingles. + +5 With songs and adorations bring ye hither Agni who stirs + +himself at dawn like Indra, + +Whom sages laud with hymns as Jltavedaa of those who wield +the sacrificial ladle. + + +6 In whom all goodly treasures meet together, even as steeds +and riders for the booty. + +Incliuing hither bring us help, 0 Agni, even assistance most +desired by Indra. + +• 7 Yea, at thy birth, when thou badst sat in glory, thou, Agni, +wast the aim of invocations. ? + +The Gods came near, obedient to thy summons, and thus at¬ +tained their rank as chief Protectors. + +HYMN VII. -Agni. + +0 Agni, shared by all men liviug bring us good luck for +sacrifice from earth and heaven. + +With us be thine intelligence, Wonder-Worker! Protect us, +God, with thy far-reaching blessings. ^ + +2 These hymns brought forth for thee, 0 Agni, laud thee for ‘ + +bounteous gifts, with cattle arid with horses. + +3 The exact meaning of the second line is unce^in ;—'and in whom (the +sacrificer), whose sacrifice is undisturbed by his foes,"throws his choice obla¬ +tion.’—Wilson. + +5 At dawn: with Grassmann I take usrttni here to be a loe&tiye. S&yana + +explains it as Ihogdndm utsrdvincim, the bestower of enjoyments. At^ording to +T . %•*- *■ 1 —station, the translation of the first line would, be : ‘WrBh^ngs +in - 1 . -“iug ye hither the Lord of morning’s bine, the quivering Agni.* + +6 Riders : sdptlmntah: the word properly means 4 possessed of horses/ and +is applicable to drivers as well as riders. For the booty ; to win the spoil, or +to guard it from others. + + +1 Thine intelligence: the meaning of prahetaih here is not clear. Wilson +translates it by ‘indications (of favour)’; Ludwig by ‘wishes’; and Grass +Uiann by ‘light/ + + + + +THE MG VEDA. + + +389 + + +HYMN 8.] + + +Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained enjoyment, by +hymns, 0 nobly-born, hath he obtained it. + +3 Agni 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 Surya. + +4 Effectual, 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. + +5 Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful'hs some kind + +friend, adorned with splendours, + +And stablished as Invoker mid the people the ancient Priest, +the sacrifice’s lover. + +6 Worship, thyself, 0 God, the Gods in heave'n: what, void of + +knowledge, shall the fool avail thee ? + +As thou, 0 God, hast worshipped Gods by seasons, so, nobly- +born ! to thine own self pay worship. + +7 Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector; bestow upon us + +life and vital vigour. * + +Accept, 0 Mighty One, the gifts we offer* and with unceasing +care protect our bodies. + +HYMNJpfL Agni. + +Agni advances with his loffeplbanner: the Bull is bellowing to, +the earth and heavens*"' + +He hath attained^th^sky’s supremest limits : the Steer hath +waxen in the lap of waters. + +2 The Bull, the.ybungling with the hump, hath frolicked, the +strong and never-ceasing Calf hath bellowed. + +Bringing our offerings to the Gods’ assembly, he moves as +Chief in his own dwelling-places. + + +3 The second line is remarkable as a direct declaration of the relationship +of Agni and SCirya.—Ludwig. + +7 Be thou otir Guardian and Protector: avitd , says Sdyana, is a protector +from obvious dangers and gopd a preserver from perils that are unseen. + +1 Advances: through the firmament. His lofty banner ; the lightning. +Waters : of the firmament. + +2 Never-ceasing ;[ct$rem $; according to Skyana, f undecaying.* f Glorious.*— +Wilson. + + + + +390 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +3 Him who hath grasped his Parents’ head, they stablished at + +sacrifice as a wave of heavenly lustre. + +In his swift flight the red Dawns borne by horses refresh their +bodies in the home of Order. + +4 For, 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. + +5 Thou art the Eye and Guard of mighty Order, and Yaruna + +when to sacrifice thou comest. + +Thou art the Waters’ Child, 0 Jdtavedas, envoy of him whose +offering thou acceptest. + +6 Thou art the Leader of the rite and region, to which with thine + +auspicious teams thou tendest. + +Thy light-bestowing head to heaven thou liftest, making thy +tongue the oblation-bearer, Agni. + +7 Through 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. + +8 Well-skilled to use the weapons, of his Father, Aptya, urged + +on by Indra, fought the battle. + +Then Trita slew the foe seven-rayed, three-headed, and freed +the cattle of the Son of Tvashtar. + + +3 His Parents' head: the head or forehead of Heaven and Earth, or of the two +fire-sticks. The red Hawns: or the flames, according to S&yana. There is no +substantive in the text. The home of Ordw; probably the Sun, if the Dawns +are spoken of; ancl the place of law-ordained sacrifice according to S&y ana’s +explanation. + +4 The Twins' illuminator: lighter-up of day and night, that is, of the end +of night, or very early morning. But Bee Hillebrandt, Yaruna und Mitra, +p. 116. Seven places: seven altars for the sacrificial fire. Mitr'd: the Sun. + +6 Vamna: King and Governor. + +6 And region: thou knowest, and canst show the way through, the firmament. + +7 In the cavern: in the secret depth of the firmament. Seeking . Me + +Chief Sire's intention: wishing to carry out the design of Indra or perhaps of +Dyaus or Dyu. His Parents: ‘the parental heaven and earth.*—Wilson. +Calling the weapons kin: calling the weapons, i. c. the bolts which are pro¬ +duced from the sky, akin, simply means claiming them as belonging to his +father Dyu as they are in the next stanza spoken of as paternal (pitryani).— +Macdonell, J. R. A. S., July, 1893, p. 428, + +8 Of his Father: belonging to the Chief Sire of stanza 7. The foe: the +special enemy of Trita is Trisiras the son of Tvashtar, called Yisvardpa or +the Multiform. The cattle of the Son of Tvashtar ; the cows imprisoned by +him, the showers obstructed by the fiend. + +For the legends founded on the last three stanzas of this hymn, see Muir, +0. S, Texts, Y. pp, 229 —233, See also Bergaigne, La Religion Y4digue, U« +329, 330. + + + + +HYMN 10.] THE RIG VEDA. 391 + +9 Lord 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 Tvashtar. + +HYMN IX. Waters. + +Ye, Waters, are beneficent: so help ye us to energy +That we may look on great delight. + +2 Give us a portion of the sap, the most auspicious that ye have, +Like mothers in their longing love. + +3 To you we gladly come for’him to whose abode ye send us on ; +And, Waters, give us procreant strength. * ^ + +4 The Waters be to us for drink, Goddesses for our aid and bliss: +Let them stream to us health and strength. + +f> I beg the Floods to give us balm, these Queens who rule o’er +precious things, + +And have supreme control of men., + +6 Within the Waters—Soma thus hath told me—dwell all balms + +that heal, + +And Agui, he who blesseth all. + +7 0 Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, +So that I long see the Sun. + +8 Whatever sm 1S found in me, whatever evil I have wrought, +If I have ae & or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me. + +9 The craters I this day have sought, and to their moisture + +Aave we come: + +O Agni, rich in milk, come thou, and with thy splendour cover me, +HYMN X. '* Yama. Yam!. + +Fain would I w*r) my friend to kindly friendship. So may the +Sage, come through the air’s wide ocean, + +Bemembering the earth and days to follow, obtain a son, the +issue of his father. + + +1 Great delight * according to the scholiast, meaning perfect knowledge of +Brahma. See Wilson’s note. + +3 The meaning of the stanza is obscure. It appears to have been recited +by the priest at the consecration of a new house. + +The first three stanzas are to be repeated by Br&hmans at their morning +ablutions. See Colebrooke’s Essays, Essay I. On the Religious Ceremonies of +the Hindus. See also Lanman, Sanskrit Reader , p. 3/6, + +6 Stanzas 6—9 are repeated from Book I. 23. 20—23. + +Yama and Yarn!, son aud daughter of Yivasv£n, are the Rishis as well as +the deities of the hymn which is a dialogue between them. + +Yama and Yami are, says von Roth, * as their names denote, twin brother +aud sister, and are the first human pair, the originators of the race. As the + + + +392 + + +$be hymns op + + +{BOOH X + + +2 Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is + +near in kindred as a stranger. + +Sons of the mighty Asnra, ^ the Heroes, supporters of the +heavens, see far around them. + +3 Yea, 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. + +4 Shall 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, sffoh our most lofty kinship. + +5 Even in the womb God Tvashtar, Yivifier, shaping all forms, . / + +Creator, made us consorts. + +None violates his holy ordinances : that we are his the heavens +and earth acknowledge. + +G Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who +hath beheld it % Who can here declare it ? + +Hebrew conception closely connected the parents of mankind by making the +woman formed from* a portion of the body bs, the man, so by the Indian +tradition they are placed in the relationship of This thought is laid + +by the hymn in question in the mouth of Yami hers&f^ when she is made to +say : * Even in the womb the Creator made us for husbav^ and wife.’ ’ Profes¬ +sor Muller, on the other hand, says (Lectures on the Sch*^ G 0 f Language +second series, p. 510): * There Is a curious dialogue between (Yami) and +her brother, where she (the night) implores her brother (the dayJVmake her +his wife, and where he declines her offer, ‘because/ as he says, ‘blL ] )are +called it a sin that a brother should marry his sister/' Again, p. 521, ‘'^ ere +is not a single word in the Yeda pointing to Yuma and Yami as the first coiipu + +of mortals, the Indian Adam and Eve.If Yamahad been the first createaX + +of men, surely the Vedic poets, in speaking of him, co^ld not have passed this N \ +over in silence.’ See, however, the passage from the Atharva-veda, XYIII. + +3, 13, to be quoted further on. [Reverence ye with an oblation Yama, the son +of Yivaavat, the assembler of men, who was the first of men that died, and +the first that departed to this (celestial) world].’ Muir, 0, S, Texts, Y. p. + +[ -.$S8. Yama as the first man may perhaps be, as Prof. Max Muller holds, ‘ a +later phase of religious’thought.’ + +1 Yarn! speaks The Sage; vedhdh : Yama, whom she wishes to give her a +son. Gome: Sftyana explains the masculine participle jaganvftn by the femi¬ +nine gatavatl, that is, I, Yami. who have come. The earth: which, otherwise, +will remain without human inhabitants. + +2 Yama replies. A stranger: of a different family, and so a lawful wife. Sons +of the mighty A sura; the spies or sentinels spoken of in stanza 8. + +3 Yarn! speaks. + +4 Yama replies. Gandharva: Yivasv&n or the Sun. In the floods * in the +waters of the firmament. The Dame of Waters: Sarnnyu. ‘ His aqueous wife/ + +—Muir. Such in our bond: these are our parents. But see Ludwig, Ueber die +nenesten Arbeiten, u, s,w } p. 107. + +5 Yami speaks. + + + +MtMN io], ' He ntavEDA. 393 + +Great is the Law of Varuna and Mitra. What, wanton ! wilt +thou say to men to tempt them ? + +7 I, Yam?, am possessed by love of Tama, 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. + +8 They stand not still, they never cVose 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. + +9 May Surya’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 Yarn? +be the unbrotherly act of Yama. + +10 Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and + +sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. + +Not me, 0 fair one,—seek another husband, and make thine +arm a pillow for thy consort. + +11 Is he a brother when no lord is left her % Is she a sister when + +Destruction comethj + +Forced by my love these many words I utter. Come near, +and hold me in thy close embraces. + +12 1 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, 0 fair one. + + +6 Yama replies. To tempt them: the meaning of vichyd is uncertain. The +S. P. Lexicon explains it by * deceitfully,* ‘ Falsely/—Grassm&nn, ‘ What +sayest thou, who punishesb men with hell ? ’—Wilson. + +I Same couch : see Benfey, Vedica und Verwandtes, pp. 39—42, for a, differ¬ +ent explanation of samdnd ydnau. 'Wm- + +8 Yama replies. Sentinels of Gods: recording angels who watch men’s +actions. + +9 Yami speaks. The meaning seems to he: if there be any guilt let me +take it upon myself, and let not Tama’s life be shortened by way of punish¬ +ment. The kindred Pair : Day and Night. + +10 Yama replies. ‘ Make thine arm a pillow/—Wilson. ' + +II Yamt speaks. Destruction : Nirriti ; the utter extinction of the human +race. * The meaning is, a true brother will not let his sister lack a husband, +and a true sister will not let her brother lack a wife/—Wilson’s Translation, +Editor’s note. + +12 Yama replies. + + + +394 fHB HYMNS OT [BOOK X + +13 Alas I 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 +about thee girt as with a girdle. + +14 Embrace another, Yami/ let another, even as the woodbine + +rings the tree, enfold thee. + +Win thou his heart awl let him win thy fancy, and he shall +form with thee a bjest alliance. + +HYMN XI. Agni. + +The Bull hath yielded for the Bull the milk of heaven : the +Son of Aditi can never be deceived. + +According tcAiis wisdom Yaruna knoweth all; may he, the +Holy, hallow times for sacrifice. + +2 Gandharvi spake: may she, the Lady of the Hood, amid the + +river’s roaring leave my heart untouched. + +May Aditi accomplish all that We desire, and may our eldest +Brother tell us this as Chief. + +3 Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, + +with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for man, + +Since they, as was the wish of yearning Gods, brought forth +that yearning Agni for the assembly as the Priest. + + +13 Yami speaks. + +Sdyana’s in terpretation of this difficult hymn differs in many places from +that which X have adopted, and Wilson’s Ti'anslation should be consulted for +the views of the great Indian Commentator and the Pandits of his time. The +hymn has been transliterated, translated, and annotated by Dr. Muir, 0. S, +Texts, V. 288—291. It has also been translated by the authors of the Sie- +lenzig Liedev, and fully discussed by Dr. J. Ehni in Her Vedische Mythus des +Yama. See also Hillebraiidt, Vedische Mythologie, I, p. 490. + +- + + +The subject of the hymn is the origin and institution of sacrifice, first +established by Agni under the authority of Yaruna, who must be regarded as +the deity of the first stanza. + +1 The Bull: the mighty Soma. For the Bull: for mighty Yaruna. The +milk of heaven: the divine Soma juice, to be used at sacrifice. The Son of +Aditi: Yaruna. A ccording to his wisdom: yathd dhiyct: the two words taken +together as an adverbial phrase. According to Sayan a, it is Agni who milks +the streams of prosperity from heaven for the worshipper. I have generally +followed Piscbel’s interpretation of the first five stanzas (Vedische Stitdien, I, +pp. 188, 189). + +2 Gandharvi: said to be tbe daughter of Surabhi (one of the daughters of +Baksha), and the mother of the race of horses. Here she appears to be an +Apsaras or water-nymph, haunting the banks of rivers and practising the +seductive arts of a siren. The meaning seems to be, let no disturbing influ¬ +ence unsettle my devout thoughts. Oar eldest Brother: Yaruna, regarded as +the founder of society united by common religious observances. + +3 The poet regards the coming of the dawn as a proof that the sacrifice is +successful. Since they: the priests + + + +HYMN 12.] + + +TtiE HlGtEDA. + + +395 + + +4 And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flow¬ + +ing Drop most excellent and keen of sight, + +Then when the Aryan tribes chose as Invoking Priest Agni +the Wonder-Worker, and the hymn rose up. + +5 Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, + +skilled in sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts. + +When thou, having received the sage’s strengthening food +with lauds, after long toil, comest with many more. + +6 Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover, to delight: the Lovely + +One desires and craves it from his heart. + +The priest calls out, the saerificer shows his skill, the Asura +tries his strength, and with the hymn is stirred. + +7 Far-famed is he, the mortal man, 0 Agni, thou Son of Strength, + +who hath obtained thy favour. + +He, gathering power, borne onward by his horses, makes his +days lovely in his might and splendour. + +8 When, Holy Agni, the divine assembly, the sacred synod mid + +the Gods, is gathered, + +And when thou, Godlike One, dealest forth treasures, vouch¬ +safe us, too, our portion of the riches. + +9 Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling : harness thy rapid + +car, the car of Amrit. + +Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities’ Parents, hither: stay +with us here, nor from the Gods be distant. + +HYMH XII. - Agni. + +Heaven 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, as¬ +suming all his vital vigour. + + +4 This flowing Drop : the Soma, brought from heaven by the Falcon. See +IV. 26 and 27. + +5 Thou: Agni. As with grass: ‘ as pasture satisfies (the herds).’—Wilson. +With many more: bringing many other Gods to the sacrifice. + +6 ha lover; woos his mistress. Agni is called upon to entreat his parents, +Heaven and Earth, to reproduce him perpetually. The Lovely One: Agni. +Saerificer; mahhah ; see Vedic Hymns } I. p. 47. The original hymn appears +to end with this difficult stanza. + +9 Rapid: dravitnum ; taken by S&yana with amritasya and explained by +* distilling the drink of Gods.’ Nor from the Gods be distant: ‘ let none of +the gods be absent.’—Wilson, + +1 First: most exalted as well as most ancient. The God ; Agni. As Priest ; +as Ho tar, invoker, or herald. + + + +396 ThB HYMNS OF [BOOK t. + +2 As 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. + +3 When the cow’s nectar wins the God completely, men here + +below are heaven’s and earth’s sustainers. + +All the Gods came to this thy heavenly Yajus, which from the +motley Pair milked oil and water. + +4 I 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 wifch sweet meath refresh us. + +5 Hath the King seized us 1 How have we offended against his + +holy ordinance ? Who knoweth ? + +Por 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 akin becomes a stranger. + +Guard ceaselessly, great Agni, him who ponders Yama’s name, +easy to be comprehended. + +7 They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they + +are seated in Vivasv&n’s dwelling, + +Have given the Moon his beams, the Sun his splendour * the +Two unweariedly maintain their brightness. + +2 Better to praise: more skilled than men in praising the Gods. + +3 This stanza is very obscure. The meaning seems to be that, by possess¬ +ing the amrifc, ambrosia, or nectar contained in the milk of the sacrificial cow +and in the Soma juice which wins and captivates Agni, men are enabled to +offer acceptable sacrifices to the Gods, and thus to support the heavens and +earth. Heavenly Yajvs: divine sacrificial prayer or forrnuk,. But divydm by +its position in the verse seems rather to belong to ghritem , butter or sacri¬ +ficial oil. The motley Pair: dni; many-coloured heaven and earth. + +* When the self-aggregated ambrosia of the divine Agni is generated from +his radiance, then the products from it sustain both heaven and earth, all +the worshippers glorify this thy oblation, the celestial nutritious water which +thy white radiance milks forth,*—Wilson. According to S&yana, the products +from it are the plants and trees which spring from the cmrit or rain which +rewards the oblations of men, and the vl&ve devffh of the text are savve +stotdrah, all the worshippers. Some meaning is apparent in this paraphrase, +but it cannot be extracted from the words of the text. + +5 The King: Yaruna. For even Mitra: we must have committed some +sin, for even Mitra, the Friend, the gracious God, is wroth with us. Strength; +strengthening sacrificial viands. For those who come not: for the Gods who +will not yet come to receive our worship and oblations. + +6 This stanza is apparently a later addition. The latter half of the first line +is taken from X. 10. 2, but its application here is not obvious. + +7 In Vivasvdn's dwelling; ‘ on the altar of the sacrificer,’—Wilson, Heaven +or the realm of the Sun is intended. + + + +TRE RIQVEDA. + + +397 + + +RYMN 13.] + +8 The 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 Yarupa +that we are sinless. + +9 Hear us, 0 Agni, in your common dwelling ; harness thy rapid + +car, the car of Arnrit. + +Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities* Parents, hither: stay +with us here, nor from the Gods be distant. + +HYMN XIII. HavirdMnas. + +I 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 ce¬ +lestial natures. + +2 .'When 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. + +Z Five 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. + +4 He, for Gods* sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose +not, for men’s good, a life eternal. + +They sacrificed Brihaspati the Bishi. Yama delivered up his +own dear body. + +4 The deities are the two Sakatas, small carts or barrows used at sacrifices +to carry the materials, especially the Som-plant, hence called Ravirdhdnas , +oblation-bearers.*—Wilson. + +1 The prince is the noble who institutes the sacrifice. • Like the path of +the worshipper.’—Wilson. + +3 This stanza is most obscure. Wilson, following S&yana, translates: * I +make th-Q five stages of the sacrifice ascend ; I take four steps’ 9 by pious +observances ; with the sacred syllable I perfect this (adoration) j I purify +(the Soma ) on the navel of the sacrifice/ The Jive stages are, according to +S&yana, the five elements of the sacrifice, grain, Soma, the kine, the Puroddsa +cake, and the clarified butter. The four steps are the metres most commonly used + +The words as they stand in the text do not appear to be susceptible of any +satisfactory explanation. + +4 Re: Yama. See X, 14. 1. For Gods 1 sake; his death being the type of +the sacrifices which support and delight the Gods. For men's good ; See X. +90. 8—14 for the results of the sacrifice of Purusha, with whom Yama may be +identified. They: the Gods. This P&da is unintelligible as it stands. +Instead of brihaspdtini yajUdm akrinvato ruhim i Prof. Ludwig would read +Vaivasvatam yajnatn atanuta rishih , the Bislii performed the Vaivasvata, +or funeral, sacrifice (Ueber die neuestm^ u. s. w. } p. 110). I have mainly +followed Ehni, Der Yedische Mythm des Yama^ pp. IdQ—162, but the exact +meaning of the stanza is still doubtful to me. + + + +898 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +5 The 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. + +HYMN XIV. Yama, + +Honour the King with thine oblations, Yama, Vivasv&n’s Son, +who gathers men together, + +Who travelled to the lofty heights above us, who searches out +* and shows the path to many. + +2 Yama first fouud 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. + +3 Matali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Angiras’ sons,, + +Brihaspati with Eikvans: + +Esaiters of the Gods, by Gods exalted, some joy in praise and +some in our oblation. + +4 Come, seat thee on this bed of grass, 0 Yama, in company + +with Angirases and Fathers. + +Let texts recited by the sages bring thee: 0 King, let this +oblation make thee joyful. + +5 Come, Yama, with the Angirases the Holy, rejoice thee here + +with children of Virftpa. + +To sit on sacred grass at this our worship, I call Vivasvan, too, +thy Father hither. + + +5 The Seven: rivers. According to S&yana, metres. The Youth: Indra. +The Sons: the Maruts. The Father: Indra. Both these; havivdhdnas. Of +loth : Gods and men. Unto hope': to Gods and men, or t# Heaven and Earth. + +_ + +The hymn is a funeral address, partly to Yama the God of the Dead and +partly to the soul of the departed whose body is being consumed on the pile. + +1 Yama: the deified Lord of the Dead : originally the first who died and +ao showed the souls of his successors the way to the home of th# departed. +See X. 12. Lofty heights; of heaven, the abode of the Blest. + +3 MdtaU: a divine being, identified by the Commentators with Indra whose +charioteer was M&fcali. Kavyas; a class of Manes, the spirits of a pious +race of ancient time. Angiras’sons: the Angirases, the typical first sacri- +ficers. See Vol. I., Index. Bikvans: or singers, a clasB of spirits or deities +who. attend and sing the praises of Brihaspati. See YII. 10. 4. Some joy in +praise: the Gods delight in Svfthl, the sacrificial exclamation, worship or +praise. . Some in our oblation: the Manes delight in Svadhd, the sweet food +or oblation which is presented to them. + +4 Angirases and Fathers ; or, perhaps, Angirases our Fathers. + +5 Children of VirUpa: Vairftpas, a sub-division of the Angirases. + + + +THE niGVEDA. + + +MYMN 14. j + + +309 + + +6 Our Fathers are Augirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhrigus who + +deserve the Soma. + +May these, the Holy, look on us with favour, may we eujoy +their gracious loving-kindness. + +7 Go forth, go forth upon the ancient pathways whereon our + +sires of old have gone before us. + +There slnilt thou look on both the Kings enjoying their sacred +food, God Varuna and Yarn a. + +8 Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of free or or¬ + +dered acts, in highest heaven. + +Leave sin and evil, seek anew thy dwelling, and bright with +glory wear another body. * + +9 Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions : this place for him + +the Fathers have provided. + +%V Yama bestows on him a place to rest in adorned with days +and beams of light and waters. + +^ 10 Bun and outspeed the two dogs, Sarama’s offspring, brindled, + +' four-eyed, upon thy happy pathway. + +l>r,w nigh then to the gracious-minded Fathers where they +rejnice - company with Yama. + +11 And those two "dago ^ thine, Yama, the watchers, four-eyed, + +who look on men and gnat a the pathway,— + +Entrust this man, 0 King, to their protection, and with pros¬ +perity and health endow him. + +12 Dark-hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama’s two en¬ + +voys roam among the people; + +May they restore to us a fair existence here and to-day, that +we may see the sunlight. + + +13 To Yama pour the Soma, bring to Yama consecrated gifts: + +To Yama sacrifice prepared and heralded by Agni goes. + +1A Offer 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. + +o 'Naatagvas, Atharvans, Bhrigus. priestly families of ancient times. + +7 Tliis s '&ncl the following stanza are addressed to the spirit of the dead +man whose funeral rites are being celebrated. + +8 JFree or ordered acts: voluntary good works and prescribed sacrifices, +whose merit is stored up in heaven to be enjoyed on arrival by the spirits of +the pious who have performed them. + +9 According to Siiyana, this stanza is addressed to the Pis&chas and other +evil spirits that haunt the place of cremation. + +10 The spirit of the departed is addressed. The two dogs: offspring of + +Saram&, the hound of Iudra. See Yol. I., Index. ' + +13 The three following stanzas are addressed to the priests. + + +400 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK X + + +15 Offer to Yama, to the King, oblation very rich in meath : + +Bow down before the Bishis of the ancient times, who made + +this path in days of old. + +16 Into the six Expanses flies the Great One in Trikadrukas. +The G&yatri, the Trishtup, all metres in Yuma are contained. + + +HYMN XV. Fathers. + +May 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. + + +Now let net 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 Baces. + +I have attained the gracious-minded Fathers, I have gained +son and progeny from Vishnu. + +They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation, seated on sacre^"' +grass, come oftenest hither. + +Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help offer¬ + +ings have we made for you ; accept^^ + +So come to us with mostjW^ 11 ^ and give us health +and strength withoUFlTtrouble. ~ + + +5 May 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. + + +16 The meaning appears to be that the Great Unit, Yama as All-God, broad¬ +ens and fills the universe after plentiful libations of Soma juice in the Three +Kadruka days, or first three days of the Abhiplava festival. See Elmi, Yama, +pp. 154—157. For different explanations, see Bergaigne, I. 178; II. 122, 127. + +This hymn, with the exception of the last stanza, has been translated, and +annotated by Muir, 0. & Texts, V. pp. 291—295, by the authors of the +Skbenzig Lieder, and by Prof. Peterson, Hymns from the Figveda. + + +1 Ascend; rise to higher rank; obtain the ^ *' * ■ ■■ "** ' > Sftyana. + +Lowest , highest, midmost; the Fathers are c‘ \ . ,/ ■ , . degrees + +of merit acquired on earth. + +2 The earthly region : the firmament nearest to the Barth. See VIII. 77. 5. +The Mighty Faces: of the Gods. + +8 Son and progeny: napdtam cha vihrdmanam cha: the meaning appears to +be, as suggested by.Ludwig, that the speaker has discharged his obligation to +the Fathers by begetting a son through the favour of Vishnu. Still vikrchna - +ham is an unintelligible expression in this connexion. See The Hymns of the +Athawa-vcda, XVIII. 1. 45, note. + + +HYMN 15.] + + +THE RIGVEEA. + + +401 + + +6 Bowing your bended knees and seated southward, accept this + +sacrifice of ours with favour. + +Punish us not for any sin, 0 Fathers, which we through +human frailty have committed. + +7 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to + +the man who brings oblations. + +I Grant to your sons a portion of that treasure, and, present, + +give them energy, ye Fathers. + +8 Our 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. + +9 Come to us, Agni, with the gracious Fathers who dwell in + +glowing light, the very Kavyas, + +Who thirsted mid the Gods, who hasten hither, oblation- +winners, theme of singers’ praises. + +< 10 Come, 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. + +II Fathers 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. + +12 Thou, Agni Jatavedas, when entreated, didst bear the offer¬ + +ings which thou madest fragrant, + +And give them fco the Fathers who did eat them with Svadhd. +Eat, thou God, the gifts we bring thee. + +13 Thou, J&tavedas, 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. + + +7 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings : ‘ Seated in the proximity +of the radiant flames (of the altar).’—Wilson. + +9 Kavyas; see X. 14. 3. + +11 Whom Agni’s flames have tasted : whose bodies have been burnt. A class +of Manes called Agnishvdttas, according to S&yana. + +12 With Svadhd : with the sacrificial exclamation Svadhd, or, with fheiy +allotted portion. + +13 With portions ; or, with SvadMs. + +26 + + +402 + + +THE HYMNS OH [BOOK X + + +14 They who, oonsumod by fire or not cremated, joy in their +offering in the midst of heaven,— + +Grant them, 0 Sovran Lord, the world of spirits and their +own body, as thy pleasure wills it. + + +HYMN XYI. Agni. + +Burn him not up, nor quite consume him, Agni ; let not his +body or his skin be scattered. + +0 J&tavedas, when thou hast matured him, then send him on +his way unto the Fathers. + +2 When thou hast made him ready, JUtavedas, then do thou + +give him over to the Fathers. + +' When he attains unto the life that waits him, he shall become +the Deities’ controller. + +3 The Sun receive thine eye, the Wiud 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. + +4 • Thy portion is the goat : with heat consume him ; let thy + +fierce flame, thy glowing splendour, burn him, + +. With thine auspicious forms, 0 Jltavedas, bear this man to +the region of the pious. + +5 Again, 0 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, JAtavedas. + +» 14 The world of spirits .• asunttim; a difficult word whose meaning is some +what uncertain. S&yaoa joins it with tanv&m, and explains the two words by +* the body that leads to life,’ ‘ that body that is endowed with breath.’— +'Wilson. See X. 12. 4. c + +This hymn has been partially transliterated, translated, and annotated bv +Muir, 0. S, Texts, V, pp. 295—297, * y + +Stanzas 1—6 are to be repeated while the body of the departed is being +partially consumed qi* the funeral pile. ‘ 6 + +2 The life that waits him .* asunitim: see X, 15.14. Controller by winning +their favour. 6 + + +spirit: let like return to like. + + +8 The Sun receive thine eye, the Wind thy +See Muir’s note, 0. S. Texts, V, 298. + +* s a( ^dressed. The goat : that was slaughtered and laid limb by limb +on the corpse. J + +5 Let him m crease his offspring: when he becomes one of the Fathers to +Tnd men a Se^ b X d 64 e i4 U of . h . ea,erl aud ear ?>> tha parents of Gods + +nominative is mifc^p^reseeil ^'' ° r > lefc Me re i oin his bod J * «» + + + +TEE nWVEDAi + + +403 + + +ETMN 16 .] + + +6 What wovmd soe’er the dark bird bath inflicted, the emmet, + +or the serpent, or the jackal, + +May Agni who *devoureth all things heal it, and Soma who +hath passed into the Brahmans. + +7 Shield 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, + +8 Forbear, 0 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. « + +9 I send afar fiesh-eating Agni, bearing off stains may he depart + +to Yama’s subjects. + +But let this other JAtavedas carry oblation to the Gods, for +he is skilful. + +10 I choose as God for Father-worship Agni, flesh-eater, who + +hath past within your dwelling, + +• While looking on this other Jatavedas. Let him light’ flames +in the supreme assembly. + +11 With offerings meet let Agni bring the Fathers who support + +the Law. + +Let him announce oblations paid to Fathers and to. Deities. + +12 Bight gladly would we set thee down, right gladly make thee + +bum and glow. + +Gladly bring yearning Fathers nigh to eat the food of sacrifice.; + +13 Cool, Agni, and again refresh the spot which thou hast + +scorched and burnt. + +Here let the water-lily grow, and tender grass and. leafy herb,. +14,0 full of coolness, thou cool Plant, full of fresh moisture, +freshening Herb, + +Come hither with the female frog: fill with delight this Agni 1 +here. + +7 The corpse is addressed. 'Mesh: the caul and other parts of a slaughtered +animal which covered the corpse to prevent too quick and complete cremation. + +9 Stains: of sin n* impurity which may have attached to the departed. +Cp. stanza 6. + +10 Light flanks: typically offer sacrifice in the assembly of the Gods. . + +11 With oflings meet: literally, bearing Kavyas or Kavya*worship, that +is, offerings to'the kavis, sages, or Fathers. + +12 Thee: Agni; the fire. + +18 Water-lily: kiydmbu: some kir.i 'f r. 1 vit. Tender grass: ' + +pdkadUrvd; a variety of difo'vd grass i’ r I ■\ ’ s + +14 Fill with delight : .meaning, euphemistically, .extinguish. ‘After the +fire has consumed the corpse, water is poured upon it to extinguish it. Then + + +[BOOK X + + +404 THE HYMNS OF + +HYMN XVII. Yarious Deities. + +Tvashtah prepares the bridal of his Daughter: all the world +hears the tidings and assembles, + +Bat Yama’s Mother, Spouse of great Vivasvan, vanished as +she was carried to her dwelling. + +2 From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like + +her and gave her to Vivasvan, + +Saranyu brought to him the Asvin brothers, and then deserted +both twinned pairs of children. + +3 Guard of the world, whose cattle ne’er are injured, may PiY + +shan bear, thee hence, for he hath knowledge. + +May he consign thee to these Fathers’ keeping, and to the +gracious Gods let Agni give thee. + +4 May 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 befoi’e thee. + +5 Pushan 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 +watohful, go before us. + + +furthermore certain water-plants are pub there. In addition to these a fx’og— +here a female, elsewhere a male—is put upon the place where the fire has +burned. These, ^ representatives of life in the waters, are symbolically +supposed both to^prevent and extinguish fire. 1 * 3 4 (M. Bloomfield, Contributions +to the Interpretation of'the Veda , Second Series, Baltimore : 1890). + +Dr. Muir’s Original Safrufyrit Texts, Y. pp. 297—299, should be consulted +with regard to this funeral hyrpn addressed to Agni, and much additional +information on the subject maybe obtained from the essays, there referred +to, by von Both and Max Muller. + +1 The first two stanzas are difficult, aXd appear to have no connexion with +the rest of the hymn. Tvashtar: a God often regarded, as here, as an agent +in natural phenomena. His Daughter: Saraqyu, the stormy cloud ; or, per¬ +haps, the dawn. Vivasvdn: representing the, bright heavens, or the Sun. +Tama's Mother; Saranytt, who afterwards gavehirth to Yama and Yami. +See X. 10, note. Vanished: or was stolen away. Carried : as a bride, in pro¬ +cession. • + +■2 They: the Gods. The Immortal Lady : Saranyu. Blight to him: under +another form bore to Vivasv&n. Both twinned pairs: Yama\pd Yami and the +Asvins.- For the legend which has been formed out of these objure hints, see +Wilson’s Translation, and Muir, 0. & Texts, Y. 228. + +3 Here the funeral hymn begins, with an address to the spirit the de¬ +parted. Ptishan: as a Sun-God and the heavenly Herdsman who kiib^s the +path through the heavens and is therefore a good conductor of the spirit of +the departed. + +4 Ayu: according to S4yana, V4yu is intended, the letter ‘ v ’ being elided. +Or the meaning may be, life of full vitality. + + + +405 + + +HYMN 17.] THE R1GYEDA. + +6 P&shan was bom 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; + +7 The pious call Sai'asvati, they worship Sarasvati while sacri¬ + +fice proceedeth. + +The pious called Sarasvatl aforetime. Sarasvati send bliss to +him who giveth. + +8 Sarasvati, who earnest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing + +thee in our oblations, + +Seated upon this sacred grass be joyful, and giye us strength¬ +ening food that brings no sickness. + +9 Thou, called on as Sarasvati by Fathers who come right for¬ + +ward to our solemn service, + +Give food and wealth to present sacri fibers, a portion, worth +a thousand, of refreshment. + +10 The Mother Floods shall make ** bright and shining, cleans¬ + +ers of holy oil, with oil sb*d cleanse us: + +For, Goddesses, they he^ off all defilement: I rise up from +them purified and heightened. + +11 Through days o* earliest date the Drop descended on this + +place and o* which, was before it. + +I offer urv throughout the seven oblations, the Drop which +stjii go one same place is moving. + +1 2 tme 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 Vashat! + +13 That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell + +away, + +This present God Brihaspati shall pour it forth to make us rich. + +14 The 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. + + +7 Sarasvati: see I. 3. 10. + +11 This stanza is not very intelligible. The Drop is apparently the Soma ; +but S&yana explains it, alternatively, by Aditya or the Sun. See Satapatha « +Erdhmana, VII. 4. 1. 20 (Sacred Books of the East, XLI. 368). + +14 Rich in nvilh: full of sap, vigour, vital and vivifying power. , + + + +m . THE HYMNS OP [BOOK Z + +HYMN XVIII. Various Pei ties. + +i Go hence, 0 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. + +2 As ye have come effacing Mrityu’s footstep, to further times + +prolonging your existence, + +May ye be rich in children and possessions, cleansed, purified, +and meet for sacrificing. * + +3 Divided from the dead are these, the living : now be our + +calling o*i the Gods successful. + +We.have^Qne forth for dancing and for laughter, to further +times pronging our existence. + +i Here I erect thih^ampart for the living; let none of these, +none other, reach.^his limit. + +May they survive a Kt^dred lengthened autumns, and may +they bury Death beneHh this mountain. + +5 As the days follow days in succession, as with the sea¬ +sons duly come the seasons, x + +As each successor fails not his foi^er, so form the lives of +these, 0 great Ordainer + +5 Live your full lives and find old age deb^ful, all of you +striving one behind the other. \ * + +May Tvashtar, maker of fair things, be graciouslengthen +out the days of your existence. + + + +1 Death; Mrityu, the God of Death ; distinct from Yama the judge and\ +ruler of the departed. Our offspring ; prajctm: meaning here, sayB S&yana, +female offspring, duhitridauJiitrdtmiMm, in the form of daughters and their +daughters. Our heroes: sons and their sons.—S&yana. + +2 Addressed to the kinsmen of the deceased. Effacing Mrityu*s footstep : +a wisp or clog was fastened to the foot of the corpse which represented Mrityu +dr Death, in order to prevent the premature return of Death to carry off the +living. See A. F., V, 19. 12. Gleamed : from sins of a former life. Purified: +from sins of the present life. + +3 Dancing and laughter : the enjoyments of ordinary life after the fulfil¬ +ment of our duties to the dead. + +4 This rampart: of stone, or earth, raised by the Adhvaryu as a line of +demarcation between the dead and the living, and limiting, as it were, the +jurisdiction of Death until the natural time for his approach. This mountain: +the mound or bank. + +5 So form the lives: let them pass away in due order of seniority, Ordainer: +Dhdtar: the name of a divine being who is the creator, arranger, maiutainer, +and manager of all things. + +6 One behind the other ; the oldest reaching the end of their journey first. + + + +EYMN 18.] TEE RIGVEDA. 407 + +? Let these unwidowed dames with, noble husbands adorn them¬ +selves with fragrant balm and unguent. + +Decked with fair jewels, tearless, free from sorrow, first let the +dames go up to where he lieth. + +8 Ehe, come unto the world of life, 0 woman: come, he is life¬ + +less by whose side thou liest. + +Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion, who took thy +hand and wooed thee as a lover. + +9 From Ms dead hand I take the bow he carried, that it may be + +our power and might and glory. + +There art thou, there; and here with nohle heroes may we +o’ercome all hosts that fight against us. ^ + +10 Betake thee to the lap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far-spread¬ + +ing, very kind and gracious. + +Young Dame, wool-soft unto the guerdon-giver, may she pre¬ +serve thee from Destruction’s bosom. + +11 Heave 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, 0 Earth. + +12 Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea, let a thou¬ + +sand clods remain above him. + +Be they to him a home distilling fatness, here let them ever he +his place of refuge. + +13 1 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. + +14 Even 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. + + +7 First: ogre; to begin with ; i. e. before the ceremonies begin. See M. +Muller, Chips , IY. 35—39 (edition of 1895), On the whole stanza, see Dr. F. +Hall, Journal of K. A. S., Yol. III. Part I., p. 185f. + +8 ‘ This verse is to be spoken by the husband’s brother, ete , to the wife of +the dead man, and he is to make her leave her husband’s body. See the +Aswaldyana Grihya Siitraa, IY. 2,’—Editor’s note, in Wilson’s Translation. + +9 This stanza is applicable only when the deceased was a Kshatriya or man +of the princely and military order. + +10 Addressed to the body. Guerdon-giver: the liberal rewarder of the +priests. Destruction's bosom : or the lap of Nirriti. + +13 I stay the earth : ‘ I keep off the earth above thee with thy lid.’ * This +is addressed to the urn containing the bones and ashes, which is buried after +the corpse has been burnt.*—Wilson. Pillar : perhaps a beam laid over the +remains. + +14 This stanza, which seems to be a later addition, is not noticed in S&yana’s +Commentary, and the meaning of the second line is not very clear. I have + + + + +408 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK Xj + +! + + +3 + + +HYMN XIX. Waters or Cow#. + +Turn, go not farther on your way; visit us, 0 ye Wealthy +Ones. + +Agni and Soma, ye who bring riches again, secure us wealth. + + +Make these return to us again, bring them beside us once +again. + +May Indra give them back to us, and Agni drive them hither¬ +ward. + + +3 Let them return to us again : under this herdsman let them +feed. + +Do thou, 0 Agni, keep them here, and let the wealth we +have remain. + + +4 I call upon their herdsman, him who knoweth well their coming + +nigh, + +Their parting and their home-return, and watcheth their +approach and rest. + +5 Yea, let the herdsman, too, return, who marketh well their + +driving-forth; + +Marketh their wandering away, their turning back and com¬ +ing home. + +6. Home-leader, lead them home to us; Indra, restore to us-our +kine : + +We will rejoice in them alive. + + +followed Prof. Whitney’s rendering (Lanman* p. 386). The verse, says +Lanrnan, ' seoms to express the poet’s satisfaction at having made a good +hymn at the right time and place, and with as good skill as a skilful horse¬ +man has.’ + +The hymn has been translated by the authors of the Siebenzig Zieder. See +Zimmer’s Altindisches Lehen , pp. 400—407, Mr. Roma^h Chunder Dutt’s +Civilization in Ancient India } pp. 108, and 278, 279, Lanman’s Sanskrit +Header , pp. 382—386, and Z4naide Ragozin’s Vedio India , pp. 351—353, + +The essays of von Roth and Max Muller have already been referred to. + + +The hymn is a prayer for the return of strayed cows, to whom the first +line is addressed. + +1 Ye who bring riches again : punarvasd: * ye who clothe (your worship¬ +pers) again.’—Wilson. See Hillebrandt, V. M., I. 460. + +2 These: cows, or waters.—S'iyana. Make return is th - . .\ v . + +and Set y an a says that the seer of the hymn addresses ' ■ ■. V. » + +is to Indra. + +4 S&yana explains this stanza somewhat differently :—* I invoke the +knowledge of the place, of their going, of their coming, of their departure, +of their wandering, of their returning: (I invoke) him who is their keeper.’ +—Wilson. This is a more strictly literal rendering of the abstract nouns in +the text, + + + +HYMN 20,] + + +THE RIGVEDA* + + +409 + + +7 I offer you on every side butter and milk and strengthening food. +May all the Holy Deities pour down on us a flood of wealth. + +8 0 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. + +HYMN XX. Agni. + +Send unto us a good and happy mind. + +2 I worship Agni, Youthf ullest of Gods, resistless, Friend of laws; +Under whose guard and heavenly light the Spotted seek the + +Mother’s breast: + +3 Whom with their mouth they magnify, bannered with flame + +and homed in light. + +He glitters with his row of teeth. + +4 Kind, Furtherer of men, he comes, when he hath reached the + +ends of heaven, + +Sage, giving splendo.ur to the clouds. + +5 To taste man’s offerings, he, the Strong, hath risen erect at + +sacrifice: + +Fixing his dwelling he proceeds. + +6 Here are oblation, w r orship, rest: rapidly comes bis furtherance. +To sword-armed Agni come the Gods. + +7 With service for chief bliss I seek the Lord of Sacrifice, Agnh + +whom + +They call the Living, Son of Cloud. + +8 Blest evermore be all the men who come from us, who magnify +Agni with sacx-ificial gifts. + +9 The 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. + +10 Thus with his thoughts, 0 Son of Strength, 0 Agni, hath +Yimada, accordant with the Immortals, + +. Offered thee hymns, soliciting thy favour. Thou hast brought +all, food, strength, a prosperous dwelling. + + +2 The Spotted: there is no noun. The variegated oblations, as Sayana says, +appear to be intended; and the Mother’s breast may be the clouds of the +firmament. The stanza is difficult, and translation must be tentative. + +8 Homed in light: the meaning of kripdnUam is uncertain. ‘Pitying +prayer,’ according to Ludwig. f Sustmner of pious works.’—Wilson. + +5 He proceeds: is carried from one fire receptacle or altar to another. + +6 Sword-armed: armed With his sword or knife of pxerciug flame. + +8 The men who come from us: sons and grandsons of the worshippers. + +9 The path he treads: according to S&yaua, his chariot. + +10 Yimadcu the Bishi of the hymn. + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK X. + + +410 + + +HYMN XXI. Agni. + +With 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. + +2 The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who bring us horses as + +their gift; + +The sprinkling ladle, Agni,—at your glad carouse—and glow¬ +ing offeriug taste thee. Thou art waxing great. + +3 The holy statutes rest by thee, as ; twere with ladles that over¬ + +flow. r, + +Black and white-gleaming colours,—at your glad carouse—all +glories thou assumest. Thou art waxing great. + +4 0 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. + +5 Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom, erst Atharvan brought to + +life. + +He was Yivasv&n’s envoy, at your glad carouse—the well-loved +friend of Yama. Thou art waxing great. + +6 At 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. + +7 Men, 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 + +8 Wide and aloft thou spreadest thee, 0 Agni, with thy brilliant + +flame. + +A Bull art thou when bellowing,—at your glad carouse—thou +dost impregn the Sisters. Thou art waxing great. + + +1 At your glad carouse: apparently a Soma-drinking refrain, addressed to +the Visvedevas or All-Gods. Thou art waxing great; a similar refrain or +burden addressed to Agni. See Wilson’s Translation, note. Grassmann omits +both refrains, which he considers to be later interpolations. + +2 Taste thee: feel the power of the fire, + +3 The first line is difficult:— £ The establishes (of the rite) worship thee +with their ladles (filled with the oblation), like (earth—) sprinkling (showers).’ + +Wilson. I follow Ludwig’s interpretation. Those who worship Agni accord¬ +ing to his Law are regarded as his owu statutes incarnate. + +5 Atharvan: the priest who is said to have been the first to obtain fire +and offer Soma and prayers. Vivasvdn: the Soma-priest, or the sacrifices +8 T>i& Sisters; the plants, which Agni, descending in rain, makes fruitful. + + + + +Bit MR 22,1 TRE RIGtVEDA. 411 + +HYMN XXII. Indra, + +Where is famed Indra heard of? With what folk is he renown¬ +ed to-day as Mitra is,— + +Who in the home of Rishis and in secret is extolled with song? + +2 Even 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. + +3 He who is Sovran Lord of great and perfect strength, exerter + +of heroic might, + +Who hears the fearless thunder as a father hears his darling +son. + +4 Harnessing to thy car, as God, two blustering Steeds of the + +Wind-God, 0 Thunderer, + +That speed along the shining path, thou making ways art +glorified. + +5 Even 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. + +6 When ye approach, men ask you, thee and Usan& : Why come + +ye to our dwelling-place ? + +Why are ye come to mortal man from distant realms of earth +and heaven ? + +7 0 Indra, thou shalt speak us fair: our holy prayer is offered + +up. + +We pray to thee for help as thou didst strike the monster +Sushna dead- + +8 Around us is the Dasyu, riteless, void of sense, inhuman, + +keeping alien laws. + +Raffle, thou Slayer of the foe, the weapon which this Rasa +wields. + +& JEIero with Heroes, thou art ours: yea, strong are they whom +'' thou dost help. + +In many a plaee are thy full gifts, and men, like vassals, sing +thy praise. + + +1 In secret: in the forest, according to S&yana. + +4 Making wags ; as a God of light, making paths through the pathless +darkness. + +6 U$an&: Usan& or TJsanas K&vya, who has been frequently mentioned as +a favoured friend and companion of Indra. + +9 With Reroes: the attendant Maruts. + + + +412 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X . + +10 Urge thou these heroes on to slay the enemy, brave Thunder¬ + +er ! in the fight with swords, + +Even when hid among the tribes of Sages numerous as stars. + +11 Swift come those gifts of thine whose hand is prompt to rend + +and burn, 0 Hero Thunder-armed : + +As thou with thy Companions didst destroy the whole of +Sushna’s brood. + +12 Let not thine excellent assistance come to us, 0 Hero Indra, + +profitless. + +May we, may we enjoy the bliss of these thy favours, Thun¬ +derer ! + +13 May those soft impulses of thine, 0 Indra, be fruitful and + +innocent to us. + +May we know these whose treasures are like those of milch- +kine, Thunderer! + +14 That Earth, through power of knowing things that may be + +known, handless and footless yet might thrive, + +Thou slewest, turning to the right, Sushna for every living +man. + +15 Drink, drink the Soma, Hero Indra; be not withheld as thou + +art good, 0 Treasure-giver. + +Preserve the singers and our liberal princes, and make us +wealthy with abundant riches. + +HYMN XXIII. Indra. + +Indra, 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. + +2 The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice,—this +wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe. + +10 The enemy ; or Vritra. Hid among the tribes of Sages: dwelling among +the wise Gods and invisible to men. Numerous as stars: the meauing of +ndJcshatrasavasdm is uncertain, + +_ 11 Whose hand is prompt to rend and burn: I follow Ludwig’s interpreta¬ +tion, but the meaning which he gives to dkshdne is doubtful. + +13 Soft impulses of thine; * our (praises) reaching thee.'—Wilson. + +14 For every living man: vixvttyave: according to S&yana, for the sake of +Visv&yn, a king, the son of Urvasi, the Apsaras or nymph of heaven who be¬ +came the wife of Pur&ravas. Turning to the right: circumambulating Sushna +with the right hand towards him for good luck ; performing the Gaelic deasil. + +1 Seeking sundered courses: vhratdndm: unruly, and pulling away from +each other, or wandering. According to S&yana, having many functions. + +2 At sacrifice: S&yana explains vane by * at sacrifice, or, in the forest.* +The exact meaning of the word here is not certain. Of the foe; or, of Yritra. + + + + +TUB RIO VEDA. + + +HYMN 24 .] + + +413 + + +Ribhu, Ribhukshan, Yaja,—he is Lord of Might. The Dasa’s +very name I utterly destroy. + +3 When, with the Princes, Maghavan, famed of old, comes nigh + +the thunderbolt 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. + +4 With 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. + +5 We laud and praise his several deeds of valour \xho, fatherlike, + +with power hath made us stronger; + +Who with his voice slew many thousand wicked ones who +spake in varied manners with contemptuoxis cries. + +6 Indra, the Yimadas 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. + +7 Ne’er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Rishi + +Vimada’s and thine, 0 Indra. + +We know thou carest for us as a brother: with us, 0 God, be +thine auspicious friendship. + +HYMN XXIY. Indra. Asvins. + +0 Indra, drink this Soma, pressed out in the mortar, full of +sweets. + +Send down to us great riches,—at your glad carouse—in thou¬ +sands, 0 Most Wealthy. Thou art waxing great. . + +2 To thee with sacrifices, with oblations, and with lauds we come. +Lord of all strength and power, grant—at your glad carouse— + +the best choice-worthy treasure. Thou art waxing great, + +3 Thou 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. + + +jRibhuj RibhuJcshan, Vdja: Indra, combining the three Ribhus in his own +person. + +S With the Primes: with the Maruts. + +4 Drops of moisture; perhaps the rain which he pours upon the lightning +which may be regarded as his beard.—Ludwig. The •pleasant place: the +chamber of sacrifice. The worshipper: or, according to S&yana, his own body. +The text has no word to express the object here. + +The double burden or refrain of Hymn XXI. is employed in the first +three stanzas, + +3 Of singers : worshippers ; ' eulogists. V-Wikon, + + + + +414 + + +THE HYMNS OF • IBOOK X + + +4 Strong, Lords of Magic power, ye Twain churned the united + +worlds apart, + +When ye, implored by Yimada, Nasatyas, forced apart the pair. + +5 When the united pair were rent asunder all the Gods com¬ + +plained. + +The Gods to the N&satyas cried, Bring these together once +again. + +6 Sweet be my going forth, and rich in sweets be my approach + +to home. + +So, through your Deity, both Gods, enrich us with all plea¬ +santness. + +HYMN XXY. So ma. + +Send 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. + +2 In all thy forms, 0 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. + +3 Even if, 0 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. + +4 Our 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. Thau art waxing great. + +5 0 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. + +6 Our 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. + + +4 Churned. or perhaps, produced % churning or violent agitation, + +teayana explains differently ‘you have churned forth (the fire).’—Wilson. + +V \ JHmT 8tiu * s s * anza has occurred before as the first line of +A., ZQ, 1 he double burden or refrain is again employed, with little or no + +connexion with the rest of the stanza. + +4 Like leakers: filled fulb like chalices of Soma juice. + +5 The longmg men: the priests. Have thraivn open, etc,: have, bv their + +sacrifices, opened the way to wealth. ' y + + + +HYMN 26,] TUB RIGVBDA, 415 + +7 On all sides, Soma, be to ns 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. + +8 Be 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. + +9 Chief 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. + +10 Victorious is this gladdening drink : to Indra dear it grows in + +strength. + +This—at your glad carouse—enhanced the mighty hymn of the +great sage Kakshivan. Thou art waxing great. + +11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from + +wealth in kine. + +This, better than the seven, hath—at your glad carouse— fur¬ +thered the blind, the cripple. Thou art waxing great. + +HYMN XXVI. PCishan, + +Forward upon their way proceed the ready teams, the lovely +songs. + +Further them glorious P&shan with yoked chariot, and the +Mighty Twain ! + +2 With sacred hymns let this man here, this singer, win the + +God to whom + +Belong this maj esty and might. He hath observed our eulogies. + +3 Pushan the Strong hath knowledge of sweet praises even as + +Indu hath. + +He dews our corn with moisture, he bedews the pasture of +our kine. + +4 We will bethink ourselves of thee, 0 Pushan, 0 thou God, + +as One. + +10 KahsHvdn: a famous Risbi, the seer of some hymns of Book I. See +Index, Vol. I. + +11 Better than the seven; more effectually than the seven priests. S&yana +explains differently :— £ it gives wealth to the seven (priests).-—Wilson. The +blind: the Ilishi Dtrghatamas, according to S&yana. The cripple; Par&vrij. +See both names in Vol. I., Index. + +1 Ready teams: ordered series of our words. The Mighty Twain; the Asvins. +According to S&yana, dasrct = darsaniyah , of goodly aspect, applied to POshan; +or, the two performers of the rite, the Yajamdna and his wife. + + + +416 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +Who brings fulfilment of our hymns, and stirs the singer and +the sage. + +5 Joint-sharer of each sacrifice, the driver of the chariot steeds; + +The Eishi who is good to man, the singer’s Friend and faith¬ +ful Guard. + +6 One who is Lord of Sucha, Lord of Sacha caring for herself : +Weaving the raiment of the sheep and making raiment beau¬ +tiful. + +7 The mighty Lord of spoil and wealth, Strong Friend of all + +prosperity; + +He wit^i light movement shakes his beard, lovely and ne’er to +be deceived. + +8 0 Pushan, may those goats of thine turn hitherward thy + +chariot-pole. + +Friend of all suppliants art thou, born in old time, and firm +and sure. + +. 9 May the majestic Pushan speed our chariot with his power +and might. + +May he increase our store of wealth and listen to this call of +- • ours. + +HYMN XXVII. Xndm. + +This, 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. + +2 Then 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 fifteenfold strong juices. + + +6 Sacha and SucM: names of a man and woman.—Ludwig. According to +S&yana and Wilson, * the pure (he-goat) and the pure (she-goat).’ Weaving +the raiment: ‘ making woollen cloths such as the woollen filter, etc.’—Wilson. +And making raiment beautiful: or, he hath made vesture pure and bright; +that is, says S&yana, he hath purified all around with his heat and light. + +7 Friend: the augmenter. Shakes his beard: when he drinks the Soma +juice. + +8 Those goats: Pfishan’s chariot is said to be drawn by a team of goats. + +Cf. I. 38. 4. * + +1 Indra addresses the Eishi. Powerful: dbhfm: perhaps, possessed of the +means that would enable him to offer sacrifices. + +2 The Eishi replies. Fifteenfold strong jukes; according to Sfiyana, the +juices^of the Soma-plant whose leaves grow during the light half of the’month +and die away during the dark half. + + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +417 + + +HYMN 27.] + +3 I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slam + +the godless in the battle. + +Boon as they see the furious combat raging, men speak forth +praises of my vigorous horses. + +4 While 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. + +5 None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the moun¬ + +tains when I will and purpose. + +Even the deaf will tremble at my roaring, and every day will +dust be agitated. * + +6 To see the Indraless oblation-drinkers, mean offerers, o’ertaken + +by destruction 1 + +Then shall the fellies of my car pass over those who have +blamed my joyous Friend and scorned him. + +7 Thou wast, thou grewesfc 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. + +8 The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. I saw them as + +they waudered with the herdsman. + +The calling of the pious rang around them. What portion +will these kine afford their owner 1 + +9 When 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. + + +$ Indra speaks, rebuking the Rishi and ascribing all victories to himself. + +4 The potent one: the powerful fiend Sambara, for instance. + +5 Dust: of battle, stirred up by India. + +6 To see: dtirsan: according to S&yana, I, Indra, see. Oblation-drinkers ; +who themselves consume the offerings that should be presented to Indra, +Mean offerers, bdhukshddah: literally, arm-cutters. According to von Roth, +parsimonious worshippers who offer the forelegs, or inferior parts of the +sacrificial animal. ‘ Who cut (the worshippers) to pieces with their hands/— +Wilson. Joyous Friend; Vishnu.—Ludwig. Or the meaning may be, your +joyous friend; Indra himself, the friend of his worshippers. + +7 The Rishi speaks. An earlier saw: the meaning of the half-line is not +clear. Perhaps, foes have already felt thy power, and others yet shall feel it. + +* The ancient Indra verily destroys (his foe), the other does not destroy +Indra/—Wilson. Two canopies: heaven and earth. Him: Indra, + +8 Indra speaks, fearing, apparently, that the worshipper Will have no milk +to offer him. + +9 * There is no comment on this obscure verse, and Wilson leaves a blank +in his MS/—Editor of Wilson*s Translation, VoL VI. Ludwig says that** + +27 + + + +418 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +10 There wilfc thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring + +together quadrupeds and bipeds. + +I will divide, without a fight, his riches who warreth here, +agaiust the Bull, with women. + +11 When 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? + +12 How 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. + +13 His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. + +Around his head he sets the head for shelter. + +Sitting auear and right above he smites us, and follows earth +that lies spread out beneath him. + +14 High, 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? + + +Indr a declares that lie has brought men and cattle together and made the +latter subject to the former, to be yoked and to remain yoked when and as +long as their masters please. According to this interpretation, the first half +of the stanza might be rendered : * Grass-eating beasts with men have I con¬ +nected, and those who eat grain in the wide-spread corn-land/ + +10 Against the Bull: against me, the mighty Indra. With toomen; with +weak allies. + +11 ‘Hitherto/ says Prof. Ludwig, ‘ it is possible to establish a connexion +and interdependence of the separate strophes ; with strophe 11 the difficulty +begins/ On him : on the father. Who woos her: seefcs her in marriage for +his friend or employer. + +12 Herself: svaydrn chit: by her own worth, independently of her dowry. + +13 His feet have grasped: Indra, as the Sun, has seized and drawn up the +water of the rivers with the rays which are his feet. Eats the man who meets +him ; perhaps, merely, scorches the man who exposes himself to his burning +rays. According to Sftyana, ‘ feeds upon, i. e. takes into his orb, the water +that approaches him/ Another explanation is, that the pious after death go +to the Sun and become sunbeams.—Ludwig. He sets the head for shelter: he +takes the height of heaven as a covering. Anear and right above: in his meri¬ +dian height. Follows earth: descends to the horizon and sets beyond it. + +14 Leafless, shadowless: heaven being compared to a tree that overshadows +the earth. According to S&yana, drvd here is the ever-moving Sun. The +Mother: Ushas or Dawn. According to Sdyana, ondia here means ‘ the builder +(of the world)/ The Youngling ; or Calf ; Agni who feeds on the oblations. +She: Heaven, or the atmospheric Prithivi, roaring as the rain comes down. +Another's offspring: Indra as Aditya or the Sun, the offspring of Aditi. In +what world, etc. : that is, who knows where the rain comes from ? The Cow * +the Sky. The second half-stanza has occurred before. See III, 55. 13, + + + +HYMN 27 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +419 + + +15 Seven 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. + +16 One 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. + +IT The 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. * + +18 Crying aloud they ran in all directions : One half of them will + +cook, and not the other. + +To me hath Savitar, this Cod, declared it: He will perform, +whose food is wood and butter. + +19 1 saw a troop advancing from the distance, moved, not by + +wheels but their own Godlike nature. + +The Friendly One seeks human generations, destroying, still +new, bands of evil beings. + +20 These 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-cleans¬ +ing Sun who is above us, + +15 Seven heroes: according to S&yana, Visv&mitra and other Rishis, sons of + +Praj&pati, Eight; the V&lakhilyas, a numerous race of divine pygmies. Nines +the Bhrigus. Ten: Angirases. Or, alternatively, seven Maruts, on Indra's +right, eight on his left, nine behind him, and ten in front. These explanations, +by S&yana cannot bg accepted ; but it is hard to say what is meant. Ludwig +thinks that the various classes of letters of the alphabet are intended. His in¬ +genious explanation will be found in the Preface to his fourth yolume o^the +Bigveda, pp. rxxiii.— xxxv. ^ J . + +16 The tawny: hapildm: according to S&yapa, the famous Rishi A^pila. + +* The Sun ? *—Grassmann. The Mother : Night ?—Grassmann. The/Znfant: +the young Sun, if ike Mother is Night. / + +17 The fatted wether: perhaps, the swollen rain-cloud. The dic& me stars. +Two : the Sun and Moon. These are Ludwig’s suggestions. + +18 They: according to S&yana, the Angirases. Perhaps contentious +priests with whom Agni the veritable priest is contrasted ^"Ludwig. He: + +19 A troop : the stars. The Friendly One: Indra as tj>-* Sun. Evil beings: +sisntt: R&ksliasas and spirits of darkness that vanish af' the coming of the + +20 Bulls : steeds according to Sayana. Pramarqtf * belonging to me, the +Destroyer or Death. But the whole stanza ^obscure. A U-cleammg: so +S&yana explains marled } which von Roth interjx^s by obscuration. Ludwig +thinks that the Moou, c the obscurer of th^ 8 ' un ’ meant. + + + +J TEE HYMNS OF + + +420 + + +[BOOK X. + + +21 This is the thunderbolt which often whirleth down from the + +lofty misty realm of Surya. + +Beyond this realm there is another glory : so through old age +they pass and feel no sorrow. + +22 Bound 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 Rishi, is affrighted. + +23 In 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 ccnvey the murmuring moisture. + +24 This 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. + +HYMN XXVIII. Indra. Vasukra. + +Now 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. + +21 This is the thunderbolt: the meaning, probably is, * this dahshind or +hfcporarium given to tie priests is a veritable thunderbolt/—Ludwig. But, as +Wiison observes, the stanza may be 4 intended to express the usual theory of +rain \ the moisture of the earth being drawn up into the solar region as vapour, +and t^ende descending as rain by the action of the thunderbolt and the wind/ + +22 According to S&yana, tree here means ‘ bow/ cow means ‘ bowstring/ +and mow^onsuming birds * deadly arrows/ The general meaning is that +sacrifices to Indra and liberal gifts to priests will not free men from the fear +of death. + +23 The first-created: the ^clouds. The later: the Waters of the rain. +Thne; Parjanya, Vftyu, aud Aditya or the Sun. Molding stores of water; +andptijy; <Sowing in succession/—Wilson. ‘Following the water/—Ludwig. + +4 Rich in. water/—Q-rassmann. Two ; V&yu and Aditya. + +24 Anjbrding to S&yana, Indra is addressed. The following is Wilson's +translation 0 f s&yana’s paraphrase of the stanza:—‘ That thy (divine nature +identified v^ith the sun) is the cause of life : and know such (solar form) of +his (to be worthy of adoration) at the sacrifice; conceal nothing : that motion +of him the allf»] eaia gi n g (gun) makes manifest the universe ; it absorbs the +moisture ; it is i^ver discontinued/ The robes that veil the foot, or rays, of + +U ? are k? 16 ^yters mto which they are supposed to vanish. + +The hymn is enigmatical and difficult in the highest degree, and neither +S&yana nor later Bcho Ars have succeeded in making it intelligible throughout. + +The Rishi is .Vasukra 0 f Indra, and the hymn is mainly a dialogue + +between the Father aud the gon. Vasukra’s wife is the seer as well as the +speaker of stanza 1. + +xAT his ^ ta ? za ™ spoken b y Yura’s wife in ignorance, says the legend, +that her Father-in-law Indra is present in disguise. + + + +HYMX 28 .] TEE EIGVEEA. 421 + +2 Load belloweth the Bull whose horns are sharpened: upon + +the height above earth’s breadth he stand eth. + +That man I guard and save in all his troubles who fills my +flanks when he hath shed the Soma. + +3 Men with the stone press out for thee, 0 Indra, strong, glad¬ + +dening Soma, and thereof thou drinkest. + +Bulls they dress for thee, and of these thou eatest when, +Maghavan,' with food thou art invited. + +4 Resolve for me, 0 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. ^ + +5 How 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? + +6 Thus 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. + +7 Yea, and the Gods have known me also, Indra, as mighty, fierce + +and strong in every exploit. + +Exulting with the holt I slaughtered Vritra, and for the offerer +oped with might the cow-stall. + +8 The 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. + +9 The hare hatli 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. + + +2 Indra speaks. The Bull: the mighty Indra. + +3 Vasukra speaks. + +4 Indra must be the speaker, although S&yana gives the stanza to Vasukra, +Indra declares his power to alter the course of nature. See Wilson's Trans¬ +lation, note by the Editor. + +5 Vasukra speaks. + +6 Indra speaks. My Sire: or, the general Father Praj&pati.—S4y*? a * + +7 Vasukra speaks, and tells what he has done with Indra’s help + +8 This obscure stanza is probably an account of the Gods’ fir** 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 sacrifice. See + +Pischel, Vedische Studien, I, pp. 178—180. According to r . + +the cleaving of the clouds, and the filling of the rivers, nudwig seeB m it a +reference to the beginning of agriculture. Their : "khe Maruts, + +9 CL with stanza 4. + + + +422 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +10 There 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. + +11 So may the leather strap their foot entangle who fatten on the + +viands of the Brahman. + +They all devour .the bulls set free to wander, while they them¬ +selves destroy their bodies’ vigour. + +12 They 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 hastr*the name and fame of Hero. + +HYMN XXIX. Indra. + +As sits the young bird on the tree rejoicing, ye, swift Fair, +have been roused by clear laudation, + +Whose Herald-Priest through many days is Indra, earth’s Guar¬ +dian, Friend of men, the best of Heroes. + +2 May we, when this Dawu 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. + +3 What 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. + +4 Indra, 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. * + + +s 10 The application of this stanza is not apparent. S&yana’s explanation of +this and the following verse is entirely different from that of most recent + +Molars. + +\ . + +1 meaning of the stanza is obscure, and the text of the first half-line +is unintelligible. I follow the reading which S&yana gives in his Com¬ +mentary, vdyo instead vd yd* 1 As (the bird) who deposits its young (in its +Heat) in the tree (is) eagerly looking around.’—Wilson. Swift Pair: Asvins. + +'\ ® ance hither: or, come dancing. Cp. Milton’s * Now the bright morning- +sta^day’s harbinger, Comes dancing from the east.’ Triple splendour; + +with reference to Agni, VAyu, and Shrya.—Ludwig. Hundred chiefs : +the MaK&j may be intended, ‘hundred’ being used indefinitely. Kutsa; +Indra s favwjte companion. + +* * n .j£f\ 18 poinded that the protection of his worshippers is his special +glory. Wide-Slrit^;. as identified with the Sun ; ‘widely renowned,’ accord¬ +ing to Sayana. hymn appears to have been * seen ’ or revealed in a + +time of dearth or famnu^Ludwig, + + + +EYMM 30 .] + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +423 + + +5 Speed happily those, as Surya euds his journey, who meet his + +wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; + +Men who present, 0 Indra strong by nature, with food the many +songs that tell thy praises. + +6 Thine 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 rneath be pleasant for thy drinking. + +7 They 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. + +8 Indra 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 sludfc +drive to us with gracious favour*. + +HYMN XXX. Waters. + +As ’twere with swift exertion of the spirit, let the priest speed +to the celestial Waters, + +The glorious food of Varuna and Mitra. To him who spreadeth +far this laud I offer. + +2 Adhvaryus, be ye ready with oblations, and come with long¬ + +ing to the longing Waters, + +Down on which looks the purple-tinted Eagle. Pour ye that +flowing wave this day, deft-hauded. + +3 Go to the reservoir, 0 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. + + +5 Meet his wish: satisfy his, Indra’s, longing for Soma-libations. + +6 Thine are two measures; Thy majesty or greatness is vast and lofty as +heaven, and thy wisdom is wide as earth ; or. * with confusion of the measure +and the thing measured/ thou hast measured out the heaven by thy greatness +and the earth by thy wisdom. See Wallis, Cosmology of the Rigveda , p. 18. • + +The subject is the ceremony of fetching the sacred waters required for the +preparation of the Soma juice. + +1 To him who spreadeth far: Indra, according to Sftyana. + +2 The purple-tinted Eagle: Soma, the Moon, + +3 To the reservoir; to fetch the holy Waters. The Waters* Child • usually +Agni, as the lightning that springs from the clouds or waters of the firma¬ +ment, but here the Deity who produces the rain, the Moon. See Hxllebrandfc, +V. M. f I 374. + + + +424 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +4 He 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: + +5 Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man + +with fair and pleasant damsels. + +Go thou unto those Waters, 0 Adhvaryu, and purify with herbs +what thou infusest. + +6 So 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. + +7 He 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, 0 Waters. + +8 Send forth to him the meath-rich wave, 0 Eivers, which is + +your offspring and a well of sweetness, + +Oil-balmed, to be implored at sacrifices. Ye wealthy Waters, +hear mine invocation. + +9 Send forth the rapture-giving wave, 0 Eivers, which Indra + +drinks, which sets the Twain in motion; + +The well that epringeth from the clouds, desirous, that +wandereth triple-formed, distilling transport. + +10 These 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, Eishi, honour. + +11 Send 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 hear¬ +ing to our call, 0 Waters. + +4 In floods: of the aerial ocean. Cp. II. 35. 4. + +5 With herbs: probably Darbha or Kusa grass. + +6 The Waters bow to Soma as maidens to their lovers. + +9 The Twain : uWU: probably, Heaven and Earth. Sftyana explains dif¬ +ferently :—‘which sends us both (kindsof fruit)’; that is, ‘the fruifc, whether +reward or punishment, of the present life, and of a former life.’—Wilson, and +Editor’s note. Desirous .- eager to mix with the Soma, according to S&yana ; +but the meaniug of ansinam is uncertain. Ludwig and Hillebrandt translate +it by‘des Usanas,’ belonging to Usanas or Usan&, Triple-formed: Soma +with two admixtures.—Grassmann. + +10 Double current: meaning, probably, the two kinds of waters called +respectively Ekadhan& and Vasativari. + +11 Disclose the udder: let your streams flow. + + +TEE RIGYEDA. + + +425 + + +MYMN 31 .] + + +12 For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring + +auspicious intellect and Amrit. + +Ye are the Queens of independent riches. Sarasvati give full +life to the singer l + +13 When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them + +milk and meath and butter, + +Bearing the well-pressed Soma juice to Indra, they harmonize +in spirit with Adhvaryus. + +14 Bicb, they are come with wealth for living beings. 0 friends, + +Adhvaryus, seat them in their places. + +Seat them on holy grass, ye Soma-bringers, in harmony with +the Offspring of the Waters. + +15 Now 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. + + +HYMN XXXI. Visvedevag. + +May benediction of the Gods approach us, holy, to aid U3 with +all rapid succours. + +Therewith may we be happily befriended, and pass triumphant +over all our troubles. + +2 A man should think on wealth and strive to win it by adora¬ + +tion on the path of Order, + +Counsel himself with his own mental insight, and grasp still +nobler vigour with his spirit. + +3 The hymn is formed, poured are the allotted portions : as to + +a ford friends come unto the Wondrous. + +We have obtained the power of ease .and comfort, we have +become acquainted with Immortals. + +4 Pleased be the Eternal Lord who loves the household with this + +man w r hom God Savitar created. + +May Bhaga Aryaman grace him with cattle ; may he appear +to him, and be, delightful. + +5 Like the Dawns’ dwelling-place be this assembly, where in + +their might men rich in food have gathered, + + +12 Sarasvati: as chief and wisest of the Water-Goddesses. + +1 Benediction : or, the laudation; that is, Ludwig suggests, f May the power +of praising the Gods, and at the same time the Gods themselves come to us.* + +3 The Wondrous: meaning, perhaps. Soma. + +4 The Eternal Lord ; Agni. According to S&yana, Pra j&pati, This man ; +the institutor of the sacrifice. Savitar has given him life and now let Agni +bless him. Bhaga Aryaman : Aryaman as.Bhaga who distributes wealth. + + + + +m the hymns of [book x + +Striving to share the praises of this singer. To us come +strengthening and effectual riches! ^< mm i + +6 This Ball’s most gracious far-extended favour existed first of , ; 4 + +all in full abundance. + +By his support they are maintained in common who in the +Asura’s mansion dwell together. + +7 What 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. + +8 Hot only here is this : more is beyond us. He is the Bull, + +the Hesven’s and Earth’s supporter. + +With power divine he makes his skin a filter, when the Bay +Coursers bear him on as Surya. + +9 He passes o’er the broad earth like a Stega: he penetrates the + +world as Wind the mist-cloud. + +He, balmed with oil, near Varuna and Mitra, like Agni in the +wood, hath shot forth splendour. + +10 When suddenly calved 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 Sami, that which men wei'e seeking. + +11 To Hrishad’s son they gave the name of Kanva, 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. + +6 This Bull: Agni as the Sun. The Asura is Dyaus. + +8 Not only here: the first half-line is obsuure. ‘Hot such (is their power); +there is another greater than they.’—Wilson. ‘There is no other thing +besides like unto him.’—Wallis. A filter : j pavltram: <which purifies the rays +of light which stream through it. + +9 A Stega: said to be a certain biting or stinging insect. According to +S&yana, ‘the aggregation of rays, the Sun. 1 Ludwig conjectures that ‘ plough¬ +share ’ may be the meaning. + +10 This stanza is very obscure, ‘ The cow which was barren is the Sami +tree, which brings forth the Asioattha, and from the wood of these two trees +are made the arant } the two pieces of wood which are rubbed together to +produce the sacred fire—the upper and harder piece is the Sami (the Acacia +Suma), and the lower and soft is the Amattha (the Ficus religiosa).’—Wilson. + +1 The verses [7—10] deal with the formation of the three main components +of the universe, heaven, earth, and the sun. Of the first two the poet has +little to tell us. and passes on at once to the third. The sun is identified +with the bull, Agni of the sacrifice, and the earth with the lower rubbing- +stick anointed with ghee, which is licked up [‘ devours * instead of ‘cast +up’ ] as soon as fire is struck.’—Wallis, Cosmology of the Rigveda , pp 47, 48. })■ + +11 This stanza appears to have no connexion with the hymn, and is inex¬ +plicable as it stands here. See I. 117. 8, where the son of Hrish&d is men* 1 + +tinned as a favourite of the Asvias, + + +HYMN 32.] THE RIO VEDA. 427 + +HYMN XXXII. Indra. + +Foeth speed the Pair to bring the meditating God, benevolent +with boons sent in return for boons. + +May Iudra graciously accept both gifts from us, when he hath +knowledge of the flowing Soma juice. + +2 Thou wanderest far, 0 Indra, through the spheres of light and + +realms of earth, the region, thou whom many praise ! + +Let those who often bring thee to their solemn rites conquer +the noisy babblers who present no gifts. + +3 More 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. + +A This 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. + +5 The Pious One hath reached your place before the rest: One + +only moves victorious with the Rudras’ band. + +To these your helpers pour out meath, Immortal Gods, with +whom your song of praise hath power to win their gifts. + +6 He who maintains the Laws of Gods informed me that thou + +wast lying hidden in the waters. + +Indra, who knoweth well, beheld and showed thee. By him +instructed am I come, 0 Agni, + +7 The stranger asks the way of him who knows it: taught by + +the skilful guide he travels onward. + +1 The meditating Hod ; Incha. My version of the first line follows the +explanation given by Ludwig in his Commentary. S&yana’s interpretation +is different:—‘Indra sends hi~ rrr.'* hr.rses to the service of the + +(worshipper) expectant -(of his i.:. . .,. ■ -' V . Both gifts: oblation and +praise. + +3 Gareth for hi 3 parents' line ; by marrying and becoming a father ; or as + +S&yana explains, by having his birth proclaimed according to custom in +sacrifices instituted by him. * + +4 Order the marriage train: the meaning of this half-line is uncertain. +According to S&yana, the herd Is the company of sacrifices and priests, its +mother is Stuti or Praise, the seven-toned , or sevenfold, are the metres, or the +seasons, or the Hotar priests. The Herd's Mother is more probably Prism, the +mother of the Maruts. The whole stanza is translated by Wilson Shine, +Indra, upon this elegant chamber of sacrifice, when our praises desire (thy +approach) as milch-kine (desire) their stalls ; since the praise of me the wor¬ +shipper precedes (the adoration) of the company, and this person accompanied +by the seven officiating priests is the offerer of praise.* + +5 The Pious One: Agni, the special worshipper of Gods. One only: Indra. +<5 J3e; perhaps Soma. Thou: Agni. Cp. I. 23. 20, + + + +42$ THE HYMNS OF {BOOK X. + +This is, in truth, the blessing of instruction: he finds the patj^ 8 +that leads directly forward. + +8 Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Cor^* + +cealed, 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. + +9 0 Kalasa, all these blessings will we bring them, 0 Kurusra¬ + +vana, who give rich presents. + +May he, 0 wealthy princes, and this Soma which I am bearing +in my heart, reward you. + +* HYMN XXXIII. Various Deities. + +The urgings of the people have impelled me, and by the near¬ +est way I bring you Pushan. + +The Universal Gods have brought me safely. The cry was +heard, Behold, Duhsasu cometh! + +2 The 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. + +3 As rats eat weavers’ threads, cares are consuming me, thy + +singer, Satakratu, me. + +Have mercy on us once, 0 Indra, Bounteous Lord : be thou a +Father unto us. + +i I the priests’ Hishi chose as prince most liberal Kurusravana, + +The son of Trasadasyu’s son, + +8 Even now he "breathed: began to show signs of life. The connexion bet¬ +ween stanzas 1—4 and 5—8 is not apparent. Sucked tb# bosom, of his Mother: +enjoyed oblations, in the shape of Soma juice, etc,, produced by the earth. +f 9 The meaning of Kalasa, literally ' pitcher' or ' beaker/ here is uncertain. +(Indra), the possessor of the pitchers.’—Wilson. Ludwig suggests kaldsoh +as . n ght reading:—* We will perform these holy ceremonies in their +minutest details/ Kurusravana; according to S&yana, ' hearer of the praise +of priests ; but probably the name of a prince, as in the following hymn. + + +1 JDuhsdsu: literally, 'the malevolent/ Perhaps, as Ludwig suggests a +hostile prince whose victory over Kurusravana has caused the distress men¬ +tioned m the following stanza. + +2 The first line is taken from I, 105. 8. + +3 This first line is taken from 1.105. 5. Weavers' threads: threads steeped +m; a w/-Ludwlg S t0 S4ya?a ' ° nCe: <a£ter hav “S 80 often given us up P to + +4 The Priests' Rishi; higher in rank than the other priests. Chose: i. e. ‘ I + +iu order t0 so out t0 battle with + + +i, + + + +JET YMN 34.] + + +THE EIG VEDA. + + +420 + + +5 Whose three bays harnessed to the car bear me straight on¬ + +ward : I will laud +The giver of a thousand meeds, + +6 The sire of Upamasravas, even him whose words were passing + +sweet, + +As a fair field is to its lord. + +7 Mark, Upamasravas, his son, mark, grandson of Mitratithi : + +I am thy father's eulogist. + +8 If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men, +My liberal prince were living still. + +9 None lives, even had he hundred lives, beyond the statute of + +the Gods : + +So am I parted from my friend. + +HYMN XXXIV. Bice, Etc. + +Sprung from tall trees on windy heights, these rollers trans¬ +port me as they turn upon the table. + +Bearer to me the die that never slumbers than the deep +draught of Mujavan's own Soma. + +2 She never vexed me nor was angry with me, but to my friends + +and me was ever gracious. + +For the die's sake, whose single point is final, mine own devot¬ +ed wife I alienated. + +3 My 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. + +4 Others caress the wife of him whose riches the die hath covet¬ + +ed, that rapid* courser: + +6 This and the three following stanzas are said to be consolatory verses +addressed by the Rishi Kavasha to Upamasravas on the death of his father +Mitr&tithi, + +8 Were I Lord of men: as one of the Gods. My liberal prince : Mitr&tifchi. + +9 Beyond the statute of the Gods .* beyond the time fixed for the duration +of his life. + +This hymn has been placed by Grassmann in bis Appendix as a composite +production consisting of incoherent fragments. See Lanman, Sanskrit Reader, +pp. 386, 389. + +1 Sprung from tall trees: the nuts of the Vibhtdaka, or, later, Vibhitaka, +tree (Terminalia Bellerica) were used as dice in early times. Rollers ; +swiftly rolling dice. Mitjavdn: said to be a mountain on which the finest +Somaplants grew. + +2 Whose single point is final: the speaker has apparently lost all by throw¬ +ing aces. + + + +430 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +Of him apeak father, mother, brothers saying, We know him . +not: bind him and take him with you. + +5 When 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. + +6 The 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, + +7 Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiv¬ + +ing and tormenting, causing grievous woe. + +They give frail gifts and then destroy the man who wins, +thickly anointed with the player’s fairest good. + +8 Merrily sports their troop, the three-and-fifty, like Savitar + +the Ood whose ways are faithful. + +They bend not even to the mighty’s anger: the King himself +pays homage and reveres them. + +9 Downward they roll, and then spring quickly \ipward, and, + +handless, force the man with hands to serve them. + +Cast on the board, like lumps of magic charcoal, though cold +themselves they bum the heart to ashes. + +10 The gambler’s wife is left forlorn end 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. + +11 Sad 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. + + +4 Bind Mm: he has staked his personal freedom, and lost ; and his people + +renounce him, + +7 Driving-hooks ; used by mahouts or elephant-drivers, The last half-line of + +the stanza is difficult :— 4 * * * 8 * 10 11 they appear to the gambler covered with honey,'—Muir. + +8 Three-and-fifty: or, ■ Ive in number. It would appear + +from S&yana’s Commentax. ■’ . V ■ was the usual number of dice em¬ + +ployed ; and yet this seems hardly probable. Ludwig suggests * three times +five * as the^ meaning here of tripanchfisdh, and Prof. Weber would read +tripanchamh instead of tripctfichdsah (Weber den Rdjasdya, p. 72). Like Savitar: +i [disposing men’s destinies] like the god S.’—Muir. + +10 Riches : wealth gained by robbery, according to S&yana. + +11 Yokes the brown steeds; begins throwing the nut-dice.’ When the fire is +cold: * by the time when the fire goes out he has sunk into a degraded +wretch.’—Muir. + + + +THE MOVED A. + + +HYMN 35.] + + +431 + + +12 To 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. + +13 Play not with dice: no, cultivate thy corn-land. Enjoy the + +gain, and deem that wealth sufficient. + +There are thy .cattle, there thy wife, 0 gambler. So this good +Savitar himself hath told me. + +14 Make me your friend : show us some little mercy. Assail us + +not with your teriific fierceness. + +Appeased be your malignity and anger, and let the brown +dice snare some other captive. + + +HYMN XXXV. Visvedevas. + +These fires associate with Indra are awake, biinging 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. + +2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, + +of Saryan&v&u, of the Hills and Mother Streams. + +For innocence we pray to Surya and to Dawn. So may the +flowing Soma bring us bliss to-day. + +3 May 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. + +4 May 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 felicity. + +5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, + +and at your earliest flushing bring to us the light, + + +12 The great captain: the highest-numbered of all the dice. Ten fingers: +to show that I have nothing left. + +14 This stanza is a farewell address to the Dice. Some other: our enemy.— +Sdyana. - + +The hymn or lay has been transliterated, translated m prose, and freely +reproduced in rhymed octosyllabic verse, by Dr. J. Muir, 0 . S. Texts . V, +425—429. It lias also been translated by the authors of the Siebenzig Lieder, + +1 With Indra: as a God of the morning light. + +2 Of Saryandvdn, of the Hills: according to S&yana, c of the mountains of +Saryan&v&n/ a lake in the district of Kurukshetra. I follow Ludwig in +taking both pdrvatdn and saryan&vutah as genitives. + +5 Your : according to the text ‘ their/ the verb in the first line being in +the third person. + + + + +432 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X.i + +Shine ye on us to-day auspicious, for renown. We pray to +kindled Agni for felicity. + +6 Free 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. + +7 Send us to-day a portion choice and excellent, 0 Savitar, for + +thou art he who dealeth wealth. + +I cry to DhishanH, Mother of opulence. We pray to kindled +Agni for felicity. + +8 Further 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. + +9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting + +pressing-stones, and perfecting the hymn. + +Thou in the Adityas’ keeping movest restlessly. We pray to +kindled Agni for felicity. + +10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, + +and will seat them as the seven priests,— + +Varuna, Indra, Mitra, Bhaga for our gain. We pray to kindl¬ +ed Agni for felicity. + +11 Come hither, 0 Adityas, for onr perfect weal: accordant help + +our sacrifice that we may thrive. + +Pushan, Brihaspati, Bhaga, both Asvins, and enkindled Agni +we implore for happiness. + +12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our hom# 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. + +13 This 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 be ours, and all possessions. + + +7 Dhiskand: a Goddess who presides over prosperity : according to Hille- +braudt, the Earth. + +8 Further me: 1 May that glorification of the gods which men repeat In +connexion with the rite preserve me.’—Wilson. + +9 Movest restlessly: performest thy duties, according to Sftyana. Agni ra¬ +pidly burning the fuel appears to be intended. ^ ^ " + + + +THE RIO VEDA, + + +433 + + +HYMN 36.] + +14 He whom ye aid, 0 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. + +HYMN XXXVI. Visvedeva#. + +There are the Dawn and Night, the grand and beauteous +Pair, Earth, Heaven, and Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman. +Indra I call, the Maruts, Mountains, and the Floods, Adityas, +Heaven and Earth, the Waters, and the Sky. + +2 May Dyaus and Pyithivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in + +safety from distress and injury. + +Let not malignant Nirriti rule over us. We crave to-day this +gracious favour of the Gods. + +3 Mother of Mitra and of opulent Varuna, may Aditi preserve + +us safe from all distress. + +May we obtain the light of heaven without a foe7~~~We <iraveL. +this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. + +4 May ringing press-stones keep the Bakshasas afar, ill dream, + +and Nirriti, and each voracious bend. + +May the Adityas and the Maruts shelter us. We crave this +gracious favour of the Gods to-day. + +5 Full flow libations ; on our grass let Indra sit; Brihaspati 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. + +6 Ye 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. + +7 Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purify¬ + +ing, bringing bliss, to be our Frieuds. + +May we increase our wealth to glorify our name. We crave +this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. + +8 We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift¬ + +hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on sacrifice... + +14 Who fears no danger : who feels assured that hi^^orship of the Gods +will protect him. .x* + +1 The Waters • of the firmament. . + +2 Dyaus and Prithivi; Heaven and^rfch. Nirriti: Death or Destruction. + +8 Who makes the waters swell p6rum: ‘protector of the waters/— + +S&yana. ‘Drinker of the waters/—Ludwig. Soma is meant. See IX, 76. 4, + +28 + + +434 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Xi + +May we control that Power, Soma whose rays are bright. We +crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. + +9 Alive 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. + +10 Hear us, 0 ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give""** + +us, 0 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. + +11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day, great favour + +of great r 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. + +12 In great enkindled Agni’s keeping, and, for bliss, free from all + +sin before Mitra and Varuna, + +May we share Savitar’s best animating help. We crave this +gracious favour of the Gods to-day. + +13 All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Va¬ + +runa and Mitra govern, + +Give us prosperity with hero children, and opulence in kine +and various treasure. + +14 Savitar, Savitar from east and westward, Savitar, Savitar + +from north and southward, + +Savitar ^end us perfect health and comfort, Savitar let our +days of life be lengthened l + +HYMN XXXVII. Sfirya. + +Do homage unto Varuna’s and Mitra’s Eye : offer this solemn +worship to the Mighty God, + +Who seeth far away, the Ensign, born of (Sods. Sing praises +unto Surya, to the Son of Dyaus. + +2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side, wher¬ + +ever heaven and earth and days are spread abroad. + +Aft else that is in motion finds a place of rest: the waters +ever flow and ever mounts the Sun. + +3 No godl'esa man from time remotest draws thee down when + +thou art driving forth with winghd dappled Steeds. + +One lustre waita Upon thee moving to the east, and, Surya, thou +arisest with a different light. * + +1 Varuna’s and Mitra's Eye: Surya or the Sun. ‘The eyeof Mitra* ~~ +Varuna and Agm. —I. 115. 1. > J + +3 Dappled Steeds : ‘with Etasaa.’—Ludwig, One lustre: by night. Cf. I. V +115. 5; and Attareyct' BrtfJi?nanct t III, 4, 44, ‘One ancient radiance follows + + +HYMN 37.] THE MG VEDA. 435 + +4 0 Siirya, 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. + +5 Sent'forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy + +wonted way arisest free from wrath. + +When Surya, we address our prayers to thee to-day, may the +Gods favour this our purpose and desire. + +6 This 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. * + +7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store + +of children, free from sickness and from sin, , +Long-living, may we look, 0 Surya, upon thee uppsfng day by +day, thou great as Mitra is ! ^ + +8 Sftrya, may wc live long and look upon tbee still, thee, 0 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. + +9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life come?* forth, and by + +thy beams again returns unto its rest, + +0 Surya with the golden hair, ascend for us day after day, +still bringing purer innocence. + +10 Bless us with shine, bless us w- ; ch perfect daylight, bless us + +with cold, with fervent he*>^ au d lustre. + +Bestow on us, 0 Surya, varied riches, to bless us in our home +and when we travel. + +31 Gods, 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. + +12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, +with the tongue or thoughtlessness of heart. + +That guilt, 0 Yasus, lay upon the Evil One, on him who ever +leads us into deep distress. + +(thee) whilst thou risest with another.'—'Wilson. See Wallis, Cosmology of +the Rlgreda, p, 117. + +5 In thy wonted way: svadhd dnu: * after the stuadhd offerings. 1 —Wilson. + +8 Flood: or floor of heaven. + +12 The Evil One: drdvd: here probably a kind of Diabolus or Devil.— +Ludwig. + + + +[BOOK X, + + +436 TBtE MYUNS OK + +HYMN XXXVIII. Indra. + +O 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. + +2 At home disclose to us opulence rich in food, streaming with + +milk, 0 Indra, meet to be renowned. + +Sakra, may we be thine, the friendly Conqueror's : even as we +desire, 0 Yasu, so do thou. + +3 The godless man, much-lauded Indra, whether he be D&sa or + +be Arya, who would war with us,— + +Easy to conquer be for thee, with us, these foes; with thee may +we subdue them in the dash of fight. + +4 Him 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. + +5 For, Indra, I have heard thee called Self-capturer, One, Steer 1 + +- who never yields, who urges even the churl. + +Belea&n, thy self from Kutsa and come hither. How shall one +like th^dt still bound that he may not move3 + +. HYMN XXXIX. Asvins. + +As 'twere the name ot-father, easy to invoke, we all assembled +here invoke this Car bf yours, + +Asvins, your swiftly-rolling- circumambient Car which he who +worships must invoke at evb.^nd dawn, + +2 Awake all pleasant strains and letf ^e hymns flow forth : raise +up abundant fulness : this is our dfe^lre.^ + +Asvins, bestow on us a glorious heritage,'aud give our princes +treasure fair as Soma is. x * + + +1 Ring-decked: adorned with armlets, or quoits as weapons. + +5 Self-aapturer: it is difficult to assign a reasonable and appropriate mean¬ +ing to svavrijam. S&yana explains it by svayam eva chhettdram , * one who cuts +himself 'self mutilator.*—Wilson. According to the St. Petersburg Lexi¬ +con, the meaning is ‘one who appropriates or takes to himself;’ according to +Ludwig ‘ the self-rescuer,’ and according to Geldner ‘ one who suffers himself +to be captured.’ The poet calls on Indra to tear himself away from his favour¬ +ite KuMa in order to aid hie worshippers in the coming fight. ‘A legend'is +here somewhat obscurely related, that Kutsa and Bum having summoned In¬ +dra at the same time to their respective sacrifices, he went first to Kutsa who + +then detained him, having fastened him.with a hundred leather thongs. + +This verse is addressed to Indra by Lusa> exhorting him to free himself.’— + +Wilson. - + +The Rishi is Ghoshd, daughter of Kakshtv&n, + + + + + +BYMN $9.] TBS Mat EM. 437 + +3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers + +of the slow although he linger last. + +Men call you too, N&satyas, healers of the blind, the thin and +feeble, and the man with broken bones. + +4 Ye made Chyav&na, 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 liba¬ +tions must all these your acts be praised. + +5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic j + +yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. + +You, you who must be lauded, will we bring for aid, so that +this foe of ours, 0 Asvins, may believe. % + +6 Listen to me, 0 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. + +7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Yimada 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. + +8 Ye gave again the vigour of his youthful life to the sage Kali + +when old age was coming nigh. + +Ye rescued Yandana and raised him from the pit, and in a +moment gave Vispala power to move. + +9 Ye, Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought + +forth Eebha when hidden in the cave and well-nigh dead, + + + + +438 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +11 From 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, + +12 Come on that Chariot which the Bibhus wrought for you, + +the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thought, + +At harnessing whereof Heaven's Daughter springs to birth, +and from Vivasv&n come auspicious Nigh fc and Day. + +13 Come, 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 wolfs deep throat and set +again at liberty the swallowed quail. + +14 We have prepared this laud for you, 0 Asvins, and, like the + +Bhrigus, 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. + +HYMN XL. Asvins. + +Your 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 ? + +2 Where 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 bedward draws her +husband's brother, as the bride attracts the groom 1 + +3 Early 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? r + +11 Whom none may. c heck or stay: adite^adinau. —S&yana. Your Consort ; +Sftryd. The foremost in the race: that is, generally, preeminent. + +12 Heaven*s Daughter : Ushaa or Dawn. Vivasvdn: the morning Sun. + +18 Conquerors of the sundered mountain: probably with reference to the +deliverance of Jfihusha.—Ludwig. See I. 116. 20. The swallowed quail: see +I. 112. 8. The quail is probably Lawn delivered from the jaws of the wolf +Night by the twin Light-Gods. . + +14 Our stay for ever: who will perpetuate our family; ‘the eternal per¬ +former of rites.’—Wilson. + +2 As the widow: in certain circumstances a widow” was bound to marry her +deceased husband’s brother. See Harm fMdnavadharmasdstraJ, IX. 69. 70. +The law of the Jews was the same. See Leuteronomy, x’xv, 5. + +3 As with a herald's voice; Mjpayd is thus explained by Sftyapa. The home: +of the sacrjficer. + + + +TUB MGVBDA. + + +HYMN 40.] + + +439 + + +4 Even as hunters follow two wild elephants, we with oblations + +call you down at morn and eve. + +To folk who pay you offerings at appointed times, Chiefs, Lords +of splendour, ye bring food to strengthen them. + +5 To you, 0 Asvins, came the daughter of a King, Gbosha, and + +said, 0 Heroes, this I beg of you : + +Be near me in the day, be near me in the night: help me to +gain a car-borne chieftain rich in steeds. + +6 0 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. » + +7 To Bhujyu and to Vasa ye came near with help, 0 Asvins, to + +Sinjara and to Usana. . + +Your worshipper secures your Through + +your protection I desire felicity. + +8 Krisa »nd Snyu 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. + +9 The 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. + +10 They 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. + + +5 The second half* of the second line is difficult: * be able (to grant favour) +to the son of my brother, who has horses and a chariot.’—Wilson. + +6 As Kutsa comes to men: borne on Indra’s chariot. Bears your honey : +sips honey when the Asvins have ushered in the day. As the maid: Dr. +jluir and Prof. &rassmaun explain this half-line differently, * as a maid, or a +woman, resorts to her rendezvous (with her lover)/ + +7 Vasa: see I. 112. 10. Sinjdra: see VIII. 5. 25. Utmd: see Vol. I., Index. + +8 Krisa: a Ilishi favoured by Indra ; or, as S&yana explains the word here, +the feeble man in general. Sayu: has been mentioned frequently. 1 fie +cattle-stall: the rain-cloud whose waters are the cows. + +9 The Woman: perhaps the water of the cloud. The Infant: the lightning. +To him : the sacrificer may perhaps he intended. + +10 They mourn the living : perhaps, show their Borrow for the widower at +the funeral of his wife. See Lanmau {Sanskrit Reader, p. 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 7)ficmwhom +I have borrowed. Set their thoughts upon a distant cast: of: the ^oose or +Bnaring-net: apparently a periphrasis for, have taken thought for the distant +future and children to live after them. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +440 + + +[BOOK X + + +11 Of this we have no knowledge. Tell it forth to us, how the + +youth rests within the chambers of the bride. + +Fain would we reach the dwelling of the vigorous Steer who +loves the kine, 0 Asvins: this is our desire. + +12 Your 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 Aiyaman’s abode. + +13 Even 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. + +14 0 Asvins, Wonder-Workers, Lords of lustre, where and with + +what foils, do yo delight yourselves to-day? + +Who hath detained themjwith him? Whither are they gone? +Unto what sage’s or wbaTworshl^^ + +HYMN XLI. ^ ' Asvms. + +That 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. + +2 Ye, 0 Nasatyas, 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. + +3 If to the deft Adhvaryu with the meath in hand, or to the + +handler firm in strength, the household friend, + +Or to the sage’s poured libations ye approach, come thence 0 +Asvins, now to drink the offered meath. + + +She plainly + + +11 GFhoshfi appears to speak of herself in the plural number, +expresses her wishes for marriage, + +12 Aryamctn's abode: Aryaman is here used in the original sense of + +in'marriage'fOTa^Hier. 00111 ^' 1 ' 011 ’ tbe friend who asks a woman + + +Prof Grassmaun places stanzas 10—14 in his Appendix +ana m his opinion forming no part of the original hymn. + + +as being obscure + + +1 Three-wheeled: see I. 34, 9. + +3 The Sindh-; the Agutdh, the priest who kindles the sacrificial fire. + + + +HYMN 42 ] THE RWVEDA . 441 + +HYMN XLII. Indra. + +Even 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. + +2 Draw thy Friend to thee like a cow at milking: 0 Singer, + +wake up Indra as a lover. + +Make thou the Hero haste to give us riches even as a vessel +filled brimful with treasure. + +3 Why, 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, 0 Indra. + +4 Standing, 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. + +5 Whoso with plenteous food for him expresses strong Somas as + +much quickly-coming treasure. + +For him he overthrows in early morning his swift well-weapon- +ed foes, and slays the tyrant. + +6 He utito 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. + +7 With thy fierce bolt, 0 God invoked of many, drive to a + +distance from afar the foeman. + +0 Indra, give us wealth in com and cattle, and make thy +singer's prayer gain strength and riches. + +8 Indra, the swallow*er of strong libations rich in the boons J + +they bring, the potent Somas, + +He, Maghavan, will not restrict his bounty : he brings much +wealth unto the Soma-presser. + +9 Yea, by superior play be wins advantage, when he, a gambler, + +piles bis gains in season. + +Celestial-natured, he o'erwhelms with riches the devotee who +keeps not back his treasure. + +3 The notched*s voice: ‘the praises of yonr adversaries.’—Wilson. + +4 The Hero: Indra. + +5 As much quickly-coming treasure: representing the wealth which the offer¬ +ing of the libations is expected to produce. + +6 Unto whom we offer praises : or, in whom we have placed our hope. + +9 When he, a gambler ; cp. X. 43. 5, + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +m + + +[BOOK X. + + +10 0 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. + +11 Brihaspati 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. + +HYMN XLiri. Indra. + + +In 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. + +2 Directed unto thee my spirit never strays, for I have set my + +hopes on thee, 0 Much-invoked ! + +Sit, Wonderful 1 as King upon the sacred grass, and let thy +drinking-place be by the Soma juice. + +3 From indigence and hunger Indra turns away: Maghavan + +hath dominion over precious wealth. + +These the Seven Rivers flowing on their downward path in¬ +crease the vital vigour of the potent Steer. + +4 As on the fair-leafed tree rest birds, to Indra flow the gladden¬ + +ing Soma juices that the bowls contain. + +Their face that glows with splendour through their mighty +power hath fouud the shine of heaven for man, the Aryas* +light. + +5 As 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. + +6 Maghavan 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. + + +10 With princes ; with mea eminent for their wealth : rdjabhir-dhandnd- +mUvaraih. —S&yana. + + +3 Turns away: S&yana makes vishuvrit transitive :—* May Indra be the +remover of thirst and hunger.’—Wilson. + +5 Gained the Sun: conquers him by taking away his moisture, that is, the +water that he has absorbed.— S&yaua. + + + + +MTMN 44.] + + +tele may EDA. + + +443 + + +7 When 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. + +■ 8 He 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 mau who brings ob¬ +lation, sheds the juice, and promptly pours his gifts. + +9 Let 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 sAeen. + +10 0 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. + +11 Brihaspati 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. + +HYMN XLIV. Indra. + +May 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. + +2 Firm-seated is thy car, thy Steeds are docile; thy hand, O + +King, holds,^firmly grasped, the thunder. + +On thy fair path, 0 Lord of men, come quickly; we will in¬ +crease thy powers when thou hast drunken. + +3 Let strong and mighty Steeds who hear this Mighty Indra, the + +Lord of men, whose arm wields thunder, + +Bring unto us, as sharers of our banquet, the Steer of conquer¬ +ing might, of real vigour. + + +8 The dames of worthy lords: that is, subjected them to the Aryans, +whereas they had been the thralls of D&aas. See I. 32. 11. + +9 The been axe: Agni, who is frequently likened to an axe. See I. 127. 3, +and VI. 3. 4. The Red God: arushah: according to S&yana, f the radiant +Indra'; but Agni is probably intended, or perhaps * the red bolt’ as M. Muller +prefers. + +10 The two concluding stanzas are identical in Hymns 52, 53, 54. + + + + +444 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X . + +4 So 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. + +5 May 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 comm anas* + +6 Far went our earliest invocations 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. + +7 So 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. + +8 He 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. + +9 I bear this deftly-fashioned goad of thine, wherewith thou, + +Maghavan, shalt break the strikers with the hoof. + +At this libation mayst thou be well satisfied. Partake the +juice, partake the worship, Maghavan. + +10 0 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. + +11 Brihaspati 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. + +4 The Lord: pdtim: the Soraa. Collect them in thyself: ‘take us into +thyself.’—Wilson. Of the wise: Jcetiipftnam is thus explained by the Commen¬ +tators, but the meaning seems doubtful. Ludwig thinks that ‘ the master +of the oars' that is, the steersman, is intended. + +6 In desolation: ir?nd’ ^epiyuOL —Ludwig. Trembling in alarm: or, doers +of ill deeds, according to Yaska's interpretation of k4payah t + +7 Whose horses^ difficult to harness , have been yoked: whose ill*managed +attempts to perform acceptable sacrifice have failed. In advance: before +death, according to S&yana, + +8 He: Indra. As they shook: cp. II. 12. 2. Two confronting bowls: heaven +and earth. + +9 Goad : the hymn of praise which urges Indra to action. The strikers with +the hoof: a class of YAtudh&nas or demons. See X. 87, 12, + + + +HYMN 45,] + + +TEE RIGVEDA. 445 + +HYMN XLV. Agni. + +Fikst Agni sprang to life from oat of Heaven: the second +time from us came Jdt&vedas. + +Thirdly the Manly-souled was in the waters. The pious lauds +aud kindles him the Eternal. + +2 Agni, we know thy three powers in three stations, we know + +thy forms in many a plhce divided. + +We know what name supreme thou hast in secret: we know +the source from which thou hast proceeded. + +3 The 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 waters’ bosom. + +4 Agni 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. + +5 The 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. + +6 Germ 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 Agui. + +7 So among mortals was Immortal Agni stablished as holy + +wise and willing envoy. + +He waves th.Q red smoke that he lifts above him, striving to +reach the heavens with radiant lustre. + + +1 From out of Eeaven: or, from Dyaus or Heaven his father; in the shape +of the Sun. From us; produced by men in the shape of sacrificial and do¬ +mestic fire. In the waters: of the firmament, in the shape of lightning, the +third form of Agni, + +2 In secret: unknown to those who know not the Veda.—S&yana. + +8 The Manly-souled: or, the Friend of men; Vanina, according to SAyana, +and Praj&pati, according to Mahidhara. Perhaps Dyaus (cp. stanza 8) may +be intended.—Ludwig. Grassmann thinks that Indra, the kindler of the +lightning, is meant. The Steers : or, the Mighty Ones; the Maruts. + +6 The -firm roch: ‘the solid cloud.’—Wilson. Some extraordinary conflagra¬ +tion of jungle may perhaps be referred to. The Five Tribes: pdffaha jdndh : +literally, the five men, meaning, according to Sfiyana, men in general, and, +according to Mahidhara, the institutor of the sacrifice and the four chief +priests. + + + + +446 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +8 Like gold to look on, far he shone refulgent, beaming imper¬ + +ishable life for glory, + +Agni by vital powers became immortal when his prolific Father +Dyaus begat him. + +9 Whoso this day, 0 God whose fiames are lovely, prepares a + +cake, 0 Agni, mixt with butter, + +Lead thou and further him to higher fortune, to bliss bestowed +by Gods, 0 thou Most Youthful. + +10 Endow him, Agni, with a share of glory, at every song of + +praise sung forth enrich him. + +Dear let him be to Surya, dear to Agni, preeminent with son +and children's children. + +11 While, Agni, day by daymen pay thee. worship they win + +themselves all treasures worth the wishing. + +Allied with thee, eager and craving riches, they have disclos¬ +ed the stable filled with cattle. + +12 Agni, the Friend of men, the Soma's keeper, Vaisv&nara, + +hath been lauded by the Kish is. + +We will invoke benignant Earth and Heaven: ye Deities, +give ns wealth with hero children. + +HYMN XLYI. Agni. + +Stablished 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. + +2 Worshipping, seeking him with adoration like some lost crea¬ + +ture followed by its footprints, + +Wise Bhrigus, yearning in their hearts, pursued him, and +found him lurking where the floods are gathered. + +3 On the Cow’s forehead, with laborious searching, Trita, the + +offspring of Vibhuvas, found him. + +Born in our houses, Youthful, joy-bestower, be now becomes +the central point of brightness. + + +12 Soma's keeper: as identified with the Moon, the great receptacle of the +celestial Soma, the nectar or ambrosia of the Gods. See Hillebrandt, V. ifaf.. I, +330— 336. _ + +1 For thee; the Bishi addresses himself. Who knows the clouds; from +which he (Agni) comes in the form of Lightning. Of waters: of the firma¬ +ment, + +2 Wise Bhrigus; frequently mentioned as specially connected with the +worship of Agni. Cl II. 4. 2. Pursued him; see I. 65. 1. + +3 On the Cow’s forehead: 1 on the head of the cloud.’ Trita; Agni in his +third form as lightning. The abstract personified form of the celestial Agni + + +THE ElQ VEDA, + + +447 + + +HYMN 46 .] + + +4 Yearning, with homage, they have set and made him blithe + +Priest among mankind, oblation-bearer, + +Leader of rites and Purifier, envoy of men, as sacrifice that +still advances. + +5 The foolish brought the ne’er-bewildered forward, great, Victor, + +Song-iuspirer, Fort-destroyer. + +Leading the Youth gold-bearded, like a courser gleaming with +wealth, they turned their hymn to profit. + +6 Holding 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. * + +7 His 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. + +8 The tongue of Agni bears away the praise-song, and, through + +his cave for Earth, her operations. + +Him, bright and radiant, living men have stablished as their +blithe Priest, the Chief of Sacrifieers. + +9 That Agni, him whom Heaven and Earth engendered, the + +Waters, Tvashtar, and, with might, the Bhrigus, + +Him M&tarisvan and the Gods have fashioned holy for man +and first to be entreated. + + +is here represented as endeavouring to find the lurking fire in the sky.— +Macdonell. Offspring of Vibhhvas; or, connected with Vibhuvasu, the very +wealthy, Soma. + +4: As sacrifice that still advances : * als das sich vorwarts bewegende opfer/ +—Ludwig According to S’tyana, ‘the object of sacrifice, him who goes forward +[from one fire receptacle to another].’ + +5 The foolish ; bumhn priests, weak and foolish in comparison with the wise +Agni. Gleaming with wealth; the meaning of dhanarcham is uncertain. The +Sb. Petersburg Lexicon offers dhanarjam , * striving to win the prize/ as pro¬ +bably the right reading, + +6 On stanzas 3 and 6 see Macdonell (J. R. A. S., July, 1893, pp. 450—452), +who translates the second half of 6 as follows : From hence the house-friend +of settlers collecting (them) goeB among men by distribution, not by (means +of) bonds } i e. } carried from place, nob freshly produced by cord and drill. + +7 That make the houses move: this seems to be what the words damtitm +aritrd should mean, though how flames can he thus qualified is not clear. +* The rescuers from the humiliated (spirits of ill).’—Wilson. ‘ Protectors of +the houses.*—Mahidhara. Like winds are Somas: as winds fan flame, so +Soma-libations increase the might of Agni. According to S&yana, the flames +are * like the fast-flowing j uices of the Soma' —Wilson. I follow Ludwig’s +explanation, but the meaning of the passage is doubtful. + +8 Her operations ; holy works performed by men. + +9 Mdtariavan : a divine or semi-divine being who brought Agni from +heaven. See I, 31. 8, and 60. 1, + + + + +448 THE HYMNS OF [BOOH X + +10 Agni, whom Gods have made oblation-bearer, and much-desir¬ +ing men regard as holy, + +Give life to him who lauds thee when he worships, and then +shall glorious men in troops adore thee. + +HYMN XLVII. Indra Vaikuntha. + +Thy right hand have we grasped in ours, 0 Indra, longing +for treasure, Treasure-Lord of treasures ! + +Because we know thee, Hero, Lord of cattle .* vouchsafe us +mighty and resplendent riches. + +2 Wealth, 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. + +3 Wealth, with good Brahmans, Indra! God-attended, high, + +wide, and deep, and based on broad foundations, + +Strong, with famed Rwhis, conquering our foemen : vouch¬ +safe us mighty and resplendent riches. + +4 Victorious, 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. + +5 Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundred¬ + +fold and thousandfold, 0 Indra, + +With manly sages, happy troops, light-winning: vouchsafe us +mighty and resplendent riches. + +6 To Saptagu the sage, the holy-minded, to him, Brihaspati, the + +song approaches, + +Angiras* Son who must be met with homage: vouchsafe us +mighty and resplendent riches, „ + +7 My lauds, like envoys, craving loviug-kindness, go forth to + +Indra with their strong entreaty, + +Moving his heart and uttered by my spirit: vouchsafe ns +mighty and resplendent riches. + +Vaikuntha is said to mean son of VikunfcM, an Asurl or female demon who +was allowed by Indra to become his second mother. + +2 Wealth; S&yana gives another interpretation :—* (We know thee to be) +well armed,’etc,—-WiV\ . /: /*, ■■ /■■•if seas: regarded as the store¬ +houses of jewels. ‘ il-i the four oceans,’ — [applied to + +Indra] Wilson. " + +8 Brihaspati: according to the Scholiast meaning Saptagu, * the lord of + +much (praise)/—Wilson. According to others, the God Brihaspati called +Saptagu as being drawn by seven oxen : ‘ der fahrt mit sieben Rindern *— +Grassmann. Angiras ’ Son : meaning apparently Brihaspati as especially loved +and honoured by Angiras and his descendants. See VI. 73. 1. i + + + +THE RIQVEDA . + + +HYMN 48 .] + + +449 + + +8 Grant us the boon for which I pray, 0 Indra, a spacious home +unmatched among the people. + +To this may Heaven and Earth accord approval: vouchsafe us +mighty and resplendent riches. + +HYMN XLVIII. Indra Vaikuntha. + +I 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. + +2 I, Indra, am Athar van’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 toMa*»**?vu,n an ^ Dadhyach. + +3 natn Tvashtar forged the iron thunderbolt: 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. + +4 I 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. + +5 Indra 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, Pfirus, in +my friendship shall not suffer harm. + +6 These, 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 woi'shippers. + +8 Unmatched : azam am: * not held in common.*—Wilson. + + +In^ra Vaikuntha is the Riski of this hymn, which is a self-laudatory reply +to Saptagu in Hymn XLVII. + +2 Atharvan is the name of the priest who first obtained fire and offered +Soma and prayers to the Gods. See I. 80. 16, and 83, 5. The Dragon is ap¬ +parently Ahi or Vritra. * I generated the waters above the cloud for the sake +of Trita.*—Wilson. Mdtarisvan and Dadhyach: or, according to S&yana, +f M&tarisvan’s son Dadhyach.* + +5 Ye, Ptirus: 1 0 men.*—Wilson. + +6 These: who these were is uncertain. Two and tiuo: probably the war¬ +rior who fights on the chariot and the charioteer.—-Ludwig. The literal trans¬ +lation of the last half-line of the stanza appears to be :— 4 the non-worshipper +speaking firm words to worshippers ; dnamasyuh , he who has no other to re¬ +verence, being Indra, whose promise of victory to his worshippers is never +broken.*—Ludwig. + +29 + + + +m TBB HYMNS OH [BOOK X + +7 This One by stronger might I conquered singly; yea, also two : +shall three prevail against me? + +Like many sheaves upon the floor I thrash them. Plow can +my foes, the Indraless, revile me ? + +B Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him +mid the folk like Vritra-conquering strength, + +When I won glory in the great • foe-slaying fight, in battle +where Karanja fell, and Parnaya. + +9 With food for mine enjoyment S&pya 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 ,-pf the^bn^^id hymn of praise. + +10 One of the two hath SoinaTs®^^^ the Herdsman with + +the hone <sbows forth the other. + +He, fain to fight the Bull whose horns were sharpeneetTT^^ +fettered in the demon’s ample region. + +11 I, as a God, ne’er violate the statutes of Gods, of Yasus, Em + +* driyas, Adityas. + +These Gods have formed me for auspicious vigour, unconquer¬ +ed ian<d invincible for ever. + +HYMN XLIX. Indra Vaikuntha. + +I have enriched the singer with surpassing wealth; I have al¬ +lowed the holy hymn to strengthen me. + +T, furtherer of him who offers sacrifice, have conquered in each +fight the men who worship not. + + +7 This One: or, this one thing, that is, * the primordial substance or unit +out of which the universe was developed/—Wallis, Cosmology of the Myvecla, +p. 58. + +8 Against the Gungus: or, to aid the Gungus, as S&yaua explains. Who +these people were is uncertain. Atithigva: Divoddsa, son of Atithigu, accord¬ +ing to Sftyana. See Yol. I., Index. Karanja ..and Parnaya,: apparently +tree-demons ; see I. 58. 8. + +9 Sdpya: a family name of Indra’s friend Nam!, who in VI. 20. 6 is called +-Sayya’s son. + +10 One of the two: the Moon. The Herdsman: Indra. With the hone: +of Dadhyacli. See I. 84. 13. The other ,* Vritra, He: Yritra. The Bull: +Indra, The demon's ample region: mid-air, which was then dominated by the +Druh or malignant spirit of drought. I follow Prof, Ludwig’s interpretation +of this obscure stanza which is evidently an interpolation motived by the +mention of Dadhyach in stanza 2. For a somewhat different interpretation, +see Hillebr&ndt, V. M., I. 337. + +11 Budriyas: the Maruts, sons of Rudra. + + +Indra Yaikuntha is the Rishi also. + + + +HYMN 49.] THE MOVED A. 451 + +2 The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth haye + +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, + +3 With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi’s sake ; I guarded + +Kutsa well with these my saving helps. + +As Sushpa’s slayer I brandished the dart of death: I gave not +up the Aryan name to Dasyn foes. + +4 Smadibha, Tugra, and the Yetasus 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. + +5 I gave hp Mrigaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever + +followed me and kept my laws. + +For Ayn’s sake I caused Yesa to bend and bow, and into Sa- +vya’s hand delivered Padgribhi. + +6 I, I crushed Navavastva of the lofty car, the Dasa, as the + +Yritra-slayer kills the fiends; + +When straightway on the region’s farthest edge I brought the +God who makes the lights to broaden and increase. + +7 I 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. + + +3 Atha; mentioned again in Hymn 99 of this Book. Kavi; the father of +India’s friend Usa^d. + +4 Smadibha * or, as an adjective joined with Tugra, f with all his'followers/ +See VI, 20. 5, where Vetasu and Tugra are mentioned as having been con¬ +quered hy indra, and YI. 26. 4, where their names occur again together with +that of Tuji. + +5 Mrigaya: a demon of the air. See IY. 16. 13, and^VIII. 3. 1,9. Srutarvan : +a prince whose liberality is lauded in VIII. 63. Ayu: sometimes spoken +of as a King favoured by Indra and at other times as conquered by him. See +Index. The name of Vesa does not occur again. Savya: the B-inhi of Hymns + +51 _ 57 of Book I. Padgribhi: some demon or savage .enemy who is not + +mentioned again. + +.6 Navavdstm: see I. 36. 18, and VI. 20 . 11. Of the lofty car: or Bri- +hadratha, as a name of Navav&stva. The lights: the stars, or perhaps light +in general. In the former case the God would be Dyaus or Varuna, and in +the latter case Sdrya or the Sun. Ludwig. + +7 The robe of state: apparently the milk which is the royal mantle where¬ +with Soma is invested. + + + +452 THK HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +8 Stronger am I than Nahus, I who slew the seven : I glorified - +with might Yadu and Turva^n^_ + +' I brought another low, with strengtFT hent his strength : I +let the mighty nine-and-ninety wax in power. + +■ 9 Bull 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. + +10 I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even + +Tvashtar’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. | + +11 Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods + +and men with mighty operation. + +' The pious glorify all these thine exploits, Lord of Bay Cours¬ +ers, Strong, and Self-resplendent. + +HYMN L. Indra Vaikuntha. + +I 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. + +2 He 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 J +Vritra, or for waters, or for spoil. - + +3 Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive + +to win thy bliss allied with riches ? : + +Who urged thee forward to exert thy pow,er divine, to valour, +in the war for waters on their fields 1 , + + +8 Stronger am I than Nahus: ndhusho ndhushtarah ; literally, more Nahus +than Nahus ; I out-Nahus Nahus, a King who contended with Indra ; ‘lam +nearer than the neighbour/ according to Roth whom Graasmann follows. + +' I am the especial bond of bonds/—Wilson. I follow Ludwig’s interpretation. + +I who slew the seven : the seven, perhaps, are the chief of the demons des¬ +troyed by Indra. Ludwig takes saptaM to mean f seven times’:—‘ I am +seven times stronger than Nahus.* Another: whom, is uncertain. Wax in +power: until they became worthy antagonists. * I have demolished ninety +and-nine powerful (foes).’—Wilson. ,' + +10 Milk and Soma juice: sweet ambrosial rain; the Jcine being the teeming - + +clouds. ;; + +11 In this stanza Indra as Rishi addresses himself as the deity of the hymn. / + +2 His friend: his constant companion, the thunderbolt. /| + +3 Allied with riches: the happiness which Indra sends being given in •'% + +return for costly sacrificial offerings. § + + +HYMN 51.] THE RIGVEEA, 453 + +4 Thou, 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. + +5 Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the + +people know thy great protecting might. + +Thou shalt be Everlasting, Giver of success : yea, on all these +libations thou bestowest strength. + +6 All 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. • + +7 They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, CTSage, to pour on + +them thy gifts of opulence and wealth, + +May they come forw^*»<3, through their spirit, on the path of +bliss, in the wild joy of Soma juice effused. + +HYMN LI. Agni. Gods. + +Larue was that covering, and firm of texture, folded wherein +thou enteredst the waters. + +One Deity alone, O Jatavedas Agni, saw all thy forms in sun¬ +dry places. + +2 What God hath seen me % Who of all their number clearly be¬ + +held my forms in many places *1 +Where lie, then, all the sacred logs of Agni that lead him God- +ward, Yaruna and Mitra 1 + +3 In many places, Agni J&tavedas, we sought thee hidden in the + +plants and waters. + +Then Yama marked thee, God of wondrous splendour! effulgent +from thy ten/old secret dwelling. + +4 Song : mdntrah : subject of thy worshippers* songs of praise. + +6 Vessel: pdtram: f protection/—Wilson, + +The legend says that Agni, fearing to share the fate of his three elder +brothers who had perished in the service of the Gods, fled away and hid +himself in the waters. The Gods discovered him and persuaded him to +return to his sacred duties. + +Stanzas 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are spoken by the Gods, and 2, 4, 6, 8 by Agni. + +1 He must have been very well wrapped up, the Gods ironically say, or the +water would have extinguished him.—Ludwig. Forms: literally, * bodies.* + +2 Sacred logs : pieces of Sami and Asvattha wood, from which alone the +sacrificial fire is produced. Others explain samidhah by e flames.* + +3 Thy tenfold secret dwelling : according to S&yana, * the three worlds,— +heaven, mid-air, earth ; three divinities, Agni, V&yu, Aditya; the waters, +the shrubs, the trees, and the bodies of living beings.*—Wilson. The mean¬ +ing appears to be, as Ludwig conjectures, that Yama knew that Agni would +appear again from the fire-sticks worked by the fingers of both hands. + + + + +m TEE E7MNS OF [BOOK X + +4 I fled id fear from sacrificial worship, Yanina* lest the Gods + +should thus engage me. + +Thus were rriy fork's laid down in many places. This, as my +goal, I Agni saw before me. + +5 Come; man; is pious and would fain d!o worship; he waits pre¬ + +pared : in gloom thou, Agni, dwellest. + +Make pathways 1 leading God-ward clear and easy, and bear ob- +lations with a kindly spirit. + +6 This goal mine elder brothers erst selected, as he who drives a + +car the way to travel. + +So, Yanina, I fled afar through terror, as flies the wild-bull +from an archer’s bowstring. + +*t yife give thee life.junwasting, J&tavedas, so that, employed, +thou never shalt be injured'* ___ + +So, nobly born 1 shalt thou with kindly-c^xrit bear to the Gods +their share of men’s oblations. - + +8 Grant me the first oblations and the latter, entire, my force¬ + +ful share i>f holy presents, + +The soul of plants, the fatness of the waters, and let there be +long life, ye Gods, to Agni. + +9 Thine be the first ablations and the latter, entire, thy forceful + +shares of holy presents. + +Let all this sacrifice be thine* 0 Agni, and let the world’s four +regions bow before thee. + +HYMN LII. Gods. + +. iNSTBtroT 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. + +2 I sit as Priest most skilled in sacrificing: the Maruts and all +Deities impel me. + +Asvinsj each day yours is the Adbvaryus’ duty: Brahman and +wood are here : ’tis yours to offer. + + +8 The first oUatims and the latter: or the Pray&jas and the Anuy&jas, the +former being texts and oblations forming part of the introductory ceremony +at a Soma sacrifice, and the latter the secondary or final offerings. Foreqful +share: the potent concentrated portion. The fatness: ghritam: ghi, clarified +butter, + +1 Agni, having been elected Oblation-bearer, asks the Gods to instruct +him in his duties. + + + +HYMN 53.] THE RIG VEDA. 455 + +3 Who is this Priest ? Is he the Priest of Y&ma ? 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. + +4 The 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. + +5 So will I win you strength and life for ever, 0 Gods, that I + +may give you room and freedom. + +To Indies arms would I consign the thunder; in all these +- battles shall he then be victor. * + +6 The Deities, three thousand and three hundred and thirty- + +nine, have served and honoured Agni, + +Strewn sacred grass, anointed him with butter, and seated +him as Priest, the Gods 5 Invoker. + +HYMN LIII. Agni Sauchika. Gods. + +He hath arrived, he whom we sought with longing, who skil¬ +led in sacrifice well knows its courses. + +Let him discharge his sacrificial duties : let him sit down as +Friend who was before us. + +2 Best 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. + + +3 The first line is spoken by some God who doubts Agni’s competence. Is +he the Priest of YamaJ: can he convey offerings to the Blest in the realms of +the God of the departed ? In the second half of the first line I follow Lud¬ +wig, but the meaning is uncertain. The second line is the answer of another +God. Each month , each day: the Pitriyajfta, or sacrifice to the Fathers, is +offered monthly, and the Agnihotra f or oblation to Agni and the Gods, daily# +These comprehend all other periodical rites. + +4 The first line is spoken by Agni. Slipped away; see the preceding hymn. +The second line is what the Gods said. Phe-wayed; consisting of five courses +or parts, see X. 124. 1. Threefold: consisting of the three daily Soma-libations, +see X. 124. 1. Seven-threaded: performed by seven priests. See X. 124. 1. + +Stanza 5 is spoken by Agni. Stanza 6 is the poet’s conclusion. + +For an explanation of the number of the Gods (33 + 303 + 3003) see The +Hymns of the Atharva-veda^ X. 7. 13, note. + +On Hymns 51—53 see Macdonell, J. B. A. S., January, 1894, pp, 11—22. + +1 The Gods speak. Courses: or portions# + +2 By being sealed ; c by his seat (at the altar),’—Wilson. + + + + +[BOOK X. + + +456 TEE HYMNS OF + +3 Now 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. + +4 This prelude of my speech I now will utter, whereby we Gods + +may quell our Asura foemen. + +Eaters of strengthening food who merit worship, 0 ye Five +Tribes, be pleased with mine oblation. + +5 May 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 frpm woe that comes from heaven. + +6 Spinning the thread, follow the region’s splendid light: guard + +thou the pathways well which wisdom hath prepared. +Weave ye the knotless labour of the bards who sing : be Manu +thou, and bring the Heavenly People forth. + +7 Lovers ef 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. + +8 Here flows Asmanvat!: 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. + +9 Tvashtar, most deft of workmen, knew each magic art, bring¬ + +ing most blessed bowls that hold the drink of Gods. + +His axe, wrought of good metal, he is sharpening now, where¬ +with the radiant Brahmanaspati will cut. + + +3 Tongue of worship: Agni, by whose fiery tongues the Gods drink libations. + +4 Agni speaks, Asura foemen: the Asuras in the later hymns of the Veda +are evil spirits in perpetual hostility with the Gods, not to be confounded with +the great celestial Asuras, the chiefs of the Gods, nor with the B&kshasas, de¬ +mons or ogres, who disturb the sacrifices of men. + +5 The Five Tribes : according to some, says Y&ska, * the Gandharvas, gods, +Fathers, Asuras, and B&kshasas.’ See Muir, 0. S. Texts , I. 177. But the five +Aryan tribes may be intended. The Cow’s Sons: the Maruts, children of +Prisni. Von Both explains gdjdtdh as ‘horn in the starry heaven.’ See VII. +35. 14. + +6 The Gods apeak. The region’s splendid light: the Sun. Weave ye: flames +of Agni. Assist the singer in his holy task and let there be no difficulties +in his way. + +7 This stanza appears to begin a new hymn, made up of fragments. Accord¬ +ing to S&yana it is spoken by the Gods to one another. + +8 A smanvati: or, the stony stream. See The Hymns of the Atharva-veda, +XII. 2. 26, + +9 Will cut: perhaps, will cut and destroy demons j but the meaning is +uncertain. + + +HYMN 54.] THE RIQVEHA. 45? + +10 Now, 0 ye Sapient Ones, make ye the axes sharp wherewith + +ye fashion bowls to hold the Amrita. + +Knowing the secret places make ye ready that whereby the +Gods have gotten immortality. + +11 Ye 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. + +HYMN LIY. Indra. + +I sing thy fame that, Maghavan, through thy greatness the +heaveus and earth invoked thee in their terror, + +Thou, aiding Gods, didst quell the power of D&sas, what time +thou holpest many a race, 0 Indra. + +2 When thou wast roaming, waxen strong in body, telling thy + +might, Indra, among the people, + +All that men called thy battles was illusion : no foe hast thou +to-day, nor erst hast found one. + +3 Who are the Bishis, then, who comprehended before our time + +the bounds of all thy greatness 1 +For from thy body thou hast generated at the same time the +Mother and the Father. + +4 Thou, Mighty Steer, hast four supremest natures, Asura + +natures that may ne'er be injured. + +All these, 0 Maghavan, thou surely knowest, wherewith thou +hast performed thy great achievements. + +5 Thou hast all treasures in thy sole possession, treasures made + +manifest and treasures hidden. + +' r ♦ ”' 11 . .. ..' + +10 0 ye Sapient Ones: ye Ribhus. That; perhaps Amrita or celestial Soma +juice. Cl I. 20. 6; 110. 3. + +11 The first line is obscure. ' (The Maruts) placed a female in the envelop¬ +ing hide {of a dead cow), and a calf in the mouth (of a dead cow).’—Wilson. +According to this interpretation the miracle ascribed to them would somewhat +resemble that mentioned in X. 110. 8. See Bergaigne, La Religion Vddiquc, +II. 27. The first half of the second line is hard to construe. Wilson para¬ +phrases the line :— f daily the generous (fraternity of the Ribhus) offers suita¬ +ble praises (to the gods), granting victory over our foes.’ Prof, G-eldner takes +k&ra, against the Pada text, as a locative, and renders the last half-line to +the following effect:— 3 4 ‘May he (the sacrificer), when he wishes to win, gain +the victory in the race.* + +3 The question is rhetorical. The great Rishis of the olden time could not +comprehend thy greatness, much less can we comprehend it. + +The Mother and the Father : Earth and Heaven, parents of all. See M. +Muller, India , What can it Teach us ?, p. 161. + +4 A sura : divine, with a vague sense of supreme grandeur. + + + +4S$ THE HYMNS OF [BOOH X + +Defer net thou, 0 Maghavan, my longing: thou art Director, +Indra, thou art Giver. + +6 To him who set the light in things of splendour, and with all +sweetness blent essential sweetuess, + +To Indra hath this welcome hymn that strengthens been +uttered by the votary Brihaduktlia. + +HYMN LV. Indra. + +Far is that secret name by which, in terror, the worlds invoked +thee and thou gavest vigour. + +The earth and heaven thou settest near each other, and, Ma¬ +ghavan, ^nadest bright thy Brother’s Children. + +2 Great is that secret name and far-extending, whereby thou + +madest all that is and shall' be. + +The Five Tribes whom he loveth well have entered the light +he loveth that was made aforetime. + +3 He filled the .heavens and earth and all between them, Gods + +five times sevenfold in their proper seasons. + +With four-and-thirty lights he looks around him, lights of one +colour though their ways are divers. + +.4 As first among the lights, 0 Dawn, thou shonest, whereby thou +broughtest forth the Stay of Increase, + +Great art thou, matchless is thine Asura nature, who, high +above, art kin to those beneath thee. + +5 The old hath waked the young Moon from his slumber who +runs his circling course with many round him. + + +6 Who set the light: the first essential light. + +X Far is that secret name: thou art not present with us now. In terror * +terrified by Yritra. Thy Brothers Children: according to S&yana, Indra’s +brother is Parj any a, the God of the rain-cloud, and his children are the gath¬ +ered waters. Varuna and his star.'- - _1 - ’ 11 ■■ided.—Ludwig. + +3 Gods Jive times sevenfold: ‘ It ■ ■ ■ ■ . ■ that the original Gods + +were the constellations/—Ludwig. According to Sclyana, the five orders of +beings and the classes of seven; that is, Gods, men, Fathers and R&kshasas, +and the seven troops of Maruts, the seven rays of the Sun, the seven senses, +etc. The four-and-thirty lights: are probably the suu, moon, and five planets, +and the twenty-seven lunar asterisms or mansions of the moon. According +to Sdyana, the four-and-thirty are eight Vasus, eleven Itudras, twelve Adifcyas, +Praj&patr, Vashatk&ra, and Virftj, + +# 4 The Stay of increase: that which is the p ■ r 1 lf .1 1 ■ ..' • ** ’*1 sub¬ +sistence; according to S.tyana, the Sun. A: 1 ' ‘ ■ : art + +allied and connected with men as provider of their food. The second line is +difficult, a"d ‘iterpreted by others. + +5 S4yar - ■ - ■ -tanza differently, making Indra, identified with. + +Time, the ■ . ■ I .' . Ludwig’s interpretation (Commentary, IX, p. 203) + +which seems to be nearer to the sense of the words, and is simpler and more +rational. With many round him: stars of the asterisms through which he passes. + + + +BYMB 56 .] TBE RIQVEDA. m + +Behold the Gods’ high wisdom in its greatness : he who died +yesterday to-day is living, + +6 Strong is the Red Bird in his strength, great Hero, who from + +of old hath had no nest to dwell in. + +That which he knows is truth and never idle: he wins and +gives the wealth desired of many. + +7 Through these the Thunderer gained strong manly vigour, + +through whom he waxed in power to smite down Vritra,— + +Who through the might of Indra’s operation came forth as +Gods in course of Law and Order. + +8 All-strong, performing works with bis companion All-marking, + +rapid Victor, Curse-averter, + +The Hero, waxing, after draughts of Soma, blew far from heav¬ +en the Dasyus with his weapon. + +HYMN LYI. Visvedevas, + +Here 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. + +2 Bearing thy body, V&jin, may thy body afford us blessing and + +thyself protection. . + +Unswerving, stablish as it were in heaven thine own light as +the mighty Gods’ supporter. + +3 Strong Steed art thou: go to the yearning Maidens with vigour, + +happily go to heaven and praises: + +6 The Red Bird: the Sun, with whom Indra is identified, + +7 Through these: probably the stars are intended.- ‘(Accompanied) by +these Marufcs/—Wilson. + +8 Bis companion: the thunderbolt. + +* The ruy'itic-a'i union of the Fathers with the rays of light is the funda¬ +mental i-M.ii underlying the abstruse allusions’ of this funeral hymn. ‘The +poet bids the deceased" man unite himself with the beams of the heavenly +light he takes occasion to celebrate the power and greatness of the Fathers, +to whom the spirit of the departed is journeying; and ends with a statement +of the success of the journey for which he has prayed.’ See Wallis, Cos¬ +mology of the Rigveda i pp. 72, 73. + +1 One light: the earthly fire of the funeral pile. Another: in the firma¬ +ment. The third: the light in the highest region above the firmament. A +body : a new body after cremation. Their sublimest birth-place: the Sun. + +2 Vdjm: apparently the name of the deceased, the son of Brihaduktha +the Bishi of the hymn. The word means originally < strong, strong steed’ +as in stanza 3. + +3 The yearning Maidens; perhaps the Dawns ; but the meaning of suvenfh +is uncertain. To heaven and praises ; ‘ to the (land of) praise, and to the +sky.’—Wallis. + + + + +460 + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X , + + +Ply happily to the Gods with easy passage, according to the +first and faithful statutes. + +4 Part of their grandeur have the Fathers also gained: the + +Gods have seated mental power in them as Gods. + +They have embraced within themselves all energies, which, +issuing forth, again into their bodies pass. + +5 They strode through all the region with victorious might, es* + +tablishing the old immeasurable laws. + +They compassed in their bodies all existing things, and stream¬ +ed forth offspring in many successive forms. + +6 In two ways have the sons established in his place the Asura + +who finds the light ; by the third act, + +As fathers, they have set their heritage on earth, their off¬ +spring, as a thread continuously spun out. + +7 As in a ship through billows, so through regions of air, with + +blessings, through all toils and troubles +Hath Brihaduktha brought his seed with glory, and placed it +here and in the realms beyond us. + +HYMN LYII. . Vkvedevas. + +Let us not, Indra, leave the path, the Soma-presser’s sacrifice : +Let no malignity dwell with us. + +2 May we obtain, completely wrought, the thread spun out to +reach the Gods, + +That perfecteth the sacrifice. + +4 Of their grandeur: of the greatness of the Gods. + +5 Establishing the old immeasurable laios : or, in accordance with the more +generally received interpretation of dhdmdni here, ‘ measuring ancient +stations never measured out.’ + +wa y s •* i n heaven and on earth. The sons: explained by S&yana +as the Angirases, sons of Aditya. The Fathers in general appear to be in¬ +tended. ^ The Asura: Agni. The third act: or third sacred duty, that of +continuing their family; religious study and sacrifice being the first and +second.—S&yana. + +7 Placed it here and in the realm beyond us: established his offspring in +heavenly regions as well as here upon earth. + +Mr Wallis, from, whose translation I have borrowed, remarks:—‘ The in¬ +terpretation of one or two expressions is uncertain ; the general sense is +clear, i he rays of light are here the bodies of the fathers, which emanate +±10D vi 6 assume the forms of all things on the earth and of the later +sacrincera, the descendants of the fathers, and again return to their birth- +place^m the sky from which they had extended themselves.’— Cosmology of + + +For Prof. Max Muller’s translation of Hymns 57-60, with the legend found- +IX., l P 8°e\ pp m 42 ™^. 465 Ple elucidative matter > Be ® Journal R. A, S„ Vol. II. Part + + +HYMN 58 .] + + +THE RWVEDA. + + +461 + + +3 We call the spirit hither with the Soma of our parted sires, +Yea, with the Fathers’ holy hymns. + +4 Thy spirit come to thee again for wisdom, energy, and life, +That thou mayst long behold the sun ! + +5 0 Fathers, may. the Heavenly Folk give us our spirit once again, +That we may be with those who live. + +6 0 Soma, with the spirit still within us, blest with progeny, + +May we be busied in thy law. + +HYMH LYIII. Manas or Spirit. + +Tiiy spirit, that went far away to Yama, to Vivas van’s Son, +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +2 Thy spirit, that went far away, that passed away to earth and + +heaven, + +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +3 Thy spirit, that went far away, away to the four-cornered earth, +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +4 Thy spirit, that went far away to the four quarters of the world, +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +5 Thy spirit, that went far away, away unto the billowy sea, + +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live an cl so¬ +journ here. + +6 Thy spirit, that went far away to beams of light that flash and + +flow, + +We cause to pome to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +7 Thy spirit, that went far away, went to the waters and the + +plants, + +We cause to come to thee agaiu that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +8 Thy spirit, that went far away, that visited the Sun and Dawn, +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +3 The spirit: of the deceased whose obsequies are performed. Of our sires : +ndrdsanstna: explained as meaning, suited to man; that is to deified men, +the Fathers or Spirits of the Blest. + +The hymn is an address to recall the fleeting spirit of a man at the point of +death. + +7 Watci's . .plants; cf, X. 16. 3. + + + + + +.402 + + +TSB BYMNB OB + + +[BOOK + +9 Tby spirit, that went far away, away to lofty mountain heights, +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +10 Thy spirit, that went far away into this All that lives and + +moves, + +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +11 Thy spirit, that went far away to distant realms beyond our ken, +We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so¬ +journ here. + +12 Thy spirit, that went far away to all that is and is to be, + +We cause £o eome to thee again that thou mayst live and +sojourn here. + +LIX. Nirriti and Others. + +His life hath been renewed and carried forward as two men, +car-borne, by the skilful driver. + +Oue falls, then seeks the goal with quickened vigour. Let +Nirriti depart to distant places. + +2 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty : let us do + +many deeds to bring us glory. + +All these our doings shall delight the singer. Let Nirriti +depart to distant places. + +3 May we o’erco.me our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is + +over earth, hills over lowlands. + +All these our deeds the singer hath considered. Let Nirriti +depart to distant places. + +4 Give us not up as prey to death, 0 Soma: still let us look + +upon the Sun arising. + +Let our old age with passing days be kindly. Let Nirriti +depart to distant places. + +5 0 Asunlti, 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. + + +1 Bis life: the life of Subandhu one of the Rishis of the hymn. Accord¬ +ing to S&yana the first line is a prayer :—‘ May the life of Subanclhu be +augmented so as to be more lasting and newer/—Wilson. Subaudhu is not +mentioned in the text. Two men: the warrior and the charioteer. One falls: +S&yana explains differently ;—* he who falls (from life) increases (his) desire +to live.’—Wilson. Nirriti: the Goddess of death and destruction. + +5 JswiUi: apparently the personification of a deity presiding over funerals. +It may be a name for Yama, or it may mean f guide to life,’ or f way to life,* +See Muir, 0 8, Texts, Y, 297, and Bergaigne, La Religion V4di(p<e } I. 96. ^ + + + +THE RIGVEHA. + + +HYMN 60 ,] + +6 Give ns our sight again, 0 Asuniti, give us again our breath +and our enjoyment., + +Loug may we look upon the Sun uprising: 0 Anumati, +favour thou and bless us, + +^ 7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the +Goddess and pud-air restore it. + +May Soma give us once again our body, and Pusbau show +the Path of peace and comfort. + +8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of ever¬ + +lasting Law. + +May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame +away : nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee. + +9 Health-giving medicines descend sent down fft>m heaven m + +, twos and threes, , _ ,, + +Or wandering singly on the earth. May Heaven and Earth +uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away : nor sin nor +sorrow trouble thee. , + +-—10 Drive forward thou the wagon-ox, 0 Indra, which brought +wagon hither. + +May Heavej^udJEar-th uproot and sweep iniquity and shame +away : nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee. + +HYMN LX. 'Asam&ti and Others. + +Bringing our homage we have come to one magnificent in +look. + +Glorified of the mighty Gods ; + +2 To Asamati, spring of gifts, lord of the brave, a radiant car, + +The conqueror of Bhajeratha; + + +6 Ammati: a personification of the favour with which the Gods regard +the sacrifices and prayers of the pious. * Gracious (goddess)/—Wilson, + +8 Iniquity and shame : rdpas^ according to Williams’s Dictionary means, +defect, fault, sin ; hurt, injury. In his Commentary on I. 69. 4, S&yapa +paraphrases rdpdnsi, the plural of the word, by bddhakdni rdJcshasdcttni, dis¬ +turbing R&ksbasas, etc. + +9 In twos and threes: according to Sftyana, in the persons of the two +Asvius and of the three Goddesses 114, Sarasvatt, and Bh&rati. + +10 Ustnardnt must mean the wife of Usinara, chief of the. Usinaras who +are mentioned*in later times as living in Madhyadesa or the Midland country. +The meaning of the line is not obvious. + +Stanzas 8, 9, 10, which Prof. Grassmann places in his Appendix, are of a +different character from that of the preceding part of the hymn, and seem +to be a separate song or fragment of a song, + +2 Asamdti: according to S&yana, the name of a King. But the word is +more probably an adjective, as in star ' 5 'dtham, car, and signi¬ +fying unequalled. Bhajeratha; it is : • this is the name of a + +prince or of a country. + + + +464 THE HYMNS OF f BOOK X + +3 Who, when the spear hath armed his hand, or even weaponless + +o’erthrows + +Men strong as buffaloes in fight ; + +4 Him in whose service flourishes Ikshv&ku, rich and dazzling- + +bright + +As the Five Tribes that are in heaven. + +5 Indra, support the princely power of Bathaproshthas matched + +by none, + +Even as the Sun for all to see. + +6 Thou for Agasfcya’s sister’s sons yokest thy pair of ruddy + +steeds. + +Thou trocfclest niggards under foot, all those, 0 King, who +brought no gifts. + +7 This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to be + +thy life. + +What brings thee forth is even this. Now come, Subandhn, .. +get thee forth. + +8 As with the leather thong they bind the chariot yoke to hold + +it fast, + +So have I held thy spirit fast, held it for life and not for +death, held it for thy security. + +9 Even as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs + +of the wood, + +So have I held thy spirit fast, held it for life and not for death, +held it for thy security. + + +3 Who: AsamSti, according to S&yaua. + +4 Ikskvdku: a prince or a people ; the name does not occur again in the + +Rigveda. The Five Tribes: the deities regarded as f ■■ r .t r vr -I - + +ling to the five tribes on earth, in the same man 1 : : ■- ■? ■ + +land of the Aryans have their counterparts in heaven. See Muir, 0. S. Texts, +I. p. 177. S&yana explains differently :—‘(so that) the five orders of men +(are as happy) as if they were in heaven.’—Wilson. + +5 Rathaproshthas: the family of the prince, Asam&ti or another, whose praises +the poet celebrates. + +6 Agastya's sister's sons: Bandhu and his brothers, the Rishis of the hymn. +Stanzas 1—6 have no apparent connexion with the six stanzas that follow. + +7 This: Agni, according to S&yana. The speaker probably means him¬ +self.—Ludwig. Subandliu seems to have been in a trance and apparently +dead. ‘ It is supposed that the brothers of Subandhu have a:l\r<v->o:l their +supplications to Agni, to restore him to life, and that he has come accord¬ +ingly, being, as it were, his parent and begetter. Another interpretation +explains the terms literally as, Subandliu, your father, mother, and son, +have come to mourn your decease.’—Wilson. + +8 So have I held: ‘so has Agni placed,’ according to S&yana, + + + +HYMN 61.] + + +THE RIGVEDA. + + +465 + + +10 Subandhu’s spirit I have brought from Yama, from Vivas- + +veil’s Son, + +Brought it for life and not for death, yea, brought it for +security. + +11 The wind blows downward from on high, downward the Sun- + +God sends his heat, + +Downward the milch-cow pours her milk : so downward go thy +pain and grief. + +12 Felicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this. + +This hand contains all healing balms, and this makes whole + +with gentle touch. + +HYMN LXI. " Visvedevas. + +The welcome speaker in the storm of battle uttered with +might this prayer to win the Asvins, + +When the most liberal God, for Paktha, rescued his parents, +and assailed the seven Rotars. + +2 Chyav&na, purposing deceptive presents, with all ingredients, +made the altar ready. + +Most sweet-voiced Tftrvayana poured oblations like floods of +widely fertilizing water. + + +11 Thy pain and grief ; 1 fcliy ain,’—Sayana. + +12 More felicitous is this : my other hand, probably the right. With gentle +touch: with light friction, laying-on of hands, or hypnotizing passes. + +This Hymn, as Ludwig observes, belongs to the most difficult, one might +almost say most hopeless, portions of the Rigveda. It is made up of several +parts which are in no intelligible connexion with one another. + +1 According to the view taken by Pischel who has most carefully studied +and elaborately discuSsed the first three stanzas ( Vedische Studien, I. pp. 71— +77 ), they contain in brief the ancient story of Turvay&na, tbe young King +of the Pakthas, and Cbyavshia. Chyav&na, a favourite of the Asvins who +had restored him to youth (I. 116. 10, and 117. 13), intended to sacrifice to +them, hoping with their aid to conquer Tftrvay&na and his parents. But +Indra stays the sacrifice, drives the priests away, and enables Turvay&na who +had poured rich libations to him to gain the victory over his opponent. + +The welcome speaker: Turvay&ua, whose words were welcome to the Gods. +To win the Asvins: ratidmm: not * addressed to Rudra,* but to the Asvins +who are called rw&drau in stanza 15, and, elsewhere, rudrtt and rudravartani. +The most liberal God: Indra. Paktha: King of the Pakthas (see VII. 18. 7), +that is, apparently, Tftrvay&na, who lias been mentioned in I. 53. 10, and VI. +18. 13, as especially aided by Indra. Seven Hotars ; the usual number of +Hotar priests employed at important sacrifices. + +2 Deceptive presents : his intended sacrifice was displeasing to Indra, whom, +possibly, Chyav&na falsely pretended that he was about to worship. With +all ingredients: required for the preparation of the Soma juice. Poured +oblations: to Indra. + +30 + + + + +4615 + + +THE HYMNS OF IBOOK X. + + +3 To bis oblations, swift as thought, ye burned, and welcomed + +eagerly the prayers he offered. + +With arrows in his hand the Very Mighty forced from him all +obedience of a servant. + +4 I call on yon the Sons of Dyaus, the Asvins, that a dark cow + +to my red kine he added. + +Enjoy my sacrifice, come to my : viands, contented, not deceiv¬ +ing expectation. + +10 Uttering praise to suit the rite Navagvas came speedily to + +win the damsel’s friendship. + +They who approached the twice-strong stable's keeper, meed¬ +less, wotfild milk the rocks that naught had shaken. + +11 Swift was new friendship with the'maid : they quickly accept¬ + +ed it as genuine seed and bounty. + +Milk which the cow Sabarduglia had yielded was the bright +heritage which to thee they offered. + +12 When afterwards they woke and missed the cattle, the speaker + +thus in joyful mood addressed them : + +Matchless are singers through the Vasu’s nature; he bringeth +them all food and all possessions. + +13 His followers then who dwelt in sundry places came and desired + +to slay the son of Nrishad. + +Resistless foe, he found the hidden treasure of Sushria multi¬ +plied in numerous offspring. + + +3 To his oblations: to the offerings of ChyavAna. Ye: Asvins. The Very +Mighty: Indra, who threatened ChyavAna, and made him his obedient +servant. + +4 The ltishi now prays to the Asvins on his own account, and asks for a +dark-coloured cow ns a reward. SAyana, whom Professors Ludwig and + +Grassmami follow,.explains the second half of the first line more poetically :_ + +* When the dark night retires before the purple oxen (of the chariot of the +dawn).*—Wilson. * When the black sits among the red cows ; that is, while +it- is still dark, but the grey of morning is beginning to appear.’—Ludwig + +5 I pass over stanzas 5—9, which contain an ancient legend, probably 0 the + +germ of the later story of BrahmA or PmjApati'aml his daughter, concerning + +two deities or powers of nature, male and female. See Appendix. 3 4 5 * * * * * 11 12 13 + +10 Navagvas: ‘ the Angirasas.'—' Wilson. The damsel's: RAyana says that + +Prism may be meant. Perhaps SnramA is intended. The twice-strong stable’& + +keeper: the P»ni or Panis who kept the stolen cows or vanished rays of light +concealed. Meedless: as the Panis refused to give up the cows. Would milk +the rocks: would force from the rocky prison the meed or honorarium which +they deserved in the shape of the cows. + +11 SabardvyM: ‘neotar-yielding;’ the general name of cows milked at +sacrifices. It Imh to thee they offered: which the Angirases offered to Indra + +12 The Vasu is Indra. + +13 The ton of Nrishad: Ndrehada, usually a patronymic of Kanva but +said to be m this place the name of a certain demon. Tlesistless foe ** Indra + + + +THE RIQYEDA, + + +HYMN 61J + + +4sr + + +14 Thou, called Effulgence, in whose threefold dwelling, as in the + +light of heaven, the Gods are sitting, + +Thou who art called Agui or JfUavedas, Priest, hear us, guile¬ +less Priest of holy worship. + +15 And, Indra, bring, that I may laud and serve them, those + +Two resplendent glorious N&satyas, + +Blithe, bounteous, man-like, to the sacrihcer, honoured among +our men with offered viands. + +16 This King is praised and honoured as Ordainer: himself the + +bridge, the Sage speeds o’er the waters. + +He hath stirred up Kakshivan, stirred up Agui, as the steed’s +swift wheel di'ives the felly onward. * + +17 Yaitarana, doubly kinsman, sacrificer, shall milk the cow who + +ne’er hath calved, Sabardhu, + +When I encompass Varuna and Mifcra with lauds, and Arya +man in safest shelter. + +18 Their kin, the Prince in heaven, thy nearest kinsman, turning + +his thought to thee thus speaks in kindness : + +This is our highest bond: I am his offspring. How many +others came ere I succeeded ? + +19 Here is my kinship, here the place I dwell in ; these are my + +Gods; I in full strength am present. + +Twice-born am I, the first-born Son of Order: the Cow milked +this when first she bad her being. + + +34 Here begins another part of the hymn. Agui is addressed. Effulgence; +identified with the Sun. Threefold dwelling: earth, firmament, and heaven. + +15 Man-Wee: as men reward one who institutes a sacrifice for their benefit. + +36 This King: Sfirya, the Sun-God. ‘This royal Soma/—Wilson. Him¬ +self the bridge; the "long beams of light form the bridge by which Sfirya +passes over the waters of the firmament or sea of air. KaksMvdn : the cele¬ +brated Rishi. See Vol. I., Index. + +17 Vaitarana: { (Agui), the conveyer (of all)/—Wilson. Agni is so called, +probably, as sacrificer for a priuce Vitar&na. Doubly kinsman: closely allied +to heaven and earth. Sabardhu: the Cow whose milk is used in sacrifice; +also called SabardughA as in stanza 11. According to Ludwig, the New Year +which has not yet distributed its treasures is meant. + +18 Their kin : akin to Mitra, Varuna, aud Aryaman. The Prince; s&ri ; +Sfirya, the Sun-God. Thy nearest kinsman; Sfirya. I adopt Ludwig’s inter¬ +pretation of nflhhdnHlishthah, which appears unintelligible as the name of the +son of Manu who was deprived of his inheritance by his father according to +the Yafur-veda, and by his brothers according to the Aitareya-Prdhmana. +But see Weber, Episches im V. Ritual t pp. 40f. This: Dyaus, How many +others; many Savltars (suns that introduce the new year) have been before +me.—Ludwig, + +19 These are my Gods: ‘these are my resplendent (rays)/—-Wilson. Pro¬ +bably the priests are intended.—Ludwig. The Cow; Aditi. Milked this; +milked forth this universe/—Wilson. Agni is the speaker uf this stauza. + + + + +468 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X . + +20 So mid these tribes he rests, the friendly envoy, borne on two + +paths, refulgent, Lord of fuel. + +When, like a line, the Babe springs up erectly, his Mother +* straight hath borne him strong to bless us. + +21 Then went the milch-kiue forth to please the damsel, and for + +the good o'f every man that liveth. + +Hear us, 0 wealthy Lord; begin our worship. Thou hast +grown mighty through Asvaghna's virtues. + +22 And take thou notice of us also, Indra, for ample riches, King + +whose arm wields thunder \ + +Protect our wealthy nobles, guard our princes unmenaced near +thee, Lo?d of Tawny Coursers. + +23. When he goes forth, ye Pair of Kings, for booty, speeding to +war and praise to please the singer,— + +I was the dearest sage of those about him,—let him lead these +away and bring them safely. + +24 Now for this noble man’s support and comfort, singing with + +easy voice we thus implore thee: + +Impetuous be his son and fleet his courser: and may I he his +priest to win him glory. + +25 If, for our strength, the priest with adoration to win your friend* + +ship made the laud accepted, + +That laud shall be a branching road to virtue for every one to +whom the songs are suited. + +26 Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage :—Of noble race, + +with Waters, God-attended— + +May he enrich us for our prayers and praises : now can the cow +‘ be milked ; the path is open. + + +20 He: Agni. Two paths: from earfcli to heaven and from heaven to earth, + +21 The reference in the first 1-’*" to the imprisoned cows and + +Saranj£ (see stanza 10); but all allusions in this hymn are + +more or less conjectural. Ludwig thinks that the reference may be to the act¬ +ual milking of the sacrificial cows at the ceremony which this hymn accompa¬ +nied. Wilson translates :—* The words of a desirable praise. of,a certain tran¬ +quil person (X&bli&nedislitba), attain the prototype (Indra)' Asvaghna: pro¬ +bably the patronymic of Vitarana.—Ludwig. See note on Vaifcarana in stanza +17. * + +23 He: Asvaghna Vitarana. Ye Pair of Kings: Mitra and Varuna. + +26 Glorified thus: that is, May Varuna glorified with song beginning, * Of +noble race, etc., ’ enrich us. Now can the cow he milked: it is now time for +the morning Agnihotram.—Ludwig. + +Prof. Grassmann has banished this almost unintelligible hymn to his Appen¬ +dix. + + + + +THE RTGYEDA. + + +469 + + +HYMN 62.] + +27 Be to ns, then, ye Gods who merit worship, be ye of one accord +our strong protection, + +Who went on various ways and brought us vigour, ye who are +undeceivable explorers. + +HYMN LXJI. Visvedevas, Etc. + +Ye who, adorned with guerdon through the sacrifice, have won +you Indra’s friendship and eternal life, + +Even to you be happiness, Angirases., Welcome the son of +Manu, ye who are most wise. + +2 The Fathers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the + +year’s course cleft Yala by Eternal Law : ^ + +A lengthened life be yours, 0 ye Angirases. Welcome the +son of Mann, ye who are most wise. + +3 Ye raised the Sun to heaven by everlasting Law, and spread + +broad earth, the Mother, out on every side. + +Fair wealth of progeny be yours, Angirases. Welcome the +son of Manu, ye who are most wise. + +4 This kinsman in your dwelling-place speaks pleasant words : + +give ear to this, ye Bishis, children of the Gods. + +High Brahman dignity be yours, Angirases. Welcome the +son of Manu, ye who are most wise. + +5 Distinguished by their varied form, these Bishis have been + +deeply moved. + +These are the sons of Angiras: from Agni have they sprung +to life. + +6 Distinguished by their varied form, they sprang from Agni, + +from the sky. + +Navagva and JDasagva, noblest Angiras, he giveth bounty +with the Gods. + +7 With Indra for associate the priests have cleared the stable + +full of steeds and kioe, + +Giving to me a thousand with their eight-marked ears, they +gained renown among the Gods, + + +X The ton of Manu: N&bhftnedishtha M&nava. See X. 61. IS note. + +2 The Fathers: the Angirases. Yala: the demon who stole the cows of +the Gods. + +3 By everlasting Law: ‘ by means of your sacrifice/—Wilson. + +4 This kinsman : or, this N&bhft, that is, N&bh&uedishtha. + +5 Distinguished by their varied form ; or, Virfipas. See III. 53. 7. + +6 From the $ky: or, from Dyaus. Noblest Angiras: Agni himself, accord¬ +ing to S4yana. He is also called Navagva and Daaagva as these priestly names +or titles belong to or are closely connected with the Angirases. + +7 With their rigid--marked ws: 1 . \ nded on their ears ; or per¬ + +haps, with slit c.m t , :‘. /ly/mf ‘f . ■' * 1 : , .. VI, 141.2. + + + + +470 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK^Xr + +8 May this man’s sous be multiplied; like springing corn may + +Manu grow, + +Who gives at once in bounteous gift a thousand kiue, a +hundred steeds. + +9 ISTo one attains to him, as though a man would grasp the + +heights of heaven. + +' S&varnya’s sacrificial meed hath broadened like an ample flood. + +10 Yadu and Turva, too, have given two D&sas, well-disposed, to + +serve, + +Together with great store of kine. + +11 Blest be the hamlet’s chief, most liberal Manu, and may his + +bounty fival that of Surya. + +May the Gods let Savavni’s life be lengthened, with whom, +unwearied, we have lived and prospered. + +HYMN LX HI, Visvedevas. + +May they who would assume kinship from far away, Vivasvan’s +generations, dearly loved of men, + +Even the Gods who sit upon the sacred grass of Nahusha’s +son Yayati, bless and comfort us. + +2 Eor worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of + +adoration and of sacrifice. + +Ye who were born from waters, and from Aditi, and from the +earth, do ye here listen to my call. + +3 I will rejoice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the Mo¬ + +ther pours forth water rich in balm, + +And Dyaus the Infinite, firm as a rock, sweet milk,—Gods act¬ +ive, strong through lauds, whose might the Bull upholds. + + +8 Manu: here apparently the name of Savarni the prince whose munificence +is the subject of stanzas 8—XI. A thousand kine, a hundred steeds: ‘ kine 5 is +conjecburally supplied. ‘A thousand and a hundred horses.’—Wilson. ‘A +thousand times a hundred horses. 5 —Ludwig. + +9 Sdvarnya here means S&varni. + +10 Turva: equivalent to Turvasa ; a prince of the clan called after the +eponymu3 Turva. Ddsas: enslaved natives. + +1 F' ' ' ■ *■. 5 .".onahip with us, and the duties of protection and aid which + +Of. I. 109. 7, note. Vivasvdu's generations; S&yaua sup¬ +plies a verb, and explains differently :—‘(support) the generations of (Manu +the son of) Vivasvat.’—Wilson. Yaydli: see I, 31. 17, and 108. 8, note, + +2 From waters: the aerial waters, or intermediate region of air. Aditi; von +Roth understands Aditi here to mean ‘infinity,’ the boundlessness of +heaven as opposed to the limitation of earth. See Muir, 0. S. Texts, V. 39. +SAyana’s explanation is similar. + +3 The Mother: Earth. Dyaus: Heaven. The Bull: the Sun, S4y«na +explains vyishubhardn as ‘ bringers of rain. 5 + + + + +HYMN 63.] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +471 + + +4 Looking on men, ne’er slumbering, they by their deserts at¬ + +tained as Gods to lofty immortality. + +Borne on refulgent cars, sinless, with serpents’ powers, they +robe them, for our welfare, in the height of heaven. + +5 Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, + +ne’er assailed, have set their mansion in the sky,— ^ + +These I invite with adoration and with hymns, mighty A.dityas, +Aditi, for happiness. + +6 Who offereth. to you the laud that ye accept, 0 ye All-Gods of + +Manu, many as ye are ? + +Who, Mighty Ones, will prepare for you the sacrifice to bear +us over trouble to felicity ? + +7 Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered + +the first oblation with his heart and soul, + +Vouchsafe us, ye Adityas, shelter free from fear, and make us +good and easy paths to happiness. + +8 Wise Deities, who have dominion o’er the world, ye thinkers + +over all that moves not and that moves, + +Save us from uncommitted and committed sin, preserve us +from all sin to-day for happiness. + +9 In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy + +Host of Heaven who bauish grief, + +Agni, Mitra, and Varuna that we may gain, Dyaus, Bhaga, +Marnts, Prithivi for happiness : + +10 Mightily-saving Earth, incomparable Heaven, the good guide + +Aditi who gives secure defence. + +The well-oared heavenly Ship that lets no waters in, free from +defect, will we ascend for happiness. + +11 Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard + +and protect us from malignant injury, + +With fruitful invocation may we call on you, Gods, who give +ear to us for grace, for happiness. + +12 Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked + +man’s malicious enmity. + +Keep far away from us all hatred, 0 ye Gods, and give us +ample shelter for our happiness. + +13 Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following. + +the Law, spreads in Ids progeny, + +Whom ye with your good guidance, O Adityas, lead safely +through all his pain and grief to happiness. + +4 With serpents' 1 powers: ‘of unsurpassable wisdom.’—Wilson. + +10 The heavenly Ship; according to Sly ana, a metaphorical expression for +sacrifice. + + + +472 TEE EYMNS OF [BOOK'X. + +14 That which ye guard and grace in battle, 0 ye Gods, ye Ma- + +ruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroes win, + +That conquering Car, 0 Indra, that sets forth at dawn, that +never breaks, may we ascend for happiness. + +15 Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing + +in waters and in battle for the light; + +Blessing upon the wombs that bring male children forth, and +blessing, 0 ye Maruts, for the gain of wealth. + +16 The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what + +is good by distant pathway,— + +May she at home and far away preserve us, and dwell with us +under the Gods' 1 protection. + +17 Thus hath the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, + +0 Aditi and all Adityas. + +Men are made rich by those who are Immortal: the Heavenly +Folk have been extolled by Gaya. + +HYMN LXIV. Visvedevas. + +What God, of those who hear, is he whose well-praised name we +may record in this our sacrifice ; and how ? + +Who will be gracious? who of many give us bliss ? Who out +of all the Host will come to lend us aid ? + +2 The will and thoughts within my breast exert their power : + +they yearn with love, and fly to all the regions round. + +None other Comforter is found save only these : iny longings +and my hopes are fixt upon the Gods. + +3 To Narasaim and to Pushan I sing forth, to unconcealable + +Agni kindled by the Gods; + +To Sun and Moon, two Moons, to Yama in the heavens, to Trita, +Vata, Dawn, Night, and the Asvins Twain,* + +4 How is the Sage extolled whom the loud singers praise ? + +What voice, what hymn is used to laud Brihaspati? + +May Aja-Ekapad with Rikvans swift to hear, and Ahi of the +Deep listen in to our call. + + +14 For happiness: svastrfyc, for happiness or welfare, recurs at the end of +all the stanzas from 3 to 14 inclusive. + +16 Svasti: Patbyd Svasti, according to the Index; the Goddess of prosperity +and happiness. + +17 The son of Plati: Gaya, the Jtishi of the hynm. + +3 Unconcealable Agm .* ,©r, to the unconcealable (Savitar) and Agni. Two +Moons: New Moon and Null Moon. + +4 Aja-Ekapdd: see VI. 60. 14. Rihvans * singers; minor deities who +attend and sing the praises of some superior God. Ahi of the Eeep : the great +Diagon of the depths of the aerial ocean ; Ahibudhnya. See VoJ. I,, Index. + + + +HYMN 64.] THE RIG VEDA . 473 + +5 Aditi, to the birth of Daksha and the vow thou summonest the + +Kings Mitra and Varuna. + +With course unchecked, with many chariots Aryaman comes +with the seven priests to tribes of varied sort. + +6 May all those vigorous Coursers listen to our cry, hearers of + +invocation, speeding on their way ; + +Winners of thousands where the priestly meed is won, who +gather of themselves great wealth in every race. + +7 Bring ye Purandhi, bring V&yu who yokes his steeds, for + +friendship bring ye Pusban with your songs of praise : + +They with one mind, one thought attend the sacrifice, ui'ged +by the favouring aid of Savitar the God. + +8 The thrice-seven wandering Rivers, yea, the mighty floods, + +the forest trees, the mountains, Agui to our aid, + +Krisiinu, Tisbya, archers to our gathering-place, and Rudra +strong amid the Rudras, we invoke. + +9 Let the great Streams come hither with their mighty help, + +Sindhu, Sarasvati, and Sarayu with waves. + +Ye Goddess Floods, ye Mothers, animating all, promise us +water rich in fatness and in balm. + +10 And let Brihaddiva, the Mother, hear our call, and Tvashtar, + +Father, with the Goddesses and Fames. + +Ribhukshan, Vaja, Bhaga, and Rathaspati, and the sweet +speech of him who labours guard us well 1 + +11 Pleasant to look on as a dwelling rich in food is the blest + +favour of the Maruts, Rudra’s Sons. + +May we be famed among the folk for wealth in kine, and ever +come to you, ye Gods, with sacred food. + + +5 Dakslm: meaning here the Sun, according to S&yana. Ludwig thinks +that the sacrificer, regarded as Daksha or Praj&pati, and said to be born again +through completion of his vow, is intended. In the second line alBo Aryaman +is considered by Skyana to be the Sun :—‘ Aryaman, whose course is not +hurried, the giver of delight to many, having seven ministering (rays) proceeds +in his multiform births/—Wilson. + +6 Coursers ; the horses which bring the Gods to men’s sacrifices. + +7 Purandhi: Plenty personified as a deity. Or ptlrandhim may be an ad¬ +jective * the spirited, or liberal, Pushan/ + +8 Thrice-seven : tlie seven rivers of the land of the Aryans having their coun¬ +terparts in heaven and in the firmament. Krisinu: the archer who guards +the heavenly Soma. Tishya: an asterism regarded as being in the form of +an arrow, and so here identified with Kris&uti. + +10 Brihaddivd: a Goddess associated with IM, Sarasvati, and others. +Dames; the consorts of the Gods. Rathaspati: the God who presides over +chariots of war. Speech: or prayer. Who labours: at the sacrifice. + + + + +THE IIYMUS OF + + +in + + +[BOOK X, + + +12 The thought which ye, 0 Maruts, Indra, and ye Gods have + +given to me, and ye Mitra and Varuna,— + +Cause this to grow and swell like a milch-cow with milk. Will +ye not bear away my songs upon your car? + +13 0 Maruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind + +this our relationship ? + +When next we meet together at the central point, even there +shall Aditi confirm our brotherhood. + +14 The Mothers, Heaven and Earth, those mighty Goddesses, + +worthy of sacrifice, come with the race of Gods. + +These Two^with their support uphold both Gods and men, and +with the Fathers pour the copious genial stream. + +15 This invocation wins all good that we desire; Brihaspati, highly- + +praised Aramati, are here, + +Even where the stone that presses meath rings loudly out, +and where the sages make their voices heard with hymns. + +16 Thus hath the sage, skilled in loud singers 5 duties, desiring + +riches, yearning after treasure, + +Gaya, the priestly singer, with his praises and hymns content¬ +ed the Celestial People. + +17 Thus hath the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, + +0 Aditi and all Adityas. + +Men are made rich by those who are Immortal : the Heavenly +Folk have been extolled by Gaya. + +HYMN LXY, Visvedevas. + +May Agni, Indra, Mitra, Varuna consent, Aryaman, V&yu, Push- +A an, and Sarasvati, + +Adityas, Maruts, Vishnu, Soma, lofty Sky, Ttudra, and Aditi, +and Brahmanaspati. + +2 Indra and Agni, Hero-lords when Vritrafell, dwelling together, + +speeding emulously on, + +And Soma blent with oil, putting his greatness forth, have +with their power filled full the mighty firmament. + +3 Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law- + +strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majesty. + +13 At the central point: the place of sacrifice. + +14 With the Fathers: ‘ The fruitfulness of heaven and earth, which give + +birth to gods and men, is described as produced by the fathers.’ See Wallis +Cosmology of the Rigveda , p. 72. ' + +15 Aramati: the Genius of Devotion, + +17 The concluding stanza of Hymn 63 is repeated here, + + + +•Hxao^srj ” + + +-xmrKTQTnvA. + + +475 + + +These in their wondrcms bounty send the watery sea: may +they as kindly Friends send gifts to make us great. + +4 They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prithi- + +vi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, the lustrous spheres. +Even as fleet-foot steeds who make their masters glad, the +princely Gods are praised, most bountiful to man. + +5 Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuna who, Lords of all, in spirit + +never fail the worshipper*, + +Whose statute shines on high through everlasting Law, whose +places of sure refuge are the heavens and earth. + +6 The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to + +us as leader of our holy rites, + +Speaking aloud to Varuna and the worshipper, shall with +oblation serve Vivasv&n and the Gods. + +7 The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aid¬ + +ers of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. + +They propped up heaven and then brought waters with their +might, got sacrifice and in a body made it fair. + +8 Bom in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are shar¬ + +ers of one mansion in the home of Law. + +Bound by their common vow Dyaus, IMthiv! stream forth the +moisture rich in oil to Varuna the Steer. + +9 Parjanya, Vata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vayu, + +Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: + +Wo call on Aditi, Adityas, and the Gods, those who are on +the earth, in waters, and in heaven. + +10 Tvashtar and V&yu, those who count as Bibhus, both celestial + +Hotar-priesJtys, and Dawn for happiness, + +Winners of wealth, we call, and wise Brihaspati, destroyer of +our foes, and Soma Indra’s Friend. + +11 They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the + +forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hills. + + +3 The watery sea : the clouds and rain- + +4 Prithivi: meaning here the region of mid-air. + +5 Places of sure refuge: S4yana explains nddhast differently :— 3 4 5 6 7 8 upon whom +the two solicitous worlds remain dependent.’ + +6 The cow: who is milked at sacrifice. According to S4yana, thunder may +be meant, and by * milk * strength may be inteuded. + +7 In a body: that is, personified, C£. X, 60. 9, note. + +8 The Parents: Heaven and Earth. + +10 Celestial Hutar-priests: see 1. 13. 8, + + + + +475 + + +THE HYMJS8 VJf + + +IISVOK Jt, + + +These very bounteous Gods made the Sun mount to heaven, +and spread the righteous laws of Aryas o'er the land. + +12 0 Asvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated + +Syava, Vadhrimati’s son. + +To* Yimada ye brought his consort Kamadyfi, and gave his +lost Vishnftpu back to Visvaka. + +13 Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja-Ekapad, heaven's bear¬ + +er, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: + +Hear all the .Gods my words, Sarasvati give ear together with +Purandhi and with Holy Thoughts. + +14 With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, know¬ + +ing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, + +Boon-givers, favourers, finders of light, and Heaven, with gra¬ +cious love accept my songs, my prayer, my hymn. + +15 Immortal Gods have I, Yasishtha, 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. + +HYMN LXVI. Yisvedevaa. + +I call the Gods of lofty glory for our w T eal, the makers of the +light, well-skilled in sacrifice; + +Those who have waxen mightily, Masters of all wealth, Im¬ +mortal, strengthening Law, the Gods whom Indra leads. + +2 For 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 Varuna, have gotten for +themselves a share of Sfirya's light. + +3 May Indra with the Yasus keep our dwelling safe, and Aditi + +with Adityas lend us sure defence. + +May the God Eudra with I he Eudras favour us, and Tvashtar +with the Dames further us to success. + +4 Aditi, Heaven and Earth, the great eternal Law, Indra, Vishnu, + +the Maruts,^and the lofty Sky. + +We call upon Adityas, on the Gods, for help, on Vasus, Eudras, +Savitar of wondrous deeds. + + +12 These deeds of the Asvins are told in I. 16 and 17. + +13 Aja-Ekapdd: see VI. 50. 14. Holy Thoughts: Devotions personified. + +14 Manu's Holy Ones ; deities whom Manu worshipped, + +15 Vasishtha: that is, a descendant of the great Rishi Vasishtha, + +4 The names in the first line are in the nominative case and without a verb s +‘are invoked/ may he understood. + + + +HYMN 66.3 + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +All + + +6 With Holy Thoughts Sarasv&n, firm-lawed Vanina, great V&yu, +Pushan, Vishnu, and the Asvins Twain, + +Lords of all wealth, Immortal, furtberers of prayer, grant us +a triply-guarding refuge from distress. + +6 Strong 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. + +7 To 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. + +8 Potent, 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 Vritra died. + +9 The 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. + +10 May they who bear up heaven, zha Eibhus deft of hand, and + +Vata and Parjanya of the thundering Bull, + +The waters and the plants, promote the songs we sing: come +Bhaga, Rati, and the Vajins to my call. + +11 Sindhu, the sea, the region, and the firmament, the thunder, + +and the ocean, Aja-Ekapad, + +The Dragon of the Deep, shall listen to my words, and all +the Deities and Princes shall give ear. + +12 May we be yours, we men, to entertain the Gods : further + +our sacrifice and give it full success, + +Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, givers of good gifts, quicken the holy +hymns which we are singing now. + + +6 Strong: vrishan repeated in the way loved by some of the Vedic poets ; +e showerer of benefits/ according to Sdyana. The Gods ; meaning, says S&yana, +the priests. + +9 Laws ; courses of action. Embodied Wish: gave a body to the wishes and +hopes of worshippers, and personified them in the same manner as sacrifice is +said to have been embodied and beautified in X. 65. 7. + +10 Vdta and Parjanya of the thundering Bull: meaning the wind and storm +that attend the thunderous rain-cloud. Rati: divine Favour or Bounty. +Ydjirn : a class of divinities according to Sayana, See VII. 38. 7. + +11 Aja~Ehapdd: see VI. 50. 14. Dragon of the Deep: Ahibudlxnya, See +VI. 40, 14. + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +473 + + +[BOOK X, + + +13 1 follow with 3uccess 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. + +14 Vasia!>tha 5 s sons have raised their voices, like their sire, EishL + +like praying to the Gods for happiness. + +Like friendly-minded kinsmen, come at our desire, 0 Gods, and +shake down treasures on us from above. + +15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasislitha, lauded, Gods set on high + +above all other beings. + +May they this day grant us wide space and freedom : ye Gods, +preserver us evermore with blessings. + +HYMN LXVII. Biihaspati. + + +This holy hymn, sublime and seven-headed, sprung from eter¬ +nal Law, our sire discovered. + +Ayasya, friend of all men, hath engendered the fourth hymn +as he sang his laud to Indra. + +2 Thinking aright, praising eternal Order, the sons of Dyaus the + +Asura, those heroes, + +Angirases, holding the rank of sages, first honoured sacrifice's +holy statute. + +3 Girt by his friends who cried with swan-like voices, bursting + +the stony barriers of the prison, + +Brihaspati spake in thunder to the cattle, and uttered praise +and song when he had found them. + +4 Apart from one, away from two above him, he drave the kine + +that stood in bonds of falsehood. + +Brihaspati, seeking light amid the darkness* drave forth the +bright cows : three he made apparent. + + +lUPiell “l Ag “ a ” d a ° COrdittg t0 SdWa - ^ ° f + +15 Repeated from the preceding hymn. + + +T ^veri-headed: ha. V mg seven divisions. Accompanied by seven bands of +the Maruts, or having seven metres, according to Sdy an a. Our sire .- Anriras +Fourth : or, extending to all four sides, mighty. -anguas. + +°?Y S o£ the ■'Wwases, representing metaphorically +the rays of light which had been stolen by the fiends of darkness. See I. 62. 1, + +A Apart from one, away from two : the meaning is uncertain Perha™ „t +a distance from the earth, down from heaven and the firmment. Falsehood +the wickedness of the treacherous ranis. Three: heaven, firmament ati + + + +HYMN 67.] THE RIGVEDA. 479 + +5 When he had cleft the lairs* and western castle, he cut off three + +from him who held the waters. + +Brihaspati discovered, while he thundered like Dyans, the +dawn, the Sun, the cow, the lightning. + +6 As with a hand, so with his roaring Indra cleft Vala through, + +the guardian of the cattle. + +Seeking the milk-draught with sweat-shining comrades ho stole +the Pani’s kine and left him weeping. + +7 He with bright faithful Friends, winners of booty, hath rent + +the milker of the cows asunder. + +Brihaspati with wild boars strong and mighty, sweating with +heat, hath gained a rich possession. v + +8 They, longing for the kine, with faithful spirit incited with + +their hymns the Lord of cattle. + +Brihaspati freed the radiant cows with comrades self-yoked, +averting shame from one another. + +9 In our assembly with auspicious praises exalting him who + +roareth like a lion, + +May we, in every fight where heroes conquer*, rejoice in strong +Brihaspati the Victor. + +10 When he had won him every sort of booty and gone to heaven + +and its most lofty mansions, + +Men praised Brihaspati the Mighty, bringing the light within +their mouths from sundry places. + +11 Fulfil the prayer that begs for vital vigour : aid in your wont¬ + +ed manner even the humble. + +Let all our foes be turned and driven backward. Hear this, +0 Heaven and Earth, ye All-producers. + +12 Indra with mighty strength hath cleft asunder the head of + +Arbuda the watery monster, + +Slain Ahi, and set free the Seven Rivers. 0 Heaven and Earth, +with all the Gods, protect us. + + +5 Western castle: this is obscure. Ludwig suggests that dpdchlm may mean +‘hostile’ or ‘detested.’ Three: heaven, firmnment, and earth. Him, who held +the waters: the demon Vala, who kept the rain, as well as the cows or rays of +light, imprisoned. The cow : the cattle ; the beams of light. + +6 Comrades: his faithful friends the Maruts. Wild hoars: the strong fierce +Maruts ; according to S&yana, ‘bearers of excellent water.’ + +8 The Lord of cattle : Brihaspati, so called because he had released them. + +10 The light: that is, the hymns of praise which will bring them the light +of help. The stanza is difficult. + +12 The watery monster: the fiend who dominated the ocean of air. Ahi: +or, the Dragon, Vritra or his brother. + + +m THE HYMNS’ OF [BOOK X, + +HYMN LXVIII. Brihaspati + +Like birds who keep their watch, plashing in water, like the +loud voices of the thundering rain-cloud, + +Like merry streamlets bursting from the mountain, thus to +Brihaspati our hymns have sounded. + +2 The Son of Angiras, meeting the cattle, as Bhaga, brought in + +Arvaman among us. + +As Friend of men he decks the wife and husband : as for the +race, Brihaspati, nerve our coursers. + +3 Brihaspati, 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. + +4 As the Sun dews with meath the seat of Order, and casts a + +flaming meteor down from heaven, + +So from the rock Brihaspati forced the cattle, and cleft the +earth's skin as it were with water. + +5 Forth 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, Brihaspati ga¬ +thered to himself the cattle. + +6 Brihaspati, 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. + +7 That secret name borne by the lowing cattle within the cave + +Brihaspati discovered, + +And drave, himself, the bright kine from the mountain, like a +bird's young after the eggs' disclosure. + + +2 The Son of Angiras; Brihaspati, especially worshipped and cherished by +Angiras. Aryaman: the Institution ot marriage, represented by Aryaman ; +one meaning of the name being groomsman or matchmaker. + +3 Out of mnnowing-baskets: sthivibhyah; the exact meaning of the word +is somewhat uncertain, but it is evidently a measure, basket, or instrument +connected with corn. Sthivmdntah, * armed with sthivis occurs in X. 27. 15, +and is said by Srtyana to mean ‘occupants of stations.’ Wilson renders +sthivibhyah in this place by ‘ from the granaries.’ The cows bestowed by +Brihaspati are countless as grains of barley on the threshing-floor or winnow- +ing-plaoe. + +4 Qleft the earth's skim,: or surface, with the hoofs of many cattle, + +5 A lily; stpdla : according to S&yana the same as Saivala, the Vallisneria +Octandra, a common aquatic plant. + +. 6 Weapon: 1 adopt ti&yana’s explanation of jdsum } although, in X. 33,2 +the same word means * exhaustion,’ + + + + +HYtfxr € 0.3 + + +THE RIG VEDA.. + + +481 + + +8 He looked around on rock-imprisoned sweetness as one who + +eyes a iish in scanty water. + +Brihaspati, cleaving through with varied clamour, brought it +forth like a bowl from out the timber. + +9 He found the light of heaven, and fire, and Morning : with + +l.ucid rays he forced apart the darkness. + +As from a joint, Brihaspati took the marrow of Yala as he +gloried in his cattle. + +10 As trees for foliage robbed by winter, Yala mourned for the + +cows Brihaspati bad taken. + +He did a deed ne’er done, ne’er to be equalled, whereby the +Sun and Moon ascend alternate. . ^ + +11 Like a dark steed adorned with pearl, the Fathers have deco¬ + +rated heaven with constellations. + +They set the light in day, in night the darkness. Brihaspati +cleft the rock and found the cattle. + +12 This homage have we offered to the Cloud-God who thunders + +out to many in succession. + +May this Brihaspati vouchsafe us fulness of life with kine and +horses, men, and heroes: + +fiYMH LXIX. Agni. + +Auspicious is the,Aspect of Yadbryasva’s fire; good is its +guidance, pleasant are its visitings. + +When first the people of Sumitra kindle it, with butter pour¬ +ed therein it crackles and shines bright. + +2 Butte v.Js that which makes Yadhryasva’s fire grow strong : +tb^ butter is its food, the butter makes it fat. + +It spreads abroad when butter hath been offered it, and balra- +' ed with streams of butter shines forth like the Sun. + + +8 Sweetness : the sweet milk ; that is, the cows who produced it. + +Like a bowl: which already exists potentially in the wood from which it ia +produced by cutting. + +9 ‘Wilson, following SAyana, paraphrases the second line :—* he seized (the +cattle from the rock) of Vala surrounded by the kine as (one extracts) mar¬ +row from a bone.’ + +11 The Fathers : * The connection of the fathers with the light, of which +they are both the embodiments and the guardians, is alone sufficient to ex¬ +plain their action in placing the stars in the sky/—Wallis, Cosmology of the +Mgveda i p. <58. Or, as Ludwig remarks, the Fathers themselves may be the +stars. + +12 To many: 'cowb * is, apparently, understood. S&yana supplies richat /— +* who .recites in order many (sacred stanzas)/—Wilson. + +1 Vadhryasva has been mentioned, in VI. 61.1, as a worshipper of Saras- +vatt : here he appears as a special worshipper of Agni. + +31 + + + + +m ~^HE^YMWs~<rr - lima auSL. + +3 Still newest is this face of thine, 0 Agni, which Manu and Su- + +mitra have enkindled. p . + +So richly shine, accept our songs with favour, so give us strength¬ +ening food, so send us glory. + +4 Accept this offering, Agni, whom aforetime Vadhryasva hath + +entreated and enkindled. + +Guard well our homes and people, guard our bodies, protect +thy gift to us which thou hast granted. + +J& Be splendid, guard us, Kinsman of Vadhryasva : let not the +enmity of men overcome thee. + +Like the bold hero Chyavana, I Sumitra tell forth the title of +Vadhryqava/s Kinsman. + +6 All treasures hast thou won, of plains and mountains, and + +quelled the D&sas* and the Ary as 3 * 5 * 7 hatred. + +Like the bold hero Chyavana, 0 Agni, mayst thou subdue the +men who long for battle. + +7 Deft 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 Sutnitras. + +8 Thine is the teeming cow, 0 Jatave&as, who pours at once her + +ceaseless flow, Sabardhuk. + +Thou art lit up by men enriched with guerdon, 0 Agni, by +the pious-souled Sumitras. + +9 Even Immortal Gods, 0 JStatvedas, Vadhryasva’s Kinsman, + +have declared thy grandeur. + +When human tribes drew near with supplication thouconquer- +edst with men whom thou hadst strengthened. + +10 Like as a father bears his son, 0 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. + +11 Vadhryasva’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. + + +3 Sumitra: son of Vadhryasva and Rishi of the hymn. + +5 Chyavana ; a son of Bhrigu. Or the word may mean * conquering, 1 as + +S&yana interprets it. Vadhryatva's Kinsman: as having been especially + +worshipped and cherished by that Rishi, See stanza 10. + +7 A lengthened thread: continual sacrifices, from ancient to present times. +Devices: ways of attaining hie object. Or satdnitha may mean, 1 having a +hundred or many musical inodes or Bacred songs ; 1 or * praised by many : 1 +* k the leader of hundreds (of burnt offerings ). 1 —Wilson. + + + +THE EIGVEHA. + + +HYMN 70,] + + +433 + + +12 This Agni of Vadhryasva, Vritra-slayer, lit from of old, must +be invoked with homage. + +As such assail our enemies, Vadhryasva, whether the foes be +strangers or be kinsmen. + +HYMN LXX. Apris, + +Enjoy, 0 Agni, this my Fuel, welcome the oil-filled ladle wlieie +we pour libation. + +Bise up for worship of the Gods, wise Agni, on the earth's +height, while days are blight with beauty. + +2 May he who goes before the Gods come hither with steeds + +whose shapes are varied, Nar^sansa. + +May he, most Godlike, speed our offered viancTs with homage +God-ward on the path of Order. + +3 Men 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. + +4 May the delight of Gods spread out transversely: may it be + +with us long in length and fragrant. + +0 Holy Grass divine, with friendly spirit bring thou the wil¬ +ling Gods whose Chief is Indra, + +5 Touch ye the far-extending height of heaven/-o* spring apart + +to suit the wide earth's measure. + +Yearning, ye Doors, with those subliip' m greatness, seize +eagerly the heavenly Car that comet** + +6 Here in this shrine may Dawn the Daughters of + +Heaven, the skilful Goddesses/*^ seated. + +In your wide lap, auspicious,/^ n & Ladies, may the Gods seat +them with a willing spir^ + +7 Up stands the stone, hi^urns the fire enkindled: Aditi’s lap + +contains the Frijp^Y Natures. + +Ye Two Chief w ^ 10 serve at this our worship, may ye, + +more skilL^ w * u * or us r * c k possessions. + + +Other may be compared ; I. 13, 142, and 188 ; II. 3 ; III. 4 ; + +y 5 . yxS, 2 , and IX. 5. The usual deities and deified objects, with the ex- +of Tanunap&t, are invoked. + +■3 As Hotar : *as ministrant priest.'—Wilson. + +4 The delight of Gods ; the sacred grass. + +5 The heavenly Car : which brings the Gods. + +7 The stone: with which the Soma juice is expressed. Aditi’s lap: the +surface of the earth. The Friendly Natures: the Gods, According to +$&yana, * the acceptable sacrificial vessels.' Two Chief Priests : purdhitau ; +perhaps Agni and Aditya. More shilled; than human priests. + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +484 + + +[BOOK X + + +8 On our wide grass, Three Goddesses be seated: for you have +we prepared and made it pleasant. + +May IB, she whose foot drops oil, the Goddess, taste, man-like, +sacrifice and well-set presents. + +. 9 Since thou, God Tvashfcar, 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. + +10 Well 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. + +11 Agni, bring hither Varuna 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 SvaM. + + +HYMH LXXL JMnam. + +When men, Brihaspati, giving names to objects, sent out V&k’a +first and earliest utterances, + +All that vas excellent and spotless, treasured within them, was +disclosed through their affection. + +2 Where, like cleansing corn-flour in a cribble, the wise in +spirit have crt^ed language, + +Friends see and recM^ n j Z e the marks of friendship: their speech +retains the blessed imprinted. + + +8 Three Goddesses: IU, Sarasvat!,^ BbAratt. Taste: the verb is plural, +meaning, may Ila and the others taste. Mandike: as at the sacrifice of Manu, +according to S&yana. + + +10 Binding with thy cord: it is not dear wlmth? hnnnd A r rnnoWl + +in order. According to Siyana, the pilte,,, + +devdndm , food of the Gods, is to be fastened with a rope. Wnnd . + +vdnaspati: the yttpa or Sacrificial Post. ^ + +11 Svdhd: that is, in the sacrificial offerings presented with the + +S?4h4, Ave, or Hail. ciamauon + +JMnam or Knowledge, the subject of this very difficult hymn, is said by +SAyapa to mean Paramabrahmajh&mim, knowledge of the higher truths of +Religion, which teaches man his own nature and how he may be reunited to +the Supreme Spirit. + +iydk; Voice or Speech, the Sacred Word. Here specially tbe voice of +the hymn regarded as the means of communication between men and Goda. +Vidic Jndia (Story of the Hations Series), pp. 269_271. + + + +HfMtf n.] THE El a VELA. '* 48$ + +3 With sacrifice the trace of V&k they followed, and found her + +harbouring within the Rishis. + +They brought her, dealt her forth in many places: seven +singers make her tones resound in concert* + +4 One man hath ne’er seen Yak, 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. + +5 One 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. + +p», + +6 No part in Yak hath he who hath abandoned his own dear + +friend who knows the truth of friendship. + +Even if be hears her still in vain he listens: naught knows +he of the path of righteous action. + +7 Unequal 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. + +8 When friendly Brahmans sacrifice together with mental im¬ + +pulse which the heart hath fashioned, + +They leave one far behind through their attainments, and some +who count as Brahmans wander elsewhere. + +9 Those men who step not back and move not forward, nor + +Brahmans nor preparers of libations, + +Having attained to Yak in sinful fashion spin out their thread +in ignorance like spinsters. + +10 All 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. + + +3 Harbouring within the ftishis; they discovered, in the course of sacrifice, +that the inspired Rishis alone understood Speech as required for religious +purposes. In many places: among the Hotar-priests. Seven singers: e the +seven noisy (birds) meet together.*—Wilson : referring, says S&yana, to the +seven metres, the Gftyatri, etc. + +. S Some who count as Brahmans wander elsewhere: 'others walk about +boasting to be brahmans —Muir. + +9 Step not bach and move not forward: take no active part in religious +ceremonies. ' Those who do not walk (with the Brahmans) in this lower +world, nor (with the gods) in the upper world,’ is Wilson’s paraphrase of the +text which I have rendered literally. Like spinsters: 1 (like) female weavers. +Buch is the sense which Prof. Aufrecht thinks may, with probability, be +assigned to iirU t a word which occurs only here.’—Muir. + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +486 + + +[BOOH X, + + +11 One plies his constant task reciting verses: one sings the holy +psalm in Sakvar! measures, + +One more, the Brahman, tells the lore of being, and one lays +down the rules of sacrificing. + +HYMN LXXII. The Gods. + +Let us with tuneful skill proclaim these generations of the Gods, + +That one may see them when these hymns are chanted in a +future age. + +2 These Brahmanaspati produced with blast and smelting, like + +a smith. + +Existence, in an earlier age of Gods, from Non-existence sprang. + +3 Existence, m the earliest age of Gods, fromNon-existence sprang. + +Thereafter were the regions born. This sprang from the Pro¬ +ductive Power. + +4 Earth sprang from the Productive Power; the regions from + +. the earth were born. + +Dakaha was born of Adifci, and Aditi was Daksha’s Child. + +5 Eor Aditi, 0 Daksha, she who is thy Daughter, was brought + +forth. + +After her were the blessed Gods bom sharers of immortal life. + +6 When ye, 0 Gods, in yonder deep close-clasping one another + +stood, + +11 Reciting verses: repeating richcts or verses of the Rigveda. This is the +duty of the Hotar. The holy psalm: the GAyatra or S&man. The Udg&tar +or Chanter, one of the four chief priests is intended. The lore of being: the +knowledge of all that exists. Lays down the rules: * prescribes the order.' +—Muir. ‘ Measures the materials. 1 —Wilson. This is the duty of the A dh- +varyu, another of the chief priests. The hymn has been transliterated +and translated by Dr. J. Muir, 0. S. Texts, I. pp. 264 -~256. It has also been +metrically rendered by the authors of the Siebenzig Zieder des Rigvcda, who +have endeavoured, V;." J ; t/* ; ■" -rir ? of the stanzas, to bring them into +closer connexion. A- * ■■■"■ _* 1 r* i. the subject of the whole hymn ia +1 the eulogy of the understanding of the Veda as essential to divine knowledge.' + + +2 These: all beings. Like a smith: as a blacksmith blows up his fire and +melts metal. + +3 The regions: * the quarters (of the, horizon).'—Wilson. This: meaning +earth. Productive Power: the meaning of uttdnapadah is uncertain. Wallis +renders it by 'the begetter (the sky)’; Wilson by * the upward-growing (tree).' + +4 And Aditi was JDaksha's Child: ‘ Yaska remarks...How can this be + +possible ? They may have had the same origin ; or, according to the nature of +the gods, they may have been born from each other,—have derived their subs¬ +tance from one another.’— 0. S, Texts, IV. 13. Aditi is Infinity or the Infinite, +and Daksha is Force or Power personified. See Vedic Hymns , I, p. 245. + +6 ' The two verses 6 and 7 are interesting as containing an independent story +of the origin of the world : the gods are said to have kicked up in dancing +the atoms which formed the earth.'—Wallis, Cosmology of the Rigveda , p. 4S. + + + + +TEB BIG VEDA. + + +487 + + +ETMN 73 .] + + +Thence, as of dancers, from your feet a thickening cloud of dust +arose. + +7 When, O ye Gods, like Yatis, ye caused all existing things to + +grow, + +Then ye brought Surya forward who was lying hidden in +the sea. + +8 Eight are the Sons of Aditi who from her body sprang to life. +With seven she went to meet the Gods: she cast Martin da + +far away. + +9 So with her Seven Sons Aditi went forth to meet the earlier + +age. + +She brought Martin da thitherward to spring £o life and die +again. + +HYMN LXXIII. Indra. + +Thou wast born mighty for victorious valour, exulting, strong¬ +est, full of pride and courage. + +There, even there, the Maruts strengthened Indra when his +most rapid Mother stirred the Hero. + +2 There with fiend’s ways e’en Prisani was seated : with much + +laudation they exalted Indra. + +As if encompassed by the Mighty-footed, from darkness, near +at hand, forth came the Children. + +3 High 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. 0 Indra, maysfc +thou turn the Asvius hither. + + +7 Tati** devotees. + +8 Sight are the Sotte: according to the A Coramentator, Mxtra, Vanina, Dh&tar, +Aryaman, Ansa, Bhaga, Yivasv&n, and Aditya (the Sun). Mdrtdnda: SGrya, +the Sun. His exposure probably refers to his sweeping through ’the sky.— +Ludwig. But see Bergaigne, La Religion Vddique, III. 107. + + +1 Mother: Aditi. Stirred the Eero: gave him free motion as soon as he was +born, or incited him to action by telling him of his future opponent. See VIII. +45. 5, and 66. 2. + +2 This stanza is unintelligible to me. Prisani: meaning perhaps Prism, a * + +Ludwig conjectures. The Mighty-footed; Indra. The Children : the new-born +Maruts. Wilson translates, after S&yana :—* The martial troop of (Indra) the +injurer encamped around ft \^ —v’ %, "v n d' by the swift-moving (Maruts); + +they animated him with /:■ ■ \ .■■. ; ■ a ■*, Rattle) penned up within a great +stall, the embryonic (waters) issued from the ( VritraJ who had arrived iu the +form of darkness.’ + +3 Eigh are thy feet: as travelling through the heavens. Eyenas ; edluvriktfn : +jackals/—Wilson. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X, + +4 Speeding at once to saciifice thou comest ; for friendship + +thou art bringing both Hlsatyas. + +Thou hadst a thousand treasures in possession. The Asvins, +0 thou Hero, gave thee riches. + +5 Glad, for the race that rests on holy Order, with friends who + +hasten to their goal, hath Indra +With these his mngic powers assailed the Dasyu: he cast +away the gloomy mists, the darkness. + +6 Two of like name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra strik¬ + +ing down the car of Ushas. + +With thy beloved lofty Friends thou earnest, and with the +assurance of thine heart thou slewest. + +7 War-loving Namuchi thou smotest, robbing the D&sa of his + +magic for the Rishi. + +For man thou madest ready pleasant pathways, paths lead¬ +ing as it were directly God-ward. + +8 These names of thine thou hast fulfilled completely : as Lord, + +thou holdest in thine arm, 0 Indra. + +In thee, through thy great might, the Gods are joyful: the +roots of trees hast thou directed upward. + +9 May 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. + +10 When others call him offspring of the Courser, my meaning is +that Mighty Power produced him. + +He came from Manyu and remained in housea : whence he +hath sprung is known to Indra only. + + +6 Two of lilce name: or, of similar nature; gloomy mists and darkness. The +car of Ushas: see IV* 30. 8—11. The assurance of thy heart: thy trusted +thunderbolt. + +8 Thou hast fulfilled: hast acted in full accordance with the names thou +bearest, such as Yntra-slayer, Sakra, etc. Thou holdest: the thunderbolt. +The roots of trees: the clouds are often compared to trees. The rain is tlieir +fruit, and when they pour it down their roots aro supposed to be turned up¬ +ward. + +9 Quoit: chakrdm; meaning the thunderbolt. The udder: the firmament. + +10 The Courser: meaning Heaven. Manyu ; wrath, passion or ardour, +personified, My meaning is: the speaker declares that he is raised above the +common mythological explanations. He considers the God to have sprung +from a transcendental Power.—Ludwig. + +Grassmann banishes this hymn to his Appendix as being generally obscure +and in parts absolutely unintelligible. I have, for the most part, fallowed +Ludwig’s interpretation. + + + + +THE M1GVEDA. + + +m + + +HYMN 74 .] + +11 Like birds of beauteous wing the Priyamedhas, Rishis, im* +ploring, have come nigh to Indra: + +Dispel the darkness and fill full our vision ; deliver us as men +whom snares entangle. + +HYMN LXXIV. Indra. + +I 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. + +2 Their 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. + +3 This is the song of those Immortal Beings who long for trea¬ + +sures in their full perfection. + +May these, completing prayers and sacrifices, bestow upon us +wealth where naught is wanting. + +4 Those living men extolled thy deed, 0 Indra, those who would + +fain burst through the stall of cattle, + +Fain to milk her who bare but once, gi'eat, lofty, whose Sons +are many and her streams past number. + +5 Sachivan, win to your assistance Indra who never bends, who + +overcomes his foemen, + +Ribhukshan, Maghavan, the hymn’s upholder, who, rich in +food, bears man’s kind friend, the thunder. + +6 Since he who won of old anew hath triumphed, Indra hath + +earned his name of Vritra-slayer. + +He hath appeared, the mighty Lord of Conquest. What we +would have him do let him accomplish. + + +The subject of the hymn is a coming horse-race, and the Eishi invokes in +favour of the Yajam&na, the Vasus, racero who have won the prize in former +times, and the men who owned them. Indra also is appealed to for help. +See Vediscke Studien, I. p. 129. + +2 The call of Gods ; the Gods are imagined as present and interested in the +race. They kissed the ground: the horses lightly touched the earth as they +ran. + +4 Those living men: the Angirases. Her viho hare hut once: Heaven, accord¬ +ing to S&yana ; Earth, according to Grassmann. Prisni, the mother of the +Maruts, must be meant.—Ludwig. See YI. 48. 22, + +5 Sachivan: apparently a man’s name. * Colcbrator of holy rites.’—Wilson. + +6 He who won of old: the Ya jam Ana. He hath appeared; the poet ima¬ +gines Indra himself to be present. + + + +490 TBE BYMNS OF {BOOK X . + +HYMN LXXV. The Elvers, + +The singer, 0 ye Waters, in Vivas v&n’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. + +2 Varuna cut the channels for thy forward course, 0 Sindhu, + +when thou rannest on to win the race. + +Thou speedesfc o’er precipitous ridges of the earth, when thou +art Lord and Leader of these moving floods. + +3 His 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 Sin¬ +dhu rushes on bellowing like a bull. + +4c Like 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. + +5 Favour ye this my laud, 0 Gang&, Yamun&, 0 Sutudri, Paru- + +shni, and Sarasvatx: + +With Asikni, Vitasta, 0 Marudvridh&, 0 A.rjiktyaL with Su- +shoma hear my call. + +6 First with Trisht{tm& thou art eager to flow forth, with Rasa, + +and Susartu, and with Svetysl here, + +With Kubh&; and with these, Sindhu ! and Mehatnu, thou +seekest in thy course ELrumu and Gomati. + + +1 0 ye Waters: apparently the Rivers are addressed as representing all the +divine Waters. Vivas vein's place; where the singers stand when they sing +hymns. ^ Triply t seven and seven: twenty-one rivers; twp other sets of seven +each being added to the seven chief rivers of the Panj&b. S&yana explains +differently ;— t they flowed by sevens through the three (worlds)/—-Wilson. +* Each set of seven [streams] has followed a threefold course/-—-Muir. 1 By +seven and seven.in three courses.’—M. Miiller. + +5 The poet addresses first the most distant rivers, Gangd: the Ganges is +mentioned, indirectly, in only one other verse of the Figueda, and even there, +the word is said by some to be the name of a woman, See VI. 45 31 +Vamund: the Jumna. Satudri: the Sutlej or Satlaj. Paruslmi: the R4vt +Sarasvatt: see VI. 61. 2. Asikni; the ancient Acesines ; the Vedic name of + +the ChandrabMgA ^., V- Vitastd: probably the Jhelum, the + +?Af * : { « ’ „ *' ; meanin £> increased by the Maruts : + +not identified. ArjiUyd and Sushomd are said by Yiiska to be the Vipfts and +the feiudhu ; .but this is not possible, and it is uncertain what riverB are +meant. + +rp, 6 Krumv , and Gomati have been mentioned in previous Books. + +1 he other streams whose names occur in this stauza are probably unimportant +affluents of the Indus. All that is known regarding the rivers mentioned in +stanzas 5 and 6 may be found in Zimmer’s Altindisches Lehen , pp. 4fif, + + + + +THE RIGVEDA, + + +HYMN 76 .] + + +491 + + +7 Flashing 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 dap¬ +pled mare, beautiful, fair to see. + +8 Rich in good steeds is Sindhu, rich in cars and robes, rich in + +gold, nobly-fashioned, richjn ample wealth. + +Blest Silamavati and young XJrn&vati invest themselves with +raiment rich in store of sweets. + +9 Sindhu hath yoked her car, light-rolling, drawn by steeds, + +and with that car shall she win booty in this fight. + +So have I praised its power, mighty and unrestrained, of +independent glory, roaring as it runs. • + +HYMN LXXVT Press-stones. + +I 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. + +2 Press the libation out, m >st 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. + +3 Juice that this Stone pours out removes defect of ours, as in + +old time it brought prosperity to man. + + +7 In her mightiness: in the preceding stanzas Sindhu appears to be a River- +God, but in this and following verses the epithets are feminine. + +8 Silamdvatt and Urnivati appear to be names of rivers. According to +S&yana, the words are epithets of Sindhu and mean respectively ‘ abounding +in Stlamd plants/ saul to be used for cordage, and ‘rich in wool.’ The +meaning of the second half of the second line is uncertain: —* wears [as only +one river is supposed to be the subject] honey-growing (flowers).’—Wilson. + +9 In this fight: the hymn may, as Prof. Ludwig suggests, be a prayer +for aid in a battle that is to be fought on the banks of the Sindhu or Indus. +The hymn has been transliterated and translated by Dr. J. Muir, 0. S. Texts, +V, 343 — 345 } and a version of stanzas 1 —8 is given by Prof. Zimmer, Altindit- +ohes Leben , p. 4. A complete translation, with full explanatory notes, is given +in Max Muller’s India , What can it Teach us ?, pp. 164—168. + +1 i grasp at you: *1 propitiate you.’—Wilson. Power and strength: the +morning beams which bring new vigour. Pay and Night: or, f both day-halves.’ + +3 To man: or, to Manu. Tvashtar'$ milk-blent juice; the Soma juice brewed +by Tvashtar for the year, which represents the life-sustaining power of Nature. +—Ludwig. Bright with the hue of steeds : tawny-coloured. Sdyana interprets +differently :—‘when the son of Twashtri, hidden by the (stolen) cows, and +assuming the form of a horse, (was to be slain).’—Wilson. Trishas the son of +Tvashtar was regarded as an enemy of the Gods. Indra slew him and took +possession of the Soma, + + + +m + + +fttJS HYMNS OP + + +[BOOK + + +At sacrifices they established holy rites on Tvashfcar’s milk- +blent juice bright with the hue of steeds* + +4 Drive ye the treacherous demons far away from us: keep + +JSTirriti afar aud banish penury. + +Pour riches forth for us with troops of hero sons, and bear ye +up, 0 Stones, the song that visits Gods. + +5 To yon who are more mighty than the heavens themselves, + +who, finishing your task with more than Yibhvan’s speed, +More rapidly than Vayu seize the Soma juice, better than +Agni give us food, to you I sing. + +6 Stirred 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, seuding their voice around in livalry of speed. + +7 The 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. + +8 Ye, present men, have been most skilful in your work, even + +ye, 0 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. + + +HYM1ST LXXVII. Maruts. + +As 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. + + +4 Nirriti: the Goddess of Death and Destruction. + +5 Vibhvan: one of the three Ribhus. Ydyu; or, the wind, + +6 The men : meaning the press-stones. Cf. stanza 8, + +7 The udder's store?' the juice contained in the milky Soma-plant. With +their hps: with the praises that they utter. + +8 Worshipper: Sdyana. explains lunvati by yajamdnaya, to the Yaiamtaa. +or sacrifice!-. Ihe more literal translation would be ‘to the presser,’ the man +who presses out or effuses the Soma juice. + + + + +TEE RIG VEDA, + + +HYMN 77 .] + + +493 + + +2 The youths have wrought their ornaments for glory through + +many nights,—this noble band of Maruts. + +Like stags the Sons of Dyaus have striven onward, the Sons +of Aditi grown strong like pillars. + +3 They who extend beyond the earth and heaven, by their own + +mass, as from the cloud spreads Surya; + +Like mighty Heroes covetous of glory, like heavenly gallants +who destroy the wicked. + +4 When 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 ’fcwere, with viands. + +5 Ye 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 hover¬ +ing birds urged forward, scattering rain around. + +6 When ye come forth, 0 Maruts, from the distance, from the + +great treasury of rich possesions, + +Knowing, 0 Vasus, boons that should be granted, even from +afar drive back the men who hate us. + +7 He 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. + +8 For these are helps ^ adored at sacrifices, bringing good fortune + +by their name Adityas. + +Speeding on cars let them protect our praises, delighting in +our sacrifice*and worship. + + +2 This noble band of Maruts : Prof. Ludwig suggests that sumttrutam + +means here a festival held in honour of the Maruts at the end of the periodi¬ +cal rains, and that, after many nights, the Maruts adorn themselves for this. +Pillars : I follow Ludwig ; but the meaning of akrdh is uncertain. Geldner +taken it to mean 2 * 4 horses,’ a parallelism to stags, or antelopes. S&yana makes +tad, like, negative, and explains akr&h by dkramanasildh * the swift-going +sons of Aditi do not increase in glory,’—Wilson. + +4 This your all-feeding sacrifice approaches : * this manifold sacrifice comes +towards you.’—Wilson. + +7 In the rite's final duty: Sftyana explains udrichi yajM by yajfie samdpta - +stutike sampdrne sati, when the sacrifice has its praise perfected, when the +sacrifice is complete. As a man: according to Ludwig, 'no longer a man/ +that is, not in his human character but having become divine by worship. +Where the Gods drink Soma: he, a God himself, shall be admitted to the +Gods’ society. + + + + +494 + + +TEE EYMNS OP + + +[BOOK X + + +HYMN LXXVIII. Manila. + +Yb by your hymns are like high-thoughted singers, skilful, +inviting Gods with sacrifices \ + +Fair to behold, like Kings, with bright adornment, like spot¬ +less gallants, leaders of the people: + +% Like 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. + +3 Shakers of all, like gales of wind they travel, like tongues of + +burning fires in their effulgence. + +Mighty ap they as Warriors clad in armour, and, like the +Fathers' prayers, Most Bounteous Givers. + +4 Like 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. + +5 They 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. + +6 Born 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. + +7 Like 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. 0 + +8 Gods, send us happiness and make us wealthy, letting us sing¬ + +ers prosper, 0 ye Maruts. + +Bethink you of our praise and of our friendship: ye fro m of old +have riches to vouchsafe us. + +HYMN LXXIX. Agni. + +I 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. + +4 Shedding their precious halm: pouring out the fertilizing rain as liberally +a* young wooers give presents. + +6 Born from the stream: from the sea of air, or from Sin&hu, the Indus. + +7 They measure out the distances: ‘have traversed leagueB.’—Wilson. +* They measure many miles,’—M. Muller, + + + +HYMN 80.] + + +THE RIQVEJDA. + + +495 + + +2 His 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. + +3 Seeking, 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 recesses. + +4 This holy Law I tell you, Earth and Heaven : the Infant at + +his birth devours his Parents. + +Ho knowledge of the God have I, a mortal. Yea, Agni know- +etb best, for he hath wisdom. + +5 This 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. + +6 Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the Gods ? In + +ignorance 1 ask thee. + +Playing, not playing, hegold-hued and toothless, hath cut his +food up as the knife a victim. + +7 He, born in wood hath yoked his horses rushing in all direc¬ + +tions, held with reins that glitter. + +The well-born friend hath carved his food with Yasus: in all +his limbs he hath increased and prospered. + +HYMN LXXX. Agni. + +Agni 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 dam's who teems with heroes. + + +2 His eyes : according to S&yana, the eyes of Agni are the distant Sun and +Moon, and his head is hidden in mens’ stomachs, in the shape of the heat +which enables them to digest their food. His food ; the sticks for fuel, which +are bound up into fagots. + +3 This stanza is very obscure. Agni, bom from the wood of the fire-sticks* +seems, as he creeps through the brushwood that he is burning, to seek +entrance again into his mother’s side. He then finds an old dry tree or log, +which had been deeply rooted in the earth, and feeds od it as on food that +haB been specially prepared for him. + +4 His Parents: the two fire-sticks from which he has been produced. + +6 Hast thou committed sin t: Art thou as voracious and destructive in +heaven as thou art on earth ? Playing , not •playing ; playing about the fuel, +and yet earnestly intent on devouring his food. * Sporting (here), not sporting +(there).’—Wilson. A victim: gftm; ox or cow. + +7 The well-born Friend : Agni. Zn all hit limbs; parvdbhih ; * with logs of +wood.’—-Wilson. + + + + +496 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +2 Blest 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. + +3 Agni rejoiced the ear of him who praised him, and from the + +waters burnt away Jarfttha. + +Agni saved Atri in the fiery cavern, and made Nrimedha rich +with troops of children. + +4 Agni 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. + +5 With songs of praise the Rishis call on Agni; on Agni, heroes + +worsted in the foray. + +Birds %ing in the region call on Agni: around a thousand * +cattle Agni wanders. + +6 Races of human birth pay Agni worship, men who have sprung + +from Nab us’ line adore him. + +Stablished in holy oil is Agni’s pasture, on the Gandharva +path of Law and Order. + +7 The Ribhus fabricated prayer for Agui, and we with mighty + +hymns have called on Agni. + +Agni, Most Youthful God, protect the singer: win us by wor¬ +ship, Agni, great possessions. + +HYMN LXXXI. Visvakarman. + +Hs who sate down as Ho tar-priest, the Rishi, our Father, +offering up all things existing,— + +He, seeking through his wish a great possession, came among +men on earth as archetypal. + + +3 JarUtha: see VII. 1. 7, and 9, 6. Atri: his deliverance is ascribed to +the Asvins in I. 112. 7, 116. 8, 117, 3, and 118. 7. + +5 Around a thousand cattle: in the fires lighted to keep off wild beasts +and demons of darkness. + +6 Gandharvapath: sublime; that which the Gandharvas in heaven use +to travel. + +7 The Mbhus: or Eishis skilful as the Eibhus. + +Yisvakarman, the Omnifie, is represented in this hymn as the universal +Father and Generator, the Creator of all things and Architect of the worlds. + +1 * n r , • -■*- - - . —vvarded as being contained in the offerings presented +by ’• A .“ .; hU wish: through his desire to create. Archety¬ +pal: the meann^ •■*’**■. T * * ■ 7 id uncertain. In Wilson’s Translation + +1 inventor * is a y k -. • */ that is, ' first investing Agni with the + +worlds,' according to Sdyana’s explanation. ‘First appearing,*—Ludwig, + +4 The first worshipper.*—Wallis. + + + + + +HYMN 81.] THE BIG VELA. 497 + +2 What was the place whereon he took his station 1 What was + +it that supported him ? How was it? + +Whence Visvakarman, seeing all, producing the earth, with +mighty power disclosed the heavens. + +3 He 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. + +4 What was the tree, w'hat wood in sooth produced it, from which + +they fashioned out the earth and heaven 1 +Ye thoughtful men inquire within your spirit whjereon he stood +when he established all things. + +5 Thine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid¬ + +most here, 0 Visvakarman, + +Teach thou thy friends at sacrifice, 0 Blessed, and come thy¬ +self, exalted, to our worship. + +6 Bring thou thyself, exalted with oblation, - 0 Visvakarman, + +Earth and Heaven to worship. + +Let other men around us live in foHy : here let us have a rich +and liberal patron. + +7 Let us invoke to-day, tp'U'ici our labour, the Lord of Speech, + +the thought-swiftWisvakarman. + +May he hear ki*Kffy all our invocations who gives all bliss for +aid, whos^works are righteous. + +3 WefcMth them: cp. IV. 2. 17, and X. 72. 2. With his arms as wings : +fanning the flame in which the matter is smelted, Ludwig thinks that + +. whirlwinds, produeed^by the action of hands, feet, and wings, are intended. + +4 The first half-line occurs also in X. .31. 7. They: the makers of the +world directed by Paramesvara.—S&yana. + +5 Or the first, half-line may be rendered :—‘ Thy sacrificial forms, the +highest, lowest . 1 Come thyself, exalted, to our worship: * exhilarated, thyself +offer up thyself.'—Muir. ‘ Do thou sacrifice to thyself delighting thyself/ — +Wallis. r According to Mahldhara the meaning is that man is incompetent +to worship the creator, that is, in his forms, and it must be done by +himRelf.'—Wilson. I have adopted Prof. Ludwig’s explanation of the last clause. + +6 j Bring . to worship : or, sacrifice to Heaven and Earth. + +7 Our labour: the arduous work of sacrificing. f In our conflict/—Muir. +The hymn has been translated by Dr. J. Muir, 0. S . Texts , IV. pp. 6, 7, by +Mr. Wallis, Cosmology of the Bigveda , pp. 81—83, and, partly, by Prof. F. +Max Muller in his Hibbert Lectures, p. 293f. + +See also Mme. Z4naide Ragozin, Yedic India , pp, 263, 416. + +32 + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +m + + +[BOOH X + + +HYMN LXXXII. Visvakarman. + +The 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. + +2 Mighty in mind and power is Visvakarman, Maker, Disposer, + +and most lofty Presence. + +Their offerings joy in rich juice where they value One, only +One, beyond the Seven Rishis. + +3 Father who made us, he who, as Disposer, knoweth all races + +and all things existing, + +Even he 'alone, the Dei ties’ name-giver,—him other beings +seek for information. + +4 To him in sacrifice they offered treasures,—Rishia of old, in + +numerous troops, as singers, + +Who, in the distant, near, and lower region, made ready all +these things that have existence. + +5 That 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 ? + +6 The 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. + +7 Ye 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. + +1 The Father of the eye: Visvakarman, who made the light which enables +the eye to see. Submerged in fatness: S&yana explains ghritam here by +* water * engendered the water, (and then) these two (heaven and earth) +floating (on the waters).’—Wilson. + +2 Most lofty Presence: literally, the highest apparition ; the highest image +or object of spiritual contemplation. Their offerings: the offerings, or per¬ +haps the wishes, of the Fathers, semi-peraonified. The Seven Mshis: the +constellation Ursa Major, the seven stars of which are the great RishiB Mariehi, +Atri, Angiras, Pulasfcya, Pulaha, Kratu, and Vasishtha. The meaning is that +the spirits of the blest enjoy the fulfilment of all their desires beyond the +starry heavens where the One Being, the great Creator, dwells. + +3 For information: to learn who is the Supreme God ; or what their seve¬ +ral functions are. + +4 Distant , near, and lower region; meaning, apparently, the heavenly, the +earthly, and the intermediate atmosphere. + +6 The Unborn , Aja, seems here to he identified with Visvakarman. See +Vedic India, pp. 423, 424. + +7 Another thing: meaning, according to the Commentator, 'Visvakarman + + + +hymn 83.] ms niGVBBA. m + +HYMN LXXXIII. Manyu. + +He who hath reverenced thee, Manyu, destructive bolt, breeds +a for himself forthwith all conquering energy. + +Arya aud Dasa will we conquer with thine aid, with thee the +Conqueror, with conquest conquest-sped. + +2 Manyu was Indra, yea, the God was Manyu, Manyu was + +Hotar, Varuna, J&tavedas. + +The tribes of human lineage worship Manyu. Accordant with +thy fervour, Manyu, guard us. + +3 Come hither, Manyu, mightier than the mighty; chase, with + +thy fervour for ally, our foemen. # + +Slayer of foes, of Vritra, and of Dasyu, bring thou to us all +kinds of wealth and treasure. + +4 For thou art, Manyu, of surpassing vigour, fierce, queller of + +the foe, and self-existent, + +Shared by all men, victorious, subduer: vouchsafe to us +superior strength in battles. + +5 I have departed, still without a portion, wise God ! according + +to thy will, the Mighty. + +I, feeble man, was wroth with thee, 0 Manyu : I am myself ; +come thou to give me vigour. + +6 Come hither, I am all thine own; advancing turn thou to + +me, Victorious, All-supporter ! + + +is a different entity from you who are sentient beings, who have individual +consciousness, and so forth.*—See Editor’s note in Wilson’s translation. +S&yana ‘gives the general sense of the last clause [of the stanza] as “ You +are merely anxious for enjoyment in this world and iu the next, therefore +you know nothing of Visoakarman” taking ukthasdsah as implying singing +hymns with a view t*o gaining felicity in a future »tate, Mahldhara has a +similar explanation : “you who are engaged in the enjoyments of this world +or the next, being subject to false knowledge or ignorance, have no knowledge +of the Truth.” *—Wilson. + +With regard to this and the preceding hymn Mr. Wallis observes that +they make no attempt to explain in what way the process of sacrifice could +be regarded as an act of creation. We are told little more than that Visva- +karman was a primeval sacrifieer and also a creator ; we have no hint how to +combine the two ideas ?i“ A ? 1 ".-unity. See Cosmology of the Rigveda, + +pp. 83, 84, and Muir, 0. S i V • I 7 j 8, where the hymn is translated and +some of its difficulties are discussed. Prof. Ludwig's Commentary iB especi¬ +ally full and valuable, and should be consulted by all students of the Veda. + +1 Manyu: Anger, Passion, personified, + +3 With thy fervour : tdpasd : tdpas means * heat,’ * burning/ and, secondly, +penance, rigorous abstraction. + +5 Without a portion: without a share in thy favours. lam myself: I am +just what I am ; a weak mortal, for whose infirmity allowance Bhould be made, +' Being (incorporated with) my body, approach me.’—Wilson. + + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X, + +Come to me, Manyu, Wielder of the Thunder ; bethink thee of +thy friend, and slay the Dasyus, + +7 Approach, 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. + +HYMN LXXXIV. Manyu. + +Bobne on with thee, 0 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. + +2 Flashing "like fire, be thou, 0 conquering Manyu, invoked, 0 + +Victor, as our army’s leader. + +Slay thou our foes, distribute their possessions : show forth +thy vigour, scatter those who hate us. + +3 0 Manyu, overcome thou our assailant: on ! breaking, slay¬ + +ing, crushing down the foemen. + +They have not hindered thine impetuous vigour : Mighty, +Sole bom ! thou makest them thy subjects. + +4 Alone of many thou art worshipped, Manyu ; sharpen the + +spirit of each clan for battle. + +With thee to aid, 0 thou of perfect splendour, we will uplift the +glorious shout for conquest. + +5 Unyielding, bringing victory like Indra, 0 Manyu, be thou + +bere our Sovran Ruler. + +To tby dear name, 0 Victor, we sing praises ; we know the +spring from which thou art come hither. + +6 Twin-born with power, destructive bolt of thunder, the highest + +conquering -might is thine, Subduer I +Be friendly to us in thy spirit, Manyu, 0 Much-invoked, in +shock of mighty battle. + +7 For spoil let Vanina and Manyu give us the wealth of both + +sides gathered aud collected ; + +And let our enemies with stricken spirits, o'erwhelmed with +terror, slink away defeated. + +1 Like flames of fire inform; agnivUpdh: Homer’s Ssfiag 7 rvpog aWofiivoio* + +3 Sole born: e 0 thou who art without companion.—Wilson, + +5 The spring; the source. + +7 For spoil; the preservation of their own property and the seizure of +their enemies’ goods being regarded as a double conquest. Or dhdnam +ubhdyam may mean wealth of both kinds, horses and cows. + +This hymn and the preceding are to be repeated, Saya.ia says, at sacrifices to +ensure the destruction of enemies. + + + +HYMN 85.] THE RIOTED A. 501 + +HYMN LXXXV. Sflryft'a Bridal. + +Truth is the base that bears the earth ; by Surya are the heav¬ +ens sustained. + +By Law the Adityas stand secure, and Soma holds his place in +heaven. + +2 By Soma are the Adityas strong, by Soma mighty is the earth. +ThusSoma in the midst of all these constellations hath bis.place. + +3 One thinks, when they have brayed the plant, that he hath + +drunk the Soma’s juice ; + +Of him whom Brahmans truly know as Soma no one ever tastes. + +4 Soma, secured by sheltering rules, guarded by hymns inBrihati, +Tbou standest listening to the stones : none tastes of thee who + +dwells on earth. + +5 When they begin to drink thee, then, 0 God, thou swellest out + +again. + +Yayu is Soma’s guardian God. The Moon is that which shapes +the years. + +6 Raibhi was her dear bridal friend, and N&r&sanst led her home. +Lovely was Sury&’s robe: she came to that which G&thfi had + +adorned. + +7 Thought was the pillow of her couch, sight was the unguent + +for her eyes: + +Her treasury was earth and heaven when Sury& went unto +her Loi'd. + + +The main subject of this composite hymn, which is one of the latest m the +Rigveda, ie the ceremony of marriage in general and more especially the wed¬ +ding of Sfiry&, the Daughter of the Sun, another form of Dawn, who is re¬ +garded as the typical bride. + +1 Truth: or reality ; sdtyam, used interchangeably with ritan, the Law +and Order of the universe. + +2 By Soma: by the power of the deified Soma whose influence pervades, +quickens, and supports all existence. In the second line Soma is the Moon, +but perhaps there is an allusion to the other Bense also of the word. These +constellations: the ncckshativzs or lunar mansions. * In the centre of these +stars.’—Muir, + +3 Know as Soma: know-to be the Moon, regarded as the food of Gods only. + +4 By hymns in Brihait: that is by hymns in that metre. But the meaning +of Mrhataih is uncertain. According to S&yana, the B&rhatas are the seven +guardians of the Soma, Sv&na, Bhr&ja, Angh& ri, and others. + +5 They: the Gods. Thee: the ambrosia contained in thee, which the +Gods drink during the waning of the Moon. 0 Qod; Soma, the Moon. + +6 Soma is the deity of the preceding five stanzas. Sury&’s Bridal is the +subject of 6—17. Raibhi, Ndrdsansf, and Gdtlid are ritual verse, eulogistic +hymn, and non-Vedic song personified. + +7 Treasury: Jcdsah : meaning, probably, trousseau or bridal outfit. Accord¬ +ing to some the box or body of the chariot is intended. + + + + +502 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +8 Hymns were the cross-bara of the pole, Kurira-metre decked + +the car: + +- The bridesmen were the Asvin Pair : Agni was leader of the +train. + +9 Soma was he who wooed the maid : the groomsmen were both + +Asvins, when + +The Sun-God Savitar bestowed his willing Sury^ on her Lord. + +10 Her Spirit was the bridal car; the covering thereof was + +heaven: + +Bright were both Steers that drew it, when SurysL approached +her husband’s home. + +11 Thy Steero were steady, kept in place by holy verse and + +Sama*hymn ; + +All ear were thy two chariot wheels : thy path was tremulous +in the sky. + +12 Clean, as thou wentest, were thy wheels; wind was the axle + +fastened there. + +Sdrya, proceeding to her Lord, mounted a spirit-fashioned car. + +13 The bridal pomp of Surya, which Savitar started, moved + +along. + +In Magha days are oxen slain, in Arjunls they wed the bride. + +14 When on your three-wheeled chariot, O isvins, ye came as + +wooers unto Surya’s bridal, + +Then all the Gods agreed to your proposal: Pfishan as Son +elected you as Fathers. + +15 0 ye Two Lords of lustre, then when ye to SuryA/s wooing came, +Where was one chariot-wheel of yours 1 Where stood ye for + +the Sire’s command? + + +B Decked her car; formed its canopy. But the meaning of opasdh here is +uncertain. ‘Kurtra metre was the thong of the whip/—Wilson. The +bridesmen: in I. 119. 7 and elsewhere the Asvins are said to be the husbands +of SdryA Here they are represented as the* friends who had asked her in +marriage for Soma, + +11 All ear: the text has srdtram, an ear, which S&yana says, means arotre > +two ears. * The two wheels were thy ears.’—Wilson. + +13 In MagM days: or in stricter accordance with the text, * In AgM days/ +when the Moon is in the lunar mansion MagM. See Jacobi, Festgruss an JR, +von Both, p. 69, and Weber, Vedische Beitrage, p. 32f. Slain: only on +especially festive occasions, weddings for instance. ‘Are whipped along/— +Wilson. In Arjunts : two asteriams or lunar mansions, more commonly called +Phalgunls. They md the bHde ,* she is esc *rted 'to her husband's home. + +14 As wooers: on behalf of Soma. PUshan: here meaning Savitar. Son +and Fathers: intended to express close relationship and Savitar’s obligation +to the Asvins who had arranged the marriage. + +15 For the Sire's command: to receive Savitar'a invitation to take part in +the bridal procession. According to S&yana, ‘ to offer your gift/ + + + +HYMN 85.] TEE MOVED!. 5C3 + +16 The Brahmans, by their seasons, know, 0 Surya, those two + +wheels of thine: + +One, kept concealed, those only who are skilled in highest +truths have learned. + +17 To Sury& and the Deities, to Mitra and to Vartma, + +Who know aright the thing that is, this adoration have I paid. + +18 By their own power these Twain in close succession move; + +They go as pi cVl-lr'i round the sacrifice. + +Oue of the b .. i «■ !i all existing things* the other + +ordereth seasons and is born again. + +19 He, 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 pro¬ +longs the days of our existence. + +20 Mount this, all-shaped, gold-hued, with strong wheels, fash¬ + +ioned of Kinsuka and Salmali, light-rolling, + +Bound for the world of life immortal, Surya ; make for thy lord +a happy bridal journey. + +21 Bise up from hence: this midden hath a husband. I laud + +Vlsvavasu with hymns and homage. + +Seek in her father’s home another fair one, and find the +portion from of old assigned thee. + +22 Rise up from hence, Visvavasu: with reverence we worship thee. +Seek thou another willing maid, and with her husband leave + +the bride, + +23 Straight in direction be the paths, aud thornless, whereon + +our fellows travel to the wooing. + +Let Aryamau and Bhaga lead us; perfect, G Gods, the onion +of the wife*and husband. + + +16 The two wheels are probably heaven and earth, and the third, one kept +concealed, is the mysterious invisible world beyond them. + +18 In this stanza and the following one, which are but loosely connected +with the rest of the hymn, Sthya represents the Suu, and Soma is the Moon. + +20 Stanzas 20—33 eontain a collection of formulae repeated when the bride +mounts her chariot, while she is travelling to her husband’s house, when she +arrives there, and on the following morning. This: chariot. Kinsuka: the +wood of the Butea frondosa, Salmali: the silk-cotton tree ; Salmalia mala- +foarica. Stir yd: the girl is addressed by the name of Saryd, the typical +bride. + +21 VUvdvasu: one of the Gandharvas, the protector of virgins. He is told +to leave the bride who no longer needs his care, and to transfer his guardian¬ +ship to some marriageable maiden who has not yet found a husband. Fair +one: vy&ht&m: ‘decorated with ornaments/—Wilson + +£3 To the wooing : to the father, to whom the mfcerc< j ders are to apply for +his daughter’s hand on behalf of their friend, according to S&yana, + + + +[BOOK X, + + +504 THE HYMNS OF + +24 How from the noose of Varuna I free thee, wherewith Most + +Blessed Suvitar hath bound thee. + +In Law's seat, to the world of virtuous action, I give thee up +uuinjured with thy consort. + +25 Hence, and not thence, I send thee free. I make thee softly + +fettered there, + +That, Bounteous Indra, she may live blest in her fortune and +her sons. + +26 Let PuMhan 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. + +27 Happy be thou and prosper with thy children here : be vigi¬ + +lant 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. + +28 Her 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. + +29 Give thou the woollen robe away: deal treasure to the Brah¬ + +man priests. + +This female fiend hath got her feet, and as a wife attends +her lord. + +30 Unlovely is his body when it glistens with this wicked fiend. +What time the husband wraps about his limbs the garment + +of his wife. + + +r- + +24 The noose of Varuna; the girdle with which the bride is girded after +she has been bathed, combed, and dreBtsed for the marriage ceremony. Bee +Prof. Max Muller’s JUgveda-SanhUd, Yol, YI., Preface, p 14. Or, as Lanman +suggests, the noose may mean the tie by which a girl is bound to her father +till marriage. Law’s seat; the place of sacrifice, the altar. + +Stanzas 24—26 and 32, 33 are spoken just before the bride's departure +from her father’s house. + +25 Hence and not thence: from thy father’s house and not from thy +husband’s. + +27 Be vigilant to rule thy household; this is SAyana’s explanation. * Be +watchful over the domestic fire.’—Wilson. The verse is addressed to the +bride, and to the newly-wedded pair on arrival at the bridegroom’s house. + +26 Her hue; the colour of Krity&, Magic personified, a female deity or +fiend. + +29 The woollen robe ; ‘the garment soiled by the body.’—Wilson. Attends +her lord; the magic, or evil spell, returns to its originator.—Ludwig, + + + + +HYMN 85.] THE HIG VEDA. BOB + +31 Consumptions, from her people, which follow the bride's re¬ + +splendent train,— + +These let the Holy Gods again bear to the place from which +they came. + +32 Let not the highway thieves who lie in ambush fiud the wed¬ + +ded pair. + +By pleasant ways let them escape the danger, and let foes +depart. + +33 Signs of good fortune mark the bride : come all of you and +% look at her. + +Wish her prosperity, and then return unto your homes again. + +34 Pungent is this, and bitter this, filled, as it wens, with arrow- + +barbs, Empoisoned and not fit for use. + +The Brahman who knows S&rya well deserves the garment of +the bride. + +35 The fringe, the cloth that decks her head, and then the triply + +parted robe, — + +Behold the hues which Sftrya wears : these doth the Brahman +purify. + +36 I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst + +reach old age with me thy husband. + +Gods, Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhij have given thee to +be my household's mistress. + +37 0 Pushan, 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. + +38 For thee, with bridal train, they, first, escorted Sftry& to her + +home. * + +Give to the husband in return* Agni, the wife with progeny. + + +SI From her people: * a most remarkable and direct assumption of “ here¬ +dity ” as a lurking danger/—Mme. Zd liable Ragozin, Vedic India } p. 371. + +33 Perhaps spoken, on the way, to the spectators of the procession. + +34 This: the bride’s garment. Mryd: meaning here the song of Sdry&'s +Bridal. + +35 The meaning of dsdsanam, visnsanam, and adhiviJcartanam is uncertain. +Prof. Wilson renders these words by ' border-cloth/ ‘ head-cloth,* and ‘ divided +skirt.’ Prof. Weber and the St. Petersburg Lexicon explain the passage as refer¬ +ring to the preparation of the carcass of the animal that has been slaughtered +for the festivity. According to this view the first line might be rendered :— +4 The butchering, the cutting up, the severing of limb and joint* ; and for +‘hues* ‘forma* might be substituted. + +36 The bridegroom addresses the bride. + +• .38 Thee ; Agni. They * the Qaudharvas, according to S&yana, + + + +m TEE HYMNS OF [BOON X + +39 Agni 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. + +40 Soma obtained her first of all; next the Gandharva -was her + +lord. + +Agni was thy third husband: now one born of woman is thy +fourth. + +41 Soma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave : +And Agni hath bestowed on me riches and sons and this my + +spouse. + +** 42 Be 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. + +43 So may Prajapati bring children forth to us; may Aryaman + +adorn us till old age come nigh. + +Not inauspicious enter thou thy husband's house : bring bless¬ +ing to our bipeds and our quadrupeds. + +44 Not 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. + +45 0 Bounteous Indra, make this bride blest in her sons and for¬ + +tunate. + +Vouchsafe to her ten sons, and make her husband the eleventh +man. + +46 Over thy husband's father and thy husband's mother bear full + +sway. " + +Over the sister of thy lord, over his brothers rule supreme. + +47 So may the Universal Gods, so may the Waters join our hearts. +May Mfltarisvan, Dh&tar, and Deshtri together bind us close. + +40 As the typical bride Suryfi, was first married to Soma, so the young maid +originally belongs to him, then to the Gandharva, as the guardian of virginity, +then to Agni as the sacred fire round which she walks in the marriage cere¬ +mony, and fourthly to her human husbaud —Grassmann. + +42 The formulae contained in stanzas 42—47 are repeated when the bride¬ +groom has returned with his bride to his home, and offers sacrifice with fire. +The wedded pair are addressed first, and then the bride is exhorted and +blessed. Stanza 47 ’is spoken by the bridegroom for his wife and himself. + +47 JDeshtri: Instructress, a female deity, not mentioned elsewhere in the +Jltgveda. According to S&yana, ddtvt phuldiidm sarasvati is meant: * the +bountiful (Saraswati).*—Wilson. + +For a full account of the marriage ceremonies of the Hindfis, derived from + + + +E7MN 86.] + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +507 + + +HYMN LXXXVI. ‘ Indra. + +Mbit have abstained from pouring juice : they count not Indra +as a God + +Where at the votary's store my friend Yrishakapi hath drunk +his fill. Supreme is Indra over all. + +2 Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill VrisMkapi hath wrought; + +Yet nowhere else thou findest place wherein to drink the Soma + +juice. Supreme is Indra over all. + +3 What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast YrisMkapi, + +With whom thou art so angry now 1 What is the votary's food¬ +ful store? Supreme is Indra over all. + +4 Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize*him and bite + +him in the ear, + +0 Indra, that Yrishakapi whom thou protectest as a friend. +Supreme is Indra over all. + +5 Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, + +that were my joy. + +In pieces will I rend his head; the sinner's portion shall be +woe. Supreme is Indra over all. + +6 No 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 em¬ +brace. Supreme is Indra over all. + +the ritual of Br&hmans who use the S&ma-veda, see Colebrooke's Miscellaneous +Essays, No. III., and Weber and Haas, Indische Studien , Y, pp, 177 ff. See +also Eymns of the A tharva-veda, Book XIY., and Dr. J. Ehni’s paper, Zeits- +chrift der JDeutschen Morgenldndischen Gesellschaft, XXXIII, pp. 166 ff. I +have relied mainly on Ludwig’s Commentary. Prof. Grassmann has bauished +the hymn to his Appendix. - + +1 S&yana ascribes this stanza to Indra ; others make Indr4nS the speaker. +Vrish&kapi is said to have monopolized the offerings that should have been +presented to Indra. Vfhhdkapi —literally ‘ the strong ape*’ or * the male ape’ +—appears to be a sort of intermediate being between a demigod and a demon ; +but ib is not easy to determine his nature. S&yana calls him the son of Indra. + +He is also Baid to be the setting bub, and the sun who draws up vapour and +irrigates with mist. According to M. Bergaigue, La Religion Vidique, II, 270, +he was a mythical sacrificer. + +2 Indr&nt blames Indra for his apathy. + +3 Indra speaks. What is the votary's foodful store f: why should his appro¬ +priation of the worshipper’s offerings make thee so angry ? + +4 Indr&nt is the speaker of this stanza and of the two, or three, that follow. + +5 Kapi: the ape; an abbreviation of Yrishakapi. Keith marred the beau¬ +teous things : according to Sftya* a, hath spoiled the oblations prepared for me +by my worshippers. But it seems more probable that Yrishakapi has assault¬ +ed IndiAd and inflicted injuries on her person. + +6 Iudr&nt speaks with pride of her voluptuous charms which incited YrisbA- +kapi to his amorouB assault. + + + +503 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOH X. + + +. 7 Mother whose love is quickly won, I say what verily will be. + +My breast, 0 Mother, and my head and both my hips seem +quivering. Supreme is, Indra over all. +g Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair-plaits +add ample hips, + +Why, 0 thou Hero's wife, art thou angry with our Vrish&kapi ? +Supreme is Indra over all, + +9 This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero's love. +Yet Heroes for my sons have I, the Maruts' Friend and Iudra's +Queen. Supreme is Indra over all, + +10 From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice. +Mother of Heroes, Iudra's Queen, the rite's ordainer is extolled. + +Supreme is Indra over all. + +11 So have I heard Indent called most fortunate among these Dames, +For never shall her Consort die in future time through length + +of days. Supreme is Indra over all. + +12 Never, Indrstni, have I joyed without my friend Vrishftkapi, +Whose welcome offering here, made pure with water, goeth to + +the Gods. Supreme is Indra over all, + +13 Wealthy Vrishakap&yi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons, +Indra will eat thy bulls, thy dear oblation that effecteth much. + +Supreme is Indra overall. + +14 Fifteen 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. + +15 Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds, +Sweet to thine heart, 0 Indra, is the brew which she who + +tends thee pours. Supreme is Indra over ajl, + +7 This stanza is ascribed by S&yana to Vrish&kapi. It is hardly intelligible; +but, as Ludwig says, it seems to be spoken by Indi&nl, expressing her indigna- +tion at Vrishftknpi’s audacity which makes all her body quiver with rage. + +8 Indra speaks. + +9 Indr&ni speaks this and the following stanza. Bereft of hero's love: who +has no brave husband to protect her. + +10 The matron goes to feast: Indr&nl means that Vrish&kapi assaulted her +when she was on her way to a festival, which women were accustomed to at¬ +tend ; and that her rank as Indra’s consort did not preserve her from insult. + +11 Indra speaks this and the following stanza, + +13 Spoken by Vrishdkapi to his wife Vrish&kap&yi who is said to represent +the dawn, or, by others, the gloaming which follows the setting sun Vrisb&kapi. + +14 Indra speaks. Fifteen: sacrificers ; probably TrialAkapi and his wife, +and their sons and daughters-in-law. Sftyana explains differently;—‘The +worshippers dress for me fifteen (and) twenty bulls.’—Wilson. + +15 Indr&pl speaks, endeavouring to attract him to her own libation instead +of the offerings of Vrish&kapi. + +I pass over stanzas 16 and 17, which I cannot translate into decent English. + + + + +THE MIGVBDA. + + +m + + +HYMN 86.] + +18 0 Indra this Vrishakapi bath found a slain wild animal, +Dresser, and new-made pan, and knife, and wagon with a load + +of wood. Supreme is Indra over all, + +19 Distinguishing the D4sa 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. + +20 The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in + +length they spread ! + +Go to the nearest houses, go unto thine home, Vrishakapi. +Supreme is Iudra over all. + +21 Turn thee again Vrishakapi; we twain will bring thee happiness. +Thou guest homeward on thy way along this psth wnich leads + +to sleep. Supreme is Indra over all. + +22 When, Indra and Vrishakapi, 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, + +23 Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth. +Her portion verily was bliss although her burthen caused her + +grief. + + +18 Indr&.ii speaks, bub her speech is difficult to understand. Wild ani¬ +mal: von Roth conjectures ‘wild ass* as the meaning of parasvantam +here. Dresser: or slaughter-bench. ‘ A fire-place (to cook it).'—Wilson. +Indrdni seems to speak depreciatingly of a sacrifice offered by V rish&kapi as +consisting of an unsuitable victim, prepared with instruments and means +which chance has thrown in his way. Ludwig thinks that Vrish&kapi may +represent the Moon whose spots are fancifully considered to be the objects +mentioned by Indr&ui. + +19 / look: with favour. The simple votary is the worshipper who offers his +libation in a sincere spirit of devotion. The stanza and the two following +are spoken by Indr*. + +20 VriaMkapi appears to meditate flight into distant deserts to escape +from the wrathful Indr&ni. Indra dissuades him, and promises to reconcile +Indrdnl to him. + +22 The two concluding stanzas seem to be spoken by Indr&ni. Stanza 22 is +obscure, and stanza 23 has no discoverable connexion with the rest of the hymn. + +23 Daughter of Manu .* that is, of the progenitor of men. Nothing more + +is known of Parsu, which means a rib. Much of this hymn^ appears to be +inexplicable. M. Bergaigue thinks that Vrishakapi, Indra’s friend, represents +Soma, and Indr&ai the wife of Indra represents Prayer. ‘This bizarre myth +would symbolize the frequently expressed idea that Indra loves neither the +sacred beverage without prayer nor prayer without the sacred beverage. He +wishes therefore his union with Prayer to be accompanied by the union of +Prayer with Soma, and he neglects sacrifice, as long as this union of the two +essential elements of worship remains unaccomplished.’—See la Meligion +Vtdique, 11.270,271. * . + +Prof. Geldner gives a different interpretation of the hymn, which he has +translated and exhaustively discussed in Vediseke Studien, II. pp. 22 —42. +See also Oldenberg, Meligion des Veda, 172—174, + + + +510 + + +TEE EYMNS OF + + +IBOOK X + + +HYMN LXXXVII. Agni. + +I balm with oil the mighty Bakshas-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. + +2 0 Jatavedas 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 eaters. + +3 Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast + +both, enkindled and destroying. + +Eoam also in the air, 0 King, around us, and with thy jaws +assail the wicked spirits. + +4 Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their + +points with song as if with whetstoues, + +Pierce to the heart therewith the Yatudh&nas, and break their +arms uplifted to attack thee. + +5 Pierce through the Y&tudhana's skin, 0 Agni; let the destroy¬ + +ing dart with fire consume him. + +Bend his joints, Jatavedas, let the eater of flesh, flesh-seeking, +track his mangled body. + +6 Where now thou seest, Agni Jatavedas, one of these demons + +standing still or roaming, + +Or flying oh those paths in air's mid-region, sharpen the shaft +and as an archer pierce him. + +7 Tear from the evil spirit, Jatavedas, what he hath seized and + +with his spears hath captured. + +Blazing before him strike him down, 0 Agni; let spotted +carrion-eating kites devour him. + +8 Here tell this forth, 0 Agni: whesoever is, he himself, or acteth + +as, a demon, + +Him grasp, 0 thou Most Youthful, with thy fuel: to the Man- +seer's eye give him as booty. + +9 With keen glance guard the sacrifice, 0 Agni: thou Sage, + +conduct it onward to the Vasus. + +Let not the fiends, 0 Man-beholder, harm thee burning against +the Bakshaeas to slay them. + +2 The demons: Yfttudh&nas, explained by S4yana as=R4kgiha8as. See VII. +104. 15. Foolish gods* adorers: mitradev&n: according to S&yana, a special +class of evil spirits called Mfiradevas because they make destruction their sport, +5 The eater of flesh: the wolf or other carnivorous animal. + +8 The Man-seer here is either Agni himself or $4rya the Sun. + +9 To the Vasus . to the Gods to whom the oblations are made. S&yana ex- + + + +HYMN $7.] THE JUG VEDA. fill + +10 Look on the fiend mid men, as Man-beholder; rend thou his + +three extremities in pieces. + +Demolish with thy flame his ribs, 0 Agni) the Y&tudh&na’s +root destroy thou triply. + +11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his + +falsehood injures Holy Order. + +Loud roaring with thy flame, 0 J&tavedas, crush him and +cast him down before the singer. + +12 Lend thou the worshipper that eye, 0 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. * + +13 Agni, 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 Y&tudb&nas. + +14 With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends + +with burning flame, 0 Agni. + +Destroy with fire the foolish gods’ adorers; blaze and destroy +the insatiable monsters. + +15 May 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 Yatudh&na. + +16 The 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. + +17 The cow gives milk each year, 0 Man-regarder : let not the + +Y&tudhana ever taste it. + +If one would glut him with the biestings, Agui, pierce with +thy flame his vitals as he meets thee. + +plains vdsubhyah here by vastin & mar thdya :—* to (the acquisition of) riches.’— +Wilson. + +10 His three extremities: his three heads, according to S&yana. t Kopf +und Schultern,’ head and shoulders.—Grassmann. Moot: meaning his feet. +Triply: used vaguely, to correspond with the three upper extremities. + +* Cut off the triple foot of the Ydtudhana* —Wilson. + +12 Hoof-armed: striking with the hoof. According to S&yana, ‘having +nails like hoofs.* In Atharvan’s manner : like Atharvan, the ancient priest +who is said to have been the first who obtained fire. + +13 The pair: the married pair ; perhaps the sacrificer and his wife. The +Rishi prays that every hasty word that may have been uttered by pious people +in their anger may he used as a weapon to wound the Y&tudh&na. + +15 VUva’s net: the noose of the all-pervading Agni. + + + + +512 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +18 Let 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. + +19 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall + +Rakshasas in fight o’ercome thee. + +Burn up the foolish ones, the flesh-devourers : let none of them +escape thine heavenly arrow. + +20 Guard us, 0 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. + +21 From rear, from front, from tinder, from above us, 0 King, + +protect us as a Sage with wisdom. + +Guard to old age thy friend, 0 Friend, Eternal: 0 Agni, as +Immortal, guard us mortals. + +22 We set thee round us as a fort, victorious Agni, thee a Sage, +Of hero lineage, day by day, destroyer of our treacherous foes. + +23 Burn with thy poison turned against the treacherous brood of + +Rkkshasas, + +0 Agni, with thy sharpened glow, with lances armed with points +of flame, + +21 Burn thou the paired Kimidins, burn, Agni, the Y&tudhana pairs. + +I sharpen thee, Infallible, with hymns. 0 Sage, be vigilant. +25 Shoot forth, 0 Agni, with thy flame: demolish them on every side. +Break thou the Yatudhana’s strength, the vigour of the Rak- +shasa. + +HYMN LXXXVIII. Agni. + +Dear, 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. + +2 The 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. + +18 The poison, of the cattle: if they drink milk, let it poison them. +According to R&yana, let them drink the poison of the cattle (which is kept +in the house), meaning perhaps some poisonous ointment used for external +application only. + +24 Kimidins: treacherous and malevolent spirits. See VII. 104. 2, note. + +1 Sacrificial drink: ' swelling oblation/ according to Prof. Pischel. + + + + +HYMN 88.] THE RIG VEDA. 5X3 + +3 Inspired 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. + +4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, + +and anointed him with butter, + +He swifty made all things that fly, stand, travel, all that hath +motion, Agni Jatavedas. + +5 Because thou, Agni, Jatavedas, stoodest at the world’s head + +with thy refulgent splendour, + +We sent thee forth with hymus and songs and praises ; thou +filledst heaven and earth, God meet for worship. + +6 Head 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 +woudrous power of Gods who must be honoured. + +7 Lovely 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, + +8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they + +engendered Agni, then oblation. + +He was their sacrifice that guards our bodies : him the heav¬ +ens know, the earth, the waters know him. + +0 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they +offered up all worlds and creatures, + +He with his bright glow heated earth and heaven, ui'ging him¬ +self right onward in his grandeur. + +10 Then by the 2aud 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. + + +5 We sent thee forth: the Rishi glorifies the power of the priests who +made Agni their messenger to the Gods. + +6 Agni, who is the Moon by night, at dawn becomes Sfirya or the Sun-God +■who when he sets again becomes Agni. + +9 AU worlds and creatures; proleptically : meaning that the oblation +offered by the gods was destined to produce the universe, — Ludwig, Accord¬ +ing to S&yana :— 1 in whom all beings have offered oblations ; * but it is clear +that the oblations of the Gods are intended. + +10 Through strength and vigour: saktbhih: *by his functions:’—Wilson. +In threefold essence: or in three conditions, or places,' as the Sun, lightning, +and terrestrial fire. + +33 + + + +m the hymns of [book x + +11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Surya, + +Son of Acliti, in heaven, + +When the Pair, ever wandering, sprang to being, all creatures +that existed looked upon them. + +12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisv&nara to + +be the days’ bright Banner,— + +Him who hath spread abroad the radiant Mornings, and, com¬ +ing with his light, unveils the darkness. + +13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvanara whom + +age ne’er touches, + +The Ancient Star that wanders on for ever, lofty and strong, +Lord oftthe Living Being. + +14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvanara the + +ever-beaming, + +Who hath surpassed both heaven and earth in greatness : he +is a God below, a God above its. + +15 1 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. + +16 These 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. + +17 Which 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? + +18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number 1 What is the + +number of the Dawns and Waters ? + +Not jestingly I speak to you, 0 Fathers. Sages, I ask you +tliis for information. + + +11 The Pair: the Sun and Moon. Accrding to S&yana, Ushas and SUrya, + +13 Lord of the Living Being: the meaning of yahshdsya is uncertain. +Sftyana explains it by ptijyasya devasya, of the adorable God. ‘ The observer +of what is firm.’—Ludwig. ‘The lord of meteors,’—Grassmann. ‘Surveil- +lant du Yaksha,'—Bergaigne. + +14 Beloio: on earth. + +15 Two several pathways; the way to the other world and the way back to +the earth. The Bather and the Mother: heaven and earth. + +16 Him who journeys: Agni. Brom the head: of the world. FromAditya, +the head or chief of all existence, according to S&yana, + +17 U$ twain: Agni and the Rishi. Upper a/nd lower: according to SSyana, +the upper fire is V&yu and the lower is terrestrial Agni. Who will announce +it ? ; Agni alone will make the sacrifice known to the Gods. + + + +HYMN 89.] TIIE RIO VEDA. 515 + +19 As great as is the fair-winged Morning’s presence to him who +dwells beside us, Matarisvan ! + +Is what the Br&hman does when he approaches to sacrifice +and sits below the Hotar. + +HYMN LXXXIX. Indra. + +I 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 liis greatness. + +2 Surya is he : throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn + +him, swift as car-wheels, hither, + +Like a stream resting not hut ever active : he hath destroyed, +with light, the black-lined darkness. + +3 To 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. + +4 I 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. + +5 Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, im¬ + +petuous, very strong, armed as with arrows +Is Soma; forest trees and all the bushes deceive not Indra +with their offered likeness. + + +19 Morning's presence: the light of Dawn which spreads over heaven and +earth. Him who cgiucfls beside us: the Yajam&na, or institutor of the +sacrifice.—Ludwig. Below the Hotar: below the regular Hotar-priest. +S&yana explains this stanza differently :—‘ As long, Matarisvan, as the swiftly- +moving (nights) cover the face of the dawn, (so long) the Brahman , the +inferior sitting down (to perform the work) of the Hohd, approaching the +sacrifice supports (the ceremony).’—Wilson. + +X With width: with his own extended magnitude. ‘With radiance,*— +Wilson. + +2 Siirya is he: Indra is identified with the Sun whose course he directs. +According to S&ystna, stir yah here = suviryah, heroic. + +3 Incessant: or unerring, that is, in strict accordance with the rules of +the ritual. A s they were backs: as if they were horses or oxen, the length +and Bhape of whose backs must be carefully considered in forming a judgment +of their worth. + +5 Prof. Wilson observes :—' This verse is obscure, partly because the words +are unusual, partly because there is a confusion between Indra and Soma.' +Deceive not Indra: he will not accept any substitutes : he will have nothing +but the genuine Soma-plant and its juice. + + + + +[BOOK X + + +516 THE HYMNS OF + +6 Soma 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. + +7 As an axe fells the tree so he slew Vritra, 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. + +• 8 Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, 0 Indra. The sword lops +limbs, thou smitest down the sinner, + +The men who injure, as it were a comrade, the lofty Law of Va» +runa and Mitra. + +9 Men who lead evil lives, .who break agreements, and injure +Varuna, Aryaman, and Mitra,— + +Against these foes, 0 Mighty Indra, sharpen, as furious death, +thy Bull of fiery colour. + +10 Indra 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. + +11 Vaster 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. + +12 Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate + +arrow fly, 0 Indra, + +And pierce, as ’twere a stone launched forth from Jieaven, with +hottest blaze the men who love deception.^ + +13 Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees + +followed and the plants and herbage. + +Yearning with love both Worlds approached, the Waters wait¬ +ed on Indra when he first bad being. + + +7 His Companions; the Mam ts, who assisted him in performing hia exploit. + +8 Punisher of guilt; here Indra is said to discharge the duties which in +more ancient hymns' am ascribed to Agni and to Mitra and Varuna. + +9 Thy JBvdl; thy thunderbolt. ‘The heavy strong red weapon. 1 —M. +Mhller. + +10 Invest and effort: ‘ for the acquirement and preservation of wealth._ + +Wilson. + +13 The moons: oi% the months. Waited on Indra; as the representative +of the Sun, the originator of all life.—Ludwig. + + + +HYMN 90.] TEE MOVE DA. 517 + +14 Where was the vengeful dart when thou, 0 Indra, clavesfc the + +demon ever bent on outrage % + +When fiends lay there upon the ground extended like cattle in +the place of immolation t + +15 Those who are set in enmity against us, the Oganas, 0 Indra, + +waxen mighty,— + +Let blinding- darkness follow those our foemen, while these +shall have bright shining nights to light them. + +16 May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Bishis’ holy + +prayers rejoice thee. + +Hearing with love this common invocation, come unto us, pass +by all those who praise thee. + +17 O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours + +that shall bring us profit. + +Singing with love, may we the Visv&mitras win daylight even +now through thee, 0 Indra. + +18 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight* + +where spoil is gathered, + +The Stroug who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays +the- Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +HYMN XC. Punish*. + +A thousand heads hath Purusha, a thousand eyes, a thousand +feet. + +On every side pervading earth he fills a space ten fingers wide. + +2 This Purusha is all that yet hath been and all that is to be ; +The Lord of Immortality which waxes greater still by food. + +14 Fiends: mitrakr&vah: the exact meaning of the word is uncertain. +Prof. Ludwig takes it as a genitive case : * What time they lay there on the +earth extended like t>xen in a demon’s place of slaughter.’ + +15 Oganas; probably the name of some hostile clan. According to S&yana* +enemies assembled in numbers. These: us and our friends here. + +16 All those iohopraise thee; all other worshippers. + +18 This is the concluding stauza of several hymns of the Visv&mitras. +See IIL 30. 22 ; 31. 22 ; 32. 17 ; 34. U ; 35. 11 ,* 36. 11. + +1 Purusha , embodied spirit, or Man personified and regarded as the soul + +and original source of the universe, the personal and life- rri^nrr in + +all animated beings, is said to have a thousand , that is, i■ i . .s + +eyes, and feet, as being one with all created life. A space ten fingers wide; +the region of the heart of man, wherein the soul was supposed to reside,. +Although as the Universal Soul he pervadeB the universe, as the Individual +Soul he is enclosed in a space of narrow dimensions. See Hymns of the +Atharm-veda , XIX. 6. I, note. + +2 The second line Is explained in various ways. The meaning of the words +seems to be: he is lord of immortality or the immortal world of the Gods, +which grows greater by food, that is, by the sacrificial offerings of men. + + + +518 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[HOOK X + +3 So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Purusha. + +All creatures are one*fourth of him, three-fourths eternal life + +in heaven. + +4 With three-fourths Purusha wenfr up ; one-fourth of him again + +was here. + +Thence he strode out to every side over what eats not and what +eats, + +5 From him Yiraj was born; again Purusha from Yiraj was born. + +As soon as he was born he spread eastward and westward o'er + +the earth. + +6 When Gods prepared the sacrifice with Purusha as their + +offering, + +Its oil was spring, the holy gift was autumn; summer was +the wood. + +7 They balrned as victim on the grass Purusha born in earliest time. + +With him the Deities and all S&dhyas and Risbis sacrificed. + +According to Sftyana : he is the lord or distributer of immortality because +he becomes the visible world in order that living beings may obtain the fruits +of their actions and gain moJcsha or final liberation from their bonds, ‘ he is +also the lord of immortality; for he mounts beyond (his own condition) +for the food (of living beings),’—Wilson. Colebrooke translates the line +* he is that which grows by nourishment, and he is the distributer of immor¬ +tality.’ Dr. Muir renders it by ‘ He is also the lord of immortality, since +by food he expands.’ According to the paraphrase in the Bh&gavata-Pur&na, +the meaning of the last clause is: ‘since he hath transcended mortal +nutriment.’ Prof. Ludwig’s version is ; * auch fiber die unsterblichkeit +gebietend, [da erj was durch speise [ist,] weit uberragt/ ruling also over +immortality, [since he] far transcends what [exists] through food ; but in his +Commentary a somewhat different explanation is given. 4 Ruling over im¬ +mortality, he was all that grows by food.’—Peterson. + +3 Eternal life : umritam: immortality, or the immortal Gods. + +4 Over what eats not atui what eats: over animate and ^animate creation. +According to Sdyana and Mahidharn, over both classes of created things", +those capable of enjoyment^ that is, who can taste the reward and punish¬ +ment of good'^ and evil actions, such as Gods, men, and lower animals, and +those who are incapable thereof, such as mountains and rivers— chetanam } or +conscious, achetanam, or unconscious, creation, + +5 From him : or, from tliafc, the ‘ one-fourth ’ mentioned in stanzas 3 and +4* Yirdj, or, in the nominative form, VirtLfe, is said to have come, in the form +of the mundane egg, from Adi-Purusha, the primeval Purusha, or presiding +Male or Spirit, ‘who then entered into this egg, which he animates as its +vital soul or divine principle.’ Or YirAj may 1 be tbe female counterpart of +Purusha as Aditi of Dakshain X. 72, 4, 5,’ See Dr. Muir’s exhaustive Noii* +on this passage, 0 . & Texts „ Y. pp. 369, 370; and Wallis, Cosmology of the +Figveda, p. 87. Eastward and westward: or, before and behind. + +. sacrifice: mdnasam yajfiam , a mental or imaginary sacrifice, accord¬ + +ing to Siyana. Summer: grtshmd does not occur in any other R. Y. hymn. +Spring : msantd occurs in only one other R. V. hymn. + +7 On the grass: on the sacred grass used in sacrifices. Sddhyas ; a class +gi celestial beiugs, probably ancient divine sacrifices, - + + + +MYMN 90.] + + +TBE RWVEDA . + + +519 + + +8 From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gather¬ + +ed up. + +He formed the creatures of the air, and animals both wild and +tame, + +9 From that great geueral sacrifice Bichas and Sama-hymns + +were born: + +Therefrom were spells and charms produced; the Yajus had +its birth from it. + +10 From 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. + +11 When thejr divided Purusha how many portions»did they make 1 +What do they call his mouth, his arms 2 What do they cafl his + +thighs and feet 2 + +12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the B&janya + +made. + +His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was +produced. + +13 The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the + +Sun had birth ; + +Indra and Agui from his mouth were born,' and Vayu from +his breath. + +14 Forth from his navel came mid-air; the sky was fashioned + +from his head; + +Earth from his feet, and from his ear the regions. Thus they +foi’med the worlds. + +-- : f --£_-- + +i + +8 The drip-ping fat; c tile mixture of curds and butter.*—Wilson. Be: +or, it; the sacrificed victim Puruslia, or the sacred clarified butter. The crea¬ +tures of the air: 1 those animals over whom Vd,yu presides,’—Wilson. + +9 Spells and charms: pwbably those of the later collection of the Afcharva- +veda. The Yajus: the Yajur-veda. + +. 12 JMjanya; the second or Kshatriya caste, the regal and military class. +Vaisya: the husbandman ; he whose business is agriculture and trade. Sildra : +the labourer. The Br&hmau is called the mouth of Purusha, as having the +special privilege, as a priest, of addressiug the Gods in prayer. The arms of +Purusha became the ll&janya, the prince and soldier who wields the sword +and spear. His thighs, the strongst parts of his body, became the agricul¬ +turist and tradesman, the chief support of society; and his feet, the emblems +of vigour and activity, became the S idra or labouring man on whose toil and +industry all ultimately rests. This is the only passage in the Kigveda which, +enumerates the four castes. + +14 Cf. the creation myth of the world-giant Ymir or Hyrnir in old Northern +poetry. The hills are his bones, the vault of the sky his skull, the sea his +blood, and th0 clouds his brains.— Corpus Poeticum Boreal Yol. II. p. 468. + + + +520 THE HYMNS OF [ROOK X + +15 Sev6n fencing-sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were + +prepared, + +When the Gods, offering sacrifice, bound, as their victim, +Purush a. + +16 Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim ; these were the earliest + +holy ordinances. + +The Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where +the Sftdhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling. + +HYMN XCL Agni. + +Brisk, at the place of lift, 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 fri6nd to one who loveth him. + +2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift¬ + +winged bird a home in every tree. + +Benevolent to men, he scorns rio living man: Friend to the +tribes of men he dwells with every tribe. + +3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art + +thou, 0 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. + +4 Foreknowing well, 0 Agni, thou in lift’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 shinefch spotless as the Sun. + +15 Fencing-sticks: guards, or pieces of wood laid round the sacrificial fire +to enclose it. S&yaua explains paridhdyah as the seven metres, or as six shallow +trenches dug round the fire, and an imaginary one round the Sun. Mahtdhara +says that the seven oceans may be intended. + +This pantheistic hymn, which is generally called the Pwrusbasdkta, is of +comparatively recent origin, and appears to be an attempt to harmonize the +two ideas of sacvifi.ee and creation. For further information regarding it, see +Muir, 0 8. Texts , I. pp. 6—11, and V. 368—377, Prof, Max Muller, Ancient +Sanskrit Literature , pp. 570f, and Dr. Scherman, Philosophische Hymnen aus +derFig-r, ? 7 ‘'f ■ 11—23. The hymn has also been trans¬ +lated bj • - * -. ‘ • .• Essays, pp, 167, 168; by Wallis, Cos* + +mology of the Migveda , pp. 87, 88; and by Peterson, Hymns from the Rigveda, +pp. 289, 290; also by Burnouf, Bhdgavata Puvdna , Preface to Yol. I., and by +Weber, IndUsche Studien, IX. p. 5. Grassmann’s Translation in his Appendix +to Yol. II., and Ludwig's Translation and Commentary should be consulted. +See also Hymns of the Atharva-veda, XIX. 6, which is a reproduction of +this hymn with transpositions and variations. + +1 The place of lid ; the shrine where clarified butter is poured upon the +fire. Our own familiar Friend: Agni, the Friend of the house. + +2 Swift-winged bird: or, bird of prey. 1 2 3 Hunter,’ according to Ludwig, + +3 Vatu •* the word meaning also good and treasure, + + + + + +EtMN 91.3 TEE RIGVEbA.. 5521 + +5 Thy 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 month. + +6 Him, 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. + +7 When, 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. ^ + +8 Agni, 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 sacri¬ +ficial offerings great and small alike. + +9 Here, Agni, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee + +as their Priest in sacred gatherings, + +When men with strewn dipt grass and sacrificial gifts offer +thee entertainment, piously inclined. + +10 Thine 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 +Brahman, Lord and Master in our home. + +11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his + +fuel or his sacrificial gift, + +Then thou art his Adhvaryu, Hotar, messsenger, callest the +Gods and orderest the sacrifice. + +12 From us these Hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these + +holy words, these Biehas, songs and eulogies, + +Eager for wealth, to Jltavedas fain for wealth : when they +have waxen strong they please their Strength ener. + + +0 Agni is produced in the form of lightning by the waters of the firma¬ +ment, or the clouds, and descends with the rain into plants and trees, from +the wood of which he is brought forth by attrition. + +8 Great and small: with Soma or without it. + +9 The arrangers: priests who order and conduct the sacrificial ceremonies. + +10 Agni discharges the duties of the seven chief priests, officiating as +Hotar, Potar, Heshfear, Agnidh, Pras&star, Adhvaryu, and Brahman. See XI. +I. 2, where this stanza originally occurs. + +11 Qallest the Gods: 'sayest the formula.’—Ludwig. + +12 Richas: verses of praise. + + + +522 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +13 This 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. + +14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, + +wheu duly set apart, are offered up,— + +: To Agui, Soma-sprinlded, drinker of sweet juice, Disposer, with +my heart I bring a fair hymn forth. + +15 Into 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. + +HYMN XCir. Visvedevas. + +I pbaise 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. + +2 Him, Agui, Gods aud men have made their chief support, who + +drinks the fatness and completes the sacrifice. + +With kisses they caress the Grandson of the Bed, like the +swift ray of light, the Household Priest of Dawn. + +3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard’s ways: his branches + +evermore are sent forth to consume. + +When his terrific flames have reached the Immortals’ world, +then men remember and extol the Heavenly Folk. + +4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, + +Worship, and Devotion meet for highest praise, + +Varuna, Indra, Mitra were of one accord,* and Savitar and +Bhaga, Lords of holy might. + +5 Onward, with ever-roaming Rudra, speed the floods : over Ara- + +mati the Mighty have they run. + +With them Parijman, moving round his vast domain, loud +bellowing, bedews all thiugs that are within. + +2 Completes the sacrifice: or, fills the assembly full. Grandson of the Red : +son of the brilliant; YAyu.’—’VYllson. Sprung from his own red glow, one fire + +bemg kindled fiom another. + +3 Men remember: because then their prayers are granted. + +5 Armm.ti: the earth.-^-S Ay an a. Armaiti, of the Avesta, also means Earth +—Wilson aS We * aS ^ evo ^ on 0r f** e fcy, Parijman: 'the circumambient (Indra).’ + +0 The Asura ; Dyaus himself. + + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +523 + + +HYMN 92.] + +6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of + +Dyaus, horn e-dwellers with the Asura,— + +Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman look on with these, and the swift- +moving Indra with swift-moving Gods. + +7 With 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 thunderbolt. + +8 Even 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. * + +9 With 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, + +10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the + +Bull Brihaspati and Soma’s brotherhood. + +Atharvan first by sacrifices made men sure : through skill the +Bhrigus were esteemed of all as Gods. + +11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, + +four-bodied Harasansa, Yama, Aditi, + +God Tvashtar Wealth-bestower, the Ribhukshanas, Rodasi +Maruts, Yishnu, clnim and merit praise. + +12 And 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, 0 Earth and Sky, observe this well. + +13 Dear to all Gods, may Pushan guard the ways we go, the + +Waters’ Child and Vayu 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. + + +7 Worshippers are rewarded in heaven for the hymns and prayers with +which they have strengthened and armed Indra for his great deeds. + +9 With whom : the Maruts. + +10 Soma's brotherhood; ail Gods who are entitled to drink Soma juice. +Made men sure: gave them assurance of obtaining what they asked. + +11 Four-bodied Nar&sansa; Agni provided with four fires, or complete in +all his parts. Ribhukshanas; Eibhus. Rodasi : consort of the Maruts. + +12 The Dragon of the Deep: Ahibudhnya, regent of the sea of air. + +13 The Waters' Child; Agni, born as lightning from the clouds. + + + +THE HYMNS OP + + +IBOOK X + + +m + +14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord + +over these feaiiess tribes, the Self-resplendent One. + +We praise Night’s youthful Lord benevolent to men, the foeless +One, the free, with all celestial Dames. + +15 By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang : the pressing- + +stones upraised beheld the sacrifice— + +The stones through which the Sage became exceeding vast, and +the sharp axe obtains in fight the beauteous place. + +HYMN XCIII. Visvedevaa. + +Mighty are ye, and far-extended, Heaven and Earth; both +Worlds are evermore to us like two young Dames. + +Guard us hereby from stronger foe; guard us hereby to give +us strength. + +2 In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods, +He who, most widely known and famed for happiness, inviteth + +them. + +3 Ye who are Rulers overall, great is your sovran power as Gods. +Ye all possess all majesty : all mnst be served in sacrifice. + +4 These are the joyous Kings of Immortality, Parijman, Mitra, + +Aryaman, and Yaruna. + +What else is Rudra, praised of men 1 the Maruts, Bhaga, +Push ana? + +5 Come 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, + +6 And let the Asvins, Lords of splendour, set us free,—both + +Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and Yaruna. + +Through woes, as over desert lands, he speeds Ifo ample opulence. + + +14 The Self-resplendent One; Agni, Night's youthful Lord: the Moon. +Celestial Dames : the lunar aster isms. + +15 The Sage: Indra, according to S&yana. Sharp axe: the thunderbolt. +The meaning of this stauza is obscure. + +1 Thereby . hereby : literally ‘ by those ’.‘by these.' S&yana supplies + +pdlanaih , protections, in both cases. The former may refer to the Maghavans, + +and the latter to the people in general. + +4 Immortality; or, the immortal world. Parijman: Roamer round ; V&yu. +What else ; that is, Rudra is also one of these Kings, Pdshana ,; a lengthened +form of the usual Pfishan. + +5 Waters: libations of Soma juice. S&yana explains ndktam by rdtrau +* by night.' It is, as Prof, Ludwig has pointed out, a shortened form of +nakshtam , 1 * * 4 5 come ye.* Upon their floors : * in their company in the firma- +mental (clouds),'--Wilson. The meaning is obscure. + +d He ; the sacrificer whom these Gods protect. + + + + +HYMN 93.] + + +THE RIG VELA. + + +m + + +7 Yea, let the Asvins Twain be gracious unto ns, even Rudras, + +and all Gods, Rhaga, Rathaspati ; + +Parijman, Ribhu, V&ja, 0 Lords of all wealth Ribhukshanas. + +8 Prompt is Ribhukshan, prompt the worshipper’s strong drink : + +may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who speedest on, approach. +Not man’s but God’s is sacrifice whose psalm is unassailable. + +9 0 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. + +10 To these men present here, 0 Heaven and Earth, to us grant + +lofty fame extending over all mankind. s +Give us a steed to win us strength, a steed with wealth for +victory. + +11 This speaker, Indra—for thou art our Friend—wherever he + +may be, guard thou, Victor ! for help, ever for help : + +Thy wisdom, Vasu! prosper him. + +12 So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to + +take its bright path to the Suu, and reconciles the men : +Thus forms a carpenter the yoke of horses, not -to be displaced. + +13 Whose 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. + +14 This to Duhstma Prithavana have I sung, to Vena, R&ma, to + +the nobles, and the King. + +They yoked five hundred, and their love of us was famed +upon their way. + +15 Besides, they showed us seven-and-seventy horses here. + +T&nva at once displayed his gift, Parthya at once displayed + +hi^ gift, and straightway Mayava showed his. + +7 Rathaspati: the guardian of war-chariots. Cf. X. 64. 10. Ribhukshanas: +Ribhus. + +* 8 Ribhukshan; 1 the mighty (Indra)/—Wilson. + +9 With his Gar-steeds: with us priests, who draw the chariot of sacrifice. + +12 So have they strengthened: 1 May (the priests) strengthen/—Wilson. +The yoke : as the yoke keeps a pair of horses together so the hymn addressed +to the Gods reconciles worshippers and fills them with like feelings of +devotion. + +13 Piercing ends: of the axle, which pass through the naves. + +14 Duhstma Prithavdna , Vena, and Rdma were Maghavans or wealthy +institutors* of sacrifices. To the King: dsuve: to the Asura, lord or chief. +Rive hundred: horses or chariots. + +15 Horses: there is no substantive in the text. Sayana supplies gavdm t + + + + +526 + + +{BOOK X. + + +THE HYMNS OB + +HYMN XCIV\ Press-stones. + +Let 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. + +2 They 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. + +3 Loudly they speuk, for they have found the 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. + +4 They 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 reSclio with their ringing sound. + +5 The 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. + +6 Like 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. + +7 To 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, ging ye praise, to +these who bear ten car-poles, ten when they are yoked. + +cows. These horseB, or cows, were presented to the priests. Tdnva, Pdrthya, +and Mdyava are patronymics which do not occur again in the Rigveda. + +Ludwig thinks that a quarrel had arisen between the MaghaVans or nobles +(stanza 14) and the Visas or people (stanza 9), and that the priests, who had +reconciled the two parties, were presented with the chariots which had been +prepared for battle. See stanza 13, in which, according to this explanation, +rid should be rendered by ‘ and not ’ instead of 4 as ’twere.’ The hymn, which +is difficult and in parts almost unintelligible, is placed by Grassmann in his + +Appendix. - + +Hotar: * (Agni) the invoker (of the gods)/—Wilson. Or the human Hotar* +priest may be intended. + +3 Bed-coloured Tree: the Soma-plant. Well-pastured: the meaning of +s’&bharvd is obReure. See Hillebrandt, V. M. t I. 18. + +4 The sisters: the fingers. + +5 The Eagles: the rapidly moving celestial preas-stones. + +7 Ten workers; the fingers of both hands. + + + + +HYMN 95.] + + +THE RIG VEDA, + + +527 + + +8 These 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. + +9 These Soma-eaters kiss Indra’s Bay-coloured Steeds : draining + +the stalk they sit upon the ox's hide. + +Indra, when he hath drunk Soma-meath drawn by them, waxes +in strength, is famed, is mighty as a Bull. + +10 Strong 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, 0 Stones, ye find delight. + +11 Bored deep, but not pierced through with holes, are ye, 0 + +Stones, not loosened, never weary, and exempt from death, +Eternal, undiseased, moving in sundry ways, unthirsting, full +of fatness, void of all desire. + +12 Your 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. + +13 This, 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. + +14 They have raised high their voice for juice, for sacrifice, strik¬ + +ing the Mother Earth as though they danced thereon. + +So loose thou too his thought who hath efifnsed the sap, and +let the Stones which we are honouring be disjoined. + +HYMN XCV. Urvurt. Pur&ravas. + +Ho 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. + +9 The ox's hide: spread underneath to catch and hold the droppings. + +12 Your fathers; the mountains from which you came. + +14 Striking the Mother Earth: 4 Earth * is not in the text‘they made a +noise like (children) at play, striking their mother.’—Wilson, I have followed +Prof. Ludwig’s explanation. + +The hymn is a dialogue between Pururavas and TJrvas!, and they are +severally the Ilishis of the stanzas which they speak. The dialogue, which +is sometimes almost unintelligible, contains the germs of a legend-which is +related in the Satapatha~Bvdhmana } reappears in the Mahdbh&rata and + + + +528 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +2 What am I now to do with this thy saying % I have gone + +from thee like the first of Mornings. + +Purdravas, return thou to thy dwelling: I, like the wind, am +difficult to capture. + +3 Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift steed + +winning cattle, winning hundreds, + +The lightning seemed to flash, as cowards planned it, Tho +minstrels bleated like a lamb in trouble. + +- 4 Giving 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, accept¬ +ing day and night her lord’s embraces. + +— 5 Thrice iif the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though + +coldly she received thy fond caresses. + +To thy desires, Pururavas, I yielded: so wast thou king, 0 +hero, of my body. + +6 The maids Sujmmi, Sreni, Sumne4pi, Charanyu, Granthint, +and Hradechakshus,— + +These like red kine have hastened forth, the bright ones, and +like milch-cows have lowed in emulation. + + +Purdnas, and forms the plot of the well-known drama, ViLr amor vast, or The +Hero and the Nymph. According to this legend, Urvasi, an Apsaras or +Nymph of heaven, has been banished to earth where she consents to live +with King PurCiravas on condition that he takes care of her two pet rams, +and that she never sees him unclothed. She lives with PurCiravas for four +years, when the Gandharvas or heavenly minstrels resolve to bring her back. +They steal one of the rams by night. PurCiravas springs from his bed ; the +Gandharvas send on him a flash of magic lightning, and Ur vast sees her +husband naked. One of the conditions of the continuance of their union is +broken, and the nymph instantly vanishes. PurCiravas meets her afterwards +and in vain implores her to return. At last she relents^ and in due time a +son is bora to them. These are the main outlines of a somewhat variously +told story. + +X PurCiravas speaks, when he has met Urvasi again after her sudden +departure. + +2 Urvasi replies. + +3 PurCiravas speaks, reminding her of the circumstances in which she +vanished. * Yea/ he says, ( thou wentest from me with the speed of an arrow +or a racer. The cowardly Gandharvas deluded us. They bleated like a lamb +to make us think that one of thy pets was in pain or danger, and then, by a +flash of factitious lightning, made me visible to thee in my nakedness/ + +4 Life and riches: meaning, perhaps, as Prof. Ludwig suggests, the +future grandson. The near dwelling: her father-in-law’s house, where she +spent much of her time. Her lover; her husband PurCiravas, + +This stanza and the next are spoken by Urvsi. + +6 This stanza is ascribed by S&yana to Pururavas, who mentions the names +of the Apsarases who were the companions of Urvasi after her flight. They +are compared to red kine, meaning, perhaps, bright flashes of lightning fob +lowed by the lowing or bellowing of the thunder. + + + +TEE R1GYEDA. + + +529 + + +BYMN 95.] + +7 Wbile he "was bom the Daraes 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. + +8 When 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. + +9 When, 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. * + +10 She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me + +delicious presents from the waters. + +Now from the flood be bom a strong young hero! May Urvasi +prolong her life for ever ! + +11 Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly miloh-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 % + +12 When will the son be bom 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 % + + +7 Urvaai speaks, reminding PurCiravas of the favour shown him at his birth, +by the celestial Dames who were present, the Rivers who nursed him, and +the Gods who gave him strength. Another explanation is that in thp first +half of the stanza Ik vast speaks, by anticipation, of the son whom she will +bear to Pururavas. + +8 PurCiravas complains of the shyness of the nymphs mentioned in stanza 6, +with whose society he had sought to console himself. A mortal; meaning that +if he had been a God theii? behaviour would have been different. Raiment : +dtkam : explained by Sayana as svaktyum rdpam, their own proper form. + +9 Urvast replies. The Apsarases, she says, as a rule only coquet with mor¬ +tal men. As they allow him : krdtubhir nd ; see Geldner, V. S I. 276. Like +swans: Sayana explains nd here differently;—-they (becoming) ducks do not +show their bodies.’—Wilson. + +10 Pururavas speaks. Urvasi, he says, did not treat him so coldly, from +the waters; of the firmament. From the flood: from Urvasi who comes from +the watery regions above. S&yana explains apdfy differently :—‘a son able in +act and friendly to man has been born.’—'Wilson. + +11 Urvasi speaks. According to Sftyana, whom Wilson, Grassmann, and +Geldner follow, the translation of the first half-line would be :—‘Thou hast +been bom to give the earth protection.’ Warned thee on that day ; tol|j thee, +when I agreed to live with thee what would happen if the conditions of the +agreement were not strictly observed. + +12 PurCiravas speaks. Knows him; ‘on recognizing (me).’—Wilson, Or, + +34 + + + + +m THM HYMNS OF [BOOK X., + +13 I 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. + +14 Thy 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. + +15 Nay, 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. + +16. When 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. + +17 1, 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. + +IB Thus speak these Gods to thee, 0 son of I]a: As death hath +verily got thee for his subject, + +, Thy sons shall serve the Gods with their oblation, and thou, +moreover, shalt rejoice in S varga. + +when, he knows my story, knows how his father has been deserted, WhUe fire +h shining ; so long as the father-in-law and mother-in-law who sanctioned the +union live and maintain their household fire. + +13 Urvasi answers, That which is thiiw, between m: our child, our com¬ +mon treasure. + +14 Puniravas threatens to destroy himself. + +15 Urvasi speaks this and the next stanza'. + +Id A drip of butter; one of the conditions on which the continuance of +their union depended was that she should eat nothing but a small quantity +of yhritd or clarified butter daily. See stanza 11, + +17 Puriiravas speaks. Her best love; vfmshihah here is evidently, as the +Scholiast says, an epithet and not a name, meaning 4 moat excellent,* f most +precious/ Fills air; representing the morning mist, or the first flush of ■ +light, that spreads over the heavens before the rising of the sun. +b 18 There is an hiatus between this stanza and 17, an entire break of con¬ +tinuity. The fragment is ascribed to Urvasi, who consoles Purfiravae by +telling him of the promise of the deities that after his death his sons shall +offer sacrifice to the Gods, and he himself shall be blest in heaven. Son of +Jld : Purfiravas, called Aila or son of 114 who was the daughter of Manu. + +Son^e of the stanzas should be transposed, and their order should be, 1, 2, +3, 4, 15, 6, 7, 8, 9,11, 12, 13, 14 15, Id-Ludwig. + +Of this very difficult hymn there is a complete translation, with a very, +full and generally convincing commentary (to both, of which I am indebted + + + +MTMiV 96.] + + +531 + + +TEE RIOTED A. + +HYMN XCVI. Indra. + +In 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 yellpw drops. Let +my songs enter thee whose form hath golden tints. + +2 Ye 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 yello\^drops. + +3 His is that thunderbolt, 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. + +4 As 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. + +5 Thou, thou, when praised by men who sacrificed of old/ hadst + +pleasure in their lands, 0 Indra golden-haired. + +All that befits thy song of praise thou welcomest,/the perfect +pleasant gift, 0 Golden-hued from birth. + +6 These two dear Bays bring hither Indra on Ms car, Thunder¬ + +armed, joyous, meet for laud, to drink hid fill. + +Many libations flow for him who loveth ,hfem: to Indra have +the gold-hued Soma juices run. y + +for much assistance), "by Prof. Geldner, Vedisokc Stucfom* I. pp. ^ 243—295. +The myth has been discussed by von Both, Illustrations of the Eirufcta, and +Induehe Studies I, 196 ; by Prof. Max Milder, Oxford Essays (Chips, IV. +109i\); by Prof, Adalbert Kuhn, Die EeraUunft des Eeuers, pp. 85 ff; and +by Professors Boltzmann and Oldenberg in more recent days. Professor +Max Muller considers the story to be * one of the myths of the Vedas which +-expresses the correlation of the dawn and the son/ According to Hr. Gold 1 - +s tucker, Ur vast is the morning mist which vanishes away as,soon as Puniravas +the Sun displays himself. See Chambers's Encyclopaedia, 1st edition , under + +PURUEAV&S, 7 - + +Throughout the hymn the poet rings the changes on words said to be +derivatives of the root hri, to take, as karyatd, delightsome, harydn, loving, +hdrij bay or tawny, hdrit, green, yellow, or gold-coloured. Cp. Ill, 44. +These words are eonjecturally explained by the Commentator, and are +susceptible of various renderings. + +1, Oil; or fatness, fertilizing rain. i ' + +2 Com : milked for sacrificial purposes. , + +3 Tawny rage: perhaps with reference to the effect of, anger on the face.— +• budwig. + +\ 4 The tawny hued ; the thunderbolt wielded by Indra* + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +532 + + +[BOOH X. + + +7 The gold-hued drops have flowed to gratify his wish: the + +yellow drops have urged the swift Bays to the Strong. + +He who speeds on with Bay Steeds even as he lists hath satis¬ +fied his longing for the golden drops. • + +8 At the swift draught the Soma-drinker waxed in might, the + +Iron One with yellow beard and yellovr hair. + +He, Lord of Tawny Coursers, Lord of fleet-foot .Mares, will +bear his Bay Steeds safely over all distress. + +9 His yellov^coloured jaws, like ladles, move apart, what time,. + +for strength, he makes the yellow-tinted stir, + +When, "/hile the bowl stands there, he grooms his Tawny +Steeds, when he hath drunk strong drink, the sweet juice +that he loves. + +10 Yea, 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. + +11 Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, + +acceptest the dear hymn for ever new and new. + +0 Asura, disclose thou and make visible tbe Cow’s beloved +home to the bright golden Sun. + +12 0 Indra, let th<$ eager wishes of tbe 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. + +13 Juices 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. + + +7 To the Strong: to Indra; that they may harnessed and come to the +sacrifice. + +8 The Iron One: 'iron-hearted Indra.’—'Wilson. + +. 9 For strength: for strengthening food. The yellow-tinted: his yellow jaw.. +10 The Dear One must be the Soma, found both in heaven and earth, the +fi? e L n Q0i V*, dme, u According to SSyana, Indra himself is meant. The +FelovU One: Indra, whose vital vigour is increased by Soma-draughts. + +u n )lSl e J-X S r b t M -n°u e: * he 0ow be the Sun whose home is the +uQtvtrsd which India will&Ilow Surya to illumine. + +U Sacrifice according to S4yana, the sacrificial Soma juice which is pres- +wd ana prepared by she fingers of the priest. ■ -■ + + + +BTMN 97.] TEE RIG VEDA. 533 + +HYMN XCVII. -Praise of Herbs. + +Herbs 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. + +2 Ye, 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. + +S Be 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. + +4 Plants, by this name I speak to you, Mothers, to you the + +Goddesses: + +Steed, cow, and garment may I win, win back thy very self, +0 man. + +5 The Holy Fig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parria tree: + +Winners of cattle shall ye be if ye regain for me this man. + +fi He 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. + +7 Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishment, in strength¬ +ening power,— + +All these have I provided here, that this man may be whole again. + +S The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle +from the stall,— + +Plants that sh&ll win me store of wealth, and save thy vital +breath, 0 man. + +9 Reliever is your mother’s name, and hence Restorers are ye +called. + +Rivers are ye with wings that fly : keep far whatever brings +disease. + +10 Over all fences have they passed, as steals a thief into the fold. + +The Plants have driven from the frame whatever malady was +there. + + +1 Three ages earlier than the Gads: * for the gods before the three agea.’— +Wilson. See Satapatha-Erdhmana, VII. 2. 4. 26 (S. B . E., XLL p. ’339). + +4 Steed, car, and garment: as my fee for curing you. + +5 Holy Fig-tree: the Asvattha, or Ficus Jteligiosa. Parna tree: the Pal&sa, +Butea Frondosa. Sacrificial vessels are made of the wood of these trees +which are therefore said to be the home of plants used in religious ceremonies. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +11 When, bringing back the vanished strength, I hold these herbs + +within my hand, + +The spirit of disease departs ere he can seize upon the life. + +12 He through whose frame, 0 Plants, ye creep member by ' + +member, joint by joint,— + +From him ye drive away disease like some strong arbiter of strife. + +13 Fly, Spirit of Disease, begone, with the blue jay and kingfisher. +Fly with the wind’s impetuous speed, vanish together with + +the storm. + +14 Help every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each, +All of you be accordant, givef urtheraace to this speech of mine. + +15 Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that blossom, and the + +blossomless, + +Urged onward by Brihaspati, release us from our pain and grief; + +16 Release me from the curse’s plague and woe that comes from + +Yaruna ; + +Free me'from Yama’s fetter, fromsinand offeneeagainstthe Gods. + +17 What time, descending from the sky, the Plants flew earth* + +ward, thus they spake: + +No evil shall befall the man whom while he liveth we pervade. +IS Of all the many Plauts whose King is Soma, Plants of hundred +forms, + +Thou art the Plant most excellent, prompt to the wish, sweet +to the heart. + +19 0 all ye various Herbs whose King is Soma, that overspread + +the earth, + +Urged onward by Brihaspati, combine your vii’tue in this Plant. + +20 Unharmed be he who digs you up, unharmed the man for + +whom I dig: + +And let no malady attack biped or quadruped of ours. + +21 All Plants that hear this speech, and those that have depart¬ + +ed far away, + +Come all assembled and confer your healing power upon this +Herb. + + +12 Like some strong arbiter of strife: ‘like a mighty (prince; stationed in +the midst of his host.’—Wilson. + +13 With the blue jay and kingfisher; with the speed of the swiftest birds. +Together with the storm : according to S&yana, ‘perish along with the iguana. 9 + +15 Urged onward: Brihaspati, says S&yana, is the deity who presides over +mantras or spells and charts. + +19 This Plant: the medicinal herb' which I, the physician, am about to +make use of. + + + + +MYMJSf 98.] + + +THE RIOVE BA. + + +m + +22 With Soma as tlieir Sovran Lord the Plants hold colloquy + +and say: + +0 King, we save from death the man whose cure a Br&hman +undertakes. + +23 Most excellent of all art thou, 0 Plant; thy vassals are the trees. +Let him be subject to our power, the man who seeks to in¬ +jure us. + +HYMN XCVIII. The + +Comb, be thou Mitra, Yaruna, or Pushan, come, 0 Brihaspati, +to mine oblation: + +With Maruts, Vasus, or JLdityas, make thou Parjauya pour +for Santanu his rain-drops. + +2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent + +hath come to me, Bev&pi : + +Address thyself to me and turn thee hither: within thy lips +will I put brilliant language. + +3 Within my mouth, Brihaspati, 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. + +i Let the sweet drops descend on us, 0 Indra: give ns enough +to lade a thousand wagons. + +Sit to thy Hotar task; pay worship duly, and serve the Gods, +Devapi, with oblation. + +5 Knowing the Gods' good-will, Devalpi, Bishi, the son of Kish- +tisheua, sate as Hotar. + +He hath brought down from heaven's most lofty summit the +ocean of the rain, celestial waters. + + +' This Stikta is remarkable as representing one of two brothers, both of the +Kshatriya caste, becoming the Purohita, or family priest, and tfotri or sacrific¬ +ing priest, of the other who is the Rdjd.'—Wilson. + +1 Dev&pi addresses Brihaspati, who is identifiable with Mitra, Varapa, +Pushan and others, m his special character of Purohita, or family Priest, of +the Gods, and as the prototype of all human ^ Purohitas. With Maruts : +whether thou be attended by Maruts, Vasus, or, Adityaa. For §antanu; the +brother of Dev&pi. + +2 Brihaspati replies. Brilliant language: a‘brilliant hymn/—Muir. + +2 Dev&pi speaks, praying Brihaspati, as Lord of Speech (cp. X. 71. 1*)? to +inspire him with eloquence that he may address the Gods effectually. The +meath-rich drop; the sweet eloquence for which he has prayed. + +. A The sweet drops: of rain. , This stanza is spoken by Santanu. + +!< 5 Knowing: how to win, . . + + + +536 + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK X + + +6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood, by + +deities obstructed. + +They hurried down set free by Irshtishena, in gaping clefts, +urged onward by Devapi. + +7 When as chief priest for Sautanu, Devapi, chosen for Iiota/a + +duty, prayed beseeching, + +Graciously pleased Brihaspati vouchsafed him a voice that +reached the Gods and won the waters. + +8 0 Agin whom Dev&pi Arshtishena, the mortal man, hath + +kindled in his glory, + +Joying in him with all the Gods together, urge on the sender +of the f&tn, Parjunya. + +$ All ancient Rishis with their songs approached thee, even +thee, 0 Much-invoked, at sacrifices. + +We have provided wagon-loads in thousands: come to the +solemn rite, Lord of Red Horses. + +10 The wagon-loads, the nine-and-ninety thousand, these have + +been offered up to thee, 0 Agni. + +Hero, with these increase thy many bodies, and, stimulated, +send us rain from heaven. + +11 Give thou these ninety’ thousand loads, 0 Agni, to Indra, to + +the Bull, to be his portion. + +Knowing the paths which Deities duly travel, set mid the +Gods in heaven Aul&na also. + +12 0 Aunii, drive afar our foes, our troubles; chase malady away + +and wicked demons. + +From this air-ocean, from the lofty heavens,^end down on us +a mighty flood of waters. ' + +1> Avshtishena: patronymic*, sou of Rishfishena ; Dev&pi. + +7 Chief priest: or family or household priest; Purohita. + +9 Wagon-loads: an extraordinary quantity of fuel for the- sacrifice, as the +occasion was one of the greatest importance. + +1 l Auldna: S:\nfanu, as a descendant of Ula, appears to be meant. Accord¬ +ing t‘> some scholars, auldnam means oblation or sacrificial offering. ' The +tact of Dev&pi being reputed as the author of this hymn, and as the pnrohita +and hotri of his brother seems to Lave led the legendary writers to inveufc +the story of his becoming a Brahman, which (as mentioned by Professor +Weber, Indiscke Studien, i. p. 203} is recorded in the Salya-parvan of the +MahSbharata, verses 2281 ff, where he is said to have attained this distinction +at a certain place of pilgrimage called Prithiidaka ; where Sindhudvxpa and, +Visvamitra also were received into the higher caste/—Muir, 0. S. Texts , I. +270 ff. For the legend on which the hymn is said to be baBed, quoted by +SAyana from the Nirukta, see Wilson's Translation. + + + + +HYMN 99 .] + + +537 + + +THE 1IIGVEDA. + +HYMN XCIX. Indra, + +What Splendid One, Load-voiced, Far-stviding, dost thou, well +knowing, urge us to exalt with praises? + +What give we him ? When his might dawned, he fashioned +the Vritra-slaying bolt, and sent us waters. + +2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes : wide is the + +seat his Asura glory gives him. + +With his Companions, not without his Brother, he quells this +Saptatha’s magic devices. + +3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle ; he toiled to win + +heaven’s light, full fain to gain it; + +He seized the hundred-gated castle’s treasure py craft, un¬ +checked, and slew the lustful demons. + +4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and roaming among the + +herd he brings the young streams hither, + +Where, footless, joined, without a car to bear them, with jars +for steeds, they pour their flood like butter. + +5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with itudras he came, the Blame¬ + +less, having left his dwelling, + +Came, seized the food of Vamra and his consort, and left the +couple weeping and unsheltered. + +6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, + +six-eved and triple-headed. + +Trita, made stronger by the might he lent him, struck down +the boar with shaft whose point was iron. + +7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful + +and oppressive foeraan. + +Strong, glorieus, manliest, for ns he shattered the forts of +Nahus when he slew the Dasyus. + + +1 The question m the first line is a rhetorical figure, the meaning beii%, +H«>w splendid is he (Indra) whom thou (the Yajam&ua ?) urgest to exalt! +What give we him l what can we give him in return for what he has done +for us ? + +2 His Companions: the Maruts. His Brother: Vishnu. Who Saptatha was +is uncertain. The word means Septimus, the seventh, and probably some +R&kshasa or demon is intended. + +3 The lustful demo ns: the exact meaning of simadevdn is uncertain. See +VII. 21. 5 and note, + +5 I can make nothing intelligible of the second line. ‘ I think of the two +(parents) of Vamra, who are free from fever. Having obtained (the enemy’s) +food, he called aloud whilst stealing it/—Wilson. Vamra is mentioned in X. +51. 9; 112.15. + +6 Lord of the dwelling: or, with Ludwig, The Lord and Giver. The. + +demon: or D&sa Visvarfipa, son of Tvashfcar. See X. 8. 8. The boar: Vritiv +Cf. I. .51.7. “ ‘ . + + + + +538 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for + +us the way tp dwell in safety. + +When the Hawk comes in body to the Soma, armed with his +iron claws he slays the Dasyus. + +9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave Sushna + +up to Kutsa for affliction. + +‘He led the lauded Kavi, he delivered Atka as prey to him and +to his heroes. + +10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving + +like Vartma who works with magic, + +Was known, yet young, as guardian of the seasons; and he +quelled Araru, four-footed demon. + +11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Eijijvan burst, with the + +Mighty’s aid, the stall of Pipru. + +When the saint pressed the juice and shone as singer, he seized +the forts and with his craft subdued them. + +12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come + +nigh to Indra. + +He will, when supplicated, bring him blessing: he hath brought +all, food, strength, a happy dwelling. + +HYMN C. Visvedevas. + +Be, like thyself, 0 Indra, strong for our delight: here lauded, +aid us, Maghavfin, drinker of the juice. + +Savitar with the Gods protect us : hear ye Twain. We ask for +freedom and complete felicity. + + +S The Hawk: the fierce and swift Indra. + +■9 Kavi: according to Say ana, Usan4 K&vya or son o? Kavi is intended. +Atka: see X. 49. 3, + +10 His Gods: the Martits, Araru: I follow S4yana. * Cf. Satapatha-Brdh- +mana, 1.2 4.17 (S. B. E. XII. 57) According to Prof. Ludwig’s conjectural +explanation the translation would be:— { he measured out the year iu four +divisions.’ + +11 Ausija: son of Usij. But as this patronymic does not properly belong +to Bijisvan, the word here may perhaps mean, Vehement,* ‘eagerly desirous.' +Pipru; one of the demons of drought. + +12 Asura: 0 divine and mighty Indra. For exaltation; of Indra. +Yamraka: a lengthened form of Vamra, the Bishi of the hymn. The last +clause of the stanza is borrowed from X. 20. 10*. + +This hymn, which is obscure and in some places unintelligible, is placed by +Prof. Grassmann in his Appendix. Dr. Muir has translated stanzas 1—7 iu +0. S. Texts, IV. pp. 408, 409 (2nd edition). + +„ 1, Ye Tvxtin: Indra And Savitar, Freedom: adiPm. Prof, M. Muller +translates differently : ‘ We implore Aditi for health aud wealth.’ . , + + + +THE R1GVEDA. + + +53$ + + +HYMN 100 .] + +2 Bring swift, for offering, the share that suits the time, to the + +pure-drinker Y&yu, roaring as he goes, + +To him who hath approached the draught of shining milk. +We ask for freedom and complete felicity. + +3 May Savitar the God send us fall life, to each who sacrifices, + +lives aright and pours the juice; + +That we with simple hearts may wait .upon the Gods. We ask +for freedom and complete felicity. + +4 May Indra evermore he gracious unto us, and may King Soma +. meditate our happiness, + +Even as men secure the comfort of a friend. We ask for free¬ +dom and complete felicity. . + +5 Indra hath given the body with its song and strength : Brihas- + +pati, thou art the lengthener of life. + +The sacrifice is Manu, Providence, our Sire. We ask for +freedom and complete felicity. + +6 Indra possessefch might celestial nobly formed : the singer in + +the house is Agni, prudent Sage. + +He is the sacrifice in synod, fair, most near. We ask for free¬ +dom and complete felicity. + +7 Not often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, Yasus, + +have we openly provoked the Gods. + +Not one of us, ye Gods, hath worn an alien shape. We ask +for freedom and complete felicity. + +8 May Savitar remove from us our malady, and may the Moun¬ + +tains keep it far away from where +The press-stone as it sheds the meath rings loudly forth. We +ask for freedom and complete felicity. + +9 Ye Yasus, c let the stone, the presser, stand erect: avert all + +enmities and keep them far remote. + +Our guard to be adored is Savitar this God. We ask for free¬ +dom and complete felicity. + +10 Eat strength and fatness in the pasture, kine, who arebalmed +at the reservoir and at the seat of Law. + +So let your body be our body’s medicine. We ask for freedom +and complete felicity. + +2 Pure-drinker: drinker of pure Soma juice. + +5 The sacrifice is Manu : we owe our existence and’ preservation to sacrifice, +which is to us another Manu, the father of Aryan men. + +* 6 The sacrifice in synod: c worthy of sacrifice at the altar.’—Wilson. + +, 7 An alien shape: as sorcerers are accustomed to do. + +10 Palmed at the reservoir : anointed before being milked. Sfiyapa ex- +, plains k6se by goshthe, ‘in the cowstall.’ Let your body: may the milk,the +produce of your bodies, offered in libation, keep our bodies in health. Or + + + +sio + + +.THE HYMNS OF + + +[BOOK X. + + +11 The singer fills the spirit: all mens’ iove hath he- Indra takes + +kindly care of those who pour the juice. + +For his libation is the heavenly udder full. We ask for free¬ +dom and complete felicity. + +12 Wondrous thy spirit-filling light, triumphant; thy hosts save + +from decay and are resistless. + +The pious votary by straightest pathway speeds to possess +the best of all the cattle, + +HYMN CI. Visvedevas. + +Wake with one mind, my friends, and kindle Agni, ye who +are many and who dwell together. + +Agni and Dadhikr&s and Dawn the Goddess, you, Gods with +Indra, I call down to help us. + +2 Make pleasant hymns, spin out your songs and praises : build + +ye a ship equipped with oars lor transport. + +Prepare the implements, make all things ready, and let the +sacrifice, my friends, go forward. + +3 Lay on the yokes, and fasten well the traces: formed is the + +farrow, sow the seed within it. + +Through song may we find hearing fraught with plenty ; near +to the ripened grain approach the sickle. + +4 Wise, through desire of bliss from Gods, the skilful bind + +the traces fast, + +. And lay the yokes on either Vide. + +5 Arrange the buckets in their place: securely fasten on the + +straps. + +We will pour forth the well that hath a copious stream, fair- +flowing well that never fails. + +* may the body of the cow offered in sacrifice be the eipiation for the body of +the aacrificer, enabling him to attain swarga. Or may the milk be the cor¬ +rective of the Soma.’—Wilson. + +11 The heavenly udder- the clouds of the firmament. + +12 Save from decay: this is Prof, Ludwig’s interpretation of the obscure +word jaraniprfth, which means, according to S&yana, replenishing the wealth +of thy worshippers. The last line is explained differently by S&yana.—* (there¬ +fore) Duvasyu hastens in front of the victim cow, (leading it) with a straight +cord.’—Wilson. According to the same authority the meaning of the refrain +of stanzas 1—11 is:—* We long for the universal Aditi.’ + +1 Dadhikrds: probably a personification of the Morning Sun. See III. +20. 1 ; IV. 38. 2 ; 40. 5 note. + +2 Ship: sacrifice, represented under this figure. + +3 In this and the following stanzas sacrifice is figuratively Bpoken of as + +ploughing, sowing and reaping. See Sittavatka-Brdhmaw. VII. 2. 2. 4. (S. +B. E. XLI. 320). ' v + +5 The flowing Soma is an inexhaustible well. + + + + +HYMN 101.] + + +THE RIGVEEA. + + +541 + + +6 I pour the water from the well with pails prepared and goodly + +straps, + +Unfailing, full, with plenteous stream. + +7 Refresh the horses, win the prize before you: equip a chariot + +fraught with happy fortune. + +Pour forth the well with stone wheel, wooden buckets, the +drink of heroes, with the trough for armour. + +8 Prepare the cow-stall, for there drink your heroes : stitch ye + +the coats of armour, wide and many. + +Make iron forts, secure from all assailants : let not your pit¬ +cher leak : stay it securely. + +9 Hither, for help, I torn the holy heavenly n^md of you the + +Holy Gods, that longs for sacrifice. + +May it pour milk for us, even as a stately cow who, having +sought the pasture, yields a thousand streams. + +10 Pour golden juice within the wooden vessel: with stone-made + +axes fashion ye and form it. + +Embrace and compass it with tenfold girdle, and to both +chariot-poles attach the car-horse. + +11 Between both poles the car-horse goes pressed closely, as in. + +his dwelling moves the do ably-wedded. + +Lay in the wood the Sovran of the Forest, and sink the well +although ye do not dig it. + +12 Indra is he, 0 men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the + +giver of delight to win us strength. + +Bring quickly down, 0 priests, hither to give us aid, to drink + +the Soma, Indra Son of Nishtigrt +© + + +7 The sacrifice is a chariot; and the ritual is a race. The well: the stream +of Soma juice. Stone wheel: with allusion to the press-stones. + +8 The cow-stall: figuratively, for the place where the Soma is pressed. +Coats of armour * the filters for straining the juice. Iron forts: the +safeguards obtained by sacrificing. + +9 Milk: abundant blessing. * + +,10 Stone-made: with allusion to the press-stones. Tenfold girdle: the fingers +of both hands. Both chariot-poles: the armB. The car-korse: the upper +press-stone ; or the pestle. + +11 The doubly-wedded: the man who has two wives. The comparison is +not clear. The Sovran of the Forest i the Soma plant. Sink the well: ( store +up the juice/—Wilson. + +12 X follow S&yana in his interpretation of the first line. Yon Both, +Ludwig, and Grassmann explain in differently Ni&kUgH : meaning according +to S&yana, ‘she who swallows up her rival wife Nishti, i. e. Difci,’ is said to be +Aditi, the mother of Indra, + + + +Ml the HYMNS OF [BOOH X + +HYMN OIL Indr*. + +For thee may Indra boldly speed the- car that works on either +side. + +Favour us, Much-invoked! in this most glorious fight against +the raiders of our wealth. + +2 Loose in the wind the woman’s robe was streaming what time + +she won a ear-load worth a thousand. + +The charioteer in fight was Mudgalam : she, Indra’s dart, heap¬ +ed up the prize of battle. + +3 0 Indra, cast thy bolt among assailants who would slaughter + +us: + +The weapon 'both of D&sa and of Arya foe keep far away, 0 +Maghavan. + +4 The bull in joy had drunk a lake of water. His shattering + +horn encountered an opponent. + +Swiftly, in vigorous strength, eager for glory, he stretched his +forefeet, fain to win and triumph. + +5 They came anear the hull; they made him thunder, made him + +pour rain down ere the fight was ended. + +And Mudgala thereby won in the contest well-pastured kine +in hundreds and in thousands. + +6 In hope of victory that hull was harnessed: Kesi the driver + +urged him on with shouting. + +As he ran swiftly with the car behind him his lifted heels press¬ +ed close on Mudgalani. + + +The deified subject of the hymn is said to be, alternatively, Drughana (Mace, +Club or Hammer. See stanza 9). The Rishi is Mudgala. * + +According to the legend quoted by S&yana, all Mudgala’s cattle had been- +stolen except an old ox which he harnessed to his wagon and went in pursuit +of the robbers. He threw his club or mace before him, which showed him the +way to the thieves, and thus recovered his property. + +1 For thee: 0 Mudgala. That works on either side: mithtikrUam; accord¬ + +ing to S Ay ana= asahdyam, ‘that has no companion/ The meaning is uncer¬ +tain. , + +2 Miidgaldnt: Mudgala’s wife. Indra 1 s dart; sped swiftly on her way by +Indra. + +3 This stanza seems to be an interpolation, + +4 The JmU: apparently one of the buffaloes which drew the chariot of Mud- +galAufs chief opponent. Had drunk: jufet before the fight began. Mncown - +tered an opponent: meaning, perhaps, that feeling uneasy he hung his head +and struck the ground with his, horns. ‘ He cleft the mountain peak, he went +against the enemy/—Wilson. + +6 7n hope of victory: kakdrdave; the meaning is uncertain ; according to +, SAyana, ‘ for the destruction of the enemy/ Ludwig thinks that the farther +end of the chariot-pole is intended. + + + +HYMN 102.] + + +THE FIGVEDA* + + +7 Deftly for him he stretched the cax^pole forward, guided the + +bull thereto aud firmly yoked him. + +Iudra vouchsafed the lord of cows his favour: with mighty +steps the buffalo ran onward. + +8 Touched by the goad the shaggy beast went nobly, bound to + +the pole by the yoke’s thong of leather. + +Performing deeds of might for many people, he, looking on the +cows, gained strength and vigour. + +9 Here look upon this mace, this bulks companion, now lying + +midway on the field of battle. + +Therewith hath Mndgala in ordered contest won for cattle for +himself, a hundred thousand. + +10 Far is the evil: who hath fiere beheld it? Hither they bring + +the bull whom' they are yoking. + +To this they give not either food or water. Reaching beyond +the pole it gives directions. + +11 Like one forsaken, she hath found a husband, and teemed as + +if her breast were full and flowing. + +With swiftly-racing chariot may we conquer, and rich and +blessed be our gains in battle. + +12 Thou, Iudra, art the mark whereon the eyes of all life rest, + +when thou, + +A Bull who drivest with thy bull, wilt win the race together +with thy weakling friend. + +7 Mudgala’s better fortune is now related. For him: for his own buffalo. +He ; Mudgala. Gar-pole : I follow Ludwig’s conjecture - but it is uncertain +wh&t part of the chariot the pradhi was ; * the periphery of the wheel/ accord¬ +ing to the St. Petersburg Lexicon ; ‘ the frame of the waggon.’—Wilson. +S&yana’s explanation is not very clear, but he seems to think that the linchpin +is intended. None of these three explanations seems suitable here. The lord +of cows .* the bull buffalo. + +9 Mace: drughanam: according to Silyana, the club which Mudgala had +carried with him on his expedition, and which, together with the ox thftt*drew +his car had enabled him to recover his cattle. Lying midway: after the vic¬ +tory, the King had thrown down his mace-upon the field of battle.—Ludwig. + +10 1 find this stanza unintelligible. Perhaps the second line contains the +germ of that part of the legend which mentious the club thrown in front of +the chariot to point out the way that the robbers had taken. + +11 Like one forsaken: parivriktdv :. f . \Mudgal&tfi was a pari - +vriktd [a wife lightly esteemed in ■ t * : i ■ ■ the favourite wife] who +made amends for her sterility by driving her husband’s chariot to battle and +briuging bim back victorious, with the booty which she had helped him to +gain instead of the children that she had not borne him.’—Ludwig. + +12 With thy hull; thy fierce and strong thunderbolt. With thy weakling + +friend: with the mortal man whom thou protectest, and who is weak and +effeminate in comparison with thee. ^ _ + +The hymn is fragmentary, and it seems impossible to interpret it fully and + + + + +[BOOK X +Indra, + + +64 i ' THE HYMNS OF + +HYMN CIII. + +Swift, rapidly striking, like a bull who sharpens his horns, +terrific, stirring up the people, + +With eyes that close not, bellowing, Sole Hero, Indra subdued +at once a hundred armies. + +2 With him loud-muring. ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to + +overthrow, Rouser of battle, + +Indra the Strong, whose hand bears arrows, conquer, ye +warriors, now, now vanquish in the combat. + +3 He roles with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who + +with his band brings hosts together. + +Foe-conquering, strong of arm, the Soma-drinker, with mighty +bow, shooting with well-laid arrows. + +4 Brihaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, + +driving off our foemen. + +Be thou protector of our cars, destroyer, victor in battle, +breaker-up of armies. + +5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty + +and fierce, victorious, all-subduing, + +The Son of Conquest, passing men and heroes, kino-winner, +mount thy conquering car, 0 Indra. + +, 6 Cleaver of stalls, kine* winner, armed with thunder, who quells +an army and with might destroys it,— + +Follow him, brothers 1 quit yourselves like heroes, and like +this Indra show your zeal and courage. + +7 Piercing the cow-stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the + +pitiless Hero, wild with anger, + +Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless,—may he protect our +armies in our battles. + +8 Ipdra guide these: Brihaspati precede them, the guerdon, + +and the sacrifice, and Soma; + +And let the banded Maruts march in forefront of heavenly +hosts that conquer and demolish. + + +satisfactorily. I have followed in some stanzas the interpretations of the +authors of VedUcke Studien , I. pp. 124 and 138. But see the later translation +and exhaustive discussion by Prof. Geldner in Part II. pp. 1—22, and Prof. +Ludwig's remarks thereon in Ueber die neuesten ArbeUen auf deni Gebiete der +Rgveda-fonckmg , - + +The hymn is a prayer for aid and victory in battle. + +8 Guide these: be the leader of our troops. The guerdon: ddhshind: the +reward of the priests who perform the sacrifice offered before battle. + + + +HYMN 104.] + + +THE ItIGVEDA, + + +545 + + +9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, and +Marufcs, and Adityas. + +Uplifted is the shout of Gods who conquer high-minded Gods +who cause the worlds to tremble. + +10 Bristle thou up, 0 Maghavan, our weapons : excite the spirits + +of my warring heroes. + +Urge on the strong steeds’ might, 0 Vritra-slayer, and let the +din of conquering cars go upward. + +11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered : victorious be + +the arrows of our army. + +May our brave men of war prevail in battle. Ye Gods, protect +us in the shout of onset. + +12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies + +and depart, 0 Apva, + +Attack them, set their hearts on fire and burn them : so let +our foes abide in utter darkness. + +13 Advance, 0 heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure + +defence. + +Exceeding mighty be your arms, that none may wound or in- +j are you. + +HYMN CIV. Indra. + +Soma hath flowed for thee, Invoked of many ! Speed to our +sacrifice with both thy Coursers. * + +To thee have streamed the songs of mighty singers, imploring. +Indra, drink of our libation. + +2 Drink of the juice which men have -washed in waters, and fill + +thee full, 0 Lord of Tawny Horses. + +0 Indra, hearer of the laud, with Soma which stones have +mixed for thee enhance thy rapture. + +3 To make thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the + +Bull, 0 thou whom Bay Steeds carry. + +Here take delight, 0 Indra, in our voices while thou ait +hymned with power and all our spirit. + +4 0 Mighty Indra, through thine aid, thy prowess, obtaining + +life, zealous, and skilled in Order, + +11 When our flags are gathered; < apparently comparable with the signis +collatis of the Romans/—Ludwig. + +12 Apvd; according to S&yana, a female deity who presides over sin ; + +according to Mahidhara, sickness, or fear. Apparently Apvft was a sort of +colic, or dysentery, likely to attack soldiers in the field. And depart * or, pass +us by ; do not attack us. - + +3 True: which produces the results expected in the shape of favour. + +35 + + + +50 THE HYMNS OF {HOOK X + +Men in the house who share the sacred banquet stand singing +praise that brings them store of children. + +5 Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny Coursers, thine who + +art firm, splendid, and blest, the people +Obtain most liberal aid for their salvation, and praise thee, +ludra, through thine excellencies.. + +6 Lord of the Bays, come with thy two Bay Horses, come to + +our prayers, to drink the juice of Soma. + +To thee comes sacrifice which thou acceptest: thou, skilled +in holy rites, art he who giveth. + +7 Him of a thousand powers, subduing foemen, Maghavan prais¬ + +ed with hymns and pleased with Soma,— + +Even him our songs approach, resistless Jndra : the adorations +of the singer laud him. + +8 The way to bliss for Gods and man thou fomidest, Indra, + +seven lovely floods, divine, untroubled, + +Wherewith thou, rending forts, didst move the ocean, and +nine-and-ninety flowing streams of water. + +$ Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters* and as +their only God didst watch and guard them. + +G Indra, cherish evermore thy body with those which thou +hast won in quelling Vritra. + +10 Heroic power and noble praise is Indra: yea, the song wor¬ + +ships him invoked of m-tny. + +Vritra he quelled, and g ive men room and freedom: Sakra, +victorious, hath conquered armies. + +11 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this + +fight where spoil is gathered, + +The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles* who slays +the Vritras, wins and gathers riches. + +HYMN CV. indra. + +Wnm, Vasu, wilt thou love the laud ? Now let the channel +bring the stream. + +The juice is ready to ferment. + +8 Didst move the ocean: didst bring the sea of ram from heaven. + +9 TUse: waters. + +11 This i3 the concluding verse of several hymns of the Visv&mlfcras in + +Book HI. - + +1 Vasu: Indra. Let the channel brine/ the stream: to the Soma juice +which has stood long enough for fermentation —Ludwig. The phraseology +is very obscure, and Sayana gives a totally different explanation.— ‘When +will he, (like) a dam. obstruct and Jet loose the long-protracted libation for +the sake of wind-driven (rain). Wilson. + + + +HYMN 105.] + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +m + +2 He whose two Bay Steeds harnessed well, swerving, pursue + +the Bird’s tail-plumes, + +With flowing manes, like heaven and earth, he is the Lord +with power to give. + +3 Bereft of skill is Indra, if, like some out-wearied man he' fears +,The sinner, when the Mighty hath prepared himself for victory. + +4 Indra with these drives round, until he meets with one to wor¬ + +ship him : + +Indra is Master of the pair who snort and swerve upon their way. + +5 Borne onward by the long-maned Steeds who stretch them¬ + +selves as ’fcwere for food, + +The God who wears the helm defends them witl^ his jaws. + +6 The Mighty sang with Lofty Ones; the Hero fashioned with + +his strength, + +Like skilful Matarisvan with his power and might, + +7 The bolt, which pierced at once the vitals of the Dasyu easy + +to be slain, + +With jaw uninjured like the wondrous firmament. + +8 Grind off our sins: with song will we conquer the men who + +sing no hymns: + +Not easily art thou pleased with prayerless sacrifice. + +9 When threefold flame burns high for thee, to rest on poles of + +sacrifice, + +Thou with the living joyest in the self-bright Ship. + + +2 The Bird ; the allusion seems to be to a race between the horses of Indra +and those of S&rya or the Bun who is the Bird of the heavens.—Ludwig. hike +heaven and earth: the meaning of raj% is unknown. S&yana explains the word +by 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 heaven and eavtji/ or * aun and moon ; ’ but these are mere guesses. Prof, +Ludwig thinks that two animals of some kind (‘rajitiere,’ 4 raji-beasta’) are +meant. In VI. 26. 6, Raji is said by S&yana to be the name of a maiden. + +3 The rimers : Vritra, the chief of sinners, according to Sayana. Orp tifeaje +may be a verb, and the stanza may be rendered :— 4 Without them Indra holds +him still, like a man weary and alarmed, When he hath made himself ready +for noble deed.’—See Fischel, Yedische Studien , I, p. 198, + +4 Js Master : literally 4 hero/ The meaning apparently is that when Indra +meets with a worshipper he stops his horses and attend^ she sacrifice. + +5 Who wears the, helm: siprtntvdn ; 4 possessing mighfcy jaws/—Wilson. With +his jaws: with his roar, the thunder, + +6 Lofty Ones : the Maruts, + +7 The stanza is obscure. I follow Prof. Ludwig’s interpretation of Kiri* +mas6 hirtmdn, which mean, according to S&yana, 4 gold-bearded * and 4 lord of +bay horses/ + +8 Grind of: remove them by whetting, 4 Comminute/—Wilson. + +9 Threefold flame: of the three sacred fires. The living: the sacrx&cer. +The self-bright Ship: the sacrifice ; 4 the vessel of thy ’glory/—W.ilapn. ' + + +548 ME HYMNS OF [BOOK X + + +10 Thy glory was the speckled cup, thy glory was the flawless scoop +Wherewith thou po.urest into thy receptacle. + +11 As hundreds, 0 Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath + +Sumitra, yea, Durmitra praised thee here, + +What time thou holpest Kutsa’s son, when Dasyus fell, yea, +holpest Kutsa’s darling when the Dasyus died. + +HYMN CYI. Asvins, + +This very thing ye Twain hold as your object: ye weave your +songs as skilful men weave garments. + +That ye may come united have I waked you : ye spread out +food like days of lovely weather. + +2 Like two plough-bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like + +eager guests your bidder’s banquet. + +Ye are like glorious envoys mid the people : like bulls, ap¬ +proach the place where ye are watered. + +3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice ani¬ + +mals, ye have sought our worship. + +Bright as the fire the votary hath kindled, ye sacrifice in +many a spot as roamers. + +4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in + +your splendour and like kings for conquest; + +Like rays for our enjoyment, Lords to feed us, ye, like quick +hearers, have obeyed our calling. + +9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, +like feet for one who fords a shallow. + +Like ears ye will attend to him who orders : ye Two enjoy +our wondrous work as sharers. + +Like toiling bees ye bring to us your honey, as bees into tho +hide that opens downward. + + +10 Cup; upasiehanl: a ladle or cup used for sprinkling. Thy receptacle * +drinking-vessel, or perhaps Agni, that is, the fire, may be intended. + +11 Sumitra and Durmitra are alternative names of the llishi of the hymn. + +Kutsa's son: Durmitra himself, according to S4yana. * J + +The metres in some places are somewhat irregular, the meanings of feomo +words are uncertain, and the hymn generally is obscure. Prof. Grassmann +has placed the hymn in his Appendix. + + +4 Like rays for our enjoyment: f like brooms to sweep with * according: to +Prof. Ludwig. , * 6 + +Ido not attempt the hopeless task of translating stanzas 5 6 7 8 in +which nearly every word is a difficult riddle. See Appendix ’ ’ ’ ’ + +10 The hide that opens downward: the honey-comb is compared to a water- +skin inverted. I cannot translate intelligibly the second line :—‘like two +labourers yon are dripping with perspiration, like a tired cow eating swedt +herbage, you attend (the sacrifice).’—Wilson. . fe ' + + + +BYMN 107.] THE R1QVEDA . 540 + +11 May we increase the laud and gain us vigour: come to our +song, ye whom one chariot carries. + +Filled be our kine with ripened meath like "glory : Bhutansa +hath fulfilled the Asvina’ longing. + +HYMN OVIL DakahinA. + +These men’s great bounty hath been manifested, and the +whole world of life set free from darkness. + +Great light hath come, vouchsafed us by the Fathers: ap¬ +parent is the spacious path of Guerdon. + +2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon-givers : they who give +steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. + +They who give gold are blest with life eternal: they who give +robes prolong their lives, 0 Soma. + +"3 Not from the niggards—for they give not freely—comes Meed +at sacrifice, Gods’ satisfaction : + +Yea, many men with hands stretched out with Guerdon +present their gifts because they dread dishonour. + +4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vayu + +and light-finding Arka. + +They satisfy and give their gifts in synod, and pour in streams +the seven-mothered Guerdon. + +5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited : chief of the + +hamlet comes the Guerdon-bearer. + +Him I account the ruler of the people who was the first to +introduce the Guerdon. + +6 They call him Rishi, Brahman, Sama-chanter, reciter of the + +laud, leader of worship. + +The brightly-shining God’s three forms he knoweth who first +bestowed the sacrificial Guerdon. + + +The hymn eulogizes Dakabinft, the largess, guerdon, or honorarium present¬ +ed by the institutes of the sacrifices to the priests who perform the cere¬ +monies. The yajamdnas who give this guerdon liberally are alternatively +the deified subjects of the hymn. + +1 These men: the wealthy institutes of the sacrifice, Fathers: who are +the embodiments and guardians of the light. + +4 These who observe mankind: the Maghavans or wealthy nobles, who do +not consider the cost of sacrifice, but regard it as an occasion that enables +them to show their liberality, and to gain the favour of Vfiyu, the Wind*God +who brings countless showers of rain, and Arka or the Sun who brings the +light. Seven-motkered: originating in, and accompanying, seven forms of sacri¬ +fice; or, regulated by the seven priests. + +6 Three forms : Agni as the Sun, lightning, and fire. + + + + +550 TUB UYMXS OF [BOOK X + +7 Guerdon bestows the horse, bestows the bullock, Guerdon + +bestows, moreover, gold that glisters. + +*. Guerdon gives food which is our life and spirit. He who is +wise takes Guerdon for his armour. + +8 The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer + +neither harm nor trouble. + +The light of heaven, the universe about us,—all this doth +sacrificial Guerdon give them. + +9 First have the liberal gained a fragrant dwelling, and got + +themselves a bride in fair apparel. ' + +. The liberal have obtained their draught of liquor, and con¬ +quered fhose who,unprovoked, assailed them. + +10 They deck the fleet steed for the bounteous giver: the maid + +adorns herself and waits to meet him. + +His home is like a lake with lotus-blossoms, like the Gods' +palaces adorned and splendid. + +11 Steeds good at draught convey the liberal giver, and lightly + +rolling moves the car of Guerdon. + +1 Assist, ye Gods, the liberal man in battles : the liberal giver + +conquers foes in combat. + +HYMN CVIII. SaramA Panis. + +What wish of Saramfc hath brought her hither ? The path +leads far away to distant places. + +What charge hast thou for us ? Where turns thy journey 2 How +hast thou made thy way o’er Ras&’s waters. + +2 I come appointed messenger of Indra, seeking your ample + +stores of wealth, 0 Panis. 0 + +This hath preserved me from the fear of crossing: thus have +I made my way o’er RasA’s waters. + + +9 Draught of liquor: antakpiyam. silrdydh: ‘ deep potations of wine/—Wilson. + +10 The maid adorns herself; ‘he obtains a brilliant damsel for his portion. +—Muir. + +11 Car of Guerdon: cf I. 123. 1. + +The hymn is a colloquy between Saram&, the messenger of the Gods or of +Indra (see I. 62. 3, note ; 72. 8 ; III. 31. 6; V, 45. 8), and the Panis or envious +demons who have carried off the cows or rays of light which Indra wishes to +recover. Saram& and the Panis are alternately subject and Riahi. + +} T he a( ffi ress Sararn& who has found her way to the rocky strong¬ +hold in which the stolen cows are imprisoned. The Panis speak the uneven +stanzas, with the exception of stanza 11, and SaramS the even. Rasd is in +this place a mythical stream that flows round the atmosphere and the earth. +See V. 41, 15. In I. 112. 12, and V. 53. 9, Kasjt appears to be a river of the, +Panjab, probably an affluent of the Indus. See Zimmer, Altindisches Lehen, +pp, 15, 16, + + + + +MY3LV 108.] + + +THE RWVEDA. + + +551 + + +3 What is that Indra like, what is his aspect whose envoy, Sarama, + +from afar thou comest ? + +Let him approach, and we will show him friendship: he shall +be made the herdsman of our cattle. + +4 I know him safe from harm; but he can punish who sent me + +hither from afar as envoy. + +Him rivers flowing with deep waters hide not. Low will ye lie, +0 Panis, slain by Indra. + +5 These are the kine which, Sarama, thou seckest, flying, 0 Blest + +One, to the ends of heaven. + +Who will loose these for thee without a battle ? Yen, and sharp- +pointed are our warlike weapons. ** + +>6 Even if your wicked bodies, 0 ye Panis, were arrow-proof, your +words are weak for wounding; + +And were the path to you as yet unmastered, Brihaspati in +neither case will spare you. + +V Paved with the rock is this our treasure-chamber; filled full +of precious things, of kine, and horses. + +These Panis who are watchful keepers guard it. In vain hast +thou approached this lonely station. + +<8 Rishis will come inspirited with Soma, Angirases unwearied, +and Navagvas. + +This stall of cattle will they part among them : then will the +Panis wish these words unspoken. + +S Even thus, Q Sarama, hast thou come hither, forced by celest¬ +ial might to make the journey. + +Turn thee not back, for thou shalt be our sister: O Blest One, +we will give thee of the cattle. + +It) Brotherhood, sisterhood, T know not either: the dread Angi- +rases and Indra know them. + +They seemed to long for kine when I departed. Hence, into +distance, be ye gone, 0 Papls. + +II Hence, far away, ye Panis! Let the cattle lowing come forth +as holy Law commandeth, + +Kiue which Brihaspati, and Soma, Rishis, sages, and pressing- +stones have found when hidden. + +f> Weak for wounding: 1 not in the place of armies.’—Wilson. Brihaspati: +as Indra's companion and ally in battle. + +8 Navagvas: members of a mythological family, forming a division of the +Angirases or closely connected with them. Wish the.*e words unspoken : more +literally, reject them from their moufchB ; retract their threats. + +' 10 Know them: are allied by such ties of kinship. + +11 It is uncertain to whom this stanza is to be ascribed. Scbyana assigns it +to Saram&, Prof. Ludwig thinks that Brihaspati may he the speaker. Press¬ +ing-stones ; which prepare the Soma juice that inspirits Indra. + + + +' 552 T 11 E HYMNS OH [BOOK X + +7 ^ HYMN CIX. Visvedevas. + +These first, the boundless Sea, and Matarisvan, fierce-glowing +Fire, the Strong, the Bliss-bestower, + +And heavenly Floods, first-born by holy Order, exclaimed +against the outrage on a Brahman. + +2 King Soma first of all, without reluctance, made restitution of + +the Brahman's consort. + +Mitra and Yaruna were the inviters: Agni as Hotar took her +hand and led her. + +3 The man, her pledge, must by her hand be taken when they + +have cried, She is a Brhhman's consort. + +She stayed not for a herald to conduct her: thus is the king¬ +dom of a ruler guarded. + +4 Thus spake of her those Gods of old, Seven Rishis who sate + +them down to “their austere devotion : + +Hire is a Brahman's wife led home by others: in the suprem- +est heaven she plants confusion. + +5 The Brahmach&n goes engaged in duty: he is a member of + +the Gods' own body. + +Through him Brihaspati obtained his consort, as the Gods +gained the ladle brought by Soma. + +6 So then the Gods restored her, so men gave the woman back + +again. + +The Kings who kept their promises restored the Brahman's +wedded wife. + +7 Having restored the Brahmau's wife, and freed them, with Gods’ + +aid, from sin, + +They shared the fulness of the earth, and won themselves +extended sway. + + +The hymn has been translated by the authors of Siebenzig Lleder <tk& Mg* +veda. See also Mme. J&Snaide Ragozin, Vedic India , p„ 256u + +1 Outrage on a Brahman : ‘ Rrahm&’a sin/ according to S&yana. + +5 BrahmacMrt : a religious student. For his glorification, see Hymns of +the Atharvct'Veda. XL 5. The, ladle: juhvehu: Prof Ludwig takes it to be a +proper nameJuhfi, 0 Gods, conducted home by Soma/ + +^ The wife of a Brahman appears to have been taken to his home by a Ksha- +| triya, and then restored. A legend quoted by S&yana says that Juhfi or V&k, + +| the wife of Brihaspati who is identified with Brahm&, had been deserted by +| her husb md. The Gods then consulted «« means of expiating + +J his sin. and restored her to him. See .V ■ >■ s’- ,■ V‘ + +| The hymn is an almost unintelligible fragment and of comparatively late +| origin. + + + + +HYMN 110.] + + +THE RIG VEDA, 553 + +HYMN CX. Aprl». + +Thou in the house of man this day enkindled worskippest +» Gods as God, 0 Jatavedas. + +Observant, bright as Mitra, bring them hither : thou art a +sapient and foreknowing envoy. + +2 Tanunap&t, fair-tongued, with sweet meath balming the paths + +and ways of Order, make them pleasant. + +Convey our sacrifice to heaven, exalting with holy thoughts +our hymns of praise and worship. + +3 Invoked, deserving prayer and adoration, O Agui, come ac¬ + +cordant with the Yasus. + +Thou art, 0 Youthful Lord, the Gods’ Invoker, so, best of +Sacrifices, bring.them quickly. + +4 By rule the Sacred Grass is scattered eastward, a robe to + +clothe this earth when dawns are breaking. + +Widely it spreads around and far-extended, fair for the Gods +and bringing peace and freedom. + +5 Let the expansive Doors be widely opened, like .wives who + +deck their beauty for their husbands. + +Lofty, celestial, all-impelling Portals, admit the Gods and +give them easy entrance. + +6 Pouring sweet dews let holy Night and Morning, each close + +to each, be seated at their station,— + +Lofty, celestial Dames with gold to deck them, assuming all +their fair and radiabt beauty. + +7 Come the two first celestial sweet-voiced Hotars, arranging + +sacrifice for man to worship, + +As singers who inspire us in assemblies, showing the eastward +light with their direction. + +8 Let Bharati come quickly to our worship, and I]a. showing like + +a human being. + +So let Sarasvatt and both her fellows, deft Goddesses, on this +fair grass be seated. + +9 Hotar more skilled in sacrifice, bring hither with speed to-day + +God Tvashtar, thou who knowest, + +Even him who formed these two, the Earth and Heaven, the +Parents, with their forms, and evfery creature. + + +See preceding hymns addressed to the same deities and deified objects ; +I. 13 ; 142,188 ; II. 3 ; III. 4 ; Y. 5 ; VII. 2 ; and IX. 5; + +1 Jdtavedas and Tanilnapdt are names of Agni. The Doors of the sacrificial +chamber represent the portals of the eastern heaven, Vanasputi is the +sacrificial post to which the victim is tied. + + + + +554 THE HYMNS OF {BOOK X. + +10 Send to our offerings which thyself thou balmest the Com¬ + +panies of Gods in ordered season. + +Agni, Yanaspati the Immolator sweeten our offered gift with +meath and butter. + +11 Agni, as soon as he was born, made ready the sacrifice, and + +was the Gods’ preceder. + +May the Gods eat our offering consecrated according to this +true Priest’s voice and guidance. + +HYMN CXI, Indra. + +Bring for^vyour sacred song ye prudent singers, even as are +the thoughts of human beings. + +Let us draw Indra with true deeds anear us: he loves our +songs, the Hero, and is potent. + +2 The hymn shone brightly from the seat of worship : to the + +kine came the Bull, the Heifer’s Offspring. + +With mighty bellowing hath he arisen, and hath pervaded +even the spacious regions. + +3 Indra knows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victori¬ + +ous, made a path for Surya. + +He made the Cow, and he became the Sovran of Heaven, +primeval, matchless, and unshaken. + +4 Praised by Angirases, Indra demolished with might the works + +of the great watery monster. + +Full many regions, too, hath he pervaded, and by his truth +supported earth’s foundation. + +5 The counterpart of heaven and earth is Infra : he knoweth + +all libations, slayeth Sushna, + +The vast sky with the Sun hath he extended, and, best of +pillars, stayed it with a pillar. + +6 The Yritra-slayer with his bolt felled Vrifcra: the magic of + +the godless, waxen mighty, + +Here hast thou, Bold Assailant, boldly conquered.* Yea, then +thine arms, 0 Maghvan, were potent. + + +2 The hzne: who are milked for sacrificial purposes. The Bull: Indra. The +Heifw's Offering: cp. IV. 18. 10 : * The Heifer hath brought forth the strong, +the mighty, the unconquerable Bull, the furious Indra ’ The Heifer is Aditi, + +3 He made the Com: the words in Mm . g6h> the cow, ‘ the female of + +the bull.’—Muir; ‘ Des Stieres Weib/—Grassmann,—are difficult. Prof. +Ludwig suggests that the earth may be intended. + +4 Waterg monster: Arbuda, a demon of the clouds. See X. 37, 12. + + + + + +HYMN 112.] TEE RIG VEDA. ' 555 + +7 When the Dawns come attendant upon Surya their rays dis¬ + +cover wealth of divers colours. + +The Star of heaven is seen as ’twere approaching : none +' knoweth aught of it as it departeth. + +8 Far have they gone, the first of all these waters, the waters + +that flowed forth when Indra sent them. + +Where is their spring, and where is their foundation 1 Where +now, ye Waters, is your inmost centre ? + +9 Thou didst free rivers swallowed by the Dragon ; and rapidly + +they set themselves in motion, + +Those that were loosed and those that longed for freedom. +Excited now to speed they run unresting. • + +10 Yearning together they have sped to Sindhu : the Fort-des¬ +troyer, praised, of old, hath loved them. + +Indra, may thy terrestrial treasures reach us, and our full +songs of joy approach thy dwelling. + +HYMN CXII Indra. + +Dbinic of the juice, 0 Indra, at thy pleasure, for thy first +draught is early morn’s libation. + +Rejoice, that thou mayst slay our foes, 0 Hero, and we with +lauds will tell thy mighty exploits. + +2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, 0 Indra; thereon + +come hither, come to drink the Soma. + +Let thy Bay Steeds, thy Stallions, hasten hither, with whom +thou eomest nigh and art delighted. + +3 Deck out thy body with the fairest colours, with golden splend¬ + +our of the* Sun adorn it. + +0 Indra, turn thee hitherward invited by us thy friends ; be +seated and be joyful. + +4 0 thou whose grandeur in thy festive transports not even these + +two great worlds have comprehended. + +Come, Indra, with thy dear Bay Horses harnessed, come to our +dwelling and the food thou lovest. + +5 Pressed for thy joyous banquet is the Soma, Soma whereof + +thou, Indra, ever drinking, + +Hast waged unequalled battles with thy foemen, which prompts +the mighty flow of thine abundance. + + +7 The Star of heaven: the Sun. Departeth: on its nightly journey from +west to east. + +9 The Dragon : Ahi ; Vritra or his brother-fiend. + +10 The Fort-destroyer ; Indra, + + + +m the hymns of [book x + +6. Found from of old is this thy cup, 0 Indra: 0 Satakratu, +drink therefrom the Soma. + +’Filled is the beaker with the meath that gladdens, the beaker +which all Deities delight in. + +7 From many a side with proffered entertainment the folk are + +calling thee, 0 Mighty Indra. + +These our libations shall for thee be richest in sweet meath ; +drink thereof and find them pleasant. + +8 I will declare thy deeds of old, 0 Indra, the mighty acts which + +thou hast first accomplished. + +In genuine wrath thou loosenedst the mountain so that the +Brahman^easily found the cattle. + +9 Lord of the hosts, amid our bands be seated: they call thee + +greatest Sage among the sages. + +Nothing is done, even far away, without thee; great, wondrous, +Maghavan, is the hymn I sing thee. + +10 Aim of our eyes be thou, for we implore thee, 0 Maghavan, +Friend of friends and Lord of treasures. + +Fight, Warrior strong in truth, fight thou the battle: give us +our share of undivided riches. + +HYMN CXIII. Indra. + +Tiie Heavens and the Earth accordant with all Gods encour¬ +aged graciously that vigorous might of his. + +When he came showing forth his majesty and power, he drank +of Soma juice and waxed exceeding strong. + +2 This majesty of his Vishnu extols and lauds, making the stalk + +that gives the meath flow forth with might. + +When Indra Maghavan with those who followed him had smit¬ +ten Vritra he deserved the choice of Gods. r + +3 When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou + +wettest Vritra, yea, the Dragon, for the fight, + +Then all the Maruts who were gathered with thee there ex¬ +tolled, 0 Mighty One, thy powerful majesty. + +4 Soon as he sprang to life he forced asunder hosts : forward the + +Hero looked to manly deed and war. + +He cleft the rock, he let concurrent streams flow forth, and +with his skilful art stablished the heavens’ wide vault. + +5 Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, + +far from each other, heaven and earth apart. + +He hurled impetuous down his iron thunderbolt, a joy to Varu- +pa’s and Mitra’s worshipper. + +S The Brahman: according to S&yana, Brahmd who is identified with Bfi- +happati,tlie owner of the cows which the Pams had stolen, + + + +HYMN 114.] THE RIGVEDA, 557 + +6 Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce + +Stormer, loud of voice, they came with speed; + +What time the Potent One rent Vritra with his strength, who +held the waters back, whom darkness compassed round. + +7 Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove + +together came with might to execute, + +Deep darkness fell upon the slain, and Indra won by victory +the right of being first invoked. + +8 Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts + +of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly might. + +As Agni eats the dry food with his teeth, he ate Vritra, the +Dragon, maimed by Indra’s deadly dart. ^ + +9 Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made + +with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent. + +Indra, when he subdues Dhuni and Chunmri, lists to Dabhiti +for his faithful spirit’s sake. + +10 Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered +while my songs address thee. + +May we by easy paths pass all our troubles : find us this day +a ford wide and extensive. + +HYMN CXIV. Visvedevas. + +Two perfect springs of heat pervade the Threefold, and come +for their delight is M&tarisvan. + +Craving the milk of heaven the Gods are present: well do +they know the praise-song and the S&man. + +2 The priests heard far away, as they are ordered, serve the +three Nirritis, for well they know them. + +Sages have traced the cause that first produced them, dwelling +in distant and mysterious chambers. + + +6 They came: it is uncertain whether the 0-ods, or the Maruts, or thr waters +are the understood subject. + +7 Deep darkness fell upon the slain: ‘ Vritra being slain, the thick darkness +was destroyed.’—Wilson. + +8 He ate: Indra utterly destroyed him. ^ ^ m ore matter- + +of-fact way: people devoured Vritra, that is, ■ ! ; ■: . by the waters + +which were no longer obstructed by him. + +9 Dhuni and Ohumuri were demons and enemies of Indra’s friend Dabhiti. + +See Vol. I., Index. - + +1 Springs of heat: gharmd : Agni and Sftrva. The Threefold ; the universe, +sky. firmament, and earth. Mdtarl&van : V&yu, according to S&yana. * Thus +we have here the well-known triad, Agni, V&yu, SOrya.’—Ludw'ig. + +2 Three Nirritis: according to S&yana, heaven, mid-air, and earth, or the +deities that control them. Prof. Ludwig thinks that the Dawns are meant, +which by their regular appearance bring men nearer to death. The plural +appears in one other place, VIII. 24. 24. + + + +THE HYMNS OP + + +{POOR X + + +m + +3 The Youthful One, well-shaped, with four locks braided, bright¬ + +ened with oil, puts on the ordinances. + +Two Birds of mighty power are seated near her, there where +the Deities receive their portion. + +4 One of these Birds hath passed into the sea of air : thence he + +looks round and views this universal world. + +With simple heart I have beheld him from an ear : his Mother +kisses him and he returns her kiss. + +5 Him with fair wings though only One in nature, wise singers + +shape, with songs, in many figures. + +While they at sacrifices fix the metres, they measure out +twelve chalices of Soma. + +0 + +■ 6 While they arrange the four and six-and-thirty, and duly +order, up to twelve, the measures, + +Having disposed the sacrifice thoughtful sages send the Car +forward with the Rich and S&man. + +7 The Chariot's majesties are fourteen others : seven sages lead + +it onward with tlieir voices. + +Who will declare to us the ford Apnana, the path whereby +they drink first draughts of Soma? + +8 The fifteen lauds are in a thousand places: that is as vast as + +heaven and earth in measure. + +A thousand spots contain the mighty thousand. Vak spread- +eth forth as far as Prayer extendeth. + + +3 The Youthful One: the altar, represented as a woman. With four lochs +braided: quadrangular, according to S&yana. Puts on the ordinances: is +dressed or arranged in the manner prescribed for sacrifice. Two Birds • +probably Arnn and Soma. According to S&yana, the htfsband and bis wife, +or the Yajamftua and the Brahman. + +4 One: Agni as the Sun, Ilis mother: perhaps, as Prof. Ludwig says, +Dawn. + +t> Thirty-six grab as, chalices, or saucers for Soma juice or other libations, +are to be used at the Agnishtoma, and four in addition at the Atyagnishtoma +sacrifice. The, measures: the proper metres for particular rites or parts of +the service. The (Jar: the sacrifice. Rich: the holy verse that is recited. +Shnan: the psalm that is sung or chanted. + +7 Majesties: the abstract used for the concrete, the mighty ones, probably +the priests. The ford Apn&m: the passage leading to the place of sacrifice. +They : the Gods. + +8 That: meaning the fifteen lauds regarded as a whole. The mighty +thotcsand: the meaning is uncertain ; ‘the thousand great (functions) are in +a thousand places.’—*Wilson. This means, according to SaLyana, that every + +function of the body has i A ~ ' r.■**/■-■ Dr. Muir translates:— + +* There are a thousand times ‘ ■ . \ thousand times a thous¬ + +and are their glorious manifestations. 1 Vftb: or Speech, See X. 71 and 125. + + + + +HYMN 115.] + + +THE IUGVJEDA + + +55P + +9 What sage hath learned the metres’ application-? +gained Yak, the spirit’s aim and object? + +Which ministering priest is called eighth Hero ? Who then +hath tracked the two Bay Steeds of Indra? + +10 Yoked to his chariot-pole there stood the Coursers: they only +travel round earth’s farthest limits. + +These, when their driver in his home is settled, receive the +allotted meed of their exertion. + +• HYMN CXY. AgnL + +Verily wondrous is the tender Youngling’s growth who never +draweth nigh to drink his Mothers’ milk. + +As soon as she who hath no udder bore him }; he,^faring on his. +great errand, suddenly grew strong. + +2 Then Agni was-his name, most active to bestow* gathering up + +the trees with his consuming tooth; + +Skilled in fair sactifice,. armed with destroying tongue, im¬ +petuous as a bull that snorteth in the*mead. + +3 Praise him, your God who, bird-like, rests upon a tree, scatter¬ + +ing drops of juice and pouring forth his flood, + +Speaking aloud with flame as with his lips a priest, and broad¬ +ening his paths like one of high command. + +4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far-striding fain to burn, the winds,. + +uninterrupted, never overcome, + +They have approached, as warriors eager for the fight, heroic +Trita, guiding him to gain his wish. + +5 This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kauvas’ Friend, Conqueror + +of the foe whether afar or near. + +May Agni guard the singers, guard the princes well: may +Agni grant To us our princes* gracious help. + +6 Bo thou, Supilrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of + +Jatavedas, mightiest of all, + +9 Eighth Hero: Agni is meant, as presiding over the seven ritvijas or + +ministering priests. - + +1 Mis Mothers are the two fire-sticks, the lower o-f which, in which the spark +is produced, being she who hath no udder, ; + +4 Trita: according to S&yana, him who is stationed in the three fire- +receptacles, that is, Agni. + +5 /Canvas: a well-known family with which XJpastuta was connected. +According to Sfiyana, worshippers in general are meant :•—‘the most earnest +of eulogists, the friend of those who praise him.’—Wilson, + +ti Supitrya (‘ who hast fair ancestors.’—Wilson) seems to be an epithet of +the Itishi as addressed by himself. S&yana applies it to Agni. The con¬ +struction of the stanza is difficult, and the translation of the first half, which +follows Prof. Ludwig, is somewhat conjectural. Thirsty land; Agni by his +intercession causes rain to fall. ° + + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +560 / + +wfho surely gives a boon even in thirsty land, most powerful, +prepared to aid us in the wilds. + +7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, ex¬ + +cellent for conquering strength with chiefs, + +Men who are well-disposed as friends and true to Law, even +as the heavens in majesty surpass mankind. + +8 0 Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta’s most + +potent voice reveres thee. + +Blest with brave sons by thee we will extol thee, and lengthen +out the days of our existence. + +9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrishtihavya, the Eishis, the + +Upastrrtas invoked thee. + +Protect them, guard the singers and the princes. With +Vashat! have they come, with hands uplifted, with their +uplifted hands and cries of Glory ! + +HYMN OXVI. Indra. + +Drink Soma juice for mighty power and vigour, drink, Strong¬ +est One, that thou mayst smite down Vritra. + +Drink thou, iuvoked, for strength, and riches : drink thou thy +fill of meath and pour it down, 0 Indra. + +2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou + +choosest of the flowing Soma. + +Giver of weal, be joyful in thy spirit, and turn thee hither¬ +ward to bless and prosper. + +3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, 0 Indra, let that effused + +among mankind delight thee. + +Rejoice in that whereby thougavest freedom, and that whereby +thou conquerest thy foemen. 0 + +4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured + +juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. + +With juices pressed in milk, with meath presented, glut ever¬ +more thy bolt, 0 Foe-destroyer. + +5 Dash down, outflaming their sharp flaming weapons, the strong¬ + +holds of the men urged on by demons. + +I give thee, Mighty One, great strength and conquest: go, +meet tby foes and rend them in the battle. + +Prof. Grassmann observes: 4 Das Lied enthalt. namentlich in Vers 3—6, +manehes Dunkle, sodass hier die Auslegung zweifelhaft bleibt.’ + +1 Pour it dotm: ‘shower down (blessings).’—Wilson. + +3 (Invest freedom : by slaying Vritra: or, riches, according to Sftyana. + +4 Foe-destroyer: uruwhtt: according to the St Petersburg Lexicon, ‘ striker +of the red clouds * (nrusa^ arusku ?). I adopt S&yana’a explanation. + + + +HYMN 117 .] + + +THE RIO VEDA . + + +501 + +6 Extend afar the votary’s fame and glory, as the firm archer’s + +strength drives off the foeman. + +Ranged on our side, grown strong in might that conquers, +never defeated, still increase thy body. + +7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran + +Ruler, free from anger. + +Juice, Maghavan, for thee is pressed and ripened : eat, Indra, +drink of that which stirs to meet thee. + +8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased + +with food made ready and with Soma. + +With entertainment we receive thee friendly: effectual be +the sacrificed wishes. ^ + +9 I send sweet speech to Indra and to .Agni; with hymns I + +speed it like a boat through waters. + +Even thus, the Gods seem moving round about'me, the foun¬ +tains and bestowers of our riches. + +HYMN CXVII. ‘ Liberality. + +The Gods have not ordained hunger to be our death : even to +the well-fed man comes death in varied shape. + +The riches of the liberal never waste away, while he who will +not give finds none to comfort him. + +2 The man with food in store who, when the needy, comes in + +miserable case begging for bread to eat, + +Hardens his heart against him—even when of old he did him +service—finds not one to comfort him. + +3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him + +in want of food and feeble. + +Success attends him in the shout of battle. He makes a friend +of him in future troubles. + +4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes im¬ + +ploring food, will offer nothing. + +Let him depart—no home is that to rest in—, and rather seek +a stranger to support him. + +5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon + +a longer pathway. + +6 A $ the firm archer's strength :■ the construction is obscure :*—* (stretch +out), thy strength like strong bows against* our enemies.*—Wilson. + +The hymn eulogizes Liberality or Bounty in the shape of gifts of wealth +and food. + +1 To be our death: men must not attempt to justify their refusal of food +to the hungry by saying that the Gods send hunger-as a punishment for sin. + +5 Bend his eye upon a longer pathway: carefully consider the future and, +not the present only. He himself may need the same assistance hereafter. + +36 + + + +THE HYMNS OP [HOOK X. + +Iliches come new to one, now to another, and like the wheels +of cars are ever rolling. + +6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food— +I speak the truth—shall be his ruin. + +He feeds no trusty friend, no man to love him. All guilt is +he who eats with no partaker. + +-7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and + +, with its feet cuts through the path it follows. + +Better the speaking than the silent Brahman : the liberal friend +outvalues him who gives not. + +'8 He with o»e foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two-footed + +catches the three-footed. ... „ , , + +Four-footed creatures come when bipeds eall them, and stand +and look where five are met togecher. + +9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of +sister milch-kirie is unequal. + +Twins even differ in their strength and vigour: two, even kins¬ +men, differ in their bounty. + +HYMN CXViri. Ag»L + +Arnvi, refulgent among men thou slayest the devouring fiend, + +Bright Ruler iu thine own abode, + +jj Thou springest up when worshipped well: the drops of butter +are thy joy + +When ladles arc brought near to thee. + +;; Honoured with gifts he shines afar, Agni adorable with song: + +The dripping ladle halms his face. + + +6 Shall be his min : with reference to staim T, + +7 Active exertion is necessary for success. ^ The speaking Brahman : the +priest who duly discharges the task of refutation for which he is engaged. + +* A Brahman expounding (the Veda)/- Wilson. + +8 The victory is not always theirs who appear to be more richly endowed +than others. He with ove foot: tlcaptid. the Sun appears to be meant, +elsewhere called Aja-Ekap&d. See VI. 50. 14. The biped is man. The three- +footrd if, the old man who walks with a staff and is overtaken by one who +does not, require such assistance Tour-footed creatures: dogs. Five: several +men together; the dogs being at first uncertain whether their masters are +among them or not. PartJctfk, sets of five, ia apparently used with reference +to the one, two, three, and four in the preceding compound words. Others +explain pahhtfh by ‘steps’ or'traces.' + +I have adopted the explanation given by the authors of the Siebemtg +Lieder + +9 Ah men should be liberal; but we must not expect all to be equally +geuercua + +'3W hymn has been translated by I>r. Muir, 0. 8, Texts, V. pp. 431—433, + + + +HYMN 119.] THE .MOVEDA. 563 + +4 Agni with honey in his mouth, honoured with gifts, is balmed + +with oil, + +Refulgent in his wealth of light. . , + +5 Praised by our hymns thou kindlest thee, Oblation-bearer, for + +the Gods : + +As such do mortals call on thee. + +6 To that Immortal Agni pay worship with oil, ye mortal men,— +Lord of the house, whom none deceive. + +7 0 Agni, burn the R&kshasas with thine unconquerable flame : +Shine guardian of Eternal Law. + +8 So, Agni, with thy glowing face burn fierce against the female + +fiends, + +Shining among Urukshayag. + +9 Urukshayas have kindled thee, ^ Oblation-bearer, thee, with + +hymns, + +Best Worshipper among mankind. + +HYMN CXIX. Indra. + +This, even this was my resolve, to win a cow, to win a steed : +Have I not drunk of Soma juice! + +2 Like violent gusts of wind the draughts that I have drunk + +have lifted me : + +Have I not druuk of Soma juice ? + +3 The draughts I drank have borne me up, as fleet-foot horses + +draw a car: + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice? + +4 The hymn hath reached me, like a cow who lows to meet her* + +darling calf: + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? . + +5 As a wright bends a chariot-seat so round my heart I bend the + +hymn: + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? + +6 Not as a mote within the eye count the Five Tribes of men + +with me: + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? + +$ Ufukshayas; members of the Rishfs family. + +The Rishi is Indra himself in the form of Lava. He describes his sensa* +tiona after drinking Soma juice. But see Bergaigne, 1.151, who considers it +to he the utterance of an exhilarated mortal. + +1 To win a cow: to strengthen and inspirit himself for battle, and so to +win kine and horses for his worshippers. + +6 S&yana explains differently* The five castes have not eluded the glance +of my eye.*—Wilson. + + + + +TEE E7MNS OF + + +564 + + +[BOOK X + + +7 The heavens and earth themselves have not grown equal to one + +half of me: + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? + +8 I in my grandeur have surpassed the heavens and all this + +spacious earth : + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? + +9 Aha! this spacious earth will I deposit either here or there : +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? + + +10 In one short moment will I smite the earth in fury here or + +there: + +Have I not drunk of Soma juice? + +11 One of my fianks is in the sky; I let the other trail below : +Have I not drunk of Soma juice ? + +12 I, greatest of the Mighty Ones, am lifted to the firmament: +Have I not drunk of Soma juice 1 + +13 1 seek the worshipper’s abode ; oblation-bearer to the Gods : +Have I not drunk of Soma juice? + + +2 + + +HYMN GXX. + + +Indra. + + +In all the worlds That was the Best and Highest whence sprang +the Mighty Gods, of splendid valour. + +As soon as born he overcomes his foemen, he in whom all who +lend him aid are joyful. + +Grown mighty in his strength, with ample vigour, he as a foe +strikes fear into the D&sa, + +Eager to win the breathing and the breathless. All sano thy +praise at banquet and oblation. + + +3 All concentrate on thee their mental vigour, what time these, +twice or thrice, are thine assistants. + + +11 Cp. III. 32.11. ~ ~ ~ + +£ he 7 rd STih6 is unintelligible, and griham, +aa Prof. Ludwig suggests, should, perhaps, be read instead. Oblation-bearer- +Indra, m his excitement, fancies that he is Agni. Prof. Grassmann, who with +Dr. Muir, considers gnhd to mean servant or minister, places the stanza in +his Appendix as a fragment from a hymn to Agni. + +The hymn has been translated by Dr. Muir, 0. S. Texts, V. p. 91, by the + +( Bo“ + + +meaa!o & according to Sfiyana,' Brahma the original cause of the + +universe* + +2 Eager to viij'i Prof. Ludwig makes sasni an infinitive. Sdtnih may be +the correct reading. See Grassmann, WSrterbuek zum Shveda, The breath- + +ond the breathless the animate and the inanimate world + +3 Mental vigour: hratnm: ‘ adoration.’-Wilaon. These: Soma in ices +Twueor thrice : .With reference, perhaps, to the three daily libations. 3 What + + + +HYMN- 120 .] + + +tee rig Veda. + + +565 + + +Blend what is sweeter than the sweet with sweetness: win +quickly with our meath that meath in battle. + +4 Therefore in thee too, thou who winnest riches, at every ban¬ + +quet are the sages joyful. + +With mightier power, Bold God, extend thy firmness : let not +malignant Yatudhanas harm thee. + +5 Proudly we put our trust in thee in battles, when we behold + +great wealth the prize of combat. + +I with my words impel thy weapons onward, and sharpen +with my prayer thy vital vigour. + +6 Worthy of praises, many-shaped, most skilful, paost energetic, + +Aptya of the Aptyas : + +He with his might destroys the seven Danus, subduing many +. who were deemed his equals. + +7 Thou in that house which thy protection guardeth bestowest + +wealth, the higher and the lower. + +Thou stablishest the two much-wandering Mothers, and bring- +est many deeds to their completion. + +8 Brihaddiva, the foremost of light-winners, repeats these holy + +prayers, this strength to Indva. + +He rules the great self-luminous fold of cattle, and all the +doors of light hath he thrown open. + +9 Thus hath Brihaddiva, the great Athaiwan, spoken to Indra + +as himself in person. + +The spotless Sisters, they who are his Mothers, with power +exalt him and impel him onward. + + +is sweeter than the+sweet; thine own celestial Soma. S&yana explains the +stanza differently ;—‘ To thee all (worshippers) offer adoration, whether those +propitiators he two or three. Combine that which is sweeter than the sweet +with sweetness, unite that honey with honey.*—Wilson, The ‘two or three/ +according to S&yana, are the sacrificer and his wife and child, and the second +half of the stanza contains a reference to the propagation of children, + +6 Aptya: the name of a class of deitieB, of which Trita Aptya is the chief. +‘ Most accessible of the accessible.*—Wilson. The first line is without a verb : +I praise him, may be understood, D&nus: a class of demons. + +7 The higher and thelower: heavenly and earthly. Mothers: Heaven anJ Earth, + +8 Foremost of light-winners • according to S&yana, ‘ chief of Rishia, and +enjoyer of heaven, or servant of Aditya, the Sun, Indra/ Fold of cattle: +the region of light. + +9 The great Atharvan: ‘the great priest/—Grassmann. As himself: he +identifies himself with the God whom he worships* The spotless Sisters , they +toho are his Mothers ; according to S4yana, the sister rivers which abide in the +mother earth; Yon Roth adopts the reading of Atharva-veda V. 2. 9, m&ta* +rtsvari, instead of the mfltaribhvarih of the' text. Heaven and Earth appear +to be intended/ + + + +566 THE HYMNS OF + +. HYMN CXXI. + +In the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, bom Only +created beings. + +He fixed and holdeth up this earth and heaven, +shall we adore with our oblation ? + +2 Giver of vital breath, of power and vigour, he whose command¬ + +ments all the Gods acknowledge : + +The Lord of death, whose shade is life immortal. What God, +shall we adore with our oblation f + +3 Who by his grandeur hath become Sole Euler of all the + +moving world that breathes and slumbers ; + +He who is Lord of men and Lord of cattle. What God shall +we adore with our oblation ? + +4 His, through his might, are these snow-covered mountains, + +and men call sea and RasH his possession : + +His arms are these, his are these heavenly regions. What God +shall we adore with our oblation ? + +5 By him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, by him + +light's realm and sky-vault are supported : + +By him the regions in mid-atr were measured. What God +shall we adore with our oblatiou 1 + +6 To him, supported by his help, two armies embattled look + +while trembling ,in their spirit, + +When over them the risen Sun is shining. What God shall we +adore with our oblation ? + +7 What time the mighty waters came, containing the universal + +germ, producing Agni, * + +Thence sprang the Gods’ one spirit into being. What God +shall we adore with our oblation ? + + +r BOOH X +Ka. + +Lord of all +What God + + +Ai, O ^ ; llTO,aj v wie goid-germ;' ’source or goiden-JUgnt; + +the Suu’god ‘ as the great power of the universe* from which all other powers +and existences, divine aud earthly, are derived, a conception which is the +nearest approach t#the later mystical conception of Brahma, the creator of +™tr wot> kb Wallis. VY,Ka$ God; kdsmai &$t>$yet; cui deo? According to others: +‘Worship we Ka the Gad with our oblation.' According to Ludwig, the mean¬ +ing is * What other God than Praj&pafci shall we worship ? * + +t? a7l{ ^ s ^ U7n ^ ers •* that is of Gods and men. Of men and . ...cattle; + +literally^ of Quadruped and biped.’ + +' * : air * Ra *4: the mythical river of the firmament, - Gf. X, 108. 1. + +\ * whence: from the coming of the waters. One spirit ; ikak. om in the +text gives two superfluous syllables, and is suspicious. + + + +TEE RI&VEDA. + + +mi + + +' inxv 122 .] + +•8 He in his might surveyed the floods containing productive +force and generating Worship. + +He is the God of gods, and none beside him. What God shall +we adore with our oblation ? » + +9 Ne'er may he harm us who is earth’s Begetter, nor he whose + +laws are sure, the heavens’ Creator, + +He who brought forth the great and lucid waters. What God +shall we adore with our oblation % + +10 Praj&pati! thou only comprehendest all these created things, +and none beside thee. + +Grant us our hearts’ desire when we invoke thee: may we +have store of riches in possession. « + +HYMN GXXIL Agm. + +I praise the God of wondrous might like Indra, the lovely +pleasant Guest whom all must welcome. + +May Agni, Priest and Master of the household, give hero +strength and all-sustaining riches. + +10 Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing +wise who knowest every ordinance. + +Enwrapped in holy oil further the course of prayer: the Cods +bestow according to thy holy law. + +3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal + +Giver, to the pious worshipper, + +Wealth, Agni, with brave sons and ready for his use : welcome +the man who comes with fuel unto thee. + +4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the + +first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of sacrifice. + +The oil-an<Jinted Bull, Agni who hears, who sends as God full +hero strength to him who freely gives. + +8 Gen&'ating Warship: 1 giving birth to sacrifice.*—Wilson. + +10 Prajdpati: Lord of fife, creatures or creation. Savitar the Sun God +is so called in IV. 53. 2. and Soma Pavamdua in IX. 5. 9. Prajdpati Whb after¬ +wards the name of a separate God. the bcatower of progeny and ca» tle, and +some times invoked as the Creator. + +The hvmn has been translated by Dr. Muir, 0 8. Texts, IV., pp. 16, 17 ; +by Prof. Max Muller, A. S, Lit. y p. 509. and Vedio ffymKs, Part I. (Saered +\ Books of the East. XXXII) p. 1.; by Mr. Wallis, Comolor/y of the Riyved< f> +^ p 50f; by Prof. Peterson, Efymnn from theRigreda / and \>v Dr. t». Bchenm.n, +S PJUtosophische Eymnen Aus der Rig~wul Atharva'VedaSwikitd, p. 2-fc. + +\ 1 Like Indra: vdsvmna: like the Vaau, or chief V&su. ‘ Like the *un.’— + +| Wilson. Riches: or viands. + +! 3 Rexen stations; regions of the universe, according to S&yapa, + +I 4 The seven ; the priests. + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [BOOH X + +f> First messenger art thou, meet for election': drink thou thy +till invited to the Amrit. + +The Mai ucs in the votary’s house adorned thee; with lauds +the Bhrigus gave thee light and glory. + +6 Milking the teeming Cow for all-sustaining food, 0 Wise One, + +for the worship-loving worshipper, + +Thou, Agui, dropping oil, thrice lighting works of Law, show- +est thy wisdom circling home and sacrifice. + +7 They who at flashing of this dawn appointed thee their mes¬ + +senger, these men have paid thee reverence. + +Cods strengthened thee for work that must be glorified, Agni, +while they made batter pure for sacrifice. + +8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang, Vasishtha’s + +sons have called thee down, the Potent One. + +Maintain the growth of wealth wirh men who sacrifice. Ye +Gods, preserve us with your blessings evermore. + +HYMN CXXIII. Vena. + +See, Vena, born in light, hath driven hither, on chariot of the +air, the Calves of Pri ni. + +Singers with hymns caress him as an infant there where the +waters and the sunlight mingle. + +2 Vena draws up his wave from out the ocean: mist-horn, the +fair one’s back is made apparent, +brightly he shone aloft on Order’s summit: the hosts san<* +glory to their common birthplace. + +d Full many, lowing to their joint-possession, dwelling together +stood the Darling’s Mothers. + +Ascending to the lofty height of Order, the bands of singers +sip the sweets of Amrit. + + +7 (rods ; here meaning priests. * Verily there are two kinds of gods*; for +indeed, the gods are the gods, and the Br&htnans who have studied and teach +■My lore are the human gods’ {Sttapatka* BrdJmana, II. 2. 2. ti ; S. £. + +-X. £ f. _ * * + +Venn, ‘theloving Sun’ of I. 83. 5, K&nta or ‘ the beloved,’ is said by the +nrliohas}-. m this plac« to be madhyasthdno devah ‘the God of the middle* +region. He is, apparently, the Sun as he rises in the mist and dew of the +nmrmng. + +1 Prtsni, the Speckled Cow, is the variegated cloud, and her Calves are the +masses of mist which the Sun dispels. + +2 Ocean: the sea of air. On Order's summit: * on the summit of nature’s +course, Wallis, Order , here and in the following stanza, is Kosmos, the +orde^d - Wre ; r:Wtod universe. ^ Common birthplace: the sky. + +r * »'! ' * : *■' °hild which they have produced in common, Tht + +jJarhng $ Mothers ; the Dawns, or the Waters, or the songs. + + + +HYMN- 123 .] + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +569 + + +4- Knowing his form, the sages yearned to'meet him : they have +, come nigh to hear'the wild Bull's bellow. + +Performing sacrifice they reached the river: for the Gandharva +found the immortal waters. + +5 The Apsaras, the Lady, sweetly smiling, supports her Lover + +in sublimest heaven. + +In his Friend's dwelling as a Friend he wanders: he, Vena, +rests him on his golden pinion. + +6 They gaze on thee with longing in their spirit, as on a strong¬ + +winged bird that rhounteth sky-ward ; + +On thee with wings. of gold,. Varana's envoy, t^e Bird that +hasteneth to the home of Yama. + +7 Erect, to heaven hath the Gandharva mounted, pointing at + +us his many-coloured weapons; + +Clad in sweet raiment beautiful to look on, for he, as light, +produceth forms that'please us. + +8 When as a spark he cometh near the ocean, still looking with + +a vulture’s eye to heaven, + +His lustre, joying in its own bright splendour, maketb dear +glories in the lowest region. + + +4 The wild Bull's bellow: the sound made by the dropping Soma juice. +The Gandharva,: Vena, the rising Sun. + +5 The Apsaras: the celestial nymph who symbolizes the waters of heave n. +Her Lover: Vena, the Gandharva, Silrya. * Our hymn illustrates the two-, +senses in which the sun is brought into connection with the waters ; first, as +penetrating with his beams the watery masses of the sky, and secondly iu the. +assimilation of his ligh^i to the waters, as soma or ambrosia, whence the depths +of light become the aerial ocean. This association is stereotyped in the union +of the Gandharvaa and the Apsarases.’—Wallis. His Friend's dwelling : the +mansion of his father Heaven. + +6 Varuna's envoy * the setting sun. Cf. VII. 87. 6. Yama: Cf. X. 14. 7. ■ + +7 Clad in sweet raiment: surabhi , sweet, may, as Mr. Wallis conjectures, be +a play on the word gandha , occurring in the name Gandharva. Stanzas 7. +and 8 merely recapitulate, as Ludwig observes, the deeds of Silrya,. first as +the light of living men and then as the illuminator of the regions below the +earth. + +The hymn is one of the obscurest in the whole Kigveda. MahSdhara inter¬ +prets Vena by chandra y the Moon. Wilson says : ‘ The general purport of the +EuHa makes it [Vena] equivalent to the thunder-cloud ’ Von Both, whom +Grassmann follows, identifies Vena Gandharva with theBainbow. According +to Ludwig Vena is the Moon and the Gandharva is the Sun. Mr. Wallis has +translated and explained the hymn in his Cpsmologg of the Rigveda , pp. 34 ff. +For a different interpretation see Hillebrandt, V. I. 43uff. and Ludwig’s +criticisms thereon {Ueber die neuesten-Arbeiten, u: w., p. 109f). See also Ber- +gaigne, II. 38— 40. .. . . . + + + + +570 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X> + +HYMN CXX1V. Agni, Etc, + +Come to this sacrifice of ours, 0 Agni, threefold, with seven +threads and five divisions. + +Be our oblation-bearer and preceder; thou hast lain long +enough in during darkness. + +2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by + +secret pathways, + +While I, ungracious one, desert the gracious, leave mine own +friends and seek the kin of strangers. + +3 I, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a + +rule of Law and Order. + +I bid farewell to the Great God, the Father, and, for neglect, +obtain my share of worship. + +4 I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave tbe Father, + +for my choice is Indra, + +Away pass Agni, Varuna, and Soma. Kule ever changes : this +1 come to favour. + +5 These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, 0 + +Varuna, if thou dost love me, + +0 King, discerning truth and right from falsehood, come and +be Lord and Euler of my kingdom. + +6 Here is the light of heaven, here all is lovely; here there is + +radiance, here is air’s wide region. + +Let us two slaughter Vrifcra. Forth, 0 Soma! Thou art obla¬ +tion : we therewith will serve thee. + + +I + + +1 Indra speaks. Threefold: performed with, three daily libations ; or com*, +prising the p&kayajila, tbe haviryajfia, and the somapajha } the simple domes¬ +tic oblation, the oblation of clarified butter, etc,, and* the offering of Soma +juice. With seven threads; conducted by the seven chief priests. With five +divisions : with five oblations, or regulated by the Yajarntaa and four of the +chief priests, according to Sfiyana. The ..t..’.errata + +2 A<ni speaks. He has Mfc Varuna, .r.'iY..: ■ a Deity, whose + +power was waning, and associated bimseu wuii iudra wno nas superseded +that God. From, the godless: from Varum who in the decline of his supre¬ +macy has neglected Agni aud sacrifice. S&yana interprets the first line dif¬ +ferently :—‘From being no divinity I issue a divinity from the cave at the +solicitation (of the gods), and being manifest I attain immortality/—Wilson. +Seek the kin of strangers: come to he born and domesticated in.a new place, +with Indra. + +3 Of other lineage t of the other branch ; terrestrial fire. Father: Varuna + +4 Within this altar: or, close to this Varuna. This: the supremacy of +Indra. + +5 Indra speaks, These Asuras: Agni, Varuna, and Soma. Corns and be +Lord: Indra offers Varuna spiritual and moral sovereignty as compensation +for Ids loss of general supremacy. + +Let ut two: the exhortation is addressed by Indra. to Soma,. Vritra: +regarded as in league with Varuna, the fiendish enemy in the shape of Varuna. + +' 0 ' • + + + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +571 + + +BYMN 125.] + +7 The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Va- + +runa with no violence let the waters flow. + +Like women-folk, the floods that bring prosperity have caught +his hue and colour as they gleamed and shone. + +8 These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in + +these who triumph in their Godhead ; + +And they, like people who elect their ruler, have in abhor¬ +rence turned away from Vritra. + +9 They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods’ Companion, moving + +in friendship with celestial Waters. + +The poets in their thought have looked on Indra swiftly ap¬ +proaching when Anushtup calls him. * + +HYMN CXXV. V&k. + +I travel with the Rudras and the Yasus, with the Adityaa +and All-Gods I wander. + +I hold aloft both Yaruna and Mitra, Indra and Agni, and the +Pair of Asvins. + +2 I cherish and sustain high-swelling Soma, and Tvashtar I sup¬ + +port, Pushan, and Bhaga. + +I load with wealth the zealous sacrifioer who pours the juice +and offers his oblation. + +3 |l am the Queen, the gatherer-up of treasures, most thoughtful, + +first of those who merit worship. + +Thus Gods have stablished me in many places with many +homes to enter and abide in. + +4 Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them,—each + +man who sees, breathes, hears the word outspoken. + +They know iir not, but yet they dwell beside me. Hear, one +and all, the truth as I declare it A _ ^ + +7 The Sage: perhaps Soma, in answer to Indra’s appeal; Mitra, according + +to S&yana. ^ + +8 j His loftiest power: the supreme might of Indra. + +9 This stanza appears to have been added on account of the occurrence of +the word Mbhatsitndvn (abhorreniium) which seems to connect it with, the +preceding stanza where bibhatstivah (abhorrentea) occurs. Swan .* hahsa: +S&rya the Sun-God is sometimes so called. Cf. IV. 40. 5. Swiftly approach¬ +ing when Anushtup calls him; c or the ceaselessly moving Indra, who is worthy +to be. praised with an Anushtubh * —Wilson. Or, ‘dancing the Anushtup, +according to Prof. Max Muller's* interpretation. . + +M. Bergaigne haa translated and explained this hymn. See La Religion +Vidique, III. pp. 145—149. See also Book IV. 42, for hints of the rivalry +between Varuna and Indra. + +V&k is Speech personified, the Word, the first creation and representative +of Spirit, and the means of communication between meu aud Goda, Here +she is said to be the daughter of the Kishi Ambhrino, + + + +m 'THE HYMNS OF [BOOH X + +5 I, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and + +men alike shall welcome, + +I make the man I love exceeding mighty, make him a sage, a +Eishi, and a Brahman. + +6 I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay + +the hater of devotion. + +I rouse and order battle for the people, and I have penetrated +Earth and Heaven. + +7 (On the world’s summit I bring forth the Father: my home is + +in the waters, in the ocean. + +Thence I extend o’er all existing creatures, and touch even +yonder heaven with my forehead. + +8 I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while + +I hold together all existence. + +Beyond this wide earth and beyond the heavens I have become ■ +so mighty in my grandeur.J + +HYMN CXXYI. ' Visvedevas, + +'No peril, no severe distress, *ye Gods, affects the mortal man + +Whom Aryaman and Mitra lead, and Varuna, of one accord, +beyond his foes. + +2 This very thing do we desire, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, + +• Whereby ye guhrd the mortal man from sore distress, and lead +him safe beyond his foes. + +3* These are, each one, onr present helps, Varuna, Mitra, Arya¬ +man, + +Best leaders, best’ deliverers to lead us on and bear us safe +beyond our foes. + +7 The Father : Heaven or Sky, produced from V&k identified with Para- +the supreme and universal Soul. + +The hymn has been translated by Colebrooke, Miscellaneous Essays, I. 32 ; +by the authors of the Siebenzig IAeder; by Prof. Peterson, Hymns from the +lligvtda (Bombay Sanskrit Series); and by Prof. Whitney, Notes to Cole- +biooke’s Essay on the Vedas, p. 113. + +Mr. Wallis observes: 'Vac, 'Speech* is celebrated alone in two whole +hymns, X 71. and X. 125., of which the former shows that the primary +application of the name was to the voice of the hymn, ‘ the means of com¬ +munication between heaven and earth at the sacrifice. The other hymn +illustrates the constant assimilation of the varied phenomena of nature to +the sacrifice; all that has a voice in nature, the thunder of the storm, the +reawaking of life at dawn, with songs of rejoicing over the new birth of the +world, are embodied in this V&c in the same way as it is # said of Brihaspati, +that he embraces all things that are. It is thus another expression for that +idea of the unity of the world, which we have seen crowning the mystical +speculations of all the more abstract hymns of the collection/— Cosmology of +the Rigveda, p. 85. See also Weber, Vfie und Aoyog, Indische Studies IX, +473—480 ; and Max Muller, The Veddnta Philosophy, 144-147. + + + +HYMN 127.] + + +THE RIGYEDA. + + +573 + + +4 Ye compass round and guard each man, Varuna, Mitra, Arya- + +man: + +In your dear keeping may we be, ye who are excellent as +guides beyond our foes. + +5 & dityas are beyond all foes,—Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman : +Strong Rudra with the Marut host, Indra, Agni let us call for + +. weal beyond our foes. + +6 These lead us safely over all, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, + +These who are Kings of living men, over all troubles far away + +beyond our foes. + +7 May they^give bliss to aid us well, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman : +May the Adityas, when we pray, grant us wide shelter and + +defence beyond our foes. + +8 As in this place, 0 Holy Ones, ye Vasus freed even the-Gauri + +when her feet were fettered, + +So free us now from trouble and affliction : and let our life be +lengthened still, 0 Agni. + +HYMN CXXVII. Night. + +With all her eyes the Goddess Night looks forth approaching +many a spot: + +She hath put all her glories on. + +2 Immortal, she hath filled the waste, the Goddess hath filled + +' height and depth : + +She conquers darkness with her light. + +3 The Goddess as she comes hath set the Dawn her Sister in her + +place: + +And then the darkness vanishes. + +4 So favour us this night, 0 thou whose pathways we have visited +As birds their nest upon the tree. + +5 The villagers have sought their homes, and all that walks + +and all that flies, + +Even the falcons fain for prey. + +<> Keep off the she-wolf and the wolf; 0 frrmya, keep the thief +away: + +Easy be thou for us to pass. + + +8 Gauri: the wild-cow, the female of the Gaura or Bos Gaurus. The +Vasus are said to have- delivered her from Viav&vasu the Gandharva, + +2 The waste: the expanded (firmament). 1 *• —Wilson. + +<5 fffmyd: * undulating *; JSTight. + + +574 + + +TUB HYMNS OF [BOOK X, + + +7 Clearly hath she come nigh to me who decks the dark with + +richest hues: + +0 Morning, cancel it like debts. + +8 These have I brought to thee like kine. 0 Night, thou Child + +of Heaven, accept +This laud as fur a conqueror. + + +• HYMN CXXVIIL Yisvedevas. + +Lkt me win glory, Agni, in our battles : enkindling thee, may +we support our bodies. + +May the four regions bend and bow before me : with thee for +guardiam may we win in combat. + +% xMay all the Gods be on my side in battle, the Maruts led by +ludra, Vishnu, Agni. + +Mine be the middle aii^s extended region, and may the wind +blow favouring these my wishes. + +3 May the Gods grant me riches; may the blessing and invoca¬ +tion of the Gods assist me. + +Foremost in fight be the divine Invokers : may we, nn wounded +have brave heroes round us. * + + +4 For me let them present all mine oblations, and let my mind's +intention be accomplished. + +May I be guiltless of the least transgression: and, all ye Gods +do ye combine to bless us. ' + + +5 Ye six divine Expanses, grant us freedom : here, all ve Gods + +acquit yourselves like heroes. J 7 + +Let us not lose our children or our bodies; let us not benefit +the foe, King Soma I + +6 **»'. ™r + +Let these thy foes turnback and seek their houses and let +their thought who watch at home be ruined. + +8 : verses. + + + + + +IIYMN 129.] TUB RIGVEDA. 4 * 575 + +7 Lord of the world, Creator of creators : the saviour God who + +overcomes the foeman. + +May Gods, Brihaspati, both Asvins shelter from ill this sacri¬ +fice and sacrificer. + +' dr + +8 Foodful, and much-invoked, at this our calling may the great + +Bull vouchsafe us wide protection. + +Lord of Bay Coursers, Indra, bless our children : harm us not, +give us not as prey to others. + +9 Let those who are our foemen stay afar from ns ; with Indra + +and with Agni we will drive them off. + +Vasus, Adityas, Rudras have exalted me, made me far-reach¬ +ing, mighty, thinker, sovran lord. ^ + +HYMN CXXIX. Creation. + +Then was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm +of air, no sky beyond it. + +What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was +water there, unfathomed depth of water ? + +2 Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign + +was there, the day’s and night's divider. + +That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature : apart +from 3t was nothing whatsoever. + +3 Darkness there was : at first concealed in darkness this All + +was in discriminated chaos. + +All that existed then was void and formless: by the great +power of Warmth was born that Unit. + +4 Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal + +seed and gprm of Spirit. + +Sages who searched with their heart’s thought discovered the +existent’s kinship in the non-existent. + +7 After Creator of creators $&yana supplies tam devairt s£aumi f ‘that God I +praise/ Indra or Suvitar ia intended + +8 The great Ball: Indra. - + +1 Then: in the beginning, lion-existent; dsat: that does not yet actually +exiBt, but which has in itself the latent potentiality of existence, * There was +a certain unapparent condition/ says an Indian Commentator, 4 which, from +the absence of distinctness, was not an * entity/ while from its being the +instrument of the world’s production, it was not a * non-entity.’ * + +“ 2 That One Thing: the single primordial substance, the unit out of which +tfie universe was developed. Cp. I. 164. 6 and 46. + +.3 Warmth: Prof. Wilson, following S&yana, translates tdpasah by * austeri¬ +ty.’ meaning the contemplation of the things that were to be created. M. +Burnout, in La Science des Religions , pp. 207ff, has shown how warmth was +regarded by the Ary as as the principle explaining movement, life, and thought. +4 Dmrs ; SAma, Eros, or Love. Sages ; ancient Biahia. + + + +m TEE EYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +5 Transversely was their severing line extended: what was + +above it then, and what below it ? + +There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here +and energy up yonder. + +6 Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was + +born and whence comes this creation ? + +The Gods are later than this world’s production. Who knows +then whence it first came into being ? + +7 He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or + +did not form it, + +Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily +knows ifc, or perhaps he knows not. + +HYMN CXXX. Creation. + +The sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched +by a hundred sacred ministers and one,— + +This do these Fathers weave who hitherward are come : they +sit beside the warp and cry, Weave forth, weave back. + +2 The Man extends it and the Man unbinds it: even to this + +vault of heaven hath he outspun it. + +These pegs are fastened to the seat of worship : they made +the Sama-hymns their weaving-shuttles. + +3 What were the rule, the order and the model ? What were + +the wooden fender &nd the butter? + +What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the +God' all Deities paid worship ? + +5 Line ,* a line drawn by the ancient Rishis to make a division between the +upper world and the lower, and to bring duality out of unity. ‘ Begetters : +the Fathers may be meant. Free action: the happiness of the'Fathers. +The stanza is obscure, aud its connexion with stanza 4 is not obvious. An in¬ +tervening stanza may, perhaps, have been lost. + +The hymn has been translated by Colebrooke, Miscellaneous Essays, I. pp, +33, 34 ; by Dr. Muir, 0 . S. Texts , V. 356, 357 ; by the authors of the Sieben- +zig Lieder, and by Mr. Wallis, Cosmology of the Rigveda , pp. 59 if. * The latest +of the many Commentators on this hyifm are Professor Whitney in the +Journal of the American Oriental Society, vol. xi. p. cix, and Dr. Scherman, +Philosophische Hymnen aus der Rig-und Atharva-vedaSumhita, 1887.’—Wallis. +See Prof. Max Muller, Eistory of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, , pp. 559-—563. + +As the subject of the hymn is creation typified and originated by the mys¬ +terious : .vi". r 'ip. X. 90),«• Praj&pati the Creator is said by S£yana +to be th ^. !: U is Yajfia (Sacrifice) Praj&pati’s son. + +1 The sacnfice: sarydtmako yajnah; the sacrifice which constitutes creation. + +—S&yana, A hundred cpnd one: meaning an indefinitely large number. Fathers: +S&yanaexplains pitdrah here by + +2 The Man: the first Man or : hr-./:.a. A iV,.: a. Ppaj&pati, accord¬ +ing to S4yana. * - ‘ + +3 Wooden fender: the .enclosing sticks placed round the sacrificial fire, . + + + + +KTMN 131.] THE RIG VEDA. 577 + +4 Closely was G&yatrl conjoined with Agni, and closely Savitar + +combined with Ushnih. + +Brilliant with Ukthas, Soma joined Anushtup: Brihaspati’s +voice by Brihati was aided. + +5 Viraj adhered to Varuna and Mitra : here Trishtup day by day + +was Indra’s portion* + +Jagati entered all the Gods together: so by this knowledge men +were raised to Rishis. + +6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Rishis, when ancient + +sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. + +With the mind’s eye I think that l behold them who first per¬ +formed this sacrificial worship. + +7 They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, + +were the Seyen Godlike Rishis. + +Viewing the path of those of old, the sages have taken up the +reins like chariot-drivers. + +HYMN CXXXL + +Daiys all our enemies away, 0 Indra, the western, mighty +Conqueror, and the eastern. + +Hero, drive off our northern foes and southern, that we in thy +wide shelter may be joyful. + +:2 What then 1 As men whose fields are full of barley reap the +ripe corn removing it in order, + +So bring the food of those men, bring it hither, who went not +to prepare the grass for worship. + +j 3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they +obtain no honour in assemblies. + +/ Sages desiring herds of kine and horses strengthen the mighty +Indra for hjs friendship. + +i Brilliant with Ukthas: ‘gladdening (us) through hymns (ukthas ).'— +Muir. Brihaspati's voice: because his duty was to speak as Priest. Accord¬ +ing to the Aitareya-Brdhmana„ III. 13, Prajstpati ‘allotted to the deities +their (different) parts in the sacrifice and metres.’ + +5 Day by day: was Indra’s portion of the mid-day (oblation).’—Wilson. + +6 I behold them.: or, according to Prof. Ludwig’s interpretation ;—‘ These +with the eyes of mind, I think, beheld them.* + +7 ‘ The seven Rishis here are not the 4ngirases, but BharadvAja, I^asyapa, +Gotama, Atri, Vasxshtha, Visv&mitra, and Jamadagni. The knowledge of +the ritual is derived from the divine priests ; the sages or Rishis have followed +them in sacrificing, and modem priests are only imitators of those whp +preceded them.’—Ludwig. + +The hymn has been translated by Dr. Muir, 0 S. Texts , III. pp. 278, 2/9, +and by Prof. Whitney, Notes to Oolebrooke’s Essay on the Fedas, p. 114. + +3 With one horse : it seems to have been considered undignified and dirt- +reputable for a wealthy man to come to the sacrifice in a one-horse car \ but +the precise meaning of the first line is Bomewhat uncertain. + +37 + + + +578 TEE HYMNS'OF [BOOK X. + +‘ 4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grate¬ +ful Soma juice, + +Aud aided Indra in bis work with Nattmchi of Asura birth. + +5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their + +wondrous powers and wisdom. + +When thou, with might, hadst drunk the draught that glad¬ +dens, Sarasvafei, 0 Maghavan, refreshed thee. + +6 Indra is strong to save,, rich in assistance : may he, possessing + +all, be kind and gracious. t + +May he disperse our foes- and give* us safety,, and may we be +the lords* of hero vigour, + +% May we enjoy his favour, his- the- Holy: may we enjoy his +blessed loving-kindness. + +May this rich Indra, as our good Protector, drive off and keep +afar all those who hate us. + +HYMN CXXXII. Mitra. Vanina. + +May Dyaus the Lord of lauded wealth, and Earth stand by +the man who offers sacrifice, + +And may the Asvins, both the Gods, strengthen, the worship¬ +per with bliss. + +% As such we honour you, Mifcra and Varuna, with hasty 2 *eal, + +■ most blest, you who sustain the folk. + +So- may we, through your frienship* forthe worshipper,, subdue +the fiends. + +3- And when we seek to win your love and friendship; we who +have precious wealth in our possession, + +Or when the worshipper augments his riches* let not his trea¬ +sures be shut up* + +4 That other, Asura! too was horn of Heaven : thou art, 0 1 Va¬ +nina, the King of all men. + +The chariot’s Lord was well content, forbearing, to anger Heath* +by sin so great. + + +4 Hillebrandt, V. AT., I. 146, and Eggelimg, Sacred Books of the Eas%. XXI. +135, interpret differently. The myth referred to in the following stanza haa +not been preserved. See Weber, Ueber dbn Mjasdya, pp> 95, 101. + +4 That other: Mitra. The chariot's Lord: literally, *'head'of the chariot.’ +The meaning is uncertain'. I find the rest of* the hymn unintelligible. Prof. +Ludwig conjectures that two brothers. Nrimedhas and Sumedhas, had con¬ +tended for sovereignty, and that the adherents of one had wished to put the* +other brother to death, but had not carried out their purpose. Safeapiifc*, +absolve* and purifies the former,, and the;bruthers are reconciled. * + + + +JSTMN 133.] THE JRIQVEDA. m + +5 This sin hath Sakaputa here committed. Heroes who fled to + +their dear friend he sl&yeth, + +When the Steed bringeth down your grace and favour in +bodies dear and worshipful. + +6 Your Mother Aditi, ye wise, was purified with water even as + +earth is purified from heaven. + +Show love and kindness here below: wash her in rays of +heavenly light. + +7 Ye Twain have seated you as Lords of Wealth, as one who + +mounts a car to him who sits upon the pole, upon the wood. +These our disheartened tribes Nrimedbas saved from woe, +Sumedhas saved from woe. + +HYMN CXXXIII. Indr a-. + +Sing strength to Indra that shall set his chariot in the fore¬ +most place. + +Giver of room in closest fight, slayer of foes in shock of war, +be thou our great encourager. Let the weak bowstrings +break upon the bows of feeble enemies. + +. 2 Thou didst destroy the Dragon; thou sentest the rivers down +to earth. + +Foeless, 0 Indra, wast thou born. Thou tendest well each +choicest thing. Therefore we draw us close to thee. Let +the weak bowstrings, etc. + +3 Destroyed be all malignities and all our enemy’s designs. + +Thy holt thou castest at the foe, 0 Indra, who would smite us + +dead : thy liberal bounty gives us wealth. + +4 The robber people round about, Indra, who watch and aim at + +us,—■ + +Trample them down beneath thy foot; a conquering scatterer +art thou.’ + +5 Whoso assails us, Indra, be the man a stranger or akin. + +Bring down, thyself, his strength although it be as vast as are + +the heavens. + +6 Glose to thy friendship do we cling, 0 Indra, and depend on + +thee. + +f Lead us beyond all pain and grief along the path of holy Law. + +6 The Steed: the Sun.—Ludwig. Tour grace: Mitra's and Yanina’s. + +6 Your Mother Aditi: perhaps the mother of the two brothers is intended.— + +Ludwig. - + +2 Let the weak homtringSj etc ; the refrain is repeated in all the stanza* +except the last. + + + +580 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +7 Do thou bestow upon us her, 0 Indra, who yields according to +the singer’s longing, + +That the great Cow may, with exhaustless udder, pouring a +thousand streams, give milk to feed us, + +HYMNCXXXIY. Indr*. + +As, like the Morning, thou hast filled, 0 Indra, both the earth +and heaven, + +So as the Mighty One, great King of all the mighty world of +men, the Goddess Mother brought thee forth, the Blessed +Mother gave thee life. + +2 Relax thSt mortal’s stubborn strength whose heart is bent on + +wickedness. + +Trample him down beneath tby feet who watches for and aims +at us. The Goddess Mother brought thee forth, etc. + +3 Shake down, 0 Slayer of the foe, those great all-splendid energies. + +• With all thy /powers, 0 Sakra, all thine helps, 0 Indra, shako + +, them down; + +4 As thou, 0 Satakratu, thou, 0 Indra, sbakeat all things down +As wealth for him who sheds the juice, with thine assistance + +thousandfold. + +5 Around, on every side like drops of sweat let lightning-flashes + +fall. + +' Let all malevolence pass away from us like threads of Dfirva +grass. + +6 Thou bearest in thine hand a lance like a long hook, great + +Counsellor ! + +As with his foremost foot a goat, draw down the branch, 0 +Maghavan. + +7 Never, 0 Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever obstinate: we + +walk as holy texts command. + +Closely we clasp and cling to you, cling to your sides, beneath +your arms. + + +' 7 The great Cow: probably the Earth. + +1 The Goddess Mother; Aditi, The refrain is repeated in all the stanit** +except the last. + +3 Energies: influences in the shape of rain and sunlight + +4 ISatakratu: or, Lord of Hundred Powers. + +5 JMrvd grass: Panicura Daotylon ; a species of bent grass whose filaments +aketch.horizoutally away from the stem. + +;C She branch: that is loaded with fruit for us. \ + + + + +EYMN 13$.] TEE RIG VELA. 581 + +HYMN CXXXV. Yam*. + +In the Tree clothed with goodly leaves where Yaraa drinketh +with the Gods, + +The Father, Master of the house, tendeth with love our an¬ +cient Sires. + +2 I looked reluctantly on him who cherishes those men of old, +On him who treads that evil path, and then I yearned for + +this again. + +3 Thou mountest, though thou dost not see, 0 Child, the new + +and wheel-less car + +Which thou hast fashioned mentally, one-poled but turning +every way. ^ + +i The car which thou hast made to roll hitherward from the +Sages, Child I + +This hath theSaman followed close, hence, laid together on a ship. + +5 Who was the fa.th.er of the child ? Who made the chariot roll + +away? + +Who will this day declare to us how the funereal gift was made ? + +6 When the funereal gift was placed, straightway the. point of + +flame appeared. + +A depth extended in the front: a passage out was made behind + +7 Here is the seat where Yama dwells, that which is called the + +Home of Gods: + +Here minstrels blow the flute for him: here he is glorified +with songs. + + +1 The Tree: where the spirits of the pious dead reBt after their labours. +The.Father: Yama. + +2 The spirit of the dead child speaks. I yearned for this: to return to' +the world of life. + +3 Yama speaks. Fashioned mentally ; figuratively prepared by being burnt +on the funeral pile. + +5 Ship: meaning, apparently, the funeral pile. The funereal gift: the +meaning of anudiyt is uncertain. * Restitution/—Wilson. ‘Surrender* or +'delivery/ according to Prof. Zimmer, Stanzas 5—7 are spoken by the poet. + +6 A depth: the meaning is obscure. Passage out: probably for the removal +of the ashes. + +The subject of the hymn appears to be the funeral ceremony of a boy +(kumdra, said by some to be the name of a man). According to the legend +cited by Sly ana a youth named Nachiketas was sent by bis father to the' +kingdom of Yama who treated him kindly and allowed ,bim to return to this +world. ‘ The hymn is made throughout applicable to Aditya as well as to +Yama, with, if possible, a still greater degree of obscurity. It seems to have +been the basis of the discussion in the Taittiriya Brlhmana (III. 11. 8) and +in the Kathi Upanishad, respecting what becomes of the soul after death, in +dialogues between Nachiketas and Yama/—Wilson, + + + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +{BOOK X, + + +582 + +HYMN CXXXYI. Kemns. + +He with the long loose looks supports Agni, and moisture, +heaven, and earth: + +He is all sky to look upon : he with long hair is called this +light. + +2 The Munis, girdled with the wind, wear garments soiled of + +yellow hue. + +They, following the wind’s swift course go where the Gods +have gone before. + +3 Transported with our Munihood we have pressed on into the + +winds: + +You therefore, mortal men, behold our natural bodies and +: no more. + +4 The Muni, made associate in the holy work of every God, + +; Looking upon all varied forms flies through the region of the air. +b The Steed of Y&ta, Y&yu’s friend, the Muni, by the Gods +impelled, + +In both the oceans hath his home, in eastern and in western sea. + +6 Treading the path of sylvan beasts, Gandharvas, and Ap* + +sarases, + +He with long locks, who knows the wish, is a sweet most +delightful friend. + +7 V&yu hath churned for him: for him he poundeth things + +most hard to bend, + +When he with long loose locks hath drunk, with Rudra, water +from the cup. + + +The Kesins, Tcestml t, wearers of long loose hair, are Agpi, Y&yu, and Shrya. +Bach stanza has for its Rishi one of the seven sons of YAtarasaua. See Index +of Hymns. + +1 He with the long loose lo'ch: probably the ascetic, the Muni or Yogt. +According to SAyapa, the radiant Sun, Moisture: vishdm, usually meaning +4 poison * is so explained in this place. + +2 Munis: ascetics inspired or in a state of ecstasy. Girdled with the wind : +exposed without girdles to the wind. According to S Ay ana, sons of Y&ta- +rasana, or Wind-Girdled. + +5 In loth the oceans: everywhere in the firmament from its eastern to its +western extremity. + +4 The hymn shows the conception that by a life of sanctity the Muni can, +attain to the f- -V > / 1 1 iifcies of the air, the YAyus, the Rudraa, the + +Apsarasas, ai. I ■ ' and, furnished like them with wonderful + +powers, can travel along with them on their course.The beautiful-haired, + +the long-haired, that is to say, the Muni, who during the time of his austeri¬ +ties does not shave his hair, upholds fire, moisture, heaven, and earth, and +resembles the world of light, ideas which the later literature so largely con¬ +tains/—You Roth, quoted by Dr. Muir, 0. S. Texts } IY. 319, the hymn being +transliterated and translated on page 318. * + + + + +HYMN 138.] + + +THE R1GVEDA,' 583 + +HYMN CXXXVII. Visvedevas. + +Ye Gods, raise up ouce more the man whom ye have humbled +and brought low. + +O Gods, restore to life again the man who hath committed sin. + +2 Two several winds are blowing here, from Sindh u, from a + +distaut land. + +May one breathe energy to thee, the other blow disease away. + +3 Hither, 0 Wind, blow healing balm, blow all disease away, + +thou Wind; + +For thou who hast all medicine comest as envoy of the Gods. + +4 I am come nigh to thee with balms to give thee rest and keep + +thee safe. + +I bring thee blessed strength, I drive thy weakening malady away. +45 Here let the Gods deliver him, the Maruts’ baud deliver him: +AU things that be deliver him that he be freed from his disease. + +4) The Waters have their healing power, the Waters drive disease +away. + +The Waters have a balm for all: let them make medicine for tht*e. + +' $ The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our ten¬ +fold-branching hands, + +With these two ehasers of disease we stroke thee with a gentle +touch. + +HYMN CXXXVIXI. indra. + +Allied with thee in friendship, Indra, these thy priests, re¬ +membering Holy Law, rent Vritra limb from limb, + +When they bestowed the Dawns and let the waters flow, and +when thou didst chastise dragons at Kutsa’s call. + +3 Thou sen test,forth productive powers, clavest the hills, thou +dravest forth the kine, thou drankest pleasant meath. + +Thou gavest iucrease through this Tree’s surpassing might. +The Sun shone by the hymn that sprang from Holy Law, + + +Each stanza is ascribed to one of the seven great Rishis. See Index of +Hymns. The hymn is a charm to restore a sick man to health. Of. Hymns of +the Atharva-veda, IV. 13. + +1 Who hath committed sin: sickness and death being regarded as the conse¬ +quence of sin. * + +2 Sindku: or, ocean. + +4 The Wind speaks. Weakening malady; yakshma may be sickness in gene- +, ral, or the name of a large class of diseases, probably of a consumptive nature. + +7 The stanza is important as showing that the Indians employed touches +or laying-on of hands to relieve suffering or to restore health. Op. X. CO. 12. + +1 Thy priests: the Augirases. But see Vedic Hymns , I. p. 44. Didst +shastne: this clause is very difficult. I adopt Prof. Grassmann’s interpretation. + +% This Tree's surpassing might: the power of the juice of the Soma plant. + + + + +'584 THE HYMNS OF . [BOOK X + +3 In tbc raid-way of heaven the Sau unyoked his oar: the Arya + +fo\m& a match to meet his Dasa foe. + +Associate with Rijisvan Indra overthrew the solid forts of +Pipru, conjuriug Asura. + +4 He boldly cast down forts which none had e’er assailed : un¬ + +wearied he destroyed the godless treasure-stores. + +Like Sun and Moon he took the stronghold’s wealth away, and, +praised in song, demolished foes with flashing dart. + +5 Armed with resistless weopons, with vast power to cleave, the + +Vritra-slayer whets his darts and deals forth wounds. +Bright Ushas was afraid of Indra’s slaughtering bolt : she went +upon her way and left her chariot there. + +6 These are*thy famous exploits, only thine, when thou alone + +hast left the other reft of sacrifice. + +Thou in the heavens bast set the ordering of the Moons : the +Father bears the felly portioned out by thee. + +HYMN CXXXIX, Savitar. + +Savitar, golden-haired, hath lifted eastward, bright with the +sunbeams, his eternal lustre; + +He in whose energy wise Pusban marches, surveying all exist¬ +ence like a herdsman. + +2 Beholding men he sits amid the heavens, filling the two world- + +halves and air’s wide region. + +He looks upon the rich fat-spreading pastures between the +eastern and the western limit. + +3 He, root of wealth, the gatherer-up of treasures, looks with + +his might on every form and figure. + +Savitar, like a God whose Law is constant, stands in the battle +for the spoil like Indra. 1 + +4 Waters from sacrifice came to the Gandhafva Visv&vasu, 0 + +Soma, when they saw him. + +Indra, approaching quickly, marked their going, and looked +around upon the Sun’s enclosures. + +$ Unyoked his car: the alien* m is. perhaps, to an eclipse, or a detention +of th« Sun to enable the Aryan" to complete the overthrow of their enemies. +FijUvan: a pious worshipper befriended by Indra. Pipru: a demon of +drought. Sne Vol. I., Index. + +5 Bright Ushas was afraid: see IL 15. 6 , IV. 30. 8—11, and X 73. 6. + +8 The other: thy foe, the demon or E&kshttsa. The Father: Dyaus or +Heaven.^ The felly portioned oat by thee: the course of the Moon through +the asfcerisms, which thou hast arranged. + +2 Pastures: there is no substantive in the text. S&yana supplies * quarter# +of apace Ludwig * ladles and Grassmann * pastures/ + +4 Waters: used in the preparation of the Soma juice. The Oandharva * +regarded as the custodian of the celestial Soma. The Sun's endomcs: ‘the +rimfi of the sun/—Wilson. ' , + + + +HYMN 140,] + + +THE MG VEDA. + + +585 + + +5 This song Visvavasu shall sing us, meter of air’s mid-realm, + +celestial (landbarva, + +That we may know aright both truth and falsehood: may he +inspire our thoughts and help our praises. + +6 In the floods’ track he found the booty-seeker: the rocky + +cow-pen’s doors he threw wide open. * + +These, the Gandharva told him, flowed with Amrit. Indra +knew well the puissance of the dragons. + +HYMN CXL. - Agni. + +Agni, life-power and fame are thine: thy fires blaze mightily, +thou rich in wealth of beams 1 + +Sage, passing bright, thou givest to the wcfrshipper, with +strength, the food that merits laud. + +2 With brilliant, purifying sheen, with perfect sheen thou liftest + +up thyself in light. + +Thou, visiting both thy Mothers, aidest them as Son: thou +joinest close the earth and heaven. + +3 0 J&tavedas, Son of Strength, rejoice thyself, gracious, in our + +fair hymns and songs. + +In thee are treasured various forms of strengthening food, +born nobly and of wondrous help. + +4 Agni, spread forth, as Ruler, over living things: give wealth + +to us, Immortal God. + +Thou shinest out from beauty fair to look upon : thou leadest +us to conquering power. + +5 To him, the wise, who orders sacrifice, who bath great riches + +under his control, + +Thou givest^blest award of good, and plenteous food, givest +him wealth that conquers all. + +6 The men have set before them for their welfare Agni, strong, + +visible to all, the Holy. + +Thee, Godlike One, with ears to hear, most famous, men's +generations magnify with praise-songs. + +5 Visvdvasu .* the celestial Gandharva, here the Sun*God. He: Visv&vasu. +The booty-seeker: Indra who sought to win the waters. Of the dragons ' the +serpent-demons who obstructed the floods of heaven. The last three stanzas +are very difficult and obscure. See Hill e bran dt, V. M, f I. pp, 436, 437, and +Ludwig, Ueber die neuesten A. u. s. p. 101. + +2 Thy Mothers: Heaven and Earth. Joinest close: or, fillest full. + +5 To him : to the inetitutor of the sacrifice. + +See the exposition of the hymn in Satapatha Brahmana, VII. 3.1, 29—34 +(Sacred Books of the East, XLI. 349—351). + + + +m + + +IBOOK X. + + +THE HYMNS OF + +HYMN CXLI. Visvedev&s. + +Turn hither, Agni, speak to us: eome to us with a gracious +mind. + +Enrich us, Master of the house : thou art the Giver of our +wealth. + +$ Let Aryaman vouchsafe us wealth, and Bhaga, and Brihaspati. + +Let the Gods ^ive their gifts, and let Sunrita, Goddess, grant +us wealth. + +3 We call King Soma to our aid, and Agni with our songs and + +hymns, + +Adityas, Vishnu, Surya, and the Brahman Priest Brihaspati. + +4 Indra, Vayfl, Brihaspati, Gods swift to listen, we invoke, + +That in the synod all the folk may be benevolent to us. + +5 Urge Aryaman to send us gifts, and Indra, and Brihaspati, + +V&ta, Vishnu, Saras vati and the Strong Courser Savitar. + +<6 Bo thou, 0 Agni, with thy fires strengthen our prayer and +sacrifice: + +Urge givers to bestow their wealth to aid our service of the +Gods. + +HYMN CXLIL Agni. + +With thee, 0 Agni, was this singer of the laud: he hath no +other kinship, 0 thou Son of Strength. + +Thou givest blessed shelter with a triple guard. Keep the +destructive lightning far away from us. + +2 Thy birth who seekest food is in the falling flood, Agni; as +Comrade thou winuest all liyiug things. + +Our coursers and our songs shall be victorious : they of them¬ +selves advance like one who guards the herd. + +•3 And thou, 0 Agni, thou of Godlike nature, sparest the stones, +while eating up the brushwood. + +Then are thy tracks like deserts in the corn-lands. Let us not +stir to wrath thy mighty arrow. + +4 O’er Mils, through vales devouring as thou goest, thou partest +like an army fain for booty. + +As when a barber shaves a beard, thou shavest earth when +the wind blows on thy flame and fans it. + +-5 Apparent are his lines as he approaches: the course is single, +but the cars are many, + + +2 SUnritd : Pleasantness ; Gladness, personified. Cf. I. 40. 3. + +3 Sparest the stones : see Pischel, Vedische Studien, I. p. 180. Cp. IIL 29, 6. + + + +HYMN 143.) + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +5B7 + + +When, Agni, thou, making thine arms resplendent, advancest +o'er the land spread out beneath thee. + +6 Now let thy strength, thy burning flames fly upward, thine + +energies, 0 Agni, as thou toilest. + +Gape widely, bend thee, waxing in thy vigour: let all the +Vasus sit this day beside thee. + +7 This is the waters’ reservoir, the great abode of gathered streams. +Take thou another path than this, and as thou listest walk + +thereon. + +& On thy way hitherward and hence let flowery DfirviH grass +spring up. + +Let there be lakes with lotus blooms. These are the mansions +of the flood. + +HYMN CXLIII. Asvins. + +Yfl made that Atri, worn with eld, free as a horse to win the goal. +When ye restored to youth and strength Kakshivan like a car +renewed, + +2 Ye freed that Atri like a horse, and brought him newly-born + +to earth. + +Ye loosed him like a firm-tied knot which Gods unsoiled by +dust had bound. + +3 Heroes who showed most wondrous power to Atri, strive to + +win fair songs; + +For then, 0 Heroes of the sky, your hymn of praise shall +cease no more. + +4 This claims your notice, Bounteous Gods!—oblation, Asvins ! + +and onr love. + +That ye, 0 Heroes, in the fight may bring us safe to ample room. + +5 Ye Twain to Bhujyu tossed about in ocean at the region's end, . +Nasatyas, with your winged steeds came nigh, and gave him + +strength to win. + +6 Come with your joys, most liberal Gods, Lords of all treasures, + +bringing weal. + +Like fresh full waters to a well, so, Heroes, come and be with ns. + +6 Stanzas 7 and 8 seem to belong to some other hymn, being a prayer to Agni +that he may spare the speaker’s house where, he says, there is nothing to invite +the devouring God. See Hymns of the AtharvoL-veda, VI. 106. + +1 Atri: seel. 112. 7. KaTcsMvdn: the Scholiast says that this Rishi was +originally dull of understanding and that the Asvins endowed him with know¬ +ledge Frol Ludwig takes kaksMvantom to be an adjective agreeing with +ratham; * Again ye made him youthful like a chariot that is braced with bands.’ + +5 Bhujyu: see Vol. I., Index* . + + + + +THE HYMNS OF [BOOK & + +HYMN CXLIV. Indra. + +. This deathless Iadu, like a steed, strong and of full vitality, +Belongs to thee, the Orderer/ + +2 Here, by us, for tbe worshipper, is the wise bolt that works + +with skill. + +It brings the bubbling beverage as a dexterous man brings the +effectual strong drink. + +3 Impetuous Ahisuva, a bull among these cows of his, + +Looked down upon the restless Hawk. + +, 4 That the strong-pinioned Bird hath brought, Child of tbe +Falcon, from afar, + +What, moves upon a hundred wheels along the female Dragon’s +path. + +5 Which, fair, unrobbed, the Falcon brought thee in his foot, + +the red-hued dwelling of the juice ; + +Through this came vital power which lengthens out our days, +and kinship through its help awoke. + +6 So Indra is by Indu’s power: e’en among Gods will it repel +, great treachery. + +Wisdom, Most Sapient One, brings force that lengthens life. +May wisdom bring the juice to us. + +HYMN CXLY. SapatntUdhanam. + +From out the earth I dig this plant, an herb of most effectual +power, + +Wherewith one quells the rival wife and gains the husband +for oneself. + +1 Tndu: Soma. The Orderer; disposer and arranger of the universe. + +2 Bolt: the Vashatk&ra, or sacrificial exclamation, is to'the priests what +the thunderbolt is to Indra, + +3 I find this and the following stanza unintelligible. Ahisuva in other +places is the name of a demon ; but the meaning here is uncertain. Clows ; +there is no substantive to dsd sv$su } 1 these his own/ in the feminine gender. + +4 Wktt moves upon a hundred wheels: satdchahram: * the bestower of +many boons/—Wilson. + +5 Dwelling of the juice: the Soma-plant, which the Falcon brought from +heaven. See IV. 26 and 27. + +6 It: or he j Indu or the Soma juice. + +Prof. Qrassmann places this hymn in his Appendix as being in his opinion +made up of fragments. He considers Ahisuva (stanza 3) to be ‘the archer +KnB&nu, of IV. 27. 3 and other places, who guards the celestial Soma, and in¬ +stead of cows * he understands * wives/ + +hymn * s a B P e h rid. a jealous wife of a more favoured rival. The +Hiahi is Indr&ni, the Consort of Indra. + +1 THU plant; said to be the Pata, probably identical with P4thA (Clypea +nernandiioiia), a climbing plant possessing various medicinal properties* + + + +THE MOVED A, + + +58 $ + + +HYMN 146 .] + +2 Auspicious, with expanded leaves, sent by the Gods, victorious + +plant, + +Blow thou the rival wife away, and make my husband only mine. + +3 Stronger am I, 0 Stronger One, yea, mightier than the mightier; +And she who is my rival wife is lower than the lowest dames. + +4 Her very name I utter not: she takes no pleasure in this man. +Far into distance most remote drive we the rival wife away, + +5 I am the conqueror, and thou, thou also art victorious: + +As victory attends us both we will subdue my fellow-wife. + +6 I have gained thee for vanquisher, have grasped thee with a + +stronger spell. + +As a cow hastens to her calf, so let thy spirit speed to me, +hasten like water on its way. + +HYMN CXLVI. Aranyftnl. + +Goddess of wild and forest who seemest to vanish from the sight, +How is it that thou seekesb not the village? Art thou.not afraid t + +2 What time the grasshopper replies and swells the shrill cicala's + +voice, + +Seeming to sound with tinkling bells, the Lady of the Wood exults. + +3 Aud, yonder, cattle seem to graze, what seems a dwelling-place + +appears: + +Or else at eve the Lady of the Forest seems to free the wains. + +4 Here one is calling to his cow, another there hath felled a tree : +At eve the dweller in the wood fancies that somebody hath + +screamed. * + +5 The Goddess never slays, unless some murderous enemy ap¬ + +proach. r + +Man eats of savoury fruit and then takes, even as he wilIs, his rest. + + +6, Thy spirit; the husband's. + +The deity, Arany&nl, is the tutelary Goddess of the forest and wilderness. + +% Grasshopper . cicala: the ckichchiha is said to be a little creature that + +cries chichi: and the vrishdvavd is said to be a sort of cricket. Others take +them to be birds of some unascertained kind. + +Z Cattle seem to graze : deer feeding in the glades. What seems a dwelling- +place : a natural bower of branches and creepers. + +, 4 Bounds are heard as of a cowman calling his cattle, or of a woodman at +work. ‘We must imagine the thousund strange sounds and delusions which +seem to encompass the solitary listener of an evening in the darkening forest/— +Mmo. Zdnaide ftagozin, Vedic India (Story of the Nations), p. 272. + +5 Murderous enemy: the text has only anytih, * another/ by which, accord- • +iug to S&yana, a tiger or robber is meant. Prof. Ludwig suggests that th* +reading should be kanyah, ‘ one who is destined to be killed/ The hymn has +been translated by Dr. Muir, 0. ,& Texts, V. p. 423 ; and by the authors >f +the Sitbenziy XAedsr des 8igvtda. + + + + +m TEE BfMm OF [BOOK X + +• 6*Now have I praised the Forest Queen, sweet-scented, redolent + +of balm, + +The Mother of all sylvan things, who tills not but hath stores +of food, + +HYMN GXLYIL In**. + +I trust in thy first wrathful deed, 0 Jndra, when thou slewest +Vritra and didst work to profit man ; + +What time the two world-halves fell short of thee in might, +and the earth trembled at thy force, 0 Thunder*armed, + +2 Thou with thy magic powers didst rend the conjurer Vritra, + +0 Blameless One, with heart that longed for fame. + +Heroes elect thee when they battle for the prey, thee in all +saorifiees r worthy of renown. + +3 God Much-invoked, take pleasure in these princes here, who, + +thine exalters, Maghavan, have come to wealth. + +In synods, when the rite succeeds, they hymn the Strong for +sons and progeny and riches undisturbed. + +4 That man shall find delight in well-protected wealth whose + +care provides for V~. tKr- .-•joyous draught. + +, Bringing oblations, -: m ■ \ "-1 - by thee, he swift¬ + +ly wins the spoil with heroes in the fight. + +5 Now for our band, 0 Maghavan, when lauded, make ample + +room with might, and grant us riches. + +Magician thou, our Varuna and Mitra, deal food to us, 0 +Wondrous, as Dispenser. + +# HYMN CXLVIII, India.. + +When we have pressed the juice we laud thee, Indra, and + +when, Most Valorous ! we have won the booty. + +Bring us prosperity, as each desires it: under thine own pro¬ +tection may we conquer. + +2 Sublime from birth, mayst thou 0 Indra, Hero, with Sfirya +overcome the Dilsa races. + +As by a fountain's side, we bring the Soma that lay concealed, +close-hidden in the waters. + +, 3 Answer the votary's hymns, for these thou knowest, craving +the Bishis' prayer, thyself a Singer. + +May we be they who take delight in Somas : these with sweet +food for thee, 0 Chariot-rider. + + +3 Princes: the SMs, the wealthy institutes of the sacrifice. The Strong : +thee, the mighty Indra. + +Z These with sweet food: ‘ these (praises are offered) with sacrificial mnd», +—Wilson. + + + +EYMN 149.] + + +TEE EIGVEEA. + + +§93 + + +• 4 These holy prayers, 0 Tndra, have I sung thee : grant to the 4 +men* the strength of men, thou Hero. + +Be of one mind with those in whom thou joyest: keep thou* +the singers safe and their companions. + +5 Listen to Prithi’s call, heroic Indra, and be thou landed by +the hymns of V enya, + +Him who hath sung thee to thine oil-rich dwelling, whose rob +ling, songs have sped thee like a torrent.. + +HYMIST CXLIX. Savitar; + +Savitar fixed the earth with bands to bind it,, and made heaven +stedfast where no prop supported. + +Savitar milked,, as ’twere a restless courser, air/ sea bound fast +to what no foot had trodden.. + +2 1 * 3 * 5 Well knoweth Savitar,. O Child of Waters, where ocean, firmly +fixt,. o’erflowed its limit. + +Thence sprang the world, from that uprose the region : thence* +heaven spread out and the wide earth expanded. + +3 Then, with a full crowd of Immortal Beings, this other realm + +came later,, high and holy. + +First, verily, Savi bar's strong-pinioned Eagle was born :■ and +he obeys his law for ever. + +4 As warriors bo their steeds-, kine to their village, as fond milk- + +giving: cows approach their youngling, + +As man to wife, let Savitar come downward to us, heaven’s § +bearer, Lord of every blessing. + +5 Like the Angirasa Hiranyastupa, I call thee, Savitar, to this + +achievement : + +So worshipping and lauding thee for favour I watch for thee +as for the stalk of Soma. + + +4 Companions ; or, dependents. + +$ PritM’s call: the invocation of Prithu, the Rishi of the hymn, according +to S&yana. Prof. Ludwig suggests that Prithu’s wife is intended. Venya; +' Prithi, son of Vena. + +1 To what no foot had trodden: attirte : 1 to the indestructible (ether)/— + +Wilson. + +3 Eagle: identified by S4yana with T&rkehya, brother of Garuda, who brought + +the Soma from the Moon at Savitar’s command. + +5 Angirasa: a descendant of the Angirases. Achievement; vftje: food, +according to S&yana, i. c. oblation. Lauding: drchan : or, I, Arehan, honour¬ +ing thee to win thy favour. + + +m + + +THE HYMNS OF + + +[HOOK X, + + +HYMN CL. Agm. + +Thou, bearer of oblations, though kindled, art kindled for the +Gods. + +With the Adityas, Rudras, Yasus, come to us: to show us fa¬ +vour come to us. + +2 Come hither and accept with joy this sacrifice and hymn of ours, +0 kindled God, we mortals are invoking thee, calling on thee + +to show us grace. + +3 I laud thee J&tavedas, thee Lord of all blessings, with my song, +Agni, bring hitherward the Gods whose Laws we love, whose + +Laws we love, to show us grace. + +1 Agni the God was made the great High-Priest of Gods, Rishis + +have kindled Agni, men of mortal mould. + +Agni I invocate for wiuuiug ample wealth, kindly disposed for +winning wealth. 4 + +5 Afcri and Bharadvaja and Gavisbthira, Kanva and Trasadasyu, +in our fight he helped. + +On Agni calls Yasisbfcha, even the household priest, the house¬ +hold priest to win his grace. + +-f HYMN CLI. Faith, + +By'F aith is Agni kindled, through Faith is oblation offered up. +We celebrate with praises Faith upon the height of happiness. + +2 Bless thou the man who gives, 0 Faith ; Faith, bless the man + +who fain would give. + +Bless thou the liberal worshippers : bless thou the word that +I have said. + +3 Even as the Deities maintained Faith in the mighty Asuras, +So make this uttered wish of mine true for the liberal wor¬ +shippers. + +i Guarded by Y&yu, Gods and men who sacrifice draw near to +Faith. + +Man winneth Faith by yearnings of the heart, and opulence +by Faith. + + +1 Though kindled: although thou art already burning fresh fire is added to +thee. To show us favour: mrilMya: this play upon the Rishi's name Mrihka +js repeated in each stanza. + +The Riahi is SraddhA (Faith) of the family of R&ma (Love), + +1 Upon the height of happiness : * (who is seated) on Bhaga's head,-** +Wilson, . ~ ' + +3 A.*uras: the primeval Aryan Hods, Dyaus, Vanina, and some others, who +were venerated by Indra and other In do-Aryan deities of a later creation, +i (fmrcUd by Vdyu ; the meaning is not clear. + + + + +HYMN 154.] v + + +THE RIG VEDA. + + +593 + + +5 Faith in the early morning, Faith at noonday will we invocate, +Faith at the setting of the Sun. 0 Faith, endow us with belief. + +HYMN CLII. India. + +A mighty Governor art thou, Wondrous, Destroyer of the foe, +Whose friend is never done to death, and never, never overcome. + +2 Lord of the clan, who brings us bliss, Strong, Warrior, Slayer + +of the fiend, + +May Indra, Soma-drinker, go before us, Bull who gives uspeace. + +3 Drive Rakshasas and foes away, break thou in pieces Vritra’s jaws: +0 Vritra-slaying Indra, quell the foeman’s wrath who threat¬ +ens us. + +4 0 Indra, beat our foes away, humble the men who^challenge us: +Send down to nether darkness him who seeks to do us injury. + +5 Baffle the foeman’s plan, ward off his weapon who would con¬ + +quer us. + +Give shelter from his furious wrath, and keep his murdering +dart afar. + +HYMN CLIII. Indra - + +Swaying about, the Active Ones came nigh to Indra at his birth, +And shared his great heroic might. + +2 Based upon strength and victory and power, 0 Indra is thy birth : +Thou, Mighty One, art strong indeed. + +3 Thou art the Vritra-slayer, thou, Indra, hast spread the firma¬ + +ment : + +Thou hast with might upheld the heavens. + +4 Thou, Indra, bearest in thine arms the lightning that accords + +with thee, + +Whetting thf thunderbolt with might. + +5 Thou, Indra, art preeminent over all creatures in thy might : +Thou hast pervaded every place. + +HYMN CLIY. New Life. + +For some is Soma purified, some sit by sacrificial oil : + +To those for whom the meath flows forth, even to those let +him depart. + +1 The Active Ones: the Water-Goddesses may be meant. The Consorts of +the Gods, according to S&yana. + +2 Thou, Mighty One: or, 4 0 Bull, thou art a Bull indeed/ ‘Thou, 0 hero, + +art indeed a hero’.—Max Muller, > + +4 Lightning: or, praise-song, hymn. S&yana explains arhcm here by $tu« +tyam, ‘ thy laudable or adorable thunderbolt.. + +The Itishi of this funeral hymn is Yarn!, sister of Yama. + +X To those let him depart: let the spirit-of the dead go to the realm of the + +38 + + + +m THE HYMNS OF [j BOOK X + +2 Invincible through Fervour, those whom Fervour hath ad' + +vanoed to heaven, + +Who showed great Fervour in their lives,—-even to those let +him depart * + +3 The heroes who contend in war and boldly cast their lives away, + +Or who give guerdon thousandfold,—even to those let him + +depart. + +4 Yea, the first followers of Law, Law’s pureand holy strength eners, + +The Fathers, Yama! Fervour-moved,—even to those let him + +depart. + +5 Skilled in a thousand ways and means, the sages who protect + +the SiiDj + +The Eishis, Yamal Fervour-moved,—even to those let him +depart. + +HYMN CLV. Various. + +Auayi, one-eyed limping hag, fly, ever-screeching, to the hill. + +We frighten thee away with these, the heroes of Sirimbifcba. + +2 Scared from this place and that is she, destroyer of each germ + +unborn. + +Go, sharp-horned Brahmanaspati and drive Arayi far away. + +3 Yon log that floats without a man to guide it on the river’s + +edge,— + +Seize it, thou thing with hideous jaws, and go thou far away +thereon. + +4 When, foul with secret stain and spot, ye hastened onward to + +the breast, + +All Indra’s enemies were slain and passed away like froth +and foam, + +blessed, to the Fathers who receive offerings of Soma juice and clarified but¬ +ter. Meath: according to S&yana, honey, which ia offered to the spirits of their +ancestors by students of the Atharva-veda, Soma juice and ghritdm or clarified +butter (sacrificial oil) being offered, respectively, by students of the Sfimaveda- +and Yajurveda, . + +2 Fervour: tdpas: literally, warmth, heat; religious fervour, asceticism, +austerity, self-denial and abstracted meditation. + +4 Favour-moved : or, Penance-rich ; filled full of religious austerity. + +5 Who protect the Sun: see Muir 0. S. T. ? V. 319. j + +The hymn has been translated by Dr, J.'Muir, 0. S. Texts, Y, p. 310, and j + +by Prof, Zimmer, Altindisches Leben, p. 416, ■ ■ + +The subject or object of the hymn Is the averting or removal of misfortune, + +1 Ardyt: 1 the stingy;' one of a class of malevolent she-fiends. Evirs&ecchr +ing: according to S&yana’s explanation of saddnve ; according to others * alli¬ +ed with Ddnus, D&navas, or demons/ Sirimbitha: the Kishi of the hymn. + +2 Sharp-horned-: armed with piercing rays of light. + +4 The meaning of this stanza is eot clear. ManddradMnihih and budbu- +dayflsavah are difficult words that do not occur again. + + + + +HYMN 157.] THE RMVEDA. ' 595 + +5 These men have led about the cow, have duly carried Agni +round, + +And raised their glory to the Gods. Who will attack them +with success ? + +HYMN CLVL Agni. + +Let songs of ours speed Agni forth like a fleet courser in the race, +And we will win each prize through him. + +2 Agni, the dart whereby we gain kine for ourselves with help + +from thee,— + +That send us for the gain of wealth. + +3 0 Agui, bring us wealth secure, vast wealth in horses and in kine: + +Oil thou the socket, turn the wheel. * + +4 0 Agni, thou hast made the Sun, Eternal Star, to mount the + +sky, + +Bestowing light on living men. > + +5 Thou, Agni, art the people’s light, best, dearest, seated in +* thy shrine : + +Watch for the singer, give him life. + +HYMN CLYII. Visvedevas. + +We will, with Indra and. all Gods to aid us, bring these exist¬ +ing worlds into subjection. + +2 Our sacrifice, our bodies, and our offspring, let Indra form to- +- gether with Adityas. + +3 With the Adityas, with the band of Maruts, may Indra be + +Protector of our bodies. + +4 As when the* Gods came, after they had slaughtered the + +Asuras, keeping safe their Godlike nature, + +5 Brought the Sun hitherward with mighty powers, and looked + +about them on their vigorous Godhead. + + +5 These men: the text has only xW, ‘these.’ According to Sftyana, the +ViavedevaB are meant, who have brought back the stolen cattle. But the +reference is probably to the sacrifice which the priests are performing. + +2 The dart: ‘ that army.*—Wilson. + +3 Turn the wheel: I adopt the reading of the S&maveda, pavim, instead of + +panim. According to the text, the rendering would be: ‘Balm heaven and +drive the Pani hence. - + +■ The first three verses of this hymn were recital at the Asvamedha or Horse- +Sacrifice. + +5 S&yana explains the second half of the stanza differently :—‘then (men) +beheld around them the swift descending rain/—Wilson. + + + + +m EYMNS OF {BOOK X + +HYMN CLYIII. ’ Sdrya, + +May S ary a guard us out of heaven, andVata from the firmament, +And Agni from terrestrial spots. + +2 Thou Savitar whose flame deserves hundred libations, be thou + +pleased: + +From falling lightning keep us safe. + +3 May Savitar the God, and may Parvata also give us sight: +May the Creator give us sight. + +4 Give sight unto our eye, give thou our bodies sight that they + +may see: + +May we survey, discern this world. + +5 Thus, Sftrya, may we look on thee, on thee most lovely to behold* +See clearly w,ith the eyes of men. + +HYMN CLIX. Sachl Pauloml. + +Yon Sun hath mounted up, and this my happy fate hath +mounted high. + +I knowingthis, as conqueror have won my husband for mine oyn. + +2 I am the banner and the head, a mighty arbitress am I: + +I am victorious, and my Lord shall be submissive to my will. + +3 My Sons are slayers of the foe, my Daughter is a ruling Queen : +I am victorious: o’er my Lord my song of triumph is supreme. + +4 Oblation, that which Indra gave and thus grew glorious and + +most high,— + +This have I offered, 0 ye Gods, and rid me of each rival wife. + +5 Destroyer of the rival wife, Sole Spouse, victorious, conqueror, +The others’ glory have I seized as ’twere the wealth of weaker + +Dames. + +6 I have subdued as conqueror these rivals, these my fellow-wives, +That I may hold imperial sway over this Hero and the folk. + +HYMN CLX. Indra. + +Taste this strong draught enriched with offered viands ,* with +all thy chariot here unyoke thy Coursers. + +Let not those other sacrifices stay thee, Indra ; these juices +shed for thee are ready. + +1 Out of heaven: * from (foes dwelling in) heaven.’—Wilson. + +3 The Creator: Dh&tar. + +,§achl Paulomt, ealled also Indrint, the Consort of Indra, is also the Rishi +of the hymn. ‘ Literally, this is a song of exultation by Sachi over her "rival +wives ; but saeht means also an (t act,” “ exploit,” and this hymn is metaphor! +cally the praise of Indra's glorious acts.’—Wilson. + + + +&YMN 161.] TEE RIGVEDA . 597 + +2 Thine is the j uice effused, thine are the juices yet to be pressed : + +our resonant songs invite thee. + +0 Indra, pleased to-day with this libation, come, thou who +knowest all and drink the Soma. + +3 Whoso, devoted to the God, effuses Soma for him with yearn¬ + +ing heart and spirit,— + +Never doth Indra give away his cattle: for him he makes the +lovely Soma famous. + +4 He looks with loving favour on the mortal who, like a rich + +man, pours for him the Soma. + +Maghavan in his bended arm supports him: he slays, unasked, +the men who hate devotion. + +5 We call on thee to come to us, desirous of goo<Ts and spoil, of + +cattle, and of horses. + +For thy new love and favour are we present: let us invoke +thee, Indra, as our welfare. + +HYMN CLXI. Indra. + +For life I set thee free by this oblation from the unknown +decline and from Consumption ; + +Or, if the grasping demon have possessed him, free him from +her, 0 Indra, thou and Agni. + +2 Be his days ended, he he now departed, be he brought very + +near to death already, + +Out of Destruction’s lap again I bring him, save him for life +to last a hundred autumns. + +3 With hundred-eyed oblation, bundred-autumned, bringing a + +hundred lives, have I restored him. + +That Indra*for a hundred years may lead him safe to the +farther shore of all misfortune. + +4 Live, waxing in thy strength, a hundred autumns, live through + +a hundred springs, a hundred winters. + +Through hundred-lived oblation Indra, Agni, Brihaspati, Savi- +tar yield him for a hundred ! + + +4 Dr. Qaedicke ( Accusativ im Veda , p. 127) translates P&das 1—3 of the +stanza differently : der wird von ihm erspaht, der, obvohl reach, ihm keinen +Soma preset, den holt der machtige heraus aus dem Winkel (Versfceck). + +According to the Index the subject of the hymn is the cure of the disease +called R&jayakshma (Consumption or Atrophy). + +1 Unknown decline : some insidious disease, differing from R&jayakshma. +Perhaps, as Prof. Zimmer suggests, hypertrophy and atrophy are the two +diseases intended. See AItindisches Zeben , p. 377. The grasping demon ; +grdhi: from grah f to seize ; a female spirit who seizes men and kills them. + +4 For a hundred: years, understood. + + + +[BOOK X. + + +598 THE HYMNS OF + +5 So have I found and rescued thee: thou hast returned with, +youth renewed. + +Whole in thy members! I have found thy sight and all thy +life for thee. + +HYMN CLXIV. Bream-charm. + +^ ' Avaunt, thou Master of the mind! Depart, and vanish far away. +Look on Destruction far from hence. The live man’s mind is +manifold. + +2 A happy boon do men elect, a mighty blessing they obtain. +Bliss with Yaivasvata they see. The live man’s mind seeks + +many a place. + +3 If by address, by blame, by imprecation we have committed + +sin, awa&e or sleeping, + +All hateful acts of ours, all evil doings may Agni bear away to +distant places. + +4 When, Indra, Brahmanaspati, our deeds are wrongful and + +unjust, + +May provident Angirasa prevent our foes from troubling us. + +5 We have prevailed this day and won : we are made free from + +simand guilt. + +Ill thoughts, that visit us awake or sleeping, seize the man +we hate, yea, seize the man who hateth us. + +HYMN CLXV. Visvedevas. + +Gods, whatsoe’er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as +the envoy of Destruction, + +For that let us sing hymns and make atonement. Well be +it with our quadrupeds and bipeds. + +2 Auspicious be the Dove that hath been sent us, a harmless +bird, ye Gods, within our dwelling. * + +May Agni, Sage, be pleased with our oblation, and may the +Missile borne on wings avoid us. + +For Hymns CLXIL, CLXIII., and CLXXXIV. see Appendix, + +4 1 Master of the mind: the spirit of evil dreams is addressed. Destrue- +tion: the Goddess Nirriti. Manifold: ‘attentive to various objects, and +soon diverted from any regard to evil dreams/—-Wilson. + +2 Vaivasvata: Yama, the son of Vivasv&n, who presides over evil dreams.^- , +S4yapa. + +4 Angirasa: according to Sftyana, Varuna, the wise God who is especially +connected with his worshippers the Angirasea, may be intended. Of. Hymns +of the Atharva-veda, VI. 45. 3. - + +1 A dove, regarded as an ill-omened bird and the messenger of Death, has , +flown into the house. Similarly, in NTorth-Lincolnshire, ‘If a pigeon is seen +sitting on a tree, or comes into the house, or from being wild suddenly be¬ +comes tame, it is a sign of death/— Notes and Qaeries } viii. p. 382, + +2 Missile home on wings / the ill-omened bird. + + + +HYMN 166.] + + +THE RJGVEBA. + + +m + + +3 Let not the Arrow that hath wings distract us: beside the + +fire-place, on the hearth it settles. + +May it bring welfare to nur men and cattle: here let the +Dove, ye Gods, forbear to harm us. + +4 The screeching of the owl is ineffective; and when beside the + +fire the Dove hath settled, + +To him who sent it hither as an envoy, to him be reverence +paid, to Death, to Yama, + +5 Drive forth the Dove, chase it with holy verses: rejoicing, + +bring ye hither food and cattle, + +Barring the way against all grief and trouble. Let the swift +bird fiy forth and leave us vigour. + +HYMN CLXVI. *Sapatna!i4sanam. + +Make me a bull among my peers, make me my rivals’ con¬ +queror : + +Make me the slayer of my foes, a sovran ruler, lord of kine. + +2 I am my rivals’ slayer, like Indra unwounded and unhurt, +And ail these enemies of mine are vanquished and beneath + +my feet. + +3 Here, verily, I bind you fast, as the two bow-ends with the string. +Press down these men, 0 Lord of Speech, that they may + +humbly speak to me. + +4 Hither I came as conqueror with mighty all-effecting power, +And I have mastered all your thought, your synod, and your + +holy work* + +6 May I be highest, having gained your strength in war, your + +skill in peace: my feet have trodden on your heads. + +Speak to nip from beneath my feet, as frogs from out the +water-croak, as frogs from out the water croak, + +HYMN CLXVIL Indra. + +This pleasant meath, O Indra, is effused for thee: thou art +the ruling Lord of beaker and of juice. + +Bestow upon us wealth with many hero sons: thou, having +glowed with Fervour, wonnest heavenly light. + +$ With holy verses • S&yana takes rickft with itHyamdndh, understood +^Praised) by our hymn (0 Gods). + +The subject is the Destruction of Eivala. + +, The Bisbis are Visv&mitra and Jamadagni. Stanzas 1—3 are spoken by the +Bishis, and 4 by Indra. + +1 Having glowed with Fervour: * performing arduous penance.’—Wilson. + +3 Anuinati: Divine Favour personified, + +4 The prize: the wealth won for you. + + + +000 THE HYMNS OF [HOOK X + +2 Let us call Sakra to libations here effused, winder of light who + +joyeth in the potent juice. + +Mark well this sacrifice of ours and come to us: we pray to +Maghavan the Vanquisher of hosts. + +3 By royal Soma’s and by Var una’s decree, under Brihaspati’s + +and Anumati’s guard, + +This day by thine authority, 0 Maghavan, Maker, Disposer +thou I have I eujoyed the jars. + +4 I, too, urged on, have had my portion, in the bowl, and as first + +Prince I drew forth this my hymn of praise, + +When with the prize I came unto the flowing juice, 0 Visva- +mitra, Jamadagni, to your home. + +HYMN CLXVIIL Vdyu. + +0 the Wind’s chariot, 0 its power and glory ! Crashing it goes +and hath a voice of thunder. + +It makes the regions red and touches heaven, and as it moves +the dust of earth is scattered. + +2 Along the traces of the Wind they hurry, they come to him as + +dames to an assembly. + +Borne on his car with these for his attendants, the God speeds +forth, the universe’s Monarch. + +3 Travelling on the paths of air’s mid-region, no single day doth + +he take rest or slumber. + +Holy and earliest-born, Friend of the waters, where did he +spring and from what region came he? + +4 Germ of the world, the Deities’vital spirit, this God moves ever + +as his will inclines him. + +His voice is heard, his shape is ever viewless. Let us adore +this Wind with our oblation. + +HYMN CLXIX. Cows. + +Mat the wind blow upon our Cows with healing: may thuy +eat herbage full of vigorous juices. + +May they drink waters rich in life and fatness : to food that +moves on feet be gracious, Rudra. + +2 Like-coloured, various-hued, or sinjrle-coloured, whose nanies +through sacrifice are known to Agni, + + +2 They: the Waters. Prof. Max Muller interprets differently. See hi* +translation, Vedic Hymns, I. 449. • + +1 Food that moves on feet: the wandering milch-cows. But see Bergaigne* + + + +601 + + +HYMN 171.] THE RlGVEHAl + +Whom the Augirases produced by Fervour,—vouchsafe to +these, Parjanya, great protection. + +3 Those who have offered to the Gods their bodies, whose varied + +forms are all well known to Soma,— + +Those grant us in our cattle-pen, 0 Indra, with their full streams +of milk and plenteous offspring. + +4 Prajapati, bestowing these upon me, one-minded with all Gods + +and with the Fathers, + +Hath to our cow-pen brought auspicious cattle : so may we own +the offspring they will bear us. + +HYMN CLXX. , Surya. + +Mat the Bright God drink glorions Soma-mingled meath, +giving the sacrifice's lord uninjured life; + +He who, wind-urged, in person guards our offspring well, hath +nourished them with food and shines o’er many a land. + +2 Radiant, as high Truth, cherished, best at winning strength, + +Truth based upon the statute that supports the heavens, +He rose, a light, that kills Vritras and enemies, best slayer +of the Dasyus, Asuras, and foes. + +3 This light, the best of lights, supreme, all-conquering, winner + +of riches, is exalted with high laud. + +All-lighting, radiant, mighty as the Sun to see, he spreadeth +wide unfailing victory and strength. + +4 Beaming forth splendour with thy light, thou hast attained + +heaven’s lustrous realm. + +By thee w£re brought together all existing things, possessor +of all Godhead, All-effecting God. + +HYMN CLXXI. Indra. + +Fob Ita’s sake who pressed the juice, thou, Indra, didst protect +his car, + +And hear the Soma-giver’s call. + +2 Thou from his skin hast borne the head of the swift-moving +combatant, + +And sought the Soma-pourer’s home. + + +4 Prajd'pati . hath brought: ' may Prajapati bring/ according to S&yana + +2 Shin: here meaning 'body.' Combatant: makhdsya: according to tbe +legend cited by S&yana, Sacrifice personified, whose bead, as be attempted to +escape in human form from the Gods, was cut off by Indra. See Wilson. + + + +, 402 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK X. + +5 Venya, that mortal man, hast thou, for Astrabudhna the +devout, + +0 Indra, many a time set free. + +A Bring, Indra, to the east again that Sun who now is in the +west, + +Even against the will of Gods. + +HYMN CLXXII. Dawn. + +With all thy beauty come: the kine approaching with full +udders follow on thy path. + +5 Gome with kind thoughts, most liberal, rousing the warrior's +hymn of praise, with bounteous ones# * + +3 As nourishes we tie the thread, and, liberal with our bounty, + +offer sacrifice. + +4 Dawn drives away her Sister’s gloom, and, through her ex¬ + +cellence, makes her retrace her path. + +HYMN CLXXIII. She King. + +Be with us; I have chosen thee: stand stedfast and im¬ +movable. ' . ,,; Vi + +Let all the people wish for thee : let not thy kingship fall away. + +2 Be even here; fall not away; be like a mpuntaiu unremoved. +Stand stedfast here like Indra’s self, and hold the kingship in + +thy grasp. + +% This man hath Indra stablished, made secure by strong obla¬ +tion's power. + +May Soma speak a benison, and Brahmanaspati, on him. + +4 Firm is the sky and firm the earth, and stedfast also are these +hills. * + +Stedfast is all this living world, and stedfast is this King of men. + +& Stedfast, may Varuna the King, stedfast, the God Brihaspati, +Stedfast, may Indra, stedfast, too, may Agni keep thy sted +fast reign. - , , .1 >• + +3 Venya : said to be Prithu, the son of Vena. See X143.5, Astrabudiha: +the name of a man not mentioned elsewhere, the boh of Astr&budbna. - Set +free: Op. I. 24.15. + +——, ’ ■ V + +2 Moil liberal: Surya appears to be meant. Mousing the warrior* shytiui’j + +of praise: jdraydnoiahhak ; the meaning is uncertain :—* Winging the., +sacrifice to completion/ according to S&yana. * , . + +3 As noartskers: because sacrifice brings the food that nourishes life; +thread: of sacrifice. + +4 Her Sister's gloom ; the darkness of Night. + +The subject is the benediction of a newly-elected king. + + +THE maVEDA. + + +603 + + +HYMN 176,] + + +6 On constant Soma let us think with constant sacrificial gift. +And then may Indra make the clans bring tribute unto thee +. alone. + +HYMN CLXXIV. The King. + +With offering for success in fight whence Indra was victorious. +With this, 0 Brahmanaspati, let us attain to royal sway. + +2 Subduing those who rival us, subduing all malignities, +Withstand the man who menaces, withstand the man who + +angers us. + +3 Soma and Savitar the God have made thee a victorious King : +All elements have aided thee, to make thee general conqueror. + +4 Oblation, that which Indra gave and thus gre$ glorious and + +most high,— + +This have I offered, Gods ! and hence now, verily, am rivalless, + +fi Slaj’er of rivals, rivalless, victorious, with royal sway, + +*■ r Over these beings may I rule, may I be Sovran of the folk. + +■ HYMN CLXXV. Press-stones. + +Savitar the God, 0 Stones, stir you according to the +'V .Law: ■ + +t Be harnessed to the shafts, and press. + +2 Stones, drive calamity away, drive ye away malevolence : +Make ye the Cows our medicine. + +* 3 Of one accord the upper Stones, giving the Bull his bull-like + +• ■ strength, + +Look down with pride on those below. + +4 May Savitar the God, 0 Stones, stir you as Law commands +for him + +Who sacrifices, pouring juice. + +HYMN CLXXYI. Agni, + +.With hymns of praise their sons have told aloud the Ribhus’ +mighty deeds + +;;Wbo, all-supporting, have enjoyed the earth as ’twere a mo- +/'' ther cow. + + +1 With offering for success: ‘By the abhivarta oblation/—Wilson. + +4 Cp. X. 159. 4. + +The shafts: or chariot-poles; here meaning the guiding arms of the +Soma-press. + +2 The^Oows: or, the rays of morning, at whose approach robbers and de¬ +mons fiy. + +3 The Bull: Soma. + + + +604 THB HYMNS OF * [BOOK X + +2 Bring forth the God with song divine, Bring Jltavedas hither¬ + +ward, + +To bear our gifts at once to heaven. + +3 He here, a God-devoted Priest, led forward comes to sacrifice. +Like a car covered for the road, he, glowing, knows, himself, + +the way. + +4 This Agni rescues from distress, as ’twere from the Immortal Bace, +A God yet mightier than strength, a God who hath been made + +for life. + +HYMN CLXXVIL Mfiyfibheda. + +The sapient with their spirit and their mind behold the Bird +adornedcwith all an Asura’s magic might. + +Sages observe him in the ocean’s inmost depth: the wise dis* +posers seek the station of his rays. + +2 The flying Bird bears Speech within his spirit; erst the Gan- + +dharva in the womb pronounced it: + +And at the seat of sacrifice the sages cherish this radiant, +heavenly-bright invention. + +3 I saw the Herdsman, him who never resteth, approaching and + +departing on his pathways. + +He, clothed in gathered and diffusive splendour, within the +worlds continually travels. + +HYMN CLXXVIII. Tfirkshya. + +This very mighty one whom Gods commission, the Conqueror +of cars, ever triumphant, + +Swift, fleet to battle, with uninjured fellies, even T&rkshya +for our weal will we call hither. + +3 Like a car I perhaps, as Prof. Ludwig suggests, like a chariot which, as +the driver is concealed from sight by the canopy, seems to find its way with¬ +out a guide. + +4 As 'Uoere from the Immortal Race: 1 as (well as) from peril caused by the +immortals.’—Wilson. Stanzas 2—4 are recited at the Agni-pranayana, the +ceremony of carrying the sacrificial fire to the altar used for animal and +Soma sacrifices. See Haug’s Aitareya £rdhmanam f II. 60, 61. + +The subject is M&y&bheda, f the discernment of Mdyd } or illusion (the +cause of material creation).’—Wilson. + +1 The Bird: the Sun. In the ocean’s inmost depth: in the solar orb, +according to S&yana. Wise disposers: t ordainers (of solar worship).’—Wilson. + +2 Speech: or song; the morning song of the Sun-Bird. The Gandharva: +the breath of life, according to Sfiyana. The ray of the Sun is probably meant. + +3 This stanza has occurred before. Seel. 164. 31. The Herdsman: the Sun. +Resteth: or, stumbleth; literally, sinks or falls down. + +1 TdrTcshya: a personification of the Sun, usually described as a divine +horse. Cp. I. 89. 6. + + + +MYMJSf 180*] THE RIG7EDA. 605 + +2 As though we offered up our gifts to Indra, may we ascend + +him as a ship for safety. + +Like the two wide worlds, broad,, deep, far-extended, may we +be safe both when he comes and leaves you. + +3 He who with might the Five Lands hath pervaded, like Surya + +with his lustre, and the waters,— + +His strength wins hundreds, thousands: none avert it, as the +young maid repelleth not her lover. + +HYMN CLXXIX. Indra. + +Now lift ye up yourselves and look on Indra’s seasonable share. +If it be ready, offer it; unready, ye have been remiss. + +2 Oblation is prepared: come to us, Indra; the Sun hath travel¬ + +led over half his journey. + +-t Friends with their stores are sitting round thee waiting like +lords of clans for the tribe’s wandering chieftain. + +3 Dressed in the udder and on fire, I fancy; well-dressed, I + +fancy, is this recent present. + +Drink, Indra, of the curd of noon’s libation with favour, +Thunderer, thou whose deeds are mighty. + +HYMN CLXXX. Indra. + +O much-invoked, thou hast subdued thy foemen: thy might is +loftiest; here display thy bounty. +v In thy right hand, 0 Indra, bring us treasures : thou art the +Lord of rivers filled with riches. + +2 Like a dread wild beast roaming on the mountain thou hast + +approached us from the farthest distance. + +Whetting thy bolt and thy sharp blade, 0 Indra, crush thou +the foe and scatter those who hate us. + +3 Thou, mighty Indra, sprangest into being as strength for + +lovely lordship o’er the people. + +Thou drovest off the folk who were unfriendly, and to the +Grods thou gavest room and freedom.' + + +‘ 3 Her lover; I adopt, with a modification, Professor Pischel’s interpretation +of the difficult words yuvatim nd sdrydm. See Vedische Stvdien, I. p. 106. + +3 The milk is twice cooked; first matured in the cow’s udder and then +heated on the fire. Curd; the hymn was employed in the Dadhigharma +ceremony when Soma juice was offered mixt with curd or sour inspissated +milk. Cf. VIII. 2. 9, and IX. 11. 6. See Hillebrandt, V. if., I. 221. + + + + +;06 TBS HYMNS OF [BOOK X + +HYMN CLXXXI. Visvedevas. + +Vasishtha mastered the Rathantara, took it from radiant +Dh&tar, Savitar, and Vishnu, + +' Oblation, portion of fourfold oblation, known by the names of +Saprathas and Prathas. + +2 These sages found what lay remote and hidden, the sacrifice's + +loftiest secret essence. + +From radiant Dhatar, Savitar, and Vishnu, from Agni, Bharad- +vaja brought the Brihat. + +3 They found with mental eyes the earliest Yajus, a pathway to + +the Godsj that had descended. + +From radiant Db&tar, Savitar, and. Yishnu, from Sfirya did +; these sages bring the Gharma. + +HYMN CLXXXIL Brihaspati. + +Brihaspati lead us safely over troubles, and turn his evil +thought against the sinner; + +Repel the curse, and drive, away ill-feeling, and give the sacri- +ficer peace and comfort! + +2 May Nar&sansa aid us at Pray&ja : blest be our Anuyaja at + +invokings. + +May he repel the curse, and chase ill-feeling, and give the +sacrificer peace and comfort. + +3 May he whose head is flaming burn the demons,’ haters of + +prayer, so that the arrow slay them. + +May he repel the curse and chase ill-feeling, and^give the sacri¬ +ficer peace and comfort. + + +1 Rathantara: one of the moat important Sftma-hymns, consisting of verses +22 and 23 of Bigveda VII. 32=rSfcmaveda II. i. i. 13. The meaning here is +uncertain, and the whole stanza is obscure. Saprathas and Prathas; mean¬ +ing, apparently, * far-extending , and 1 extending/ the former referring to +the Brtthantara and the latter to the Brihat, which is also one of the most +important Sfimans (Eigveda VI. 46, 3, 2=S4maveda II. ii. 1.12). + +3 Tajus: sacrificial prayers and formulas of the Yajurveda. Gkarma: +warm libation of milk or other beverage, + +* The Stikta refers evidently to technical ritual to which no, key is given by +the commentary/—Wilson. See Mme. Z6aaide Rogozin's Vedic India, p. 393/ + +2 Nardxansa; Agni. Praydja: part of the introductory ceremony at V +Soma sacrifice. Anuydja ; a secondary or final sacrifice. + +3 He whose head is flaming: tapurmtirdhan ; Brihaspati or Agni as + +Lightning, ’ + + + +M YMN 187.) THE MQVEDA* GO7 + +HYMN CLXXXIII. The Sacrifice, Etc. +I saw thee meditating in thy spirit what sprang from Fervour +and hath thence developed. + +Bestowing offspring here, bestowing riches, spread in thine off¬ +spring, thou who cravest children. + +2 I saw thee pondering in thine heart, and praying that in due + +time thy body might be fruitful. + +Come as a youthful woman, rise to meet me; spread in thine +offspring, thou who cravest children. + +3 In plants and herbs, in all existent beings I have deposited the + +germ of increase. + +All progeny on earth have I engendered, and spns in women +who will be hereafter. + +HYMN CLXXXY. Adit* + +Great, unassailable must be the heavenly favour of Three Gods, +Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. + +2 O'er these, neither at home nor yet abroad on pathways that + +are strange, + +The evil-minded foe hath power: + +3 Nor over him, the man on whom the Sons of Aditi bestow +Eternal light that he may live. + +HYMN CLXXXVI. V&yu. + +Filling our hearts with health and joy, may Vafca breathe his +balm on us ; + +May he prolong our days of life. + +2 Thou art our Father, V&ta, yea, thou art a Brother and a friends +So give us strength that we may live, + +3 The store of Amrit laid away yonder, 0 V&ta, in thine home,— +Give us thereof that we may live. + +HYMN CLXXXYII. Agni. + +To Agni send I forth my song, to him the Bull of all the folk; +So may he bear us past our foes. + +The deities arc the Saerifieer, his Wife, and the Hotar-priest, + +1 According to S&yana, the wife is the speaker of the first stanza, the +YajamAua or sacriftcer of the second, and the Hotar-priest of the third, +Ludwig considers Agni to be the speaker of the whole hymn. What yprcmg +from Fervour : the results of ardent devotion or tdpas. + +3 The Hotar-priest regards himself as^ the procreator of all living beings +through the efficacy of the sacrifices which he performs ; matsddhyena ydgena +Mrvasyatpatteraham sarvajanaheturbhavdmi. —S&yana. * + +1 Bull; chief and lord, as the indispensable household fire. + + + +608 THE HYMNS OF [ BOOK X + +2 Who from the distance far away shines brilliantly across the + +wastes: + +So may he bear us past our foes. + +3 The Bull with brightly-gleaming flame who utterly consumes + +the fiends: + +So may he bear us past our foes. + +4 Who looks on all existing things and comprehends them with + +his view: + +So may he bear us past our foes. + +5 Resplendent Agni, who was born in farthest region of the air : +So may he bear us past our foes. + +HTWLN CLXXXVIII. Agni. + +Now send ye J&tavedas forth, send hitherward the vigorous +Steed + +To seat him on our sacred grass. + +2 I raise the lofty eulogy of JAtavedas, raining boons, + +With sages for his hero band. + +3 With flames of J&tavedas which carry oblation to the Gods, +May he promote our sacrifice. + +HYMN CLXXXIX. Surya. + +This spotted Bull hath come, and sat before the Mother in +the east, + +Advancing to his Father heaven. + +2 Expiring when he draws his breath, she moves along the lucid + +spheres: + +The Bull shines out through all the sky. + +3 Song is bestowed upon the Bird: it rules supreme through- + +thirty realms + +Throughout the days at break of morn. + + +2 Across the wastes: as the fire that burns the jungle and prepares the +ground for cultivation, + +5 In farthest region of the air: or beyond the firmament, as the Sun. + +The deity is alternatively S4rpar£jiii, the Serpent-Queen, Kadru, who is +also the Rishi of the hymn. + +I This 'spotted Bull: the Sun. The Mother: Dawn. + +3 The Bird: the Sun. His morning song, representing prayer, is supreme +through all the divisions of the world, the number thirty being used indefi¬ +nitely. Cf. 1.128.8. + +1 From Fervour ; from the tc.pas, devotional ardour or asceticism of RrahrnS,, +according to S&yana. But the meaning here may be c from warmth. See X. +129. 3 aud note. Thence; from that fervour, or warmth. + + + +HJMN 191.3 + + +TEE RIGVEDA. + + +609 + + +HYMN CXC. Creation. + +From Fervour kindled to its height Eternal Law and Truth +were born: + +Thence was the Night produced, aud thence the billowy flood +of sea arose. + +2 From that same billowy flood of sea the Year was afterwards + +produced, + +Ordaiuer of the days and nights, Lord over all who close the +eye. + +3 Dbatar, the great Creator, then formed in due order Sim and + +Moon. + +He formed in order Heaven and Earth, the regions of the air, +and light. * + +HYMN CXCI. Agni. + +Thou, mighty Agni, gatherest up all that is precious for thy +friend. + +Bring us all treasures as thou art enkindled in libation’s place. +2 Assemble, speak together: let your minds be all of one accord, +As ancient Gods unanimous sit down to their appointed share. + +The place is common the assembly, common the + +1 mind, so be their thought united. + +A common purpose do I lay before you, and worship with +your general oblation. + +4 One and the same be your resolve, and be your minds of one + +accord* + +United be the thoughts of all that all may happily agree. + +/ ___ _ _ * _ + +The deity or subject of stanzas % — 4 is Samjftftnam. Agreement or Unani¬ +mity in assembly/ + +$ Common the assembly ; this sdmiti appears to have been a general assem¬ +bly of the people on some important occasion, such as the election of a King. +Cf, Hymns of the Mkarva-veda, YI. 64. + + + + + +APPENDIX. + +Page 466, Hymn 1X1 + +I subjoin a Latin version of stansas 5—8, and borrow Wilson’s +transition of stanza 9. + +/ + +5 Membrum suum virile, quad protentum fuerafc, mas ille re¬ + +traxit. Rursus illud qu^'d in juvenem filiam sublatum fuerafc, +non aggressuras, ad & retrabit. + +6 Quum jam in medio cpfcgressu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in + +puellam pater impJdverat, ambo discedentes seminis paulum +in terrae superficte in saororum sede effusum emiserunt. + +7 Quum pater suam filiam adiverat, cum ek congressus suum + +semen supra ferram effudit. Turn Dii benigni precem, + +• (brabma) progenuerunt, et Vastoshpatim, legum sacrarum +custodem, formaverunt. + +8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit; tunc discedens + +pusillanimis hue profectus est. Quasi dextro pede claudus +processit, “ inutiles fuerunt illi mei complexus,” ita locutus. + +9 * The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by + +day): the naked ( Rdkshasas approach) not Agni by night; +the giver of fuel, and the giver of food, he, the upholder +(of the rite), is born, overcoming enemies by his might.’ + + +The whole passage is difficult and obscure, and stanza 9 is unintelligible. +With regard to the myth of Praj&pati and. his daughter, Prof. Max Mullol' +gays:—‘When Kum&rila is hard pressed by his opponents about the immoral¬ +ities of his gods, he answers with all the freedom of a comparative my- +thologist: “ It is fabled that Praj£pati, the Lord of Creation, did violence to +his daughter. But what does it mean ? Praj&pati, the Lord of Creation, is +a name of the sun, and he is called so, because he protects all creatures. +His daughter Ushas is the dawn. And when it is said that he was in love +with her, this only means that, at sunrise, the sun runs after the dawn, the +dawn being at the same tame called the daughter of the sun, because she +rises when he approaches *’/—History of Anc. Sans. Literature , pp. 529, 530. +See Muir, 0. S. Texts , IV. pp. 46, 47, where stanzas 4—7 are translated. + +7 Vastoshpatim: V&stoshpati, the guardian of the house ; t the lord of the +hearth (of sacrifice)/—Wilson. The word may be in apposition with br&lma, +prayer. + +9 The fire; according to S&yana, Rdkshasas who consume like fire. + + + +APPENDIX. + + +612 + +Page 548, Hymn CVT. + +I borrow Wilsons translation of the omitted stanzas. + +5 * You are like two pleasantly moving well-fed (hills) like Mitra + +and Varuna, the two bestowers of felicity, veracious, pos¬ +sessors of infinite wealth, happy, like two horses plump with +fodder, abiding in the firmament, like two rams (are you) to +be nourished with sacrificial food, to be cherished (with +oblations). + +6 4 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters + +and smiting the foe, like the two sous of Nitosa destroying +(foes), and cherishing (friend^); you are bright as two water- +born (jewels), do you, who areviotorious, (reader) my decay-* +ing mortal body free from decay. f , + +7 'Fierce (Aawins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this + +moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross over to the ob¬ +jects (of its destination) as ,over winter; extremely strong, +like the Ribhus, your chariot attained its destination swift, : +as the wind, it pervaded (everywhere), it dispensed riches. *.■; + +8 *- With your bellies fqll of the Soma , like two saucepans, preserv- r i + +ers of wealth, destroyers of enemies, (you are) armed with ; +hatchets, moving like two flying (birds) with*forms like the +moon, attaining success through the mind, like two laudable ,H .j +beings, (you are) approaching (the sacrifice)/ + +Page 598, Hymn CLXIL + +May Agni, yielding to our prayer, the Rakshas-slayer, drive +away + +The malady of evil name that hath beset thy labouring womb. + +2 Agui, concurring in the prayer, drive off the eater of thy flesh, + +The malady of evil name that hath attacked thy babe and + +wombj + +3 That which destroys the* sinking germ, the settled, moving : > + +embryo, + +That which will kill the babe at birth,—even this will we drive +far away. + +4 That which divides thy legs that it may lie between the mar¬ + +ried pair, . + +That penetrates and licks thy side,—even this will we extern ^ +' ruinate. ’ + +* The subject is the Prevention of Abortion. The ftishi is KaksbohA (Slay er : +of Rakehasas), sou of Br&hm&. , ^ » . V + +Stanzas 1, 2 are directed against diseases, and. 3—6 against evil-Bpirite which ! +attack women who are about to become mothers. , J/ + + + +APPENDIX. + + +613 + + +5 What rests by thee in borrowed form of brother, lover, or of lord, +And would destroy thy progeny,—even this will we exterminate. + +6 That which through sleep or darkness hath deceived thee and + +lies down by thee, + +And will destroy thy progeny,—even this will we exterminate. +Page 598, Hymn CLXIII. + +Prom both thy nostrils, from thine eyes, from both thine ears +and from thy chin, + +Forth from thy head and brain and tongue I drive thy malady +away. + +2 From the neck-tendons and the neck, from the breast-bones + +and from the spine, * + +From shoulders, upper, lower arms, I drive thy malady away. + +3 From viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the + +heart, + +* From kidneys, liver, and from spleen, I drive thy malady away. + +4 From thighs, from knee-caps, and from heels, and from the + +forepart of the feet, + +From hips, from stomach, and from groin, I drive thy malady +away. + +5 From what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from + +thy nails, + +From all thyself from top to toe, I drive thy malady away. + +6 From every member, every hair, disease that comes in everyjoint, +From* all thyself, from top to toe, I drive thy malady away. + +Page 607, Hymn CLXXXIY. + +May Yishfm form and mould the womb, may Tvashtar duly +shape the forms, + +Prajapati infuse the stream, and Dhatar lay the germ for thee. ' + +2 0 Sinivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, Sarasvati: + +May the Twain Gods bestow the germ, the Asvins crowned +with lotuses. + +3 That which the Asvins Twain rub forth with the attrition- +r sticks of gold,— + +! That germ of thine we invocate, that in the tenth month thou +k . mayst bear. + +The deity or subject is the cure of Yakshma or phthisis or consumption. + +' 2 Sinlvftli: a lunar Goddess, who aids the birth of children. Cp. II, 32, 6. + +Yerses 1 and 2 are incorporated in Atharva-veda, Y. 25, which is a charm +to accompany the Garbh&dh&na ceremony to ensure or facilitate and bless +conception. + + + + +PAfrCIKA I +The Soma Sacrifice +ADHYAYA I + +, The Consecration Sacrifice. + +i. 1. Agni 1 is the lowest * of the gods, Visnu the highest; between them +are all the other deities. A cake to Agni and Visnu on eleven potsherds they +offer in connexion with the consecration ; verily thus they offer it without +omission to all the deities. All the deities are Agni; all the deities are +Visnu; Agni and Visnu are the two terminal forms of the sacrifice. In that +they offer the cake to Agni and Visnu, verily thus at the ends they prosper +as regards the gods. 3 They say ‘ In that the cake is on eleven potsherds, +and Agni and Visnu are two, what is the arrangement here for the two, +what the division ? 1 That for Agni is on eight potsherds; the Gayatrl has +eight syllables; the metre of Agni is the GayatrL That for Visnu is on three +potsherds, for thrice did Visnu stride across this. This is the arrangement +here for the two, this the division. A pap in ghee should he offer, who +considers himself unsupported; in this (earth) does he not find support who +does not find support. Ghee is the milk of the woman, the rice grains that +of the man; that is a pairing; with a pairing verily thus does he propagate +him with offspring and cattle, for generation; he is propagated with offspring +and with cattle who knows thus. He has grasped the sacrifice, he has +grasped the deities, who offers the new and full moon sacrifices. Having +sacrificed with the new moon or full moon oblation he should consecrate + +1 AB. i. 1-6, corresponding to KB. vii. 1-4, secondarily correspond with the position + +deals with the consecration sacrifice which of the gods at the sacrifice. Both sides + +according to different authorities pre- of the relation are dearly present to the + +cedes or follows the consecration proper. Br&hmana. Cf. RV. iv. 1. 5; fB. iii. 1. + +For the ritual see A£S. iv. 2. 1-8 ; 99 S. 8.1; v. 2. 8. 6; KB. vii. 2; TS. v. 6. 1.4 + +v.8.1-9; Caland and Henry, L'Agnittama, cited by Aufrecht, who, for Agni as all + +pp. 15, 16. other gods, cites TS. vi. 2. 2. 6; TB. iii. + +2 S&yana refers these terms to the place of 2.8. 10. + +the deities in the litanies of the Agni- * In Haug , s view the sense of rdh with acc. is +stoma, the Ajya £astra being addressed ‘make to prosper’, rather than ‘satisfy ’ + +to Agni, and the last £astra, the Agni- as taken in BR., or ‘worship’, as in + +maruta, containing a verse to Visnu, Sftyana’s paricaranH. Rather the aocusa- + +while Haug insists that the terms are of tive is one of reference; see Keith, + +looality in the universe, and hence only Tatitiriya Samkitd, p. 100, n. 8. + + + +i. 1-] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[108 + + +himself in the same oblation, the same strew; this is one consecration. 4 +Seventeen 5 kindling verses should he recite ; Prajapati is seventeenfold; +the months are twelve, the seasons five through the union of winter and +the cool season 9 ; so great is the year; Prajapati is the year. With these +(verses) which abide in Prajapati does he prosper who knows thus. + +i. 2. The sacrifice went away from the gods; it they sought to start up +with offerings ; in that they sought to start it up with offerings that is why +offerings have their name. They found it; he prospers having found the +sacrifice who knows thus. The libations (ahuti) are callings by name, for +by them the sacrificer calls to the gods; that is why libations have their +name. Ways 1 (uti) rather are they called by which the gods come to the call +of the sacrificer; paths and passages are ways; verily thus are they the +roads to heaven of the sacrificer. They say, ‘ Since another pours the libation, +then why do they style Hotr him who recites (the invitatory verses) and +says the offering verses 1 * In that he here according to their portion invites +the deities, (saying 2 ) * Bring hither N. N., bring hither N. N7, that is why +the Hotr has the name. A Hotr becomes he, a Hotr they call him who +knows thus. + +i. 8. Him whom they consecrate the priests make into an embryo again. +With waters they sprinkle; the waters are seed; verily having made him +possessed of seed they consecrate him. With fresh butter they anoint; to +the gods appertains melted butter, to men fragrant ghee, slightly melted +butter to the fathers, fresh butter to embryos. 1 In that they anoint with +fresh butter, verily thus they make him successful with his own portion. +They anoint him completely; ointment is the brilliance in the eyes; verily +thus having made him possessed of brilliance they consecrate him. With +twenty-one handfuls of Darbha they purify him; verily thus purified and +pure they consecrate him. They conduct hi m to the hut of the consecrated; +the hut of the consecrated is the womb of the consecrated; verily thus they +conduct him to his own womb; therefore (in and) from a firm womb he +stands and moves; therefore (in and) from a firm womb embryos are placed +and grow forth. Therefore the sun should not rise or set on the consecrated + + +4 The rule is laid down by A$S. iv. 1.1 that +the new and full moon sacrifices should +precede the Agrayana, the Nirfighapafu, +the C&turm&syas, and the Soma sacrifice, +but he admits (iv. 1.2) that the reverse +order was possible and the other Siitras +leave the order undecided. The sacrifice +here laid down for the oonseoration is in +fact a mere variant of the full moon rite. +* i. e. the usual fifteen, A£S. i. 2. 7, and two +Dh&yy&s, iv. 2. 1. On the other hand, + + +fifteen only are prescribed in ▼. 8* 8 + +and in KB. + +6 Cf. Macdonell and Keith, Vedic Index , i. 110, +111 . + +1 As Aufreoht points out, this derivation is +not intended as grammatically correct. + +1 See A$S. i. 2. 6 ; 9fS. i. 4. 22 eeq. + +i.8. 1 Cf.TS.vi. 1.1.4; 9B.iii 1.8.8; andfor +*§ 9 and 10,11, 15 and 16,19, of. TS. vi. +1. 2. 1; 2.6.6; 1. 8. 2; 4.8; L6vi, La +doctrine du sacrifice, pp. 108-105. + + + +109 ] The Consecration Sacrifice [— i. 4 + +elsewhere than in the hut of the consecrated, nor should they call out to him. +With a garment they cover him; the garment is the caul of the consecrated; +verily thus they cover him with a caul. Above that is the black antelope +skin; the placenta is above the caul; verily thus they cover him with the +placenta. He closes his hands 2 ; verily closing its hands the embryo lies +within; with closed hands the child is born. In that he closes his hands, +verily thus he clasps in his hands the sacrifice and all the deities. They say, +* There is no competing pressing 3 for him who is first consecrated; the +sacrifice is grasped by him, the deities are grasped; no misfortune is his as +there is of him who is not consecrated first.’ Having loosened the black +antelope skin, he descends to the final bath; therefore embryos are born +freed from the placenta; with the garment he descends; therefore a child +is bom with a caul. + +i. 4. ‘ Thou, O Agni, art extending ’ and * O Soma, thy wondrous ’ should +he recite as invitatory verses 1 for the butter portions for him who previously +has not sacrificed; 4 with thee they extend the sacrifice ’ (he says 2 ); verily +thus for him he extends the sacrifice. 4 Agni with ancient thought ’ and +‘ O Soma, with verses thee ’ (he should use 8 ) for him who has sacrificed +before; in the word ‘ ancient ’ he refers to the former offering. This is not to +be regarded. 4 May Agni slay the foe ’ and 4 Thou, O Soma, art very lord ’ +(these should he recite and) make (the butter portions) contain a reference +to the slaying of Vrtra. 4 Vrtra he slays to whom the sacrifice condescends; +therefore should they be made to contain a reference to the slaying of Vrtra. +c Agni the head, the first of the deities’ and 4 With Agni, O Visnu, the +highest great penance ’ are the invitatory and offering verses of the oblation +for Agni and Visnu 6 ; they are perfect in form as being addressed to Agni +and Visnu; that in the sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in form, that +rite which as it is performed the verse describes. Agni and Visnu are the +guardians of consecration of the gods ; they are lords of the consecration; +in that the oblation is for Agni and Visnu, (it is because they desire 6 ) 4 May +those who are the lords of the consecration, being delighted, confer con¬ +secration, may those who consecrate consecrate.’ They are Tristubh verses, +to secure power. + + +* See Ap?S. xi. 18. 7. + +9 i. e. a sacrifice instituted at the same +time and place by another sacrificer; +a mountain or stream constitutes a suffi¬ +cient local differentiation; see AfS. vi. +6 . 11 . + +1 RV. y. 18. 4 and i. 91. 9. These are the +mdwmtau which are used in the ordinary +Isti; see KB. i. 1; ggs. ii. 2. 18. + + +9 RV. v. 18. 4 e. + +9 RV. viii. 44. 12 and i. 91. 11 + +4 RV. vi. 16. 84 and i. 91. 5. + +9 Not in RV. and therefore given in full in +AgS. iv. 2. 8. + +6 The correct sense of the use of iti is realized +by S&yana; it is very common in the +AB. and KB., especially the latter, but +is normally disregarded by Haug. + + + +[110 + + +i. 5 —] The Soma Sacrifice + +i. 5. Gayatri verses 1 should he use as the invitatory and offering verses of +the Svistakrt, who desires brilliance or splendour; the G&yatri is brilliance +and splendour; brilliant and resplendent does he become who knowing thus +uses Gayatri verses. Usnih verses 8 should he use who desires life; the +Usnih is life; he lives all his days who knowing thus uses Usnih verses. +Anustubh verses 8 should he use who desires the heaven; of two Anustubhs +there are sixty-four syllables; three worlds each twenty-onefold are there +stretching upwards; with twenty-one (verses) each he mounts these worlds; +with the sixty-fourth he finds support in the world of heaven; support he +finds who knowing thus uses Anustubh verses. Brhatl verses 4 should he +use who desires prosperity and glory; the Brhatl is prosperity and glory +among the metres; verily prosperity and glory he places in himself who +knowing thus uses Brhatl verses. Pankti verses 6 should he use who desires +the sacrifice; the sacrifice is fivefold; verily the sacrifice condescends to +him who knowing thus uses Pankti verses. Tristubh verses® should he +use who desires strength; the Tristubh is force, power, and strength; +possessed of force, power, and strength does he become who knowing thus +uses Tristubh verses. Jagati verses 7 should he use who desires cattle; +cattle are connected with the Jagati; he becomes possessed of cattle who +knowing thus uses Jagati verses. Viraj verses 8 should he use who desires +proper food; the Viraj is food; therefore he who here has most food is most +glorious in the world; that is why the Viraj has its name (the glorious). +Glorious among his own is he, best of his own does he become who knows +thus. + +i. 6. Now the Viraj is a metre of five strengths; in that it has three Padas, +it is the Usnih and Gayatri; in that its Padas have eleven syllables, it is the +Tristubh; in that it has thirty-three syllables, it is the Anustubh, for metres +are not different by reason of one syllable, nor yet by two; in that it is the +Viraj, that is its fifth (strength). The strength of all the metres he wins, +the strength of all the metres he attains, unity with and identity of form +and world with all the metres he attains, an eater of food, a lord of food +he becomes, with his offspring he attains proper food, who knowing thus +uses Viraj verses. Therefore should Viraj verses 8 be used, namely 4 Kindled, +O Agni * and ‘ These, O Agni \ The consecration is holy order, the consecra¬ +tion is truth; therefore by one who is consecrated should truth alone be +spoken. Bather they say, 4 What man ought to speak all truth; the gods are + +1 RV. iii. 11. 2 and 1. For samyQjpe see A£S. B BY. v. 6. 1 and 2. + +ii. 1. 21. The term ia not uaed in 99 s - 6 BY. L 95. 1 and 2. + +* RV. i. 79. 4 and 5. 7 RV. v. 11. 1 and 2. + +* RV. i. 45.1 and 2. • RV. vii. 1. 8 and 18. + +« RV. vii. 16. 1 and 8. + + + +Ill] The Introductory Sacrifice [—i. 7 + +of troth compact, 1 but men of untruth compact.’ He should speak with +(the word *) 4 discerning *; 4 the discerning is the eye, for by it he sees dis¬ +tinctly ’ (they say). Now the eye is truth deposited among men; therefore +to him who narrates they say, * Hast thou seen ? * If he replies 4 1 have +seen *, then him they believe. But if a man himself sees, he believes not +even many others. Therefore should he speak with (the word) * dis¬ +cerning ’; his speech is uttered as essentially true. 8 + +ADHYAYA II + +The Introductory Sacrifice . + +i. 7 (ii. 1). In 1 that there is the introductory (sacrifice), thereby they +advance to the world of heaven; that is why the introductory (sacrifice: +Prayanlya) has its name (advancing). The introductory (sacrifice) is +expiration, the concluding (sacrifice) is out-breathing, the Hotr is common, +for expiration and out-breathing are common, for the arrangement of the +breaths, for the discrimination of the breaths. The sacrifice went away from +the gods; the gods could do nothing, they could not discern it. They said to +Aditi, 4 Through thee let us discern the sacrifice.’ She said, ( So be it, but let +me choose a boon from you.’ 4 Choose ’ (they replied). This boon she choose, +4 Let the sacrifices begin from me and end with me.’ 4 So be it’ (they +replied). Therefore there is a pap to Aditi as introductory (offering), +(a pap) to Aditi as concluding (offering), for as a boon by her was this +chosen. Moreover she chose this boon, 4 Through me shall ye know the +eastern quarter, through Agni the southern, through Soma the western, +through Savitr the northern.’ He says the offering verse for Pathya 2 ; in +that he says the offering verse for Pathya, therefore does yonder '(sun) +arise in the east and set in the west, for it follows Pathya. He says the +offering verse for Agni 3 ; in that he says the offering verse for Agni, there¬ +fore from the south the plants come first ripe, for the plants are connected +with Agni. He says the offering verse for Soma 4 ; in that he says the + +1 Cf. 9B. i 1. 1. 4: satyam eva deed anrtam +manufydh. + +9 The point is that he is to add in his addresses +the word vicaksana to the proper name +or (aocording to Ap$S. x. 12. 7,8) oomasita +in the case of a Brahman. The passage is +borrowed in GB. vii. 28. + +1 So S&yana; the compound o&n be reduced +into satyd uttard, the rest of his speech is +made true by using vicakfana. For the +superiority of sight to hearing cf. TB. i. + +1. 4. 2 ; 9B. i. 8.1.27; below AB. ii. 40. +i.7. 1 AB. i. 7-11 contains the introductory + + +sacrifice as in KB. vii. 5-9; for the ritual +see A9S.iv. 8.1-8; 99 s * Y - &• 1-7; Caland +and Henry, L'Agniitoma, pp. 28, 29. For +§$ 2 and 8 cf. KB. vii. 5, 6, 8 ; for f 8 +TS. vi. 1. 5.1; MS. iii. 7. 1; 9 B. iii. 2.8. +1 *09. ; L4vi, La doctrine du sacrifice, pp. 49, +50. + +* BV. x. 68.15 and 16 are the verses used at +the sacrifice. + +9 BV. i. 189.1; x. 2. 8. The use of dyanti sug¬ +gests rice brought north from S. India. + +4 BV. i. 91. 1 and 4. + + + +i. 7—] The Soma Sacmjice [112 + +offering verse for Soma therefore westward flow many rivers, for the waters +are connected with Soma. He says the offering verse for Savitr 5 ; in that +he says the offering verse for Savitr, therefore on the north-west he that +blows blows most, for he blows instigated by Savitr. For Aditi 6 last he +says the offering verse; in that he says the offering verse for Aditi last, +therefore yonder (sky) wets this (earth) with rain and snuffs it up. For +five deities does he say the offering verses; the sacrifice is fivefold; all +the regions are in order, the sacrifice also is in order, for that people is (all) +in order, where there is a Hotr knowing thus. + +i. 8 (ii. 2). He who desires brilliance and splendour should turn towards +the east with the libations of the fore-offerings; the eastern quarter is +brilliance and splendour; brilliant and resplendent does he become who +knowing thus goes to the east. He who desires proper food should +turn towards the south with the libations of the fore-offerings; Agni +is eater of food and lord of food; he becomes an eater of food, a lord +of food, with his offspring he attains proper food who knowing thus +turns to the south. He who desires cattle should turn west with the +libations of the fore-offerings; the waters are cattle; he becomes possessed +of cattle who knowing thus turns west. He who desires the drinking +of Soma should turn north with the libations of the fore-offerings; Soma +the king is in the north; he obtains the drinking of Soma who knowing +thus turns north; the upward region is heavenly; in all the quarters +he prospers. These worlds are turned towards one another 1 ; turned towards +him these worlds shine for prosperity for him who knows thus. For Pathya +he says the offering verse; in that he says the offering verse for Pathya, +verily thus ab the beginning of the sacrifice he gathers speech together. +Agni and Soma are expiration and inspiration, Savitr (serves) for instiga¬ +tion, Aditi for support. Verily for Pathya he says the offering verse ; in that +he says the offering verse for Pathya, verily thus with speech he leads the +sacrifice to the path. Agni and Soma are the eyes; Savitr (serves) for +instigation, Aditi for support. By the eye the gods discerned the sacri¬ +fice; by the eye that is discerned which cannot be discerned; therefore +even after wandering in confusion, when a man perceives with the eye +immediately, 2 then he discerns indeed. In that the gods discerned the +sacrifice, in this (earth) they discerned, in it they gathered together; from 3 +it is the sacrifice extended, from it is it performed, from it is it gathered + +* RV. x. 82. 7 and 9. which agrees generally with kmdpi ycUna - + +0 RV. x. 63. 10 and the verse mahim u tu, AV. vifetena. + +vii. 6. 2. • S&yana has the loc. as the explanation ; so + +1 The sense is uncertain; S&yana has svocita- Haug, but abl. or dat. alone can be + +bhogaprada, Haug * linked together ’. meant. + +2 Anufthya is rendered 4 successively * by Haug, + + + +113] The Introductory Sacrifice f—i. 10 + + +together, for Aditi is this (earth). Thus he says the offering verse for Aditi +last; in that he says the offering verse for Aditi last, it is for the discern¬ +ment of the sacrifice, for the revealing of the world of heaven. + +i. 9 (ii. 8). 4 The subjects of the gods should be brought into order, 1 they +say; 4 as they are brought into order, the subjects of men come into order/ +All the subjects come into order, the sacrifice comes into order also, (all) is +in order for that people where there is a Hotr knowing thus. He recites, 1 + +4 Prosperity to us in the ways, in the deserts, + +Prosperity in the waters, in the abode which hath the light, +Prosperity to us in the wombs that bear children, + +Prosperity for wealth do ye, 0 Maruts, bestow/ + +The Maruts are the subjects of the gods; verily thus at the beginning of +the sacrifice he brings them into order. 4 With all the metres should he say +the offering verse/ they say; having sacrificed with all the metres, the gods +conquered the world of heaven; verily thus the sacrificer having sacrificed +with all the metres conquers the world of heaven. 4 Prosperity to us in the +ways, in the deserts' and 4 The highest safety in the way * are the Tristubh +verses for Pathya Svasti. 2 4 O Agni, lead us by a fair path to wealth * and +4 We have come to the path of the gods * are the Tristubh verses for Agni. 3 +4 Thou, O Soma, skilled in thought ’ and 4 Thine abodes in the sky, on the +earth 9 are the Tristubh verses for Soma. 4 4 The god of all, the lord of the +good * and 4 Who all these beings * are the Gayatri verses for Savitr. 5 4 The +good protector, the earth, sky unequalled * and 4 The great one, the mother +of those of good vows * are the Jagatl verses for Aditi. 6 These are all the +metres, Gayatri, Tristubh, and Jagatl, the others are dependent (on them), +for these are used most prominently in the sacrifice. By means of these +metres the sacrificer has sacrificed with all metres, who knows thus. + +i. 10 (ii. 4). The invitatory and offering verses of this oblation contain the +words 14 forward *, 4 lead 4 path *, and 4 prosperity'; having sacrificed with +them the gods won the world of heaven; verily thus also the sacrificer +having sacrificed with them wins the world of heaven. In them there +is the line, 4 Prosperity for wealth do ye, O Maruts, bestow *; the Maruts, +as subjects of the gods, 2 occupy the atmosphere; whoever without notifica¬ +tion to them goes to the world of heaven they are likely to obstruct him or to +crush him. In that he says, ‘Prosperity for wealth do ye, O Maruts, +bestow/ he announces the sacrificer to the Maruts the subjects of the gods; + + +* RV. x. 68.16. + +* RV. x. 68. 16 and 16. + +> RV. i. 189. 1 and x. 2. 8. +« RV. i. 91. 1 and 4. + +* RV. ▼. 82. 7 and 9. + +15 [h.o.s. se] + + +• RV. x. 68. 10 and AV. vii. 6. 2. + +i. 10. 1 The word nttr occurs only in the form +noya, but the way of denoting roots Yariea +greatly in AB. and KB.; cf. p. 80. + +* Cf. KB. vii. 8; TS. vi. 1. 6. 8. + + + +i. lo—] + + +[114 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + +the Maruts, the subjects of the gods, do not obstruct him as he goes to the +world of heaven, nor do they crush him. Prosperously they speed him to the +world of heaven who knows thus. The invitatory and offering verses of the +oblation for Svistakrt should be the two Yir&j 8 verses of thirty-three syllables, +' May Agni here be above the other Agnis ’ and ‘ The Agni who guardeth +from the foe’. Having sacrificed with the two Viraj verses, the gods won the +world of heaven; verily thus also the sacrificer having sacrificed with two +Viraj verses wins the world of heaven. They are of thirty-three syllables; +the gods are thirty-three, eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, +Praj&pati, and the vasat call. Thus at the very beginning of the sacrifice +he makes the deities sharers in the syllables; verily thus syllable by +syllable he delights a deity; verily thus by a vessel for the gods he +gladdens the deities. + +i. 11 (ii. 5). ‘The introductory (sacrifice) should be performed with the +fore-offerings but without the after-offerings ’ they say; 1 ' in that there are +after-offerings in the introductory (sacrifice), there is deficiency as it were, +and delay as it were.’ That is not to be regarded. It should be performed +with the fore-offerings and also with the after-offerings; 8 the fore-offerings +are the breaths, the after-offerings offepring; if he were to omit the fore¬ +offerings he would omit the breaths of the sacrificer; if he were to omit the +after-offerings, he would omit the ofispring of the sacrificer; therefore should +it be performed with the fore-offerings and also with the after-offerings. +He should not perform the joint sacrifices for the wives (with the gods), +nor should he offer with the concluding Vajus. By so much is the sacrifice +incomplete. He should preserve the scrapings of the introductory (sacrifice) +and mingle them with the concluding (sacrifice), for the continuity of the +sacrifice, to prevent a breach in the sacrifice. Or rather in the pot in which +he throws the introductory (sacrifice) into that he should throw the con¬ +cluding (sacrifice). By so much the sacrifice becomes continuous and without +a breach. ‘ Thereby they prosper in yonder world, not in this,’ they say, ‘ in +that it is introductory (advancing); as introductory they offer, as intro¬ +ductory they proceed; verily the sacrificers advance away from this world.’ +In ignorance verily they say thus. He should intertwine the invitatory +and the offering verses; the invitatory verses of the introductory (sacrifice) +he should make the offering verses of the concluding (sacrifice); the invita¬ +tory verses of the concluding (sacrifice) he should make the offering verses +of the introductory (sacrifice). Thus he intertwines for success in both +worlds, for support in both worlds; in both worlds is he successful, in + + +• RV. vii. 1.14 and 15. + +1 For this discussion see TS. vi. 1. 5. 8 . + +* For the former see A£S. j, 6 . 5 sag.; ffS* i- + + +6.16 # 09 .; for the latter A£S. i. 8 .7; +i. 12 . 18 teq. + + + +115 ] + + +The Buying of the Soma [—i. 13 + +both worlds he finds support. He finds support who knows thus. There +is a pap for Aditi at the introductory, and one for Aditi at the concluding +(sacrifice), for the support of the sacrifice, for the tying of the knots of the +sacrifice, to prevent the slipping of the sacrifice. Just as then, he used to +say, one ties the knots at both ends of a rope to prevent slipping, so at +both ends of the sacrifice he ties knots to prevent slipping, in that there is +a pap for Aditi at the introductory and also one for Aditi at the concluding +sacrifice. With Pathya Svasti hence they advance, in Pathya Svasti they +end; prosperously hence they advance, prosperously they end. + + +ADHYAYA III + +The Buying of the Soma + +i. 12 (iii. 1). In 1 the eastern quarter the gods bought Soma the king; +therefore in the eastern quarter is he bought. Him from the thirteenth +month they bought; therefore the thirteenth month is not known; the +Soma seller is not known, for the Soma seller is evil. The strengths and +powers of him when bought and going towards men went away to the +quarters; them they sought to win with one verse; they could not win +them; them with two, with three, with four, with five, with six, with seven +they could not win; with eight they won, with eight they obtained; that +is why eight has its name. Whatever he desires he attains who knows +thus. Therefore in these rites eight (verses) each are repeated, to win +powers and strengths. + +i. 13 (iii. 2). * For Soma when bought and being brought forward, do thou +say the invitatory verse * the Adhvaryu says. * From good to better do +thou come forward * he says; 1 this world is good; than it yonder world +is better; verily thus he causes the sacrifice? to go to the world of heaven. +‘Let Brhaspati be thy harbinger’ (he says); Brhaspati is the holy power; +verily thus he makes the holy power precede him; what has the holy power +come to no harm. ‘ Do thou stay on the chosen spot of earth ’ (he says). The +chosen spot of earth is the place of sacrifice to the gods; verily thus he settles +him on the chosen spot of earth. ‘ Do thou drive afar the foes, with all +powers ’ (he says); verily thus he drives away the evil rival who hates him, +and brings him low. ‘ O Soma, thy wondrous ’ this triplet to Soma* in Gayatri + +1 AB. i. 12-14, like KB. yii. 10, treats briefly form as here in the Yajus recension is also + +of the ceremony of carrying forward the found at AY. vii. 8. 1 with the bad + +Soma when bought. For the ritual see variants aihemdm asyd fdtrum and sdrva- + +AfS. iv. 4. 1-8 ; 9£S. v. 6 . 1-8 ; Caland vfram. For $ 1 cf. KB. vii. 10. + +and Henry, L'Agnutonuij pp. 50, 51. 1 BV. i. 91. 9-11. + +i. 18. 1 This verse which is found in the same + + + +[116 + + +L is—] The Soma Sacrifice + +he reeites when Soma the king is being brought forward; verily thus with +his own deity, his own metre he makes him successful. * All rejoice in the +glory that hath come ’ he recites; 3 Soma the king is glory; every one +rejoices in his being bought, both he who is to gain something in the +sacrifice and he who is not. ‘The comrades in the comrade strong in +the assembly, (he says); Soma the king is the comrade, strong in the +assembly, of the Brahmans. ‘Saving from sin 9 (he says); he indeed is +a saviour from sin. He who is successful, he who attains pre-eminence, +becomes sinful; therefore they say, 4 ‘ Do not recite, do not proceed; let +them not have sin to requite/ ‘ Winner of nourishment 9 (he says); nourish¬ +ment is food; nourishment is the sacrificial fee; thereby he wins it; verily +thus he makes him a winner of food. ‘Ready is he for manly force 9 +(he says); manly force is power and strength; manly force is not lost by +him up to old age who knows thus. ‘ The god hath come 9 (he says 5 ), for +he has come now; ‘ With the seasons may he prosper the dwelling 9 (he says). +The seasons are the royal brothers of Soma the king, as of a man; verily +thus with that he causes him to come. ‘ May Savitr bestow upon us fair +progeny and sap 9 this benediction he invokes. ‘ May he quicken us with +nights and days 9 (he says); the days are days, the nights are nights; verily +then for him with the days and the nights he invokes this benediction. + +‘ Wealth with offspring may he accord to us 9 this benediction he invokes. + +‘ Thine abodes which they worship with oblation 9 he recites; 6 ‘ All these of +thine be encompassing the sacrifice; conferring wealth, accomplishing with +good heroes 9 (he says); verily thus he says ‘ Be thou a conferrer of cattle +on us and an accomplisher. 9 ‘ Slayer of heroes, O Soma, go forward to the +doors 9 (he says); the doors are the house; the house of the sacrificer is +afraid of Soma the king as he advances; in that he recites this (verse), +verily thus he calms him; he calmed injures not his offspring or cattle. +•This prayer of thy suppliant, O god 9 , with (this verse) to Varuna he +concludes; so long as he is tied up, Varuna is his deity, so long as he +proceeds to the closed places; verily thus with his own deity, his own +metre, he makes him successful ‘ Of thy suppliant, O god 9 (he says 7 ); he +who sacrifices is a suppliant. ‘Insight and skill, O Varuna, do thou +quicken 9 (he says); verily thus he says, ‘Do thou, O Varuna, quicken +strength and knowledge. 9 ‘Let us mount that ship fair crossing by + +* BV. x. 71. 10. great prosperity danger of sin is near at + +4 Hie version of S&yana takes md pracdrth as hand. + +addressed to the Adhvaryu and yMayan 5 Agon is taken as past by the Br&hmaiia, +as pr&pnuvaniahi but this seems unduly to though S&yana renders it as imperative, + +minimize ydiayan. The idea is that in too The verse is BY. iv. 58. 7. + +• BV. i. 91. 19. t BV. viii. 42. 8. + + + +117] The Buying of the Soma [ —i. 14 + +which we may pass over all evils ’ (he says); the ship fair crossing is the +sacrifice; the ship fair crossing is the black antelope skin; the ship fair +crossing is speech; verily thus having mounted upon speech with it he +crosses over to the world of heaven. These he recites eight in number, +perfect in form; that in the sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in form, +that rite which as it is performed the verse describes. Of them he recites +the first thrice, the last thrice; they make up twelve; the year has twelve +months; Prajapati is the year; verily with those whose abode is Prajapati +he prospers who knows thus. Thrice he recites the first, thrice the last; +verily thus he ties the ends of the sacrifice, for firmness, for might, to +prevent slipping. 8 + +i. 14 (iii. 3). One of the two oxen should be yoked, 1 the other unloosened; +then they should take down the king; if they were to take down when both +were unloosed, they would make the king have the fathers as his deity; +if when yoked, lack of peace and rest would come on offspring ; offspring +would scatter. The ox which is unyoked is the symbol of offspring who +sit in the house; the yoked one is that of those on a journey. Those who +take down when one is yoked and one unyoked, produce both peace and +rest. The gods and the Asuras strove for these worlds; they contended for +this eastern quarter; the Asuras conquered them thence; they contended for +the southern quarter; the Asuras conquered them thence; they contended +for the western quarter; the Asuras conquered them thence; they con¬ +tended for the northern quarter; the Asuras conquered them thence. They +contended for the north-eastern quarter; they were not conquered thence. +This is the unconquered quarter; therefore in this quarter one should strive +or cause striving; 2 for he has power to dispose of debts. The gods said, +1 Through our lack of a king they conquer us; let us make a king.’ * Be it +so ’ (they said). They made Soma king; with Soma as king they conquered +all the quarters. He who sacrifices has Soma as king. While (the cart) +stands facing east, they place on (the Soma); thereby he conquers the +eastern quarter; him they carry round to the south; thereby he conquers +the southern quarter; him they turn round to the west; thereby he +conquers the western quarter; him they take down from (the cart) facing +north; thereby he conquers the northern quarter. By Soma the king he +conquers all the quarters who knows thus. + +• Cf. TS. ii. 6. 7.1. See Caland and Henry, L'Agniftoma, + +1 Cf. TS. vi. 2.1.1; MS. iii. 7. 9 ; £B. iii 4. p. 64. + +1. 4 disagrees with TS., MS., and AB. * The sense of yat is probably no more definite + +than this. + + + +i . 16 —] + + +[118 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + +The Gvcst Reception of Soma + +i. 15 (iii. 4). The 1 oblation of the guest reception is offered, when Soma +the king has come; Soma the king comes to the house of the sacrificer; to +him this oblation of the guest reception is offered; that is why the guest +reception has its name. It is offered on nine potsherds; the breaths are +nine; (it serves) to arrange the breaths, to recognize the breaths. It is for +Visnu; the sacrifice is Visnu; verily thus with his own deity, his own metre, +he makes him successful. All the metres and the Prsthas follow Soma the +king when bought. As many as follow Soma the king, to all these is the +guest reception performed. They kindle the fire, when Soma the king has +come. Just as in the world when a human king has come, or another +deserving person, they slay an ox or a cow that miscarries; so for him they +slay in that they kindle the fire, for Agni is the victim of the gods. + +i. 16 (iii. 5). ‘ Recite for Agni being kindled * the Adhvaryu says; * To +thee, O god Savitr,* (this verse) to Savitr he recites. They say ‘ Since it is +for Agni being kindled that he recites by order, then why does he recite +(a verse 1 ) to Savitr?* Savitr is lord of instigations; verily thus on the +instigation of Savitr they kindle him; therefore he recites (a verse) to +Savitr. ‘ May the two great ones, sky and earth, for us,* (this verse) to sky +and earth * he recites; they say,‘ Since it is for Agni being kindled that he +recites by order, then why does he recite (this verse) to sky and earth ? * +By means of sky and earth him when bom the gods grasped; by these two +even to-day is he grasped; therefore he recites (this verse) to sky and earth. +‘ Thee, O Agni, from the lotus * this triad in Gayatrl to Agni 3 he recites when +the fire is being kindled; verily thus with his own deity, his own metre he +makes him successful. * Atharvan kindled forth ’ is perfect in form; that +in the sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in form, that rite which as it is +performed the verse describes. If he is not bom, if he is long in being +bom, then should be repeated Gayatrl verses, 4 Raksas slaying, namely, +‘ O Agni strike down the foe * for the smiting away of the Raksases. The +Raksases seize them when he is not bom and is long in being bom. If he +is bom when one only has been recited, or when two, then he should recite +an appropriate (verse 6 ) containing (the word) ‘ bom ’, * Let men say * for him +when bom. That which in the sacrifice is appropriate is perfect. * Whom +with the hand like a quoit ’ (he says 8 ), for with the hands they kindle him. + +1 AB. i. 16-18 describe the guest reception vi. 8. 6 . 8 ; for $ 2 KB. viii. 1. + +of Soma; ot KB. yiiL 1 and 2. For the * BY. hr. 66. 1. +ritual see A£S. iv. 6; <}<&. v. 7. For » BY. vi. 16.18-16. + +$ 2 of. TS. vi. 2.1. 2. See also Caland 4 BY. x. 168. +and Henry, L’Agnittoma, pp. 68, 67-60. • BY. i. 74. 8. + +i. 16. » BY. i. 24. 8. For f( 1 and 20 cf. TS. • BY. vi. 16. 40. + + + +119] + + +The Guest Reception of Soma [ —i. 16 + +‘ The child bom' (he says); Agni is a first-bom child as it were; ‘ Like (it) + +I they bear, Agni of the folk, good sacrificer * (he says); om is for them what na + +is for the gods. ‘ Forward bear the god to the feast for the gods, best winner +of wealth’ is the appropriate (verse 7 ) for him when being taken forward; that +which in the sacrifice is appropriate is perfect. * Let him seat himself in +his own place of birth ’ (he says); he is his own place of birth in that Agni +is Agni’s. ‘ Bom in the all-knower ’ (he says 8 ); one is bom, one is the +all-knower. ‘ Quicken the dear guest' (he says); he is his dear guest in +that Agni is Agni’s. ‘ On a smooth (place) the lord of the house ’ (he says); +verily thus he places him in health. * By Agni is Agni kindled, the sage, +the lord of the house, the youthful, bearer of the oblation, with the ladle in +his mouth ’ is the appropriate (verse 9 ); that which in the sacrifice is appro¬ +priate is perfect. 1 For thou, O Agni, by Agni, sage by the sage, good by +the good ’ (he says 10 ); one is a sage, the other a sage; one is good, the other +good. 1 Friend with friend thou art enkindled ’ (he says); he is his own +friend in that Agni is Agni’s. 'Him they make bright, the skilled, the +victor in contests, the mighty one in his own dwellings ’ (he says n ); he is +his own house in that Agni is Agni’s. ‘ With the sacrifice the sacrifice the +gods sacrificed ’, with the last 12 he concludes; with the sacrifice the gods +sacrificed the sacrifice in that with Agni they sacrificed to Agni; they went +to the world of heaven. ‘ These laws were first; these greatnesses resort to +the sky, where are the ancient Sadhya gods ’ (he says 12 ); the Sadhya gods +are the metres; they first sacrificed to Agni with Agni; they went to the +world of heaven. The Adityas and the Angirases were here; they first +sacrificed with Agni to Agni; they went to the world of heaven; the +libation to Agni is a heavenly libation. Even if he who sacrifices is not +a Brahmana 13 or is wrongly spoken of, nevertheless his libation goes to the +gods and is not united with evil; his libation goes to the gods, and is not +united with evil, who knows thus. These thirteen he recites perfect in +form; that in the sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in form, that rite +j which as it is performed the verse describes. Of these he recites the first + +thrice, the last thrice. They make up seventeen; Prajapati is seventeenfold, + +Smrti. On the whole the use is probably +in each case the same, * one who is said +to be not a Brahman a non-Brahman +(opposed to subr&hmana, Wackeraagel, +Altind. Oram. n. i. 261) or dwrukta. The +alternative is to take ukta as ( instigated ’, +1 directed by ’ one who is not a Brahman +or is ill-spoken of. See AB. ii. 17. L4vi +{La doctrine du sacrifice, p. 128) has 4 on +sacrifice sans l'avis d'un brahmane ou si +on est diffiam^,’ which is difficult. + + +* EV. vi. 16. 41. + +» RV. vi. 16. 42. + +* RV. i. 12. 6. + +RV. viii. 48. 14. + +u RV. viii. 84. 8. + +18 RV. i. 164. 60; see A$S. ii. 16. 7, 8; cf. + +99& v. 16. 6. + +19 S&yana gives two views of abrdhmana, either + +as one who is not instigated by a Brah¬ +mana or one who is declared to be a non- +Brahman as explained by 9&&tapa in his + + + +[120 + + +i. 16—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +the months are twelve, the seasons five; so great is the year; Praj&pati is +the year; verily thus with these which have their abode in Prajapati he +prospers who knows thua He recites the first thrice, the last thrice; verily +thus he ties the ends of the sacrifice, for steadiness, for might, to prevent +slipping. + +i. 17 (iii. 6). ‘With the kindling-stick honour Agni 9 and ‘Swell up; be +there gathered for thee’ are the invitatory verses 1 of the two butter +portions, referring to the guest reception and perfect in form; that in the +sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in form, that rite which as it is being +performed the verse describes. (The verse) to Agni contains (the word) +‘ guest ’, not that to Soma; if (the verse) to Soma contained (the word) +‘ guest ’, it would clearly * be (the verse to be used); but it does contain +(the word) 'guest* as it contains (the word) ‘made fat*; when they serve +him with food, then does he become fat. For them he says as offering +verses 8 ‘Delighting*. ‘Over this Visnu strode’ and ‘To his beloved place +may I win' are (two verses) to Visnu. 4 Having used (a verse) of three +Padas as invitatory verse, he says one of four as offering verse, there are +seven Padas; the guest reception is the head of the sacrifice; there are +seven breaths in the head; verily thus he places breaths in the head. +1 The Hotr of the sacrifice with brilliant car ’ and ‘ Famed far is the Agni +of Bharata 9 are the invitatory and offering verses of the Svistakrt, 5 +referring to the guest reception and perfect in form; that in the sacrifice +is perfect which is perfect in form, that rite which as it is being performed +the verse describes. They are Trisfcubh verses, to secure power. (The +sacrifice) ends with the sacrificial food; the gods prospered by means +of the guest reception ending with the sacrificial food; therefore should +it be performed ending with the sacrificial food. In this case they offer +the fore-offerings, not the after-offerings. The fore-offerings and the after¬ +offerings are the breaths; the fore-offerings are those breaths in the head, +the after-offerings those below. If in the case one were to offer the after¬ +offerings, that would be as if one were to break off those breaths and seek +to place them in the head. That would be superfluous; these breaths, +both those and those, are united together; 6 verily thus in that they offer +the fore-offerings, not the after-offerings, they obtain their desires in the +fore-offerings and in the after-offerings. + + +i RV. vui. 44.1 and i. 91. 16. + +1 This seems here the sense of the ambiguous +word fa fvat, which is common in AB. in +this form. Cf. Eggeling SBE. xxrc. xxx. +He. the usual verses jufdna agnir djyasya rstu +and jufdnah soma djyasya havifo vetUy A£S. +i. 5, 29; 55S. i. 8. 8 with havifo in the +first also. + + +« RV. i. 22. 17 and i.164. 6. + +* RV. x. 1. 6 and vii. 8. 4. + +6 S&yana takes this as a potential and as +explaining atiriktam, but it seems neces¬ +sary to use it as explaining the next +sentence, the breaths are united and so +are in a sense one, ims ... tms because +gestures are used. + + + +121 ] + + +The Pravargya + + +[—L10 + + +ADHYAYA IV + + +The Pravargya . + +i. 18 (iv. 1). The 1 sacrifice went away from the gods (saying), * I shall +not be your food/ * No \ replied the gods, 4 Yerily thou shalt be our food/ +The gods crushed it; it being taken apart was not sufficient for them. +The gods said 4 It will not be sufficient for us, being taken apart; come, +let us gather together the sacrifice/ (They replied) 'Be it so*. They +gathered it together; having gathered it together they said to the A9vins, +4 Do ye two heal it the A<jvins are the physicians of the gods, the +A 9 vins the Adhvaryus; therefore the two Adhvaryus gather together +the cauldron. Having gathered it together they say, 4 O Brahman, we +shall proceed with the Pravargya offering; O Hotr, do thou recite/ + +i. 19 (iv. 2). With 4 The holy power bom first in the east* he begins; 1 +Brhaspati is the holy power; verily thus with the holy power he heals +him. 4 This royal one goeth in front to the father 9 (he says a ); the royal +one is speech; verily thus he places speech in him. 4 The great one +hath established the two great ones, when bom 9 is addressed to +Brahmanaspati; 3 Brhaspati is the holy power ; verily thus with the holy +power he heals him. ' Towards the god Savitr in the bowls 9 is addressed +to Savitr; 4 Savitr is breath; verily thus he places breath in him. With 5 +4 Sit thou down; thou art great 9 they make him sit down. 4 Whom they +anoint, the sages, as it were extending 9 is (the verse 6 ) appropriate for +the anointing; that which is appropriate in the sacrifice is perfect. 4 The +bird anointed by the skill of the Asura 9 , 4 The foe who secretly may attack +us, O Agni 9 , and 4 Be thou well disposed to us, O Agni, at our approach 9 +are sets of two appropriate (verses 7 ); that which in the sacrifice is ap¬ +propriate is perfect. 4 Make thou thy brilliance like a broad net \ (these) are + + +1 AB. i. 18-22 and KB. viii. 8-7 describe the +Pravargya as a necessary preliminary to +the Soma sacrifice. For the ritual see +A^S. iv. 6 and 7 ; 9£S. v. 9 and 10; +BgS. ix. 1-16 ; M£S. iv; Ap?S. xv. <?£S. +does not require it for a first sacrifice. GB. +vii. 6 borrows this. KB. viii. 3 allows it +for a first sacrifice in certain oases. £B. +xiv. 2.2.44, 45; K£S. viii. 2.16; xxvi. 7. +58 forbid it in any case; TA. v. G. 8, +however, allows it generally, and M^S. +iv. 1. 8, 4; Ap. in certain cases. For it +cf. Hillebrandt, ZDMG. xxxiv. 819 »eq .; +Keith, Taittirtya Samhitd , i. cxxiii-cxxv. + +16 [n.as. is] + + +For the death of the sacrifice, c t L4vi, +La doctrine du sacrifice , p. 80. + +i. 19. 1 Given in A9V. and £&nkh. as not in the +Samhitft; see RVKh. iii. 22 (Schefte- +lowitz, pp. 107-109); AY. iv. 1.1; KB. +viii. 4. Cf. Oldenberg, Prolegomena pp. +868 aeq. + +* Also in A$v. and £&nkh. + +3 Also in A9V. and 9&nkh. + +4 Also in A9V. and 9 &fikh« + +3 RV. i. 86. 9. + +• RV. v. 48. 7. + +7 RY. x. 177. 1; v. 6. 4; iii. 18. 1 with the +next verse in each case. + + + +[122 + + +u 19—] The Soma Sacrifice + +five (verses 8 ) referring to the slaying of Raksases, for the smiting away +of the Raksases. ‘Round thee, 0 singer, the songs’, * In the two hast +thou placed the word of praise ’, ‘ Pure is one of them, worthy of sacrifice +one ’ and ( I saw the guardian never resting ' are four isolated (verses 9 ). +They make up twenty-one ; man here is twenty-onefold, ten fingers, ten +toes, and the body as the twenty-first; this twenty-onefold self he +prepares. + +i. 20 (iv. 3). ‘ They of the sounding deep have sounded at the rim ’ are +nine (verses*) for Soma the purifying; the breaths are nine; verily thus +he places the breaths in him. �� May Vena impel those bom of Pr$ni* +(he says 8 ); Vena is (this breath) here; above this here some breaths +circulate (venanti), below others; therefore is it Vena; ‘the breath being +here hath not feared (nahheh) ’ (they say); therefore is it the navel; that +is why the navel has its name; verily thus he places breath in him. +4 ‘ Thy strainer is outspread, O lord of holy power ’, ‘ The strainer of the +scorcher is outspread in the expanse of sky ’ and ‘ What time the Dhisan&s +spread out the strainer’ (he says 8 ); these breaths are connected 4 with +(the word) * strained ’; those breaths below are connected with seed, urine, +and excrement; them verily thus he places in him. + +i. 21 (iv. 4). ‘ Thee lord of hosts we invoke ’ is addressed to Brahmanas- +pati; 1 Brhaspati is the holy power; verily thus with the holy power he +heals him. 1 Of which extending and far extending are the names ’ are the +bodies of the cauldron; 2 verily thus he makes him possessed of body and +form. 1 The Rathantara Vasistha hath brought ’; 1 Bharadvaja hath fetched +the Brhat of Agni ’ (he says 3 ); verily thus he makes him possessed of +the Brnat and the Rathantara. ( 1 saw thee deep in thought ’ (he says 4 ); +it contains (the word) ‘ offspring ’ and is addressed to Prajapati; verily thus +he confers offspring upon him. c What offering will win your favour, +O Alvins ’ are nine (verses 5 ) in different metres; that is the entrails of the +sacrifice; the entrails are mixed as it were, some smaller some thicker; +therefore are they in different metres. With these Kaksivant went to + + +8 RY. iv. 4. 1-5. + +* RV. i. 10.12 ; 88. 8; vi. 68. 1; x. 177. 8. + +1 RV. ix. 78. 1. Cf. KB. viii. 6. + +* RV. x. 128. 1. The explanation is purely + +artificial, like n&bhih below, which is +probably best taken as a third, not +second person. It is not to be pressed as +a piece of grammar, being an etymology; +cf. Liebich, Pdnini, p. 27, who, with +Sftyana (Aufrecht has na), treats nd as md. + +* RY. ix. Qp. 1, 2, and given in full in Agv. + +and (&nkh. + + +4 The sense is that those breaths below being +in need of purification obtain it via these +three verses. + +i. 21. 1 RV. ii. 28. Cl KB. viii. 5. + +* RV. x. 181. 1-8. + +1 RY. x. 181. Id; 2 c and d. + +4 RY. x. 188. 1-8; the hymn is attributed to +Praj&vant Prftj&patya, and the words here +are therefore taken even by Aufrecht as +the name of the author, but the trans. +adopted seems less unlikely, + +• RV. i. 120. 1-9. + + + +123] + + +The Pravcvrgya [—i. 23 + +the dear home of the Apvins; he won the highest world; he goes to the +dear home of the A$vins, he wins the highest world who knows thus. + +• Agni shineth as the forefront of the dawns * is a hymn. 0 4 O Alvins, to the +swelling cauldron 1 is appropriate; that which in the sacrifice is appropriate +is perfect It is in Tristubh verses; the Tristubh is strength; verily then +he places strength in him. * Like the two pressing-stones for the one purpose +ye sing 9 is a hymn 7 ; by enumerating the members in 4 like the two eyes, +like the two ears, like the two nostrils verily thus he places the senses +in him. It is in Tristubh verses; the Tristubh is strength; verily thus +he places strength in him. ‘ I praise sky and earth for first inspiration 9 +is a hymn 8 and ‘Agni, the cauldron, the shining, for hastening on the +way 9 is appropriate; that which in the sacrifice is appropriate is perfect* +It is in Jagat! verses; cattle are connected with the Jagati; verily thus +he confers cattle upon him. * By which ye did help N. N., by which ye +did help N. N.’ (he says); so many desires do the Alvins see in it; them +verily thus does he place in him; verily thus with them he makes him +successful. ‘The tawny one, the chief, hath made the dawns to glow 9 +is (a verse 9 ) containing (the word) ‘ glow 9 ; verily thus he confers glowing +upon him. ‘ With days and with nights guard us around 9 , with the last +(verse 10 ) he concludes, ‘With those unharmed and bringing good fortune, +O A$vins; may this Mitra and Varuna accord us; Aditi, Sindhu, earth +and sky 9 ; verily thus with these desires he makes him successful. Such +is the first section. + +i. 22 (iv. 5). Then comes the second (section). ‘ I hail this fair milking +cow’, ‘Making kin , the lady of riches 9 , ‘Towards thee, O god Savitr 9 , +‘ Like a calf with the mothers 9 , ‘ With the mothers like a calf \ ‘ Thy teat, +exhaustless spring of pleasure 9 , ‘ The cow hath lowed after the blinking +young one 9 , ‘ With homage approach 9 , ‘ In unison have they sat down +kneeling 9 , ‘ By the ten of Vivasvant 9 , ‘ Seven milk one 9 , ‘Enkindled Agni, +O Alvins 9 , ‘Enkindled Agni by the strong, the harbinger of heaven 9 , +‘ This is his most evident deed *, ‘ The living cloud is milked of ghee and +milk 9 , ‘ Rise up, O Brahmanaspati 9 , ‘ He hath milked the swelling drink \ +‘Come up with the milk, milker of cows, swiftly 9 , ‘In the passed pour +the admixture 9 , ‘ Assuredly of the Alvins the seer 9 , and ‘ Together these +mighty waters 9 are twenty-one 1 appropriate (verses), that which in the + +• RV. Y. 76. 1 RV. i. 164. 26, 27; i. 24. 8; ix. 104. 2; + +• RV. ii. 89 ; the expressions cited are from 106. 2 ; i. 164. 49, 28; ix. 11.1; i. 72. 6; + +tt. 6 and 6. viii. 72. 8; 7; two verses only in A9S. + +• RV. i. 112. Cf. for cattle and the Jagati iv. 7. 4 ; RV. i. 62. 6; ix. 74. 4; i. 40. 1; + +TS. vi. 1. 6. 2. viii. 72. 16 ; in A£S. iv. 7. 4; RV. viii. + +• RV. ix. 88.8. Cf. KB. viii. 6. 72. 18; 9. 7; 7. 22. Cf. KB. viii 7 { + +« RV. i. 112. 26. 95S. v. 10. + + + +[124 + + +i . 22 —] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +sacrifice is appropriate is perfect. With 1 ‘Up this god Savitr with the +golden ’ he rises up after (the others); with * ‘ Let Brahmanaspati move +forward’ he follows after; with 4 ‘The Gandharva here guardeth his +abode ’ he looks at the Khara; with 5 ‘ The eagle flying in the vault ’ he +takes his place ; in the forenoon he uses as offering verses* ‘ The heated +cauldron reacheth you, self-offerer’ and ‘Both drink, O Alvins’. At +‘ O Agni, enjoy ’ he says the second vasat, taking the place of the Svistalcrt. +‘The ghee the milk offered in the cows’ and ‘Drink of this, O Ayvins' +he uses as offering verses 7 in the afternoon; at ‘O Agni, enjoy’ he says +the second vasat, taking the place of Sviftakrt. Of these three oblations +they do not take portions for the Svistakpt, Soma, the cauldron, and the +strengthening drink. In that he says the second vasat, (it is) to avoid +omitting Agni Svistakrt. ‘ Through all the regions, seated in the south ’ +the Brahman 8 mutters; ‘ The pure cauldron among the gods over which +the call of Hail! is uttered’, ‘From the ocean the wave Vena sendeth +forth ’, ‘ The drop that goeth over thejocean ’, ‘ O friend, do thou turn +towards the friend’, ‘Upright to our aid’, ‘Upright do thou protect us +from tribulation’, and ‘Him indeed his worshippers’ are appropriate* +(verses); that which in the sacrifice is appropriate is perfect. With ‘ O +thou of pure brilliance, around thy dwelling’ he desires food. 10 With +‘The oblation offered, the sweet oblation, on the fire that is most full +of Indra, may we eat of thee, O divine cauldron, full of sweetness, full of +nourishment, full of strength, full of the Angirases; homage to thee; +harm me not' he partakes of the cauldron. ‘ Like an eagle its nest, the +seat wrought with prayer ’ and ‘In which the seven V&savas’ he recites 11 +for him when being deposited. ‘The oblation, O thou rich in oblation, +the great divine seat ’ (he says ls ) on the day on which they are going +to remove (the cauldron). ‘From the good pasture mayst thou be of +good fortune’, with the last (verse 18 ) he concludes. The cauldron is a +divine pairing; the cauldron is the member, the two handles the testicles, +the spoon the thigh bones, the milk the seed; this seed is poured in Agni +as the birthplace of the gods, as generation; the birthplace of the gods +is Agni; he comes into existence from Agni as the birthplace of the gods, +from the libations; having come into existence as composed of the Be, + + +* BV. yi. 71.1. + +* BV. i. 40. 8. + +‘ BV. ix. 88. 4. + +• BV. ix. 86.11. + +• Only in iyS. iv. 7. 4 (of. AV. vii. 78.6) and + +BV. i. 4& 16. + +i Only in A98. ix. 7. 4 (ef.AV. Yii. 78. 4) and +BV. viii. 6.14. + + +* In AgS. iv. 7. 4. + +• In A9S. iv. 7. 4; BV. x. 128. 2, 8; iv.1.8; + +i. 86.18, 14; yiii. 69.17. + +>» BV. iii. 2. 6. + +« BV. ix. 71. 6 and AyS. iv. 7.4. + +“ BV. ix. 88. 6. + +“ BV. i. 164. 40. + + + +125] The Upasads [—i. 23 + +the Yajus, and the Saman, and of the Veda, and of the holy power, and +as immortal, he attains to the deities who knows thus and who knowing +thus sacrifices with this sacrificial rite. + + +The Upasads . + +i. 23 (iv. 6). The 1 gods and the Asuras strove for these worlds; the +Asuraa made these worlds as citadels, just as those who are more mighty and +forceful. They made this (earth) an iron (citadel), the atmosphere one of +silver, and the sky one of gold; thus they made these worlds as citadels. +The gods said, * The Asuras have made these worlds as citadels, let us make +these worlds as citadels in opposition/ ‘ Be it so * (they replied). They made +out of this (earth) as a counterpoise the Sadas, the Agnldh's altar from +the atmosphere, the two oblation holders from the sky. Thus they made +these worlds as citadels in opposition. The gods said, ‘ Let us have recourse +to the Upasads; by siege (Upasad) they conquer a great citadel/ ‘ Be it so * +(they replied). With the first Upasad which they performed they repelled +them from this world; with the second from the atmosphere, with the +third from the sky. Thus from these worlds they repelled them. 4 The +Asuras, repelled from these worlds, had recourse to the seasons. The +gods said, ‘ Let us have recourse to the Upasads/ * Be it so * (they replied). +These three Upasads they performed one by one twice each; they made +up six ; the seasons are six; them they repelled from the seasons ; they, +repelled from the seasons, the Asuras, had recourse to the months. The +gods said, ‘ Let us have recourse to the Upasads/ ‘ Be it so ’ (they replied). +These Upasads being six they performed one by one twice each; they made +up twelve; the months are twelve; them they repelled from the months. +The Asuras, repelled from the months, had recourse to the half-months. +The gods said, ‘Let us have recourse to the half-months/ ‘Be it so' +(they replied). These Upasads being twelve they performed one by one +twice each; they made up twenty-four; the half-months are twenty-four +them they repelled from the half-months. The Asuras, repelled from +the half-months, had recourse to day and night. The gods said, ‘ Let us +have recourse to the two Upasads/ ‘ Be it so ’ (they replied). With the +Upasad which they performed on the forenoon they repelled them from +the day, by that on the afternoon, from the night; thus from both they +excluded them. Therefore one should proceed with the first Upasad early + +1 AB. i. 28-26 and KB. viii. 8 and 9 deal with v. 11; Caland and Henry, L'Agnistoma , + +the Upasads ; cf. TS. yi. 2.8.1 ; £B. iii. 4. pp. 67-70. For the varying number of + +4.8. For the ritual see A£S. iv. 8; 99$. Upasads cf. A^S. iv. 8.18 ; TS. vi. 2.5. 1. + + + +i. 23 —] The Soma Sacrifice [120 + +in the forenoon, with the second early in the afternoon. So much only +of space does he leave to his enemy. + +i. 24 (iv. 7). The Upasads are called victories; by them the gods won an +unrivalled victory; an unrivalled victory does he win who thus knows. +The victory which the gods won over these worlds, the seasons, the months, +the half-months, the day and night, that victory he wins who knows +thus. + +The 1 gods were afraid, 4 Through our disagreement the Asuras will +wax great here.’ Having gone apart they took council; Agni went out +with the Varus, Indra with the Rudras, Varuna with the Adityas, +Brhaspati with the All-gods. Having thus gone apart they took council; +they said, 4 Come, our dearest bodies let us- deposit in the house of king +Varuna; with them may he not be united who shall transgress this, who +shall seek to cause trouble.* ‘Be it so’ (they replied). They deposited +their bodies in the house of king Varuna; that became their bodily +covenant; that is why the bodily covenant (Tanun&ptra) has its name. +Therefore they say, ‘One should not show treachery to one united by +the bodily covenant.’ Therefore the Asuras do not wax great here. + +i. 25 (iv. 8). The guest reception is the head of the sacrifice, the Upasads +the neck; they are performed on the same strew, for the head and the +neck are the same. In the Upasads the gods fashioned an arrow; of it the +point was Agni, the socket Soma; the shaft Visnu, the feathers Varuna. 1 +It they discharged, using the butter as a bow; with it they kept piercing +the citadels; therefore these have butter as the oblation. At the Upasads +he has first recourse to four teats for the fast milk, for the arrow is com¬ +posed of four elements, point, socket, shaft, and feathers; three teats he +has recourse to for the fast milk in the Upasads, for the arrow is composed +of. three elements, point, socket, and shaft; two teats he has recourse to for +the fast milk in the Upasads, for the arrow is composed of two elements, +the socket and the shaft only; one teat he has recourse to for the fast +milk in the Upasads, for it is called the one thing ‘ arrow ’, by one is +strength exercised. These worlds are broader above and narrower below; +he performs the Upasads from the top downwards, for the conquering of +these worlds. ‘ To the generous to be adored ’, ‘ This kindling stick of mine, +O Agni, this waiting upon thee do thou accept 1 are sets of three kindling + +1 For this rite see A$S. iy. 6. 8; 9$S. v. 7.1, La doctrine du sacrifice, p. 78. + +2; L£S. v. 8. 6 ; K$S. viii. 1. 28-26. Cf. i. 26. 1 Ct TS. vi. 2. 8.1; ?B. iii. 4.4.14; and +TS. i. 2. 10. 2 ; vi. 2. 2. 1; MS. iii. 7.10; for { 4 KB. viii. 9 ; TS. vi. 2. 6. 2. For + +GB. vii. 2 ; £B. iii. 4. 2.9 ; Cal&nd and the parts of the arrow of. Vedic Index i. 8; + +Henry, L'Agniftoma, pp. 61, 62. The £13. Eggeling, SBB. xxvi. 108, n. 2, who takes + +assigns the Radras to Soma. Cf L6vi, foi ya as ‘ barb ’; Muir, OST. v. 881, 888. + + + +127] The Upasads [—i. 26 + +verses,* perfect in form; that in the sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in +form, that rite which as it is being performed the verse describes. He +should use (verses 3 ) containing (the word) ‘ slay’, as invitatory and offering +verses,‘Let Agni slay the foes,' c Who is dread, as it were, a slayer with +darts,* ‘Thou, O Soma, art very lord,’ ‘Bestowing prosperity, slayer of +disease,’ ‘ Over this Visnu strode,* ‘ Three steps he strode apart,’ these are +they. He sacrifices in the afternoon with (the verses) inverted. With +these in the Upasads the gods kept slaying and destroying the citadels. +They should be of the same metre, not of different metres; if he were +to make them of different metres, he would cause swelling on the neck; +he would produce boils; therefore should they be made of the same +metre, not of different metres. Now as to this Upavi J&nafruteya +used to say, that is in his explanation of the Upasads, ‘ In that 4 the face +of even an ugly Qrotriya is seen as joyous as it were and as singing, (it is) +because the Upasads have butter as the oblation, and (it is) a face placed on +the neck *; therefore was he wont to say this. + +i. 26 (iv. 9). The 1 fore-offerings and the after-offerings are divine armour; +(this rite) is without fore-offerings and after-offerings, to sharpen the arrow +and to prevent rending. Having once stepped over he makes (him) proclaim, +to master the sacrifice and to prevent its departure. They say, ‘ A cruel +thing do they in the neighbourhood of Soma the king,* in that they offer the +ghee in his neighbourhood, for by ghee as a thunderbolt Indra slew Vrtra,’ +in that they make the king to swell, (saying) ‘ May every shoot of thine, +O god Soma, swell for Indra who obtaineth the chief share; may Indra +swell for thee; do thou swell for Indra; make us as comrades to swell; +with gain, with insight, prosperously may I attain the conclusion in the +pressing of thee, O God Soma *; verily thus they make whole whatever +cruel as it were they do in his neighbourhood; moreover they cause him to +grow. Soma the king is the embryo of sky and earth; in that, (saying) +‘ Sought by sacrifice is wealth, sought are good things, for strength, for +prosperity; holy order to the speakers of holy order; homage to sky, + + +■ RV. vii. 15.1-7 and ii. 6. 1-7. + +* RV. vi. 16. 84, 89 ; i. 91. 6, 12 ; i. 22. 17, 8. + +4 The sense is uncertain, as, if tft in rebhadvety +is taken as ending the quotation, then +the sentence is hard to construe, unless +it is made to mean 1 Prom whatever (side) +the face is seen ’, which is harsh. On the +other hand yasmdt ... hi contrast well +and the omission of iti as in AB. iii. 8. 4 +is not difficult. Yet tamm&t points to a +reason given bj the text, not by Upftvi. +Weber takes it as * In the Brfthmana is + + +to be found the reason that, &c. \ For +Br&hmana in this sense of. £B. iv. 1. 5. +14; iii. 2.4.1. The sage is eaUed Aupftvi +in £B. v. 1.1.5, 7. janitoh must be active, +not pass., as Delbruok, AUind. Synt. p. 480. + +1 The chief point of this chapter is the +Nihnavana, for which see A£S. iv. 5. 7; +9^3. v. 8. 5; Caland and Henry, L'Agni- +sfoma, pp. 68, 64. The Mantras occur in +TS. i. 2.11 and its parallels. For deva- +varmd cf. TS. ii. 6.1. 5. + +* Cf. TS. vi. 2. 2.4. + + + +[128 + + +i. 26—] The Soma Sacrifice + +homage to earth!’ they make (their amends) on the strew, 3 verily thus +they pay homage to sky and earth; moreover they cause them to grow. + + +ADHYAYA V + + +The Bringing forward of the Soma and the Fire . + + +i. 27 (v. 1). Soma 1 the king was among the Gandharvas ; the gods and +the seers meditated on him, 4 How shall Soma the king come hither to us ? 9 +Speech said, 1 The Gandharvas love women; with me as a woman do ye +barter it. 9 * No/ replied the gods, 4 how could we be without you ? 9 She +replied, 4 Still do ye buy; when ye will have need of me, 1 then shall +I return to you/ 4 Be it so 9 (they replied). With her as a great naked +one they bought Soma the king. In imitation of her they bring up a young +immaculate cow to buy Soma; with her they buy Soma the king. Her he may +repurchase again, for (speech) went back to them. Therefore one should speak +inaudibly when Soma the king had been bought, for then speech is among +the Gandharvas; when the fire is again brought forward, she returns again. + +i. 28 (v. 2). 4 Recite for Agni as he is being brought forward/ the +Adhvaryu says. + +4 Forth the god with the thought divine, + +Do ye bear the all-knower, + +May he bear our libations daily, 9 + +this Gayatri verse 1 should he recite for a Brahman; the Brahmin is +connected with the Gayatri; the Gayatri is brilliance and splendour; +verily thus with brilliance and with splendour he makes him prosper. +4 To him the mighty, meet for assembly, the strengthening hymn/ this +Tristubh he should recite for a Raj any a; the Rajanya is connected with the +Tristubh; the Tristubh is force, power, and strength; verily thus with +force, power, and strength he makes him prosper. ‘Ever uttering they +have brought forward to the one worthy of praise’ (he says); verily, +thus he makes him attain pre-eminence over his own people. 4 Let him bear + + +s nihnavate is dearly wrong: nihnuvate must +be read as pointed out by Aufreeht (AB. +p. 429); but ntonat* in 'AB. vii. 17 is +supported by nihnavante in A(S. iv. 5. 7 ; +▼iii. 18. 27 y where, however, there is +difference of reading, nihnunante occurring +in some MSS. (see Weber, lad. Stud, iz. +221). Cf. ?B. iii. 4. 8. 19-21. + +1 AB. i. 27 and 28 and KB. iz. 1 and 2 deal +with the carrying forward of the fire to +the high altar from the old Ahavanlya + + +which now takes the place of the G&rha- +patya; see AfS. iii. 7. 8 ; ii. 17.8 ; 9£S. +iii. 14. 8-14; Schwab, Dot alUndische +Thieropfer, pp. 80-88. For this legend cf. +TS. vi. i. 6. 6; 10. 4 ; £B. iii. 2. 4. 8. + +1 Or possibly ‘when your object shall be +(accomplished) through me ’, but this is +less likely. + +i.28. 1 RV. z. 176. 2. Cf. KB. iz. 2; £B. iii. + +5 . 2 . 2 . + +* RV. iii 64. 1. + + + +129] + + +The Bringing forward of the Fire [—i. 28 + +us with the splendours of his home; let Agni hear us immortal with his +divine (splendour); until old age on him he shines immortal, who thus +knows.' * He here first hath been set down by the ordainers this Jagati +verse 3 should he recite for a Vaigya; the Vaigya is connected with the +Jagati; cattle are connected with the Jagati; verily thus with cattle he +makes him prosper. Variegated in the woods, manifested for every +people' is an appropriate (verse 4 ); that which in the sacrifice is appro¬ +priate is perfect. 1 Here the godly in this Anus^ubh 6 he utters speech; +the Anusfcubh is speech; verily thus in speech he utters speech. In that +he says 4 Hereverily thus speech declares 4 Here am I come who afore¬ +time have dwelt with the Gandharvas.’ 4 Agni protecteth here' (he says 6 ), +Agni here protects; 4 As from the immortal race 1 ; verily thus he confers +immortality upon him. 4 Stronger than the strong the god made for life ’ (he +says), for Agni is a god made) for life. 4 Thee in the footstep of the +sacrificial food, on the navel of the earth' (he says 7 ); the navel of +the high altar is the footstep of the sacrificial food. 4 O All-knower, we +deposit thee’ (he says), for they about to deposit him. ‘O Agni, to carry +the oblation ’ (he says), for he is about to carry the oblation. 4 O Agni of +fair face, with all the gods, sit first on the birthplace rich in wool' +(he says 8 ) ; verily thus he makes him sit with all the gods. 4 Making +a nest, rich in ghee, for Savitr ’ (he says); a nest as it were is made in the +sacrifice by the enclosing sticks of Pitudaru wood, bdellium, the wool +tufts, and the fragrant grasses. 4 Lead the sacrifice well for the sacrificer ’ (he +says); verily thus he establishes straight the sacrifice. 4 Sit, O Hotr, in +thine own place, discerning' (he says 9 ) ; the Hotr of the gods is Agni ; +the navel of the high altar is his own place. 4 Do thou place the sacrifice in +the birthplace of good deeds ’ (he says); the sacrifice is the sacrificer; verily +thus for the sacrificer he invokes this benediction. 4 Seeking the gods, ,do +thou sacrifice to the gods with oblation, O Agni, do thou accord great +power to the sacrificer' (he says); power is breath ; verily thus he places +breath in the sacrificer. ‘The Hotr in the Hotr's seat, well knowing* +(he says 10 ); the Hotr of the gods is Agni; the navel of the high altar is his +Hotr's seat. 4 Shining, resplendent, he hath sat, the well skilled ’ (he says), +for he is seated here. 4 With vows and foresight undeceived, most bright ’ +(he says); Agni is the most bright of the gods. ‘Bearing a thousand, +Agni, of pure tongue ’ (he says); for this is his character of bearing + + +8 RV. iv. 7. 1. + +4 RV hr. 7 Id, + +8 RV. x. 176. 8. avdksam is merely a play on +vdCj not a genuine form; see Liebioh, +Pdnini t p. 27. CL AB. viii. 9; above, p. 72. + +17 [h.o.s. ib] + + +• RV. x. 176. 4. + +7 RV. iii. 29. 4. + +8 RV. vi. 16. 16. +8 RV. iii 29.8. +10 RV. ii. 9.1. + + + +i. 28— ] The Soma Sacrifice [130 + +a thousand, that him being but one they carry apart in many directions; +prosperity a thousandfold he obtains who knows thus. ‘ Thou art a herald, +thou also our protector from afar,’ with this last (verse u ) he concludes. +‘Thou, O strong one, art the leader to greater wealth; O Agni, for +ourselves, our children and of&pring, be thou the guardian, resplendent +and never failing’ (he says); Agni is the guardian of the gods; verily +thus does he place Agni as a guardian on all sides for himself and for the +sacrificer, when one knowing thus concludes with this (verse); moreover, +thus he produces prosperity for a year. Eight he recites, perfect in form; +that in the sacrifice is perfect which is perfect in form, that rite which +as it is being performed the verse describes. Of these he recites the first +thrice, the last thrice; they make up twelve; the year has twelve months; +Prajapati is the year; verily thus with those that have their abode in +Praj&pati he prospers who knows thus. He repeats the first thrice, the last +thrice; verily thus he ties the two ends of the sacrifice, for firmness, for +might, to avoid slipping. + +i. 29 (v. 8). ‘Recite 1 for the two oblation holders being brought forward' +the Adhvaryu says. ‘I yoke your ancient holy power with praises’ +he recites;* with the holy power the gods yoked the two oblation holders; +verily thus with the holy power he yokes the two; what has the holy power +come to no harm. ‘ Let the two come forward with weal for the sacrifice,’ +this triplet 8 to sky and earth he recites. They say, ‘ Seeing that he recites +by order for the two oblation holders being brought forward, then why +does he recite a triplet to sky and earth? ’ Sky and earth were the oblation +holders of the gods; even to-day also are they the oblation holders, for +within these is here all oblation and whatever there is; therefore he recites +a triplet to sky and earth. ‘ What time ye came like twins striving’ (he +says 4 ), for moving like twins they come in an even line. ‘ Pious men bore you +forward' (he says), for pious men bear them forward. ‘ Sit down in your +own place, well knowing; be of secure abode for our Soma drop ’ (he says); +the drop is Soma the king; verily thus he makes the two for Soma the +king to sit on. ‘In the two thou hast placed the word of praise’ (he +says 5 ), for on the two the third, the covering, is deposited. In that he +says ‘ The word of praise ’, and the word of praise is the sacrificial rite, +verily with it he makes the sacrifice prosper. ‘ Who in union with + +11 RV. ii. 9.2. The sense of tohuya not tone Caland and Henry, L'Agnittoma, pp. 82-98. + +tanundm and its construction is an* Cf. $B. iii. 6. 3.16. + +certain. * RV. x. 18. 1. + +1 AB. i. 29 and KB. ix. 8 and 4 deal with the 9 RV. ii. 14.19-21 ; cf. AB. ix. 3. + +bringing forward of the two Soma carts to 4 RV. x. 18. 2. + +the high altar; see AfS. iv. 9; 9fS. y. 18; 6 RV. i. 88. 8 : 1 restrain 1 is used in yataamcd. + + + +131] The Bringing forward oj Agni and Soma [— i. 30 + +uplifted ladle pay honour; unrestrained he dwelleth in thine ordinance, +he doth flourish 9 (he says); the line containing the word 4 restrain* which +he yonder first said, that with this he appeases, for appeasement. * May thy +strength be favouring to the sacrificer who poureth (oblation) *, he invokes +this benediction. ‘All forms the sage doth assume/ this ‘All form* +(verse 6 ) he recites; he should recite looking at the fronton, for the +fronton has as it were all forms, white as it were, and black as it were. +Every form he wins for himself and for the sacrificer when one knowing +thus recites the verse while looking at the fronton. ‘Around thee, +O singer, the songs *, with this last (verse 7 ) he concludes. When he thinks +that the oblation holders are covered, he should conclude then. The wives +of the Hotr and the sacrificer are not likely to become naked, when one +knowing thus concludes with this (verse) when the oblation holders have +been covered. By a Yajus 8 are the oblation holders covered; verily thus +with a Yajus they cover the two. When the Adhvaryu and the Pratipra- +sthatr strike in the posts on both sides, then should he conclude; for then are +the two covered. Eight he recites, perfect in form; that in the sacrifice is +perfect which is perfect in form, that rite which as it is being performed +the verse describes. Of them he recites the first thrice, the last thrice; +they make up twelve; the year has twelve months; Prajapati is the year; +verily thus with those whose abode is Prajapati he prospers who knows +thus. He recites the first thrice, the last thrice; verily, thus he ties the +two ends of the sacrifice for firmness, for might, to prevent slipping. + +The Bringing forward of Agni and Soma . + +i. 30 (v. 4). ‘ Recite for Agni and Soma being brought forward * the +Adhvaryu says. 1 ‘ Do thou pour forth, O god, for the first the father *, (this +verse *) to Savitr he recites. They say, ‘ Since he recites by order for +Agni and Soma being brought forward, then why does he recite a verse to +Savitr ? * Savitr is lord of instigation; verily thus instigated by Savitr +they bring them forward; therefore he recites (a verse) to Savitr. 1 Let +Brahmanaspati move forward ’, (this verse) to Brahmanaspati he recites 3 +they say, 1 Since he recites by order for Agni and Soma being brought forward, +then why does he recite (a verse) to Brahmanaspati?* Brhaspati is the holy + +6 RV. v. 81. 2. rardtya is a variant form of holder; see A£S. iv. 10; <JQS. y. 14 ■ + +rardt i, not loc. as S&yana. Caland and Henry, VAgnistoma , pp. 110- + +7 RV. i. 10. 12. 116. Cf. <?B. iii. 6 . 8 . 9. + +8 See TS. i. 2.18 k. ■ Not in RV.: given in A£S. iv. 10. 1; <?Q8. + +1 AB. i. 80 and KB. ix. 5 and 6 deal with the v. 14. 9 ; cf. AV. vii. 14.8; KS. xxxvii. 9; + +bringing forward of Agni and Soma and TB. ii. 7.15. 1; KB. ix. 5 + +the placing of Soma in the right oblation 8 RV. i. 40. 8 . + + + +[132 + + +i. 80—] The Soma Sacrifice + +power; verily thus he makes the holy power their harbinger; that which +contains the holy power comes not to harm. * Let the goddess move forward, +the bounteous (he says); verily thus he makes the sacrifice possessed of boun¬ +teousness ; therefore does he recite (a verse) to Brahmanaspati. ‘TheHotr, +the god, the immortal this triplet 4 to Agni he recites, when Soma, the king, +is being brought forward. Soma the king the A suras and the Rakgases sought +to slay as he was being brought forward between the Sadas and the oblation +holders; Agni by his cunning led him past. ‘ He goeth before by cunning ’ +he says, for he led him past by cunning; therefore in front of him they +carry Agni. ‘ To thee, O Agni, day by day 9 and c To the dear the adorable ’ +these three 6 and one 6 he recites; these two, coming together, are liable to +injure the sacrificer, he that was formerly taken out and he whom after they +bring forth. In that he recites three and one, verily thus he unites them in +unison; verily thus he establishes them in security, to prevent injury to +himself or the sacrificer. ‘O Agni, rejoice; be glad in this prayer' he +recites 7 when the libation is being offered; verily thus he causes the libation +to gladden Agni. * Soma goeth, who knoweth the way', this triplet 8 in +Gayatri to Soma he recites, when Soma the king is being brought for¬ +ward; verily thus with his own deity, his own metre, he makes him +prosper. ‘ Soma hath sat him on his place ’ he says; for he is going to +take his seat here; having gone beyond and placing the Agnldh’s altar at +his back as it were should he recite. 1 This of him King Varuna, this the +A$vins ’, (this verse 9 ) to Visnu he recites; 1 Attend the insight of him with +the Maruts, the ordainer; he doth support the strength, the highest, that +knoweth the day; the stall doth Visnu with his comrades reveal * (he +says); Visnu is the door guardian of the gods; verily thus he opens the +door to him. ‘ When within thou hast come forward, thou shalt be Aditi ’ +he recites 10 when he is being put in place. ‘ Like an eagle his nest, the seat +wrought with devotion' (he says u ) when he has been put in place. * To the +golden to sit on the god hasteneth * (he says); golden as it were he spreads +thus for the gods as a cover the black antelope skin. Therefore does he +recite this (verse). ‘ He hath established the sky, the Asura, all-knower ’ 12 , +with (this verse) to Varuna he concludes; so long as he is tied up he has +Varuna as his deity, so long as he is approaching the covered (places); +verily thus with his own deity, his own metre, he makes him prosper. If +they should run up to him or seek safety, he should conclude with the +following (verse 1S ), ‘ Do thou welcome Varuna the great.' For so many as + +4 RV. iii. 87. 7-9. 9 RV. i. 166. 4. + +• RV. i. 1. 7-9. 19 RV. viii. 48. 2. + +• RV. ix. 67. 29. » RV. ix. 71. 6. + +i RV. L 144. 7. “ RV. viii. 42. 1. + +1 RV. iii. 62. 13-15. Cf. KB. iv. 4. >» RV. viii. 42. 2. + + + +133] The Bringing forward of Agni and Soma [ —i. 30 + + +he desires freedom from fear, for so many as he contemplates freedom from +fear, to so many is freedom from fear accorded, when one knowing thus +concludes with this (verse). Seventeen (verses) he recites, perfect in form; +that in the sacrifice is perfect, which is perfect in form, that rite which as +it is being performed the verse describes. Of them he recites the first thrice, +the last thrice ; they make up twenty-one; Prajapati is twenty-onefold ; +twelve months, five seasons, these three worlds, yonder Aditya as twenty- +first, the highest support. This is the divine field, this prosperity, this is +overlordship, this the expanse of the tawny one, this the abode of Praja¬ +pati, this self-rule. Verily thus he prospers as regards him 14 with these +twenty-one (verses). + + +14 For the construction see above i. 1, n. 3. +For akar na vat above, which Btthtlingk +condemns, may be cited MS. i. 6. 10; +10 . 10, 18; 11. 10; iii. 6. 10; iv. 2. 1; +perhaps i. 8. 7 (Caland, VOJ. xxiii. 58); +JUB. i. 5. 1; TB. i. 208. 6; Oertel, Trans. + + +Connecticut Acad . xv. 68; Bloomfield, JAOS. +xxvii. 77 ; Wackemagel, AUnuL Gramm, i. +191. maMnagnyd is apparently the +MS. tradition in i. 27, but may be a later +Prakritism. + + + + +PAtfCIKA II + +The Soma. Sacrifice (continued). + +ADHYAYA I + +The Animal Sacrifice. + +ii. 1 (vi. 1). By 1 means of the sacrifice the gods went upwards to the +world of heaven; they were afraid,‘Seeing this of us men and seers will track +us.’ Them they obstructed by means of the sacrificial post; in that they +obstructed them by means of the post, that is why the post has its name. +Having fixed it point down, they went upwards. Then men and seers came +to the place of sacrifice of the gods, ‘ Let us seek something to track the +sacrifice.’ They found the post only, established with point downwards. +They perceived, 1 By this the gods have blocked the sacrifice.’ Having dug +it out they fixed it upwards; then did they discern the world of heaven. +In that the post is fixed upright, (it is) to track the sacrifice, to reveal the +world of heaven. The post is a thunderbolt; it should be made of eight +corners ; the bolt is eight-cornered. This he hurls as a weapon at the rival +who hates him, to lay him low who is to be laid low by him. The post is +a bolt; it stands erect as a weapon against the foe. Therefore also to him +who hates there is displeasure in seeing, ‘ This is N. N.’s post, this is +N.N.'s post.’ Of Khadira wood should he make the post who desires +heaven; by means of a post of Khadira the gods won the world of +heaven; thus verily also the sacrificer by a post of Khadira wins the +world of heaven. Of Bilva should he make the post, who desires proper +food and desires prosperity. Year by year is Bilva taken; this is the symbol +of proper food. It should be covered with branches up to the root, this is +(the symbol) of prosperity. He prospers in offspring and cattle who knowing +thus makes the post of Bilva. Now as to (his using) Bilva, 2 they say +‘ Bilva is light ’; a light he becomes among his own people, he becomes the +chief of his own people, who knows thus. Of Palana should he make the +post, who desires brilliance and desires splendour. The Pal& 9 a is the +brilliance and splendour of the trees 3 ; brilliant and resplendent he becomes + +1 AB. ii. 1-14 and KB. x deal with the animal * The Plnti here accentuates the word. For +sacrifice. The Sfitras (A 9 S.iii.lte 9 .; QQS. Bilva cf. TS. ii. 1. 8. 1. + +v. 15) are cited in full in Sohwab, Das * For the Parna cf. TS. iii. 5. 7. 2, whence its +allindische Thisropfer. For § 1 cf. TS. vi. name of brahmavrksa like fritrfcfo for the + +8 . 4. 7; Schwab, p. 2. Bilva. + + + +185] The Animal Sacrifice [—ii.2 + +who knowing thus makes the post of Pala$a. As to (his using) Pal&$a, the +P&lafa is the birthplace of all trees; therefore they speak with the word +‘ Palana ’ of foliage generally, as ‘ the foliage of N. N.; the foliage of N. N.* +The desire in all trees is obtained by him who knows thus. + +ii. 2 (vi. 2). 1 We are anointing the post; do thou recite ’ the Adhvaryu +says. ‘ They anoint thus at the sacrifice, pious men ’ he recites, 1 for at the +sacrifice pious men anoint him. ‘ O tree, with divine sweetness 9 ; the butter +is the divine sweetness. 1 What time thou dost stand aloft, then give us +riches, or what time thou dost dwell in the lap of the mother 9 (he says); + +* if thou shalt stand or thou shalt lie,bestow wealth upon us 9 he says in effect. + +( Rise erect,O lord of the forest * is the appropriate (verse 2 ) for it being raised; +that which in the sacrifice is appropriate is perfect. ‘On the surface of the +earth * (he says); that is the surface of the earth where they set up the +post. 9 Being set up with careful setting, do thou bestow radiance on +the bearer of the sacrifice,* this benediction he invokes. ‘ Rising before +the kindled 9 (he says 3 ), for it is erected before the kindled (fire). ‘ Winning +the holy power unaging, with good heroes *, this benediction he invokes. +‘ Driving misfortune far from us * (he says); misfortune is hunger, the evil; +verily thus he drives it away from the sacrifice and from the sacrificer. +‘ Rise erect for great good fortune,’ this benediction he invokes. 4 1 Aloft to +our aid do thou arise like the god Savitr 5 *; ‘the na of the gods is their +am 9 (they say); verily thus he says * stand like the god Savitr * Aloft as +the gainer of booty * (he says); verily thus he gains it as a gainer of booty +and winner of riches. 1 What time with skilled singers we vie in calling ’ +(he says); the skilled singers are the metres; by means of them the sacri- +ficers vie in calling the gods; ‘ To my sacrifice come ye, to my sacrifice.* + +Even if many as it were sacrifice, the gods come to the sacrifice of him + +where one knowing thus recites this (verse). * Aloft protect us from tribu¬ +lation, with thy beams do thou consume every devourer ’ (he says 8 ); the +devourers are the Raksases, the evil; verily thus he says, ‘Bum the +Raksases, the evil.* ‘ Make us erect for motion, for life,’ in that he says +thus, verily he says ‘Make us erect for moving, for life.’ Even if the +sacrificer is seized as it were, verily thus he gives him to the year. ‘ Find +our worship among the gods ’, this benediction he invokes. ‘ Bom he is + +bom in the fairness of the days * (he says 7 ), for bom he is thus bom. + +‘ Waxing great in the mortal ordinance ’ (he says); verily thus they make + +1 BY. iii. 8 . 1. Cf. KB. x. 2 ; <}B. iii. 7. 1 . 4 RV. ill. 8 . 2 d. + +9 mq .; Schwab, Das altindiache Thieropfer , 6 RV. i. 86 . 18; see Schwab, p. 71. + +pp. 70, 71, 78. « RV. i. 86 . 14. + +* RV. iii. 8 . 8 . 7 RV. iii. 8 . 6 . + +9 RV. iii. 8. 2. + + + +ii. 2 —] The Soma Sacrifice [136 + +it grow. ‘ They purify him, the clever, the busy, with skill ’ (he says); +verily thus they purify it. ‘ The sage uttereth his speech desirous of the +gods ’ (he says); verily thus he announces it to the gods. ‘ The youth, +well dad, covered round, hath come ’, with this last (verse •) he concludes; +the youth well clad is the breath; it is enclosed with the bodily parts. +‘ Better he becometh being born ’ (he says), for ever better he becomes being +born. ‘Him the wise sages raise up, the prudent, the pious with their +minds ’ (he says); the sages are the learned ones; verily thus they raise +it up. Seven (verses) he repeats, perfect in form; that in the sacrifice is +perfect which is perfect in form, that rite which as it is being performed the +verse describes. Of them he says the first thrice, the last thrice; they make +up eleven; the Tris^ubh has eleven Syllables; the thunderbolt of Indra is +the Tri^ubh; verily thus with those whose abode is Indra he prospers who +knows thus. He recites the first thrice, the last thrice; verily thus he ties +the ends of the sacrifice, for firmness, for might, to prevent slipping. + +ii. 8 (vi. 8). ‘ Should the post stand ? Or should he throw it (into the +fire)?’ they say. It should stand for one desiring cattle. Cattle would not +serve the gods for slaying as food. They having departed kept disputing; +‘ Ye shall not slay us, not us.’ Then the gods saw this post as a thunderbolt; +they raised it up against them; fearing it they came back; verily even to-day +they come up to it. Thereafter the cattle served the gods for slaying as +food. Cattle serve for slaying as food him who knows thus and for whom +knowing thus the post continues standing. He should throw (it) after for +one who desires heaven; the ancients used to throw it after, (thinking) +‘ the post is the sacrificer, the strew the sacrificer; Agni is the birthplace of +the gods ; he, having come into existence from Agni as the birthplace of +the gods from the oblation, with a body of gold will go aloft to the world +of heaven.’ Then those who were later than they saw this chip as a frag¬ +ment of the post 1 ; it should be thrown after at this time ; thence is obtained +the desire in the throwing after, thence the desire is obtained which is in the +standing. Himself to all the deities he offers who consecrates himself; all +the deities are Agni; all the deities are Soma; in that he offers a victim to +Agni and Soma, verily thus the sacrificer redeems himself from all the +deities. 3 They say, ‘ As victim for Agni and Soma should be offered one of +two colours, 3 for it is for two deities.’ That is not to be regarded. It should +be offered as fat; cattle are characterized by fat; the sacrificer becomes +emaciated as it were; in that the victim is fat, verily thus he makes the +sacrificer prosper with his own fat. They say, ‘ He should not eat of the + +* BY. Hi. 8. 4. * Cf. TS. vi. 1. 11. 6; KB. x. 8. + +* C£ TS.vi. 8.4.9; KS.xxvi.6j MS.iii.9.4; s Cf. £B. Hi. 8. 4. 28; KB. x. 8; Livi, La + +£B. iii. 7.1.82. doctrine da sacrifice, p. 182. + + + +137] + + +The Animal Sacrifice + + +[—iU + + +victim for Agni and Soma; of a man he eats who eats of the victim for +Agni and Soma, for thereby the sacrifioer redeems himself/ That is not to +be regarded. 4 (The victim) for Agni and Soma is an oblation connected with +the slaying of Vrtra ; by means of Agni and Soma Indra slew Vrtra; they +said to him, ‘ Through us two thou hast slain Yrtra; let us choose a boon +from thee/ 1 Choose ’ (he said). They chose this boon, the victim on the +pressing day of to-morrow. This is regularly performed for those two; for +it is chosen as a boon for them. Therefore should the victim be partaken +of, and one should be fain to take it. + +ii. 4 (vi. 4). With the Apr! verses he delights; 1 the Apr! verses are bril¬ +liance and splendour; verily thus with brilliance and splendour he causes him +to prosper. He says the offering verses for the kindling-sticks; the kindling- +sticks are the breaths, for the breaths enkindle all that there is here; verily +thus he delights the breaths, he places the breaths in the sacrificer. He +says the offering verse for Tanunapat; Tanunapat is the breath, for he pro¬ +tects bodies; verily thus he delights the breath, he places the breath in the +sacrificer. He says the offering verse for Nara^ansa 2 ; men are offspring; +praise is speech; verily thus he delights offspring and speech; offspring and +speech he confers upon the sacrificer. He says the offering verse for the +sacrificial food; the sacrificial food is food; verily thus he delights food; +food he confers upon the sacrificer. He says the offering verse for the +strew; the strew is cattle; verily thus he delights cattle; cattle he confers +upon the sacrificer. He says the offering verses for the doors; the doors +are rain; verily thus he delights rain; rain and proper food he bestows +upon the sacrificer. He says the offering verse for dawn and night; dawn and +night are day and night; verily thus he delights day and night; in day and +night he places the sacrificer. He says the offering verse for the divine Hotrs; +the divine Hotrs are expiration and inspiration; verily thus he delights expira¬ +tion and inspiration; expiration and inspiration he confers upon the sacrificer. +He says the offering verse for the three goddesses; the three goddesses are +expiration, inspiration, and cross-breathing; verily thus he delights them; +them he confers upon the sacrificer. He says the offering verse for Tvastr; +Tvastr is speech, for speech creates 3 all this as it were; verily thus he +delights speech; he confers speech on the sacrificer. He says the offering verse + + +4 Cf. ts. vi i. ii. a + +1 The literal sense is of course intended as +well as the derivate 1 say the AprlsFor +the verses see AfS. iii. 2.6 seq. ; 9 £S. v.16. +6-7. Cf. KB. x. 8 , and for $$ 1 and 4 £B. +iii. 8 . 1 .2; ix. 2. 8 . 44. Cf. also Schwab, +Das dUindimhe Thierop/tr , pp. 90-92; Max +MUller, Anc. Sansk . Lit pp. 468 aeq. + +3 According to Ap£S. xxiv. 12.16 Nar&^ahsa + +18 [■•<>.». «•] + + +is invoked by the Yasisthas and 9 ^nakas +only, the other families keep to the +offering to Tantknap&t as the second of +the eleven fore-offerings ; see A£S. i. 5. +21; Weber, Ind. Stud* x. 88 aeq. + +9 Cf. RV. x. 180. 1; Waokernagel, Altind. +Gramm . i. 176, 274; Oldenbezg, Rgveda- +Noten , ii. 866 . + + + +[138 + + +II. 4—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +for the lord of the forest; the lord of the forest is the breath ; verily thus +he delights the breath; the breath he places in the sacrificer. He says the +offering verse for the calls of Hail!; the calls of Hail! are a support; verily +thus on a support at the end he establishes the sacrificer. For these should +he use (verses) by the ancestral seer; in that he uses (verses) by the seer, +verily thus he does not set loose the sacrificer from his connexion. + +ii. 5 (vi. 5). * Recite for the carrying round of fire * the Adhvaryu says. +‘ Agni, the Hotr, at our sacrifice *, this triplet 1 to Agni in Gayatri he recites +when the carrying round of fire is being performed; verily thus with +his own deity, his own metre, he makes him prosper. ‘ Being a steed +he is carried round* (he says), for him being as it were a steed they +carry round. ‘ Thrice round the sacrifice Agni goeth like a charioteer ’ +(he says), for he like a charioteer goes round the sacrifice. ( The lord +of strength, the sage * (he says), for he is the lord of strength. * Do thou +give the supplementary direction, O Hotr, for the oblations for the gods * +the Adhvaryu says. ‘ Agni hath conquered, 8 he hath won strength thus +the Maitravaruna begins the supplementary direction. They say, ‘ Since the +Adhvaryu gives the order for supplementary directions to the Hotr, 3 then +why does the Maitravaruna begin the supplementary direction?* The +Maitravaruna is the mind of the sacrifice; the Hotr is the voice of the +sacrifice; instigated by mind voice speaks, for the speech which one speaks +with his mind elsewhere, that speech is demoniacal and not acceptable to +the gods. In that the Maitravaruna begins the supplementary direction, +verily thus with mind he sets speech in motion; with speech set in motion +by mind he provides the oblation for the gods. + +ii. 6 (vi. 6). ‘ O divine slayers and O human (slayers) make ready * he +says; the slayers of the gods and those of man, them thus he instructs. +1 Bring ye (it) to the doors of sacrifice, 1 ordaining the sacrifice for the lords +of the sacrifice’ (he says). The sacrifice is the victim; the lord of the +sacrifice the sacrificer; verily thus he makes the sacrificer prosper with his +own sacrifice. Or rather they say, ‘To whatever deity the victim is +slaughtered, that is the lord of the sacrifice. 1 If the victim be for one +deity, ‘for the lord of the sacrifice’ he should say; if for two deities, +‘for the two lords of the sacrifice’; if for many deities ‘for the lords +of the sacrifice’. That is the rule. ‘Forward for him bear Agni’ (he + + +1 BV. iv. 15.1-8; see A£S. iii. 2.9. Cf. KB. +z. 3; £B. iii. 8. 1. 6; v. 16. 8; +Schwab, Das altindische Thieropfer , p. 93. + +8 A9S. iii. 2. 20; 99S. v. 16. 9. + +8 In this case Hotr is addressed to the +Maitrfivaruna, the generic term being +used for the specific. + + +ii. 6. 1 The phrase S&yana takes as havirmdrgdn +or vifasanahetik. Cf! A£S. iii. 3. 1; KB. x. +4; ?£S. v. 11; TB. iii. 6. 6. 1; KS. xvi. +21; MS. iv. IS. 4 ; BQS. v. 2.9; Schefte- +lowitz, Die Apokryphm dee Rgveda , p. 154; +Schwab, Dae altindische Thieropfer, pp. +102 eeq. ; Roth, Nirukta , pp. xxxviii. sq. + + + +139] + + +The Animal Sacrifice [—ii. 7 + +says); the victim as it was borne along saw death before it, and was not +willing to go to the gods; the gods said to it, 'Come; we shall make +you go to the world of heaven/ It replied ‘Be it so; bnt let one of +yon go before me/ ‘Be it so’ (they replied). Before it went Agni; +it followed after’ Agni. Therefore they say, ‘ Every animal is connected +with Agni, for after Agni it followed.’ Therefore also they bear Agni +before it. ‘Spread the strew’ (he says); the victim has plants as its +body; verily thus he makes the victim have its full body. ‘ May its mother +approve it, its father, its brother from the same womb, its comrade from +the same flock ’ (he says); verily thus they slay it with the approval of +its generators. 8 ' Place its feet north; make its eye go to the sun; let loose +its breath to the wind, its life to the atmosphere, its ear to the quarters, +its body to earth’ (he says); verily it he thus places in these worlds. +‘Flay off its skin in one piece; before cutting the navel force out the +omentum; keep its breath within* (he says); verily thus he places the +breaths in cattle. ‘ Make 3 its breast an eagle, its two front legs hatchets, +its two fore feet spikes, its shoulders two tortoises as it were, its loins +uncut, its thighs two door leaves, its knees oleander leaves; its ribs are +twenty-six; them in order remove; make each limb of it perfect’ (he +says); verily thus its members and its limbs he delights. ‘ Make a hole +in the earth to cover the offal ’ he says; the offal is connected with plants; +this (earth) is the support of plants ; verily thus at the end he establishes +it in its own support. + +ii. 7 (vi. 7). ‘ Unite the Raksases with the blood ’ he says. 1 With the +husks and the polishings the gods deprived the Raksases of the offerings +of oblations (of cereals, Ac.), with blood of the great sacrifice. In that +he says ‘Unite the Raksases with the blood’, with their own share he +excludes the Raksases from the sacrifice. They say ‘He should not at +the sacrifice make mention of Raksases; what Raksases are there ? The +sacrifice is without Raksases.’ They say, however, ‘He should make +mention ; if a man deprive one with a portion of his portion, he revenges +himself on him, or if he does not revenge himself on him, then on his +son, or on his grandson, but he does revenge himself on him/ If he make +mention he should do so inaudibly; the inaudible part of speech is hidden +as it were, the Raksases are hidden as it were. If he were to make +mention audibly he would make his speech the speech of the Raksases. + +* An interesting example of the common kavafdk&rau and for this cl kava§ of doors + +practice of deprecating the anger of the in MS. iii. 16. 2; VS. xxix. 6. + +relatives of the dead victim. 1 Cf. ?B. xi. 7. 4. 2. See AfS. iii. 8. 1-4 , + +* The details of the cutting up are obscure; 998. v. 17. 8 mq. rakfobh&tah is taken as + +. S&yana has for prapud prakrttachedanau , acc. by Sftyana, as gen. by BR., cf. i. 25. + +for fold pitdk&k&rau. karatoru is rendered For dtp cf. Oertel, Conned . Acad. xv. 159. + + + +ii. 7—] + + +[140 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + +He who speaks the speech of the Raksases (speaks) that speech which +a proud person or a man distraught speaks; that is the speech of the +Raksases. He does not himself become proud, nor in his offspring is +a proud son born who knows thus. ‘Its entrails 2 do not cut deeming +them an owl (in that shape), lest in your family and offspring a howler +may howl, O slayer’ (he says); to the divine and the human slayers +verily thus he hands it over. ( 0 Adhrigu, toil, carefully toil; toil, +O Adhrigu 9 thrice should he say and ‘ O free from sin*; 3 the slayer of the +gods is the Adhrigu, the Nigrabhitr the one free from sin; verily thus +he hands it over to the slayers and the Nigrabhitrs. *0 slayers, +whatever here shall be well done, to us that; whatever ill done, elsewhere +that* (he says); Agni was the Hotr of the gods; with speech he +dissected it; by speech the Hotr dissects it. Whatever they cut below or +above, 4 whatever is done to excess or defectively, verily thus he indicates +it to the Nigrabhitrs and the slayers; prosperously verily is the Hotr +set free with full life for fullness of life ; all his life he lives who thus knows* +ii. 8 (vi. 8). The gods slew man as the victim. When he had been slain +his sap went out; it entered the horse; therefore the horse became fit +for the sacrifice, and him whose sap had departed they dismissed; he +became a monkey. 1 They slew the horse; it went away from the horse +when slain; it entered the ox; therefore the ox became fit for sacrifice, +and it whose sap had departed they dismissed; it became a Gauramrga. 2 +They slew the ox; it departed from the ox when slain; it entered the +sheep; therefore the sheep became fit for sacrifice, and it whose sap +had departed they dismissed; it became the Gayal. They slew the +sheep; it departed from the sheep when slain; it entered the goat; +therefore the goat became fit for sacrifice, and it whose sap had departed +they dismissed; it became the camel. It dwelt for the longest time in +the goat; therefore the goat is of these animals the most often employed. +They slew the goat; it departed from the goat when slain; it entered this +(earth); therefore this (earth) became fit for sacrifice, and it whose sap +had departed they dismissed; it became a Qarabha. 3 These animals whose + + +9 Sftyana takes rdvifta as ‘cut* but ravat as +4 make a noise', i. e. weep for a cause of +grief, and this must be right. Schwab +(Ztas altindische Thierop/er , p. 105) thinks +urUka m gudda and renders nsd * 4 and not *. +ru— 4 cut *; BR. take ru*= ‘cry* both times. + +8 Cf. TB. iii. 6. 6. 4 ; Schwab, p. 106, n. + +4 L e. too low or too far up; there must be +an error, not merely a description here +as in Sftyana; Haug has 4 too soon' and +4 too late \ + + +1 kimpurufafy is of very doubtful sense, but +4 monkey ’ seems much more likely than +4 dwarf’ suggested by Haug. Cf. £B. i. 2.8. +6-9; iii. 8.8.1; Weber, Ind. Stud. ix. 246. +9 Of uncertain nature ; 4 white deer ’, Haug. +Sftyana says 4 whose horns even are hairy’; +Bos gaums is the accepted version. + +* Of uncertain nature; mentioned in AV. ix. +5. 9 (gcUabha in Ppp.); VS. xiii. 51, &©.; +an eight-footed lion-killer is Sftyana's +version. + + + +141 ] + + +The Animal Sacrifice [— ii. 10 + +sap is departed are unfit for sacrifice; therefore one should not eat of +them. It they followed in this (earth); it, followed, became rice; in +that they offer also a cake in the animal sacrifice (it is because they +think) 'Let our sacrifice be with a victim with sap, let our sacrifice be +with a victim whole.’ 4 His sacrifice is performed with a victim with sap, +his sacrifice is performed with a victim whole who knows thus. + +ii. 9 (vi. 9). The cake (which is offered) is the victim which is killed; +the chaff 1 of it is the hairs, the husks the skin, the polishings the blood, the +pounded grains and fragments the flesh, whatever is substantial the bone. +With the sap of all animals he sacrifices who sacrifices with the cake. +Therefore they say, 'The cake offering is the people’s sacrificial session.’ + +4 Te two, Agni and Soma, of joint power, have placed +These constellations in the sky; + +Te too the rivers from unspeakable misfortune, + +O Agni and Soma, set free when fast held; 9 + +this offering verse 2 he says for the omentum. By all these deities is +he seized who becomes consecrated. Therefore they say ' He should not +eat (the food) of one consecrated/ In that he says as offering verse for +the omentum ' O Agni and Soma ye set free when fast held ’, verily thus +from all the deities he sets the sacrificer free. Therefore they say * One +should eat when the omentum has been offered, for he then becomes the +sacrificer.’ ‘ Another from the sky Matar^van bore * he says as offering +verse 8 for the cake. ‘ Another from the mountain the eagle pressed out ’, +(he says) for hence as it were is he, hence is the sap gathered. ‘ Make +ready the oblations, shape food forth ’ he uses as offering verse 4 for the +Svisfckrt of the cake (offering). Verily thus he makes ready the oblation +for him and places sap and strength in himself. He invokes the sacrificial +food; 6 the sacrificial food is cattle; 6 verily thus he invokes cattle; he +confers cattle on the sacrificer. + +ii. 10 (vi. 10). ‘ Recite for the oblation being cut off for Manota * the +Adhvaryu says. He recites the hymn 1 ‘ For thou, O Agni, are the first +thinker.’ They say ' Since the victim is for other deities also, then why + +4 For this idea see the next sentence, ii. 9; 9 BV. i. 98. 6; see A£S. i. 6.1 ad fin. + +4 whole sacrificial essence *, Haug. 4 BV. iii. 64. 22; see AfS. iii. 6. 9. Gf. + +1 The tenses of the words are not all clear, Schwab, Das aUindische ThieroRfer, p. 188. + +bat Sftyana’s views seem reasonable. 6 A9S. i. 7. 7 ; ffS. i. 12. 1 ; though Sayana +Anfrecht maintains yat kimcitkam against gives TB. iii. 6. 8. 1 as an alternative. + +PW. and Weber, Ind. Stud. ii. 9; lokyam " Sftyana cites for this TS. i. 7. 2. 1. +most have some such sense as rendered, ii. 10. 1 BV.vi. 1. Gf. KB.x.6; fB. iii. 8.8.14; +not merely«prefcfomyom. A$S. iii. 6.1; ffS. v. 19.18. The Maitrft- + +* BV. i. 98. 6 ; AfS. iii. 8. 1; 99 s - v * 18 * H. varnna says it; Schwab, Das altindische + +For the gen. dQcfitasya of. K^S. xxv. 8.16; Thieropfer, p. 187. + +TB. i. 8. 2. 7; KS. xiv. 6; JUB. i. 67.1. + + + +[142 + + +ii. 10—] The Soma Sacrifice + +does he recite (verses) to Agni alone for the oblation being cnt off for +Manota ?’ Three are the Manotas of the gods, for in them are their minds +woven. Speech is the Manota of the gods; for in it are their minds +woven. The cow is the Manota of the gods, for in it are their minds +woven. Agni is the Manota of the gods, for in him are their minds woven. +Agni is all the Manotas; in Agni the Manotas unite. Therefore he recites +(verses) to Agni only for the oblation being cut off for Manota. ‘0 Agni +and Soma, of the oblation set forward ’ he uses as offering verse * for the +oblation. In ‘of the oblation’ it is (appropriate and) perfect in form, +as ‘ set forward ’ it is perfect in form. Made perfect with all perfections +his oblation goes to the gods who knows thus. He says the offering verse +for the lord of the forest; 3 the lord of the forest is the breaths; with +life his oblation goes to the gods when one knowing thus says the +offering verse for the lord of the forest. He says the offering verse of +the Svistakrt; 4 the Svistakrt is a support; verily thus on a support +at the end he establishes the sacrifice. He invokes the sacrificial food; 6 +the sacrificial food is cattle; verily thus he invokes cattle; he confers +cattle upon the sacrificer. + + +ADHYAYA II + +The Animal Sacrifice ( continued ). + +ii. 11 (vii. 1). The gods performed the sacrifice; towards them as they +performed it came the Asuras, (saying) ‘ We shall make a disturbance of +their sacrifice.’ When over the victim had been said the Apris, before as +it were the circumambulation with fire they attacked the post from +the east. The gods, perceiving, placed around three forts consisting of +citadels made of Agni, to protect themselves and the sacrifice. These Agni- +made citadels kept shining and blazing. The Asuras, in terror, ran away; +verily with Agni before and Agni behind they smote away the Asuras +and the Raksases. Verily then also the sacrifices in that they perform +the circumambulation with fire place around three forts, consisting of +citadels made of Agni, to protect the sacrifice and themselves. Therefore +they carry fire round ; therefore for the carrying round of fire he recites. +The victim over which the Apris have been said and round which fire +has been carried they lead northwards. 1 They carry a torch before it, +(thinking) ‘The victim is in essence the sacrificer; by this light the +sacrificer with light before him will go to the world of heaven.’ By + +* BY. i. 93. 7 ; ggS. y. 19. 16. 4 See ggS. y. 19. 21-28. There is no Nigada. + +» See 99S. y. 19. 18-20. The verse is RV. x. " See ggS. v. 19. 24. Gf. AB. ii. 9. 11. + +70. 10. 1 Cf. TS. iii. 1. 8. 2. + + + +143 ] + + +The Animal Sacrifice [ —ii. 12 + +this light the sacrificer with light before him goes to the world of heaven. +When they are about to kill it, then the Adhvaryu throws the strew +below. In that they lead it outside the altar when over it has been said +the Apris and round it fire lias been carried, verily thus they make it +sit on the strew. They dig a hole for the offal; the offal is connected +with plants; this (earth) is the support of plants; verily thus in its support +it at the end they establish. They say, ( This animal is the oblation; +now much of it goes away, hair, skin, blood, dewclaws, hooves, the two +horns, the raw flesh falls away; by what is this made up?’ In that they +offer a cake also at the animal sacrifice, thereby is this made up for it. +The saps went away from animals; becoming rice and barley were they +bora; in that in the animal sacrifice they offer also a cake, (it is because +they think) ‘ Let our sacrifice be with a victim with sap; let our sacrifice +be with a victim whole/ His sacrifice is performed with a victim with +sap; his sacrifice is performed with a victim whole who knows thus. + +ii. 12 (vii. 2). Having forced out its omentum they bring it up; the Adh¬ +varyu covering it with butter from the dipping ladle says, * Recite for the +drops/ In that the drops are dropped, (it is because he thinks) ‘ The drops +are connected with all the deities; let these not, undelighted by me, go to +the gods/ ‘ Rejoice in the most extending * he recites. 1 ‘ This speech most +pleasing to the gods, offering the oblations in thy mouth * (he says); verily +thus he offers them in the mouth of Agni. ‘This our sacrifice place +among the immortals’, this hymn 2 he recites. In ‘Rejoice in these +oblations, O all-knower* he invokes rejoicing in the oblations. ‘Of the +drops, O Agni, of fat, of ghee ’ (he says), for they are of fat and of ghee. +‘ O Hotr, eat first seated * (he says); Agni is the Hotr of the gods; verily +thus he says ‘ O Agni, eat, first seated/ ‘ Rich in ghee, O purifying one, +for thee the drops of fat are dropped ’ (he says), 3 for they are of fat and of +ghee. In ‘ Bestow upon us in thy wont that most worthy thing meet for the +enjoyment of the gods ’ he invokes a benediction. ‘ To thee, the sage, the +drops drop ghee, O Agni, who art to be appeased ’ (he says), 4 for they drop +ghee. In 1 As best seer art thou kindled; do thou become the helper of the +sacrifice ’ he invokes the perfecting of the sacrifice. ‘ For thee they drop, 6 +0 Adhrigu, O mighty one, the drops, O Agni, of fat and of ghee’ (he +says), for they are of fat and of ghee. ‘ Praised by the poet with great +blaze hast thou come; rejoice in the oblations, O wise one ’, with this he +invokes rejoicing in the oblations. + + +1 RV. i. 75. 1; see Schwab, Das aUindische 8 RV. iii. 21. 2. + +Thisrapfsr, pp. 114, 115. 4 RV. iii. 21. 8. + +2 RV. iii. 21. * RV. iii. 21. 4. + + + +ii. 12 —] + + +[144 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + +‘ For thee from the middle the best fat is taken out, + +We give it forth unto thee; + +For thee, O bright one, the drops drop on the skin, + +Taste of them among the gods ’ + +(he says); 6 verily thus he says the vasat call over them, just as in ‘ O +Agni, taste the Soma.’ In that the drops are dropped, and the drops +are connected with all the deities, therefore the rain comes divided into +drops. + +ii. 13 (vii. 3). They say, 1 ‘ What are the invitatory verses of the calls of +Hail! What the direction? What the offering verse?’ These which he +recites are the invitatory verses, the direction is the direction; the offering +verse the offering verse. They say, ‘ What is the deity of the calls of +Hail!?’ ‘The All-gods’ he should reply. Therefore they use as offering +verse ‘ May the gods eat the oblation over which has been said the call +of Hail! ’ The gods by the sacrifice, by zeal, by fervour, by the libations +went to the world of heaven; when the omentum had been offered the +world of heaven was discerned by them; having offered the omentum, +disregarding the other rites they went aloft to the world of heaven. Then +the men and the seers came to the place of sacrifice of the gods, ‘ We shall +seek something of the sacrifice for discernment.’ They went round, and lo +the victim lying without entrails! 2 They perceived ‘ The victim is just +so much as the omentum.’ The victim is just so much as the omentum. +In that having cooked it they offer it at the third pressing, (it is because +they think) ( Let our sacrifice be performed with many libations; let our +sacrifice be with the victim whole.' His sacrifice is performed with many +libations; his sacrifice is with the victim whole who knows thus. + +ii. 14 (vii. 4). The libation of the omentum is a libation of ambrosia; the +Agni libation is a libation of ambrosia; the libation of butter is a libation +of ambrosia; the libation of Soma is a libation of ambrosia. These are +the incorporeal libations; with those libations which are incorporeal the +sacrificer conquers immortality. The omentum is seed; seed disappears +as it were, the omentum disappears as it were; seed is white, the omentum +is white; seed is incorporeal, the omentum is incorporeal. The blood and +the flesh are the body. Therefore should he say ‘ As much as is bloodless, + +4 RV. iii. 21. 5. fire; the last fore-offering after the drops + +1 The Puronuv&ky&s are those given above in are offered and before the omentum is + +AB. ii. 12 ; the Praisa is that of the fore- offered. See Schwab, Dos dUinduche + +offering hota yaktad agnim sv&h&jyasya ; Thieropfer, pp. 115,116. + +and the Yfijyfi, is that of the last Apr! 2 ait is changed by Weber to «d~ d + id, as often +verse. The first ten fore-offerings take in £B. i. 6. 2. 3; ii. 2. 3. 8; iii. 4. 2. 2, + +place before the circumambulation with Ac.; KS. viii. 10; Caland, VOJ. xxiii. 61. + + + +145] The Morning Litany [—ii. 15 + +so much do thou cut off.' (The offering) is made in five portions; 1 even +of the sacrifice is a four-portioner, still the omentum is made into five +portions. He makes a basis of butter, a fragment of gold (comes next), +the omentum, a fragment of gold; above he makes a layer of butter. +They say ‘ If there is no gold, how shall it be ? ’ Having made two bases +of butter, having made a portion of the omentum, then he makes two +layers of butter on the top; butter is ambrosia; gold is ambrosia; therein +he obtains the desire which is in the butter, therein he obtains the desire +which is in gold. They make up five; man is fivefold and disposed in +five parts, hair, skin, flesh, bone, marrow. Having made ready the sacri¬ +fice in the same extent as is man, he offers in Agni as the birthplace of +the gods; Agni is the birthplace of the gods; he having come into being +from Agni as the birthplace of the gods, from the libation, with a body of +gold, he goes aloft to the world of heaven. + + +The Morning Litany . + +ii. 15 (vii. 5). ‘For 1 the gods that move at mom recite, O Hot?' the +Adhvaryu says. Agni, Usas, and the A 9 VUI 8 are the gods that move at +mom; they come with seven metres each; the gods that move at mom +come to the call of him who knows thus. When Prajapati himself as +Hotr was about to recite the morning litany, both the gods and the +Asuras resorted to the sacrifice, (thinking) ( For us will he recite, for us.’ +He recited for the gods alone; then did the gods prosper, the Asuras were +defeated. He prospers himself, the evil rival who hates him who knows +thus is defeated. In the morning he recited it for the gods; in that he +recited in the morning, that is why the morning litany has its name. It +should be recited in the deep of the night, to secure the whole of speech, +the whole of the holy power. If a man prospers or attains pre-eminence, +his speech as uttered others repeat; therefore should it be recited +in the deep of the night; before the utterance of speech must it be +recited. If he should recite, when speech has been uttered, verily he +would make him a repeater of what has been said by another; there¬ +fore in the deep of night should it be recited. Before the speaking of +the fowls 2 should he recite; the birds, the fowls, are the mouth of Nirrti; + + +1 For this see Schwab, Das aiiindische Thieropfsr, +pp. 119, 120. Bhftr. vi. 16. 4 and 6 are +an obylous quotation from this passage. +The omentum is not divided, but the +offering is made of five portions. For +the Avad&nas see also Hillebrandt, Neu- +und VoUmondsopfer, pp. 108 seq. + +19 [»«••■ «•] + + +ii. 16. 1 For the morning litany see KB. xi. +For the ritual see A£S. iv. 18 ; (JfS. vi. 2; +Caland and Henry, L’Agnistoma, pp. ISO- +182. + +* Cf. TS. vi. 4. 8. 1 as further explained by +Ap£S. xii. 8. 14, 16, purfl vd vayobhyah +prmmditofa + + + +ii. 15 —] The Soma Sacrifice [146 + +now as to his reciting before the speaking of the fowls (it is because +they think), ‘ Let us not speak after speech has been uttered unconnected +with the sacrifice.’ Therefore it should be recited in the deep of the night. +Or rather when the Adhvaryu begins, then he should recite; when the +Adhvaryu begins, verily with speech he begins, at speech the Hot? +recites, for speech is the holy power. Herein is the desire obtained which +is in speech and in the holy power. + +ii. 16 (vii. 6). When Praj&pati himself as Hot): was about to recite the +morning litany, all the deities expected * With me will he begin; with me.’ +Praj&pati pondered, ‘ If I shall begin with one specified deity, then by what +means shall I obtain the other deities 1’ He saw this verse, 1 ‘ O waters, +the rich ones’; the waters are all the deities; the rich ones are all the +deities. With this verse he began the morning litany. All these deities +were delighted, ‘ With me has he begun; with me! ’ All the deities delight +in him beginning the morning litany. By him who knows thus the morning +litany is provided with all the deities. The gods were afraid, ‘ The Asuras +will take from us this morning sacrifice, just as those that have more force +and might.’ To them said Indra * Fear not; against them in the morning +shall I hurl my thunderbolt thrice made perfect.’ This verse did he speak; +it is a thunderbolt, in that it is addressed to the son of the waters; it is +a thunderbolt, in that it is a Tristubh; it is a thunderbolt in that it +is speech. It he hurled against them; with it he slew them; thus indeed +the gods prospered, the Asuras were defeated. He prospers himself, the +evil rival who hates him is defeated, who knows this. They say ‘ He indeed +would be a Hot? who in this verse could produce all the metres ’; this thrice +repeated supports all the metres; this is the generating of the metres. + +ii. 17 (vii. 7). A hundred (verses) should be recited for one desiring life; +man has a hundred (years of life), a hundred strengths, a hundred powers; +verily thus he confers upon him life, strength, and power. Three hundred +and sixty should be recited for one desiring the sacrifice; three hundred +and sixty are the days of the year; so great is the year; Praj&pati is the +year; the sacrifice is Praj&pati. To him the sacrifice condescends, for whom +one who knows thus recites three hundred and sixty. Seven hundred and +twenty should be recited for one desiring offspring and cattle. Seven +hundred and twenty are the days and nights of the year; so great is the +year; Praj&pati is the year; he through whose propagation all this is +propagated; verily thus through Praj&pati being propagated he is propa¬ +gated with offspring and cattle for propagation; he is propagated with +offspring and cattle who knows thus. Eight hundred should be recited for + + +1 RV. x. 80. 12. Cf. KB. xi. 4 ; A9S.hr. 18.6. + + + +147] + + +The Morning Litcmy [—ii. 18 + +one who is called not a Brahman 1 or who being ill-spoken of and seized +with defilement sacrifices; the G&yatri has eight syllables; by means of the +Gayatri the gods smote away the evil, the defilement; verily thus by +the Gayatri he smites away the evil, the defilement. A thousand should be +recited for one desiring heaven; the world of heaven is at a distance of +a thousand journeys * of a horse hence; (they serve) for the attainment +of the world of heaven, the securing, the going to (the world of heaven). +An unlimited number should be recited; Prajapati is unlimited; the +morning litany is the litany of Prajapati; in it are all desires obtained. +In that he recites an unlimited number, (it serves) to win all desires; all +desires he wins who knows thus. Therefore should an unlimited number +be recited. In seven metres he recites for Agni; seven are the worlds of +the gods; in all the worlds of the gods he prospers who knows thus. In +seven metres he recites for Usas; seven are the tame animals; he wins the +tame animals who knows thus. In seven metres he recites for the Alvins; +in seven ways spoke speech; so much spoke speech; (they serve) to secure +the whole of speech, the whole of the holy power. To three deities he +recites; three are these threefold worlds; verily (they serve) to conquer +these worlds. + +ii. 18 (vii. 8). They say ‘ How is the morning litany to be recited ? ’ The +morning litany is to be recited according to the metres; the metres are the +limbs of Prajapati; the sacrificer is Prajapati; that is meet for the sacrificer. +The morning litany should be recited by feet; cattle have four feet, for the +winning of cattle. By half-verses should it be recited, just as one usually +recites it, for support; man has two supports, cattle four feet; verily thus +the sacrificer with two supports he establishes among four-footed cattle; +therefore should it be recited by half-verses. They say ‘ Since the morning +litany is transposed, 1 how does it become not transposed?’ 'Since the +Brhatl does not depart from the middle of it,’ he should reply, 1 For this +reason.’ Some deities have the libations as their portion, others the Stomas +and the metres. The libations which are offered in the fire, by them he +delights those whose portion is the libations; in that they sing and recite, +thereby those whose portion is the Stomas and the metres. Both sets of +deities are delighted and sacrificed to by him who knows thus. Thirty- +three are the gods that drink Soma, thirty-three that do not drink Soma; +eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Prajapati and the va§at call are + + +1 Cf. also AB. i. 16, n. 18. + +* For other estimates see Weber, Ind. Stud . ix. + +860; o t Vedic Index, i. 70. +ii. 18. 1 This refers to the order of the metres +on the morning litany, viz. G&yatrl, + + +Anustubh, Tristubh, and Bfhatl; Usnih, +Jagati, and Pahkti, not the normal +(avffUdha) order by fours upwards, which +is given in the enumerations in the +Anukramani, 59®* Y * ® 7 » &°* + + + +ii. 18—] The Soma Sacrifice [148 + +the deities that drink Soma; the eleven fore-offerings, the eleven after¬ +offerings, the eleven subordinate 2 offerings, are those that do not drink the +Soma and have the victim as their portion; by Soma he delights the Soma +drinkers, by the victim those that do not drink Soma. Both sets of deities +are delighted and sacrificed to by him who knows thus. ‘ Usas with her +ruddy kine hath appeared ’, with this last (verse 2 ) he concludes. They say +' In that he recites for three rites, to Agni, to Usas, and to the Agvins, how +are all these rites concluded by him when he concludes with one verse +only?' ‘Usas with her ruddy kine hath appeared’ is the characteristic of +Usas; ‘ Agni in due season hath been placed ’ of Agni; ‘ Tour chariot hath +been yoked, O ye of great wealth, wonder-workers, the immortal, lovers of +sweetness, hear ye my call ’ of the A 9 VUI 8 . So all three rites are concluded +by him when he concludes with one verse only. + +ADHYAYA III + +The Aponaptrlya . + +ii. 19 (viii. 1). The 1 seers performed a sacrificial season on the Sarasvatl; +they drove away Kavasa Ailusa from the Soma, ‘The child of a slave +woman, a cheat, no Brahman; how has he been consecrated in our midst ? ’ +They sent him out to the desert, (saying) ‘There let thirst slay him; +let him drink not the water of the Sarasvatl/ He sent away to the +wilderness, afflicted by thirst, saw the ‘ child of the waters ’ hymn, 2 ‘ Forth +among the gods let there be speeding for the Brahman/ Thereby he +went to the dear abode of the waters; him the waters welled out after; all +around him Sarasvatl hastened. Therefore they call it here Parisaraka, in +that Sarasvatl went all around him. The seers said ‘ The gods know him; +let us summon him/ ‘Be it so’ (they replied). They summoned him; +having summoned him they performed this ‘child of the waters’ (hymn), +‘ Forth among the gods let there be speeding for the Brahman ’; therewith +they went to the dear home of the waters, of the gods. He goes to the dear +home of the waters, of the gods; he conquers the highest world who knows +thus, and he who knowing thus performs the ‘ child of the waters ’ (hymn). +It he should recite continuously; Paijanya comes to rain continuously 3 for + +* For these see TS. i. 8. 11. Kavasa of. KB. xii. 8; L4vi, La doctrine du + +8 RV. v. 75. 9. sacrifice, p. 160. + +1 AB. ii. 19 and 20 and KB. xii. 1 and 2 deal 8 RV. x. 80. The sense of the verse is doubt- +wifch the recitation for the drawing of ful: Caland and Henry render 1 Quo, + +the water for the Soma; see A^S. v. 1; pour le servicedivin, la marehe(du sacri- + +Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. 282, n. 2 ; Caland floe) aille aux dieux \ + +and Henry, VAgniqtoma, pp. 189 scq. For 8 Not /Imfctawxrji, i.e. 4 from passing clouds’ + +(S&yana absurdly ‘on the mountains*). + + + +149] + + +The Apmcuptriya [—ii. 20 + +offspring when one knowing thus recites this continuously. If he were to +recite with divisions, then Paijanya would rain with clouds for offspring; +therefore should it be recited continuously only. Of it he recites the +first (verse) thrice continuously; verily thereby the whole is continuously +recited. + +ii. 20 (viii. 2). These nine (verses) he recites without omission. 1 Send +forth our sacrifice with divine offering’ (he says) as tenth. 1 * Winding hither¬ +ward those of two streams ’ (he says 2 * ), when the Ekadhanft (waters) are +turned hitherward; * What time the waters are seen coming forward ’ (he +says 8 ) when they are being seen; 4 May the cows with milk, eager for the end* +(he says 4 ), when they are coming up; 4 Some come together, others come +up’ (he says 6 ) when they come together. The waters were in conflict, 4 we +shall first bear the sacrifice; we ’; both these Vasativari waters, which are +drawn on the previous day and the Ekadhana (waters which are drawn) in +the morning. + +These Bhrgu saw, 4 These waters are in conflict.’ Them with this verse +he brought into harmony, 4 Some come together, others come up.’ They +came into harmony; in harmony they support his sacrifice who knows +thus. * Like the waters divine they come up to the vessel of the offering * +he recites® when they are being poured together into the Hofcr’s goblet, +both the Vasativari and the Ekadhana (waters). ‘ Hast thou seen the +waters, O Adhvaryu ? ’ the Hotr asks the Adhvaryu; the sacrifice is the +waters; verily thus he says ‘Hast thou seen the sacrifice?’ ‘Yea, they +have indeed condescended ’ the Adhvaryu replies; verily thus he says 4 Look +upon them.’ 4 In these, O Adhvaryu, shalt thou press for Indra the Soma +rich in honey, full of rain, bitter at the end, thick meanwhile, 7 for him with +the Vasus, the Rudras, the Adityas, the Rbhus, the Vibhus, with Vaja, with +Brhaspati, with the All-gods, of which having drunk, Indra shall slay the +foes; he shall overcome their tribes’; (so saying) he rises to meet (them); the +waters are to be met; men rise to meet a superior when he comes; therefore +is he to rise to meet them. He must turn round behind them 8 ; they turn +round behind a superior; therefore must he turn round behind them. As +he recites he should move after them; for even if another be the sacrifioer + + +1 RV. x. 80.11. Cf. KB. xu. 1. + +2 RV. z. 80. 10. avrtt&su must b© read. + +* RV. x. 80.18. + +4 RV. v. 48. 1. + +8 RV. ii. 86. 8. + +4 RV. i. 88.2. The na is very curious and appa¬ + +rently an translatable; Caland and Henry + +suggest* Les dresses inearales en eaux *, +but of. Oldenberg, $gveda-Notm t i. 88. + + +7 So BR. v. 55 against S&yana. Oldenberg + +(on RV. x. 42. 8) takes the contrast to be +not of the plant but the Savanas, the last +being of flora Soma. VQjavate may mean +‘ full of strength. For the passage above +cf. TS. vi. 4. 8. 4. + +8 S&yana tries to make anu- and pary-dvftydh + +into two categories, which is impossible. + + + +ii.20—] The Soma Sacrifice [150 + +still fame will fall to the Hotr; therefore should he move after them as he +recites. Reciting this (verse °), ‘ The mothers go with the paths/ should he +move after. ‘The sisters of those that sacrifice, mixing the milk with +honey ’ (he says) who being without taste of the honey drink desires to win +fame. ‘ Those that are in the sun or with which is the sun ' (he says 10 ) +who desires brilliance and splendour. ‘ I invite the waters, the goddesses, +where our kine drink ’ (he says u ) who desires cattle. Reciting all these +should he move after, to win these desires. These desires he wins who +knows thus. ‘ They have come rich with living gifts ’ he recites 12 as the +Vasativari and the EkadhanS waters are being set down; ‘They have +come, the waters, eager to this strew/ when 13 they have been set down. +With this he concludes. + + +The Upahgu and Antarydma Cups. + +ii. 21 (viii. 8). The 1 morning litany is the head of the sacrifice; the +Upan 9 u and Antaryama (cups) are expiration and inspiration; speech verily +is a thunderbolt. Before the Upancju and Antaryama (cups) have been offered +the Hotr should not utter speech; if, before the Upaf^u and the Antaryama +(cups) have been offered, the Hotr should utter speech, with speech as +a thunderbolt he would interrupt the breaths of the sacrificer. If one +were to say then of him, ‘ With speech as a thunderbolt he has interrupted +the breaths of the sacrificer, breath will forsake him/ it would assuredly +be so. Therefore the Hotr should not utter speech before the Uparuju and +Antaryama (cups) have been offered. With ‘ Support expiration; hail! thee, +O easy to invoke, to the sun l * *• he should accompany the Upanju (cup) 2 ; +towards it he should breath forth with ‘ O expiration, support my expira¬ +tion/ With ‘ Support inspiration; hail! thee, O easy to invoke, to the sun! ’ +he should accompany the Antaryama (cup); towards it he should breath in +with ‘ O inspiration, support my inspiration ’; ‘ To cross-breathing thee 1 * +with this he utters speech, having touched the stone for pressing (the Soma +for) the Upan$u. Verily thus the Hotr, having placed the breaths in the +body, utters speech, with the whole of life, for the whole of life; a full life +he lives who knows thus. + + +* RV. i. 28, 16. + +*• RV. i. 28.17. + +11 RV. i. 28. 18. + +12 RV. x. 80. 14. + +» RV. x. 80. 15. + +* AB. ii. 21 and KB. xii. 4 deal with the + +first two eups offered, the Up&Afu and + + +Antary&ma ; see A£S. v. 2; 9£S. vi. 8 ; +Caland and Henry, L'Agniftoma , pp. 155- +157,160-168. + +2 1 Restrain * is also possible as a rendering; +‘ O well-calling one' is Eggeling's version +(SBE. xxvi. 254, n. 4). + + + +151 ] + + +The Sarpama and the Cakes + + +[—ii. 23 + + +The Sarpana. + +ii. 22 (viii. 4). They 1 say ‘ Should he creep 1 Should he not creep ? ’ ‘ He +should creep ' hold some, saying ‘ The Bahispavam&na is the food of both +gods and men; therefore they go together towards it.’ That is not to be +regarded. If he were to creep, he would make the Be a follower of the +Sfiman. If one here were to say of him, ‘ This Hotf has become a follower +of the S&man singer; he has conferred glory on the Udg&ti*; he has fallen +from his place; she will fall from her place,’ it would certainly be so. +Therefore seated here he should recite, + +* The Soma drink of the gods here, + +At the sacrifice, on the strew, on the altar, + +Of this, we are eating.’ + +So his self is not excluded from the Soma drinking. Moreover he should +say, ‘ Thou art the mouth; may I become the mouth ’; the Bahispavam&na +is the mouth of the sacrifice; the head among his own he becomes, the +chief of his own he becomes, who knows thus. An Asura woman,* named +Long Tongue, licked the morning pressing of the gods; it became drunk. +The gods sought to remedy it; they said to Mitra and Varuna, ‘Do ye +remove this (intoxication).’ They replied, ‘ Be it so; let us choose a boon +from you.’ * Choose ’ (they said). They chose this boon, the milk mess of +the morning pressing. This is their fixed portion, for it is chosen as +a boon by the two. Thus what by her was made intoxicated, as it were, is +made perfect by this (milk mess), for by it the two removed what was +intoxicated as it were. + +The Cakes. + + +ii. 23 (viii. 5). The 1 pressings of the gods were not firm. They saw these +cakes; they offered them at each pressing, to support the pressings; then +indeed were their pressings made firm. In that the cakes are offered at +each pressing, (they serve) to support the pressings, for so are those of them +made firm. The cakes the gods made citadels,* that is why the Puro^&fas + + +1 AB. ii. 82 and KB. xii. 5 deal with the +sarpana of the priests for the Bahispava¬ +m&na Stotra; see A$S. v. 2. 4. 5; Galand +and Henry, L'Agnistoma , pp. 171, 172. +The Mantra is spoiled in metre by the +insertion of too. Cf. also $B. jv. 2. 4.7; +Eggeling, 8BE. xxvi. 249, n. 2. As the +S&man tnne is based on the He (CU. iii. +6.1), it is seoondary. + +* The legend explains the nse of a milk mess +at the Bahispavam&na. The tale of the + + +Asorl is found in the Talavak&ra tradi¬ +tion referred to here by S&ya^a, and +published by Oertel, JAOS. xix. 120; +of. L6vi, La doctrine du sacrifice, p. 166. + +ii. 28 1 AB. ii. 28 and KB. xiii. 8 deal with +the cakes for the three pressings of Soma. +For the rule of eleven potsherds see TB. +ii. 5. 11. 4; Galand and Henry, L'Agni • +f toma, p. 184. + +9 purah is presumably the noun rather than +the prefix, cf. AB. i. 28. 1. + + + +[162 + + +ii. 23 —] The Soma Sacrifice + +have their name. They say ‘ He should offer the cakes at each pressing, +one on eight potsherds at the morning pressing, one on eleven potsherds at +the midday pressing, one on twelve potsherds at the third pressing, for such +is the characteristic of the pressings, such of the metres.’ That is not to be +regarded. The cakes at each pressing are all offered to Indra; therefore he +should offer them on eleven potsherds. They say ‘ From that part of the +cake should he eat where it is not anointed with ghee, to protect the Soma +drink; for by ghee as a thunderbolt Indra slew Vrtra.’ That is not to be +regarded. That which is purified is the oblation; what is purified is the +Soma drink; therefore should he eat from any part whatever of it. From +all sides these oblations, butter, fried grains, mush, the pap, the cake, and +the milk mess flow up to the sacrificer as delights; on all sides delights flow +up to him who knows thus. + + +The Sacrifice of Five Oblations. + +ii. 24 (viii. 6). He 1 who knows the sacrifice with five oblations prospers +with the sacrifice of five oblations; the sacrifice of five oblations is made up +of fried grains, mush, the pap, the cake, and the milk mess; this is the sacri¬ +fice of five oblations; he who knows thus prospers with the sacrifice of five +oblations. He who knows the sacrifice of five syllables prospers with the +Sacrifice of five syllables; the sacrifice of five syllables is 8u mat pad vag de ; +he prospers with the sacrifice of five syllables who knows thus. He who +knows the sacrifice of five Naragansas 2 prospers with the sacrifice of the +five Nara$afisas; the morning pressing has two Nara$ansa (cups); the mid¬ +day pressing two Nara^ansas; the third pressing one Nara^ansas; this is +the sacrifice of five Nara^ansas; he prospers with the sacrifice of five Nara- +9 &nsas who knows thus. He who knows the sacrifice of five pressings +prospers with the sacrifice of five pressings ; the sacrifice of five pressings +is the victim on the fast day, three pressings, the concluding victim ; he +prospers with the sacrifice of five pressings who knows thus. * With the +bay steeds let Indra eat the fried grains; with Pusan the mush; with Saras- +vati, with Bharati, the pap (is for Indra); for Indra the cake ’ is the offer- + + +1 AB. ii. 24 and KB. xiiL 2 deal with the + +sacrifice of five oblations, and AB. adds +speculations on other fivefold elements +in the sacrifice ; see Caland and Henry, +L'Agntitoma, pp. 184, 185. See also TS. +vi. 5. 11. 4 which very closely agrees. + +2 This refers to the fillings of the goblets, two + +for the first two pressings and once at + + +the third. For the sens^ see AB. vii. 84. + +3 The Mantra is defective as regards the +milk mess (payaeyd) and the construction +is broken, the parivdpa being meant for +Indra with Sarasvatl and Bhftratl. It is +apparently older than the ritual to which +it is accommodated. Cf. PB. i. 5. 11; +9?S. ▼. 4. 8. + + + +153] The Chips for two Deities [—ii.26 + +ing verse for the five oblation (sacrifice); the two bays are the Rc and the +Saman; Pusan is cattle; mush is food; ‘ With Sarasvati, with Bharati 9 (he +says); Sarasvati is speech, Bh&rata is the breath; ‘ the pap, for Indra the +cake 9 (he says); the pap is food, the cake is power; verily thus he makes +the sacrificer attain union and identity of form and world with these deities +he is united with a stronger, he obtains pre-eminence who knows thus. +* Enjoy, O Agni, the oblation 9 he says as offering verse for the Svis^akrt of +the cake at each pressing. Thereby did Avatsara go to the dear home of +Agni; he conquered the highest world. He goes to the dear home of Agni; +he conquers the highest world, who knows thus and who knowing thus +sacrifices with this (sacrifice of) five oblations and who says the offering +verse. 4 + + +ADHYAYA IV + + +The Cups Jor two Deities. + +ii. 25 (ix. 1). The 1 gods could not agree in the drinking first of Soma 9 +the king; ( Let me drink first; let me drink first 9 they desired. They said +seeking agreement, ‘ Come, let us run a race; he who of us wins shall drink +first of the Soma. 9 ‘ Be it so 9 (they replied). They ran a race; of them +running the race when they had started Vayu first took the lead, then +Indra, then Mitra and Varuna, then the Ajvins. Indra perceived of +Vfiyu ‘He is winning. 9 He ran up after him (saying) ‘Let us share +together; then let us win. 9 He answered, ‘No; I alone shall win. 9 +‘ A third for me; then let us win 9 (he said). c No, 9 he answered, ‘ I alone +shall win. 9 ‘ A fourth for me; then let us win 9 (he said). ‘ Be it so 9 (he +replied); he admitted him to a fourth share; therefore Indra has a quarter +as his portion, Vayu three-quarters. Indra and Vayu won together, then +Mitra and Varuna, then the Agvins. Their feeding is in accord with their +winning; first for Indra and Vayu, then for Mitra and Varuna, then for +the A^ins. The Indra-Vayu cup is drawn with a quarter for Indra. +Seeing this the seer declares 2 ‘ With the teams, with Indra as charioteer. 9 +Therefore now also (when) the Bharatas attack the property of the Satvants, + + +4 Ycyata yajafUi ca is very curious, though the +sense is clear. Presumably iti here is +used to point the contrast of yajate and +yajati. For the use of no cf. perhaps the +K&nva text of $B. iv. 2. 1. 7: ncty u too +cak&ra . Cf. AB. ii. 80.6 : samavanayati and +°naycU*. + +1 AB. ii. 26-28 and 80 and KB. xiii. 6-8 (cf. + +20 *•] + + +£B. iy. 1.3.11) deal with the cups for two +deities, those for Indra and Vftyu, Mitra +and Varuna, and the Afvins; see A£S. +v. 6; 993. vii. 2. 1-3. 6; Caland and +Henry, L'Agnifloma, pp. 199-208 ; for the +race motive cf. Oertel, Tirana. Conn. Acad. +xv. 174 ; AB. iv. 7. + +* RV.iv. 46. 26 or 48. 2 6. + + + +ii. 25—] The Soma Sacrifice [154 + +the charioteers claim a fourth (of the booty) by force of the example since +then Indra becoming a charioteer as it were conquered. 8 + +ii. 26 (ix. 2). The cups for two deities are the breaths ; that for Indra and +Vayu is speech and breath; that for Mitra and Varuna eye and mind; that +for the A 9 vins ear and self. Now some make the invitatory verses for that +for Indra and Vayu Anusfcubhs, and the offering verses Gayatris (saying), +1 The cup for Indra and Vayu is speech and breath; thus will the two be in +accord with metres also.’ This is not to be regarded. Imperfection is pro¬ +duced in the sacrifice when the invitatory verse is longer than the offering +verse; when the offering verse is the longer, that is perfect, and so also +when they are equal. For whatever desire in speech or breath he thus +acts, that is herein obtained. The first invitatory verse is addressed to +Vayu, the second to Indra and Vayu 1 and so with the offering verses. 8 +With the one addressed to Vayu, he puts breath in order, for breath is +V&yu; then with the Indra line of (the verse) to Indra and Vayu he puts +speech in order, for speech is connected with Indra. He obtains the desire +in breath and speech; he makes no unevenness in the sacrifice. + +ii. 27 (ix. 3). (The cups) for two deities are the breaths; they are drawn +in one vessel; therefore the breaths have one name. They are offered in two +vessels 1 ; therefore the breaths are in pairs. With the Yajus with which +the Adhvaryu offers, the Hotr accepts. With ‘This the wealthy one, of +much wealth; here the wealthy, of much wealth; in me the wealthy, of +much wealth; protector of speech, protect my speech ’ he partakes of (the +cup) for Indra and Vayu. ‘ Invoked is speech together with breath ; may +speech together with breath invoke me; invoked are the seers, divine, +guardians of the body, bom of fervour; may the seers, the divine, invoke +me, guardians of the body, bom of fervour* (he says); the seers, divine, +guardians of the body, bom of fervour are the breaths; verily thus he +invokes them. With ( This the wealthy, finding wealth ; here the wealthy, +finding wealth; in me the wealthy, finding wealth; guardian of the eye, +guard mine eye * he partakes of (the cup) for Mitra and Varuna. * Invoked +is the eye together with mind; may the eye together with mind invoke +me; invoked are the seers, divine, guardians of the body; bom of fervour * +(he says); the seers, divine, guardians of the body, bom of fervour are the + +9 That Satvant and Bharata are proper 1 RV. iv. 46.1 and 2. Haug has misinterpreted +names is only to be believed, though this chapter as allowing, and not as for- + +S&yana does not recognize either. This bidding inequality, not observing that + +involves the change of Satoandm to the verses used are in G&yatrl. + +Satoatdm as in <?B. xiii. 5. 4. 21. Cf. ii. 27. 1 I.e. by the Adhvaryu and Prati- +below AB. viii. 14; Weber, Ind. Stud. iz. prasth&tf; see Caland and Henry, VAgni- + +258, 264 ; Vedic Index , ii. 421. ftoma, p. 199. Cf. for the chapter TS. vi. + +1 RV. i. 2.1 and 4. Of. KB. xiii. 15. 6. 9. 8, 4; QB. iv. 8. 1. + + + +155] + + +The Chips for two Deities [—ii. 28 + + +breaths; verily thus he invokes them. With 4 This the wealthy, collecting +wealth ; here the wealthy, collecting wealth ; in me the wealthy, collecting +wealth; guardian of the earth, guard mine ear 1 he partakes of (the cup) +for the A<jvins. 4 Invoked is the ear together with the self; may the ear +together with the self invoke me; invoked are the seers, divine, guardians +of the body, bom of fervour; may the seers, divine, guardians of the body, +bom of fervour, invoke me* (he says); the seers divine, guardians of the body, +bom of fervour, are the breaths; verily thus he invokes them. He partakes +of (the cup) for Indra and V&yu front to front 2 ; therefore expiration and +inspiration are in front; he partakes of (the cup) for Mitra and Varuna +front to front; therefore the eyes are in front; he partakes of (the cup) for +the Apvins carrying it all round; therefore both men and beasts hear speech +speaking on all sides. + +ii. 28 (ix. 4). (The 1 cups) for two deities are the breaths; without taking +in breath he should say the offering verses for (the cups) for the deities, for +the continuity of the breath and to avoid splitting the breaths. (The cups) +for two deities are the breaths; he should not say the second vasat for (the +cups) for two deities. If he were to say the second vasat for those for two +deities, he would bring to rest the unresting breaths; the second vasat call +is the ending. If one were then to say of him ‘ He has brought to rest the +unresting breaths; breath will forsake him,’ it would certainly be so. +Therefore he should not say the second vasat for (the cups) for two deities. +They say 4 Having twice expressed approval the Maitravaruna twice gives +directions; having once expressed approval the Hotr twice says vasat ; +what is the expression of approval of the Hotr ? ’ (The cups) for two +deities are the breaths; the expression of approval is the thunderbolt; if +the Hotr were to express approval between, with the expression as a +thunderbolt he would pierce the breaths of the sacrificer. If one were then +to say of him, 4 With the expression of approval as a thunderbolt he has +pierced the breaths of the sacrificer/ it would certainly be so. Therefore +the Hotr should not express approval between (the two offering verses). +Moreover the Maitravaruna is the mind of the sacrifice, the Hotr is the +voice of the sacrifice. Impelled by mind speech speaks, for the speech +which he speaks with mind elsewhere is demoniacal and not welcome to the +gods; verily thus in that the Maitravaruna twice utters the expression of +approval, this is the expression of approval of the Hotr. + + +* I. e. the month of the cup is placed opposite +his mouth, and he does not drink pro¬ +miscuously from any part. + +1 This chapter explains the omission of the +anuvafaOcdra in the offering and the fact +that there is only one Ogwr as there is no + + +space to intervene between the two offer¬ +ing verses; see A$S. v.:5. 4, and 21, +where a memorial verse is cited on the +anuwuatk&ra. The latter peculiarity is +again referred to in AB. iii. 0. + + + +ii. 29—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[156 + + +The Seasonal Gups . + +ii. 29 (ix. 5). The offerings to the seasons 1 are the breaths; in that they +proceed with the offerings to the seasons, verily thus they place the breaths +in the sacrificer. Six (priests) offer (saying) 4 With the season *; verily thus +they place expiration in the sacrifice; four with 4 With the seasons ’ offer; +verily thus they place inspiration in the sacrifice; twice with 1 With the +season' later; verily thus they place cross-breathing in the sacrificer. This +breath is divided in three ways, expiration, inspiration, and cross-breathing. +In that they offer (saying) 4 With the season/ 4 with the seasons/ 4 with the +season/ (it is) for the continuity of the breaths, to avoid splitting the +breaths. The offerings to the seasons are the breaths; he should not say +the second vasat for the offerings to the seasons ; the seasons are unresting; +each (follows) each. If he were to say the second vasat for the offerings to +the seasons he would bring to rest the unresting seasons; the second vasat +is an ending. If one were then to say of him 4 He has brought to rest the +unresting seasons; it will be an ill season ’, it would certainly be so. There¬ +fore he should not say the second vasat for the offerings to the seasons. + + +The Cups for two Deities (continued). + +ii. 80 (ix. 6). (The cups*) for two deities are the breaths; the sacrificial +food is cattle. Having partaken of (the cups) for two deities he invokes the +sacrificial food; the sacrificial food is cattle ; verily thus he invokes cattle; +he confers cattle upon the sacrificer. They say 4 Should he eat first the sub¬ +divided sacrificial food ? (Or) should he partake of the Hotr’s goblet ? * First +should he eat the subdivided 2 sacrificial food, and then should he partake +of the Hotr’s goblet. In that he partakes first of (the cups) for two deities, +thereby is the Soma drink first partaken of by him; therefore should he +first eat the subdivided sacrificial food, and then partake of the Hotr’s +goblet; then on both sides he envelopes food with Soma drinkings, to +envelope food. (The cups) for two deities are the breaths; the Hotr’s + +1 AB. ii. 29 and KB. xiii. 9 deal with the invited to partake ‘with the seasons + +offerings of cups to the Rtus; see £B. iv. (season) *; Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. 819. + +K 1; A£S. v. 8; 9£S. vii. 8; Caland and ii. 80. 1 Cf. T& vi. 4. 9. 8. + +Henry, L'Agnirtma, pp. 224-229. Cf. TS. • The avdntartdd is a portion of the ida which +vi. 5. 8. 2; OB. viii. 7 borrows from AB. is itself subdivided, and held by the Hotr + +as usual. The cups are drawn by the from before his recitation to before he + +Adhvaryu and Pratiprasth&tr for the partakes of the ida proper; see A£S. i. 7 + +seasons and offered to the various deities 9$S. i. 1C-12; Weber, Ind. Stud. ix. 226, + +by the different priests, the gods being 226. + + + +157] + + +The Silent Praise + + +ML 31 + +goblet is the body ; the remains of (the cups) for two deities he pours down +into the Hotr's goblet; verily thus the Hotr places the breaths in the body, +with full life for fullness of life; a full life lives he who knows thus. + + +The Silent Praise . + +ii. 31 (ix. 7). What 1 the gods did at the sacrifice, that the Asuras did; +they were of even strength and were not discriminated. Then indeed the +gods saw this silent praise; that of them the Asuras could not follow. The +silent praise is a silent essence. Whatever weapon the gods raised against +the Asuras that the Asuras perceived and countered; then the gods saw this +silent praise as a thunderbolt; they raised it against them; it the Asuras +did not counter; it they hurled at them; with it not countered they smote +them; then indeed the gods prospered, the Asuras were defeated. He +prospers himself, the wicked rival who hates him is defeated, who knows +thus. The gods, regarding themselves as victors, were performing the sacri¬ +fice; to it the Asuras came (thinking) ‘We will make a confusion of the +sacrifice.’ They saw them ranged round on all sides, daring; they said, +‘Let us conclude this sacrifice; let not the Asuras injure our sacrifice.’ +‘Be it so’ (they replied). They concluded it in the silent praise. With +‘ Bhuh, Agni, light, light, Agni’ they concluded the Ajya and Praliga +(Qastras). With ‘Indra, light, bhuvah, light, Indra’ they concluded the +Niskevalya and Marutvatiya (Qastras). With * Surya, light, light, smr, +Surya ’ they concluded the Vaicjvadeva and Agnimaruta (Qastras). So they +concluded it in the silent praise; having thus concluded it in the silent +praise they attained the end with it uninjured. Then indeed does the +sacrifice come to a conclusion, when the Hotr recites the silent praise. If +any person should after the recitation of the silent praise reproach him or +curse him, he should say of him, ‘He will fall into this misfortune (he +invokes 2 ). Early to-day we complete this when the silent praise is recited. +Just as one may attend upon one come to his house with due performance, +even so now do we attend upon this.’ He falls into this misfortune who +knowing thus, after the silent praise is recited, either reproaches or curses. +Therefore one who knows thus should not reproach or curse when the silent +praise has been recited. + +ii 82 (ix. 8). The silent praise is the eyes of the pressings. ‘ Bhuh, Agni, +light, light, Agni ’ is the eyes of the morning pressing. ‘ Indra, light, + +1 AB. ii. 81 and 88 eontain the treatment of L’Agniftoma, p. 282. Cf. KB. xiv. 1 ; + +the silent praise, which is part of the AfS. v. 9. 1; 99& ?ii. 9. 1. + +Ajya $astra; see Caland and Henry, 8 This seems to be the foroe of etdm. + + + +ii. 32 —] The Soma Sacrifice [168 + +bhuvah , light, Indra' is the eyes of the midday pressing. ‘ Surya, light, +light, st >ar, Surya’ is the eyes of the third pressing. He prospers with +pressings possessed of eyes; with pressings possessed of eyes he goes to the +world of heaven who knows thus. The silent praise is the eye of the sacri¬ +fice. The exclamation being one is said twice; therefore the eye being one +is (manifested) twice. The silent praise is the root of the sacrifice : if he +desire of a man ‘ May he be homeless he should not recite the silent praise +at his sacrifice; verily thus he comes to ruin along with the sacrifice which +being without a root falls to ruin. They say 4 He should certainly recite; +it is not good for the priest, if the Hotr does not recite the silent praise, for +on the priest rests the whole sacrifice, on the sacrifice the sacrificer; there¬ +fore must it be recited.' + + +ADHYAYA V + +The Ajya Qastra. + +ii. 33 (x. 1). The 1 call is the holy power, the Nivid the lordly power, +the hymn the people; he calls, then he inserts the Nivid; verily thus he makes +the lordly power dependent on the holy power. Having inserted the Nivid +he recites the hymn; the Nivid is the lordly power, the hymn the people; +verily, thus he makes the people dependent on the lordly power. If he +desire of a man, 4 Let me deprive him of the lordly power,' he should recite +the hymn in the middle of the Nivid; the Nivid is the lordly power, the +hymn the people ; verily thus he deprives him of the lordly power. If he +desire of a man, 4 Let me deprive him of the people,' he should recite a Nivid +in the middle of the hymn; the Nivid is the lordly power, the hymn the +people; verily thus he deprives him of the people. But if he desire of +a man 4 May all be in due and proper order and correct for him/ he should +call, then insert the Nivid, and then recite the hymn. Thus is the ordering +of all. Prajapati was here being one only in the beginning. He desired +4 May I be propagated and become greater’; he practised fervour; he +restrained speech; at the end of the year he uttered twelve times. The +Nivid has twelve clauses; it was just the Nivid that he uttered; after it +were all beings created. Beholding this the seer declares 2 — + +4 He at the call aforetime of Ayu with his wisdom +Brought into being these sons of man.' + +1 AB. ii. 88-41 and KB. ziy. 1-8 deal with vii. 9; Caland and Henry, L’Agniftoma, + +the Ajya 9aatia; see A£S. y. 2; ffS. pp. 280-284. + +* RV. i. 96. 2. + + + +159] The Ajya Qastra [—ii. 35 + +In that he inserts the Nivid before 8 the hymn (it serves) for propagation; +he is propagated with offspring, with cattle who knows thus. + +ii. 34 (x. 2). ‘ Agni god-kindled 1 he recites ; Agni yonder is god-kindled, +for the gods kindle him; verily thus he establishes him in that world. +< Agni man-kindled 9 he recites; Agni here is man-kindled, for men kindle +him; verily thus he establishes him in this world. ‘ Agni the good kindler * +he recites; Agni the good kindler is V&yu, for Vayu himself kindles +himself, himself all this whatever there is here; Vayu verily thus +he establishes in the world of the atmosphere. ‘The Hotr god-chosen 9 +he recites; the Hotr god-chosen is yonder (sun), for he is chosen on all +sides by the gods; verily thus he establishes him in that world. ‘The +Hotr chosen by man 9 he recites; the Hotr chosen by man is Agni here, +for he is chosen on all sides by men; verily thus he establishes him in +this world. ‘ Leader of the sacrifices 9 he recites; the leader of the sacrifices +is Vayu, for, when he breathes forth, then there is the sacrifice, then the +Agnihotra; verily thus he establishes Vayu in the world of the atmo¬ +sphere. 4 The charioteer of the offerings 9 he recites; the charioteer of the +offerings 1 is yonder (sun), for he as he wanders yonder is as it were +a charioteer; verily thus in yonder world he establishes him. 4 The Hotr +uncrossed 9 he recites; the Hotr uncrossed is Agni here; no one whatever +crosses him; verily thus he establishes Agni in this world. ‘The +crosser, the bearer of the oblation 9 he recites; the crosser, the bearer +of the oblation is Vayu, for Vayu at once crosses all that whatever +there is here, Vayu carries the oblation to the gods; verily thus he +establishes Vayu in the world of the atmosphere. ‘May the god bring +hither the gods 9 he recites; yonder god brings the gods; verily thus he +establishes him in that world. ‘May Agni, the god, offer to the gods* +he recites. Agni here as a god sacrifices to the gods; verily thus he +establishes Agni in this world. ‘ Let him perform the sacrifices, All- +knower 9 he recites; the All-knower is Vayu, for Vayu makes all that +whatever there is here; verily thus he establishes Vayu in the world of +the atmosphere. + +ii. 35 (x. 3). ‘ Forward to your god Agni 9 are Anustubh (verses 1 ). He sepa¬ +rates the two first Fadas; 8 therefore a woman separates her thighs. He +creates the last two Padas; therefore a man unites his thighs. That is a +pairing; verily thus he makes a pairing at the beginning of the litany, for +generation; he is propagated with offspring, with cattle, who knows thus. + +8 Hence it is called a Paroruc, Weber, Ind . ii. 86. 1 RV. iii. 18; anustubhah may be geni- + +8tud. x. 854, n. 8. So AB. ii. 41. tive or nom. pi. + +1 CL TS. ii. 5. 9. 2; Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. * C L KB. xiv. 2 ; L£ri, La doctrine du sacrifice, + +826, n. 1. p. 107. + + + +[160 + + +ii. as —] The Soma Sacrifice + +‘ Forward to your god Agni ’ are Anu^ubh (verses). He separates the first +two Padas, verily thus he makes a thunderbolt broader below; he unites +the last two Padas; at the beginning a thunderbolt is narrow, and so of +a club and of an axe; verily thus he hurls a thunderbolt at the foe who +hates him, as a weapon to lay low whom he has to lay low. + +ii. 36 (x. 4). The gods and the Asuras fought over these worlds; 1 the +gods made the Sadas their refuge; they conquered them from the Sadas; +they went to the Agnidh’s altar; they were not conquered thence. Therefore +they spend the fast day at the Agnidh’s altar, not in the Sadas, for they +were supported at the Agnidh’s altar; in that they were supported at the +Agnidh’s altar that is why the Agnidh’s altar has its name. The Asuras +made a scattering of the fires of those gods in the Sadas ; the gods drew +off the fires in the Sadas from the Agnidh’s altar; with them they repelled +the Asuras and the Baksases; verily thus also the sacrificera draw off the +fires in the Sadas from the Agnidh’s altar; verily thus they repel the +Asuras and the Baksases. In the morning they kept conquering by +the Ajyas; in that they kept conquering (dyayanta dyan) by the Ajyas +that is why the Ajyas have their name. Of the Hotr offices which continued +conquering, that of the Achavaka was left out; in it Indra and Agni took +their place; Indra and Agni are the most forcible, mighty, strong, rich, +and effective of the gods; therefore (a hymn) to Indra and Agni the +Achavaka * recites at the morning pressing, for Indra and Agni took their +place in it. Therefore the other Hotrakas creep to the Sadas in front, +the Achavaka behind, for being left behind as it were he is anxious to +follow after. Therefore a Brahman, skilled in the Be verses and strong, +should perform the Ach&vaka’s part; thereby it does not become neglected. + +ii. 37 (x. 5). The sacrifice is a chariot of the gods; the Ajya and the +Praiiga Qastras are its inner reins; 1 in that with the Ajya he follows +in recitation the Pavam&na, with the Praiiga the Ajya (Stotra), verily +thus he separates the inner reins of the chariot to prevent confusion; in +imitation thereof they separate the inner reins of the chariot of men to +prevent confusion. His chariot, whether of the gods or men does not become +confused who knows thus. They say ‘ As is the Stotra, so the Qastra; + + +* Cf. TS. vi. 8. 1. 1; $B. iii. 6.1. 27-29. + +9 For the £astra of the Ach&v&ka see A£S. v. +10. 28; 99^. vii. 18. 1-4; C aland and +Henry, L'Agnistoma , pp. 262, 268. +ii. 87 1 The sense seems clearly to be that there +are four reins, two for each hone, the outer +being the Pavam&na and Ajya Stotras, +the inner the Ajya and Praiiga fastras; +the two Ajyas if joined would mean thus + + +that the two reins (outer and inner) of +the horse would be held together, whereas +by having Pavam&na and Ajya, Ajya and +Praiiga, the result is that one hand holds +outer and inner, another inner and outer, +so that the two inner do not fall together. +S&yana misses the point by not seeing +that four reins are referred to. + + + +161] + + +The Ajya Qastra [ —ii. 38 + +the Saman singers sing to verses for Soma, the purifying; the Hotr +recites the Ajya to Agni; how then does he follow in recitation the verses +to Soma, the purifying? 9 Soma, the purifying, is Agni; that is declared +by a seer. 2 ‘ Agni, the seer, the purifying 9 ; therefore although he proceeds +with verses to Agni, still he follows in recitation the verses to Soma, +the purifying. They say ‘As is the Stotra so the Qastra; the Saman +singers sing to verses in Gayatri; the Hotr recites the Ajya in Anus^ubhs; +how then by him are Gayatris followed in recitation.' ‘ By conversion 9 he +should reply. There are seven Anustubhs; they become eleven through the +first being repeated thrice and the last thrice; the twelfth is theViraj offering +verse; not by one syllable do metres change, nor yet by two. These make up +sixteen Gayatri verses. Thus by him although he proceeds with Anustubhs +are Gayatris followed in recitation. ‘ O Agni with Indra, in the home of +the generous one 9 , (this verse 8 ) to Agni and Indra he uses as offering verse. +These two as Indra and Agni did not conquer; being Agni and Indra they +did conquer; in that he uses (a verse) for Agni and Indra as offering verse +(it serves) for conquest. The Viraj is of thirty-three syllables; the gods +are thirty-three, eight Yasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Prajapati, +and the vasat call. Thus in the very beginning of the litany he makes +the deities sharers in the syllables; syllable by syllable the gods drink in +order; verily thus the gods delight in the vessel for the gods. They say, +‘ As is the Qastra so the offering verse; the Hotr recites the Ajya to Agni, +then how does he use (a verse) to Agni and Indra as offering verse. 9 Be it +to Agni and Indra or to Indra and Agni, the litany is connected with both +Indra and Agni through the cup and the silent praise; with 4 + +‘ O Indra and Agni come hither to the pressed (drink) + +The delightful cloud, for our prayers; + +Of it do ye drink, impelled by our desire 9 + +the Adhvaryu draws the cup for Indra and Agni. ‘ Bhuh, Agni, light, +light, Agni; Indra, light, bhuvah, light, Indra; Surya, light, light, svar, +Surya; 9 the Hotr recites as silent praise ; therefore as is the Qastra, so is +the offering verse. + +ii. 38 (x. 6). He mutters the muttering of the Hotr; 1 thus he pours seed; +inaudibly he mutters; inaudible as it were is the pouring of seed. Before +the call he mutters; whatever there is after the call, that belongs to the +Qastra. To him he calls as he lies on all fours with averted face; there¬ +fore turning their backs quadrupeds pour seed; when he faces him who + +* RV. ix. 66. 20. 59 s. vii. 2. 1; TS. v. 6. 8.1, which differ + +* RV. iii. 25. 4. considerably in text; see Scheftelowitz, + +4 RV. iii. 12.1. Die Apokryphm des fgveda, p. 154. + +1 The Japapraisa is laid down in A£S.v. 9.1; + +21 [■.<>* it] + + + +[162 + + +ii. 38 —] The Soma Sacrijice + +faces him he becomes two-footed; therefore bipeds facing (each other) +emit seed. 8 ( Father Mataripvan,’ he says; the father is the breath; +Matarifvan is the breath; seed is the breath; thus he pours seed. ‘ Make +the lines unbroken’ (he says); what is unbroken is seed, for hence he +arises unbroken. ( May the poets sing unbroken litanies ’; the poets are +the learned; ‘ May they propagate this unbroken seed,’ he says, in effect. +‘ May Soma, All-knower, guide the songs, Brhaspati recite the litanies and +the exclamations !* (he says); Brhaspati is the holy power, Soma the lordly +power, the songs and the litanies with the exclamations are the Stotras +and the Qastras. Verily thus instigated by the holy power divine and the +lordly power divine he recites the litanies. These two are the lords of in¬ +stigation of all this whatever there is here. What he does without instigation +by these two that is not done; 1 He has done what is not done,* they say, +in blame. What is done is done, what is done is not undone by him who +knows thus. ‘Speech, life, of all life, all life’ he says; life is the breath; +seed is the breath; the womb is speech; thus having created a womb he +pours seed. * Who (ka) will recite this ? He will recite this,’ he says; +Prajapati is who; verily thus he says * Prajapati will propagate this.’ + +ii. 39 (x. 7). After the call, he recites the silent praise ; thus he develops +the seed poured; first is then pouring, then development. Inaudibly he +recites the silent praise; inaudible as it were is the pouring of seed. +Secretly as it were he recites the silent praise; 1 secretly as it were are +seeds developed. Of six sentences he recites the silent praise; sixfold is +man, with six members; 2 verily thus he develops the self as sixfold and +of six members. Having recited the silent praise he recites the Puroruc; +thus he propagates the seed when developed; first there is development, +then birth. Aloud he recites the Puroruc, verily openly he propagates +him. He recites the Puroruc in twelve sentences; the year has twelve +months; Prajapati is the year; he is the propagator of all this. He who +is the propagator of all this propagates him with offspring and cattle, for +generation. He is propagated with offspring, with cattle, who knows thus. +He recites the Puroruc to Jatavedas, with an allusion to Jatavedas. They say, +* Since the morning pressing is the abode of Jatavedas, then why at the +morning pressing does he recite a Puroruc to Jatavedas?’ Jatavedas is +the breath, for he knows of bom creatures. Of so many creatures as he +knows, they become; for how could they exist of whom he knows not ? +If one knows the making of the self in the Ajya, that is well known. + +3 Cf. Levi, La doctrine du sacrifice, p. 107. well M at the end, when six are to be + +1 See AfS. v. 9. 11: there is a pause after used. + +eAch jyotih in the middle of the three as * Cf. TS. v. 6. 9. 1. + + + +163] The Ajya Qastra [—ii. 41 + +ii. 40 (x *8). < Forward to your god, Agni,’ he recites. 1 ‘ Forward 9 is the +breath, for all these creatures advance following after the breath; verily +thus he creates the breath, he makes breath perfect. ‘ Radiant, unparalleled/ +he recites; 8 mind is radiant, for there is nothing prior to mind; verily +thus he creates mind, he makes mind perfect. * He for us protection for +our enjoyment/ he recites; 8 protection is speech; therefore of one follow¬ +ing him in speech he says, ‘ I have accorded him what has a protection 9 ; +verily thus he creates speech, he makes speech perfect. ‘ Do thou aid us, +O Brahman 9 he recites 4 ; the holy power is the ear, for by the ear the holy +power hears, in the ear does the holy power find support; verily thus he +creates the ear, he makes the ear perfect. * He is the holder, the sage, of +them 9 he recites; 5 the holder is inspiration, for expiration here is +restrained by inspiration and departs not; verily thus he creates inspira¬ +tion, he makes inspiration perfect. 'The righteous, of whom the two +worlds 9 he recites; 6 the right is the eye; therefore when two contend, +whichever says ‘ I actually have seen it with my eye/ him men believe; verily +thus he creates the eye, he makes the eye perfect. ‘ Do thou accord us +wealth with a thousand, with offspring, with prosperity 9 , he recites 7 the +last (verse) as concluding verse; the self when put together is possessed +of a thousand, offspring, and prosperity; verily thus he creates the self as +a complex, he makes the self as a complex perfect. He sacrifices with an +offering verse; the offering verse is acquisition, prospering destiny; verily +thus he creates a prospering destiny, 1 he makes a prospering destiny perfect. +He knowing thus, having come into being as composed of the metres, the +deities, the holy power, immortality, goes to the gods, he who knows thus. +If one knows how having come into being as composed of the metres, the +deities the holy power, immortality, he goes to the gods, that is well +known. So with regard to the self; now with regard to the deities. + +ii. 41 (x. 9). He recites the silent praise as of six clauses; the seasons are +six; verily thus he places the seasons in order; he goes to the seasons. +He recites the Puroruc as of twelve clauses; the months are twelve; +verily thus he places the months in order; he goes to the months. +‘ Forward to your god, Agni 9 he recites 1 ; ‘ forward 9 is the atmosphere, for all +these creatures advance following the atmosphere; verily thus he places the +atmosphere in order; he goes to the atmosphere. ‘ Radiant, unparalleled 9 +he recites; 8 he who yonder gives heat is radiant, for there is nothing that is + +i RV. iii. 18. 1. 4 RV. iii 13. 6. + +* RV. iii. 18. 6. 8 RV. iii. 18. 8. + +8 RV. iii. 18. 4. &sm& aydmi read by Aufrecht 6 RV. iii. 18. 2. + +is clearly right though Sftyana had 7 RV. iii. 18.7. + +dy&fai. So also Weber (Znd. Stud . ix. ii. 41. 1 RV. iii. 18.1. + +266). 1 RV. iii 18. 6. + + + +[164 + + +ii. 41 ] The Soma Sacrifice + +before him; verily thus he places him in order; he goes to him. ‘ He for +us protection for our enjoyment * he recites; 3 Agni accords protection as +proper foods; verily thus he places Agni in order; he goes to Agni. 1 Do +thou aid us, 0 Brahman’ he recites; 4 the holy power is the moon; verily +thus he places the moon in order ; he goes to the moon. ( He is the holder, +the sage, of them’ he recites; 5 the holder is Vayu, for this atmosphere +held by Vayu does not fall in; verily thus he places Vayu in order; he +goes to Vayu. ‘ The righteous of whom the two worlds * he recites; 6 +the two worlds are sky and earth; verily thus he places sky and earth in +order; he goes to sky and earth. 1 Do thou accord us wealth with a thou¬ +sand, with offspring, with prosperity \ with the last (verse 7 ) he concludes; +the year as a complex possesses a thousand, offspring, and prosperity; +verily thus he places the year as a complex in order; he goes to the year +as a complex. He sacrifices with an offering verse ; the offering verse is +rain and lightning, for lightning here gives rain and proper food; verily +thus he places lightning in order; he goes to the lightning. He who +knows this becomes thus composed, composed of the deities. + + +» RV. in. 18. 4. + +* RV. iii. 18. 6. + +• RV. iii. 18. 8. + + +• RV. iii. 18. 2. +7 RV. iii. 18. 7. + + + +PAftCIKA in + + +The Soma Sacrifice (continued). +ADHYAYA I + + +The Prailga (Rostra. + +iii. 1 (xi. 1). The 1 Prauga is a litany of the cups; nine cups are drawn in +the morning; with nine (verses) do they sing in the Bahispavamana +(Stotra); when the Stoma has been performed, he draws the tenth; the +sound kin of the other (verses) is the tenth; thus is there equality. +(A triplet*) to. Vayu he recites; thereby has the Vayu (cup) its litany. +(A triplet 8 ) to Indra and Vayu he recites; thereby has (the cup) for Indra +and Vayu its litany. (A triplet 4 ) for Mitra and Varuna he recites; +thereby has (the cup) for Mitra and Varuna its litany. (A triplet 6 ) for +the Afvins he recites; thereby has (the cup) for the A 9 vins its litany. +(A triplet 6 ) for Indra he recites; thereby have (the cups) Qukra and +Manthin litanies. (A triplet 7 ) for the All-gods he recites; thereby has +Agrayana cup its litany. (A triplet 8 ) for Sarasvatl he recites; there is +no cup for Sarasvatl, but Sarasvatl is speech; whatever cups are drawn +with speech, they have all litanies recited for him, they become possessed +of litanies for him, who knows thus. + +iii. 2 (xi. 2). By the Praiiga he wins proper food; now various deities +are celebrated in the Prauga, different litanies are performed in the +Praiiga, different kinds of food are placed in the cups of him who knows +thus. Now the Prauga is the most related to the self of the litanies for +the sacrificer as it were; * therefore it is most to be perfected as it were +by him, they say, * for by it the Hotr makes him perfect.’ (A triplet*) +to Vayu he recites; therefore they say ‘The breath is Vayu, seed is the + + +1 AB. iii. 1-4 and RB. xiv. 4 and 5 deal with +the Praiiga or second ^astra 0 f the Hotr +at the morning pressing; see A£S. v. 10; +99^. Tii 10; Caland and Henry, L'Agni- +ftoma , pp. 289-241. + +* BV. i.2.1-8. + +• BV. i. 2. 4-8. + + +4 BV. i. 2. 7-9. + +• BV. i. 8.1-8. + +• BV. i. 8. 4-6. + +7 BV. i. 8. 7-9. + +• BV. i. 8. 10-12. + +iii. 2. » BV. i. 2. 1-8. + + + +[166 + + +iii. 2—] The Soma Sacrifice + +breath; seed comes into existence first when man comes into existence.’ +In that he recites (a triplet) to Visnu, verily thus he makes his breath +perfect. (A triplet 2 ) to Indra and Vayu he recites; where there is expira¬ +tion, there is inspiration; in that he recites (a triplet) to Indra and Vayu, +verily thus his expiration and inspiration he makes perfect. (A triplet 3 ) +to Mitra and Varuna he recites; therefore they say ‘The eye comes into +existence first when man comes into existence.’ In that he recites (a +triplet) to Mitra and Varuna, verily thus he makes his eye perfect. +(A triplet 4 ) to the Alvins he recites; therefore they talk of a child bora +‘ He is trying to listen ; he is taking notice.’ In that he recites (a triplet) +to the Afvins, verily thus he makes his ear perfect. (A triplet 0 ) to Indra +he recites; therefore they talk of a child born, ‘ He is holding erect his +neck, and also his head ’; in that he recites (a triplet) to Indra, verily thus +he makes his strength perfect. (A triplet 6 ) to the All-gods he recites; +therefore a child bora crawls on all fours, for the limbs are connected with +the All-gods; in that he recites (a triplet) to the All-gods, verily thus +he makes his limbs perfect. He recites (a triplet 7 ) to Sarasvati; therefore +to a child born speech comes last, for Sarasvati is speech; in that he +recites (a triplet) to Sarasvati, verily thus he makes his speech perfect. +He being bora is bom from all these deities, from all the litanies, from +all metres, from all Praiigas, from all pressings, who knows thus and for +whom knowing thus they recite thus. + +iii. 3 (xi. 3). The Praiiga is a litany of the breaths; seven deities he +celebrates; seven are the breaths in the head; verily thus he places the +breaths in the head. ‘ Should he consider the good or evil of the sacrificer ’ +he used to say, 1 ‘ whose Hotr he is ? ’ He should do to him at this point +as he may desire. If he desire of a man 1 Let me deprive him of expira¬ +tion *, he should recite (the triplet) to Vayu for him in confusion; a verse +or a line he should pass over; thereby is it confused; verily thus does +he deprive him of expiration. If he desire of a man ‘Let me deprive +him of expiration and inspiration, he should recite for him (the triplet) +to Indra and Vayu in confusion; he should pass over a verse or a line; +thereby is it confused; verily thus he deprives him of expiration and +inspiration. If he desire of a man ‘Let me deprive him of the eye’, +he should recite for him (the triplet) to Mitra and Varuna in confusion; +he should pass over a verse or a line; thereby is it confused; verily thus + + +* RV. i. 2. 4-6. +8 RV. i. 2. 7-9. +4 RV. i. 8.1-8. +8 RV. i. 8. 4-6. + +• RV. i. 8. 7-9. + + +7 RV. i. 8.10-12. + +1 For the references see above AB. iii. 1 and +2. For the sentiment of. L6vi, La doctrine +du sacrifice , p. 128. The teacher is meant. + + + +167] + + +The Prailga Qastra [—iii. 4 + +he deprives him of the eye. If he desire of a man 4 Let me deprive him +of the ear he should recite for him (the triplet) to the Afvins in confu¬ +sion ; he should pass over a verse or a line; thereby is it confused; verily +thus he deprives him of the ear. If he desire of a man * Let me deprive +him of strength ’, he should recite for him (the triplet) to Indra in confu¬ +sion ; he should pass over a verse or a line; thereby is it confused; verily +thus he deprives him of strength. If he desire of a man ‘ Let me deprive +him of limbs’, he should recite for him (the triplet) to the All-gods in +confusion; he should pass over a verse or a line; thereby is it confused; +verily thus he deprives him of limbs. If he desire of a man ‘ Let me +deprive him of speech ’, he should recite for him (the triplet) to Sarasvati +in confusion; he should pass over a verse or a line; thereby is it confused; +verily thus he deprives him of speech. But if he desire of a man ‘ With +all his members, with all the self, let me make him to prosper’, verily +let him recite for him thus in due and proper order; verily thus he +makes him prosper with all his members, with all his self. With all his +members, with all his self, he prospers who knows thus. + +iii. 4 (xi. 4). They say ‘ As is the Stotra, so the Qastra; the Saman singers +sing to (verses to) Agni; 1 the Hotr starts with one to Vayu; how does he +follow in recitation (verses) to Agni ? ’ These deities are all forms of Agni; +in that Agni bums forward as it were that is his form as Yayu; thereby +he follows in recitation that (form) of his. 2 Again in that making two as +it were he bums and Indra and Vayu are two, that is his form as Indra +and Vayu; thereby he follows in recitation that of his. Again in that he +leaps up and down, that is his form as Mitra and Varuna; thereby he +follows in recitation that of his. Again in that Agni is dread of contact, +that is his form as Varuna; in that him being dread of contact they +serve with friendliness, that is his form as Mitra; thereby he follows +in recitation that of his. Again in that they kindle him with both arms +from the two fire sticks and the A 9 vins are two, that is his form as the +Afvins; thereby he follows in recitation that of his. Again in that with +loud noise, thundering, and making the sound ba ba bd he bums, whence +creatures shudder away, that is his form as Indra; thereby he follows +in recitation that of him. Again in that him being one they carry apart +in many places, that is his form as the All-gods; thereby he follows in +recitation that of him. Again in that he burns, roaring and uttering +speech as it were, that is his form as Sarasvati; thereby he follows in +recitation that of his. So though he begins with (a verse) to Vayu, in + +1 I. e. the Ajya Stotra on EV. vi. 16. 10-12. * This version is possibly correct, or tad — + +For the rule of consonance see TB. ii. 2. 1 thus f ; * thus with this (form) of liis he + +6 . 3. imitates in recitation \ + + + +[168 + + +iii. 4—] The Soma Sacrifice + +each triplet through these deities he follows in recitation (the triplet) +of the Stotra. Having recited the Vaifvadeva litany 3 he uses (a verse) +to the All-gods as 4 offering verse. + +‘ With all the sweet Soma drink, + +0 Agni, with Indra, with V&yu, + +Do thou drink according to Mitr&’s laws.’ + +According to their portion he thus delights the deities. + + +The Va§at Call. + + +iii. 5 (xi. 5). The 1 vasat call is a vessel of the gods; he says the vasat +call; verily thus with a vessel of the gods he delights the deities. He +says a second vasat. 2 Just as in this world men delight horses or cows +by renewed attention, verily so they delight the deities by renewed atten¬ +tion in that he says the second vasat. ‘ These fires they worship * they say, +‘the Dhisnyas; then why do they offer in the former (fire), and say +vasat in the former ? * In that with c O Agni, enjoy the Soma ’ he says +the second vasat call, thereby he delights the Dhisnyas. ‘ They partake +of the Soma draughts when incomplete,' they say ‘ for whom he does +not say the second va§at call; 3 what now is the portion for Svistakrt of the +Soma?’ In that with ‘0 Agni, enjoy the Soma’ he says the second +vasat call, thereby they partake of the Soma draughts when complete; +this is the Svistakrt portion of the Soma. He says the call vasat. + +iii. 6 (xi. 6). The vasat call is a thunderbolt; he should think of him +whom he hates when about to say the vasat call; verily in him he places +the thunderbolt. In the vasat call he says (the word) 4 six ’; the seasons +are six; verily thus he puts in order the seasons; the seasons he +establishes; all this whatever there is here finds support through the +seasons finding support. He finds support who knows thus. As to this +Hiranyadant Baida 1 used to say 4 These six thereby he establishes; sky +is established on the atmosphere; the atmosphere on the earth; the earth +on the waters; the waters on truth; truth on the holy power; the holy + + +* Probably uktham here merely refers to the +fact that the Praiiga 9&*tra includes all +the gods; so the Ajya Stotra is called +kfuUaka-vaigvadeva, the full term Vai- +9?adeva belonging to the 9 aa * ira +Stotra of the evening pressing. + +« RV. L 14.10. + +‘ GB. viii. 1-6 follow AB. iii. 6-8. + +1 The term means that there is said a second +vau8tai with the words aomaayOgne Ml 8 + + +(see Hillebrandt, Rituattitteratur, p. 102; +Caland and Henry, L’Agnlftomoj p. 284). +Cf. A$S. v. 6. 19; 9$S. vii*. 8. 6; VaU. +xviii. 10 ; Ap£S. xix. 8.1. The repetition +of the vaufat follows from AfS. i. 6. 6 ; +999. i. 1. 89, and the words above are +not the anuv<uatk&ra. It is correotly ex¬ +plained by BR. vi. 824. + +8 See above AB. ii. 28. +iii. 6.1 Cf.AA.iL 1.6 with Keith's note. + + + +169] + + +The Va§at Call [—in. 8 + +power on fervour.’ All this whatever there is here finds support in these +supports finding support. He finds support who knows thus. He says +vausat as the vafat call; van is yonder (sun), §at (six) the seasons; verily thus +he places him in the seasons, he establishes him in the seasons; whatever +as it were he does to the gods, that as it were the gods do to him. + +iii. 7 (xi. 7). There are three vasat calls, the thunderbolt, the hider of his +abode, the empty. The vasat call which he makes aloud and forcibly is the +thunderbolt; it he hurls as a missile at the rival who hates him to lay him +low whom he should lay low. Therefore is it the vasat to be said by one +with rivals. That which is even, continuous, and without loss of (part of) +the verse, 1 is the hider of his abode; on it depend ofispring and cattle; +therefore it is the vasat to be said by one desiring ofispring and cattle. +That one wherein the §at fails 1 is the empty; he empties himself, he +empties the sacrificer; the sayer of vasat becomes worse, he becomes worse +for whom he says va§at. Therefore he should not desire it. 'Should +he consider the good and evil of the sacrificer’, he used to say, ‘whose +Hotr he is ? ’ He should do to him herein as he may desire. If he desire +of a man ' As he has been before sacrificing, so let him be after sacrificing ’, +he should say the va§a( call for him as he recites the Rc for him; verily +thus he makes him the same. If he desire of a man ‘ Let him be worse +having recited the Be for him in a more raised tone he should say the +vasat call in a more depressed tone; verily thus he makes him worse. +If he desire of a man ‘ May he be better ’, having recited the Be for him +in a more depressed tone, he should say the va§at call in a more raised +tone; from 8 prosperity he places him in prosperity. The vasat is said +continuously with the Be, 4 for continuity; he is united with ofispring and +cattle who knows thus. + +iii. 8 (xi. 8). He should meditate on the deity for whom the oblation is +taken when about to say the vasat; verily thus openly he delights the +deities; before all eyes he sacrifices to the deity. The vasat call is a +thunderbolt; it shines when hurled if not appeased. Of it not every man +as it were knows the appeasing nor the support. From it even now there +is often as it were death. The appeasing of it, the support is ‘Speech 1 ’. + + +1 Le. without the lose of the last syllable of +the Re merged in the om. See n. 4. + +* S&yana says that fai^vofot and the loss is + +in a low pronunciation. The sense seems +to be that the fat is lost through imperfect +utterance. + +* friye S&yana, hut friyah seems at least as + +probable. For the mode of pronunciation + +22 »] + + +see IfS. i. 6.«; QQS. i. 1. 84,86 (which +allows samo vd). + +4 Whether with Pluti or not, 99&L i. 1. 42, +48. + +iii. 8. 1 A£S. i. 5. 17 • vdg Qjah mha qjo mayi +pr&n&p&nau ; 95 s - 1. 89 has a slightly + +different form. + + + +iii. 8—] The Soma Sacrifice [170 + +Therefore after each vasat call he should recite as accompaniment +‘ Speech '; appeased it injures him not. With ‘ O vasat call, do not injure +me; let me not injure thee; with the great I invoke mind, with cross* +breathing body; thou art a support; win support; make me attain +support ’ he should accompany the vasat call. As to that he* used to say +‘ That is long, yet it is impotent. With “ Force, strength, force ” he should +accompany the vasat call; force and strength are the two dearest forms +of the vasat call; verily thus he unites it with its abode; with a dear +abode does he prosper who knows thus.’ The vasat call is speech and +expiration and inspiration; they depart when each vasat call has been +said. Them he should accompany with ‘Speech, force, strength, force, +in me expiration and inspiration’; verily doth the Hotr establish speech +and expiration and inspiration in the self, with a full life, for fullness of +life; a full life he lives who knows thus. 8 + +iii. 9 (xi. 9). The sacrifice went away from the gods; they sought to start +it up with the directions; in that they sought to start it up with the +directions, that is why the directions have their name (j/raisa). It they +made radiant with the Puroruces; that is why the Puroruces have their +name. It they found on the altar; in that they found it on the altar, +that is why the altar has its name ( vedi ). It, when found, they drew off with +drawing (cups); in that they drew it off with drawing (cups), that is why +the cups have their name ( graha ). Having found it they made it known +by Nivids; in that having found it they made it known (nyavedayan) +by Nivids, that is why Nivids have their name. He who seeks what is +lost desires something great or small; of the two he who desires the +greater has the better desire; he who knows the directions as ever greater, +knows them better, for the directions are a seeking for what is lost; there¬ +fore standing bent forward 1 he gives directions. + + +The Nivids. + +iii. 10 (xi. 10). The Nivids are the embryos of the litanies; in that they +are inserted before the litanies at the morning pressing, therefore embryos +are deposited at the back and come into being at the back. In that they +are inserted in the middle at the midday, therefore embryos are held in +the middle. In that they are placed at the end at the third pressing, + + +1 I. e. as Kausltaki is often oited in the KB., +so Aitareya is thus meant in the AB. +There is no iti to end the quotation. + +* The beginning of the chapter is found also +in Y&ska, Nirukta, yiii. 22. + + +1 The reason given by S&yana is (1) in respect +as to a father or teacher or (2) as a mode +of concealment in finding a lost article : +obviously (8) stooping to seek what is lost +is possible. + + + +The Nivids + + +171] + + +[—iii. 11 + + +therefore offspring are bom downward thence, for generation. He is +propagated with offspring and cattle who knows thus. The Nivids are +the ornaments 1 of the litanies; in that they are inserted at the morning +pressing before the litanies, that is as if one were to make a decoration +in the upper part of the warp; in that they are inserted in the middle +at the midday, that is as if one were to make a decoration in the middle; +in that they are inserted at the end at the third pressing, that is as if +one were to make a decoration in the lower part of the warp. On all +sides he shines with the decoration of the sacrifice who knows thus. + +iii. 11 (xi. 11). The Nivids are deities connected with the sun; in that +they are inserted before the litanies at the morning pressing, in the middle +at the midday pressing, at the end at the third pressing, verily thus they +follow the course of the sun. By quarters the gods gathered together the +sacrifice; thereby by sentences are the Nivids recited. In that the gods +gathered together the sacrifice, therefore the horse came into being; there¬ +fore they say ‘ A horse should he give to the reciter of Nivids ’; that boon +indeed do they give. He should not pass over a sentence of the Nivid; +if he were to pass over a sentence of the Nivid, he would make a break in +the sacrifice; as the break in the sacrifice grows the sacrificer becomes +worse. Therefore should he not pass over a line of the Nivid. He should +not invert two sentences of the Nivid; if he were to invert two sentences +of the Nivid, he would confuse the sacrifice; the sacrificer would be confused. +Therefore he should not invert two sentences of the Nivid. He should not +unite two sentences of the Nivid; if he were to unite two sentences of the +Nivid, he would contract the life of the sacrifice, the sacrificer would be +likely to die. Therefore he should not unite two sentences of the Nivid. +‘Forward this holy power; forward this lordly power,’ these two only +should he unite, to unite the lordly power with the holy power; therefore +are the lordly and the holy powers united. He should not go beyond (a hymn) +of three or four verses for inserting a Nivid; each single sentence of a Nivid +is a counterpart 1 to a verse, (even) to a hymn; therefore one must not go +beyond (a hymn) of three or four verses for inserting a Nivid, for by the +Nivid in itself the Stotra is exceeded in recitation. Having left one (verse) +over should he insert a Nivid at the third pressing; if he were to insert having +left two over, he would injure the propagative power; thus he would deprive +people of embryos; therefore having left one only over, he should insert +a Nivid at the third pressing. He should not go past the Nivid with the + + +1 ptf&h and pefaf in one passage are curious, +but no doubt the desire to represent +nividah more accurately is the cause, +iii. 11. 1 Haug against S&yana takes that the + + +sense must be that he is to use no hymn +of 3 or 4 verses for a Nivid. This cannot +be correct. S&yana holds that no shorter +hymn is to be used. + + + +[172 + + +iii. 11 —] The Soma Sacrifice + +hymn; if with a hymn he goes past the Nivid, he should not return there; +verily that stays in its place; having taken another hymn of the same deity +and metre he should insert in it the Nivid. ‘ Let us depart not from the +way ’ he recites 8 before the hymn; he goes from the way who is confused +at the sacrifice. ‘ Not from the sacrifice with Soma, O Indra * (he says); +verily thus he falls not away from the sacrifice. ‘ May not evil spirits stand +within us ’ (he says); verily thus he smites away those who plot evil. + +‘ That which accomplished the sacrifice +The web spread out among the gods, + +May we accomplish, when offered 9 + +(he says 8 ). The web is offspring; verily thus he secures offspring for him +(he says 8 ). ‘Mind we invoke with Soma for Narafansa 1 (he says 4 ); by +mind the sacrifice is carried on, by mind it is performed. This here is the +expiation. + + +ADHYAYA II + + +The Marutvatlya Qastra. + + +iii. 12 (xii. 1). ‘The 1 subjects of the gods must be brought into order’ +they say, ‘ The metre must be made to rest on the metre.’ ‘ Let us two praise ’ +is his call of three syllables at the morning pressing; ‘ Let us recite, O divine +one’ is the Adhvaryu’s response in five syllables; that makes up eight +syllables; the Qayatri has eight syllables; verily they place the Q&yatri in +front at the morning’ pressing. ‘ The hymn hath been recited ’ he says, having +recited, in four syllables; ‘Yes, reciter of hymns’ replies the Adhvaryu +in four syllables; that makes up eight syllables; the Qayatri has eight +syllables; verily thus they place the Qayatri on both sides at the morning +pressing. ‘ O Adhvaryu, let us two recite * is his call of six syllables at mid¬ +day ; ‘Let us recite, O divine one ’ the Adhvaryu replies in five syllables; that +makes up eleven syllables; the Tristubh has eleven syllables; verily thus +they place the Tristubh in front at the midday (pressing). ‘ The hymn hath +been uttered to Indra’ he says, having recited, in seven syllables; ‘Yes, +reciter of hymns’ replies the Adhvaryu in four syllables; that makes up +eleven syllables; the Tristubh has eleven syllables; verily thus they place + + +* BV. x. 57. + +* BV. x. 57. 2. + +* BV. x. 57. 8. + +1 For the cells and replies see KB. xiv. 8; +Caland and Henry, VAgnUtoma , p. 282; +Weber, ItuL Stud. x. 88. They are to be +8, 11, and 12 syllables at the three + + +pressings in order. The calls are aU +dearly mutilated forms from pans with +om. Cl also TS. iii. 2. 9; GB. viii. 10 +imitates as usual. HiUebrandt (Ritual- +titteratur, p. 104) sees in dawa a corruption +otmodmu + + + +173] The Marutvatlya Rostra [—iiL 14 + +the Tristubh on both sides at the midday (pressing). ‘ O Adhvaryu, so let +us two recite ’ is his call of seven syllables at the third pressing; ‘ Let us +recite, O divine one ’ the Adhvaryu replies in five syllables; that makes +up twelve syllables; the Jagati has twelve syllables; verily thus they +place the Jagati in front at the third pressing. ‘The hymn hath been +uttered to Indra, to the gods ’ he says, having recited, in eleven 2 syllables; +‘ Tes ’ replies the Adhvaryu in one syllable; that makes up twelve syllables; +the Jagati has twelve syllables; verily thus they place the Jagati on both +sides at the third pressing. Seeing this the seer declares it a verse, 3 + +‘ That the G&yatrf is deposited on the G&yatn, + +Or that they fashioned the Tristubh from the Tristubh, + +Or that the Jagati Pada is placed on the Jagati, + +They who know this obtain immortality/ + +Verily thus metre on metre he establishes. The subjects of the gods he +sets in order who knows thus. + +iii. 13 (xii. 2). Prajapati assigned to the gods the sacrifice and the metres +in portions. He allotted the Gayatri at the morning pressing to Agni and +the Vasus, the Tristubh to Indra and the Rudras at the midday (pressing), +the Jagati to the All-gods, and the Adityas at the third pressing. Now, +the metre that was his own, the Anustubh, he pushed out to the end to +the office of the Achavaka; she, the Anustubh, said to him ‘ Assuredly thou +art the worst of the gods whose own metre I am and who yet hast pushed +me to the end to the office of the Achavaka." This he recognized; he took +his own Soma offering; he brought the Anustubh round to the very +beginning in his own Soma offering; therefore the Anustubh is employed +at the very beginning of all the pressings. The very first does he become, +pre-eminence doth he attain, who knows thus. He arranged this in his own +Soma offering; therefore whenever it falls under the power of the sacrificer +the sacrifice is in order; (all) is in order for that people when a sacrificer +knowing thus has power. + +iii. 14 (xii. 3). Agni was the Hotr of the gods 1 ; for him death waited in +the Bahispavamana (Stotra); he began the Ajya (Qastra) with an Anustubh; +verily thus he evaded death. For him it waited in the Ajya (Stotra); he +began with the Prauga; verily thus he evaded death. For him it waited in +the Madhyamdina Pavamana; he began the Marutvatlya with an Anustubh; +verily thus he evaded death. For him it could not wait in the Brhati verses +in the midday (pressing); the Brhati verses are the breaths; verily thus it + +91 Bat there are only ten, even with the berg, Prolegomena, p. 876) devebki(y)ah, * + +necessary break of Sandhi, arid may be * RV. i. 164. 28. +read, bat far more probably (see Olden- 1 Ct KB. zv. 6. + + + +[174 + + +iii. 14 —] The Soma Sacrifice + +could not penetrate the breaths. Therefore at the midday pressing Hotr +begins with a strophe in Brhati; the Brhati verses are the breaths; verily +thus he begins with reference to the breaths. For him it waited in the +third Pavamana; he began the Vai^vadeva (Qastra) with an Anus^ubh; +verily thus he evaded death. For him it waited in the Yajftayajfiiya; he +began the Agnimaruta (Qastra) with (a triplet) for Va^vanara; verily thus +he evaded death. That for Vaipvanara is a thunderbolt, the Yajnayajniya +is a support; verily thus by the thunderbolt he drives away death from the +support. He having unloosened all the nets, all the posts, of death, was +released in safety; in safety verily is the Hotr released with full life, for +fullness of life; a full life he lives who knows thus. + +iii. 15 (xii. 4). Indra 1 having slain Vrtra, thinking * I have not laid (him) +low ’, went to the further distances; to the very furthest distance he went; +the very furthest distance is the Anus^ubh; the Anustubh is speech. He, +having entered speech, lay there; him all creatures severally searched for. +Him on the previous day the fathers found, on the second day the gods. +Therefore on the previous day is offering made to the fathers, on the second +day they sacrifice to the gods. They said, ‘ Let us press; so assuredly most +quickly will he come to us/ They pressed; with 2 ‘ Thee like a car for aid * +they turned him towards (them); at (the verse 8 ) praising the pressed (drink) > +‘ This drink, O bright one, is pressed * he became revealed to them. With 4 +*0 Indra, come nearer’ they brought him into the midst; with a sacrifice +to which Indra has come he sacrifices, with a sacrifice possessing Indra he +prospers, who knows thus. + +iii. 16 (xii. 5). When Indra had slain Vrtra all the deities left him, thinking +1 He has not laid (him) low ’; the Maruts only, his true comrades, did not +leave; the Maruts, true comrades, are the breaths; the breaths did not then +leave him. Therefore this unchanging Pragatha 1 containing (the word) +‘ true friend ’ is recited, ‘ Hither, O true friend, with true friends.’ Even if +here onwards a recitation to Indra is recited, the whole is the Marutvatiya, +if this unchanging Pragatha is recited, containing (the word) * true friend’, +* Hither, O true friend, with true friends.’ + +iii. 17 (xii. 6). He recites a Pragatha 1 to Brahmanaspati; with Brhaspati +as Purohita the gods conquered the world of heaven, and conquered in the + +1 AB. iii. 12-14 contains introductory matter; 8 RV. viii 2. 1. + +16-21 and KB. xv. 2 and 8 deal with the 4 RV. viii. 68. 6. + +Marutvatiya ^astra, the first of the mid- iii. 16. 1 RV. viii. 68. 6 and 6. +day pressing; see A 9 S. v. 14 ; 999* vii iii.17. 1 The Pavam&na is composed of 8 G&yatri +6-26 ; viii. 16; Caland and Henry, verses, SV. iL 22-24 ; 2 Brhati, ii 26, + +L'Agniftoma, pp. 299-804. For this 26; and 8 Tristubh, ii. 27-29. The Brhati + +chapter cf. TS. ii 6. 8. 6 ; £B. i 6. 4. 1. and Q&yatrl verses are made up to 6 each, + +8 RV. viii. 68. 1. 2 Brhatls as usual being made to give 8. + + + +175] The Marutvatiya Qastra [—iii. is + +world. Verily so also the sacrificer with Brhaspati as Porohita conquers +the world of heaven and conquers in the world. These two Pragathas, +though not being chanted, are recited with repetitions. They say * Seeing +that nothing which is not chanted is recited with a repetition, then how are +these two Pragathas, which are not chanted, recited with repetitions ? ’ The +Marutvatiya is the litany of the Pavamana (Stotra); there they chant to +six Gayatri verses, six Brhati verses, and three Tristubh verses; this is the +midday Pavamana, in the Pancadaga (Stoma), with three metres. They say +‘How is this midday Pavamana, in the Paficada^a, with three metres +followed in recitation ? * The two last verses of the strophe are in Gayatri, +the antistrophe is in Gayatri 2 ; by these the Gayatri verses are followed in +recitation; by the two Pragathas the Brhati verses are followed in recita¬ +tion. In these Brhati verses the Saman singers chant with repetitions with +the Raurava and Yaudhajaya (Samans); 8 therefore these two Pragathas, +though not chanted, are recited with repetitions; thus with the Qastra he +follows the Stotra. By the inserted verses in Tristubh 4 and the Tristubh +Nivid insertion® the Tristubh verses by him are followed in recitation. +Thus indeed is the midday Pavamana in the Pancadaga with three metres +followed in recitation by him who knows thus. + +iii. 18 (xii. 7). He recites the inserted verses; by the inserted verses Praja- +pati milked from these worlds whatever desire he desired; by means of the +inserted verses he milks from these worlds whatever he desires, who knows +thus. Now as to these inserted verses, whenever the gods observed a breach +in the sacrifice that they closed up by the inserted verses; that is why the +inserted verses have their name. With a sacrifice without breach does he +sacrifice who knows thus. Now as to these inserted verses, the inserted +verses are the sewing of the sacrifice; just as one continues putting together +a garment with a needle, so does he continue with these putting together +the breach in the sacrifice who knows thus. Further as to the inserted +verses, the inserted verses are the recitations for the Upasads; * Agni is the +leader 1 (he says 1 ); the first Upasad is connected with Agni; of that this is +the recitation. ‘ Thou with insight, 0 Soma ’ (he says 2 ); the second Upasad +is connected with Soma; of that this is the recitation. ‘ They swell the +waters' (he says 8 ); the third Upasad is connected with Visnu; of that this +is the recitation. So much space as by sacrifice with the Soma sacrifice he + +9 RV. vUi. 68.1-8, and 2.1-8 for antistrophe. 5 See AB. iii. 19. + +The two Pragathas are RV. viii. 68. 6, 6 ; 1 RV. iii. 20. 4. In $§ 8, 6, 6 ad fin. new + +i. 40. 5, 6. clauses should begin with yad and not as + +8 These are those to which SV. ii. 25 and 26 in Aufrecht. + +are sung; cf. Simon, Putpa StUra , p. 769. 8 RV. i. 91. 2. + +4 See AB. iii. 18. 8 RV. i. 64. 6. + + + +iii. 18—] The Soma Sacrifice [176 + +conquers, that he conquers with each Upasad who knows thus and who +knowing thus recites the inserted verses. As to this some hold ‘ You the +great* should he recite; 4 saying ‘We know that this (verse) is recited +among the Bharatas.’ That is not to be regarded. If he were to recite it, +Parjanya would be liable not to rain. 6 * They swell the waters ’ only he should +recite; that line has rain in it; it mentions the Maruts in ‘ Maruts *, and +contains (the word) ‘ lead * in ( Like a steed to make rain they lead about *; +that which has (the word) * lead * has the word 1 stride *; that which has +* stride * is connected with Visnu; ‘ The strong one * (he says); the strong +one is Indra. In this (verse) there are four clauses, referring respectively +to rain, the Maruts, Visnu, and Indra. This verse which has its place in +the third pressing is recited at the midday (pressing); therefore the cattle +of the Bharatas now spend the evening in the cattle-ground, and at the +midday come up to the cattle-shed. 6 It is in Jagatl, for cattle are connected +with the Jagatl; the midday is the self of the sacrificer; thus he confers +cattle on the sacrificer. + +iii. 19 (xii. 8). He recites a Pragatha 1 to the Maruts; the Maruts are cattle; +the Pragatha is cattle; (it serves) to win cattle. ‘Thou hast been bom +dread, for impetuous strength*, this hymn 2 he recites. This hymn is +a propagation of the sacrificer; the sacrificer by it he propagates from the +sacrifice as the birthplace of the gods. It is a bringer of victory; he gains +victory and is victorious. It is by Gaurivlti. Gaurivlti Qaktya went nearest +to the world of heaven; he saw this hymn; with it he conquered the world +of heaven. Verily so also the sacrificer with this hymn conquers the world +of heaven. Having recited half its (verses), leaving half over, he places +a Nivid in the middle; the Nivid is a mounting to the world of heaven; +the Nivid is a ladder to the world of heaven. It he should recite climbing +up as it were; and he should take hold 3 of the sacrificer who is dear to +him. So for one desiring the heaven. Now for one practising witchcraft. +If he desire ‘ May I smite the people by the lordly power * thrice should he +here separate with the Nivid the recitation of the hymn; the Nivid is the +lordly power, the hymn the people; verily thus by the lordly power he +smites the people. If he desire ‘May I smite the lordly power by the +people ’, thrice should he here divide the Nivid in recitation by the hymn; +the Nivid is the lordly power, the hymn the people; verily thus he smites +the lordly power by the people. But if he desire ‘ On both sides let me + + +« BY. ii. 84.11. Head abhivytf ; of. p. 86. + +8 The oonstr. is as in AB. iii. 48; PB. zvi. 15.9. +8 Against the time of heat, as S&yana ex¬ +plains ; see Vedic Index, i. 282. + +1 BY. viii. 89. 8 and 4. + + +* BY. x. 78. The word is really inserted after +v. 6 of the 11 verses; A£S, v. 14. 20. + +9 I. e. he should hold him while imitating +the climbing of a ladder, by puffing +vigorously as S&yana says. + + + +177] The Marvtvatlya Qastra [ —iii. 20 + +sever him from the people he should here on both sides of the Nivid utter +the call; on both sides thus he cuts him off from the people. So for one +practising witchcraft, but the other way for one desiring heaven. ‘The +birds, fair winged, have approached Indra’, with this last (verse 4 ) he +concludes; ‘ the Priyamedhas, the seers, seeking aid; do thou unroll the +darkness ’ (he says). The darkness by which he deems himself surrounded +that should he approach in mind; that from him is removed. 1 Fill the eye +with this he should rub his eyes; possessed of sight until old age becomes +he who knows thus. ‘ Release us that are bound as it were with a net ’ +(he says); a net is snares; verily thus he says ‘Release us being bound +from a snare as it were + +iii. 20 (xii. 9). Indra 1 , being about to slay Vrtra, said to all the deities +'Do ye support me; do ye call to me/ ‘Be it so’ (they replied). They +ran forward to slay. He perceived ‘ They are running hither to slay me; +well, let me terrify them/ Against them he breathed forth; before his +snorting in haste all the gods ran away, but the Maruts did not abandon +him; saying ‘Smite, 0 blessed one; strike, show thy strength’ they +supported him. Seeing this the seer declares 1 + +‘ Before the snorting of Vrtra in haste, + +All the gods, thy comrades, abandoned thee: + +With the Maruts, O Indra, be there friendship for thee ; + +Then shalt thou conquer every foe.’ + +He perceived ‘ These indeed are my friends; they showed me love; well, +let me give them a share in this litany/ He gave them a share in this +litany; to that time both litanies were his only. He draws the cup for the +Maruts, he recites the Pragatha to the Maruts, he recites the hymn to the +Maruts, he inserts the Nivid to the Maruts; this is the portion of the Maruts. +Having recited the litany to the Maruts, he uses (a verse) to the Maruts as +offering verse; thus in due portion he delights the deities. + +‘ Those who magnified thee, 0 bounteous one, at the slaying of the serpent, +Those who, O lord of the bays, at the affair with Qambara, the cattle foray, +Those who now, the sages, rejoice with thee, + +In union with the Maruts, drink, O Indra, the Soma ’ + +(he says 8 ). Wherever with them he conquered, wherever he showed his +strength, thus by mentioning that also he makes them share the Soma +drink with Indra. + +4 RV. x. 78. ll. + +1 Cf. KB. XV. 2. + +23 [i.oj. ib] + + +• RV. viii. 96. 7. +8 RV. iii. 47. 4. + + + +[178 + + +iii.2l] The Soma Sacrifice + +iii. 21 (xii. 10) Indra, 1 having slain Vrtra, having won all victories, said to +Prajapati<Let me be what thou art; let me be great/ Praj&pati replied, + +‘ Then who ami?’ * Even that which thou hast said ’ he answered; then +indeed did Prajapati become Who by name; Prajapati is Who by name. 1 +In that Indra became great, that is why Mahendra has his name. 2 He +having become great said to the deities ‘ Assign me a choice portion just +as one desires here, who prospers, who attains pre-eminence, who becomes +great. 3 The gods said to him * Claim thyself what is to be for thee/ He +claimed this cup for Mahendra, the midday of pressings, the Niskevalya of +litanies, the Tristubh of metres, the Prstha of Samans; this choice portion +they assigned to him. They assign a choice portion to him who knows +thus. To him the gods said ( All hast thou asked ; let us have a share here +also/ * No ’, he replied, ‘ how can you have a share also ? * They answered +‘ Let us have a share also, O bounteous one/ He merely looked at them. + + +The Niskevalya Qastra . + +iii. 22 (xii. 11). The 1 gods said * Here is the dear wife, the favourite of +Indra, Prasaha by name; from her let us seek (our desire)/ ‘Be it so* +(he said). From her they sought; she said to them ‘ In the morning shall +I tell you/ Therefore wives seek from a husband, therefore a wife seeks +from her husband in the night To her they went in the morning; she +replied with (the verse 2 ): + +‘ Since many a time he hath conquered, enduring, + +Indra hath made good his name as slayer of Vrtra; + +The mighty lord of strength hath been perceived + +the mighty lord of strength is Indra. + +‘ What we desire of him to do, let him perform that,’ + +verily thus she said to them ‘ What we have said, that he has done/ The +gods said ‘ Let her have a share also, since she has not yet obtained one 3 in + + +1 S&yana quotes TB. ii. 2. 5. 2. + +* Cf. TS. vi. 6. 6. 8. + +3 These words as Aufreoht points out destroy +the sentence in form ; yo would save this. + +iii. 22. 1 AB. ii. 22-24 and KB. xv. 4 and 5 deal +with the Niskevalya £astra of the Hotrat +the midday pressing; see A$S. v. 15; +vii. 20; viii. 17; Cal and and Henry, +L’Agniftoma , pp. 810-818. + +2 BV. x. 74.6. The interesting episode of the + + +shame of the daughter-in-law is dealt with +by Liebioh, VOJ. xxvii. 474-477. For +magic in the Br&hmanas of. L4vi, La doc¬ +trine duoacrtflce, p. 189. For vdvdtd ot Vedic +Index, i. 478; ii. 290. For Indra as son of +Praj&pati S&yana cites TB. ii. 2.10.1; for +send, ii. 2. 8.1. + +8 Liebioh (ittrnnt, p. 72, n. 2) suggests yd ns +’sminn acaOcam avidat, easier syntax but +different if possible sense. + + + +179] + + +The Nifkevalya Qastra [—iii. 2S + +this of ours.* ‘Be it so’ (they said). They gave her a share then; there* +fore herein is recited (the verse) ‘ Since many a time he hath conquered, +enduring.* The dear wife, the favourite, Prasaha by name, of Indra, is his +host; her father-in-law is Prajapati named Who. Therefore he who desires +the victory of a host standing away from it at half distance, should cut +a grass blade at both ends, and throw it towards the other host, saying +‘ Prasaha, Ka seeth thee.’ Then, just as in this world, a daughter-in-law +keeps hiding in modesty before her father-in-law, so also the host keeps +shrinking away in confusion, where one knowing thus, having cut a grass +blade at both ends, hurls it against the other host (saying) ‘ Prasaha, Ka +seeth thee.* To them said Indra ‘ Tou may have a share here also.’ The +gods replied 4 ' Let the Viraj of thirty-three syllables be the offering verse of +the Niskevalya.* The gods are thirty-three, eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, +twelve Adityas, Prajapati and the vasaf call; he makes the gods share +the syllables; syllable by syllable the gods drink in turn; verily thus with +a vessel of the gods the gods are satisfied. If he desire of a man ‘ Let him +be without an abode ’, let him use for him as offering verse a Gayatri, +a Tristubh or some other metre, not a Viraj, and say the vasat call; +verily thus he makes him without an abode. If he desire of a man ‘ Let +him have an abode ’, he should use for him as offering verse 6 a Viraj ‘ Drink +the Soma, O Indra; let it delight thee ’; verily thus with it he makes him +have an abode. + +iii. 28 (xii. 12). The Rc and the Saman were here in the beginning. The +Rc was called ‘ she *, the Saman ‘ he’. 1 The Rc said to the Saman ‘ Let us be +united for generation.* ‘ No *, replied the Saman, ‘ my greatness is above +thine.* She becoming two spoke (to him); he did not at all consent. Having +become three she spoke; with three he united. In that with three he +united, therefore with three they chant, with three sing, for with three is +the Saman commensurate. Therefore one (husband) has many wives, but +not one (woman) at once many husbands. In that thus he and she were +united, thus came into being the Sama (m-ama ); that is why the Saman +has its name. He becomes 2 fair who knows thus; he who prospers, who +attains pre-eminence, he becomes fair, for as ‘ unfair * men reproach (a man). + + +4 No iU to make the end of the quotation +dear, so above iii. 8. + +* RV. vii. 22. 1. + +1 The same derivation in CU. iii. & 1-6. SB. +viii. 20 and 21 foUows AB. + +* adman bhavati can only be construed as a loo. + +but apparently the sense is as taken by +S&yana on its second occurrence. Weber +(Ind. Stud. is. 268) offers no translation, + + +and on its first S&yana renders aarvair +abhyarhitaih sadtyo bhavati . BR. (vii. 929) +has *er sitzt in der FtUle ’ (from j 4), and +Deussen (Scchzig Upanishadi , p. 85) sees +in GU. ii. 1. 1-8 a play on these senses +of S&man, those of richness, friendliness, +and the S&man. Probably all are in +essence one, resting on the root idea +‘conciliate’, ‘please*. + + + +iii. 23—] The Soma Sacrifice [180 + +They came into order becoming one five, the other five; (namely) the call +and the hin call, the prelude and the first Be, the principal part and the +middle Be, the response and the last Be, the finale and the va§at call. In +that the two came into order becoming one five, the other five, therefore +they say 'The sacrifice is fivefold; cattle are fivefold/ In that, further, +they made up, as a set of ten, the Viraj, therefore they say ‘ In the Viraj, as +a set of ten, the sacrifice finds support/ The strophe is the self, the anti¬ +strophe offspring, the inserted verses the wife, the Pragatha cattle, the +hymn the house. He in this and in yonder world abides with offspring +and cattle in his home who knows thus. + +iii. 24 (xii. 18). He recites the strophe 1 ; the strophe is the self; it he +recites with a middle tone; verily thus he makes the self perfect. He recites +the antistrophe 8 ; the antistrophe is offspring; the antistrophe is to be recited +in a louder tone; verily thus he makes his offspring better than himself. +He recites the inserted verse 8 ; the inserted verse is the wife; the inserted +verse must be recited in a lower tone as it were; in his house his wife is +not likely to answer back, when one knowing thus recites the inserted verse +in a lower tone. He recites the Pragatha 4 ; it is to be recited with sonorous +voice; sound is cattle, the Pragatha is cattle; (it serves) to win cattle. He +recites the hymn 6 1 1 shall declare the mighty deeds of Indra/ Thus is the +hymn devoted only to and dear to Indra, by Hiranyastupa. By the hymn +Hiranyastupa Angirasa went to the dear abode of Indra, he won the highest +world. He goes to the dear abode of Indra, he wins the highest world who +knows thus. The hymn is a house, a support. Therefore it should be +recited in the most firm tone. Therefore even if a man gets cattle at a dis¬ +tance as it were, he desires to bring to his house; for a house is the +support of cattle. + + +ADHYAYA HI + + +The Vaifvadeva and the Agnimaruta. + + +iii 25 (xiii. 1). Soma 1 the king was in yonder world, on him the gods +and the seers reflected ‘ How shall Soma the king come to us ? 9 They said +to the metres ‘ Do ye fetch for us this Soma the king/ ' Be it so ’ (they +replied). Having become birds they flew up. In that having become birds +they flew up, that (tale) those who know stories call the Sauparna; thus + + +* EV. Yii. 82. 22, 28. + +* RV. viii. 8. 7, 8. + +9 Above AB. iii. 22. + +9 BV. viii. 8. 12,18. + +9 BV. i 82. + +iii. 26. 1 AB. iii. 25-82 and KB. zvi. 4 and 5 + + +deal with the Vafyvadeva 9&stra of the +Hotr at the evening pressing; see A9& v. +18; 95®* viii. 8; Caland and Henry, +L'Agnittoma, pp. 864-861. For the legend +of. TS. vL 1. 6. 2 ; PB. viii. 4. 1; $B. iv. +8. 2. 7; Bloomfield, JAOS. zvi. 1 seq. + + + +181] + + +The Vaigvadeva Qastra [—iii. 27 + +the metres went towards Soma, the king. The metres then were of four +syllables each only. The Jagati being of four syllables first flew up ; she +having flown up and having gone half of the way felt weary; having laid +aside three syllables, and becoming of one syllable, she flew back down +again, bearing consecration and fervour. Therefore by him is consecra¬ +tion obtained, is fervour obtained, who has cattle, for cattle are connected +with the Jagati, for the Jagati brought them back. Then the Tristubh +flew up. She having flown up and having gone more than half the way +felt weary; she having laid aside one syllable, having become of three +syllables, came back again, bearing the sacrificial fees. Therefore at the +midday the sacrificial fees are taken, in the place of the Tristubh, for the +Tristubh brought them back. + +iii. 26 (xiii. 2). The gods said to the Gayatri ‘ Do thou fetch the Soma, the +king, for us/ ‘ Be it so,’ she replied, ‘ do ye accompany me with the recita¬ +tion of the whole (formula for a) safe passage.’ * Be it so ’ (they said). +She flew up; her the gods accompanied with the recitation of the whole +(formula for a) safe passage, containing the words ‘ forward ’ and ‘ hither ’. +(The words) f forward’ and * hither* are the whole (formula for a) safe +passage ; therefore him who is dear to him he should accompany with +this (recitation) containing * forward ’ and * hither *; verily safely he goes, +safely he returns. She, having flown and having terrified the guardians of +the Soma, grasped with foot and mouth Soma the king, and also grasped +the syllables which the other two metres had dropped. Having shot at +her, Krpanu, a Soma guardian, 1 cut off the nail of her left foot; that +became a porcupine; therefore is it like a nail. The fat that flowed became +the barren cow 2 ; therefore is it the oblation as it were. The socket and the +point became a serpent, not biting; from its swiftness (came) the viper; +the feathers became flying foxes, the sinews earthworms, the shaft the +blind snake. Thus became the arrow. + +iii. 2 7 (xiii. 8). What she grasped with her right foot became the morning +pressing; the Gayatri made it her own abode; therefore they regard it as +the most perfect of all the pressings. The very first he becomes, he attains +pre-eminence who knows thus. What she grasped with her left foot became +the midday pressing; it slipped; having slipped it did not match the former +pressing. The gods sought to remedy this; in it they placed the Tris¬ +tubh of metres, Indra of deities; thereby it became of equal strength with +the former pressing; with the two pressings of equal strength and of +similar quality he prospers who knows thus. That which she grasped with +her mouth became the third pressing. Flying she sucked its sap; having + +1 See TS. i. 2. 7; vi.1.10.4; i. 7.1.1 ; iii. 8. 4. 10. + +9 See TS. ii. 1 . 2. 8. + + + +[182 + + +iii. 27—] The Soma Sacrifice + +its sap sucked, 1 it did not equal the two former pressings. The gods sought +to remedy this; they saw it in cattle. In that they pour in an admixture +(of milk), and proceed with the (offering of) butter 2 and the animal (offer¬ +ing), thereby it became of equal strength with the previous pressings. With +all the pressings of equal strength and of similar quality he prospers who +knows thus. + +iii. 28 (xiii. 4). The other two metres said to the Gayatri ‘ Our property, +the syllables have come round with (you).’ ‘No/ replied the G&yatri; +4 ours are they as they were found (by us)/ They disputed before the +gods; the gods said ‘ They are yours as they were found (by you)/ There¬ +fore even now in a question of property they say 4 It is ours by right of +finding/ Then the Gayatri was of eight syllables, the Tristubh of three, +the Jagati of one. The eight-syllable Gayatri supported the morning +pressing; the Tristubh with three syllables could not support the midday +pressing; to her the G&yatri said ‘ Let me come; let there be a portion for +me here also/ 4 Be it so/ replied the Tristubh, * Do thou unite me with +these eight syllables/ 4 Be it so ’ (she said); her she united; thus to the +Gayatri at the midday belong the last two (verses) of the strophe of the +Marutvatiya and the antistrophe. 1 She, having become of eleven syllables, +supported the midday pressing. The Jagati having one syllable could not +support the third pressing; to her the Gayatri said ‘ Let me come ; let there +be a portion for me here also. 4 Be it so/ replied the Jagati, 4 Do thou unite +me with these eleven syllables/ 4 Be it so ’ (she said); her she united; +thus to the Gayatri at the third pressing belong the last two verses of the +strophe of the Vaifvadeva and the antistrophe. Having become of twelve +syllables she supported the third pressing. Then indeed the Gayatri became +of eight syllables, the Tristubh of eleven syllables, and the Jagati of twelve +syllables. With all the metres of equal strength and of similar quality he +prospers who knows thus. That which was one became three; therefore +they say 4 It should be given to one who knows thus 9 ; for being one it +became three. + +iii. 29 (xiii. 5). The gods said to the Adityas 4 With you let us support this +pressing/ ‘Be it so’ (they replied). Therefore the third pressing begins +with the Adityas ; the cup for the Adityas 1 is before it. He uses (a verse 2 ) +containing (the word) 4 be drunk ’ and so perfect in form, as offering verse, +4 Let the Adityas and Aditi be drunk ’; that which contains (the word) 4 be +drunk ’ is a characteristic of the third pressing. He does not say the second + +1 SeeTS. vi. 1. 6. 8. v. 17. 1-8; 99&viii. 1. 8-7; Caland and + +* All things connected with oattle. Henry, L’Agnidama , pp. 882, 888. + +iii 28. 1 See AB. iii. 17. 6. _ * RV. viii. 51. 2. + +iii. 29. 1 For this cup see KB. xvi. 1; A$S. + + + +183] The Vaigvadeva Qastra [—iii. 30 + +va§at, nor eat (thinking) ( The second vaaat call is a conclusion ; eating is +a conclusion; the Adityas are the breaths; let me not bring the breaths +to a conclusion.’ The Adityas said to Savitr * With thee let us support this +pressing.’ 4 Be it so ’ (he replied). Therefore the strophe 8 of the Vaipvadeva +is addressed to Savitr, the cup for Savitr is before it. He uses (a verse 4 ) con¬ +taining (the word) ‘ be drunk *, and so perfect in form, as offering verse, 4 God +of the home Savitr the delectable ’; that which contains (the word) 4 be +drunk ’ is a symbol of the third pressing. He does not say the second +va§at nor eat, (thinking) 4 The second vasaf call is a conclusion; eating is a +conclusion; Savitr is the breath; let me not bring the breath to a conclusion.’ +Savitr drinks of both these pressings, the morning pressing and the third +pressing. In that there is in the beginning of the Nivid 6 to Savitr a sentence +containing (the word) 4 drink ’ and at the end one containing (the word) 4 be +drunk ’, verily thus he gives him a share in both pressings, the morning +pressing and the third pressing. Many verses to V&yu are recited in the +morning, but one 6 only at the third pressing; therefore the upward breaths +of a man are more numerous than the lower. He recites (a hymn 7 ) to sky +and earth; sky and earth are supports; this (earth) is a support here, +yonder (sun) yonder. In that he recites (a hymn) to sky and earth, verily +thus he establishes him on a pair of supports. + +iii. 30 (xiii. 6) He recites (a hymn) to the Rbhus 1 ; the Rbhus by fervour +among the gods won the drinking of Soma. For them they desired to arrange +it at the morning pressing; them Agni with the Vasus repelled from the +morning pressing. For them they sought to arrange it at the midday pressing; +them Indra with the Rudras repelled from the midday pressing. For them +they desired to arrange it at the third pressing; them the All-gods ener¬ +getically repelled, (saying) 4 They shall not drink here, not here.’ Prajapati +said to Savitr 4 These are thy pupils; do thou drink together with them.’ +4 Be it so,’ replied Savitr, 4 Do thou drink round them on both sides.’ Praja¬ +pati drank round them on both sides; these two inserted verses 2 without +mention (of the deity), intended for Prajapati, are recited round (the +hymn) for the Rbhus, 4 The maker of fair forms for aid’ and 4 Let Vena +here impel those bom of Pilin’; verily thus does Prajapati drink on both +sides of them. Therefore does one of high rank honour at his table him +whom he desires. The gods had loathing of those because of the human + + +» RV. V. 82.1-8. + +4 For the cup nee KB. xvi. 2 and 8 ; A£S. y. +18. 1 , 2; 99& via. 8. 1-4; C&l&nd and +Henry, pp. 862-864. + +4 Jn somaaya pibatu and aomasya matmt respec¬ +tively. + + +6 Not in the Samhitft. + +7 RV. i. 169. + +1 RV. i. 111. The reading ’v&dkalpayifan is +given by Caland, VOJ. xxiii. 64; Weber, +Jnd. Stud. ix. 264. + +* RV. i. 4.1; x. 128. 1. + + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +iii. 30—] + + +[184 + + +scent; they interposed these inserted verses’ ‘ In whom the mother’ and +‘ To the father + +iii. 81 (xiii. 7). He recites (a hymn x ) to the All-gods; as are peoples, so is +the Vai^vadeva. As are the peoples within, so are the hymns; as the wastes +so the inserted verses. On both sides of the inserted verse he utters the call; +‘ therefore these being wastes seem not to be such by reason of the beasts +and birds ’ he used to say. As is a man, so is the Vai$vadeva; as are his +members within, so are the hymns; as his joints, so the inserted verses. +On both sides of the inserted verse he utters the calls; therefore the joints +of a man being slack are made firm, for they are made firm by the holy +power. The inserted verses and the offering verses are the root of the +sacrifice; if they were to use different inserted verses and offering verses, +they would uproot the sacrifice; therefore they should be the same. The +Vai^vadeva litany is connected with the five folks; it is the litany of all +the five folks, gods and men, Gandharvas and Apsarases, serpents and fathers; +of these five folks is it the litany; all the five folks know him; to him from the +fivefold folk sacrificers go who knows thus. He who recites the Vai$vadeva +is the Hotr connected with all the gods. Of all the quarters should he +t.hinlr when about to recite; verily thus in all the quarters he places sap. +He should not think of that quarter in which there is one whom he +should hate; by omitting it he appropriates his strength. He concludes +with the last (verse’) ‘ Aditi is the sky, Aditi the atmosphere’; Aditi is +this (earth); the sky this (earth), the atmosphere this (earth). ‘ Aditi is +mother, is father, is son ’ (he says); the mother is this (earth), the father +this (earth), the son this (earth). ' Aditi is the All-gods, the five folks' (he +says); in this are the All-gods, in this the five folks. ‘ Aditi is what is +bom, Aditi is what is to be bom ’ (he says); what is bom is this (earth); +what is to be bom is this (earth). He recites twice by lines the concluding +(verse); cattle are four-footed; (verily it serves) to win cattle; once by +half verses, for support. Man has a double support, cattle have four feet; +verily thus he causes men with his double support to find support in +four-footed cattle. He should always conclude with (a verse) connected +with the five folks; touching the earth should he conclude. Thus in the +very place where he bringB together the sacrifice in that at the end he +establishes it. Having recited the Vai?vadeva litany he uses (a verse) to +the All-gods as offering verse, 3 ‘ O All-gods, harken to this my call'; +thus according to their portions he delights the deities. + +iii. 32 (xiii. 8). The 1 first offering verse for the ghee is addressed to Agni, + + +iii. 82. 1 This chapter deals with the offering +of a pap to Soma between libations of ghee +to Agni and Visnu; see A 9 S. t. 19.14; + + +* RV. x. 88. 8; iv. 50. 6. + +1 RV. i. 89. * RV. i. 89. 10. + +* RV. vi. 52. 18. + + + +185] + + +The AgnimdnUa Gastra [—iii. 83 + +the offering verse for (the pap for) Soma is addressed to Soma, the offering +verse for the ghee is addressed to Visnu. For (the pap for) Soma he uses as +offering verse * ‘ Thou, O Soma, in unison with the fathers,’ which contains +(the word) * fathers They slay the Soma in that they press it; for it they +perform (the offering of) a barren cow in the form of (the pap) for Soma; +the barren cow is for the fathers; therefore (a verse) containing (the +word) ' fathers ’ he uses as offering verse for (the pap for) Soma. They +have killed Soma in that they pressed it; thos do they again bring +it into being; they swell it up again with the symbol of the Upasads, +these deities, Agni, Soma, and Vi$nu are the symbol of the Upasads. +Having taken (the pap) for Soma before the Saman singers the Hotr +should look into it; some indeed give it first to the Sftman singers, but +that he should not do. * The sayer of vasat eats first all foods ’, he used +to say; in this way therefore the sayer of vasat should first look into it, +then they give it to the Saman singers. + + +The Agnimaruta Qastra. + + +iii. 38 (xiii. 9). Prajapati 1 felt love towards his own daughter, the sky +some say, Usas others. Having become a stag he approached her in the +form of a deer. The gods saw him, ‘ A deed unknown Prajapati now does.’ +They sought one to punish him; they found him not among one another. +These most dread forms they brought together in one place. Brought +together they became this deity here; therefore is his name containing (the +word) Bhuta; he prospers who knows thus his name. To him the gods +said ‘ Prajapati here hath done a deed unknown; pierce him.’ ' Be itso,’ he +replied, ‘ Let me choose a boon from you.’ ‘ Choose ’ (they said). He chose +this boon, the overlordship of cattle; therefore does his name contain the +word ‘cattle’. 1 Rich in cattle he becomes who knows thus this name +of his. Having aimed at him he pierced him; being pierced he flew +upwards; 8 him they call ‘ the deer ’. The piercer of the deer is he of +that name. The female deer is Rohini; the three-pointed arrow is the + + +99S. Tiii. 4. 1-6; Cal and and Henry, +L'Agniftoma, pp. 862-864. + +* RV. viii. 48. 18. + +1 AB. iii. 88-88 and KB. xvi. 7 deal with the +Agnim&ruta gastra of the Hotr at the +evening pressing; see A? 8 * v * 20 i 95 s * +viii. 6; Caland and Henry, V AgnifUma, +pp. 872-880. The astronomical data here +given afford Tilak the source of his work +Orion ; cf. Whitney, JAOS. xvi. xcii, xciii. +For the legend cf. fB. i. 7. 4.1; RV. x. +61. 6-9. + +24 [■•o.a. id] + + +The two names are BhOtapati and Pfcfupati +according to Sftyana, and this is more +plausible than Weber’s vaguer reference +to Bhava (M Stud. ix. 269,270). +udaprapata of the MSS. of Haug and Weber, +whence the latter conjectured udapravata +is to be read with Aufrecht as udaprapaiat +before tarn. The form is so irregular that +Aufrecht suggests udapatat, Bohtlingk +(BKSGW. 16 Dee. 1900, p. 417) prefers +udapravata. + + + + +[186 + + +iiL 33—] The Soma Sacrifice + +three-pointed arrow. The seed of Prajapati outpoured ran; it became a +pond. The gods said ‘ Let not this seed of Prajapati be spoiled.’ It became +‘ not to be spoilt; ’ that is why ‘ not to be spoilt ’ (madum) has its name; +connected with man is called * not to be spoilt ’; that being ‘ not to be +spoilt’ they call mystically ‘connected with man (m&wum)’, for the gods +are lovers of mystery as it were. + +iii. 34 (xiii. 10). It they surrounded with Agni; it the Maruts blew +upon; Agni could not make it move; they surrounded it with Agni Vai$va- +nara; the Maruts blew upon it; then Agni Vaipvanara caused it to move. The +first part of the seed that was kindled up became yonder Aditya; the second +became Bhrgu; him Varuna took; therefore is Bhrgu descended from +Varuna. 1 The third (part), that was brilliant (adldet) as it were, became the +Adityas. The coals became the Angirases; in that the coals after being +quenched blazed forth again, Brhaspati came into being. The extinguished +coals became black cattle; the reddened earth ruddy (cattle). The ash +which there was crept about in diverse forms, the buffalo, the Gayal, the +antelope, the camel, the ass, and these ruddy animals. To them this god +said ‘ Mine is this, mine is what remains.’ * Him they deprived of a claim +by this verse which is recited as addressed to Rudra, 8 + +‘ O father of the Maruts, let thy goodwill approach us ; + +Do thou not sever us from the sight of the sun; + +Do thou, hero, be merciful to our steeds ’; + +so should he say, not ‘ Towards us ’ (in the last line); this god is not likely +to attack offspring then; + +‘ May we be multiplied with children, O thou of Rudra,’ + +so he should say, not ( O Rudra ’, to avoid the use of the actual name. Or +rather he should recite 4 ‘Weal for us let him make’; with ‘weal’ he +begins, for weal for all. ‘ For men, for women, for cows ’ (he says); men +are males, women are females; (verily it serves) for weal for all. This +verse, being without mention (of the name of the deity ) 6 though addressed +to Rudra, is appeased; with full life, for fullness of life, a full life he lives +who knows thus. It is a Gayatri; the Gayatri is holy power; verily thus +with the holy power he honours him. + +iii. 35 (xiii. 11). He begins the Agnimaruta with (a hymn l ) to Vaifva- +nara; Vaifvanara caused to move the seed when poured; therefore with a + +1 The sense 4 adopted' is supported by Slyana * RV. ii. 88. 1, with tvdm for abhi in o and +and the declaration of relation of father rudriya for rudra in d. + +and son in TU. iii. 1. The preceding 4 RV. i. 48.6. + +passage may be referred to in (B. i. 7.4.4; 6 So Aufreoht for so niruktd of the MSS. which + +ir. 6.1.8; Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. 887, n. 4. Weber (2nd. Stud. ix. 271) reads, + +t So TS. iii 1. 9. 5. iii. 86. 1 RV. iiL 8. Cf. KB. xvi. 7. + + + +187] + + +The Agni/maruta Qastra + + +r • • • + +[—ill. 37 + + +hymn to Vaifvanara he begins the Agnimaruta. Without taking in breath +the first verse is to be recited. He who recites the Agnimaruta keeps quench* +ing the fires which have not been appeased, the blazing flames; verily +thus with the breaths he crosses the fires. In reciting he may err; he +should seek another to point out; verily thus making him a bridge he +crosses. Therefore at the Agnimaruta he should not himself correct, +a corrector (of errors) should be found. He recites (a hymn 2 ) to the +Maruts; the Maruts by blowing caused to move the seed when poured; +therefore he recites (a hymn) to the Maruts. ‘ At each sacrifice to Agni* +and ‘ The god wealth gives to you the basis 3 (of the Stotra) and the +antistrophe 4 he recites in the middle; in that in the middle he recites the +basis (yoni) and the antistrophe, therefore is the womb placed in the +middle. In that he recites after reciting two hymns, verily thus he places +the organ of propagation above the two supports for generation. He is +propagated with offspring and cattle who knows thus. + +iii. 36 (xiii. 12). He recites (a hymn *) to Jatavedas; Prajapati created +offspring; they created went away and returned not. Them he sur¬ +rounded with Agni; they came up to Agni; to him to-day even they come +up. He said 4 Offspring bora by him I have found/ In that he said +* Offspring born by him I have found that became (the hymn) to Jatavedas; +that is why Jatavedas has his name. They, surrounded by Agni, and +controlled, kept scorching and blazing; them he sprinkled with water* +Therefore after (the hymn) to Jatavedas he recites the Apohisthiya; 2 +therefore should it be recited by one who is appeasing. Having sprinkled +them with water he thought that he had destroyed them; in them by +means of the dragon of the deep 3 he mysteriously placed brilliance. Agni +Garhapatya is the dragon of the deep; verily thus by Agni Garhapatya +mysteriously he places brilliance in them. Therefore they say ‘ He who +offers is more brilliant than he who does not offer/ + +iii. 37 (xiii. 18). He celebrates the wives of the gods 1 after Agni, the lord +of the house; therefore the wife sits behind the Garhapatya. They say +4 Let him celebrate Raka first; a sister has the first drink/ That is not to + + +* AV. i. 87. + +8 EV. i. 168. 1 and 2; the translation is +doubtful. + +4 EV. vii. 16. 11 and 12. These are the con¬ +necting links with the S&man, the yoni +being the Stotriyapragfttha correspond¬ +ing to the Yajn&yajfilya S&man, SV. ii. +58 and 64. + +* EV. i. 148. + +8 EV. a. 9. + +8 EV. vi. 60. 14 is the verse referred to. + + +nijdayaiva cannot be taken as svaJciy&k as +by Sftyana; the sense must be something +like 4 destroy * or ‘ injure' and the Dh&tu~ +pdtha root (zzvL 102) jot in its causative +form is dearly meant. CL Weber, 2nd. +Stud. ii. 272. + +iii. 87. 1 EV. v. 46.7 and 8. Probably pans may +here simply have its normal sense of +4 praise*, or the terms may be used as +brief descriptions of the verses recited. + + + +[188 + + +iii. 87 —] The Soma Sacrifice + +be regarded; the wives of the gods he should celebrate first. Agni +Garhapatya places seed in the wives; verily thus in these wives with +Agni Garhapatya openly he places seed, for propagation. He is propagated +with offspring and cattle, who knows] thus. Therefore a sister, thongh +of the same womb, lives as inferior to a wife, thongh of a different womb. +He celebrates R&ka;* Kaka is it that sews this sntnre in man which +is in the organ. Male sons are bora for him who knows thus. He +celebrates Paviravi; 8 P&viravi is speech, Sarasvati; verily thus he places +speech in speech. They say ‘ Should he recite (the veree) to Yama first 1 +Or that for the fathers ? ’ That to Yama should he recite first. * This strew, +O Yama, do thou sit upon ’; the first drink is the king’s; therefore should +he recite (the verse 4 ) to Yama first. * Matali with the sages, Yama with +the Angirases ’, he recites 8 after (it) for the sages. The sages are inferior to +the gods, but above the fathers; therefore he recites it after (the verse to +Yama). * Let them arise, the lower, the higher ', (these verses 8 ) to the fathers +he recites. ‘ The midmost fathers, loving the Soma ’ (he says); the lowest, +the highest and the midmost, all these without omission he delights. +‘ I have found the kindly fathers' he recites as the second (verse). * Who +sitting on the strew (the drink) pressed with the call ’ (he says); * sitting on +the strew' is a reference to their dear abode (the strew); verily thus +with their dear home he makes them prosper. With a dear home he +prospers who knows thus. ‘May there be this homage to the fathers +to-day' he recites, containing the making of homage, at the end; there¬ +fore at the end is homage paid to the fathers. They say ‘ Should he recite +(the verses) to the fathers separating (them) with the call ? Or without +separating (them) with the call.' He should recite separating (them) with +the call; the good of the sacrifice to the fathers is incomplete 7 ; he who +recites separating (them) with the call completes the incomplete sacrifice to +the fathers; therefore it is to be recited separating (them) with the call. + +iii. 88 (xiii. 14). ‘Sweet indeed is he, full of honey is he’, he recites +(verses 1 to) Indra for the drinking after of Indra; by these Indra drank after +(the other gods) the third pressing; that is why (the verses) for the drinking +after have their name. The deities become drunk as it were in that the +Hotf recites these verses; therefore in their case the response (of the + + +* bv. a. 82. 4. + +* BV. Ti. 48. 7. + +‘ BV. x. 15. 4. + +* BV. x. 14. S. + +* RV. x. 15.1-3, but 2 is recited before 8. + +7 This is carious: Sgyana and Haag take +aMkuas ‘ is to be made complete V Weber +{Ini. Stud • ix. 278) renders ‘ The incom¬ + + +plete is suitable for the sacrifice to the +fathers; he who recites without the +call ('vy&havam); But this is doubtftil, +and the rendering above given is prefer¬ +able in any case as giving more accurately +the sense of vyi—hve. + +1 RV. vi. 47. 1-4. Cf. KB. xvi. 8. + + + +189] The Agnimaruta Qastra [ —iii. 39 + +Adhvaryu) should contain* (the word) ‘ be drunk * By whose might the +regions are established this verse * to Mitra and Varuna he recites; Visnu +guards what is ill offered in the sacrifice, Varuna what is well offered; verily +(it serves) to appease them both. ‘ I will proclaim the mighty deeds of +Visnu (this verse 4 ) to Visnu he recites. As is a roller, so is Visnu to the +sacrifice. Just as one may keep making well ploughed and well rolled what +has been ill ploughed and ill rolled, so, in that the Hofcr recites this verse, +he keeps making well sung and well recited what has been ill sung and ill +recited in the sacrifice. ‘ Weaving the web from the darkness follow to the +light ’, (this verse s ) to Praj&pati he recites; the web is offspring; verily thus +he weaves the web of offspring for him. ‘ Guard the paths, full of light, +wrought by prayer’ (he says); the paths full of light are those that go to +the gods; verily thus he extends them for him. With * Weave without +a flaw the works of the singers; be Manu, bring to birth the divine folk ’ +verily he extends him with the offspring of Manu, for generation. He is +propagated with offspring and cattle who knows thus. ‘ Do thou to us, the +generous one, Indra, the resplendent ’, with this last (verse*) he concludes; +the generous one, Indra, the resplendent, is this (earth); ‘ May he make +true (blessings), supporter of the folk, the unequalled ’ (he says); the true, +supporter of the folk, the unequalled is this (earth); ‘Do thou, king of +beings, confer upon us' (he says); the king of beings is this (earth). ‘The +great fame that is a singer’s ’ (he says); great is this (earth); fame is the +sacrifice; the singer is the sacrificer; verily thus he invokes this benediction +for the sacrificer. Touching the earth should he say the conclusion; verily +thus in the very same place in which he gathers together the sacrifice, in +that he establishes it at the end. Having recited the Agnimaruta litany he +recites (a verse 7 ) to Agni and the Maruts as offering verse ‘ O Agni with +the Maruts brilliant and resounding ’; thus according to their portions he +delights the gods. + + +ADHYAYA IV + + +The Characteristics of the Agnigtoma. + + +iii. 89 (xiv. I). The 1 gods undertook battle with the Asuras, for con¬ +quest ; them Agni was not willing to accompany. To him the gods said + + +* Le. maddmo damam in place of fcahtdmo + +daivom ; see AfS. v. 20. + +9 Not in the SomAUd, but also in AY. Tii. +25. 1. + +4 BY. i. 154. 1. + +• BY. x. 58. 6. + + +9 BY. iv. 17. 20. The AB. takes aofyA as fern, +which is quite impossible. + +7 BY. y. 00. 8. + +1 AB. iii. 80-44 contains miscellaneous re¬ +marks on the Agnistoma and its relation +to other rites. The passage seems a later +addition; el Weber, 2nd. Stud. ix. 275. + + + +iii. 89—] The Soma Saci'ijice [190 + +• Do thoa come too; thou art one of us.’ He replied 1 1 shall not follow yon +if I am not sung to; sing now to me.’ They, having risen, and having re¬ +turned, praised him; them praised he followed* Becoming in three rows, he +went to battle for conquest with the Asuras in three columns; 'in three rows’ +(he says); verily he made the metres rows; 'in three columns’ (he says); the +pressings (he made) the columns. Them he defeated invincibly; then +indeed the gods prospered, the Asuras were defeated. He prospers himself* +the evil rival who hates him is defeated, who knows thus. The Agnistoma +is the Gayatri; the Gayatri has twenty-four syllables; there are twenty- +four Stotrasand Qastrasin the Agnistoma. This is why they say * A horse +well loaded gives (its rider) comfort. 2 This is the Gayatri; the Gayatri +is not content with the earth; taking with it the sacrificer it goes aloft +to the sky.’ This is the Agnistoma; the Agnistoma is not content with the +earth; taking with it the sacrificer it goes aloft to the sky* The Agnistoma +is the year ; the year has twenty-four half-months; there are twenty-four +Stotras and Qastras in the Agnistoma. As in the ocean all streams, so in +it all the sacrificial rites are resolved. + +iii. 40 (xiv. 2). The consecration offering 1 is performed; all those offer¬ +ings after it verily are resolved in the Agnistoma. He invokes the sacri¬ +ficial food; the sacrifices of cooked (food) have the form of the sacrificial +food; all the sacrifices of cooked (food) are resolved in the Agnistoma. At +evening and morning they offer the Agnihotra; evening and morning they +gave the fast (milk); with the call of Hail! they offer the Agnihotra; +with the call of Hail! they gave the fast (milk). Through the call of +Hail! the Agnihotra is resolved in the Agnistoma. Fifteen kindling +verses he recites at the introductory (offering), fifteen in the new and full +moon sacrifices; through the introductory (offering) the new and full moon +sacrifices are resolved in the Agnistoma. They buy Soma, the king; Soma, +the king, is connected with plants; with plants they heal whom they heal; +therefore through the purchase of Soma, the king, whatever medicines +there are, all these are resolved in the Agnistoma. They kindle Agni by +friction at the guest reception, Agni at the four-monthly sacrifices; through +the guest reception the four-monthly sacrifices are resolved in the Agni- +ftoma. With milk they proceed at the Pravargya, with milk at the +Dakfayana sacrifice 2 ; verily through the Pravargya the Daksayana sacri¬ +fice is resolved in the Agnistoma. There is a victim on the fast day; verily + +2 So also TS. v. 6. 10.7, and below, AB. iii. their connexion with the sacrificial food, + +47; ef. Keith, TaiUitfya Samhitd , x. xcviii. TS. i. 7. 1. 1. Cf. Weber, Ind, Stud. ix. + +The omission of any express object is 227, 228. + +natnral enough in a proverb. 2 For this see A£S. ii. 14. 7 ; KB. iv. 4 ; TS. + +1 For the P&kayqjnas see A£8. i 1.1, and for ii. 5.5. 4. + + + +191] The Characteristics of the Agnistoma [—iii. 42 + +through it all animal sacrifices are resolved in the Agnistoma. There is +a sacrificial rite called the Idadadha; 3 it they perform with curds; with +curds they perform the pot of curds; verily through the pot of curds the +Id&dadha is resolved in the Agnistoma. + +iii. 41 (xiv. 8). So now as to previous (rites) and next as to subsequent +(rites). There are fifteen Stotras in the Ukthya, fifteen Qastras; that +makes up a month ; by months is the year arranged; Agni Yaigv&nara is +the year; the Agnistoma is Agni ; verily through the year the Ukthya is +resolved into the Agnistoma. Through the resolution of the Ukthya the +Yajapeya is resolved, for it is an Ukthya. There are twelve night rounds, 1 +all in the Faficada^a Stoma; taking these by two they make up thirty. +The Soda$in Saman is the Ekavin$a, the Sandhi (Saman) is the Trivrt; +these are thirty, the month; the nights of the month are thirty; the year +is arranged by months; Agni Yai^vanara is the year; the Agnistoma is +Agni; verily through the year the Atiratra is resolved in the Agnistoma; +through the resolution of the Atiratra the Aptoryama is resolved, for it is +Atiratra. Thus all the sacrificial rites previous to and subsequent to (the +Agnistoma) are resolved into the Agnistoma. Of it, taking the Stotras +together, in all there are a hundred and ninety 3 Stotriya verses. The +ninety corresponds to ten Trivrt (Stomas); then the (next) ninety to ten +more; of the ten (that remain) one Stotriya verse is in excess, a Trivrt is +left over; it yonder gives heat as the twenty-first placed over (the rest). +It is the midmost 8 of the Stomas; before it are ten Trivrts, after it ten; +in the middle this twenty-first gives heat placed over on both sides. The +Stotriya verse over is incorporated in this; it is the sacrificer; it is the +divine lordly power, might and strength; he attains the divine lordly +power, might and strength, he attains union and identity of form and +world with it, who knows thus. + +iii. 42 (xiv. 4). The gods having defeated the Asuras went aloft to the +world of heaven. Agni arose aloft touching the sky: he opened the door of + + +s For this see AfS. ii. 14.11; KB. v. 5. For +the pot of milk offering of the Agnistoma +see IfS. ▼. 18; ffS. Yii. 18; Caland +and Henry, VAgnutoma, p. 288, + +1 The Atirfttra after the §o4a$in Graha adds +four rounds, headed by the goblets of the +Hotr, Maitr&varuna, Br&hman&cohaAsin, +and Ach&v&ka respectively These are, +of course, accompanied by recitations +and Stotras and the later are Pancada^a +in Stomas, each of which doubled = 80 +verses. The EkaviAfa and Trivrt Sftmans +similarly have 21 + 9 verses. + + +2 Thus made up : the morning pressing has +a Trivrt; and four Pahcada^as = 89 ; the +midday pressing has a Pancada$a +and four Saptadafas-SS; the evening +pressing has'a Saptada$a and Ekavin 9 &= +88 ; viz. 190 = 10x9 + 10x9+10 '(- +9 + 1). + +9 As EkaviAfa Stoma. For the sun as +ekavitya see AB. i. 80. The forms of these +Stomas are given in PB. ii. 1.1 (Trivrt); +4.1 (Paftcadaga); 7. 1 (Saptada?a); 14.1 +(EkaviAfa). + + +iii. 42—] The Soma Sacrifice [192 + +the world of heaven; Agni is the overlord of the world of heaven. To him +first came the Vastus; they said to him ‘ Let us through 1 ; make room for +us.’ He replied ( Unless I am praised, I shall not let you through; praise +me now/ 4 Be it so ’ (they said); they praised him with the Trivrt Stoma; +being praised he let them through; they went to their due place. To him +came the Budras; they said to him * Let us through; make room for us.’ +He replied 4 Unless I am praised, I shall not let you through; praise me +now/ * Be it so 9 (they said); they praised him with the Pancadafa Stoma; +being praised, he let them through; they went to their due place. To him +came the Adityas; they said to him ( Let us through; make room for us/ +He replied 4 Unless I am praised, I shall not let you through; praise me now/ +4 Be it so * (they said); they praised him with the Saptada$a Stoma; being +praised, he let them through; they went to their due place. To him came +the All-gods; they said to him 4 Let us through ; make room for us/ He +replied 4 Unless I am praised, I shall not let you through; praise me now/ +4 Be it so ’ (they said); they praised him with the Ekavinga Stoma; being +praised, he let them through; they went to their due place. With each +Stoma the gods praised him; them praised he let through; they went to +their due places. So he who sacrifices praises him with all these Stomas, +and he who knows thus him will he let pass; him he lets pass to the world +of heaven who knows thus. + +iii. 43 (xiv. 5). The Agnistoma is Agni; in that they praised him, there¬ +fore is it the praise of Agni (agnistoma) ; it, being the praise of Agni, they +call Agnistoma mystically, for the gods love mystery as it were. In that +four sets of gods praised him with four Stomas, therefore is it of four +Stomas (catu-stoma) ; it being of four Stomas they call it Catusfcoma +mystically, for the gods love mystery as it were. Again in that they +praised him when aloft and having become light ( jyotis ), therefore is it the +Jyotistoma; it being the Stoma of light, they call it the Jyotistoma mysti¬ +cally, for the gods love mystery as it were. This is the sacfificial rite +without beginning or end; the Agnistoma is like a chariot wheel endless; +as is its beginning so is its end; as to this a sacrificial verse is sung: + +4 That which is its beginning is also its end, + +That again which is its end is also its beginning, + +• Like the creeping of a snake is the movement of the (J&kala 1 (ritual), +They discern not which of the two is the subsequent’; + + +1 Aufreqht (p, 480) conjectures aijtoi or +. arjasva, the latter of which Bfthtlingk +(BKSGW. 15 Dec.' 1900, p. 416) ap¬ +proves. + +iii. 48. 1 A kind of snake (S&yana) is absurd. + + +The reference to the 9&kala is seen by +Weber (IruL StwL ix. 277), and though +not apparently accepted by Aufrecht or +others appear to me correct. + + + +193] + + +The Characteristics of the Agni$toma [—iii. 45 + +for (they say) ‘ As the beginning, so should be the end.' As to this they +say' Seeing that the beginning has the Trivyt, the end the Ekavin$a, how +are the two alike ? ’ ' For the reason ’, he should reply, ‘ that the Ekavihfa +is threefold and moreover that both consist of repeated triplets. + +iii. 44. (xiv. 6). The 1 Agnis^oma is he who gives heat here; it is one to +be finished in the day; with the day should they complete it; its name is +what is finished with the day. They should proceed with it without haste; +as at the morning pressing, so at the midday, so at the third pressing. +So the sacrificer is not likely to perish. In that they proceed without +hastening at the two former pressings, therefore here the villages of the east +are densely populated; in that they proceed hastening at the third pressing, +therefore here to the west there are long forests. Thus the sacrificer is +likely to perish. Therefore without hastening they should proceed; as at +the morning pressing, so at the midday, so at the third pressing. So the +sacrificer is not likely to perish. He should follow in recitation the move¬ +ment of this (sun); when he rises in the morning, then he gives a gentle +heat; therefore he should recite in a gentle tone at the morning pressing. +Then when he comes forward, he gives stronger heat; therefore at the +midday should he recite with a stronger tone. Then when he comes still +further forward, he gives his strongest heat; therefore he should recite at +the third pressing with the strongest tone. So should he recite if he be +lord of speech, for the Qastra is speech. He should begin in the tone in +which he can complete, increasing in height; that is the best way of reciting. +The (sun) never really sets or rises. In that they think of him ‘ He is +setting ’, verily having reached the end of the day, he inverts himself; thus +he makes evening below, day above. Again in that they think of him ‘ He +is rising in the morningverily having.reached the end of night he inverts +*himself; thus he makes day below, night above. He never sets; indeed he +never sets, union with him and identity of form and world he attains +who knows thus. 8 + +ADHYAYA V + +Miscellaneous Points regarding the Sacrifice. + +iii. 45 (xv. 1). The sacrifice as food departed from the gods ; the gods said +‘The sacrifice as food hath left us; this sacrifice, food, let us search for.’ They +said ' How shall we search ? ’ ‘By the Brahman and the metres, they said.’ +They consecrated the Brahman with the metres; for him they performed +the sacrifice up to the end; they also performed the joint offerings to the + +1 Copied in GB. ix. 10. For the forests of the ii. 466; MS. iv. 6.8; KS. xxvii. 8; TS. vi. + +west cf. £B. ix. 8.1. 18. 4. 10. 2, 8; 9 s * iv - 2. 1* 18; Caland, + +2 For this theory of the sun’s motion see VOJ. xxvi. 119. + +Speyer, JRAS. 1906, p. 728; Vedic Index, + +25 [■•<>*»»] + + + +[194 + + +iii. 45—] The Soma Sacrifice + +wives (of the gods). Therefore now also in the consecration offering they +perform the sacrifice right np to the end, they also perform the joint offer¬ +ings to the wives. According to this rale did they proceed. They per¬ +formed the introductory (offering); to him with the introductory (offering) +they came nearer; they hastened with the performance. They made it end +in the Qamyu. Therefore now also the introductory (offering) ends in the +Qamyu. According to this rule did they proceed. They performed the +guest reception; to him with the guest reception they came nearer; they +hastened with the performance. They made it end in the sacrificial food. +Therefore now also the guest reception ends in the sacrificial food. Accord¬ +ing to this rule did they proceed. They performed the Upasads; to him +with the Upasads they came nearer; they hastened with the performance; +having repeated three kindling verses, they offered to three deities. There¬ +fore now also in the Upasads having repeated three kindling verses, 1 they +offer to three deities. According to this rule did they proceed. They per¬ +formed the fast day; him on the fast day they obtained; having obtained +him they performed the sacrifice; they also performed the joint offerings to +the wives. Therefore now also on the fast day they perform the sacrifice +to the end; they also perform the joint offerings to the wives. Therefore +in these previous rites he should recite more and more gently; for +they followed him creeping after.* ‘Therefore with whatever voice he +desires, he should recite on the fast day, for he is then obtained ’ (they say). +Having obtained him they said ‘ Serve us for food ’; * No,’ he replied, +‘how can 1 serve youl* Them he only looked at. To him they said +‘ With the Brahman and the metres becoming united do thou serve us as +food.’ * Be it so ’ (he replied). Therefore now also the sacrifice becoming +united with the Brahman and the metres bears the sacrifice to the gods. + +Errors in the choice of Priests. + +iii 46 (xv. 2). Three things are performed at the sacrifice, eating, * +swallowing, and vomiting. What is eaten is when he makes as priest one +that expects * May he give to me, or may he choose me.’ That is remote +like something eaten; that does not profit the sacrificer. Again what is +swallowed is when fearing he chooses a priest, ‘ Let him not either oppress +me, nor let him make confusion in the sacrifice for me.’ That is remote +like something swallowed; that does not profit the sacrificer. Again what +is vomited is when he chooses as priest one who is spoken ill of. Just as +here men are disgusted by what is vomited, so therefore the gods. That is + +' A$S. iv. 8. 6. + +1 anutsOram conjectured by Aufrecht is clearly right. + + + +195] The Offerings to the Minor Deities [—iii. 47 + +remote like something vomited; that does not profit the sacrificer. He +should not desire these three. If against his desire he should have one of +these three, there is in the Stotra of the Vamadevya 1 an expiation for it. +The Vamadevya (Soman) is this, the world of the sacrificer, the world +of ambrosia, the world of heaven. It is three syllables short; having +crept up for the chanting'of the (Saman), he should divide the self into three, +pu, ru, and aa. He places the self in these worlds, in this world of the +sacrificer, in this world of ambrosia, in the world of heaven; he overcomes +all errors in sacrifice. ' Even if the priests are perfect,’ he used to say, ‘ he +should mutter this.’ + + +The Offerings to the Minor Deities. + + +iii. 47 (xv. 8). The 1 metres having carried the oblation to the gods being +wearied stand at the back part of the sacrifice; just as if a horse or a mule +stands having carried (its load). He should offer to them the oblations to +the minor deities after the cake of the animal (offering) to Mitra and +Varuna, To Dhatr (he should offer) a cake on twelve potsherds; Dhatr +is the va8ut call. To Anumati (he should offer) a pap; Anumati is the +Qayatri. To Raka (he should offer) a pap; Raka is the Tris^ubh. To +Simvali (he should offer) a pap; Simvali is the Jagati. To Kuhu (he +should offer) a pap; Kuhu is the Anustubh. These are all the metres; +Qayatri, Tristubh, Jagati, Anustubh; on (them) the others (depend), for +these are performed most prominently at the sacrifice. By means of these +metres the sacrificer sacrifices with all the metres, who knows thus. This +is why they say ‘ A horse, well loaded, gives (its rider) comfort 2 ’; this is +the metres; the metres place him in comfort. A world which misses +nothing he wins who knows thus. Now some say ‘ To Dhatr in front of +each of these (deities) should he offer with butter; thus in all of them he +makes pairing.’ As to this they say * There is tediousness in the sacrifice +when on the same day he uses the same verses as offering verses.’ Even if +there are many wives as it were, one husband is a pair with them. In that +before them all he offers to Dhatr, 8 he makes pairing in all of them. +So now for the minor deities. + + +1 SV. ii. 82-84; RV. iv. 81. 1-8; the last +verse has three P&das of seven syllables, +acc. to S&yana, but Oldenberg (Prole¬ +gomena, p. 878) more correctly takes the +shortage to lie in the words maddndm, +sakkin&m, and jariGntim, leaving bhavdsi +ittibhih in the last verse uneontracted; +henee the insertion of jwrwfa. The +practice is not given in AQS., though the + + +verses are often rubricated (v. 16.1; vii. +4.2; viii. 12.18 ; 14. 18). +iii. 47. 1 For the rites on the conclusion of the +sacrifice, viz. the barren oow to Mitra and +Varuna and the oblations to the Devik&s +see I 9 S. vi. 14; 99 S. viii. 12; Caland +and Henry, L’Agniftoma, pp. 407-469. + +1 Above AB. iii. 89.6. + +9 For the Mantra see £ 98 . vi. 14.16. + + + +[196 + + +it 48—] The Soma Sacrifice + +iii. 48 (xv. 4). Now as regards the goddesses. 1 To Surya (he should +offer) a cake on eleven potsherds; Surya is Dhatr, and he is fclso the va§a( +call. To sky (he should offer) a pap; the sky is Anumati; she is also the +GayatrL To Usas (he should offer) a pap; Usas is Baka; she is also +the Tris^ubh. To the cow (he should offer) a pap; the cow is Sinivali; +she is also the Jagati. To earth (he should offer) a pap. Earth is Kuhu; +she is also the Anustubh. These are all the metres; Gayatri, Tristubh, +Jagati, Anustubh; on (them) the others (depend), for these are performed +most prominently at the sacrifice. By means of these metres the sacrificer +sacrifices with all the metres, who knows thus. This is why they say ‘A +horse, well loaded, gives (its rider) comfort ’; this is the metres; the metres +place him in comfort. A world which misses nothing he wins who knows +thus. Now some say ‘ To Surya before each of these he should offer with +butter; thus in all of them he makes pairing *. As to this they say * There +is tediousness in the sacrifice when on the same day he used the same verses +as offering verses.’ Even if there are many wives as it were, one husband +is a pair; with them. In that before all of them he offers to Surya, he makes +pairing in all of them. Those here are those yonder; those yonder are +those here; by either set he obtains the desire which is in both. Both +sets he should offer for one desiring propagation who has attained pros¬ +perity, but not for one who is seeking it. If he were to offer them together +for one who is seeking only, the gods would be liable 2 to be ill pleased in his +gains since ( he has thought he has enough ’. Qucivrksa Gaupalayana offered +both together at the sacrifice of Vrddhadyumna 3 Abhipratarina. He +(Qucivrksa Gaupalayana) having seen his skilled charioteer plunging (in the +•water) said ‘ Here for this king I have delighted together at the sacrifice both +the minor deities and the goddesses in that his skilled charioteer plunges.’ +Sixty-four armed warriors assuredly were his sons and grandsons. + +The Ukthya + +iii. 49 (xv. 5). In 1 the Agnis^oma the gods took refuge, in the Ukthas +the Asuras; they were of equal strength; they could not be discriminated. +These Bharadvaja among the seers saw ' These Asuras are resting in the +Ukthas; them no one of these (gods) sees.’ He called to Agni 9 ‘ Come, +I shall proclaim to thee, O Agni, other words.’ Other words are those of +the Asuras. Agni, rising up, said ‘ What does this lean, tall, grey-haired + +* See A£S. vi. 14. 17 ; ££8. ix. 28. 4 iii. 49. 1 For the Ukthya and the throe addi- + +* The construction is not rare, e. g. £B. t 1. tional Uktha Stotras and 9astras see KB. + +2.22; ▼. 1.1.9; xiii. & 4.11. xvi. 11 ; A?a vi. 1; 9£S.ix. 1-4; MfS. + +8 For him cf. 9fS. xv. 16.10; Weber, Raja- ii. 6. 8; Ap$S. xiv. 1-4. Cf. also PB. + +suya, p. 27, n. 2. The reference is perhaps viii. 8. + +to the final bath of the Agvamedha. * RV. vi. 6 16. + + + +197] The Ukthya [ —iii. 50 + +one desire to say to me?’ Bharadvaja was lean, tall, and grey haired. +He replied ‘ These Asnras are resting in the Ukthas; them no one of you +sees.’ Agni, becoming a horse, rushed to and beyond them; in that Agni, +having become a horse, rushed to and beyond them, that was the origin of +the Sakama^va Saman; 3 that is why the Sakama§va has its name. They +say ‘ He should begin the Ukthas with the Sakamayva; the Ukthas have +no proper beginning other than the Sakama^va.’ ‘ With the Pramanhisthlya 4 +he should begin,’ they say. By means of the Pramanhisthiya the gods repelled +the Asuras from the Ukthas. Thus he may begin with the Pramanhisthlya, +or with the Sakama$va. + +iii. 50 (xv. 6). The Asuras took refuge in the litany of the Maitravaruna; +Indra said ‘ Who with me will repel hence these Asuras ? ’ ‘ I too ’ replied +Varuna. Therefore the Maitravaruna recites (a litany) to Indra and +Varuna 1 at the third pressing, for Indra and Varuna drove them thence. +Being driven thence, the Asuras took refuge in the litany of the Brahma- +nacchaftsin; Indra said ‘Who with me will repel these Asuras hence ? ’ ‘I too * +replied Brhaspati. Therefore the Brahmanacchafisin recites to Indra and +Brhaspati 8 at the third pressing, for Indra and Brhaspati drove them +thence. Being driven thence, the Asuras took refuge in the litany of the +Achavaka; Indra said ‘Who with me will repel them hence?’ *1 too’ +replied Vi§nu. Therefore the Achavaka recites to Indra and Visnu 8 at the +third pressing, for Indra and Visnu drove them thence. Jointly with +Indra the deities are celebrated; a couple is a pairing; therefore from +a couple a pairing is produced, for propagation; he is propagated with +offspring and cattle who knows thus. There are four offerings to the +seasons of the Potr and the Nestr, and six verses; 4 they make up the +tenfold Vir&j ; thus in the tenfold Viraj they establish the sacrifice. 6 + + +9 SV. ii. 66-57 ; the other two are Saubhara +(it 68, 69) and Nftrmedhaaa (ii. 60-62) ; +A 98 . vi. 1. 2; 9?S. ix. 2. 1, 2; 8. 1, 2; +4. 1, 2. + +4 SV. ii. 228, 229. Uktha here probably +means Uktha Stotra as taken by Sftyana, +or perhaps rather includes both 8totra +and 9astra (see AB. iii. 60), since the +latter adopts the former as usual. The +option here is not in the Sutras. + +* BY. vii. 82. Cf. KB. xyi. 11. It follows +BY. iii. 51. 1-8; viii. 42. 1-8; A. 9 & vi. +1. 2 ; 99 S. ix. 2. 8, 4. + +9 BY. x. 68 and x. 48, following BY. i. 67; + +A9a vi. 1. 2 ; 99 S. ix. 8. 8, 4 differs. + +3 BY. vi. 69. It follows ii. 18; vii. 100; + + +i. 166; A 9 S. vi. 1. 2; 99 S. ix. 4. 8-6 +differs. + +4 I. e. the 2nd and 8th and 8rd and 9th of the + +$tuyfijas (AB. ii. 29) and the six offering +verses of the two priests at the prasihita +offerings. + +5 The 9astras of the Hotrakas at the evening + +pressing of the Ukthya are thus:— + +(1) Maitrftvaruna: BY. vi. 16.16-18,19-21; +iii. 61. 1-8; viii. 42. 1-8; vii. 82, 84; vi. +68 . 11 . + +(2) Br&hman&cehahsin : BY. viii. 21.1, 2, +9, 10; i. 67; x. 68, 48; vii. 97. 10. + +(8) Achfiv&ka: BY. viii. 98. 7; viii. 18.4; ii. + +18 ; vii. 100 ; i. 166 ; vi. 69; vi. 69. 8. + +So A 9 S. vi. 1. 2. 99^. differs in detail (ix. +2-4). + + + +PAftCIKA IV + +The Soma Sacrifice (continued) + +ADHYAYA I + +The Sodapin. + +iv. 1 (xvi. 1). The 1 gods by the first day collected the thunderbolt for +Indra; by the second day they dipped it; by the third day they presented it; +it he hurled on the fourth day. Therefore on the fourth day he recites +the Sodapin. The Sodapin is a thunderbolt; in that on the fourth day he +recites the Sodapin, verily thus he hurls at the rival who hates him the +thunderbolt as a weapon to lay him low who is to be laid low by him. +The Sodapin is a thunderbolt, the litanies cattle ; putting it round after +the litanies he recites. In that putting it round after the litanies +he recites, verily thus with the Sodapin as a thunderbolt he surrounds +cattle. Therefore cattle, being surrounded by the Sodapin as a thunder¬ +bolt, come up to man. Therefore a horse or a man or a cow or an +elephant being surrounded, led by itself, comes up when bidden by the +voice; by merely seeing the Sodapin as a thunderbolt, he is surrounded by +the Sodapin as a thunderbolt, for the thunderbolt is speech, the Soda?in +speech. They say ‘Why has the Sodapin this name?’ Of the Stotras it +is the sixteenth; the sixteenth of the Qastras; with sixteen syllables he +commences; with the (next) sixteen he says om; he inserts a Nivid of +sixteen sentences; that is why the Sodapin has its name. Two syllables +are left over 2 when the Soda 9 in is made into an Anustubh; these are the two +breasts of speech; these are truth and falsehood; truth aids him, falsehood +harms him not, who knows thus. + +iv. 2 (xvi. 2). He who desires brilliance and splendour should use as the +Sodapin Saman the Gaurivita; 1 the Gaurivita is brilliance and splendour; +brilliant and resplendent he becomes who knowing thus uses the Gaurivita +as Sodapin Saman. ‘The Nanada 2 should be used as the Sodapin Saman' + +’ AB. iv. 1-4 and KB. xviL 1-4 deal with the independent rite of that name is denied. + +§oda 9 in rite; see A§S. vi. 2 and 8; 998 . For § 5 of. GB. ix. 19. + +ix. 2 mg.; Ap9S. xiv. 2 ; K 9 S. xiL 5. • See SV. ii. 802. + +20 seq. The Sodapin is treated here as iv. 2. 1 SV. ii. 802-804; AQS. vi. 8.1. This is + +performed on the fourth day of a $&4aha; the vihrta form of the ^odapin. + +of. TS. vi. 6. 11. 1 where a distinct and * SV. i. 852-854 according to S&yana. Cf. + +KB. xxiii. 2; N&r&yana on A 9 S. vi. 8. 2. + + + +199] The Sodagin [—iv. 3 + +they say; Indra lifted up his thunderbolt against Vrtra; he hurled it at +him ; he smote him. He, being smitten, cried aloud; in that he cried aloud, +the N&nada Sam an came into existence; that is why the N&nada has its +name. That is a Ssman without rivals, one that destroys rivals, the Nanada; +without rivals, a destroyer of rivals, he becomes who, knowing thus, uses +the N&nada as the Scxja^n Saman. If they use the N&nada, the §oda$in +must be recited without intermingling; 8 for they chant to Hie (verses) +without intermingling. If it is the Gaurivlta, the Sodagin must be recited +with intermingling, for they chant to them with intermingling. + +iv. 8 (xvi. 8). Then he intertwines the metres. In ‘ Let the bay steed +carry thee hither’ and ‘Do thou hearken to our words’ he intertwines +G&yatri 1 and Pankti 8 verses; man is connected with the Gayatri; cattle are +connected with the Pankti; verily thus he intertwines man with cattle, in +cattle he makes him find support. The G&yatri and the Pankti are two +Anustubhs; thereby he does not depart from the symbol of speech, the symbol +of the Anustubh, and the symbol of the thunderbolt. In ‘ What time, O Indra, +in the conflict ’ and ‘ Let this delightful one be to you ’ he intertwines Usnih 8 +and Brhati 4 verses; man is connected with the Usnih, cattle with the +Brhati; verily thus he intertwines man with cattle, in cattle he makes him +find support. The Usnih and the Brhati are two Anustubhs; thereby he +does not depart from the symbol of speech, the symbol of the Anustubh, +and the symbol of the thunderbolt. In ‘On the yokes for him’ and +‘ O Brahman, O hero, rejoicing in the making of holy power ’ he intertwines +(a verse s ) of two Padas and a Tristubh; 8 man has two feet, the Tristubh +is strength; verily thus he intertwines man with cattle; in strength he +makes him find support; therefore man, being established in strength, is +the strongest of all cattle. In that (the verse) of two Padas has twenty +syllables and there is a Tristubh, there are two Anustubhs; thereby he +does not depart from the symbol of speech, the symbol of the Anustubh, and +the symbol of the thunderbolt. In ‘ This Brahman ’ and ‘ I shall declare to +thee the bay steeds in the great assembly ’ he intertwines (verses) of two +Padas 7 and Jagatis; 8 man has two feet; cattle are connected with the + + +The viharana is described in A£8. vi. 8; it +consists of mixing up the verses by +reciting their P&das interlaced, that is, of +8 G&yatri P&das and 6 Pankti P&das (BY. +L16.2 and 82.8) Is made up a verse form +of G&yatri + Pankti thrice and then two +Pankti P&da verses. According to A£S. +vi. 2. 2 the avihfta form has BY. i. 84.1-6 +(SY. i. 847 seq.) as its strophe and anti¬ + + +strophe, and this may really be meant as +the N&nada. + +1 BV. i. 16.1-8; A9S. vi. 2. 8. + +* BV. i 82.1 (and vv. 8 and 4) ; I$& vi. 2.4. +8 BV. viii. 12. 25-27 ; A$S. vi. 2. 5. + +4 BV. iii. 44.1-8 ; AfS. vi. 2. 5. + +8 BV. vii. 84. 4; A?S. vi. 2. 5. + +8 BV. vii. 29. 2; A£S. vi 2. 6. + +7 Only in A$S. vi. 2. 6 ; SV. i. 488, etc. + +8 BV. x. 96.1-8. + + + +iv. 3 —] The Soma Sacrifice [200 + +Jagati; verily thus he intertwines man with cattle; in cattle he makes +him find support. Therefore man, being established in cattle, both eats +them and masters them; and these are in his power. In that (the verse) +of two Padas has sixteen syllables, and there is a Jagati, there are two +Anustubhs; thereby he does not depart from the symbol of speech, the symbol +of the Anus$ubh, and the symbol of the thunderbolt. In * In the bowls the +buffalo the barley-mixed ’ and ‘ Forward for him, with his chariot forward ’ +he recites Atichandas verses; 9 the sap of the metres that flowed over, that +flowed over to the Atichandas verse; that is why the Atichandas has its +name. The Soda^in is fashioned out of all the metres. In that he recites +Atichandas verses, verily thus he fashions it out of all the metres. With +the $oda$in fashioned out of all the metres he prospers who knows thus. + +iv. 4 (xvi. 4). He adds the additions of the Mahanamnis. 1 The first +Mahanamni is this world, the second the world of the atmosphere, the third +yonder world. The Soda$in is fashioned out of all the worlds; in that he +adds the additions of the Mahanamnis, verily thus he fashions it from all the +worlds. With the Sodapin fashioned out of all the worlds he prospers who +knows thus. In ‘ Forward for you the Tristubh sap ’,'Praise, praise forth’, and +' He who hath made to bound the steeds ’ he recites as normal Anustubhs. 9 +As one who has wandered here and there out of his path comes back to the +path, so it is in that he recites normal Anustubhs. He who considers him¬ +self complete and at the height of prosperity should make him recite the +Soda$in without intermingling, (thinking) ' Let me not fall, through the +misery of the metres.’ But he, who is desirous of removing evil, should +make him recite the Skx^in with intermingling; man is, as it were, +intertwined with evil; verily thus he smites away the evil stain which is +intertwined for him; evil he smites away who knows thus. ‘When up +to the place of the bright one ’, with this last 8 he concludes; the place of the +bright one is the world of heaven; verily thus he causes the sacrificer to +go to the world of heaven. ‘ Thou hast drunk of the ancient draughts, +O lord of the bays ’ he uses as offering verse 4 ; the Soda<jin is fashioned out +of all the pressings; in that he uses as offering verse ' Thou hast drunk of +the ancient draughts, 0 lord of the bays ’, and the morning pressing contains +(the word) ‘ drink ’, verily thus he fashions it out of the morning pressing. + +' Now let this pressing be thine only ’ (he says); the midday pressing (is +Indra’s) only; verily thus he fashions it|from the midday pressing. ' Be drink +with the Soma, rich in honey, O Indra’ (he says); the third pressing contains +(the words)‘ be drunk ’; verily thus he fashions it out of the third pressing. + +» RV. ii. 22.1-8; x. 188.1-8 ‘ L A$S. vi. 2. 6. » RV. viii. 69. 7 ; A$& vi. 2. 12. + +' I. e. the verses In AA. iv; AQS. vi. 2. 6 seq. 4 RV. x. 96.18; A$S. vi. 2. 12. + +* RV. viii. 69.1-8; 8-10 ; 18-16 j A$S.vi. 2.9. + + + +The Atirabra + + +201] + + +[—iv. 6 + + +‘ Do thou ever, O courser, press into thy belly ’ (he says); that which contains +(the word) ‘ courser ’ is a symbol of the Soda$in; the Soda$in is fashioned +out of all the pressings; in that he uses as offering verse ‘ Thou hast drunk +of the ancient draughts, O lord of the bays ’, verily thus he fashions it out +of all the pressings. With the Sodagin fashioned out of all the pressings he +prospers who knows thus. He adds five-syllable additions* of the Mah&- +n&mnls to Padas of eleven syllables; the ^o^afin is fashioned out of all the +metres; in that he adds four-syllable additions of the Mah&namnis to Padas +of eleven syllables, verily thus he fashions it out of all the metres. With the +!jk>da$in fashioned out of all the metres he prospers who knows thus. + + +The Atirdtra. + +iv. 5 (xvi 5). In 1 the day the gods took refuge, in the night the Asuras ; +they were of equal strength; they could not be discriminated. Indra said +‘ Who with me will attack (to drive) hence these Asuras through the night ? ’ +He found no one among the gods, they were afraid of night, the darkness, +death. Therefore now also in the night if one has gone away any distance +whatever, he is afraid, for the night is darkness as it were, death as it were. +The metres alone followed him; in that the metres alone followed him, there¬ +fore Indra and the metres bear the night. No Nivid is recited, nor Puroruc +nor inserted verse, nor is any other deity celebrated; for Indra and the +metres alone bear the night. They repelled them by going round in rounds; +in that they repelled by going round in rounds, that is why the rounds have +their name. Them they repelled from the first part of the night by the +first round, from the middle of the night by the second, from the last +part of night by the last ‘Up from the night do we follow’ they Baid. + +‘ Bordering on night are these metres ’ he used to say; for these rescued +Indra when afraid from night, the darkness, death; that is why the +Apifarvaras have their name. + +iv. 6 (xvi. 6). ‘ Drink of the Soma juice ’ with this Anus^ubh 1 containing +(the word)' Soma juice ’ he begins the night; the night is connected with +the Anustubh; this is the symbol of night. The offering verses contain +(the words) ‘ Soma juice ’, * drink ’ and ‘ be drunk', and are appropriate; what +in the sacrifice is appropriate is perfect. They chant the first round; they +repeat the first Padas; their horses and cows, thereby they take from them. + +6 I. e. evd hy eva ; evd htndra (as 5 hi indra ); rite is the addition of four Pary&yas of + +evdMfakro; vafi hi fakrafi; A£S. vi. 2.12 three 9astras each. GB. x. 1-3 follow + +and 8. 16. AB. iv. 6 and 6. Gf. JB. i. 208; Oertel, + +1 AB. iv. 6 and 6 and KB. xvii. 6-9 deal with Trans . Conn. Acad. xv. 170. + +the Atirfitra form of the Jyotistoma; see iv. 6. 1 RV. viii. 92.18; A£S. vi. 4.10; 9£S. +A£S. vi. 4. The characteristic of this ix. 7. 1. + +26 [b.o.s. •»] + + + +iv. 6 —] The Soma Sacrifice [202 + +They chant the second round; they repeat the middle Padas; their carts 1 +and chariots, 1 thereby they take from them. They chant the last round; +they repeat the last Padas; their clothes, their gold, the jewels on their +bodies, thereby they take from them. He takes the property of his foe, +he repels him from all these worlds, who knows thus. ‘The day has +Pavamana (Stotras) ’, they say, ‘ the night has no Pavamanas; how have +both Pavamanas, and through what have they equal portions ? ’ In that +‘ To Indra, the drunken, the pressed (drink) ’, ‘ This Soma juice hath been +pressed, O bright one ’, and ‘ This hath been pressed with might ’ they chant 3 +and recite, thereby the night has Pavamanas; thereby the two become +possessed of the Pavamanas; thereby they become of equal portions. +‘ The day has fifteen Stotras ’, they say, ‘ the night has not fifteen Stotras; +how have both fifteen Stotras and through what have both equal portions ? ’ +The Ap^rvaras are twelve Stotras; they sing the Sandhi (S&man) 4 to the +Rathantara with three deities; thereby the night has fifteen Stotras; +thereby both have fifteen Stotras; thereby they become of equal portions. +They chant a limited amount, they recite an unlimited amount, (thinking) +‘ What has been is limited, what is to be is unlimited, (it serves) to win what +is unlimited.’ He recites more than the Stotra ; offspring is beyond the +self, cattle are beyond. In that he recites beyond the Stotra, verily thereby +he wins whatever in him there is beyond the self. + + +ADHYAYA II + + +The Agvina Qastra. + + +iv. 7 (xvii. 1). Prajapati 1 gave his daughter to Soma, the King, even +Surya Savitri; for her all the gods came as groomsmen ; for her wedding +ceremony he made this thousand (of verses) which they call the Alvina +(Qastra). What is less than a thousand is not the Afvina; therefore he +should recite a thousand or more. Having eaten of ghee, he should recite. +Just as in this world a cart or a chariot, when oiled, goes (well), so he when +oiled goes. He should call (making a posture) as of an eagle about to fly +up. The gods did not agree as to this, ‘ Let this be mine; let this be +mine.’ They said coming to agreement ' Let us run a race for it; his who + + +3 manorathdh in Aufrecht is clearly a slip. + +3 RV. Tin. 92. 19-21; 2. 1-8 ; iii. 61. 10-12; + +A$S. vi. 4.10; $£S. ix. 10.1; 14.1; 16. 1. + +4 See SV. ii. 99-104; to Agni, Usas, and + +Afvins, two verses being turned into three. +1 AB. iv. 7-11 and KB. xviii. 1-6 deal with +Alvina (astra which follows up the + + +Sandhi Stotra of the Atir&tra and is +characterized by litanies for Agni, Usas, +and the, A§vins. See A^S. vi. 6 and 6 ; +59S. ix. 20. For the race cf. PB. ix. 1. +86, 86; JB. i. 218; L6vi, La doctrine du +sacrifice , p. 72; Oertel, Trans. Oonn. Acad. +xv. 174. + + + +The Apvina Qastra + + +203] + + +[—iv. 9 + + +wins shall it be They made the course from Agni, the lord of the house, +to the sun ; therefore the beginning 2 (verse) is addressed to Agni in the +Alvina, c Agni is the Hotr, the lord of the house, he the King.’ As to this +some say ‘ “ Agni, O dear father, Agni friend ” with this 8 should he begin; +44 In the sky the pure, the sacrificial, of the sun ” with this as first verse he +reaches the goal.’ This is not to be regarded. If one were now to say of +him ‘ He has had recourse to “ Agni ” and “ Agni ”, he will fall into the +fire it would certainly be so. Therefore should he begin with * Agni is +the Hotr, the lord of the house, he the King/ It contains (the words) +‘lord of the house’ and ‘generation’, and is propitious; with full life for +fullness of life, a full life he lives who knows thus. + +iv. 8 (xvii. 2 .) As these deities were running the race, and had started, +Agni took the lead first; the A 9 vins followed him; to him they said 1 Give +way; we two will win this.’ 4 Be it so \ he replied, 4 Let me have a share +here.’ 4 Be it so ’ (they said). For him they made a share herein; therefore at +the Agvina (Qastra) (a litany) to Agni is recited. They followed after Usas ; +to her they said 4 Give way; we two will win this.’ 4 Be it so *, she replied, +4 Let me have a share here.’ 4 Be it so ’ (they said). For her they made +a share herein; therefore at the Alvina (a litany) to Usas is recited. They +followed after Indra; to him they said 4 We will win this, O generous +one *; they did not dare to say to him 4 Give way ’. 4 Be it so ’, he replied, +4 Let me have a share herein.’ 4 Be it so * (they said). For him they made +a share herein ; therefore at the Ayvina (a litany) to Indra is recited . 1 The +A 9 vins won the race; the A 9 VUI 8 attained it. In that the A 9 VUIS won the +race the A 9 VUI 8 attained it, therefore they call it the A 9 vina. He attains +whatever he desires who knows thus. They say 4 In that there are here +recitations to Agni, to Usas, to Indra, then why do they call it the +A 9 vina ? * (It is) because the Ayvins won the race, the A 9 vins attained it. +In that the A 9 vins won the race, the A 9 VUI 8 attained it, therefore they +call it the A 9 vina. He attains whatever he desires, who knows thus. + +iv. 9 (xvii. 3). By means of a mule chariot Agni ran the race; as he drove +on he burned their wombs; therefore they conceive not. With ruddy cows +Usas ran the race; therefore, when dawn has come, there is a ruddy glow ; +the form of Usas. With a horse chariot Indra ran the race; therefore it as +neighing aloud and resounding is the symbol of lordly power; for it is +connected with Indra. With an ass chariot the A 9 vins won, the A 9 vins +attained; in that the A 9 vins won, the A 9 vins attained, therefore is his speed +outworn, his energy spent; he is here the least swift of all beasts of burden; +but they did not take the strength of his seed; therefore has he virility and + +* BY. vi. 15. 18; A$S. vi. 6.6; 99 S. ix.20.7. 1 See A£S. vi. 5. 18 for his share; it foUows + +8 BY. x. 18. 8. the verses to SQrya. So 9£S. ix. 20.24. + + + +[204 + + +iv.9—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +possesses a doable seed. ‘ Seven metres should he use in reciting to Surya’, +they say, ‘as in (the recitations) to Agni, Usas, and the Alvins; the +worlds of the gods are seven; he prospers in all the worlds of the gods.’ +That is not to be regarded. Three only should he use in recitation; three +are these threefold worlds; (they serve) to win these worlds. They say +* He 1 should begin those for Surya with “ Up this all-knower ”.’ That is +not to be regarded. That would be as if one having gone should miss the +goal. He should begin 2 with ‘ Let Surya protect us from the sky ’; that is +as if one having gone should reach the goal. He recites second ‘ Up this all- +knower ’. ‘The radiant countenance of the gods hath come forth’ is a +Tristubh 3 . Yonder (sun) rises as the radiant one of the gods; therefore +he recites this. ‘ Homage to the eye of Mitra and Varuna ’ is in Jagati 4 ; +this has a Fada containing a benediction; verily thus he invokes a +benediction for himself and the sacrificer. + +iv. 10 (xvii. 4.) They say ‘ Surya should not be passed over in recitation; +the Brhati should not be passed over; if he were to pass over Surya, he +would pass over splendour; if he were to pass over the Brhati, he would +pass over the breaths.’ ‘ O Indra bear to us inspiration ’ he recites as +a Pragatha to Indra. 1 ‘ Guide us, O much invoked, in this way; alive may +we .attain the light’ (he says); the light is yonder (sun); thereby he does +not pass over Surya. Moreover in that it is a Pragatha in Brhati, thereby +he does not pass over the Brhati. In 2 ‘ Towards thee, O hero, we utter +praise’ he recites the basis of the Rathantara (S&man); they chant to the +Rathantara the Sandhi for the Alvina; in that he recites the basis of the +Rathantara, it is to provide the Rathantara with its basis. ‘Lord of +this world, beholding the light ’ (he says); yonder (sun) is he who beholds +the light; thereby he does not pass over Surya. Moreover, in that it is +a Pragatha in Brhati, thereby he does not pass over the Brhati In 8 +‘ Many, sun-eyed ’ he recites a Pragatha to Mitra and Varuna; Mitra is +the day, Varuna the night; both day and night does he lay hold on, +who undertakes the Atiratra. In that he recites a Pragatha to Mitra and +Varuna, verily thus he establishes him in day and night. ‘Sun-eyed ’ (he +says); thereby he does not pass over Surya. Moreover, in that it is a +Prag&tha in Bjhati, thereby he does not pass over the Brhati. In ‘ May +the two great ones, sky and earth, for us ’ and ‘ For they, sky and earth, all +weal-producing’ he recites (two verses 4 ) to sky and earth; sky and earth + + +» BV. i. 60; Ags. vi. 6. 18; 998. ix. 20. 21, +which omits RV. x. 158. +a BY. x. 158; A$S. vi. 5.18. + +8 RV. i. 115; AQS. vi. 5.18; 9$S. ix. 20. 22. +* BY. x. 87 ; A 98 . vi. 5. 18; 99 S. ix. 20. 28. + + +iv. 10. » BY. vii. 82. 26, 27; A 93 . vi. 6 . 18; +998 . ix. 20 . 24. + +» BV. vii. 82. 22 and 27; A 9 S. vi. 6. 18. + +* BY. vii. 66 . 10 and 11; A 98 . vi. 6 . 18. + +4 BY. i. 22. 18 and 160. 1 ; A 98 . vi. 6 . 18; +998 . ix. 20 . 26 has i. 22 . 18-16. + + + +205] + + +The Agvina Qastra [— iv. n + +are supports; this (earth) is a support here, yonder (sun) yonder. In that +he recites (two verses) to sky and earth, verily thus he establishes him in +sky and earth. ( The god, the goddess, according to the law, Surya, the +pure ’ (he says); thereby he praises Surya. Moreover, in that (the two +verses) Gayatri and Jagati make up two Brhatls, thereby he does not pass +over the Bjrhati. In + +4 Goddess of all the perishable kind +Who shall not be wrath, nor seize (us), 9 + +he recites (a verse) of two Padas *. The Agvina they used to call a litany in +which (the funeral) pyre is piled. Nirrti with her noose used to await +(thinking) * When the Hotr concludes, then shall I let loose my nooses against +him.’ Then indeed Brhaspati saw (this verse) of two Padas. ‘ Who shall not +be wrath, nor seize (us) *; therewith he cast below the nooses of Nirrti with +the nooses; in that the Hotr recites (this verse) of two Padas, verily thus he +casts below the noosesof Nirrti with the nooses; verily thus in safety the Hot? +is released, with full life, for fullness of life; a full life he lives who knows +thus. 4 Of all the perishable kind 9 (he says); yonder (sun) causes to perish +as it were; thereby he does not pass over Surya. Moreover in (the verse) +of two Padas is man's metre; it includes all the metres; thereby he does +not pass over the BrhatL + +iv. 11 (xvii. 5). He concludes with a verse to Brahmanaspati; Brhaspati is +the holy power; verily thus at the end he establishes him in the holy power. +With 1 * To the father, with all the gods, the strong ’ should he conclude +who desires offspring and cattle. 4 O Brhaspati, with good offspring, with +heroes' (he says); by offspring he has good offspring and heroes. 4 Let us be +lords of wealth' (he says); he become^ possessed of offspring, of cattle, +of wealth, of heroes, when one knowing thus concludes with this (verse). +With * 4 O Brhaspati, that which may surpass the foe' he should conclude, +who desires brilliance and splendour; beyond all others he deserves splendour. +4 Brilliant' (he says); 4 Brilliantly splendour shines' (they say); splendour +shines as it were. 4 That shall shine with radiance, 0 thou bom of holy +order' (he says); splendour is brilliant. 4 Upon us do thou confer varied +wealth’ (he says); splendour is radiant as it were. Resplendent and +glorious becomes he, when one knowing thus concludes with this (verse). +Therefore he who knows thus should conclude with this (verse). (It is ad¬ +dressed) to Brahmanaspati; thereby he does not pass over Surya. In that he +recites thrice (this) Tristubh and it includes all the metres, thereby he does + +» Not In RV.; A£S. vi. 5 18; ix. 20. 26, * RV. ii. 28.15 ; A£S. ▼!. 5. 19 ; ppS. ix 20. + +which has tarfayarya and grabha^, 27. + +i BV. ir. 60. 6. + + + +iv. 11 —] The Soma Sacrifice [206 + +not pass over the Brhati. With a G&yatri and a Tristubh he should say +the vasat call; the G&yatri is the holy power, the Tristubh is strength ; +verily thus he unites the holy power with strength. Resplendent and +glorious and full of strength does he become, when one knowing thus with +a Gayatri 3 and a Tristubh 4 says the vasat call, *0 Agvins, skilled ones, +with VSyu ’ and ‘ Do ye both drink, O Agvins’. With a G&yatri and a +Vir&j he should say the vasat call; the Gayatri is the holy power; the +Viraj is food; verily thus he unites proper food with the holy power. +Resplendent and glorious he becomes, he eats food made edible by the holy +power, when one knowing thus says the vasat call with the Gayatri and +the Vir&j. Therefore he who knows thus should say the vasat call with +the G&yatri and the Vir&j, 6 with these (verses), ‘ For you the Soma juice +is ready to be drunk ’ and ‘ Do ye both drink, O Alvins ’. + + +The Caturvihga and Mahdvrata Days. + + +iv. 12 (xvii. 6). Now 1 they proceed to the Caturvinga day as the begin¬ +ning, by it they grasp the year, by it the Stomas and the metres, by it all +the deities. Not grasped in that metre, not grasped that deity, which is not +grasped on this day. That is why the Arambhaniya has its name. The +Stoma is the Caturvinga; that is why the Gaturvinga has its name; the +half-months are twenty-four; verily thus by half-months they grasp +the year. It is an Ukthya; the Ukthas are cattle; (it serves) for the +winning of cattle. It has fifteen Stotras, fifteen Qastras; it is the month; +verily thus by months they grasp the year. These are in the three hundred +and sixty Stotriya verses; so many are the days of the year; verily thus +by days they grasp the year. ‘ The day should be an Agnistoma,’ they say, +' the year is the Agnistoma; no other than an Agnistoma supports the day +or discriminates it.’ If it is an Agnistoma, the three Pavam&nas should be +Ast&catv&ringas, the other Stotras Caturvihgas. Here also there are three +hundred and sixty Stotriya verses; so many are the days of the year; +verily thus by days they grasp the year. It should be an Ukthya; the +sacrifice is made perfect by the animal (offering), the Sattra is made perfect +by the animal (offering); all the Stotras are Caturvihgas, for this is openly +the Caturvihga day; therefore let it be an Ukthya. + + +> EV. i. 46. 15 ; 998. ix. 20.84 (optional). + +* RV. iii. 58. 7; 99S. ix. 2a 82. + +* RV. vii. 68. 2; A9& vi. 6. 24 ; 99S.ix.20. + +82. + +1 AB. iv. 12-14 and KB. xix deal with the + + +Caturvi&9a as the opening day of the +Gav&m Ayana Sattra, corresponding to +the Mah&vrata at the end; see A$S. vii. +1-4 ; 99S. xi. 2 sag. + + + +207] The Caturvihga Day [—iv. 14 + +iv. 13 (xvii. 7). The Sam&ns are the Brhat and the Rathantara. 1 * These +are the two ships which carry across the sacrifice; verily thus by them they +cross over the year. The Brhat and the Rathantara are the two feet, this +day the head; verily thus by the two feet they approach the head which is +prosperity. The Brhat and Rathantara are the two wings, this day the +head; verily thus with the two wings they unite the head, which is +prosperity. The two are not both to be laid aside; if they were to lay +them both aside, just as a vessel which has parted from its fastening floats +moving to either bank, so the performers of Sattras would float, moving +to either bank, if they were to lay aside both together. If they were to +lay aside the Rathantara, then by the Brhat both are not laid aside; if +they were to lay aside this Brhat, then by the Rathantara both are not +laid aside. The Vairupa is the Rathantara; the Vairaja is the Brhat; +the Qakvara is the Rathantara; the Raivata is the Brhat. So these two +become not laid aside both together. Those who knowing thus perform this +day (rite), having obtained by the days the year, having obtained it by the +half months, having obtained it by the months, having obtained the Stomas +and the metres, having obtained all the deities, practising fervour, partaking +of the Soma drink, continue pressing (Soma) all the year. Those who +straight on * from the day perform the year (rite) they lay upon themselves +a heavy burden, the heavy burden crushes them. He, who having obtained +it with the rites straight forward approaches it (with the rites) reversed, +attains in safety the other side of the year. 3 + +iv. 14 (xvii. 8). The Mahavrata is the Caturvinga; by means of the +Brhaddiva (hymn x ) the Hotr pours seed on this day; it on that day with +the Mahavrata day he propagates; in a year seed poured is bom. There¬ +fore the Brhaddiva is the common Niskevalya (Qastra). He having +obtained it with the rites straight forward approaches it (with the rites) +reversed, who knowing thus approaches this day. In safety he attains the +other side of the year who knows thus. He, who knows this side and +the other side of the year, in safety attains the other side of the year. The +introductory Atiratra is this side, the concluding (Atiratra) is the other +side. In safety he attains the other side of the year who knows thus. + +1 This chapter is intended to show that in to S&yana; Haug treats it as merely + +every ease one or other of those S&mans meaning 1 * * * proceed with ’, and takes oft hi + +Is used whether in Abhiplava or Prathya nidadhate as * lay down’. The point is + +Sad&has. The six S&mans are based on the as in n. 8. + +following verses:Rathantara, SV. ii. 80,81; 8 9 The second six months are intended to be + +Brhat, SV. ii. 159, 160; Vairfipa, ii. 212, a reverse of the first six. For the ship + +218; Vairfija, ii. 277-279 ; y&kvara, ii* metaphor cf. AB. vi. 6. 6; £B. iv. 2.5. + +1151-8; Raivata, ii. 484-486. Cf. AB. iv. 10; Levi, La doctrine du sacrifice, p. 88. + +15, n. 1. iv. 14. 1 RV. x. 120. For the year cf. Keith, + +9 I. e. without change of order according JRAS. 1917, p. 187. + + + +iv. 14—] The Soma Sacrifice [208 + +He, who knows the descent and ascent 2 of the year, obtains in safety the +other side of the year. The introductory Atiratra is the descent, the +concluding (Atiratra) the ascent. In safety he attains the other side of +the year who knows thus. He, who knows the expiration and the +ending 3 breath of the year, attains in safety the other side of the year. +The introductory Atiratra is the expiration, the concluding (Atiratra) the +ending breath. In safety he reaches the other side of the year, who knows +thus. + + +ADHYAYA III + +The Sadahas and the Vuuvant. + +iv. 15 (xviii. 1). They proceed with the Stomas, Jyotis, Go, and Ayus; +the Jyotis is this world, the Go the atmosphere, the Ayus yonder world. +There is the same second set of three days; there are three days, Jyotis, Go, +and Ayus; there are three, Go, Ayus, and Jyotis. The Jyotis is thisVorld, +the Jyotis is yonder world. These two Jyotis (days) look together on +both sides; thereby they proceed with this set of six days with a Jyotis +on either side. In that they proceed with this set of six days with a Jyotis +on either side, verily thus they continue to find support on both sides in these +two worlds; in this world and in that world, both. The Abhiplava Sadaha +is a circling wheel of the gods. The Agnis$omas on the two sides of it are the +felloes; the four Ukthyas in the middle are the nave. He goes with it +turning wherever he desires; thus in safety he attains the other side of +the year who knows thus. He, who knows the first set of six days, in +safety attains the other side of the year; (so) he who knows the second, +he who knows the third, he who knows the fourth, he who knows the +fifth. 1 + +iv. 16 (xviii. 2). They perform the first set of six days, 1 there are six days; +the seasons are six; verily thus by the seasons they obtain the year; by the +seasons they continue finding support in the year. They perform the second +set of six days; these are twelve days; the months are twelve; verily thus +by months they obtain the year; by months they continue finding support +in the year. They perform the third set of six days; they are eighteen +days; these are twofold, one set of nine, one set of nine. There are nine + +a Ava° and udrodhanam clearly have this 1 The Abhiplava ^a^aha is dealt with in AQS* +sense, from ruh , not rudfe, as S&yana and vii. 5-7 and the Prsthya in vii. 10-12; + +Hang. The contrast is as in parastdt and viii. 1-4; in the order is reversed, + +avaitOL viz. xi. 4-9 and x. 1-8. See also B^S. xvi. + +4, 6; Ap£S. xxi. 1-8. +iv. 16. 1 See A 9 S. xi. 7 ; 99 S. xiii. 19. + + +9 The t tddna here must be the apana, but used +for udarilya as suggested by S&yana. + + + +209] + + +The Gavdm Ayana + + +[—iv. 17 + + +breaths, nine worlds of heaven; verily thus they obtain the breaths and +the worlds of heaven; verily thus they continue finding support in the +breaths and the worlds of heaven. They perform the fourth set of six +days; these are twenty-four days; the half-months are twenty-four; +verily thus by half-months they obtain the year; by half-months they +continue finding support in the year. They perform the fifth set of six +days; they are thirty days; the Viraj has thirty syllables; proper food is +the Viraj ; verily thus they continue producing the Viraj month by month. +Desiring proper food they performed the sacrificial session. 2 In that they +continue producing the Viraj month by month, verily thus they continue +winning proper food month by month, for the world and for that, for both, +iv. 17 (xviii. 3). They proceed with the way of the cows; 1 the Adityas are +the cows; verily thus they proceed with the way of the Adityas. The cows +performed a sacrificial session seeking to win hoofs and horns; in the tenth +month their hoofs and horns came into being. They said * That desire for +which we have consecrated ourselves we have obtained; let us cease.* +Those that ceased are those possessed of horns. Those who performed, +(thinking) ‘ We will complete the year *, they had only mock horns, these +are the hornless; but they produced 2 strength. Therefore they having made +up all the seasons, then cease, for they produced strength. Dear to all are +cows, beloved by all. Dear to all, beloved by all, does he become who +knows thus. The Adityas and the Angirases contended for the world of +heaven, 8 * We will go first, we *; the Adityas went first to the world of +heaven, behind the Angirases by sixty years. The way of the Adityas is +thus, 4 an introductory Atiratra, the Caturvinja Ukthya, all the Abhiplava +Sadahas, other Aksyant* days; the way of the Angirases is thus, an + + +* Aeate would seem more natural, but the + +imperfect may convey the view in the +minds of those performing the Sattra +when they undertook it. + +1 For this see TS. vii. 5. 1. 2; PB. iv. 1. +Aufrecht considers that no must be read +as apparently by Sftyana; the alternative +is to read apaddhayd frng&qi as one term +as suggested by BR. or to take prdvariania +m — 1 fell off’. Cf. Keith, Taittiriya Sam- +hiU I, i. xoviii, xcix. L6vi {La doctrine du +sacrifice, p. Ill) renders the TS. passage +without commenting on the sense, +asanvon is obvious (as in TS.) but needless +as aeunvan makes sense. + +* Cf. 9B. xii. 2. 2. 9. + +4 yathd vd is odd; m2«vat has just before +occurred, but yathd seems needless and in + +27 [h.o.s. ts] + + +clause 7 is not inserted, but it can easily +be taken in its usual sense. S&yana’s +attempt to make it allude to the mode +of the Gavim Ayana is absurd. The +Sattras are quite different in A(S. xii. +1. 1 ; <}<}8. xiii. 21, 22. + +8 This word is doubtful. Aufrecht takes it as +‘stftttige umwandelbare Tage’ (— dkti- +yanti). Sftyana cites Baudhftyana as +restricting it to the Abhijit, Visuvant, +Vigvajit, the tenth day (oftheDvftda 9 &ha), +the Mah&vrata and the concluding Ati- +rfttra; £&lika as including in it all save +the §adahas, and Aupamanyava as in¬ +cluding in it all save the $adahas and +the tenth day. Cf. Ap^S. xxiii. 9. 16; +9B. xii. 2. 3. 1; Egging, SBE. hit. +155, 156 ; Weber, Ind. Stud, ix. 282. + + + +iv. 17 —] The Soma Sacrifice [210 + +introductory Atiratra, the Caturvin$a Ukthya, all the Prs^hya Sadahas, +other Aksyant days. The Abhiplava Sadaha is the path that leads straight +to the world of heaven; again the Prsthya Sadaha is a great circuitous +route to the world of heaven. In that they proceed with both, and going +by both he comes to no ill, (it serves) to obtain both desires, that in the +Abhiplava Sadaha and that in‘the Prsthya. 4 * 6 * 8 + +iv. 18 (xviii. 4). They perform the Ekavihpa day, the Visuvant, 1 in the +middle of the year; by the Ekavin$a the gods raised up the sun to the +world of heaven; it is here the Ekavin$a; below this Divakirtya are ten +days, ten above; in the middle is the Ekavihfa resting on both sides in +the Viraj, for on both sides does he find support in the Viraj. Therefore +he going between these worlds does not shake. The gods were afraid of +this Aditya falling down from the world of heaven; him with three worlds +of heaven from below they propped up; the three worlds of heaven are the +Stomas. They were afraid of his falling away up; him with three worlds of +heaven from above they propped up; the three worlds of heaven are the +Stomas. Thus below there are three Saptada$a (Stomas), three above; in the +middle is the Ekavinfa on both sides supported by the Svara Samans, for +he is supported on both sides by the Svara Samans. 2 Therefore he going +between these worlds does not shake. The gods were afraid of this Aditya +falling from the world of heaven ; 3 him with the highest worlds of heaven +they propped up from below; the highest worlds of heaven are the Stomas. +They were afraid of his falling away up; him with the highest worlds of +heaven they propped up from above; the highest worlds of heaven are the +Stomas. Thus there are three Saptada^a (Stomas) below, three above. +Making them up by twos they are three Catustrin 9 as; the Catustrifiga is +the highest of the Stomas. Placed over these it gives heat, for he placed +over these gives heat. He is higher than all this that has been and will +be; he shines over all this whatever there is here; he is higher; thus he +becomes who knows thus higher than he than whom he desires to be +higher. + +iv. 19 (xviii. 5). They perform the Svara Samans; the Svara Samans are +these worlds. They saved these worlds with the Svara Samans; that is why + + +4 The Gav&m Ayana has a mixture of four + +Abhiplavas and a Prsthya in the month ; +see A9S. xi. 7.1 seq. It is Pr&yanlya; + +Caturvih9&; 6 months of 4 Abhiplavas + +and 1 Prsthya §adaha; 8 Abhiplavas, +1 Prsthya, Abhijit, 8 Svara S&mans; Visu¬ +vant ; 8Svara S&mans, Vtyvajit, 1 Prsthya, + +8 Abhiplavas; 4 months of 1 Prsthya +and4 Abhiplavas; 8 Abhiplavas, Go, Ayus, + + +a Da^ar&tra; the Mah&vrata and Udaya- +nlya, with variants. + +1 AB. iv. 18-22 and KB. xxv. 1-10 deal with +the Visuvant and connected rites; see +A£S. viii. 6-7; ££S xi. 18. + +* For these as Saptada^as see TB. i. 2. 2.1. +Gf. A£S. viii. 6 . IQmq- ; 9?S. xi. 11, 12. + +8 Cf. PB. iv. 6. 8 which has wnpOdAL + + + +211] + + +The Ekavihga and the Svara Sdmans [—iv. 20 + +the Svara Samana have their name. In that they perform the Svara +S&mans, they give him a share in these worlds. The gods were afraid of the +sinking down of these Saptadagas, ‘ The Stomas are alike and unprotected; +let them not sink down.' They secured them with all the Stomas from +below, with all the Prs$has from above; in that the Abhijit with all the +Stomas is below, the Vi$vajit with all the Prsthas above, thus they secure +the Saptadagas on both sides for security and to prevent sinking down. 1 +The gods were afraid of this Aditya falling from the world of heaven, +they fastened him up with five ropes; the Div&kirtya (S&mans) are the +ropes; the Prasha is the Maha-Divaklrtya, 2 the Saman of the Brahmana- +cchansin is the Vikarna, 3 the Agnistoma Saman is the Bhasa, 4 the +Brhat and Rathantara are those of the Pavamanas; thus they fasten up +Aditya with five ropes, for support, to avoid falling down. When the sun +has arisen, he should recite the morning litany, for all the day (rite) is to be +performed during the day time. They should offer as the victim to Surya +(an animal) without blemish and white, in addition to (the victim) for the +pressing, for this day has Surya as its deity. He should recite twenty-one +kindling verses, 5 * * for this day is openly the Ekavin 9 a. Having recited fifty- +one or fifty-two 8 he places a Nivid in the middle; so many after he +recites. Man has a hundred (years of) life, a hundred powers, and a hun¬ +dred strengths; verily thus he confers upon him life, strength, and +power. + +iv. 20 (xviii. 6). He mounts the difficult mounting; the difficult mounting +is the world of heaven; verily thus he mounts the world of heaven who +knows thus. As to its being the difficult mounting, he that gives heat +yonder is hard to mount, and whoever goes there, in that he mounts the +difficult mounting, verily thus he mounts him. He mounts (with a verse l ) +containing (the word) ‘ gander ’, ‘ The gander seated in purity *; he is the +gander seated in purity. ‘The Vasu seated in the atmosphere' (he says); +he is the Vasu seated in the atmosphere. ‘The Hotr seated at the altar’ +(he says); he is the Hotr seated at the altar. 1 The guest seated in the +house' (he says); he is the guest seated in the house. ‘ Seated among men' + + +1 The Visuvant day is preceded by (1) the Abhi¬ +jit, (2) the Svara S&mans, and followed +by (1) Svara S&mans, (2) the V^vajit. + +* On BV. x. 170. 1. 8; 8V. ii. 802-804; A$S. + +viii. 6. 7, 8; contrast 18. 24. + +* On RV. vi. 8. 1-8; ArS. iii. 8-10. + +4 The same verses as in n.8 are used according + +to S&yana and A9&. viii. 6. 22; ({IS. xi. + +18. 2A * + +4 See A$S. viii. A 8 ; BY. iii. 27. 5-10. + +4 I. e. BV. i. 81 is to be divided either after + + +the 8th or 9th verse; see A£S. viii. 6.18 +with oomm. + +iv. 20. i RV. iv. 40. 6. Of. KB. xxv. 7; L&vi, +La doctrine du sacrifice, pp. 88,89. For the +mode of recitation see £$8. viii. 2.18-15; +A 14, 15; it is first by P&das, then by +half-verses, then by three P&das, then by +the whole verse, and then in descending +order. Cf. 99S. xi. 14. 18; xii. 11. 12. +The reoitation of the T&rksya takes place +at the end of the Niskevalya. + + + +iv. 20—] The Soma Sacrifice [212 + +(he says); he is seated among men. ‘ Seated in the best (abode) ’ (he says); +he is seated in the best (abode); the best of abodes is that in which seated +he gives heat. 'Seated in holy order' (he says); he is seated in truth. +( Seated is the sky ’ (he says); he is seated in the sky; the sky is that seat +in which seated he gives heat. ‘ Bom of the waters ’ (he says); he is bom +of the waters; from the waters he rises in the morning, into the waters +he enters at evening. 'Bom of the cow’ (he says); he is bom of the +cow.' Bom of holy order ’ (he says); he is bom of troth. ' Bom of the +mountain ’ (he says); he is bom of the mountain. ' Holy order ’ (he says) ; +he is truth. He is all these things. In the metres this (verse) is +most manifestly as it were a symbol of him. Therefore, whenever he +performs the difficult mounting, should he mount with (the verse) containing +(the word) ' gander ’• With the T&rksya 2 (hymn) should he mount for one +desiring the heaven. Tarksya aforetime made the journey when yonder +the Gayatri in the form of an eagle brought the Soma. Thus, just as one +makes one knowing the place a guide on a journey, so is it in that (he +mounts) with the Tarksya: he who blows is Tarksya; he is the bearer to +the world of heaven. ‘ This steed, god-strengthened ’ (he says); he is the +steed, god-strengthened. ‘ Enduring, the bearer of the cars ’ (he says); he +bears across enduring, for he at once crosses these worlds. ' With chariot +rim unharmed, the warrior, swift ’ (he says); he is the one with chariot +rim unharmed, the warrior, swift. ‘For safety’ (he says); he invokes +safety. 'Tarksya let us summon hither’ (he says); verily thus he +summons him. With ‘Invoking by sacrifice the favour as of Indra for +safety ’ he invokes safety. ‘ Like a ship let us mount ’ (he says); verily +thus he mounts it for the attainment, the winning, the arrival at the world +of heaven. f Like the two broad ones, wide, large, deep, may we not be +harmed at your going and coming ’ (he says); verily thus he recites for +these two, when going to and returning. 3 + +' He who at once with his glory over the five peoples + +Like SUrya with his light over the waters eztendeth ’ + +(he says); openly he mentions the sun. + +' A thousandfold, a hundredfold bestowing, is his onset; + +They cannot stay him like a young dart ’ + +(he says); verily thus he invokes a benediction for himself and the +sacrificers. + + +* BY. z. 178: it has 3 verses; here cited in s The root here inmafyanexplains Dh&tupOtha, +foil. xxxiv. 18, ml 1 or 10. + + + +213] + + +The Durohana and the Tdrkpya [— iv. 22 + +iv. 21 (xviii. 7). Having uttered the call, he mounts the difficult mount¬ +ing; the difficult mounting is the world of heaven; the call is speech; speech +is the holy power; in that he calls, thus with the call as the holy power +he mounts the world of heaven. He mounts by Fadas first; thus he obtains +this world; then by half-verses; thus he obtains the atmosphere; then by +three Padas; thus he obtains yonder world; then with the whole (verse); +thus he who gives heat here finds support in this (world). By three Padas +he descends as one holding a branch; 1 thus he finds support in yonder +world; by half-verses (he descends; thus he finds support) in the atmosphere; +by Padas (he descends; thus he finds support) in this world. Thus, having +obtained the world of heaven, the sacrifices find support in this world. For +those who desire one only, (the world of) heaven, he should mount in the +forward direction only; they will conquer the world of heaven, but they +will not have long to live in the world. Pairing hymns are recited, Tristubh +and Jagati; cattle are pairing; the metres are cattle; (verily they serve) to +win cattle. + +iv. 22 (xviii. 8). The Visuvant is like a man; the first half of the Visuvant +is like the right half of a man; the second half of the Visuvant is like 1 +the left half; therefore they call it the latter. The Visuvant is the head +of a man standing on the level; man is composed of (two) sections; thus +there is seen in the middle of his head a suture as it were. They say +4 On the Visuvant alone should he perform (the recitations of) the day; +the Visuvant is the Uktha of Ukthas; (holding that) “ The Visuvant is that +which has the Visuvant (Qastra) ” they become the head, they attain pre¬ +eminence.’ That is not to be regarded. He should recite it only in the +year; verily thus they keep holding the seed for a year. Whatever seeds +are bom before the year, of five months or six months, these wither; they +do not profit by them; those that are bom in ten months or a year, by these +they profit. Therefore should he recite it in^the year, for the year contains +this day; as the year they obtain this day. He smites away evil by the +year, by the Visuvant; from the limbs he drives away evil by the months, +from the head by the Visuvant. He smites away evil by the year, by the +Visuvant, who knows thus. As additional to (the victim) 8 for the pressing, +they should offer to Vifvakarman a bull of two colours, variegated on both + + +1 Cf. PB. xviii. 10. 10 : yatkd f&kh&y&h f&khdm +diambham vpdmnhtd evam etenemam lokam +up&varokati pratifth&yai. + +iv. 22. 1 The firot view, here rejected,musthave +held that the Visuvant rite might be per¬ +formed always as a special rite on that day +and not merely as part of a Sattra. The +second view of the text appears to allow + + +its use at a Sattra only («»), the Visuvant +having its full meaning only as the middle +day of such a rite. So S&yana who, however, +takes visuodn vifuvdn Hi merely as saying +that the tiddmefcuamkrdnH is thus called. + +2 N&r&yana on AfS. viii. 6. 4 makes this an +additional, S&yana has a substituted +victim. + + + +iv. 22 —] The Soma Sacrifice [214 + +sides, on the Mahavrata day. Indra having slain Vrtra became Vi$vakarman; +Prajapati having created offspring became Vi$vakarman; Vifvakarman is the +year; verily thus Indra whose self it is, Praj&pati, the year, Vifvakarman, +they obtain; verily thus in Indra whose self it is, Prajapati, the year, +Vifvakarman, they find support at the end. He finds support who +knows thus. + + +ADHYAYAIY + +The Dvadafdha. + +iv. 23 (xix. 1). Praj&pati felt desire ‘ May I be propagated, may I become +greater/ He practised fervour; he, having practised fervour, saw the +twelve-day (rite) in the limbs and the breaths of his self; he meted it out +from the limbs and the breaths of his self twelvefold; he grasped it, and +sacrificed with it. Then indeed he prospered himself, he was propagated +with offspring and cattle. He prospers himself, he is propagated with off- +spring and cattle who knows thus. He felt desire, 4 How can I now, having +encircled the twelve-day (rite) with the Gayatri on all sides, prosper with all +prosperity?’ It he encircled in front with brilliance, in the middle with +the metres, at the last with the syllables; having encircled the twelve-day +(rite) with the Gayatri on all sides he prospers with all prosperity. With +all prosperity he prospers, who knows thus. He who knows the Gayatri +as possessed of wings, of eyes, of light, and 1 of brilliance, goes to the +world of heaven with the Gayatri as possessed of wings, of eyes, of light, +and of brilliance; the twelve-day (rite) is the Gayatri as possessed of +wings, of eyes, of light, and of brilliance. The two Atir&tras on either +side are the wings; 2 the two Agnis^omas within are the two eyes; the +eight Ukthyas in the middle are the body. With the Gayatri as possessed +of wings, of eyes, of light, and of brilliance, he goes to the world of heaven, +who knows thus. + +iv. 24 (xix. 2). The twelve-day (rite) consists of three sets of three +days, the tenth day and two Atiratras. 1 For twelve days is he conse¬ +crated ; 2 verily through them he becomes fit for sacrifice. He performs +Upasads for twelve nights; verily with them he shakes clear his body. +Having pressed for twelve days continuously, having become bom anew, +having shaken clear his body, pure and purified, he goes to the gods who + +1 For the Dv&da 9 &ha see A$S. x. 5; Q$S. x. either in the sense of exolusion or limit + +For the beginning of. TS. vii. 2. 9. 1. (mary&dA) ; it is acoepted as exclusive + +1 See A£S. x. 5.10: atir&tram agre ’th&gniftomam by Delbriick, AUind. Synt. p. 452, n. 1. + +ath&fta uktky&n aihOgmstomam atMUirtUram. * C t Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. 442, n. 1. + +iv. 24. 1 A according to Sftyana is used here + + + +215] The Dvadafdha [ —iv. 25 + +knows thus. The twelve-day (rite) is one of thirty-six days; the Brhati +has thirty-six syllables; the twelve-day (rite) is the way of the Brhati; +by means of the Bjrhatl the gods attained these worlds. They attained +this world with ten syllables, the atmosphere with ten, the sky with ten, +the four quarters with four; with two they found support in this world. +He finds support who knows thus. They say ‘ Seeing that other metres +are greater and have more syllables, then why do they call it the +Brhati 1 ’ Since by it the gods attained these worlds. They attained this +world with ten syllables, the atmosphere with ten, the sky with ten, the +four quarters with four; verily with two they found support in this +world; therefore do they call it the Brhati. He attains whatever he +desires who knows thus. + +iv. 25 (xix. 3). The twelve-day (rite) is a sacrifice of Prajapati; Prajapati +at first sacrificed with this twelve-day (rite). He said to the seasons and +to the months ‘ Make sacrifice for me with the twelve-day (rite).’ Having +caused him to consecrate himself, having made him move where he could +not depart, they said to him ‘Give to us; then shall we sacrifice for thee.’ +To them he gave sap and strength; sap is deposited in the seasons and +in the months; they made sacrifice for him when giving; therefore should +sacrifice be made for one when giving; they made sacrifice for him +when receiving; therefore should sacrifice be made by one receiving. Both +prosper, those who knowing thus sacrifice and make sacrifice. These +seasons and months thought themselves heavy having received (gifts) at +the twelve-day (rite); they stud to Prajapati ‘ Make sacrifice for us with +the twelve-day rite.’ ‘Be it so’, he replied, ‘Do you consecrate your¬ +selves.’ Those of the first half consecrated themselves first; they smote +away evil; therefore they are the daylight as it were, for the daylight +as it were are those who have smitten away evil. Those of the second +half consecrated themselves next; they did not at all smite away evil; +therefore they are darkness as it were, for darkness as it were are those +who have not smitten away evil. Therefore one who knows thus should +ever seek to be first consecrated when men consecrate themselves. He +smites away evil who knows thus. Praj&pati as the year found support +in the seasons and the months; these seasons and months found support +in Praj&pati as the year; these find support in one another. So he who +sacrifices with the twelve-day (rite) finds support in the priest. There¬ +fore they say ‘ No evil man should be sacrificed for with the twelve-day +(rite), (t hinkin g) “ Let not this one find support in me.” ’ The twelve-day +(rite) is the oldest sacrifice, for the oldest of the gods it was who in +the be ginning sacrificed with it. The twelve-day (rite) is the best +sacrifice, for it was the best of the gods who in the beginning sacrificed + + + +iv. 25—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[216 + + +with it. The oldest and the best should sacrifice; here there becomes +a good season. No evil man should be sacrificed for with the twelve- +day (rite), (thinking) ‘Let not this one find support in me/ The gods +did not admit the seniority and superiority of Indra; he said to Brhaspati +‘Make sacrifice for me with the twelve-day (rite)/ For him he made +sacrifice; then indeed did the gods admit his seniority and superiority. His +superiority and seniority they admit, and his pre-eminence his own (people) +accord, who knows thus. The first set of three days is in ascending order, +the middle transverse, the last in descending order. 1 In that Che first set +of three days is in ascending order, therefore Agni here is kindled upwards, +for his quarter is upwards; in that the middle is transverse, therefore +Vayu here blows transversely, the waters flow transversely, for his quarter +is the transverse; in that the last is in descending order, therefore yonder +sun gives heat downward, it rains downward, and the constellations +(shine) downward, for his region is downward. These worlds are in unison; +these sets of three days are in unison; in unison for him these worlds shine +with prosperity, who knows thus. + +iv. 26 (xix. 4). Consecration departed from the gods; it they sought to +grasp with the two months of spring; it they could not obtain with the +two months of spring. It they sought to grasp with the two months of +summer, of the rainy season, of autumn, of winter; it they could not +obtain with the months of winter. It they sought to grasp with the two +months of the cool season; it they obtained with the two months of the +cool season. He obtains whom he seeks to obtain, his enemy obtains him +not, who knows thus. Therefore he to whom the consecration for the +sacrificial season may condescend 1 should consecrate himself when these +two months of the cool season have arrived. Obviously thus does he +consecrate himself, when consecration has arrived; manifestly he encircles +consecration. Therefore in these months of the cool season the cattle of +the village and of the wild become thin and shaggy; verily thus they +acquire the form of consecration. Before the consecration he offers a +victim to Prajapati; first he should recite seventeen kindling verses; +Prajapati is seventeenfold; (they serve) to obtain Prajapati. The Apris +verses for it are by Jamadagni. 2 They say ‘Seeing that in the case of +the other victims the Apris are according to the (ancestral) seer, then why + + +1 The metres for the three pressings vary +from (1) Qftyatrl, Tristubli, and Jagati to +(2) Jagati, G&yatrl, and Tristubh and (3) +Tristubh, Jagati, and Gayatri. + + +iv. 26. 1 The Dv&daf&ha is here treated as a +Sattra. + +* RV. x. 110. Gf. Max Muller, Ane. Sansk . Lit. +p. 466; Weber, Ind. Stud. x. 88 Mg.; +A9S. vii. 2. 6-8 ; 90S. v. 16.5,6. + + + +217] + + +The Dvadafdha [—iv. 27 + +in this case are the verses by Jamadagni used by alii’ The verses by +Jamadagni are of all forms, all perfect; the victim is of all forms, all +perfect; in that they are verses by Jamadagni (they serve) to secure the +possession of all forms, all perfections. The cake offering for the victim +is for Vayu. They say ‘ Seeing that the victim is for other deities also, +then why is the cake offering for the victim performed for Vayu.’ * The +sacrifice is Prajapati, to prevent the exhaustion of the sacrifice * he should +reply. In that it is for Vayu, thereby he does not depart from Prajapati, +for Praj&pati is Vayu. It is declared by the seer 3 4 Prajapati, the +blowing.’ If it is a sacrificial session, they should offer after depositing +the fires together, all should be consecrated, all should press. With +spring he ends; spring is strength; verily thus he ends with sap and +strength. + +iv. 27 (xix. 5). The metres desired one another’s abode; the Gayatri +desired the abode of the Tristubh and the Jagati, the Tristubh that of +the Gayatri and the Jagati, and the Jagati that of the Gayatri and the +Tristubh. Then indeed did Prajapati see this twelve-day (rite) with +the metres transposed; he grasped it and sacrificed with it. Thereby +he made the metres attain all their desires. He attains all desires who +knows thus. He transposes the metres to avoid exhaustion. Verily he +transposes the metres. Just as in the world men go with relays of fresh +horses or oxen, so with relays of fresh metres they go to the world of +heaven, in that he transposes the metres. These two worlds were together; +they went apart; no rain fell, there was no heat; the five folks were not +in harmony. 1 The gods brought them together; they uniting performed +the divine marriage. By means of the Rathantara this (earth) quickens +yonder (sky); by the Brhati yonder (sky) this (earth); by the Naudhasa 2 +this quickens that; by the Qyaita that this. With smoke this quickens +that; with rain that this. This placed in that the place of sacrifice to the +gods; cattle that in this. In that this placed the place of sacrifice to the +gods, in that there is dark as it were in the moon. Therefore on the +waxing fortnights they sacrifice as they desire to win that. 3 Yonder (sky) +placed salt in the (earth); as to this Tura Kavaseya said 1 Salt is nutriment, +O my dear Janamejaya.’ 4 Therefore here also men considering a place +for cattle ask ‘Are there salts there?’ for salt is nutriment. Yonder + + +» RV. ix. 5. 9. + +1 Cf. PB. vii 10. 1, and for the vyUha of the +metres KB. xxvii. 1. + +* These are, according to S&yana, SV. ii. 299- +801; ii. 168,164. + +28 [«•<>•••»»] + + +3 Le. to see more distinctly as the moon + +waxes the black spot. + +4 Ka S&yana takes as an interrogation, and is + +followed by Haug, + + +\ + + + +iv. 27 —] The Soma Sacrifice [218 + +world turned to this world; then were sky and earth bom; neither from +the atmosphere (comes) the sky,® nor from the atmosphere earth. + +iv. 28 (xix. 6). In the beginning there were here the Brhat and the +Rathantara; they were speech and mind; the Rathantara speech, the Brhat +mind; the Brhat as first bom despised the Rathantara; the Rathantara +conceived and produced the Vairupa; having become two, the Rathantara +and the Vairupa, they despised the Brhat. Then the Brhat conceived and +produced the Vairaja; having become two, the Brhat and the Vairaja, +they despised the Rathantara and the Vairupa. Then the Rathantara +conceived and produced the Qakvara; these having become three, the +Rathantara and the Vairupa and the Qakvara, despised the Brhat and +the Vairaja. The Brhat conceived and produced the Raivata. These three +and those three were the Prsthas. The three metres were not enough for +six Prsthas. The Gayatri conceived and produced the Anustubh; the +Tristubh conceived and produced the Pankti; the Jagati conceived and +produced the Atichandas. These three and those three others were the +six metres; the Prsthas were six; thus they came into order. The sacrifice +is in order; (all) is in order for that folk where one knowing thus this +ordering of the metres and the Prsthas consecrates himself. + + +ADHYAYA V + + +The Pr§thya Sadaha. + + +iv. 29 (xx. 1). Agni 1 as deity bears the first day, the Trivrt Stoma, the +Rathantara Saman, the Gayatri metre. With it according to the deity, the +Stoma, the Saman, the metre, he prospers who knows thus. That which +has (the words) ‘ hither’ and ‘ forward 1 is a symbol of the first day. That +which contains (the word) ‘ yoke(the word) ‘ car ’, (the word) * swift \ (the +word) ‘ drink *, (the fact) that the deity is mentioned in the first Pada, that +this world is referred to, that which is connected with the Rathantara, which +is connected with the Gayatri, the future tense, these are the symbols of +the first day. ( Advancing forward up to the sacrifice ’ is the Ajya 2 of the +first day; (the word) ‘ forward 1 on the first day is a symbol of the first day. +4 0 Vayu, come hither, 0 lovely one * is the Praiiga 3 ; (the word) ‘ hither * + + +f dydvd is here probably merelysky *, and +not as usual * sky and earth ’. The use +is natural, as it is merely an analysis of +dvdvdprthivi. + +1 AB. iv. 29-v. 15 aqd KB. xxii and xxiii +describe in detail the 9 afl tras °f the + + +Prsthya Sadaha. Of. A$S. vii. 10-12; +vii’i! 1-4 ;* 99S. x. 1-8. + +* RV. i. 74; A9S. vii. 10. 8 ; 99S. x. 2. 2. + +8 RV. i. 2 and 8; A9S. v. 10. 5; 99S. vii. + +10 . 9 . + + + +219] + + +The Prsthya Sadaha — First Day f—iv. 30 + +on the first day is a symbol of the first day. ‘ Thee like a car forward 9 +and ‘ This Soma juice, O bright one, hath been pressed ’ are the strophe and +antbtrophe 4 of the Marutvatiya; that which contains (the words) ‘ car * +and ‘ drink 9 on the first day is the symbol of the first day. ‘ O Indra come +nearer - is the Pragatha 6 invoking Indra; in the first Pada the god is men* +tioned, on the first day it is a symbol of the first day. ( Let Brahmanaspati +move forward ’ is (the Pragatha) to Brahmanaspati 6 ; (the word) ‘ forward 9 +on the first day is a symbol of the first day. ‘Agni the leader ‘ Thou, +O Soma, with inspiration ’ and ‘ They swell the waters * are the inserted +verses 7 ; in the first Padas the deities are mentioned; on the first day it is +a symbol of the first day. ‘ Forward to Indra, the great 1 is the Marutvatiya +Pragatha 8 ; (the word) € forward 9 on the first day is a symbol of the first +day. ‘ Let Indra come hither for help to us ’ is the hymn 9 ; (the word) +'hither' on the first day is a symbol of the first day. ‘Towards thee, +O hero, we utter praise’ and ‘ Towards thee for the first drink 9 are the +Bathantara as Prstha 10 , on the Rathantara day, the first day, it is a symbol +of the first day. ‘ Since many a time he hath conquered, enduring 9 is the +inserted verse; 11 in' Indra hath made good (d ... aprdh ) his names as slayer +of Vitro/, (the word) ‘hither (d) 9 on the first day is a symbol of the first +day. ‘ Drink of the pressed juice full of sap 9 is the Pragatha 12 of the +Saman; containing (the word) ‘ drink 1 on the first day it is a symbol of the +first day. In ‘ This steed, god-strengthened * he recites the Tarksya 13 (hymn) +before the hymn; Tarksya is safe passage; (verily it serves) to secure +safety. Verily he secures a safe journey, he attains the other side of the +year who knows thus. + +iv. 30 (xx. 2). ‘ Hither to us, O Indra, hither to us, from afar, from near ' 9 +is the hymn. 1 (The word) ‘ hither * on the first day is a symbol of the first +day. In the Niskevalya and Marutvatiya (Qastras) (the hymns) in which +Nivids are inserted are contiguous. Vamadeva saw those worlds; to them he +flew up with the Sampatas; because he flew up with the Sampatas, that is why +Sampatas have their name. In that he repeats the two Sampatas on the first +day,(it is) for the attaining,the securing, the union with, the world of heaven. + + +* RV. viii. 68. 1-8 and 2. 1-8; A£S. v. 14.4 ; + +59S. vii. 19. 8. + +* RV. viii. 68. 5 and 6; A£S. v. 14. 5; 99S. + +vii. 19. 10. + +« RV. i. 40. 8 and 4; A9S. v. 14. 6 ; 99S. vii. +19. 11. + +7 RV. iii. 20. 4; i. 91. 2 ^ i. 64. 6 (already +cited in AB. iii. 18) ; A9S. v. 14.17. + +* RV. viii. 89. 8 and 4 ; A9S. v. 14. 18. + +‘ RV. iv. 21 ; A9S. vii. 6. 18; 99S. x. 2. 4. + + +10 RV. vii. 82. 22 and 28; viii. 8. 7 and 8; + +A9S. v. 16. 2 as applied by vii. 6. 2 seq.; +99S. vii. 20. 8. + +11 RV. x. 74. 6 (already cited in AB. iii. 22) ; + +A9S. v. 16. 21; 99S. vii. 20. 6. + +RV. vi. 46. 9 and 10 ; A9S.vii.8.19 ; 99S. +x. 4. 10. + +18 RV. x. 178 (cited above in AB. iv. 20); +A9S. vii. 1. 18. + +1 RV. iv. 20; A9S. vii. 6. 18; 99S. x. 2. 6. + + + +[220 + + +iv. 3 o—] The Soma Sacrifice + +‘ That of Savitr we choose ’ and ‘ To-day for us, O god Savitr ’ are the strophe +and antistrophe of the Vaifvadeva*; on the Rathantara day, on the first day, +(it is) a symbol of the first day. * They yoke their mind, they also yoke their +thoughts ’ is (the hymn) to Savitr 8 ; containing (the word) ‘ yoke * (it is) on +the first day a symbol of the first day. ‘ Forward sky and earth, increasing +holy order, with the sacrifices ’ is (the hymn) to sky and earth 4 ; “ forward ” +on the first day is a symbol of the first day. * Here, here, in mind is your +relationship, O heroes ’ is (the hymn) to the Rbhus 6 ; (the words) ‘ hither ’ +and ‘ forward * are symbols of the first day; ‘ if (the word) “ forward ” had +been used throughout, the sacrificers would have gone out forward from +thin world ’ (they say). In that on the first day he recites as (hymn) to the +Rbhus, ‘Here, here, in mind is your relationship, O heroes’, and ‘here, +here ’ is this world, verily thus he makes them remain in this world. ‘ The +gods I invoke of great fame for safety ’ is (the hymn) to the All-gods 6 ; in +the first Fada the gods are mentioned; on the first day (this is) a symbol +of the first day. A long journey are they about to go who perform the +year (session) or the twelve-day (rite). In that he recites as (the hymn) to +the All-gods on the first day ‘ The gods I invoke of great fame for safety ’, +(it serves) to secure safety. Verily thus he secures a safe passage; in safety +he attains the other Bide of the year who knows thus and those for whom +one as Hotr knowing thus recites on the first day as (the hymn) to the +All-gods ‘The gods I invoke of great fame for safety’. * To Va^vanara, +with broad radiance, bard ’ is the beginning of the Agnimaruta ; 7 in the first +Fada the deity is mentioned; on the first day (this is) a symbol of the first +day. ‘Forward pressing, mighty, and resounding’ is (the hymn) to the +Maruts 8 ; (the word) ‘ forward ’ on the first day is a symbol of the first +day. ‘ To Jatavedas let usfpour the Soma’, (this verse) to Jatavedas* he +recites before the hymn. The verses to Jatavedas are a benediction; +(verily it serves) to secure safety. Verily thus he secures a safe passage; +in safety he attains the other side of the year who knows thus. ‘ Forward +the strong, new, hymn to Agni ’ is (the hymn) to Jatavedas 10 ; (the word) +‘ forward ’ on the first day is a symbol of the first day. The Agnimaruta +is the same as in the Agnistoma; through that which is performed the same +in the sacrifice, offspring breathe together. Therefore the Agnimar uta is +the same. + + +• BV. v. 88. 1-8 and 4-6; AfS.v. 18.6; QgS. + +viii. 8. 8. + +» BV. ▼. 8.1; A$S. vii. 6. 28; 99a x. 8. 7. + +• BV. i. 169; A98. y. 18. 6 ; 99S. viii. 8. 11. + +• BV. iii. 60 ; A^S. vii. 6. 88 (<K caburah ); + +99S. x. 2. 7. + + +• BV. x. 66; A9S. vii. 6. 28. + +7 BV. iii. 8; A9& v. 20. 6 ; 99S. viii. 6. 2. + +• BV. i. 87 ; A9S. v. 20. 6 ; 993. viii. 6. 4. + +• BV. i. 99. 1; A98. vii. 1. 14. + +>• BV. i. 148; A9S. v. 20. 6; 998. viii. 6. 6. + + + +221] + + +[—iv. 31 + + +The Prfthya Sadaha—Second Day + + +iv. 31 (xx. 3). Indra as deity supports the second day, the Pancada$a +Stoma, the Brhat Saman, the Tristubh metre. With it according to the +deity, the Stoma, the Saman, the metre, he prospers who knows thus. That +which has not either ( hither ’ or ( forward’, that which has (the word) ( stand’ +is a symbol of the second day. That which contains (the word) ‘ upright +(the word) ‘ towards (the word) ‘ between (the word)' strong ’, (the word) +‘grow’, (the fact) that in the middle Pada the deity is mentioned, that the +atmosphere is referred to, that which is connected with the Brhat, that which +is connected with the Tristubh, the present tense, these are the symbols of the +second day. ‘ Agni we choose as envoy ’ in the Ajya 1 * * of the second day; the +present tense on the second day is a symbol of the second day. ‘ O Vayu, thy +thousands ’ is the Praiiga 8 ; as containing (the word) ‘ grow ’ on the second +day 8 in ‘ The Soma hath been pressed, O ye that make holy order to grow it +is a symbol of the second day. f Lord of all men ’ and ‘ Indra is the Soma +drinker alone ’ are the strophe and antistrophe of the Marutvatiya 4 5 ; as +containing (the words) ‘grow’ and ‘between’ on the second day it is a symbol +of the second day. ‘ O Indra, come nearer ’ is the normal Pragatha 0 ; 1 Arise +up, O Brahmanaspati ’ is that for Brahmanaspati 6 ; as containing (the word) +‘upright ’ it is on the second day a symbol of the second day. ‘ Agni, the +leader’, ‘Thou, O Soma, with inspiration’, and ‘They swell the waters’ +are the normal inserted verses. 7 ‘ Sing aloud to Indra ’ is the Marutvatiya +Pragatha 8 ; as containing (the word) ‘ grow ’ on the second day in ‘ Where¬ +with men, making holy order to grow, produced the light’, it is a symbol of the +second day. ‘ O Indra, lord of the Soma, drink this Soma ’ is the hymn 9 ; +as containing (the word) ‘ strong ’ on the second day in 10 ‘ In unison with +the Budras, show thyself strong/ it is a symbol of the second day. ‘ Thee +we invoke’ and ‘Do thou come to the worshipper’ are the Brhat as +Prstha 11 ; on the Brhat day, the second day, (it is) a symbol of the second +day. ‘ Since he hath conquered ’ is the normal inserted verse. 12 ‘ Both let +him hear for us ’ is the Pragatha of the Saman; 13 as containing ‘ What here +to-day and what was yesterday ’ on the Brhat day, the second day, (it is) + + +1 RV. i. 12; A$S. vii. 10. 8 ; $$8. x. 3. 2. + +* RV. ii. 41; A$S. vii. 6. 2 ; $$S. x. 8. 5. + +* RV. ii. 41. 4. + +4 RV. riii. 08. 4-6 ; 2. 4-6. outer ia in viii. 2. + +5; vrdh in 68. 6; A$S. rii. 6.6; $$S. x. +3.6. + +5 RV. viii. 68. 5 and 6 (already cited in AB. + +ir. 29). + +* RV. i. 48. 1 and 2. + +T RV. iii. 20. 4; i. 91. 2 ; i. 64. 6 (already + +cited in AB. iii. 18); A$S. v. 14. 17. + + +* RV. viii. 98. 1 and 2 ; A$& vii. 8. 2; $$S. +x. 18. 10. + +8 RV. iii. 82 ; A$S. vii. 6. 4; $98. x. 3. 8. +RV. iii. 82. 2. + +11 RV. iv. 46. 1 and 2; viii. 61. 7 and 8; + +A$S. v. 16.8; 9$S. vii. 20.4. Probably aa +shown in iv. 29 (cf. v. 1,4) by rolAontenan +the reading should be brhat prstham here +and elsewhere, not as a compound. + +12 RV. x. 74. 6 (already cited in AB. iii. 22). +“ RV. viii. 61. 1 and 2; A$& vii. 8.18; $$S. + +vii. 20. 7. + + + +iv. 31—] The, Soma Sacrifice [222 + +a symbol of the second day. ' This steed, god-strengthened ’ is the normal +Tarksya 14 (hymn). + +iv. 32 (xx. 4). ‘ Thy nearest, furthest help ’ is the hymn j 1 as containing +(the word) 1 strong ’ on the second day in ‘ Slay the strong ones, make them +depart ’, it is a symbol of the second day. ‘Let every man of the god that +le&deth ’, c That desirable of Savitr ’ and ‘ Lord of all, lord of the good’ are the +strophe and antistrophe of the Vai$vadeva 2 ; on the Brhat day, the second +day, they are a symbol of the second day. ( Up the god Savitr with the +golden ’ is (the hymn) to Savitr 3 ; as containing (the word) ‘ upright ’ on the +second day it is a symbol of the second day. 4 They, sky and earth, all +weal producing ’ is (the hymn) to sky and earth 4 ; as containing (the word) + +‘ between * on the second day in ‘ Between the two bowls of high birth he +moveth ’, it is a symbol of the second day. ‘ They have wrought the car, +well rounded, whose skill is known ’ is (the hymn) to the Rbhus 5 ; as con¬ +taining (the word) ‘ strong 9 on the second day in ‘ They have wrought the +two bay steeds that draw Indra, with strong wealth ’, it is a symbol of the +second day. ‘ The charioteer of the sacrifice, the lord of the folk ’ is (the +hymn) to the All-gods; 6 as containing (the word) ‘ strong ’ on the second +day in ‘The strong beacon, the holy one, hath attained the sky’ it is +a symbol of the second day. This hymn is by Qaryata. The Angirases +were performing a sacrificial session for the world of heaven; whenever +they came to the second day they used to go wrong. Them Qaryata +Manava made to recite this hymn on the second day; then indeed did +they discern the sacrifice, the world of heaven. In that he recites the hymn +on the second day, (it serves) to discern the sacrifice, to reveal the world of +heaven. ‘ The might of the swift, strong, ruddy one’ is the beginning of the +Agnimaruta 7 ; that which contains (the word) ‘ strong ’ on the second day +is a symbol of the second day. ‘ To the strong host, the majestic, the wise ’ +is (the hymn) to the Maruts 8 ; that which contains (the word) ‘ strong ’ on +the second day is a symbol of the second day. ‘ To Jatavedas let us pour +the Soma’ is the normal verse to Jatavedas. 9 ‘With the sacrifice make +Jatavedas^ to grow’ is (the hymn) to Jatavedas; 10 that which contains +(the word) ( grow ’ on the second day is a symbol of the second day. + +14 RV. x. 178 (already cited in AB. iv. 20); » RV. i. Ill; A?S. v. 18. 5; ffS. viii. 3. 14. + +A9& vii. 1. 18. _ « RV. x. 92; A£S. vii. 4. 12; 99 S. x. 8. 14. + +1 RV. vi. 25; v. 8 is that cited below.; A<^S. For 9&ry&ta see Vedir, Indtx, ii. 875. + +vii. 6. 4 ; 998 . x. 8. 9. » RV. vi. 8; A 9 S. vii. 4. 18; 99 S. x. 8 . 16. + +* RV. v. 60.1 and iii. 62. 10 and 11; v. 82. » RV. i 64; A. 9 S, vii. 4.18 ; 99 S. x. 8.16. + +7-9 ; A 9 S. vii. 6. 6; 99 S. x. 8.11-18. » RV. i. 99. 1 (already eited in AB. iv. 80) ; + +s RV. vi. 71. 1-8 ; A 98 . vii 4. 12 ; 99 S. x. A 9 S. vii. 1.14. + +. 4. 14. >• RV. ii. 2; A 9 S. vii 4. 18. + +* RV. i 160; A 98 . vii. 4. 12; 99 S. x. 8. 14. + + + +PAtfCIKA V + +The Soma Sacrifice ( continued ). + +ADHYAYA I + +The Pr§thya Sadaha (continued). + +The Third and Fourth Days. + +v. 1 (xxi. 1). The All-gods as deities support the third day, the Saptadafa +Stoma, the Vairtya S&man, the Jagati metre. With it according to the +deity, the Stoma, the Saman, the metre, he prospers who knows thus. That +which has the same endings is a symbol of the third day; that which con¬ +tains (the word) ‘horse’, (the word) ‘end’, that which is repeated, that +which is alliterated; that which contains (the word) ‘stay’, the word +‘surpass’, (the word) ‘three’, that which is a symbol of the end, (the +fact) that the deity is mentioned in the last Pada, that yonder world is +referred to, that which is connected with the Virupa, that which is connected +with the Jagati, the past tense, these are the symbols of the third day, +1 Yoke thou those best fitted to invoke the gods, thy steeds, O Agni, like +a charioteer ’ is the Ajya 1 of the third day. By the third day the gods went +to the world of heaven; the Asuras and the Raksases sought to hinder them. +They kept prospering (saying) ‘ Become misshapen, become misshapen ’; in +that they kept prospering (saying) ‘ Become misshapen, become misshapen,’ +theVairupa Saman came into existence; that is why the Vairupa has its name +(misshapen). They followed after them; they were united with them; them, +having become horses, they smote away with their hoofs. In that, having +become horses, they smote them away with their hoofs, that is why horses +have their name. He attains whatever he desires who knows thus. There¬ +fore a horse is the swiftest of animals; therefore a horse strikes backwards +with his foot. He smites away evil who knows thus. Therefore this Ajya +contains (the word) ‘ horse ’; on the third day it is a symbol of the third +day. ‘O Vayu, come for enjoyment’, ‘O Vayu, come from the sky, +auspicious’, ‘With Indra Vayu, of these pressed draughts’, ‘Indra and + +1 BY. viii. 75. Gf. KB. xxii. S-5 for the third day. See A$S. vii. 10.4 ; ££S. x. 4.2. The +derivation of the Vairupa is remarkable, but no other version is really possible. + + + +V. 1—] + + +[224 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + +Varuna we’, c 0 A$vins come hither’, ‘Come to that pressed with the stones’, +1 In unison with the All-gods ’, ‘ Dear for us among the dear ’ is the Prattga * in +Usnih verses; that which has similar endings on the third day is a symbol +of the third day. ‘ It for great gain ’ and * Three Soma draughts for Indra ’ +are the strophe and antistrophe of the Marutvatiya 3 ; that which has +alliteration and contains (the word) ‘ three ’ on the third day is a symbol of +the third day. ‘ O Indra come hither ’ is the normal Pragatha 4 . ‘ For¬ +ward now Brahmanaspati ’ is (the Pragatha) to Brahmanaspati 6 ; as con¬ +taining an alliteration on the third day it is a symbol of the third day. +‘Agni, the leader’, ‘Thou, O Soma, with inspiration’, ‘They swell the +waters ’ are the normal inserted verses. 0 ‘ No one hath surpassed the chariot +of Sudas, nor caused it to pause’ is the Marutvatiya Pragatha 7 ; as con¬ +taining (the word) ‘ surpass ’ at the third pressing, it is a symbol of the third +pressing. ‘ Three friendships hath man’s worship ’ is the hymn 3 : that which +contains (the word) ‘ three ’ on the third day is a symbol of the third day. +‘ If a hundred skies, O Indra, were thine ’ and ‘ If, O Indra, as many as +thou ’ are the Yairupa as Prjtha 9 ; on the Rathantara day, the third day, +this is a symbol of the third day. ‘ Since he hath conquered ’ is the normal +inserted verse. 10 In ‘ Towards thee, O hero, we utter praise ’ he brings back +the basis of the Rathantara, 11 for this day is connected with the Rathantara +in its place. ‘ O Indra, threefold protection ’ is the Pragatha of the Saman 18 ; +as containing (the word) ‘ three ’ on the third day it is a symbol of the +third day. ‘ This steed, god-strengthened ’ is the normal T&rksya 13 (hymn). + +v. 2 (xxi. 2). ‘ Who is bora first the thinker ’ is the hymn 1 ; that which +has the same endings on the third day is a symbol of the third day. It has +(the words) ‘ He, O men ’; (the hymn) with (the words) ‘ He, O men ’ is the +power of Indra; on it being recited power enters Indra. As to this the +Saman singers say ‘ On the third day those of many verses recite the power +of Indra \ It is by Grtsamada. By it Grtsamada went to the dear abode of +Indra; he conquered the highest world; he goes to the dear abode + + +* RV. v. 51. 8 with viii 26. 28-25 ; v.61.6-8; + +72.1-8; 76.7-9 ; 40.1-8 ; vii. 84.16-17 ; +vi. 61. 10-12; AflS. vii. 10. 5; 99S. x. +4.5. + +8 RV. Yiii. 68. 7-9; 2. 7-9; Af& vii 10. 8; +90S. x. 4. 6. + +* RV. yiii. 68. 5 and 6 (already eited in AB. + +iv. 29). + +8 RV. i 40. 5 and 6 (already oited in AB. iv. +29). + +8 RV. iii. 20. 4; i. 91. 2; i 64. 6 (already +cited in AB. iii. 18; iv. 81). + +7 RV. vii. 82. 60. Here is found a form of + + +ram which explains ratavat; A£S. vii. + +8 . 2 . + +8 RV. v. 29; A$S. vii. 7. 1; 99S. x. 4. 8. + +8 RV. viii. 70. 5 and 6; vii 82. 18 and 19; +A9S. vii. 10. 8. + +10 RV. x. 74. 6 (already oited in AB. iii 22) ; + +A9S. v. 16. 21; 99 S. vii 20. 6. + +11 RV. vii. 82. 22 and 28; see above AB. iv. + +29. + +18 RV. vi. 46. 9 and 10; A9S. vii 8.19; 99S. +x. 4. 10. + +18 RV. x. 170; A9S. vii. 1.18. + +1 RV. ii. 12; A9S. vii. 7.1; 99& x. 4. 11. + + + +225] + + +[—v. 3 + + +The Pr§thya Sadaha—Third Day + +of Indra, he conquers the highest world who knows thus. ‘ That of Savitp +we chose ’ and ‘ To-day for us, O god Savitr 9 are the strophe and anti¬ +strophe of the Vai$vadeva *; on the Rathantara day, on the third day, it is +a symbol of the third day. 1 That desirable greatness of Savitr the god 9 +is (the hymn) to Savitr 8 * 10 ; greatness is the end; the third day is the end; +on the third day it is a symbol of the third day. ‘ With ghee sky and earth +enveloped 9 is (the hymn) to sky and ea 5 rth 4 ; in c Mixed with ghee, drop¬ +ping ghee, ghee anointed 9 there is repetition and alliteration; on the +third day this is a symbol of the third day. 1 Bora without steed, without +reins, worthy of praise 9 is (the hymn) to the Rbhus 6 ; as containing (the +word) ‘ three’ on the third day in 1 The chariot of three wheels ’, it is a symbol +of the third day. 1 Those who from afar would assume kinship 9 is (the +hymn) to the All-gods 8 ; from afar is the end; the third day is the end ; +on the third day it is a symbol of the end. That is by Gaya; by it Gaya +Plata went to the dear abode of the All-gods; he conquered the highest +world ; he goes to the dear abode of the All-gods; he conquers the highest +world who knows thus. 1 To Vai^vanara, the praise, increasing holy order 9 +is the beginning of the Agnimaruta 7 ; the praise is the end; the third day +is the end ; on the third day it is a symbol of the end. ‘ Pouring showers, +the Maruts, of daring might 9 is (the hymn) to the Maruts 8 with much to be +recited; what is much is the end; the third day is the end; on the third +day it is a symbol of the third day. 1 To J&tavedas let us pour the Soma ’ +is the normal (verse) to J&tavedas. 0 1 Thou, O Agni, the first Angiras, the +Rsi ’ is (the hymn) to Jata * vedas 10 ; that with the same beginning on the third +day is a symbol of the third day. In * Thou 9 and ‘ Thou 9 he refers to the +several sets of three days, for continuity. With sets of three days, un¬ +interrupted and continuous, they proceed who proceed knowing this. 11 + +v. 3 (xxi. 3). The Stomas are fully obtained, the metres obtained on the +third day; verily this only is leftover,namely speech alone. 1 This one element +is three syllables; speech is one element, element is three syllables ; this is +the third set of three days, speech one, Go one, Dyo one. Therefore indeed + + +2 BY. y. 82.1-8 and 4-6; see also AB. iv. 80. + +* BY. iv. 68.1-8; A^S. vii; 7. 2. + +4 BY. vi. 70. 4-6 ; A$S. vii. 7. 2. + +5 BY. iv. 86 ; A?S vii. 7. 2. + +4 BY. x. 68 ; A£S. vii. 7. 2. + +7 BY. iii. 2 ; A£S. vii. 7. 2. + +8 BY. ii. 84 ; A$S. vii. 7. 2. + +• BY. i. 99. 1; above AB. iv. 80; A(S. vii. 1. + +14. + +10 BY. i. 81; A9& vii. 7. 2. + +29 [e o.». u] + + +11 ninrtia is clearly the alliteration produced +by repetitions of one vowel or consonant; +Sftyana shows this in his definition(though +he gives another) as svarcmfefendkfarandm +. • . Ovartanena where rfpfa—especially, +not * with adifference ’ asWeber (Bid. Stud +ix. 286, 286) thinks, a view which does +not suit BY. vi. 70. + +1 Of. ?B. vi. 8. 1. 48. + + + +v. 3—] The Soma Sacrifice [226 + +speech supports the fourth day. In that on the fourth day they utter the +sound o 2 , they extend this syllable, they make it to grow, they magnify 8 it, +to support the fourth day. The sound o is food; when the farmers run about +shouting, thus does food come into existence; in that on the fourth day they +say the sound o, verily thus they produce food; (it serves) for the produc¬ +tion of food. Therefore the four days contain (the word) ‘ bom ’. ‘ With the +first four syllables should he say o’ they say; cattle are four-footed; (verily +it serves) to win cattle. * With three syllables should he say o * they say; +there are three threefold worlds ; (verily it serves) to conquer these worlds. +‘ With one syllable should he say o * used Langalayana Brahman MaudgaJya +to say; ' Speech has one syllable ; he says o in truth now who says o with +one syllable ’. With two syllables should he say o, for a support; man has +two supports, cattle four feet; verily thus he makes the sacrificer with two +supports to find support in fourfooted cattle. Therefore should he say o +with two syllables. At the beginning in the morning litany he says o; by +the mouth offspring eat food; at the beginning of proper food he places the +sacrificer. In the middle in the Ajya Qastra he says o ; in the middle food +quickens offspring; verily thus in the middle of proper food he places the +sacrificer. At the beginning 4 in the midday he says o; by the mouth +offspring eat food; verily thus at the beginning of proper food he places +the sacrificer. Thus on both sides he grasps the saying of o with the +pressings, to grasp proper food. + +v. 4 (xxi. 4). Speech as deity supports the fourth day, the Ekavinfa Stoma, +the Vairaja Saman, the Anustubh metre. With it according to the deity, +the Stoma, the Saman, the metre he prospers who knows thus. That which +has ‘ hither* and ‘ forward* is a symbol of the fourth day, for the fourth +day is the first day over again. That which contains (the word ) 9 yoke/, +(the word) ‘chariot*, (the word) ‘swift’, (the word) ‘drink*, (the fact) that the +deity is mentioned in the first Pada, that this world is referred to, that which +contains (the word) ‘ bom *, (the word) ‘ call ’, (the word) ‘ bright *, that which +is the symbol of speech, that which is by Vimada, that which is sounded, +that which has various metres, that which is deficient, redundant, that +which is connected with the Vairaja, that which is connected with the + + +9 The Nyfifikha is dealt with at length in +AfS. vii. 11. It is in the morning litany +to take place at the second syllable of +each half verse and consists in altering the + +vowel of that syllable to 08 "OOOOO 08 + +ififtfifo 08'ooo, with accents on the +three protracted 0 sounds. In the Ajya +it is used in the third Padas, save in the + + +last verse, A£S. vii. 11. 8. + +8 The monstrous pravibh&vayifanti was read +by S&yana whose explanation is prdbhut- +vam vibhvUvam v&kfarasya karium ichanit, +and it is kept in the Anand. ed. + +4 See AQ8. vii. 11. 28. The NyOnkha is +appropriate to the fourth day. Cf. KB. +xxii. 7. + + + +227 ] + + +The Prsthya Sadaha—Fourth Day [—v. 4 + + +Anustuhh, the future, that which is a symbol of the first day; these are the +symbols of the fourth day. 4 With offerings for ourselves Agni * 1 is the +Ajya of the fourth day; it is by Vimada and is sounded 8 ; being of the seer +who is sounded, on the fourth day it is a symbol of the fourth day. It is +of eight verses in Pankti; the sacrifice is fivefold, cattle are fivefold; +(verily it serves) to win cattle. These are ten Jagatl verses; this set of +three days has the Jagati at the morning pressing; thereby is there a +symbol of the fourth day. They are fifteen Anustubhs, for the day is +connected with the Anustubh; thereby is there a symbol of the fourth day. +They are twenty Gayatri verses, for this day is a repeated introduction; +thereby is there a symbol of the fourth day. This hymn, unsung, unrecited, +unexhausted, is the sacrifice made manifest. In that this is the Ajya of the +fourth day, verily thus from the sacrifice they extend the sacrifice; verily +thus they revert again to speech for continuity. With sets of three days, +uninterrupted and continuous, they proceed who proceed knowing thus, +1 0 Vayu, for thee the pure hath been prepared ’, * Enjoy the fresh offerings ’, +1 0 Vayu, a hundred bay steeds ’, * With Indra, O Vayu, of these pressed +draughts ’, ‘ O wise one, those of good insight ’, * Hither to us with all aids ’. +* This for you I have sent forth ’, 4 Away the wicked foe \ and 4 O best of +mothers, O chief of streams ’, are the Praiiga 8 in Anustubhs; (the words) +1 hither ’, 4 forward ’, and ‘ pure 9 on the fourth day are symbols of the fourth +day. ‘Thee with the sacrifices we invoke 9 is the beginning 4 of the +Marutvatiya ; as regards ‘ we invoke 9 , this day is to be secured as it were; +thereby is there a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ This Soma juice hath been +pressed, O bright one 9 , ‘ O Indra, come nearer 9 , ‘ Let Brahmanaspati move +forward 9 ‘ Agni the leader 9 ‘ Thou, O Soma, with inspiration 9 ‘ They swell +the waters \ ‘ Forward to Indra, the great 9 are the continuation 6 (of the +Marutvatiya) being the same as that of the first day; on the fourth day +this is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ Hear our call, O Indra, harm us not 9 +is the hymn 6 ; as containing (the word) ‘ call 9 on the fourth day, it is a +symbol of the fourth day. r Indra with the Maruts, the bull, for joy 9 is the + + +1 RV. x. 21; A0S. yii. 11. 14, 17; 00S. x. +5. 2. For this day see KB. xxii. 6-9. + +1 Doubtful in sense: S&yana connects, but no +doubt wrongly, with the Nyunkha, which +is indeed used in both x. 21 and 22 (see +below AB. v. 6), but also in the morning +Utany, which is not by the sage Vimada. +Possibly the reference is to the feet that +both hymns begin with rough sounds +(«nr rktibkih and kuha grata indra#). Weber +(/nd. Stud. ix. 286) renders ( the seer +distinguished by (Wohl-) Klangcom* + + +paring viribhita in oomm. on P&n. vii. 2. +18. Haug’s view is 1 contained in an +alliteration in it (vi vo made) *. + +• RV. iv. 47.1; 48. 1, 6 ; 47. 2-4 ; ▼. 66.1-8; + +vii. 24. 4-6; vi. 44. 4-6 ; 61. 18-16 ; ii. +41.1-8; A08. vii. 11. 22; 90S. x. 6. 4. + +4 RV. viii. 68.10-12 ; A0S. vii. 11. 24 ; 008. +x. 6. 6. + +• RV. viii. 2.1-8; 68.6,6; i. 40. 8, 4 ; iu. 20. + +4 ; i. 91. 2; 64. 6; viii. 89. 8 ; i0S. vii. +2. 24; 00S. x. 6.6, 7; above AB. iv, 29. + +• RV. ii. 11; A0S. vii. 11. 26; 008. x. 6. 8. + + + +V. 4—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[228 + + +hymn 7 ; as containing (the word) ‘ call' in * * Dread, giver of strength, let +ns call him ’ on the fourth day, it is a symbol of the fourth day. This is in +Trigtubh. With this (hymn), with its feet supported, he maintains the +pressing; verily thereby it leaves not its place. 'Him the cunning +I call ’ is the conclusion 9 ; as containing (the word) call on the fourth day +it is a symbol of the fourth day. These are G&yatri verses; the G&yatri +support the midday (pressing) of this set of three days; that metre +is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; therefore in the Gayatri verses he +inserts a Nivid, ‘Drink the Soma, O Indra, let it gladden thee’ and +‘ Hear the callof the much drinking stone’ are the Vairaja as Prasha 10 ; on the +Brhat day, the fourth day, it is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ What he hath +conquered ’ is the normal inserted verse n . In ‘ Thee we invoke ’ he makes +to follow the basis 12 of the Brhat, for the day is connected with the Brhat in +place. ‘ Thou, O Indra, in the conflicts * is the Pragatha of the S&man 13 ; +as containing (the word) ‘ bora ’ in * slaying imprecation, cause of birth ’ on +the fourth day, it is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘This steed, god- +strengthened ’ is the normal T&rksya M (hymn). + +v. 5 (xxi. 5). ‘ Where is Indra famed, in what to-day 1 ’ is the hymn 1 by +Yimada, which is sounded; being of the seer who is sounded, on the fourth +day it is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ Of thee the roarer, the bull self¬ +ruling ’ is the hymn 2 ; as containing (the word) ‘ bora * on the fourth day in +‘ Dread, deep, by birth, to the dread ’ it is a symbol of the fourth day. It +is a Tristubh; with it with its feet supported he maintains the pressing; 3 +thereby it leaves not its place. ‘Him of you ever enduring ’ is the con¬ +clusion. ‘Secured in all speech* (he says); this day is to be secured +as it were; thereby is there a symbol of the fourth day. They are +G&yatri verses; the Gayatri verses support the midday (pressing) of this +set of three days: that metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; there¬ +fore in the Gayatri verses, he inserts a Nivid. ‘ Let each man of the god +that leadeth ’; ‘ That desirable of Savitr ’, and ‘ God of all, lord of the good ’ +are the strophe and antistrophe of the Vaipvadeva 4 ; on the Bjrhat day, the +fourth day, it is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ Let the god, Savitr, with +fair jewels come hither ’ is (the hymn) to Savitr 3 ; (the word).‘ hither ’ on the +fourth day is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ Forward the sky and earth + + +• RV.iii.47; A9S.vii. 11. 26; 9?S. x. 5. 8. + +• BV. iii. 47. 5. + +• BY. viii. 76. 18; A$S. viU. 8. 2; 99 a x. + +6 . 8 . + +>• BV. vii. 22.1-8 +99& x. 6. 9. + +» BY. x. 74.6; see above AB. iv. 29. + +» BV. vi. 46.1 and 2; aee AB. iv. 81. + + +and 4-«;'Ag& vii. 11.27; + + +>* BV. viU. 99. 6 ; A 9 S. vii. 8. 19. + +14 BV. x. 178; A9& vii. 1.18. + +1 BV. x. 22; ACS. vii. 11.28; 998. x. 6. 20. + +• BV. iii. 46; A?S vii. 11. 28; 99& x. 6.80. + +• RV.viU.92.7-9; A 9 S.VUL 8 . 2; 998 .x. 5.20. +4 BV. v. 60.1; Ui. 62. 10,11; v. 82. 7-9; see + +above AB. iv. 89. + +• BV. vU. 46; AgS. viU. 8. 4; 998. x. 6. 28. + + + +229] The Pr§thya Sctdaha—Fourth Day [—v. 6 + +with sacrifices, with homage ’ is (the hymn) to sky and earth 6 ; (the word) +‘ forward ’ on the fourth day is a symbol of the fourth day. ‘ Forward to +the Bbhus like a messenger shall I speed my speech ’ is (the hymn) to +the Bbhus 7 ; (the words) ‘ forward ’ and ‘ Shall I speed my speech ’ are +symbols of the fourth day. ‘ Forward the pure, the divine, hymn ’ is (the +hymn) to the All-gods *; (the words) ‘ forward ’ and ‘ pure ’ on the fourth +day are symbols of the fourth day. These are in varied metres, there are +verses of two Fadas, there are verses of four Fadas; thereby is there a +symbol of the fourth day. * Let us enjoy the loving kindness of Vaiyvanara’ +is the beginning of the Agnimaruta 9 ; as containing (the word) * bom ’ in +‘ Bom hence ’ on the fourth day it is a Bymbol of the fourth day. ‘ Who +are these heroes revealed, of one home ? ’ is (the hymn) to the Maruts 10 ; as +containing (the word) ‘ birth ’ in ‘ No man knoweth their place of birth +on the fourth day it is a symbol of the fourth day. These are in varied +metres; there are verses of two Padas, there are verses of four Padas; +thereby is there a symbol of the fourth day. ' To Jatavedas let us pour the +Soma’ is the normal (verse) to Jatavedas 11 . ‘Agni men with devotion +from the fire sticks ’ is (the hymn) to Jatavedas 12 ; as containing (the word) +‘ bom ’ in ‘ By movements of the hands have made to be bom ’ on the fourth +day it is a symbol of the fourth day. These are in different metres; there +are Viraj verses, there are Tristubh verses; thereby is there a symbol of +the fourth day. + + +ADHYAYA II + +The Pr§thya f$addha (continued). + +The Fifth and Sixth Days. + +v. 6 (xxii. 1). The cow as deity supports the fifth day, the Trinava Stoma, +the Qakvara Saman, the Pankti metre. With it according to the deity, +the Stoma, the Saman, the metre, he prospers who knows thus. That +which has not (the words) ‘ hither ’ and ‘ forward that which has (the +word) ‘ stand ’, is a symbol of the fifth day, for the fifth day is a repetition +of the second day. That which contains (the word) *upright’, (the word) +' to *, (the word) * between ’, (the word) ‘ strong ’, (the word) * grow ’, (the +fact) that the deity is mentioned in the middle Pada, (the fact) that the +atmosphere is referred to, that which contains (the word), * milk ’, (the word) + +• RV.vii.58; A^S. viii. 8. 4; £08. x. 5.28. >• BV.vU.68; AyS. viii, 8. 4; yy& x.6.84. + +i RV. iv. 88; A£& mi. 8. 4; ypS. x. 6.88. u BY. i. 9». 1; l£S. viL 1.14. + +• RV. vii. 84; AyS. viii. 8.4; yy8. x. 5. 28. « BV. vii. 1; Ays. viii. 8. 4; yy8. differs. + +• RV. i. M: A 98 . viii. 8. 4; yys. differs. + + + +v. 6—] The Soma Sacrifice [230 + +‘ udder (the word) ‘ cow ’, (the word) * dappled (the word) ‘ be drunk that +which is a symbol of cattle, that which has an addition,—for cattle are as +it were of varied size—that which is connected with the Jagati—for cattle +are connected with the Jagati—, that which is connected with the Bphat— +for cattle are connected with the Brh&t—, that which is connected with +the Pankti—for cattle are connected with the number five—, that which is +desirable—for cattle are desirable, that which contains (the word) ‘ obla¬ +tion ’—for cattle are the oblation—, that which contains (the word) ‘ form ’ +—for cattle are form—, that which is connected with the Qakvara, that +which is connected with the Pankti, the present tense, that which is a +symbol of the second day; these are symbols of the fifth day. ‘ This guest +of yours waking at dawn ’ is the Ajya 1 * 3 of the fifth day; it is in Jagati, +contains an addition, is a symbol of cattle and so on the fifth day it is a +symbol of the fifth day. ‘ Hither to us the sacrifice, touching the sky ’, +‘Hither to us, O Vayu, to the great rite’, ‘With the chariot of broad +radiance ‘ The many, sun-eyed * These morning offerings you’, * Drink the +pressed draught, rich in sap ’, * Each god for grace ’, and ‘ A great speech dost +thou sing ’ are the Praiiga * in Brhati ; on the fifth day it is a symbol of the +fifth day. ‘ When with the folk of the five peoples ’ is the beginning of the +Marutvatiya 9 ; (the word) ‘ of the five peoples ’ on the fifth day is a symbol +of the fifth day. ‘ Indra is the Soma drinker alone ’, ‘ O Indra, come near ’, +‘ Rise up, O Brahmanaspati, ‘ Agni the leader ’, * Thou, O Soma, with inspira¬ +tion’, ‘They swell the waters’, and ‘Sing aloud to Indra’ are the continuation 4 , +being the same as that of the second day; on the fifth day it is a symbol of +the fifth day. ‘ Thou art the helper of him who presseth, who plucketh the +grass ’ is the hymn 9 ; as containing (the word) ‘ be drunk ’, and being in the +Pankti metre, and of five Padas, on the fifth day, it is a symbol of the fifth +day. ‘Thus in the Soma, in the drink’is the hymn 8 ; as containing (the word) +‘ be drunk ’ and being in the Pankti metre and of five Padas, on the fifth +day it is a symbol of the fifth day. ‘ O Indra, drink; for thee is it pressed +to be drunk ’ is the hymn 7 , containing (the word) ‘ be drunk ’ and in the +Tris^ubh metre; with it with its feet supported he maintains the pressing; +thereby it departs not from its abode. ‘O Indra witll the Maruts, O +bounteous one ’ is the conclusion 8 . It has neither (the word) ' hither' nor + + +1 BY. vi. 16; A?S. vii. 12 . 6 ; 99 s. x. 6 . 2 . +Cf. KB. xxiii. 1. + +* RV.viii. 101.9,10;46.26; iv.46. 6 , 6 ,7;vii. +66 . 10 - 12 ; 74.1-8; vili. 8 .1-8; 27.18-16; +vii. 96.1-8; A 98 . vii. 12. 7; 99 s. x. 6 . 6 . + +3 BY. viii. 68 . 7; I 9 S. viL 12.9; 99 S. x.6.8. + +« BY. viii. 2. 4; 68 . 6 ; i. 40.1; ill. 20. 1; i. + + +91.2; 64. 6 ; viii. 89.1; A 98 . vii. 12. 9; +AB. iv. 29; 998. x. 6 .9 differs. + +• BY. viii. 86 ; AGS. vii. 12. 9; 998 . x. 6 . 9. + +• RV. i. 80; ACS. vii. 12 . 9; 998 . x. 6 . 9. + +7 BY. vi. 40; A 98 vii. 12. 9 ; 99 S. differs. + +• BV. viii. 76. 7-9; I 9 S. viii. 8 . 2; 99 S. x. + +8 . 6 . + + + +[—V. 8 + + +231] The Pr§thya Sadaha — Fifth Day + +(the word) ‘ forward ’; on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. +They are G&yatri verses; G&yatri verses support the midday (pressing) of +this set of three days; that metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; +therefore in the G&yatri verses he inserts a Nivid. + +v. 7 (xxii. 2). Here they chant the Mah&n&mni verses 1 to the Q&kvara +S&man; on the Bathantara day, the fifth day, it is a Bymbol of the fifth +day. By them Indra fashioned himself as great; therefore are they called +Mah&n&mnis; moreover these worlds are the Mah&n&mnis and these are +great. Having created these worlds Prajapati had all power whatever +there is here. In that having created these worlds Praj&pati had all power +whatever there is here, therefore they become the Qakvari verses; that is +why the Qakvaris have the name (powerful). Beyond the boundary he +Created them; so that he created them beyond the boundary, they became +the Simas; that is why the Simas have their name. ‘ Of the sweet thus +diffused’, ‘To our pressed drink with the dappled steeds’, and ‘ Indra all made +grow ’ are the antistrophe *; as containing (the words)' strong ’, ‘ dappled ’ +‘be drunk’ and ‘grow’ on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. +‘ What he hath won ’ is the normal inserted verse *. In ‘ Towards thee, +O hero, we utter praise’ he makes to follow the basis 4 of the Rathantara; +for this day is connected with the Bathantara in place. ‘ Not then any of +thy worshippers ’ is the Prag&tha of the S&man; * as having an addition it is +on the fifth day a Bymbol of the fifth day. * This steed, god strengthened ’ +is the normal T&rksya * (hymn). + +v. 8 (xxii. 3). ‘ Thou hast furthered our prayer in the overcoming of +Vrtra’ is the hymn 1 ; asbeinginthePanktimetreandhavingfivePadasonthe +fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. ‘ Indra hath waxed for the drink ’ is +the hymn *; as containing (the word) ‘ be drunk ’ and as being in the Pankti +metre and having five Padas on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. +‘ Ever for all men are thy drinkings ’ is the hymn, 3 containing (the word) +‘ be drunk ’ and in Tristubh metre; with it with its feet supported he main¬ +tains the pressing; thereby it departs not from its place. ‘ Him Indra we +strengthen ’ is the conclusion 4 ; as being a symbol of cattle in ' May he +become a strong bull’ on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. + + +1 Gp. above AB. iv. 4; KB. xziii. 2. The +mode of using the verses in the case of +the Pjstha Stotra being in the 9&fc yara +is given in A£& vii. 12.10-14 ; 9£S. x. +6 . 10-18. + +* BY. L 84.10; viii. 98. 81; i. 111. 1; A$a +vii. 12.15. 99^. differs here and in the +rest. + +’ BY. x. 74. 6; see AB. iv. 29. + + +« BY. vii. 82. 22, 28 ; see AB. iv. 29. + +* RV. vii. 82. 1 and 2; vii. 8. 19. + +< BV. x. 178; A 98 . vii. 1. 18. + +> v. 8. BV. viii. 87; A£8. vii. 12. 16. Cf. +KB. xxiii. 8. + +* BV. i.8.1; A$& vii. 18. 16. + +* BV. vi. 86. 1; IgS. vii. 18. 16. + +* BV. viii. 98. 7-9; A^S. viii. 8. 8 j Q9& x. + +6 . 16. + + + +V. 8—J + + +The Soma Sacrifice [282 + +These are G&yatri verses; Gayatrf verses support the midday (pressing) of +this set of three days; that metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; +therefore he inserts a Nivid in the G&yatri verses. ‘That of Savitr we +choose,’ and ‘ To-day for us, 0 god Savitp ’ are the strophe and antistrophe 5 +of the Yaif vadeva; on the Rathantara day, the fifth day, it is a symbol of +the fifth day. ‘ Up the god Savitr of the home ’ is (the hymn) to Savitr 6 ; +in ‘ May he instigate much that is desirable to the generous one ’ the desir¬ +able is a symbol of cattle; on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. +‘The great ones, sky and earth, here the oldest’ is (the hymn) to sky +and earth 7 * 9 ; in ‘ Roaring, the bull ’ there is a symbol of cattle; on the fifth +day it is a symbol of the fifth day. ‘To us Rbhus, Vibhvan, Vaja, Indra’ is (the +hymn) to the Rbhus *; cattle are Vaja (strength); as being a symbol of cattle +on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. ‘ I praise the man, of good +vows, with a new song ’ is (the hymn) to the All-gods *; as having an addi¬ +tion and being a symbol of cattle on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth +day. ‘The swelling oblation, unaging, in the finding of light’ is the +beginning of the Agnim&ruta 10 ; as containing (the word) ‘ oblation ’ on the +fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. ‘Even to the wise let it be +a wondrous thing ’ is (the hymn) to the Maruts 11 ; as containing (the word) +‘ wonder’ on the fifth day it is a symbol of the fifth day. ‘To Jatavedas +let us pour the Soma ’ is the normal (verse) to Jatavedas. 12 ‘ Agni is the Hotr, +the householder, the king’ is (the hymn) to Jatavedas 13 ; as containing an +addition and being a symbol of cattle on the fifth day, it is a symbol of the +fifth day. + +v. 9 (xxii. 4). The sixth day is a field of the gods; those who approach the +sixth day approach a field of the gods. ‘ The gods dwell not in one another’s +houses, nor a season in the house of a season ’ they say. Therefore in due +order the priests perform the sacrifice to the seasons, not handing them over +(to others). Thus they arrange in order the seasons according to the season, +and place in order communities. 1 They say ‘ No directions Bhould be given +with the Rtupraisas, nor should the vamt call be said with the Rtupraisas. +The Rtupraisas are speech; on the sixth day speech is made up.’ If they + + +6 RV. v. 82. 1-8 and 4-6; see AB. iv. SO. + +6 RV. vl. 71. 4-6; A$S. viii. 8. 6 ; 998 . x. 6. +18. + +1 RV. iv. 56. 1-4 ; A 98 . viii. 8. 6; 99 S. x. 6 . +18. + +• RV. iv. 84; A 9 S. viii. 8. 6 ; 99 S. x. 6. 18. + +9 RV. vi. 49 (v. 8 is specially referred to); + +A 9 S. viii. 8, 6; ffS. x. 6. 18 differs. + +10 RV. x. 88 ; A£S. viii. 8 . 6 ; ft!S. x. 6 . 19. + + +11 RV. i. 99. 1 ; A£S. vii. 1. 14. + +18 RV. vi. 15. 18-16; AfS. viii. 8 . 6 ; £9& x. +6 . 19. + +1 The point is that in this case the Adhvaryu +and the Yajam&na repeat their own +Yfijyfts and do not leave that function to +the Hotr as in the normal sacrifice to +the seasons. GB. xi. 10 and 11 follow +AB. v. 9-12. 4. + + + +233] + + +The Pr$thya Sadaha—Sixth Day + + +[—v. 12 + + +were to give directions with the Rtupraisas, if they were to say va§at with +the Rtupraisas, verily thus they would go to speech when made up, weary, +with galled shoulders, groaning under the yoke. But if they were not to +give directions with them, if they were not to say vasat with them, they +would depart from the norm of the sacrifice, from the, sacrifice, from breath, +from Prajapati, from cattle they would go away. Therefore directions +should be given only after that which contains a Rc, and the vasat call said +only after that which contains a Rc; then they do not go to speech when +made up, weary, with galled shoulders, groaning under the yoke, nor do +they depart from the norm of the sacrifice, nor from the sacrifice, breath, +Prajapati, cattle do they go away. 8 + +v. 10 (xxii. 5). In the first two pressings he inserts (verses) by Parucchepa 1 +before the offering verses for the Prasthita libations; the metre of the Paru¬ +cchepa (verses) is the mounting; by it Xndra mounted the seven worlds of +heaven; he mounts the seven worlds of heaven, who knows thus. They say +4 Seeing that (verses) of five Padas are a symbol of the fifth day, and (verses) +of six Padas of the sixth, then why are (verses) of seven Padas recited on +the sixth day ? ’ By six Padas they make up the sixth day, cutting off as +it were the seventh day; that they keep grasping by the seventh Pada. +Verily thus they approach speech again, for continuity. With sets of three +days, uninterrupted and continuous, they proceed who proceed knowing thus. + +v. 11 (xxii. 6). The gods and the Asuras were in conflict over these worlds. +The gods by the sixth day repelled the Asuras from these worlds; taking +all the wealth that was within reach, they cast 1 it into the sea. Following +up they rescued by this metre the wealth within reach; in that this Pada +is a repeated Pada, it is a hook to fasten on. He secures the wealth of him +who hates him, he repels him from all these worlds who knows thus. + +v. 12 (xxii. 7). The sky as deity supports the sixth day, the Trayastrm$a +Stoma, the Raivata Saman, the Atichandas metre. With it according to +the deity, the Stoma, the Saman, the metre, he prospers who knows thus. +That which has the same endings is a symbol of the sixth day, for the sixth +day is a repetition of the third day. That which contains (the word) + + +* Here the point is that the normal rule of +Praisa and Yfljy* in Praisa form with +vofog eall is to ho observed, subject to +the concluding of either with a Rc, +the verses being given by Sftyana as RV. +ii. 86 and 87. See A£& viii. 1. 6-8 who +prescribes Acid yakutf + Praisa + Rc + koiar +yqja for the Praisa and ye yqjdmaht ++ ySjji- + R° + t»ufo*[for the Y%jyJL CL +9?8. x. 7. 8. fgma must be interpreted in +30 [a.o.s. si] + + +the light of A 9 S. and not as 1 beginning +with a Rc.* + +1 For them see A 98 . viii. 2. 2 and 4. The +verses are RV. i. 189. 1-11; 180. 2-10. +Cf. KB. xxiii. 4 and 5; 99& x. 7. 2. +See also VaiU xxxi. 27 ; GB. xi. 10. + +1 v. 11. The passive praupyania is an odd use, +which, however, can hardly reasonably +be corrected. + + + +v. 12—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[234 + + +1 horse (the word) ‘ end that which is repeated, that which is alliterated, +that which contains (the word) ‘ stay that which contains (the word) + +* surround ’, that which contains (the word) ‘ three that which is a symbol +of the end, (the fact) that the deity is mentioned in the last Pada, (the fact) +that yonder world is referred to, that which is connected with Parucchepa, +that which has seven Padas, the Nara^ansa, the Nabhanedistha, the +Raivata, the Atichandas metre, the past tense, that which is a symbol of +the third day; these are the symbols of the sixth day. ( He is born in the +ordinance of Manu ’ is the Ajya 1 of the sixth day; as being by Parucchepa, +in Atichandas metre, and of seven Padas, on the sixth day it is a symbol of +the sixth day. ‘ Come to our strewn grass for enjoyment/ ‘ Let the chariot +with the steeds bear you hither for aid/ ( We have pressed with the stones; +O come ye *; 1 You pious men with praises, O A$vins/ ‘ Thou hast revealed +the mighty, 0 Indra/ ‘ 0 strong Indra/ ‘Be it so; let it be heard/ + +* Hearken to us, O Agni; thou art praised/ ‘ The eleven gods in the +sky/ and ‘She gave the impetuous one, canceller of debts’ are the +Praiiga 2 ; as being by Parucchepa, in Atichandas metre, and of +seven Padas, on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘He +first of the great ’ is the beginning of the Marutvatlya 3 ; the great is the +end; the sixth day is the end; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth +day. ‘ Three Soma draughts for Indra/ ‘ O Indra, come near/ ‘ Forward now +Brahmanaspati/ ‘ Agni the leader/ * Thou, O Soma, with inspiration/ ‘ They +swell the waters/ ‘ No one the chariot of Sudas ’ are the continuation 4 , being +the same as that of the third day; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the +sixth day. ‘ The chariot which thou, O Indra, for the winning of the offer¬ +ing ’ is the hymn 6 ; as being by Parucchepa, in Atichandas metre, and of +seven Padas, on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘ The strong +with the strong in one dwelling ’ is (the hymn 6 ) ; as having the same end¬ +ings on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘ O Indra with the +Maruts here drink the Soma ’ is the hymn 7 ; ‘ With them let him drink, +the destroyer of Vrtra’ (he says); the destroyer is the end; the sixth day +is the end; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. It is in + + +1 RV. i. 128. C& KB. xxiii. 6 ; AfS. viii. 1 . +9; 99 s. x. 8 . 1 . + +• BY. i. 186. 1-8; 4-6; 186. 4-6; 187.1-8; +189. 4-6; 188. 6 , 7 ; 189. 6 , 1, 7, 11; vi. +61. 1 - 8 ; A 9 S. viii. 1 . 12 . + +8 RV. viii. 68 . 1-8: Sayana says that the +argument is either that mahdndm ends +the Pada or that a great thing has +nothing after it. Haug suggests that +mah&ntam as the strong base is the ex¬ +planation ; but this is needless. + + +4 RV. viii.2. 7-9; 58.6and6; i. 40.6and6; +iii. 20. 4 ; i. 91. 2; 64. 6; viii. 82. 10; +A 9 S. viii. 1.14; see AB. v. 1. + +8 RV. i. 127; A 9 S. viii. 1.14. + +8 RV. i. 100: the refrain is ManUvdn no bhavatu +Indra Uti ; A 9 S. viii. 1.14. + +7 RV. iii. 61. 7: v. 9 contains the citation. +It is noteworthy that this is not a hymn +in the Samhita, but begins at iii. 61. 7. +A. 9 S. viii. 1. 14 calls it tisrah ; 99®- +8 a trca . This use of sukta is not rare. + + + +[—V. 18 + + +236] The Pr§thya Sadaha—Sixth Day + +Tris^ubh; with it with feet supported he maintains the pressing; thereby +it departs not from its place. ‘ This is he by whom this ’ is the conclusion 8 ; +‘ sky was won with the Maruts’ aid ’ (he says); won is the end; the sixth +day is the end; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the end. These are +G&yatri verses; Gayatri verses support the midday (pressing) of this set of +three days; that metre is a support, in which a Nivid is inserted; +therefore he inserts a Nivid in the G&yatri verses. ‘ Rich be ours in joint +carouse ’ and ‘ Rich the praise of the rich ’ are the Raivata as Prasha 9 ; on +the Brhat day, the sixth day, it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘ What he +hath won ’ is the normal inserted verse. 10 In ‘ Thee we invoke ’ he makes to +follow the basis 11 of the Brhat, for this day is connected with the Brhat in +place. ‘ Indra for divine service ’ is the Prag&tha 18 of the Saman; as con¬ +taining alliteration on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. * This +steed, god strengthened ’ is the normal Tarksya 13 (hymn). + +v. 13 (xxii. 8). ‘ O Indra, come to us from afar ’ is the hymn 1 ; as being +by Parucchepa, in the Atichandas metre, and of seven Padas, on the sixth +day it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘ The greatnesses of the great one 1 is +the hymn 2 ; as having the same endings on the sixth day it is a symbol of +the sixth day. ‘ Thou hast become the one lord of wealth ’ is the hymn 8 ; +‘Stand on thy dread chariot, O thou of impetuous manhood’ (he sayB); +standing is the end; the sixth day is the end; on the sixth day it is +a symbol of the end. It is in Tristubh; with it with feet supported he main¬ +tains the pressing; thereby it departs not from its place. ‘ To our pressed +drank with the steeds ’ is the conclusion 4 ; as having the same endings on +the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. These are Gayatri verses; +Gayatri verses support the midday (pressing) of this set of three days; that +metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; therefore he inserts +a Nivid in the Gayatri verses. ‘ To the god Savitr in the bowls’ is the +beginning of the Vai^vadeva 5 ; as being in the Atichandas metre, on +the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘ That desirable of Savitr ’ +(he says 8 ); ‘ The evening hath come ’ is the antistrophe 7 ; what has gone is +the end ; the sixth day is the end; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the + + +* RV.x.66.4-6; A9a viii. 8.2; 99 S.X. 6 . 9. + +* HV. i.80.18-15; viii. 2.18-15; A93.viii L16. +“ RY. x. 74. 6 ; see AB. It. 29. + +u RY. vi. 46. 1 and 2; see AB. It. 81. + +19 RV.viii. 8.6 and 6 ; AfS. vii. 8.19; ftS. x. + +5.18 (fourth day: here, x. 8 . 8 , it differs). +“ RV. x. 178 ; A^S. vii. 1.18. + +1 RV. i. 180 ; A 9 & viii. 1. 17; 99 a x. a 9. +Cf. KB. xxiii. 7. & + +* RV. ii. 16; A 98 . viii. 1 .17; ££ 8 . x. a 9 . + + +9 RY. vi. 81. ▼. 6 is referred to; A^S. viii. +1. 17; 99S. x. 6. 16 (6th day: here it +differs). + +* RY. viii. 9a 81-88; A 98 . viii. 8. 2; 99 a + +x. a 9. + +9 See above AB. i. 19 ; A9S. viii. 1 . la + +9 RY. iii. 62. 10 and 11; these form the +strophe with the preceding verse; see +A9a viii. 1. 18; of. 99 a x. a 11-18. + +7 Cited in A 9 S. viii. 1.18. + + + +V. 13—] + + +[236 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +end. * Up the god Savitr for instigation 9 is (the hymn) to Savitr •; 4 Forever +he hath stood,the bearer intent on his work * (he says); standing is the end; +the sixth day is the end; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. + +' Which is the first, which is the latter of these two ? 9 is (a hymn) to sky and +earth 9 ; as having the same endings on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth +day. ‘ Why hath the best, why hath the youngest come to us V and ‘ To our +sacrifice, O V&jas, O Rbhuksans 9 are (a hymn 10 ) to the Rbhus and one con¬ +nected with Nara^ansa; as having (the word) ‘ three ’ on the sixth day it is +a symbol of the sixth day. ‘ This dread thing he of glad speech 9 and c Those +who through the sacrifice are endowed with the fee 9 are the Vaicjvadeva. 11 + +v. 14 (xxii. 9). He recites the Nabhanedistha 1 ; Nabh&nedistha Manava +when he was performing his studentship, his brothers deprived of any share +(in his father's property). Having returned he said to them 4 What have you +allotted to me ? 9 1 This judgement giver, the decider 9 they replied. There¬ +fore now here the sons call the father 4 The judgement giver, the decider. 9 He +having gone to his father said ‘ O father, they have allotted thee to me. 9 +To him said his father, 4 Do not care for that, O my boy. These Angirases +are performing a sacrificial session for the world of heaven; they fall into +confusion whenever they reach the sixth day ; make them recite these two +hymns on the sixth day; when they go to the world of heaven they will +bestow on thee the thousand which is the gift at the session. 9 1 Be it so 9 (he +said); he went to them (saying) ‘Accept the Manava, O wise ones 29 . +They replied to him, ‘ What dost thou desire when thou sayest this ? 9 ‘ Let +me reveal to you the sixth day, 9 he replied, 4 And when ye go to the heaven, +do you give me the thousand which is the gift at the session. 9 4 Be it so 9 +(they said). Them he made to recite these two hymns on the sixth day; +' then indeed did they discern the sacrifice, the world of heaven. In that +he recites these two hymns on the sixth day, (it is) to discern the +sacrifice, to reveal the world of heaven. To him as they went to +heaven they said ‘This thousand is for thee, O Brahman. 9 As he was +gathering it together, a man in black garments, coming from the north, +said to him 4 Mine is this; mine is what is left on the place (of sacri¬ +fice). 9 He said 4 To me have they given it. 9 He replied 4 Then let us +question thy father. 9 He went to his father, to him his father said 4 Did not + + +• RV. ii. 88 ; A?S. viii. 8.18 ; 99S. x. 8. 14. + +• RV. i. 185 ; 99 S. x. 8. 14 ; A 9 & vii. 7. 8. + +10 RV. i. 161. 1-18; iy. 87. 1-4 ; see A 9 S. + +viii. 8. 6; 95®- x - 1- 14; nardfatisatn in +S&yana’s view means * in which heroes +are praised *, but cf. ZDMG. liv. 49-57. + +» RV. x. 61 and 62. See AB. v. 14. + +1 Cf. TS. iii. i. 9. 4. The two hymns RV. x. + + +61 and 62 are the N&bh&nedistha. Cf. +below AB. vi. 27 ; A9®. viii. 1. 20-24 ; +99S. x. 8. 14. + +1 This is taken verbally from RV. x. 62, not +as suggested by Geldner vice versa ; see +Oldenberg, Ifrveda-Noten, ii. 269, whose +reconstruction of the legend is given, +ibid. ii. 261, 262. + + + +237] The Story of Nabhanedistha [—v. 15 + + +they give it to thee, 0 son ? ’ ‘ They did give it/ he replied, 1 2 but a man in +black garments came from the north upon me and (saying) “Mine is +this; mine is what is left on the place (of sacrifice) ” has taken it away/ +To him said his father,‘ His it is, 0 my boy ; but he will give it to thee/ +Returning he said 1 Thine is this, O blessed one, so my father tells me \ +He replied * I give it to thee who hast spoken the truth/ Therefore by one +who knows thus should truth alone be spoken. The Nabhanedistha is +a speech to win a thousand; a thousand comes to him, with the sixth day +he discerns the world of heaven, who knows thus. + +v. 15 (xxii. 10). These they call accompaniments; the Nabhanedistha, +the Valakhilya, 1 the Vrsakapi,* and the Evayamarut 3 (hymns). Them he +should recite together. Whichever of them he should omit, that of the +sacrificer he would omit. If the Nabhanedistha, he would omit his seed; of +the Valakhilyas he would omit his breaths; if the Vrsakapi, he would omit +his body; of the Evayamarut, he would remove him from support, both +divine and human. With the Nabhanedistha he poured seed; that he dis¬ +criminated by the Valakhilyas; with (the hymn of) Suklrti Kaksivata 4 * he +made (it) leave the womb (saying) ‘ That we may rejoice in thy broad pro¬ +tection, O Indra/ Therefore the embryo, being larger, yet does not harm +the womb which is smaller; for it is made proper by the holy power. By +means of the Evayamarut he produces motion; by it set in motion all +whatever there is here moves. ‘ The dark day and the bright day 9 is the +beginning of the Agnimaruta 6 ; in * day and day' is there repetition and +alliteration; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. * Of the +sweet juice, the Marut name, O holy ones * is (the hymn) to the Maruts 6 +wherein is much to be uttered; much is the end; the sixth day is the +end; on the sixth day it is a symbol of the end. € To Jatavedas let us pour +the Soma * is the normal (verse) to Jatavedas. 7 * He bom of old with +strength * is (the hymn) to Jatavedas 8 ; as having the same endings on the +sixth day it is a symbol of the sixth day. ‘They supported/ ‘They +supported/ he recites; he fears the slipping down of the end. Just as a man +ties the end, twining it again and again intertwining it, or as one sticks in +a peg at the end to keep (a skin) taut, so is it in that he recites ‘ They sup¬ +ported ', ‘ They supported *, for continuity. With sets of three days, un- % +interrupted and continuous, they proceed, who proceed knowing thus. 9 + + +1 RV. viii. 49-59. See below AB. vi. 28. + +2 RV. x. 86. See below AB. vi. 29. + +• RV. v. 87. See below AB. vi. 80 and 81. + +4 RV. x. 181. See below AB. vi. 29. + +• RV. vi. 9. 1-8; A$S. viii. 8. 9 ; 9£S. x. 8. + +15 which differs for the rest. + +• RV. vii. 57; A$S. viii. 8. 9. + + +7 RV. i. 99. 1; A£S. vii. 1. 14. + +8 RV. i. 96: dhdrayan is the refrain in d of + +eaoh verse; A. 9 S. viii. 8. 9; wrongly +attributed in the Vedie Concordance, + +* This ohapter appears to require the Hotr +himself to perform all these recitations +contrary to the view in vi that the + + + +v. 16—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[238 + + +ADHYAYA in + +The Chandomas. + +v. 16 (xxiii. 1). That which has (the words) ‘ hither ’ and ‘forward’ is +a symbol of the seventh day, for the seventh day is a repetition of the first +day. That which contains (the word) ‘yoke’, (the word) ‘chariot’, (the +word) ‘swift’, (the word) ‘drink’, (the fact), that the deity is mentioned +in the first Pada, (the fact) that this world is referred to, that which contains +(the word) ‘ bom ’, that which has no express mention (of the deity), the +fnture tense, that which is a symbol of the first day; these are the symbols +of the seventh day. ‘ From the ocean the aroma of sweetness hath arisen ’ +is the Ajya 1 of the seventh day; as not containing any express mention of +the deity, on the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh day. The ocean +is speech; speech wastes not away, the ocean wastes not away. In that +this is the Ajya of the seventh day, verily thus from the sacrifice they +extend the sacrifice; verily thus they again approach speech for continuity. +With sets of three days, uninterrupted and continuous, they proceed who +proceed knowing thus. The Stomas are obtained, the metres are obtained +on the seventh day. Just as they smear with butter again the portions cut +off to refresh them, so here they perform again the Stomas and the metres +to refresh them, in that this is the Ajya of the seventh day. It is in +Tristubh; this set of three days has the Tristubh at the morning pressing. +‘ O Vayu, drinker of the pure, come hither to us,’ * With which thou dost +come forward to the bounteous one,’ ‘ To our sacrifice hither with hundreds +of steeds,’ ‘ The lively presser at the sacrifices hath arisen forward,’ ‘ The +draughts delighting Indra,’ ‘ Thy hundred steeds, thy thousand,’ ‘ When +forward, O Mitra and Varuna, for you they struggle,* ‘ Hither, O Nasatyas, +with chariot rich in cattle,’ ‘ Come hither to us, O god, O impetuous one,’ +‘ Forward to you in the sacrifices the pious have sung,’ and ‘ Forward she +hasteneth with her nourishing stream’ are the Prauga. 8 (The words) +‘ hither ’ and ‘ forward ’ on the seventh day are symbols of the seventh day. +It is in Tristubh; this set of three days has the Tristubh at the morning +pressing. ‘ Thee like a car for aid,’ ‘ This Soma juice hath been pressed, + +V&lakhily&s, the Vrs&kapi and the Evayft- which differs considerably; see KB. + +marut fell normally to the Hotrakas. xxvi. 7, 8; xvi. 6 ; A£S. xxi. & 11, + +See however vi. 21, whence puts seems 12. + +to have a looser sense than merely recite * BY. vii. 22.1,8, 5,2,4; 91.6; vi. 67.9-11; +as it covers fatUayOni. vii. 72. 1-8; 80. 1-8; 48. 1-8; 99. 1-8; + +* RV. ir. 69; A£8. viii. 9. 2; cf. QQS. x. 9 Ag& viil. 9. 2. + + + +239] + + +The Chandomas + + +[—v. 16 + + +O bright one/ ‘ 0 Indra come near/ ‘ Let Brahmanaspati move forward/ +‘Agni, the leader/ ‘Thou, O Soma, with inspiration/ ‘They swell the +waters/ and ‘ Forward to Indra, the great ’ are the continuation, 3 being the +same as that of the first day; on the seventh day it is a symbol of the +seventh day. ‘ With what array, of one age, of one home ’ is the hymn; 4 +as containing (the word) 1 born ’ in ‘ Neither he that is being bora nor he +that is bom shall attain ’ on the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh +day. It is the ‘ With what array (hymn); the ‘ With what array 9 hymn is +one producing agreement and continuing (life). By it Indra and Agastya +and the Maruts came to agreement; thus, in that he recites the ‘ With that +array’ (hymn), (it serves) to produce agreement. It is also life-giving; +therefore for him who is dear to him he should perform the ‘ With what +array ’ hymn. It is in Tris^ubh; with it with feet supported he maintains +the pressing; thereby it departs not from its place. ‘ That ram that winneth +the light I glorify ’ is the hymn; 6 as containing (the word) ‘ chariot ’ in +‘ Like a strong steed the chariot hastening at the call ' on the seventh day +it is a symbol of the seventh day, It is in Jagatl; Jagati verses support +the midday (pressing) of this set of three days; that metre is a support in +which a Nivid is inserted; therefore he inserts a Nivid in the Jagati verses. +Pairing hymns are recited, in Tristubh and Jagati; cattle are a pairing; +the Chandomas are cattle; (they serve) to win cattle. ‘ Thee we invoke ’, +and ‘Do thou come to the worshipper’, are the Brhat as Frstha 0 on the +seventh day; that is what belongs to the sixth day; the Rathantara is the +Vairupa, the Brhat the Vairaja; the Rathantara the Qakvara, the Brhat +the Raivata; in that there is the Brhat as Prstha, verily thus with the +Brhat they support the Brhat, to avoid cleaving the Stomas. If it were to +be the Rathantara, there would be a cleavage (of the Stomas). Therefore +the Brhat only is to be used. ‘ What he hath won ’ is the normal inserted +verse. 7 In * Towards thee, O hero, we utter praise ’ he makes to follow the +basis of the Rathantara, 8 for this day is connected with the Rathantara in +place. 1 Drink of the pressed draught rich in sap ’ is the Pragatha 9 of the +Saman; as containing (the word) ‘ drink ’ on the seventh day it is a symbol +of the seventh day. * This steed, god strengthened ’ is the normal Tarksya 10 +(hymn). + + +8 BY. Ylii. 68. 1-8; 2. 1-8; 68. 5, 6; i. 40. 8, +4; iii. 20. 4; i. 91. 2; 64. 6 ; viii. 89. 3; +see AB. iv. 29. + +* RV. i. 165: v. 9 is cited ; A£S. yUi. 6. 6; +95S. x. 9. 11. For the legend of. Sieg, +SagmsUtfe des figveda, pp. 115 seq.; ▼. +Sehroeder, Mystorium und Mimus , pp. 91 +seq., 102 seq.; Hertel, VOJ. xviii. 158; + + +Oldenberg, tfgveda-Nolen , i. 170. + +8 RV. i. 52; A?S. viii. 6. 6 ; £$S. x. 9. 12. + +6 RV. vi. 46. 1, 2; viii. 61. 7, 8; see AB. iv. + +81. + +7 RV. x. 74.6; see AB. iv. 29. + +8 RV. vii. 82. 22, 28; see AB. iv. 29. + +9 RV. vii. 8. 1, 2; see AB. iv. 29. + +48 RV. x. 178 ; AfS. vii. 1.18. + + +V. 17 —] + + +The Soma Sac rifice + + +[240 + + +v. 17 (xxiii. 2). ‘ I shall proclaim the mighty deeds of Indra' is the hymn; 1 +the word‘ forward ’ (in ‘ proclaim ’) on the seventh day is a symbol of the +seventh day. It is in Tri^ubh; with it with feet supported he maintains +the pressing; thereby it departs not from its place. ‘Towards the ram, +much invoked, worthy of praise ’ is the hymn; * ‘ towards ’ is equivalent to +‘ forward ’; on the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh day. It is in +Jagati; Jagati verses support the midday (pressing) of the set of three +days; that metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; therefore he +inserts a Nivid in the Jagati verses. Pairing hymns are recited in Tristubh +and in Jagati; cattle are a pairing, the Chandomas cattle; (they serve) to +win cattle. ‘ That of Savitr we choose,’ and ‘ To-day, for us, O god Savitr' are +the strophe and antistrophe of the Va^vadeva ;• on the Rathantara day, +the seventh day, it is a symbol of the seventh day. ‘Towards thee, O god +Savitr’ is (the triplet) to Savitr. 4 ‘Towards’ is equivalent to ‘forward’; +on the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh day. ‘Let them come +forward with weal for the sacrifice’ is (the triplet) to sky And earth; 4 +* forward ’ on the seventh day is a symbol of the seventh day. ‘ This to +the race divine’ is (the triplet) to the Rbhus;* as containing (the word) +‘ born ’ on the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh day. He recites +(the verses) of two Padas, 7 ‘ Come hither with thy beauty ’; man has two +feet, cattle four feet; the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they serve) to win +cattle; in that he recites (verses) of two Padas, verily thus he makes the +sacrificer with two feet find support in four-footed cattle. ‘ Hither to our +service, the songs, O Agni ’ is the (hymn) to the All-gods; 8 ‘ hither ’ on the +seventh day is a symbol of the seventh day. These are Gayatri verses; +this set of three days has the Gayatri at the third pressing. ‘ Vai^vanara +hath produced ’ is the beginning of the Agnimaruta; * as having (the word) +‘ bora ’ on the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh day. ‘ Forward to +you, the Tristubh, food ’ is (the hymn) to the Maruts; 10 • forward ’ on the +seventh day is a symbol of the seventh day. ‘ To J&tavedas let us pour the +Soma ’ is the normal (verse) to Jatavedas. 11 ‘ Your envoy, with all know¬ +ledge ’ is (the hymn) to J&tavedas; 12 as not having the deity mentioned on +the seventh day it is a symbol of the seventh day. These are Gayatri +verses; this set of three days has the G&yatrl at the third pressing. + + +1 BY. i. 82; A£& viii. 6. 12; not in 99 S. +Ct KB. xxvi. 9,10. + +* BY. i. 61; A$S. viii. 6.12; $£8. x. 9. 18, + +> BY. v. 82.1-8; 4-6; see AB. iv. 29. + +* BY. i. 24. 8-6; A£& viii. 9. 6. + +» BY. iL 91. 19-21; £ 98 . viii. 9. 6; 99 S. x. +9.16. + +* BY.i.20.1-8; £$8.viii.9.6; 9£S.x.9.16. + + +’ BY. x. 172; £ 98 . viii. 9. 6; 99 a x. 9.16. + +• BY. i. 14; £ 98 . viii. 9. 6 . + +> See £ 93 . U. 16. 2; £ 98 . viii. 9. 7. Cf. +998. x. 9.17 ; 10. 8 . + +18 BY.viii. 7; £CS. vUi. 9. 7; 998 . x. 9. 17. +11 BY. i. 99. 1 ; A 98 . vU. 1. 14. + +» BY. iv. 8 ; I 9 & viii. 9. 7. + + + +241 ] + + +The Chandomas—Eighth Day [ —v. is + +v. 18 (xxiii. 8). That 1 2 which has not (the words) ‘ hither ’ and ‘ forward +that which has (the word) ‘ stand’, is the symbol of the eighth day, for the +eighth day is a repetition of the second day. That which contains (the +word) * upright ’, (the word) ‘ to ’, (the word) * between (the word) ‘ strong +(the word) ‘ grow (the fact) that the deity is mentioned in the middle Pada, +(the fact) that the atmosphere is referred to, that which has Agni twice, +that which contains (the word) ‘great’, that which contains a double +invocation, that which contains (the word) ‘ again ’, the present tense, that +which is a symbol of the second day; these are the symbols of the eighth +day. ‘ Agni for yon the god in onion with the flames ’ is the Ajya 8 of the +eighth day; as containing Agni twice, on the eighth day it is a symbol of +the eighth day. It is in Tristubh; this set of three days has the Tristubh +at the morning pressing. 'Were not they who were made great with +homage ?,’ ‘ Those rich of food, wealth gathering, the wise one,’ ‘ The dawns +with fair days, spotless have dawned,'' Guardians infallible, eager envoys,’ +‘ So far as the power of the body, so far as the might,’ ‘ To you two at the +rising of the sun with hymns,’ ‘ The cow milking the desire of the ancient +one,’ ‘To our prayers come, O Indra, knowing,’ ‘Agni, upright, hath +established the favour of the bright one’ and ‘May Sarasvati for us +rejoicing’ are the Praiiga; 3 as containing (the words) ‘ to’, ‘ between’, an +invocation of two deities and ‘ upright ’ on the eighth day it is a symbol of +the eighth day. It is in Tristubh; this set of three days has the Tristubh +metre at the morning pressing. ‘ Lord of every man,’ ‘ Indra is the Soma +drinker only,’ ‘ O Indra, come near,’ * Rise up, O Brahmanaspati,’ * Agni, the +leader/ ‘Thou, O Soma, with inspiration,’ ‘They swell the waters,’ and +‘ Sing aloud to Indra ’ are the continuation 4 * * being the same as that of the +second day; on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ I praise +great Indra in whom all ’ is the hymn; 8 as containing (the word) ‘ great ’ +on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ Even from great, +O Indra, these that approach’ is the hymn;* as containing (the word) +‘ great ’ on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ Drink the +Soma, towards which, O dread one, thou hast penetrated ’ is the hymn; 7 as +containing (the word) ‘ great ’, in ‘ The cattle stall, being greatly lauded, +O Indra ’ on the eighth day, it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ Great is + + +1 For the eighth or second Ch&ndoma see + +KB. zm 11-18. + +2 BY. vii. 8 ; A$S. viii. 10. 1; x. 8. 1. + +It differs in detail throughout. + +* BY. vii. 91. 1, 8; 90. 4; 91. 2, 4, 5; 65. + +1-8; iii. 58. 1-8; vii. 28. 1-8; 89. 1-8; + +95. 4-6; A$S.viii. 10. 1. + +31 [«o.». m] + + +4 RV. Tiii. 68 . 6 ; 2. 4 ; 88. 6, 6; i. 40. 1, 2; +iii. 20. 4; i. 41. 2; 64. 6 ; Tiii. 87. 1 +and 2. + +8 BV. iii. 19; A£S. Tiii. 7. 22. + +• RV. i. 168; A$S. Tiii. 7. 22. + +7 RV. Ti. 17; A$S. Tiii. 7. 22. + + + +[242 + + +v. 18—] The Soma Sacrifice + +Indra, man-like, spreading over mortals’ is the hymn; 8 as containing (the +word) ‘great* on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. It is in +Tristubh; with it with feet supported he maintains the pressing; thereby +it departs not from its place. 1 Him sky and earth of one mind ’ is the +hymn ; 9 as containing (the word) 1 great ’ in ‘ When he went displaying his +greatness, his power * on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. It +is in Jagatl; Jagati verses support the midday (pressing) of this set of three +days; that metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; therefore he +inserts a Nivid in the Jagati verses. Pairing hymns are recited in Tristubh +and Jagati; cattle are a pairing, the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they +serve) to win cattle. Hymns containing (the word) ‘great* are recited; +the atmosphere is great; (verily they serve) to obtain the atmosphere. +Five hymns are recited; the Pankti has five Padas; the sacrifice is fivefold; +cattle are fivefold; the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they serve) to win +cattle. ‘ Towards thee, O hero, we utter praise * and 4 Towards thee for the +first drink’ are the Rathantara as Prsfcha 10 on the eighth day. ‘ What he hath +won * is the normal inserted verse. 11 In ‘ Thee we invoke * he makes to follow +the basis 18 of the Brhat, for this day is connected with the Brhat in place. + +‘ Both may he hear for us* is the Pragatha of the Saman; 13 ‘that which is +lasting and that which was yesterday * (he means); on the Brhat day, the +eighth day, it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ This steed, god strengthened ’ +is the normal Tarksya 14 (hymn). + +v. 19 (xxiii. 4). ‘ Many not of old to him ’ is the hymn; 1 as containing +(the word) 1 great * in 4 To the great, the hero, impetuous, eager ’ on the eighth +day it is a symbol of the eighth day. 4 This fame for thee, O bounteous +one, though thy greatness ’ is the hymn; 8 as containing (the word) ‘great * +on the eighth day it is the symbol of the eighth day. 4 Thou art great, +O Indra, who by thy might* is the hymn; 3 as containing (the word) +‘great* on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘Thou art +great, O Indra; to thee the earth * is the hymn; 4 as containing (the word) +‘great* on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. It is in +Tristubh; with it with feet supported he maintains the pressing; thereby it +departs not from its place. 4 Though the width of the sky is outspread * is +the hymn; 5 as containing (the word) ‘great* in ‘Not Indra in greatness’ + +• BY. vi. 19; A£S. vii. 9. 22. 14 RY. x. 178; A£S. Yii. 1. 18. + +• BY. x. 118; A£S. vii. 9. 22; it precede* * BY. vi. 82; A£& viii. 7. 28; ££8. x. 10. 6. + +there BY. vi. 19. Cf. KB. xxiii. 12, 18w + +*• RV. vii. 88. 22, 28; viii. 8. 7,8; see AB. * RV. x. 54; A£S. vui. 7.28; ££8. x, 10. 6. + +iv. 29. 8 RV. i. 08; A£& viii. 7. 28; ££S. x. 10. 6. + +11 RV. x. 74. 6; see AB. iv. 29. 4 RV. iv. 17; A£S. viii. 7. 28 ; ££S. x. 10. 6. + +18 RY. vi. 46. 1 and 2 ; see AB. iv. 81. • RV. i. 55; A£S. viii. 7. 28 : it precedes + +18 RY. viii. 61. 1 and 2; see AB. iv. 81. RY. iv. 17 there ; not in ££8. + + + +243] + + +The Chandomas — Eighth Day [v, 19 + +on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day*. It is in Jagati; +Jagati verses support the midday (pressing) of this set of three days; that +metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; therefore he inserts a Nivid +in the Jagati verses. Pairing hymns are recited, in Tris^ubh and in Jagati; +cattle are a pairing, the Chandomas cattle; (verily they serve) to win cattle. +Hymns containing (the word) ‘ great 9 are recited; the atmosphere is great; +(verily they serve) to obtain the atmosphere. Two sets of five hymns are +recited; the Pankti has five Padas; the sacrifice is fivefold; cattle are +fivefold; the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they serve) to win cattle. They +are separate, five in one set, five in the other; they make up ten; the Viraj +is a set of ten; the Viraj is food; cattle are food, the Chandomas cattle; +(verily they serve) to win cattle. ‘ Let each man of the god that leadeth,’ +‘ That desirable of Savitr 9 and ‘ God of all, lord of the good * are the strophe +and antistrophe of the Vaigvadeva.® On the Brhat day, the eighth day, it +is a symbol of the eighth day. 1 The golden-handed to aid ’ is (the triplet) +to Savitr 7 ; as containing (the word) 4 upright ’ on the eighth day it is +a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ May the two great ones, sky and earth, for +us ’ is (the triplet) to sky and earth; 8 as containing (the word) ( great 9 on +the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. ‘ Youthful the parents +again ’ is (the triplet) to the Rbhus; 9 as containing (the word) ‘ again ’ on +the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. He recites (verses) of two +Padas, 10 4 These worlds let us subject ’; man has two feet, cattle four feet; +the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they serve) to win cattle. In that he +recites (verses) of two Padas, verily thus he makes the sacrificer with two +feet to find support among four-footed cattle. ‘The great aid of the gods’ +is (the hymn) to the All-gods; 11 as containing (the word) 1 great 9 on the +eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. These are Gayatri verses; +this set of three days has the Gayatri at the third pressing. ‘ The righteous, +belonging to all men 9 is the beginning of the Agnimaruta; 19 as containing +(the word) ‘ great 9 in * Agni, of all men, the great 9 on the eighth day it is a +symbol of the eighth day. ‘ The sporting troop of the Maruts 9 is (the hymn) +to the Maruts; 13 as containing (the word) * grow 9 in ‘ With the taste of the +sap it grew great 9 on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth day. ( To +Jatavedas let us pour the Soma 9 is the normal (verse) to Jatavedas. 14 + +- RV. v. 60.1; 82.7, 8; see AB. iv. 82. 10 RV.x. 157; <?gS. x. 10. 7; Af& viii. 7. 24. + +7 RV. i. 22. 6-7; A£S. viii. 10. 2; ggS. x. 11 RV. yiii. 88; A?S. viii. 10. 2; S. x. + +10. 7. 10. 7. + +« RV. i. 22. 18-15; A$& viii. 10. 2; $$8. x. » In AgS. viii. 10. 8 ; $$8. x. 10. 8. + +10. 7. » RV. i. 87; A$a viii. 10. 8. + +• RV. i. 20. 4-8 ; A$S. viii. 10. 2 ; $$8. x. RV. i. 92.1; A$S. vii. 1. 14. + +10. 7. + + + +[244 + + +v. 19 —] The Soma Sacrifice + +*0 Agni, be kind; thou art great’ is (the hymn) to Jatavedas; 15 as +containing (the word) 1 great ’ on the eighth day it is a symbol of the eighth +day. These are Gayatri verses; this set of three days has the Gayatri +metre at the third pressing. + + +ADHYAYA IV + +The Chandomas (continued). + +v. 20 (xxiv. 1). That 1 which has the same endings is a symbol of the +ninth day ; for the ninth day is a repetition of the third day. That which +contains (the word) ‘ horse ’, (the word) * end that which is repeated, that +which is alliterated, that which contains (the word) 4 stay (the word) 1 sur¬ +pass (the word) ‘ three ’, that which is a symbol of the end, (the fact) that +the deity is mentioned in the last Pada, (the fact) that yonder world is +referred to, that which contains (the word) 4 pure \ (the word) 4 true ’, (the +word) 4 dwell ’, (the word) 4 gone *, (the word) 4 dwelling ’, the past tense, that +which is a symbol of the third day; these are the symbols of the ninth day. + +4 We have gone with great praise to the youngest ’, is the Ajya 2 of the ninth +day; as containing (the word) 4 gone ’ on the ninth day it is a symbol of the +ninth day. It is in Tristubh; this set of three days has the Tristubh +metre at the morning pressing. ‘Forward to thee the pure are offered +boldly ’, 4 They perceiving with true mind ’, 4 Dwelling in the sky, from the +atmosphere, on the earth *, 4 Come hither to us with all boons, O Ayvins ’, + +4 The Soma, O Indra, is pressed for thee ’, 4 The Brahmans, the Angirases, will +attain 4 Sarasvatl pious men invoke ’, 4 Hither to us from the sky, from +the great mountain’ and 4 0 Sarasvatl lead us to prosperity* are the Praiiga 3 ; +as containing (the words) 4 pure 4 true *, 4 dwell ’, 4 gone and 4 house +on the ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. It is in Tristubh; this set +of three days has the Tristubh metre at the morning pressing. 4 Him for +great gain’, 4 Three Soma draughts for Indra’, 4 0 Indra, come near’ +4 Forward now Brahmanaspati ’, 4 Agni, the leader ’, 4 Thou, O Soma, with +inspiration ’, 4 They swell the waters ’, and 4 No one the chariot of Sudas ’ +are the continuation 4 , being the same as that of the third day; on the ninth +day it is a symbol of the ninth day. 4 Let Indra drink whose Soma, hail! ’ + +» RV. iv. 9 5 A£S. viii. 10. 8. 42. 1-8 ; x. 17. 7-9; v. 48. 11-18; vi. 61. + +1 For the ninth day see KB. xxvi. 14-17. 14-16 ; A£S. viii. 11. 1; 99 s * x * H. 4,6. + +• RV. vii. 12 ; A9& viii. 11. 1; 99S. x. 11.1 4 RV. viii. 68 7-9; 2. 7-9; 58. 6, 6; i. 40. 6, + +with variants throughout 6; iii. 20. 4 ; i. 91. 2; 64. 6 ; vii. 82. 10. + +8 RV. vii. 90. 1, 6 ; 64. 1; 70. 1-8 ; 29. 1-8; See AB. v. 1. + + + +[—V. 21 + + +245] The Chandomas — Ninth Day + +is the hymn 6 ; the call of Hail! is the end; the ninth day is the end ; on +the ninth day it is a symbol of the end. ‘ Let him say the Saman, spring¬ +ing forth as of a bird ’ is the hymn 6 ; (containing) ‘ Let us sing that which +becometh heavenlike ’; the heaven is the end; the ninth day is the end ; +on the ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. 4 Stand on the steeds +being yoked to the chariot ’ is the hymn 7 ; standing is the end; the ninth +day is the end; on the ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. ‘ Those +of many a poet ’ is the hymn 8 , (containing) ‘ The hymns him that standeth +on the chariot ’; standing is the end; the ninth day is the end; on the +ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. That is in Tris^ubh ; with it +with its feet supported he maintains the pressing; thereby it departs not +from its place. ‘ Sing ye forth to the glad one the song rich in food ’ is the +hymn 9 ; as having the same endings on the ninth day it is a symbol of the +ninth day. It is in Jagati; Jagatl verses support the midday (pressing) of +this set of three days; that metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted ; +therefore he inserts a Nivid in the Jagati verses. Fairing hymns are recited, +in Tristubh and in Jagati; cattle are a pairing; the Chandomas are cattle; +(verily they serve) to win cattle. Five hymns are recited; the Pankti has +five Padas; the sacrifice is fivefold ; cattle are fivefold; the Chandomas are +cattle; (verily they serve) to win cattle. ‘ Thee we invoke ’ and 4 Do thou +come to the worshipper ’ are the Brhat as Prstha 10 on the ninth day. ‘ What +he hath won ’ is the normal inserted verse. 11 In ‘ Towards thee, O hero, we +utter praise * he makes to follow the basis 12 of the Rathantara, for this day +is connected with the Rathantara in place. 4 O Indr a, threefold protection 1 +is the Pragatha of the Saman 18 ; as containing (the word) 4 three * on the +ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. * This steed, god strengthened ’ +is the normal Tarksya 14 (hymn). + +v. 21 (xxiv. 2). 4 In thee from of old the songs have gone together, +O Indra J is the hymn 1 ; as containing (the word) 4 gone * on the ninth day it +is a symbol of the ninth day. 4 When shall our prayers dwell in the chariot * +is the hymn *; as containing (the word) 4 dwell * it is a symbol of the end; +having gone to the end he dwells as it were; on the ninth day it is a +symbol of the ninth day. 4 May the true one come hither, the generous, he +of the Soma lees ’ is the hymn 3 ; as containing (the word) 4 true * on the + +8 RV. iii. 60; A£S. viii. 7. 28. 11 RV. x. 74. 6 ; see AB. iv. 29. + +• RV. i. 178; A^S. viii. 7. 28 ; 99S. x. 11. 6. 11 RV. vii. 82. 22 and 28 ; see AB. iv. 29. + +7 RV. iii. 86 ; A$8. viii. 7. 28 ; 99S. x. 11. 6. 13 RV. vi. 46. 9 and 10 ; see AB. v. 1. + +3 RV. vi. 21; A5& viii. 7. 28. 14 RV. x. 178 ; A£S. vii. 1. 18. + +9 RV. i. 101; I9S. viii. 7. 28 : it precedes » RV. vi. 84; A9S. viii. 7. 24. Cf. KB. xxvi. + +RV. vi. 21 there ; 99S. x. 11. 6. 16,17. + +10 RV. vi. 46.1, 2 ; viii. 61. 7, 8; see AB. iv. 3 RV. vi. 86 ; A9S. viii. 7. 24. + + + +v. 21—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice [246 + +ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. ‘ That highest power of thine +is on high ’ is the hymn 4 ; the highest is the end; the ninth day is the end; +on the ninth day it is a symbol of the end. It is a Tris^ubh; with it with +feet supported he maintains the pressing; verily it departs not from its +place. ‘ I am the first lord of wealth ’ is the hymn 6 (containing the words) +( I win wealth of every man ’; what is won is the end; the ninth day is the +end; on the ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day. It is in Jagati; +Jagati verses support the midday pressing of this set of three days; that +metre is a support in which a Nivid is inserted; therefore he inserts a +Nivid in the Jagati verses. Fairing hymns are recited, in Tristubh and in +Jagati; cattle are a pairing; the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they serve) +to win cattle. Two sets of five hymns are recited; the Pankti has five +Fadas; the sacrifice is fivefold; cattle are fivefold; the Chandomas are +cattle; (verily they serve) to win cattle. They are separate, five in one +set, five in the other; they make up ten; the Viraj is a set of ten; the +Viraj is food; cattle are food; the Chandomas are cattle; (verily they +serve) to win cattle. ‘ That of Savitr we choose ’ and * To-day for us, Ogod +Savitr ’ are the strophe and antistrophe of the Vaifvadeva 6 ; on the Rath- +antara day, the ninth day, it is a symbol of the ninth day. ‘ The evening +hath come 9 is (the triplet) to Savitr 7 ; what has gone is the end; the ninth +day is the end; on the ninth day it is a symbol of the ninth day; ‘ Forward +towards you mightily sky and earth * is (the triplet) to sky and earth 8 ; as +containing (the word) c pure 1 in * To the pure the praises ’ on the ninth day +it is a symbol of the ninth day. * Let Indra give for sap to us' and * Give +ye jewels * are (the triplet) to the Rbhus 9 ; as containing (the word) ‘ three * +in ‘ Three sevens to the presser * on the ninth day it is a symbol of the +ninth day. He recites (verses) of two Padas 10 , ‘Brown is one, active, +bounteous, youthful 1 ; man has two feet, cattle four feet ; the Chandomas +are cattle; (verily they serve) to win cattle; in that he recites (verses) of +two Fadas, verily thus he makes the sacrificer with two feet find support +in four-footed cattle. ‘ That are three over thirty * is (the hymn) to the +All-gods 11 ; as containing (the word) ‘three* on the ninth day it is a +symbol of the ninth day. These are Gayatri verses; this set of three days +has the Gayatri metre at the third pressing. ‘ Vaigvanara, to our aid ’ is the +beginning 18 of the Agnimaruta (containing) ‘ Let him come hither from + +4 RV. i. 108 ; A$S. viii. 7. 24; 99S. x. 11. 17. • RV. viii. 98. 84; i. 20. 7 and 8 ; A$S. viii. + +6 RV. x. 48; A?S. viii. 7. 24: it precedes 11. 8 ; 9<?S. x. 11. 8. + +RV. i. 108 here; 5?S. x. 11. 7. 10 RV. viii. 29; A9S. viii. 7. 24 ; 99S. x. + +• RV. v. 82. 1-8; 4-6; see AB. iv. 80. 11. 8. + +T See above AB. v. 18; I9S. viii. 11. 8. 11 RV. viii. 28 5 A9& viii. 11.8 ; 99S. x. 11.8. + +8 RV. iv. 66. 6-7; A9S. viii. 11. 8; 99S. x. ** See A9S. viii. 11. 4; AV. vi. 86. 1: TS. i. + +11 . 8. 6.11. 1 and its parallels. + + + +[—v. 22 + + +247] The Chcmdomas—Ninth Day + +afar ’; from afar is the end ; the ninth day is the end; on the ninth day +it is a symbol of the end. ( O Marats in whose dwelling ’ is the hymn 13 +to the Marats; as containing (the word) ‘ dwell ’ it is a symbol of the end ; +having gone to the end he dwells as it were; on the ninth day it is a +symbol of the ninth day. ‘To Jatavedas let us pour the Soma* is the +normal (verse) to Jatavedas 14 . ‘Forward to Agni, move your speech * is +(the hymn) to Jatavedas 15 ; as having the same endings in the ninth day +it is a symbol of the ninth day. ‘ May he convey us beyond our foes, may +he convey us beyond our foes ’ he recites; in the set of nine nights much +is done that is forbidden; verily (this serves) for atonement. In that he +recites 15 ‘ May he convey us beyond our foes; may he convey us beyond +our foes \ verily thus he releases them from all sin. These are Gayatri +verses; this set of three days has the Gayatri metre at the third pressing. + + +The Tenth Day. + +v. 22 (xxiv. 3). They 1 perform the Prsthya Sadaha. As is the mouth, so +is the Prsthya Sadaha; as within the mouth are the tongue, palate, and teeth, +so are the Chandomas; now that by which he makes speech distinct, by +which he discerns sweet and not sweet, is the tenth day. As the two +nostrils, so the Prsthya Sadaha, as that within the nostrils, so the Chan¬ +domas ; now that by which he discriminates scents is the tenth day. As is +the eye, so is the Prsthya Sadaha; as the black within the eye, so the Chan¬ +domas ; now the pupil, by which he sees, is the tenth day. As is the ear, +so is the Prsthya Sadaha; as what is within the ear, so the Chandomas; +now that by which he hears is the tenth day. The tenth day is prosperity; +they attain prosperity who perform the tenth day (rite). Wherefore the +tenth day is one on which corrections are not to be made (thinking) ‘ Let us +not speak ill 8 of prosperity ’, for it is unwise to speak ill of a superior. +They creep thence, they purify themselves, they enter the hut of the wives; +of those he who knows this libation should say ‘ Hold ye on to one another \ +He should offer with ‘ Here stay, stay ye here; here be support, here self +support; O Agni; vat ! Hail! vat ! ’ In that he says ‘ Here stay ’ he + +» RV. i. 86; Aq& viii. 11. 4; ££8 x. 11. 9. xxi. 9-12 ; A$& viii. 12. 19-18. 2 for the + +14 RV. L 99. 1; A£S. vii. 1.14. rites here prescribed; for the aviv&kya + +15 RV. x. 187; A£S. viii 11. 4. character see TS. vii. 8.1. 1; B£S. xvi. + +14 In each Terse of RV. x. 187. 6; Ap£S. xxi. 9. + +1 AB. t. 22-28 and KB. xxrii. deal with the * Haug, contra Sftyana, translates * we +tenth day following the nine (Ghandomas shall not bespeak (the goddess of) + +and Prsthya $*daha); for the day, cf. wealth.* + +95S. x.” 18—21; B£8. xri. 6-9; Ap£S. + + + +v. 22—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[248 + + +makes them stay in this world; in that he says ‘ Stay ye here * he makes +offspring stay in them. In that he says 1 Here be support; here self-support +verily thus he confers speech and offspring upon the sacrificers. The +Rathantara is 4 0 Agni, vat t the Brhat is 4 Hail 1 vat \ The Brhat and +Rathantara are a pairing of the gods; verily thus by a pairing of the gods +they win a pairing; by a pairing of the gods they are propagated in pair¬ +ings; (therefore this serves) for propagation; he is propagated with offspring +and cattle who knows thus. They creep thence; they purify themselves; +they go to the Agnidh’s altar; of them he who knows this libation should +say * Hold ye on to one another \ He should offer with 3 + +‘ Sending the sucking calf (to its mother), + +Himself a sucking calf sucking his mother, + +Increase of wealth, sap, and strength +May he support in us; hail! ’ + +Increase of wealth, sap and strength he wins for himself and the sacrificers +when one knowing thus offers this libation. + +v. 23 (xxiv. 4) They creep thence; they go to the Sadas; the other priests +creep out severally according to their wont; the Udg&trs creep together. +They chant to the verses of the serpent queen. The serpent queen is this +(earth), for this (earth) is the queen of what creeps; this (earth) in the +beginning was bare; she saw this spell 1 * The dappled bull hath come ’; +this dappled colour, of various forms, entered her; whither she desired, +whatever there is here, plants, birds all forms (entered her). The dappled +colour enters him with various forms, whatever he desires who knows thus. +With mind he utters the prelude, with mind he sings, with mind he +responds; with voice he recites. Speech and mind are a pairing of the +gods, verily thus with a pairing of the gods they win a pairing, +by a pairing of the gods they are propagated in pairings; (verily it +serves) for propagation; he is propagated with offspring and cattle who +knows thus. Then the Hotr recites 2 the Four Hotrs; verily thus he accom¬ +panies in recitation the song. The Four Hotrs are the sacrificial, secret +name of the gods; in that the Hotr recites the Four Hotrs, verily thus he +reveals the sacrificial, secret name of the gods; that revealed reveals him. +He is revealed who knows thus. ‘ That Brahman, to whom, though learned, +fame does not come ’, he used to say, 1 having gone into the wild should +gather a bunch of Darbha grass, points upward, and, placing to his right + + +s Gf. VS. viii. 61. In both cases the A(S. +viii. 18. 1 and 2 merely has juhvati and +N&rftyana says that this or the Sutra +mode may be adopted. + +1 BV. x. 189; A$S. viii. 18. 8-6 ; 99S. x. 18. + + +26. Cf. KB. xxvii. 4; 9B. iv. 6.9. 17. + +* Cf. below AB. ▼. 25. Vyacakf means 1 ex¬ +pound ' and the word has now a special +propriety in its double force. See A9S. +viii. 18. 6-9 ; 99S. x. 18. 27 and 15. + + + +I—V. 25 + + +249] The Tenth Day + +a Brahman, recite the Four Hotrs; the Four Hotrs are the sacrificial, secret +name of the gods; if he were to recite the Four Hotrs, he thus reveals the +sacrificial, secret name of the gods; that revealed reveals him; he is revealed +who knows thus/ + +v. 24 (xxiv. 5) Then 1 they together lay hold of an Udumbara (branch) +with * Sap and strength I lay hold of The Udumbara is strength and +proper food. In that the gods distributed sap and strength/thence the +Udumbara came into being. Therefore thrice in a year it ripens. Thus +in that they lay hold together of the Udumbara (branch), verily thus they +lay hold together on sap and strength. They restrain their speech; the +sacrifice is speech; verily thus they restrain the sacrifice. They suppress +the day; the world of heaven is the day; verily thus they press down +the world of heaven. They should not utter speech by day; if they were +to utter speech by day they would leave the day over to a rival. They +should not utter speech by night; if they were to utter speech by night, +they would leave the night over to a rival; let the sun be half set; then +should they utter speech; so much only of space do they leave over to a +rival. Or rather, when the sun is set, should they utter speech; verily +thus they make the rival who detests them have the darkness as his portion. +Having gone round the Ahavaniya should they utter speech; the Ahavaniya +is the sacrifice, the Ahavaniya the world of heaven; verily thus by the +sacrifice as the world of heaven they go to the world of heaven. With +4 What we have done here defective, + +What we have done in excess, + +To Prajapati the father +Let that go. 9 + +they utter speech. Through Prajapati are offspring bom; Prajapati is the +support of what is defective and excessive; them neither defect nor excess +harms. To Prajapati they transfer defect and excess who knowing thus +utter speech with this (verse). Therefore those who know thus should +utter speech with this (verse) 2 . + +v. 25 (xxiv. 6) * O Adhvaryu ’ he calls when about to speak out in the +Four Hotrs. This is the form of the Call. 4 Yes, O Hotr; be it so, O Hotr* +is the response of the Adhvaryu at each pause in the ten sentences. 1 + +4 Their offering spoon was thought. + +(Their) butter was intelligence. + +(Their) altar was speech. + +1 Cf. TS. vi. 6.11. 6. Anop. iii. 12 ; L$S. iii. v. 25. 1 This is part of the Caturhotr; see A£S. + +1 . 18. For this passage ef. KB. xxvi. 5. viii. 18. 10; 99& 15. 5-7, where the + +* For the ritual see A£S. viii. 18. 22-26; Mantra differs. Here it is corrupt, + +99S. x. 21. 6 Btq. ; B9& xvi. 9. + +32 [■•o-s. is] + + + +V. 25—] + + +The Soma Sacrifice + + +[260 + + +(Their) strew was learning. + +(Their) Agni was insight. + +(Their) Agnldh was knowledge. + +(Their) oblation was breath. + +(Their) Adhvaryu was the Saman. + +(Their) Hotr was V&caspati. + +(Their) Upavaktr was mind. + +They drew this cup (with) + +“ 0 Vftcaspati, 0 worshipper, O name. Let us worship thy name. Do thou +worship, with our name go to the sky. That prosperity with which the gods +with Prajapati as householder prepared, that prosperity shall we attain.” ’ + +Then he runs over the Bodies of Prajapati and the riddle. + +( Eater of food and mistress of food ’: the eater of food is Agni; the +mistress of food Aditya. + +‘ The fair and the beautiful 9 : the fair is Soma, the beautiful is cattle. + +* The unresting and the fearless ’: the unresting is Vayu, for he never +rests; the fearless is death, for all fear it. + +( The unattained and the unattainable ’: the unattained is the earth; the +unattainable is the sky. + +‘ The unattackable and the irresistible ’: the unattackable is Agni; the +irresistible is Aditya. + +4 That which has no prius and no rival ’: that which has no prius is +mind; that which has no rival is the year. + +These are the twelve Bodies of Prajapati; this is the whole of Prajapati, +thus the whole of Prajapati he obtains on the tenth day. + +Then they say the riddle 2 . + +* “ Agni is the householder ” some say : he is the householder of the world. +“Vftyu is the householder ” some say: he is the householder of the atmo¬ +sphere. + +“ He who gives heat yonder is the householder ” some say: he is the lord, the +seasons are the house. The householders prosper, the sacrificers prosper, for +whom there is as householder one knowing the god as householder. The house¬ +holder smites away evil, the sacrificers smite away evil for whom there is as +householder one knowing the god who most effectively has smitten away evil.” +0 Adhvaryu we have won V + +* For the riddle here of. KB. xrvii. 5; A£S. xii. 4. 21; Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. 452, + +viii. 18. 14; ffS. x. 20; for the bodies 458 ; Ap£S. xxi. 12 takes the view of + +of Praj&pati see KB. xxviL 5 ; IfS. viii. PB. unfavourable to Pngftpati. + +18. 18; 99 s * 19 (in this case very 9 This is used as Y^jyt; see A9S. viii. 18. + +elaborate). Both seem called Brahmodya 15, 16. + +in9B. iv.6.9. 20; cf. PB. iv. 9.14; KQS. + + + +261] + + +The Agnihotra + + +[—v. 27 + + +ADHYAYA V + +The Agnihotra. + +v. 26 (xxv. 1) ‘ Take 1 out the Ahavaniya’ he says on the afternoon; what¬ +ever good he does on the day, verily thus, by taking it out and bringing +forward, he places in security. ‘ Take out the Ahavaniya * he says on the +morning; whatever he does well by night verily thus, by taking it out and +bringing it forward, he places in security. The Ahavaniya is the sacrifice, +the Ahavaniya the world of heaven; verily thus in the sacrifice as the +world of heaven, he places the world of heaven who knows thus. He who +knows the Agnihotra as connected with the All-gods, of sixteen parts, and +finding support in cattle, prospers with the Agnihotra, as connected with the +All-gods, of sixteen parts, and finding support in cattle. When in the cow, +it is Rudra’s 2 ; when allowed to drop, it is V&yu’s; when being milked, it is +the Alvin’s; when milked, it is Soma’s; when put on the fire, it is Varuna’s; +when swelling up, it is Pusan’s; when pouring over, it is the Maruts’; when +bubbling, it is the All-gods’; when covered with a film, it is Mitra’s; when +removed, it is sky and earth’s; when it is ready (for the Hotr), it is +Savitr’s; when it is being taken (for the oblation), it is Visnu’s; when put +(on the altar), it is Brhaspati’s; the first libation is for Agni; the next for +Prajapati; the offering is Indra’s. This is the Agnihotra, connected with +the All-gods, of sixteen parts, and finding support in cattle. With the +Agnihotra, as connected with the All-gods, of sixteen parts and finding +support in cattle he prospers who knows thus. + +v. 27 (xxv. 2) (They ask) * If the 1 Agnihotra cow, when united (with its +calf) and being milked sits down, what is the expiation then ? * He should +address it with + +* That from fear of which thou dost sit down +Thence give us security ; + +Guard all our cattle; + +Homage to Rudra, the bountiful.’ + +He should make her rise with 8 + + +2 AB. V. 26-81 and KB. iL deal with the +Agnihotra. Gf. A$S. iii. 11. + +2 Gf. £B. xi 6. 8. 6 : samudaniam is found in +A(S. ii. 8. 8; TB. ii. 1. 7 and KQ8. xxv. +2. 8 have udanta and GB. iii. 12 aamud- +trintam. Weber {Ini, Stud, ix. 291) prefers +vifpandamdnam, an obvious v.l ,; see below +AB. v. 27, n. 6. + + +v. 27. 1 Repeated with all down to paragraph +iv in AB. vii. 8. See A£S. iii. 11.1; JB. +L 58.1; TB. iii. 7. 8.1; $B. xii 4. 1. 9 ; +A9S. iii 21; Ap£S. iz.5. lag; Afharoa- +pr&yafcitta , ii. 4 and 6. + +2 See Afk iii. 11. 2; TB. i. 4. 8. 1 : MfS. +iii. 2. 1. + + + +V. 27—] + + +The Agnihotra + + +[252 + + +‘ The goddess Aditi hath arisen, + +She hath bestowed life upon theFlord of the sacrifice ; + +Making good fortune for Indra, + +For Mitra and for Varuna.’ + +Then should he place on her udder and her mouth a pot of water, and then +give her to a Brahman* That is the expiation in this case. ‘ If one’s Agni¬ +hotra cow, when united and being milked, calls aloud, what is the expiation +then’ (they ask). She calls aloud foreseeing hunger for the sacrifices 8 ; he +should make her eat food, for expiation; food is expiation. (He says 4 ) +‘ From eating the good pasture mayst thou be of good fortune ’. That is +the expiation in this case. * If one’s Agnihotra cow when united and being +milked stumbles, what is the penance then ? ’ (they ask). If she causes +any (milk) to spill, he should touch it and mutter 6 + +* That milk which to-day hath crept over the earth +That which hath crept over the plants, the waters +The milk in the house, the milk in the cow, + +The milk in the calves, that milk be mine.’ + +He should offer with the remainder of the milk, if it be enough for an obla¬ +tion. But, if all be poured out, then he should summon another (cow) and +milk her and offer with it, but there must be an offering, even if only in faith. 6 +That is the expiation in this case. All becomes for him suited for the strew, +all is secured, who knowing thus offers the Agnihotra. + +v. 28 (xxv. 8) The sacrificial post is yonder sun, the altar the earth, the +strew the plants, the kindling wood the trees, the sprinkling waters the +waters, the enclosing sticks the quarters. Whatever of his is lost, or dies, +or men drive away, all of that comes to him in yonder world who knows +thus to offer the Agnihotra, just as what is placed on the strew would +come. Both sets, gods and men, reciprocally he leads as fees and all this +whatever there is here. Men by the evening libation he leads as fees to the +gods and all this whatever there is is here; they lie as it were relaxed and +at home, when taken as fees for the gods. The gods by the morning +libation he leads as fees to man and all this whatever there is here. They + + +9 S&yana and Haug take this as i to reveal +her hunger to the sacrificer’ but this +is forcing the sense of pratikhydya; cf. +Weber, Ind. Stud, ix. 221. Cf. Atharva- +prdyofcitta , ii. 4 which has aamprakhy&ya. + +• BY. i. 164. 40; AV. vii. 73. 11; A$S. iii. +11. 4 ; Ap9& ix. 6. 4. + + +apandeta which may be preferred; Ap^S. +ix. 5. 6; M$S. iii. 2. 1; JAOS. xxxiiL +115, n. 728; cf. (B. xii. 4.1.6; JB. i. 58.1. + +* The sense here, as given by S&yana, is that +if all else fails he must offer faith only +ahcah paddh&m juhomi, not as Haug that +he is to offer with faith in any case. + + + +[—v, 29 + + +258 ] The Agnihotra + +leap up 1 recognizing this as it were (saying) < That shall I do; there shall +I go \ The world which a man conquers by giving all this, that world he +conquers who knowing thus offers the Agnihotra. By the evening libation +for Agni he begins the A$vina (Qastra); speech utters the response 2 in +* Speech, speech By Agni, by the night, is the A$vina recited by him who +knowing thus offers the Agnihotra. For Aditya by the morning libation +he begins the Mahavrata; breath utters the response in 1 Food; food ’; by +Aditya, by the deity is the Mahavrata recited by him who knowing thus +offers the Agnihotra. Of this Agnihotra there are seven hundred and +twenty evening libations in the year; there are also seven hundred and +twenty morning libations in the year. So many are the bricks accompanied +by Yajus verses of the fire 3 . By the year, by the fire fully does he sacri¬ +fice who knowing thus offers the Agnihotra. + +v. 29 (xxv. 4) Yrsafusma Vatavata Jatukarnya said ‘ We shall declare +this to the gods; the Agnihotra which used to be performed on both +days is now performed on alternate days only '. This also said a maiden +seized by a Gandharva ‘ We shall declare this to the fathers; the Agnihotra +which used to be performed on both days is now performed on alternate +days only. 1 ’ The Agnihotra is offered on alternate days in that one offers +it on the evening after sunset and in the morning before sunrise. The +Agnihotra is offered on both days in that one offers it in the evening after +sunset and in the morning after sun rise. Therefore the offering should +be made after sun rise. He who offers before sunrise obtains the world of +the Gayatri in the twenty-fourth year; in the twelfth he who offers after +sunrise. If he offers for two years before sunrise then he has really sacri¬ +ficed for one only; he who sacrifices after sunrise with the year obtains the +year, he who knowing thus offers after sunrise. Therefore should one offer +after sunrise. He offers in the brilliance of day and night who offers in +the evening after sunset and in the morning after sunrise. By Agni as +brilliance the night is brilliant, by Aditya as brilliant the day is brilliant. + + +1 The sense is clearly that the gods also act as +fees ; hence Weber’s view (Ind. Stud. ix. +290) ’vivaddnd} is wrong. S&yana offers +an alternative that the men are meant, +having obtained the fees in the shape of +divine favour. + +* The point is that the opening to Agni of +the Afvina is compared with the offering +to Agni at evening: the Pratigara is +according to S&yana vdcd tvd hotrd : see +Ap£S. ft 1.2; and in the next case of +the offering to Aditya annam payo rcto + + +'smdsu dhehi; see Ap£S. vi. 11. 5; 99& +iv. IS. 1. + +3 Weber (Ind. Stud . ix. 291) refers them to +860 yctfufmatyah and 860 pariprit brioks in +$B. x. 4. 2. 2. + +v. 29. 1 This is the reasonable sense and con¬ +struction ; cf. KB. ii. 9. The yad may be +1 that’, one Hi being only usual to cover +uvdca, or it may be the relative, in +which case there is a slight anaooluthon +but the first view is perhaps the best. + + + +V. 29—] + + +The Agnihotra + + +[254 + + +In the brilliance of day and night does he offer who knowing thus offers +after sunrise. Therefore should one offer after sunrise 2 . + +v. 30 (xxv. 5) Day and night are the wheels of the year; verily thus with +them he goes through the year. If he offers before sunrise, that is as if +one were to go with (a chariot with) a single wheel. But if he offers after +sunrise, that is as if one were swiftly to perform a journey with (a chariot +with) wheels on both sides. As to this the sacrificial verse is recited: + +1 This goeth yoked with Brhad and Bathantara, + +All that hath been and is to be ; + +With them should he go who is wise taking the fires, + +By day should he offer one, by night another. 9 + +The night is connected with the Bathantara, the day with the Brhat; Agni +is the Bathantara, Aditya the Brhat. Those deities make him attain the +vault of the tawny one, the world of heaven, who knowing thus offers after +sunrise. Therefore should one offer after.sunrise. As to this, the sacrificial +verse is recited + +* As one may go with a single horse +Having nothing else for harnessing, + +So many men go, + +Who offer the Agnihotra before sunrise.’ + +The deity as it proceeds, all this whatever there is here follows upon it; +of the deity all this whatever there is here is a follower; this deity is that +which has followers. A follower he finds, a follower is his who knows +thus. He is the one guest, he lives among the offerers. This is why there +is in the world the following verse + +1 Let him heap blame on the blameless, + +Or take away blame from the blameworthy, + +The one guest at evening he turns away, + +The thief who stole away the lotus fibres.’ 1 + + +* Weber {2nd. Stud. ix. 292) points oat that +in the Avesta there is expressed a prefer¬ +ence for the period from the first appear¬ +ance of light to the sunrise as the proper +time of sacrifice, while the time of the +sunrise is the daevayapia. + +1 Yo for 80 is an obvious correction suggested +first by Weber and later by Geldner. +The stanza was partly intelligible to +S&yana, as he makes it said as an oath +by one accused of stealing lotus fibres. +The verse is clearly cited from a story +of which we have divergent versions in +the Mah&bh&rata (2 accounts; xiii. 4896- + + +4646 and 4547-4600) and in the Jdtaka +no. 488, and in which the Rsis in order +to release themselves of the accusation of +being guilty of the theft of lotus fibres +swore frightful oaths, one of which is +here recorded, but which has no parallel +in the Mahdbhdrata or the Jdtaka. See +Charpentier, ZDMG. lxiv. 66 $eq .; lxvi. +44 s*q. ; Geldner, lxv. 806, 807 (who +overlooks Weber's suggestion of yo ); +Oldenberg, GGN. 1911, p. 464, n. 2 who +suggests runaddhu as a possibility, a very +plausible conjecture. + + + +255] + + +The Agnihotra [—v. 31 + +He is the one guest, he dwells among offerers; this deity he turns away who +being fit for the Agnihotra does not offer the Agnihotra. This deity being +turned away turns him away from this world and from yonder, both of +them, who being fit for the Agnihotra does not offer the Agnihotra. There¬ +fore he who is fit for the Agnihotra should offer it. Therefore they say +( A guest at evening should not be turned away ’, knowing this Nagarin +Janagruteya said as to Aikada$aksi 8 Manutantavya ‘ In his offspring will we +know him if he offer with knowledge or without knowledge \ Of Aikada$a- +ksi the offspring became as kingly person; as a kingly person his offspring +becomes, who knowing thus offers after sunrise. Therefore after sunrise +should offering be made. + +v. 31 (xxv. 6 ) Adifcya on rising unites his rays with the Ahavaniya; if +one offers before sunrise, that is as if one were to offer the breast to a +child unborn or to a calf unborn. But, if he offers after sunrise, that is as +if one were to offer the breast to a child bom or a calf bom. 1 * Through his +being united in both worlds proper food is offered both from this world and +from yonder to him. If he offers before sunrise, that is as if one were to offer +to a man or an elephant, without hand stretched out 8 , if he offers after +sunrise it is as if one were to offer to a man or an elephant, with hand +stretched forth. He 3 * * * * * 9 having taken him with his hand and dragged him +upwards places him in the world of heaven, who knowing thus offers after +sunrise. Therefore one should offer after sunrise. Aditya as he rises leads +forward all creatures; therefore they call him breath. In breath does he +sacrifice who knowing thus sacrifices after sunrise; therefore one should +sacrifice after sunrise. Speaking truth he offers in truth who offers in the +evening after sunset and in the morning after sunrise. With bhuh y bhuvah, +war , om; Agni is light, light is Agni ’ he offers in the evening; with 1 bhuh, +bhuvah, war , om ; Surya is light, light is Surya * in the 'morning. By him +speaking truth in truth is the offering made, who knowing thus offers after +sunrise; therefore should one offer after sunrise. As to this a sacrificial +verse is sung: + + +1 Aikddafdkfim should probably be read as +suggested by tasya below where Aik&da- + +fflfcp m a locative is very difficult. + +1 Cf. £B. ii. 2. 1. 1. + +* So Sftyana and Haug : but of course prayate + +and aprayate may equally well be datives, + +and the sense be 1 put into the hand of + +a man who is not coming', as Weber + +(Ind. Stud. ix. 298), prefers as in KB. ii. 9. + +9 S&yana consistently here and in the clause + + +above tom asmai prcUidhiyamdnam takes +the worshipper and the sun as the two +persons though he renders the passive +erroneously as an active. This seems +correct, as the only real alternative is +to assume that the sun and the sacrifice +are meant which is very difficult in the +second passage, as torn must correspond +with ya since tta clearly is the sun. + + + +V. 31—] + + +[256 + + +The Soma Sacrifice + +‘ Every morning they tell falsehood +Who offer the Agnihotra before sunrise, + +Declaring what is to be declared by day on what is not day, + +“ Surya is the light ” ; there is not then light for them. 8 * + +Errors in the Sacrifice . + +v. 32 (xxv. 7) Prajapati 1 desired ‘ May I be propagated; may I be multi¬ +plied *. He practised fervour*; having practised fervour he created these +worlds; the earth, the atmosphere, the sky. He brooded over these worlds; +from these worlds when brooded over these luminaries were boro; Agni was +bom from the earth, Vayu from the atmosphere, Aditya from the sky. He +brooded over these luminaries. From these brooded over the three Vedas +were boro; the Rgveda was born from Agni, the Vajurveda from Vayu, the +Samaveda from Aditya. He brooded over these Vedas; from these (Vedas) +when brooded over three pure (sounds) were bom; bhuh from the Rgveda +was boro, bhuvah from the Yajurveda, svar from the S&maveda. He +brooded over these pure ones; from them when brooded over the three +sounds were boro ; the letter a, the letter u, and the letter m. Them he +brought together; that made (the word) ora. Therefore with ora does he +say the Pranava. Ora is the world of heaven; ora is he that yonder gives +heat. Prajapati extended the sacrifice; he took it; he sacrificed with it +He performed the Hotr’s office with the Rc alone, the Adhvaryu’s with the +Yajus, the Udgatr’s with the Saman. He performed the Brahman’s office +with the pure (part) of the threefold knowledge. Prajapati handed over the +sacrifice to the gods; the gods extended the sacrifice; they took it, they +sacrificed with it. They performed the Hotr’s office with the Rc alone, the +Adhvaryu’s with the Yajus, the Udgatr’s with the Saman. They performed +the Brahman’s office with the pure (part) of the threefold knowledge. +The gods said to Prajapati c If there be trouble in our sacrifice from +the Rc, or from the Yajus, or from the Saman, or an unknown (trouble) or +a complete failure, what is the expiation ? ’ To the gods said Prajapati +1 If there is trouble in your sacrifice from the Rc, do ye offer on the +Oarhapatya, with ‘ bhuh ’; if from the Yajus, with ‘ bhuvah ' on the Agnidh’s +altar, or on the Anvaharyapacana at oblation sacrifices 2 ; if from the Saman, +with ‘ war ’ on the Ahavaniya; if (the trouble) is unknown or a complete + +8 The last words really give a further asser- CU. iv. 17 ; $B.i.6.6-8; JB.i.867,868; + +tion of what is already said in adiva, JUB. iii. 16.4-17.10; Oertel, JAOS.xviii. + +which is based, of course, on diva ; tUryo 88, 84 ; Trans. Conn. Acad. xy. 165 eq. + +jyoNk is clearly a citation without iti. 2 As opposed to the Soma sacrifice where alone + +1 KB. xxvL 8-6 has a Pr&yapcitta section, but there is an Agnidh’s altar, + +only remotely similar. Cf. 9®* >1* 8; + + + +257] + + +Errors in the Sacrifice [ —v. 34 + +failure, running through all *bhuh, bhuvah , svar\ do ye offer on the +Ahavaniya only ’. These exclamations are the internal fastenings of the +Vedas; just as one may unite one thing with another 8 , or joint with +joint, or with a cord unite an object of leather or something which has +come apart, so with these he unites whatever in the sacrifice has come apart. +These exclamations are an expiation for all; therefore this expiation only +should be performed in the sacrifice. + +v. 33 (xxv. 8). Important sages say * Since the Hotr’s office is performed +with the Rc, the Adhvaryu’s with the Yajus, the Udgatr’s with the +Saman, the threefold knowledge is taken up; how then is the Brahman’s +office performed?’ * With the threefold knowledge\ he should say. He +that blows here is the sacrifice; two paths it has, speech and mind, for +by speech and by mind the sacrifice proceeds. Speeches this (earth), mind +yonder (world); by speech as the threefold knowledge they make ready one +side, by mind the Brahman makes (another) ready. 1 Now some Brahman +priests, when the morning litany is begun, having muttered the Stoma- +bhagas 2 , wait talking. As to this 3 a Brahman said, seeing the Brahman +talking when the morning litany was begun, 1 They have omitted half of +this sacrifice ’. Just as a man with one foot when going, or a chariot +with a wheel on one side when moving, fails, so the sacrifice fails and +through the failure of the sacrifice the sacrificer fails. Therefore the +Brahman priest, when the morning litany is begun, should remain silent +until the offering of the Upan<ju and Antaryama (cups); when the Pava- +manas have been begun, until the conclusion; again, in the case of Stotras +accompanied with Qastras, he should be silent until their vasat call. Just +as a man with both feet when going, or a chariot with wheels on both sides +when moving, does not come to any harm, so the sacrifice does not come +to harm, and through the sacrifice being unharmed, the sacrificer is not +harmed. + +v. 34 (xxv. 9). They say c Seeing that the fees are brought for the +Adhvaryu (by the sacrificer thinking) * He has drawn the cups for me, he has +acted for me, he has offered the libations for me ’, for the Udgatr (thinking) +c He has sung for me’, for the Hotr (thinking) ‘He has said the invitatory verses +for me, he has recited (the litanies) for me, he has said the offering verses for +me ’, what has the Brahman priest done for the fees brought for him; or is +it that without action he is to receive them ? ’ The Brahman is the physician + + +s Siyana justifies the rendering by a reference +to CTJ. iv. 17. 7, where cases of other +things are given. + +1 CU. iv. 17.1. + +33 [ho..s. is] + + +2 For these cf. PB. i. 8, 9 ; T8. iii. 5. 2; iv. + +4. 1; v. 8. 6; K8. xvii. 7; xxxvii. 7; +MS. ii. 8. F; VS xv. 6. + +3 See GB. iii. 2, 8. + + + +[258 + + +v. 34—] The Soma Sacrifice + +of the sacrifice; he receives for making medicine for the sacrifice. More¬ +over in that (the Brahman) performs his function as Brahman with the +greatest amount of holy power, with the sap of the metres, therefore is he +the Brahman; in the beginning the Brahman was a sharer of half with +the other priests; a half (of the holy power) was the Brahman’s, a half the +other priests. Therefore if there is trouble in the sacrifice from the Rc +the Brahman should offer on the Garhapatya with * bhuh 9 ; if from the +Yajus, on the Agnidh’s altar, or on the Anv&haryapacana at oblation +offerings with ‘ bhuvah 9 ; if from the Saman with ‘svar 9 on the Ahavaniya; +if (the trouble) is unknown or a complete failure, he should run over all +‘ bhuh, bhuvah , svar 9 and offer on the Ahavaniya only. The Prastotr when +the Stotra is being begun, says ‘ O Brahman, 1 shall we chant, O Pra$astr? ’. +At the morning pressing the Brahman should say ‘ bhuh ! with Indra do ye +chant ’; ‘ bhuvah 9 he should say at the midday pressing ‘ With Indra do +ye chant ’; ' mar 9 he should say at the third pressing, ‘ With Indra do ye +chant ’. 1 bhuh , bhuvah , svar 9 he should say at an Uktha or Atiratra, * With +Indra do ye chant \ In that he says ‘ With Indra do ye chant ’, and the +sacrifice is connected with Indra, and the god of the sacrifice is Indra, +verily thus he makes the chanting possessed of Indra, verily to them he +says in effect * Let it go not from Indra; with Indra do ye chant + +9 For this cf. A£S. v. 2.11-16; ffS. vi. a ence to the AV. is strongly in favour of + +6, 6. For the Brahman’s activity see the priority of the AB.; cf. Bloomfield, + +KB. vi. 12. See also M£S. iii. 1.11 seq .; Atharvaveda , p. 4. + +ApfS. iz. 16. 4,5. The absenoe of refer- + + + +PAtfCIKA VI + +The Soma Sacrifice (continued). + +The Recitations of the Hotrakas. + +ADHYAYA I + +The Offices of the Subrdhmanyd and Gravastut. + +vi. 1 (xxvi. 1). The 1 gods performed a Sattra at Sarvacaru ; 2 they could +not smite away evil. To them said Arbuda Kadraveya, the serpent seer, +the maker of spells, * One Hotr’s office has not been performed by you, +that will I perform for you; then will you smite away evil. They said +‘ Be it so’. At each midday he crept out for them; he praised the pressing +stones; therefore at each midday they praise the pressing sfcones in +imitation of him. The way by which he crept out is now called the +creeping out of Arbuda. Them the king made drunk; they said ‘ It is +a poisonous snake that looks at our king; come, with a turban let us bind +his eyes \ * Be it so ’ (they said); with a turban they bound 3 his eyes; +therefore winding round a turban they praise the pressing stones in +imitation of him. The king still made them drunk; they said ‘ With his +own spell he praises the pressing stones; come, let us mingle the spell +with other verses/ ‘ Be it so ’ (they said); with other verses they mingled +his spell; then he did not make them drunk. In that they mingle his +spell with other verses, verily (it serves) for expiation. They smote away +evil; in accordance with their smiting away the serpents smote away evil; +having smitten away evil they lay aside their old worn out skin and go on +with a new one. He smites away evil who knows thus. + +vi. 2 (xxvi. 2). They say ‘ With how many verses 1 should he praise ?' + +1 For the activity of the Gr&vastut see KB. 831, 888; Cf. Ldvi, La doctrine du sacrifice, + +xxix. 1; his part is described in full in pp. 142, 148. + +A£S. v. 12; 99^. vii. 16. His special 2 A place according to Sftyana: Aufrecht +Arbuda hymn is RV. x. 94 with x. ?6 supplies yajrle ; a man, BR. + +and x. 176 before the last Terse; these 8 Apinahyus is a wholly anomalous and in* +are preceded by RV. i. 24. 8 ; v. 81. 1; correct form; probably merely a blunder, + +yiii. 81. 1; 1. 1; Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. vi. 2. 1 I. e. of the P&vam&nl verses which + +he is to use. + + + +[260 + + +vi. 2 —' The Qastras of the Hotrakas + +‘With a hundred ' they say; man has a hundred (years of) life, a hundred +strengths, a hundred powers; verily thus he places him in life, in strength, +in power. * Or with thirty-three' they say; ‘ he smote away the evils of +thirty-three gods; thirty-three were the gods for him/ With an unlimited +number should he praise; Prajapati is unlimited. The Hotr function of +the Gravastut is Prajapati's; in it all desires are won. In that he praises +with an unlimited number, (it serves) to win all desires. All desires he +wins who knows thus. Therefore should he praise with an unlimited +number only. They say ‘How is he to praise?' ‘By syllables?' ‘By +sets of four syllables ? 9 ‘By Padas ?’ ‘By half-verses?' ‘By verses?’ +By verses does not fit, nor again does by Padas fit; as to by syllables or +sets of four syllables, the metres would be broken up so, many syllables +would so be omitted. By half verses only should he praise, for support. +Man has two supports, cattle four feet; verily thus he makes the sacrificer +with two supports find support in four-footed cattle. Therefore should +he praise by half verses only. They say ‘ Since it is at the midday only +that he praises the pressing stones, how is the praising at the other press¬ +ings performed by him ?' In that he praises with Gayatri verses, and the +morning pressing is in Gayatri, thereby (is the praise accomplished) at +the morning pressing; in that he praises with Jagati verses, and the third +pressing is in Jagati, thereby at the third pressing. So by him who +knows thus, although he praises the pressing stones only at the midday, is +praising accomplished in all the pressings. They say ‘Seeing that the +Adhvaryu directs the other priests, then why does he undertake this with¬ +out a direction ?' The office of the Gravastut is mind; mind requires no +direction ; therefore he undertakes this without a direction. + +vi. 3 (xxvi. 1). The Subrahmanya 1 is speech; its calf is Soma the king; +when Soma the king has been bought, they summon the Subrahmanya, +just as one summons a cow; with this as calf it milks all desires for the +sacrificer. All desires speech milks for him who knows thus. They say +‘ Why has the Subrahmanya its name?' * It is speech', he should reply; +‘speech is the holy power and the good holy power {m-brahma)' They +say ‘ Why then do they call him that is male female as it were ? ’ ‘ Because +the Subrahmanya is speech' he should reply, ‘ for that reason.' They say +‘Seeing that the other priests perform their priestly functions within +the altar, and the Subrahmanya without the altar, how is his function +performed within the altar ?' ‘ From the altar they throw up the rubbish +heap; in that standing on the heap he calls', he should reply, ‘ for that + +1 For the Subrahmany& formula see £B. iii. Caland and Henry, VAgnistoma, pp. 65 + +8. 4.17 w?.; TA. i. 12. 8, 4; L$S. i. 8 ; mq.; Oertel, JAOS. xviii. 84* + + + +201 ] The Subrahmanya and the GrcLvastut [—vi. 4 + +reason.’ They say ‘ Then why does he stand on the heap when calling +the Subrahmanya?’ The seers performed a sacrificial session; to the +tallest 8 of them they said ‘Do thou call the Subrahmanya; from nearest +wilt thou summon the gods.’ Verily thus they make him the tallest; +moreover thus he delights the whole of the altar. They say ‘ Why do they +drive up a bull as the fee for him ? ’ ‘ The bull is male, the Subrahmanya +female; that is a pair; for the propagation of this pair ’ (he should reply). +Inaudibly 3 the Agnidh utters the offering verse for the cup for (Tvastr) +with the wives; the cup for (Tvastr) with the wives is seed; seed is poured +inaudibly as it were. He does not say the second vasat (thinking) ‘ The +second vasat call is a completion; let me not bring seed to completion.’ +The incomplete state of seed is perfect; therefore he does not say the +second vasat Seated on the lap of the Nestr he partakes; the Nestr +represents the wife; 4 Agni places seed in the wives for propagation; verily +thus by Agni he places seed in the wives for propagation. He is propa¬ +gated with offspring and cattle who knows thus. After the fees the +Subrahmanyd, is completed; the Subrahmanya is speech; the fee is food; +verily thus in proper food and speech at the end they establish the +sacrifice. + + +ADHYAYA II + +The Qastras of the other Hotrakas at Sattras and Ahinas. + +vi. 4 (xxvii. 1). The 1 gods performed a sacrifice: as they were performing +it the Asuras came up to them (saying) ‘We will make a confusion of +their sacrifice.’ From the south they approached them, where they +thought was the thinnest part of the sacrifice. The gods perceiving this +put Mitra and Varuna around on the south; by means of Mitra and +Varuna on the south at the morning pressing they smote away the Asuras +and the Baksases. Verily thus also the sacrificers by means of Mitra +and Varuna on the south at the morning pressing smite away the Asuras +and the Baksases. Therefore the Maitravaruna recites (the litany) to +Mitra and Varuna at the morning pressing, for by means of Mitra and +Varuna the gods smote away the Asuras and the Baksases on the south +at the morning pressing. Smitten off at the south the Asuras entered + +* * Eldest * S&yana and Haug, but ‘taUest* 4 For this S&yana cites TS. vi. 5. 8 . 6 . Cf. +above gives a reply to the question of the also £B. iv. 4. 2. 17; (£8. viii. 5. 8, 4. + +use of the Utkara. 1 This chapter merely gives explanations of + +8 For the omission of the anuvataikdrtu see the origin of the several ^astras of the + +A£S. v. 5* 21. three Hotrakas. + + + +[262 + + +vi. 4—] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + + +the sacrifice in the middle. The gods perceiving this placed Indra in the +middle; they with Indra in the middle smote away the Asuras and +Raksases at the morning pressing. Verily thus also the sacrificers with +Indra in the middle smite away the Asuras and the Raksases at the +morning pressing. Therefore the Brahmanacchansin at the morning +pressing recites (a litany) to Indra, for with Indra in the middle the gods +at the morning pressing smote away the Asuras and the Raksases. The +Asuras, smitten off in the middle, entered the sacrifice from the north. +The gods, perceiving this, put Indra and Agni around on the north; with +Indra and Agni on the north at the morning pressing they smote away +the Asuras and the Raksases. Verily thus also the sacrificers with Indra +and Agni on the north at the morning pressing smite away the Asuras +and the Raksases. Therefore the Achavaka at the morning pressing +recites (a litany) to Indra and Agni, for with Indra and Agni on the +north at the morning pressing the gods smote away the Asuras and +the Raksases. The Asuras smitten off on the north ran round to the +front in battle array. The gods perceiving this placed Agni around in +front at the morning pressing; with Agni in front at the morning +pressing they smote away the Asuras and the Raksases. Verily thus +also the sacrificers with Agni in front at the morning pressing smite +away the Asuras and the Raksases. Therefore the morning pressing is +connected with Agni. He smites away evil who knows thus. The Asuras, +smitten off in front, having gone round to the back entered. The gods, +perceiving this, put the All-gods, as their self, around behind at the third +pressing; they with the All-gods, as themselves, behind at the third +pressing smote away the Asuras and the Raksases. Verily thus also the +sacrificers with the All-gods, as themselves, behind at the third pressing +smite away the Asuras and the Raksases. Therefore the third pressing +is connected with the All-gods. He smites away evil who knows thus. +So the gods smote away the Asuras from the whole of the sacrifice. Then +the gods prospered, the Asuras were defeated. He prospers himself, +the evil rival who hates him is defeated, who knows thus. The gods with +the sacrifice so ordered smote away the Asuras, the evil, and conquered +the world of heaven. He smites away the evil rival who hates him and +conquers the world of heaven who knows thus and who knowing thus +orders the pressings. + +vi. 5 (xxvii. 2). They make the strophe the antistrophe of the strophe 1 + + +The point is that the 9astras of the Hotrakas +are made up at the morning pressing of +the Stotriya (taken from the correspond¬ +ing three Ajya S&mans) and as Anurupa +the Stotriya of the next day. This can¬ + + +not be done at the other pressings because +the Stotras there (Prstha and Uktha) do +not from day to day remain in the same +ritual form. The idea occurs in AB. vi. +17. 8eeA9S.vii.2.2 $eq. Cf.GB.vii.il. + + + +263] + + +The Qastras of the Hotrakas [—vi. r + +at the morning pressing; verily thus they make one day the counterpart +of the other; verily thus by the preceding day they lay hold of the +subsequent day. But this is not the case at the midday (pressing); the +Prsthas are prosperity; they have not the position 2 for the purpose of +making the strophe the antistrophe of the strophe. By reason of the +same distinction they do not at the third pressing make the strophe the +antistrophe of the strophe. + +vi. 6 (xxvii. 3). Next as to the commencing verses. 1 * With true guidance +for us, let Varuna ’ is that of the Maitravaruna 2 (containing) ‘ Let Mitra +lead us knowing ’; the Maitravaruna is the leader of the Hotrakas; therefore +this (verse) contains the word 4 leader \ ‘ Indra for you on all sides ’ is + +that of the Brahmanacchahsin, 3 (containing) ‘ We invoke for men *; verily +with this (verse) day by day they invoke Indra. When they invoke in com¬ +petition no other appropriates Indra, where a Brahmanacchahsin knowing +thus day by day recites this (verse). ‘ What time, when the Soma was +pressed, men * is that of the Achavaka; 4 ‘ invoked Indra and Agni’ (it +continues); verily with this (verse) day by day they invoke Indra and +Agni. When they invoke in competition no other appropriates Indra +and Agni, where an Achavaka knowing thus recites this (verse) day by +day. They are ships which carry over to the world of heaven; verily with +these (verses) they cross to the world of heaven. + +vi. 7 (xxvii. 4). Next as to the concluding verses. * May we be thine, +O god Varuna’ is that of the Maitravaruna; 1 ‘Sap and light may we +obtain ’ (it ends); ‘ sap * is this world; ‘ light ’ is yonder world; verily with +this (verse) they lay hold of both worlds. ‘ He hath traversed the atmo¬ +sphere ’ is that of the Brahmanacchahsin, 2 a triplet, containing the word +‘ apart'; verily with these he puts apart the world of heaven for them. +‘In the joy of the Soma the worlds, when Indra broke Vala* (he says); +the consecrated ones are eager to win; therefore this (verse) contains the +word ‘ hole ’ (vala). + +‘ He drove out the cows for the Angirases, + +Revealing them that were in secret, + +Headlong he hurled Vala ; 9 + +verily with this (verse) he wins booty. ‘By Indra the spaces of the + +* Aufrecht with S&yana and Haug and the 1 I. e. after the Stotriyaa and Anurupas of +Anand. ed. read tatsthUndni : Weber AB. vi. 5 in sacrifices of a series of days. + +(Inrf. Stud. ir. 295) suggests the alteration * KV. i. 90. 1 ; AfJJS. vii. 2.10 ; 99®* xii. 2.14. +tasthdn&ni, quoting the precise parallel 8 RV. i. 7. 10; A£S. vii. 2. 10. +with yad in 9®. xii. 5.1. 1-8, but this is 4 RV. vii. 94. 10 ; AfJJS. vii. 2. 10. Cf. 99®* +no doubt wrong: cf. Eggeling, SBE. xii. 2. 19. + +xxvi. 242, n. 1; KB. xxvi. 8 : etatxth&ne vi. 7. 1 RV. vii. 66. 9. + +.. . fasy&ya. 8 RV. viii. 14. 7-9. + + + +vi. 7 —] The Qextras of the Hotrakas [264 + +sky ’ (he says); the spaces of the sky are the world of heaven; by +Indra (they) + +‘ Are made firm and established +The firm are not to be moved away ’; + +verily with this (verse) day by day they continue to find support in +the world of heaven. C I seek of those with Sarasvati* is that of the +Achavaka; 8 Sarasvati is speech; verily thus he says ‘of those with +speech’; ‘Of Indra and Agni the aid’ (he says); speech is the dear abode +of Indra and Agni; verily thus he unites these two with their dear abode. +With a dear abode does he prosper who knows thus. + +vi. 8 (xxvii. 5). There are two kinds of concluding verses of the Hotrakas, +at the morning and at the midday, those of the Ahina and those of the +one day rites. The Maitravaruna concludes with those of the one day +rite only; 1 thereby he departs not from the world. With those of the +Ahina the Achavaka, 2 to obtain the world of heaven. Both are used by +the Brahmanacchansin; 3 thereby grasping both he goes to this and to +yonder world; moreover he goes grasping both, the Maitravaruna and +the Achavaka, the Ahina and the one day rite, the year and the Agnistoma. +Now at the third pressing the concluding verses of the Hotrakas are those +of the one day rite only; 4 the one day (rite) is a support; verily thus +at the end they establish the sacrifice on a support. Without taking +a breath he should say the offering verse at the morning pressing; save +for one or two (verses) he should not recite beyond the Stoma,® (thinking) + +‘ That is as if one were to give quickly to one neighing and thirsting; +moreover I shall swiftly give proper food and Soma drinking to the gods/ +Swiftly he finds support in the world. (He uses) an unlimited number +at the two latter pressings; the world of heaven is unlimited; (verily it +serves) to obtain the world of heaven. At pleasure the Hotr may recite +whatever the Hotrakas may recite on the previous day; or the Hotrakas + + +8 RV. viii. 88.10. + +1 I.e. at the two Savanas of morning and +midday he uses the same concluding +verse (the plural being prayogabahxUvd- +pekmm) they are RV. vii. 66.9 and iv. 16. +21 (cf. AB. vi. 28). See A^S. v. 10. 28; +16. 1; vi. 18. 5. + +s RV. viii. 88. 10 and vii. 94. 9; RV. ii. 11. +21 (AB. vi. 28) and iii. 80. 22 are those +for the Ahina and Ek&lia respectively. + +8 This means that at the morning pressing he +used different verses in the Ek&ha and +Ahina (RV. viii. 98.8; 14. 9), but at the + + +midday pressing the same (RV. vii. 28. 6). + +4 Viz. RV. vii. 84.1; x. 48.1; vi. 69. 1; see +A£S. viii. 2. 16; 8.84; 4. & + +1 The sense as taken by Sftyana and Haug +seems that meant; cf. AB. vi. 28. 10 for +the same use : Weber (Inrf. Stud . ix. 296) +objects on grammatical grounds to the +wording and prefers the normal 1 He +should use one or two verses, but not +over recite the Stoma'; but this is really +not consistent with the context in vi. 28 +and AfS. yii. 18. 2 expressly says that +there is atifansana in one or two verses. + + + +265] The Recitations of the Hotrakas [—vi. 9 + +what the Hotr may recite; the Hotr is the breath, the Hotrakas the +limbs; in common does this breath go through the limbs. Therefore at +pleasure the Hotr may recite what the Hotrakas recite on the previous +day, or the Hotrakas what the Hotr (recites). The Hotr keeps concluding +with the ends of the hymns. Moreover the concluding verses of the +Hotrakas are the same at the third pressing; the Hotr is the body, the +Hotrakas the limbs; the ends of the limbs are the same; therefore the +concluding verses of the Hotrakas at the third pressing are the same. + + +ADHYAYA III + + +The Qastras and other Recitations of the Hotrakas . + + +vi.9(xxviii. 1). ‘Let 1 the bays carrythee hither’ he recites at the morning +pressing for the (goblets) being filled, (verses) containing (the words) +‘ strong 1 drink ‘ pressed ’, and * be drunk * and so perfect in form. They +are (verses) to Indra which he recites; the sacrifice is connected with Indra. +They are Gayatns which he recites; the morning pressing is connected +with the Gayatri. Nine small 2 (verses) he recites at the morning pressing; +in what is small is seed poured; ten at the midday he recites; seed poured +in the small having attained the middle part of the woman becomes most +firm ; nine small (verses) he recites at the third pressing: from what is +small are offspring bom. In that he repeats the whole of the hymns, verily +thus he propagates the sacrificer as an embryo from the sacrifice as the womb +of the gods. Some recite seven verses each, seven at the morning pressing, +seven at the midday (pressing), seven at the third pressing; saying * The +offering verses should be as many as the invitatory verses; 3 seven eastward +say the offering verses, seven say the vasat call; these are the invitatory +verses of those \ That he should not do so; they injure the seed of the +sacrifice and morever the sacrificer himself, for the hymn is the sacrificer. +By nine (verses) the Maitravaruna carries him from this world to the +world of the atmosphere, by ten from the world of the atmosphere to yonder +world, for the world of the atmosphere is the longest, 4 with nine from + + +1 This chapter, in part, like KB. xxviii. 2 and +8 deals with the Maitr&v&runa’s recita¬ +tions at the three pressings, which are +RV. i. 16 (A9S. y. 6.14), vii. 21, and iv. +86 complete in each case as against the +alternative of sets of seven verses. + +1 The argument is that as ten is the norm, + +34 [m.oa se] + + +nine is small; or defective. + +* I. e. at the Prasthita offering ; see A^S. v. +6.15-18; vii. 4. 2-10; Oaland and +Henry, L'Agnistoma, pp. 200, 211, 212. + +4 S&yana treats this as if it were antariktalokdd +dhi : the world meant is in his view the +ndkaprftha. + + + +[266 + + +vi. 9 —] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + +yonder world to the world of heaven. They cannot bear the sacrificer to the +world of heaven who recite sets of seven. Therefore as wholes should he +recite the hymns. + +vi. 10 (xxviii. 2). Further he says 8 Seeing that the sacrifice is for Indra, +then why do two only at the morning pressing use as offering verses for the +Prasthita (libations) verses manifestly addressed to Indra, namely the Hotr +and the Brahmanacchansin: 1 This Soma drink for thee 9 is the offering +verse of the Hotr, 1 ‘ O Indra, thee as a bull we 9 is that of the Brahmana¬ +cchansin. 2 * The others use (verses) to various deities ; how are their verses +connected with Indra ? 9 The Maitravaruna 8 uses as offering verse * Mitra +we hail 9 ; 8 Varuna for the Soma drinking 9 (he says); whatever Pada con¬ +tains (the word) 8 drink 9 is a symbol of Indra; thereby he delights Indra. +The Potr 4 * uses as offering verse 8 O Maruts, in whose dwelling 9 ; c He is +best protected of men 9 (he says); the protector is Indra; this is a symbol +of Indra; thereby he delights Indra. 8 O Agni, bring hither the wives 9 the +Nestr 6 uses as offering verse; c Tvastr to the Soma drinking 9 (he says); +Tvastr is Indra; this is a symbol of Indra; thereby he delights Indra. ‘ To +him whose food is the ox, whose food the cow 9 the Agnidh 6 uses as offering +verse; 8 Soma-backed, the creator 9 (he says) ; the creator is Indra; this +is a symbol of Indra; thereby he delights Indra. + +8 Come hither with those that move at dawn, + +The gods, ye that have excellent wealth, + +Indra and Agni, to the Soma drinking ’; + +is the offering verse of the Achavaka, 7 being in itself perfect. So are these +verses to Indra; in that they are addressed to various deities, thereby he +delights the other deities. In that they are in Gayatri, thereby they are +connected with Agni; these three with them he obtains. + +vi. 11 (xxviii. 3). 8 There 1 hath been pressed the divine Soma juice mingled +with milk 9 he recites at the midday for (the goblets) being filled, (verses) +containing (the words) 8 strong 9 , 8 drink 9 , 8 pressed 9 , and 8 be drunk 9 and so +perfect a form. (The verses) which he recites are addressed to Indra; the +sacrifice is connected with Indra; they are Tristubh verses which he recites; + + +1 RV. yiii. 65. 8 ; A^S. v. 6. 18 ; 99 S. vii. 4. + +S. Cf. KB. xxviii. 8; GB. vii. 20. + +1 RV. iii. 40. 1; A?S. v. 6. 18 ; 99 S. vii. 4. 7. +8 RV. i. 28. 4 ; A 9 S. v. 5. 18 ; 99 S. vii. 4. 6. + +4 RV. i. 86.1; A9& v. 5. 18 ; 99 S. vii. 4. 8. + +8 RV. i. 22 . 9 ; A 9 S. v. 5. 18; 99 S. vii. 4. 9. + +• RV. viii. 48. 11; A 9 S. v. 5. 18; 99S. vii. + +4. 10. + +7 RV. viii. 88. 7 ; A 98 . v. 7. 6; 99 S. vii. 7.2. + + +vi. 11. 1 This chapter gives the hymn for the +filling of the goblets and the Prasthita +libations; for the former see A 9 & v. 5.14; +18.11; 99 S. vii. 17.8; it is merely alluded +to in KB. xxix. 2. The hymn is RV. vii. +21: the word gorjika is quite uncertain ; +1 dont la fidohe est la vache* is Calandand +Henry's rendering L’Agnistoma, p. 284. + + + +267] + + +The Recitations of the Hotrakas [—vi. 12 + +the midday pressing is connected with the Tristubh. They say ‘ Seeing +that (the word) “ be drunk ” is a symbol of the third pressing, then why does +he recite verses containing (the word) “ be drunk ” and why do they use such +verses as offering verses ? * At the midday the gods become drunk as it +were; they also at the third pressing become drunk together; therefore at +the midday he recites (verses) containing the word * be drunk ’ and they use +such (verses) as offering verses. All of them at the midday use for the +Prasthita libations 2 verses manifestly addressed to Indra. Some use verses +containing (the words) * penetrate towards \ The Hotr 3 uses as offering +verse ‘ Drink the Soma towards which O dread one thou hast penetrated +The Maitravaruna 4 uses as offering verse ‘ Drink it, thou that art impetuous, +penetrating \ The Brahmanacchansin 5 uses as offering verses 4 Do thou +drink as of old ; let it delight thee ’. The Potr 6 uses as offering verse ‘ Come +hither; Soma lover they call thee'. The Nestr 7 uses as offering verse +‘ Thine is this Soma; do thou come hither \ The Achavaka 8 uses as offer¬ +ing verse ‘ For Indra the Soma draughts found aforetime \ The Agnidh 9 +uses as offering verse * Filled is his cup; hail! * Of these those contain (the +words) * penetrate towards *; Indra was not victorious at the morning press¬ +ing ; with these (verses) he penetrated towards the midday pressing; in +that he penetrated towards, therefore do these verses contain (the words) +‘ penetrate towards \ + +vi. 12 (xxviii.4). * Come 1 hither, O sons of strength * he recites at the third +pressing for (the goblet) being filled, (verses) containing (the words) ‘ strong ’, +1 drink‘ press and ‘ be drunk' and so perfect in form. They are addressed +to Indra and the Rbhus. They say ‘ Since they do not chant (verses) to the +Rbhus, then why do they call it the Arbhava Pavamana ? ’ Prajapati as +father having made immortal the Rbhus being mortal gave them a share in +the third pressing; therefore they do not chant (verses) to the Rbhus, but +they call it the Arbhava Pavamana. Further he says ‘ Seeing that in the +two first pressings he recites according to the metre, Gayatri verses at the +morning pressing, Tristubhs at the midday pressing, then why does he recite +Tristubh verses at the third pressing which is connected with the Jagati?’ + + +* For the Prasthitas, see AfS. y. 5.19 ; (£8. + +vii. 17. 6-11; Caland and Henry, pp. 286, +287. + +3 RV. vi. 17.1: this and the next two contain +forms of abkMrd A£S. v. 5.19 ; 99®* v “* +17. 6. Cf. GB. vii. 21. + +* RV. vi. 17. 2 ; A$S. v. 5.18; 99S vii. 17.6. +3 RY. vi. 17. 8 ; AfS. v. 6.19 ; 9?S. vii. 17. 7. +« RV. i. 104. 9 ; A'yS. v. 6.19 ; 99S. vii. 17. 8. + +* RV. iii. 86.6 ; A 9 S. v. 6.19; 99 S. vii. 17. 9. + + +8 RV. iii. 86 . 2 ; A 9 S. v. 6.19 ; 99 S. vii. 17. +10 . A 9 S. inverts the order of the pre¬ +ceding and this. + +8 RV. iii. 82. 16; A 9 S. v. 6. 19; 99 S. vii. +17. 11. + +1 For the filling of the goblets to RY. iv. 86 +see A 9 S. v. 6.14 ; 99®* ®* 8 5 Caland + +and Henry, VAgniitoma, pp. 846, 846. +It is merely referred to in KB. xxx. 1. +Cf. GB. vii. 22 . + + + +[268: + + +vi. 12—] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + + +‘ The third pressing has the sap sucked out; the Trisfubh metre is one with +the sap not sucked out but full of pure juice; (therefore it serves) to make +it full of sap 1 should he reply; ‘ Moreover he thus gives Indra a share in +the pressing Further he says ‘ Seeing that the third pressing is connected +with Indra and the Rbhus, then why does he, the Hotr, alone at the third +pressing use for the Prasthita libations 2 what is manifestly (a verse 3 ) to +Indra and the Rbhus “ O Indra with the Rbhus, full of strength, the well +blended ”, while the others use (verses) to various deities, and how are +these (verses) connected with Indra and the Rbhus The Maitravaruna 4 uses +as offering verse ‘ 0 Indra and Varuna, drinkers of the pressed this pressed +(juice)'; in ‘Your chariot the sacrifice for the enjoyment of the gods * he men¬ +tions many; that is a symbol of the Rbhus. The Brahmanacchansin 6 uses as +offering verse ‘ With Indra, O Brhaspati, drink the Soma '; in ‘ Let the drops +well formed enter you ’ he mentions many; that is a symbol of the Rbhus. +The Potr 6 uses as offering verse ‘ May the steeds, swift speeding, bring you +hither'; in ‘ Swiftly leaping, come ye forward on their backs’ he mentions +many; that is a symbol of the Rbhus. The Nestr 7 uses as offering verse +‘As at home come ye to us, swift to listen'; in ‘Come ye' he mentions +many; that is a symbol of the Rbhus. The Achavaka 8 uses as offering +verse 4 O Indra and Visnu drink of this sweet drink'; in ‘ The sweet Soma +juices of you two have come ’ he mentions many; that is a symbol of the +Rbhus. The Agnidh 0 uses the offering verse ‘ This praise to Jatavedas who +doth deserve it; in 4 Like a chariot let us magnify with devotion' he mentions +many; that is a symbol of the Rbhus. So are these veraes addressed to +Indra and the Rbhus. In that they are addressed to various deities, thereby +he delights the other deities. In that they consist mainly of Jagati verses, 10 +and the third pressing is connected with the Jagati, verily (they serve) to +make perfect the pressing. + +vi. 13 (xxviii. 5). Further he says ‘ Seeing that some of the Hotr's offices +have litanies and others have no litanies, how are they all made by him to +have litanies, and be equal and perfect ?' In that naming them together 1 +they call them Hotr’s offices, thereby are they equal. In that some of the +Hotr’s offices have litanies and others not, thereby are they different. So +they all become for him possessed of litanies, equal and perfect. Further + + +* For the Prasthita libations see A£S. v. 5. + +19 ; 59 ®- 2 - 4-12 ; Caland and Henry, + +pp. 846-849. + +• BY. iii. 60.5; A 9 S. v. 5.19; 99 S. viii. 2.5. +4 BY. vi 68. 10 ; A 9 S. v. 6. 19; 99 S. viii. + +2 . 6 . + +8 BV. iv. 60. 10; A 9 S. v. 6. 19; 99 S. viii. +2. 7. + + +• BY. i. 86 . 6 ; A^S. v. 6 . 19; 99 S. viii. 2. 8. +7 BY. ii. 86. 8; AQS. v. 6. 19 ; 99 S. via. 2. 9. +« BV. vL 69. 7; A 9 S. v. 6. 19; 99 S. viii. +2 . 10 . + +9 BV. i. 94.1; A 9 & v. 6. 19; 99 S. viii. 2.11. + +10 Weber compares prdya in 59®- 26. 6. + +1 Weber (Ind. Stud. ix. 298) suggests as an +alternative 1 fibereinstimmend ’. + + + +269] The Litanies of the Hotrakas [—vi. 14 + + +he says ‘The Hotrakas recite at the morning pressing and recite at the +midday pressing; how do they recite at the third pressing? 9 ‘In that at +the midday they recite two hymns apiece 9 , he should reply, ‘for that +reason. 9 Further he says ‘Seeing that the Hotr has two litanies, how +have the Hotrakas two litanies? 9 ‘In that they use as offering verses +(verses) addressed to two deities 9 , he should reply, ‘ for that reason. 9 + +vi. 14 (xxviii. 6). Further he says ‘ Seeing that these three Hotr 9 s offices +are possessed of litanies, how have the others litanies? 9 The Ajya is the +litany of the Agnldh’s office, the Marutvatlya of the Potr’s, the Vafyvadeva +of the Nes(r 9 s; these Hotr's offices contain the characteristics accordingly. 1 +Further he says ‘ Seeing that some Hotrakas have one direction only given +to them, then why has the Potr two directions given, and the Nestr two 2 * ? 9 +When the Gayatri yonder having become an eagle brought the Soma, Indra +having cut off the litanies of these Hotr’s offices gave them to the +Hotr (saying) * You have called to me; you have known this \ The gods +said ‘With speech let us strengthen these two Hotr 9 s offices 9 . Therefore +have they two directions. By speech they strengthened the Agnldh’s office; +therefore his offering verses are one verse larger. 8 Further he says ‘ Seeing +that the Maitravaruna gives directions to the Hotr with * Let the Hotr say +the offering verse; let the Hotr say the offering verse ’, then why does he +give directions with ‘ Let the Hotr say the offering verse; let the Hotr say +the offering verse 9 to the Hotra^ansins who are not Hotrs ? 9 The Hotr is +the breath; all the priests are the breath; verily thus he says in effect ‘ Let +breath say the offering verse; let breath say the offering verse 9 . Then he +says ‘Is there a direction for the Udgatrs, or is there not? 9 ‘There is 9 he +should reply. In that the Prajastr, after muttering, says ‘ Do ye chant 9 , +this is their direction. Further he says ‘Is there a choosing 4 * of the +Achavaka ? Or not ? 9 ‘ There is 9 he should reply. In that the Adhvaryu +says to him, ‘ O Achavaka, say what is to be said by you 9 , this is the choice +of him. Further he says ‘ Seeing that at the third pressing the Maitra¬ +varuna recites (a litany) to Indra and Varuna, then why are the strophe +and antistrophe addressed to Agni? 9 With Agni as their head the gods +smote away the Asuras from the litanies; therefore its strophe and anti¬ +strophe are addressed to Agni. 6 Further he says ‘ Seeing that the Brahmana- +cchansin recites (a litany) to Indra and Brhaspati at the third pressing, + + +1 The offering verses of the three priests con¬ +tain references to Agni, the Maruta, and +the All-gods. + +2 1. e. at the Rtuyfijas of the twelve Praisas, + +the Potr number 2 and 8, the Nestr 8 and + +9. The text is given in full in Sohefte- + +lowitz, Die Apokryphen des Rgv 4 da, as v. 7. + + +8 The Agnldh has an extra verse RV. iii. 6. +9 ; A$S. v. 19. 7 ; 9£S. viii. 5. L + +4 There is no formal Pravara; fc see A^S. v. + +8 . 12 . + +5 RV. vii. 82 and 84 are the ^astra; vii. 16. + +16-18; 19-21 are the Stotriya and +Anurdpa. + + + +[270 + + +vi. 14—] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + +and the Achavaka one to Indra and Visnu, how are their strophes and +antistrophes addressed to Indra 6 ?’ Indra drove away the Asuras from +the litanies; he said 4 With me who ? ’ With 1 1 ’ and 4 I ’ the deities followed +after; in that Indra was the first to drive away, therefore their strophes +and antistrophes are addressed to Indra; in that with ‘I* and 4 I’ the +deities followed after, therefore do they recite to various deities. + +vi. 15 (xxviii. 7). Further he says 4 Seeing that the third pressing is +connected with the All-gods, then why are these hymns to Indra in Jagati +recited as the commencement at the third pressing ? * 4 Verily laying hold +of Indra by them they proceed' he should reply. Moreover in that the +third pressing is connected with the Jagati, it is for desire 1 of the Jagati. +Whatever metre is recited thereafter, it is all in the Jagati if these hymns +to Indra in Jagati are recited as the commencement at the third pressing. +Then at the end the Achavaka recites a hymn in Trisjubh 2 * With the rite ’; +the rite which is to be praised he refers to. ‘ With sap ’ (he says); sap is +food; (verily it serves) to win proper food. * With safe paths furthering +us * (he says); verily thus he recites for safety day by day. Further he +says 4 Since the third pressing is connected with the Jagati, then why have +they concluding verses in Tristubh ? ’ The Tristubh is strength; verily thus +at the end they keep finding support in strength. 4 This speech of mine +hath reached Indra, Varuna ’ is that of the Maitravaruna; 3 4 May Brhaspati +protect us around behind’ that of the Brahmanacchansin; 4 4 Both have +conquered ’ is that of the Achavaka, 6 for they two are victorious; 4 They +are not conquered, he is not conquered ’ (he says), for neither of them has +conquered. + +4 What time, O Visnu, with Indra ye did strive +Then did ye two divide in three the thousand’ + +(he says). Indra and Visnu fought with the Asuras; having conquered, +them they said 4 Let us make an arrangement *. The Asuras said 4 Be it so ’. +Indra said 4 So much as Visnu three times traverses, so much be ours; let +the rest be yours ’. He traversed these worlds, then the Vedas, then speech. + + +• BY. i. 67 ; x. 68 and 48 are the ^astra; viii. +21. 1-2; 9-10 are the Stotriya and +Annrupa of the Br&liman&ochahsin; ii. +18; vii. 100; i. 166 ; vi. 69; and viii. +98. 7-9; 18. 4-6 are the verses of the +Ach&v&ka referred to. All these are the +$astras of the Hotrakas at the third +pressing in the Ukthya; see A$S. vi. +1. 2 ; ?$S. ix. 1-4; AB. iii. 49,60. + +1 Gf. KB. xxx. 2, 8 and see also Vait xxxii. 86. +The form jagatkdmyd is very abnormal; + + +mitrakrtyd in AB. iii. 4. 6 is not probably +a parallel, but bkUyask&mya occurs in a +Kanva passage of the $B., cited by +Eggeling, SBE. xxvi. 42, n. 2. + +2 RV. vL 69. + +8 BV. vii. 84. 6. + +4 RV. x. 48. 11 (not 42.11 as Haug, the last +hymn being x. 48). + +0 BV. vi. 69. 8; cf. £B. iii. 8.1.18; Eggeling, +SBE. xxvi. 62, n. 2. + + + +271] The Sampata and other Hymns [—vi. 17 + +They say ‘ What is the thousand ? 9 * These worlds, these Vedas, moreover +speech* he should reply. ‘Did ye divide* the Achavaka repeats in the +Ukthya, for he is then the last; the Hotr at the Agnis^oma and the +Atiratra, for he is then the last. ‘Should he repeat at the Sodagin? +Or should he not repeat?* ‘He should repeat’ they say; ‘ Why should he +repeat in the other days and not at this ? * Therefore he should repeat. 6 + +vi* 16 (xxviii. 8). Further he says ‘Seeing that the third pressing is +connected with the Nara^ansa, then why does the Achavaka at the end +recite in the Qilpas verses without reference to the Nara$ansa. 1 The +Nara$ansa (hymn) is a development; some seed is developed as it were; +this is already developed and so propagated. Again the Nara^ansa hymn +is soft and slipping; but the Achavaka is the last; (they think) ‘We +shall establish it in something firm for the sake of firmness Therefore +the Achavaka at the end in the Qilpas recites (verses) without reference to +the Nara^ansa (thinking) ‘ We shall establish it in something firm, for the +sake of firmness *. + + +ADHYAYA IV + + +The Sampata and other Hymns . + + +vi. 17 (xxix. 1). The strophe of the next day they make the antistrophe, +at the morning pressing 1 for the continuity of the Ahina (sacrifice). Just as +the one day (rite) pressing, so the Ahina; just as the pressings of the +one day (rite) as a pressing keep united, so the days of the Ahina keep +united. In that they make the strophe of the next day the antistrophe at +the morning pressing for the continuity of the Ahina, verily thus they +continue the Ahina. The gods and the seers planned ‘ With what is the +same, let us continue the sacrifice; they saw this similarity in the sacrifice, + + +* The last four syllables are repeated; see +A 9 S. vii. 1. 12. + +1 S&yana explains the term N&r&y&Asa as +praise of men like the Rbhus or Ahgi- +rases. In vi. 32 the N&rtyafisl verses +(D&nastutis) are mentioned. Gf. how¬ +ever the N&r& 9 aAsa hymn, BY. x. 62 in +AB. vi. 27; KB. xxiii. 8 . There can be +no real doubt that the real reference is +to RV. x. 62 with its generative reference. +The reply to the objection is twofold; +in the first place the seed when developed + + +needs no further aid and as the Ach&v&ka +is late in the ritual it is developed when +it reaches him. Secondly the hymn is +soft And so a bad ending. The term +N&r&^aiisa occurs in yet another use of +the cups of the libations (Caland and +Henry, UAgnistoma, p. 220: the con¬ +nexion with N&r&^afisa and the manes is +discussed by Oldenberg, ZDMG. liv.49 seq. +and Hillebrandt, Vedo Myth . ii. 102), but +this is not here in place, +vi. 17. 1 Of. above AB. vi. 6 . + + + +[272 + + +vi. 17 —] The Qastras of the HotraJcas + + +the Pragathas the same, 2 the beginnings 3 the same, the hymns 4 the same. +Indra is a house frequenter; where Indra goes first, then he returns again; +verily (it serves) to secure Indra in the sacrifice. + +vi. 18 (xxix. 2). These Sampatas Vifvamitra first saw; them seen by +Vifvamitra Vamadeva created, 1 ‘ Thee, O Indra with the thunderbolt *; ‘ That +which of ours Indra rejoiceth in and desireth and ‘ How ? of what Hotr +hath he made great?’ To them he swiftly moved; in that he swiftly +moved (samapatat), that is why the Sampatas have their name. Vi$va- +mitra considered ‘ The Sampatas which I saw Vamadeva has created; what +hymns now can I create as counter Sampatas ? * He created these hymns +as Sampatas their counterparts. 2 'Straightway on birth, the bull, the +youngling/ ‘ Indra, breaker of citadels, overcame the Dasa with his beams/ +'This offering do thou make attain/ 'Thy comrades, Soma-loving, desire +thee/' Ordering the bearer hath gone to the grandson of the daughter ', and +‘ Like a carpenter, have I fashioned a thought.’ ‘ Who alone is to be invoked +by mortals' Bharadvaja 8 (saw). ' With sharp horns, like a terrible wild +beast’, and ‘Praises have been offered in desire of glory’ Vasistha 4 (saw). + +‘ To him the eager, the impetuous ’ Nodhas 6 (saw). Having recited at the +morning pressing the strophes of the six-day (rite), at the midday they +recite the Ahina hymns. These are the Ahina hymns; ' Let the true one +come hither, the bounteous, he of the Soma lees ’ the Maitr&varuna e (recites) +containing (the word) ‘true’. ‘To him the eager, the impetuous’ (this +hymn) containing (the word) ‘ prayer ’ in ‘ To Indra the prayers most truly +given ’ and ‘ O Indra, these prayers have the Gotamas made ’ the Brahmana- +cchansin 7 recites. ‘ Ordering the bearer ’ (this hymn) containing (the word) + +‘ bearer ’ in ' They have produced the bearer ’ the Achav&ka 8 recites. They +say ‘Why does the Achavaka recite this hymn containing (the word) +“bearer” both in the days that go away and those that come up again?’ + + +2 See A 9 S. vu. 4 6 ; see below AB. vi. 21. + +* See A 9 S. vii. 4. 7; below AB. vi. 22. + +4 Not the ahlnaaukt&ni as S&Jrana but the +aharahahfasyani ; see A 9 S. vii. 4. 8 and 9; +AB. vi. 20. Mokahaari he sees a cat. + +1 RV. iv. 19, 22 , 28; A. 9 S. vii. 6 . 20. + +2 RV. iii. 48, 84, 86 , 80, 81, 88 ; A 9 S. vii. 5. + +20 omits Hi. 48 and iii. 88 ; see AB. vi. + +20 . + +8 RV. vi. 22; A9& vii. 5. 20. + +4 RV. vii. 19, 28; A. 9 & vii. 5. 20 omits vn. +28; see AB. vi. 20. It is really not a +Saxhp&ta proper. + +® RV. i. 61; A 9 S. vii. 4. 8 ; 99 S. xii. 4. 17, +18. + + +8 RV. iv. 16 ; A 9 S. vii. 4. 9; 99 S. xii. 8. 18, +14. + +7 RV. i. 61: Id and 16 are referred to. + +8 RV. iii. 81; A 9 S. vii. 4. 9; 99 S. xii. 6 . 16, + +17. This is repeated both on the days of +the §adahas and also on the days, which +once past do not recur, here specified ; for +its use on the §adahas, see AB. vi. 19. 4. +The term Alilna is here a quite peculiar +one, the days being single days in as. The +order is (1) strophe and antistrophe; (2) +the Kadvant Prag&tha; (8) the Aram +bhanfya ; (4) the aharahahfasya ; (5) the +Ahlua for the Maitr&varuna; (4) and (5) +being inverted for the other two; see +A 9 S. vii. 4. + + + +273] + + +The Sampata and other Hymns [—vi. 19 + +The knower of many Res is powerful; the hymn contains (the word) +( bearer 9 ; the bearer bears the yoke to which it is yoked. Therefore the +Achavaka recites in both cases this hymn containing (the word) ‘bearer*, +both in the days that go away and in those that come up again. These are +on five days, the Caturvinpa, Abhijit, Visuvant, Vi$vajit and Mahavrata; +these days are Ahlnas, for nothing in them is left out; these days go away +without recurring; therefore they recite them on these days. In that they +recite them, (they hope) * Let us obtain the worlds of heaven without defect, +with all forms, with all perfection. In that they recite them, they invite +Indra with them, like a bull to a cow. In that moreover they recite them, +it is for the continuity of the Ahlna; verily thus they continue the Ahlna. + +vi. 19 (xxix. 3). These three Sampata (hymns) the Maitravaruna recites +one by one day by day, alternating their order; 1 * on the first day (he +recites) * Thee O Indra, with the thunderbolt', on the second ‘ That which +of ours Indra rejoiceth in and desireth *, on the third * How ? of what Hotr +hath he made great?* Three Sampatas the Brahmanacchansin recites one +by one day by day, alternating their order,* on the first day ‘ Indra, breaker +of citadels, overcame the Dasa with his beams ’, on the second *Who alone +is to be invited by mortals*, on the third ‘ With sharp horns, like a terrible +wild beast *. Three Samp&tas the Achavaka recites one by one, day by day, +alternating their order, 3 on the first day ‘ This offering do thou make attain *, +on the second ‘Thy comrades, Soma-loving, desire thee*, on the third +‘ Ordering the bearer hath gone to the grandson of the daughter*. These +number nine; there are three to be recited every day; 4 * these make up +twelve; the year has twelve months; Prajapati is the year; the sacrifice is +Prajapati; thus they obtain the year and Prajapati; thus they continue +day by day to find support in the year, in Prajapati, in the sacrifice. +Between them they should insert an insertion, Viraj verses and verses 3 by +Vimada without repetition of 0 on the fourth day, Pankti 6 verses on the fifth, + + +1 BV. iv. 19 ; iv. 22 ; iv. 28. viparydsam pre¬ +sumably means that on the last three +days of the ^agaha they are repeated in +the same order. These hymns replace +the Ahlna hymns of the special days (AB. +vi. 18, n. 8). See A9& vii. 5.21,22 ; cf. +Vait. xxxi. 26. + +* RV. iii. 84; vi.22; vii. 19. + +8 BV. iii. 86; iii. 80 ; iii. 81. + +4 See for these AB. vi. 20. + +8 RV. vii. 22. 6-8; vii. 81. 10-12; see KB. +xxix. 6 where they are called 9ilpas. +These are made into three triplets and +inserted by the three priests on the fourth + +35 mJ + + +day of the Qadaha; the verses by +Vimada are not an alternative as sug¬ +gested by Sftyana (jekahpakfah ... pakfdn- +taram) but an addition, and the Anand. +ed. reads veutnadif ea caturth* (which is of +course palaeographically practically the +same as the reading oatmorfif caharUU). The +verses are BV. x. 28. 1-7 ; the first three +verses in each case go to the Maitrft- +v&runa; the Br&hman&oohaAsin has 8- +6 ; the Ach&v&ka 6-7. See A$S. vii. 11. +84 Mg.; Vait. xxxii. 7. + +• RV. i. 29. 1-7 ; A$S. vii. 11. 89. Cf. 9?S. +xii. 6. 12 ; Vait xxxii. 8. + + + +[274 + + +vi. 19 —] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + +and verses by Parucchepa 7 on the sixth. Moreover on those days which +have great Stomas the Maitravaruna 8 should insert * What friend of man +to-day, god-loving?’, the Brahmanacchansin, 9 ‘He who hath been placed +as it were in the forest delighting,’ and the Achavaka 10 ‘Come hither, +standing on thy chariot seat ’. These are the insertions; by means of these +insertions the gods, the seers, conquered the world of heaven. Verily thus +also the sacrificers by these insertions conquer the world of heaven. + +vi. 20 (xxviii. 4) * Straightway on birth the bull, the youngling ’ the +Maitravaruna 1 recites day by day before the hymns. That hymn is +heavenly; by this hymn the gods conquered the world of heaven, by this +the seers. Verily thus also the sacrificers by this hymn conquer the world of +heaven. It is by Vifvamitra; Vifvamitra was the friend of all; all +becomes friendly to him who knows thus and to those for whom a Maitra¬ +varuna, knowing thus, recites this before the hymns day by day. It con¬ +tains (the words) ‘ bull ’ and ‘ dattle ’; (it serves) to win cattle. It is of +five verses; the Pankti has five Padas; food iB the Pankti; (it serves) to +win proper food. ‘Praises have been offered in desire of glory’ the +Brahmanacchansin 2 recites day by day the hymn containing (the word) +‘ praise ’ and so perfect. This hymn is heavenly; by this hymn the gods +conquered the world of heaven, by this the seers. Verily thus also the +sacrificers by this hymn conquer the world of heaven. It is by Vasistha; +by it Vasistha went to the dear abode of Indra, he conquered the highest +world. He goes to the dear abode of Indra, he conquers the highest +world who knows thus. It has six verses; the seasons are six ; (it serves) +to win the seasons. He recites it after the Sampatas. Having obtained +thus the world of heaven the sacrificers find support in this world. ‘Like +a carpenter have I fashioned a thought', the Achavaka 3 recites day by +day, containing (the word) ‘ towards ’ and a symbol of continuity. ‘ Ponder¬ +ing on the dear (days) to come' (he says); the days to come are dear; +verily thus they proceed pondering on, laying hold of, them. The world of +heaven is to come as compared with this world ; verily thus he alludes to +it. ‘ I long to see the sages, with wisdom ’ (he says), our seers who are +departed are the sages; verily thus he refers to them. It is by Vifvamitra; +Vifvamitra was the friend of all; all becomes friendly to him who knows +thus. That which he recites has no deity mentioned and is connected with + +* RV. i. 181. 1-7 ; AfS. vii. 11. 40. Cf. ffS. 10 RV. ui. 48 ; AfS. vii. 12. 1. + +zii. 8. 12 ; Vait. xxxii. 9. 1 RV. iii. 48. Cf. ApS. vii. 4. 8 + +• RV. iv. 25 ; AfS. vii. 12. 1 ; Vait. xxxiii. * RV. vii. 28. Cf. AfS. vii. 4. 9; fps. xii. + +18 ; GB. xi. 1. These are used for the 4. 8. + +Chandomas as the Stomas increase in size. 9 RV. iii. 88. Cf. AfS. vii. 4. 9; 59 s - z “- + +RV. x. 29 ; AfS. vii. 12.1; Vait. xxxii. 10 ; 5. 8. + +GB. xi. 2. + + +9 + + + +275] + + +[—vi. 22 + + +The Kadvant Pragathas + +Prajapati. Prajapati is he whose name is not mentioned; (it serves) to +obtain Prajapati. Once 4 he mentions Indra; thereby he departs not from +the Indra form. It is in ten verses; the Viraj has ten syllables; the Viraj +is food ; (it serves) to win food. As to its being of ten verses, the breaths +are ten; verily thus they obtain the breaths, they place breaths in the +body. He recites it after the Sampatas; verily thus having obtained the +world of heaven, the sacrificers find support in this world. + +vi. 21 (xxix. 5). ‘Who, O Indra, him that hath thee as his wealth’, +* What newest of praises *, and ‘ What hath not been wrought by him * are +the Pragathas 1 containing the word ‘ who ’ which are recited day by day +at the beginning. Prajapati is Who; (verily they serve) to obtain Praja¬ +pati. Moreover in that they contain (the word) ‘ who ’ and who is food, +(they serve) to win food. Moreover as to their containing (the word) +‘ who ’, day by day they praise employing the Ahlna hymn, duly appeased, +and it is by the Pragathas containing (the word) 1 who ’ that they appease +them. Appeased they bring them prosperity (ka ); appeased they carry +them towards the world of heaven. The beginnings of the hymns which +they recite should be in Tristubh; these some recite before the Pragathas, +calling them inserted verses. That he should not do so. The Hotr is lordly +power, the Hotra§ansins are the people; verily thus they would make the +people refractory to the lordly power which is a confusion. He should +know ‘ These my hymn beginnings are Tristubhs \ Just as men set sail on an +ocean so set they sail who perform the year or a twelve day (rite) ; just as +men desiring to reach the other shore mount a ship well found, 2 so do they +mount the Tristubhs. That metre having made them go to the world of +heaven does not fail, for it is the strongest of all. He should not utter the +call for these (verses) (thinking) ‘ The metre is the same; moreover let me +not make them inserted verses/ In that they recite these (verses), (they +think) 1 Let us mount the hymns with the recognized beginnings of the +hymns/ In that they recite these (verses), verily with them they summon +Indra, like a bull to the cow. Moreover in that they recite them, (it +serves) for the continuity of the Ahina; verily thus they continue the Ahina. + +vi. 22 (xxix. 6). * O Indra drive away all our enemies in front ’ the +Maitravaruna 1 recites day by day before the hymns: + +« RV. iii. 88. 10. RV. iv. 16 ; vii. 28 ; iii. 88; then the + +i RV. vii. 82. 14 and 15; viii. a 18 and 14 ; concluding verses ; AB. vi. 18, n. 8 ex- + +66 . 9 and 10. In this chapter the order plains the order of iii. 48 and iv. 16 (for + +of the various parts of the litanies agrees the opposite order see AB. vi. 18 and 20). + +clearly with that in A£S. vii. 4 (mis- Afdntani may be read, + +interpreted by Haug, ii. 412, n. 8) ; viz. * Cf. below AB. vii. 18; BR. vii. 1199. +the Pragftthaa; then the Tristubh verses; vi. 22. 1 RV. x. 181.1. Cf. A£S. vii. 4. 7; 95**. +then RV. iii. 48; i. 61; iii. 81 ; then xii. 8. 5 ; KB. xxix. 4. + + + +[276* + + +vi. 22 —] The Qastras of the Hotrdkas + +1 Drive away those behind, 0 overpowering one, + +Drive away those to the north, 0 hero, those below to the south +That we may delight in thy wide protection ’ + +(he says); it is a symbol of freedom from fear; for he desires as he pro¬ +ceeds freedom from fear. * Those yoked with prayer, I yoke with prayer' +the Brahmanacchansin 2 recites day by day; in 1 1 yoke * it contains (the +word) yoke, since the Ahina is yoked as it were; (therefore) it is a symbol +of the Ahina. ‘ To wide space thou leadest us after knowing * the Achavaka 3 +recites day by day; since the Ahina goes as it were, (the words) c Thou +leadest after * are a symbol of the Ahina; (the words) ‘ Thou leadest * are +a symbol of the proceeding of the sacrificial session. These are recited day +by day. They should conclude with the same verses; 4 Indra is a home- +goer as regards their sacrifice ; as a bull to the cow, or as a cow to its well- +known place of pasture, so does Indra come to their sacrifice. He should +not conclude with the ‘ Prosperity let us invoke ’ verse 5 the Ahina (hymn); +the Esatriya departs from his kingdom; his rival he then summons. + +vi. 28 (xxix. 7). Then follows the yoking and releasing of the Ahina (rite), +with 1 ‘ He traversed the atmosphere* he yokes; with * So Indra* he releases; +with 2 * I of the two connected with Sarasvati * and ‘ Surely this of thee * +he yokes the Ahina; with 3 ‘ Let us be thine, O god Varuna * and 4 Chant ye * +he releases. He is worthy to weave the Ahina who knows how to yoke and +to release it. In that they are yoked on the Caturvin$a day is the yoking; +in that they are released before the concluding Atiratra is the releasing. +If on the Caturvin$a day they were to conclude with (the verses) of the +one day (rite), they would conclude the sacrifice, and would not make it an +Ahina; if they were again to conclude with the concluding verses of the +Ahina, the sacrifice would perish, just as one wearied and not being released +perishes. With both sets should they conclude. 4 That is as if one were +to go a long journey unyoking from time to time; the sacrifice becomes +continuous, and yet they release (it). He should not over-recite the Soma by + + +* RV. iii. 86. 4. Cf. A£S. vii. 4. 7 ; S. rii. +4. 2. + +» RV. vi. 47. a Cf. AfS. vii. 4. 7 ; 9?S. xii. +5.2. + +4 Viz. RV. iv. 16. 21 (M&itrftvaruna) ; vii. +28. 6 (Br&hmaniechafisin); ii. 11. 21 +Ach&v&ka) ; see AB. vi. 23. + +4 RV. iii. 8a 10. See A£S. vii. 4. 10. + +1 RV. viii. 14. 7-9; vii. 28.6 (the Br&hmanA- +ccha&sin), for the morning and mid¬ +day pressings as concluding verses. Cf. +OB. xi. 6. + + +• RV. viii. 88. 10 ; ii. 11. 21 (the Ach&vika) ; + +the second refers to the release. + +* RV. vii. 66. 9; iv. 16. 21 (the Maitrfcva- + +runa); the first refers to the joining. + +4 I. e. the Maitr&varana with those of the +one day rite only; the Aoh&vftka with +those of the Ahina; the Br&hmanA- +cchafisin with those of the Ahina in +the morning and those of the one day +rite at the midday pressing: above AB. +vi. a + + + +The Ahlna Rite + + +277 ] + + +[—vi. 24 + + +more than one or two verses at the two pressings 6 ; when a Stoma is over¬ +recited by many verses then come into existence long stretches of wild; +he may use an unlimited number at the third pressing; the world of +heaven is unlimited; (it serves) to obtain the world of heaven. He grasps +the Ahlna continuous and firm who knowing thus performs the Ahma. + +vi. 24 (xxix. 8). The gods saw the cows in a cave ; they sought to win +them with the sacrifice; they obtained them with the sixth day. At the morn¬ +ing pressing with Nabhaka’s (hymn) they tore open (nabh) the cave; in that +they tore it open, verily thus they loosened it. On the third pressing having +destroyed the cave with the Valakhilyas as the thunderbolt and (the verse) +of one Pada as the hammer of speech, they drove out the cows. Verily thus +also the sacrificers tear open the cave at the morning pressing with +Nabhaka’s (hymn); in that they tear it open, verily thus they loosen it. +Therefore the Hotrakas at the morning pressing recite triplets 1 by +Nabhaka. 1 When supporting the summits \ the Maitravaruna, ‘ O Indra, +ancient are thine addresses the Brahmanacchansin ; * The middle of con¬ +flicts ’, the Achav&ka. At the third pressing having destroyed the cave +with the Valakhilyas as the thunderbolt and (the verse) of one Pada as the +hammer of speech they obtain the cows. First he transposes by Padas 2 the +six hymns of the Valakhilyas, by half verses the second time, by verses +the third time. When transposing by Padas be should place (a verse) of one +Pada in each Pragatha; that is the hammer of speech. There are five +(verses) of one Pada; four from the tenth day, one from the Mahavrata. +There are the M&hanamnl Padas of eight syllables; he should recite as +many of these as he requires to complete; he should disregard the otherB. +When transposing by half verses he should recite these (verses) of one +Pada, and these eight-syllable Padas of the Mahanamnls. When trans- + + +5 Gf. AB. vi. 8. 5 ; here an unlimited number +is allowed for the third pressing only, a +view which really is not consistent with +that view; cf. A$S. vii. 12. 5 with comm. + +1 RV. viii. 41. 4-6 ; 40. 9-11; 8-6 ; A$S. vii. +2. 17. They follow the Anurupaa or +Tristubhs. + +* The mode of recitation is given by A9&. +viii. 2.19-21. The first six hymns (RV. +viii. 49-64) are recited by Padas, half +verses, and verses; the order is first +Pada of first verse of first hymn, then +second Pada of second verse of second +hymn; first Pada second verse second +hymn, second Pada first verse first hymn +and so forth. The Prag&thas are made +up of two verses; this done, an eight- + + +syllable verse is added, viz. indro vipxuya +gopcUih ; indro vtpvasya bhUpcUih ; indro +vifoasya rdjaii ; indro vigvasya ceiati; indro +vifoatk virQjcUi ; further the eight-syllable +Padas of the Mah&n&mnls are added (from +AA. iv. pracetanapra cetaya, &c.) so far as is +needed to fill up the number of Prag&thas. +The transposition of half verses follows in +precisely the same way, thus viii. 49.1 a +and b ; 60. 2 e and d ; that by verses viii. +49.1; 60.2, ftc. A^S. viii. 2.28 says that +the Mah&n&mnls yield with the purUas +28 sets of eight syllables to fill up the 28 +Prag&thas of the six V&lakhily& hymns. +Below in AB. vi. 28 two other ways of +the recitation are referred to. + + + +vi. 24—] The Qastras of the Hotrahas [278 + +posing by verses, he should recite these (verses) of one Pada and these +eight-syllable Padas of the Mahanamms. In that he transposes for the +first time the six hymns of the Valakhilyas, verily thus he transposes breath +and speech; in that for the second time, thus he transposes eye and mind ; +in that for the third, thus he transposes ear and self. Thus is the desire in +the transposition obtained, in the Valakhilyas as the thunderbolt, in (the +verse) of one food as the hammer of speech, in the arrangement of the breaths. +For the fourth time he recites the Pragathas without transposition; the +Pragathas are cattle; (they serve) to win cattle. He should not here insert +(the verse) of one Pada; if he were to insert (the verse) of one Pada, by the +hammer of speech he would strike off cattle from the sacrificer. If a man +were to say to him then * You have struck off cattle from the sacrificer, you +have made him without cattle \ it would certainly be so. Therefore he should +not insert (the verse) of one Pada. He inverts the last two hymns; this is +their transposition. This to Saubala Sarpis Vatsi recited; he said * I have +secured 3 the most abundant cattle in this sacrifice; not the least will come +to me/ To him he gave (fees) as to great priests. That recitation is rich +in cattle and heavenly; therefore he recites it. + +vi. 25 (xxix. 9). He mounts the difficult mounting; the explanation of +this has been given. 1 In (a hymn) to Indra 2 should he mount for one desiring +cattle; cattle are connected with Indra. It should be in Jagati; cattle are +connected with the Jagati; it should be a great hymn; verily thus he +establishes the sacrificer in most numerous cattle. In (a hymn) by Baru +should he mount; it is a great hymn and in Jagati. In (a hymn) to Indra +and Varuna 3 should he mount for one desiring support. This Hotr’s office +has these as deities, and has support in these; in that (the offering verse is) +addressed to Indra and Varuna, 4 verily thus he establishes it in its own +support as the end. As to (his mounting) in (a hymn) to Indra and +Varuna, there is here a Nivid; by a Nivid are desires obtained. If he +mounts in (a hymn) to Indra and Varuna, it should be in # (a hymn) by +Suparna. Thus is obtained the desire in (the hymn) to Indra and Varuna, +in (the hymn) by Suparna. + +vi. 26 (xxix. 10). They say * Should he recite together 1 on the sixth day ? + + +* Cf. AB. vi. 86, n. 8. + +1 See AB. iv. 21; KB. xxz. 5. The Durohana +follows the V&lakhily&s and the subse¬ +quent hymn, before its last verse. + +* RV. x. 96; it begins pra vo make ; butS&yana + +sees here in mahdaukta the same use as in +AA. ii. 2. 2. Cf. 99S. xi. 14.10, 26. + +* RV. viii. 69 by Suparna is clearly meant + +and not the hymn pra dhdrd yantu (AGS. + + +iii. 12. 14) given as an alternative by +S&yana. This is given as the hymn in +A 9 S. viii. 2.18-16 in which the Dfirohana +is to be performed (see AB. vi. 26). Cf. +99S. xii. 11. 17. + +4 RV. vi. 68.11; see A 9 S. vi. 1. 2. + +vi. 26. 1 I. e. the question is whether the +ordinary 9&&tra is to be performed or not +with the Dtlrohana. Cf. AB. vi. 36. + + + +279] + + +The Duroharui + + +[—vi. 27 + + +Or should he not recite together ? * * He should recite together ’ they say; + +‘Why should he recite together on the other days and why not recite +together on this?’ Or rather they say ‘He should not recite together. +The sixth day is the world of heaven; the world of heaven is not a place +where all meet; only certain ones meet in the world of heaven If he +were to recite together, he would make it common; in that he does not +recite together, it is a symbol of the world of heaven. Therefore he should +not recite together. Again as to his not reciting together, the strophe is +the body, the Valakhilyas the breaths; if he were to recite together, from +these deities he would sever the breaths of the sacrificer; if one were +to say of him then ‘From these two deities he has severed the breaths +of the sacrificer; breath will leave him ’, it would certainly be so. There¬ +fore he should not recite together. If he should reflect ‘ I have recited the +Valakhilyas; let me recite together before the difficult mounting he should +not on any account so desire. But if pride seizes him, let him recite many +hundreds after the difficult mounting; therein is obtained that in desire of +which he does so. The Valakhilyas are addressed to Indra; they have +Padas of twelve syllables; therein is* there obtained the desire that is in +the Jagati (hymn) to Indra. 2 Moreover there is this hymn to Indra and +Varuna, 8 and a closing verse for Indra and Varuna; therefore he should not +recite together. They say‘ As is the Stotra, so the Qastra; the Valakhilyas +are recited transposed, is the Stotra transposed or not transposed?’ +‘Transposed* he should reply, ‘A twelve-syllable within eight-syllable 4 +(Padas). 1 They say 1 As is the Qastra, so the offering verse; three deities +are praised, Agni, Indra, Varuna, but he uses (a verse) to Indra and Varuna +as offering verse; how is it that Agni is not omitted ? * Varuna is Agni, +this also is declared by a seer. 6 ‘ Since thou, O Agni, art bom as Varuna *; +thus in that he uses (a verse) to Indra and Varuna as offering verse, Agni +is not omitted. + +ADHYAYA V + + +The Qilpas. + + +vi. 27 (xxx. 1). They recite the (Jilpas. 1 These are the works of art of +the gods; in imitation of these works of art here is a work of art accom¬ +plished ; an elephant, a goblet, a garment, a gold object, a mule chariot are + + +* I.e. BY. iii. 61. 1-3 (A^S. vi. 1. 2; 9£S. +iz. 8. 8) is to be omitted in favour of +the BY. vii. 84 ; see A£S. viii. 2.16. +The sense of w + » as sever (from) seems +necessary; cf. PB. ziv. 6. 6. + +« BY. vii. 84. + + +4 The Stotra is prepared on the DvipadA +verses, BY. v. 24. 1-8. + +* BV. v. 8. 1. + +1 Cf. KB. xxix. 5 for a different view of the +word ; the parallel is xxx. 4» They are +said at the 3rd pressing normally on the +6 th day of the Prsthya §adaha. + + + +vi. 27—] The Qastras of the Hotrakas [280 + +works of art; a work of art is accomplished in him who knows thus. As +to these ‘works of art’ (Qastras), the Qilpas are a perfection of the self; +verily by them the sacrificer perfects himself as composed of the metres. +He recites the Nabh&nedistha 2 (hymn); the Nabhanedistha (hymn) is seed; +thus he pours seed; he recites it without mention (of the deity); without +mention is seed secretly poured in the womb. He becomes mingled with +seed: 1 United with earth he sprinkled seed 9 (he says); verily (it serves) to +perfect seed. He recites it with the Nara^ahsa 3 (hymn); man is offspring, +praise speech; verily thus he places speech in offspring, therefore offspring +are bora speaking. Some recite it before saying ‘ Speech has its place in +front ’; others after saying * Speech has its place behind ’; in the middle +should he recite it; speech has its place in the middle; in a place nearer +the end; speech is nearer the back as it were. It the Hotr having poured +in seed form hands over to the Maitravaruna, 4 * * * * (saying) 1 Do thou provide +the breaths for it ’. + +vi. 28 (xxx. 2). He recites the Valakhily&s; 1 the Valakhilyas are the +breaths; verily thus he provides breaths for him. He recites them trans¬ +posed ; these breaths are transposed, expiration (linked) with inspiration, +cross breathing with inspiration. He transposes by Fadas the first two +hymns, by half verses the second two, by verses the third two. In that he +transposes the first two hymns, thus he transposes breath and speech; in +that the second two, thus he transposes eye and mind; in that the third two, +thus he transposes ear and self. Some transpose, putting Brhati verses and +Satobrhati verses in twos together; then the desire that is in transposition +is obtained, but Pragathas do not come about. He should transpose with +intermingling; thus are Pragathas produced. The Valakhilyas are to be +Pragathas; therefore should he transpose with intermingling; as to his +intermingling, the Brhati is the body, the Satobrhati the breaths; he recites + + +2 RV. x. 61; v. 5 is referred to. See AfS. +viiL 1. 20. Cf. above AB. vi. 16. + +8 RV. x. 62. It is inserted after RV. x. 61. 25; +see AfS. viii. 1. 20. + +4 The filpas of these priests have two forms, + +the vikrta at the third pressing of the + +sixth day, at the V^vajit, and [if the + +Sftman chanters use Dvipad&s at the + +third pressing of any Ukthya day; this is + +the form contemplated in AB., save in vi. +80,81; in the case that the sixth day or the +Vifv^jit is an Agnistoma or the Dvipadfis +are not used, then a simpler form of fil¬ +pas appears at the midday pressing, the +Aohftvftka discontinuing his Evay&marut + + +and the Maitr&varuna using only the +Brhati hymns ; see AfS. viii. 4. 4-12. + +1 AfS. viii. 2. 6 so?, (cf. ffS. xii. 6. 12 seg.) +gives the modes of reciting here men¬ +tioned as two, the MahAvftlabhid, adopted +in AB. vi. 24. 6 wherein all the six hymns +are recited in the three ways, and the +two Haundinas in which the hymns are +divided into three sets of two each (so +KB. xxx. 4); the first of the Haundina +methods uniting the Brhatls and the +Satobrhatis in twos, while the other is +here preferred, and unites on the basis +of vi. 24. + + + +281 ] + + +The SuJcirti , Vrsakapi , and Evaydmarut [— vi. 80 + +the Brhati, it is the body, then the Satobrhati, it is the breaths; then the +Brhati, then the Satobrhati; thus he continues to strengthen the body with +the breaths around. Therefore should he transpose with intermingling. +Again as to his intermingling, the Brhati is the body, the Satobrhati cattle; +he recites the Bfhati, it is the body, then the Satobrhati, it is cattle; then the +Brhati, then the Satobrhati; thus he continues to strengthen the body with +cattle around. Therefore should he transpose with intermingling. He +inverts the two] last hymns; 2 this is their transposition. The Maitravaruna +having made the breaths for it hands it over to the Brahmanacchansin +(saying) * Do thou propagate it ’. + +vi. 29 (xxx. 8). He recites the Sukirti 1 (hymn); the Sukirti hymn is a +birthplace of the gods; thus he produces the sacrificer from the sacrifice as +a divine birthplace. He recites the Vrsakapi 2 (hymn); the Vrsakapi is the +body; verily thus he makes a body for it. He recites it with the sound o; +the sound o is food ; thus to it on birth he gives food as the breast to +a child. It is in Pankti verses; man is fivefold and arranged in five +divisions, hair, skin, flesh, bone, marrow. As great as is man, so great +does he make the sacrificer. Having produced him the Brahmanacchansin +hands him over to the Achavaka (saying) ‘Do thou fashion a support +for him \ + +vi. 80 (xxx. 4). He recites the Evayamarut 1 (hymn); the Evayamarut +(hymn) is a support; verily thus he makes a support for him. It he +recites with the sound o ; the sound o is food; verily thus he places food +in him. It is in Jagatl or Atijagatl; all the world is connected with the +Jagati or Atijagatl. It is addressed to the Maruts; the Marutsare waters, +food is water; verily thus in order he places proper food in him. These +they call the accompanying (hymns), the Nabhanedistha, the Valakhilyas, +the Vrsakapi, the Evayamarut. These he should recite together or not +recite together; if he recites them separately; that would be as if one +were to divide in two a man or seed; therefore he should recite them +together or not recite them together. Bulila Afvatara Afvi being Hotr at +the Vijvajit meditated * Of these Qilpas two are liable to be performed +at the midday in the Vi 9 vajit in the year (rite); come, let me here have +recited the Evayamarut (hymn) \ He then had recited the hymn. When +it was being recited thus, Gaufla came up; he said 1 0 Hotr, how is that +your Qastra is wandering without a wheel*. ‘What has happened* (he + +3 AB. vi. 24. 15. 3 BV. z. 86. See i-9®* yiii. 8. 4-6; 99®* xii. + +1 RV. x. 181. Cf. KB. xxx. 6. It follows the 18. 1. + +strophe and antistrophe, RV. x. 157.1-5 ; vi. 80. 1 RV. v. 87; see AfS. viii. 4.2; 99®* +▼i. 17. 5 ; see A 9 S. viii. 8. 3 ; 99S. xii. xii. 26. 10. Cf. AB. v. 15. + +18. 1. + +36 [b.a& m] + + + +[282 + + +vi. 30—] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + +replied). 1 The Ev&yam&rut is being recited further on'; * he replied, * the +midday is connected with Indra; why do you seek to draw Indra away +from the midday ? ’ ‘ I do not seek to draw Indra away from the midday; +he said. ( But this text is not appropriate for the midday; it is Jagati or +Atijagati; all this is connected with the Jagati or Atijagati; it also is +addressed to the Maruts; do not recite it’ (he replied). He said ‘Stop, +O Achavaka ’; then he sought instruction from him. 3 He said ‘ Let him +recite (a hymn) to Indra 4 with a reference to Visnu; then do thou, O Hotr, +after the inserted verse to Rudra 6 and before (the hymn) to the Maruts +insert this (Evayamarut) hymn. He caused the recitation to be made so; +now to-day it is thus performed. 6 + +vL 81 (xxx. 5). They say 1 ‘ Seeing that in the Vifvajit, in the Atiratra +form/ 8 and so on the sixth day the sacrifice comes into order,the generation of +the sacrificer comes into order, how is it that here, while the Nabhanedistha +hymn is not recited, the Maitravaruna recites the Valakhilyas; they are +the breaths; seed comes first and then breath. So the Brahmanacchahsin: +while the Nabhanedistha is not recited, he recites the Vrsakapi; it is the +body; seed is first, then the body; how then is the sacrificer produced t How +are the breaths not confused ?* ‘By means of the whole sacrificial rite they +prepare the sacrificer; like an embryo in the womb, so he lies growing. +Not at once in the beginning does it come into being whole; separately each +member comes into being as it comes into being ’ (is the reply). If they +perform all on the same day, the sacrifice comes into order, the generation +of the sacrificer comes into order. Moreover the Hotr recites at the third +pressing the Evay&marut (hymn); verily thus at the end he establishes +him in a support. + +vi. 32 (xxx. 6). When the metres had been obtained by the sixth day the +sap poured over; Prajapati was afraid * This sap of the metres going away + + +• 1 North’ is S&yana's version, i. e. by the + +Ach&v&ka, whose altar is north of the +Hotf’s. + +8 S&yana takes ise=ichOmi and makes this a +quotation obviously in error. Weber +(Ind. Stud . iz. 803) corrects the version of +S&yana which takes fansista as third +person sing. + +4 RV. vi. 20 : v. 2 refers to Visnu ; see AfS. +viii 4. 10; 99 S. xii. 6.14.‘ * + +• RV. i. 48.6; see Caland and Henry, L'Ayni- + +ftoma, pp. 878, 875. + +• I.e. at the Vifvajit, the other two + +being transposed to the midday; see +AfS. viii. 4. 7-9 ; 99 S. xi, 15. 10. + + +1 This refers to the V^vajit in a Sattra where +the N&bh&nedistha of the Hotr is as usual +in the Va^vadeva fastra in the third +pressing. The 9 as tras of the Maitrfe- +varuna and the Br&hman&ochaftsin then +loose their special predecessor; being +transferred to the midday ritual, in the +Agnistomaform ;cf. KB. zzv. 12-14. The +answer is that all the 9Up** are per¬ +formed though not in the same order, +the Evay&marut being also found in the +Hotr’s recitation. + +*1.6. as an Ek&ha, and also on the sixth +day, an Ukthya (read uklMyaaamsth&tvma +in comm.). Cf. A 9 S. viii. 4. 5, 6. + + + +283] + + +The Kuntdpa Hymns [—vl 32 + +will go over the worlds. It he grasped around from above with the metres, +that of the Gayatri with the Nara$ansl, that of the Tristubh with the +Raibhi, that of the Jagati with the Pariksiti, that of the Anus^ubh with +the Karavya. Thus he placed again the sap in the metres. He sacrifices +with metres full of sap, with metres full of sap he extends the sacrifice who +knows thus. He recites the Nara^ans! (verses) 1 ; men are offspring, praise +is speech; verily thus he places speech in offspring; therefore offspring here +are born speaking (for him), who knows thus. As to the Narft$ansls, by recit¬ +ing the gods and the seers went 1o the world of heaven; verily thus also the +8acrificers by reciting go to the world of heaven. These he recites taking +apart, 8 as (he recites) the Vrsakapi (hymn); for it is connected with the +Vrsakapi; thus it follows the rule of the Vrsakapi. In them he should not +say the sound o ; he should accent specially, 3 for it is their sound o. He +recites the Raibhi (verses) 4 ; the gods and the seers making a noise went +to the world of heaven; verily thus the sacrificers making a noise go to the +world of heaven. These he recites taking apart, like the Vrs&kapi,for it +is connected with the Vrsakapi; thus it follows the rule of the Vrsakapi. +In them he should not say the sound 0 ; he should accent specially, for it is +their sound o. He recites the Pariksit 6 (verses); Pariksit is Agni, for Agni +dwells around (pari lcseti) these creatures; for round Agni these creatures +dwell ; he attains union and identity of form and world with Agni who +knows thus. As to these being Pariksit (verses), Pariksit is the year, for +the year dwells round these creatures, for round the year these creatures +dwell. He attains union and identity of form and world with the year +who knows thus. These he recites taking apart, like the Vps&kapi, for it +is connected with the Vrsakapi; thus it follows the rule of the Vrsakapi. +In them he should not say the sound o; he should accent specially, for it is +their sound o. He recites the Karavya® (verses). Whatever good thing +they did, the gods obtained with the Karavyas; verily thus also the +sacrificers obtain with the Karavyas whatever good thing they do. These + + +1 All these are to be recited by the Br&hma- +n&ccha&sin (see AB. vi. 29). The whole +is the Kunt&pa, referred by S&yana to +a book called the Kunt&pa boing a Khila. +See AV. xx. 127.1-8 ; RVKh. y. 8; Q?S. +xii. 14.1-8. See also A$S. viii. 8.10 seq.; +VaiL xxxii. 19 seq. Gf. KB. xxx. 5-7. + +* I. e. pausing at each Pada. In $ 8 above +the words yad voa ndr&pinsih should go +with the next clause, as in §f 18 and 14. +For the N&r&gafisls (distinct from the +N&r&faAsa in AB. vi. 16 and 27) see +Vedic Index , i. 445, 446; SBE. xlii. 690 seq. + + +3 The Ninarda is a species of accent described +in A 9 S. viii. 8. 9 seq .; VaiL xxxii. 14-17. +It affects the second vowel of the third +Pada, the normal place of the Nyffnkha. +The first vowel is pronounced as anuddtta , +the second as uddtta, the next ekapruti. +The Pratigara is othdmo daivom. + +* AV. xx. 127. 4-6 ; RVKh. v. 9; 9fS. xii + +15. 1; 14. 4,5. Cf. Vait. xxxii 19. + +8 AV. xx. 127. 7-10 ; RVKh. v. 10; 9£S. xii. +17. 1. 1-i. + +• AV. xx. W. 11-14; RVKh. v. 11, $9S. xii. + +15. 2-4, v. 12 occurs in AB. viii. 11. 5. + + + +[284 + + +vi. 32—] The Qastras of the Hotrakas + +he recites taking apart, like the Vrsakapi, for it is connected with the +Vrsakapi; thus it follows the rule of the Vrsakapi. In them he should not +say the sound o; he should accent specially, for it is their sound o. He +recites the orderings of the quarters; 7 verily thus he puts in order the +quarters; five he recites; these quarters are five, four transverse, one +upwards. In these he should not say the sound o, nor should he accent +specially 8 (thinking) ( Let me not make to move these quarters These he +recites by half-verses, for support. He recites the man-ordering (verses); 9 +the man-ordering (verses) are offspring; verily thus having put in order the +quarters he establishes offspring in them. In these he should not say the +sound o nor accent specially (thinking)' Let me not make to move these +offspring *. These he recites by half-verses, for support He recites the +Indragathas 10 ; by the singing against them of the Indragathas, the gods +overpowered the Asuras; verily thus also the sacrificers by singing the +Indragathas against the hated rival overpower him. By half-verses he +recites these, for support + +vi. 33 (xxx. 7). He recites the prattle of Aita$a 1 ; Aita$a, the sage, saw +the life of Agni; ‘ the unwearied part of the sacrifice 1 say some. He said to +his sons ‘ My boys, I have seen the life of Agni; I shall chatter it; what¬ +ever I say do not disregard\ He began ‘ These horses float up to Pratipa +Pratisatvana 9 ; (his son) Abhyagni Aitafayana, having come, arriving at +a wrong moment, seized his mouth (saying) 1 Our father has become out of +his mind He said to him ‘Go hence; thou hast been a sluggard in spoil¬ +ing my speech ; I was about to make the cow of a hundred (years of) life, +man of a thousand (years of) life; worst of all do I make thine offspring +since thou here hast fastened on me \ Therefore they say c The Abhyagnis +Aita$ayanas are the least of the Aurvas \ Some recite it of longer length; +he should not prevent it; ‘ Recite as much as is desired * he should say; +the prattle of Aita$apa is life; verily thus he prolongs the life of the sacri- +ficer who knows thus. As to there being the prattle of Aitapa; the prattle +of Aita^a is the sap of the metres; verily thus he places sap in the metres. +He sacrifices with metres full of sap and with metres full of sap he extends +the sacrifice who knows thus. Again as to the prattle of Aita$a; the + + +7 AV. xx. 128. 1-5 ; RVKh. v. 12; 99 S. xii. + +20. 2. 1, 8, 2, 4, 5. + +0 naivaiva is read by S&yana but it is very odd +to have two era’s thus used; it is natural +to suppose fra is onoe meant as above it +is always ni t ftoa nardet. + +• AV. xx. 128. 6-11; RVKh v. 18 ; $$8. xii. + +21 . 2 . 1 - 6 . + +w AV. xx. 128.12-16 ; RVKh. v. 14; 12, 18, + + +and 15 occur in 99®* xii. 15. 5; 16.1. + +1 AV. xx. 129. 1 seq. See KB. xxx. 5; Vait. +xxxii. 20; GB. xi. 12 stq. iLfS. viii. 8. +14 prescribes 70 Padas or 18, viz. 1-8 a ; +15d-17 b ; 17 d; 186. See RVKh. v. 16 ; +(17x4 + 2); 958. xii. 18. 2. 1-9; 1. 11- +18 has eight of the verses. Cf. A. 9 & viii* +8. 14 soq. for the following; Bloomfield, +Atharoaveda, pp. 98 ss?. + + + +285] The Prattle of Aitaga [—vi. 84 + +prattle of Aita$a is freedom from exhaustion and unfailingness; (he thinks) +‘Let there be freedom from exhaustion in my sacrifice, unfailingness in my +sacrifice’. He recites the prattle of Aitaga, taking it by Padas, like +a Nivid. He says om with the last Pada as in the case of a Nivid. He recites +the riddle verses. 2 The gods having confounded the Asuras with the +riddles overcame them; verily thus also the sacrifices having confounded +the hated rival with the riddles overcome him. These he recites by half +verses, for support. He recites the Ajijnasenya (verses); 3 by means of the +Ajijfiasenya verses the gods recognizing the Asuras overcame them ; verily +thus also the sacrifices by means of the Ajijfiasenya (verses) recognizing +the hated rival overcome him. These he recites by half verses, for support. +He recites the Pratiradha; 4 by the Pratiradha the gods overpowered the +Asuras and overcame them; verily thus also the sacrifices overpower the +hated rival and overcome him. He recites the Ativada ; 6 by means of the +Ativada the gods outspoke the Asuras and overcame them; verily thus also +by means of the Ativada the sacrifices outspeak the hated rival and over¬ +come him. These by half veses he recites, for support. + +vi. 34 (xxx. 8). He recites the Devanitha ; x the Adityas and Angirases +disputed as to the world of heaven. ‘ We shall go first, we ’. The Angir¬ +ases fist saw the Soma pressing on the next day for the world of heaven. +They dispatched Agni—Agni is one of the Angirases—(saying) ‘ Go, tell +the Adityas of our pressing to-morrow for the world of heaven*. The +Adityas having seen Agni saw the pressing on the same day for the world +of heaven. To them he said on his arrival 4 We announce to you the press¬ +ing to-morrow for the world of heaven They said 4 But we announce to +thee the pressing on this day for the world of heaven ; with thee for Hotr +we shall go to the world of heaven \ * Be it so * he said and returned with +his reply. They said 4 Didst thou announce? ’ ‘I announced * he replied; +4 moreover they gave me a reply ’. 4 No: surely thou didst not respond ? ’ +(they said). 4 1 did respond' he replied; 4 With fame he 2 approaches who +approaches with the priestly function ; if one were to refuse him, he would + + +* AY. xx. 188. 1-6; RVKh. v. 16; 99 S. xii. +22.1-6; Fait, xxxii. 21. Govindasv&min +and S&yana take pravalhya as «= cheating +with fair words. + +8 AV. xx. 184. 1-4; RVKh. v. 17; 99 s. xii. +28. 1. In Fait, xxxii. 22 and 28 these +and the next are confused. + +4 AV. xx. 186. 1-8; RVKh. v. 18; 99 S. xii. +28. 2. + +8 AV. xx. 186. 4 ; RVKh. v. 12 ; 99 S. xii. 28. +4 ; Fait . xxxii. 26 (aftttida). + + +1 AV. xx. 186. 6 seq ,; RVKh. ▼. 20; 95®* + +19. 1-4; Fait . xxxii. 28 ; see A 9 S. viii. 8. +26. Gf. KB. xxx. 6 ; Ldvi, La doctrine du +sacrifice, pp. 66, 66. + +1 The offerer, rather than as S&yana, the +priest, tam is naturally masculine and +yajtiam is not very easily to be supplied. +Of. 9B. iii. 6. 1.18-17. no . .. na above +is overlooked by Delbrtlck, AUind. Synt. +p. 644. + + + +vi. 34 —] The Qastras of the Hotrakas [286 + +refuse fame; therefore I did not refuse a . If one desire to refuse (to officiate +at a sacrifice) on account of (another) sacrifice 8 should he refuse it. But +if (the offerer) is one for whom it is not suitable to sacrifice, spontaneous +refusal is appropriate. + +vi 35 (xxx. 9). The Angirases sacrificed for the Adityas; to them as +sacrificing for them, they gave this earth full of fees; being accepted it caused +them to burn; they cast her away; she becoming a lioness with gaping +jaws assailed men. Of her as she burned came forth thin fissures which are +now upon her; aforetime she was all even, as it were. Therefore they say + +* He shall not accept a gift laid aside ’, (thinking) 4 Let it not, being pierced with +heat, pierce me with heat/ But if he should accept it, he should give it to +a hated rival; he is ruined. Now as to yonder sun: he having taken the +form of a white horse with its body bound with a horse halter went (to. +them) (saying) 4 This we bring (as a fee) for you.' Thus is the Devanltha 1 +recited, + +4 The Adityas, O singer, brought a fee to the Angirases ; + +This, O singer, they did not approach *; +for they did not approach the (earth). + +‘ But this, O singer, they did approach ’ +for they did approach yonder (sun). + +4 This, O singer, they did not accept,’ +for they did not accept this (earth). + +4 But this, O singer, they did accept,* +for they did accept yonder (sun). + +4 Lest the days be without discrimination ’ +he is the discriminator of the days. + +4 Without a leader 8 the sacrifices ’ + +the fee is the leader of the sacrifices; just as in this world a wagon with¬ +out a leader comes to harm, so the sacrifice without a fee comes to harm; +therefore they say 4 At the sacrifice a fee should be given, if but a small one/ + +4 White and swift of motion, + +And most rapid of foot, + +Swiftly it accomplisheth its purpose; + +The Adityas, Budras, Vasus praise thee, + +This gift do thou accept, O Angiras ’; + +* This must be the sense, as S&yana takes it: ix. 806) suggests ned asann ‘ that they + +asm&i m. drtvtfy&t. may not be' in this and the next case. + +1 The text is the same in its variants save * Again the text is hopeless. Hang as before +that 9$S. has deta and yctfla. The text is renders 4 he being carried away 9 , Che + +hopeless; Haug renders ( he being carried wise men were without a leader (from + +away \ neta(h) - nUah. Weber (Ind. Stud. S&yana). Read below atpalpik&pi. + + + +287] The Devanitha [ —vi. 36 + +Verily thus they sought acceptance of their gift. + +‘This gift, great and broad, + +Let the gods give as a boon, + +Let that be pleasing to you, + +Given be it day by day, + +Do ye accept it’ + +Verily thus they accepted 3 it. He recites this Devanitha taking it by +Padas like aNivid; he says ora with its last Pada as in the case of a Nivid. + +vi. 36 (xxx. 10). He recites the Bhutechads 1 ; by means of the Bhutechads +the gods assailed the Asuras with battle and with craft. The gods, having +obscured by the Bhutechads the might of the Asuras, overcame them; verily +thus the sacrifices having obscured by the Bhutechads the might of the hated +rival overcame him. These he recites by half verses, for support. He recites +the Ahanasya (verses); * from this organ is seed poured, from seed offspring +are bora; verily thus he secures propagation. Ten he recites; the Viraj +has ten syllables ; the Viraj is food; from food is seed poured ; from seed +offspring are bom; verily thus he secures propagation. In them he inserts +the sound o ; the sound o is food; from food is seed poured, from seed off¬ +spring are bora; verily thus he secures propagation. In ‘ I have celebrated +Dadhikravan 9 he recites the Dadhikra (verse); 3 Dadhikr& is the divine filter; +herein he has said a speech full of impurity; thus speech he purifies with +the divine filter. It is in Anustubh ; the Anus^ubh is speech ; thus with its +own metre he purifies speech. In ‘ The most sweet draughts are pressed * +he recites (verses) to Soma, the purifying; 4 (verses) to Soma, the purifying +are a divine filter; herein he has said a speech full of impurity; thus with +the divine filter he purifies speech. They are in Anustubh; the Anustubh +is speech; verily thus with its own metre he purifies speech. In ‘The +drop hath mounted Ar^umati ’ he recites a triplet to Indra and Brhaspati; 5 + +‘ The hosts, godless, as they attacked, + +With Brhaspati to aid, Indra overwhelmed ’ + + +8 S&yana clearly read ajagrabhaitan which in +sense is right, despite Anfrecht. In AB. +▼i. 24 occurs paryagrahaisam. The most +probable reading is c^igrabhlfctn with 1 as +elsewhere (Whitney, SansJc, Or. $ 1081 b ; +cf. $ 801 i), unless we allow ai as an +abnormality for i. + +1 AV. xx. 186. 11-18; RVKh. v. 21; +xii. 16. 4,6, 8; VaiL xxxii. 80. + +8 AY. xx. 186. l-10j RYKh. v. 22. 1-10; +VaiL xxxii. 81; AfS. viii. 8. 80-82; cf. +KB. xxx. 6 ; 9£S. xii. 24. 2; 26. 1. + + +8 AV. xx. 187. 8; RV. iv. 89. 6; RYKh. v. +22. 13; cf. KB. xxx. 8; VaiL xxxii. 88. +The sense of vydhanasydm is not quite +certain, as though S&yana takes it vifista, +still vi 1 without * might do. + +« RY. ix. 101. 4-6; A£S. via. 8. 82 (reading +ca tisrah for catasrah) ; xii. 25. 2; + +VaiL xxxii. 88. + +* RV. viii. 96.18-16 ; AV* xx. 187. 7-9; A 98 . +viii. 8. 88 ; 99^. x ^* 26. 2. uddcdrya is +corrupt; Weber ( Jnd . Stud. ix. 807) sug¬ +gests °cdri ; BR. v. 1412 uddcarya. + + + +vl 86 ] The Qastras of the Hotrakas [288 + +(he says); the Asura folk were rebellious towards the gods; Indra with +Brhaspati as companion smote away the Asura hue when attacking; +verily thus also the sacrificers by means of Indra and Brhaspati as aid +smite away the Asura hue when attacking. They say 4 Should he recite +together 6 on the sixth day. 7 Or should he not recite together ? * 4 He +should recite together ’ they say, 8 4 why should he recite together on the +other days and not recite together on this?’ Or rather they say ‘He +should not recite together ; the sixth day is the world of heaven; the world +of heaven is not a place where all meet; only certain people meet in that +world. If he were to recite together, he would make it common. In that +he does not recite together, that is a symbol of the world of heaven ; there¬ +fore he should not recite together. Again as to his not reciting together; +the litanies here are the Nfibhanedistha, the Valakhilyas, the Vraakapi and +the Evayamarut; if he were to recite together, he would loose the desire +that is in these. The Vraakapi is connected with Indra; the prattle of +Aitafa is all the metres; herein is the desire obtained which is in (the hymn) +in Jagati to Indra; moreover the hymn is addressed to Indra and Brhas¬ +pati ; 7 the concluding verse is addressed to Indra and Brhaspati; therefore +he should not recite together. + +8 With the normal form, RV. i. 57 ; AB. iii. 7 I. e. RV. viii. 96 (n. 5). + +50. This explains Vait xxxii. 85 which 8 Gf. above AB. vi. 26. + +Galand has not identified. + + + +PANCIKA VII + + +Supplementary Matter and the BUasuya. + + +ADHYAYA I + +The Division of the Sacrificial Animal. + +vii. 1 (xxxi. 1). Now 1 regarding the division of the sacrificial animal; we +shall declare the division. The two jaws along with the tongue belong to +Prastotr; the breast in eagle shape to the Udg&tr, the palatal part of the +throat to the Pratihartr, the right loin to the Hotr, the left to the Brahman, +the right thigh to the Maitra varana, the left to the Brahmanacchansin, the +right side with the shoulder to the Adhvaryu, the left to the Upagatrs, the +left shoulder to the Pratipasthatr, the right lower foreleg to the Nestr, the +left to the Potr, the right foreleg to the Ach&vaka, the left to the Agnldh, +the right upper foreleg to the Atreya, the left to the Sadasya, the seat +and spine to the householder, the two right feet 2 to the man who gives +the fast milk to the householder, the two left feet to him who gives +the fast milk to the wife of the householder, 3 the lip is common to +the two; this the householder should leave over. They take the tail to the +wives, but they should give it to a Brahman. The fleshy growth on the +neck and three ribs belong to the Gravastut; three ribs and half the flesh 4 to +the Unnetr, the other half of the flesh and the lungs to the slaughterer; it +he should give to a Brahman, if he is not a Brahman. The head belongs to +the Subrahmanya priest, the skin to him who declares the pressing on the +next day ; 6 the sacrificial food to all or to the Hotr. These thirty-six each + + +1 The division is given in A. 9 S. xii. 9, the +probably original source; it is borrowed +from AB. in QB. iii. 18. The Upagfttrs +are subordinate S&m an priests who accom¬ +pany the chants of the S&m&n singers; +the Atreya is not a normal priest, but he +appears as specially privileged elsewhere, +e. g. K^S. x. 2.21; KS. xxviii. 4. Cf. the +part of the Atreya in 9?S. xvi. 18, 19; +Weber, Jnd. Stud. x. 884. See for the +division 9R iii. 8. 8; Schwab, Das +AUindische Thierop/er , pp. 126-180. + +37 [lM !•] + + +* Sftyana holds that the terms doh and +bdhu exhaust the forelegs, but this seems +unlikely ; the term here is pada * foot \ + +3 Apparently this sense is meant, and so with + +0 nayo£, but S&yan&’s comment is con¬ +fused. + +4 The vaikarta is an unknown part, but + +apparently near the kikasd , here perhaps +the ribs. + +5 I. e. the Agnldh; see A£S. vi. 11. 16. + +Weber ( Ind . Stud. ix. 808) cites PB. xvi. +18. 10 ; L£S. i. 1. 9,12; 99 S. xiv. 40.21; + + + +[290 + + +vii. 1 —] The Division of the Sacrificial Animal + +of one foot support the sacrifice; the Brhati has thirty-six syllables; +the worlds of heaven are connected with the Brhati; verily thus they +obtain the breaths and the worlds of heaven; verily thus they proceed +finding support in the breaths and in the worlds of heaven. It is a +heavenly victim for those who thus divide it. But those who do it other¬ +wise, it is as if robbers or evildoers should rend an animal. This division +of the victim Qrautarsi Devabhaga knew; but he left the world without +proclaiming it. But it is a superhuman being proclaimed to Girija +Babhravya; since that time on men study it. + + +ADHYAYA II + +Expiations for Errors in the Agnihotra y dc. + +vii. 2 (xxxii. 1). They 1 say * If one who has established the fires dies on +the fast day, how is it with his sacrifice? ’ ‘ He should not sacrifice for him’, +they say, 4 for he has not arrived at the sacrifice.’ They say 4 If one who +has established the fires dies when the Agnihotra has been put on the fire or +the Samnayya milk or the oblations, what is the expiation here ? ’ He should +put them all around so that they may all be burned together. That is the +expiation here. They say 4 If one who has established the fires dies when +the oblations have been put in place, what is the expiation here ? ’ (Saying) +4 Hail! ’ to those deities for whom the libations were drawn he should offer +them whole in the Ahavanlya. That is the expiation here. They say 4 If +one who has established the fires dies in absence, how is his Agnihotra to +be performed ? * He should offer with the milk of (a cow) with a calf to +which it is to be won over; 2 the milk of (a cow) with a calf to which it +is to be won over is different, as it were, the Agnihotra of the dead is +different as it were. Or they may offer with milk from whatever source. +Moreover they say 4 They should keep kindled these fires, without offering, +until the bones are collected.’ If the bones cannot be found, having +gathered three hundred and sixty leaf stalks, 3 and having made of them + +41. 11. The presence of the Sadasya, prdya^cxUa (JAOS. xxxiii. 71 eeq.). For + +who is not recognized by the A^v&I&y&na this case of. JB. i. 57. 1-S ; xii. 4. + +school, bat only by the Kausltaki, is 2. 5. + +another sign of later origin, as in the use 8 See TS. i. 8. 5.1; TB. i. 6. 8. 4 ; S&yana’s +of the word vxbhdga ; probably, as Lindner derivation from is very bad: N&rft- + +(Pdnini, p. 79) suggests, an older account yana on A£S. iii. 10. 17 recognizes the + +has been superseded by the Sfltra version. root van ; Vedic Index , i. 452. + +1 For the Prftyafrittas cf. CB. xii. 5. 1 eeq. ; * fasttA is one of the extraordinary forms of the + +Xduf. xiv ; AfS. iii; Ap. ix; Atharva- tradition : ecutim must no doubt be read. + + + +291] Expiations for Errors in the Sacrifice [—vii. 5 + +a human figure as it were, they should perform on it the usual round (of +ceremonies) and thus after mingling, the (fires) with the bones gathered +together remove them. A hundred and fifty should he place on the body, +a hundred and forty on the thigh bones, fifty on the thighs, and the rest on +the head. That is the expiation here. + +vii. 3 (xxxii. 2). [As in AB. v. 27. 1 ] + +vii. 4 (xxxii. 3). They say ‘If a man’s Samnayya 1 milked in the evening +becomes spoiled or some one carries it away, what is the expiation here? ’ +Having divided into two the morning’s milking, he should curdle one half of +it and sacrifice with it. That is the expiation here. They say ‘ If the morning +milking of the Samnayya becomes spoiled or some one carries it away, what +is the expiation here ? He should prepare in its place a cake for Indra or +Mahendra and sacrifice with it. That is the expiation here. They say * If +the whole of his Samnayya becomes spoiled or some one carries it away, +what is the expiation here. (He should offer) a cake for Indra or Mahendra +just as above. That is the expiation here. They say ‘ If the whole of his +oblation becomes spoiled or men take them away, what is the expiation +then ? ’ Having made them according to the deities out of butter, he +should offer with a butter oblation and thus perform another offering +without a flaw. The sacrifice is the expiation of the sacrifice. + +vii. 5 (xxi. 4). They say * If on to a man’s Agnihotra when put on the fire +something not fit for sacrifice falls, what is the expiation here ? ’ Having +poured it all into the offering spoon, and having gone east, he places the +kindling stick on the Ahavanlya, and having taken off a hot coal from the +north of the Ahavanlya he should pour the offering, either in silence or with +a verse to Prajapati. 1 That is both offered and not offered. If it happens +when (the spoon) has been filled once or twice, the same procedure applies. +If he can remove it, having poured off the spoilt portion, and having poured +the unspoiled portion (into the offering spoon) he should offer it in the +ordinary way. 2 That is the expiation here. They say ‘ If a man’s Agni- + + +Weber ( I fid. Stud . ix. 810) suggests parna- +sadah (cf. 9£S. xii. 23. 13). The parallel +texts giving the rite have pctidfavrnt&ni +(9?S. iv. 15. 19; K^S. xxv. 8. 15) or +°tsarunam (Kau$. 83) or paldgatsaruni ( Ath . +Pr&y. iii. 8). For x = dvivinp cf. +Wackernagel, AUind. Gram . II. i. 30, 81. + +1 The only changes are the omission of the +last sentence and the insertion of 4 They +say * before each hypothesis. + +vii. 4. 1 I. e. the mixture of milk prepared at +the evening and on the morning for the + + +Agnihotra. The evening milk is made +sour and mixed with the fresh milk. Of. +A Viarvaprayafc itia, ii. 1. +vii. 5. 1 RV. x. 121. 10. Cf. A?S. iii. 20. 28. +TB. i. 55. 8 and SB. xii. 4. 2. 4 differ. +See also Atharoaprdyafcitta, i. 3 seq. + +* I. e. in the usual mode of tmnayana, pouring +into the spoon; TB. ii. 1. 3. 5. The +form vyapanayitum is very irregular ; for +parallels see Whitney, Sansk. Or, § 968 d. +Cf. JAOS. xxxiii. 78, n. 49. sa yadi is a +sign of lateness. + + + +vii. 6—] Expiations for Errors in the Agnihotra [292 + +hotra when put on the fire spills or pours over, what is the expiation +here ? * He should pour water on it for expiation; waters are expiation; +then he touches (the rest) with his right hand and mutters. ‘ To the sky +a third, to the gods the sacrifice hath gone; thence may wealth come +to me; to the atmosphere, a third, to the fathers the sacrifice hath gone; +thence may wealth come to me; to the earth a third, to me the sacrifice +hath gone; thence may wealth come to me.’ He then mutters (a verse) +to Visnu and Varuna, 3 ‘ By whose might the regions are established; +Visnu guards that of the sacrifice which is well sacrificed, Varuna that +which is ill sacrificed; verily (it serves) to appease both of them. That +is the expiation here. They say * If, as he goes eastwards, 4 the Agnihotra +which has been put on the fire spills or falls out, what is the expiation +here?’ If he were to fetch it again, he would turn the sacrifice away +from the world of heaven; he should stay where he is and others should +fetch to him the remains of the Agnihotra and he should offer it in the +usual way. That is the expiation here. They say ‘ If the offering spoon +splits, what is the expiation here ? * He should fetch another spoon and +offer; then he should put on the Ahavaniya the broken spoon; handle +in front, bowl behind. That is the expiation here. They say 6 ‘ If there +is fire on a man’s Ahavaniya, but that on the Garhapatya is extinguished, +what is the expiation here ? ’ If he were to take out (the fire) to the east, +he would fall away from his abode; if to the west he would perform +the sacrifices like the Asuras; if he were to kindle afresh he would +produce a rival for the sacrificer; if he should make (the Ahavaniya) +also go out, breath would forsake the sacrificer; verily having gathered +the whole of it with the ashes he should put it in the place of the Garhapatya +and from it take out the Ahavaniya to the east. That is the expiation +here. + +vii. 6 (xxxii. 5). They say 1 ‘ If they take out a fire (and put it with) + + +9 Above AB. iii. 88. + +4 The anacoluthon seems clear and S&yana so +takes it. Weber (Ind. Stud. ix. 811) refuses +to accept it, but does not explain yasya +and the verbs do not suit that view. + +B The Ahavaniya is normally taken out to +the east from the G&rhapatya which +alone remains in ; the five alternative +courses in the circumstances are (1) to +to take as the G&rhapatya the Ahavaniya +and then take out the Ahavaniya from +it; (2) to take out the G&rhapatya from +the Ahavaniya, like the Asuras (TB. i. 1. +4. 4); (8) to rekindle the fire ; (4) to ex¬ + + +tinguish the Ahavaniya also, and (5) to +remove the whole fire to the G&rhapatya +and then take out the Ahavaniya. All +tho modes are aUowed by A^S. iii. 12. +21-26 in defiance of the Br&hmana. The +same result is arrived at by the 9®. xii. +4. 3. 6-10 by somewhat different argu¬ +ments. Of. Ath. Pr&y. i. 6 ; JB. i. 61. 3-7 +which agrees closely with £B. (JAOS. +xxiii. 848, 844). + +1 The readings (abhyuddhant and abhyuddha- +reyuh) of JB. i. 66. 2 and £B. xii. 4. 8. 4 +suggest the rendering followed ; the fire +taken out being from the G&rhapatya; + + + +293] Expiations for Errors affecting the Fires [—vii. 7 + +a man’s fire what is the expiation then ? * If he can see it, removing the +former (fire) he should put down the other; if however he cannot see it, +he should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni with Agni; the invita- +tory and offering verses for it are 2 ‘ Agni by Agni is kindled’ and ‘ For +thou, O Agni, by Agni.’ Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya +with ‘ To Agni with Agni hail! ’ That is the expiation here. They say +* If a man’s Garhapatya and Ahavaniya unite together what is the expiation +here ? ’ He should offer to Agni as delight a cake on eight potsherds; +its invitatory and offering verses are 3 ‘O Agni come for delight*, and +‘Who Agni for the delight of the gods.’ Or he should offer a libation +in the Ahavaniya with ‘ To Agni as delight hail! ’ That is the expiation +here. They say * If all a man’s fires should unite together, what is the +expiation here ? ’ He should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni as +discrimination; its invitatory and offering verses are 4 ‘He hath shone +like the sun at the breaking of the dawns ’ and ‘ Thee, O Agni the tribes +of men praise.’ Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with +‘ To Agni as discrimination hail! ’ That is the expiation here. They say +‘If a man’s fire unite with other fires, what is the expiation here?’ +He should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni the charred; 6 its +invitatory and offering verses 6 are ‘ Agni hath roared like Dyaus thunder¬ +ing' and ‘As our fathers of old.’ Or he should offer a libation in the +Ahavaniya with ‘To Agni the charred hail!’ That is the expiation +here. + +vii. 7. (xxxii. 6). They say ‘ If a man’s fires are involved in a village fire, +what is the expiation here ?' He should offer a cake on eight potsherds to +Agni, the spoiler; the invitatory and offering verses are 1 * In our cattle +fray ’ and ‘ Do not as in the great contest.’ Or he should offer a libation +in the Ahavaniya with ‘ To Agni, the spoiler, hail! * That is the expiation +here. They say * If a man’s fires be united with a divine conflagration, +what is the expiation here ? * He should offer a cake on eight potsherds + + +else the sense might be, if people need¬ +lessly take out an Ahavaniya, where +there is an Ahavaniya; then the old one +if still recognizable is to be extinguished. +The reading of Aufrecht yady u for yadya +of the MSS. is essential._ + +9 RV. i. 12. 6; viii. 48.14 ; A£S. iii. 18.8,12 ; +cf. 9?S. iii 4. 1 ; 5. 1; JB. i. 66. 3 ; £B. +xii. 4. 3. 6. + +8 RV. vi. 16. 10 ; i. 12. 9 ; A^S. iii 1 . 6, 12 ; +cf. 99S. iii. 4. 8 ; 6. 2 ; JB. . 66. 4. + +4 RV. vii. 10. 2; v. 8. 8 ; A 9 S. iii. 18. 5, 12, +where the offering verse is RV. vi 6. 8; + + +cf. 99S. iii. 4^ 4 ; 5. 8 : JB. i. 64. 1 ; M9S. +iii. 4. 4, 6 ; Ap9S. ix. 8. 18 ; 9®- xii* 4. +4. 2. + +8 Ksdmavani is doubtful: cf. NS. i. 8. 9; +S&yana takes it as_= ksamdvani , 1 patient * +or * forgiving *; Ap9S. ix. 8. 17 has a +different use of it; cf. Atk. Pray . v. 4. + +• RV. x. 46. 4 ; iv. 2. 16; A 9 S. iii. 18. 4, 12 +with different order of verses and a new +sense ; cf. 99®* 4 - 1& For the whole + +cf. Atharvaprdyafdtta, ii. 7 ; v. 4, 6. + +1 RV. viii 76. 11 and 12; A 9 S. iii 18. 7, 12; +99S. iii. 4. 6 6 . 4 ; 9 B. xii. 4. 4. 8. + + + +vii. 7—] Expiations for Errors in the Sacrifice [294 + +to Agni as in the waters; its invitatory and offering verses are 8 4 In the +waters, O Agni, is thy seat ’ and * The clever, of pure insight hath wrought +a wondrous deed/ Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with +4 To Agni as in the waters hail! ’ That is the expiation here. They +say 2 3 4 If a man’s fires are united with the fire which bums a corpse, what +is the expiation here?’ He should offer a cake on eight potsherds to +Agni, the pure; its invitatory and offering verses are 3 4 Agni of purest +vows’ and 4 Up, 0 Agni, thy pure (rays).’ Or he should offer a libation +in the Ahavaniya with 4 To Agni, the pure, hail! ’ That is the expiation +here. They say 4 If a man’s fires are involved in a forest fire, what is the +expiation here ? ’ He should mount (the fires) on the two fire sticks 4 or +take out a fire brand from the Ahavaniya or from the Garhapatya; if he +cannot so do, he should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni, the +spoiler; its invitatory and offering verses have been given. Or he should +offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with 4 To Agni, the spoiler, hail!’ +That is the expiation here. + +vii. 8 (xxxii. 7). They say 4 If at the fast day one who has established the +fires weeps, what is the expiation here ? ’ He should offer a cake on eight +potsherds to Agni, the supporter of vows; its invitatory and offering verses +are 14 Thou, O Agni, art the supporter of vows, the pure ’ and 4 Supporting +vows, guardian of vows, undeceived.* Or he should offer a libation in +the Ahavaniya with 4 To Agni, supporter of vows, hail! ’ That is the +expiation here. They say 4 If one who has established the fires on the +fast day should happen to commit a breach of his vow, what is the +expiation here?’ He should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni, +the lord of vows; its invitatory and offering verses are 8 4 Thou, O Agni, +art the guardian of vows’ and 4 If we have contravened your vows.’ +Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with 4 To Agni, the lord +of vows, hail! ’ That is the expiation here. They say 4 If one who has +established the fires should omit the offering at new or at full moon, +what is the expiation here ? ’ He should offer a cake on eight potsherds +to Agni, the maker of ways ; its invitatory and offering verses are 3 4 For +thou knowest, O wise one, the ways’ and 4 We have come to the way of + + +2 RV. viii. 43. 9; iii. 1. 3; A£S. iii. 18. 8, 12 + +with viii. 43. 28 as second ; cf. 9?S. iii. +4. 7 ; 6. 5 ; ?B. xii. 4. 4. 4. + +3 RV. viii. 44. 21 and 17 ; A?S. iii. 18. 4 ; + +iii. 4. 6. No verses are given in +A?S. Cf. ?B. xii. 4. 4. 5. + +4 Cf. $B. xii. 4. 8. 10; 4. 1; 5. 2. 1; xiii. 6. + +2.20 ; iv. 6. 8. 8 ; <??S. ii. 17. 1-5; K?S. +v. 8. 1; xxi. 1. 17. Cf. also Atharxa - + + +prayafcitta, ii. 7 and 8. + +1 AgS. iii. 12. 14; TB. ii. 4. 1. 11 : 99S. iii. + +4.12; 5. 9. Cf. JAOS. xxxiii. 85, n. 257. + +2 RV. viii. 11. 1; x. 2. 4; A£S. iii. 18. 2,12; + +cf. 9^S. iv. 4. 11. + +3 RV. vi. 16. 8 ; x. 2. Z ; A£8. iii. 10. 10-12 ; + +cf. 99S. iv. 4. 2 : 5. 7 ; JAOS. xxxiii. 80, +n. 143. + + + +295] Expiations for various Errors [—vii. 9 + +the gods.’ Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with ‘To +Agni, the maker of ways, hail! * That is the expiation here. They say +‘ If all a man’s fires are extinguished, what is the expiation here ? ’ He +should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni, the fervid, connected +with man, the purifying; its invitatory and offering verses are 4 ‘ O come +with fervour among men’ and 'Come to us with fervour among men.’ +Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with ‘To Agni, the +fervid, connected with men, the purifying hail! ’ That is the expiation +here. + +vii. 9 (xxxii. 8). They say ‘ If one who has established the fires eats +new food without making the Agrayana offering, what is the expiation +here!’ He should offer a cake on twelve potsherds to Agni Vaifvanara; +its invitatory and offering verses are 1 ‘Vai^vanara hath produced’ and +‘ Present in the sky, present Agni on earth.’ Or he should offer a libation +in the Ahavaniya with ‘ To Agni Vai^vanara hail! ’ That is the expiation +here. They say ‘ If one has established his fires and a potsherd be lost +what is the expiation here?’ He should offer a cake on two potsherds +to the Alvins; its invitatory and offering verses * are ‘ O Afvins to our +abode ’ and ‘ With chariot rich in cattle O Nasatyas.’ Or he should offer +a libation in the Ahavaniya with ‘To the Agvins hail!’ That is the +expiation here. They say ‘ If one has established the fires and the filter +be lost, what is the expiation here?' He should offer a cake on eight +potsherds to Agni with the filter; its invitatory and offering verses are 3 +‘Thy filter is outstretched, O lord of prayer’ and ‘The filter of the +burning one outstretched in the sky.’ Or he should offer a libation in +the Ahavaniya with ‘ To Agni with the filter hail! ’ That is the expiation +here. They say ‘If one has established the fires and the gold be lost, +what is the expiation here ? ’ He should offer a cake on eight potsherds +to Agni with the gold; its invitatory and offering verses are 4 ‘Golden +haired in the expanse of the atmosphere’ and ‘The well winged ones +strengthen in the ways.’ Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya +with ‘ To Agni with the gold hail I ’ That is the expiation here. They +say ‘If one who has established the fires were to offer without having +bathed in the morning, what is the expiation here ? ’ He should offer + + +4 RV. again has not this; see A£S. iii. 12. 27. +Agni as janadvant is one connected with +the root jon seen in jancru. S&yana leaves +it untranslated. Gf. MS. i. 8. 9. + +1 Above AB. v. 17; BV. i. 98.2; only in A9S. +ii. 15. 2 in another ritual. + + +2 RV. i. 92. 16; vii. 72. 1; not in A^S. in + +this use. + +3 RV. ix. 83. 1 and 2; not in A.9S. in this + +use. + +4 RV. i. 77. 1 and 2; not in this sense in + +A.9S., which has it in the K&rirlgti, ii. +18. 7. + + + +[296 + + +vii. 9 —] Expiations for Errors in the Acjnihotra + +a cake on eight potsherds to Agni as Varuna; its invitatory and offering +verses are 5 ‘Thou for us 0 Agni, knowing Varuna' and ‘Thou O Agni +be nearest with aid to us.' Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya +with ‘To Agni as Varuna hail!' That is the expiation here. They say +‘If one who has established the fires should eat the food of a woman +with child, what is the penance here ? ’ He should offer a cake on eight +potsherds to Agni of the thread; its invitatory and offering verses are 6 +‘Extending the thread of the atmosphere do thou follow the light* and +‘Do ye, O Soma bom, bind the axle strings.' Or he should offer a +libation in the Ahavaniya with ‘To Agni of the thread hail!' That is +the expiation here. They say ‘If one who has established the fires +should live, hearing himself spoken of as dead, 7 what is the expiation +here ?' He should offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni the fragrant; +its invitatory and offering verses are 8 ‘Agni as Hotr hath set down, +good sacrificer' and ‘ True he hath made to-day our offering to the gods.' +Or he should offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with ‘ To Agni, the fragrant, +hail!' That is the expiation here. They say ‘ If one has established +the fires and his wife or a cow produces twins, what is the expiation +here?' He should offer a cake on thirteen potsherds to Agni with the +Maruts; its invitatory and offering verses are 9 ‘ O Maruts in whose +dwelling' and ‘ Like the spokes, none last, like the days.' Or he should +offer a libation in the Ahavaniya with ‘ To Agni with the Maruts hail! ’ +That is the expiation here. They say ‘Should a man without a wife +offer the Agnihotra? Or should he not offer it?' ‘He should offer' +they say; if he were not to offer he would be a mock man. 10 ‘ What +is a mock man ? ’ (they ask); ‘ One who (offers) neither to gods nor to +the fathers nor to men.’ Therefore, even if one has no wife, he should +offer the Agnihotra. With regard to this a sacrificial verse 11 is recited + +‘ Even one who has no wife and who drinks no Soma +Should sacrifice in the SautramanI; + +“ Sacrifice to free thyself from debt to father and mother" + +In accord with this command is this rule of scripture.’ + +Therefore should he make one, who is connected with the Soma, sacrifice. + +5 RV. iv. 1. 4 and 6 ; not in A9S. 8 RV. v. 1. 6 ; x. 53. 8 ; AfS. iii. 13. 11 has + +8 RV. x. 58. 6 and 7. In A$S. ix. 10. 15 the surabhaye for surabhimate. + +first verse is used otherwise ; see below 9 RV. i. 86. 1 ; v. 58. 6 ; AfS. has not these +AB vii. 12. verses in this use. + +7 The construction is so odd that^wi seems 10 The anaddh&puruta appears in a different +obviously needed ; A^S. iii. 18. 11 has connexion in the ; see Eggeling, SBE. + +yasmin jive mrtafabdah. Cf. JAOS. xxxiii. xli. 197, 206, 207. + +98, n. 498. 11 The verse is bad metre : ayam with sautrd - + + + +297] + + +[—vii. 11 + + +The Rule of Fasting + +[vii. 10 (xxxii. 9). They 1 say 4 Why does a man without a wife offer at +command the Agnihotra 3 ‘ If one has commenced 2 (the sacrifice), and his +wife dies or disappears, how does he offer the Agnihotra 3 1 4 Sons, grand¬ +sons, and great grandsons (he wins) ’ they say, * in this and yonder world; +in this world is yonder (world) of heaven, by that which is not heaven one +mounts to the world of heaven/ He maintains the continuity of yonder +world. Therefore they perform the piling for one without a wife. How +does one without a wife perform the Agnihotra 3 4 The wife is faith, the +sacrificer truth; faith and truth are the highest pair; by faith and truth +as a pair he conquers the worlds of heaven 9 (he should reply). + +vii, 11 (xxxii. 10), They 1 say, 4 In that he fasts at the new and full +moon, it is because the gods do not eat the oblation of one who does not keep +his vow of fasting; therefore does he fast (thinking) * May the gods eat my +oblation/ 4 On the first 2 full moon day should he fast 9 is the view of +Paingya; 4 on the second 9 that of Kausltaki. The first full moon day is +Anumati, the second R&ka; the first new moon day is Sinivali, the second +Kuhu. The period is that when (the sun) sets near or rises towards the +moon. On the first full moon should he fast. In that he begins not having + + +manyd might do as a correction. Aufrecht +points out that anrnl is really the origin +of the gloss anrn&rthdt. The construction +seems to be abbreviated: the rule is laid +down in the first line and the reason +given in the second, and pvtih strictly +speaking requires ift in front of it. The +Sautr&mani is to be performed; a fortiori +the Agnihotra. S&yana cites the rule of +the three debts to the gods, fathers, Bsis +(TS. vi. 8. 10. 5), and Visnu’s rule that +sacrifices are to be continued even on +a wife’s death using a substitute for +the wife, for which he cites the Smrti +authority. On the other hand Manu (v. +168) prescribes the burning of a wife in +the fires and a repiling, contrary to AGS. +vi. 10. 9 ; Bh&radvfija and a Maitr&yanI +9ruti. Cf. Yfljfi. i. 88. + +1 S&yana, who explains this after the next +chapter, expressly states that in some +defcu these two chapters were not read, +and that his predecessors did not com¬ +ment on them. This chapter is clearly +in part at least corrupt. + +* nivistty according to S&yana, refers to one +who has commenced his duties as a house¬ +holder including the Agnihotra. The +repetition of agnihotram is as in f 4. The +33 [h.O.8. is] + + +point of the sentence following is hope¬ +lessly obscure. Haug takes druroha as a +first person and, following S&yana, yas- +yaiadm patriim naichet as ‘who does n6t +wish for a (second) wife’, but this is +impossible unless ya . . nochct is read. +Weber despairs of the passage; perhaps +yasyaiod patni nagyet, + +vii. 11. 1 This is a mutilated and partially +unintelligible version of KB. iii. 1; cf. +Weber, JyotiaKa , pp. 61, 62. + +* This is clearly a reference to the doctrine of +two (new and) full moon days (f<JS. i. 8. +8 -6), one of which is when the sun and +moon when full are visible together at +sunset, and one when the full moon is +only visible after sunset. S&yana, how¬ +ever, takes the sense that the time for +the rite falls on the period between sun¬ +rise and sunset, which may be connected +with the fourteenth and first days of the +two halves of the month. Haug gets the +same result by taking tiihi as defined in +terms of the setting and rising of the +moon. But the sentence is a mere cor¬ +ruption of KB. iii. 1: ydrn paryasUmayam +utsarpod iti sa sthitih; the iithi is a concep¬ +tion of the Sutra period only. For the +names cf. Weber, ML Stud. v. 228, 229. + + + +vii. 11 —] Expiations for Errors in the Agnihotra [298 + +discerned the moon in the east at the new moon, and in that he sacrifices, +thereby they purchase the Soma, thereby the second. 8 On the second +should he fast; on the latter days Soma sacrifices in accord with +Soma the deity 4 ; the moon is the Soma of the gods; therefore should he +fast on the second day.] + +vii. 12 (xxxii. 11). They say, 1 ‘ If the sun rises or sets on a man’s fire +before it is taken out, or if being taken forward it dies out before the +oblation, what is the expiation here ? ’ He should put gold in front when +taking it out in the evening; gold is a pure light, yonder sun is a pure light; +verily thus gazing on the pure light he takes it out. Having interposed +silver he should take it out in the morning ; that is a symbol of the night. +Before the blending of the shadows he should take out the Ahavaniya; +the shadow is the darkness, death; verily thus with this light he crosses +over the shadow, the darkness, death. That is the expiation here. They +say, * If a wagon or a chariot or a dog 2 come between the Garhapatya and +the Ahavaniya, what is the expiation here V * He should not pay heed to +it/ they say, ‘ on his self are the (fires) placed 8 / If he should pay heed to it, +he should draw a continuous stream of water from the Garhapatya to the +Ahavaniya with 4 ‘ Stretching the thread of the atmosphere do thou follow +the light.* That is the expiation here. They say, ‘ When he is piling on +fuel to the fires should he procure the Anvaharyapacana ? Or should he +not procure it? 1 ‘He should procure/ they say; he places the breaths in +himself who piles the fires; the Anvaharyapacana is the most fond of +food of them; in it he offers the libation with ‘Hail to Agni, the eater +of food, the lord of food.* An eater of food, a lord of food, he becomes, he +attains with his offspring proper food who knows thus. When about to +offer he should move between the Garhapatya and the Ahavaniya; when +he moves by this way the fires know ‘ He h is going to offer in us.* ‘ When +he moves by this way the Garhapatya and the Ahavaniya smite away his +guilt; he with guilt smitten away goes aloft to the world of heaven*; +so they quote a Brahmana. They say, ‘ How should one revere the fires +when about to go away, or when having returned after absence or + +3 S&yana did not read tena aomam krincmti + +and the words are apparently corrupt; +so after tenottaram something seems to +be missing unless it be yajanti under¬ +stood, which is poor sense. KB. has a +a different reading with good meaning. + +4 The sense here is clearly imperfect, and, as + +KB. shows, corrupt. + +1 Cf. ?B. xii. 4. 4. 6 . + +3 Apd in Aufrecht’s edition is improbable +though afro occurs in M^S. iii. 4. 9, as + + +the verb is singular and $v& seems clearly +right, aftdh is also used by Haug; S&yana +does not interpret, naturally enough. +Cf. A 9 S. iii. 10 . 10-15 where fvd is men¬ +tioned. So 99&L ii. 6 .18 : frfipad 0 gate ; +A9S. ix. 10. 15; 9B. xii. 4. 1. 4; JB. L +51. 4. + +3 hi td apparently was read by S&yana and so + +the Anand. ed. But hitdh is much better. + +4 BV. x. 58. 6 ; A 9 S. iii. 10. 15 ; 99 S. it 6. + +18. + + + +299] + + +[—vii. 13 + + +The Legend of Qundhgepa + +day by day?’ ‘In silence/ they say; in silence men await a superior’s +orders. But also they say, ‘ Day by day they fear through the sacrificer’s +lack of faith removal or extinction. He should revere them with, ‘ Safety +to you, safety to me/ Safety becomes his lot. 5 + + +ADHYAYA HI + + +The Legend of (punahfepa. + + +vii. 13 (xxxiii. 1). Harifcandra 1 Vaidhasa Aiksvaka was the son of a +king; a hundred wives were his, but he had no son from them. In his +house dwelt Parvata and Narada; he asked Narada: + +‘ Since 2 now men desire a son, + +Both those that have and those that have not knowledge +What doth a man gain by a son ? + +Tell me that, O Narada.’ + +He, asked in one verse, replied in ten: + +‘ A debt he payeth in him, + +And immortality he attaineth,* + +That father who seeth the face +Of a son bom living. + +The delights in the earth, + +The delights in the fire, + +The delights in the waters of living beings, + +Greater than these is that of a father in a son. + +By means of a son have fathers ever 4 +Passed over the deep darkness ; + +The self is bom from the self + + +8 The Ap(S. vi. 27. 2 ascribes to a Bahvrca +Brfthmana the use of a Mantra narno vo +’stu pravatsydmi (or prdvdtsam : so read for +°tsyam) for one who is about to go and +for one on his return. This does not +agree with either the text or the KB. ii. +6, though the latter does not specify the +Mantras, nor with 99 s * Cf. Keith, JRAS. +1916, pp. 498-498. + +1 The tale of 9unah9epa is to be repeated to the +king after the anointing at the end of the +Marutvatlya, by the Hotr sitting on a +golden seat south of the Ahavanlya ; the +response of the Athvaryu to each G&th& +is tathd } to each Rc om, to the prose of +course nothing; see A£S. ix. 3.9-16. The +legend also occurs in 99 s * xv - 17 *9- + + +lias been edited in both Torsions by +Max Muller in his History of Ancient +Sanskrit Literature (1859), pp. 578-688, by +Fr. Streiter (Berlin, 1861), and trans¬ +lated also by Roth (IS. i. 457; ii. 112). +A revised text is given in the 2nd ed. of +Bolitlingk’s Chrestomathie. + +2 yan-yad should be read, perhaps, though +yam is good enough sense. 99 s * has tan +nah prabruhi Ndrada. + +8 vindate, 99 S. + +4 Or ‘ the fathers passed assuredly ’. For sa +irdvatl which is the reading of all the +MSS. in 99 s * & l so > BOhtlingk has satrti- +vati ; see AB. vi. 21. In c there is in the +MSS. of the 99 s * * variant yajHa and so +the Mitdksard cited by Max Mdller. + + + +The (son) is (a ship), well-found, to ferry over. +What is the use of dirt, what of the goat-skin ? +What of long hair, and what of fervour ? + +Seek a son, O Brahmans, + +This is the world’s advice ®. + +Food is breath, clothing a protection, + +Gold an ornament, cattle lead to marriage, + +A wife is a comrade, a daughter a misery, + +And a son a light in the highest heaven. 6 +The father entereth the wife, + +Having become a germ (he entereth) the mother, + +In her becoming renewed, + +He is born in the tenth month. 7 +A wife hath her name of wife, + +Since in her he is bom again +He is productive, she productive, + +The seed is placed here. 8 + +The gods and the seers + +Brought her together as great brilliance ; + +The gods said to men + +“ This is your mother again.” 9 + +“ A sonless one cannot attain heaven,” + +All the beasts know this ; + +Therefore a son his mother +And his sister mounteth. + +This is the broad and auspicious path + +Along which men with sons fare free from sorrow; + + +9 vaddvadah is probably to be read as an in¬ +tensive like cal&cala, car dear a, cf. Wacker- +nagel, AUind. Gramm . ii. 1. 147. S&yana +has avad&vadah as = not deserving blame, +Both (2nd. Stud . i. 468) rendered ‘ He is +a blameless world’; so Streiter and +Weber; * he is undoubtedly the world’ +Max Mdller. The comm, sees here a +reference to the four dpramas, but without +ground. + +9 The connexion of cattle and marriage is +reasonable enough, and the conjecture +accepted by Bfthtlingk 'vivdhdh is very +unnatural. Bfthtlingk also suggests +kanyd for dxihxtd metri causa , but this is +whoUy unnecessary and in AB. viii. 22. +6 we have &piyaduhitrndm where duAi° « +one syllable. He takes onnom, as is na¬ +tural, predicatively, but this is against + + +the context + +7 ffS. has atha for sa mdtaram. For the ten- + +month year of gestation cf. the old Roman +year, Censorin. de die natali, c. 20 ; Vedic +Index, ii. 159. + +8 The sense of dbhuiir esa dbhdtih as is neces¬ + +sary for the metre is uncertain and +obscure: Bfthtlingk quite needlessly +reads & bhiimir esd bhavati . Hillebrandt +suggests that the sense is 1 She is pro¬ +creation ; the germ is procreation; it is +hidden in her,’ but it is more reasonable +to assume that the two dbhuti forms are +father and mother. S&yana renders as if +bhUtih and abkutih were read. Max M&ller +has * She is a mother, because she brings +forth’. + +9 This verse is transposed in 99^* w ith the + +next. + + + +301] + + +[—vii. 14 + + +The Legend of Qunahfepa + +On it beasts and herds gaze +For it they unite even with a mother. 10 + +Thus he told him. 11 +vii. 14 (xxxiii. 2). Then he said to him, * Have recourse to Varuna, the +king, (saying) ‘ Let a son be bom to me; with him let me sacrifice to thee/ +‘ Be it so/ (he replied). He went up to Varuna, the king, (saying) ‘ Let +a son be bom to me; with him let me sacrifice to thee.’ ‘Be it so * (he +replied). To him a son was bom, Rohita by name. To him he said ‘ A son +hath been bom to thee; sacrifice to me with him/ He said ‘ When a victim +is over ten days old then it becomes fit for sacrifice; let him become over +ten days old; then let me sacrifice to thee with him/ ‘ Be it so * (he replied). +He became over ten days old. He said to him * He hath become over ten +days old; sacrifice to me with him/ He said ‘ When the teeth of a victim +appear, then it becomes fit for sacrifice; let his teeth appear; then let me +sacrifice to thee (with him)/ * Be it so ’ (he replied). His teeth appeared; +he said to him ‘ His teeth have appeared ; sacrifice to me with him/ He +said ‘ When the teeth of a victim fall, then it becomes fit for sacrifice; let +his teeth fall; then let me sacrifice to thee/ ‘ Be it so ’ (he replied). His +teeth fell; he said to him * His teeth have fallen; sacrifice to me with him/ +He said ‘ When the teeth of a victim appear again, then it becomes fit for +sacrifice ; let his teeth appear again; then let me sacrifice to thee/ ‘ Be it +so * (he replied). His teeth appeared again; he said to him ‘ His teeth have +appeared again; sacrifice to me with him/ He said ‘ When the Ksatriya is +fit to bear arms, 2 then is he fit for sacrifice; let him win his arms; then let +me sacrifice to thee/ c Be it so * (he replied). He won 3 his arms; he said +to him ‘ He hath now won 4 his arms; sacrifice to me with him/ ‘ Be it so * +he said and addressed 5 his son ‘ O my dear one, this one gave thee to me; + + +10 95®* has vitato devaydnah in a, and in b + +yendkramante putrinc ye* vifokah ; in c it +omits ca ; and in d ends miihunam caranti +and has m&tary api. tat te is preferred by +Bflhtlingk, and tasmdt without te is also +possible. The practice here referred to +is reported of the Irish by Strabo iv. 5. 4 ; +its prevalence in Iran (cf. Meyer, Hist +de VAntiq . L S3) is not in all probability +here referred to, though, of course, it +may be suggested that a reference is +meant. + +11 hdstnai is, of course, necessary for the + +grammar. 95®* om *ts it. Aufrecht (p. +431) prefers ha smdsmd akhydya ; BOht- +lingk (BKSGW. 15 Dec. 1900, p. 417), +however, prefers hasmd, as suggested by + + +Weber, on the ground that iti ha sma +does not elsewhere precede an absolute ; +for at)ia after an absolute see Delbruck, +AUind. Synt. p. 409. + +1 The two verses here differ slightly: 95®* +omits the words at the end of AB. vii. 18 +after Hi and has sa hovdca , sa vai me brUhi +yathd me putro j&yeteti, tam hovdca, &c. + +* samndham pr&pnoti 95®** clearly inferior. +The form sdrhndhuka is irregular for +eamndhuka . + +3 prdpat in both versions must be prdpa as + +BOhtlingk points out. + +4 prdpat of 95®* i s clearly necessary. + +s cakre 95®*’ which is, of course, the older +form; but contra below AB. vii. 16, n. 4. + + + +• • « +Vll. 14—] + + +The Rajctsuya + + +[302 + + +come, let me sacrifice to him with thee/ * No * he said and taking his bow +went to the wild, and for a year he wandered in the wild. + +vii. 15 (xxxiii. 3). Then Varuna seized Aiksvaka; his belly swelled up. +This Rohita heard; he went from the wild to the village. To him Indra +came in human form and said + +1 “ Manifold is the prosperity of him who is weary,” + +So have we heard, O Rohita; + +Evil is he who stayeth among men, + +Indra is the comrade of the wanderer. 1 + +Do thou wander 2 ’. (Thinking) 4 This Brahman hath bidden me u wander ”, +he 3 wandered for a second year in the wild. He came from the wild to +the village. To him came Indra in human form and said +4 Flower-like the heels of the wanderer, + +Hia body groweth and is fruitful; + +All his sins disappear, + +Slain by the toil of his journeying. 4 + +Do thou wander*. (Thinking) ‘ This Brahman hath bidden me “ wander ”, +he wandered for a third year in the wild. He came from the wild to the +village. To him came Indra in human form and said + +1 The fortune of him who sitteth also sitteth, + +But that of him who standeth standeth erect; + +That of him that reclineth lieth down; + +The fortune of him that moveth shall move indeed. 5 + + +Do thou wander/ (Thinking) 1 This Brahman hath bidden me “ wander ”, +he wandered for a fourth year in the wild. He came from the wild to the +village. To him came Indra in human form and said + +* Kali he becometh who lieth, + +Dv¶ when he riseth, + +Treta when he standeth erect + + +1 The reading is clearly right as ndnd ; Sayan a +recognizee as an alternative n&ndpantaya. +There is a v. 1. cana for janah 9£S. Weber +(2nd. Stud. ix. 814) with Streiter renders +as ndnd ayrantaya. The curious nrsadvara +Bfthtlingk (on KaJtha Up. v. 2) derives +from nrtad varasad in EV. iv. 60. 5. £$S. +has ni8adoarah. + +* Rohita is added in 9£S. here and through¬ + +out. + +* sain 9?S. throughout. + +4 9?S. puts the verse after Kalih, &c. It has + +phalagrahih and prats ’sya. + + +cardti is not only certain, but clearly correct, +both for metrical reasons and as more +pointed than earati. + +99S. has pururoA for bhavatij and utthitah for +uttisthan. The throws of dice are dearly +meant, not as S&yana, the four Tugas, +despite the agreement of Max Muller +Anc. Santtkf Lit. p. 412) and Weber (Jttrf. +Stud. ix. 815): Manu, ix. 302 is no +evidence for the AB. and the ages are not +Vedic, as AV. x. 8. 39, 40 (cited by +Jacobi, GGA. 1895, p. 210) is not thus to +be understood. + + +And Krta when he moveth/ +s + + + +303] The Legend of Qunahgepa [ —vii. 16 + +Do thou wander/ (Thinking) ‘ This Brahman hath bidden me “ wander ”, +he wandered for a fifth year in the wild. He came from the wild to the +village ; to him Indra came in human form and said + +‘ Wandering one findeth honey, + +Wandering the sweet Udumbara fruit, + +Consider the pre-eminence of the sun, + +Who wearieth never of wandering. 7 ' + +Do thou wander/ (Thinking) 6 This Brahman hath bidden me “ wander ”, +he wandered for a sixth year in the wild. 8 He found in the wild Ajlgarta +Sauyavasi, a seer, overcome with hunger. 9 Three sons were his, Qunahpucha, +Qunahfepa, and Qunolangula. He said to him 10 ‘O seer,I offer thee a hundred; +let me redeem myself with one of these/ Keeping back the eldest son, he +said * Not this one *; ‘ nor this one ’ (said) the mother, (keeping back) the +the youngest son. They made an agreement regarding the middle one, +Qunahfepa. Having given a hundred for him n , taking him, he went from +the wild to the village. Going to his father he said, * O father dear, come, +let me redeem myself with this one/ He went 12 to Varuna, the king +(saying) ‘ With this one let me sacrifice to thee.’ * Be it so ’ (he replied); +‘A Brahman is higher 13 than a Ksatriya* Varuna said. To him he pro¬ +claimed this sacrificial rite, the Rajasuya. On the day of anointing he took +the man as victim. + +vii. 16 (xxxiii. 4). For him Vi^vamitra was the Hotr, Jamadagni the +Adhvaryu, Vasistha the Brahman, and Ayasya the Udgatr. 1 When he had +been brought up they could not find one to bind him; Ajlgarta Sauyavasi +said ‘ Give me another hundred, and I shall bind him/ They gave him +another hundred ; he bound him. When he had been brought up, bound, +and the AprI verses had been said over and fire carried round him, 2 they +could not find one to slaughter him; Ajlgarta Sauyavasi said * Give me +another hundred, and I shall slaughter him/ They gave him another +hundred and he whetting 3 his knife went forward. Then Qunah?epa + + +7 gramanam is read by Hillebrandt in 99 ®* > +where there is good MS. authority for +prayam&nam. + +* 99®* ^as another verse and another year of + +wandering. + +* 99®* ^ ias the insertion of putram bhaks(y)a- + +manam and reads a$andydparitam, which +is a much better form. + +10 99®* varies the wording slightly and + +inverts the two clauses, reading daddni + +and inserting gav&m, both less primitive + +features. + + +11 tasya may mean ‘ to him ’ as usually taken. + +but this is not necessary. + +12 99®* k * 8 &m*ntray&m cakre which is inferior, + +and inserts tathety uktvd which is verbiage. + +13 <preydn 99S- + +1 The transposition of the clause to second + +place in 99®* i s clearly a later trait. + +2 99®* om its dpritdya; above it has niyuyoja + +for AB. niniyoja which is absurd, and +below vifdstaram . + +3 nihfy&nah 99®* a 11 ^ BChtlingk. nihfana is, + +of course, incorrect. + + + +[304 + + +vii. 16—] + + +The Rdjasuya + + +reflected * ‘ Like one that is not a man, they will slaughter me ; come, let +me have recourse to the deities / 4 5 He had recourse to Praj&pati first of the +deities with the verse 6 ‘ Of whom now, of which of the immortals 1 * To +him said Prajapati ‘ Agni is the nearest of the gods ; do thou have recourse +to him/ He had recourse to Agni with the verse 7 ‘ Of Agni first of the +immortals we/ To him said Agni ‘ Savitr is the lord of instigations; +do thou have recourse to him/ He had recourse to Savitr with the triplet 8 +c To thee O god Savitr/ To him Savitr said ‘ For Varuna, the king, art +thou bound; do thou have recourse to him/ He had recourse to Varuna the +king with the following thirty-one 9 (verses). To him said Varuna ‘Agni is +the first of the gods, the best friend 10 ; praise him, and we shall deliver thee 11 / +He praised Agni with the next twenty-two 12 (verses). To him said Agni +‘ Praise the All-gods , then we shall deliver thee/ He praised the All-gods +with the verse 13 ‘ Homage to the great, homage to the small! ” To him +said the All-gods ‘ Indra 14 * is the mightiest, most powerful, strongest, most +real, and most effective of the gods; praise him and we shall deliver thee/ +He praised Indra with the hymn 161 Whatever, O true one, the drinkers of +Soma ’ and fifteen (verses) of the following one. To him Indra, delighted +in mind with the praise, 16 gave a chariot of gold. He approached him with +this 17 (verse) ‘ Ever Indra/ To him said Indra ‘ Praise now the Agvinp, +then shall we deliver thee/ He praised the A9vins with the following +triplet. 18 To him said the A$vins * Praise now Usas, then we shall deliver +thee/ He praised Usas with the following triplet. 19 As each verse was +said by him a bond was loosened 20 the belly of Aiksvaka became smaller; +when the very last verse was said 21 the (last) bond was loosened and Aiks¬ +vaka became 22 free from disease. + +vii. 17 (xxxiii. 5). To him the priests said * Do thou devise for us the +performance of the day/ Then Qunah?epa saw the immediate pressing; it + + +4 iktdm dsa 99®. contra above AB. vii. 14, +n. 5. + +8 upadhdv&nUi 99®* as above dadani for AB. +dacUimi. But after hanta the subj. is +most natural and should be read. + +6 RV. l 24. 1. Praj&pati’s reply in 99®* i® + +agner vai neditiho ’si. + +7 RV. i. 24. 2. + +8 RV. i. 24. 8-5. + +• RV. i. 24. 5-25. 21. + +10 Suhrdayam is read by Hillebrandt in 99®* + +u 99®* baa the singular here and elsewhere. + +“ RV. i. 26. 1-27. 12. + +18 RV. i. 27.18. + +14 Omitted down to tom, with indram instead + +in 99S. + + +18 RV. i. 29; 80. 1-15. + +18 99®* omi ts pritah. + +17 RV. i. 80. 16. + +18 RV. i. 80. 17-19. + +M RV. i. 80. 20-22. + +20 vitardm is read by Roth, and BOhtlingk for +vi because of nitar&m in 99®* But this +is needless, and nttardm may easily be a +correction by some one who could not +understand the sense of vi pdf 0 mumuee ; +Weber (2nd. Siud. lx. 816) suggests that +the second vipdfo is a compound, but this +is very improbable. + +31 uttam&ydm ha sma 99®* + +33 babhuva 99®* + + + +305] The Legend of Qunahgepa [ —vii. 17 + +he pressed with these four verses 1 * ‘ Whatever thou in every house \ Then +he carried it to the wooden tub with the verse* ‘Take up what re- +maineth in the bowls \ Then as he took hold of him, he offered with the +four preceding verses 3 with calls of Hail! Then he led him to the final bath +with the two 4 * (verses) ‘ Thou, O Agni, knowing Varuna \ Then he next made +him pay reverence to the Ahavaniya 6 with ‘Qunahgepa bound from a +thousand'. Then Qunah$epa sat on the lap of Vigvamitra. Ajigarta +Sauyavasi said ‘ O seer, give back to me my son ’. * No ’ said Vi^vamitra; +1 the gods have given him to me'. He was Devarfita Vaifvamitra, and his +descendants are the Kapileyas and the Babhravas. 6 Ajigarta Sauyavasi +said 4 Come now; let us invite him 7 \ Ajigarta Sauyavasi said + +‘ Thou art an Angiras by birth, + +Famed as a sage, son of Ajigarta; + +O seer, thine ancestral line +Abandon not, return to me.’ + +Qunah?epa said + +‘ They have seen thee knife in hand, + +A thing they have not found even among (^tldras. + +Three hundreds of kine didst thou, + +O Angiras, prefer to me 8 .’ + +Ajigarta Sauyavasi said + +‘ Remorse it causeth me, dear one, + +The evil deed done by me, + +I would obliterate it in thine eyes ; + +Thine be the hundreds of kine 9 .’ + + +1 RV. i. 28. 6 - 8 . In this chapter slight verbal +differences between the two versions +increase. + +* RV. i. 28. 9. + +* RV. i. 28. 1-4. + +4 RV. iv. 1 . 4, 6 . The object is presumably +Hari^andra, not the preparation for the +ceremony. + +a RV. v. 2. 7. + +4 The clause tasyaite as omitted in 99®*» and +Delbrdck suspects the whole from devd +on. + +7 tvam v ehi is clearly meant by P&nini, viii. 3. +33, as Bfthtlingk points out. The two are +not mother and father, as taken by +S&yana and Max Muller, nor father and +son. 998 . has tvam vat vihvay&vahai + +which Hillebrandt alters to tom, and the + +39 [a.o.s. ss] + + +sense is really good, as it is the boy +the two invite in turn, first the father +talks to the son, and then Vi$v&mitra +as taken by Weber, Ind. Stud. ix. 816, +817. + +8 For cUapsata ( 8 rd plur. a. aor.) there is in99 s * +a variant ahpsato, but the conditional is +here in proper use and alapsyata seems a +natural conjecture. The sense would be +the same, since the generic singular is +also possible. + +• nihnave is the reading of the overwhelming +authority of the MSS. of the AB., and +though 99 S. has nthnuve, it is a mistake +to insert it as is done in the Anand. ed. +of AB. d may mean as rendered or * go +back 1 to the giver, as taken by Weber. + + + +vii. 17 —■] The Rajasuya [306 + +Qunahfepa said + +1 He who once doth what is evil +Would do that evil again; + +Thou hast not abandoned thy Qudra way ; + +What thou hast done is irreparable 10 .’ + +At the word * irreparable ’ Vifvamitra joined in (the discussion ll ); Vifvft- +mitra said + +‘ Dread indeed was Sauyavasi when, + +Knife in hand, ready to slaughter; + +He stood erect; be not his son ; + +Become thou a son of mine S V + + +Qunahfepa said + +* As thou hast intimated to us, +So, O son of a king, tell +How being an Ahgiras +I can become thy son 13 .’ + + +Vi$v&mitra said + +1 Thou wouldst be the eldest of my sons, +Thy offspring would hold the highest place. +Accept my divine inheritance, + +Unto this I invite thee 14 .’ + + +10 in some MSS. reads etuis, but this is +needless, and enat is found in the best +MSS. there also. S&yana seems to recog¬ +nize enat , while the comm, on 99®* has +enas. In c 958. has mdpagdh: metrically +na ap&g&h must be read; in both cases +there are variants of faudr&n nydydt which +is certain and is recognized by S&yana. +Max Muller has ‘ Thou wilt not abstain \ + +11 99S, inserts v& avocad iti ; the Bense given + +by S&yana of vpa pap&da is ‘ supported +by proofs', but this is wrong, nor, as +Haug and Max MUller, can the word +asathdheyam be given to Vifv&mitra. + +11 99S. has vifOfisnt- + +19 jfiapaya is read in 99®* S&yana renders +fH&yass ‘as a Brahman’, but this is not +possible, though Max Milller accepts it, +and is not supported by a verse cited by +him as expressing the sense: puratm&nam + + +nrpam vipra tapasd krtavdn asi which means +that he had made himself a king by +tapas , and not vice versa; apparently +this verse took the sense as JHapayd +rfijaputra ‘thou art known as a king's +son ’; clearly in view of the agreement +of the MSS. (both Auftocht’s and those +of the Anand.) any alteration of this +verse is inoorrect, and also clearly it is +only to be explained as above. jfapayd +is, if it is to be taken as correct, a subj., +and the sense must be 4 tell us how thou +wilt arrange or something similar. It +seems easier to read 'fiiapayo and render +* as thou hast said', referring to his offer +made just above, BOhtlingk adds 'Aam +before satm, metri causa. + +14 Here Vifv&mitra offers only daivarh ddyam, +but in point of fact he allowed him suc¬ +cession to both; see AB. vii. 18. 9. + + + +307] The Legend of Qunahgepa [—vii. 18 + +Qunah$epa said + +1 Bid these agree + +For friendship and prosperity to me +That I may, 0 bull of the Bharatas, + +Become thy son l V + +Then Vi^vamitra addressed his sons + +1 Do thou, Madhuchandas, and do ye hearken, + +IjUabha, Renu, and Astaka +And all their brothers, + +Do ye accept his superiority *V + + +vii. 18 (xxxiii. 6). Vifvamitra had a hundred and one sons, fifty older than +Madhuchandas, fifty younger. Those that were older did not think this +right. Them he cursed (saying) 1 Your offspring shall inherit the ends 1 (of +the earth)/ These are the (people), the Andhras, Pundras, Qabaras, +Pulindas, and Mutibas, 2 who live in large numbers beyond the borders; +most of the Dasyus are the descendants of Vi$vamitra. Madhuchandas +with the other fifty said + +‘ What our father agreeth to +That we accept; + +We all place thee before us, + +We are after thee.’ 3 + +Then Vi<jvamitra, pleased, praised his sons + +1 0 my sons, rich in cattle +And with heroic offspring, shall ye be, + +Who, accepting my will, + +Have made me possessed of heroic offspring/ 4 + + +19 bruydh is read in some MSS. of $$S., but in +most bruyatj and Sftyana as well as the +MSS. have brdydt at this place. It cannot +be rendered satisfactorily as ‘ every one +of your sons * with Sftyana, nor as ( may +the leader of the Bharatas say so, in the +presence of his agreeing sons*, and very +possibly sathjfldnam esu should be read +with Aufrecht. In b BChtlinglc restores +mama, and Hillebrandt has me ... me by +conjecture, but this is not probable as +the Pftda is independent and should not +begin with an enclitic. +w 99^. has sthd and tisthadhvam. Bfthtlingk +suggests tifthaia , metri causa . Haug’s in¬ +terpretation of sthana as stha na is quite + + +impossible. + +1 99S. has antam. Sftyana renders cand&ld- +dirupdn riicajdtivips&n. + +* 99S. has no Pulindas, and reads MwXpdh. + +It also reads, very badly, udattcah, and +bahudasyavah, and ends ity uddharanti, +and extends the sentence regarding +Madhuchandas. For the tribes men¬ +tioned, doubtless non-Aryan in the +main, see Vedic Index, s.vv. + +5 99S. purastdt. + +* tdravantah is replaced by prajdvaniah in 99^* + +It is possibly really a reference as in tbe +next verse to the rfra Devar&ta, and not +to prajd generally. + + + +vii. 18—] + + +[308 + + +The Rajasuya + + +With a hero to lead you, + +With Devar&ta, 0 Gathinas, + +Shall ye all prosper, 0 my sons; + +He shall discern the truth for you. 6 +This is your hero, 0 Kupikas, + +Devar&ta; him follow; + +As inheritance from me shall he obtain you +And the knowledge which we know. 6 +In agreement the sons of Vi$v&mitra, + +All together joyously, + +Accepted the control of Devar&ta, 7 +And his pre-eminence, the G&thinas. +Devar&ta was granted +Both inheritances, the sage, + +The overlordship of the Jahnus, + +And the sacred lore of the G&thinas. 8 + + +6 Q&thina in some MSS. of 99 s * is needless. +99S. has in a majority of MSS. r&dhyds +tu and eta vas tad xnv&canah, while Hille- +brandt with Streiter would read sadvivd- +canah. The change is clearly needless. + +6 99 s * has copet&m. The sense is clearly as + +above; S&yana takes ddyam as subject, +and ca he refers to Devar&ta! Aufrecht +suggests yutme , but the sense is not 1 he +shall inherit among you ’ but 1 he shall +inherit you’ as becoming the head +(jrefthin) of the family. 99 s * has y&tn +uta which is a less good reading. For +upeid see Whitney, Sansk . Qr. $ 187 b. + +7 99 s * has jyaisthye and fraiethye; sar&tayah is, + +as Aufrecht points out, an artificial word +on the basis of ardti , 1 foe \ + +8 99 s * en <l8 Jahnun&m cddhitasthire daive vede + +ca Gdthin&h. This version cannot be made +to mean anything else than a statement +that the G&thinas were prominent among +the Jahnus and in saored lore (cf. Weber, +Epieches im vedischen Ritual, pp. 16 eeq.\ +the two ea’s being explained in this way +(daive and vede cannot really, as by +Weber, be made consistently contrasts). +This view then treats the Jahnus as the +whole and the G&thinas a class of them, +not neceaBarily rulers (even priestly), +but as great priests. The AB. version +must be regarded as an explanation of +the ubhayoh and the term seems to need +' explanation, and therefore a priori , pace + + +Weber, the AB. is the older version, as it +normally is superior to the 99 s * More¬ +over the term rdjaputra in AB. vii. 17. 6 +points to royal claims on the part of +Vi 9 v&mitra (quite contrary to the Rgveda +tradition, where he is the Purohita of +Sud&a, a view here also accepted from +the tradition), and this agrees with the +tradition of the PB. xxi. 12. 2 where +Vifv&mitra is styled Jdhnavo rtijd. The +AB. version must therefore mean that +Devar&ta succeeded to the overlordship +over the Jahnus and the divine lore of +the G&thinas at one time. S&yana*s +version treats the two inheritances, as is +Weber’s view and also that ofMaxMttller +(Anc. Sansk. Lit, p. 418, n. 2), as that of +the Ajlgarta family (Jahnus), and of +Vi 9 v&mitra, but there is to this the +serious objection that the young man +definitely leaves his connexion with +Ajlgarta, and therefore cannot be said to +succeed to the overlordship of that family +in any sense, even if there were any other +suggestion that the Ajlgarta family was +called Jahnu, as there is not adhlyata is +no doubt from dhd, not, as Max Miiller, +from adhi + i, G&thin&m is merely, in all +probability, a brief form of Gdthin&n&m, +though a change of stem is conceivable ; +if the former, the use is rare; cf. Lanman, +Noun Infl. p. 858; Macdonell, Ved. Gramm . + +p. 262. + + + +309] + + +The Legend of Qunahgepa [ —vii. 19 + +This is the tale of Qunah$epa, with a hundred Rc verses as well as Oathas. 9 +This the Hotr tells to the king after the anointing. He tells it seated on +a golden cushion; seated on a golden cushion he 10 responds; gold is glory; +verily thus he makes him prosper by glory. Ora is the response to a Rc, +1 Be it so ’ to a Gatha; ora is divine, ‘ Be it so * human; verily thus with +what is divine and what is human he frees him from evil 11 and from sin. +Therefore a victorious 18 king should, even when not sacrificing, make him +narrate this tale of Qunah$epa; not the least tinge of sin will be left over in +him. A thousand should he give to the narrator, a hundred to him who +makes the response; the seats and a white mule chariot 18 (should also +be given) to the Hotr. Those who desire sons also should 14 have it narrated; +they obtain sons. + + +ADHYAYA IV + + +The Rdjasuya. + +vii. 19 (xxxiv. 1). Prajapati created the sacrifice; 1 after the creation of the +sacrifice the holy power and the lordly power were created ; after the holy +power and the lordly power both kinds of offspring were created, those who +eat the oblations and those who do not eat the oblations; after the holy +power those that eat the oblations, after the lordly power those that do not +eat the oblations. The Brahmans are the offsping that eat the oblations ; +the Rajanya, Vai^ya, and Qudras those that do not eat the oblations.* +From them the sacrifice departed; it the holy power and the lordly power +pursued; the holy power pursued with the weapons of the holy power; +the lordly power with those of the lordly power. The weapons of the +holy power are the weapons of the sacrifice; the weapons of the lordly + + +* 59S. adds aparimitam. The number is 97 of +9 unah 9 epa, three not by him, and thirty- +one Gftth&s. Weber’s rendering (op. cit., +p. 10 ) ‘liber 100 ’ is less probable than +that of BE. adopted above. + +10 I.e. the Adhvaryu. + +11 99 S. has sarvasmdd enamh sampramuficati + +( with 1 7 . 0 . sampramucyate, °ete, °nte). + +11 99 S. has rdjd vijiti understood by the +comm, as vijaydsamarfhah. But this is +not at all necessary and N&rftyana on +A 9 S. ix. 8. 18 has clearly yah para- +balam yuddhena vijitavdn where yudhe na +is not really possible, pace Hillebrandt. +The v . 1. in 99®* at ^ a yojdmdnah is a bad +one. Weber ( Ind . Stud. ix. 818) prefers + + +'vijiti, but Aufrecht retains the view of +S&yana. In his Rdjasuya, p. 8, n. 2, Weber +renders raj&vijiUn in the Kdthaka as * von +(anderen) Kftnigen unbeeiegt \ + +18 This sentence down to hotuh is not in 99 ®* +which divides the spoil less unfairly. + +14 Indie, in 99 S. + +1 Cf. TS. i. 6. 8. 2. Generally speaking, for +the Bfij&s&ya of the AB. there is no +parallel elsewhere. A 98 . has only a few +scattered sentences in ix. 8 and 4. The +whole rite is elaborately dealt with by +Weber, Vber den Rdjasuya (AM. Berl. A had, +1898). + + +* Cf. 9B. iv. 5. 2. 16. + + + +vii. 19—] The Rajasuya [310 + +power are the horse chariot, the corslet, the bow and arrow. The lordly +power returned without attaining it; from its weapons it turns away +trembling. The holy power followed it and obtained it; having obtained +it it kept blocking it from above; it being obtained and blocked from above +standing, recognising its own weapons, went up to the holy power. There¬ +fore even now the sacrifice finds support in the holy power and in the +Brahmans. The lordly power then followed it; it said 1 Do thou call upon +me in this sacrifice \ * Be it so f it replied ; 4 Lay aside thine own weapons, +and with the weapons of the holy power, the form of the holy power, +becoming the holy power, do thou come to the sacrifice '. ‘ Be it so' (it said). +Thus the lordly power, having laid aside its own weapons, with the +weapons of the holy power, with the form of the holy power, becoming +the holy power, went to the sacrifice. Therefore now also the Ksatriya, as +sacrificer, having laid aside his own weapons, with the weapons of the holy +power, with the form of the holy power, becoming the holy power, goes to +the sacrifice. + +vii. 20 (xxxiv. 2). Then comes the begging of a place of sacrifice. They +say ‘ Seeing that a Brahman, a Rajanya, a Vai$ya, when about to consecrate +himself asks a Ksatriya for a place of sacrifice, whom is the Ksatriya to +ask?' ‘He should ask the divine lordly power' they say. The divine +lordly power is the sun ; the sun is the overlord of these beings. On the +day on which he is going to consecrate himself, on that day in the forenoon +he should revere the rising sun ; with 1 + +* This is the best of lights, the highest light.' + +With ‘ O god Savitr, give me a place of sacrifice for sacrifice to the gods' +he asks for a place of sacrifice. In that being asked here he goes on his +upward course, 2 ‘ Yes, I give it ’ he says in effect. No harm befalls him +instigated by the god Savitr; ever increasing prosperity he attains; he +attains lordship over offspring and supremacy, who having thus paid +reverence, having asked for, having settled on a place of sacrifice, consecrates +himself, being a Ksatriya. 3 + +vii. 21 (xxxiv. 8). Then comes the prevention of decay of the sacrifice and +the gifts (to the priests) for a Ksatriya as sacrificer. Before the consecra¬ +tion he should offer a libation of butter in four portions, in the Ahavaniya +to prevent the decay of the sacrifice and the gifts, with + +‘ Let Indra, the bounteous, restore to us +The holy power; let him give again the sacrifice, the gifts ; hail! ’ + +1 RV. x. 170. 8. * For the decayajana of. SB. ii. 10; PB. xxiv. + +1 uttar&m is adverbial as in AB. iii. 44 : 18. 2; fB. iii. 1. L 4 ; Weber, Ind. Stud . + +abhiiardm ; 24: nlcaistardm and often. x. 866, n. 3. + + + +311] The Holy Power and the Lordly Power [—vii. 23 + +Then after the concluding formulas of the final offering of a cow 1 +‘ Let Agni, all knower, restore to us + +The lordly power; let him give again the sacrifice, the gifts ; hail! ’ + +These two libations are the prevention of decay of the sacrifice and the +gifts for a Ksatriya as sacrificer ; therefore should they be offered. + +vii. 22 (xxxiv. 4). As to this Saujata Aralhi used to say ‘ These two liba¬ +tions are not a winning again of what has decayed 1 As he desires he may +perform these two, who takes his instruction hence * (he said*); but the +following he should certainly offer with + +4 1 have recourse to the holy power; may the holy power guard me from +the lordly power; to the holy power hail ! 9 + +‘Thus, thus’ (he said). He who has recourse to the sacrifice has +recourse to the holy power; the sacrifice is the holy power; moreover +from the sacrifice is he who consecrates himself born again. Him who has +recourse to the holy power the lordly power does not oppress. 1 May the +holy power guard me from the lordly power * he says, in order that the +holy power may guard him from the lordly power; 4 To the holy power +hail ’ (he says); thus he delights it. Thus it delighted guards him from the +lordly power. Then after the concluding formulas of the final offering of +a cow (he says) + +4 1 have recourse to the lordly power; may the lordly power guard me +from the holy power; to the lordly power hail! * + +‘Thus, thus’ (he said). He who has recourse to the kingship has +recourse to the lordly power, for the kingship is the lordly power. Him +who has recourse to the lordly power the holy power does not oppress, +4 May the lordly power guard me from the holy power * he says, in order +that the lordly power may guard him from the holy power; 4 To the lordly +power hail! * (he says); thus he delights it. Thus it delighted guards him +from the holy power. These 2 two libations are the prevention of decay +of the sacrifice and the gifts; therefore they must be offered. + +vii. 23 (xxxiv. 5). Now the Ksatriya has Indra as his deity, the Tristubh +as his metre, the Paneada^a as his Stoma, and is Soma in kingship, the +Rajanya in relationship. Being consecrated he attains Brahmanhood in that +he puts on the black antelope’s skin, in that he performs the vow of one + + +1 See TS. i. 4. 44. 8 for the Samiftayaj&Asi. +vii. 22. 1 The Hi is a little awkward; but +presumably it represents the views of +Saujfita. Weber ( Ind. Stud. iz. 820) does +not indicate how he takes the clause, +translating as if there was no iti. + + +tat tad iti recurs in AB. vii. 25 ; viii. +6 and 9. BR. take ajita ° as a Dvandva ; +S&yaua treats ajita as ajita, both without +point, ito refers to the view in vii. 21, +not to Sauj&ta. + +* i. e. — ime above. + + + +[312 + + +vii. 23—] The R&jasuya, + +consecrated, in that Brahmans come around him. As he is being conse¬ +crated Indra takes his power, the Trisfcubh his strength, the Pancada$a +Stoma his life, the Soma his kingdom, the fathers his fame and renown, +saying ‘ He is becoming other than we; he is becoming the holy power; he +is joining the holy power’. He should offer a libation before the con¬ +secration and adore the Ahavaniya (saying) + +4 I depart not from Indra as my deity, nor from the Tristubh metre, nor +the Pancada$a Stoma, nor Soma the king, nor my relationship with the +fathers. Let not Indra take my power, nor the Tristubh my strength, +nor the Pancada$a Stoma my life, nor Soma my kingdom, nor the fathers +my glory and fame. With my power, strength, life, kingdom, glory, +relationship, I approach Agni, the G&yatri metre, the Trivrt Stoma, +Soma the king; I have recourse to the holy power; I become a +Brahman.’ + +Indra does not appropriate the power, nor the Tristubh the strength, nor +the Pancada$a Stoma the life, nor Soma the kingdom, nor the fathers the +glory and fame of him who having offered thus this libation and having +adored therAhavaniya consecrates himself, being a Ksatriya. + +vii. 24 (xxxiv. 6). Now the Ksatriya has Agni for his deity, when conse¬ +crated, the Gayatrl for his metre, the Trivrt for his Stoma, and is the Brahman +in relationship; when he concludes he assumes his Ksatriya character; +when he concludes Agni takes his brilliance, the Gayatrl his strength, the +Trivet Stoma his life, the Brahmans his glory and fame, saying ‘ He is be¬ +coming other than we; he is becoming the lordly power; he is joining the +lordly power After the concluding formulas of the final offering of a cow +he should offer a libation and adore the Ahavaniya with + +4 1 depart not from Agni as my deity, nor from the Gayatrl metre, nor +from the Trivrt Stoma, nor from the holy power as relation. Let not +Agni take my brilliance, nor the Gayatrl my strength, nor the Trivrt +Stoma my life, nor the Brahmans my holy power, glory, and fame. With +brilliance, strength, life, the holy power, glory and fame, I approach +Indra the deity, the Tristubh metre, the Pancada9a Stoma, Soma the +king ; I have recourse to the lordly power; I become a Ksatriya. + +O gods, 0 fathers, 0 fathers, 0 gods, I offer being he who I am. + +This is my sacrifice, my gift, my toil, my offering. + +Be Agni heife my witness, Vayu my hearer, Aditya yonder my pro- +claimer; + +I who am I am I.’ + +Agni does not appropriate his brilliance, nor the Gayatrl his strength, nor +the Trivrt Stoma his life, nor the Brahmans his holy power, glory and fame + + + +313] The Portion of the Saerificer [—vii. 26 + +who having offered thus this libation and having adored the Ahavanlya +concludes, being a Ksatriya. + +vii. 25 (xxxiv. 7). Then as to the announcement of the consecration. They +say ‘ Seeing that they announce the consecration of a Brahman when conse¬ +crated with “ The Brahman hath consecrated himself ”, how is one to announce +(the consecration) of a Ksatriya V 'As in the case of a Brahman when +consecrated they announce the consecration with “ The Brahman hath conse¬ +crated himself ”, so should he announce (the consecration) of a Ksatriya, +with the Rsi descent of his Purohita 1 * (they say); * Thus, thus 1 (they say). +Having laid aside his own weapons, with the weapons of the holy power, +with the form of the holy power, having become the holy power, he +resorted to the sacrifice. Therefore should they announce his consecration +with the Rsi descent of his Purohita; with the Rsi descent of the Purohita +they should perform the ancestral invocation. 2 + +vii. 26 (xxxiv. 8). Then as to the share of the saerificer. They say ‘ Should +a Ksatriya eat the sacrificer’s share ? Or should he not eat ? 1 If he who is +not an eater of the oblations were to eat, by eating the oblation he would +become worse; if he were not to eat, he would shut himself out from the +sacrifice; the share of the saerificer is the sacrifice. It is to be handed over +to the Brahman. The Brahman priest is in the relation of Purohita to the +Ksatriya; the Purohita is half the self of the Ksatriya. Secretly verily it +obtains the appearance of being eaten; it is not openly consumed by him. +The Brahman is manifestly the sacrifice, for in the Brahman the whole +sacrifice finds support, in the sacrifice the saerificer. They place the sacrifice +in the sacrifice, as water in water, fire in fire; thus it is not superfluous, +thus it harms him not. Therefore should it be handed over to the Brahman. +Some make an offering in the fire with + +* Praj&pati’s is the world named Vibhat; in this I place thee with +the saerificer; hail! ’ + +That he should not do so. The share of the saerificer is the saerificer; he +places on the fire the saerificer. If a man were here to say to him ‘ Thou +hast placed the saerificer on the fire; Agni will bum his breaths; the +saerificer will die’, it would certainly be so. Therefore he should not +desire this. + +1 For this rule see A 9 S. i. 8. 8; xii. 15. 4. of the prince from the drinking of the + +2 I.e. on the invocation of Agni by the Soma, the Br&hmana shows its high + +ancestral names; cf. Weber, Ind, Stud, claim for its caste, + +ix. 821-326. In this, as in the exclusion + + +40 [a.o.s. is] + + + +vii. 27—] + + +The Bdjasuya + + +[314 + + +ADHYAYA V + +The Proper Food of the King in lieu of Soma. + + +vii. 27 (xxxv. 1). Vifyantara Sausadmana, despising the Qyaparnas, per¬ +formed a sacrifice without the Qyaparnas. 1 Perceiving this the Qyaparnas +went to the sacrifice and sat down within the altar. Seeing them he said +‘There sit those doers of an evil deed, speakers of impure speech, the +Qyaparnas; remove them; let them not sit within my altar \ 4 Be it so ’ +(they replied). They removed them. They being removed cried aloud +4 Heroes had the Ea^yapas among them in the Asitamrgas who, at the +sacrifice from which Janamejaya Pariksita excluded the Kafyapas, won +the Soma drinking from the Bhutavlras. What hero have we among us +who will win this Soma drinking ? ’ 2 4 1 am the hero for you \ said Rama +Margaveya; Rama Margaveya was a learned member of the Qyaparnas. +When they were rising up, he said ‘Can it be that they are removing, +O king, from the altar one who knows thus?* ‘What is that thou +knowest, O worthless Brahman' (he replied). + +vii. 28 (xxxv. 2). 1 When the gods excluded Indra (saying) ‘ He hath mis¬ +used Vi^varupa, son of Tvastr, he hath laid low Vrtra,he hath given the Yatis +to the hyaenas, he hath killed the Arurmaghas, he hath contended with +Brhaspati 7 then Indra was deprived of the Soma drinking,and in accordance +with the deprivation of Indra the lordly power was deprived of the Soma +drinking. Indra obtained later a share in the Soma drinking, having +stolen the Soma of Tvastr, but to day even the lordly power is deprived of +Soma drinking. How can they remove from the altar him who knows +the food which belongs to the lordly power now that it is deprived of the +Soma drink, and by which the holy power is made prosperous ? * ‘ Dost + +thou know, O Brahman, this food?' (he asked) ‘I know it' (he replied). + + +1 Gf. Weber, Ind . Stud. x. 82,88, who seeks to +see in this a ease of punishment for dis¬ +loyalty, as in PB. xiv. 6. 8, where, how¬ +ever, the position is much clearer than +here. The impure speech need not be +more than a ritual defect of the priests, +especially as it is made good by a point +of ritual. Of also ZDMG. lii. 787; liv.611. + +* BOhtlingk (BKSGW. 15 Dec. 1900, p. 419) +suggests asmdko . + +vii. 28. 1 Cf. the similar lists in KU. iii. 1; TS. +ii. 6.1; Weber, Ind. Stud, i. 409; Rdjasuya, + + +p. 109, n. 2. In Brhaspateh pratyavadhit +Sftyana sees the sense v&kyam , and this is +apparently meant: he cites ApDS. ii. 2.6. +11. The aori8t is natural and proper and +needs no special explanation (cf. Del- +briiok, AUind. Synt. p. 281). The Arurma¬ +ghas are connected by Eggeling (SBE. +xii. 67, n. 1) hesitatingly with the demon +Araru ; cf. Weber, Ind, Stud, i. 411. The +curious way in which Indra loses his +place in favour of the priestly Brhaspati +is noted by Weber, Rdjaa&ya, p. 110. + + + +315] The Proper Food of the King [—vii. 31 + +‘ Do thou tell it to me, O Brahman ’ (he said). ( (I shall tell it) to thee, +O king * he said. + +vii. 29 (xxxv. 3). * They will bring one of three foods, the Soma or curds +or water. If 1 the Soma (they bring up), that is the food of the Brahmans; +with this food thou wilt strengthen the Brahmans; in thine offspring will +be bom one like a Brahman, an acceptor of gifts, a drinker (of Soma), +a seeker of livelihood, one to be moved at will.* When evil happens to +a Ksatriya one like a Brahman is bom in his offspring; the second or +third from him may become a Brahman; he is fain to live as a sort of +Brahman. If curds (they bring), it is the food of the Vai$yas; with this +food thou wilt strengthen the Vai$yas; in thine offspring one like a Vaigya +will be bom, tributary to another, to be eaten by another, to be oppressed +at will. When evil happens to a Ksatriya, there is bom in his offspring +one like a Vai 9 ya; the second or third from him may become a Vai 9 ya; he +is fain to live as a Vai 9 ya. If water (they bring), it is the food of the +Qudras; with this food thou wilt strengthen the Qudras; in thine offspring +one like a Qudra will be bom, the servant of another, to be removed at will, +to be slain at will. When evil happens to a Ksatriya, there is bom in his +offspring one like a Qudra; the second or third from him may become +a Qudra; he is fain to live as a Qudra.’ + +vii. 30 (xxxv. 4). 4 These are the three foods, O kinghe said ‘ which a +Ksatriya as sacrificer should not desire. Now this is his proper food; he +should press together 1 the descending growths and the fruits of the +Nyagrodha and (the fruits of) the Udumbara, A 9 vattha and Plaksa trees, +and partake of them. This is his proper food. On the place whence by +offering the sacrifice the gods went to the world of heaven they tilted +over (nyubjan) the goblets; they became the Nyagrodha trees. Even to-day +in Kuruksetra they call them the Nyubjas. They were the firstborn of +Nyagrodhas; from them are the others bom. In that they grew down¬ +wards, therefore the Nyagroha grows downwards; its name is Nyagroha; +it being Nyagroha the gods call Nyagrodha mysteriously, for the gods love +mystery as it were.* + +vii. 31 (xxxv. 5). ‘ The sap of the goblets which went downwards became + + +1 S&yana needlessly takes sa as referring to +an ignorant priest; very possibly this is +the common use in £B. and less often +elsewhere of sa yadi - yadi } or, of course, +a second form or verb may be supplied. + +* Sfiyana recognizes the passive sense of +ycUhdkdmapraydpyah, but Haug suggests +‘ roam about according to pleasure ’ + + +which Is impossible, though allowed by +Weber (Ind. Stud. ix. 826; x. 14), who +prefers ‘dwelling everywhere' for dva- +sdy i; of. Vedie Index* ii. 82. +vii. 80. 1 The construction is awkward; the +nom. atarodh&f <a phaldni ca which, as AB +vii. 81 shows, applies to the Nyagrodha, is +altered to the acc. with abhUunuy&t. + + + +vii. 31—] + + +[316 + + +The Rdjasuya + +the descending growths; that which went up the fruits. This Esatriya +does not depart from his proper food, who eats the shoots and the fruits of +the Nyagrodha. Mysteriously verily he obtains the Soma drinking; it is +not consumed openly by him. The Nyagrodha is mysteriously Soma the +king; mysteriously does the Esatriya assume the form of the holy power, +through the Furohita, through the consecration, through the ancestral +invocation. The Nyagrodha is the lordly power of the trees, the Rajanya +is the lordly power, for the Esatriya here dwells fastened as it were to the +kingdom, and supported as it were, and the Nyagrodha is fastened as it +were by its descending growths to the ground, and supported as it were. +In that the Esatriya as sacrificer eats the descending growths of the +Nyagrodha and the fruits, verily thus he establishes in himself the lordly +power of the plants and in the lordly power himself. In the lordly power, +in himself he establishes the lordly power of the plants, like the Nyagrodha +with its descending shoots in the earth, in the kingdom he finds support, +dread becomes his sway and unassailable, who as a Esatriya when sacrificing +eats thus this food/ 1 + +vii. 82 (xxxv. 6). ‘ Now as to the (fruits) of Udumbara. The Udumbara +tree was born from strength and proper food; this is the pre-eminence of +the trees; verily thus he places in the lordly power strength, proper +food, and the pre-eminence of the trees. Now as to the (fruits) of A$- +vattha. The Aijvattha tree was bom from brilliance; this is the over¬ +lordship of the trees; verily thus he places in the lordly power the +brilliance and the overlordship of the trees. Now as to the (fruits) of +Plaksa. The Plaksa tree was bom of might; it is the self rule and the +control of the trees; verily thus he places in the lordly power the self rule +and the control of the trees. These are first of all prepared and then they +buy Soma, the king. They proceed with the rites 1 according to the manner +of the (sacrifice of Soma) the king up to the fast day; then comes the fast +day. These things the Adhvaryu should make ready in advance; the skin +for pressing, the two pressing boards, the wooden tub, the filter cloth, the +pressing stones, the vessel for the pure Soma, the stirring vessel, the vessel, +the drawing cup, and the goblet. When they press the king in the morning, + + +1 The inferior position of the Ksatriya here +may be contrasted with the fact that +LfS. ix. 2. 4 allows him at the consecra¬ +tion to drink the Soma, and even £ 9 ®* +xv. 8.19-21 reaches the same conclusion ; +see Weber, R&jasQya, pp. 80, 81,109,117, +134. + +vii. 82. 1 prativcfaih is not certain in sense: + + +S&yana has prasiddhaih kriy&vifesaih, and +this can be made to agree with the sense +‘ auxiliary ’ by referring it to the rites +prior to the first day. Weber ([Ind . Stud. +ix. 827) has, instead, the rendering 1 the +fruits substituted for the Soma but this +is doubtful, for the ordinary Soma sacri¬ +fice is daily offered. + + + +317] The Proper Food of the King { —vii. 34 + +then he should divide these (fruits) in two; some he should press, the rest +leave over for the midday pressing/ + +vii. 83 (xxxv. 7). ‘ When they fill up the goblets, then he should fill up the +goblet of the sacrificer; in it should have been cast two Darbha shoots. When +the vasat call has been uttered he should throw the first of them within the +altar, with the verse 1 ‘ I have celebrated Dadhikravan * accompanied by +the call of Hail! The second (he should throw) after the second vasat call +has been said with 2 ‘ Dadhikra with his brilliance the five folks \ When +they take up the goblets, then he should take up the goblet of the sacrificer. +When they lift them up (to the mouth), then he should lift it up after them. +When the Hotr invokes the sacrificial food, when he partakes of the food in +the goblet, then he should partake of it with 3 + +1 That which is left over of the pressed juice rich in sap, + +Which Indra drank mightily, + +Here with auspicious mind this of him, + +I partake of Soma the king/ + +Auspiciously to him this (food) from the trees is consumed with auspicious +mind, dread is his sway, unassailable, who as a Ksatriya when sacrificing +partakes thus of this food. With + +1 Be thou kindly to our heart when drunk, + +Do thou extend our life, to live long, O Soma ’; 4 + +the touching of himself (is accompanied). If not touched this (drink) is liable +to destroy the life of man (thinking) ‘ An unworthy one is partaking of +me*. In that he touches himself with it, verily thus he prolongs life. +With the appropriate (verses 5 ) i Swell up, let them come together for thee * +and * Let the milk unite for thee, the strengths * he makes the goblet full; +that which is appropriate in the sacrifice is perfect/ + +vii. 84 (xxxv. 8). 4 When they put the goblets in place, then he should put +in place the sacrifice's goblet. When they move them forward, he should +move it forward after them. Then he should take it and partake of it. + +* O god Soma, of thee that art drunk by Nar&fansa, that findest the +mind, that art partaken of by the fathers, the helpers, I partake V + + +1 RV. iv. 89. 6. Not in A$S. in this use. +But this and iv. 88. 10 occur in an Isti +in ii. 18.5 and this is used by the priests +when they drink in vi. 12. 12. + +* RV. iv. 8a 10. + +» KS. xvii. 19; MS. ii. 8. 8; iii. 11. 7 ; TB. i. +4. 2. 8; Ap$S. xix. 8. 4. A variant +with riptam occurs in the Sautr&manI in +A$S. iii 9. 6. Cf. AB. viii. 20. 4. + + +4 A variant of RV. viii. 48. 4 with which b +agrees, and which is used in A£S. y. 6. +26 in the Agnistoma. + +4 RV. i 91. 16 and 18; A£S. v. 6. 27 in the +Agnistoma. + +vii. 84. 1 The nine Soma goblets when emptied +and filled are the Narftfafisas (cf. M$S. ii. +4.2.82); they belong rather to the fathers +(of. PB. i 6. 9). The name is either + + + +[318 + + +vii. 34 —] The Rajasuya + +is the partaking connected with Naragaiisa at the morning pressing; at the +midday (pressing) ‘ the great ’ is used; at the third pressing ‘ the sages 9 is +used (as epithet of the fathers). The fathers are helpers at the morning +pressing, the great at the midday, and the sages at the third pressing; +verily thus he makes the fathers immortal and sharers of the pressings. +‘Every one is immortal Priyavrata Somapa used to say, ( who is a sharer +in the pressings.’ Immortal become his fathers and sharers in the pressings, +dread his sway becomes and unassailable, who as a Ksatriya when sacrificing +partakes thus of this food. The touching of himself is the same and the +same the filling up of the goblet. They should proceed at the morning +pressing in the manner of the morning pressing, in that of the midday +(pressing) at the midday, and in that of the third pressing at the third +pressing. 1 This food Rama M&rgaveya proclaimed to Vi$vantara Sausad- +mana; when it had been proclaimed he said ‘ A thousand we grant to you, +O Brahman; my sacrifice will be performed by the Qyaparnas *. This also +Tura Kavaseya proclaimed to Janamejaya Pariksita; this Parvata and +Narada proclaimed to Somaka Sahadevya, to Sahadeva Sarfijaya, Babhru +Daivavrdha, Bhima of Vidarbha, Nagnajit of Gandhara; 2 this Agni pro¬ +claimed to Sanacjruta Arimdama and to Kratuvid Janaki; 3 this Vasistha +proclaimed to Suda s Paijavana. All of them attained greatness having +partaken of this food. All of them were great kings; like Aditya, estab¬ +lished in prosperity, they gave heat, obtaining tribute from all the quarters, +like Aditya, established in prosperity, he gives heat, from all the quarters +he obtains tribute, dread his sway and unassailable, who as a Ksatriya +when sacrificing partakes thus of this food. + + +derived from the use here, or because +Soma is addressed as Nari^affsa in the +Mantra (99& vii. 5. 21), or because the +fathers are praised bj men (SAyana on +PB. 1. c.). Cf. AB. vi. 16 for another +use of Nar& 9 &A 8 a in a different con¬ +nexion ; ZDMB. liv. 49 seq. + +3 SAyana, who is hopelessly perverse in dis¬ +secting the names, tries to make out a +succession of teachers; this is clearly + + +wrong: the names are those of kings, +not of sages. + +3 Agni is no doubt the god, not the imaginary +sage of SAyana. This is a variant provd- +cdfnih whenoe Weber (2nd. Stud . ix. 880) +creates an A^ni, but this is no more +than a misread gn as fn, though Weber +(ifttforfya, p. 109) still keeps the other +reading. + + + +PAftCIKA VIII +The Rajasuya +ADHYAYA I + +The Qastras and Stotras of the Soma Sacrifice . + + +viii. 1 (xxxvi. 1). Now regarding the Stotras and the Qastras. The morn¬ +ing pressing follows the one day (rite), the third pressing follows the one day +(rite). The pressings which follow the one day (rite) are appeased, well +ordered, and established ; (they serve) for expiation, arrangement, support,, +and to prevent falling. The midday Pavamana of the day with two +Samans and the Brhat as its Prstha has been described, 1 for both Samans +are employed. * Thee like a car for aid' and * This juice hath been pressed, +O bright one’ are the strophe and antistrophe 2 connected with the +Rathantara. The Marutvatiya is the litany of the Pavamana; in the +Pavamana here they employ the Rathantara (tune), and the Brhat for the +Prstha to create a balance. The Rathantara when sung he follows in +recitation with these (verses) as strophe and antistrophe. Now the +Rathantara is the holy power, the Brhat the lordly power; the holy +power is prior to the lordly power; (it is his wish) * Let my sway, with +the holy power before, be dread and unassailable.’ Now the Rathantara +is food; verily thus he places food before for him. Again the Rathantara +is this earth; this earth is a support; verily thus he places a support in +front for him. The invocation of Indra is the same, and unaltered; it is +(that) of the days. (The Pragatha) addressed to Brahmanaspati con¬ +tains (the word) ‘up’; 8 it is a symbol of that which has two Samans, +for both Samans are performed. The inserted verses are the same and + + +1 The form has been mentioned in so far +as the verses are mentioned in AB. iv. +29, where also the Rathantara S&man +is mentioned. The rule is a rare one as +two S&mans, viz. Brhat and Rathantara, +are rarely used together, the Abhijit and +Visuvant days being the chief excep¬ +tions (others are given in 99 ^. 2.1; + + +11. 2 ). The Rathantara is used for the +Pavam&na, the Brhat for the Prstha +Stotra. See A 9 S. ix. 8 . 8 . +i RV. viii. 68 . 1-8; 2 .1-8; A 9 S. v. 14.4. For +the invocation of Indra (RV. viii. 68 . 6 , +6 ), see AB. iii. 16. + +9 I. e. RV. i. 40. 1 and 2; above AB. iv. 81 ; +the inserted verses are in iii. 18. + + + +viii. l—] The Rajasuya [320 + +unaltered; they are (those) of the days. The Marutvatiya Pragatha 4 is +that of the one day (rite). + +viii. 2 (xxxvi. 2). ' Thou hast been bom dread, for impetuous strength ’ +is the hymn 1 containing (the words) ‘ dread ’ and ‘ strength ’; this is +a symbol of the lordly power. In ‘Exalting, most mighty’ it contains +(the word) * might ’; that is a symbol of the lordly power; in ‘ Pull of +pride (abhi-mana) ’ it contains (the word) ‘ towards (abhi) ’; this is a symbol +of overpowering. It is of eleven verses; the Tristubh has eleven syllables; +the Rajanya is connected with the Tristubh; the Tristubh is might, +power, strength; the Rajanya is might, the lordly power, strength; thus +he makes him prosper with might, the lordly power, strength. It is by +Gauriviti; the Gauriviti (hymn) is the perfect Marutvatiya; the explana¬ +tion of it has been given. In ‘Thee we invoke’, it has the Brhat as +Prstha; 8 the Brhat is lordly power; verily thus he makes the lordly power +prosper with the lordly power. Moreover the Brhat is the lordly power; +the Niskevalya is the body of the sacrificer; in that it has the Brhat as +Prstha, and the Brhat is lordly power, verily thus he makes it prosper +with the lordly power. Moreover the Brhat is the highest; verily thus +he makes him prosper with the highest. Moreover the Brhat is the best; +verily thus he makes him prosper with the best. In ' To thee, O hero, +we utter praise ’ they make the Rathantara the antistrophe; 8 the Rathan- +tara is this world; the Brhat yonder world; yonder world is the counter¬ +part of this world; of yonder world this world is the counterpart. In that +they make the Rathantara the antistrophe, verily thus they make both +these worlds possessed of enjoyment for the sacrificer. Moreover the +Rathantara is the holy power, the Brhat the lordly power; on the holy +power is the lordly power established, on the lordly power the holy power; +moreover (it serves) to secure the Sam an its birthplace. ‘ What he hath +won ’ is the inserted verse; 4 the explanation of this has been given. +‘ Both let him hear for us ’ is the Pragatha 8 of the S&man; it is a symbol +of (the day) with both Samans, for both Samans are performed. + + +4 RV. viii. 89. 8 and 4; above AB. iii. 19. +The days are, of course, naturally taken +by Weber and Haug as rites extending +over several days, Ahlnas. But this is +not the view of S&yana, and in fact the +verses referred to are used at the day +rite as well as the Ahlnas, and in the +case where there is a divergence, the +Prag&tha for Brhaspati, the reference to +the days is omitted. + + +1 RV. x. 78. See also AB. iii. 19. 2; A£S. v +4. 19. + +* RV. vi. 46. 1 and 2; A<?S. v. 16. 8. See also +v. 16. 16-18 for the order. brhaipfttJiam +is here taken as a compound by S&yana, +Weber, and Aufrecht, but it may not +be so. + +s RV. vii. 82. 22 and 28 ; A?S. v. 16. 2. + +4 RV. x. 74. 6. See AB. iii. 22 ; A?S. v. 16. + +21 . + +6 RV. viii. 61.1 and 2. See AB. iv. 81; v. 18. + + + +321] The Qastras and Stotras [—viii. 4 + +viii. 8 (xxxvr. 8). 1 Praise him who hath force to overcome * is the +hymn; 1 as containing (the word) ‘to* it is a symbol of overcoming. In +( Unsupportable, dread, enduring ’ it contains (the words) ‘ dread ’ and ‘ en¬ +during *; it is a symbol of the lordly power. It is in fifteen verses; the +Pancada^a (Stoma) is might, power, and strength; the Rajanya is might, +the lordly power, and strength; thus he makes him prosper with might, +the lordly power, and strength. It is by Bharadvaja; the Brhat is by +Bharadv&ja; by reason of the authorship it is similar. 2 That sacrifice of +a Ksatriya is perfect which has the Brhat for its Prstha; therefore +whenever a Ksatriya sacrifices, the Brhat should be the Prstha; that is +perfect. + +viii. 4 (xxxvi. 4). The Hotr offices are taken from the one day (rite); the +Hotr offices as taken from the one day (rite) are appeased, well ordained, +and supported; (they serve) for expiation, arrangement, support, and to +prevent falling away. These are of all forms, all perfect (and serve) to +secure all forms, all perfection; (they think) ‘ With the Hotr offices of +all forms, all perfect, let us obtain all desires/ Therefore, whenever the +one day (rites) have not all the Stomas and the Prsthas, the Hotr offices +of the one day (rite) should be used; that is perfect. *This should be +a fifteenfold Ukthya’ they say 1 ; ‘ the Paficada^a (Stoma) is might, power, +and strength; the Rajanya is might, the lordly power, and strength; thus +he makes him prosper with might, the lordly power, and strength. It has +thirty Stotras and Qastras; the Viraj has thirty syllables; proper food +is the Viraj; verily thus he establishes him in the Viraj as proper food. +Therefore should it be a fifteenfold Ukthya* they say. It should be +a Jyotistoma of the Agnistoma form. The Trivrt of Stomas is the +holy power, the Pancada 9 a the lordly power; the holy power is prior +to the lordly power; (it is his wish) ‘ May my sway with the holy power +in front be dread and unassailable/ The Saptadaga is the people, the +Ekavinga the Qudra class; verily thus they make the people and the +Qudra class obedient to him. Moreover the Trivrt of Stomas is brilliance, +the Paficadafa strength, the Saptada^a generation, the Ekavinfa support; +thus he makes him prosper with brilliance, strength, generation, and +support at the end. Therefore it should be a Jyotistoma. It has twenty- +four Stotras and Qastras; the year has twenty-four half months; in +the year is all proper food; verily thus he establishes him in all proper +food. Therefore it should be a Jyotistoma of the Agnistoma form. + +* RV. vi. 18. accord with his theory of drstya. Cf. + +* This is clearly the sense, and Siyana seems Weber, 2nd. 8tud. ix. 881. + +to hare had it in mind on taking sofoma - viii. 4. 1 So A$S. ix. 8. 8, despite the deci- + +BampUrnah. Haag renders ‘ is in direct sion here; in the very faintly parallel rite + +relationship with the ancestral fire' in in 9£S. v. 12.14 the sutya day is fo/ofo. + +41 [■•*... t»] + + + +••• 1 +VUL 6—] + + +The Rdjasuya + + +[322 + + +ADHYAYA II + + +The Punardbhiseha. + + +viii. 5 (xxxvii. 1). Now as to the renewed anointing. His lordly power +is consecrated, who being a Ksatriya consecrates himself. When he +concludes, after coming out of the concluding bath and having offered the +final offering of a cow, then they again anoint him when the concluding +offering has been completed. For him in advance the following prepara¬ +tion has been made: a throne of Udumbara 1 ; its feet should be a span in +size, the head (and foot) and the cross (boards) an ell in size, the cover +seat of Mufija grass, the spread a tiger skin; a goblet of Udumbara; +a branch of Udumbara. In this goblet are poured eight elements; curds, +honey, melted butter, the waters of rain during heat, grass and green +barley, liquor and Durva grass. Where the line drawn by the sword +on the south of the altar is, there he places the throne facing east. Two +of its feet are within, two outside the altar. Prosperity is the (earth). +What is within the altar is its limited form; what is without the altar +is the unlimited space. In that its two feet are within the altar, two +outside of the altar, (it serves) to obtain both desires, that which is within +the altar and that without the altar. + +viii. 6 (xxxvii. 2). He covers (it) with a tiger skin, skin uppermost, neck +in front. The tiger is the lordly power of the wild animals, the Kajanya +is the lordly power; thus he makes the lordly power prosper with the +lordly power. From behind it he approaches it facing east bending +the right knee, and taking hold of it with both hands he addresses +it with + +‘ May Agni in unison with the G&yatri metre mount thee; Savitr with +the Usnih, Soma with the Anustubh, Brhaspati with the BrhatX, Mitra +and Varuna with the Pankti, Indra with the Tristubh, the All-gods with +the Jagatl.’ + +With 1 After them I mount for kingship,for overlordship, for paramount +rule, for self rule, for sovereignty, for supreme authority, for kingship, 1 +for great kingship, for suzerainty, for supremacy, for preeminence/ + + +1 For the throne cf. AV. xv. 8. 2 in the case +of the Vr&tya; Vedie Index, i. 71. The +A£S. and have nothing of this or of +the following rites. S&yana explains the +Punarabhiseka as one following on that +already performed by the Adhyaryu after +the Mlhendra S&man, clearly referring +to Ap9S. xviii. 15. 10: mdhsndrasya + + +stotram pretty dbhisifcati. Ap. quotes in +yiiL 8.7 a Bahvroabr&hmana (read trfni +»asti$atdni) which is not AB. or KB. Cf. +Weber, R&jaruya, pp. 110 seq,; Gold- +stuoker, Sanscrit Diet pp. 279 seq, +viii. 6. 1 Weber (RQjasQ/ya, p. 112, n. 8) sug¬ +gests that the original list was rdjySya +alone, since it twice occurs here. + + + +323] The Punarabhi§eka [ —viii.7 + +He should mount the throne, with the right knee first, then the left. +‘ Thus, thus (is it to be performed) ’ (they say). The gods in unison with the +metres increasing by four syllables mounted on the prosperity on which +they now are established, Agni with the Gayatri, Savitr with the Usnih, +Soma with the Anustubh, Brhaspati with the Brhati, Mitra and Varuna +with the Pankti, Indra with the Tristubh, the All-gods with the Jagati. +These two are mentioned 8 in * The Qayatri hath become the yoke fellow +of Agni \ Fortune attends him, prosperity ever increasing he attains, +he attains control and overlordship over people who, being a Ksatriya, +thus mounts this throne after those deities. Then being about to anoint +him, he makes him recite the appeasing of the waters + +* With eye propitious regard me, O waters; + +With propitious body touch my skin ; + +All the Agnis that sit on the waters I invoke you; + +Confer on me radiance, force and might/ + +(thinking) ‘ Let not the waters, unappeased, strike away the strength of +him when anointed/ 8 + +viii. 7 (xxxvii. 3). Then he anoints him, placing the Udumbara branch +between, with + +* These waters are most auspicious, + +These healing all, + +These prosper the realm, + +These support the realms and are immortal. + +With these by which Praj&pati anointed Indra, + +Soma the king, Varuna, Yama, Manu, + +With these waters I anoint thee, + +Do thou become here the overking of kings. + +Thee great, of the great +People the ruler, + +The lady, thy mother, bore +The noble lady, thy mother bore. + +On the impulse of the god Savitr, with the arms of the A$vins, with +the hands of Pusan, with the brilliance of Agni, with the radiance of the +sun, with the power of Indra I anoint thee, for might, for prosperity, for +glory, for the eating of food.’ + +With bhuh (he concludes) if he desire of him ‘ May he eat food '; with +bhuh y bhuvah, if he desire thus of him with two descendants; 1 with bhuh, + +* EV. x. 180. 4. but Aufreoht prefers Sly ana's version + +* Cf. L4vi, La doctrine du tacri/Ue, p. 108. quoting iripuru$a t ‘ with three assistants *, + +1 Weber ( Ind. Stud. ix. 886) prefers to take of the Hotr. There is no reference to a + +dvipurufa as the saorificer and his son, temporary kingship. + + + +• •• • + +Vlll. 7—] + + +[324 + + +The Rdjasuya + +bhuvah , war if he desire thus of him with three descendants, or without +rivals. Some say ‘ These exclamations are an obtaining of all; by using +too much it is performed by him for another.’ He should anoint him with +this (formula) + +( On the instigation of the god Savitr, with the arms of the Alvins, with +the hands of Pusan, with the brilliance of Agni, with the radiance of +the sun, with the power of Indra I anoint thee, for might, for +prosperity, for glory, for the eating of food.’ + +This again they reject. 4 If he is anointed without the whole of speech, +he is liable to depart before his day’, Satyakama Jabala used to say, +‘ whom they do not anoint with these exclamations.’ 4 He is liable to live +the whole of his life, and to obtain 2 all by conquest’, Uddalaka Aruni +used to say, 4 whom they anoint with these exclamations. Him he should +anoint with this (formula) + +4 On the instigation of the god Savitr, with the arms of the Alvina, +with the hands of Pusan, with the brilliance of Agni, with the radiance +of the sun, with the power of Indra I anoint thee, for might, for +prosperity, for glory, for the eating of food ; bhuh, bhuvah, } svar.’ + +These things have departed from a Ksatriya who has sacrificed; the holy +power and the lordly power, strength, the eating of food, the sap of the +plants and the waters, splendour, refreshment, 3 growth and propagation; +moreover, as this is a symbol of the* lordly power, the sap of food, the +lordly power of the plants and support. In that he offers beforehand +these two libations, thus he confers on him the holy power and the +lordly power. + +viii. 8 (xxxvii. 4). In that the throne is of Udumbara, the goblet of +Udumbara, and there is a branch of Udumbara, and the Udumbara is +strength and the eating of food, verily thus he confers upon him strength +and the eating of food. In that there is curd, honey, and ghee, and it +is the sap of the plants and the waters, verily thus he confers upon him +the sap of plants and the waters. In that there are waters of rain in +sunshine, and the waters of rain in sunshine are brilliance and splendour, +verily thus he confers on him brilliance and splendour. In that there +are grass and green barley, and these are a symbol of refreshment and +growth, and also of propagation, verily thus he confers upon him refreshment +and growth and also propagation. In that there is Sura, and this is + +9 (fpnot is very strange in tense and probably stood as an unusual form. + +impossible : dptor is a most simple correc* 5 irdpustih is taken as one word, annatamrddhih, +tion : naturally misread and misunder- by Sayana. + + + +325] + + +The Punarabhi§eka [ —viii. 9 + +a symbol of the lordly power, and also the sap of food, verily thus he +confers upon him the symbol of lordly power and also the sap of food. +In that there is Durva grass, the Durva is the lordly power of the plants, +the Rajanya is the lordly power, for the Ksatriya dwelling in the kingdom +is fastened here as it were, and supported as it were; the Durva is +fastened as it were to the ground with descending growths, and is sup¬ +ported as it were. Thus in that there is Durva grass, verily thus he +confers upon him the lordly power of the plants and also a support. Those +that have departed from him after sacrificing he thus confers upon +him; verily thus he makes him prosper with them. Then he places in his +hand a bowl of Sura with 1 + +‘ With thy sweetest, most intoxicating +Stream be thou purified, 0 Soma, + +Pressed for Indra to drink.’ + +Having placed it with (this verse), he makes him recite the expiation + +‘ Separate for you is the place made by the gods, + +Be ye not united in the highest heaven, + +Sura thou art, the impetuous ; he is king Soma; + +Harm him not, when entering your own place of birth.’ * + +This is the discrimination of the drinking of Soma and of Sura. Having +drank he should give it to him whom he deems generous, for that is +a symbol of friendship; verily thus at the end he establishes it in a +friend; for he thus finds support in a friend. He finds support who +knows thus. + +viii. 9 (xxxvii. 5). Then he descends towards 1 the Udumbara branch; the +Udumbara is strength and the eating of food; verily thus he descends +towards strength and the eating of food. Sitting down he places his feet +on the earth and says the descent formula 2 + +‘ 1 find support in the sky and the earth ; 1 find support in expiation +and inspiration ; I find support in day and night; I find support in food +and drink; in the holy power, in the lordly power, in these three +worlds I find support.' + +At the end he finds support with his whole self; in all this he finds support, +prosperity ever increasing he attains, he attains sovereignty and overlord- + +1 RV. ix. 1.1. * This is probably the sense as taken by + +1 See TB. i. 4.2.2; A$S. iii. 9. 4; VS. xi*. 7 ; S&yana in view of the instr. below. + +5B. xii. 7. 8. 14 ; K^S. xix. 2. 21. Otherwise it could be the gerund as + +▼iii. 9. 1 The branch is now placed on the Weber (Ind. Stud. ix. 887) thinks, + +ground and he descends down towards it + + + +viii. 9 —] The Rajasuya [326 + +ship over people, who, anointed with the renewed anointing,being a Ksatriya +descends thus. Having descended with this descent formula he sits facing +east, making a lap, and thrice pays honour to the holy power with 1 Homage +to the holy power! Homage to the holy power! Homage to the holy +power.’ Then he utters speech with 4 A boon I give for conquest, for +victory, for winning, for success.’ In that he pays thrice homage to the holy +power with 4 Homage to the holy power! Homage to the holy power! +Homage to the holy power!’ verily thus the lordly power falls under +the influence of the holy power. When the lordly power falls under the +influence of the holy power, that kingdom is prosperous, rich in heroes; +in it 8 a heir is bora. In that he utters speech with ( A boon I give for +conquest, for victory, for winning, for success*, that is the conquest [of +speech in that he says 4 1 give ’. Moreover as to the conquest of speech, +(he thinks) 4 Through this my rite shall be completed *. Having uttered +speech, and having risen up he places a kindling stick on the Ahavaniya +with + +4 Thou art a kindling stick; kindle thou, 4 with power, with strength, +hail! 9 + +Verily thus at the end with power and strength he makes himself to +prosper. Having put on the kindling stick he steps out three strides north¬ +east. (Saying) + +4 Thou art the orderer of the quarters, + +In me be ye ordered for the gods ; + +Mine be good fortune +Freedom from fear be mine,’ 5 + +he reveres the unconquered quarter, to secure the permanence of his conquest. + +4 Thus, thus (is it to be performed) * (they say). + +viii. 10 (xxxvii. 6). The gods and the Asuras strove for these worlds ; they +strove for the eastern quarter; the Asuras drove them thence; they strove +for the southern quarter; the Asuras drove them thence; they strove for the +western quarter; the Asuras drove them thence; they strove for the +northern quarter; the Asuras drove them thence; they strove for this inter- + + +• Or, as Sayana, ‘ to him \ + +4 For 8am v enktva Siyana has indriyap&Lcvoena +farfras&marthyena ca samyojaya ; Aufrecht +suggests sam mentsva as the original, with +iuksva for intsva like avdkaam for avdtsam +in i. 28 above (cf. Weber, Ini. Stud ix. +246). BOhtlingk (BKSGW. 16 Dec. 1900, +p. 419) argues against inkna but accepts + + +md in place of u. + +Aufrecht suggests, after rftpdm, difo ms kal- +pantdm , but that is not good metrically : +possibly difaJk should be added after +dif&m, Kalpata as active 2nd pi. is very +strange, and Weber ' Jnd. Stud . ix. 888) +suggests taking it as a 3rd pers. ting, +injunct. + + + +327] + + +The Punardbhi§eka [ —viii. 11 + + +mediate quarter, the north-east; they thence defeated them. If, when two +armies meet, a Ksatriya runs up to him (saying) ‘ So do for me that I shall +conquer that army ’, and if he reply * Be it so *, he should touch the body of +his chariot with 1 * ‘ O tree, be thou strong limbed ’ and then say to him + +4 Do thou mount, to this quarter for thee let the chariot, well tied, +advance, to the north (let it advance), to the west, to the south, to the +east, against the foe.’ + +With * * With the attacking oblation ’ he should make him turn; then he +should look at him with the Apratiratha, 3 Qasa, 4 and Sauparna 5 hymns. +He conquers that army. If again he runs up to him when about to engage +in battle (saying) 4 So do for me that I shall conquer in this battle ’, he +should make him contend in this quarter; he conquers in this battle. If +again he run up to him, being expelled from his kingdom (saying) * So do +for me that I may be restored to this kingdom ’, he should make him go +away to this quarter; so does he again become restored to his kingdom. +After the paying of reverence, he goes to the house saying (the verse) for +the driving away of foes, 8 ‘ Drive away, O Indra, all my foes to the east ’; +from all sides freedom from foes and danger becomes his, prosperity ever +increasing he attains, he attains sovereignty and overlordship over people +who goes to the house saying thus this (verse) for the driving away of foes. +Having gone to the house he sits down behind the household fire and holds +on to the priest who at the end offers three butter libations to Indra, in four +portions, with the bowl, in the Prapad way, 7 for freedom from distress, +injury, loss, and danger, +viii. 11 (xxxvii. 7). + +4 Do 1 thou pour forth for the winning of strength ; the foe around— +Bhuh; the holy power, breath, immortality, this N. N. approacheth, +protection, guarding, freedom from fear, for safety, with offspring, with +cattle— + +overcoming: + +To overwhelm the foe thou movest like one taking payment for +a debt; hail! + + +1 RV. vi. 47. 26. + +* RV. v. 174. + +s RV. x. 103. + +4 RV. i. 162. + +B See above AB. vi. 26.7. S&yana here, how¬ +ever, gives pra dhdrd yantu (A£S. iii. 12.14) +as meant; cf. KB. xviii. 4 ; RVKh. i. S. + +• RV. x. 131. 1. + +T I. e. in equal parts with insertions as in + +AB. viii. 11. + + +viii. 11. 1 The verses treated are RV. ix. 110. +1-8: the verses consist of Padas of 12 + +8 + 12 syllables respectively. The treat¬ +ment accorded is to insert after 16 +16, +irrespective of the forms and metre, the +insertion ; thus in a sense the verses are +reduced to normal Anustubh verses. The +Prapad mode is defined in a verse cited +by SftyAna as— + +p&dd yasya tu ydvanto ydvadaJuarasammitdh + + + +[328 + + +viii. 11 —] The Rajasuya + +In thee when pressed, 0 Soma, we delight, in the great— + +Bhuvah ; the holy power, breath, immortality, this N. N. approacheth, +protection, guarding, freedom from fear, for safety, with offspring, with +cattle— + +kingship of concourse; + +For the booty, O purifying one, thou dost plunge; hail! + +Thou hast brought to life, 0 purifying one, the sun; in the pail— + +Svar ; the holy power, breath, immortality, this N. N. approacheth, +protection, guarding, freedom from fear, for safety, with offspring, with +cattle— + +with might the milk ; + +In eagerness with the milk that is thy living gift; hail! ” + +Free from harm and injury, unoppressed, protected on every side, by the +form of the threefold knowledge he wanders through all the quarters, find¬ +ing support in the world of Indra, for whom the priest at the end offers those +three libations of butter in four portions with the bowl, in the Prapad manner. +Then at the end he invokes propagation for cows, horses, and men with 2 + +4 Here ye cows, be ye propagated, + +Here ye horses, here ye men; + +Here with a thousand fees to give +Let the hero, the protector, sit down.’ + +He becomes multiplied with offspring and cattle who thus at the end invokes +the propagation of cows, horses, and men. This Ksatriya is never brought +low, for whom those knowing thus sacrifice, But they bring him low for +whom they sacrifice not knowing thus: just as outcasts, 3 or robbers, or +evildoers, seizing a wealthy man in the wild.fling him into a pit and run away +taking his wealth, so these priests fling the sacrificer into a pit and run away +taking his wealth. Knowing this Janamejaya Pariksita used to say ‘ Those +who know thus sacrifice for me who know thus; therefore I conquer the +assailing host, I conquer with an assailing host. Me neither the arrows of +heaven nor of men reach. I shall live all my life, I shall become lord of +all the earth.’ Him neither divine nor human arrows reach, he lives all +his life, he becomes lord of all the earth, for whom men, knowing thus, +sacrifice. + +rcy adhyayanam etesdm prapadam tad vidur his MSS. which has prdtd, a blander for + +budhdh. trdtd ; RVKh. v. 11. 2. + +* Cf. AY. xx. 127. 12; ££S. xii. 15. 8 where 3 For the Nis&das see Weber, Ind, Stud . ix. +Hillebrandt reads in d 'pi pus& against 840; Vedic Index, i. 458, 454. + + + +329] + + +The Mahdbhiseka of Indra + + +[—' viii. 12 + + +ADHYAYA III + +The Mahabhi§eka of Indra . + +viii. 12 (xxxviii. 1.) Now comes the great anointing of Indra. The gods +with Prajapati said ‘ He is of the gods the mightiest, the most powerful, +the strongest, the most real, the best to accomplish; let us anoint him/ +‘Be it so 1 (they replied). Thus (they did anoint) Indra. For him they +brought together the throne called Rc ; as its two front feet they made the +Brhat and the Rathantara, 1 as its two back feet the Vairupa and the +Vairaja, as the head (and foot) (planks) the Qakvara and the Raivata, as +the cross (planks) the Naudhasa and Kaleya, as the lengthwise ropes the +Rc verses, as the cross-ties the Samans, as the holes the Yajuses, as the +coverlet glory, as the pillow prosperity. Savitr and Brhaspati supported +its front feet, Vayu and Pusan the back feet, Mitra and Varuna the head +(and foot) (planks), the Afvins the cross (planks). He mounted this throne +with 8 + +‘Let the Yasus mount thee with the G&yatri metre, the Trivrt +Stoma, the Rathantara S&man; after them I mount for overlordship. +Let the Rudras mount thee, with the Tristubh metre, the Paficadaga +Stoma, the Brhat S&man ; after them I mount for paramount rule. Let the +Adityas mount thee with the Jagati metre, the Saptada$a Stoma, the +VairQpa S&man; after them I mount for self rule. Let the All-gods +mount thee with the Anustubh metre, with the Ekavin^a Stoma, +the Vairaja S&man; after them I mount for sovereignty. Let the +S&dhya and the Aptya gods mount thee with the Pankti metre, the +Trinava Stoma, the Q&kvara S&man; after them I mount for kingship. +Let the Maruts and the Ahgirases the gods mount thee with the +Atichandas metre, the Trayastrihga Stoma, the Raivata S&man; after +them I mount for supreme authority, for great kingship, for suzerainty, +for supremacy, for pre-eminence ; ’ + +he mounted the throne. When he was seated on the throne the All-gods +said ‘ If Indra is not proclaimed he cannot display his strength; let us pro¬ +claim him/ ‘ Be it so/ Him the All-gods proclaimed (saying) + +‘ Do ye proclaim him, O gods, as overlord and overlordship, as para¬ +mount ruler and father of paramount rulers, as self ruler and self rule, as +sovereign and sovereignty, as king and father of kings, as supreme lord +and supreme authority. The lordly power hath been born, the Ksatriya + +1 See for the S&mans above AB. iv. 13 ; for the throne AB. viii. 5. + +1 For the same series of metres of. AA. v. 1. 4; 95®* xv ^ 16- 1. + +42 [h.o. 8. st] + + + +[330 + + +viii. 12 —] The Rajasuya + +hath been born, the suzerain of all creation hath been bom, the eater of +the folk hath been bom, the breaker of citadels hath been bom, the slayer +of the Asuras hath been born, the guardian of the holy power hath been +bom, the guardian of the law hath been bom.’ + +When he had been proclaimed Prajapati, being about to anoint him, +addressed him with the verse + +viii. 13 (xxxviii. 2). + +‘ Varuna within the waters 1 +Hath set him down, preserving order, + +For overlordship, for paramount rule, for self rule, for sovereignty, for +supreme authority, for kingship, for great kingBhip, for suzerainty, for +supremacy, for pre-eminence, the wise one.’ + +Him when seated on the throne, Prajapati, standing in front of him, facing +west, anointed through a branch of Udumbara, dry but with leaves, and +a golden strainer, to the accompaniment of the triplet 2 ‘ These waters are +most auspicious ’, the Yajus formula ‘ (On the instigation) of the god thee 9 , +and the exclamations bhuh 9 bhuvah , war. + +viii.l4(xxxviii.8). Then the Vasus, the gods in the eastern quarter anointed +him with six days with the Paficavin^a, 1 and with this triplet and this +Yajus and these exclamations, for overlordship. Therefore in this eastern +quarter, whatever kings there are of the eastern peoples, they are anointed for +overlordship; * O Overlord 9 they style them when anointed in accordance +with the action of the gods. Then in the southern quarter the Rudras, the gods, +anointed him with six days with the Paficavin 9 &, and with this triplet and +this Yajus and these exclamations, for paramount rule. Therefore in this +southern quarter, whatever kings there are of the Satvants, they are +anointed for paramount rule; ‘ O paramount ruler’ they style them when +anointed in accordance with the action of the gods. Then in the western +quarter the Adityas, the gods, anointed him with six days with the Pahca- +vinfa.and with this triplet and this Yajus and these exclamations, for self rule. +Therefore in this western quarter, whatever kings there are of the +southern and western peoples, they are anointed for self rule; * O self ruler 9 +they style them when anointed in accordance with the action of the gods. +Then in the northern quarter the All-gods anointed him with six days with + +direct evidence that it was used in that +of the gods, and we need not go beyond +that. There is no use of ISO days in the +Bfijasuya either, so that Aufrecht’B own +suggestion is equally out of place, and it +is bad grammar. + + +1 This is RV. i. 26. 10 extended. + +* See AB. viii. 7. + +viii. 14. * S&yana has ekatrityatsv oAomu, which +is no doubt wrong. But Aufrecht in sug¬ +gesting 6x26« 150 seems unjustified: his +reason is that there is no Panoavi&^a +Stoma at the Rljaafiya, but here we have + + + +331] The Mahabhi§eka of Indra. [—viii. 15 + +the Pancavin$a, and* with this triplet and this Yajus and these exclama¬ +tions, for sovereignty. Therefore in this northern quarter, the lands of the +Uttara Kurus and the Uttara Madras, beyond the Himavant, their (kings) 2 +are anointed for sovereignty; * O sovereign* they style them when anointed +in accordance with the action of the gods. Then in this firm middle estab¬ +lished quarter the Sadhyas and the Aptyas, the gods, anointed him with +six day with the Paficavinga, and with this triplet and this Yajus and these +exclamations, for kingship. Therefore in this firm middle established +quarter, whatever kings there are of the Kuru-Pancalas with the Va$as +and Uflnaras, they are anointed for kingship; ‘ king* 3 they style them when +anointed, in accordance with the action of the gods. Then in the upward +quarter the Maruts and the Angirases, the gods, anointed him with six +days with the Paftcavinfa, and with this triplet and this Yajus and these +exclamations, for supreme authority, for great kingship, for suzerainty, for +supremacy, for pre-eminence. He became the supreme authority, as con¬ +nected with Prajapati. Anointed with this great anointment Indra won +all victories, found all the worlds, attained the superiority, pre-eminence +and supremacy over all the gods, and having won the overlordship, the +paramount rule, the self rule, the sovereignty, the supreme authority, the +kingship, the great kingship, the suzerainty in this world, self-existing, +self-ruling, immortal, in yonder world of heaven, having obtained all desires +he became immortal. + + +ADHYAYA IV + + +The Mahabhi§eka of Kings . + + +viii. 15 (xxxix. 1). If he who knows thus should desire of a Ksatriya ‘ May +he win all victories, find all the worlds, attain the superiority, pre-eminence +and supremacy over all kings, and overlordship, paramount rule, self rule, +sovereignty, supreme authority, kingship, great kingship, and suzerainty ; +may he be all encompassing, possessed of all the earth, possessed of all life, +from the one end up to the further side of the earth bounded by the ocean, +sole ruler*, he should anoint him with this great anointing of Indra, after +adjuring him + + +* The sense is clear, though the construction is +careless: Haug, however, seeks to render +the janapadfy as subject and as being +< without kings ’, which is wholly incon¬ + + +ceivable. + +• Here rOjd is meant, and therefore the other +names of no distinct form may be nom. +or voc. as bhqja clearly is. + + + +[332 + + +viii. is—] The Rajasuya + +1 From the night of thy birth 1 to that of thy death, for the space between +these two, thy sacrifice and thy gifts, thy place, thy good deeds, thy +life, and thine offspring let me take, if thou dost play me false.’ + +If a Ksatriya who knows thus desire ‘ May I win all victories, find all +worlds, attain the superiority, pre-eminence, and supremacy over all kings +and overlordship, paramount rule, self rule, sovereignty, supreme authority, +kingship, great kingship and suzerainty; may I be all encompassing, +possessed of all the earth, possessed of all life, from the one end up to the +further side of the earth bounded by the 8 ocean sole ruler he should not +doubt, but say with faith + +‘ From the night of my birth to that of my death, for the space between +these two, my sacrifice and my gifts, my place, my good deeds, my life, +and mine offspring mayest thou take, if I play thee false. 9 3 + +viii. 16 (xxxix. 2). Then should he say * Bring together four things of +the trees, of the Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Agvattha, and Plaksa \ The +Nyagrodha is the lordly power of the trees; in that they bring together +Nyagrodha (products), verily thus he confers on him the lordly power. +The Udumbara is the paramount rule of the trees; in that they bring +together Udumbara (products), verily thus he confers upon him the para¬ +mount rule. The Apvattha is the overlordship of the trees; in that they +bring together Afvattha (products), verily thus he confers upon him over- +lordship. The Plaksa is the self rule and sovereignty of the trees; in that +they bring together Plaksa (products), verily thus he confers upon him +self rule and sovereignty. Then should he say * Bring together the four +things of the plants, in the shape of the green shoots of rice, large rice, +panic seed and barley.* The rice is the lordly power of the plants; in that +they bring together the green shoots of rice, verily thus he confers upon him +the lordly power. Large rice is the overlordship of the plants; in that they +bring together the green shoots of large rice, verily thus he confers upon +him overlordship. Panic seeds are the paramount rule of the plants; in +that they bring together the green shoots of panic seeds, verily thus he +confers upon him paramount rule. Barley is the leadership of the plants; +in that they bring together the green shoots of barley, verily thus he +confers upon him leadership. + + +1 oQ&yetk&h and vjtojiyam are strange and really +impossible blunders. For others in this +book of. AB. viii. 28: aoapadyeyam and +28 : prqjighyati , °(u, jdgriydt ; Bohtlingk, +BKSGW. 15 Dec. 1900, p. 414. + +* S&yana sees in par&rdha a term of time. + + +Weber (Ind. Stud. ix. 848) suggests the +rendering adopted. + +s In Xauf. xvii. 4-8 the oath of priest and +king is a mutual one, and very probably +reflects a more primitive state of usage; +cf. Weber, ROjariyOj pp. 142, 148. + + + +333] The Makabhiseka of Kings . [— viii. 17 + + +viii. 17 (xxxix. 8). They then bring for him a throne of Udumbara; the +explanation of it has been given. There is a goblet of Udumbara or a bowl, +and a branch of Udumbara. Having collected these preparations, they +should throw them together in the bowl or goblet of Udumbara, and, when +these have been mixed together, he should put curds, honey, melted butter, +and water of the rains with sunshine, and, setting them down, he should +address the throne with 1 + +* Let the Brhat and the Bathantara be thy two front feet, and the +Vairupa and the Vair&ja thy back feet, the Q&kvara and the Baivata the +head (and foot) (planks), the Naudhasa and E&leya the cross (planks), +the 9c verses the lengthwise ropes, the Sftmans the cross-ties, the Yajuses +the holes, glory the coverlet, prosperity the pillow. Let Savitr and +Brhaspati support thy front feet, V&yu and Pusan thy back feet, Mitra +and Varuna the head (and foot) (planks), the Apvins the cross (planks)/ + +Then he should make him mount the throne. With + +‘ Let the Yasus mount thee with the Gayatri metre, the Trivrt Stoma, +the Bathantara S&man ; after them do thou mount for overlordship. Let +the Budras mount thee with the Tristubh metre, the Pancada^a Stoma, +the Brhat S&man ; after them do thou mount for paramount rule. Let +the Adityas mount thee with the Jagatl metre, the Saptada^a Stoma, the +VairUpa S&man ; after them do thou mount for self rule. Let the All¬ +gods mount thee with the Anustubh metre, the Ekavin^a Stoma, the +VairSja S&man; after them do thou mount for sovereignty. Let the +Maruts and the Angirases, the gods, mount thee with the Atichandas +metre, the Trayastringa Stoma, the Baivata S&man ; after them do thou +mount for supreme authority. Let the S&dhya and the Aptya gods +mount thee with the Pahkti metre, the Trinava Stoma, the £&kvara +S&man; after them do thou mount for kingship, great kingship, +suzerainty, supremacy, and pre-eminence 9 ; + +he should make him mount the throne. When he is seated on the throne +the king-makers should say * The Ksatriya if not proclaimed cannot show +his strength; let us proclaim him ‘ Be it so ’ (they reply). Him the +king-makers proclaim (saying) + +1 Him do ye proclaim, O men, as overlord and overlordship, as para¬ +mount ruler and father of paramount rulers, as self ruler and self rule, as +sovereign and sovereignty, as supreme lord and supreme authority, as + + +1 See above AB. viii. 12. The slight variant +is presumably deliberate, two clauses be¬ +ing inverted in order. Weber (R&jasilya, +p. 116) points out that the number of +materials of the ointment is much less + + +(cf. AB. viii. 6) than the number (17) of +the Yajus ritual, and sees in this a sign +of the old character of the simple punar- +abhiteka at least (ibid, p. 118). + + + +[334 + + +viii. 17—] The Rdjasuya + +king and father of kings. The lordly power hath been born, the +Ksatriya hath been born, the suzerain of all creation hath been bom, the +eater 8 of the folk hath been bom, the slayer of foes hath been born, the +guardian of the Brahmans hath been bom, the guardian of the law hath +been bora/ + +When he has been proclaimed one knowing thus, being about to anoint him, +should address him with this verse + +viii. 18 (xxxix. 4). + +‘ Varuna 1 within the waters + +Hath sat him down, preserving order, + +For overlordship, for paramount rule, for self rule, for sovereignty, for +supreme authority, for kingship, for great kingship, for suzerainty, for +supremacy, for pre-eminence, the wise one.’ + +Him when seated on the throne one who knows thus standing in front, +facing west, anoints through a branch of Udumbara, dry but with leaves, +and a golden strainer, to the accompaniment of the triplet * These waters +are most auspicious the Yajus ‘ (On the instigation) of the god thee and +the exclamations bhuh, bhuvah, war. + +viii. 19 (xxxix. 5). + +‘ In the 1 eastern quarter let the Vasus, the gods, anoint thee with +six days with the Pahcavihfa, and with this triplet and this Yajus and +these exclamations, for overlordship. + +In the southern quarter let the Budras, the gods, anoint thee with six +days with the Pancavin$a, and with this triplet and this Yajus and these +exclamations, for paramount rule. + +In the western quarter let the Adityas, the gods, anoint thee with six +days with the Pancavin$a, and with this triplet and this Yajus and these +exclamations, for self rule. + +In the northern quarter let the All-gods anoint thee with six days +with the Pancavinga, and with this trip nd this Yajus and these +exclamations, for sovereignty. + +In the upright quarter let the Maruts and Angirases, the gods, anoint +thee with six days with the Pancavin$a, an 4 with this triplet and this +Yajus and these exclamations, for supreme authority. + +In this firm middle established quarter let the S&dhya and the Aptya +gods anoint thee with six days with the Pancaviiipa, and with this triplet +and this Yajus and these exclamations, for kingship, for great kingship, for +suzerainty, for supremacy, and for pre-eminence.’ + +1 For this common description cf. Weber, 1 See above AB. viii. 13. + +Ind. Stud. x. 8, 14 ; BOjutHya, pp. 66, n. 2, viii. 19. i See above AB. viii. 14. + +116, n. 2. + + + +335] The Mahabhiseka of Kings . [—viii. 20 + +He becomes the supreme authority,as connected with Prajapati. The Esatriya +anointed with this great anointing of Indra wins all victories, finds all +worlds, attains the superiority, pre-eminence, and supremacy over all kings, +and having won overlordship, paramount rule, self rule, supreme authority, +kingship, great kingship and suzerainty in the world, self-existing, self¬ +ruling, immortal, in yonder world of heaven having obtained all desires +he becomes immortal, whom as a Esatriya he anoints with this great +anointing of Indra, after adjuring him. + +viii. 20 (xxxix. 6). Curds is power in this world; in that he anoints him +with curds, verily thus he confers power upon him. Honey is the sap in +plants and in trees; in that he anoints with honey, verily thus he confers +sap upon him. Ghee is the brilliance of animals; in that he anoints with +ghee, verily thus he confers brilliance upon him. Waters are the immortal +in the world; in that he anoints with water, thereby he confers immortality +upon him. Being anointed he should give gold to the Brahman who +anoints; a thousand should he give, a field and quadrupeds; moreover +they say ‘ He should give an uncounted, an unlimited, guerdon; the +Esatriya is unlimited; (it serves) to attain the unlimited.’ Then he places +in his hand a bowl of Sura (saying l ) + +‘ With thy sweetest, most intoxicating +Stream be thou purified, O Soma, + +Pressed for Indra to drink.’ + +He should drink it (saying *) + +‘That which is left over of the pressed juice, rich in sap +Which Indra drank mightily +Here with auspicious mind this of him, + +I partake of Soma, the Eing. + +To thee, O bull (the Soma) being pressed, + +I offer the pressed juice to drink; + +Rejoice and make thyself glad.’ + +The Soma drink which is in the Sura is what is drunk by the Esatriya +when anointed by this great anointing of Indra; not the Sura. Having +drunk it he should address it with 3 * We have drunk the Soma’ and ‘Be +thou propitious to us.’ Just as in the world a dear son touches a father or +a dear wife a husband pleasantly and auspiciously up to decay, 4 even so +Sura or Soma or any other food in the case of a Esatriya anointed by the +great anointing of Indra touches him auspiciously and pleasantly up to +decay. + +1 See above AB. viii. 8. 4 Probably until old age, cf. S&yana’s version + +* See above AB. vii. 88 and BY. viii. 46. 22. dehap&taparyantam. + +9 RY. viii. 48. 8 ; x. 87.10. + + + +viii.2l—] The Rdjasiiya [336 + +viii. 21 (xxxix. 7). With this great anointing of Indra Tara Kavaseya +anointed Janamejaya Pariksita. Therefore Janamejaya Pariksita went +round the earth completely, conquering on every side, and offered the horse +in sacrifice. Regarding this a sacrificial verse 1 is sung + +‘ At Asandlvant a horse, grass eating, + +Adorned with gold and a yellow garland, + +Of dappled hue, was bound +By Janamejaya for the gods.’ + +With this great anointing of Indra Cyavana Bhargava anointed Qaryata +Manava. Therefore Qaryata Manava went around the earth completely, +conquering on every side, and offered the horse in sacrifice; at the sacrificial +session of the gods he was the householder. With the great anointing of +Indra Somafusman Vfijaratnayana anointed Qatanika Satrajita. Therefore +Qatanika Satrajita went round the earth completely, conquering on every +side, and offered the horse in sacrifice. With the great anointing of Indra +Parvata and Narada anointed Ambfisthya. Therefore Amb&sthya went +round the earth completely, conquering on every side, and offered the horse +in sacrifice. With this great anointing of Indra Parvata and Narada +anointed Yudham$rausti Augrasainya. Therefore Yudham$rausti Augra- +sainya went round the earth completely, conquering on every side, and +offered the horse in sacrifice. With this great anointing of Indra Ka 9 yapa +anointed Vifvakarman Bhauvana. Therefore Vifvakarman Bhauvana went +round the earth completely, conquering on every side, and offered the horse +in sacrifice. The earth sang, they tell 2 + +* No man whatsoever ought to give me, + +O Vijvakarman Bhauvana, thou hast been fain to give me; + +I shall plunge into the middle of the water; + +Vain was this thy compact with Kafyapa.’ + +* + +With this great anointing of Indra Vasistha anointed Sudas Paijavana. +Therefore Sudas Paijavana went round the earth completely, conquering on +every side, and offered the horse in sacrifice. With this great anointing of +Indra Saihvarta Angirasa anointed Marutta Aviksita. Therefore Marutta +Aviksita went round the earth completely, conquering on every side, and +offered the horse in sacrifice. Regarding this, this verse is sung 3 + +1 See also 9®- xiii. 6. 4. 2; 99$. xvi. 9. 1, 16. 3 has d aa in £B. and upamanksye but + +with the reading abadhnad apxnh saran- otherwise agrees with AB. + +gam. 8 So 9&' adLii. 5. 4. 6 with AvOcsitasydgnih + +* Cf. 9B. xiii. 7. 1. 15 where manda dsitha ksattd , 99®* zy ** *6 agrees with 913. + +replaces did&sitha , upamauktyati syd and These texts deal with the horse sacrifice. + +tnnaisa is samgarah Kagyapaya; 99®* zy i* Cf. Oldenberg, ZDMG. xxxvii. SO, 81. + + + +337] + + +[—viii. 23 + + +The Mdhabhi§eka of Kings . + +* The Marut® as attendants +Dwelt in the house of Marutta; + +Of Aviksita K&mapri +The All-gods were the assessors/ + +viii. 22 (xxxix. 8). With this great anointing of Indra Udamaya Atreya +anointed Anga. Therefore Anga went round the earth completely, conquering +on every side, and offered the horse in sacrifice. He whose limbs were not +defective said 1 Ten thousands of elephants, ten thousands of female slaves, +I offer to thee. O Brahman; invite me to the sacrifice/ Regarding this +these verses are sung + +* Of the cows for which Udamaya +The Praiyamedhas aided in his sacrificing 1 +Two thousand of the myriads (day by day) + +Atreya gave at the middle (of the offering). + +Eight and eighty thousand +White horses, Vairocana, + +Side steeds, 8 loosing them, + +Gave when his Purohita was sacrificing. + +Of those brought from each country, + +All daughters of wealthy men, + +Ten thousands he gave, + +Atreya, with necklaces on their necks. + +Ten thousands of elephants, + +Atreya, having given at Avacatnuka, + +Wearied, sought for attendants, 3 +By reason of the gift of Anga, the Brahman. + +11 A hundred to you, a hundred to you,” + +So saying he grew weary; + +By saying “ A thousand to you ” + +He got back his breath.’ + +viii. 23 (xxxix. 9). With this great anointing of Indra Dirghatamas +Mamateya anointed Bharata Dauhsanti. Therefore Bharata Dauhsanti went +round the earth completely, conquering on every side, and offered the horse +in sacrifice. Regarding this these verses are sung 1 + +1 This seems to be the sense accepted by gave fees, but the plur. is against this. + +S&yana,Colebrooke, and Weber; assuming 1 prasti is here as usual of doubtful sense +the Praiyamedhas to be Rsis, as it seems and possibly is more generally merely + +they were from the other references to * leading horses*; Finite Index, ii. 513. + +their ancestors, as seers of EV. viii. 1-40, * To give the gifts away. + +&c. Otherwise the more natural way Yiii. 28. 1 See $B. xiii. 5. 4.11 »eq, +would be to treat them as princes who +43 [a.o.s. ib] + + + +viii. 23 —] + + +[338 + + +The Rdjasuya + +‘ Covered with golden trappings, + +Beasts black with white tusks, + +As Masn&ra Bharata gave, + +A hundred and seven myriads. + +This is the fire of Bharata Dauhsanti +Piled at S&clguna, + +At which a thousand Brahmans +Divided cows in myriads. 5 +Eight and seventy did Bharata +Dauhsanti on the Yamuna, + +On the Gangs for the slayer of Vrtra he bound +Five and fifty steeds. + +A hundred and thirty-three steeds, + +The king having bound for the sacrifice, + +Dauhsanti surpassed all other kings, + +In craft, the more crafty. 5 +The great deed of Bharata, + +Neither men before or after, + +As the sky a man with his hands +The five peoples have not attained it’ + +This great anointing of Indra Brhaduktha the seer proclaimed to Dur- +mukha, the Pancala. Therefore Durmukha Paficala, being a king, 4 by +this knowledge went round the earth completely, conquering on every +side. This great consecration of Indra Vasistha Satyahavya proclaimed +to Atyarati Janamtapi. Therefore Atyarati Janaihtapi, though not a king, +through his knowledge went round the earth completely, conquering on +every side. Vasistha Satyahavya said c Thou hast conquered entirely the +earth on every side: do thou make me great/ Then said Atyarati Janam¬ +tapi 4 When I conquer, O Brahman, the Uttara Kurus, then thou wouldst be +king of the earth, and I should be thy general/ Vasistha Satyahavya +replied 4 That is a place of the gods; no mortal man may conquer it. Thou +hast been false to me; therefore I take this from thee/ 6 Then Amitra- +tapana Qusmina Qaibya, a king, slew Atyarati Janaihtapi, whose strength + + +1 badva as a hundred kotis is given by S&yana ; +sahasram is taken by Weber with g&fy and +badvafah as ‘by flocks', but this makes +the number too low. + +* <JJB. has Saudyumnir atyasthdd any&n amdydn +and Aufrecht suggests amdyino as better +sense and metre. Weber (Xnd. Stud. ix. +346) reads ’mdyan. + + +4 rajd is read by S&yana, but the parallelism +below certainly suggests VtyVK, as taken +by Haug. + +s d ta (i. e. to) must of course be read; Weber, +JRdjasiiya, p. 118, n. adruktah is an odd +form, for which Liebioh (ittm’nt, p. 77) +would restore ad&rukso$, but Whitney +(Sansk. Gramm. § 920/) accepts the form. + + + +339] The Purohitaship [ —viii. 25 + +had been taken away and who had lost his power. Therefore one should +not play false with a Brahman who knows thus and has done thus (thinking) +1 Let me not loose my kingdom, 6 nor let breath forsake me/ + + +ADHYAYA Y + +The Purohitaship . + +viii. 24 (xl. 1). Now as to the Purohitaship. The gods eat not the food +of a king without a Purohita. Therefore a king when about to sacrifice +should select as Purohita a Brahman (wishing) * May the gods eat my food/ +The king in appointing a Purohita takes out the fires that lead to heaven. +The Purohita is the Ahavanlya, his wife the Garhapatya, his son the +Anvaharyapacana. What he does to the Purohita, verily thus he offers +in the Ahavanlya; what he does to his wife, verily thus he offers in the +Garhapatya; what he does to his son, verily thus he offers in the Anvaharya¬ +pacana. They, being appeased in body, having received the offerings and +propitiated, carry him to the world of heaven, to the lordly power, might, +the kingdom, and the people. They, if not appeased in body, not having +received the offering and not being propitiated, repel him from the world +of heaven, from the lordly power, might, the kingdom, and the people. +The Purohita is Agni Vaijvanara, possessed of five missiles; in his speech is +one missile, in his feet one, in his skin one, in his heart one, in his organ +one. With these flaming and blazing he approaches the king. In that he +says ‘ Where, O blessed one, hast thou been dwelling ? Bring ye grass for +him *, thereby he appeases that missile of his that is in his speech. In that +they bring to him water for the feet, thereby he appeases that missile of his +that is in his feet. In that they adorn him, thereby he appeases that missile +of his that is in his skin. In that they delight him, thereby he appeases +that missile of his that is in his heart. In that he dwells unimpeded in his +dwelling, thereby he appeases that missile of his which is in his organ. +He, having been appeased in his body, and having received offering and +being delighted, carries him to the world of heaven, the lordly power, +might, the kingdom, and the people. He also, if not appeased in body, and +not offered to and delighted, repels him from the world of heaven, from the +lordly power, might, the kingdom, and the people. + +viii. 25 (xl. 2.) The Purohita is Agni Vai$vanara with five missiles; with +these he keeps enveloping the king as the ocean the earth. His kingship +perishes not in its youth, life leaves him not before his time, up to old age + +• For avapadyeyam cf. AB. viii. 15, n. 1. The Delbrilck, Altind. Synt. p. 545. jahat may + +eonstr. with tied is unparalleled. See be subj. or inj.; ibid. p. 359. + + + +viii. 25—] The Rajasuya [340 + +he lives, he lives a full life, he dies not again, 1 who has for Purohita to guard +the kingdom a Brahman with this knowledge. 8 + +By the lordly power he conquereth the lordly power, + +By might he attaineth might, + +Who hath for Purohita to guard the kingdom +A Brahman with this knowledge, + +For him are his people in harmony, + +With one aspect and one mind, + +Who hath for Purohita to guard the kingdom +A Brahman with this knowledge. + +viii. 26 (xl. 3). This is also declared by a seer 1 + +4 The king all hostilities +With his onset, his might, doth overcome ’, + +Hostilities are the rivals who vie with and hate him; verily thus he over¬ +comes them with his onset and his might. + +* Who supporteth Brhaspati in comfort ’, + +Brhaspati is the Purohita of the gods; analogues of him are the other +Purohitas of human kings. In that he says * Who supporteth Brhaspati +in comfort \ verily he says in effect 4 Who supporteth a Purohita in comfort \ + +4 Who treateth him kindly, and maketh welcome the first sharer +(he says); verily thus he mentions honour for him. + +4 He dwelleth in ease in his own abode * * + +(he says); the abode is the house; verily thus he dwells at ease in his own +house. + +4 For him fare is ever plentiful * + +(he says); fare is food; verily thus for him food is ever full of strength. + +4 To him the peoples of themselves pay homage ’ + +(he says); the peoples are the kingdoms; verily thus spontaneously the +kingdoms pay him homage. + +4 In whose reign the Brahman goeth first ’, + +(he says); verily thus he refers to the Purohita. + +4 Unsurpassed he winneth wealths ’ 8 + +1 This is the only occurrence of the idea in comes distinct: as below in AB. viii. 27. + +AB. Cf. L6vi, La doctrine du sacrifice, 2 and 8. + +pp. 96 seq. ayuvatn&ri (not aywocm) is viii. 26. 1 RV. iv. 50. 7. +dearly right. Weber has ‘free from * RV. iv. 60. 8. +death of young men 8 RV. iv. 60. 9. + +* The true character of the passage now be- + + + +[—viii. 27 + + +341] + + +The Purohitaship + + +Wealths are kingdoms; them he wins unsurpassed. + +‘ Of his foe as of his kin * + +(he says); the foe are the rivals that vie with and hate him; them he +conquers unsurpassed. In that he says + +‘Who m&keth wide room for him that seeketh aid/ +verily he says in effect * Who maketh riches for the poor/ + +* The king for the Brahman, him the gods aid +(he says); verily thus he refers to the Purohita. + +viii. 27 (xl. 4). He who knows the three Purohitas and the three appointors, +that Brahman is to be made Purohita. He should say for the Purohitaship +‘ Agni is the Purohita, the earth the appointer; V&yu is the Purohita, +the atmosphere the appointer; Aditya is the Purohita, the sky the +appointer/ + +He who knows this is chosen as Purohita, he who does not know this is +rejected. + +A king is the friend of him, + +He repulseth the foe + +Who hath for his Purohita to guard the kingdom +A Brahman with this knowledge. + +By the lordly power he conquereth the lordly power, + +By might he attaineth might + +Who hath for his Purohita to guard the kingdom + +A Brahman with this knowledge. + +For him are his people in harmony, + +With one aspect and one mind, + +Who hath for his Purohita to guard the kingdom +A Brahman with this knowledge. + +Bhahj bhuvah, war, om. 1 + +I am that, thou art this; thou art this, I am that. I am sky, thou +art earth. I am the S&man, thou the ?c. Let us two unite. Save us +from great danger. 2 +Thou art the body; protect my body. + +The plants whose king is Soma, + +Manifold, with a hundred forms, + +In this seat do ye to me + + +1 The ceremony of selection is here described +on the exact lines of a marriage (Weber, +Ind, Stud . v. 216, 882, 848, 868; Whitney +on AV. xiv. 2. 71) to whioh mrkvahdvahai +refers, though S&yana does not reoognize +the force, and endeaYours to construe it +with purdni as villages in the kingdom. +Weber (ind. Stud. x. 160) suggests tdv ehi; + + +samvivahdvahai is possible, but the text +may mean * let us fare together ’; of. +Oldenberg, ReL den Veda , p. 876. + +* purdni appears corrupt (pur is the old form); +possibly it might be an irregular form, +1 let me escape from *, but, as no special +danger is mentioned, it may be an old +error for pdrayd no (glossed asmdn). + + + +viii. 27—] + + +[342 + + +The Rdjasuya + +Accord unfailing protection. 9 +The plants whose king is Soma, + +Which are scattered over the earth, + +In this seat do ye to me +Accord unfailing protection. + +In this kingdom I make prosperity to dwell, + +Then I behold the waters divine. 9 +I purify my right foot; I place power in this kingdom. + +I purify my left foot; I increase power in this kingdom. + +First one, then another, I purify my two feet, + +O gods, for the protection of the kingdom, to win security from danger. +Let the waters for the foot-washing burn away my foe. + +viii. 28 (xl. 5). Now comes the dying round the holy power. He who +knows the dying round the holy power, round him the rivals that vie with +and hate him die. He who blows here is the holy power; round him die +these five deities, the lightning, the rain, the moon, the sun, the fire. The +lightning after lightening enters into the rain ; it is concealed; then men +do not perceive it. When a man dies, then he is concealed, then men do not +perceive him. He should say at the death of the lightning ‘ Let my enemy +die, let him be concealed, may they not perceive him.' Swiftly they +perceive him not. The rain having rained enters into the moon; it is +concealed; then men do not perceive it. When a man dies, then he is +concealed, then men do not perceive him. He should say at the death +of the rain ‘ Let my enemy die, let him be concealed, may they not perceive +him/ Swiftly they perceive him not. The moon at the conjunction enters into +the sun; it is concealed; men do not perceive it. When a man dies, then +he is concealed, then men do not perceive him. He should say at the death +of the moon ‘Let my enemy die, let him be concealed, may they not +perceive him.’ Swiftly they perceive him not. The sun on setting enters +into the fire; it is concealed; men do not perceive it. 1 When a man dies, +then he is concealed, then men do not perceive him. He should say at the +death of the sun ‘ Let my enemy die, let him be concealed, may they not +perceive him/ Swiftly they perceive him not. The fire, breathing forth, +enters into the wind; it is concealed; men do not perceive it. When a man +dies, then he is concealed, then men do not perceive him. He should say +at the death of the fire ‘ Let my enemy die, let him be concealed, may they +not perceive him/ Swiftly they perceive him not. Thence are these +deities bora again; from the wind is born the fire, for from breath it is + +* r^jadattavis^rabhiinantmnam according to the ceremony of feet washing which is + +S&yana. accompanied by the foUowing Mantras. + +8 This is used for the water brought up for 1 Cf. TB. ii. 1. 2. 9. + + + +343] + + +[—viii. 28 + + +The Purohitaship. + +born, being kindled by strength. Having seen it he should say 1 Let the +fire be born; let not my enemy be born; far hence may he hasten 8 away/ +Far hence he hastens away. From the fire is the sun bom; having seen it +he should say ‘ Let the sun be bora; let not my enemy be bora; far hence +may he hasten away/ Far hence he hastens away. From the sun is the +moon born. Having seen it he should say ‘ Let the moon be bora; let not +my enemy be born; far hence may he hasten away/ Far hence he hastens +away. From the moon is rain bora. Having seen it he should say ( Let +the rain be bom; let not my enemy be bom; far hence may he hasten +away/ Far hence he hastens away. This is the dying round the holy +power. This dying round the holy power Maitreya Kausarava proclaimed +to Sutvan Kair^i Bhargayana the king. Bound him died five kings; then +Sutvan attained greatness. His vow is ( One should not sit down before +the foe ; if he think him to be standing, he should stand also. Nor should +he lie down before the foe; if he think him to be sitting he should sit also. +Nor should he go to sleep before the foe; if he think him awake, he should +keep awake also. Even if his enemy has a head of stone, 8 swiftly he lays +him low/ + +of At and as act. with pardn adverbial. + +8 A helmet like stone is Sayana’s version, but +this seems needless; cf. Colebrooke, +Essays, ii. 41. + + +* These forms are of doubtful value and +reality: cf. jdgriy&t here and above AB. +viii. 16, n. 1. Liebioh (Pfinint, p. 76) +takes them as 3 rd plural of the 8 rd class + + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + +ARANYAKA I + +Adhyaya 1. + +Now begins the MahSvrata 1 rite. Indra having slain Vrtra became great. +When he became great, then there came into being the Mahhvrata. Therefore +the MahSvrata ceremony bears the name of Mahftvrata. Some say P +should make two recitations with the ghee-offering for that day, bu “ he eStab ‘ S |' e . +rule is one. He who desires prosperity should use the hymn, To Agni, to this +god of yours, (I sing aloud)’ (RV„ III, 13 ). He who desires increase should usd +fhe hymn, ■ The guest of all your folk’ (RV., VIII, 74). For the folk indeed are +increase and therefore he gains increase. 8 Some say that one should not use that + +t The term mahavrata is, Sayana points out, explained by the Taittiriya school in ^three ways, +either mahan bhavaty anena vratena or mahato devasya vrata,,, or mahac + +Chandogas give the latter two explanations. See Taittiriya Brahmana, I s, 6 , and Sayana, ad + +loc For the whole, of. Aitareya Brahmana, III, ar, r; Ta.tt.nya Samhita, VI, S, 5, 3, +^atapatha Brahma,a, X, 4 , ■, «■ «J L ‘ x - the refercncc U t0 the view of + +^ _ : 1 t - The former is the priikrta because it is an Ajya Sastra in the + +making large earnings offer much taxation {karam api bahula* prayachanti,vh\<& Max Muler + +Brahmana, cited by Wintemitz Ifiesch. der mdisch. Lttt., I, 73, 74 B exaction! + +save only the Brahmins, as his food, because they pay him taxes. So often in the epic the +of king, are mentioned, cf. Hopkins, India Old and New, P P .*4°, M3,”- 3 , Keith .Sankhayana +Aranyaka, p. 68. # + +M + + +KEITH + + + +162 + + +AITAREYA AR ANY AKA + + +I, h i- + + +hymn because there is in it the word ‘ guest and a guest is liable to go begg.ng *. +But (Maludasa ') said that one should use that hymn. For he, who becomes gooc +“ 2L» - i, indeed » **«. Fo, Mm -ho b no, ,o men do no + +deem worthy of hospitality. Therefore one may by all means use that hymn. If +he docs use h, he should place first the t.istich, ‘ To him, best Vrlra-slayer are we + +come ’ (RV„ VIII, u, 4“ 6 )- For ca S cr for tllis day thcy wonJup lhc * ' } ’ + +amtsihira^ with m m pausa (see mitney, ^ (grammar, pp. 53 , 68 ), butthis course merely +imhsc/ie ^;w;;//;w//^ , ,333j33^ ™ script ’(the continual use of which is an + +adds to the unnecessaiy diffiu i , including l’rof. Macdoncll in his + +unfortunate necessity), and I have fo owet # * sibilants ns allowed by Banini, + +LyhaM-vath, in using .»»«»,* before nude,-n.voweb an< IM,«, * w J fab.als + +VIII, 4, 59 , «»•! approved by Whitney, « 'A*' ^ i« Jcal, aa.l luv, not been + +while using anmvara befoie t e ot er mu cs" exceptions) except where ah + +followed. I have also written ch for ah of .be MSS. _ “ h "/J fn Sau^k.rt ,s rarely, if ever + +represents an assimilated letter +ch. It is no doubt ic ca . ‘ ^ >ut Dr Schcflelo- + +(Waekeinagcl, AUinJische Grammatik , 1, 155, allows puccha as represen n k > " j , ilh + +ZTu Jeeuthe view), a representation of any save ‘— + +r + P, or (as Dr. Scbeftc.owiU, in hi. (“>"* "'° re + +Sprat hen } tiies to prove) s + h, norma y). ^ i t u use() f C ch for the simple letter + +properly than ch (the fact of potion 1 ;J ™["d'a zloJ.’‘ For ibis reason I follow Aul.echt (in +nri vents anv distinction between c. g. t-^c/i • c-t n ma wyIv xvxv + +hu'/ em&), Bloomfield, v. Schiocder, Knauer (see bis Mac,;. Orhya tact a, H • “V, + +O1 4 1 0 °^!^ e C ^^ t m ^ a ^ C ( )1 |j( O .f*(^[^ C g a pp>^’g^yana^explaiiis^by atithipadatatpatydbhijilah siddhantt. + +Cleaily it must be Maludasa Aitareya. Cf. II, 3 . 5 . °* 4 » hnei'mcts bhavati as sanmar- + +• It is not obvious how at it hi h is thn. intcn^ “S^cll,^ <7*,™,^ + +gavarfi bhavati. Max Malter says o ne w°ui g ^ its that the obtaining of distinction is + +p. 1 26 ; but see Hopkins, Another Explanation seems possible, bhft in the + +probably dcnvcd from ah above m , • , S ayana’s rendering -bhntim p, apnoti-oi + +Brahmanas has in composition the sens ‘ C < hers has t h e same sense, so that + +Aitarqa Biahmana, III, 23, 3). Vat a ecort g / , Kamam below is alleady + +hcie ye rw bhavati is perhaps explained by ya p t j lc j ll( y 0 f hospitality, cf. + +found in Mantra, cf. Dclb.uck, Altindisihe Syntax, pp. 184sq. 1 or the umy o l + +Taittirlya Upanisad, HI, io. + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +163 + + +and now they draw nigh to it. The next three tristichs' begin with anmhM +verses. Now the gayalrt verse is brahman ,* the amislubh is \ ac, and so he unites +Vac and brahman. He who desires glory should use the hymn, ‘Agni is aroused +by the fuel of the folk 1 (RV., V, 1 ). He who desires children 9 and cattle should +use the hymn, 10 ‘ The wise sacrificer has been born ’ (RV., II, 5). u + +' The Sankhayana Aranyaka, I, a, ignores vv. 13-15 of RV VIII, 74 , "hick form a dana- +stuti of Srutarvan Arksya. The reference here shows clearly that the A'tare)a takes the same +view of these veises. Verses 8, 9, n, w aie in gilyatrl, 14, »5 ln amt^tubh. + +■ Sayana gives as reasons for these identifications that the parabrahma is set forth by means +of the Uyatn (RV., HI, 62, 10), and that, like this amtstubh. Vac has four fuims (KV.,_T 164, +Nhukta XT 1 I 9, &c.; Z. D. M. G., XXXIX, 58), {fanlpalyanll madhyanui veukha ,/, later, +see’/ A 0 's XXII, 69; Mallinatha on Kumarasambhava, II, 17). '1 here is no icason to + +suppose that the identification of Vac and anas/M and gayatn and b, ah man has any basis +beyond mere fancy ; for different identifications, cf A. 0 . S., XVI, 3 * 1 - 1 hc original sense of + +brahman (so throughout to contrast with brahman, the god) must cleaily have been prayer^or +spell (cf II, 3. 8), the two ideas blending indefinitely since the prayer could be regarded +pell anil vice verU (Oldenberg, Rel^oa dee Veda, P- .Lh)- Russel, s view «f W™» <•' £ +Lb. der mi., I, », >4- *1) “ ““ Heiligcn, Gouliohen, einporstrcbcmde V, He 1 s + +Menschen’ is quite untenable, seeWinten.it/, Usth. der tndmk L,tt I, n , i". Tlmt Vac is +b,ahman was the doctrine of Jitvau Kailim and it is set forth by \ ajf.avalkya, b.hadara.ijaka +Upanisad. 1 V, 1,2, and the identification is developed 111 tile late Logos doctrine. Cf. also 1 a. y +Maliabrilimaim, XX,. 4,2 ; Chandogya Upanisad, VII, a, 2; Hopkins, Indn r Old and Nw, p. . 4 ,, +n 1 with whose view of the slight importance of the Logos doetnne m tins form 1 agree +‘ «’ Sayana concludes his commeiita.y on tins Kham.la by explaining that, though by t c +eodohananydya (cf. for another nyaya on this, Mim.u.isa Sutra, IV, 3,1°) Uie hmiyaudU s . +fill ended primarily for the gaining oi desired .exults, nevertheless they make up the sacrifice and +do not leave it imperfect, oil the p.ineiplc kamyemi nityaiiJdhtl,. 1 his nyaya arises, he explains, +f.om the rule on the new and full I noonsacr,fiee,/n/«ns.vidA'f'/'''''-yssfia./e/ur»crm_/<.,/,/u«/n.J<r, +Ihe.e as the sacrifice can be ca.ried out >ama>ena, the s odoka„c„a is merely umrthatvam (.see + +^'Mn^hc reforraO! S s e i r n the translation to the RV., where .10 line is mentioned, it is to be under- +stood that the whole hymn as accepted by the Aranyaka is meant. When only special ver + +'their authenticity, see Oil. Note. The verve in S * + +iL Ifefoc^^mhif-l^kiyrAmnylka!”,’;, cf. J,’u; y,n,(Mt»af Unlamd + +-rrrl ^ + +The Ath-irvivcda VII, 68, 3,'has in the last piida, m& tc yuyoma savuifsas ‘may wc nut be +separated from thy sight’, which explains the or.gin of the quite unintelbgible !ho vuse + +LLahur occurs also in TaiUniya Aranyaka, IV, 4*. *h«e w.U ke found KV-, IV, 31, 3 - + +For oaMfi\ cf.i:n, 2 > S’ "* J verses are given to accompany the recitation of + +the Samh.t 5 » n (SalkhSyana Aranyaka, VlI^nV), and Urn iormulae are placed at the beginning + +. Cf. also v. Sehrocder, DieTubuL Katka-IIandsckrifUn, y. 1 > 5 , and the kanti prefixed to +the KauMtaki Upanisad in the Ananda&rama cd. + +M 3 + + + +164 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA . + + +I, 1, 2- + + +2 He who desires proper food* should use the hymn, ‘Agni men kindle +from the twigs with splendour’ (RV„ VII, 1 ).’ For Agni is the eater of food. + +In the other chants accompanying the ghee-offerings men approach as it were +moie slowly to Agni, but here they come upon Agni at the very beginning ; at the +very beginning he 8 obtains proper food, at the ve.y beginning they smite away + +tat I would much rather take «,///«# (and the vcmion to the AnemlSfc^e ^* 95 . + +Mitak) as ‘lie, arisen, gives forth brightness, 'that (brightness) I am-ropnate to myselt , +referring to the beneficial and punfjing effects of the radiance o the sun, (efi Macdone + +n: + +a suggestion of sa/vm. e. com dele, e . » may be baS ed on + +prosperity attend me; may the gods alien 1 ■ < 1 ,IT,cully, but bhiimint, + +the magic principle ex ibitci fit, ~ m^h r J interjected, + +&c. t is obseme. tdn (unaccented m M may oe no. • / J- . Honour + +but this is veiy tmhkcly, ns occurs alone (see Cut. Note). It may be, + +( tn t u PP \ o A .mi and oblation/ but this is merely possible. + +r c n«-k ’ A II i 2 16 (cited by Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance, pp. 40 , + +satapd, which illustrates the position heie of caluii. 11 ai ‘^ yu , . + +,,,/di lunik occurs. The exact words used here am found bankhayana Aranyaka, VII, , + +1X > *• ,„„,„A„„rl ,.f anna and adya. Max Miiller follows this view, + +■ Siiyana explains as a compound f “"^ Uc ^ h t0 take H as „ + +tjz-a — + +J f d,:ia Jpan.- Brfihma,, If, + +sce/h, t tta l/y/^nl am sufficient to^nnplcte ^ccremon^ Wtat W + +means is that it is both the noimal orm an . 1 w heie stiennih is desired, and the + +tho use of da, lAt in the Agmhotra rot as and whcn is WIS hed. The possible + +use of UuuU.a in 1,10 normal • (i) this hymn as amuldyakama ; (3) any of the + +fin ms then arc: (1) this hymn ns , U * n y ,_ l8 arc i„ viuij metre, the + +other kilniycnukhini enumerated in 1, 1, *• m ., ’ + +rest mlrnlM, which explains the *“ ‘ ^“d oab t deli’beiate. ‘He’ corresiionds to + +3 1 hc ' lhst ! nct 7, ^ tW (’ e ." -/(hand Sayana explains the singular by yajamanasahghah, +annddyakamah and they to • J • , R ds ul J ya h, which is + +bl ,t this is unnecessary. Max “ o/mos^.he MSS. inehnling S*S-S* f + +i:77:/^ fva is uhnof, equivalent to run, cL Dc,brick, AHindiuK, + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES 165 + + +evil. Because of the words (RV., VII, i, i*), ‘with moving of the arms they +bring to birth* Agni,’ the hymn has the word ‘birth’ in it. Verily the sacrifice* +is bom from this day, and so the hymn has the word ‘birth'. There are four +verses (in the tristubh), cattle are four-footed, the verses serve to win cattle. +There are three verses (in the viraj), these are the threefold worlds, the verses +serve to gain these woilds. These two verses form a support. Man has a double +support, cattle have four feet. The hymn places the sacrificer with lus double +support among the four-footed cattle." The verses if said straight on number +twenty-five. Man consists of twenty-five elements. He has ten fingers, ten toes, +two legs, two arms, and the trunk is the twenty-fifth. By this hymn he adorns +the trunk, the twenty-fifth. Further, this day (of the sacrifice) is twenty-five, +the stoma hymn" of this day is twenty-five, like is brought about by like. So the +two are 7 twenty-five. By repeating the first thrice, and the last tin ice, the verses + + +Syntax , p. 477 ; Speijer, Vedhehe umt Samhnl-Syntax, § 2.10, and Schcftclowitr, D,c Afokr)fl,en +dtsKgvtda, p. 79, who calls this use late, hardly concctly. Cf. 111,2,6; II, 1,2; 6, r j An rec ^ +Aitareya Brahma,.m, p. 430. I think that iva must origmally-or at any rate_ quite early +have had a sense approaching more or less to cva. Cf. k\., I, 145 , 3 - tl " . /' ( ' " +nW vi fnhati sv.’ncra dht,o mdnas.i ydd dgtabhit. The sense is hardly by Ins own mind +alone’, as Oldenherg {S.B.E., XLVI, 164) takes it. The phrase is softened by ,va, just as +metaphorical phrases are softened by quasi, &c. in I-atm (Berger, Styhsttque latnu . p. 140). +This sense appears clearly in III, 2, 6 : vdgbrahmanan, tvopodaharatt. 1 Ins avoids amendment +to cva as proposed for the RV. passage by Oldenherg. So in KV. IV, 5 , « : ™ See + +also Eggchng, S.D.K., XI.Ill, 375 , >’• 3 , <>» Satapatha lli.rhmana, X, 5, 3 , Snyarra seems +to lake “iva” lieie 111 the sense of “eva”, as indeed it olten has to be taken, especially in +negative sentences’ The real sense is clearly seen in phrases like pataram ,va +Aitareya Brahmana, 111 , 48, 4 - See also n. 5 on 11 , I, 2. So in Bfhad.napyaka Upan.sad IV, + +2 2 for Re Kiinva test cva, the M.tdhyandina lias iva explained as eva by the commentator +(Max Mtiller, S.B.B., XV, .59, »• J)l 9 , 3 , [or the Kiinva iva va, Re + +Madhyandina has « vai (.S’. />’. if, XV, 150, n. s'. ^ « not <°“ nl m ' n ^l ,emknt + +of the Sankhayana Aranyaka, where m VIII, to, mi takes the place of »< m Aitareya + +Aranyaka, III, 2, 6. Cf. also Oldcnlierg, 2 . D.if. G., I.XI, 824 s<|. + +• Suyana is probably correct in taking janayanta in a timeless or present sense. Cf. + +Whitney, Sansknt Gtammar, § 93°; Avery, / A. 0 . S. t XL, 326-^61. , , + +• The hymn has two metres and in one of these metres four feet; man has two and cattle +four feet, and the union in the hymn produces union ,n reality. catu^dtsn occurs also m +Aitareya Brill,mana, VI, 2, 7, where the whole phrase oeuus w.lb 'fad.,,. or cat,,f„dal : .faiavah +cf. Satapatha Brahmana, XII, 2, 2, 20, and often in the t.opatha Brahmana. 1 he whole phrase + +is also identical with Aitareya brahmana, III, 3 b T _ 3 » &c - „ f . . f . + +• For this see I, I, 4 ; II, 3, 4 i -SSnkhayana Aranyaka, I, .. The reference is to the +paflcavitnka stoma in the Prstha Stotra cot responding to the Mahaduktha. + +» The plural is explained by Sayana as due to the res being thought of nnd not the hymn, +but here the ‘attraction’ of the predicate is an adequate explanation, since such examples of +carelessness are very rate. Cf., however, RV., Ill, 6, 3, where Oldenherg (A XLVI, +24, 6) refers yajiiiydsah to Heaven and Karth; RV., II, 5, 6 (ibid., 204); KV, VII, 93, 7 . +yd/ sim dgas cakrmd tdl su ,,,,/a tdd a,yam&Jitih iiirathantu I where Agni and perhaps the other + + + +i66 + + +AITAIiEYA ARANYAKA + + +I, i. 2 - + + +beoomc thirty less one, that is equivalent to a viraj verse minus one syllable. +For in the small (womb) seed is deposited," in the small (heart) the vital spirits +in the small (stomach) food is placed. So (the viraj small by one) serves for +the obtainment of these desires. He who knows this obtains those desires 1 he +verses include also the hhafi metre" and the viraj metre, and the perfection +of that da)-. They also include the anuslubh metre, 10 for the chants accompanying + +the ghee-offerings depend on ami'tubhs." _ + +3. ‘The l’raiiga 1 should be in the ghyalrl metre,’ some say, for the ^ayaln +is brightness and splendour and thus (the sacrifice^ becomes bright and splendid. +Others say, ‘The l’raiiga should be in the usnih metre, for the usmk is life + +Adilyas are in the miiul of the poet. Ibid., X, 85. 47 (altered in Atvalayana G.hya Sutia, + +1 71 ) Trday.nu is used of a man and wife. 1 .. Ma.trayaniya Samh.U, , 5 , », -Javaha +b used of the gods, ef. havavahai in IV, 1 , /,</>,r. Cf. too the verse cited V, a a, + +^ ^ « . 1 1 vtv t m with Wliitncv s note. (^f. Delhi nek. + +MUrdvarund ka.tamdm and Atharvaveda, Af\, 1 , 39 . wi , Whitney s n 1 . , + +dm he Syria r, p. 10a 1 Speijc,, SanshrU-Syr/ax, 5 ad, n.; Oldcnlrcrg, X. U. M. G , XXXIX, 6., . + +I Tat: “make up eighteen ** ve.scs (it is not necessary ,0 assume + +rt " of the lost vi.aj thrice as do,. Mas Muller), and seven MdM verses, +cneaung thiice the las. Indu/d,, and taking away eight syllable from each verso, wc read, nme +\,-Lr verses plus nine sets' of eight syllables which taken all together give two Mia/, verses. + +Thelr^'^'h called viraj in the Anuk.amani, is really a verse of Ihiitythree +svlhbles and by the doctrine that one or two syllables make no difference, it can easi y e + +orth„, y .two.ynaw«. •>•>*v, ;°vm ?:t \; + +Ml sdmlMlha, RV., X, iS, 8 as explained by Whitney, A.J. P; XIir > ay , « +r linvr Vf'huhe studmu H, 106. Lntcr */bhu governs the acc., see Hopkins, Gnat Epu +Tjndia pn 2 r,q,For the exact sense of abki, cf. abhi samcimiti Satapatha liiahinann, +X a 4 1 with Kggebng’s note; A.taieya Biahmana, 111,22,0: virdjam das,nun Mummfadyc- + +^ .■? — is + +'‘ v ;- o, + +1 1 x> Tn firr* fitakrti the Atrnibtoma, the Piauga consists of seven tnas , + +rommUi^g KV. 1 ? i.Tnd 3, ascribed to the poet Madhuehandas; so in Kausitaki Hiahmaiya, XV, 5. +The Aitareya Aranyaka keeps these Avar for the PmUga; in ^nkhayana there^used it + +set apparently of ^ to Vkmadeva chain,my,lycra though + +0I1V irree are h ( o 4 vi„d’a on 6ahkhayana A.auta Sntra, XVII, 8, .0). T e senes of de t.es +v'vu Indra-Vayn, hfitra-Varuna, Afvinau, Indra, Vixvedevah, Sarasvat. » the same as « he +original Ires of RV., I, a ; 3. There can be no doubt that the . ankhayana version is to +later The order of the as is different in Kfrtyayana Srauta Sutra, Ix . > 3 . 33 - *° r + +the metres and their relation to the savanas see Bcrgai ^Journal Anat,q«e,\lU, t* sq., + +iVa^ga b prefcrm’rin^ '^hkhij-ana,' but nothing is there said as to the +reason here given, while arguments for the gdyatra are there mentioned, which here are not +used. This adds another reason for regarding the Sahkhayana as the later version. + + + +-I, h 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +167 + + +and so (the sacrifice:) wins life.’ Others say, ’The Pranga should be m e +anustubh metre, for the anuslubh is valour, and so it serves to obtain valour +Others say ‘The Prailga should be in the brha/i, for the brhat, .s prosperity, and +2 Ol'e sacrifice,) become. „,o,„ero,,d Oth.ct, •The be ™ ‘he + +fiaiik/i metre, for the pahkt, is food and so (the sacnficer) wins food. Others +say ‘The Prattga should be in the fris/uth metre, for the J stiengt + +and so (the sacrifice:) becomes strong.’ Others say, ‘The Prattga should Ire m the +S, “metre for cattle* arc like the Jagaf, and so (the sacnficer) acquires cattle +Hut (the sacrifice:) should take a gnyatn hymn only. For the gayatn isfo a +and that day is brahman, and so through brahman is brahman commenced. T +hymn should be one by Madhuchandas. For Madhuchandas desires honey for +the singers and so he is called Madhuchandas. Now food duly is honey all +• 1 „„ • all desires are honey; therefore if one recite the hymn of Madhu- + +, , l ' s t0 0 htain all desires. lie who knows this obtains all desires. + +n“ this VX: in r.™‘ i, Mach indeed on that 1. + +done that 1, Midden,- and (the I'mllf.) i. the atonement.- No. atonement + +—t;.. r ™ S’S" + +t... ■»• «• ■• + +or faUxvah are panktdh, AUaieya Bwhmana, III, 23, 5 - + +JBBz ZSZZEZ'Z + +the Naighantuka, HI, 14 K>' cs chamlaU as an^ \ Cn(h _ der indislh. /.it/., I, + +when chenda occuis; or possibly winning Y f „ t, c fri e digcn, oder befallen machen’. +,46, n. 3), who takes the meaning of ^ \ ’doncU, Grammar, p. 3 ,,n. 31 + +Ctilso ' Vtck ®’ Kd ’'“k connexion’of chamios with ikandati, which if real +Weber, /m/. Mud-, ' I' > 4 b’ he meaning Q f pandas as right time (cf. pes, fool, + +VtCAnd ‘cover’ me + +arc of very doubtful connexion (''hnney, boot , ■< I F 49 Brahmana, XXVIII, 2 ; + +HI,,57; tainkhilyana Wa -Sntra, & c. + +K °V U a 0 “ + +day , S Be 1 cau < ;'e, sja“! it oaf eal^ be “mod byTe^mbcnng the Agniqoma, which it + +"ITS lias”what .a bater: <?"> 1 see V, r, 5, *• - the popnlar + +'"‘•I'Mdtpcrht better than Max Muller’s ‘and has to be atoned for (by recitation)’. + + + +168 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I. ». 3 - + + +is rest, and at the end (of the sacrifice) the sacrificers rest on the atonement +of the one day (riaifga) 11 as their rest. He rests who knows this, and they also +rest for whom the Ilotr priest, who knows this, recites this Prailga. + +4. ( There is the word ‘ ready ’ in the verse,) ‘ Come hither, O Vayu, conspicuous; +these Soma draughts have been made ready’ (RV, 1 ,2,1); this day indeed is ready for +the sacrificer and for the gods. Truly the day is ready for him who knows this or for +whom a Hotr priest who knows this recites. In the verse, ‘ Indra and Vayu, these +draughts are poured forth, come to what is prepared’ (RV., I, 2, 4), by ‘prepared’ +(mffo/u) he denotes what is ' well prepared ’ (samsir/a ). 1 Indra and Vayu approach +what has been well prepared by him who knows this or for whom a Ilotr priest who +knows this recites. In the verse, ‘ Mitra of holy might I summon (and Varuna) +who make perfect 2 the oil-fed rite’ (RV., I, 2, 7»<=), speech is the oil-fed rite. +Speech is his who knows this or for whom a Hotr priest who knows this recites. +In the verse ‘ Asvins, (accept) the sacrificial offerings ’ (RV., I, 3, i»), the sacrificial +offerings are food and this serves to gain food. The Asvins go to the sacrifice of +him who knows this or for whom a Ilotr priest who knows this recites the verse, + +‘ Come hither, ye whose path is red’ 3 (RV., I, 3, 3). In the verses, ‘Indra of +bright splendour, come hither; Indra impelled by prayer, come hither; Indra +hastening, come hither’ (RV., I, 3 , 5 “ 5 4 tt ), he ^citcs, ‘Come hither, come + +hither.’ Indra goes to his sacrifice who knows this or for whom a Ilotr priest +who knows this recites. The All-gods come to the call of him who knows, + +It is a curious inversion of ideas by which the old popular rites retained no doubt reluctantly +in the ritual become rcgaided as improper and needing atonement. + +a M ax Mtiller takes prati)[haikahah as separate from ian/yam, but suggests that eknhah may +go with la tit yam. This certainly seems better, as it avoids the identification of ckahah and +lantih. ‘ At the end ’ refers to the fact that the Mahavrata is the last day but one of the Sattra. +For pratisthd as a medical term, see Iloernle,/. R.A. S., 1907, p. 14. + +1 From nhkrta comes the Vedic Bkrti according to Bloomfield, /. A. O.S ., XVI, xxvi. +For samskrta as ‘well-cooked’, see Thomas, J.R.A.S., 1904, p. 748; Kirste, J. R . A. S., +iqoc, p.‘ 3 S3 . For * and </%, cf. Oldcnbcrg, S.B . XLVI, 2-4. For above, which + +as against 1 alam, V, 2, 3, is a sign of early date, cf. Wackernagel, Altindische Grammatik , I, +ai 1 sq • Macdonell, Vedic Grammar , pp. 43 *q- “l *” 1 alrca(1 y a PP ears in thc Atharvavcda. The +syntax is normal, see Delb.uck, Altindische Syntax , pp. 146, M 7 - Sayana, probably correctly, +explains that the hymn has the word at am because thc day is aram, not vice versa. The + +use of vai favours this. T . + +1 Sayana interprets sddhantd cither as dual or as equivalent to sddhayantam. In the +original, the pada has Varunam ca lisadasam (cf. Pischel, Vedisi/te Stud ten, Ill, 190). + +3 This is the most probable interpretation of Rudravartani , Fischel, Vedtsche Siudten , I, 53 , +but cf. Ill, 71; Macdonell, Vedic Mythology, p.49. Others take as ‘ whose path is terrible’. Sayana +renders ‘whose path is like that of Rudra unobstructed’. According to Rs division, here and +above, aha must be taken as ‘lie says’ (the verse), but the position of asya is hardly possible +and the later examples show conclusively that a ha goes with what follows, as it is taken in S. + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +169 + + +-I, 2, 1 + +or for whom a Hotr priest who knows recites the verse, 4 Ye All-gods, protectors, +supporters of men,'come hither' (RV., I, 3, 7)- In the verse, ‘Ye givers, (come +to) the libation of the giver’ (RV., I, 3, 7 C )> he means the libation of every giver. +Whatever a man wishes when he recites this verse, that wish the gods fulfil, +if this he knows or if for him a Hotr priest who knows recites. In the verse, +‘May the holy 4 Sarasvati accept our sacrifice, she that is rich in prayer’ (RV., +I, 3, 10), speech is denoted by ‘rich in prayer’. Speech is his who knows this +or for whom a Hotr priest who knows this recites. When he says, ‘May she +accept our sacrifice,’ he means, ‘ May she bear it away/ These verses if said +straight on number twenty-one. 5 Man consists of twenty-one elements. He has +ten fingers, ten toes, and the trunk is the twenty-first. By this hymn he adorns +the ttunk, the twenty-first. By repeating the fust thrice and the last thrice the +verses become twenty-five. The trunk is the twenty-fifth, and Prajfipati is the +twenty-fifth. He has ten fingers, ten toes, two legs, two aims, and the trunk +is the twenty-fifth. By this hymn he adorns the trunk, the twenty-fifth. Fuither +the day (of the sacrifice) is twenty-five, the sfoma hymn of that day is twenty-five, 6 +like is brought about by like. So the two are twenty-five. + + +Adhyaya 2 . + + +The two tristichs, ‘Thee like a car to aid us’ (RV., VIII, 68, 1-3), and, + +* This juice is poured, O Vasu’ (RV., VIII, 2, 1-3) are the first and second of +the Marutvallya hymn . 1 Both are pci feet in form as belonging to the one day +ceremony . 9 Much indeed is done on this day that is forbidden, and (the +Marutvatiya) is the atonement. Now atonement is rest, and so at the end (of +the saciificc) the sacrifices rest on the atonement of the one day (Marutvatiya) +as their rest. He rests who knows this and they also rest for whom the Hotr +priest, who knows this, recites this Marutvatiya. In the verse, ‘Indra, come + +4 Probably the original form was favaka, Arnold, Vcdic Metre , p. 143; Wackernagel, +AUindischt Grammatik , I, xi; Macdoncll, Vcdic Grammar , p. 110. + + +8 Cf. 1 , 1, 2 ad fin. ^ , , . + +• The stoma peculiar to the Mahavrata is the fatoavimta stoma in the rajana melody in +the Prstha Stotra corresponding to the Mahaduktha, Sankhiyana Srauta Sutra, X\ II, 7 , 3 ; 4 - +The explanation of I’rajapati as twenty-fifth is seriously g.vcn, cf. »ncdlander. note on +Jsankhavana Aranyaka, I, 1, and see also below, II, 2, 4. + +■ This is the'first Sastra at the midday pressing. Th tfn gStkas used are made up of two +verses expanded (Sayana: yasminn rgdvayasamuhe pragrathaneua treafysampadyate so yam +pragdthaR), The Mayyas are interpolated verses to fill up the Sastra. for the termmo +pratipad and anucasa, see Hillebrandt, Ritual-Liltcratur, p. 103. For uktha Ulow, see +Eggcling, S. B . E. y XLT, xii-xv. + +■ See I, 1, 3. + + + +* 7 ° + + +A 1 TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, + + +nighcr, with thy strengths preserve thy singers’• (RV, VIII, 53 , 5 " 6 )- ( lhere ' +the word ‘singers’); this day indeed is a hymn, and being possessed of a hjm +the form of this day is perfect. (There is the word ‘hero ) .n the verse, Let +Brahmanaspati come forth, hitl.er the hero’ (RV., I, 40, 3 "): * hc forin ° f thlS +day indeed is perfect as endowed with strength. (There « * ord hcr °' a +might’) in the verse, ‘ Rise up, O Brahmanaspati; heroic might (RV., I, 4 °, « - +2 ,,f. the form of this day is perfect as endowed with might. (There is the word +.hymn’) in the verse,‘Now doth Brahmanaspati proclaim the hymn of praise +(RV I 40 5); this day indeed is a hymn and the form of this day as en owe +lith'k hymn'is perfect. (There is the word ‘slaying Vr.ra’) in the ^, ‘Agm +the slayer of Vrtra, will bear’ (RV„ HI, ao, 4 -)i the slaying* of V ra is a +chaiactoristic of Itulra, this day is India’s, and lndras is the form of this chy. +(There is the word ‘strong’) in the verse, ‘Thou art strong by insight, O Soma +thou art mighty in thy might and greatness’ (RV., I, 91, a»°); m'ght indctrf • +a characteristic of India, this day is Indra’s, and lndras is the form of this ay. +(There is the wool ‘strong’) in the verse, ‘They fill full the waters; they lead +forth the strong one* like ahorse for rain'(RV„ I 64, 6‘)j strength indeed s +a chaiactenstic of India, this day is India’s, and lndras is the form of this ay. +Further in that verse, ‘They milk the thundering never-fading spring (RV., 1 , +64 6), (there is the word ‘thundering’); thundering indeed is a characteristic +of Indra, this day is Indra’s, and Indra’s is the form of this day. (1 here is +the word ‘great’) in the verse, ‘To great Indra’ (RV., VIII, 89, 3); what indeed +is great, is large, the form of this day as endowed with brgencss is per ec +(There is the word ‘ great ’) in the verse, ‘ Sing a great song to India ( KV -> Vn ■ +89, 1); what indeed is great is large, the form of this day as endowed with +largeness is perfect. (There are the words ‘was in the way of and stayed +not’) in the vcise, ‘No one was in the way of, 7 none stayed, the chariot of + +3 Sayan ri takes frasiltir as a noxm=aimjri'l dcynl. _ + +. This is, I take it, the meaning. The verses contain words because the day has certain +mnlilies It is al-o poss.hle to inve.t the relation, and derive flora the epithets in the verses he +m s of the day, but .he position of the verse in the sentence points to the former merprein. on +as slightly the mom probable, and that view is supported by feuUhriyana Aranyaka, I, 3 *»• • + +mahaJvad hy clad a/,ah. The literal version is ‘ As to the words, &c. . + +» The argument seems to be (l) Vrtraha occurs m the verse, because (a) Indra < A'a/,a , +and (I) the day is Indra’s. Possibly it may be, because the word Vriraha occurs, therefore, + +according to Shyapa. It cleaiiy + +energy . Cf.Oldenberg, S.B.E., XI.VI, 18 and Index, s. v. vaja; P.schcl, V'Axh. htndun, h + +10 ’r 4 s-rvana renders toryatti as wartham na cdUtaviin and m, nramad as Una rathena + +ran,a„a,n afii tain,, ua kriavdn, and paryasiavat as UdnU^naya f + +It is difficult not to believe that this absurd interpretation, which is that of the Aranyaka, was + + + +-I, 2, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +T-l 1 + + +Sudas’ (RV., VII, 32, >°); the form of this day as endowed with the terms +paryasla and rSnli is perfect. He recites all the Pragathas to obtain a he +days, all the Ukthas," all the Prsthas,* all the Saslras, all the Pratlgas, all l ic + +pressings of the Soma. , + +2. He recites 1 the hymn, ‘Fair has been my effort, singer; slayer of truth +(RV X 27V True, indeed, is this day and peifect its form as endowed wit 1 +truth! This hymn is composed by Vasukra. Vasukra indeed is brahman, and +this day is brahman. Thus by brahman is brahman commenced. Here they ask: + +< Why then is the Marutvatiya Saslra commenced by Vasukra’s hymn ? Because +no other than Vasukra produced • a Marutvatiya Sastra nor separated it There¬ +fore by the hymn of Vastikia the Matulvallya Sastra is commenced. This hymn +is not addressed to any definite deity’ and is therefore Prayapatis. For +Praiapati is undefined, and the hymn serves to win Prajapati. Once lie describes +Indra, and so the hymn retains its form as India's. He recites the hymn Drink +the Soma, for which in anger thou breakest ’ (RV., \ I, 17)- 0 hnc is t e wort +‘mightily’) in the verse, ‘The cow stall, Indra, mightily being lauded; the form +of this day as endowed with the woid mightily’ is peifect. I his hymn is + +deliberately chosen wrongly. The exact sense of the original is, however, open to doubt, of. + +says, are those for the following the + +Yiinayainlye Siiman. The l'lsfiias are the four l'Hha Stotras of the midday l'““' n h- 'e +Sastras ar l those of the Ajja and other rites. The lYadgas are ihe Sastras of the Trauga +“a a.e specially mentioned on the nyaya, brahman,', ngatbh fanvrajaka afy agalah (so b, + +R XXVI, 33 9 . For and the very numerous similar + +datives ef Spener, VM unct SanskriGSyMax, § 274; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, $ 97 °. +They differ from ordinary infinitives m not being construed cleaily as verba forms, but +dre genitive as here and in Slnkhayana Aranyaka, II. 51 6 . »»» alwll 7 s 111 CcllU - + +KU..1 <o „..... + +- ' c \7 t 1 whuh nives onlv the special part, and cf. Sankh.iyana + +« is equated to fnd.a. He occurs also m Hrhaddevat.! VII, 3°, &c. +"i“e. brought out of the Samhita. The perf. here has a certain propriety ; it expresses a +relation not exactly that of mere past, and approximate, to a present. Cf. n. 6 . lor + +%r£zr xxm;T; »vi + +mTrV.?xT* 7! 22. The Itr’haddcvata and Sa.vanukramanI ascribe X, 27-29 generally to +Indra, with certain exceptions (Macdonell, Hrhaddevata, I, 127). , + +3 Clearly the Aranyaka takes mahi as an accusative = uuthaJ, and presumably, like Sayan , +s „ t ^aL active. Mb hi in the original is taken by G.ifTUl. in his translation as a vocative from + + + +172 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 2, 2- + + +composed by Bharadvaja, and Bharadvaja was of seers the most learned, the +longest lived, and the greatest practiser of austerities. By this hymn he drove +away evil. When 6 therefore a man recites the hymn of Bharadvaja, it is that + + +tnahin against the accent. Cf. also Grassmann and Ludwig’s translations. For the passive +sense of grndna cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, p. 3 62 ; Delbruck, Altindische Syntax , P . 264. + +6 The lorm afahatyd may be cither a dative, ‘ for the driving away,’ or an ablative, more +probably the latter, as piesumably the sense is that Bharadvaja attained his length of years +by the hymn rather than the reverse, dsa above is clearly differentiated in time from the +narrative; cf. Saiikhayana Aranyaka, VI, 1, where the imperfect avasat desciibcs the dwelling +from time to time of Gargya Balaki, while dsa is used to denote his permanent character, +and uvdea in describing his conversation with Ajatasatiu. Ihis use of the perfect as a +narrative tense is not a sign of lateness when the use is different from that of the imperfect. +In the Tomlya Mahabrahmana itself uvdea and dsa (XIII, 6, 9) are both found in such cases. +Cf. also Aitarcya Brahmana, III, 48, 5 : Bharadvaja ha vai krio dlrghah fa lit a dsa I jo 'Inavit I, +and III, 48, 4. The position of the Aitaieya Biahmana and Aranyaka as early appear clearly +from the following table of the piopoition of perfects to imperfects (see Whitney, B.A.O.S., +May, 1891, pp. lxxxv sq., slightly modified):— + + +Tandya Mahabiahmana, 1 • 13 °* + +Taittirlya Sarnhita, I : 70. + +Maitiayaniya Samhita, 1 : 61. + +Taittinya Brahmana, 1 : 20. + +Taittirlya Aranyaka, r : 9. + +^atapatha Brahmana, VI-VIII, 1: 20; I-V, +9: 11. + +„ „ XIII, 1: 5; XI, 5: 4 . + +„ „ IX, 2:5; XIV, 7: 5- + +„ „ X, 1 : 3 1 (including + +Brhadaianyaka Upanisad.) + + +Satapatha Brahmana, XII, I : 2. +Jniminlya Brahmana, I : 4. +Gopatha Brahmana, IT, 1 : 5. + +„ „ I. ■ : »• + +Kamil aki Brahmana, 3 : 5. +Cbandogya Upanisad, 4: 1. +Aitarcya Brahmana, I-IV, 1 : 40. +„ „ V, 1 : 16. + +>r »» VI » 1 : 2 ‘ + +„ VII, 4 s x. + +VIII, 5: 3. + + +The earlier part of the Aitarcya (T XXVI) can thus claim to be older than anything save the +Paficavimsa and the Samhitas and may be as old (for in such small matters as those of the +Aitareya the proportions are not fair) as the Samhitas (Brahmana parts, of course). Against +this sporadic cases like sam lokete , lajjate , saciva (Wackernagel, Altindisthe Gramma/th, I, xxx) +cannot be regarded as of decisive weight, lajjamdnd indeed as a Piakritism* would be note- + + +a F ; ckj BezZt Bdtr., VII, 270 takes lajj from Ind. Germ, /ozg" according to the ordinary +and eaily’phonetic rule; if so the ITakritism would disappear. The view of Leumann +(Wackernagel, I, 220) is, however, more probable; cf. also Dr. Scheftelowitz’s forthcoming +book, Znr St a m middling in dm indogermanischen Sfrachen, § 10. Dr. Scheftelowitz gives +an interesting example of the way in which the texts were corrupted (though he does not +apply it for this purpose). In later Vcdic times ts and ks became frequently ceh, and such forms +found their way into the text of old work instead of the proper foims. Later still efforts +were made to replace correct forms instead of obvious Prakrilisms with in some cases unfortunate +results. E.g. in Samaveda, I, 3 , L 4 . 9 (“I, 231) Pr*™ ^ Bcnfey (Glossar, p. I28)_says is +for RV., VIII, 31, 15, frtsu via frcihti. So may be explained ehksva , Aitareya Brahmana, +VIII, 9’ (cf. Aufrccht’s cd., p. 428) for entsva (d + V indh). Cf. in Naighanpika, II, 17, +frtsudhah (cf. Roth’s crit. note, p. 16) for RV. prksu, and for rksdla (K.Z., XL, 264 59.) +the MSS. of Atharvaveda, X, 9, 23, offer either rtsdra or rcchdra (Lanman, Album Kern } + + + +-I, 2, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +173 + + +he may become, by the driving away of evil, learned, long-lived, and versed in +asceticism; for that he recites the hymn of Bharadvaja. He recites the hymn, With +what splendour do ye who are of equal age and dwell together?’ (RV., I, 165). +(There is the word ‘ praises ’) in the verse, ‘ They call for me, the praises long +for me ’ (RV., I, 165, 4 0 ) ; this day is praise and the form of this day as endowed +with praise is perfect. This is the kayCditbhiya hymn,’ and it is harmony and + +worthy, but when it is considered that the form is unique (III, 22, 7), that the Inter language +had always -Jlajj and that lajja was a common word, there can surely be no hesitation in +restoring lajyannma, just as the Atharvan 1'ialaitisms, cited above, must be removed The +exact verbal form of the text cannot always be relied upon, and it may be noted that, as +Savana’s note on VII, 10; 11 shows, in Ins time some versions of lire Aitarcya lirahmana had, +which some had not, these chapte.s, of which the second is a mere corruption of Kausitala +lirahmana, VU, u (see Auficcht, Aitan-ya lirahmana, pp. 236, 3S2, 4.14). {he case of the +Gopatha lirahmana maybe held to contradict the deductions here accepted, since llloomficId +{Alhatvavaia, pp. 164 has shown grounds for holding that the 1 ntva is not later than the +Uttaia, but this objection ts not of importance, since it is the ease that the two pa,Is owe most of +their grammatical forms to these sources and the Purva borrows horn the Satnpatha Brahl ™^’ +XI and XII, in the first of which books the number of perfects is very lug., while the +Uttaia exploits the Aitareya, &c. The potential 111 ita (see Auficcht, p. 429) also urged as +a sign of late date is merely, in all probability, an inaccurate analogical form to fotms like +itaUulhita, *c), and gives no criterion of date (ef. Ltchuh, l'anuu, p. 32). amanlrayam +am occurs only in VII, 17 and pioves nothing for the eailicr part of the lirahmana. lanmi, +III, q 4°, allows only l/fbiebich, p. 33 ) I -ut as there can be no doubt of the priority of +the Aitarcya Bralunana to Papin. (cf. Ucb.ch’s own paper, hezz. AcvX, 3 <> 9 ). +clearly shows cither the select., c character of l'anim's work or more probably the incorrect +transmission^of the text (the Sdnkhayana has r akrc, laebich, pp. 80, 8t) Ihe use of avatn +(for .-warn) is apparently a note of the Aitarcya lirahmana s style, not a proof of date +laebich (p. 30) holds that asa was obsolete in l’amn.’s day in prose and says Vaska uses only + +bahhTtva. I cannot accept this view as to Pani.11. + +, -Phe story of India, Agastya, and the Maruts has received full treatment from Sieg (Dte +Sancnstoffe , J AyrW.r, pp. .08-119). He holds that RV., I, .70, > 7 b ^ «6S «■“*”»!> n, | +Itih'isa to the c'ifcct that Agastya offered a sacf.cc to the Maruts. Indra came and cla.med +it and Agastya had to pacify Indra amt the Maruts. The result is possible, but not certain. +The Kausltaki Biahmaua, XXVI, 9, has (as amended by S.eg, p. 117, n. 7): taya iubha + +n 302- Whitney, Translation of Athai v.ivcla, p. 604). So in Ixhila, I, 2, 9', MSS. read +X prh,ay'anti lor frimnti and this Piaki.tism is lound in Va.tt.ka 1 to Paiiini, VII, 3, 37 - - Ste + +also YVackernagel, Altinttncht' Ciramntatik, I, 135 * -t, . r + +° Aufrcchthfview {Aitarcya lirahmana, p. v.) of the dependence of the Brahmapa parts of +the Taittniya Samhita seems borne out by the citations m Ins ‘ Anmerkungen It may be +noted that the Brill,mana parts of the Samhita cannot well be sepaiated much m point of +"fine from the Briihma.ia itself and that B.ahmana deals with the late Purusamedtm (Win emits, +C-sch dcrindisch Lilt. 1,167). Uf. also Taittirlya SarnluU, V 1 ,3, 10, 5 and laittinya lirahmana, +I t fwiuf aLc a Brdhinana, VII, .3, 3 (.->•, »• >* 4 . ’)• Noteworthy also is Win,emiU's + +remark (p. ,75, n. ,) that in V.Ijasancyi Samh.tr., XXX, Buddhists arc not mentioned, though +that section must be later than the oldest Hiahmanas. + + + +174 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 2, 2- + + +abiding, the kayChMiya hjnin. For by means of it Indra, Agastya, and the +Maruts came to harmony. So tire recitation of the kayalublnya hymn tends +to harmony. Further the hymn tends to long life. So if the sacnficer be dear +to the priest, let him recite for him 8 the kayaiubhiya hymn. He redes the +hymn ‘India, with the Maruts, powerful, for joy’ (RV., Ill, 47 )- T * ieie “ re +the words ‘India, powerful’; power indeed is a characteristic of Indra, this +day is Indra’s and India’s its form. This hymn is composed by Visvamitra. +Now V.s\amilra was the friend of all, and all is the friend of him who knows +this and of those for whom a Hotr priest, who knows this, recites this hymn. +The lit inn ‘Thou art born, terrible, for strength, for energy’ (RV., X, 7 . 1 ) >s +one containing nivids,' and, as belonging to the one day ceremonial is perfect +in foim. Much indeed is done on this day that is forbidden, and (this hymn) +is the atonement. Now atonement is rest, and at the end (of the sacrifice) the +saciificers rest on the atonement of the one day (nivuklhana) as their rest, +lie rests who knows this, and they also rest for whom a Ilotr pucst, who +knows this, recites this nividJMna. If recited straight on, the verses number +ninety-seven. 10 The ninety is made up of three vitaj sets of thnly, and then + +Sarawak sanT.1,1 Hi ^n.ivaiJya.n I ,aJ dot sa,„jn„na,n sa.Ha.i suktam \ + +Marutai ,a .m,m, which must go back to the same ... ce as the A.tareya version, +bnn'd io in Auareya lh.ih.nana, V, >6, which ag.ecs verbally will th.s passage. For +taniiiiuiui see also liloomlield, Athi\rv<ivcda , pp* 7*> 73* , . ,, ,r »■„ j + +'■ The Ken- »«c is p.obably possessive \ + +7 "!^n n wnh a.'.d Aom RV. onwards. Not + +lift 1 tSn gfi • (larbc. Philosophy of Ancient India, p »2. + +J itt., 1, I<>0 sq. , Hdmt, J. nw J J J . cpeSrautaSutra, VII, IQ, 20. The + +a Tn^ii.L'l.-iv'uiT \ianvaka, I, 3, the «/7V</is in RV., \ I,iy , see ruama ouua, v , y, + +“hem, .b.,1 , .5 I Kausiiaki Ihiinnana XXV, 3 . AW .‘^ ^ np.-endy were + +known in Kgvcd.c times, cf. ltaug, Marcya BrHhnanayy.V s,p., Weber,^355 . + +XVIII, 9 r,; Oldcnbcrg, 1 ‘f'i 'x^, 7 ’ domes'Vn after the sixth verse, + +luwitz, J):t Apoktyphen da a * I‘ft- - . j 2 i - {>• six prapiithas each of + +“ Siyana explains thus: .he two rM to ml, ‘ *■ ^ + +two verses made into a trea - 18. th " L ' 3 ’ B * t j j 2) , iheie are seven + +iMr ‘-15 •- <"“ rulm ' n Im ' ra = 5 : the"author overlooked this, although of course the + +piagathas which would gi\c ioo. Apparently the . , f th -trap at has + +explanations are possible. Oldenberg ^rolepomcna, p. 353) IhmU that some of +may have been counted as two, olheis as three verses. + + + +-I, 2, 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTTS + + +*75 + + +there are seven which arc over. Whatever is praise of the seven is also praise +of the ninety. If the first and last are repeated thrice the verses number 101. +There are five four-jointed 11 fingers, two pits, the arm, the collar-bone, the +shoulder-blade; these make up twenty-five. The other parts 12 have twenty-five +each, making a hundred, and the tiunk is the one hundred and first part. +The hundred is life, 13 health, strength, glory; the saciiiicer is the hundred and +first, resting on life, health, strength, glory. These verses become +For the midday pressing is accompanied by trisjubh verses. 15 + +3 . They ask, ‘ Why is a swing 1 a swing?' lie who blows is the swing. He + + +11 The four are, according to Say ana, agra, madhya , mulct, tanmula , and he notes that +though the an^mjha has really only three, it is given a fouith lor the sake of symmetiy. +So in the systems of Caiaka and Susiuta (lioeinle, Osteology, pp. 1 22, 123! there aie sixty +phalanges, giving fifteen in each hand. Here the phalanges and the metacaipus are reckoned +as phalanges In Sankhayana Aran)aka, II, 5, each flint, on the other hand, is given three +parvdni, which is the more coneet view, and peihaps later. The expiession kakyast ib doubtful. + +It cannot mean ‘armpits’, for tlieie is but one on each side; Max Muller says the pits ‘ in +the elbow and the arm’; Monier-W illiarns, Dut. (uhcie the icfeience is inaccmatc) gives +the sense as the two depressions on the wiist; Sayana says kakuisya pd) U'advayam, and possibly +the armpit may he conceived of as in some way double. lie takes, followed by Max Muller, +akm/i as eye, but {a) hi as is a separate element and the eye belongs to it; {/>) the form is +unparalleled. Tnedlander liolds that akyi (Ar. ala, I.at. attlla, O.TT.G. a/isala) means +‘shoulder-blade’, but that is the meaning of amsaphalaka in the s>stems of Caraka (Iloernle, +T.R A S, 1907, p. 13), peihaps of Susiuta ami Vagbhata ( J.R.A.S ., 1906, p. 931 ; Osteology , +pn. 76 <11). So akm must mean ‘ collar-boneas 1 would take it in Sankhayana Aianyaka, +11,4 laksa and akui/i) and as m the Satapatha lhahinana (dkui). '1 he later foim is usually +akmka, though ak\a is found in the ‘non-medical vusion of Atie)a\ sec lioeinle, Osteology, +pp. 55 , 134 , n. i, and my review, Z.D.MAD bXIT, 1.35 «b Dayana’s e.ror is found in the +commentatois on Yojuavalkya and in the modern tianslations. + +1'2 j e t h e left side, and the two sides of the lower body, which have five four-jointed toes, +a thigh, a leg, and three pamurni (‘joints’, Max Mullet, rather ‘ articulations ’, Iloernle,/. A*. A. A, + +1906, p. 931) according to Sayana. . .. + +13 Because life is one hunched yems and the other things depend upon it, Sayana explains, +probably co.reclly, as there is no doubt that life as one hundred years is a veiy ea.ly idea, see +Lin,nan, Reader, P . 384 and re IT., and Weber, Jnd. A/W., XVII, 193; Restgruss an + +Roth, p.137. Cf. Vajasaneyi Samhita Upanisad, 2. . + +11 Because the last hymn is tridubh (Sayana). But all the hymns 111 that Khanda are 111 + +f. Aitareya Biahmana, HT, 12, 3-5; Satapatha lhahmana, IV, 2, 5, 20, and other +passages cited by Bloomfield, J.A.O.S, XVI, 4 For the form piauga, cf, W ackcrnngel, + +Altindisthe G> ammaiil, I, 41 ; Z. D. M. C\, XL, 678. N + +1 'Ike use of the swing lefers, in the opinion of Oldenberg {Religion des Veda, p. 4 H)> to lhe +sun, which is called ‘the golden swing in heaven’m KV, VII, » 7 . 5 - '"»» » V'g prol^l.le, + +as the Maliaviata litc is, at least to some extent, a sun-eha.m (cf. Introd., p. ah), bayana s +interpretation follows the text and makes the swing Vajru, as does bankhayana Aranyaka +I 7 I, 2, 4 below is in favour of the sun; cf. Katl.aka Snmh.ta, XXXIV, 5 , c.led ... /ml. +Shu/ 111 , .,77. Co.npaie the dot/ijatrH of the young Krsna, clca.Iy a vegctat.on i.te. + + + +176 + + +A ITA RE YA A R ANYA KA + + +1,2, 3“ + + +swines forward in these worlds and then is a swing a swing. ‘There should +be one plank/ some say, ‘for the wind blows in one way and (the swmg +should bel like the wind.’ But this is not to be accepted. Others say, I here +should be three planks, for threefold are these worlds and (the swing should) +resemble them.’ But this is not to be accepted. There should be two plank , +for these two worlds’ seem most real, and the ether between them is t e s y. +So let there be two planks. Let them be of udumbara wood. The udumbara +is sap and proper food, and planks of it serve to win sap and proper food +Let them be raised in the middle. For in the middle food delights men and +so he places the sacrificer in the middle of proper food. There are two kinds +of ropes’ the right and the left. The right serves for some animals the left +for others. When there are both kinds, they serve to win both kinds of animals. +The ropes should be of darbha* grass. For of all plants darbha is hcc of evil, +and so they should be of darbha grass. + +nngel, Altmhuhe Znmvtatt , ^ 7 ‘, * J J Brahmana, which also 1 ms, VI, 3 , h + +r irri x...,—. %*»■*■ *• * + +llillebramlt, RitualLttteratur, p. 167. ^ q . . {a(i Vcl au dumbaram + +* explains rm h t and left as ash.oncu Dy^ h probably d „ e> aa + +rfth^ig iffixecTat a -awhile V, r, 3 Rives as alternatives or + +These remind us that the last h/olc 7°. . + +' ^^^^ith a + +aid at ivtfis found o'n a positive ^ V, 10 ^^e^^LVh 3g + +Speijer, &»*. *«, HI, + +i 216, Pische , ’ • ’ h told a p aha tapapmd , cf. Aitareya Brahmana, l y . 4 = + +S. B. E. t XV, 168, n. 3); Chandogya Upamsad, I, 3, 91 VU1 » *» 5 > b >7’ + + + +-I, 2, 4 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +*77 + + +4. Some say, ‘ The swing should be one ell above the ground, for by that +are the heavenly worlds measured/ But this is not to be accepted. Others +say, ‘ It should be a span, for by that are the breaths measured/ But this is +not to be accepted. It should be one fist 1 above the ground, for by that all +proper food is made and all proper food is taken. So let it be just one fist +above the giound. Some say, ‘Let him mount the swing from cast to west, +like the sun here who shines, for he mounts these worlds from oast to w'est/ +But this is not to be accepted. Some say, ‘Let him mount sideways 2 for men +mount a horse 3 sideways, thinking thereby to win all their desires/ But this +is not to be accepted They say, ‘Let him mount fiom behind, men indeed +mount a ship from behind and the swing is a heavenfaiing 4 ship/ Therefore +let him mount from behind. Let him touch the swing with his chin/’ for +thus does the parrot mount a tree, and the pairot eats most of all birds. +Therefore let him touch the swing with his chin. Let him mount the swing +with his arms/ 1 So the hawk sweeps dowm on bi i els, and so he mounts trees, +and he is the strongest of birds. Therefore let him mount with his arms. Let +him not withdiaw from the earth one foot, lest he lose his hold of it. The +Ilotr mounts the swing, the Udgatr the seat of udumbara wood. The swing +is masculine, the seat feminine, and they are united. This union is made at +the beginning of the hymn for the sake of offspring. Children and cattle +are his who know'S this. Now the swing is food, the seat prospeiity. I hus + +1 The list is a convenient measure ami a fistful is n good mouthful, so S.ijana explains. ( f. +for these measures, Hopkins, J. A. O.S, XX 111 , 141 s<p + +2 The swing is east ami west; noith and south is sideways, says Suyana. The accusatives +below are quasi predicative, cf. Delbiuck, A/tmdisihi Syntax , pp. 7 ^> 79 > b 4 * + +a As Max M idler points out, this is a clear lefercnce to hoist-riding, which is not certainly +known or referred to in the Kgvcda. But it is known to the Yajuneda and the Athnnaveda, +Zimmer, Altmdhches Lcbcn, p. 230; Mm donell, Sanskrit Liter atm e , p. 166. Smnlaily in the +llomeiic age riding is only gradually coining into use in (Ireeee. .So S.itapatha Riahinaua, +VII, 3, 2, 17; and cf. RV., I, 163, 9; Weber, Iter!. Sit,., 1898, p. 564. + +♦ This and the comparison with the sun arc certainly in favoui of the theory of Olduiberg, +refeiicd to above (n. I on T, 2, 3), and see App. to my Sdnkhayana Aranyaha , pp. 73 sq. + +5 Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVI 1 , 16,1, gives the ».least, 'the pauot 111 mounting strikes, the +tree with its chin. It is kept by princes, ministers, &e , and so is well fed, says S.iyann, 1 he +form is strange (Wackernagcl, AltimhUie Gtammalt/, I, 184; Macdomdl, Vidn Grammar, +p. 37) find probably not Indo-Furopean t’f. Iloernie, Osteology, pp. 39, -to. + +0 That is the forearm from the elbow. For fuither details of this ceremony see V, 1, 4 - +For tied below, cf. Delbiuck, AltindisJie Syntax, p 3 1 7 J *I*U‘b umi + +Syntax, § 240, n. The agreement of anmldatamah with y, nah is diaractciistic. Sec Tallinlya +Samhita, V, 9, 11, I: iylno val vdyasam fdli'thah ; Delbiuek, Altmdnthe Syntax, p. 80. +Spcijcr {I'cdischc und Samkrit-Syntax, § 95 c) is unable to cite an example from Sanskrit. +It is the gcneial rule in Latin, where, however, post-Augustan exceptions occui, c. g. vthn numum +animaliiun de/fhintis cst (I’liny, A’at. Hist., ix, 8, 20). + +N + + +kmi n + + + +178 + + +aitareya aranyaka + + +I, 2, 4- + + +„ , , f , o'u A t f nin.'k'is 8 with the Brahman sit down on + +they 7 mount to food and fortune. 1 jf ^ + +ot Plan is and trees having gmm up i*ar f,u,t. So then » r + +— a5 ,«*t »».«■ y y> + +food. Tins serves j° W g" t S ^ lis a ;s not’To be accepted. For the honour done to +foe'that'seel'it'not- is indeed not done. Others say, ‘ Ut him descend after +* '* “ - + +one that has approached near is indeed not done. T . f > + +*,« “• - - + +I'LSS -»“>* h* Then ,« hin, deseed tn.atd, the east. + +■ Tee, he. th, Het, a.d !%»,. Me. Mill,, telle- * >■ + +.»>«.« etl the ehihi.eht.n- K " ^„„„.l,..,.l., IVi,, Nt,n, Ag.Ml... + +* They arc the llotrs assistants, viz. 1 lasasl., . • (|) . ^ fifth are le ally + +and Accluvaka. The division is not st,.ct * , lUt ' it ^responds to facts better than + +CassclwiththcltrahmanandtlicNcMr with “varyu.bu, ^ + +the later classifications, see Weber, M • > _ ’ * perhaps be better spelt brsih. + +pp. » sq.; Hillclnandt, Ritua-L,tUran, , £ 97 - /^ ^mMCrammahk, I, .84, a, 3: +itotl, the v or # and r present drlbc.' ) Wll Sfrmkc .Unclose, p. »8. The + +following sentence is quoted in the Naigcya "» ( j' ‘ u it h ac l occurred, it would have + +• Max Muller suggests that r » before u,jah >» «pccW reading above is ham ova lad + +been (pure natural, but it is not necessary to susixeet the ^ ^ „ ot occur. The + +fa jam am.ddyam and thejva ^ Urahmana, lad being of cou.se adverbial. For + +phrase eva tad is very common m me /utarcya , + +the usual asyndetou, ef. Dell-nick, ,,„t is inserted to complete the + +i" The descent does not of course come here in its proper or , + +discussion of the topic of the movements of the pnesR second vasal (the anuvasal) + +.1 The reason for this be.ng rejected rs that 1 -J on'J* descending in its + +.bat this ,ML,a comes up, so that it^eouMhoy,/.^.^ +honour(Sayana). For the word, c f .W aeU . g XVIli, d6 y ; lor the form, + +L, 139; Macdoncll, Udu Grammar, p. 34 . " cbcr > + +\Sh\^, Sansknt G,am,nar,<> I0 9 *' , A!li udnche Gram,mill-, TI, i, 77 i nclbrUck, + +n For the form apaiyate, cf. Wackern.g , Adhyrl.lya appears clearly to + +Vagi. Syntax, II, 5*9 «l-> pmw). The'separation into two roots + +come from Vr? 10 the !,cnsc m ° vt L.i , n , \ , e ,, ms quite needless (cf. Whitney, Roots, + +w - ^ ,v ' - * + +- * t^sss?: sz + +be devantah samp,ajdyate. But the ““ "\ oxm retasa is not impossible, as forms from a, as, +intelligdile forte, and on the other hand t , . Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, + +asa, exchange more or less freelythroughout Sanskr.t, see \V _ ^ Bahllvllhl , % „„V ctolf + +§§ 4 i 5 . >A'y. a " d t a, °"« U8 ^ er i^Wi of c'oxrrse \he'L« form prevails, Muller, IV,U + +occurs ill the Satapatha, ibid., m* Jn .. _ + + +Grammar, p. ^5. + + +Cf. also l’ischcl, Prato it Grammar, + + + +“I, 3> * + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +^79 + + +Adhyaya 3 . + +They say, ‘Let him begin this day 1 with saying the word him' In the +word him is brahman , this day is brahman, and so lie begins brahman by means +of brahman, 2 who knows this. Now with regard to his beginning with the +word him, the word is masculine, 3 and the rc feminine. They make a pair +and so he makes a pair at the beginning of the hymn for the sake of offspring. +Children and cattle arc his who knows this. Again with regard to his beginning +with the word him, the word is to brahman like a wooden shovel. 4 Just as +one desires to dig up anything with a wooden shovel, so with the word one +digs up brahman . Whatever he desires, he digs up with the w'ord him, who +knows this. Again with regard to his beginning with the word him, the w'ord is +the discrimination of divine and human speech. 3 So he, who begins with the +utterance of the word him, discriminates divine and human speech. + +1 The time of himkrtya and pratipadyate are obviously really identical. This is readily +explained by the originally timeless force of the form krtya (cf. Whitney, San ski it Grammar, +§§ 889, 894). So the aoiist participle in Creek sometimes coincides with the time of the vcib, +c.g. Monro, Homeric GrammaA, p. 212. Delbiuek ( lltindisihe Syntax, pp. 405-409) holds +that in all these cases the distinction of time between the main veib and the gerund exists, but, +however natural the giowth of this use is, it is only to be found in the examples by forcing the +sense. Spcijcr ( Vedisihc und Sansh it-Syntax, § 223) lays stiess on tlic ‘ aoiistic ’ effect of the +weak root and appears to think that this accounts for the past foicc. but it should be noted that +in Vedic we have no evidence that the forms weic ever felt as other than participles either present +or past. In striyam dis/vaya ktlavdm tatiipa it is most probable that the wntcr did not feel +drHyniya as~* after having seen’, but as ‘ seeing’. Cf. my remarks iny. A. A. S., 1907, p. 164. +t or beginning the Mahfivrata with him, cf Sankhavana Aranyaka, II, 1. For him \ */kr, cf. +Whitney, § 1079. It is obsolete in the classical language. + +2 Cf. I, 1,3; 2, 2. , + +3 Cf. I, 2, 4. The use is found in the Aitarcya Ihahmana, VI, 3, and often in the Satapatha +Brahmana. For the idea, cf. the stories of the wedlock of the sdman and ic in the Satapatha +(IV, C>, 7, 11, &c.), and Jaiminlya Upanisad lhfihiuanas, and Aitareya Brdhmana, TIT, 23, 1. + +i Sayana explains this as a metaphor fiom the seaich of hidden licasure, a probable +supposition in the case of India, whcie bimal of treasure (cf. Gautama Dliarma Sutia, X, 43-45; +Vasbtha Dharma Sutra, IV, 13, 14; Manu, VIII, 35-39; Vajf.avalkya, II, 31 , 3.0 has always +been frequent in consequence of the unccitainty of life and government. A different idea is +found in Satapatha brnhmann, VI, 3, 2 ; 5, 4, &c. + +6 That is, it distinguishes ordinary conversation from divine service. The Sahkh.iyrma +Aranyaka, II, 1, gives different reasons for the importance of him. T11 Satapatha Brfihmana, +VI, 3, 1, 34, where the same distinction occurs, Snyana explains as Sanskiit and Apabhrainsa +(Eggeling, S.B.E., XLI, 200, 11.) ; daivyai must be correct, dezyai cannot well be adjectival, +and the cnor in the MSS. is trifling. Cf. I IT, 2, 5. It is noteworthy that later daivT 7 uic is used +for Sanskrit, cf. Hamlin, Kavyfwlarsa, I, 33: samskrtam mint a daivi 7 <ag anvakhyCUd mahanih/uh, +Franke ( Pali und Sanskrit, p. 89) compares the fact that Mathuia was called city of the gods +because of the Kusana title devaputra, and is inclined to think that ‘ sccondaiy Sanskiit came +to India from Ka&niir via Mathura, a hypothesis which can luridly be regarded as piobable. + +N 2 + + + +i8o + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 3> 2- + + +2. They say, ‘What is the beginning of this day?’ Let him reply, ‘Mind +ami speech.’ 1 All desires rest on the one, the other yields all desires- +desires rest on the mind, 1 for with the mind man conceives all desires. All desires +rest on him who knows this. Speech yields all desires, for by speech man +expresses all desires. Speech yields all desires to him who knows this. Then +they say, ‘ One should not really begin the day with a rc, yajus, or saman verse, +nor start from 3 a rc, yajus, or saman verse.’ So one should say the ryair is +first. The vydhrlis are bhuh, bhuvah, and svar,' and they are the three Vedas. +Jthuh is the Rgveda, bhuvah the Yajurveda, and svar the Samaveda. icrc oic + +The real meaning of the discrimination is suggested hy AUarcya + +in v„i daivam tatheti m.hmytm \ driven,i cum,warn tan manunm ca f ^" J , H , j + +. i . j- i j v/ t tKj m i Tlu> later use of daivi vat must in reuuca + +m nemX -5 "hmX'queCion ofi,k,it.’ef. 1 , 5, ». «■ I" >" c 1-^nge where + +]Ianumant 'ponders as to addling Sitl, the 1-s.bdities he contemplate. are■ ® + +Jacobi) miouu nuhm-im or dvija'ir mr, vacua s.msbl.nn, which appears cka y + +“ 4-- “~r + +• ":sr:5r :,r« 'S'r^....*** - + +C "TsJ: “Idl^M^-ies are phases of ndnd, manovrUimUf,,,, which h .00 subtle +for the Aianyaka. Cf. lhhadaranjaha Upanisad, 111 , a: manasu h, bam, a, iamayat, , and + +the rule refened to in tad ahur. But t ^ islea ^ cs lt - it ^ safer to take the quotation + +There “To rlout; that the constrLtio’n 0. the last part of the sentence +"not easy Kor the ahh, cf. Delhniek, AMndischc Syntax, pp. .07 «, 1 Spcjer, VaUuhe n„d + +iddory of the triad sec Deussen, P- ,M- L + +P- See also Jaiminlya Upani>ad^'*“^" 1 ;^llmtiom ^ + +Ul 'T^\hV , m’;ee 0 vLl C ar r and n tlm Atharvaveda, see especially + +that the Athatv-iveda contains much old ma enal and probable tn ^ refcrreil to + +Aran\aha was written (cf. Taittuiya Samhita^VU, 5 , n, 2, me t + +- I agree with \\ inter.,itz that Oldenberg’s view (/Mcralur Jcs alien Indie » p. +0J*»t prose +magic fmmulae are older than • poetic ’ which are inutatmns of the poetry of the hymns of the +Rjrvcda is not probable. + + + +-I, 3> 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +181 + + +he does not really begin the day with a re , yajus, or suntan verse, nor start from +a rc, yajus, or sdman verse. + +3. He begins with tad} this. Now ‘ this this ’ 2 is food, and so thus he obtains +food. Prajapati indeed uttered this as the first word consisting of one syllable +or of two, 3 viz. lata or tat a. So a child when it first speaks utters the word +of one or tw 7 0 syllables, iata or tala. So with this very word with lata in it 4 +he begins. A Rsi says (RV., X, 71, i), ‘O Brhaspati, the first point of speech/ +for this is the first point of speech. ‘ Which they have uttered making a name, +for by speech arc names made. ‘ That of them which was the best and flawless, +for this is the best and flaw'less. ‘ 1 hat is hidden in secret by their love and +yet is made manifest/ for this as regards the body is secret, merely the deities +(who enter the body), but as regards the gods r> it is made manifest. 1 his is the +meaning of the verse. 6 + +(apparently ns a fourth Snmhita\ and Wintcrnitz, Ccsch. der indtsch. I tit ., I, nol, but the +recognition is a sign of later date (Taittnlya Samhita, VII, is not piobably early, but, like VI, +is later than the Aitarcya Brahmana). + +1 Tad is the first woid of the first stanza of the fust hymn of the Nbkevalya Sastra, the +so-called Rajana, RV., X, 120, 1. + +3 It may be rendcied * this word tad' ( — tat tad-iti ), but Sayana takes it ns a repetition. +The icpetition of annam is apparently not connected with that oi tad, though it may have +been helped by it. + +•' Max Mallei seems to rcgaid the two alternatives as tat and tata or tata, this of com sc* +is the usual signification of tkahuna and dvyakyua, but Sayai a refus these woids to the +quantity of the first and second s)llables in tata and tata respectively. 1 he form of the +sentences makes this seem certainly correct, however unusual it maybe. We may have lure +early evidence of the omission of the final a m cmlinaiy conversation. + +4 I take tat tatavatya separately and eva tat as — ‘ so\ Ihis seems also to be Sayana s +interpretation. Max Muller says: ‘With this vciy word, consisting of tat or tatta [ef. the +reading of I.], he begins/ and in a note: ‘If tat is called the very same word, eva is used +in the sense of iva* This appears rather unsatisfactory, and Sayana is probably light 111 +thinking tat and tata similar enough for the purpose heic in view. This passage, indeed, seems +to be a deliberate and somewhat elaborate variant of the older legend (preserved in Satapatha +Brahmana, XI, i, 6) by which Biajapati when he first spoke uttered bhuh, bhuvah, and +suvar , which are words of one and two syllables respectively. Sayana has: ekena hmsvdio- +petatkdksard \ dvdbhydm hrasvadirghabhydm it pet d dvyakuird. hkadvyaksara is apparently +an adject. Dvandva with disjunctive force; cf. Wackcrnagel, Altindische Grammatik,\\, b 7 °’> +Dclbruck, Altindische Syntax, pp. 73 sq. ; Vcrgl. Syntax, III, 224 sq., for early examples. The +whole sense is little more than that tad which is equal to lat{a) or tdt(a) is the name which, as +brahman , is revealed in the deities and implicit in mail in whose oigans, &c., the deities arc (as +in II, 1, 5 ; Sankhayana Aranyaka, IX, 1, &c.). + +0 For adhidaivatam , cf. Chandogya Upanisad, I, 3, 1, &c. ; Whitney, T. A. O. S., Oct., i8yO, +p. li. So often in Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmana. + +« This stanza is very obscure. Sayana quotes Asvalayana Grhya Sutra, I, 15, 8 , where it is +laid down that a child’s scciet name is only to be known by father and mother until the +upanayana. That this is wliat is referred to here is not impossible, as Max Muller points out, + + + +182 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 3 . 4 - + + +4. lie begins with, 1 ‘That was the oldest in the worlds’ (RV., X, 120, 1), +for that 2 is indeed the oldest in the worlds. ‘Whence sprung the terrible one +with brilliant might,’ for from it he was born who is terrible with bnllian might. + +‘ Immediately on birth he destroys his foes,’ for immediately on being born he +destroyed evil. ‘After whom all helpers rejoice,’ for all creatures are helpers, +and they rejoice after him, saying, ‘He 2 has risen, he has risen. ‘Growing +by strength, the powerful one’ (RV„ X, 120, 2), for he grows by strength the +pow ci ful one. ‘As foe he smites fear into the Dasa,’ for all fear him Taking +that which breathes and that which breathes not,’ this refers to the living and +the lifeless. ‘ What was offered in the feasts came to thee, this means, all is +in thy power.’ ‘All turn their thoughts on thee’ (RV., X, 120, 3), this means +all beings, all minds, all thoughts, turn on thee. ‘When these two become +three helpeis,’ these two being united pioducc offspring. Children and cattle +are his who knows this. ‘Join what is sweeter than sweet with the sweet, for +the pair is sweet, the offspiing sweet, and so with the pair he joins the offspring. +‘lie 1 conquered by the sweet that which is sweet,’ for the pair is sweet, the +offspring is sweet, and thus through the pair he conqueis offspring. A 1 . si sajs, + +- - lnlcrpiclation adopted In , 4 + +M,” Mu ie 121 that .1 may 1 * that the name refers to the gods or to tad, the brah.nan +The rcfmmce , 1 hmvcvcr, to the deit.es who enter the body is elea.ly meant m some formcf ., + +A 2 - i S' ami the stnse is the brahman = tad, which is the beginning of speech and the lust +u( nanu-Vis revealed (as the gods) and implicit in man.^ This section is refer™ to y ^ ayana +on Atharvavcda Will, 4, 77 ; see Tanman m Whitney s Atharvavcda, p. 892. + +-Ibe Z!kV.,X, lao, .- 3 , which begins is a stolriya, because it corresponds to the + +f Zlnan (S.iyana). The explanations of this hymn in the Aranyaha must be +deliberately perverse, so absurd are they. Cf. Wackernagel, AUmdtuht Crammahk, I, + +Tim double uda„ld is, according to Sayana, because be is Adi.ya or i.eaveu, mid Agni or +emth The exact use of the ao.Ut is charactciistic of the early character of the text cf. +Whitney’s ciiticisiu of Delbruck (*/»/. Fo,sch., 11 . 8 - 86 ; AUindhche Syntax, PP-*80-1*9) "> +A T I \, XIII, 200; Spcijer, Vcdischc und Sanshut-Syntax, § 174- + +‘ siyanatakes ah as referring to tnithunam which is tumadhu as consisting of he on +and daifghtcr-in-law. Mad/u m l is equal to grandchildren and ajh.yodh.h * ^Tther'cfore +‘provide that dear pair with dear offspring, our grandchildren. He does not t e , +even follow the Aranyaka, which clearly took sutnadhu as accusative. Max “ r , tr ^ e g +‘And this (the son when married) being very sweet conquered through the sweet. + +the Ftgvcda, is not by any means dearly connected with the rest +Sayana gives two alternatives, that it is connected with the verse svSM + +san, or with the whole Sastra (not, as in Max Muller, that « » peeled w. Lrifi^Te other +or the Veda in general). In the first case • this body » the body of the sacnficcr, the other + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES 183 + + +-Since he raided this body in that body; 1 he means thU body consisting of the +Veda in that corporeal body.” ‘Then let this body’ be the medicine of that +he means this body consisting of the Veda is to be the medicine ol that co.porea +body. Of this eight" syllables are gdyatri, eleven are Instubh, twelve jagatt, and +ten vinii. This consisting of ten syllables rests in the other three metres. 1 he +three syllable word purma 0 goes into the viraj. These indeed are all metres, +the three and the viraj. To him who knows this'” thus is this day completed + +with all the metres. T , . , , . + +5. He extends the verses by the use of muh i.» Rada indeed is man. bo +a man speaking sounds as it were. In the words nadam va odattnam * (RV Vlll, +60 2), odalvah are the waters in heaven, for they water all this; and they are +the waters of ihc mouth, for they water all proper food. In vadam yoyuvMnnun, +yoyuvatyah are the waters of the sky, for they inundate as it were; and they +'are the waters of perspiration, 3 for they mn constantly as it were. In the +words patim vo aghnydmm, ogknySl a.c the waters that are born of the smoke +of flic, 4 and they are the waters that spring from the organ. In dhmunam + + +body the body of the parents and the result is seen in svddoh, &c. The other case grve the +inlcrpictation of the A.anyaka, as Sayana himself admits, tad dad dz'ttiya,,,vyakhyamua ay.m +ity lidind b.Mwuv.cna spadih iyate. This shows how little S.ryana felt bound to foMov h.s +audio,ities. The words sv.lm-anaya,* occur in various guises m Atharvavcda V , 3 , +Taittuiya Samhita, I, 7, 2 ; Maitrayanl Saiphita, I, .0,3; Asval.iyana Siauta Sutia, II, > 9 , + +32; Seinkliaynna Srauta Sntia, III, 17 > *• + +11 The body of the sacrificci (Sayana). + +7 The hymn tad id <lsa (Sayana). , . • + +» The hymn, RV., X, iso, is tnduhh, and the desired metres are only obtained l>y torturing +i,. The lust, second, and fourth fadas have ten syllables, the tlr.rd eleven, the fin, c gh +of the first /«,/« give the gdyatri, the remaining two added to the ten of lire second and fouitl, +tadas the jagatl, anil tire first, second, and fourth (or rather the fourth), t ie + +* . Because by adding /« to the first fada, ru to the second, .«* to the thud, the verses all + +become tristubh. Sec V, i, 6. . ,•/, tt s fW + +10 t„ evam vid (perhaps one word), cf. Wackcrnagcl, Altindischc Grammatik , II, l, . + +Af lcr each p.ida of RV., X, .20, ., is + +inserted iSls th'c sylUs /'«, one fid* of the hymn, RV VI IMjJ. » - + +make a brhali. Cf. Satapatlm B.ahmana, Vlll, 6, 2, 3, and Lggeling, A.A.A., XLIII, 113, "• '• +2 Sayana explains the verse with reference to juice produced at the third pressing of the +Soma, the 'rjlui (cf. Il.llebrandt, Ved. Myth., I, 235 *b), *«* takes ,aula,a as the sacnficer, and +sunplie* rafaata. For the real sense see 1 ’ischcl, Vedische Mudien, 1,191 « 1 - + +, ’«<"si; + +cIo.T'ol, r’s 7 , |.. ..V) is V..V i.i.crtsm nlwul I'.y si V.hi,,,v',w. + +5 273; Speijcr, Vedische and Sanskril-Syntax, § 24; Dell.ruck, Vagi. Syntax, I,- d 66 ,^ 8 ' + +‘ Sayana gives two interpretations, cither smoke (in the shape of a cloud) produced by +fire, or from 'smoke and file, quoting Kalidasa, Mcghaduta, 4. dhiunajyoUhsahlamarutam + + + +184 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I. 3. 5- + + +isudhyasiti, ihc dhtnavah arc the waters, for they stir all this, ami by isudhyast +he means ‘thou ait lord’. 5 He extends" a trhtubh and an anmlubh. For the +Iristuhh is male, the anmlubh female, and the two are a pair. So a man having +taken to himself a wife regards himself as it were more complete. By repeating +the fir*-t verse thrice, the verses become twenty-five. 7 The trunk is the twenty- +firth, Prajapati is the twenty-fifth, lie has ten fingers, ten Iocs, two legs, two +arms, and the trunk is the twenty-fifth. lie adorns this trunk, the twenty-fifth. +Further the day (of the sacrifice) is twenty-five, and the stoma hymn of this day +is twenty-five, like is brought about by like. So the two are twenty-five. + +G. lie begins* with tad, this. Now ‘this this’ is food, and so thus he obtains +food. Prajapati indeed uttered this as the first word consisting of one syllable +or of two, via. tata or lata. So a child when it first speaks utters the word +of one or two syllables tata or tata. So with this very word with tala m it +he begins. A Rsi says (RV., X, 71, i),.‘ O Brhaspati, the first point of speech,^ +for this is the first point of speech. ‘Which they have uttered making a name,, +for by speech are names made. ‘ That of them which was the best and flawless, +for this is the best and flawless. ‘That is hidden in secret by their love and +yet is made manifest,’ for this as regards the body is secret, namely the deities +(who enter the body), but as regards the gods it is made manifest. Tins is + + +the meaning of the verse. ... ,, ,/nv v ,1 + +7. I Ic begins with the hymn, ‘That was the oldest in the worlds (RV., X, 120,1). +What is oldest is great; the form of this day as possessing greatness* is perfect. +(There is the word ‘greatness’) in the verse, ‘That fame of thine, O ag avail, +through thy gi cat ness ’ (RV. X, 54. «) 1 the form of this day as possessing greatness +is perfect. (There is the word ‘strength’) in the verse, ‘He growclh more or +strength ’ (RV., VI, 30, 1); the form of this day as possessing strength is perfect. + + +sammMtah /,-va meqhah. The waters are aghny.i, he says, because plants n.i(l trees are o >c +tended by all. Cf. also liihaddcvata, IV, 41, which explains RV., I, 164. 43 = takamayar., + +dh ft mam ; Atharvavcda, IX, io, 25. . . 1 c PP + +• 'Thou art food’, in Max Muller's translation must lie a slip , fatlyast is regular, +Whitney Sanskrit Grammar, 5 1061, and is found in the Satapatha llrahmana in this orm. + +« (Id id dsa is in tridubh, nadam va odattndm in anmlubh The former is male because +bigger than the latter. For the following, cf. Levi, La Dottnna du Sacrtfitt, p. 57- + +7 The twenty-five are made up by nine verses of RV., X, 120, I , six o , 54 > ’ + +and three of I si 4 which are mentioned in I, 3, 7 below. Cf. I, I, 2. 4 anr n. » , . * + +■ This is ’a met repetition of Khanda 3, and the insertion of it here accord,ng to Saya^a +is for the glory of the whole hymn, whereas the purpose of it as Khanda 3 was to exto + +W ‘ ,r ' d'he U that in the firs, Jye^am needs to + +be equated to makad, whereas mahi'vd actually occurs in the second. *or the construction, +cf. I, 2, 1, n. 4. + + + +-I, 3 , 8 + + +1 RAN SLA TION AND NOTES + + +>85 + + +(There is the word ‘ hymns') in the verse. * Then, manliest of men, with songs, +with hymns' (RV., Ill, 51, 4); this day is indeed a hymn, and the form of this +day as possessing a hymn is perfect. He extends the first two 2 verses, which +are deficient, by a syllable. In the small 3 (womb) seed is deposited, in the small +(heart) the vital spirits, in the small (stomach) food is placed. This serves for the +obtainment of these desires. He obtains these desires who knows this. The +two of ten syllables serve to obtain both kinds of proper food, that which is +footed and that which is footless. 4 They become eighteen syllables apiece. 8 +Of the ten, nine are the breaths/’ one is the self. This is the perfection of the +self. Tight syllables 7 * remain in each. Who knows this obtains whatsoever 3 +he desires. + +8. He extends the verses by means of nada .‘ Now breath is sound. Therefore +every breath, when it sounds, sounds loud as it were. The verse nadam va +odathuim (RV., VIII, 69, 2) is by its syllables 2 an usnih, but by its feet an +anustubh . Usnih is life, anustubh speech. Thus he places speech and life in +him. By repeating the first verse thrice, the verses become twenty-five. The +trunk is the twenty-fifth, Prajapati is the twenty-fifth. He has ten fingers, ten + +3 That is RV., X, 120, i a , with ten syllables, and VIII, 69, 2 a , with seven. lie adds/// to them. + +3 Cf. I, 1, 2 ad fin. + +4 1. e. animals and vegetables (Siyana). + +6 i.e. ten syllables in RV., X, 120, i a , the syllable pu, and seven in VIII, 69, a\ +Similarly with the other three pddas. + +* ( h'rast) chid rani is the veision of Siyana and it is as probable as any other, though the +word originally meant breath and only metaphorically is transferred to its use as describing +the organs of sense. The rune ‘ orifices’, seven in the head and two in the body, according +to a 8iruti (JaiminTya Upanisad Brahmana, II, 5,9; 10 » re ^ crencc > ^ think) cited + +by Sayana {soft cl vai drs any ah prana dvCxv avai\ca\u), arc rcferied to in the Kathaka Upanisad, +V, I (where in all, however, there are eleven), ^veta^vatara Upanisad, III, 18, Yogasikha +Upanisad, 4, Yogatattva Upanisad, 16, and elsewhere. They are ears, eyes, mouth, nostrils +and organs of evacuation, with the navel when ten are counted, as in the JaiminTya Upanisad, +and JaiminTya Brahmana, II, 77 (J.A.O.S. , XV, 240), and brahmarandhra when eleven are +counted. Cf. Deusscn, ‘philosophic dcr V pa nishads, p.243; E.T., p. 265 ; Sechzig Upani shads, +p. 281, n. 1, and nava vai tirasiprdnah, Sankhayana Aranyaka, II, 2, which points to a different +idea, for which see I, 4, 1, n. 5; 5, 1, n. 6 ; 2, n. 13. + +T That is, after deducting'the ten from the eighteen. + +8 In his interesting note on relative clauses in the Veda, Edgrcn, P.A. O.S., May, 1883, +pp. xii-xv, points out that unlike Greek, Vedic Sanskrit uses the indef. rcl. pronoun with the +indie. This rule is not observed in the later Vedic literature, e. g. AWalayana Grhya Sutra, +I, 3, 1 : at ha khalu y at ra kva ca hosyan sydt, &c. + +1 i.e. by the stanza, RV., VIII, 69, 2. + +3 It has four pddas, and is therefore like an anustubh, which of course it really is. But it has +in the Samhita form only twenty-seven syllables, or resolving the y in aghnydndm in pdda 3, +twenty-eight, which is the number of syllables in an usnih, which, howeier, has three pa das +(8 + 8+12) only. + + + +i86 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +1, 3. »- + + +toes two legs, two arms, and the trunk is the twenty-fifth. lie adorns this trunk, +the ’twenty-fifth. Further this day (of the sac. ifice) is twenty-five, the stoma hymn +ol tltday is twenty-five, like is brought about by like. So the two are wen y- +five! This is the twenty-fifth with regard to the hotly. Now with regard to the +deities The eye, ear, mind, speech, and vital spirits, these five deities have +entered into this person, and he has entered into these five domes He is then +pervaded wholly in all his limbs up to his hair and nails. So all beings, down +!o ants! are bi thus pervaded. A R,i says <RV„ X, n 4 , 8), ‘A t ousandWd +are these fifteen members,- for five arises from ten. 'As large as heaven a +e . irt h so large is it,* for the self is as large as heaven and earth. A thousand +fold arc the thousand mights - thus does the poet please and magnify the +members. 1 ‘As far as Iral.nan extends so far does Vac, wherever there +Zlknan there is Vac,* wherever Vac, there is brahman, is what .s mean . The +“of these hymns has nine verses, for nine are the breaths, and it serve +to win them. The second has six verses, the seasons are six, anc i scrvcs +win them. The third has five verses, the pankH* has five feet, and ,t is food +so it serves to win proper food. Then comes a trislich, there are three three,old +worlds, and it serves to conquer them. These verses become irha/n. + + +i ‘"rhe'n ' is ^aken' by ’ Max Muller as referring to the five .IciHes, fiy Siiyapa.as ruling +to tlie body in which fur,,,, is. but the |at«£ ™ J^tad ^ HI, + +^.s.. xx„. . 5 .^ + +“V,... + +/ n,a /'"! a, .\ XS * aU vidtya dhvah \ namani krttnlbhivaJan + +- >*.» ..... + +IV, so; Bloomfield, Athan’aveJa,\>. 88. Sayana, to the com- + +* KV., X, iso, has nine verses £“* J m \ Q ^ hymns + +parative nature of these hymns as used^ ^ ^ 5tand . n u>e San , hiti . This + +: w ^ t,,ecf - + +™ ***“>*»”> + +Sayana. For the Uistich and the worlds of. Ry + +v,;; -rr • •** + +The twenty-three verses give forty-six brhatU, as each is extended similarly (Sayana). + + + +_I, 4) i TRANSLATION AND NOTES 187 + +metre, the immoital, the world of the gods. This is the body. Even so he who +knows this comes by this way near to the undying self. 11 + +Adiiyaya 4 . + +Then comes the sudadohas verse. 1 Sudadohas is breath and by breath he +joins together all joints. Then the neck verses. 2 They denote them as usnih +verses according to their metre. Next comes the sudadohas verse. Sudadohas is +breath and by breath he joins together all joints. Then come the head verses. +They are in gdvalri, for it is the beginning of the metres, and the head is the +beginning of the members of the body. 3 They are in arkavat 4 verses. Arka +is Agni. They arc nine verses, the head is of nine pieces/' lie recites the tenth +verse. It is the skin and hairs of the head. It serves for reciting more than + +11 Sayana explains this obscure statement ns referring to a birth as a deva. It may be +doubted if it means more than he comprehends the immoital body (cf. at nut, just above), i. e. +he who knows these verses thus performs that part of the rite which coriesponds with the body +of the bird to which the Niske\alya Snstra is likened (cf. I, i, i). That alma above means +body or tiunk seems certain, and the second dintdnam can haidly refer to anything else. If +it docs, it may simply mean, ‘lie becomes immortal.* The acc. is governed by abhi ; cf. I, +i, 2, n. 10. + +1 The Sankhayana Aianyaka treats all this very hi idly, II, i, covers all Adhyaya 3 and + +the sudadohas. The Ursan comes in II, 2, before the graiva, II, 3; then the pakuiu (akui, +bahu , piahastaka), 11,4-5; then the caluruttaram , 11,6; the aiitis, guy atm, bdrhati, aumiht, +II, 7-10; the rata, II, 11; the dmpadah , II, 12; the aindrdgna siikta , II, 13; the dvapana , +II, 14; the imustubha samdmndya , II, 15; the tridupchala, II, 16; then two miscellaneous +chapters, 71 , 17 ; 18. ( + +Sudadohas is interpieted as yielding milk and it icpicsents the verse, RV., VIII, 69, 3, ta ay a +sudadohasah sdmam tnnanli prtnayah I jdnman devandm vitas irisv d roc ant divdh II This +is the verse immediately alter the nada verse. Its use hue is explained by Sayana because +it is prduasvariipd. Cf. Sankhayana, II, 1 : imdni parvdni samhitdni bhavanti. parvan is +apparently used vaguely ; cf. I, 2, 3, n. 12. + +2 For them see V, 2, 1, which is expicssly here ascribed to Saunaka by Sayana, Intiod., +p. 20. grivdh here means ‘ ccivical cartilages’, see n. 7. + +3 sisrhsoh Prajdpatch pmthamam mukhalo gdyatii samutpannd (Sayana quoting the +Yajurbrahmana) ; see Levi, L*i Doctrine du Sacrifice , pp. 18, 53. + +4 That is, RV., T, 7, 1-9; in v. 1 arkebhir occurs. + +6 Cf. Taittiriya Samhita, VI, 2, 1 : tasmdn navadhd tiro visyutam \ (Sayana); nava vai +iirasi prdndh , Sankhayana Aranyaka, II, 2, and I, 3, 7, n. 6. The first expression of this precise +idea seems to be in the Atharvaveda, X, 8, 43; punddttkam navadvdram tribidr yum'bhir +dvrtam. Whitney in his Translation , p. 601, thinks that the later gunas are already referred to, but +asLanman {Translation, p. 1045) points out,Garbc ( SdmkhyatatlvakaumudT,Abh . derBayerischen +Ak. dcr Wiss.y XIX, 529) renders the three coverings as skin and nails and hair (cf. n. 6). +A different view of the pi anas appears in Kafhaka Samhita (XXXIII, 3 > cited by Weber, +bid. Stud., XIII, 113, n. 2 for a grammatical point) : data vai purusa prdndh stanau dvddatau +(-11th and nth). Cf. also Kausitaki Upanisad, II, 15. + + + +x88 + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 4 , + + +the stoma? These form the trivrt stoma and the gayatn met e and >t » after +the production of this stoma and this metre that there arises all that s. Ihcse +verses serve for production. Children and cattle are his who knows this. Next +comes the s, Mot, as verse. SSdadohas is breath, and by breath he joins together +all joints. Then come the vertebrae verses.’ They are in vtraj metre. So one +man says to another, ‘ Thou shinest above us,’ or,‘ Thou bearest a high nee , +to one } who is proud. 8 Or, again, because they run 8 close together, they + +. In the tnvrtstcna only nine verses of the hymn are used but here tlm tenth ver^hm +hyiVm is also employed. This is not the mTsinu \ loma chavtr mthi + +’taken bySilyana as a maseuline singular ; he derives it tom + +s.“. -ra t rc + +nothing as it must be attracted goes too far. lhe e ^ _ vvindn'ine, the front part of + +r:u: srjsssgz* 5: + +r:i xif!.. 4. + +ami Fuedlander (Introd., I'* translates attracted, cf. examples in Dclbrrick, + +Kor ta ^ lUavanu, If. *“ ^ cllll{ J yam Uav saw,,, + +AUvutisJu Syntax, 1-P-5«4-5«- ^peijer, Sanskrit Syntax, § 27 . Kxamples, + +tat salyam id utma\ infm, H, 0, , , i • the sense c. tr. the Ch.indogya + +however, on non-attraction are '' "J»• .37). + +^au^u where iee - h0WCTer ’ Max Muller ’ S + +’’"‘^•n.f'isthenafLron^Uted by ““ + +the passage would cotaudy run b ^ ln(]ecd a sliff „ cc k," that is to one + +says to another TCStf stall,ama,mm va renders this doubtful. On the other hand +who is proud. But the pcs. ' • - mi MJrayasi if taken alone, and this + +bayana feels that rt ' ll ^“ ‘ J onI of thc trans lati,m here suggested. For this meaning +Brii'hmana, XII, a, 4 , . 0 , and Iloernle, /. it. A S, ^ PP- 9*^ +^.inkhaj ana Aranyaka, II, a : trim va asan^n s3ys . Monier- +• Jutah must be from Jd* S atau (Dhatupa t ha, XXI!, 4«) » ^quotable form (see +Williams' Mi. omits this form, fi'ving^ao;., k (iUd _ ^ 29S) flnd , the + +V. Schrowler, Vienna Oriental Journal X , 9 m upddutyah , and + +same root with upa + a in the sense ‘ anle^cn m Kathaha iamnua, v i, . * + + + +-I, 4, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +* 189 + + +are taken to be 11 the best food. For virdj is food, and food strength. Next +comes the sudadohas verse. Sudadohas is breath, and by breath he joins together +all joints. + +2 . Now comes the right wing. It is this world, 1 it is this Agni, it is speech, +it is the Rathantara, it is Vasistha, it is a hundred. 2 These are the six powers +of it. The sampdta hymn serves to win desires and for dimness. The pahkti +verse serves for proper food. Next comes the sudadohas verse. Sudadohas is +breath, and by breath he joins together all joints. Then follows the left wing. +It is that world, it is that sun, it is mind, 3 it is the Brliat, it is Bharadvaja, it +is a hundred. 4 These are the six powers of it. The sampdta hymn serves to + +Knpbthala Samhila, IV, I : kakm upddutyah , and compares Greek fivco, tvhvcn, Utiv a>, and Latin +irtduo , onto. Wintcmitz ( Gcuh. dcr indisih. Jntt., I, 98) still treat* davisaiti as if it meant +‘I will play’, as taken by Gcldner (Sitborrzig LieJcr , pp. 158 sq). It cannot be bum */du +' burn’, as suggested doubtfully in Whitney, Roots . ., p. 75. + +10 sambalhatamdh is clearly the reading, from \/bamh (t. c. Inidhct for bazdhd). It occurs +in the Taitliriya Aranyaka. Cf. Whitney, .S arrskrrt (narnrnar y § 951 » Macdonell, l cdic +Giant mar , p. 58 ; Wackeinagcl, Altirrdmhe Gram mat tk, I, 44. + +11 arntatamam prafyaiyante is thus conslilied by Max Muller, who says the adverbial foini +is vouched for by IVinmi, V, 4, 11. The fico use of compaiativcs and supeilativcs of this +class is a sign of early style, but in the enihest liteiatuie (KV. and AV.) the accusative +neuter is prefened, see Whitney, .Sanskrit Grammar , §§ 1111 e, and 1119. Cf. also Satapatha +brahmana, X, 1,2,5: dtarnam khydyatc\ ibid., X, 5, 2, 10: anutamdm gopdyati, and Delhiuck, +Altindhche Syntax, p. 194; pratardm iva kriyante , Aitareya biahmana, III, 48,4. te natardm +papmanam apdhata , Aitareya Brahmana, IV, 25, 3. But none of these or similar cases seem to +justify armatamum , and the sense given by Sayana as pulpy mile would equally be obtained +by rendering ‘they approximate towards {pratt \ \t at) that which is most tiuly food (fern, +because vhdj is lem.). For such a use of armatamd , cf. RV., II, 41, 16 ( ambitama , rradltama , +devitama ), and many examples in Dclbruck, 1 c., p. 193; and for the acc., cf. abhrsampadyantc +with acc., I, 1, 2, n. to. The acc. is governed by the preposition, yad may be taken with +dutah as equivalent to a finite veib, which is not very probable, or with pratyacyarrtc , as giving +the explanation of ‘ the vtjavah are vtrdj \ + +1 Agni is the guardian of this woild and lie is also Vile, II, 4, 2, and Vac is Rathantara, +ITT, 1, 6 (Sayana), while Vasistha brought the Rathantara. + +3 See V, 2/2 for the \erses. They are RV., VII, 32, 22 and 23 7 VIII, 3, 7 and 8 (tluce +each according to the reckoning of the Aranyaka); I, 32 (*5 vv.); VII, 18, 1--15; VII, 19 +(11 vv.); 20 (low.) ; 23 (6 vv.) ; 25-29 (26 vv.) ; IV, 20 (11 vv.) ; making 100 in all, and then +the pahkti , I, 80, 1 ; IV, 20, is styled the sampdta hymn. + +3 The moon is the deity of mind, but here the identity of sun and moon is meant, says +Sayana, and manas is brhat, and bharadvaja made the bihat. + +4 See V, 2, 2 for the verses. They are RV., VI, 46, 1 and 2 ; VIII, 61, 7 and 8 (three each +according to this reckoning); VI, 18 (15 vv.) ; 23 (row.); 24 (10 vv.) ; 25 (9 vv.) ; 31-38 +(40 vv.) : IV, 23 (II vv.) ; making 101 in all, and then the pankti , I, 81, 1. The sampdta is IV, +23 ; cf. Aitareya brahmana, IV, 30, 2. The Satarn is not precisely accurate, but the inaccuracy +is deliberate. There are 100 in the right and 101 in the left, and the pahkti verse adds one +to each of them. For the vatying sizes of the wings see TaittirTya Brahmana, 1 , 2, 6, 3. + + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +1, 4, + + +190 + +win desires and for firmness. The fahhii verse serves for proper food. These +, f . , . n( i excessive. The Urltad is male, the Rathantara is female. + +M XL deficiency of the female. Therefore are they deficient +and excessive. Now by one feather is the left wing of the b.rd the better an +fiiertfore the left wing is the better by one verse. Next comes +verse SiiJadoha* is breath, and by breath he jo.ns together all joints. Ihe +follows the tail. This’ consists of twenty-one dvipaJa verses, l'or twen >- +are the backward feathers of the bird. Again of all stomas .s the ekav.msa the +support and the tail the support of all birds. lie recites a twenty-second verse +Tins is’given the form of two supports/' So all birds support themselves on +their tails 8 and having supported themselves on their tails, they fly up. For the +tail l a support. Ho (the bird) is supported by two decades of virdj verses. e +again the man, is supported by these two dripadds, the twenty-first and twei +second That which forms the bird serves to obtain the desires of the mat +That which forms the man selves for his prosperity, glory, proper food and +honour' Next comes the s*M,s verse, next an additional verse, next the +verse. The sfMohas is male, the additional verse female^ Therefore +£££'£**»» verse on either side of the additional verse. Therefore the +seed of the two when effused obtains oneness with regard to the woman alone +So l.irth takes place in and from the woman. Therefore he recites the addruonal + +'"''a 'llc^rccites the eighty gSyatri tiistichs.' The eighty gityatn tristichs are + +tllis world, i whatever 8 glory, 'might/wedlock, proper food, and honour there + +is in this world, may I obtain it, may I win it, may I possess it, may it mine. + +- _. RV y i^kvvV 172(4 vv.), besides twelve from other Vakhas arc given + +in S'attiLi 1, a, 6 , 4: ekavhnta,,, fd'kam I MpU.sn s'uvanU + +pnltisthityai t t0 he whcn there are twenty-two verses, that + +bird, and two those of the man. When twenty one, it »the tail + +f ,he addiuomt. verse Mw«m , «, (Whitney Sanstri' + +bezz. htitf.y XI, 1 > l i ) 1 taken if d/atui is a noun as given m Lohtlingk + +Grammar , § 1098) is possible anc * . ^ .0 as at ij cc tivcs. Cf. II, 1, 2 : + +three'sets' Uislichs arc the food oY the bird. They are set forth in detail m V, a, 3; + +4: “'Might'iY'iirterpreted by Sayana a, vMasUafrayuMa aral is opyosed to a t aM> } as + +dhamdLtyidhamr&ih<,,npsp»}S, but he gives ttjos as an alternatnc + + + +-I, 5 . 1 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +191 + + +Next comes the sudadohas verse. Sudadohas is breath, and by breath he links +together all this world. He recites the eighty brhafi tristichs. T. he eighty hr halt +tristichs are the sky-woild, and whatever glory, might, wedlock, proper food, +and honour there is in the sky-world, may I obtain it, may I win it, may I possess +it, may it be mine. Next comes the sudadohas verse. Sudadohas is breath, and +by breath he links together all the world. lie recites the eighty usnih tristichs. +The eighty usnih tristichs are that world, heaven, 3 and whatever glory, might, +wedlock, proper food, and honour there is in that world, and the divinity of +the gods,' 1 may I obtain it, 5 may 1 win it, may I possess it, may it be mine. ’ +Next comes the sudadohas verse. Sudadohas is breath, and by breath he links +together all that world. + +Adhyaya 5 . + +He lccites the vasa 1 hymn desiring all to be in his power. There are twenty- +one 2 verses, for twenty-one arc the parts in the stomach. Then the ckavimsa is +the support of all stomas and the stomach the support of proper foods. They are +in different metres. For the intestines are larger one than the other, 3 some small, + + +8 The insertion of dyaus is curious and Sayan a notes it as being vnpadat thavt. + +* This is taken by Siiyana as being equal to bt ahman , the honoured of the gods. Indra, &c., +and he quotes for it a passage intended to be Svctawatara Upanisad, VI, 7: tarn dvatynam +faramam maheivaram tarn dcvdndm pat amain daivam (so R, read with S devatanam (or +daivatanam with cd.) panimam ca daivaiam). Rut, though Max Muller accepts tins view, it is +simpler to equate it merely to the divinity ol the gods, be. the divine nature. + +5 Probably dpnavdni is suggested by the at of alTti equated to Vat, as stated by hggcling +(S. D. E. y XL 11 I, T12, n. 1). The view that aitti contains the */at } cat, piobably led to the +identification of’the attlis with anna as throughout the Aranyaka and also in Satapatha +Rrahmana, VIII, 5, 2, 17; but when Sayana in Ins commentary on this passage calls the aSilis +annarupah , he merely ufers, I think, to that idcntihcation and does not base it on etymology, as + +suggested by liggcling. , + +« F01 the subjunctive as optative in sense, cf. Speijcr, Vedhihe find Sansknt-Syntax, § ihO, +and for the question of subj. and opt., Goodwin, Greek Moods and Tenses , App. J. hor +subjunctives in Aitarcya Rrahmana, see Auficcht, pp. 429.430; and a full list in Rohtlingk, +Chiestomathie\ pp. 349, 350. See also Dclluuck, Altuidische Syntax , pp. 30b sq., l eftf. Syntax, + +II, 365 sq. ' r . r. + +‘ ],i Siinkhayana Aranyaka, II, n, the sudadohas vcise is repealed twenty-four times. It +agrees in counting the va'sa hymn as refening to the wlara. I lie hymn is I\V., \ III, 4 >- • ee + +V, 2, <t. It is called a nivid in T, 5, 2 below. The name is given because the author is Vain +(Aivy’a) says Siiyana, and this is probably the case, showing the early date of the traditional +authorships. Cf. Satapatha Hrahmana, VIII, 6, 2, 3, and Kggeling, .S'. B. E., XI.I 1 I, 112, n. 2. +See also Oldenberg, Z. D. M. 6\, XI, 11 , 215 sq. + +2 Only twenty of RV., VIII, 46, but the sudadohas verse is counted in ; see, however, on + +V, 2, *5 ad fin. , f + +> Vikmdram is rendered < confused ’ by Max Muller. The rendering in the text is that of +Sayana and is supported by the use of vikmdrd iva hi fatavah in Aitarcya Hrahmana, V, (>, 5, + + + +192 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 5 > 1- + + +some bier. lie recites them with the word om according to the metre and +according to the manner of the occurrence/ For the intestines are as .t were +according to the manner of their occurrence, some shorter, some longer Next +comes the suJadokas verse. SUadohas is breath, and by breath he joins together +all joints. Having recited this verse twelve times, 8 he leaves off Twelvefod +are these breaths' seven in the head, two in the breast, three below. There +a e they contained, there are they perfected. Therefore there’ he leaves off +The h/mn, ‘O Indr.a and Agni, ye two’ (RV„ VIII, 4 o) forms the two Hughs +which belong to Indra and Agni, 8 the two supports with broad bones. + +where see ShyWs ex,Nation. For the + +m twenty transverse processes »h. ab,lo,nina. portio^of . e H-e »£«), + +isatapntha Brahniana, XII, ^^r^lt^remkiinK/huMhc^tra^htion b quite plausible. + +J. K. A. S , 1907, pp. 8, ) tf, • however, to be noted that in Sankhayana + +? C 1 l“ thl’^Sw^t at:;; the lumbar portion of the spine (RV VI, .63 a +Aranyaha II, 6, tlw «»«*«. „dl as the thoracic portn.n (Satapatha l.rahmana, + +Cited by II0e.1t e,/. A. A ..9 -I J ? twenty-one /Vrnuyr, and certainly this is so + +Xl t ■ 2 ’, 4 ’ to he Za,TZ hU twenty «ir/(*a,npa,l>a Brahma,a, Xll, a 4 . >*). + +strikingly parallel to the uaata w.u ' nossible that this passage should be so + +■ viverses are to be recited with a pause in the middle and om at +Sutra, VI, , * J have om prefixed and affixed. This is artificial and + +the end, while ckapada vasts . t c v < inst as it mav happen \ which version + +perhaps it only means (cf. Momcr-^ l iams i ^ th}s vcrs i ()11 . Cfiamlaskdram + +suits the r mtastyam better, and Sayana en s up w \ Al if rec ht Aitatcya BuVimana , + +(f- Sandhi, tf. Wackernagel, AlUndrsche of the hymn. + +Cl. v, 2, 5, Soeiier Vedische und Sansknt-Syntax, § 224. + +Altindische Syntax, pp. 40a • T» k P J » , , , k kea( i vertebrae, right side, + +b,easts, and the„,«,,/ny«a n dWr.pp »d Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahma,a cited in + +dor Upanishads , pp. 255 sq.; C. I., pp. J + +note 6 on I, 3, 7. , + +r He does not nse that verse in the*thigh vemes.^ cnable the bird to fly aloft + +* Indra and Agni are the strongest o g * . ,1,1 - n t u e Aitareva but + +(Sayana). In Sankhayana these verses form part of what represents the tail in the Aitarey , + + + +“I. fn 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +r 93 + + +verses have six feet 9 for firmness. Man 10 has a double support, cattle have four +feet. So he places the sacrificer with his double support among the four-footed +cattle. The second verse has seven feet, 11 and he makes it into a gayaiti and an +anuslubh. Now the gdyalrV 2 is brahman, the anmltibh is Vac, and so he unites +Vac and brahman . lie recites 13 a irislubh at the end. The tristubh is strength +and so with strength he suirounds animals. Therefore animals 14 depend on +strength for their rising and their going forth. + +2. In the Niskevalya hjmn addressed to Indra, 1 ‘ To thee, the mighty, the +intoxicated one’ (RV., X, 50), he inserts a nividA For cleaily thus does he +place strength in himself. They are tridubhs and jagatis .They say, ‘Why +then does lie insert a nivid among iristubhs and jagatis ? ’ 4 ‘One metre only + +in datapath a llrahmana, VIIT, 6, 2, 3, they are referred to the wings, see Eggeling, S. />. E , +XL 11 I, 111, 112. See also V, 3, 1, n 1 ; above, p. 37. + +9 They, except two and twelve, are in the so-called mahdpahkti metre. Eor the correct +expression urvadhh'C^ cf. the use of uruphalaka for the thighs, lloernle, Osteology , pp. 206, 215, +perhaps wiongly read for uru°. 11 u/ //" is read here, it means ‘ the thighs and knees aic supports +cf. Vajasanc) 1 Samlutn, XYTTT, 23; Apastamba Sulba Siltra, XI, 2 and 3 (/. /> ill, G , LVI, 362). + +10 Cf. I, i, 2, n. 5. + +11 It consists of seven pada\ of eight syllables, and can be made into an anintu/dt preceded by +a i^dyafu. According to Sayana, following Asvala>nna, in the latter case there is a pause +nltei the second pdda, and om alter the third. In the foimcr the om follows the fourth, and +there is a pause aflu the second pdda, + +12 Cf. 1 , 1, 1, n 8. + +yj Sa) ana holds this to lefer to a spe< ml mode of recitation, by which alter the fiist pdda +there is a pause, and om follows the second, and so foi the third and lomth, and wliuh he calls +tndupsamaya. This is from Asvalayami Siauta Siltia, VI, 15,6 ; RV., VIIT, 40, 12, is in t/idnbh . + +14 This must mean, as Sa>ana says, and as Max Muller takes it, that animals obey a master. +The last two accusatives aie loosely connected as accusatives of point in which; such acc. +are more frequent in Greek and Latin (e.g. Tacitus, ,1/1/1., I, 27 : de^erunt tribunal . . . /nanus +inteutantes, lausam discordme et initium anno/ urn'). In the Maitreya Upanisad (Max Muller, +S. IS. J£. % XV, xlv) : sa tat fa pa 1 a mam tapa ddilyam ud/ksa/ndna urdhvas tidhati. Max +Muller observes that dsthdya would be expected, but it is not necessary to suspect the text. +For the compound, cf. Jaiminiya Upanisad Biahmana, I, 47 find 48. In paf un pa/igai hah the +ncc. is dependent on part', so Aitareva Brahmani, \ III, 28, 1, 2 ; tam etdh pafha devatdh +parimriyante (eoriecl Spoijer, Cedi si he and .Sansknt-Synta.x , § 88). + +1 Forming pait of the thigh verges. + +2 Sayana says the n/z’/d (cf. Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, 111 , 9 , 1, for a Vaisvadcva nivid ) is +to come after the fourth verse and is to he Indio derail so/nam pibatu (pinvamdnah S), &c. +(Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, VIII, 17, 1). ‘In himself’ he rcmleis as ‘in the biid in the shape +of the 6astra\ It may mean ‘in himself’ only. For the nivids see Scheftelowit/, Die +Apok/yphen des I\ gveda } pp. 1 s<j. The nil'it ' samjiiakc gi an the in 1\ is, unhappily, a mjtli, the +reading (in R 3 , S, &c.) is saughe. + +3 The metre is irregular. According to the Anukiamain, fine and seven are jagaii, the rest +tristubh. Sayana offers the alternative of the last two being jagati. + +4 The prakrti has bid it bln at the midday pressing, and so the deviation needs explanation. +Note that the answer is repeated, and is not that of the Aianyaka itself, though it is adopted. + +O + + +KEITH + + + +A 1 TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 5 . + + +194 + +cannot support or fill the nivid of this day,’ so he inserts the nivid among +Mhs and jagatls. Let him know that this day has three mW, Ihe +va(a hymn is a nivid, the Valakhilyas are a nivid, and the mvtd is a nivid bo +M to». ,1- .1.™ »,« tl,c. »» to *y ; Tke» »»• to. h,,« +•Who in the forest as it were has been put down (RV X, 29), and Who +fi,st is born, the wise one’ (RV., II, .2). In these is the verse, When.the +hopes of all are on food’ (RV., X, 29, 4), and it serves to win proper food. +Xi comes an insertion. As many decades of verses' in Ir.iubh and jugaU +addressed to Indra as they insert between these two hymns, after transforming +them into brhath, so many years do they live beyond the normal life. By th +“liR is gained. Next he reeites the ^ ** + +come to his otTsp.ing. Then he .ec.tes the larksya hymn. ^,ks)a is + +welfare, and the hymn leads to welfare. Thus he procures welfare. + +w ere referred to above is the mttkhya nivid , and the others are +‘ y sa /f th , L“. of S(: vcral metres in the mia and of trisjubhs and jagatis in + +aupacanke ., and he assigns ‘ . , . - ;j r The Valakhilyas occur in the brhati + +thoVatahhilfasastheieason^ + +tristichs, see V, 2,4. 1 ht v .1 aKniiya niinhenr C'ott. net. Anz., 1907. Schcftelowitz + +Die Apokryphm dss Y^lVkhilyas nre among the old Khilas which were accepted by some + +T 1° 7 ° MbWt rn m'kala and Mandukeya) and not by others (Sakalya), who only included +schools (probably the isaskaia am. . j j s effectually—in my opinion— + +‘ Nationalhymnen in their tra< lt ‘^* ^ h th ] iaV e hitherto been considered, later + +demolishes this argument and leaves the KMnvh* W ^ ^ ^ Valakhilyas are + +additions to the RgAedic trat ition, 1 ou g 1 c yvy ft- Taittiriya Aranyaka, I, 23 ; Maitiayani +mentioned by that name in Kausltaki 1 rahmana XXX, 7 ^?. M " Muller, Wr«/- +, T 5 nri TT a Cf also Macdoncll onVI, 48, HI, 1,0 * i>iax iU . ’ + +who is, however, wrong in saying that they do not occur ,n any Kh.l. + +collection; -V/. Petersburg Duty'W, 954 - thousand numbered Samhita’, and + +e Sayana renders daiaUnani a taken meaning appears certain. + +Max Muller takes it as a til <> fcis to ‘the Samhita, and I think daiatindm must + +‘ ,aia,! decades' o(‘trist'Ms and jagatis turned into Matis . and it may he + +mean decades, nicy c . .. • „ hrhatli This may be the reference, or the + +noted that sr 1 " and seven jagalh give thirteen b r hal ’ s - S5 ^ a + +luerence may he to f. h j- (hrec and four jagatis nine brhat.s can be + +cf p - - +L,ebich ter. Mr .,«; * 95 - in Aitareya Urahmana, V, 2 , .. For arjayan + +. t hat .V, KV i ' ”; A , vi ; itn Sanskrit Grammar, § 58?: Delbruck pp. 353 sq. The form + +cf. Spe.jcr, 1 . c., 5 i»S . « n " as , (ound in the Sutras and hpic. + +is given by \\ lutney, boots, &(■, p- 4 , Tsrksva liaruda, but cf. Macdonell, Ye,ho + +" RV., X, r 7 S, addressed, says Sayapa, ^ and ’„ r haddevath agree with the + +Mythology, P- M 5 - L reads 7 < . For the fornl( c f. Wackernagel, + +RV C f. KausTiaki Brahmana, XXX, 5, ana 111, , , s + +At'intiislhe Gramma,.k, I, 2331 Macdonell, Vein Grammar, p. 43 - + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +*95 + + +-I> 5 » 2 + +the ekapadii 10 verse that he may at once be all and win all the metres. 11 In + +the hymn* ‘All songs have caused Indra to grow’ (RV., I, n), there are + +additions 12 to the verses. Seven verses does he make additions to. For seven +are the breaths 13 in the head, and so does he place breaths in the head. He +makes no addition to the eighth. The eighth is speech, and (he thinks), 4 Let +not speech be mingled with my breaths.* Therefore speech, though it has + +the same abode as the breaths, is not mingled with them. He recites the + +viyaj verses. 14 Vtrdj verses are food, and serve to win food. He ends with +the hymn of Vasistha, 10 that he may become Vasistha. (He should end) +with the perfect verse, 10 with the word ‘great* in it, ‘This praise to the great, the +terrible, the bearer’ (RV., V1T, 24, 5). In the verse, ‘Like a steed labouring +at the yoke, he has taken his place’ (RV., VII, 24, 5), the yoke is the end +(of the car). This day is the end. 17 Thus is (the verse) lit for the day. (He +should end) with the perfect verse, with the word ‘ praise * in it, ‘ O Indra, this praise +celebrates thee’ (RV., VII, 24, 5°). With regard to the verse, ‘As heaven over + + +10 Sayana gives it as Indro vilvam virajaii, see V, 3, 1. + +11 It is the last of the metres used. + +12 The phiase occurs also in Sankhayana Aranyaka, II, 12, and is fuither explained in V, 3 > T > + +vheie Sayana is much more explicit than in his commentary here. The idea is i a , i b , i°, 2*, +i* 2 i>. ^ 2 b , 3 b ; and so on. The result is a curious intertwining, vyalimnga, of verses. + +A similar proceeding is found in Aitaieya Brahmana, IV, 3 ; VI, 24. For otlierexamples of this +process, called viharana also, cf. Sankhayana Srauta Sutia, VII, 15, 4 Cat the Apyfiyana of the +Madhyandina Savana) ; IX, 5, 4 (at the Sodakm) ; XII, 11, 5, and ASvalayana Srauta^Sutra, VIII, +2, 7 (Valakhilyas, when a vyatimaAani vi ha ran a takes place) ; Roth, Z. D. M. G. y XXXVII, +109, who traces the practice even in the Rgveda, and llillebrandt, Ritual-Ltlieratur, p. 103. + +13 The openings aie leferred to above, I, 3, 7 ; 8; 4, 1 ; 3* 1. dhe eighth as Vac refers no +doubt to the tongue. The first reference to seven openings is not (as Deussen seems to hold) +that in Atharvaveda X, 8, 9, which is there piactically unintelligible, and which is given up by +Whitney ( Translation , p. 397), but which appears in a more plausible form in Brhadaranyaka +Upanisad, II, 2, 3, where the verse has as its last pdda: vdg astami brahmana samviddnd , but +that in AV., X, 2, 6 , where the seven khani are given as eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth (sec +Whitney, 7 'ranslation , p. 368; Hoernle, J. R. A. S., 1907, p. 12). In ver. 7 the tongue +is specially mentioned. Tire seven, however, seem already to have included Vac, to judge +ftom the explanation in that Upanisad, II, 2, 4, where, according to Deussen s translation, +it is intended to stand for the tongue, as indeed seems clear fiom its being connected with +Atri and alii, though Bohllingk, in his translation, p. 26, takes it otherwise. Sayana here +refers to the other pranas as jihvalvagddibhih. Vac apparently then is little more than +a duplicate. Cf. I, 3, 7, n. 6 . For the seven pranas , cf. also Satapatha Brahmana, IX, 5, 2, 8. + +14 RV., VII, 22, 1-6 ; see V, 3, 1. + +13 RV., VII, 24. For the word vaha in ver. 5, see Oldenberg, S. D. E., XLVI, 135. + +16 The sixth verse is placed after the fourth and the fifth comes at the end, V, 3, 1. + +17 The last clay is the udayanTydtirdtra. For dhtth , cf. RV., II, 2, 1 : dhithsAdam + +‘ charioteer ’; Hcpkins,/. A. O. S., XIII, 237 sq. + +O 2 + + + +196 + + +AITAREYA ARAJVYAKA + + +I, 5 . 2 ' + + +hcaven, 18 give us glory’ (RV, VII, 24, 5% wherever the speech of the Brahmin" +is uttered, this is his glory, when he who knows ends with this verse. So +him who knows this end with this verse. + +.. Siyana routers, 'as in heaven, so in the worlds (the matarbka, See.) above the heaven!* + +The same maharloka is dragged in to explain II, 4, *• , reference + +19 siyina vaguely says vedasambandhi vakyam. But 1 think ther + +L™ » 00 <1^1* »ch + +EES v* ~ + +XlTT'4-’xix Tit : \V^ck“elxv„i! The Adiarvan passages + +0 .,,,,,, X1..-XX.V■I £ < p , „. ld + +^^^t^^pSSSiSStSttrOS + +friends of their patron-not of “ UIS ® ^ Clftl reviva i 0 f Sanskrit in the second and thi.d +he would understand it m i-tut ^ ^ ^ ^ scrious difficulties in our conception + +Sr Idstor^of language and litetature than it «» I— » f” " + +epic (as distinguished from ~ « of course + +centuites H.r. and be contempo extensive additions have been made by piiestly + +in the case of both Mahabhatala * y . ait era . 0 nly thus can a real place + +hands in the two or three centime ^ ^ represenl , renl 5tltc of + +be found for Pan,,,is Maja.« b fci and nob les as intelligible to their inferiors, + +affans when Sanskrit could be . J . h CL . ntunes B . c . we have no evidence save the +l-or what Ksatriyas spoke in ‘ h jr pic s0 f ar as we can regard it as contcmpor- + +lirahinanas, where they speak Sanskr , ^ ^1 (/w Slui ,. t XIII, 4 S« «!•), it seems + +aneous. In view of the fact that * * J « . t an d Prakrit for the different + +only reasonable to assign to his P eno 1 ® affairs must* have been real. Nor is it possible +characters, and either then or ear ier e XXIII no) that an originally + +to accept the theory of Uvi, Barth, and ££™^ ^ + +Prakrit diama was turned in o _ kypothesi both men and women equally + +of the use of Prakrit for some characters since « ^ the drama was an + +used Piakrit in conversation, and, while it is quite liuemg + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +i97 + + +-I. 5 , 3 + + +3. ‘We choose that of Savitr* (RV., V, 82, 1-3) and ‘0 god, Savitr, this +day’ (RV., V, 82, 4-6), are the strophe and antistrophe (of the Vaisvadeva +hymn ’) and are perfect in form as belonging to the one day ceremonial. 2 Much +indeed is done on this day that is forbidden and (the Vaisvadeva) 3 is the +atonement. Now atonement is rest, and so at the end (of the sacrifice) the +sacuficcrs rest on the atonement of the one day (the Vaisvadeva) as their rest. +He rests who knows this, and they also rest for whom the Ilotr priest who +knows this recites this Vaisvadeva. Then comes the Savitr hymn, ‘ Of Savitr, +the god, this great and desirable thing* (RV., IV, 53). Great 4 is the end. +This day is the end. So the verse fits this day. Then comes the Dyava-PrthivI +hymn, ‘Which is the elder, which the younger* (RV., I, 185), in which (the +verses) end alike. 5 This day is one on which (the sacrificcrs) end alike. So +the hymn fits the day. Then comes the Rbhu hymn, ‘ Born not for steeds +nor reins, worthy of praise* (RV., IV, 36). With regard to the words, ‘The +chariot of three wheels,* the hymn is possessed of three (/rival), and what is +possessed of three 6 is the end. This day is the end. So the hymn fits the day. +The hymn, ‘Of this benignant, greyhaired, priest’(RV., I, 164), addressed to + + +established fact it could remain popular long after it had ceased to be intelligible, the +popularity of a literary form ex initio unread is very strange. People in England would not +go to Italian opera (which by the by is certainly understood by fifty per cent, of the spectators;, +but for the fact that there was once and still is a popular diama in England. + +Of couise it cannot be contended—nor is it so claimed—that Sanskrit was ever the vernacular +of the lower classes. What we have to conceive is rather a parallel series of languages +diverging from vernaculars older than the Vedic of the earliest hymns, each current among +certain portions of the people, but in their earlier stages intelligible to all. The Greek and +English dialects give a fair paiallcl, in both cases ending in a common form of educated +and literary speech. Cf. Jacobi, Z.D.M. C., XLVIII, 407 sq. + +1 Cf. Safikhayana Aranyaka, II, 18, which diffcis in detail as usual. Tins section refcis +to the evening Soma pressing, when the Vaisvadeva and Agnimaruta Sastras are recited, see +Weber, Ind. Stud., X, 35S , 354. n. 3; HBBelmg. S. B. XXVI, 325, 361 (Vamvadeva), 369 +(Agnimaruta) ; Caland and Henry, V'Agnistoma, pp. 354 S< 1 * + +2 The prakrti is here the Vi&vajit, and the mfdaprakrti the Agmsfoma, as usual. + +3 Cf. I, 2, i. Sayana selects the two tristichs as the immediate point of reference. + +4 Because greatness is the tie plus ultra of all things (Sayana). . + +5 udarka is equal to ant a in the one case and to uttarakdla eva bhnvi phalam in the other, +according to Sayana. The sacrificcrs obtain brahman, he adds, but this is hardly meant. +Most of the verses end alike in this and the following cases. Cf. for the word, AUareya + + +Brahmana, V, i, 3; 12. ...... + +• This is not obvious. Sayana refers it to the case where two wheels are inadequate and + +a third is found necessary. This wheel, as before the dhnh, is the end, I, 5, 2. Zimmer +(Altindisehes Leben, pp. viii, ix) points out that tricakra in the Saiphitas is merely an epithet +of the cars of the Alvins where its sense is mythological and lie therefore denies the existence +of three-wheeled cars in the Vedic period, but cf. Weber, Perl Sitz. } 1898, p. 564, n. 1. + + + +19 # + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +I, 5. 3- + + +the All-gods, is multiform. 7 This day is multiform. So ‘he hymn fits the day +(Of what he recites) the end* is, ‘Forming the waters, the buffalo hath lowed +RV I l64 40 - The hymn, ‘May powers auspicious come to,us on every +side’’ (RV., I, 89), addressed to the All-gods, is one containing an insertion +and is perfect in form as belonging .0 the one day ceremonial. Much indeed +i, done on this day that is forbidden and (the hymn with^ the insertion ) » +the amnernent. Now atonement is rest, and so at the end (o the sacrifice) +the sacrificers rest on the atonement of the one day (insertion) as their res . +h! I I knows this, and they also rest for whom the Holy priest who +knows this recites the hymn with the insertion. The verses, o aisv naia, w +strengthens law, our praise ’ (RV., Ill, a, 1 sq.), are the strophe of the Agmmaruta +6astra. Praise is the end. This day is the end So the hymn fits the d.j. +The hymn, ‘The Maruts, rushing onward, with gleaming lances (R ., , 5 o), + +addressed o the Maruts, is one in which (the verses) end alike. This day ,s +ofe in liS (the sacrifices) end alike. So the hymn fits this day He recite , +before the next hymn, the verse, ‘To Jatavedas let us pour the Soma (RV , I +, .^dressed to Jatavedas. The Jatavedas verse is welfare and wins welfare. +So' he' makes this into welfare. The hymn, ‘ To Jatavedas, who deserves our +• ’ /rv T 04^ 10 addressed to Jatavedas, is one in which (the verses) ci + +this day. 11 + +Atohryphcn des Kgvcda, p. 137), See. + +: t, z&xssgJg. + +first Aran) aka does of course treat t * n ®^ lationa less ’ close i y associated with the actual +W hile the second Areata diverge 1 ^ of karma an d, 7 M„« would be to oppose + +It”) the rtto, of *JL «ndy*»»a in Sat,hern’s view, see his commentary + +- rr X&&. + +xtxxvili, x^r.h“r 3 ohhe feinkhayana Arasyaka, and kausttaki Upnnisad, IV, a. + + + +-II. 1.» + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +199 + + +ARANYAKA II + +Adiiyaya 1. + +This is the path; this 1 is the sacrifice; this is brahman ; this is truth. +Therefore let no man diverge 2 from it; let no man transgress it. tor they +did not -transgress it; of old, those that did transgress it were overcome. A Rsi + +1 Sayana, following, as throughout this part of his commentary, Safikara (cf. Sankara on +Taittirlya Upanisad, X, 12, translated by S. Sitarama, Opan,shads, V, 112-122), discusses the +relation of the karmakdnda and the Upanisad. Ills conclusion is that it is that of tidhana +and sadhya, the sacrifices serving to purify the mind through the destruction of evil and the +production of a desire for knowledge. He quotes and rejects the views: (1) that knowledge +is unnecessary, it being sufficient to give up all works, good or evil, and to perform the various +regular and occasional sacrifices, and to exhaust what one has begun by enjoying it, so that +at death freedom is attained. He points out that it is not possible to abandon good and +evil, such acts being endless, and that the sacrifices performed must bear fruits and the actions of +previous births must produce many other biiths. (2) Others held that a un.on of knowledge +and sacrifice is the cause of freedom. Hut knowledge is directly contradictory to sacrifice, since +the latter involves the conception of the self as active, whereas the former recognises that he +self is nirvikara. (3) Others hold that sacrifice is the ladder which beginning with the +simplest and ending with the most complicated sacrificial rites lends +the cause of freedom. Sayana points out life is too short for this. (4) Others think t +karmakdnda is used in a subsidiary manner, just as in catching cranes one throws curd on +their heads and it melting blinds them, so one should sacrifice. The reply is that till, +surplusage: one should catch one's crane straight off. The stoiy is reminiscent of putting salt +on the tail of a bird. (5) The use of saciifice is to exhaust desire through the enjoyment of the +desires produced by such acts, but clearly, it is replied, desire is not so quenched Sayana +also explains at length the visaya, prayojana, adhikdrin, prdmd.tya,und prameya of the system +which he attributes to the Upanisad. Cf. Dcussen, Philosophic der Upamshads , pp. 57 «1 ! +E T PI). 61 so. ‘ This ’ means both what is just past and what is to come, and so Sayana refers +the slot karma to Aranyaka I, and etad brahma to Aranyaka II and III. The latter alone + +a Sayana thus discriminates: the divergence is due to mere larincss, the transgression to +interest in other matters, ploughing or indust, y, or such forms of devotion as relic worship, &c. +For pra+Vmad, cf. Taittirlya Upanisad, II, 5 ; J, II, a; Ka(haka Upanisad, II, 6, which +support my emendation pramaltam in Sankhayana Aranyaka, XII, 29. + +» The verse is, of course, absurdly construed. It is impossible on any theory to make much +sense of it. As taken in the translation, the idea is that three peoples were ruined, the others +settled round Agni, in the sense that with Agni as their helper one people lias been prosperous, +the others not. Compare the view of the datapaths ltrahmana, T, 4, 1, 10-1 > t !>t ri0 C0UI ' T +is civilised until Agni burns over it; Eggeling, S.H.E., XII, xl. sq.; Macrlonell, Sanshnt +Literature, pp. 214, 215. The last two verses of the stanra of course are hopeless, save ns +indicating vaguely the connexion between Agni, the Sun, and Vayu. lhe Atharvaveda, X, , 3, +has a different version ; see \\ hitney, Translation, p. 596. + + + +200 + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, i, i- + + +says (RV., VIII, ioi, 14), ‘ Three peoples transgressed. Others settled round the +sun. The great’one stands in the middle of the worlds. The blowing one enters +the dawns.’ In the verse, ‘Three peoples transgressed,’ the three peoples which +transgressed are the Vayases, 4 the Vangavagadhas, and the Cerapfults. In the + + +1 S'lynna an<l Anandatirtha agree in taking this as referiing to the fates which 111 another +life befell the three ,.copies who transgressed. The peoples are lirahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaityas, +and Madras, and only one set was saved. The others suffer a narakajanma (cf. for this idea +Hopkins, J.K.A.S„ 1906. PP- 58 i sq.), as birds, &c. Only they differ as to the meaning of +thewords' vaySutsi vangduagadhH c era pi.idah. Sayana renders them as birds, trees +rrHih), plants (avnnti manusyadin and grdhyante 'bhihmhyante), and snakes (nrafada., +sa,Mh). Anandaflitha prefe.s I’itacas, Kaksases (vaiiga is from va,n,jit,warn and gamayantt, +and avagadha from gydhu abhikaitksdydm), and Asmas. We arc justified therefore in holding +that there was no trustworthy tradition, and it is therefore possible to consider whether +Max Muller’s suggestion that the words are perhaps old ethnic names is correct. In Us favour +it may be noted that Sayana and Anandatirtha compel ns to assume that the Aranyaka. acceps +the fullest form of the doctrine of transmigration as a punishment (e. g. Kausitaki Upamsad, 1 ), +which is a comparatively late view, and which 1 do not think is found 1.1 this Upamsad. If +they are ethnic names, then layamsi gives us a people like the Matsyas, Ajas, &c., in whose +names we may, ,f we like, see totemisn, *. The Vaugdvagadhdh are a composite tnfac or group +oftril.es like the Kuru-Pancalas, whose name reminds us of the later Vanga (.known to Malia- +bhasva (Weber, lad. Stud, XIII, 3S6) and to Mahahhaiata, Dhannasfltras, &c. 111 conjunction +with Aiiga), as part of what is now Bengal. The Ccrafaddh are a third tube, whose name +points to g the later Ceras of Southern India. It is of course possible (cf. Rhys Davids, Buddhist +India, p. 32) to argue that these verses show a later date and a wider geographical know¬ +ledge than is compatible with the early pre-Buddhistic date here attributed to the Aranya-a. +But in this respect it may be observed that Rhys Davids (cf. Bulilcr, S. Ii, £., II. xxxv sq.; +Ind. Ant., XXIII, a 4 6-a 4 #i Weber, ibid., XXX, 2 7 Ji Z.D.M.G., XI.1X, 479 presses unduly +the argument from the Buddhist texts. There is in addition to tne grave doubts as to the age +of the Buddhist texts the possibility that these texts show only the regions where Buddhism +had penetrated and that there were Brahminical countries beyond these limits (cf. Buhlcr, +Ind. Ant., XXIII, 245 sq.; Wintemitz, Gesch. dcr indisch. I.itt., 1 , =54 sq.; Maulrafatha, I,p. xv). +It may lie questioned whether Buddhism eaily gained a direct hold on much of Southern India ; +at least there is no evidence that it ever did. Besides the question arises whether the Cerapadas +must have been settled in the South at this date. It should be noted that the text says they +were dcstioyed, and this may refer to a disaster to the old tiibe, a remnant of which wandered +south and later appear as the Ceras, who are known in the south to Asoka and to Katyayana, +Weber, 1 . c., p. 371 ; Bhandarkar, History of Deccan, p. 143. + +The version of Savana takes ccrafaddh as ca irafdddh. This seems very unlikely, because +a single ca with the second of three connected words is not elsewhere found m thmAraiiyaka. +and is nowhere common. (For examples, cf. RV., I. 77 , 2 (Oldenberg S.B. A. XLVI, Id.) + +and Delbiuck, Altindische Syntax, p. 475 -) 11 1 lhlnk > m " ch m0 ‘^ llk " ly tkat + +of defeated tribes should not appear in the precise forms here found elsewhere than that names + +of plants and beasts should so disappear. At any rate they must all three be plants and + +* Mere animal names prove little as to totemism, which is not demonstrated for any Aryan +stock, cf. Famuli, Cults of the Greek States, IV, 116, S56; Macdoncll, I cd. Myth p 153; +llopkin-, r.A. O.S., 1894, p. cliv; Keith,/. R.A. S„ 1907, PP- 9’9 sq-; Buhlcr, Ind. Stud., Ill, 48. + + + +-II, I, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +201 + + +verse, 4 Others settled round the sun,’ B these people are settled round Agni here, +as the sun. In the verse, 4 The great one stands in the middle of the worlds/ +that great one in the middle of the worlds means this sun. In the verse, 4 1 he +blowing one enters the dawns/ the meaning is the purifying air enters the quarters.® +2 . People 1 say, 4 Hymn, hymn.’ 2 The hymn is indeed the eaith. 1 I'or from +it all that exists springs. It praises Agni. Food are its eighty verses, 3 for +by food one obtains all. The hymn is the sky. For (birds) fly along the +sky, and along the sky men drive. It praises Vilyu. Food are its eighty +veises, for by food one obtains all. The hymn is also yonder heaven. For by + +animals or names of tribes. Monier-Williama’ Dht. takes vanga as plants, avagadha and icrapada +as names of peoples, which is quite impossible. Dr. Scheftelowitz in his forthcoming Zur +Stammbildung in den inJogermanisi hen .Sprat hen (which he has been so good as to show me +in MS.) considers that vanga is formed from van by the suffix ga (when g—gn)> He compares +madgu (not for 'nnazg, but from \/mad+gu), khadga, phalgu, svaigd, vaiga, phaligd, tunga , +Shiga, drbhaga , uiig, vanig, sphigl , ddga (not = IG. ozguo), & c. llut even if this is the case +the oiigin of the word throws no light on its being used as a tribal name, nor do I feel sure of +the equation vanga — tree. Possibly Va ngd-Jl/agadhdh may be read, cf. my Sdnkhdyana A rany aka, +p. 46, n. 4; Baudhayana Dharma Sfitra, I, 2, 13 and 14. + +The citation of the Rgvedic verse in full is of course natural when an explanation is being +given. So verses are cited and explained in full at II, 1, 6 (RV., I, 164, 31); II, 1, 8 +(RV., I, 164, 38); 11 , 5 , 1 (RV., IV, 27, 1); Ill, i, 6 (RV., X, 114,4); HI, 2, 3 (RV., I, +115, 1). In the last case the verse is cited cntiic to indicate the sense desired to be under¬ +stood. So also verses are cited in full in the .'sank hay ana Aranyaka, VII, 15, 18, 20; VIII, +4, 6; IX, 1; XII, 8, 35. + +6 Anandatlitha, here and thioughout, interprets in a Vaisnava sense, arkam is Visnu, Aditya +is Visnu, and tasthau is npasani iakre. To Sayana, arkam is Agni ahavaniya, + +6 Sayana justifies this by prCuyadidiiah tattatkannani vihitdh salyo * nudhdnavaikalyant +haranti. + +1 Sayana explains, following the MTmamsa, III, 4 ; IV, 1 ; III, 3, that the purpose of +Aranyaka, II, 1-3, is to enable men to attain concentration of thought by meditating on things +connected with the sacrifice. There are five principles in such meditation. (1) The meditation +falls to the lot not of the yajamdna but of the rtvij. (2) The meditation must be on the +pratlkas of the hymns, as deities like earth, &c., and not vice versa. (3) If the dhyana is +pi escribed for a certain thing only in one Sakha, it can nevertheless be taken over by another +Sakha, e. g. by the Kausltakins. (4) It is not obligatory in every case to go through all the +forms of meditation which ate prescribed in connexion with any part of the rite. It is sufficient +to make the choice desired. (5) Nor is it necessary to adopt the meditation along with the +sacrifice as an essential part. It is a matter of choice. + +The last rule shows the manner in which the Brahmins avoided the open rejection of +sacrifice and yet justified their own speculations as a practical substitute for sacrifice. + +2 That is, not knowing its secret reference. Sayana follows the Aranyaka in deriving +ukthatfi from ut-tidhati. Anandatlrtha, of course, explains the whole by the doctiine that +Visnu is omnipresent and so all things can be identified with him and through him with one +another. Cf. Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, V, 13, 1 (where utthapayali is the derivation of uktha ) ; +KausTtaki Upanisad, III, 3. + +3 The three sets of eighty tristichs, in gayatii, In hall, and uwth, \, 2, 3 ; 4; 5. + + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, i, + + +202 + +it, gift all that exists springs. It praises the sun. Food are its eighty ™, +for by food one obtains all. So much as regards the gods Now as rega . + +Z self The hymn is man. He is great and is Prajilpat,. hnn kno + +that he is the hymn. 4 The hymn is his mouth, as in the case of the earth. + +It nraises speech. Food are its eighty verses, for by food one obtains all. The +I .mn i the no trils, as in the ease of the sky. It praises breath. Food are +, eighty verses, for by food one obtains all. The bend of the nose as it +;;.Let The 7 - of the brilliant one. The hymn is the forehead, as in the +case of the hLen. It praises the eye. Food are its eighty verses, for by foo +one obtains all. The eighty verses are food both with reference C f J d> +and with reference to the self, for by food all these beings breathe , by foo +he cCe- this world and by food that world. Therefore the ei^ity verses + +are food both with reference to the gods and to the se . ie 0 + +feeder are the earth, for all that exists spiings from it. Whatever go , + +SSL?-—- i. + +So earth is both food and feeder. He >» becomes feeder and food. He +nothing that he eats not, or that eats him not. + +. Sayana point, out that this contract, the Mima,“*■ ~ Zba^,\bThZIn 'vatana- +but solves the contradiction by saying t \ iti uh'trakdrdndm tfirfimah. + +cites the Jabala Upanisad, It, talama* iWW . Thi/refers to + +sandhi)) {lambandhah K J ) s ‘i uhidhi of brahman. Anandatirtha takes iva + +brahman ; so Adilya, who is bradhna, is here an ufad>h ot liat^ ^ , . UI> 2> 6 . + +x 'V^“i!r^ r u■*?/>-■ "• — + +sammiam is noteworthy ; sec Delbnick, Vtrgl. Syntax, 111 , 247, 4 ■ + +■ By giving food to retainers and bjrsacn "^espec ive ^ doc(rlne of transm i grat ion. But +• Sayana and Anandatirtha ta - ^ [hc heilTen sends, e . B . rain, not persons + +this is baldly necessary. The eaith j having enjoyed heaven after death + +Who are born again, or as Sayana says who ha g J J Cf . + +return again to earth. It is -ot proved tha^such an idea ^ ^ ^ g For the u5e of + +II, i, i, n. 4 ; 3 > n - 5 ; 3 » 7 ’ ‘ 5 ’ ’xLVl’aBartholomae, Iran. Gnmdr I, 54 , 7 °) + +prerte (for the form, cf. Oldenberg, S. B. Th f 0 f the pluti is that laid + +- ^,Vf Sgyapa has referent, to I, J a* + +downinPanim, VIII, 2,107, . I doubt, however, that it is intended as the + +” This is very obscure. There 1 ^ ^ ^ donb(er and the doubt, And I + +expression of a vague pantheism. . E himsc]f with the hymn and also with + +become", as Max Muller says, subject and object in one. + + + +-II, i> 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +203 + + +3 . Then comes 1 the origin of seed. The seed of PrajSpati are the gods.’ +The seed of the gods is rain. The seed of rain is herbs. The seed of herbs +is food. The seed of food is seed. The seed of seed is creatures. The seed +of creatures is the heait.' The seed of the heart is the mind. 4 The seed of +the mind is speech. The seed of speech is action.' The act done is this + +Anandatirtha interprets it that Visnu consumes all worlds, and all beings enjoy him, which +is the same idea attached to the name of Visiiu. Sayana contrasts the ufiisaka and the +anuMsaka and explains the matter slightly differently in the last sentence as meaning that + +other men do not enjoy him (jW va-yasmSe ca katanat). lie reconciles this with the fact + +that he is ddyah because that refeis to watmabhutasawabhogyajdtarfipatvam. 'lhis explanation +is not probable, but undoubtedly the construction of the last words contains a serious difficulty +as yad cannot coirespond to adyuh. The fact perhaps is that yad is used for formal corre¬ +spondence with the previous yad though it is not quite parallel in construction. It must be +taken literally as an accusative of point in which—‘ or in so much as they do not consume +him.’ For the metaphor cf. Jaiminiya Upanisad Brahmana, HI, 2 : anadyamdnoyadadantam atli ; +Taittiriya Upanisad, II, 2 : adyaie 'tti ca bhutani ; lit, 7, 9, &c.; Sal a path a Brahmana, X, 6, 2 ; +XII, 9, 1 ; MaitrayanI Samhita, I, io, 13; KausTtaki Brahmana, XI, 3; A./.P., XX, 446, +and the Puuisa Siikta. Another possible explanation, however, is suggested by Jaiminiya +Upanisad Brahmana, I, 5, 3 : sd (satyam as devata) ha tasya nek yad enam apasedhet , ‘ She is +not able to drive him away,’ where yad is a conjunction. So here the exact sense may l>c, +i H e cannot help eating them and their eating him tasya being used to introduce the dependent +clause Cf II, 1, 5, n. 5. No doubt originally yad was a iclative, but the pronominal quality +is ‘clearly minimal in such cases. The opt. in such a case is one of consequence or characteristic, +cf brahmdnam kiuvTla yo pa(yct, ITT, 2, 3, n. 3 - So I would explain Ramayana, III, 19, 7 - +hi palydmy aham loke yah kurydn mama vipHyam , which Speijer (Vcdtschc wtd Sansknt- +Syntax , § 271) explains (see § 191, 4) as merely indefinite. But the sense is slightly different + +from a mere indefinite. So Bihadaranyaka Upanisad, IV, 3, 23: nd id tdd dvitiyam asti + +tdto % nydd vihhaktam ydt pdlyct ; ibid., 24-30, &c. . + +1 bayana says this section is intended to explain the greatness of purusa, mentioned m II, r, 2. +Anandatirtha, on II, 1, 2, much more correctly says: vidyiwtaratvan na pnrvakhatuianuya +same at ih \ uttaratrdpy clad anusamdheyam [ Cf. rischcl, J edtsche Stud ten, I, 88 sq. + +' a Sayana says that the element of sattva is represented in the gods, of rajas in men, and +of tamos in animals, &c., and this explains the high position here given to the gods. This +doctrine is of couise later, appearing first most clearly in the Svetasvatara Upanisad, see +Deussen, Philosophic der Upanishads , pp. 226 sq.; E.T., pp. 250 sq.; Car be ( Samkhyatattva- +kaumudt, p. 592) has conclusively, I think, dispersed the assumption countenanced by Weber +{Ind. Stud., IX, 11), Muir (Texts, V, 309), and Whitney (Translation ofAtharvavcda, p. 601) +that Atharvaveda, X, 8,43 refers to the gunas, see Lanman, ibid., p. 1045. + +8 Because the jlvdtman is here, says Sayana. Cf. Deussen, op. cit , p. 259; E.T., p. 287. + +4 Anandatirtha distinguishes hr day a and manas as being samkalpdtmakam antahkaranam +and vikalpatmakam respectively. Sayana’s explanation is much more probable that manas +denotes the knowing part of the heart, a frequent early use of the word, cf. Deussen, op. cit., + +pp. 243 sq.; E.T., pp. 270 sq. , . . ., + +8 Sayana renders speech as the Veda, and action as sacrifice. Anandatirtha evidently +takes it as'equal to adritam kriya va. He also (unlike Sayana) construes karmakytam as +one word, karmaninnitam. Rajendralala prints in the text karmakrtam against the commentary. +Sayana of course explains krtam as done in a former birth, but this again is an unnecessary intio- + + + +204 + + +AITAREYA AR ANY AKA + + +II, i, 3 - + + +man, the abode of brahman. He consists of food, 6 and because he consists +of food, he consists of gold. He becomes golden 7 in yonder world, he is +seen as golden for all moitals, who knows this. + +4 . Brahman 1 entered into that man by the tips of his feel. Because brahman +entered that man by the tips of his feet, so men call them the tips of the feet +(prapadyata-prapade), but in the case of other animals hoofs and claws. Then +he crept higher up, and they became the thighs. Then he said, ‘Swallow 2 widely/ +and that became the stomach. r Ihen he said, ‘Make it wide for me, and that +became the chest. The Sarkaiaksyas 3 meditate on the stomach as brahman , the +Arunis on the heart. These two are indeed brahman. But he crept upwards +still, and arrived at the head. Because he arrived at the head (airaya/a) then +it became the head (liras). So the head is the head. These delights settled +in the head, sight, heating, mind, speech, breath. Delights settle on him who + + +duct i 0 n of the transmigration theory, see II, i, i, n. 4 i 2 , n. y, mul Anandatirtha docs not accept +it. The parage only means that action is the man; the man is what he does; a perfectly +plausible view. for the relation of speech and action see Janmniya Upanisad Biahmana, 1 , 33 . 4 5 +II 2 8* III 32, 9; Mahariamyana Upanisad, IV', 7; Oertcl, J.A. 0 .. S., XVf, 23). + +’ «’ Anandatlitha lenders w as bhayavan and ini may alt as ichtinurupamkhapurnah , and +hinmmayah as bdhvanandavilakuinauikhapurnah. Sayana quotes Taitlniya Upanisad, II, 1, + +I : >a vJ c\a pu>wo annatauimayah. He explains that as man is composed of food, so he +is cold in the shape of the egg of Biahman. Keally the thing is a mere play on words, +hor the fonn ht ratify a an ay ah, cf. Bloomfield, P. A. 0. S , April, 1893, p. xxxv ; A.J X V IT, +41S- Waehemngcl, A/tnidiuhe Grammatik , I, 279, 280; Macdonell, I'cdic Grammar , p. 58. + +7 Anandatiitha explains: N<h ayanam jaitan kai majam rupam utsrjya mjdnandaikai iipako +bhavati Sayana says he appears as golden as the sun lor the benefit of all creatures. Keally it means, +he anneals (dadrle passive, cf. Delhi lick, Allindische Syntax , pp 26 * sip) to all ercatu.es, no doubt +originally as the sun. The passage is like all this part of the Aianyaka, II, 1-3, pantheistic. In +Satapatha Brahmai.a, X, 1, 4,9. the Agnicit is promised birth in the othei world as h t ran may ah, +rendered bv Sa\ana hiianyasamannvaniah , see Eggeling, .S’. />. A’., XL 11 I, 295, 11. 2. + +1 Sivaua explains that this chapter shows prana , the n/ad/n of Brahman, entering the +subtle*body.' II is entry into the gross body is seen on 11 , 2. lie continues TaitthiyaUpanisad, + +II 6 I - M.utrayaniya Upanisad, 11 . For prapadn Lanman in Whitney, 7 ramlation op Atharvavuia, +t j \\ 1 suggests toe as the meaning, but the dual icmlcis that impossible here, and I believe in all +the passages cited at p. xcviu tlie sense ‘ front pait of the foot ’ as opposed to • heel is eonect. + +I Makc a large hole, sa>s Sayana. Max Mullet’s ‘grasp - is a slip. The lorn, is overlooked + +in the Did. and in Whitney's Roots, <SrY. _ + +3 Sdrkarakyah is rcndeicd siikynadrpaya/t by Anandatntha, who, however, calls the +Arunavah Rms. lie explains udaram as locative in sense, as docs Sayana, tacitly. 1 he +SirkaUiKsyns aie a subdivision of the llaridravlyns according to the Caraiiavyuha and are +mentioned in the Mahabhasya, IV, l, 74 i 75 - Max Muller points out that neither in Chandogya +Upanisad V n, if, 17 nor in iaat.apatha llrahmana, X, 6, 1, do these views appear at least +m terms.* Arunayah appears also in JaimmJya Upanisad llrahmana, II 5, wrongly amended +by Oertcl to Anmcyah, against the MSS. brahma may he meant, but the ncut. is more likely. +Cf. Webet, Ind. Stud., XVIII, .40; v.Schroedcr, Ind. Lit., p. 9 >, 1. That the heart \hrdaya) + +is brahman was the view of Vidagdha Sakalya, sec Yajiiavalkya’s exposition m U r hadaranyaka +Upanisad, IV, 1,7. See also Chandogya Upanisad, 111 , 12, 4; VIII, 3, 3; Lnd. Stud., 11 , 177. + + + +knows thus why the head is the head. They strove together, 4 saying, ‘ I am +the hymn, I am the hymn/ They said, ‘ Come, let us leave this body, then +that one of us at whose departure the body falls, will be the hymn/ Speech +went foith, yet (the body) remained, speechless, eating and drinking. Sight +went forth, yet (the body) remained, sightless, eating and drinking. Hearing went +forth, yet (the body) remained, without healing, eating and drinking. Mind +went forth, yet (the body) remained, blinking as it were, 5 eating and drinking. +Breath went forth, when breath went out, (the body) fell. It was decayed. +(Because men) said it had decayed, it became the body. Therefore is the body +the body. Who knows this, his enemy, the evil one, who hates him decays, +the enemy, the evil one, who hates him is defeated. They strove together, +saying, ‘ I am the hymn, I am the hymn/ They said, ‘ Come, let us again +enter this body; then that one of us, on whose entrance the body rises, will +be the hymn/ Speech entered, (the bod}) lay still. Sight entered, (the body) +lay still. Hearing entered, (the body) lay still. Mind entered, (the body) lay +still. Breath entered, (the body) arose, and (breath) became the hymn. There¬ +fore breath only is the hymn. Let men know that breath is the hymn. The +gods 0 said to bicath, ‘Thou art the hjmn, thou art all this, we are thine, thou +art oms/ A Rsi says (RV., VIII, 92, 32), ‘Thou art ours, we are thine/ + +4 Theie are similar passages in Bihadaranyaka Upanbad, VI, 2; Chandogya Upanisad, +V, 1 ; Kausltaki Upanisad, 11 ,12-14 > HR 2 '» Prasiia Upanisad, U, r. The comparative antiquity +of the versions must be open to doubt. But this version certainly seems simpler and more original +than those of the Bi hadaranyaka, Chandogya, or Kausltaki Upanisads, which seem to embellish the +theme with lurthcr details. The account in the Piasna Upanisad is simple, but as that Upanisad +is on other grounds late, that may be explained as merely a reference to a well-known theme, +and indicates the danger of arguments from comparative simplicity. For Zumta with subj , cf. +Delbriiek, Altuidisihc Syntax, pp. 23, 43; Aufieeht, Attareya Btdhmana , p. 430. + +* The masculine, mllita, is explained by Sayan a as refciring to dehah understood. It is +probable that the idea in the mind of the wiitcr throughout was puntw as the subject; hence +the masculines as long as prana lemains in the iarfra. V mil is Biahmana style fust. Cf. +Bihadaianyaka Upanisad, I, 4, 11 and 12 (2, 22 and 3 in the Madhyandina text; wheie brahma +is followed by sa. On the other hand m Brhadaranyaka, IV, 3, 22, the Kanva text, after a +series of masculines, produces ananvdgatam punycna, and Sankara explains: rupaparatvdn +napumsakalmgam. The Madhyandina version (as m Weber and Bohtlingk) has the masc., +but as Max Muller (S'.B.E., XV, 16y) points out, Pvivcdaganga had ananvdgatam , as he +sa y$: ananvdgatam id rupavi)ayo napurmahanirdc(ah . There arc also difficulties in the +genders in Sveta^vatara Upanisad, Ill, 7, -.ee Max Muller, .S'. B. E., XV, 245, n. 4. In +Sankhayana Aranyaka, Vll, 22, kdrmuupi and kdmaedri, according to one MS., agree with +brahma. Such uses arc not rare in Latin and Greek, e. g. txkvov ; l ’erg/. Syntax: , I IT, 244. +For iti 3 r/i, cf. Aitareya Biahmana, VII, 22, 2, against Bohtlingk, Saihs. Ber , 1890, p. 170. + +® The gods aie those presiding over the parts of the body, see II, 1,5, n. 3. For Prana +as brahma , cf. Kausltaki Upanisad, IT, 1 ; 2; Chandogya Upanisad, IV, 10, 5; Taittirlya +Upanisad, III, 3, 1; Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahman:?, I, 33, 2. It was held by Udanka Saulbayana +(Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, TV, 1, 2) and is refuted, ibid., V, 13, 1; Oertel, J. A. 0 . S\ f XVI, 230. + + + +206 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +ii, i, r>- + + +5 . The gods carried him forward.* Being carried forward he was stretched +out. (Because men say) he has been carried forward, the morning came into being. +(Because men say) he has gone to rest, the evening came into being. Day is +breathing forth, 2 night is breathing down. Speech is fire, 3 sight yonder sun, +mind the moon, hearing the quarters, this is the union* of those sent forth. +These deities are such in the body, but they openly appear among the deities; +this is the meaning. This indeed said Hiranyadant Vaida who knew +this; ‘ Whatever they give me not, 0 I own not myself. I know the union +of those sent foith in the body which they enter. This it is.’ To him who + + +> Sayana explains that this section treats of p,ina under various forms. Anandatlrtha +as usual equates prana and Visnu. The section is composed of bad etymo.ogies. the lirst +alludes to pro. -v ni (pia-aitayanta). + +a For the meanings of prana and apana see Dcusscn, Philosophic dcr Upamshads, pi. 249- +2 -i ; e.T., pp. 276-279. The oldest view is that they mean expiration and inspiration +respectively, whence apdna comes to refer to the wind of digestion. Cf. I, 3> 7 5 4, 1 \ Jh 3> 3* + +3 This idea originates with the Purasa Sukta, RV., X, 90, 13; bce Deussen, sememe +Einhitung , p. 157, and later it develops into a regular system of gods who correspond to and +guard the several psychic faculties. Cf. Deussen, Philosophic der Upam shads, p. 241; K +267. It is developed most in II, 4, 1 5 2, where Agni, &c„ become speech, &c., and enter +man, while here they are merely considered as the scveial parts of the body. Cf. also I, 3. 31 +S.uikhayana Aranyaka, X and XI ; Lanman, Hindu Pantheism , p. 18. + +* The idea seems cleaily to be that these four are gathered together in the body, and +exist openly as deities, as Havana says. But prahitam is very difficult, and the whole seems +an explanation of what was even then obscure. Cf. the varying versions of pfirnam apravarti , +amrtam satyena chan mini , &c., cited in Deussen, op. cit, p. 20; E. 1., p. 20, n. 3* + +6 This authouty occurs also in Aitareya Ihahmana, III, 6. Is his name a lefercnce 0 +gold stoppings in his teeth? They were known to the XII Tables <B.c. 45°'0^ to very early +Egypt. Yam is read by Rajcndralala and in the Anandakama edition and also by Sayana. +But it seems obvious that it stands for yan written before m carelessly as anusvara , cf. +Max Muller, Aland llymm, p. lx; II, 3. 3. n. 2 ; III, 1, 4, n. 3 J Macdonell, Vcdic dammar, +p. 62: Wackeinagel, Alhndischc Grammatik , I, 333- To Sayana yam presents no difficulty +as he merely supplies padartham ah hid am. The woid dadyuh is difficult, because the pluial +is unexpected after Tie if that is a thiid person, when the sense would be ‘nobody owns what +the deities give not to me’. This is rather awkward but not impossible. The lendenng of II, +, 2 suggested in n. 10 there would give in this parage (though yan would still remain +propeily a pronoun), ‘ He owns nothing that they will not give me also,’ which by an easy +process of development would slide over into the sense, «lie cannot help them giving me (it), +showing the origin of such a developed construction as that in II, 1, 2. 'I his comes to an +assertion of the fact that all that the cosmic punisa has (he must be the subject of ne), +that has man. It is simpler to neglect the commentators and take Tie as first person, thus +asserting the intimate union of man and the deities. In this use yad is used with consecutive +force; cf. the Mantra use of yad as final with sul.j. or opt. (Delbruck, Altindische Syntax +pp. 321, 341), and the classical use (Speyer, Sanskrit Syntax, § 466). The absence of such +a use in’the Brahmanas (cf. Speijer, Vcdische mid Sanskrit-Syntax, § 279 e) is improbable. +He as a third person belongs to a type which occurs in all Brahmanas, and is not a meie +imitation of Mantia forms (as held by Aufrecht, A it any a Brahmana, p. 429, where see other +examples), see Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 613. The form prahitam presents great + + + +-II, i, 6 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +207 + + +knows this all creatures unconstrained pay homage. That is sattya (truth). +For sat is breath, ti* is food,yam is yonder sun. That is threefold. Threefold +as it were is the eye, white, dark, and the pupil. 7 Even though he speaks +falsely, 8 yet speaks he tiuth who thus knows why truth is sattya. + +6 . Speech is his rope, names the knots. 1 So by his speech as rope, and by + +names as knots, all this is bound. For all this is names, and by his speech + +he names everything. Men a bound with ropes carry him who knows this. His +hairs are the usnih , his skin the gdyatri , his flesh the tristubh , his sinews the + +anustubh , his bones the jagaii, his marrow the pahkti , his breath 8 the brliatt. + +lie is covered with the metres. Since he is covered with the metres, therefore +they call them metres (coverings). Thus the metres cover him from illhap 4 in + +difficulty. To take it as Vedic for prahitanam , as Sayana docs, is to introduce a very rare * +form (cf. Whitney, l.c., p. 114) into the text: on the other hand the word prahit has no parallel +(save conceivably in form {Ind. Stud., Ill, 225) in prahiioh sarnyojone in the Arseya Brahmana, if +we may take that as dual form gen. and not as in Monier* Williams’ Diet, as a gen. of pi ahitu) at any +rate in sense. Whitney {Roots, if c. f p. 205) gives -hit as a form from f hi. I think that prahit should +probably be taken as the ‘impeller', i.e. the deities cause the organs to work, cf. II, 4, r, and 2. + +6 The i of ti is to enable it to be pronounced (Sayana). Chandogya Upanisad, VIII, 3, +5, gives a different version, from sat 1- ti+yam, as the binding of the immoital and the +mortal (// being the dual of ti). Cf. Deussen cited in n. 4 above. Taittirlya Upanisad, II, 6, +derives sat-tyam from sat ‘manifest*, and tyat ‘ not-manifest \ Bfhadaranyaka Upanisad, V, +5, 1, gives sa 4- / (so Sankara (as here), but Kanva text, ti) + am when sa and am are «* true, +and t ( ti) - untiue (for t occurs in a nr (a and mrtyn\). Kausltaki Upanisad, I, 6, gives +sat (what is other than the gods and the senses) + tyam (the gods and the senses). + +7 Cf. Jaiminlya Brahmana, I, 254 {kantnika) ; &atapatha Brahmana, XII, 8, 2, 26 ; A.J. P., +XVII, 400; elsewheie purusa is the third member, Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmana, I, 26, 1; 34, + +1 and Ocrtel’s note. + +9 This doctrine undoubtedly shows the moral disadvantages of the doctrine of salvation by +knowledge, and it is the piecursor of the later immunity from moral censure of the jivanmukta. +Cf. Kausltaki Upanisad, III, 1 ; Sadananda, Vedantasara, 235 : ittbhaiubhayor auddsfnyam , +and Jacob’s note in his Translation ; Levi, La Doctnne du Sacrifice , pp. 164-167. In asya the +genitive'is presumably possessive, cf. Delhi ilek, Altindische Syntax, p. 153; Franke, Bezz. Beitr ., +XVI, 112; Speijer, Vedischc und Sanskrit-Syntax, §§ 69, 92, n.; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , + +§ 296 b. Compare evarn me sutam with iti nah irutih (Introd., p. 57); J. A. O. S ., XXV, + +116, 117. For the position, cf. Z. D. M. G., LXII, 129. + +1 Sayana explains the metaphor from a rope for tying up cattle. Anandatlrtha explains +as usual by identifying all with Visnu. ‘ llis’ refers to prana of course. + +a Like oxen who carry mcn.^ + +3 prdnah here refers to the air in the strict sense, and has not the wider sense of prana +(Sayana); perhaps it -ghrdna, as in II, 1, 7, and often; cf. my Sdhkhdyana Aranyaka , p. 21. + +* This must be the sense. Sayana, however, appears to render it ‘whatever evil he desires +to do, the metres keep him from contact with it *. The connexion of f chad and chandas is very +doubtful; see I, 1, 3, n. 6 ; I.eumann, Et. Wait., p. 103. + +“ Sec also RY\, IV, 2, 3 and ir : martam ; VI, 47, 16: manusydm ; Oldenberg, S. li. E., +XLVI, 319 ; Pischel, Vedischc Studien , I, 44; Bartholomae, Studien , I, 48. + + + +208 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, i, < 5 - + + +whatcver quarter he desires who knows thus why metres are called metres. +A Rsi says (RV., I, 164, 13), ‘I saw the guardian,’ for he is a guardian, for he + +guards all this. ‘Never tiring,’ for he never rests. ‘Coming and going on + +his ways,’ 5 for he comes and goes on his ways. ‘ Illuminating 8 the principal +and intermediate,’ for he illuminates these quarters only, the principal and +intermediate. ‘He moves up and down in the worlds,’ for he moves up and +down in the worlds. Then there is the verse 7 (RV., I, 55 , 8), ‘Covered 8 like +caves by the makers.’ For all this is covered by breath. This ether is supported +by breath as brhaCt, and one should know that, even as this ether is covered by +breath as brhatp so all things including ants 9 arc covered by breath as brhafi. + +7 . Now come the powers of this person. By his speech are created earth +and fire. On the earth plants grow; fire ripens them. ‘ Take this, take this,’ +thus saying do these two, earth and fire, serve their parent, speech. As far as +the earth extends, as far as fire extends, so far extends his world, and as long +as the world of earth and fire decays not, so long does his world decay not + +who knows thus the power of speech. By breath 1 the sky and the air are + +created. People follow the sky, and hear along the sky, and the air bears + +» The veins, says Sayana. He explains that prana is the guardian by refeiring to Ivausitaki +Upanisad, III/ 2 : y,lvarf^iy)asmih that Ire f ratio vasati tdvad ayur . This passage of the +Kgvcd'a later saved ns the authoiity for the activity oiprana even in suwpfi, Pia^a Upanisad, +IV, 3; Deussen, Pht/owphie der Upanishads , p. 268; K. T., p. 297. Jaiminlya Upanisad +1 tr."ih man a, 111, 37, takes the prana Ji and the sun’s rays as meant. + +<• The four quartcis and the four inteimediate quarters, SE., SVV., NE., and NW. For +the number of the quarters, at first four, later, ten, cf. Hopkins,/. A. 0 . S. } XVI, 2R3. Prana , +Sayana explains, is internally what Aditya is externally, see Pra&na Upanisad, I, 5 ; HI, 8 : +adityo ha vai bdhyah ptdna udayati . In the original and in Jaiminiya Upanisad, 1. c., vaste + +means ‘wears'. - . + +7 Not RV., I, 55, 81 (Max Muller following Rajendralala), nor I, 56, 8 (AnandiUrama series). + +« AnandatTrtha and Sayana both cite and explain, quite differently, the whole verse, but +they agree in taking the caves as holes for concealing wealth. Cf. 1 , 3 > U »• 4 - + +u AnandatTrtha renders, ‘ beginning with ants.’ + +1 In the nose, i. e. the power of smell (Sayana). The use of the masc. srjau with a raasc. +and a neut. and of sts/dh below do not entirely agree with the rules of coneoid later accepted. +Delhiuck (Altindische Syntax , p. 88) gives only one doubtful example (RV., I, 8,10) and Speijcr +{ Vcdische und San shit-Syntax, § 101) thinks that in classical Sanskrit with names of things the +neuter is a more common predicate if the genders differ and one is neuter. This is laid +down in a Varttika (not in the K^ika Vrtti, it appears) on Panim, T, 2, 72, which runs: +tyadaditah (ese pumnapwmakato lingavaiandni \ sA ca Devadattai ca tau I tac ca Devadattai +ca } ajnadatid ca tdni \ tac ca Devadattai ca U 1 So the neuter appears in Mahabharata, III, +58, 10; VI, 6, 26; Ramayana, VI, 62, 37. If only persons are concerned the masc. is regular, +c. g. Mahabharata, XVII, i, 29: PandavdS ca mahdtmdno Dranpadi ca yaSasvim \ krtopavdsdh +Kamavya pmyayuh prdhmukhds tatah \\ Raghuvamsa, III, 23: tathd nrpah sd ca sutena +Mdgadhi nanandatus tadsadriena tatsamau , &c. That this is old is indicated by the rule m +Homeric Gieek, thus formulated by Monro (Homeric Grammar a , p. 157), ‘ Wheic an adjective + + + +-II, i, 7 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +209 + + +pure scent. 2 Thus do sky and air serve their parent, breath. As far as the +sky extends, as far as air extends, so far extends his woild, and as long as +the world of sky and air decays not, so long does his world decay not who +knows thus the power of breath. By his eye are created the heaven and the +sun. Heaven gives him rain and proper food, the sun causes his light to shine. +Thus do heaven and sun serve their parent, the eye. As far as the heaven +extends, as far as the sun extends, so far extends his world, and as long as +the world of heaven and sun decaj'S not, so long does his world decay not +who knows thus the power of the eye. By his ear were created the quarters +and the moon. From the quarters they come unto him, from the quarters +he hears, the moon produces for him the bright and the dark halves for good +deeds. 3 Thus the quarters and the moon 4 serve their parent, the ear. As + +refers to more than one noun, it follows the most prominent: or (if this is at all doubtful) +the masc. is used of persons, the neut. of things : c. g., //. ii, 136 .— +al 8 i irov -fypikTfpai r a\ox<n nal vrjma rkteva +fyxr' ivl fJLfydpots irortSkyfitvai, +because the wives are chiefly thought of, but Od. xiii, 434 :— + +8 k pur fiauos aAAo ncutuv x ir ^ ya ) + +fiajya\ka fivirowvTa. + +The neut. plur. is especially used of sheep and cattle. II. xi, 244 :— +itpwQ' bcardv fiovs 8 u>itev f tnura 8 k vitkarrj, + +aTyas &pov Kai Ins . 1 + +The first example shows that a fem. can prevail over a neut. in the case of persons, the +second that in regard to things the neut. prevails over the masc., the third that in regaid to +things the neut. may be used of masc. and fern, animals. Here antariksam is a deity and so +naturally the masc. prevails, cf. Manu, VIII, 86, where hr day ant is personified. In Latin the +rule is (Allen and Greenough, Latin Grammar, p. 173), ‘generally, a predicative adjective will +be masculine, if nouns of different genders mean Jiving beings ; neuter, if things without life : ’ + +. as T.ivy ii, 40 uxor delude ac liberi amplexi , but Livy v, 4 labor voluptasque sodetate quadam +inter se natuiali sunt iumta. Even if masc. nouns and fem. occur, the neut. can be used if one +of the subjects is a thing, e. g., Livy xliv, 24 natura inimiia sunt libera civitas et rex , +or even if two fem. nouns repiesent things, e. g. Cicero, de Fin. iii, 11 stultitia et temeritas +et iniustitia sunt fugienda. The basis of discrimination, therefore, is rather between living +cicatures, especially persons, and things (which include sometimes the animals). + +The use of the dual and plural of the verb is regular, cf. Delbruck, pp. 83 sq.; Speijer, +l.c., though as in Greek and Latin and Anglo-Saxon the nearest subject may determine the +verb, as is usual in the Brhaddevata. Cf. ibid., VII, 74, for a set of mixed genders with a +neut. plur.; VIII, 47, for a masc, plur. with a masc. sing., a fem. sing., and a masc. dual, which +ollow. Cf. Delbruck, Vcrgl Syntax , III, 244-247, which this supplements. + +2 Sayana refers to llrhadaranyaka Upanisad, I, 3, and Chandogya Upanisad, I, 2, for the +reasons, interference by Asuras, for the existence of bad smells; cf. Farnell, Evolution of Religion^ +pp. 99 sq. Anandatlrtha takes ‘ him ’ throughout as meaning Visnu. + +3 Probably it refers to sacrificial acts. + +* Sayana admits the apparent inconsistency of this and II, 4, 1 where the moon is derived +rom the mind, but explains it away that the creation here is merely an imaginary one for, + +P + + +KEITH + + + +210 + + +AITAREYA AR AY YAK A + + +II, i, 7" + + +fUr as the quarters extend, as far as the moon extends, so far extends his world, +and as long as the world of the quarters and the moon decays not, so long +does his world decay not who knows thus the power of the ear. By his mind +were created the waters and Varuna. The waters yield to him faith for good +deeds and Varuna preserves his offspring by his law. Thus the waters and +Varuna seive their parent, mind. As far as the waters extend, as far as Varuna +extends, so far extends his woild, and as long as the world of the waters and +Varuna decays not, so long does his world decay not who knows thus the +power of mind. + +8 . Was it water 1 ? Was it water? This woild was water. This was the +loot, that the shoot. This the father, those the sons. Whatever there is of +the son’s, that is the fathei’s; whatever of the father’s, that is the sons. So +it is said. Malndasa Aitaieya 2 who knew this said, ‘1 know myself as reaching +to the gods, and the gods as reaching to me.' 3 For hence arc they gifted, hence +are they supported. This is the hiding-place, 4 eye, car, mind, speech, and +breath. They call it the hiding-place of brahman. lie who knows this thtows +down the enemy, the evil one, who hates him. The enemy, the evil one, who +hates him is defeated, lie is the life, the breath, being, 6 and not-bcing. The +gods adored him as being, and so became great. So in sleep a man breathes +bhur bhuh. The demons adored him as not-bcing, and so were overthrown.® +lie becomes gieat by himself who knows this. The enemy, the evil one, who + +pin poses of woiship, zl yathilvacanam as opposed to a yathdvadu creation. Such inconsistencies +me not -scry impoitant, but this small point adds to the evidence against II, 1 - 3 . mid II, 4- >, +being by one hand, boi Varum, cf Levi, La Doctrine du Sacrifice, pp 132 sq. + +1 Khunda 7 treats of pttru\a as the efficient cause, tin-. Khanda ol lum as the material cause. +Ap is to be considered as an expression of the live elements according to Sayana, an unnecessary +,dea. The pluti indicates a question. The cause and effect are mutually identified. Ananda- +tiitha identifies them 1,1 Vis.m. The Garbha Upanisad, I, traces the five elements 1,1 the human + +bodv, but the idea is not necessarily contained here _ + +2 This mention is enough to prove that Malndasa did not write the Aranyaka. But■ + +is quite probable that he was the redactor of the Urahmana, m its ioim of forty chapters lhc +sa>ing here may no doubt be legnrded as one of his Upanisads m the sense of secret teachings. +Cf. Imiud , p 16. I 01 the foim, cf Leuinann, GurupujaLaumudt , p. 42. + +3 Rn, end 1. alula's commcntaiy is wrongly printed. Veda is an eiior for re da, and omad is +iesolvcd wiongly. The end of the sentence explains tile dependence of deities on men for +devotion. + +4 It is called giri, because prana is swallowed up and hidden by the other senses. Cf. +the duct 1 me that the senses enter in sleep into the prana. The prana forms thus the basis of +the scii'-cs. Probably the idea of the Aranvaha is something like this, and the tianslation +‘ mountain’ misleading, l'or itah, cf. Levi, La Doihtnc du Sacrifice, p. 38, n. l. + +6 V* v .vuse the presence of prana secures the jtvdtman (Sayana). + +0 Sa>anri solves the tliftieulty of the evil effects ..f abhuti by discriminating between the +desire of ab/itlit lor oneself, as sliowm in the nun ol the demons, and for one s foe. + + + +-II, 2, I + + +TRANSLATION AN1) NOTES + + +21 I + + +hates him, is overcome. He is death and immortality. A Rsi sa}s (R.V., I, 164, +38), ‘Down and up he goes, grasped 7 by food,’ for this up-breathing restrained +by down-breath mg does not go forth. ‘The immortal dwells with the moital,' +for through him all this dwells together. For these bodies aic mortal, the deity +immortal. ‘These two even go in different directions, they incieasc the one, +but not the other,’ for they increase the bodies, but the deity is immortal. He +who knows this becomes immoital in yonder world and is seen as immortal by +all beings.* + +Adiiy.ua 2. + +He who shines approached this woild 1 m the shape of man. For he is the +breath. So he approached it For he who shines is the bieath. For a hundred +years he approached it. Therefore a hundred are the ycais of the life of man. + +7 Anandalnlha renders svadhaya l>y Yisnu. Sajnna takes it moie piopeily as referring + +to digestion, 'the end of tlie verse means, aeeoidmg to Sayana, that nun nounsh the body +by foot! and drink, but not the pi ana AnandatTitha renders, 'at death they see the bodies +deserted by Vav u.* The epithet r akranta can only be justified by the fact that one of the two +is immortal, and on the principle chatnno gachanti. bor moie or less analogous cases, cl. +usdsa, a ham ^r>e 1 hriiok, A/tindtuhe Syntax, p. 102), and ksapdh, RV., I, 70, 7, as interpreted +by Oldeuberg, .S’. />. XbVI, 70. O11 the same that) innydya Govinda on Sankh.uana Srauta + +Sutra, X\ II, 8, 10, explains why the Piauga Saslia in the Mahavrata according to that school is +called tamadeva’s though less than a hall ol it is by him (hncdl.uuler, p. 33, n 1) ; Weber {hid. +Stud, X 111 , 113) quotes dvadaUiu mas an 1 mm Taittmya Snmlula, VII, 5, 2, t; lvathaka +Samhita, XXX 111 , 1 ; J’aueavmisa Brdhmnna, l\ r , 1, 2 ; stSmau dviidaiau, Kathaka, XXXIII, 3, +and simdai cases from Satapatha Bialimana, IV, 5, 7, 2; XI, 6, 3, 5; XIV, 6 , 9, 3; XU, +3, 2, 2; Pnficavimsa Brabmaua, VI, 2, 5 (tf. hid. Sind., IX, 18) Cnuand is explained as +having diverse inactions, the breath moving the bodily senses, the body supporting the +pi dnemh lyas. I tyanta is leferied to the fact that on death the body remains on the ground, while +pnina seeks another woild. Cf Olden berg, Kt/igion dn Ceda, pp. 374 sq., Pisvlul, lWis*he +Studun , 11 , 2 >1; Bohtlingk, Sat/is. her., 1893, p. 9 2 ; llillebiandt, Ved Myth , 1 , 33O, n. 1 , II, S. + +8 Sayana explains ‘immortal * as united with IIir.myagaiblia, Anandallrtha s;i)s ‘emanci¬ + +pated ’. But that this Aranyaka knows emancipation, instead oi mimoitality, as the highest +end is not even probable. Padrle ( 11 , 1, 5) and menc (Ill, 1, 1) are both cleaih picsent +passives in sense. The oiiginal sense of the perfect was not distinguished lrom the present in +point of time but denotes a state, cf. Giles, Comp. Phil., § 549, Monro, JIonian Grammar*, +pp. 31, 32; Delbruck, Synt. Porn //., II, 192 sq. ; />;,.<;/ Syntax, II, 211 sq. ; Alltndiuhe + +Syntax , p 297 ; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 823 'I he oldest sense is quite frequent m the +Kgvedn. In cases like hlhhaya (I, 3, 4) and dadhaia (I, 5, 2) the naturally inttusive foim +of the perfect is fuithcr strengthened. + +1 This khanda shows that the names of the sects of the Kgveda can be deduced from +frauds actions. Anandatlrtha explains the section as proving that Visim is superior to all +the goels. He takes abhyai c at as ‘lie entered into’, biahman and the other gods, lie justifies +his theoiy by quoting the Vac Sukta, KY., X, 125, ns proving that Vac, i.e. Kama, is supeiioi +to the gods, and she of course is inferior to Yisiiu + +The sun and prana are as usual identified, the one being the adhiduvatam , live other the +adhyatman leprcsenlalion. The former attracts the vision, the latter impels the body. + +1 * 2 + + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +Because he approached him for one hundred years, therefore they are the ^atarcins. +Therefore they call him who is ( pratia) the Satarcins. He placed himself in +the middle of all that is. Because he placed himself in the middle of all that +is, therefore they are the Madhyamas. Therefore they call him who is {prana) +the Madhyamas. As up-breathing he is the swallower, as down-breathing +delight. Because as up-breathing he is the swallower, as down-breathing delight, +therefore he is Grtsamada. Therefore they call him who is {prana) Grtsamada. +All whatsoever was his friend. Because all whatsoever was his friend, therefore +he is Visvamilra. Therefore they call him who is {prana) Visvamitra. The +gods spake to him, ‘Let him be dear to all of us.’ Because the gods spake +to him, ‘ Let him be dear to all of us,’ therefore he is Vamadeva. Therefore +they call him who is {prana) Vamadeva. He protected all this from evil. +Because he protected all this from evil, therefore they are,the Atris. Therefore +they call him who is {prana) the Atris. + +2 . He also is a bearer of offspring. Offspring is vaja, 1 and he supports +offspring. Because he supports offspring, therefore he is Bharadvaja. Therefore +they call him who is ( prana) Bharadvaja. The gods spake to him, ‘Let him +be the richest 2 of us all.’ Because the gods spake to him, ‘Let him be the +richest of us all/ therefore he is Vasistha. Therefore they call him who is +{prana) Vasistha. lie went foith 3 to all this whatsoever. Because he went +forth to all this whatsoever, therefore a they are the Pragathas. Iherefore they +call him who is {prana) the Pragathas. He purified all this whatsoever. Because +he purified all this whatsoever, then they are the Pavamanls. 4 Therefore they +call him who is (prana) the Pavamanls. He said, ‘Let me be eveiything, +small and great.' They became the Ksudrasuktas and Mahasiiktas. 5 Therefore + + +3 Really Max Muller points out, the name refers to their composing about ioo verses +each. Thev are the seers of RV., I. The Madhyamas are the seers of books II-IX, Grtsamada +of IT, Visvilmitra of HI, Vamadeva of IV, the Atris of V. For the rest see Khaiida 2. The +Madhyamas appear in Kausitaki Brahmana, XII, 3; ASvalayana G r hya Sutra,_ III, 4, +Sankhayana Grhya Sutra, IV, 10, 3; Brhaddcvata, III, 116 (Madhyamah); Sarvanukramam, +Introd., II, 10, &c. For the plur., A tray ah, cf. Oldenberg, Z.IX M G. ; XLII, 226 n. 1. + +1 Vajah is taken as either the body from the Jvaj in the sense of going, or as food by Sayana +3 Sayana translates ‘ causing to dwell by his entry into us’, and Anandatirtha has best of +dwellers ’. ’ The ordinary sense seems preferable. Cf. II, 2, 4, n. 5. _ + +’ This seems to be the sense, and it is so taken by Sayana. Anandatirtha takes it either +as ‘ he obtained ’ or ‘ he sang'. Sayana says the verses are called Pragathas and also the poets +Piobably the poets, of Book VIII, are meant. Bharadvaja and Vasina correspond to Books VI +and VII respectively. The same lists appear in AUalajana Grhya Sutra, III, 4, 2, and + +Ssankhayana Gfhya Sutra, IV, 10, 3. . , m + +* Presumably the poet, of book IX are so described. Cf. Arseya lirahmana (ed. Burnell,, +p. 41; VcdischiSludim, III, 99. In Aivalayana favamanas and in Safrkhayana pavarnimas occur +1 The poets of Book X are referred to. Perhaps also the hymns were called hudrasuklah +ns Max Muller suggests, but this is not certain. The last ksudrasuktdh no doubt implies + + + +-II, 2, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +213 + + +they are the Ksudrasuktas. Therefore they call him who is (prana) the +K§udrasuktas. (He said), ‘Ye have said what is well said.* These became +a hymn. 6 Therefore there is a hymn. Therefore men call him who is (prana) +hymn. lie is a verse, for he went to 7 all beings. Because he went to all +these beings, therefore he is a verse. Therefore they call him who is (prana) +a verse. He is also a half-verse, for he went to all these places. 8 Because he +went to all these places, therefore he is a half-verse. Therefore they call him +who is (prana) a half-verse. He is a quarter-verse,® for he has entered all these +beings. Because he has entered all these beings, he is, a quarter-verse. Therefore +they call him who is (prana) a quarter-verse. He is a syllable, for he pours +forth gifts to all these beings and because none can pour forth 10 gifts beyond +him. Because he pours forth gifts for all these beings, and because none can +pour forth gifts beyond him, therefore he is a syllable. Therefore they call +him who is (prana) a syllable. Therefore one should know that all these verses, +all these Vedas, all sounds 11 are one word, prdna t and that prana is all the verses. 12 + +mahdsukldh. See besides A£valayana and £ankhayana, Bfhaddevata, III, 116; Sarvanukramani, +Introd., II, io, with Macdonell’s note. + +* The poet is also called Sukta, says Sayana, but there is no authority for this. + +7 The construction is obscure, but the rendering ‘he went ’ seems best. Thedat. is natural, cf. +Speijer, Vedisthe mid Sanskrit-Syntax, § 44; Whitney, P. A. O. S. t April, 1892, p. clxiv, Sanskrit +Grammar , § 286 b. Anandatlrtha renders ‘he went’. Sayana’s version is svapraveienapujitam +akarot t taking bhutebhyah as sarvabhutartham defiant, and Max Muller renders, ‘ he did honour to.* +lie also adds that the poet is called Rc as well as the Mantra. Cf. Geldner, Vedische Studien , III, 95. + +8 Ardha is taken as ‘ place’ (cf. ordo) by both Anandatlrtha and Sayana, and is probably so +intended, as Max Muller takes it. + +9 Sayana renders ‘word’, but this is less likely. He adds that it means also ‘quarter- +verse’. For the intrans. pddi —which (as apddi) is recognized by Panini—cf. Delbniek, AUin - +dischc Syntax , p. 266; Whitney, 1. c., § 845 ; Speijer, 1. c., § 170. In Jaiminiya Upanisad Brahmana, +III, 9, 9, ax'tici seems transitive, but see Oertel’s note. The use of the aor. here is hard to +distinguish from that of the imperfect, as with abkiprdgat above. But in these cases it is possible +that the aor. has a sense almost present, a natural derivation from the true aorist sense of the +immediate past (cf. Monro, Homeric Grammar -, pp. 66, 67; Giles, Comp. Phil ., § 553 (iii) ; +Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 930, who points out that it is especially frequent in the +MaitrayanI Satphita). It is also possible that the imperfect sense may be old (despite Whitney, + +§ 929 a), for it is found in the Mantra literature. In the case of abhipragdd there is the further +possibility that after all it means ‘he sang of all this’ or ‘he sang towards all this’ +\abhipragayata occurs in the RV.), and is an impel feet from \fg< 7 , for gdti occurs in the +Kausltaki Brahmana and the Mahabharata (cf. Whitney, § 855, and St. Petersburg Diet., s. v.), +or even from */gd, go. I do not therefore think these forms are signs of late date. + +10 ‘ Without him ’ is Max Muller’s rendering. That of the text is supported by Anandatlrtha, +the other version by Sayana. Cf. Delbriick, Altindische Syntax , p. 441. + +11 Sayana takes ghosdh as the aspirated sonants, jh, gh , bh, tfh, dh, as in £gvcda Prati&akhya, +714; Siddhantakaumudi (ed. Taranatha), p. 14; Max Muller, Pgveda Pratiidkhya , p. cclxi. +It can hardly here, however, have this limited sense. Cf. Chandogya Upanisad, IT, 22, 5; all +vowels are ghosavant. + +15 Oldenbcrg (Z. D. M. G, } XLII, 199-247) has shown conclusively that few if any of the + + + +214 + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +n- 2, 3 - + + +3 . Indra 1 sat down beside Visvamitra who was about to recite the hvmns +of this day. He saying, ‘This is food,’ recited the thousand brhails . Thus +he went to India’s dear home. Indra said to him, ‘Seer, thou hast come to +my dear home. Do thou, seer, repeat a second 2 hymn.’ He saying, ‘This +is food,’ iccited the thousand hr hat! verses. Thus he went to Indra s dear home. +India said to him, ‘Seer, thou hast come to my dear home. Do thou, seer, +repeat a third hymn.’ He saying, ‘ This is food, recited the thousand byhati +vcises. Thus he went to India’s dear home. Indra said to him, ‘Seer, thou +hast come to my dear home. I give thee a boon.’ He said, ‘ Let me know thee. +Indra said, ‘I am breath, thou, seer, art breath, all cieatures are breath, he that +shines is breath. In this form I pervade all the quaiters. This my food is my +friend, my support. 3 This is the food of Vis\amitra. 4 I am he that shines.’ +Thus said he. 6 + +4 . This is produced as a thousand hr ha in} The consonants* are the body, + +hymns of the Rgveda go hack to then nominal composers when these composers art the heads +of the great families, hut that they weie written by inemhcis ot the family. I he only possible +exceptions are Ynsistba and Yis\Fun lira under Sudas (p. 236). Jt is possible that here +(p. 226, 11. l) a recollection of the facts is seen in that book \ is ascribed to the At 1 is, while +the others to mdi\ldunls, Grtsnmada, Yiivamitra, but more piobably the plural is used + +because it gives the proper play of woids with atrdyata This is not, howevei, a sign of +late date, iur it seems likely that in RY., X, iSi, the author held the same view ns he attubules +to Yasistha the rathantani (YIl. 32, 22; 23) and to Rharadvaja the hr hat (\ 1 , 46, l ; 2), later +attributed to £nm\u R.irhaspatya ^Oldcnherg, pp. 225, 227, n. 1). + +1 Say ana explains that this K hand a shows the natuic of the aati \ as being India s food. The +foim upiiHt'Ctsasiida is wrong and can easily he coriected, but it is as old as Sankara. +The Jaimimya Upanisad Rrahmnna, 111 , 3, 7, has upamsautda. + +a The collet lion of verses is regaided as three ahtis ot tiistichs, in gay at > 1 , brhatl , and +uunh lespcctivd). hor them, see Y, 2, 3-5 and notes. + +3 Anandatn lha explains dakanam as dak^abhd^e. sthita JnaJi patih yatyah dakuna +mitravtltsanatvaddatemam iti napumsahapt ayogah. Sayana refers the use to abhtvrddhihetutvdi, +citing Phatupatha, XYI, 7. This sense must be somewhat as 111 the text. + +4 AnandatTitha explains I'atsvdmiit am as Ramaydbhimanyamdnabfftathahasnikhyam +aunam Viivamitrena satjipdditatvad Vaiivamtttam tty my ate. Sayana has. Vnrdmitrena +.(amsa/ttikdh’ sampaditatrdd tdam Vaiivdmitt am. + +5 In Sankha)ana Aianyaka, 1 , 6, there occurs a dialogue between Indra and Yisvamitia. +It seems to show clear signs of a later origin, though it verbally reproduces some of this +dialogue. It is much more philosophical. The Jaimmiya version, 1 . c., is very much altered, +but all have clearly a common source, and use the narrative perfect (cf. Introd., p. 67). The +threefold boon may be compared with the story of Naciketas (Kathaka Upanisad). + +1 '11ns Khanda gives the correspondence of the various aksaras of the 1000 brhatl hymn, +which is got by the addition of the verses of the whole Niskcvalya Sastra, to paits of the +body oi puma (Savana). Anandaththa explains it as an identification of the various deities who +preside over the sounds, &c. The number 36,000 is merely theoretical; Eggeling {S. B. E. t +XLI 11 , m) counted about 37,200, and though the number could be reduced in various wajs, it +is not worth while. + +3 What aie calkd b> Pamni hal ^Sayana'. The Kaumara school adopt the term vyaitjann + + + +-II, 3 > i + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +215 + + +the vowels 3 the soul, the sibilants 4 the breath. Knowing this he became +Vasistha. 8 Thence took he the name. Indra proclaimed this to Visvamitra, +Indra proclaimed this to Bharadvaja, so Indra is in sacrifices invoked by him +as a friend. 8 This is produced as a thousand brhatls. Of this produced as +a thousand brhatls there are thirty-six thousand syllables. So many thousands +arc the days of a hundred years. They make up the nights by the consonants, +the days by the vowels. 7 This is produced as a thousand brhatls. After this +being produced as a thousand brhatls he who knows this becomes full of +knowledge, 8 of the gods, of brahman , of the immortal, and goes to the gods. +What I am, 9 he is; what he is, I am. A Rsi says (RV., I, 115, 1), ‘ The sun +is the self of all that goes or stands.’ Let one consider this. + + +Adhyaya 3. + +He who knows himself as the fivefold hymn 1 fiom whence all this springs, +he is wise. Earth, air, ether, water, light, these form the self, the fivefold hymn. +From him all arises, into him all resolves. He who knows this is a refuge + +for kadlm , ns Ho the Surasvata. The tcim corresponds with the use of the Kgvcda Fratisukhyn, +see Max Muller’s edit., pp. mi sq., and with the Siauta .Sulins, St. /'itetsburg J>ut , s. v. + +3 Say ana takes this as in TI, 2, 2, n. 11, as aspirated sonants. Tins can haidly he accepted. +Alma is taken by him as madhyaiai ham. The vowels must somewhere be alluded to, and +phoui can he ^ waia. + +4 Anandatirtha and Say an a both render fauTui/j. The Kaum.iia school also take this +term. In the Kgvcda Fratisakhya it includes anussuh a t vt saiga, jthrdmul'iya, and it pa dh - +mdnlya ; in the other FratKakhyas it refers to ia^a\ahdh. + +6 Sayana hcic ascribes the name to his causing to dwell, and his eovenng, cf. II, 2, 2, n. 2. +Anandatirtha prefers ‘ best of dwellers’. + +0 Sayana refers this to the Subrahmanya rite of the Soma saciifice, where India is called, +India d gacha , hariva a gat ha (Sadwmsa Jhahmnna, I, 1, 12; l.nttiriya Aranyaka, J, 12, +3, &c.\ + +7 The Kaumaia school thus defines svaidh, Katantra, I, 1, Add ho vaniauimdmndyah 1 +tatra latiuda'duiau aval ah ^ Sayana). Sec Max Muller, op (.it , p x. + +8 S.uana appears to take the first part of the sentence as independent, and as dcsciibing +prdnadevah. For devatd apyeti , cf. Brhadarniqaka Upanisad, l\, 1, 2; Aitareya Brahmana, +IV, 24, 5. No doubt the acc. is mainly governed by the verb, but the ptep. force of apt is too +much ignored in Spcijtr, Vcdtsihc und Saitski it-Synta.x , §§ S7, 88. + +9 This no doubt refers to the identity ot the sun and the self, one of the oldest forms of +Brahminical monism. Sayana illustrates the doctnne by a quotation from the commentary on +the Brahma Sutras, Til, 3. Sun-worship is a very early and widespread form of religion ; +cf. Farnell, Cults of Greek States , TV, 143 , Lvans, Journal of Hellenic Studies , 1901, pp. 108 sq.; +Manucci, Stoiia do Mogor ^trans. by Iivine), Til, 3, for its leal importance in Indra. + +1 Anandatirtha explains that there arc three aims and a pftrvahhdga and an uttarabhdga. +These conespond to the five forms of Visnu, Narlvana, Yasiidcva, Samkarsana, Frad>umna. +Aniruddha, who represent earth, ether, air, light, and water respectively. + + + +216 AITAREYA ARANYAKA II, 3, i- + +for his friends. To him 2 who knows food and feeder a feeder 8 is born, and +food is his. Food is water and earth, for of them are foods compounded. Light +and air are the feeder, for by them 4 he eats food. Ether is the bowl, for in +the elher is all poured. lie uho knows this becomes the refuge (bowl) of his +friends. To him who knows food and feeder a feeder is born, and food is +his. Plants and trees are food, animals the feeder, for animals eat plants +and trees. Of animals, those who have teeth above and below and are formed +like men, 5 are feeders, the rest food. They overcome therefore the other animals, +for the feeder is over his food. He becomes over his friends who knows this. 0 + +2 . He who knows more and more clearly the self obtains fuller being. 1 There +are plants and trees and animals, and he knows the self more and more clearly +(in them). For in plants and tiees sap only is seen, in animals consciousness. +In animals the self becomes more and more clear, because in them sap also +is seen, while thought is not seen in others. 2 The self is more and more clear + +7 Tasmin may refer to the uktha as Sayana and Max Muller take it. Or it may be merely +a precursor of as min , in accordance with the usual preference of Sanskrit for the order sa yah. + +3 i. e. a son able to cat. The second asya must, T think, refer to the father, not the son. +The change of reference is too abrupt to be probable, and cither version is good sense. +Sayana takes it as referring to the son. For the form a-jayate , cf. Jaiminlya Upanisad +Brahmana, I, 27, 6. + +4 They aid digestion. + +5 Zimmer (.Allindischcs Lehcn , pp. 74-76) shows the identity of the contrast between +uhhayadant and other animals, which is found in the Samhitas, with the old Latin contrast of +ambidens (in Festus not «= btdens) and hfupwbovT- in Aristotle. That, however, uhhayadant +originally included the first class of sicrificial animals with man, as he holds (p. 76), appears +doubtful. In this passage the resemblance to man is made explicit, and this is scarcely so +likely if man were natuially one of the uhhayadant class. Either anti vtdharn or the +indeclihable anuvidham (as in III, 2, 3) is grammatically possible, but the corruption to +anuvidham would be much easier than to anti vidhftm . Ann vidhdh is also possible. I idha occurs +several times, infra , IT, 3, 4; 5. Cf. vidhdm annvidhtyatc , Maitiayanl Samhita, III, 2, 4; 10. + +* In adhiva caranti the acc. is governed by adhi, a use found in Mantra and Brahmana +alike (Speijer, Vedische und Sa nskrit-Syn tax , §§ 87, 88; Atharvaveda, XIX, 49, 2: ad hi +vitvdny aruhad gabhird ; RV., VIII, 68,15 b : adhi tidhan navam rat ham ; Vajasaneyi Samhita, +VI, 2 : adhi tvd sthdsyati , &c.). I do not, however, think it can well be construed with the +gen., so I think the gen. sam&ndtiam is a partitive one, ‘of his fiiends he, &c. lor similar +cases of the partitive gen., cf. I, 2, 3, n. 6, and Ilarivamia, IT, 79» I3 > where Hopkins, f.A. 0 . S., +XXII, 152,11. 1, takes the gen. as local. Delbriick (Alttndische Syntax, p.441) is, I think, +wrong in holding that adhi rarely has the accusative. 1 he root sthd, e.g., would not naturally +take an acc. without the aid of a preposition. Cf. II, 2, 4, n. 8. + +1 This is the most philosophical part of the whole Aranyaka and is a determined effort +to explain the different stages of conscious life. It will be observed that the distinctive marks +of man are all elements which make his consciousness into an ordered system and they imply +self-consciousness, as opposed to the meie consciousness of animals, in the form of their +receptivity of external stimuli. The theoiy of the soul in Aristotle, De Amina , II, 4 sip, is worth +comparing. For the form dvistardm, cf. I, 4, 1, n. 11; Bohtlingk, Sachs. Ber., 1893, p. n. + +1 Max Mullet renders, 1 but in others thought is not seen,’ the apparent meaning being that + + + +-II, 3 , 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +217 + + +in man. For he is most endowed with intelligence, he says what he has known, +he sees what he has known, he knows to-morrow, he knows the world and +what is not the world. By the mortal he desires the immortal, being thus endowed. +As for the others, animals, hunger and thirst comprise their power of knowledge. +They say not what they have known, they see not what they have known. They +know not to-morrow, they know not the world and what is not the world. They +go so far, for their experiences are according to the measure of their intelligence. 3 + +3 . This man is the sea, 1 he is above all the world. Whatever he reaches, +he desires to be beyond it. 2 If he gains the sky world, he desires to be beyond +it. If he were to gain yonder world, he would desire to be beyond it. Fivefold +is this man. 8 What is hot in him is fire; the apertures are the ether; blood, +mucus, and seed are water; the body is earth; the breath is air. Fivefold is +the air, 4 up-breathing, down-breathing, back-breathing, out-breathing, on-breathing. + +some animated beings have not thought. What must be meant is that others, i.e. plants and +trees, have no intelligence, and so Sayana and Anandatlrtha construe it. Itara frequently means, +like aAAor and alius, others, not as opposed to a part of a species, but as another species; +A./.P., VII, 101. Stones have only sattd, says Sayana, i.e. are only objective, not also +subjective. + +3 Sayana takes the last sentence as meaning they arc born according to their knowledge +in a former birth. This, however, assumes the transmigration theory, which is not certainly +known in this Aranyaka. The better meaning seems to be that taken above, which is more +suited in point of fact to the context, for the idea of former birth is nowise necessary or in +point. Sayana cites Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, IV, 4, 2 and 7, but this Upanisad is earlier. +The word yathaprajiiam docs not occur in Jacob’s Concordance. Kausltaki Upanisad, I, 2, has +yathdvidyam of transmigration. Sec also L^vi, La Doctrine du Sacrifice , pp. 96 sq. + +1 The sea is typical of all unsatisfied desiics. Sayana cites Taittiriya Brahmana, If, 2, 6: +kdntatn samudram aviveiety aha f sanmdta iva hi kdrnah I naiva hi kdmasydnto ’sti tta samu- +drasya I The same idea appears over and again in the Greek Anthology, cf. Butcher, Greek +Geniu r, pp. 266 sq. For the separation of the prefix and verb, cf. Introd., p. 57, and examples +from the Aitareya Brahmana in Liebich, Pdnini, p. 24, and from Bjhadaranyaka, p. 28. + +8 Ettam in R and in Sayana must stand for m in place of an assimilated //, as in II, 1, 5, n. 6. +For ati-t/man, cf. Jaiminlya Brahmana, I, 42 ( J. A. O. S., XV, 234). + +3 Ci. II, 3, 1, 11. 1. Anandatlrtha here repeats the identifications with the different forms of +Visnu. + +4 The five pranas frequently occur. No intelligible explanation of them all is possible. +Prana and apdna , once originally the same, were first divided as expiration and inspiration, +then as breath, and the wind of digestion, cf. II, 4, 1 and 2. Vydna 1 through-breathing or +circulating air* (Eggeling, S. B, E., XLIII, 263, n. 1) is the bond between the prana and +apdna. Samdna, which ‘distributes the digested pieces through the limbs* (Eggeling, p. 264, +n. 1), leads to union of the two first. Uddna conducts the soul from the body at death. See +Deussen, Philosophic der Upanishads, pp. 249-252 ; E. T., pp. 276-280, and I, 3, 7, n. 6. Sayana +says that prana is in the mouth and nose, rising from the heart, apdna is in the lower parts, +zydna in all the veins, uddna in the throat to lead forth the soul, samdna leads food and +drink evenly through the whole body. Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmana, II, 5, 6 adds avdna +to the number. For further variations see on I, 3, 7 ; 4, 1. The same five as here occur +in £atapatha Brahmana, X, 1, 4, 2-6, and MaitrayanI Upanisad, II, 6, where see Cowell’s + + + +2l8 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +H 3 > 3 - + + +The deities, sight, hearing, mind, and speech, are comprised in up-breathing and +down-breathing. For they depart with the departure of breath. He is the +succession® of speech and thought which is the sacrifice. The sacrifice is +fivefold, Agnihotra, new and full moon sacrifices, the four-monthly sacrifices, +the animal sacrifice, and the Soma sacrifice. The Soma sacrifice is the most +perfect of the sacrifices, for these five kinds are seen in it; that which precedes +the libations,® is one ; then there are three libations, and the rest (of the sacrifice) +is the fifth. + +4 . He 1 who knows one sacrifice above the other, one day above the other, +one god above the gods, is clever. This great litany is the sacrifice above the +other, the day above the other, the god above the others. 1 his litany is +fivefold. As a chorus 2 it is trivrt , pancadasa, sapiadaia , ekavimsa , and + +notes, and Max Muller, .S'. />’. E., XV, 293. With the following, cf. Brhadaranyaka Upanisad +(Kanva), I, 4, 17, where man, animal, sacrifice, and sarvam idam are all fivefold, and +Taittiriya Upanisad, I, 7, I, where mind, speech, breath, sight, and hearing arc man. + +6 For uttarottaZ *, cf. Wackernagel, Altindisihe Crammatik, II, 1,60. bor apt + y/i, cf. +Caland, AUind. Zauberrit ., p. 18 + +6 That is the dikuf. 'the last is the avabhrtha udavasdniya, &c. See Ilillebrandt, +Pit ual-l.it to atur, pp. 97 sq. Tt is worth noting that the Aitareya Brahmana does not deal +with the new and full moon or the four-monthly sacrifices, though the Kausitaki does, cf. + +Introd., p. 32. _ , . . . . + +1 This section is unusually foolish. Anandatirtha exercises much ingenuity in equating +the five forms of Visnu to the several members of each of the sets of five. The parts of the +ulman are also dealt with in Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmana, IV, 9, 10. See Hillebrandt, + +Ritual-Litteratur, p. 100. , + +3 Sayana explains these as follows: trivrt stoma is formed by the three hymns at the +beginning of the Samaveda Uttararcika, 1-9; RV., IX, 11, 1-3; 64. 28-30; 66, 10-12. The +first three verses are taken from the first verse of each sukta, the second from the second verses, +and the third from the third. It is called udyati. The paflcadata is formed out of one hymn, +by repeating the first verse three times, the second and third once each, then repeating the +second three times, and so on. The saptadaia is the faflcadata save that in the third round +the second and third verses each are repeated thrice, i.e. (1) aaabc; (2) abbbe; (3) abbbccc. +The ekavimia is made by singing all verses three times, except the last first and second +respectively in the three rounds, i.e. (1) aaabbbc ; (2) abbbccc (or aaabccc-the MSS. vary); +(4) aaabccc (or abbbccc). The pailcavimUi is formed by singing in the first round the first +verse thrice, the second four times, the third once; in the second round, the first once, the +second thrice, the third four times; in the third round, the first five times, the second once, +the third three times, according to Dhanamjaya, or the first four times, the second twice, the +third thrice, according to Gautama. (This seems to be the sense ; R’s version is corrupt +and S is imperfect.) These stomas arc called paflcapaflcini (not as Max Muller, vtduti, which is +the generic title of which these are species), daiasapta, and saptasaptinl , no name for the +last being given. Max Muller quotes Mahldhara on Yajurveda Samhita, X, 9, for the trivrt. +More in point is Sayana on Aitareya Brahmana, III, 42. which closely resembles this passage. +The St. Petersburg Diet. (s.v. trivrt) gives the trivrt as consisting of one sukta, RV., IX, 11 +only, see Eggeling, 5 . B. E\, XXVI, 308, 309; Paficavimfca Brahmapa, I, 99 sq.; II, 1, I ; +7, 1 ; 14, 1 ; Hillebrandt, l.c., p. 101, and schemes in Caland and Henry’s VAgmyoma. + + + +-II, 3. 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +219 + + +paticavitnsa. As a soman 3 it is gay air a, raihantara, brhat, bhadra, and rdjana . +As to metre it is gay a in, usnih , brhaii, irisiubh , and dvipadd. The explanation 4 + +is that it is the head, the right wing, the left wing, the tail, and the body (of + +the bird). He performs 5 the prasiava five times, the udgiiha five times, the +pratihara five times, the upadrava five times, the nidhana five times. This +forms a thousand syllables.® The verses here are recited as five orders. 7 +What precedes the eighty tristichs is one order; then come the three sets of +eighty tristichs; and the fifth consists of the rest. This makes a thousand + +(verses). 8 That is the whole; these ten by tens are the whole. For number is + +such. Ten tens are a hundred, ten hundreds a thousand, and that is the whole. +These are the three metres; this food indeed is threefold, eating, drinking, and +chewing. He obtains this food by these. + +5. This is produced as a thousand brhaiis. Some recognize a thousand +of various metres, saying, ‘Is there another? 1 let us say there is.* Some say a +thousand irisiubhsy some a thousand j ago/is, some a thousand anustubhs. A Rsi +says (RV., X, 124, 9), ‘ Sages in their w isdom discovered Indra dancing an anusiubh .’ 9 +That denotes, they discovered in speech then the breath of Indra. He can +become famous and of splendid renown. * Rather 8 he is liable to die untimely/ + +8 The gdyatra soman is formed from RV., Ill, 62, 10 ; raihantara from RV., VII, 3a, a2 ; +the brhat fiom RV., VI, 46, 1; the bhadra from RV., X, 157, 1 ; the rdjana from RV., VII, +37, 1, according to Sayana's note; ct. V, 1, 2, n. a. + +4 See Aranyaka, I, 4, 2. + +c The sarnan of the Niskcvalya is the tdjana, and each of its usual five parts is repeated +five times. The upadrava falls to the Udgatr and all join in the nidhana (Sayana). + +6 The stobhas aie meaningless syllables, added to verses sung to make up the metre. Sec +Chandogya Upanisad, 1 , 13. These syllables are marked in Samaveda MSS., but they have not +as yet been satisfactorily explained. Cf. Purnell, Samhitopaniuid Bt&hmana, p. xviii; Ilillebrandt, +1 . c., p. 104, n. 15 ; Caland and Ilenry, op. cit., App. II. + +7 The verses corresponding to the body, head, wings, &c., arc the first order; the three +alt its follow, then come the belly and chest verses. + +8 There are 1000 stobhas and also in the whole Sastra a 1000 brhatis, The rest refers +to the nature of number as being measured by tens. There are nothing but sets of ten. The +three * metres ’ mean, according to Sayana, the numbers xo, 100, 1000 which govern all numbers. +This, however, is inadequate, as the reference is clearly to the three sets of aiitis. The reference +to food is because these aiitis are the food of the bird. There is no sign that the numbers +100 or 1000 are to be treated, as specially important. Sayaim’s explanation is otherwise good. +He quotes for daiatah , Panini, V, 1, 60. Anandatirtha is very weak on this point. + +1 Sayana takes him anyat as the question, sad the answer. The others do not include the +£ankhayanas, who also recognize a thousand brhatis. This is rather in favour of an early date; the +dispute had disappeared before the ^ankhayana Aranyaka. Nona may be adverbial, ‘ variously.' + +2 Sayana explains that the clouds rumbling pioduce a sound with an anusiubh in it; cf. +Geldner, Vedtsche Studien, II, 304; v. Schrocder, Mysterium und Mimus, pp. 40, 41. + +3 Anandatirtha takes the whole as one argument and as meaning, 'he can die when he likes.’ +This is impossible. For the construction, cf. I, 1, 1, n. 4. + + + +220 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, 3, 5- + + +he 4 declares. For the self that is speech is imperfect, since® a man understands +if driven to thought by breath, not if driven by speech. Let him produce the +brha/i,* for the brhati is the whole self. The self is on all sides surrounded +by members, and, as the self is on all sides surrounded by members, 7 so is +the brhali on all sides surrounded by metres. The self is the middle of the +members, and the brhati of metres/ He can become famous and of splendid +renown, while the other® will die untimely, so said he. For the brhati is the +whole self. Therefore let him produce the brhati . + +6 . This is produced as a thousand brhatis. Of this produced as a thousand +brhatis , there are eleven hundred and twenty-five anmtubhs} For by the larger +the smaller is comprehended. A Rsi says (RV., VIII, 76, 12), ‘ I a speech of eight +feet/ for there are eight feet of four syllables, ‘Of nine corners/ for the brhati 7 + +* Anandatirtha points out that * he ’ is Aitareya MahidijLsa 01 Mahaitareya. Sayana vaguely +says ‘a wise man’. Cf. I, 1, 1, n. 5. + +8 This is very obscure. The version here adopted means that the activity of manas if +evoked by speech (- annsfubh) only is imperfect, but it is more perfect if evoked by breath +(«* brhati). Manas will then stand in its wider sense, not as an indriya , as later, cf. Dcussen, +Philosophic dcr Upanisha<ls, p. 245; E. T., p. 271. This is very strained, but at least it is less +absurd than (1) Sayana's version, ‘ If he proceeds with the Sastra with reference to the anustubh +which is proclaimed as Vac, and not with reference to the brhati which is proclaimed as prana, +then being driven by his mind he does not manage the 6astra by speech alone.’ He adds that +without breath speech merely conceived is inadequate, breath being essential for any sense +activity. The idea is not unlike the one adopted above, (a) Anandatirtha renders, ‘Being urged +to objects of sense by prana, i.c. Vayu, and by mattas, i.e. Siva, he enjoys them, and not by +voice alone.’ He read matiase because he tries to account f6r the e. Sayana must have +read prune na and taken vdg as an accusative or locative, as Max Muller points out. hor +the dat., which is rarely found in the local sense in the Btahmana style (Delbriick, Altindischc +Syntax, p. 144), sec Speijer, Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 43, and cf. II, 2, 2, n. 7 - + +0 i. e. make out that the brhati is the metre. + +7 Because it is surrounded in the Sastra (Sayaiya). + +1 Because meties are both bigger and smaller than the brhati. + +• Sayana ignores the difficulty of this passage. Anandatirtha of course renders it, ‘ he is able +to die at will.’ The text follows Max Muller’s version. The syntax yadbrhati is very common in +the Aitareya Brahmana, III, 43, &c.; £ankhayana Aranyaka, 1 ,4, &c.; Altindischc Syntax, p. 564. + +1 1000 x 36 syllables {brhatis) * 1125x32 syllables (anustubhs). + +3 i.e. it is nine feet of four syllables and is formed by adding one to the eight feet of the +anustubh. Sayana says the MS. navasrakti is chandasah. Cf. Benfey, Sdmavtda, Glossary, p. 87. +The correction navasraktir, though easy, is more convincing, because of r following. Cf. +Wackemagel, Altindhchc Grammatik, I, 31 ; Macdonell, Vedic Grammar, p. 68, n. 15. MSS. +frequently differ in such points, cf. Whitney's note on AV., VI, 33, 2 (vyathi{s)); cf. V, 1, 1, +n. 18 ; 2,1, n. 6. Note should be taken here of the readings of the Manava Gfhya Sutra, I, 2, 6: +caturvimiati in the acc., and I, 23, 15 and 23: paftcaviniiaty anuvdkdn combined with Manava +Srauta Sutra, VI, 2, 6 : sd ekavimiaty ayam te (see Knauer, p. xli). I confess that the possible +explanation suggested by Dr. Knauer of these cases as cither contractions with omission of +anusvdra or visarga or as neuters is not attractive. In the last case, as perhaps here, the +original may have been as Dr. Knauer also suggests ckavimSati(h) 1 ayam te, 8 c c., with the loss + + + +-II, 3* 6 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +221 + + +becomes nine-cornered. ‘Touching the truth/ for speech 3 united with verse +is truth. ‘I made 4 the body out of Indra/ for from this thousand brhati s +made into anustubhs , which is prana connected with Indra, and from the +brhati he makes speech, the anustubh , as a body. The great litany is the +highest development of speech, and it is fivefold, measured, unmeasured, music, +true, and untrue. A rc verse, a gathdf a kumbya? are measured; a yajns verse, +an invocation, conversation, 7 are not measured; a saman or part of it is music; +om is true, no is untrue. The flower and fruit of speech is what is true. He +can become famous and of splendid renown, for he speaks the truth, the flower +and fruit of speech. The untrue is the root of speech, and, as a tree with +roots exposed dries up, and perishes, so a man who speaks untruth exposes +his roots, dries up, and perishes. Therefore let a man speak not untruth, but +guard himself against it. The syllable 8 om is empty and goes forward. So if + +of h (as often in MSS. pausa ) and subsequent erroneous contraction. So paficavimiati{ip ) +may have been written by error in the MS. and then the m dropped and contraction applied, +13 ut in verse, of course, we find clear cases of contiaction or of the use of shortened forms, especially +va for iva, e.g. 3 ankhayana Aranyaka, XU, 29: puspam iva must metri causa be puspeva or +puspam va , probably the former, OldenbOrg, Z. D. A/.G., LX I, 830 ; Roth, ibid., XLVIII, 682. + +* Speech is anmtubh , verse brhati\ and united they touch prana. Anandatlrtha explains by +equating brhati with a form of Visnu and speech with Urna! + +* * He makes/ in Max Muller’s translation, ignores dham. Sayana does not do this, +but he explains the sentence by the action of the Hotr, as the Aranyaka uses the third person. +It only means that the anustubh is made out of the bfhati which is identified with prilna, +and prana is (see II, 2, 3) Indra. + +4 Sayana defines a gat hit as san'alokaprasiddhdrthapratipddikd , e.g. prdtah prdtar anrtam +tt vadanti (a yajfiagdthd from Aitareya Brahmana, V, 31,6; the example is not very happy); +Anandatlrtha as parasparam asamdni visamasamkkydksardni svaraniyamarahildni kharnfa- +vdkydni. Cf. Hopkins, Great Epii of India, pp. 365 sq.; St. Petersburg Diet ., II, 731; Aufrecht, +Aitareya Brahmana, p. 429; Bloomfield, Religion of Veda, p. 196. + +0 Sayana defines as dedratiksdrupd , e.g. brahmaedry asy apo *idtui karma kuru divii ma +svdpslh or rnd susupthaJj- (the MSS. vary), i. e. Asvalayana Grhya Sutra, I, 22, 2 ; Anandatlrtha as +yajftdhgavdkydui. In the parallel passage, &atapatha Brahmana, XI, 5, 7, 10 (where see +Eggeling’s trans., S.B.li. , XLIV, 101), kurnvyd is read, which Weber (/nd. Stud., X, +III, n. 1) suggests as equal to * refrain cf. kumba , ktirlra. + +7 Sayana- explains brdhmanagatd ye 'rthaiiddd yd ca rdjasabhddau parihdsddirupetiocyate sd +sarvd vrthd vdk ; Anandatlrtha simply has vyarthavdk. Cf. Vedische Studien, 1 ,118,328. For +nigada see St. Petersburg Diet., s. v.; Brhaddcvata, VIII, 104; Winternitz, Gesch.der indisch. +Pitt., 1 ,142, n., who describes them as a kind of Yajus to summon the other priests to perform +their tasks. Sayana gives as an example of a tngada: Agne mahdh asi brahmana bhdrata +(—Taittirlya Saiphita, 11 , 5 , 9 > 1 ", Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance , p. 26*). For saman, cf. +Winternitz, p. 146, n. 3, who renders it as originally * Bcsanftigungslied’, *ein Mittel zur Be* +schwichtigung von Gottern und Damonen ;* Bloomfield, Religion of Veda , p. 38. + +8 A curious piece of common sense (cf. Mr. Falconer’s advice to Pepys, Diary , Aug. 8,* +1662) interpolated to avoid the danger of the preceding doctrine that om is truth. For om +as tat ha, see Aitareya Brahmana, VII, 18, and Chandogya Upanisad, I, 1, 8. The comparison +with amen is of course accidental, Winternitz, Gescli. der indisch. Litt., I, 162, n. 1. + + + +222 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, 3, 6- + + +a man says om , then that 9 is taken from him ; if he should say om to everything, +he would empty himself and be unable to have delights. The syllable ‘ no ’ is +full 10 for one's self. If a man should say ‘ no ’ to everything, his fame would +be evil and he would destroy himself. Therefore should one give at the proper +time, and at the proper time he should refrain 11 from giving. So does he + +unite the true and the untrue. From their union he grows and becomes + +greater. lie who knows this speech of which (the great litany) is a modification, +he is clever. ‘A’ is the whole of speech and being manifested 13 through the +mutes and sibilants it becomes manifold and various. If uttered in a whisper +it is breath, if aloud it is body. Therefore it is as it were hidden, for what is +incorporeal is as it were hidden, and breath is incorporeal. But spoken aloud it +is body and visible, for body is visible. + +7 . This is produced as a thousand brhafis. It is glory, 1 it is Indra, it 1 + +is the lord of creatures. ‘lie who knows it as Indra, as the loid of creatures, + +leaves this world shaking 3 off all ties/ so said Mahidasa * Aitareya. Having +departed, having become Indra, 6 he shines in those worlds. They say, ‘ If by this +form he gains yonder world, then by what foim does he experience this world?' 6 + +« Sayana constiues as ‘he is emptied for that, viz. the enjoyment of house, fields, &c.’ +This is to force the meaning of astnai overmuch ; it is a dativus incotninodi. + +“ Is selfish. Sayana cites Bhagavadglta, II, 34: sambhdvitasya cdkJriir maranJd atiruyate 1 + +11 Rajendralala prints in text and commentary kCilena. It should be kale na as the +commentary, and also Anandatirtha, shows. + +13 ‘A’ with the different letters is the source of the alphabet. It may be interesting to +speculate if this denotes that writing where the ‘a’ was not expressed was already known. +It may be so, but it is not clear. In any case as_the date of writing is very doubtful, no +great light would be thrown on the date of the Aranyaka; cf. V, 3, 3 ad fin., where the +reference is clear but cogent only for &aunaka’s period, for later rcfcicncc to the akdra , see +Jacob, Concordance , p. 2, and cf. Tandya Mahabrahmana, X\, i-p 2. + +1 Sayana comjiares Taittirlya Aranyaka, I, 1 : na tasyese kaicanu tasya ndma tnahadyaiah \ +For Indra, cf. II, 4, 3; Taittirlya Upanisad, I, 4; Kausltaki Upanisad, II, 6 ; III, 1 ; Brhad- +aranyaka Upanisad, III, 2, 2. + +3 This is the sense, lather than, ‘Indra is the lord’ as taken by Max Muller. Elan below is +the usual Sanskrit attraction of a pronoun to the gender of the piedicate; Vergl. Syntax , +III, 240 sq. + +3 This must be the sense, and so both Sayana and Anandatirtha take it. Originally the +word meant the decay of old age. + +* The quotation ends here, it seems. The new sentence looks like a prose version of a +6loka, cf. V, 3, 2. + +6 Sayana quotes Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, IV, i, 2 : devo bhutvd devdtt af>ycti | lie refers +also to Brahma Sutra, IV, 3, 15, and discusses whether this deification is a hindrance to real +muktiy and decides it is really a step towards it. But of course the doctrine of tnukti is not +clearly found in this Aranyaka; sec II, 1, 2, n. 9; Hopkins, Religions of India, pp. 233, 238 sq. + +4 For the nasal in pluti, cf. Wackcrnagel, Altindische Grammatik, I, 299, 300; Whitney, +Sanskrit Grammar , § 78. + + + +- 11 , 3 , » + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +223 + + +The blood in the woman 7 is the form of Agni, therefore one should despise +it not. The seed in the man is the form of Aditya, therefore one should +despise it not. This self gives itself to that self, that self gives itself to this +self. 8 They thus gain each other. In this form® he gains yonder world, in +that form he experiences this world. + +8 . Here there are these verses: 1 — + +7 Anandailrtha has a wondciful explanation. This world and that world are both +svastrirupam of Bhagavant. Sayana explains that there are six elements in the body; three, +fat, bone, and marrow, are white and represent the man; three, skin, blood, and flesh, are red +and represent the woman, ay am is used of the woman because she is connected with earth, +asau of the man because he is connected with the sun and the upper world. + +' The fact that Sayana does not comment on imasmai shows how little he can be relied on to +note points in the text. The reading is quite certain, and cf. Whitney, 1. c., § 502 b. + +9 This is taken by Sayana and by Max Muller as referring to the words at once preceding. +But it is perhaps rather a refeicnce to the question above. Then anena will refer to the +knowledge of Indra, and amuna to the human form produced by the union of the parents. +Sayana seems to have been misfed by the use of Agni and Aditya into misinterpreting lokam. +The tone oi the section is noteworthy when contiasted with the pessimism which the body +and it> imperfections induces in Buddhism and the later Upanisads (Maitrayan! Upanisad, I, +2-4; Winternit/, Gesch der indisih . /.///., T, 224). Max Muller’s view (.S’. B. E., XV, 1 —In) that, +despite its references to Nirvana (p. xlvi) and other hints at Buddhism (e. g. VII, 8), this +Upanisad is anti-Paninean cannot be supported. The irregular Sandhi is merely a conscious +and deliberate archaism (so perhaps also in the Mana\a Grhya Sutra, a piece of patchwork), +and geneially the language is quite recent in form compared .to the really old Upanisads. +Peussen recognizes the later character and style of the Upanisad, and Winternitz (p. 225) +definitely lefers it to a pust-Buddhistic date. Indeed Weber {Indian Litaatiue , pp. 96 sq.) +and Macdonell {Sanskrit literature, pp. 230, 231) tend to refer it to classical times, though +its doctrine is no doubt earlier. The optimism oi the Upanisads is natural: what is other +than the atman is miserable, but not the atman , cf. Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, ITI, 5; Taittirija +Upanisad, II, 9 ; 111 , 6 ; Isa Upanisad, 7 ; Hopkins, Editions of India , p. 240. + +1 The verses are probably older than the prose. They arc earlier than the tristubhs cited +by Patahjali (cf. Weber, Ind. Stud., XIII, 483 sq.) and show every sign of antiquity in their +metrical form (cf./. A\ A. S., 1906, pp. 1-10 ; Oldenberg, S. B. E XXX, xxxv; Hopkins, Great +Epic of India , pp. 194 sq.) which is decidedly irregular. The third verses of 1, 2, 4 are jagatis, +the first verse of I has only ten syllables, the last verse of 4 only 9, and even if by resolutions +they are altered into 11 syllable veises, then the characteristic tristubh ending is missing. In no +case arc the four verses assimilated, and indeed in no case are even two verses assimilated. +The last stanza, pdda 1, is in iambic-ended anudubh, a very early verse indeed. It is of course +true, as Bloomfield ( Atharvaveda , pp. 41, 43) points out, that the actual development of the +anustubh {pddas 1 and 3) cannot possibly have been from \j — w — vz — vz S', + +and thence to the Epic Sloka with its differentiated pddas, but that the iambic anufubh is a +priestly as opposed to a popular verse with free pddas 1 and 3. But it is equally clear that +the development of the iambic anustubh in the priestly circles was comparatively early and +that the later verse-writers tended more and more to fall back (with sporadic cases of imitation +such as in the Vimada hymns, see my criticisms a of Arnold’s Vedic Metre , in J.K. A. S., 1906, + +* I may note here a small point confirmatory of my criticism of Prof. Arnold’s views. The +term daksina {pada) occurs in RV., X, 61, 8, which is therefore naturally called one of the + + + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, 3 , 8- + + +22+ + + +That fivefold body the undying enters, 2 + +That which the harnessed steeds 3 draw to and fro, + +In which is yoked the trueness of the true, 4 +In that are all the gods in one combined II i u + +Which from the undying® the undying joins, + +That which the harnessed steeds draw to and fro, + +In which is yoked the trueness of the true, + +In that are all the gods in one combined II2 it + +pp. 484 sq., 720) on the popular attutfubh and its later development - ±L. That + +development is shown in the late Mantras found in the Grhya Sutias, e. g. in thirty out of +thirty-nine eases in the £ankhayana (Oldenberg, Z. D. M. G ., XXXVII, 67 sq.; S.B. E., XXX, +xxxv sq.); in the Rgveda Pratifcakhya of Saunaka {S.B.E., 1 . c.); in the Brhaddevata (, J.R.A.S ., +1. c .); in the Epic (Hopkins, 1 . c.; Jacobi, Ind. Stud., XVII, 443 sq., Das Santayana (1893), +and in Guntpujdkaumudi (1896)). It is quite possible and even probable that Oldenberg is +right in thinking that the iambic hymns arc in the Rgveda earlier than the bulk of those +hymns where the endings of the fust pdda of each hemistich is unrestricted in point of form, +the period of the Kuril princes, Pariksit and Janamejaya* (Z. D.M. G., XXXVII, 65). + +It is obvious that these verses are of the same type as the yajflagiUhds of the Aitareya +Bralunana and A&valayana Gjhya Sutra (T, 3, 10), i.e. they were composed to illustrate and +sum up the doctrines which the Aranyaka supports, and here as used are older than the +work in which they occur (cf. Oldenberg, S.B.E. , XXX, xxxv-xxxvii; Ind. Stud., XV, 11). +These verses form an interesting parallel to the rise of the Akhyann, in which the verses +perhaps denoted the chief movements in the nariative and were fixed before the prose (or +verse later) connecting parts (Oldenberg, Z.D.M.G, , XXXVII, 54 sq.; XXXIX, 52 sq., +Winternitr, Gesch. der indisih. Litt., I, 89 sq.). For similar verses, see Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, + +I, 6,23; Taittirfya Upanisad, II, 8, &c. In Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, II, 4, 10 > Slokas are +mentioned after Vidya, Upanisads, and before Sutras in such a way as to suggest that such Slokas +as here occur are denoted. Asydh is also a pre-Brahmana and Rgvcdic form, though occasionally +found later, e. g. Ill, 2,3. + +• This is not very clear. Anandatlrtha explains that the fivefold body is that composed +of Narayana, &c., and is male and female united, in which all the gods, Nauyana, &c., are +united. Sayan a explains that the breath enters the body, and the worshipper meditates on himself +as identical with the breath and thus with all the gods. The five are presumably the five senses. + +3 The metaphor is common, cf. Kathaka Upanisad, III, 4; indriydni haydn ahuh \ The +senses are meant. Cf. Max Muller, S. B. E., XV, 12, and n. 14. + +4 i.e brahman probably. At least so it was later interpreted, and the idea may well be +early, though it might be enough to take it merely as ‘ the essence of truth ’. Cf. Brhadaranyaka, + +II, 3, 6: aiha ndmadheyam satyasya satyam iti prana vai satyam teulm esa satyam \ For the + +position of b/ ah man in the body with prana Sayana cites Fra&na Upanisad, VI, 3 : Usdni cakre + +kasmin nv aham utkrdnta utkrdnto bhavisydmi kasmin vd pratidhite pratidhasydmUi sa +prdnam asrjata | For the next line, cf. Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, I, 4 > 7 : atmtty evopasttalra +hy etc sarva ekatn bhavanti ; other examples are given in Jacob, Concordance , pp. 260 sq. + +6 The undying here is brahman , the other undying breath as in ver. 1 (Sayana). + + +latest hymns by Rhys Davids, Buddhist India , p. 3 °* But Prof. Arnold (Vedic Metre, p. 286) +assigns this hymn to the archaic (by which he means the oldest) period ! + +* Cf., however, Whitney in Colebrooke, Essays’ 1 , I, 118, on legendary contemporaneities. + + + +n- 3, s + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +22 5 ' + + +Of speech that which is ‘yes' and which is ‘no’, + +Tha't which is harsh® and that which is immense, + +Laying aside 7 have poets found their quest, + +1 hey, hound by names, 8 rejoiced in the revealed II 3 11 + +In which 0 revealed the poets did rejoice, + +In it in unity the gods exist, + +Casting aside all evil by this lore, 10 + +The wise one rises to the world of heaven 11 4 11 + +Neither by name of woman 11 is he called, + +Nor yet by name of neither man nor woman, + +Nor yet by name of man may he be named +By him who fain would tell the name of breath 11 5 11 + +Brahman is called * a and the ‘ L is there contained. 12 This is produced as a thousand +hrhaiis. Of this produced as a thousand hr hails there arc thirty-six thousand +syllables. So many are the thousands of the days of man’s life. By the syllabic +of life 13 alone does he obtain the day of life, and by the day of life the syllable +of life. There is a chariot of the gods which destroys desires. 14 Its seat +.Siiyana^cites Taittiri)a Arnnvaka, TV, 27 (AnandaArama cd,, p. 333): khat phad jahi +c hind hi bhindhi handht kad iti vacah krurani \ ubbani^nu he renders dkt oiadtkam. Cf. also +Apastamba Srauta Sutra, XIV, 14,1 ; 1 bllebrandt, Ritual-Utteratur , p. 166; / 'cd. Myth., TIT, 366. + +7 viyfiya like namd in ver. 4 appears ‘inotncal’. + +8 This merely means they rose above mere names to the unity of brahman or prana. +Sayana renders ‘dependent on the letter “a” which is the name of prana\ Anandatlrtha +refers to the names of Bhagavant. + +9 rid met is rendered by Sayana as equivalent to ndmdyaitah above. This cannot be the +case, nor can it well be for ndmdni as Anandatlrtha construes it. It must be for ndma, the +last a being lengthened trtchi cansa. hor such cases, cf. Macdonell, Vedit Grammar , p. 62 ; +Aufreeht, Altareya Bt aktuana, p.427; Sankhavana Srauta Sfitra, XVII, 9, 7; XV 11 I, 22, 10, +even in prose (cf. Introd , p. 70) ; J. A. O. S., XXV, 98; below, III, 1, 2, n. 2. + +10 By the help of brahman is Saynna’s version, and so also Anandatlrtha takes it. More +probably it is ‘by aid of this doctnne*. For apahatya , cf. JarminTya Upamsad Brahmana, +II, 1 ; 10, 2. + +11 Sayana quotes ^vetasvatara Upnnisad, V, to (the late metre is noteworthy):— + +tiaiva strT na purndtt eta naira cay am naptimsakah \ +yadyac charir am ddattc tena tena sa codyate II + +For the nominative, cf. passages Tike Brhaddcvala, V, 39, where I would read llaspatih with +MSS. h. d. ; Rgveda Tratisakhya, XVII, 26; Taittirlja Sarphita, V, 7, 4, 4, &c. + +Ja This must be taken as a clear assertion that brahman includes the individual self. Sayana +says it refers to Iliianyagarbha quoting the very late Nrsrrphottaratapanlya Upanisad, V: +sarvahantrndni Iliranyagarbhah \ + +13 Anandatlrtha explains the aksara as the female foim of Visnu, the abas (sic) as the male. +As a matter of fact the sentence merely asserts he obtains brahman or prana by means of brahman +or prana, as both are revealed in the syllable and the litual of the Mahavrata day, as in I, 2, 2. + +14 Sayana explains this as a chariot of Iliranyagarbha. Anandatiitha renders anakama- + +Q + + +Kill)! + + + +226 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +It, 3, 8- + + +is speech, its two sides the cars, the horses the eyes, the driver the mind. +Breath mounts upon it. A Rsi says (RV., X, 39, 12), * Com$ hither on what is +quicker than mind,’ and (RV., VIIT, 73, 2), ‘On what is quicker than the winking +of an eye.’ 15 + +Adhyaya 4. + +In the beginning 1 the one self was this, there was nothing else blinking. +lie 2 thought, ‘Shall I create worlds?' He created these worlds, water, lights, + +mural) as, 1 Prana has no desires and delights in Maya * i. e. Rama. Really all that is meant +is that there is a chariot, vi 7. the body, wheie prana mounts, as contained above in the verses. +AnandatTrtha explains the uddhi as Rama in snake form, irotre as Candra and his wife, paksasT as +Candia and his wife, raka/u as Sun a and his wife, manah as Rudra. 1 he metaphor is not +rare, e. g. n. 3; quotation in Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, VI, 5 > 3 » Sankhayana Aranyaka, T, 8; +RV., Ill, 14, 7, as intcipretcd by Bergaigne (Oldenberg, S. 11 . E ., XI.VI, 270) where the piaver +is a chanot; Atharvaveda, V 11 L, 8, 22, where uddhi and paksas also occur, and aie rendered as +above by Whitney; Maitrayam Samhita, TIT, 4, 4; Kathaka Samhita, V 11 L, 8. + +is Sayana adds a long disquisition (if. Max Muller, .S’. P. E , I, 27,5, 236) on the difference of +this p>(htavidya fiom that of the Brhadaranyaka Upanisad and the C'handogja Upanisad, 111 +which p>ana is not related to the Mahavrala ceremony, hollowing as usual Sankara he also +discusses what is the result of this piamnddya , and concludes that it leads alter death and +absorption in the paramuhnan to rebirth in the hiahmaloka where aftci enjoyment of all the +poweis of a deity, he proceeds to obtain full knowledge and mukti. But S*ikara ignores +the* fact that muktt is not as yet known to this Aranyaka, which in its philosophic doctiine +reaches only the unity of existence and the identity of the self and brahman , and which +promises immortality, not liberation, to the devout. It is impossible even to say that this +Aranyaka, II, 1-3, realizes clearly the doctiine that all is consciousness, though it approaches +this standpoint. It does not assert that the self is unknowable as pine subject or the unreality +of existentc, as is done by the later Upanisads and the Vedanta. 'Io the wliter of tins +Upanisad lmmoitality meant a continuance of conscious existence, because the identity of the +self and the world did not involve in any way the destruction of self. All that it involved +was the destruction of what is really self from its accidents. It is of course tine that this position +is not strictly consistent, but it is no more unsatisfactory than that of Vedantism. + +1 Sankara, AnandatTrtha, and Sayana all expend great efforts in explaining this shoit +Upanisad, II, 4-6, but they mainly deal with difficulties which do not arise if no effoit is made +to reconcile this text with puie Vedantism or to explain logically its inconsistencies. The +real advance on IT, 1-3, consists in (1) the fact that atman is the subject, not as before +prana , puntut; (2) that atman and brahman are more explicitly recognized as intelligence, +but both these points are foreshadowed in II, 1-3. Max Muller (S. B. A., I, 236) leans to +the view that this Upanisad rises from the conception of life to that of the self, but tins is +lather too great a distinction. This Upanisad is a little moie advanced than II, 1-3, but not +much so. Dcussen (Sechzig (pan 1 shads), of course, interprets it as a later Upanisad and reads +into it doctrines not contained in it. Colebrooke (Assays, I, 47 ~ 53 ) i R°cr ( 7 /ans., pp. 26-34') 5 +and S. SItarama ( Upanishads , V, 1-64) follow Sankara. On idam, cf. Max Muller, S. B. E , XV, +xix. Bohtlingk has rendcied the Upanisad, Sadis. Ber ., 1890, p. 162; cf. 1891^3. 85; 1897, +p. 95. For Ramanuja’s interpretation, cf. S.B.E., XLVTIT, 7U 201, 206, 391, 417, 461, &c. + +* This is an imitation of the Burusa Sfikta, RV., X, 90; cf. Taittiriya Aianyaka, III, 12, +but, as Ueussen points out, with the essential difference that the metaphysical prius of the +purusa is the atman. The view of the relation of the atman to the wuild is cosmogonic, + + + +-IT, 4 . i + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +227 + + +mortal, and waters. This water is above the 3 heaven, and heaven suppoits it. +The lights are the sky. The mortal is the eaith, those under the earth are +the waters. He thought, ‘ There are these worlds. Shall I create guardians of +the world?' He formed the person, 4 taking him out from the waters. 5 He +brooded 0 on him, and when he was brooded over, a mouth burst forth as an +egg does. From the mouth came speech, from speech fire. Nostrils burst forth. +From the nostrils came foith scent, 7 from scent wind. Eyes burst forth. From +the eyes came foith sight, from sight the sun. Kars burst forth. Fiom the +ears came forth hearing, from hearing the quaitcrs. 8 Skin buist forth. From +the skin came foith hairs, from hairs plants and trees. The hcait buist forth. +From the heart came forth mind, from mind the moon. The navel burst forth. +From the navel came forth down-breathing, 9 from down-breathing death. The +generative organ burst forth. From the organ came forth seed, fiom seed water. + +not pantheistic. Of course the orthodox view of the commentators that the dfmd is the +iivara , not vndj, and the creation is adhydropa, from 71 , 4, 1, to II, 4, 3. This is not, it +is admitted by Sayana, clear from the text, but he appeals to & etasvatara Upanisad, IV, 10, +mdydin itt prakrttm vtdydd , and brahma Sutra, I, 4, 23, piahriik ca pintijildd drsfdntdnu- +rodhCit , besides other passages equally irrelevant. In JaiminTya Upanisad brahmona, I, 1, 1, +aikuila the regular form occurs. The A.tarcya brahmana often has unaugmented pasts, see +p. 56; bohtlingk, Sinks. Iter., 1900, p. 413. The next clause, here and II, 4, 3, may be +interrogative or merely an expression of determination (so commentators and translator). For +dpas. cf. Atharvaveda, VI, 23, 2 ; hid Stud , X, 440, n. 1 ; /. A 0 S , XXV', no. + +3 The translation of Max Muller, ‘and it is heaven,' can hardly be light, and it is not +supported by the commentators It is tine that heaven must come in somewhere, for it is +sufficient if it comes in ns a support, and so bohtlingk and Peusscn, with Colebrooke, STtarama, +Kajiiiainn, and Roer take it. Auandatntha explains ambhas as mahas and the other woilds +beyond the heaven whcie the waters were originally placed; ‘the blue firmament,’ Rajarama. + +4 This is the later vird; of the Vedanta. Anandatirtha calls it Biahman, in accordance +with the Visnu legend. Cf. Hopkins, Ret. of India, pp. 232 sq. + +5 The five elements (Sayana), brahman, &c. (Anandatirtha). + +The sense of \Itap, to create by will, is pointed out by Sankara, who (cf. Wintcrnitz, +Gesch.der indisch. Lift., 1 , S7 sq., 91 sq. ; Oldenbeig, Religion des Veda, pp. 402 sq.) cites +Mundaka Upanisad, I, r, 9: yasya jildnamayam tapas \ The translation here is boirowed +fiom Max Muller (cf. also S.fi.IC , XV, 28, n. 2). For yathdiufam below, cf. JaiminTya +Upanisad briihmana, ITT, 14, 8; JaiminTya briihmana, II, 12. There are sets of three, the +organ, the activity, and the natural phenomenon corresponding, which is later called the +presiding deity. See e. g. the Anugita, Mbh., XIV 7- , 1119 sq. F01 this si dikiama, cf. +Chandogya Upanisad, VI, 2; TaittirTya Aianyaka, II, 1. + +7 Prana here means clearly the power of smell. Originally (1) it meant the breath in +the widest sense, from which it caine to denote (2) life or the pnnciple of conscious life, +as frequently in II, 1-3. On the other hand, (3) it was narrowed down to denote one of +five prana r, IT, 3, 3, and these pranas were contrasted with manas and the imlriyas , though +in death or sleep the fundamental character of the pranas came out. (4) The sense ‘ smell * +is an independent and not very common development. (5) Another development applies it to all +the organs of life, e. g. eyes, nose, tongue, sec I, 3, 7,.n. 6. Cf. Sdnkkayana Aianyaka, p. 21,11. 1. + +8 Anandatirtha explains them as Indra, Yaina, Varuna, and Kubera. + +9 Apdina here has the other meaning of down-breathing, not inspiration, but breathing, + +Q * + + + +228 + + +A IT A REV A A R ANY AKA + + +II, 4, 2- + + +2 . These deities 1 being created fell into this great ocean. 2 He troubled him + +with hunger and thiist. The deities spake to him, ‘Grant us a place, where + +we can lest and eat food/ Tie led a cow 3 for them. They said, ‘ This is not + +enough for us/ He led a horse for them. They said,‘This is not enough/ + +He led man 4 to them. They said, ‘Well done!' 8 Man is indeed well done. +He said to them, ‘Enter according to your places/ 8 Then fire, 7 having become +speech, enteied the mouth. Air, having become scent, entered the nostrils. +I’lie sun, having become sight, entered the eyes. The quarters, having become +hearing, enteied the car*. The plants and tices, having become hairs, entered +the skin. The moon, having become mind, entered the heart. Death, having +become down-bieathing, entered the navel. The waters, having become seed, +entered the generative organ. Hunger and thiist said to him, ‘Grant us two +a place/ He said to them, ‘ To these deities I assign you, I make you sharers + +or wind, in thr lower part of the body. Cf. on II, 3, 3, and II, 4,.3. Rajnrama takes it as +'air inhaled by mouth, not through noitnh'. Colebrookc has ‘tlx* air drawn m by deglutition’, +explaining that swallowing was consideicd a paiallel to inhaling. Cf. Z. D. M. G ., LV, z()\ ; +LVI, 556 ; /. A. O.S , XXII, 249. + +1 This section 1 rally reveises the fonnei section. There atman produced the worlds, then +pinusa and the deities. The deities now enter into punna. Compare the common process +111 the Ihahmanas wheie the brahman creates the world and then enters it, but here the +deities have no cieative power, and the section only seems to show the leciprocal dependence +(cf. Wmteinitz, G'euh. tier indhih. T.ztt., T, 218, 219) of the doilies and the senses, of the great +cosmic forces and the microcosm. I take the subject of action to be the at man thioughout, +so do Sankara and Sayana. Roer apparently takes furnm as subject of all save the first +two sentences. Coleluooke appaiently lead abhyauhan and so makes the at man alone +subject and object in the sentences. + +2 This must mean the ocean of being, from which purwa is evolved. Sayana says into the +virdj , but this seems less probable. The v. /., below, aianayiipipdse is the form in the +brlmdarnnyaka Upanisad, while ip Taittiriya Aranyaka, IV, 23, a (an ay a ut pipdsd ca is found. +Cf. Aitarcya brahmana, VII, 15: aianaydparltah ; Aufrecht, p. 431; llohtlingk, Saihs. Bcr ., +1900, ]>. 418. + +* because it has no upper teeth, says Sayana. He is, however, right in quoting TI, 3, 2, +as showing the real reason for the preference of man, as the most intelligent. + +* The commentators Anamlafirtha and Sayana, who often follows him, Colebrooke, followed +by Roer, Max Muller, and Deussen, explain this pitrusa as different from though allied to the purusa +of II, 4, 1. This haidly seems likely, and the confusion of thought is just as great on the former +theory as on the latter. The exact parallelism with IT, 4, 1, of what follows is against their +view. For the particle su, cf. J\ A. O. .S'., Apr. 1803, pp. xli-xliii. + +6 fsankara suggests it may mean ‘self made’ (cf. Max Muller’s trails. (.S’. B.E., XV, 58) of +TaittiiTya Upanisad, II, 7) because man is created by his own illusion, or that he is the ‘abode +of all good actions’, which S. Sitaiama in bis tians. accepts. Max Muller (.V. B. A'., XV, 20, +n. 4) equates \ 7 >a° and suktta as —deeds pci formed by oneself and believed to be good. + +* Cf. Jaimuiiya Upanisad brahmana, 1 , 18, 3, which may be borrowed. + +T This means, Sayana says, that m the absence of the deity, the faculties cannot work. He +quotes brahma Siitra, II, 4, 14: jyotirddy adhidhdnam tadamanat I Jaiminiya Upanisad +liialiHiana, IT, 11, 12, seems reminiscent of this passage. + + + +229 + + +-11,4.3 TRANSLATION AND NOTES + +in them. Tlieiefore to whatever deity an oblation is ofleietl, hunger and tliiist +are partners in it. 8 + +3 . He thought, * There are these worlds and the guardians of these woilds. +Shall I create food for them ? ’ He brooded over the waters. 1 From the waters +brooded over form 2 was born, ^’he form that was born was indeed food. The +food when created sought to go away. 3 He was fain to seize it. lie sought +to giasp it with speech. He could not grasp it with speech. Had he been +able to grasp it with speech, man would have enjoyed food by utteiing its name +alone. He sought to grasp it by scent.' 1 He could not grasp it by scent. Had + +he been able to giasp it by scent, man would have enjoyed food by scenting + +it alone. He sought to grasp it by the eye. lie could not grasp it by I he eye. +Had he been able to grasp it by the eye, man would have enjoyed food by seeing +it alone. lie sought to grasp it by the ear. ITe could not grasp it by the ear. +Had he been able to grasp it by the car, man would have enjoyed food by healing +it alone. He sought to grasp it by the skin. ITe could not giasp it by the skim +Had he been able to grasp it by the skin, man would have enjoyed food by +touching it only. He sought to grasp it by the mind. He could not grasp it + +by the mind. Had he been able to giasp it by the mind, man would have + +enjoyed food by thinking of it alone, lie sought to grasp it by the generative +oigam He could not grasp it by that organ. Had he been able to grasp it + +8 Say an a, following Aimndatlrtha, explains that, as hunger is mitigated by the knowledge of +its (i.e. food’s) proximity, or by heaung of it, so the senses all appease hunget and thirst. +Sankara’s view is that the sensations become eaters by shanng in the deities, i.e. fne, &e,, m +the body and in the world; so they shaie ui every offering to a deity (l. e. the deity and the +worshipper both eat). + +1 The five elements (Sankaia and Say ana). + +term or o:ganisrn, as Raj.tram a translates it, is natural, not something imposed on matter, +and it plays no such pait in Indian thought as in Greek. Even the Buddhist nipam is not a +pregnant conception. + +koer leads nadat y ‘ crying,’ so Rajardma, and see cut. notes. Sankara explains ‘that mice, +<Src., try to run away from eats that eat them', lie takes ajighannat as, ‘it sought to mu away,’ +and this is followed by Sayana and Anandatirtha and by Visvesvaiatirtha, besides being +accepted by Colcbrooke, Rocr, S. Sitar.una, and Rajarama, Max Muller, and Deussen. But +that this is coircct seems veiy unlikely. Rather it may mean, 'He sought to stukc, grasp +it, which idea is later developed in detail. This leaves the exact sense of pat an difficult. +Tf it is neuter, cf. Whitney, Sanskrit (jrawmar, § 1117; Jaiminlya Upanisad Biahtnana, I, 2, + +4; 6, 1 ; Knjha Upanisad, 11,4, 1 i Maitrayanlya Upanisad, VI, 17; Ocrtcl, /.A.O.S., XVI, +226. But if it = to no puipose (cf. Altaieya Brillunana, III, 46, 2; Jaiminlya Upanisad +lhahmana, I, 2, 4) a tolerable sense is made as masculine. But I picfer Bohtlingk’s atyaji^amsat; +cf. Roth, Z./J.il/.G., XLVlir, 106 in. if at at is nom., cf. Introd , p. 56. In Mdnava Gihya +Sutia, 1,12,5, occuis: athainau dadhtmadhu samafnatal/, which Knauer (p. \liv) defends by +quoting the Aitareya Biahmana passage (VII, 22) and, Kuusltaki Brahmana, XXII, 1, and by the +fact that na in Pali occurs in the nora. (cf Muller, Pah Grammar , p. 88). Bohtlingk, Sachs. +Ber , 1896, p. 155 ; 1900, pp. 41S, 428, denies tlm use. + +4 As above in II, 4, 1. For a rather snmlai list, cf. J.iiiiiini)a Upanisad Brahunim, T, 60. + + + +230 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, 4 , 3- + + +by that organ, man would have enjoyed food by sending it forth alone. He +sought to grasp it by down-breathing. He obtained it. 5 Thus it is Vayu who +lays'hold of food, and Vayu is he who lives by food/ 5 He thought, ‘How can +this be without me ? ’ 7 He thought, ‘ By which way 8 shall I enter ? ’ He thought, +‘If speech distinguishes, if scent smells, if the eye sees, if the ear hears, if the +skin feels, if the mind thinks, if down-breathing digests, if the oigan sends foith, +what then am I? 1 Having split open the top of the skull he entered by that +door. That door is called vidrti, the place of happiness. 9 There are three 10 +dwelling-places of him, three dreams, this dwelling-place, and this, and this. +Born he looked tlnough all beings, to sec whether any one wished to proclaim + +c Vayu is derived from dvayat. The use of this causal foim is confined to this sense, but +is found both in Samhita and Biahmana. The sense is perhaps ‘ consumed * rather than ‘ seized \ +Possibly d vi is the source (Monicr-Williams’ Ditt.), but this is less likely; cf.J.A. O.S., XVII, + +53; hid. Stud, XV 1 IT, 24. _ . + +« Or he who gives life by food, as Sri}ana and Anaudatirtha take it, quoting Brhndaranyalca +Upanisad, II, 2, 1 ; annum dim a , IV, 3, 6, and Knnstlaki Upanisad, 111 , 2. Sayana dcscnbcs +the passage as Uwfodhmane. hoi the long scries of conditionals, ef. Whitney, Sansknt +Grammar, § 950;' Del brack, Altindische Syntax, p. 366; Speijei, Vedtuhe und Sanskrit - +Syntax, § 198* These cases are all normal: they nfer to a past unreal condition, for the +aet of creation is not conceded as continuous, and cornspond to the Latin pluperfect subject +or the Creek aorist indie, in protasis with av with aorist 111 apodosis. Mho form ag/ahanyat is +rcmaikable ; cf. Artaieya Bnihmnna, VI, 24: paryagrahaisam ; ibid., 35: pratyajagrabhaisam, +and see Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, §§ 904b, 1068a, for otliei cases of the anomaly. The +Supnriudhyfiya also contains the form a^rahaham, Wackcrnagel, Altindische Giant mat tk, +J,xxxii; see Mantiapatha, II, 8, 3 , agrabhaham \ cf. Bohtlingk, Z.D.M.G., LIV, 511, with +Bloomfield, ibid., XLV 111 , 577 * JA. O.S., XXV, 135. + +7 Sankaia illustrates by the metaphor, ‘Unless the lord the city keep, the watchers watch +in vain.’ There must be’the soul in the body. Sayana compares Brhadaiair>aka Upanisad, +III 4, 1. Contrast with Aristotle, Ik Annul), III, 5, is interesting. + +>K i.c. by the tip of the foot, as in IT, 1, 4, or the skull. Sayana connects the former with +the karmendriyas, the latter with the jildnendriyas. Anaudatirtha icfers to a variant in +Sankara’s commcntaiy antar for atah. It obviously must have been wiong, but it is woith +noting that fsnnkaia’s text was not vciy complete or ceitain. It is notewoithy that here +we have no hint of karman (cf. Bihadaranyaka Upanisad, 111 , 2, 13 sq.; IV, 4, 2-5). + +9 So called because connected with llaii, says AnandatTrtha. The Janmnlya Upanisad +Brahmana knows a nandana sdman and Samaveda, II, 631, a nandana svarga . + +10 These three aie variously interpreted. Sankara gives two explanations. Ihc nist is that of +right C } e inner mind, and ether 111 the heart. AnandatTrtha explains ihc mind as in the throat, +and identifies the heart with the ether, lie thus gets, in his own commentary, the triad, right +eye, throat, and heart, and so Colebrooke. Sayana as often follows him rather than Sankara, +and after him cites the Brahma Upanisad, III: nclre jdgantam vidydt kanthe svapnam samd- +dnet \ s us upturn hrdayasya til (al. hrdayastham ) I Sankaia and the others explain the states as +of waking diearning, and deep sleep, for all are sleep as compared with true knowledge of +brahman (^cf. Kaivalya Upanisad, XII). The other explanation is that referring to another +birth, \i 1. one’s own body, and those of one’s mother and father; this is no doubt quite +wrong, but Sayana reconciles the two theories by assigning two kinds of samsdra, dinavy a - +vahara and janmantarawikdra , to which the theoiics coirespond. + + + +-II, 4 , 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +231 + + +another self. 11 lie saw this person only as the most widely extended brahman }' 1 +1 have seen it, so he said. Therefore he was Idamdra by name, he was indeed + +11 Sank.11 a does not explain this passage. AnandatTrtha says that either he regarded it as +clear or his copyists (cf. n. 8) omitted it. His own explanation gives us a choice. (O lie +identified himself with creatures because he did not see the true self, i/i being used in the +sense of yanndt, or simply, he identified himself with creatures: he did not see the true +self, iti marking the close of the adhyaropa section. (2) The adhydiopa ends with d? K a\atha iti, +and with sa jata begins the apavdda. He examined the creatines separately, wluihei they had +jr <attah saita or not, and concluded that ‘there is nothing that 1 can call different from the tine +self’. Vadiydmt is given ioi vdi'adiuit. Sa) ana follows this one of Anand.itTxtha's explanations, +using some ol the actual words. Colebrooke has, ‘ W hat else ' s but him) can I here nflinn +(to exist)?’ S. Sltarama renders, ‘How should he speak of any other?’ and Rncr has, ‘How +could he desire to declaie any other thing difleient fiom him? ’ lxajaiama, ‘ Can any (element) +here call (the luler) diffeient?’ Max Muller and Dcussen tender, ‘ whether anything wished to +proclaim here another self.’ This must be right, or peihaps the subject should be ‘any person’, +the difference is, however, slight. This veision is suppoitcd by AnandatTrtha in Ins own +commentary, ilia bhilttat anyam matto ’nycun pravarlakam vdvadi^at him vadd, says Yisnu. +/ avadisat cannot refer to the subject of abhivyatkhyat and anyam must lefer to almdnam. +I'avadrsjit may be an intensive aoi. subj' , or the inj'unclivc of a desid. irom the intensive, both +rare forms (Whitney, Sanskrit (dammar, §§ 1019, 1025). ISIlakaiifha thinks this passage is +n ferred to in the Moksadhnrma, Mbh., XII, 10060, no doubt wiongly, see 1 >eussen’s tians., +p. - 193 . f or abhivyaikhyat , nbluvyaiksat should eertainly be read. The confusion between +khy and ks is vciy fiecjucnt 111 all sorts of MSS., cf. Weber, Ind. Stud., IV, 273; Hillebi.mdt’s +notes on Sankha)ana Srauta Sutia, IV, 12, 10; 15, 1 ; Gobhihi Grhya Sfifra, I, 3, 18 (Oldenberg, +S'.E.E., XXX, 21); Knauer, Mdnava Grhya Siltia, p. xxxv; Seheitelowitz, Die Apokiyphen +dcs Rgreda, pp. 174, 175, and at great length in his forthcoming work, Znr Stammbildun +&c , on kicchra ; Z.JKM.G., L, 42; \\ ackernngel, Altindisehe (//ammatik , l, 136; Epi^r. +Ind, IV', 122, piakhyiihtam for p> aksdlitam. The Nirukta, III, 20, already recognizes it and +uses it in connecting V khy a with iksa. On the other hand T, a South Indian MS., has the +correct °lait, though peihaps only by conjecture. Rojai.lma gives the Imin as Vedic for +abhivyakhyat, and no doubt a coni used remembrance of such a form may have helped to +keep the absurdity 111 the text when once it had fenced its way in. Vdvadisat he gives as +let of */vad. For dtmd lie accepts the etymology from *Zat, the ‘motor’ or ‘vital loicc’. +Gcldner ( Vediscln * Studien, ITT, 116, 117) adopts the etymology of Weber and Garbe {Pie +Sd mkhy a- Philosophic , p. 293) of lit man from >y /at and so denoting (1) the wandering wind, +(2) the samsdnn soul, whence come the other meanings, person, self, body, nature. It is +quite possible that the soul and the wind were deemed to be closely connected there arc +plenty of parallels—blit of corn sc in this case we cannot take samsarin in the technical sense. +The moic usual derivation is from \/an (Roth), while Deusseu {Allg. Gesch. rfer Phil., I, 1, +285 sq.) pielcrs to deii\e diman from two pronominal stems. No explanation as yet offered +is satisfactory, since none explains Vedic tmand, Sc c. (Wnckernagel, Altindische Grammatik , +I, 6r). Ilohtlingk’s conj. vdva dikt, ‘ to see if it referred to any one save himself,’ is good, but +not essential. + +12 The commentatois all read brahma separately, and though the sense would be much the +same this is better than to take brahmatatamam (with S text) as one word. The commentators +and translators all agree it is for tatatamam , and Dcussen compares dumisprapa/aram in +Cbandogya IJpanisad, V, 10, 6. We may also compare navamam ( — nava/amam according to +Max Muller in RV., V, 27, 3, see Oldenberg, S\ />. E., XLYI, 422) Varunavdyvitamam for +0 itatamam in V, 3, 2, though there the Jaimimya I'pani^ad Hi al un ana, T, 10, 1, leads pari- + + + +232 A 1 TAREYA ARANYAKA 11 , 4 , 3 - + +Jdamdra by name. Him who is Idamdra they call Indra 13 mysteriously. For +the gods love mystery. 14 + +Adhyaya 5. + +Jn man 1 he is from the first as a geim. 2 That seed is strength gathered from +all the limbs and he thus beais a self in his self. When he connects the seed to +the woman, then he causes it to be bom. That is his first biith. The seed +becomes the self of the woman like one of her own limbs. Therefore it huits her +not. She nourishes the self he has given her there. She, as nouiisher, is to be +nourished. The woman bears the geim. The man before the birth of the child +and thereafter 8 supports him. When he supports the child before its birth and + +yatanam , and foi a large number of somewhat similar (but olten doubtful) eases, Wackernagel; +Altmdisihe Grummatik, T, 280; II, i, 128; Macdonell, Vedic Grammar, pp. 58, 59; Bloomfield, +P. A.O.S., April, 1893, p. xxxv; A.J.P. , XVII, 416-418. Otherwise it might be translated +‘just that’ in accordance with Panint, V, 3, 93, for which use Bliilgavata Bur ana, X, 36, 28 is +also cited ; so Bohtlingk, and in (’h.iudogya, /. c. t ^ta/ia is now read. + +13 bor Indra as a designation of at man cf. II, 3, 7, n. 1. For adarUxm, L<*vi, p. 107. + +14 The phrase heic occurs m Aitaicya Bialnnana, III, 43, 1 : ity aiaksate paroksam parok - +uxldmd hi dev ah ; a similar but characteristically slightly different phrase occurs repeatedly 111 +Satapatlia Brnhinana, VI-X, but not in I V ; Weber, hid. Stud, XTII, 268; X, 127. Cf. also +Ui had.lt jrny.ika Upanisad, IV, 2, 2, where Indra is mjsteriously called Indha as the person in the +light c\e, for the same leason as heie. \\ intemitz (Gc^eh. dcr indiu/i. I itt, I, 161'I happily +coinpaies the ruldlis found in the Rgveda, the Atharvavcda, and the Yajurveda. The gods +require amusement as well as reverence. So also the gods must have animals to play with +(Macdonell, Vedic Mythology, p. 148; Gldenbeig, Religion des Veda, p. 74, and Keith,y. R. A.S., +1907, p. 936). Other examples of obscuiity aie Satapatlia Brahmana, VI, 1, r, 2; VII, 5, 1, +22 (\\ internit/., p. 177)- Mso Wintemit/, Manltapdtha, I, xxix, 11. Sankaia sums up the +lesult of this chapter in an interesting and polemical discussion of the atrnan as eternal and +unthinkable subject (U, pp. 50-64, tians. by S. STi.Iiaina, pp. 39 49); but what he says bears +rather on his system than on the Upanisad. See also Levi, La Jbet/ ine du Sae/ifuc , p. 38, n. 6. + +1 Sayana following Sankara thus sums up the icsnlt of the Upanisad in the intioduction +to this Adhjfiya. There is (1) In ah man undeveloped and truly real; (2) then adhyaropa m +(a) the fourteen woilds in b/ahmans egg, (b) vtrdj who regards the worlds as Ins body, +(c) the indnyas arising in his body, (d) the presiding deities, (e) the subjects of the indriyas +including man, (f) the food of the deities and its appropriation, (g) the thiee states of the self; +(3) the apavada , beginning with sa jdtah and ending with the end of II, 4, 3. This section +takes up as regards other biiths than the present the question of the three states of the soul. +This section seems to be referred to in the Moksadharma, Mbh., XII, 10862, and 9494. Cf. +Satapatha Brahmana, XI, 2, 1, 1 ; Levi, p. 107. For the egg, cf. Coinpcr/, Greek Thmke/s, I, 93. + +u This simple and early narrative should not, of course, be explained by the paiiidgnixddyd +ns Sayana proposes, but is much earlier in conception. Anandatiitha explains the whole as +a question of the diffeient manifestations of Visnu. The edd. except Sitaiama and U and Rajarama +punctuate at retas, but the comm, and the parallelism yad etad—tad etad gre .in favour of the +other punctuation. The sense is the same. Bohtlingk’s enam ( - dtma/mm) is not essential. + +5 The commentators here differ. Sankara and Aiiaridatlrtha in his likd take (1) janmano +'gre as ‘before bnth’; (2) agra era as jdtamdtram ; (3) ad hi as ‘after birth’. This seems +prcfeiable, except that a^/a eva must be considered as explained by janmano 'gre. Anarnla- +tiitha m his bha)ya explains (1) as above; (2) as agryah , sa/vaguudgi yah ; ^3) ad hi as + + + +-II. 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +=33 + + +thereafter, lie suppoits in tiuth himself, for the continuation of these woilds. 4 +hor thus are these woilds continued. This is his second biitli. This self* is +appointed for holy deeds. The other self having 1 done its duty and attained old +age dcpaits, and departing lienee is born again. This is his third biith. 6 +A poet says (RV., IV, 27, 1), ‘ Within the womb, I learned all the races of these +gods. A hundied bia/en lorts 1 entrained me, but like a hawk 1 escaped swiltly +downwind.’ 7 Vilmadeva lying in the womb thus de clared this. Knowing this, he + +adhtkatvena. Savona renders (1) agra era as piasavat piag eva ; (2) janmano 'gre as prasavad +urdhvam ; (3) cuihi as adhikatvena , apparently bon owing this fioni Anandatlitha s bhasya. The +seivices befoie and alter birth which Rajarama Ramakisiia Bhagavata alone recognizes, as +appaiently also Colebiooke, are explained as the iiouiislnng the mothei and pel funning the +usual ceremonies before and after bnth. It is just possible, liowcvei, that adlnbhavayati is +the verb, and the lefeience is only to what is done befoie bnth. Bohtlingk omits agio, + +4 Contrast the late and elaborate passage m K.uisTtaki Upanisad, 11 , 15. The passage, +JaiminTja Upanisad Bialnnana, 111 , 11, is fundamentally different. + +6 lliat is the son. 1 he following passage is quoted by Sahkaia on Bihadaiamaka Upanisad, + +P- 307 ; + +6 Sank a 1 a explains that as father and son aio one a f Rian (cf. V, 3, 3), the three births aie +correct. Sayana sajs either (1) the atman being one, it has thiec huths, two as son, one as +father; or (2) the two births of the son have analogies in the case of the father and that of the +father 111 the case of the son, so that each has thiee bmhs. The thud bnth is taken by the +commentators as icbuth 111 heaven, hell, or in the woild of men. Probably, as theie is no +proof that the Upanisad knows the doctrine of transmigration, it rcfcis to being horn m the +next world, an idea familiar 111 the Bialunanas (cf. Macdoncll, i'edn Mythology , pp. 16S, 169 ; +.Sanski it J Alt'ratine, pp. 223, 2 24) which diltcrs essentially from transmigration, i. e. bnth into +this world again, see JUeussen, Philosophic dcr Upanishads, pp. 294, 295; K. T., pp. 325 sq ; + +I. evi, pp. 96, n. 1, 97, 11. 1; 11 lllebiandt, Ped Myth , II, S; contia, Gcldncr, Vcdische .S iudien, + +II , 288 ; Bohtlingk, Satin. Per., 1893, p. 92. For vayo-gata, see Wackernagel, Altindiuhe +(lrammatik , II, 1, 190. + +7 This veisc is veiy obseme in this connexion. Sankara, Anandatiitha, and Sayana all explain + +it as refemng to the innumerable bodies thiough which Vamadeva had passed until he obtained +inukti thiougk knowledge. This meaning cannot be got fiom the passage. The context seems +to show that it only means that Vamadeva. knew the ilnce bulbs ot atman , and so escaped and +became immortal. The doctrine of niukti is not appaiently known to the wilier of the +Upanisad. If it wcie, it would be made clear. I* 01 the meaning of the verse in the original 1 f. +Pcigaigne, Rcl. Ill, 322; Kggeling, SHE., XXVT, xx, 11. 1; Roth, /.. I), A/ (/ , + +XXWI, 353; llillebraudt, Zed. Myth, 1 , 2S2 ; and especially Bloomfield, J.A.O..S., +XVI, 1-24, who explains the in)th as icfcrnng to Agin. When the cloud is lent in +the storm, the lightning (=(yena) bleaks fiom the cloud and simultaneously the Soma flows +upon the earth. Sayana in his Rgvedic commentary follows this passage. On RV'., IV, 26, i, +Sayan a says that Vamadeva, who had in his mothei's womb the knowledge of Brahman, sets +foith that knowledge of the identity of himself and Brahman, in the verses ahum Mauur, &c. +(so Satapatha Brahmana, IV, 4, 2, 21 and 22V So [Sayana] on Athaivavcda, XV 1 IT, 3, 15 ; sa +khalu garbhdvastha eva saint ntpannatattvajfianah svasya sdrvufmyain anuuinuladhau. Sieg +{Die Sagenstoffe des Rgveda, pp. 76 sq.J holds, 110 doubt, rightly lhat the idea is not found +in the RV. passage, but no conclusion as to the prionty o( the Satapatha Brahmana, l.i. t +can of course he drawn fium the fact that no mention is theie made of the legend, which +ma> quite well have been known to the Satapatha, though not icfeircd to. Ills veisiou + + + +234 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, + + +stepped foitli after the destruction 8 of the body, and having enjoyed all delights +in the world of heaven he became immortal. 9 + +Adhyaya 6. + +Who is he 1 whom we meditate on as the self? 2 Which is that self? That +by which one secs, by which one hears, by which one smells scents, by which +one foims speech, by whuh one disciiminates sweet and sour? That which is +the heait and the mind, 3 perception, injunction, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, +vision, fitmness, thinking, considering, helping, memory, resolution, will, breath, +love, and desire ? 4 All these are only names of knowledge. 5 That (self) is + +(pp. SS S(| , cf. Pischel, Valin/ie Studicn, I, 211 sqA of this verse takes the last part as meaning, +‘Then came the eagle; thiongh the swift one {javani as an adj.) I escaped,’ the speaker being +(as in IV, iS; Indra himself. Sicg reconstructs the myth as one in which Tndra even before +both desires lordship over the gods, who theufoie try first to prevent his birth and then seek +to rcstiain him, until he escapes by the eagle’s aid. This is very ingenious but not proved. + +8 Sa) t) abhanddt accoiding to AnandatTitha. After death, Sankaia and .Say an a. This seems +cutniu and is followed by the translators including Sitar.uua and Kajaiama. + +u The end ol this section is, Say ana says, to produce disgust with the body and with +the scries of liws undergone by the unenlightened. There is no trace of this in the original. +Kajaiama Ramakrsna Bh.Ignvnta has an oiiginal view of this section (ed., Bombay, 1898, p. 7). +lie takes it ns (haling with (a) the seminal soul which as Iransfeiied has its first buth, +(b) the second birth as a human being, (c) death and rest in the indestructible heaven. + +‘ The third sleep is the sleep ot death beginning in this, and ending in the heavenly world.’ +This veision ol the Upamsad—though coloured by Christian influences—vet seems to me to +recognize the faet that transmigration is not refeiicd to. Similaily he derives from 11 , 4, 3 +that the human brain is entered by the highest spirit and so becomes worthy of life. + +1 This Adhyaya is the final answer to the questions proposed; upasmahe may also he +translated ‘worship’ or ‘seivice*. Colebrookc takes it: ‘What is this soul? that we may +worship hnn.’ + +3 Max Muller and Bohtliugk read ko yam, but .Sankara undoubtedly took it as ko 'yam ; +and though awkward the constiuction is not impossible, cf. KV., Vlli, 4, V., XV, + +257. Kata) ah no doubt refers to the two views ol at man hinted at in IT, 4, 3 and here + +developed as a mere spirit or a central function. + +3 The idea that tlieie is one central function is clearly heie developed, and this denial +that the sciisls, Sec. aie essentially different is cieditable to the thought of the Upanisad. It +is the idea developed in the Thcactetu r, 184 sq.; Republic , 533 sq. Cf. Kausltaki Upanisad, 111 ; +Kihadarnnyaka Upamsad, T, 5, 3, which is the famous asseition that it is by mauas man secs + +and hears.. See Deussen, op. cit., p. 246; K. T , p. 273. Sayana endeavours to disciiminate + +fudayam and mauas as btiddhi and mauas, but Sankara regards them as one. The constiuction +is eleaily as taken in the translation, though Koer and STtarama differ. + +* That these teims, which icmind us of the later meaningless Buddhist repetitions, had +ever any definite meanings is most impiobablc. Sankara rendeis them thus: samjildnam — +u tanabhdvah, ajiidnam — Hvarabhdvah, vijilanam—kalddiparijfldnam, prajfidnam —pra/flald, +rncdhd = yt anthadharanauima) thyam, dr stir = indriyadvdrd sarvavisayopalabdhih, dhrtir - +dhai anarn, maltr = mananam, manful = svfitantryam, jutis = cetaso rujadiduh hhitvabhdvah, +snntih - smaranam, samkalpah =* iuklakt y/ddibhdveua samkalpanam riipddindm, kratur - +odhyavdulyah, asuh = prdnanddijfvanakriydnimittd vrttih, kdmah = asamnthitavitaydkdnkw +t> yja, 7 edab - strnyalikarddyabhilasah . Anaiidatirtha’s explanations arc, in order, samyak/fidna, + + + +►II, 6 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +235 + + +brahman , e Indra, Prajapati, all the gods, the five great elements, 7 earth, air, ether, +water, lights, .all these and those which are mixed with small as it were, 8 seeds of +\arious kinds, born of eggs, born from the womb, boin fiom heat, 0 born from +germs, 10 horses, cows, men, elephants, and all that breathes, whether it walks or + +dtatajildna , lavidhajildna , prakt dajildna, avhp> dajnana, datiana, dhdrana , tndsn pra wanes n +tatalvdn nmli/i , brahma duidni itatvam , sarvaptemna, sarresu deiakalem svat iipesu <a saniam +ramatc , satvaklpli, san'akatrtvam auina, amrtananda , svatanttatva. S.lvana borrows fiom +both; he refers samjiidnam to samyak , inedha to grant hatadaj thadhiii ana/n , juiih to 01 + +as in Sankara, samkalpah to tiw/nhine 'pi raduni samyaktvena kalpanam ; for the rest he +follows faithfully Sankara. Kajaiama icndcis : ‘ consciousness, dncction, sagacity, intelligence, +retentive povvtr, understanding, courage, power of thinking, freedom of thought, intrepidity, +memory, will, capacity, wtality, ambition, obedience.’ bohtlingk makes these subjects and +p/ aj fid net ram pi edicate. + +5 This may fanly be construed as an assertion of the pie-eminence of knowledge. The +parallel passage 111 the Kausitaki Upanisad, 111, is clcaily later, for it combines elaboiately +the doctrine of prana (*ee II, 1-3, above) and that of prajiid. The relations cannot be reveised. + +6 Possibly masculine as Sankaia, Anandatirtha, and Sayana think, followed by Colcbiooke, +Koer, Sltaiiima, Rajuuima, Max Muller, bohtlmgk, and Dcussen. but this is not necessaiy nor +likely in view of the neuter below, and brahman (111.1 is not found as a deity in the Aitaicva +bruhmana (but only as pnest, p. 6<S). The oceuircnce 111 MaitrayanI Samhitu, II, 9, 1, is +interpolated, v. ftclnoeder, hid. Lit ., p. <;r, n. 1, Muir, Sansk. 7 'twts, V, 323, (in<ls the masc. +in various Satapatha passages, unnecessarily, but it ocaus, c. g. Kausitaki Upanisad, 1 , 3. +The masc. is naluial and is helped b) the following masc. + +7 r l his passage is idled on by Dcussen top, cit,, ]>. 16S; K. T., pp. 1S3, 18C) in suppoit +of his view (accepted by Macdonell, SamAnt I i(e>a(utc , pp. 217 si], aud Wnilcinit/, (JiSih , der +uidisch. I tit., T, 205) of the lateness of the Aitaieva Upanisad. but there is nothing in the +expression itself to demand a late date, and the fact that the version in the Upanisad of the +ueation is so detailed, instead of being a proof of lateness, may rather be consideied a sign +of eaily date, when the ueation still was considered a real act and the doclune of the +omnipresence of la ah man as consciousness was not so fully developed. The passages, +bihailrunnyaka Upanisad, 1,4,7; Ch.uidogya Upanisad, VI, 2,3, both contain a reference to +name and form, a conception familiar to buddhism but not apparently at all eaily’. The +Taittniya, 11 , 6 , is evidently a meie thun/e of a well-known doetiiue. but that Upanisad +bears conspicuous traces of lateness; indeed it alieady quotes SI okas very often and becomes +(juasi-mctncal, while it knows the Atharvangiiases (II, 3) and has a much developed thorny +of the koias of d/wan. For the elements |dtlaia •*- empty space), see bohtlingk, baths. her., +T9 00 , pp. 149-151 ; Keith, /. R. A. .V., 1909, July. + +s Mixed with small (Sankara). Ira he calls meaningless. Cf, \, 1, 2,11. 3 ; HI, 2,6. * Mixed +fiom smaller poitions (of the former)’ is Koer’s version, which is no doubt the sense. The +others of various soits are opposed to the gicat elements. Colcbrooke has: ‘joined with minute +objects and other seeds.’ + +u .Sankara explains as yukddini which Anandatlitha accepts. Sayana renders krimidaniiddJni. +The word does not occur in the Chandogya Upanisad, \J, 3, 1, but it is impossible to accept +that as a valid proof of later date since such lists (cf. those of the p/anas, T, 3, 7; 4, 1) +vary enormously in the same book. In jdrujdni , cf. jam, Jaimmlya bruhmana, II, 430, 6 +(J. A. O.S., XIX, 100); Bohtlingk’s jardytt is not necessary. For a similar list cf AnuglU, +Mhh., XIV, 1134. ^ + +10 Rendered by Sankara vrksddTni, by Anandatirtha hhuvam hhiltvd jdtdni t> nddTni, and +by Sayana tarugulmddini. Rujuruma has ‘ shoot-boin’. The foiin is normal and is not a case + + + + +236 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +II, 6- + + +flies, and what is immovable'. All that is guided by knowledge, it rests on +knowledge. The world is guided by knowledge. Knowledge is its foundation. 11 +Knowledge is brahman. lie 12 by his knowing self having left this world and +having obtained all delights in the world of heaven became immoital. + + +Adhyaya 7. + +My speech rests on mind, my mind on speech. Be thou revealed to me. 1 + +of jy — dy for udbhidya (cf. Schcftelowitr, Ztir Starnmbildiing in den indo-^crmanischcn +Sprat hen, § 10). + +11 The question is whether this justifies an attiihution to the author of the doctrine that +knowledge alone exists. Tt is quite open to aigue that we only are given the doctrine that +the world is guided by knowledge, which leaves us with a final dualism. I think probably +the author went fiuthei and intended to assent the origin of all liom knowledge, cf. II, p +It so, he represents exactly the later Blragavata view, 11 perhaps that of Badaiavaua, of the +natuie of leality. The self, 01 god, is conceived as creating the material world as a reality, b +but the exact nature of the creation is left vague. The relation of brahman and diman is +likewise left vague, a mere identification such as may have been meant being of little value. +But of couise none of the questions had vet clearly presented themselves. Cf. Thibaut, S./i. E ., +XXXIV, xcvii s<j. jXLYIil, lntiod , for Ramanuja's view, and my reviews of Deiissen’s Philosophic +der Cpannhadi, J. R. A. .S’., 1906, pp. 590 sip, and of Ills Vierphilosophiuhc 7 'ex/e, J. R. A. S ., +19°7, ])]>. 46.2 sq.; Grierson, J. R. A. S. } 190S, p. 361. Rajaraina rendeis prajMna ‘source of +intelligence \ + +u Accoidmg to Sankaia, this refers to Vamadeva, see JI, 5. + +1 dvn dvir ma edhi is apparently the con eel leading, hut the second dvir is very curious. +Say ana escapes the difficulty by equating the dvir to svapialdsam brahmacaitanyam and taking +it as a vocative, the rendering dvir cdhi as prakati bhava, which (though followed by Cole- +brooke) is unfortunately ijurle impossible. The phrase dvir + \bas, Sc c. is not at all rate, e. g. +RV., T, 31, 3: dvir bhava Vivdsvate (wheie Bergaigne, Rel. Vt ( d. } I, 55, conjectuies, no +doubt rightly, bhavah, sec Oldenberg, .V. />. E., XIA I, 25); I, 146, 4; IV, 10, S ( = AV., XX, +77, 8) ; I, 16; V, I, 9: dvh ydsmai ear utamo babhutha; V, 2, 9: (Agni) dvir vitvam k>)title +rriahitva, V 11 , 103, S; AV., XII, 1, 60, anil dvir dvir edhi (as read m K) would ho perfectly +natural, but could hardly have been corrupted rrrto the traditional text. I would suggest that +we have here in external combination an example of the working of the tendency which causes +is in internal combination to be lengthened where it is pait of the stem (e. g. diih, sajtVi, +see Macdoncll, J'idii Grammar, p. 10; Wackeinagel, Alttndische Grarnmatik, T, 42,43; II, +1, 126). This point may he noted in favour of the view that in avis the vis is part of the stem +(cf. Si. Petersburg Dictionary, s. v.). With the whole should be compared Manava Grhya Sutra, +I, 4, 4: which has van me rnanasi pratisthild mano me vdci pratisthitam dvir ayur rnayi dhehi +vidasya vdnih (sic) si hah, and, pieceding all this, after the woids pi dk svisiakrto } tha japa/i, +the words riant vadisydmt to the end. The reading vdnih is no doubt wrong, bc.ng a +conuplion of ma dni by Sandhi, mdni with h incorrectly restored (it of course would in any +case in most MSS. disappear before sih). It appeals from Knauei’s Cnt. Note (p. 6) that + +a Cf. Rajaraina Ramakrsna Bhagavala’s ed., p. 7, where he finds in IT, 6 the doctrine that all +has its source in the highest spirit. + +b Cf. \\ indelbaml, History of Philosophy, pp. 252 sq. + + + +-n, 7 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +237 + + +You are the two pins 2 of the Veda. May my lore forsake 3 me not. I join day +and night with what I have learned. I will proclaim the real, I will proclaim the +true." 1 May this protect me, may this protect the teacher. May it protect me, +may it protect the teacher. + +vdnTh is a conjecture of his : the text MSS. in I, 4, 4 have either vdndfii or 7uinT, while, ibid. S, +all save one ( vdnor/i ) have vdm. Only one l’addhati (cf. p. iv) has vdnim, obviously ail error +foi 7 'duoffi (which of couise (cf. V, i,6, n. 4^ is the Saiulhi of rd/t: oni), if it is not a mere +misreading of the MS. Theie is thus no real support for rd/iT/j (how exactly l>r. Knancr +would take it, I am not sure\ and in the Manava (Jrh)a Sutra the simple Sandhi mdintd +for nie + dtmd is actually found in I, 3, 2 (so also I, 9, 11 : 7>ida? d\l° \ T, 11, 16: vih'ddi, &c., +see Knauer, p. xxxix). Probably nidnl lead to the moic intelligible (to the scribe) vdni. + +f'or van. See., Knauer, who does not notice the Aitareya passage, quotes P.uaskara Grliya +Sutra, 1 , 3, 25; laittirlya Snmhita, V, 5, 9, 2; TnittiiTya Aianyaka (Andhra text), X, 72 ; +Athaivavcda, XIX, 60, 1. There is also the parallel version in Sunkhuvana Aranvaka, VII, r, +where vcdaulntntu'n niTh takes the place of 7'edeisya, See. This may perhaps mean 'hidden in’, but +probably wc have a mere corruption ; see my translation. The Mantras are no doubt old enough. +Golebiookc, who comments on the use of Mantra as applicable to part of an Lfpnnis.ul, rendeis, + +‘ May my speech be founded on understanding, and my mind be attentive to my uttciance.’ + +1 Ananayasanmtthe , Sayana. Colebiooke lenders, 'For my sake (o speech and mind') +nppioach this Veda ; ’ perhaps leading nuinu. Pi. Scheftelowitz takes it as ‘ navel ’. The word +in the Rgvedn, T, 35, 6, See. (cf. Maedonell, Vedie G? ammar, p. 39b seems to refei to the pin of +the axle of a cart, and the metaphor is natuial enough ; cf. Leumnnn, Kt. Wo?/., p. 31. + +3 piahdsTh may be a second person, e>r a problematic thiid person based on a false analogy +(cf. W hitney, Sanskrit Orotnmar , § 889 ; Weber, fieri. S/tz., 1S95, p. 830), or an enor for ptahdsit. +lhecisely the same diffeience of rending occurs in Klula, IV, 8, 5, U utdm ?>ie nut p?d hddh, +where Peterson's MS. h.ts hdsit, and cf. Manava Srauta Sutia, H, 1, 2, 3b (Jidsif) with Taittnlya +Samhila, TTI, I, J, 2 (fidsT/i), in the same phrase, dtk^e rnd md hdsiJi), and in ITirnnyakeii +(irhya Sntra, I, 6, 20, 1, yathdsat for yathdsah (Oldenberg, .S’ li. E., XXX, 189). Scheftelowitz +renders: ‘das von mir Celioite moge man nieht verspotteii vermittcls des Krleinten,’ taking +hduh from *Jhas. The long d would be unusual,* but in any case a derivation fiom Vhd +seems preferable in point of sense and is suppoited by Athaivaveda, VT, 41, 3; Taittinja +Aianyaka, TV, 42 (Anandasrnina ed., pp 352, 355). The tianslation will be hteially: ‘O lore, +forsake me not,’ reading s?uta. peihaps, as the notn. is unusual, and the neuter voc. is +perfectly well supported (cf. Delbruck, Altimhsihe Sy?itax, § 66), and the reading iruta ?ne +is easily corrupted into frutam me, cf. Lanman’s note on Whitney, A/fian>a Veda, XVJ 11 , + +2, 31 Whitney, P.A.O.S., Oct, 1887, p. x\v, and my note in J. R. A. S., 1907, p. 225, +although the nominative can stand, cf. Winternit/, Meuitrapdtha, J, p. xviii. 11 For the sense +cf. Atharvaveda, 1, 1, 4; Taittiiiya Upanisnd, I, 4, r. + +4 From here to the end this is identical with the Taittirlya Upnnisad, Siksavalli, 1, 1, or +Taittiriva Aranyaka, V 1 T, r, 1: The sense of aho?d(?d?i is no doubt, ‘ I work all day ami +night,’ as Sayana takes it. Colebrookc renders, 4 Day and night may I behold this, whieh +I have studied.’ In III, 1, 2, the ncut. is used. + +11 Coinpaie, however, sdksye which Whitney, no doubt rightly, reads in Atharvaveda, TI, 27, + +5 , although the foim elsewhere is always s.i/.\ye, and III, 1, 6, 11. 5. Ahaut , given as only +giammatical by Whitney (Roots, &*<., p. 203), is.found in the Dasakuinaraearita (Buhler, Ind . +Ant., XXI 11 , 147). + +h See also my note in /. A’. A. .S'., 1908, pp. 1124 sq. + + + +238 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +III, 1,1- + + +ARANYAKA III + +Adhyaya 1 . + +Nfxt comes the Upanisad of the Samhitfi text. The former half 1 is the earth, +the latter half the heaven, their union the air, says Mandnkeya. The union is the +ether, 2 so proclaimed Maksavya. ‘ For it is not considered independent, 3 and so +I do not agree with his (M&nrluka’s) son/ he said. 1 They are alike 4 and it is +considered independent/ said Agastya; for the air and the ether are both alike. +So far as regards the deities. Now as regards the self. ‘ The former half is speech, +the latter half the mind, their union is the breath/ so said SiiravTra Mandnkeya. +Then said his eldest son, ‘ The former half is mind, the latter half is speech. For +by mind one first resolves and then utters speech. Therefore is mind the first +half, speech the second half, and tiutli their union.' It is indeed alike •’ with both, +father and son. This compact of mind, speech, breath, is like a chariot 0 with +three horses. He who knows thus this union, obtains children/ cattle, fame, + +1 e. g. in - t ifniw tie, m is purinn upam, t uttaiarfipam, and ml Snmhita (Sly an a), lor +all this Aranyaka, cf. Sankhfi)ana Aianyaka, VIT, VIII, printed in Appendix, and my trans¬ +lation, pp. 41-56. + +a AkaUi is rendered 'void' by Bohtlingk in his translations of Ch.lndogya and Bihadora- +nyaka Upanisads; see IT, 6, n. 7, contra, Whitney, P. A. 0. .V., Oct., 1890, p. Ini. + +li This is not at all easy. Alette (like dadrie , if, 1,3; S') seems to be passive, because it +is difficult to make out a translation cither as ntUttivdn (Si!)ana) or mattye (AnandatTrtha). +The subject must be vdyuh , and the sense must be as in Sruana (cf. Sankara 011 Taittirl)a + +Upanisad, III, 10. 4; Max Muller, S./J.E. , XV, 68,11. 1) that vdyu is included in akdta and + +theicfore is infeiior to it. AnandatTrtha takes put re tut as refeiring to the fact that dkdla is + +the father ot vdyu. The subsequent identification he explains on the ground that vCtyu is + +the stronger. In Taitthiya Upanisad, T, 3, 2, the earth, sky, etliei {j*emttta> t/:fd, Sank.ua) and +vdyu are given as the lour faetois. Aya is obscuic: it may be a gen. - dat. and icier to +Mandnkeya, or possibly a vague reference (cf. Rgvcda Piatisfikhya, I, 2) to the subject, helped +by such genitives as that in V, 1, 1. + +4 Samdtte is nc-nt., probably because mate is understood, or peihaps it is fern. The solution +is that the two views are equally correct, because in updmnds it is not things but words that +are considered (Sayana). AnandatTrtha lightly takes the last woids as giving the opinion of +Mahaitareya.* Otherwise they must be Agastja’s in which he concuis. Max Muller reads, as S, +u'/i, but it is not in B or the other MSS. and it is merely a misunderstanding of the commentator. + +f ’ They give a similar result, and so aie alike, and equally justifiable, tta hy updsand +vadu tat tram ape/: sate. For man as and vac, see L£vi, La Doctrine du Sacrijhe , pp. 30, 31. + +" Visnu is made the subject by Anandatntlia. The real subject is clearly the meditation +on the Samhita. For three horses, cf. RV., I, 39, 6; 100, 17; VI, 47, 24; \III, 7. 28. The +metaphor recurs constantly in different forms in Sanskrit Uiteiature, e. g. Mbh., XIV, 1427 sq. +'l’he analogy with the I'/tacdrus , 246, is obvious. For satnhatah cf. RV., Ill, i, 7; Oeldner, +Vcdtuhc tStudien, I, 164. + +7 Anandatntlia rendeis the childicn as ptajildna , and the cattle as Vedas. Sayana with + + + +-Ill, I, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +2 39 + + +glory, and the world of heaven. He lives all his days. So teach the Mart da- +kcyas. 8 + +2. Then comes (the teaching) of Sakalya. 1 The first half is the earth, the +second half the sky, their union is rain, Paijanya is the uniter. Thus it is when +he rains strongly and continuously for day and night, then people say, * Earth +and heaven have united/ So far as regards the deities. Now as regards the self. + +Sankara regards this Upanisad as intended for persons who are neither fit for mukti (If, 4-6) +nor even for union with lliranyagarbha (II, 1-3). + +8 This section gives us the views of ceitain Mandfikcyas. The Mandfikcyas occur in Kgvrda +l’ratisakhya, § 200, and in the Pin ana tradition (^ Weber, Ind. Mud., II, 100 sq ; III, *35^. +Scheftclowitz, Die Apokrypheu des Pgvcda, p. 1 2, has levivcd the theory that ceitain of the Khiias +represent parts of their Smphita, but of. Oldcnberg’s review, Dolt. gel. Anz , 1907, pp. 218 sip, and +my review,/. A‘.A. S , 1907, pp. 226 sq. The word Upanisad 111 this section clearly means ‘ secret +doctrine’. This is certainly the earliest sense of the woid (derived, no doubt, from teaching in +the forest, which was done for the sake of secrecy, ef. Intiod., p. 15). T cannot accept Dcusscn's +view {Philosophic der Upanishads , pp. 13 sq.) that the earliest sense was ‘secret woid’ (a ease +like tajjaldn, Sec), then ‘ seciet text ’, then ‘ secret sense ’ of a 1 itual action. The earliest sense may +well have been ‘secret meaning’ of a ritual action, whence it seems to me the other meanings +are veiy easily derived. Dcussen’s thcoiy is bound up with Ins view of the Ksalrijns as +propounded of a seciet lore, as to which ef. Introd , pp. 50 sq. ; 111, 2, 6, n. ji. I agice +with Dcitssen, however, and with Winleinitz {Geuh. deritidiu h. I it t., J, 208,11.) in rejecting Olden- +bcig’s view (Z. D. M. G., L, 458 sq.) of Upanisad as updsaud. .See, however, also Z.D MG., Id V, +70 sip, and Max Muller's view 111 1869, Apveda PiatiSakhya, p. iv; Hopkins, Pel. of India, p. 218. + +A muddled vcision of this section occurs in the Kgvcda Piatisakhja. 1 , 2 ; 3 Mohdukcyah +sa min Id m idy um oh a tat ha ho'a m idya Makuivya cr>a | saindnatdin anile id m bare ea niotvd- +gadyo 'vipai 1 hard in tad tva || 2 || adhyaimaklptan Suravirah sutah 0 - <a vdninauasoi vivadanty +dnupunye | sand he 1 vivartanam nirbhujam vadanti ianddhak^oroudi amain ca piolinnani || 3|| +Sec Max Muller, pp. lti-vi. '1 he Sankhayana lias, \ II, 2, an attempt at an impioved vcision +reading in one MS. pai ihvi tah in both cases. Pohtlmgk, in the smaller Di,t., 1 , 1 30, rendus +avipai ihrta as ‘ identic’, but this makes no sense. The lefeience in the Tralisakliya is of course +valuable as giving Satinaka’s date as a tn minus ad quent for the lowest date of the Aianyaka. + +1 It refers to the case of iko yan an, Tanim, VI, 6, 77, i.c. where vowels like i become +y before* a. A fouith party is introduced. Sakai)a must of couise be the great grammaiian +to whom the Samhtta is ascribed, and this gives us not a very ancient date for this Upanisad. +Put it need not have been wnttcn long after Sakalya. Rather it seems to be caily. l*or +Sakalya’s date see Introd., p. 71. TTe must piobably go back to 700 n.c. (ieldner {Vedisihe +Studien, III, 144 sq.) considcis that Sakalya must be identical with Yid.igdha Sakalya mentioned +in the fsatapatha Prahmana, XI, 6, 3; XLV, 6, 9 ^sec Webei, hid. Stud., IX, 277 gq. ; J„dian +Intel at me, p. 33) and identified with the maker of the podapatjia by the \ ayu I’uiana, l.X, +58. lie was therefore a contemporary of Arum and Vajhavalkya in opposition to Oldenbeig’s +view {Prolegomena, np. 371 sq.) which refers him to the end of the Piahmana peiiod. b Weber +(be.) thinks that Sdkala in the Aitaieya Piahmana, III, 43, 5, refers to his school, but the + +a sutds, which is wrong in fact, illustrates the inaccuracy of the reproduction. + +b Geldncr evidently takes a much more respectful view of the antiquity of these sages than +I would. I think it quite possible to hold that Sakalya and they belong alike to the end of the +Piahmana period. On the other hand 1 think Iloernh’s dating .Osteology, pp. 106 sq.) wiong; +see Z. D. M. G 1908, pp. 138, 139 ; f R. A. S , 190S, p. 368. + + + +240 + + +A1TAREYA AR.ANY.AKA + + +III, 1, 2- + + +Evcry man is egg-like, 2 there are two halves, they say; 3 this is the earth, this +is the heaven, and between them is the ether, just as there is the ether between +earth and heaven. In this ether 4 the breath is fixed, as is the air in that ether. + +reference is too fir-fetched to be woitli consideration—indeed such comparisons hinder rather +than aid progress. The evidence of the Vayu Purana is worthless. Identifications arc easy +and obvious, and we cannot tell that we have a piece of tradition at all. The fact that the +Aitareya Biilhmana does follow the rule of Sakalya (Panini, VI, I, 12S), that a before r becotnes +a and that a may remain, cannot prove that Sakalya is prior to it: the icvcisc may be the +ease. As Geldner admits, the RV.—and the Aitareya Brahmana is in the same position—do +not follow his rule (VI, 1, 127) as to f u before dissimilar vowels, and we are left with grave +doubts whether Geldnei’s view that Sakalya was merely to Panini the author of the facia pa (ha +and author of the Pratisakhya is sound. The fact therefore remains that when Aitareya +Brahmana, III, 46, recognizes bhavdsi fthbhih as the pronunciation, it cannot have befoic it +Sakalya’s text, unless we admit (which is loo bold) that the Samhita is later than Sakalya. +1 piefer, therefore, Oldenberg’s date of Sakalya, and 1 would lay stress on the fact that 111 +the Aranyaka he is Sthavira Sakalya, a in the Brahmana Vidagdha. These names are too +distinct to permit of identification. The Sakalya of the Pratisakhya is likewise Sthavira and +must be the same as the man here. 1 ' + +2 Atidam (later anda, cf. W'acheinagel, Altindtschc Grammahk , I, 171; Macdonell, Vt'dic +G> am Mar, p. 33, n. 14) amlasadrlam vat navtkdrak chan da sah (Sayana). The ncut. is note¬ +worthy as compniatively rare in Sanskrit. Cf. Aitareya Jhahmana, VII, 13: krfanam ha du- +httd ; also II, 3, 5, madhyam dtma, &c. Paiallels aie common in Greek and Latin (ovk aya 0 bv +iroXvKotpavtT}, Monro, Homeric Grammar a , p. 166; malum mi hi -aide tar ( esse ) mors, Cicero, + +"*y«.rc., I, 5,9). The use is thus substantival rntliei than adjectival as is cleaily felt in the case +of madhyam . See also the stiiking case, Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, I, 4, 3: tdsmad idam +ardhabrgaldm iva svah (so Bohtlingk, Chrestomathie 2 , p. 357; Max Muller, S Id. E ., XV, 85, +11. 3). In id nu theie is a lengthening found also in the Aitareya Brahmana in piosc +(Aufrecht, p. 427) with id also. Ct. Wackernagel, Altindische Grammalik, I, 312 ; U, 3, 8,n.9. + +3 ‘ They say’ can hardly icfer to the following woids, as Max Muller takes it, though this is +paitly suppoited by the last words of the section. + +4 Jasmin hasmin is ceitainly curious. The Sahkliayana parallel, VII, 3, is a correction and +thiows no light. The MS. evidence is stiong and Anaiidatirtha renders it as fasmiu ha asm in. +Pci haps s m in stands for asm in (ef Muller, Pah Grammar , p. 2 4) and ha is the particle. No loot +or base ha exists fiom which hasmin could naturally be formed. Su).ana ignores the point, and +may possibly have read tasminn as min as does Rajendialala, but this is unlikely. The cor¬ +rection has min leaves the erroi unexplained. It is to be noted that in the Sunah&epa legend, +Aitaieya Biahmana, VII, 13, the MSS. read: id ha smd dkhydya, which Aufrecht keeps in the +text and gives (p. 43O as one of the grammatical enors of the Brahmana. The parallel Saiikha- +jana text has merely id. Bohtlingk in his Chrestomathie 3 , p. 351, and Sachs. Per., 1900, p. 418, +amends to hdsmd and claims that Sayana bears this out. But Siiyana’s note while showing that he +took smd as equivalent to asmai is not conclusive, though it tends to show that he had dsma'y) +before him, just as he seems to have lead iasmtnn asmin here, but arguments from his silence +are dangerous. He ignores imasmai in II, 3, 7. I do not think it impossible that this smin +and the Aitareya Brahmana’s smd are parallel phenomena of an attempted simplification of + + +a Tt is tine Sthavira does not occur in III, i, 2, but I do not think it is reasonable to +take the S.ikalya of that passage as different from him of III, 2, 1 ; 6, as does e. g. Weber, +Indian di/t cat arc, p. 50. + +l ’ On him see Max Muller, Pgreda Pr dtAdkhya, pp 7 sq. + + + +-in,3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +241 + + +Just as there are those three lights in heaven, so there are these three lights +in man. As there is in heaven the sun, so there is the eye in the head. As there +is in the sky the lightning, so there is the heart in the body. As there is the +fire in earth, so there is the seed in the member. Having thus represented the +whole world as the self, he said, ‘ This is the symbol of the earth, this of the +heaven. He who knows thus this union, obtains children, cattle, fame, gloiy, +and the world of heaven. He lives all his days. 6 + +3 . Then come the reciters 1 of the Nirbhuja. The Nirbhuja dwells on earth, +the Pratrnna in heaven, the Ubhayamantarena in the sky. Then if one should +rebuke him who recites the Nirbhuja, he should reply, ‘ Thou hast fallen from +the two lower places/ 2 If one should rebuke him who recites the Pratrnna, he +should reply, ‘ Thou hast fallen from the two upper places/ But theie is no +rebuking him who repeats the Ubhayamantarena. 8 For when he unites the words, +that is the Nirbhuja form; 4 when he pronounces the two syllables pure, that is +the Pratrnna form. This is the first. By the Ubhayamantarena both are fulfilled. + + +the forms of tlje base a. Possibly the production of such forms may be due to the analogy +of sdsmin (RV.), and cf. sasmdf (( handogya Upanisad); Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , §495 fin. +See, however, also Bohtlingk’s remarks in his Gram mat. Absonderluhkeiten im Aiiareya- +brdhmana , Leipzig, 1900, where he regards the irregularities noted by Aufrecht, 1 . c. , as due to +misreadings of the text, and I fully recognize that undue reverence to such texts is absurd. On +the othci hand old forms do disappear, and cf. perhaps the use of imd and tmdnam , MnitrayanI +Upanisad, VI, 7; II, 6 , and the Vedic inland (P.inini, VI, 4, 141; Wackernagel, AUindhcht +Grammaiik , I, 61). There is also the elision of a in nasi , Mantrnpatha, I, 13, 9 ( ~IIiranyake&i +Gpiya Sutra, I, 16, 3), see Wintcmitz’s edition, I, xxvii ; Wackernagel, T, 318. + +Ihese sections 1 and 2 may be compared with Taittiilya Upanisad, I, 3, which treats the +samhita with reference to the spaces (eaith, heaven, ether, wind), lights (fire, sun, water, +lightning), knowledge (teacher, pupil, knowledge, training), generation (mother, father, child] +begetting), and the self (lower jawbone, upper jawbone, speech, tongue). This elaborate +system must be later than the Aranyaka. Cf. Max Muller, Pg7>cda Prdtitdkhya , pp. iii sq. + +1 Or recital ions of. The Nirbhuja is the Samhita, the Pratrnna the Pada, and Ubhayaman¬ +tarena the Krama P.ttha. Max Muller (see his Rgveda Pidtiidkhya, p. iii, and A r ae/itrage, +p. ii) first pointed out the importance of this passage. Cf. also Oldcnberg, S. B. E., XXX, +146 sq.; Prolegomena , p. 380; Macdonell, Sanskrit Literature, p. 51. It is summaiized in +Prati&akhya, I, 4 ; see my Sdnkhdyana Aranyaka , p. 45, n. 3; III, 1, 2, n. 8. + +2 Acyosthdnlardbhydm is clearly a case of iiregular Sandhi, cf. Atharvavcda, IX, 1, i; +prthivya n tank sat ; III, 3, 4, n. 11 ; Wackernagel, Altmdisehc Gram mat ik , I, 316, 317 ; Macdonell, +Pedic Grammar, pp. 64, 65 ; J. A.'O. S., XXV, 99-102. + + +It 1S the perfect form; e. g., Sayana says, in the Samhita in agnim i/e the i(e is +svanta + pracita, in the Pada they are both anuddtta (cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 90 • +Macdonell, Vedie Grammar, p. 78, n. 7). + + +Sayana explains nirdistau bhujasadriau purvottaraiabdau yasmin. Max Miillcr thinks +it may refer to the arms of the words being cut off, as it were, or with two arms stretched +out, the two words forming, as it were, two arms to one body. In the following acyosthdh is +clearly the reading, though S and R in the commentary vary, reading aeyosthd and acyostha. +I he Sankhayana Aranyaka, VIT, 8, has the correct form. + + +R + + + +2^2 + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +HI, i, 3 - + + +He who desires proper food should recite the Nirbhuja, he who desires heaven +should recite the Pratrnna, and he who desires both should recite the Ubhaya- +mantarena. Then if another should rebuke him who recites the Nirbhuja, he +should reply, ‘ Thou hast offended the earth, the deity. The earth, the deity, will +strike thee.’ If another should rebuke him who recites the Pratrnna, he should +reply, ‘ Thou hast offended heaven, the deity. The heaven, the deity, will strike +thee.’ If another should rebuke him who recites the Ubhayamantarena, he +should reply, ‘Thou hast offended the sky, the deity. The sky, the deity, will +strike thee.’ Whatever he says to him 5 or says in reply to him, that shall +assuredly be fulfilled. Put to a •Brahmin one must not say anything save what +is auspicious. Only in exceeding 6 prosperity may one say ill to a Brahmin. + +‘ Not even in exceeding prosperity may one say ill to a Brahmin, let Brahmins be +honoured,’ so says iauravira Mandukeya. + +4 . Then come the imprecations. 1 Let him know that breath 2 is the beam. +If any one rebuke him who has become breath as the beam, then if he thinks +himself strong/ 1 he says, 1 1 have grasped the beam, breath; thou canst not over¬ +come inc who grasp the beam, breath/ Let him then say, ‘ 1 he beam, breath, + +6 bruvan vd bruvantdm vd. This may perhaps be taken as I have taken it as equivalent +to, ‘whether he speak to him or speak in reply/ This is quite a simple construction. But +it is not so taken by the commentators. Sayana renders bruvan as equivalent to bruvantam, +and takes the second part as vd abruvantam. This is followed by Max Miiller. Anandatlrtha +intcrpiets it as bruvan vd abruvan vd bruvantam vd abiuvantam vd. h or similar curses, cf. +Sinkhayana Aranyaka, VII, 10, and Chandogya Upanisad, II, 22, 3. + +« Sayana takes this as permitting a curse on a Brahmin in the case of great wealth (such +wealth being sinful). Anandalirtha denies this, and carries on the negative. Thus Siiravira’s +dictum confirms this. This is less probable. Max Muller accepts Sayana’s view that the man +is to say, • Let them be known to Brahmins.’ It is simpler to take it as in the text. For nacana , cf. +V, 3, 3 ; Delbiuek, Alhndisihe Syntax, pp. 544 sq.; Channing, /. A. O.S., XIII, xviii; Jaiminiya +Brahmnna, II, 77 (/. A. 0 . .S’., XV, 240): na fe fanrdni canagrham prdpsyanti , and Jaiminiya +Upanisad Brahmana, IV, 14, 5. The lulc that na precedes seems true for the Brahmana prose. + +The two accus. with jbru (for bru, cf. Bloomfield, A.J.P ., V, 180; Wackernagcl, +Altindische Crammatik , I, 182; Macdonell, Vedic Grammar , p. 36) are said by Delbruck +(A Kindis che Syntax , p. 174; cf. Spcijer, Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, p. 8 ; Gaedicke, Der +Auusativ im Veda , p. 265) not to be found in the Brahmana language, which this passage +disproves. Btu is expressly mentioned as governing two accusatives in the Karika cited by +the Kafiika. Vrtti on l’anini, I, 4, 51, where a much more marked case than that here (where the +second acc. is merely a pronoun) is adduced, viz. mdnavakatn dharmam hide. + +1 Sayana takes this as a noun of agency, like nirbhujapravdddh m III, 1, 3. Anandatlrtha +says, atm a no jfldnasdmarthydnusdrcnoktiprakdrd myanta iti fesa/i. + +3 Cf. biakalya’s view, III, 1, 2. The metaphor is from house building. The opt. below is +clearly indefinite (like the subj. in Latin and opt. in Greek) j see III, 2, 1, # n. 1 j and see my note +on the Kathaka,/. R. A . S., 1909. For vamta, see Zimmer, Alt. Leb., p. 150. + +s The construction is cuiiously changed below to the accusative, unless, as is possible, +the othei person is meant. But see St. Petersburg Piet. s. v. man 3. The nominative is, + + + +-HI, i, 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +243 + + +will forsake thee/ But if he thinks himself weak, he should say to him, ‘ Thou +hast not been able to overcome he who have been fain 4 to grasp the beam, +breath. Breath, the beam, will forsake thee/ Whatever he says to him or says +in reply to him, that shall assuredly be fulfilled. But to a Brahmin one must not +say anything except what is auspicious. Only in exceeding prosperity may one +say ill to a Brahmin. ‘ Not even in exceeding prosperity may one say ill to +a Brahmin, let Brahmins be honoured,’ so says SQravTra Mandukeya. 5 + +5 . Now the reciters of the Nirbhuja say, ‘ The former syllable is the former +half, the latter the latter half. 1 he space between the former half and the latter +half is the union/ He, who knows thus this union, obtains children, cattle, +fame, glory, and the world of heaven. He lives all his days. Now Hrasva +Mandukcya says, ‘We that recite the Niibhuja say that the foimer syllabic is the +former half and the latter syllable the latter half, but that the union 1 is the +space between the former and latter halves in so far as thereby one produces +the union and distinguishes accented and unaccented and separates the mora +and what is not. He, who knows thus this union, obtains children, cattle, fame, +glory, and the world of heaven. He lives all his days. Now his son, + +however, quite regular, see Whitney, Sanskrit Grammary § 368; Speijcr, Vedische und Sanskrit- +Syntax, §§ aoS and 99. C'f. also the idiom krsno (&c.) rupatn kr (Taittirlya Samhita, V, 3, + +5 5 VI, 1, 3, r; 6, 5 ; 2, 4, 1 ; 4; 7, 1 ; VIT, r, 6, 2 ; 3; 4; Brahmana, I, 1, 3, 3; Aitareya +Brahmana, VI, 35, see Weber, Ind. Stud., XIII, 111). The construction with the nom. (cf. +Delbruck, Vedtsche Syntax , pp. 104 sq.; Speijer, Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax , § 33) is no +doubt rare in later Sanskrit, but I have found it in an independent passage in Anandntirtha, +and the analogous use of the gerund is found in the Ramayana, &c. Cf. the curious phrase, +Manu, VIII, 91 : eko *ham asmity atmdnam-manyase. Chaknuvam in Rajendralala is meiely an +assimilated n altered into anusvara. The error of B in reading chaknuvantam shows how little +dependence can be put on this MS. As to aha , cf. TIT, 2, 4, n. 10. Enam is here in apposition +to prdnam, but I agree with Speijer, Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 136, that the strict +rule (Bohtlingk, Z.D.A 1 . G ., XLI, 182) cannot be proved for Vedic or Sansknt. + +4 Samadhitsisam is of course the aorist indie, of the desidcrative of the root dhd. Max +Miiller translates samadhitsisantam as a participle, but this is impossible. Cf. Whitney, Sanskrit +Grammar, § 1035 a, Roots, &c., p. 249,/. A. O.S , XIII, lxx. + +5 These curses are just intelligible, but the curses in Sahkhayana Aranyaka, VII, 8 and 9 +offer serious difficulties. As the text stands the first case is that of rebuking another, when if +strong the rebuker (this must be the subject) says to the other, ‘ Thou hast grasped the breath or +beam but canst not overcome me who am fain ; ’ if weak, he says, ‘ Thou hast sought to grasp, +but couldst not.’ In the second case the sense must be (reading parah or making pararn mean +the subject of the main clause) the man who holds that praria is vamia says to his rebuker, + +* I have been fain to grasp the beam, breath, thou canst not overcome one who is fam,’ +if the rebuker is strong. If not, he says, 1 Thou hast sought to grasp, but couldst not.’ +Other renderings are quite possible and the text can be altered (e.g. read samadhdm in VII, 8), +but it is not possible to be certain of the sense ; sec my trans., pp. 44-46. + +1 i.e. this view is differentiated in one or two points from the view above. Cf. Sshkhayana +Aranyaka, VII, 11-13. + +R % + + + +244 + + +AITAREYA AR ANY AKA + + +HI, t, 5- + + +Madhyama, bis son by his wife PralibodhI, 2 says, ‘One pronounces these syllables by +their letters, neither separating entirely nor uniting absolutely, 3 and the mora +which is between the former and latter halves and indicates the union is the +sliding. I consider therefore the sliding to be the union/ A Rsi says this +also (RV., II, 23, 16), ‘O Brhaspati, they know nought higher than the sliding/ +He, who knows thus this union, obtains children, cattle, fame, glory, and the +world of heaven. He lives all his days. + +G. Taruksya 1 says, ‘The union is formed by the Brhat and Rathantara Stlmans. +The Rathantara is speech, the Brhat breath. 2 By these two, speech and breath, the + +2 Metronymics like this were inevitable where polygamy was possible. They do not prove +matiinrchy or anything similar. A similar instance is the famous Ki^na Devaklputra of +ChAndogya Upanisad, ITT, 17 (not 7 as in Max Muller), 6, who is the subject of an interesting +discussion in Garbe’s translation of the Rhagavadgitd, and cf. /. R. A. S., 1907, pp. 976 sq ; +1908, p. 173, n. See also Wintcrnitz, Gesth. dcr indisch. Lilt ., 1 , 169. A child sometimes, if +illegitimate, was named after its mother, c g. Satyakama Jabala, Chandogya Upanisad, IV, 4. lor +a long list of metionymics of a curious character see Brhadiiranyaka Upanisad, VI, 4, 30-32. +'T he leading of B is a meie error in an inaccurate MS. Max Muller suggests Priltibodhl as the +correct form, and this seems ihe form in the Sankhayana. For the /", cf. however Maedonell, +Vt’dii Grammar , p. 75. Pratibodha is a recognized name m the Gana vidadi . Tor other +mctroii) mics, cf. Fleet ,J. R. A. S. t 1905, pp. 637, 638 ; Hopkins, J. A. O. S., XIM, 105,370,0.; +for a discussion of nmtiiarchy as affecting the Aiyan Hellenes, see Fainell, Archiv f. Religions' +loissenschaft , 1904, pp. 70 sq., and reff. + +3 The reading is clearly aneklkuwan, Kkikurvan is an easy but bad blunder. Sayana +explains that you must not (1) pronounce lava it as iava + it , nor (2) as tavat } but (3) as +tavet. This cannot be meant. It is really intended that you should pronounce so as to give +a sound of ai together. Compare the fact that in the so-called elision of Latin both elements +were distinctly pieserved in pronunciation (cf. Lindsay, Latin Language, p. 144), as in modern +Spanish. Cf. also Deusscn, Set/izig C/panishads , p. 215. This passage is of paiticular interest +as confirming the notice in the Rgveda PratiLikhya, III, 8 (200) (Max Muller’s edit., p. lxv) +that Marujfikeya laid down the use of the circumflex in the Praslista Sandhi (e. g. a + t, See.) +as well as in the Abhinihita Sandhi (<? or o + a), and the exceptional cases of i+i, in which +the circumflex is regulaily laid down, and the fact that the a is not meiely elided generally +lecogmzed by the Pratif.akhyas (Wackernagel, Altindische Grammatik , I, 324; Maedonell, +Vedic Grammar , p. 104). So Fanini, VIII, a, 6, has svarito vanuddtte padddau , and see +Wackernagel, I, 292, 293; Maedonell, p. 104. The requirement of the circumdex is only +intelligible on the nnekikurvan theory. + +'Idle form aneklknrz'an is interesting. E.ki+*Jkr is found in the Satapatha Brahmana, see +Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 1093, and contrast III, 2, 3 : aikya bhdvayan ; ekibhu occurs in +the Bfhadaianyaka Upanisad, IV, 4, 2 in the sense of dying, and cf. Maitreya Upanisad +(Max Muller, S.B.E. , XV, xlvi) tama ekibhavati parasmin ; cf. also Jacob, Concordance , +p. 268. For RV., II, 23, 16, cf. Gcldner, Vcdisihe Studien , III, 68. + +1 Taruksya is more probable than Tarksya because the alteration to 'larksya is natural, +the word occurring above on I, 5, 2. Possibly Taruksya is merely a case of Svarabhakti, cf. +Wackernagel, Altindische Grammatik, I, 56 sq. It is clear that Sayana read Taruksya as he +derives it from Taruksa. The Anandaferama corrects it into Trksa without warrant. The +Sankhayana Aianyaka, VII, 19, has Tarksya ; cf. KausTtaki Brahmana, XXX, 9. + +a These Siinans are used in the Pr>lha Stotra of the Agnistoma. + + + +-Ill, i, 6 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +245 + + +union is made.’ Taruksya guards 3 (his teacher’s) cows for a year for the sake of +this Upanisad. For it alone does Taruksya guard the cows for a year. A Rsi +says (RV., X, 181, 1 ; 2), 'Vasistha bore hither the Rathantara, Bharadvaja carried +hither the Brhat of Agni.’ 4 He, who thus knows this union, obtains childien, +cattle, fame, glory, and the world of heaven, lie lives out all his days. Kaunfha- +ravya says, ‘ Speech is united with breath, breath with the blowing air, the air with +the All-gods, the All-gods with the world of heaven, the world of heaven with +bt ah in an. This is the gradual union.’ lie, who knows this gradual union, +obtains childien, cattle, fame, glory, and the world of heaven, just as does this +union. If he for the sake of another or for his own sake recites (the union) +let him know as he is about to recite, 5 that this union lias gone up to heaven, + +3 This is a quaint piece of human nature, 'there are plenty of paialhls, cf Chaiulogya +Upanisad, IV, 4. the omission of the second sentence in li is clearly a slip, showing how +untrustworthy is the MS. when uncorroborated. For the nimittasaptami, cf. Bihad.iianyaka +Upanisad, I, 3, 2 ; Speijcr, Vcdtsche und Sansknt-Syniax , § 77, 4 ; Delhi lick, Altindische +Syntax, p. 92; Gcldnei (Vcdischc Studten, Ill, 33, n .) finds such a loc. in RV., I, 6, 9: sdm +asmnin rfljate y lrah. R a k say ale R a hist. pres. The middle hcie gives clearly the idea of +personal tnteicst (cf. Speijcr, Vcdischc and .Sanskrit-Syntax, § 166 b; Delbruck, Altindisihe +Syntax , pp. 236 sqA For the hist. pres. cf. Delbruck, Altindisihe Syntax , p. 502 ; Speijcr, +Vcdisihe und Sanski it-Syntax, §17 2; Sanskrit Syntax, §327; Biugmann, Gricch. Gramm. 9 , +§156, and especially his paper, Beruhte dcr Koniyl. saihs. Gescllsihaft der Wissenschaflen, +lSS 3 , PP* 169 sq. ; Giles, Comp. Phil., § 547. The picsent tense essentially denotes what is +continuous or progiessive (cf. Monro, Homeric Grammar 2 , pp. 62, 63) as opposed to the +momentary, and that whether the verb has the sense of an action or a stale. The histoiie use +with a particle of time is Homeric, but not the simple histone present, though it is found +in the earliest Latin (e. g. the epitaph of Lucius Cornelius Scipio (n. c. 298), cepit, subigit +omneitn) Loucanam opsiJesque abdoucit') and must he Indo-European. + +The aec. of time is common, see Intiod , p. 56; Delbruck, A/findische Synta.x, pp. 170, + +1 7 1 J Gaedicke, Der Acittsahv im Veda, pp. 175 sq. ; Speijcr, Vcdischc und Sanskrit - +Syntax, § 28 ; Hopkins, A./. /'., XXIV', 7. + +4 These Surnans aie lequired to accompany the important Travargya. Cf. my Sank hay ana +Aianyaka, p. 48, 11. 6. + +0 abhnyahdruin is an extraordinary foim. \\ hitney, /. A. 0 . S ., XIII, lxx, takes it as an +aor. hub, but T cannot make sense of this. To take it as at first seeins most natural ns +a mistake for a future participle ( °haryan) is faced with the difficulty that Vhr gives only +hartsy - as the future in accordance with the established rule (Panun, VTI, 2, 70), that roots +in r take ‘ inteimcdiate z’ (Max Muller, Sanskrit Grammar' 1 , § 332), and that even if hars +were assumed, hars would need explanation, though s and sy are constantly confused in MSS. +(e. g. ardtsyam and ardtsam, MaitrayanI SamhTta, IV, p. 138", Whitney, P.A. O.S., Oct., 1887, +p. xxv ; at si s'yarn and aisisam, Chandogya Upanisad, I, 11,2; Whitney, P.A. O.S., Oct., 1890, +p. Hi ; nihsiina and nihydna, Aitareya Brahmnna, VII, 16; Aufiecht, Altai cya Brahmana, +p. 431, above I, 1, 5), aprdksyah and aprdksah, Chandogya Upanisad, Max Muller, S.B.K ., +XV, xiv, n. 1 ; Knauer, Mdnava Grhya Sutra, p. xxxv, and occasional longs are formed, e. g. +in sdksye, Atharvavcda, II, 27, 5, for saksye, tkc.,asdksi (Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 887). +There remains only to take abhivydhdrsan as an aoiist participle (without of course any past +sense), ‘ while reciting; ’ cf. e. g. RV., II, 4, 7 : dhdbad urvim. But such forms aic also vciy + + + +246 + + +AITAREYA AR ANY AKA + + +III, 1, 6- + + +and that so it will be with those who know it (and become) gods. So will it +come to pass. lie, who thus knows this union, obtains children, cattle, fame, +gloiy, and the world of heaven. He lives out all his days. Paficalacanda 8 says, +* The union is speech.’ ‘ By speech are the Vedas composed, by speech the +metres. By speech friends are united, by speech all beings, therefore is speech +all this.’ Now 7 when one repeats or speaks, breath is in speech, speech then +swallows breath. When one is silent or in sleep, speech is in breath, breath +then swallows speech. They swallow each other. Speech indeed is the mother, +breath the son. A Rsi says (RV., X, 119, 4), ‘There is one bird, 8 he enters the +sky; he sees this whole world; with ripe mind I beheld him nigh at hand; the +mother absorbs him, and he the mother.’ He, who thus knows this union, obtains +children, cattle, fame, glory, and the world of heaven. He lives out all his days. + +rare. The form abhihdryate in Brhadaranyaka Upanisad { —abhiharyati) may be explained +perhaps by the cases of iriegi^lar lengthening above, and by the (Epic) use of middle termi¬ +nations for active (/. A. 0 . S., XXV, 132), rather than as a causative passive as in the Dictt. In +Atharvaveda, XVIII, 2, 58 the editions both read vidhah&n and the pseudo-Sayan a apparently +so lead, though he lenders by khan, but the parallel passages, RV., X, 16, 7 and Taittiriya +Aranyaka, VI, 1, 4, have both the correct vidhafcy&n (Whitney, Translation of Atharvaveda, +p. 84b), and the accent proves clearly that vidhaksdn is incorrect. Macdonell ( Vedic Grammar , +p. 57,n. 1) suggests that in the case of yokse, vidhaksdn, sdkse, mchdmi, the y has dropped +phonetically; c f.J.A.O.S., XXV, 142. + +I a (rat tathd sydt might of course mean, 1 may it ever endure ’ (as taken by Max Muller), +but the usual use of the phrase in the Aitareya Brahmana supports the rendering above +adopted, 0. g. IT, 21, 2 : ya enarn tatra bruydd vded vajrena yajamdnasya prdndn vyagdtprana +enam hdsyatiti iatrat tathd syat ; 22, 3 ; 28, 355; 29, 7 ; IV, 7, 7 ; VI, 23, 13 ; 26, f>; Delbruck, +AUindtsclie Syntax , p. 343, n. 1 (for the construction with Tlvara there mentioned, cf. $ankhayana +Aianynka, I, 8). Eggcling on tsatapatha Brahmana, V, 4, 3, 2 ( S.B.E. , XLI, 98, n. 2), now +adopts ‘wold’ as the regular equivalent of laivat at any rate in the Erahmanas, and see also +Oeitel���s note on Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmana, T, 54, 3. Sayana takes vidydt as a part of +the protasis. In any case the sense is very much the same. + +sa or sa yadi is of course not a particle but the demonstrative. The cases in which +Max Muller {S.B.E., XV, no, n. 7, on Bf had at any aka Upanisad, IT, 4, 7) and Delbruck +(.Altindtsche Syntax , pp. 215, 216), following the St. Betersburg Diet ., find sa as a particle are +merely instances of an ordinary anacoluthon, and do not prove that sa was ever felt as a +paiticle. Precisely the same idiom is common in early English, and no one there thinks of +‘ he ’ as a particle, see Kellner, English Syntax , pp. 68 sq. Correct Caland, Ueber des Rit. Sutra +des Baudhdyana, p. 46. + +8 Pancalacanda must mean Can^a (no doubt Prakrit for Candia, cf. Atharvaveda, II, 14, + +1 (Cdmja)) of the Paiicalas, as Sayana takes it. The Aitareya Brahmana, VIII, 23, knows a king, +Duimukha Paficala. + +T This is the proof of the nature of speech as other than and distinct from breath. Their +activities arc different. Anyo ’nyam is very interesting, as already it tends to become a separate +woid, though it still is here two words, see Wackernagel, Altindische Gram matt k, II, i, 321 sq. + +8 This verse is moie misconstrued even than usual. He enters the sky, it is said, as wind; +the world he sees as prana; he is seen close in the heart (Sayana). On the \krih of the RV. +verse, cf. Hopkins,/. A. 6 . S., XXVIII, 125 sq. + + + +—Ill, 2, I + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +247 + + +Then comes the Prajapati union. 9 The first half is the wife, the latter half is the +husband. The union is the son. The act of union is the begetting. This +union is Aditi. For Aditi is all whatever there is, father, mother, child, and +begetting. A R>i 10 says this also (RV., I, 89, 10), * Aditi is mother, is father, +is son.’ He, who knows thus this union, obtains children, cattle, fame, gloiy, and +the world of heaven. 11 He lives out all his days. + +Adhyaya 2. + +Sthavira Sakalya says that breath is a beam, 1 and that as the other beams rest +on the main beam of the house, the eye, the ear, the mind, the speech, the senses, + +9 Proclaimed by Ihajapati (Sayana), but see Saiikhfiyana Aranyaka, VII, 16. Cf. Tmttiilya +Upanisad, 1 , 3, 5, and on III, 1, 2. Pi ajanana occurs in the concrete sense in RV , III, 29, 1 +(Oldenberg, S.B.E., XLV 1 , 305). + +1(1 This verse is cited and explained in full in Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmnna, T, 41, which +is in fact parallel. For Aditi, cf. especially Oldenberg, Religion des Veda, pp. 203 sq ; +Macdonell, Vedii Mythology , pp 120 sq. + +11 Taittiriya Upanisad, 1 . c., 7, continues after Irakmavarcasena, annddyena suvargena lokena, +where S. SUaiama renders ‘all kinds of food \ Cf. for this section .Sank hay ana Aranyaka, VII, +14-16 ; 18 ; 19. + +1 This Adhyaya (cf. Sahkhayana Aranyaka, VIII, 1) deals with meditations on the several +classes of letters. The construction yathd-syuh — samdhitah is noteworthy. For the verb under¬ +stood cannot be considered as other than an indicative, so that the optative in the first +clause must be indefinite. The same force seems to be found in V, 1, 4: / rati\thdpayati — +yadii—(ulmyet ; Sankhayana Aranyaka, IT, 16: tad yathd vraje pa'sun avasrjydrgalci 1 ke +parivyayet evarn evaitaih paddnu^angaih sarvatt kdmdn ubhayatah pangrhydtman dhatte, +VTT, 1, &e. ; Aitareya Brahmana, V, 34, 4 • tarn yady cicuim traydndm ckamcul aka main abhya- +hhavet tasyasti Vdmadavasya stotre pidyaUittih, Manu, VIII, 3, 1 ; 78 (other examples in +Delhiuck, Althniisthe Syntax, p. 349). So with ydthd, Delbruck, p. 350; with yah a, &c., +ibid., p. 35r. So m kftakrtydh syuh in Sayana*s introductions to the RV., curiously +misundeistood by Peterson (Rgveda Handbook , p. 126). The use differs distinctly from but +is easily derived fiom the use of the opt. with either an opt. (potential 1 (cf. the use in Avcstan, +Jackson, P.A.O.S., April, 1896, p. 187 ; Delbruck, VergL Synt ., II, 372) or an opt (imperative) +in the apodosis, since in either of these cases the future ^ense is primarily present, whereas +when an indie, forms the apodosis the sense is clearly meiely indefinite. The use, especially +as here in sentence, is common m Homer, where the subj. with piimary and the opt. with +secondary tenses have both this sense (cf. Monro, Homerii Grammar pp. 258 a.q., 269 sq.), +is found in the subj. in early Latin prose as well as verse in which Creek imitation is always +possible (e.g. Cato Maior, de A/or, ingenium prope uti ferrum est: si exerceas conteritnr , +nisi exerceas rubiginem contrahit ), in early English (Kellner, English Syntax , p. 239), &c. + +The use of the pass. part, with or without copula (Introd., pp. 64, 65) is significant. +Delbruck ( AUindisihe Syntax , pp. 394, 395), followed by Spcijei ( Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, +§ 176), regards the use as corresponding both to imperf. and aor., but while of course it is +dangerous to dogmatize on matters which ultimately depend on a delicate analysis of a language +so remote as Vedic Sanskrit, it seems to me that there is a very clear distinction between +(1) the aor., the tense of which has just happened; (2) the imperf., the tense of narration; + + + +the body, the whole self, rests on this breath. * Of this self the truth is like the +sibilants, the bones the mutes, the mat row the vowels, and flesh and blood, the +fourth pint, 2 the semi-vow cU,’ so says Iliasva Mandukeya. We have,* however, +learned that the ntnnbei was three. Of those three, bones, marrow', and joints, +there aie three hundred and sixty (parts) on this side and on that side. These +make up seven bundled and twenty. Se\en hundred and twenty are the days +and nights of the year. This self 4 then, which consists of sight, hearing, metre, +mind, and speech, is like the days in number. 5 lie, who knows thus this self, +which consists of sight, hearing, metre, mind, and speech, as like the days, +obtains union, likeness, and nearness to the days/' becomes rich in sons and +cattle, and lives out all his days. + +2 . Then comes Kainuharavya. There are three hundred and sixty syllables, 1 +thioe bundled and sixty sibilants, three hundred and sixty unions. What we have +called syllables aie the days; what we ha\e called sibilants are the nights; what +wx* have called unions are the junctions of the nights and days. So far as regards + +and (<%) these? forms with pai tinph s whuh cxpicss a completed action whoso results persist +into the pn.se nt. Of coins? many av lions tan he i<gnidc<l hum eitliei point of view and be +difkrentlj dcsuibed, but that is not to say that the effect is not d ilk rent when different forms +are used. To take some of Ik [brink's instances, RV., 1 , Si, 5 ml tvaran hid) a kdi cami +ud /utd mi /dimya/e, the sense is not eitliei ‘was bom * (lmperf.) 01 ‘has just been bom ’ +.10O, but ‘exists, having been boin*, 111 Taitliuja Samhita, II, f>, 9, 3 id dcra avidnh +p> deyuto vat pat iistCit uund '//at no naymhati garni hat vo vai pd> y amostmr iti, which +Jhlbruck goes as a ease of the part, corresponding to ail nor, the sense is clearly different +lit tween the continuing absence of the Soma and the one definite past act of the Gandharvas +in stealing it. The real tendency of the Mantia and Biahmnna is to assimilate the part, to +a piesent, though, as is the case with all the cxpiessions of past time in the Mantras, +occasionally it m.iv li.ne a nanative sense (e. g. RV r , III, 4S, 22: Pretty a dugihdm sakrt +pdyah' '1 lie piestnt sense—jet with the past action—is veiy clearly seen in cases like +lhhadde\atj, V 111 , 47 prathamdyd/n ni stutdh | ardhane dyatii c<i bhumil m Airman +icttare tatah II It is not stiiyanle , for the actual praising is o\er ( ns/ant is legularly used of +the Ksi), and jet it does not mean ‘ were praised’. + +a Max Mullci takes anyat as ‘ the lest*, but it rather means, the other, the fomth. + +3 'fills view r is apparently Sakalja’s (Snyanai, the first three being his, to which Mandfikeya +adds a fomth. 'file* thiecfold view, with glioma for iram, lyanjana lor farUi, is found m IT, 2, +4, wheie the difference ol terms denotes a dilTeunce in dates. + +* Anandatirtha explains all this of Yisnu, as usual. + +•'* '1 lie sjmbolism of the year is common 111 all religions, cf., e. g., Farnell, C'ul/s of the Greek +.St.ites, IV, 2S4, 285. + +" Cf. the Khila MS. (lb at end (fol. 191“ SI Schoftelowitz, Die Apokryphen des Pgreda , +p ids) etduim evd devdtdndm sat tildm sayujyam salokdtdm atnnteydi evdm vidvan svudhydydin +adhite. For the compound, cf. Wackernagcl, Altindische G> aminatik, II, l, J49, 150 + +1 Syllables are vowels, sibilants consonants, and their unions the Sandhi (bayann). Sayana +lakes uis'i as separate, to explain how it comes to be = 360. But though the construction +is illogical it is regular in the lhahmanas (Whitney, Siujsktit G tain mar, § 480 b; cf. for +Tiakut, I’isthcl, Ptdkru Gmmmar , p. 409), and urdi should not be printed apart as in S. + + + +-HI, 2, 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +2 I9 + + +the gods. Now as regards the self. The syllables whieh we have explained with +reference to the gods are with icfercnce to the self bones; the sibilants which +we have explained with reference to the gods are with refeienee to the self +marrow; the mariow is indeed the leal breath, for it is seed, and without bieath +seed is not effused. Or if it is effused without bieath, it will decay and will not +produce. The unions which we have explained with icfeience to the gods aie +with reference to the self joints. Of these three, 2 bones, inairow, and joints, +there are five hunched and forty parts on this side and on that. They make one +thousand and eighty, and one thousand and eighty ' 5 are the ra\s of the sun. +They make the brfuifi verses and this day. Thus tin* self 4 which consists of +sight, hearing, metie, mind, and speech is like the syllables in numbei. lie, who +knows thus tins self, which consists of sigh!, hearing, metre, mind, and speech, as +like the syllables, obtains union, likeness, and nearness to the m liable*, becomes +rich in sons and cattle, and lives on! all his days. + +g. Bfulhva 1 says, ‘There are four peisons, the person of the body, the + +peison of the mctics, the person of the Veda, and the great peison. That which + +w T e have called the person of the hod\ is the coipoieal self. Its essence is the +incoipoieal conscious self. That which we have called the person o! the metres +is the collection of lelteis. Its essence is the lettei * a \ 2 'JT1.1t whuh we have + +called the person of the Veda is that by winch one knows the Vedas, Kg\eda, +Yajurved.1, and Sdmaveda Its essence is the Bialnnaii priest. Thcrefoie should +one choose a Brahman 11 pucst who is full of brail m,ut and ran discern flaws + +It is cunous, as S gomts out. that no coinimmt is made on the similar passage m 11 T, 2, 1. +boi Knit nt ha \ if the 1 Hiatupath x toot hnnth whuli bianke {I'mnia (hic/if Jon>n y VIII, +’23) coinpai cs with Gieik hv.KKrk, Waclu magi 1 , *\ltindis,Ju (iiammatik, I, 170 the name +seems not to oectu ilsewheie, except 111 tin paiallel passage 111 Sankhu\ana Aiaiqaka, \ III, 2 +a The words insert id b) H aie quite out of plaec hue, and show how little that MS +can be relied upon, bur >/ia///iam, cf. Athnr\aveda, 11 . 12, 7 , koth, /, /KM (Z , XLVIII, 102. + +boi the construction, cf. l.audh 1} ana Hlianna Sulia, II, 17, 1 1, 37 , y. A’. -/. .S' , 1909: contia + +Eohtlingk, h,uths. 1S92, p. 197. + +' 'l Ills i xtiaordmary dm trine Sa>nna can only supj»ort by the Alharvana passage (Piasna +Upamsad, T, S — Maitii I’panisad, \ 1 . 8 ; lUoomlkld. Wdn ('atuat dan,,, p. 1002 a; sahasni- +9a nnh Uitadha -\i) tamanah /'tuna ft prajanam udnyaly , ut sitt yah, w Inch lie < vplams includes +by denotation the eighty. Tlieic aie 10S0 syllables m llnily hr Zinin. + +4 Yisnu according to Anandatirtha, who h.ib consi lciable diflienlty in w01 king out the details +of his mtcrpietation lure. + +1 Tbldhva is undoubtedly Correct; IKid/ivah is mciel) a slip ot Kajendralala’s, and did not +deseive record in Moniei-W llhams’ J)nt. I’ats y ah is lead in .S.uik-ha)ana Aranjaka, Vlll, 3. +a Cf. 11 , 3, 6 . r rhe piccision 111 the use of tlie aorist is to be noted, cf Jntiod., p. 6o +3 The Brahman priest is icqmied to guard the saenfice and sits in the South (the place +of the dead), Satapatha Ihahmann, XT, 5, S, 7; W mteinitr, (Zruh drr units, h. / ///., I, 141,11. 2. +He is not liere in any way connected with the Athaivaveda (the later connection is probably +due to his emplojment |\Vintcrnit7, p. 139, n. 2j in the household ritual which is found main!) m + + + +250 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +HI, 2, 3- + + +in the sacrifice. That which we have called the great person is the year which +causes some things to fall together 4 and others to grow up. Its essence is the +sun. Let one know 8 that the incorporeal conscious self and the sun are the same. +Therefore the sun appears to each and every man. A Rsi says (RV., I, 115, 1), + +‘ The bright face of the gods hath arisen, the eye of Mitra, Varuna, and Agni. + +the Atharvaveda) as the Atharvan texts always try to make out (sec Bloomfield, .S’. B. E., XLVI, +lviii sq ; Athannwcda, pp. 32 sq.; Macdonell, Sanskrit Literature, pp. 193 sq.). Kitrvita +yo-patyet is quite a clear instance of a clause of characteristic, ‘such a priest as can see.’ +In these cases the force is slightly different from two other senses of the same origin, purpose, +and result. Delbriick ( Altindisihc Syntax, p. 339) states that clauses of purpose cannot l>e +found in prose, hut quotes Atharvaveda, VIII, 10, 9: iydm eva tad veda y&d ubhAya upajtvema ; +Satapatlia Biahmana, XI, 5, 1, 13: nd vdi sa manu\y?)V Agntr yajfllyd tanur asti yayeUya- +smdkam Ikah sydd iti , which resemble in essentials this passage. Tile usage is perhaps more +clearly developed in Latin a , but it is wrong to say (as do Allen and Greenough, Latin +Grammar , p. 343) that the clause of characteristic is a development peculiar to Latin, and it +is doubtful whether the use is to be tiaeed to a definitely conditional origin and not rather +derived directly from the opt. meaning as a weak futuie (.Goodwin, Greek Moods and Tenses, +pp. 376 sq ) or as cxpiessing supposition (cf. Monro, Homeric Grammar l , pp. 290 sip, and +p. 276, ‘The opt. with Ktv is especially common after a principal Clause of negative +meaning (in which case the consequence is .necessarily matter of mere supposition ) : as-— +II. 15, 192 iirnoi 5 ’ vv iraplairi teal apfxara tuv k See. The pure opt. occurs in II. 22, + +348: ovk toO' . . . anakakKoi.* To derive such a sense fioin an opt. of wish (Dclbruck’s old +theory, Synt. Foisch, I, 13, modified in Synt. Forsch., IV, 115, Altindisihc Syntax, p. 302) +seems quite impossible. The use as a mild imperative is easily derived from a weak future +or supposition, and the use as an interrogative follows naturally (cf. Introd., pp. 62, 63). For +the indefinite use, cf. Ill, 2, 1, n. 1, and Brhadaianyaka Upamsad, I, 4, 17; IV, 3, 32, &c. + +For brah mist ham (which as brdhmisjha occuis alieady in the Taittiiiya Sninhita), cf. +Whitney, Sanskrit G/ am mar, § 468 e. The formation is of couise obviously secondary. + +4 Aikyd bhdvayan is a strange phrase, for if aikya is what it seems to be, an instrumental +in - d , then this comparatively late word is found in a lemaikable foim, though not at all +impossible, cf. madhyd (Whitney, Sanshit Grammar, § 327 c), or it may be a dative in -d +(for this cf. Latin d, Lindsay, Latin Language, p. 386, and see Aufrecht, Lest grass an Bohtlingk, +pp. 1 sq.; Macdonell, Vedic Grammar, p. 59; Wackcrnagel, Altindisihc Gnimmatik, I, 280; +rischel and Geldner, Vedische Sludten, I, 61; Oldenbcrg, S.B.E., XLVI, 28). Whitney +( Sanskrit Grammar, § 1091) takes the word as paiallcl to formations like akkhallkrtya (or +akhkk\ RV.), masmasd kurit (Vajasaneyi and Taittirlya Samhitas), &c., and compares Altaicya +Brail man a (I, 14, see Aufrecht, p.430) anrndkartoh ; &atnpatha Bralunana, Jf did kurydt (roast on +a spit). Wackcrnagel, Altindisihc Grammatik, II, i, 194, takes the same view with some doubt. + +® This is of course the most common doctrine in the Upanisads. Sayana quotes for the +last pait the Taittirlya passage (which I have not so far tiaeed) : asdv ddityah sarvdfi prajdh +pratyudaiih udeti tasmdt sarva eva manyante rndm pratyudagdd iti I On this passage of +the RV., cf. Whitney, Translation of Atharvaveda , p. 725 (on XIII, 2, 38) ; Dcusscn, Ges- +ehichte, I, i, 213. Sayana’s commentary on it in Taittiiiya Aranyaka, I, 7, 6, and II, 13, 1 +differs completely from his comm, here and can hardly be by the same hand. + +*■ Compare, c. g., Caesar, Bell. Civ., ii, 15 unde agger lomportariposset, nihil erat reliquum ; +Cicero, ad Earn., v. 12 neque etiirn tu is es, qui nescias. Cf. Sadvirp^a Brlhmana, II, 10; +Maitiayani Sarphita, IT, 1, 3. + + + +-Ill, 2, 4 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +251 + + +It hath filled heaven and earth and the sky. The sun is the self of all that stands +and moves.’ This I regard as the regular 8 Samhita as composed, thus says +Badhva. For the Bahvrcas consider him in the great hymn, the Adhvaryus +in the fire, the Chandogas in the Mahavrata rite. They see him in this earth, +in heaven, in the air, in the ether, in the wateis, in plants, in trees, in the moon, +in the constellations, in all beings. Him they call brah?nan. The self which +consists of sight, hearing, metre, mind, and speech, is like the year in number. +He, 7 who recites to another the self, which consists of sight, hearing, metre, +mind, and speech, and is like the year, + +4 . To him the Vedas yield no milk; he has no part in what his teacher +has taught him. He knows not the path of viitue. A R.si says this also +(RV., X,.7i, 6), ‘He who forsakes the friend who knows his friends, 1 in +speech he has no part. What he hears, he hears in vain, he knows not the +path of virtue.’ This means that he has no part in what he has studied and that +he does not know the path of virtue. So a man who knows this should not* +lay the fire for another, nor sing the Samans of the Mahavrata for another, nor +recite the 6astras of that day for another. Only 3 may he recite for a father or +a teacher, for that is done for oneself. We have said 4 that this incorporeal +conscious self and that sun arc one and the same. Where these two are +separated, 5 the sun is seen like the moon, 6 its rays do not manifest themselves, + +• All the above must be Badhva’s view, just as III, 2, 2 gave Kauntharavya’s views. The +following alludes to the fact that the Adhvaryu’s mystic speculations centre in the Agnicayana, +cf. Eggeling, S. B. E ., XLTTT, xxiv. + +7 The section runs on in a way that cannot be early. V, I, 1 and 2 is precisely similar, +and the present section division must remain of doubtful (though early) date. The divisions of +the fsankhayana are similarly illogical. For the loc., cf. Dclbruck, A Hindi sc he Syntax , p. 205. + +1 Sayana points out that Taittiilya Aranyaka, I, 3: II, 15, reads in this verse sakhividam , +a point overlooked in Bloomfield, Vedu Comordancc , p. 7oo b . Sayan a’s reference docs tend +to show that he also wrote a Taiitirlya Aranyaka commentary, which on other grounds +might be deemed very doubtful (cf. Ill, 2, 3, n. 5). + +3 i.e. act as Adhvaryu, Udgatf or Hotr priest. It is impossible to square the total pro¬ +hibition here with V, 1, 5, which (see n. 5) contemplates a breach of the rule, but it agrees +with the opinion of‘some* (eke) in V, 3, 3, sec n. 1 on that passage. + +3 A frequent exception. Cf. V, 3, 3, n. 1. + +« III, 2, 3. The relevance of this passage is not obvious. Sayana takes it as a reflexion +induced by the idea of the attainment of brahman in the brief space of life, whence omens +as to the duration of life are inserted. The connexion of sun and self is elsewhere used to +give omens of death. In Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, V, 5, 2, the sun appears as white only +to the man about to die. The parallel passages in the Sankhayana are VIII, 7, and XT, 3 ; 4. + +# This is not very logical, as there is no reason why the separation of the two should +be a sign of death. The rest of the signs are clearly old folkloie ideas pressed into service. +For the extensive literature on Vedic superstitions, see Hillebrandt, R itnaUI.it ter at nr, +pp. 167 sq., 1^3-185; Hatfield, Auianasddbhatani , J.A.O.S ., XV, 208, &c,; Bloomfield, + + + +AITAREYA ARAN YAK A + + +III, 2, 4- + + +25 2 + +the sky is red like madder, the wind is not retained, his head smells like +a raven’s nest, and a man should know that his self 7 is gone and that he will +not have long to live. Let him do then whatever he considers must be done, +and recite seven verses beginning, ‘What is near, what is far ’ (RV., IX, 67, 21-27), +the single verse, ‘Of the ancient seed’ (RV., VIII, 6, 30), six verses beginning, +‘Where puiifying Brahman’ (RV., IX, 113, 6-11), and the single verse, ‘We +from the darkness’ (RV., I, 30, 10). Next when the sun is seen pierced, and +looks like the nave of a cart-wheel, or he sees his shadow pierced, let him know +that this is so. Next when he sees himself in a mirror or in the water with +a crooked head H or without a head, or when his pupils are seen inverted 9 or +crooked, let him know that this is so. Next let him cover his eyes and look ; +then threads 10 are seen as if falling together. If he sees them not, let him + +Atharvaveda , pp. 82 sq.; Kau^ika Sutra, XIU, and Adbhuta Brahmana ; Aufrccht’s idea +(/. D. M. G., XXXII I, 573> that the passage is not in place is disproved by the parallel in the +Sfinkh^nna, VTII, 6 and 7 ; XT, 3 and 4. + +8 1. e. its rays are pale and cold, h'dkakuldyagandhikam is probably an adj. as a quasi- +pred. For example's. cl. Dilbriick, A Itmdische Syntax, pp. 78, 79. Kulaya is a curious word: +in Manava Grliya Sutia, II, 14, 23, Jvnauer takes it (wiongly, I think) as = stall (cf. p. 55 +of his edit.). + +7 Annndatlrtha renders sampareto as \amnikrs[anigamah, Sayana as mrtah. In yat- +manyetei the opt. is probably indef. Tt may also be ‘attracted’, cf. Spcijer, Veiiisihe und +Samkr it-Syutax, § 281. The form in atuya is rare in the Brahrnnnas, cf. Delbruck, Altindisihe +Syntax, pp. 400, 401 ; Whitney, Sanskrit G> am mar, § 965. The u^e of man with participles +ol all sorts is cunous, cf. the use with the gerund, Whitney, § 994 e; Speijer, Vedisehc und +Sanskrit-Syntax, § 223; with the pics, part., Ill, 1, 4. With the past part., even in Bihaddevata, +c.g. VII, 125. + +8 The leading of the test is supported by Sayana and also by Anandalirtha and is certain. +For water divination, cf. Farnell, Cults of the Greek States, IV, 230. For adaria (also in +the Brhadarauyaka and Kajha Upanisads), cf. Max Muller, S. />. E., XV, xxiv. + +9 Sayana explains a white pupil m a black eyeball. It probably means only, upside down, +although the contrast of white and black in the eye is frequent, II. I, 5. &ank)iayana Aranyaka, +VIII, 7, suggests leading here jihme na vd , 1 or are not seen at all,’ and this may be right. + +10 Sayana explains the opeiation thus, (aksusT nimllya netrasydpdngam avastabhya nctra- +samipam patyet ; Anandatiilha has, angulyd aksimfdam avastabhya. The batarakani fbardtakan +or vardtakan in Sank banana) arc, Sayana says, vartuldni suksmani Utklavar mint ketorypa- +ka iabdabh id It cyd ni, and he takes sampatantTva as satnyan net ran nirgachantiva. This is hardly +possible. For vardtakan, cf. &iihaisa, Khnndanakhandakhidya, p. 239, cited by Jacob, Lauki- +kanydydiljali, p. I. The construction is difficult, as til <2yathd is not properly m place. It may +be that yathd goes with batarakani and iva qualifies only sampatanti, and the sense is, things arc +seen like, &c., but it is also possible that tad yathd is practically = then it is that. This +use is of couise common in later Sanskrit, e.g. Bana, Kiidambari (p. 337, 12, ed. Peterson; +p. boo, ed. Nirnaya Siigara) : dgamesu sarvesu eva purd nard mdya nabhdratddisu samyag +anehaprakdrdh f dpavrttdh tad yathd, See. Cf. the Pali use of seyyathd. Bfhadaranyaka +Upanisad, IV, 3, 43 sq. has a series of tad yathd; so ibid., IV, 4, 4, 5, See. + +Cases of conditional sentences without particles are of course very frequent in Vedic as + + + +-Ill, 2, 4 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +253 + + +know that this is so. Next let him cover his ears and listen, then there is +a sound as of a burning fire or of a chariot. If he does not hear that sound, +let him know that this is so. Next when the fire appears blue like the neck +of a peacock, 11 or when he sees lightning in a cloudless sky, or no lightning in +a cloudy sky, or in a great cloud secs bright rays as it were, let him know that +it is so. Next when he sees the ground as though burning, let him know +that this is so. So far as regards the visible signs. Then come the dreams. 1 ' 2 +He sees a black man with black teeth, he kills him; a boar kills him ; a monkey +jumps on him; the wind carries him swiftly along; having swallowed gold +he spits it out; he eats honey; he chews stalks; he carries a single n lotus; + +in other languages. C f. Speijer, Vedische u>td Sanskrit-Syntax, § 284; Sansktit Syntax , § 487 ; +Aufrccht, Aitareya Brahmana, p. 431; my note.y. R. A. S , 1909. + +The Maitreya Upanisad (Max Muller, S.B.E., XV, xlvi) has a passage which may he +reminiscent of this text: agnir vaiivdnaro . . . iasyaigi gho^o bhavati yam (wrong reading +? yad) etat karrniv apidhdya irnoti sa y a doth' rarnisy an bhavati nainam ghoui m irnoti. + +For upabdi , infra, which denotes literally the noise of going and is paiticulaily in place here, +cf. Aitareya Brahmana, IV, 9, 3; Jaiminiya Biahmana, I, 253; Jaimmiya Upanisad Brahmana, J, +37, 3, with Oertel’s note; R V., I, 74, 7, with Oldenbeig’s note (. 9 . B. E., XL\ I, 94); Schmidt, A'. +Z., XX V, 55. Schcftelowitz {Zur Slammlnldungin den indo-get manischen Sprat hen , § 9) compaies +R V., IX, 77, 4 : urub/d, which he considers as going back to Hi. pago , cf. (ireek ^77717. The con¬ +struction above driyate and abhikhydyda in parallel uses, and below dt iyate-patym-na paiyen- +faiycta , arc decidedly curious (cf. Introd., p. 63). The temptation to amend to driyeta is very +strong, and on the whole I incline to think that it would be dangerous to insist on these examples. +The case of upeheta — driyante differs, for the two verbs are not parallel. The first is an +instruction, the second expicsses categorically the result (and driyante may have helped to +bring about the incorrect driyate). In TIT, 1, 4, where ugavadet and aha occur, the aha is +very strange, and one would like to take iaknosTty aha — hasyatity as two sentences both +dependent on bruydt. There is, however, the real difliculty that d—Vkd would be a strange +combination, and the di\ision of the sentences is also curious, though no more curious than +the aha. I suspect some corruption of the text. Say ana rendeis diffeiently. lie takes the +whole as one Mantra and supplies bhavdn as a subject for aha , and so in the next sentence +he interpolates bhavdn aha in sense. In the numerous passages in the Aitareya Brahmana +which are more or less parallel (sec the reff. cited in III, 1, 6, n. 5), no such aha occurs, +and hdsyati has no prefix. But probably d—hdsyati must go together. Aha might, of course, +be taken as a first person and made part of the quotation (cf. Speijer, § 178), but this is not +likely, and for the indef. opt., cf TII, 2, 1, n. r. + +11 Mayuragrivdh is perhaps intended by the reading of B, mayuragrivd ameghe (but +{sankhayana has mayuragrivd when it can be °vdh); and undoubtedly grtvdh is the form +alone recognized by Banini and usual in the earlier literature, J. R. A.S., 1906, pp. 916-919. +Probably the reading was originally mayiiragnvdmeghe by an incorrect Sandhi for maytira- +grivdh. For similar irregular Sandhi, cf. Buhler, S. B. E., II, xli (from Apastamba) ; Macdoncll, +Brhaddevatd , I, xxvii; and V, 3, 2, n. 9; III, 1, 3, n. 2. For the next portent, cf. Pischel, +Vedische Studien, I, 112. + +l * The plural must be right. Cf. Markandeya rurdna, XLIII, 1 sq.; Ilillebrandt, op.cit., p. 184. + +13 ‘Red’ in colour (Sayana) ; for red as unlucky, ,cf. Z. J). M. XL, 117. + + + +254 AITAREYA ARANYAKA III, 2, 4- + +he drives with a team of asses and 14 boars; wearing a wreath of red flowers, +he drives a black cow with a black calf towards the south. 16 If he sees any +of these, he should fast and cook a pot of milk, and offer it, reciting a verse +of the RatrT hymn (RV., X, 127,16) to each oblation, and having fed the Brahmins +with other food, 18 himself eat the oblation. Let him know that the person within +all beings who is not heard, 17 not reached, not thought, not subdued, not seen, +not understood, not classified, but who hears, thinks, sees, classifies, sounds, +understands, and knows is his own self. 18 + +5. Now comes this Upanisad of the whole speech. All these indeed are +Upanisads of the whole speech, but this they so call. The jnnutes are the +earth, the sibilants the sky, the vowels heaven. The mutes are fire, the sibilants +air, the vowels the sun. The mutes are the Rgveda, the sibilants the Yajurveda, +tlie vowels the Samaveda. The mutes arc the eye, the sibilants the ear, the +vowels the mind. The mutes are the up-breathing, the sibilants the down¬ +breathing, the vowels the back-breathing. Then comes this divine lute. 1 The + + +14 'Or' (Sayana), which may be more correct. + +18 The ten dreams are so taken by the commentator and by Max Muller whose note (p. 262) +is apparently wrong. Eieulm kimeid is noteworthy. The neut. of the pronoun is practically +nominal and is to be compared with the neut. in predication, TIT, 1, 2, n. 4. So in Latin, +e. g. Horace, Sat., i, 7 : Lydorum quiz-quid. The parallel passage in the 6ankhayana has corrected +the original kimeid of the MS., but the correspondence is conclusive. + +18 Cooked in the house (Sayana). See Sankhliyana Gfhya Sutra, V, 5, 9, and my article, +J. R. A. S., 1907, p. 929 ; for sthalipdka , see Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, VI, 4,19; Gfhyasamgraha, +1 ,114 ; Oldcnberg, S. B.E, XXX, xvi, n. 4. For the causative with instr. and acc., cf. Pelbnick, +Altindische Syntax, pp. 224 sq.; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, §§ 277 a, 282 b; Speijer, +Vedische und Sanskrit*Syntax, § 21 ; Sanskrit-Syntax, § 49. According to Panini, I, 4, 52, +and the examples cited in the Kasika Vrtti, ad loc., here we should have two accusatives. + +17 A tab is rendered by Sayana, asrnad dehendriyddisahghatad vilahana iti iesah, while +Anandatlrtha suggests adhikah. + +18 This is the most advanced point in the definition of the Atman arrived at in the Aranyaka. +The Atman is not object, but subject only—as Sayana says, dtmd visayo na bhavati visayi tu +bhavaty eva. This occurs frequently later and with it the docliinc that the self cannot be +known. Sayana cites the antaryamibrdhmana , Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, III, 7, 13, the +aksarabrahmana, ibid., Ill, 8, 11; the Kausltaki Upanisad, I, 8; the Pra&na Upanisad, IV, 6; +and the Nfsirpbottaratapaniya Upanisad, II. See also Deussen, Philosophie der Upanishads, +PP- *33 S< 1 * > E.T., pp. 147 sq. Jaiminlya Upanisad Brahmana, IV, 18, is devoted to this topic +(= Kena Upanisad). + +1 i. e. the human body. This metaphor explains Prafena Upanisad, II, 3, where vdna (V, 1, 4) +is equated to iarira , which Max Muller (S. B. E., XV, 374, n. 3) finds unintelligible. Connected +with Visnu is Anandatirtha’s explanation of the word daivt. Ambhana is a curious word. +I think it is from anu+*/bhan (as in Class. Sansk. for Vbhan, Wackemagel, Altindische +Grammatik, I, 194). Compare ambara for anu + vara and jdmbila for jdnu + bila (ibid., 59). +The omission %1 before v (common) led to omission before b and sporadically before bh. The +meaning would be ‘sounding-board’ (’). Cf. v. Schroeder, Ind. Lit., p. 755 * + + + +-HI, 2, 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +255 + + +human lute is an imitation of it. As there is a head of this, so there is a head +of that; as there is a stomach of this, so there is a cavity of that; as this has +a tongue, so that has a tongue; as this has fingers, 2 so that has strings; as +this has vowels, so that has tones; as this has consonants, so that has touches; +as this is endowed with sounds and firmly strung, so that is endowed with sounds +and firmly strung; as this is covered with a hairy skin, so that is covered with +a hairy skin. For in former times they covered lutes with a hairy skin. lie, who +knows this divine lute, is heard when he speaks, his fame fills the earth, and +wherever they 3 speak Aryan tongues, there is he known. Then comes the essence +of speech. When a man reciting 4 or speaking at an assembly gives not pleasure, +let him recite this verse, 1 May the she-ichneumon, that rules all speech, who is +covered as it were 6 by the lips, surrounded by teeth, the thunderbolt, cause me +to speak well here/ This is the essence of speech. + +2 The words ah^ulayah and tantrayah seem to have been transposed in the original; they are +in conect order in Sankhayana Aranyaka, VIII, 7. Somewhat analogous is the tiansposition of +Sand jarayu in Satapatha Brahmana, VI, 6, 2, 15, on which see Fggehng’s note ( S.B.E +XLV 1 , 255'. Cf. also Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, III, 1, 4 with Max Muller’s note (6’. B. E ,, +XV, 122), and my Sankhayana Aranyaka , p. 55, n. 3. + +3 The expression dr yd vdcah was not understood by the commentators (and in the Sankhayana +Aranyaka, VI IT, 9, we find that it has become dry a vdg vadati), who take drydh as nominative +and render it vedaiastrapdram gatdh. This is a clear sign of considerable antiquity, and the +expression may also be cited as an early piece of evidence for the existence of several +dialects of the early Indian language, which we know must have existed; see T, 5, 2, n. 19; +Oeitel, A. J. /*., XX, 447 on daivT, and Kathaka Sntpkita, XIV, 5. For the word arya, cf. +Zimmer, Allindisrhrs Lcben , p. 214; Pischcl, Z . ]). M. G ., XL, 125 ; Geldncr (I'cdische Studien , +111 , 96, 97) insists that arya cannot mean ‘ the Aryan ’ which is represented by arya, Oldenberg +(see index to .S'. B. A’., XLVI) still adopts the equation Arya — Aryan. + +* Sayana distinguishes between reciting at a conclave of priests, and speaking in a prince’s +hall. Virurucuseta is quite impossible as a form, and it is an easy eiror in view of the preceding +syllables, each having u. The middle of the opt. of the desiderative is not common. Cf. +Iloltzmann, Grammatisthcs aus deni Afakdhhdrata , p. 42. + +5 Sayana gives an alternative rendering, na~ not, and pavih — clear, the subject being the +speaker’s defective speech. Anandatlrtha gives only the explanation as na «=» iva. The verse in +B occurs among the &anti veises of the so-called tliiid Adhyaya. For the metaphor, cf. Jaiminiya +Upanisad Brahmana, III, 19. In the version in the Ananda 4 rama ed., p. 2, nakult is printed +as a separate word. But rtakuIT can only mean a female ichneumon, and nakulTdantaih +is a phrase for which no parallel seems readily forthcoming. Sayana gives vajravaddham- +bhiitair autardlaihidrarahttair which does not help. In any case to join kulTdantaih makes +a curious though not unparalleled metre in an early verse such as this must be, and if a nom. +could be found in kuli the run of the veise would be much improved. The rendering of +the text by Max Muller ‘surrounded by birth, as if by spears’ is purely conjectural, and +I suspect the tradition. The parallel passages aie of little use. The Sama Mantra Brahmana, +I f 7, 15, has osthdpidhdnd nakult dantaparimitah pavih , while the Gobhila Grhya Sutra, III, 4, +29, gives osthdpidhdnd nakult only. Oldenberg (A. B.E., XXX, 84) renders ‘the she-ichneumon, +covered by the lips’, as does Knaucr in his translation. If this is to be made into sense, it + + + +256 AITAREYA ARANYAKA III, 2, 6 - + +6. Now Krsnaharita 1 proclaims this Brahmana 2 as it were regarding speech +to him. 5 Prajapati, the year, 4 after creating creatures, burst. He put himself +together by the metres. Because he put himself together by means of the metres, +therefore is it the Samhita. Of that Samhita the letter n is the strength, the letter +s the breath, the self. lie who knows the verses in the Samhita and 5 the + +letters n and s, he knows the Samhita with its breath and its strength. Let him + +know that this is lifegiving. 6 If he is in doubt 7 whether to say it with an n +or without an n, let him say it with an n. If he is in doubt whether to say it +with an s or without an .9, let him say it with an s. Hrasva Mandukeya says, ‘ If +we repeat the verses according to the Samhita, and if we say the teaching 8 of + +must be taken that the she-ichncumon is a synonym for what is very piercing: the nearest +approximation to this idea is the passage in Atharvaveda, VT, 139, 5 (cited in Zimmer, +Altindischcs Leben , p. 86), which rcfcis to the ichneumon’s (m.) skill in chopping up and then +icstoring his work. + +1 A son of I Tarda, who was dark in colour (Sayana), cf. TTiranyadant Vaida, II, 1, 5. + +A Kumara Ilaiita (so, not Tfaiita) nppears in Brhadiiranyaka Upanisad, TT, 6, 3 ; IV, 6, 3 ; VI, + +4, 4. Weber {Indian Titeratiue , p. 50) reads Ilarlla, and the lawyer is always so called (ibid., + +р. 269), even in Apastnmba Pharma Sfitra, I, 10, 29, 12; 16. On the other hand Varttika 8 +on Pfinini, I, j, 73, recognizes Ilaritakata, and Panini, IV, 1, roo, Harita^ana as names, where +ITarita appears. Weber’s Ilarita here is therefore probably wrong, and Sankhayana Aranyaka, +VITT, ij, has krtsnahdnta . + +a Brahmana here means secret doctrine like Upanisad. Iva seems to be used to indicate +the somewhat unusual sense; the Sankhayana version has eva ; cf. I, 1, 3 , n. 3; f. R. A. S., +1908, p. 1193, n. I. Sayana in his commentary repeatedly has phiases like antary dmibrdh- +tnana , the secret doctrine of the antarydmin , sec III, 2, 4, n. 18, and cf. the name of +JIrhadaran)aka Upanisad, I, 4 ( purusavidhabrdh?nana ), Max Muller, S.B.E., XV, 25, and +the common toy ok tarn brdhmanam. + +3 To his pupil or son (Anandatirtha and Sayana). + +4 The rending of B, satnvatsaram (see Introd., p. 3), must be a correction to improve the +sense. But it could never have been corrupted into samvat sarah. Piajapati as the year is a +Brahmnnic commonplace (for its deeper significance, see Fggeling, S. B. E. y XI.III, xx sq.), + +с. g. Aitarcya Brahmana, II, 17, 2; VT, 19, 7; Maitrayani Samhita, I, 10, 8; Kausltaki +Brahmana, VI, 15; Sankhayana Aranyaka, T, I, See. The phrase Prajdpatih prajdh sfsfvd +vyasramsata is fiequent in fsatapatha Brahmana, Vl-X, not in I-V ; Weber, Ind. Stud., XIII, +268 ; and for a similar case cf. II, 4, 3, n. 14. One might translate, ‘he is the year.’ Cf., +however, Satapatha Brahmana, X, 1, 1, 1 and 2. The confusion of vyasramsadd and °sata is +another example of the confusion of surd and sonant so common in £arada MSS. Cf. Lanman +in Whitney’s Translation of the Atharvaveda , pp 57 j 10 45 > J* Hertcl, Tantrdkhyayikd , +p. xvi; Roth, Z. D. M. G., XLVIII, 106-m. + +5 This is the literal rendering. Sayana takes it, * Who recites the verses thinking of the n and s +which accompany the Sarphita.’ + +8 To the Samhita (Sayana), or peihaps to the reciter, if not to both. + +7 Sayana takes it, ‘ If a pupil ask his teacher,’ but this is unnecessary. The question is, he +says, whether the reflection on the Samhita is to take the differences of n and s into account or not. + +8 Sayana refers this to Suravlra’s doctrine, TII, 1,1. Por updptau, cf. Kausltaki Brahmana, +XIV, 5 ; Sankhajana Aran)aka, I, 6, \ihcrc Ur. Friedlander renders ‘ hinrcichend, gemigend + + + +-Ill, 2, 6 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +257 + + +Mandukeya, then the letters n and s are obtained for us.' Sthavira Sakai) a'* +says, ‘ If we icpeat the verses according to the Samhita, and if we say the teaching +of JVIandukeya, then the letters n and s are obtained foi us/ Then the seers, +the Kavaseyas, knowing this, 10 say, ‘To what end shall we repeat the Veda, +to what end shall we sacrifice ? For we sacrifice breath in speech, 11 or in breath +speech. For what is the beginning, that is the end.’ These Samhitas let no +one 18 tell to one who is not a resident pupil, who has not been with the teacher +for one year, and who is not himself to become a teacher. Thus say the +teachers. 13 + +,J The sayings are identical, and apparently this is intended to denote that the doctrine +received universal acceptance. The passage may indicate (cf. also Saiikhayana Srauta Sutra, +IV. *0, 3, where Sakalya is younger apparently than Mandnkeya) that the Mandukeya Sakha had +its Sniyihita text before Sakalya produced the Pada lM(ha, which is cpiite likely. + +10 This is a clear proof that the holders of the Aranyaka doctrine icjected sacrifices or +recitations as means of knowledge, cf. Brhadaraiiyaka Upanisad, I, 5, 23 ; Kausitaki Upanisad, +II, 5 ; Chandogya Upanisad, V, 11-24 ; Taittiriya Upanisad, II, 5 ; Deussen, Phil. d. Upanishads , +p. 63. A Tura Kavaseya purohita of Janamejaya occurs in Khila, I, 9, 6, and in—as already +noted by Colebrooke, Essays, I, 72; see Oldenbeig, Z.D.M. CL, XL 1 I, 239 stj.—the Aitaieya +Brahmana, IV, 27 ; VII, 39 ; VIII, 21. For the spelling cf. Scheftelowitz, Pie Apokryphcn dcs +Rgi'tda, Addenda, p. 190; Wackcrnagel, Altindische (Jrammatik, I, 239. Wintcrmtz (6 'esi/i. dcr +indisc/i. Litt. % I, 199) uses the stoiy of Kavasa as the son of a non-brahmin (Aitarcya Brahmana, +II, 19) as a piece of evidence in favour of the theory of the attribution to the Ksatriyas of +philosophic speculation over the origin of the doctrine of transmigration (cf. Introd., pp. 50, +51; Garbe, Licit rage zur indiuhen Kulturgcsihichie , pp. 1 s<p). He argues that the Brahmins +merely accepted and made these doctrines their own by adopting them along with the doctrine +of the four Asiamas. This all seems very doubtful. That among the piicsls none should +rise superior to the sacrificial cultus is contiary to all religious history. That hermits, ike., +weie originally not of the priestly caste is a mere theory and not a piobable one. Winternitz* +view leads him (p. 202, n. 1) to adopt the improbable theory of Aranyaka as a text to be +studied by Vanaprasthas, for which he cpiotes the (late) Aruneya Upanisad (Deussen, Sei/izig +Upanishads, p. 693) and Ramanuja (Thibaut, XLV 11 I, 645). Cf. Intiod., p. 16. + +It must always be remembeicd that the Brahmanas contain alieady in germ all the ideas +which make up the fundamental doctrine of the Upamsads; even the doctrine of trans¬ +migration is presaged in the doctiine of repeated deaths in the other woild. It is impossible +to explain why the Brahmins became so completely the bearers of the at man doctrine if it +was not theirs ex initio. Professor Macdoncll has told me that he concurs in this view, which +thus gains gieat weight, and sec my notes, J. K. A. .S'., 1908, pp. 838, 868, 1142. The Kavase¬ +yas are cited by Sankara on Svctasvatara Upanisad (ed. Roer, p. 257) as opposed to works, +Weber, Ind. Stud., TT, 418. + +"^Cf. JaimniTya Upanisad Brahmana, I, 2, 2, 6. + +13 Cf. V, 3, 3 ; Weber, Indian Literature, p. 49, n. 35. + +13 Mahidasa, See. (Anandatiitha). Cf. 1 , 1, 1, n. 5 ; II, 3, 5, n. 4. Probably the plural is +only maid tat is. + + +KEITH + + +S + + + +258 + + +AITAREYA AR ANY AKA + + +IV- + + +ARANYAKA IV + +ASvalayana (Srauta Sutra, VII, 12, 10) gives the following account of the +purpose of the Mahanamni verses. On the fifth day of the prslhya six day +ceremony, at the midday pressing of the Soma, corresponding to the Ni^kevalya +6astra, the Udgatrs sing sometimes the &akvara Saman as one of the Prstha +Slotras, 1 and then 2 use the Mahanamni vcrj.es as the basis of the Saman. These +number nine, but for the purposes of the Saman they arc made into three, each +consisting of three verses. These verses are recited adhyardhakdram , that is, +first one and a half verses are recited, then comes a pause, then the remaining +one and a half, followed by the syllable orn. Then are recited the nine putisa- +paddni , additional verses. These may either be recited simply straight on as +they stand in the text, or the first five may be made into two sets of five syllables +each, thus: + +Eva hi eva I tvd hi Agnd 3 u \ the hi being taken without Sandhi, the last four +purhapaddni being repeated without a pause in the middle. See also §ankhayana +Srauta Sutra, X, 6, 10, and comm. + +The MahanamnI verses occur in the Aranya Samhita, and in the Naigeya Sakha +at the end of the Purvarcika of the Samaveda, and as one of the Khilas of the +Rgveda, see Peterson, Second Report , p. 97, Scheftelowitz, Die Apokryphen des +Rgveda, pp. 134-136. They are referred to in the Brhaddevata, VIII, 100, +iknkhayana Srauta Sutra, X, 6, io, Rgvidhana, IV, 25, and Sankhayana Grhya +Sutra, II, 11, 12, &c. From these sources, and from Baudhayana, cited in +Oldcnberg, Prolegomena , p. 509, n., it appears that they followed directly upon +the verse tnc chantyor, which, according to the Saiikhayana Grhya Sutra, IV, 5, 9, +is the end of the Rgveda Samhitfi (in the Bnskala recension), and, according +to Narayana on Asvalayana Grhya Sutra, III, ,9, 9, is the end of the Baskala +recension. 3 It is not, however, quite clear what this means, since lac chant yor +occurs as the last verse of two Khila«, V, 1 and 3, in Scheftclowitz’s edition, +viz. the satnjhdnam and prddhvardndm Khilas, and the three Khilas, V, 1—3, +the second being the nairhasiyam y have S + veises. 1 he view of + +1 For these, see especially Eggeling, S. B. E. , XLI, xx sq. + +1 The Silk vara is normally based on Samaveda, II, 1151-1153 (Sayana and Mahulhara cited +by Egfiehng, p. xx, n. 2). + +5 Cf. also Oldenberg’s note on Sankliayana Grhya Sutra, IV, 5, 9, and Ind, Stud 1 , XV, 150. + + + +-IV + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +2 59 + + +Oldenberg, who had not 4 5 * the evidence of the MS. of the Khilas before him, +was (.Prolegomena , p. 502) that the Samhita ended with the first tac cham yor , +i. e. with Khila, V, 1, and Scheftelowitz (pp. n, 132) holds that this is correct. +Oldenberg, however, held (p. 509) that the Mahanamni verses followed directly +after tac cham yor, and (p. 501) expressed the view that the following ten verses +were some of them modern. But of the direct evidence for the immediate +sequence of the Mahanamni verses, cited by Oldenberg, the Rgvidhana alone +fully bears him out, for the Khila MS. has the Mahanamni verses after the +pradhvarandm Khila, and this is probably the meaning of Brhaddcvata, VIII, 94, +as interpreted by Prof. Macdonell. It is an easy conjecture that the Rgvidhana, +which has other coincidences with the Brhaddevata®, followed that work, but +misunderstood the word caturtham , which most probably must mean ‘ the fourth +of the hymns after X, 190'. This fact weakens greatly the force of Oldenberg's +argument from the modern character of the last ten verses, and in point of +fact it is difficult to deny that the verse tac cham yor is modern in appearance, +and that it need net be separated in time fiom the last seven verses. For the +second tac cham yor being the end of the Samhita in the Baskala recension, +we have the clear evidence of the commentator on the Caranavyuha/ who +actually cites the verses. Dr. Scneftelow'itz considers that the commentator is +untrustwoithy, and later than Sayana, but this appears very doubtful. We know, +he argues, that the commentator explains the eight extra hymns attiibuted to +the Ba ; kala Sakha by the AnuvakanukiamanI as being seven of the Valakhilyas +and the samjitdnam hymn of fifteen verses, but the number should be ten, as +the samjhdna?n hymn is really composed of three hymns. But it is difficult +to maintain that it is impossible that the fifteen verses, despite their difference +of contents, were not regarded in early days as one hymn, for several of the +Rgvcdic hymns are notoriously patchwork, and this applies moie strongly still +to later SamhiLis. + +Much more important is the question of their antiquity. Oldenberg makes +the Mahanamni verses an exception to his general view, that the Khilas arc +on the whole of later origin, and holds that they are coeval with the Rgveda, +and were merely omitted because of some reason of ritual teaching from the ten +Mandalas. Dr. Scheftelowitz, who disputes Oldenberg’s general position, and +accepts Hillebrandt’s theory of the purer ritual tradition, assigns the verses +(p. 3) to the end of the Rgvcdic period. Further, Oldenberg 7 has suggested + +4 He takes no notice of the new evidence in his review of Scheftelowitz, Gott. gel. Attz +1907, p. 227, for which and for other valuable papers I am indebted to his kindness. + +5 Macdonell, Brhaddcvata , I, 147. * Oldenberg, Piolegomena, pp. 495, 501, 502. + +7 XXIX, 156. + +S % + + + +26 o + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +IV- + + +that the verses are alluded to as the SakvarT verses in Rgveda, VII, 33, 4; X, 71, +11, and this suggestion is at least plausible. They are apparently referred to +as Mahanamnis in the Atharvavcda and Yajurveda (see below). It is borne out +to sonic extent at least by the character of the language, which shows the rare +forms dnuiamsisah , s/use, vide , tse, rnjdse, and samnyase. The metre is also +of an archaic t}pe in so far as resolutions are frequently necessary to restore +it. The Khila AnukramanI gives the following note: viJd dasa pCidas ca pafica +Visvamitra Indro va Prajdpaiir Aindram pnvanam dnustubham purisapaddny +Agneyavaiinavaindrapawnadaivdni vairajani dvifyapancamydv usnihau caturthi +nyahkusdrini s apt ami purastddbrhati navamyantye pahkfi . As a matter of fact, +as both Weber 8 and Oldenberg recognize, the verses are not preserved in their +primitive form, but only as modified to suit their supposed sacred character. +In verses 2, 5, and 8, which were apparently originally anuxtubhs , the fourth pada +has been omitted for the insertion of a sort of refiain. Verses 1, 3, and 6 are +in anmhibh. Verse 4 appears to be 8 + 12 + 8 + 8; verse 7, 12 + <8 + 8 + 8 ; verse 9, +8 + 8 4-8+8 + 8. The rest is in no regular metre. Oldenberg (p. 33) considers +that originally the metre consisted of seven and five sets of eight syllables +respectively, but this seems hardly borne out by the facts. It should be noted +that the Khila text manufactures the last four of the nine punsapaddni into one +verse ('), and in this respect is certainly not old, for the punsapaddni cannot +reasonably be held to have ever made up a verse. They are referred to, however, +as five in the KauMtaki Biahmana, XXIII, 2, and connected with Prajapati, Agni, +Indra, Pusan, and Dcvah, and in the Brhaddevata, VIII, 102, they are connected +with the same deities, save that Visnu is substituted for the Dcvah (so the A +version; the B version omits Prajapati, while Mitra’s text includes both Prajapati +and the Dcvah, see Macdonell’s note). They are also mentioned in the Panca- +vimsa Brahman a, XIII, 4, 12, where claboiate directions arc given as to their +selection to make up the Sahara sdman, Latyayana Sutra, IV, 10, 18, Sankhayana +Srauta Sutra, X, 6, 13, &c., and in the Aitarcya Brahmana, IV, 4; V, 7; VI, 24; +Atharvavcda, XI, 7, 6; Vajasaneyi Samhita, XXIII, 35: Kathaka Sarahita, +X, 10; TaittirTya Samhita, V, 2, 11, i. 9 + +The verses contain several phrases reminiscent of the Rgveda, perhaps bor¬ +rowed from earlier hymns; at least they tend to convey an impression of second¬ +hand use: jet a ram apardjitam — RV .> I, 11, 2; sd nah par sad dti— RV., X, 187, 1; +Indram dhdnasya sditdye is the last pada of RV., VIII, 3, 5' 1 (this 1 owe to Bloom- + +8 Ind. Stud., VIII, 68. + +9 For the last four reff. I am indebted to Bloomfield, Vcdic Concordance, p. 696*, who +gives other passages; cf. also Weber, Ind . Stud., XVII, 358; Fggeling, S. B, E ., XLI, xx; +XLIV, 380, n. 2. + + + +-IV + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTTS + + +261 + + +field, Vedic Concordance , p. 210^); sdm anye'su bravavahai— RV., I, 30, 6; sdkhCi +susdvo ddvayah — RV., I, 187, 3*1; lav is t ha vajrinn rhjdse — RV., I, 80, i c (with +ojdsd). These last two cases seem to me strongly in favour of the later date +of these verses, for bravdvahai is not unnatural in RV., 1 , 30, 6, uhcre it seems to +refer to Indra and the speaker who are to agree in other battles, the previous +half verse referring to a conflict, but it is distinctly awkward here where the +first half verse has no reference to a fight or other occasion of association. This +only, however, proves that the MahfinamnI verses are not among the earliest parts +of the Rgveda. 1 + +The last four purisapadani are made out of the preceding verses, evti In sakrd , +from v. 2 ; vast hi sakrd, from v. 5 ; vdsan dnu , from v. 4. The Asvalayana Srauta +Siitra, VI, 2, 9, shows that other padas of the verses were used independently +in the ritual: prace/ana praietaydyahi piba maisva I kra/us chanda rtam brhat +sumna a dhehi no vasav iiy anustup I Ibid., 12, has: ud yad bradhnasya vistapam +iti pandhamyCi I evd hy evaivd hiudra 3 | era hi sakro vast hi sakra Hi japitvd I apah +purvqdtn harivah sntdndm i/iyajati \ and again the purisapadani in VI, 3, 26. + +hor the question of the ‘authorship 7 of this Aranyaka by Asvalayana, cf. +Introd., pp. 18 sq. For the view that this forms a sort of Asvalayana Samhita +may be compared the fact that there is an ApastambTya Mantiapatha, a collection +of Grhya verses and formulae, to accompany the Apastamba Grhya Sutra. So +too, as Oldenberg (S.B.T., XXX, 3-11) has conclusively 10 shown, the Mantra +Rrahmana was prepared to accompany Gobhila’s Grhya Sutia, though it is not +apparently ascribed to Gobhila, just as IV is not attributed to Asvalayana in +the Aranyaka itself. Winternitz (Gesch. der indisch. Li//., I, 232) merely repeats +Max Mtiller (Aneient Sanskrit Literaitire, pp, 3T4sq., 339). + + +O generous one, show 1 us a path, proclaim the regions, guide us, lord of +many mights, wealthy one 11 1 n + +With these aids of thine, wise one, make us wise, for glory and for stiength, +Indra. For thine is strength 11 2 11 + +For wealth, for might, thunderer, most powerful, bearer of the bolt, thou + + +10 1 d< ^ n0t consi(1cr Winternitz {Mantrapat ha, I, xxxi sq.) to have refuted Oldenberg. + +1 vida is rendered vet si by Sayan a, and S takes it as a Vedic form of vida, i. e. imner. +of the aor. of y/vid (Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 851). Possibly this is correct (cf. vide in +ver. 5), and it is from y/vid in the sense ‘find*, for which see the examples in Bloomfield +Vedic Concordance , pp. 866 b , 867V But it may perhaps be really viddh the subj. of the aor. of +V vld (Whitney, § 849) or an injunctive from vi + Vdd. The accent would then, however, +probably have been viddh, but exceptions are not unknown. The same question arises in RV * +IX » 4 °» 3 • vidafy sahasrlnir Isah. For the accent, pCu-vbidm, cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, +§ 319- *or tad, of. Macdonell, Vcdtc Mythology, pp. 58, 122 ; Pischel, Vcdisthc Studien, 11 +i,n.; Oldenberg, Religion dcs Veda, p. 239, n. 6. + + + +262 AITAREYA AR ANY AKA IV- + +movest. 2 Thou movest, most generous, bearer of the bolt. Come hither, drink, +and be glad ii 3 ll + +Grant us wealth with good heroes. Thou art 3 the lord of might according +to thy will. Thou movest, most generous, bearer of the bolt, who art the most +powerful of heroes ll 4 II + +Most generous of givers, wise one, guide us aright. Indra finds 4 all. Him +I praise. For he has will and strength ll 5 ll + +Ilim we summon to our aid, the conqueror, unconquered. May he convoy +us 6 beyond our foes. He is strength, resolve, and mighty order ll 6 ll + +Indra we summon for the winning of wealth, the conqueror, unconquered. +May he convoy us beyond our foes. May he convoy us beyond our enemies 0 ll 7 II + +2 riljase may be regarded ns the second singular pres, indie, of a sixth class root rflj, +as Whitney (Sanskrit Grammar, § 758 a) takes it here. The exact sense is doubtful. It may +conceivably = ‘ thou ait piaised’, but the sense ‘move* is possible, if the root is akin to the +Greek bpiyu. Cf. Delbriiek, Altindisihcs Verbum, p. 181; Barlholomae, Indog. Forsch., II, +281; Neisser, Bczz. Bcitr , XX, 39; Olden beig, S.B.E. , XLVI, 39b, 436 (‘press on, strive +forwaid’); lhschel ( Vediuhe Studieu , I, 109), however, compares saraj with bpiyu, and Geldncr +(ibid.. Ill, 29 scj.) postulates a V'rj-iubh: dlptau , either transitive or intransitive. lie does +not, unhappily, quote or explain this passage. In KV., VIII, 9, 17 be renders vimi tvd +Fit uni rfijasl as ‘ I desire to adorn thee’, and possibly the form rfijasl might be an infin. ■= +an impuative (cf. Delbruck, AUindische Syntax, p. 412; Neisser, Bezz. Bcitr., XX, 59; +Hopkins, A.J. P., XIII, 21 sq.; Speijer, Vcdische und Sansknt-Syntax, § 216 d). The +accentuation piba mdtsva seems most probable, cf. tardnir ij jayati ksjii pusydti in RV., +VII, 32,9, and other examples given in Delbmek, Altindischc Syntax , pp. 36 sip; Whitney, +Sanskrit Grammar, § 594 b; Sptijcr, Vcdische und Sanskrit-Syntax, p. 80; Macdonell, l ’edit +Gi ammar, p. 105. mdlsva is irregularly accented, but there are many parallels, \\ hitney, § 62S; +Macdonell, p. 99 (foot). + +■ bhAvail is according to Whitney ( Sanskrit Grammar, § 83 b, c; cf. Delbruck, l.c., +p. 144) either an injunctive of an unaugmented a aorist, or a subjunctive of the root aoiist. +But in sense it may be an indicative. vAiaTi Ann may perhaps be ‘according to our will*. +raydh suvtiyam is cuiiotis, but the variant ray I is merely an easy correction. Cf. ray As +pouim, KV., IV, 40, 4. The TaittirTya Samhita, III, 1, 9, 4 has: vider gaupatyam rayas posam +suviryam samvatsaiinam svasiim , where the conjunction of rayas and suviryam is different, +but where vider supports the derivation of vida from *>/vid. Cf. V, 1, 6, n. 3. + +* vide must be 3rd sing, like Tie, and may mean ‘knows’, cf. Hopkins, J. A. 0 . S., XV, +376, n. Sayana renders it as a 2nd sing. For stun see Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 894 d; +Delbruck, l.c., p. 181. If stusj is read, the accent is somewhat irregular. But irregular +accents in quasi-subordinate clauses are numerous, cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , §§ 595— +598; Delhiuck, AUindische Syntax, p. 43; KV., I, 189, 3; III, 1, 1, with Oldenberg’s notes +{S. B. E., XLVI, 182, 223); Z.D.M.G, LX, 735 sq. + +6 Sayana lakes ati par sad as ‘ let him destroy’, and the last pada as meaning, ‘the sacrifice, +the metre used, the fruits of the offering, and all great.’ The words aic clearly not in place +here, and make little sense. + +8 sridhah Sayana explains as those whom wc should hate, although they do not hate us. +The meaning is perhaps ‘beyond all failures’; cf. Ati sridhah in this sense in KV., I, 36, 7 ; 111 , +9 > 4 i 10. 7 - + + + +-IV TRANSLATION AND NOTES 263 + +Place us in thy favour, ancient one, lord of the thunder, bright one. Most +powerful, thy rewards are extolled. For the strong god bears rnle 11 8 II + +Lord of man, slayer of Vrtra, this new hymn 7 I offer now to thee. Among +others let us two converse together. The hero who fares for the cows is a +kind and guileless friend 11 9 11 + +Thus, 8 thus, O Agni. Thus, thus, O Indra. Thus, thus, O Visnu. Thus, thus, +O Pusan. Thus, thus, O Gods. For he is strong. For he has strength and will, +according to his will. On all sides 9 come hither. Show, generous one, show. + +7 This is doubtful, mduyase , the variant of the other texts save SV., is icmarkable as being + +accented, and does not help. It looks like an obvious error or correction for sdmnyase, which +becomes sdnnyase , SV., Naigcyn Sakha, and then by haplography sdnyase , SV., Arnnya Saiphita, +and then mduyase through the frequent mistake of s for m in Saiadfi MSS. mdnyase makes no +good sense, but sanmyase also is very difficult (even if taken as Oldenberg (.S’. B. E., Xl.VI, +404) would take it in RV., V, 17, 2, as a first person). It comes appaiently frpm as . +Dr. Scheftelo\Nitz now ngiees with this view (cf. my remark 111 J. 1 \. A. S., 1907, p. 224). +For tarn tan (i. c. tad) can be lead (supply siiktam or, with tarn, man tram) but navy am may +be fiom meaning piaiseworthy. The dual bravdvahai in the oiiginal context refers to + +the singer and Indra who are in other (contests) to be united. Ileic it must (cf. 11. 7 on I, +1, 2) mean something of the same soit, but anye\u has no longer any direct antecedent. +SV. aryd\u is merely a facile correction like so many SV. leadings. For the loc., gd}U, cf. +Dclbiiick, Altindisihe Syntax, p. 122 ; Speijer, Vedhche und Sanskrit-Syniax, § 81 b; Whitney, +Sanskrit Grammar , §§ 301, 304 ; A.J. XIII, 284. Sdnyase as a dat. hardly makes sense. + +8 Saynna takes evd as from \li and d. The sentence is practically a mere exclamation +and cannot be translated. The words a, yd , &c., yield no sense as they stand. Say ana renders, +* He who comes to think what is to be thought of for our weal, let him come to think what +is to be thought of/ The variant dyo is no help, though it might mean * Come to the man +who deserves favour’, cf. Taittirlya Samhitd, II, 1, 3, 2. For the pluti, a3 z, see Wackemngel, +Aliindischc Gram mat ik, I, 298. + +9 Cf. &ankhayana &rauta Sutia, XVII, 12, where the sentence runs: city evd hindropehi +viivatha vidd maghavan vidd tit , from which it may be legitimate to assume that chi should +be supplied in the purlsapaddni. The last vidd may point to viddh being the form, vilvadhd +in RV. means cither (1) everywhere, I, 14T, 6; (2) always, V, 8, 4. + +The Taittirlya Aranyaka, I, 20, has : evd hy tva I evd hy Ague I evd hi Vdyo I evd hhtdra I evd +hi Pusan \ era hi devdh 1 when Sayana rendcis eva as ayanaUldditya and era as ctavydh +prdptavydh kdmd/t, and supplies asi, ‘Thou art desires:' hiUibdcnddttyasya sarvakdm a h etu tva - +prasiddhir ncyate. Ibid., 23, has : evd hy evt'ti I . . . evd hy Agtta Ui I. . . evd hi Vdyo Iti I . . . +evd hindreti I . . . evd hi PiUann Iti 1 evd hi dev a Iti I The accents are those of the +Anandasrama text (I, 88, 89), and may be wrong. In the Maitrayanl Snmhita, II, 3, 18 +(a reference which I owe to Bloomfield’s Vedic Com01 dance, p. 305*) all the MSS. have evd +(or evd) hy Ague. The Kausllaki Brfihmnna, XXIII, 2, gives two accounts of the Mahanamnls +or Sakvaris, and gives a3 the five purtsapaddni: evd hy eva I evd hy Ague I evd hJndra I evd +hi Pitman I evd hi devdh 1 + +It is by no means obvious how these verses came to be considered as an especially fruitful +rain-spell. As such they are clearly recognized in the Gobhila Grhya Sutra, III, 2, and the +Khadira Grhya Sfitra, II, 5, 22 sq., where the Sakvanvrata is clearly a rite of sympathetic magic +to produce plentiful rain (see Oldenberg, Religion des Veda , pp. 420-422, with whose remarks +I fully coiicui). + + + +264 + + +AITAREYA A RAN YAK A + + +V, 1, 1- + + +Aranyaka V + +Adhyaya 1. + +In the Mahavrata ceremony there are twenty-five verses to accompany the +kindling of the fire. 1 In the twenty-one 2 verses (used in the Visuvant) four +are inserted before the second last, beginning, ‘With fuel Agni ’ (RV., VIII, 44, 1). +A buU is to be offered to Visvakarman 3 accompanied by muttering the verses. +I he Ajya and Praiiga Sastras are taken from the Visvajit. 4 The Sastras of + +1 Sayan a explains that although the Samidhcni verses are not part of the Soma sacrifice +itself, yet they arc used in the animal sacnlice which forms a part of it and so are in place +here. He quotes Mim.imsa Sutra, III, 1, 18, 9: dnarthakydt tad aiigesti, They aic to be said +after tlte anointing of the animal by the Adhvaryn, according to Apastamba. Cf. also his +Vajuaparibh.isa, 2 and 3 (S. />’. E., XXX, 319, 345). For the gen., cf. Caland, Altindisches +7 aubi-yritital , p. iS, n. 2 ; Satapatha Brahmana, X, 1, 5, 4; TTI, 1, 1, n. 3. + +a I here arc in the Dar&ipfiinnmasesJ:i, see Ilillrbrandt, A T eu - imd Vollmondsopfer , pp. 74 sq., +lilteen verses beginning with RV., Ill, 27, 1 (cf. Oldenburg, S.E.E., XLVI, 299; Bergaigne, +hcihcuhcs stir Vlustoire dc la hturgtc vdditjue, p. 19); see Taittiilya Brahmana, III, 5, 2, 1. +lhcrc are only eleven separate verses, blit the first and last are each thrice repeated. In the +Visuvant the fifteen are extended into twenty-one by the interpolation of six verses beginning with +RV., Ill, 27, 5. These are inserted before the second last verse, RV., V, 28, 5. Then four +more verses, beginning with RV., VIII, 44, 1, aie added before this vcisc to make up the twenty- +five. 1 he Sankhdyana here ignores these verses. Aitarcya Brahmnna, I, 1, 14, gives the +number as 17. See a list in Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, I, 2, 7. The construction acc. for nom. is +lemarkablc and is not a mark of late or careless style, for these 11 regularities and the use of +numerals aie found in the Mantras (e.g. saptd rynam, iatdm purbhth, cited by Whitney, +Sanskrit Grammar , § 486 c) and in the Aitareya Brahmana, III, 48, 9 : catuhsadim kavaana +dstik, while in VII, 2, 7, panialarah sasfis ti ini ca hat any it hi tya occurs (sec Aufrecht, p. 428). +Above, TT, 2,4; 3» 8, occurs sattiimhatam sahasrdni , while Aitareya Brahmana, VII, 1 has +satin nth atom ckapaddh , which examples all appear to l>c transfers of accusative for nominative, +though the possibility of their being new stems in a cannot be denied (especially as the +Aitareya Brahmana actually has trayastrimUtyd, a trnnsfer to the * declension). Cf. Introd., +p. 56. The idiom has hardly been adequately noticed in Delbruck, AltindiscJie Syntax , p. 82. + +3 The Sankhayarm Aranyaka, I, 1, prescribes a bull for Indra and a goat for 1 ‘rajapati. +The Srauta Sutra, XVII, 7, 7, mentions also a savaniya paiu, see Ilillebrandt, Ritual-Litteratur, +pp. 125, 136. Cf. also Katyayana Srauta Sutra, XIII, 2, 17. UpamUt means not in silence but +so as not to be overheard, see Sayana’s quotation, karanavad aiabdam manahprayogam , and +Apastamba Yajnapaiibhasfi, 9, 11 and 113 (S.E.E., XXX, 319 and 345), where the Samidhenis +are not upinnUt but antard (see note on 11). + +i For the Ajya sec I, 1, 1. The Prauga consists of seven liras t I, 1, 3-4, preceded by the +pur onus, Vdyur agregd yaj/iaprfr, &c., Sankhilyana Srauta Sutia, VII, 10,9. The purorucs +are also given in SchcftelowiU, Die Apokiyphen dcs Rgvcda } as Khila, V, 6. + + + +—• V ,i,i TRANSLATION AND NOTES 265 + +the Hotrakas are taken from the Caturvimsa rite. 6 In the morning pressing +the Ihahmanacchamsin should add the verses, beginning, ‘The busy moving +ones’ (RV., X, 153, 1), and at the midday pressing the verses, ‘Of this strong +youthful one drink* (RV., X, 160, r). 8 The tristich which forms the strophe +begins, ‘The buffalo in the bowls, the barley-mixed* (RV., II, 22, 1), the tristich +forming the antistrophe consists of the three verses, ‘ Indra, come hither to us +from far away* (RV., I, 130, 1), ‘For to Indra heaven, the wise one, bowed* +(RV., X, 127, 1), and, ‘To him a song excelling* (RV., X, 133, i). 7 The Maru- +tvatlya Sastra is taken over from the Catuivimsa and extended by the hymns, +‘Fair has been my effort, singer* (RV., X, 27, 1),‘Drink the Soma for which +in anger thou breakest’ (RV., VI, 17, 1), ‘With what splendour’ (RV., I, 165, 1), +and, ‘Indra, with the Maruts ’ (RV., Ill, 45, i). g The Marutvatiya Sastra ends +with the hymn, ‘Thou art born, tcirible, for strength, for energy’ (RV., X, 53, 1). +At the end of the Marutvatiya Sastra, the Ilotr, leaving his place by the incomplete +route, 9 offers three oblations in the Agmdh’s fire with a ladle of udumbara wood +(accompanying them with the verses):— + +8 The Hotrakas are the Maitravarunn, Bralunniucchamsin, and Achnv.lka. In the Agnistoma +their Sastias begin with RV., 1 TI, 62, 16; VIIT, 17, 1; 111 , 12, 1, respectively. T11 the Calur- +vim&a they begin with RV., V, 68, 3 ; I, 4, 1 ; VIII, 72, 13, icspectively. + +8 The MahJivrata differs in these points even from the Caturvimsa. S.iyana leaves it +undecided whether the passages extend to live verses, or only to one verse by the paribhdsdx , +ream pddagrahanc, for which sec Asvallyana Srauta Sutia, I, 1, 17. + +7 These verses are apparently to precede the Sastra of the Bilhmanaccharpsin at the midday +pressing. The word stotriya is used because the verses correspond to those used in the Saman +corresponding to the Sastra, cf. Ilillcbrandt, Ritual-Litteratur, p. 103. The Saiikhayana +Sakha ignores the 6astras of the Hotrakas. The reference to the midday pressing is out of +order. + +8 For the Marutvatiya Sastra of the Ilotr at the midday pressing, sec I, 2, 1 and 2. In the +Agnistoma it begins with RV., VIII, 68, 1-3, and VIII, 2, 1-3. The Caturvimsa contains +alterations, and the Mahavrata adds the hymns enumerated. Atdnah (found in VS., TS., &c.) +must mean vista rah as S.iyana has it here. Cf. Aitareya Brahmana, V, 4, 12, where S.iyana +renders tastraklptih . Friedlander, on Sahkhayana Aranyaka, I, 3, suggests the sense ‘scheme’ +for it. In RV., II, 1, 10, dtdnih ‘ expander ’; cf. my Sdnkhdyana Aranyaka , p. 3, n. 6. + +9 S.iyana here (cf. Anartlya on fsankh.iyana Srauta Siitra, VI, 13, 7; VII, 7, 4; Asvallyana +{srauta Sutra, V, 19, 8 ; VT, 5, 1, and comm.) explains that the samsthitasamcarah is when, after +the completion of the pressing, the Ilotr departs from the sadas by the west, the visamsthitd J +is when, before the pressing is 'finished, he leaves by the eastern side. The Sahkhayana +Siauta Siitra, XVII, 12, gives eight oblations on the dgnldhriya, instead of three there and +ten in the mdrjdliya. The Mantras arc quite different. See XVII, 12, 1-4. The first is a +long prose Mantra; the second to the seventh svdhd Mantras, and the eighth consists of +a couple of verses, the first an anustubh , the second a gdyatrt in strongly marked iambic +metre of an archaic type, neither of which veises has, according to Bloomfield’s Vcdu +Concordance, any parallel. After leciting the verses, he puts down the ladle yathdyatannm , +depaits by the way he came, and in front of the sadas to the north of the sruli , facing the + + + +266 AITAREYA ARANY AKA V, i, j- + +‘ Indra, Brhaspati, Soma, and the goddess, Vac, have aided me. 10 May Mitra +and Varuna, Heaven and Earth, aid me when first I call || i n + +‘ May the Adityas, the all-gods, and the seven anointed Kings, 11 Vayu, Pusan, +Varuna, Soma, Agni, Surya, with the constellations, may they help me n 2 11 + +‘ May the fathers protect me, and all this universe, and the children of Prsni, +the Mai uts, with their splendour, ye who have Agni as your tongue and are worthy +of sacrifice, may ye gods, hearing our cry, protect us n 3 n' + +He offers ten oblations on the mdrjdliya altar 12 to the south, the last of +which he first divides into four and deposits to the north of the fire. In the +middle of the day, after the carrying forth of the fire, the mdrjdliya fire is made + +cast, he mutters the panmdddh japdh, vdg dyur vilvdyur viivarn dyur ehy tvd hindropehi +viivatha vidd maghavan vidd ill (cf. above, p. 263), after which he adores the several members +of the fire altar conceived in human form (XVI I, 12, 6—13, 6). For the Parimads themselves, +cf. my Sdhkhdyana Aumyaka, p. 4; Eggcling, S. B. £., XLI, 288, n. 2, and for the meaning of + +mad, Lanman in Whitney’s Translation of Atharvavcda, p. 138. The Ilotr rocs north to +the Agnidh’s fire. (For Agnidh, cf. Oldenbcrg, S.B.E., XLVI, 189, and Macdonell, Vedic +Grammar , p. 18, n. 6.) + +10 Oi ‘may they aid me’, as Saynna takes it. lie thinks purvahutau is an epithet of +Dyavaprthivi or Mitt dvarunau. + +11 Saynna explains this by the list in Taittiiiya Aranyaka, T, 7, dr ego bhrdjah patarah +pataiigah j svaniaiojyotidman vibhdsah \ ie asmai sarve divam dtapanti I This may be l ight, +otherwise one might expect it to mean the seven Adityas. No doubt the seven Adityas set +the model to the later theory of seven suns, whose names are variously given (cf. seven Rsis, +seven Ilotrs, seven sounds, &c., Oldenbcrg, S.B.E., XLVI, 225); sec Visnu Puiana, Vl’,’2 j +Ilopkins, Great Epic of India , p. 475. Rajendralala reads in the text met nit, which is cci taiiily +wrongly accented and seems not quite as likely as mdnu in view of the ami elsewhere used. +The 1 aittiiiya Brahmana, II, 5, 8, 2 has: dim tvendio madatv dnu Brhaspdtih I dnu Sdmo +dnv Agnir dvit \ dnu tvd vlive deva avantn I dnu sap/d rajdno yd utdbhisfktdJ.i I dnu tvd +Mitravdrundv ihdvatdm \ dnu dyavaprthivi vitvdtainbhu I suryo dhobhir dnu tvdvatu I can - +drdmd ndksatiair dnu tvdvatu I Note the different reading utd abhisiktdh. The text +appears from Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance , p. 973*, to occur in Kafhaka Samhita, XXXVIT, + +9 d, which has (9 c) suryo 'hobhir anu tvdvatu , eonfiiming mdnu against Mitra’s md nu +(which is followed in the Concordance , p. i028 b ), and (9 b) anu Somo anv Agnir avit, ami +(9 a) anu tvendro madatv anu Brhaspatih, thus presenting only one line as against the two +lines of the Aranyaka and the Brahmana. In the next verse yd agnijihvd utd vd ydjatrdh +is a tag found in RV., VI, 52, 13 c, and in the other Saiphitas (Bloomfield, p. 795**) ; t h e +other three pddas seem as yet unparalleled. The scries of prose Mantras below is also (sec +Index II) unique. + +12 In the middle of the sadas and the havirdhdnas there is a space from north to south. +The dgnidhriya altar is at the_ north, the mdrjdliya at the south. With caturgrhitam\ +djyarn must be understood, see Apastamba, Yajfiaparibhasfi, 195 ( S.B.E ., XXX, 341); c f! +caturgrhitena juhoti, Taittiriya Aranyaka, V, 2; catmgrhitds thru djyahutir , Aitareya Brahmana* +VIII > 10 > 9 , 0 nr bit am, VII, 21, but the construction is very awkward. Throughout the terms +dakuna and uttara are ambiguous. For the sadas the priests’ tent, cf. £atapatha Brahmana + +5 > 3 > 5 > an d Fggcling’s note. + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +-V, i, i + + +267 + + +to kindle. 13 (The offering is made in ii) when it is covered up, and either to the +east, the north, or the north-east side. (The verses used are as follows):— + +4 May I become unassailable like fire; may I become firmly rooted like +the earth 111 11 + +‘May I become unapproachable 14 like the sky; may I become unassailable +like the heaven 11 2 11 + +‘ May I become without a superior like the sun; may I become renewed like +the moon 11 3 11 + +‘May I become renewed like mind; may I be multiplied like the wind 16 11 4 II +‘ May I become one’s own like the day 1,1 ; and dear like night 11 5 11 +< May I become born again like kine ; may I become glorious 17 like a pair ll 6 II +‘ Mine be the flavour of water and the form of plants u 7 ll +‘ May I become widespreading 18 like food, and lordly like the sacrifice ll 8 11 +‘May I become like the Brahmin in the world, and like the Ksalriya for +prospeiity ll 9 ll + +‘ When, O Agni, this assembly is gathered (RV., X, 11, 8) 19 1110 11' + +1S The idea seems to be that the lire is kept in from the time it is lighted on the mdrjdlJya +altar but is now ‘wakened’, prabhrti in this use is first found in the Srauta Sutras, Speijer, +Vcdische und Samkrit-Sjnitax, § H2. + +14 The attraction of andpyam is cuiions, but is paralleled in RV., I, 65, 5 : putfir mi rctnva +ksitir mi firthvi gi>lr mi bhujmd (Oldenbeig, S.B.E., XLVI, 56), and below, viana ivdpurvam , +atinain iva vibhu, gdva ivet putiarbhuvafj , and in the case of the verb, RV., V, 25, 8 : +dyumanto arcayo grdvtvcuyatc hr hat , Oldenbcrg, S. B. E., XLVI, 417. Cf. also Taittirlya +Aranyaka, VITT, 6; Weber, Ind. Stud , IT, 221, n. For a scries of woids with bhuydsam , cf. +Jaimmlya Upnnisad Brahmana, HI, 20 and 21. + +lft yathd tnana uttarottaram abhivrddhikdnfoayd prayatamdnam sat iatiatphalapriiptyd +nut an am rtipam pratipailyate . . . yathd vdyur asddhddtmdse samudi athddidde vd svayarn +uttarottardbhivrddhyd sahgharupo bhavati (Sayana). + +18 Sayana renders svam as wealth. The day gives wealth by permitting mercantile operations. +Emendation to svar is easy but impiobable. Cf. the curious svah in RV., I, 77, 5 (Oldenbcrg, +S. B.E., XLVI, 88), yaksam iva, Gobhila Grhya Sutra, 111 , 4 , 28; Geldncr, Vcdisihe Studicn , +III, 140. Night gives rest to the weary (Sayana); note priyo not priyd. + +17 This must be the sense though the expression marlcayah , * glories/ is curious. Kinc +have offspring yearly, and pairs (e.g. Uma and Mahe^vaia, Laksmi and Narayana) are glorious +(Sayana). + +1H The reading vibhu is certain, but both Rajendralala and the Anandasrama edition lead +in the commentary vibhuh , and "Sayana may have so lead, but this is not necessary, tor a +converse case, cf. V, 2, 1, when Rajendralala reads vastt for vasuh. The next Mantra offers +considerable difficulty. Sayana renders as the Brahmin in the world and ksatram rdjyam +gaj (1 tvddiiriydm adhipatih , apparently taking triydm as a genitive (cf. Whitney, Sansktit +Grammar, §§ 349,351). But the parallelism of the sentence calls urgently for a locative +which gives fair sense, ‘in point of wealth.’ 3 he speaker desires (a) renown, (b) wealth. +Only the exact force of the locative varies in the twq cases. + +18 The last oblation is accompanied by a RV. verse. + + + +2 68 A1TAREYA ARANY.AKA V, j, + +(In this stanza) the three words (lira, vibhajCitha, and vi/ha are not in accord- +ance with the Rgveda text. 20 + +Standing there he worships the sun, 21 turning so as to keep his right side +towards it as it turns, with these verses, omitting the cries of svCihdp and with the +verse, ‘Come hither, this is sweet, this is sweet. Drink this bitter draught. This +is sweet, this is sweet/ He then instructs the maidservants, 23 who carry full +pitchers, six in front, three behind, (saying), ‘ Walk three times from left to right +round this altar and this pitcher of water, smiling your right thighs with your +right hands, and saying, “ Come hither, this is sweet, this is sweet/'' + + +This must mean that in the rite the RV. verse is to be altered by reading J n pdda 3 ratnd +«xlra vibhajatha svadhdvah for ratnd 01 yad vibhajdsi, and in pdda 4, bhdgam no atm +vasumantam vftha for vJtat. Saynna adds that these alterations are improper, just as the +alteration vidhch for vrdhatu in Hrhaspatir no havhd vrdhdtn, Tnittirlya Snmhita, 1 2 2 1 • + +l 2 \ 3 j Snmhita, J, 2, 2; ITT, 6, 4. The v.l. is not in Bloomfield. Bu’t ihis is + +not implied in the Aranyaka. The verse occurs in Atharvaveda, XVIII, 1, 26, and MaitraynnI +Snrphita, IV, 14, 15, but in neither place so altcied. Bloomfield ( Vedic Concordance , pp 43* +749 ) also can meicly quote Sayaiia’s view. Perhaps the Baskala Sakha is meant. A different +case occurs in IV: Indram dhdnasya sdtdye havdmahe when havdmahe is added (as in +Maha, aiaynna Upanisad, 7, cited by Bloomfield, Vedh Concordame, p. 2io<h to the first three +words which are found in RV., VIII, 3, 5 d. But the MahanamnI verses aic not part of the +K V - 1 . Ir occurrcncc is not , parallel to this remaikable case. + +^ I his is done later in the Sankhayana Aranyaka, I, 5, where the words arc almost identical +atranm lidhann adityam npatidhate, The Mantra is quite different, see Srauta Sutra XVIf’ +I0 ‘ hor the following, sec my Sankhayana Aranyaka , pp. 76 sq. + +" ofTerings are accompanied as usual by the cry svdhd. These are omitted. For the +rule, cf. Apastamba, Yajfmpaiibhasa, 87 (.S'. />’. E., XXX, 339). + +ri ht T S ft"^ a S f auta Sr ‘ tra - ^ VI /» l *> where apparently deliberately the direction is from +ght to left (apradaksinam), though the words said arc alike, hai maha 3 idam madhu idam + +T, , f ‘iTr ^ t an . C ? 1S ° Car,y a rain and ve f? cta tion spell, cf. Famell, Cults of the Greek +States, III, 103. These and the other ceremonies are all mentioned in the other parallel +passages, Latyayana Srauta Sutra, III, 10-12; IV, 1-3; Tiindya Brahmnna, V, 5, 6; Kathnka, +XXXIV, 5; katyayana Srauta Sntrn, XIII, 3; Taittirlya Samhita, VII, 5, 9 and 10; Taiitirlya +Brahmnna, I, 2, 6, 7. These versions differ in many details; the most impoitant rite which +i> mentioned in neither of the Rgvcdic works is the struggle of an Arya and a Sndia for a +round skin which represents the sun (cf. Oldenbc.g, Religion des Veda, pp. 444, , 0 6 • Uscner +Auhw f A'eltgtonswtssensthaft, 1904, pp. 297 sq.). It is noteworthy that in Utyayana IV +3, 18, where the words repeated aie like those in Sankhayana the form vculatyah also occuis’ +So I)rahyayn ja ; I nittiiiya Samhita, VII, 5, 10, has gdyantyah. The direction there is also +la^tnam. ^After the eight djya libations in the agmdhrtya fire, according to the Sankhayana +Aranyaka, I, 4, come the pari mads. They arc twenty-five in number and are followed* bv +seven stotnyas named dhgirasa sdman, bhutcchaddm sdman, krofa, anukroia, payas, arka and +tnkaputfa The Satapatlia Brahinana, X, 1, 2, 8; 9, contains a somewhat parallel version +/ C - ,,'? KC ing> XLIII, 288, n. 2, and thus again (cf. Introd., p. 36) agrees with the' + +‘ ‘"J U)ana aga,nst lhe Aitarcya. These sdntans are called devachanddmsi, Sankhayana I c +am are followed by japas. r \ hen comes an adoiation of the members of the fire (see here +V, i, 2), and of the sun, and the IIot r declares that the ‘great one has united with the great + + + +-V, I, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +269 + + +2. ‘ When the singing of the stotra has been requested, then do ye cast down +the water in three places, on the northern altar, on the marjafiya altar, and +the rest within the enclosure.’ 1 Having gone away so as to keep the mdrjaUya +fire on his right, 2 he stands before the sacrificial post in front of the fire, with +face to the west, and worships the head of the fire with the words, ‘ Honour to +the Gayatra which is thy head: ’ then, returning by the way he came, 3 with +face to the north, he worships the light side of the fire with the words, ‘ Honour +to the Rathantara which is thy right side/ Then passing to the west of the +tail of the fire, 4 with face to the east, he worships the left side of the fire with +the words, ‘ Honour to the Brhat which is thy left side/ Then on the west s + +one’, i.e. Agni with PrthivI, ‘the god with the goddess,’ i. e. Vayu with Antaiiksa, 4 Brahman +(neut.) with Brahmanl ’ (see Introd., p. 68, n. 1), i. e. Aditya with Dyaus. On this follows +(1, 6) a Vi&vamitra legend (cf. Aitareya, II, 2, 3) to explain these identifications. For the +use of ufa + Vithd, cf. the famous passage in the Mahabhasya, I, 3, 25 (Weber, Ind. Shut, +XIII, 4^0> where an ape upattjhati to warm himself, but a man upatist hate in reverence. + +1 For antarvedi, cf. Aitareya Brahmana, VII, 33, 1; antahparidhi, Brhaddevata, VII, 98; +Wackernagel, Altindische Gramma tik, I, 312. This belongs of course to the end of the +preceding Khanda, and it is dtfiicult to see why it has been separated in Sayana’s text, uttare +mdrjdllya means the dgnuihrlya fire, which was used for the same purpose. + +* This describes the worship of the fire altar in its simplest bird shape, head, two wings, +tad, and body. In Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVII, 13, the sdmans and the order differ, +being (1) pdrvdtdha with Gayatra, (2) right side with Rathantara, (3) left side with Brhat, + +(4) madhya with Vamadcvya, (5) tail with Yajhavajuiya. Cf. Satapatha Brahmana, JX, 1, +2, 35 and 39; X, 1,2, 8, and Kggeling’s summary (based on this passage and Sankhayana), S.B. E., +XLI1I, 283, n.; Llityayana Srauta Sutra, III, 11, 3, wheic as here the body is placed last, but +which agrees as to the sdmans with Sankhayana and also with Drahyaynna, and in which +the sprinkling of water in three parts also occurs. The Simians referred to will be found as +follows, gdyatram in trivrt stoma, Samaveda, II, 146-148; 263*265; 800-802 (or JI, 8, 4, see +S. h\ E., XL1II, 178); rathantauim in paiiiadaia stoma , ibid., II, 30, 31 ; brhat in sapladaUi +stoma , ibid., II, 159, 160 ; rdjanam in paHcavttnia stoma, ibid., JI, 833-835 ; bhadra m chart mia +stoma , ibid., II, 460-462. For the banians cf. II, 3, 4. For a drawing of the agnik^etra see +Weber, Ind. Sind., XIII, 235. + +9 He had gone from the mdrjdllya in the south to the cast side of the citydgni and he +now returns to the south. Rathantara is unusual, but it is supported by all the MSS. +Latyayana and Sankhayana have rathantardya . + +4 It is not clear why he should not go round to the north, but all that is done is to go +to the end of the west or tail side, when looking east, along the left side, he litters the +Mantra. + +6 palcdt may simply mean ‘next’, or, as Sayana takes it, refer to the place where the +Ilotr stands. Apparently the difference between this and his foimcr position is that lie stands +directly behind the tail, instead of going past it. This account of his movements coiresponds on +the whole with that of the ceremony of the Satanulriya, which has analogies to the Mahiivrata +(Satapatha Brahmana, IX, 1, 1, 44). In it, according to the Satapatha, IX, 1, 2, 35 sq., +the Simians, (1) gdyatram , (2 ) ra/hantaram, (3) h hat, (4) Vamadcvyam, (5) yajildyajfliyam , +and (6) Prajdpatihrdaya, correspond to (1) head-, (2) right wing, (3) left wing, (4) body, + +(5) ta fi> (6) heart; according to Latyayana, I, 5, 11, which very closely follows the order of + + + +270 + + +AITAREYA ARAN YAK A + + +V, 1, 2- + + +of the fire, with face to the east, he worships the tail with the words, ‘ Honour +to the Bhadra which is thy tail and thy support.’ Then on the south of the +tail he worships the body with the words, ‘Honour to the Rajana which is +thy body.’ + +3 . lie returns to the seat as he went. 1 The swing has already been made +ready.* Having cleansed the two posts, the ropes, and the cross-beam, and +having taken them by the road called firtha , 3 having gone round to the left +the Agnidh’s altar, 4 (having brought them within) the seat by the east door +(he places the implements 5 ) to the left of all the altars. The planks of the swing +are made of udumbara or of paldsa , or of both. There should be three planks +worked on both sides, or two, and a like number of sharp-pointed sticks. The + +movements in this Aitareya passage, the (1) gdyatram , (2) rathantaram, (3) hrhat, (4) yajfid- +yajtiiyam , (5) Vdmadevya, and (6) Prajdpatihrdaya , correspond to (1) head, (2) right side, +(3) left side, (4) tail, (5) right arm-pit, and (6) left arm-pit. Cf. also the elaborate ceremonial +of the parimddah at the Mahavrata as described in Jsatapatha, X, 1, 2, 9 ; Jsankhayana Aranyaka, +II, 4 (with Friedlander’s note, p. tf ); and the similar use after the beginning of the prdha stotra +of the parimadah (prana, apdna , vratapaksau , Pi aja pa ter hrdaya, VasUthasya mhava, +Sattrasyardhi , tloka and anuUoka , ydma , ay us, navastobha , ryasya sat nan) in the worship +of the paits of the altar in Tfindya Brahmana, V, 4, 1-13; L.ltyilyana 6rauta Sutra, III, 9, + +1 st [.; Taittiriya Brahmana, I, 2, 6,5. In the Mahavrata Saman the parts of the bird aie +head, right wing, left wing, tail, and trunk only (Fggeling, S.B.E ., XLIII, xxvii). The +whole conception is clearly borrowed (cf. Introd., p. 50) from the altar in the Agnicayana +which gave origin to the mystic doctrines of the Adhvaryus (see especially Satapatha +Binhmana, VI-X), and of which the Mahavrata is an adaptation by the Ilotrs. In Vajasaneyi +Samhita, XII, 4, the irivrt is the head, the gdyatram the eyes, hrhat and rathantaram the +wings, the hymn the soul, the yajumsi the name, the metres the limbs, the Vamadczyam the +body, the yajildyajilTyam the tail. For the relation of saman and words, cf. Oklenberg, +Z. D. Af. XXXVIII, 439 sqq., 464 sq. ; Wintemitz, Gesc/i. dcr indisch. Litt., I, 143 sq., and +see Fggeling, S. />’. E., XLIII, 180, n. 2 ; Weber, Jnd. Stud., XIII, 276 sq. The Vamadevya is +based on Samaveda, II, 32, 33; the Yajnayajiaya on Samaveda, IT, 53, 54. + +1 lie comes back to the seat near the mdrjdlJya fire, which he left to worship the city a +altar. The expression occurs several times in the Srauta Sutra. For the eight altars see +Fggeling, S.B.E ., XXVI, 148, n. 4 and the plan on p. 475, followed by Caland and Ilenry, +L'Agmdoma ; Ilillebrandt, Neu- und Vollmondsopfer , p. 191. + +3 By the Adhvaryus. Cf. Aitareya Brahmana, VII, 32. + +3 This is the name of the passage between the utkara and cdtvala , £ankhayana Srauta Sutia, +V, 15, 3, &c.; Maitrayam Sainhita, III, 8, 10. The action is rendered intelligible by a glance +at the plan in Fggeling. + +* The pari of parivrajya must refer to circumambulation. The meaning of the phrase is +probably given by Sankhayana Siauta Sutra, XVII, 11, 4, purvayd dvdrdgmdhram prapa- +dyottarendgnid/iriyatn dhBtiyam paryetya , though the put vayd dz>drd here is otheiwise applied. +The idea is, he goes round the altar from right to left, probably. Cf. also ibid., V, 14. +The sentence is so elliptical as to be unintelligible without Saynna’s pravetya. Sankhayana, +XVII, 7, 11, is much more simple. + +a The verb must be gathered from atyddadhati below; strictly speaking the next sentences +arc parenthetical and this sentence is continuous with dakdnoltare sthunc nikhdya. + + + +-v, I, 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +271 + + +swing should be a yard in size from east to west, its cross breadth should be +a yard less a hand; the points of its (planks) should be to the north, and they +should be fastened together by sticks with their points east. Having inserted the +posts in the earth to the north and south, around the seat of the Hotr, he spreads +the cross-beam over them so that it is on a level with the worker’s face. 8 Holes +are (bored) in the corners of the planks of the swing. He fastens the planks +above by means of the ropes, the right one on the south, the left on the north. 7 +The ropes should be of darlha grass, and with three strands, 8 one rope to + +. • In the Sahkhiiyana Srauta Sutra, XVII, 10, 7 and 8, the height is measured by the head of +the Hotr, or if he is small his outstretched arms. Ibid., 4, 6, shows that both the planks and +the cross-beam have the points north. For the construction with kartn/i dependent on +rhya°, cf. Whitney, Sansk/ it Grammar , § 1316. Speijer ( Vc disc he. und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 113) +gives many classical examples. For abhiiah with accus., cf. Delbruok, Altindische Syntax , +p. 183. It is found in Mantra, but more often in Brahmana, Speijer, Vedischc und Sanskrit - +Syntax , § 88. For uttarena with accus, cf. Gaedicke, Der Accusativ in Veda , pp. 207 sq. ; sec +Liebich, Bezz. Beitr. y XI, 284. Delbiuck and Gaedicke seem right in explaining the use as +derived from the accus. with antdr and antara. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 273, offers +no explanation. In V, 1, 1, we find uttamto 'gnch\ in V, 1, 2, dahinatah puchasya with the +more natuial adnominal genitive. But in V, I, 2, aparena has the accus. In Srinkhiiyana +Aranyaka, VTT, 3, antarena has the gen.; in the Sutra, the acc. The measures are dubious, see +Hopkins,/. A. 0 . S., XXIII, 141. + +7 The &ahkhayana fsrauta Sutra, XVII, 10, 14, 15, explains that the right rope is tied to +the north of the south post, the left to the south of the north post, i. e. inside the posts, +just as in a modern swing. The point of view is of course facing east, with the south on +the right and north on the left. + +8 The use of tribune and dvigtoie with different senses of guna is awkward, but appears +clearly so meant. Sfiyana points out that the rope as doubled would be 2^ fathoms in length, +of which only a yaid would be used by the rope passing under the plank (above iuimdtrah +prdh prchkhaJi). There would thus be plenty of lope available for the tying, as the top +was only a man’s height or less. Sayana takes savyadafcinc as 1 inclining to the left and +right’, i.e. the ropes should not go stiaight up. The only obscuie point in this description of +the lying on of the seat of the swing to the cross-beam is pradakdnam , since it is not at first +sight obvious how this applies to the act of fastening ropes. It apparently must mean that +after the rope has been passed under the scat of the swing the one end is rolled round the +cross-beam slanting to the right, the other (on the opposite side, of course a ) also slanting to +the right and the ends then are tied across. Provided there was sufficient friction to keep +the ropes fiom slipping this would seem to give a substantial knot (cf. mstarkya). If this +is so, we cannot accept Sayana’s theory of savyadakunc and must fall back cither 011 the +view that the word means metcly left (hand) rope and right (hand) rope, or take the epithet + + +a It is very unlikely that both ends of the rope should have been brought to the same +side of the cross-beam. In that case pradalsinam would be rather less than more m point. +Speijer ( Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 106, n.) points out that adjective dvandvas are not +unknown even in Sanskrit (cf. his Sanskut-Syntax , § 208), and (p. 32, n. 1) argues fiom +l’anini, VI, 2, 38, when ckadaUi is given as a dvandva that the grammarians recognized such +types. He (§ 107) gives classical examples of distributive dvandvas. + + + +272 + + +AITAREYA A RAN YAK A + + +V, 1, 3- + + +the left, one to the right, and five fathoms long, and should be folded double. +Then folding (each end) thrice (to the right) round the cross-beam he makes +a knot on the top, which can only be untied by twisting. They support the +posts so as to be steady by means of branches and brushwood. 9 The swing +should be four fingers or a hand distant from the ground. 10 On the right it +may be somewhat higher or level. It should be a foot from the altar. + +4. When 1 the swing has been put in position, the Hotr taking a lute of +udumbara wood, with a hundred strings, in both hands, strikes it, 2 beginning +from the lower side, as one docs an ordinary lute. 3 The different notes of the +lute he should produce in turn by the seven metres, 4 each with four (syllables) + +as applying to each rope and as meaning, 1 with strands coiled from left to right.’ Cf. perhaps +the equally obscure passage, Apastamba Yajfmparibhasa, 60, 61 (S. li. E., XXX, 331, where +Max Muller says, ‘The exact piocess here intended is not quite clear. The ropes seem to +have l>een made of vegetable fibres. See Katy., I, 3, 15-17’). If savyadaksine = left and +right, cf. for the use of the dvandva , Wackernagel, A It indisc he Grammatik, II, i, 160, who cites +Atharvaveda, XII, I, 28: padbhyant daksinasavyabhydm ; Taittirlya Brahmana, I, 5, io, 1: +suvarnarajatahhya m hdibhydm. The different order of woids, savyadakdna , is in accordance +with the usual rule as to number of syllables determining the order of the numbeis of their +compounds, Wackernagel, II, i, 166. + +’ Sayan a explains that they fill up the holes in which are placed the feet of the posts + +with dust, which is not thrown in by hand but by branches and firsts. This, however, is + +quite unnecessary. Ihushwood would be a much better material for strengthening the hold +of a post. He defines brsT as trnavallitdlapatravenudalddiohir nirmitd alpakatavitesdh. The +swing was obviously shaped like this |\_/J. + +10 The distance according to Sfinkhayana should be a prddeta , XVII, 10, 13. Ibid., XVII, 1, +discusses the planks; 2, the ropes and dsandi\ 3, the lute; 4, the drums; 5, 6, 7, the other +accessories and the preliminary steps, in great order and detail. Cf. Latyayana Srauta Sutra, +111,12. + +1 There are similar passages in the Tandya Brahmana, V, 5, 4 sq., and Latyayana Srauta + +Sutra, III, 12, 8 ; IV, 1, besides in the 6ankh«lyana Srauta Sutra, XVII, 3; 15, 10 sq. Sayana + +points out that the Ilotr is now seated to the west of the swing. The exact words as to +the lute do not occur in 6ankhayana, but it is elaborately described, XVII, 3. + +2 Siiynna renders merely, ‘ he should hold it on his left side like a lute.’ But the idea is +perhaps rather that he strikes one stiing after nnother, ascending in the scale, beginning +from below and ascending, uttaratah , cf. urdhvam below and Agnisvamin on Latyayana +Siauta Sutra, IV, I, 4. + +3 So Sayana on RV., I, 85, 10, where he similarly explains the phrase vdnam dhamanlah +used of the Maruts, cf. Ill, 2, 5, n. 1 ; Benfey ( Sdmaveda , G/ossar, p. 169) takes vdna there as +flute, and Zimmer ( Altindisches J.ebcn , p. 289) follows him. Max Muller (Afarut Hymns , +pp. 120, 1 21) preferred to see in it meiely ‘voice’. For uduhami , cf. Wackernagel, Allindhche +Grammatik , I, 92, who considers u here an ablaut of u. Panini lestricts its use to Atmancpada, +but Katyayana allows Parasmaipada with a prefix as here (Licbich, Panini , p. 84). + +4 i.c. he plays notes corresponding to verses composed in these meties. The four more +are, Sayana says, virdj, dvipadd , at ichan das, and chando ’ntararn . If this last be omitted ten +are got. But despite its use elsewhere, e. g., 6atapatha Brahmana, X, 1, 2, 8, it must surely + + + +-V, r, 4 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +2 73 + + +over, or with ten. (He should say), f I produce thee with the gdyatri metre. +I produce thee with the anustubh metre. I produce thee with the usnih metre. + +I produce thee with the brhati metre. I produce thee with the pahkii metre. + +I produce thee with the iristubh metre. I produce thee with the jagati metre. + +I produce thee with the virdj metre. I produce thee with the dvipada metre. + +I produce thee with the atichandas metre.’ Having gone through the metres + +according to the series of notes, he strikes the lute thiice, beginning from the +foot with a branch of udumbara wood, fresh and still leafy, using the foot of +it, (to the words), ‘I‘or up-brcathing I strike thee, for down-breathing I strike +thee, for cross-breathing I strike thee/ But he should not say, ‘ I strike thee,’ for +other desires.''’ Then he hands over to the Saman singers the lute with the +branch . 0 He places his two hands on the back plank (with the words), ‘For +creatures thee (I 1011011),’ and pushes the swing to the east (with the words), +Swing forward like the breath,’ crosswise ^ (with the words), ‘ Swing crosswise +for cross-breathing,’ and back to himself (with the words), ‘ Swing like back- +breathing.’ lie repeats the words bhit/i, bhuvah, and svar* He then pushes +the swing to the cast 0 (with the words), ‘For breath I push thee,’ crosswise +(with the words), ‘ For cross-breathing I push thee,’ and back to himself (with +the words), ‘For down-breathing I push thee.’ (With the words), ‘May the +Vasus mount thee with the gdyatri metre, I mount after them,’ he places his +elbows on the back plank . 10 Then he should touch the front plank with his + +mean, each metre has four more syllables than its predecessor, viz. 24, 28, 32, &c., and so +Sayana takes it on Aitareya Brahmana, VIII, 6, 6. + +8 No doubt, as Sayana says, a reference to a practice of other Sakhas, but not to the +Sankhayana Arnnyaka or Srauta Sutra. For the words audumbaryd, Sec , cf. audumbarydrdrayd +idkhayd sapalatayd in Aitareya Brahmana, VIII, 13. For the conduction, cf. the acc. of +whole and part, c. g. AV., V, 8, 9 (cited by Speijer, Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 20; +Delbruck, Vergl. Synt ., I, 385) : enam-marmani vidhya , when, however, according to Whitney, +Translation of Atharvaveda, the reading should be martnani , loc., though marmdni appears +also in the Ajmir edition, samvat 1957. Somewhat analogous cases appear in Speijer, § 83; +Gaedicke, Der Accusative p. 268. Or tnidadeiena may refer to the lute. + +8 In Sankhayana it is the Udgatf who has throughout to deal with the lute. + +7 Clearly the vydna is a breath at right angles to prana and apdna. This is an unusual +conception of it, and is not mentioned in Deussen, Philosophie der Upanishads p 252 • + +E. T., p. 279. + +* Sayana says that the repetition of these three words denotes a desire that the three worlds +be established by the threefold moving of the swing. They are used in Lajyayana, IV, 1, 4, in +connexion with the playing of the lute. Cf. also Wackernagel, Altindisihe Grammatik , 1,339; +Oldenberg, Religion dts Veda , p. 432, n. ; Winteinitz, Gesch, der mdisih. Litt., I, 162. + +10 CVa ^ enotes ^ at action is as before, only the verses being different (Sayana). + +10 In Sankhayana, XVII, 16, he touches the swing with his breast and then alternately he puts +his right and left side over with Mantras almost identical with those here, save that arko *si is +prefixed, and each ends with a dative rd/ydya, See. He then plants his two feet to the east. + +T + + +KUTH + + + +274 AITAREYA ARANYAKA . V, x , 4 - + +hands separately , 11 like a serpent about to creep. He should touch the middle +plank with his chin, or if there are two 12 the point of joining of the two. (With' +the words), ‘ May the Rudras mount thee with the trhtubh metre, I mount after +them,' he lays his right thigh 13 (over the seat). (With the words), 'May the +Adityas mount thee with the jagati metre, I mount after them/ (he lays) his +left thigh. (With the words), ‘ May the All-gods mount thee with the anustubh +metre, I mount after them/ he mounts (the swing ). 14 To the west of his own +altar he places his right foot pointing to the cast, and then his left . 15 If the +former is tired, then the latter; if the latter, then the former. But the two together +must never be off the ground. The Hotrakas sit down on bundles of grass, +and so docs the Brahman priest. The Udgatr sits on a stool of udumbara wood. +If he has to leave for any absolutely necessary action, then having set one to +guard, he descends towards the east, and having carried out the exact business he + +Then he sits crosswise on the swing and touches the back of it with the Mantra, Prajdpati r +tvdiohattt vdyuh prenkhayatu. This act is pieceded and followed by three expirations and three +inspirations. The Mantras of the Udgatr in mounting his seat in Latyayana Srauta Sutra, +111 , 12, 8, are like those in Sahkhayana, omitting arko ’si, but Lafyayana, III, 12, 9, permits +them to be reduced to simply gdyatrena tvd chan das a roh < tm i, &c. In I.a{yayana the verses +are said by the Udgatr. Ibid., 10-12. Gautama adds a fifth stoma with vairdjma , Dhanain- +jayya has four, and Sandilya only three. + +11 The Anandasrama edition reads yathd hi, which is nonsense. The reading of Rajendralala +is that clearly of Sayana, who takes the point of comparison to lie in the fact that he raises his +hands as a snake about to creep raises its head. Nona must be an adveib meaning ‘ separately ’. + +It might possibly be suggested that it meant here ‘without', a sense ascribed by Panini, II, 3, 32, +but even then the comparison with the snake would have little point. For the use of ndnd , +cf. Sahkhayana Srauta Sutra, XVI, 7, 8; 10; XVII, 3, 8; Latyayana Srauta Sutra, III, 3, 9 +( = Katyayana Srauta Sfitra, XII, 2,8): ndndpdpakrtya ; Asvalayana GrhyaSutra, 1 ,3,10 : nandpi +satidaivatc\ Manava Grhya Sutra, II, 18, and other passages in Bloomfield, Vcdic Concordance , + +P* 545 b - f or a similar metaphor, cf. Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, VI, 6, 5 : yathd iakunir utpatkyan. + +13 There may be two or three, V, 1,3. They arc fastened by the suets. + +13 In Sankhayana Siauta Sutra, XVII, 16,1, occurs, daknna/n bhdgam dtmano ’ tiharnn , where +Covinda explains by hrdaydt prthak kurvan , but Sayana here talks of prchkhdrohanam , and the +sense requires the meaning ‘lays over', which is probably meant also in the Sankhayana passage, +as pointed out by Friedlander on Sihkhlyana Aranyaka, I, 7. Cf. Introd., p. 67. + +14 The same scries of gods and metres occurs in the Vajasaneyi Samhita, XI, 60, 65; Taittirlya +Saiphita, IV, 1,5; Maitrayani Satphita, II, 7, 6 ; Tuxulya Mahabrahmana, VII, 6; Sankhayana +Aranyaka, XI, 8. Cf. Satapatha Brahmana, VI, 5, 3 ( agnicayana ), X, 4, 17, and see Weber, +2 nd. Stud. t XIII, 268, and cf. the Rajasuya verses, Aitarcya Brahmana, VIII, 6, 1-4. + +18 The exact sense of this is taken by Sayana to be that the feet are to be used alternately, +and this seems correct, though it is not said exactly that the two cannot ever be both on the ground +at once. They must not be both of! the giound, cf. I, 2, 4. bor the gen. with pakat, cf. Aitareya +Biahmana, VIII, 10,9: ctya grhdn paUdd grhasydgner upavikdyanvdrabdhdya rivig antatah +kamsena caturgrhttds its/ a djydhutir aindrih prapadatn juhoti . This corrects Speijer’s remark +( Valise he und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 83), followed by Delbruck, Vergl. Synt ., I, 743, that pat cat is +not so found before the Srauta Sutras. + + + + +-v, I, 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +275 + + +should mount again in the manner above set forth, omitting the utterance (of +bhuh , bhuvah, and svar ). 16 + +5 . He instructs the Prastotr, ‘ In the paheavitnia sloma proclaim the first +praiihdra when either three verses remain to be said, or two and a half 1 or +twelve and a half. Jatukarnya holds that this should be done when there remain +twelve and a half verses. When the Prastotr has spoken, he repeats 2 (the verse), + +‘Thou art a bird with fair wings. I shall speak forth this word, which will + +declare much , 3 fare far, produce much, gain much, effect more than much, + +16 Sayana takes ajapayd vrtd as the form. It may equally be ajapayd d-’rid , dvrt +being more usual in this sense, as in Manava Crhya Sutra, II, 4, 2 ; 9, 8; A&val5yana 3 rauta +Sutra, V, ir, 4 ; 5, &c.; cf. Weber, Ind. Stud., V, 410. If avayakarmine is read the sense + +must be, ‘If he should go for (to serve) some one who has something he must do on hand.’ + +At first sight this seems easier, but if °karmine had been original it would hardly have been changed +to karmane , a less obvious constitution, while the reverse of this process would be not unnatuial. +If °karmine is read, sec for the formation which is rare in early texts, Wackernagel, Altindische +Gram mat ik, II, i, iax, 1 aa. For the dat., cf. Gaedickc, Der Accusativ tm Veda , p. 135 ; Delbruck, +Vergl. Synt., I, 177, 301. + +1 So Sayana explains ardhairiiydsu . The pratihdra is repeated five times usually before +the last pada of the \erse, cf. Hillebrandt, Ritual-IMteratur, p. 100 and refT. For the lmpeia- +tive in °tat, signifying an action to be carried out after something else, cf. Delbruck, Altindische +Syntax, p. 363; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, §§ 570, 571. The dictum of Whitney that the +benedictive sense of the impeiative in tat was not exemplified, can only be supported on a very +narrow interpretation of the word ‘benedictive’, not merely for classical Sanskrit (where it occurs +often in Jaina Kavya texts) but also for Vedic. E. g. in RV., Ill, 2 2,2 : Ague vl paiya brhatabhl +ray ham no ncta bhavatdd Ann dyun, it is surely absurd to take bhavatdt as imperative, as does +Oldenberg {S.B.E., XI.VI, 288); similarly in Whitney’s own example from RV.: ydd urdhvds +ththd drAvinehd dhattdt, ‘ mayst ’ is clearly the sense, and ‘may’ he himself uses in translating +the example from the MBh., bhavdn prasddam kurutdt. Probably, therefore, in denying the +* benedictive ’ sense, Whitney refers to that word in the narrowest sense of a blessing pronounced +by some person who in the ordinary view is entitled to bless. This is so far borne out by the +fact that Panini, III, r, 50 {dim ca) is explained by the Siddhantakaumudi (following the +Kasika Vrtti) as diih prayoktur dharmah \ did sit uh pi trader iyam uktik | In these cases the +benedictive is regularly used in Sanskrit, e. g. tat kirn anyad didsmahe kevalam viraprasuyd +bhuyah (Vikramorva^i), or the king’s formal diih , e. g. dkalpdntam ca bhuydt samupacitasukhah +samgamo sajjandndm (Ratnavali), or the imperative (e. g. in the verse from the Ratnavall just +cited in fact three imperatives occur), but in the early language at any rate I can find no certain +example of - tat so used. Put the distinction between a wish and a blessing is evanescent. + +3 The Sankhayana Aranyaka, I, 8, and Jsrauta Sutra, XVII, 17, give the Mantras in reverse +order, and omit the ukthavirydni. For suparno ’si garutmdn see Vajasaneyi Sarphita, XII, 4 ; +Sankhayana identifies this with prdna, but see my Sdnkhdyatia Aranyaka, p. 77, n. 6. + +8 Sayana inteiprets these epithets very inadequately, but it is most probable that they are all +genuine including svar vadisyantim, which has least MS. authority. The Ananda^rama edition +considers Sayana’s text defective, but most probably lie regarded some of the epithets as obvious, +though perhaps he had not svar vadisyantim. Latyayana has only after 7 >adt\ydtni: bahu +kansyantim bahu karisyan svar gamayisyantim svar gamayisyan mam imdn yajamdndn , see IV, + +2, 10. So also Drahyayana. Sankhayana Aianyaka recognizes bahu karisyantim bahor bhuyah +kansyantim svar gamisyantim svar imdn yajamdndn vaksyantim only, which resembles + +T 2 + + + +276 + + +A 1 TAREYA ARANYAKA + + + +which goes to heaven, which will declare heaven, fare to heaven, produce heaveiv, +gain heaven, carry this sacrifice to heaven, and carry the sacrificer, me, to heaven.’ +The word ‘ sacrificer applies only to one who has been consecrated, not +to one not consecrated . 4 In the case of a friend of his , 6 he should say +‘carries N. N. to heaven’, not ‘will carry’. He then repeats the ukthaviryas , 6 +and, ‘ Breath (is united) with speech, may I be united with speech. Eye is united +with mind, may I be united with mind. Hearing is united with the self, may +I be united with the self. May I have greatness, glory, good fortune, enjoyment, +the stobhci 7 and the stoma verse, sound, renown, prosperity, fame, and fruition .’ 8 + +Latyayana’s version given above. The 3 rauta Sutra, XVII, 17, 1, has: fremdm vacant +vadtsyami bahtt kaitsycmttm bcihn kartsyan bahor bhuyah svar ga misyanttm svar gamisyan. +Bloomfield {beetle Concordance , j>. fi42 b )gives I.atyayana and Sahkhayana as having svargam , &c., +instead of svar gain 0 , Sc c., but that this is quite wrong may lie pioved, not only by its inherent +improbability but also by Sankhayana Aranyaka, I, 8 (the Aranyaka unluckily did not come to +Bloomfield’s notice), where occurs svar hy esd vdg gamisyanti bhavati ; sec my note, J. R. A, S., +1908, p. 204. + +* i.e. not to the Hotr in an ckdha or ahlna. but in a sattra. C f. V, n. 1 and + +HI, 2, 4, n. 2. + +6 This seems to be the same. If so, this passage recognizes the performance for a friend +against Sankhayana Aianyaka, I, 1 ; the case of an enemy is specially dealt with in that +Amnjaka, I, 8j ndinutn being said. The future is not to be used, for the present is to be +used to signify the immediate attainment of heaven (Sayana). + +9 The Mx Mantras, ghosdya ivd, Uokdya tvd , irnvatc tvd , upairnvate tvd, dirutyai tvd , +dhutdya tvd , says Sayana. 1 hough Sankhayana does not mention the ukthainrydni heie, +they are frequently alluded to in the 3 rauta Sntra, VII, 9, 6 ; 10, 15 ; 19, 25 ; 20, 11, &e. See +Say ana's list, Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, V, 9, 21; 10, 10; 14, 16 ; 15, 23; 18, 13; 20, 8, and +ch kgK e fi n g> S.B. E. t XXVI, 327. There is one for each of the Ilotr’s Jsastras. + +7 Sayana explains as the fruits of these parts of the Sainan. The omission of the verb +may be compared with V, 2, 2, n. 13. In Taittiriya Aranyaka, IV, 21, is mayi dhdyi suvlryam +after a series of loc. Compare for the list, Sahkhayana Srauta Sutra, V, 1, 10 : bhargam me voco +bhadram me voco bhutam me vocah iriyam me voco yaio me vo<o mayi bhaigo mayi bhadram +mayi bhufir mayi irir mayi yaiah. Scheftelowitz, Zur Stammbildung in den indo-ge> manischen +Sf>rac/ien, takes bhargas as equal to ‘beauty’, quoting RV., I, 141, 1 : bdl itthd tdd vdpuse +dhdyi darlatdm devdsya bhdrgah sdhaso yd/o jdni; III, 62, 10; AV., XIX, 37, 1 ; VI, 69, 2 ; +3 atapatha Brahmana, V, 4, 5, 1, and comparing Old Slavonic bliskati , &c. These sentences +it will be noted contain older forms of words and expressions than the ordinary Sutra form +or the mere liturgical direction ; cf. Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance, p. viii, and V, 3, 2, n. 17. +So vdg devi somasya trpyatu and duhdm mahat in V, 3, 2. A precise parallel is found in +Taittirlya Aranyaka, IV, 11 : sdm ahdm Ay usd I j dm pranina I uim vdrcasd I sdm pdyasd 1 sdm +gaupatyina I sdm rdyds pdsena I vy itsau , &c. Sahkhayana Srauta Sutra, XVII, 17, 1, has : +sam vdh prdnena sam a harp prdnena , and sam caksur, &c., as in the Aitareya, but sain +irotiam , &c., it omits. + +After stoma , Uoka may well be ‘ verse’, or possibly * hymn of piaise ’. Klsewhcre it means, +however, merely ‘fame’, e. g. Bfhadaranyaka Upanisad, I, 4, 7 (Kanva), 18 (Mrulhyandina) : +evdm klrtim Udkam vindate , which appears to be the only Upanisadic passage with that sense +(Jacob, Concordance , p. 940). + +8 Bhujabhuktyor bhedo bhogyabhedena drastavyah (Sayana). + + + +-v. I, 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +277 + + +Having called • (to the Adhvaryu), he mutters the word * speech There are +three calls ' n (for the Hotr), at the beginning of the 3astra, of the m'vid, and +of the concluding verse. The Adhvaryus 11 make sounds. On this day one" +should give much food. They cause a warrior “ to pierce a skin. They smite +the earth drum, and women play lutes 1 *. There is intercourse of creatures, 18 and +a conversation between a student and a courtesan. The Udgatrs sing various +Samans for the Niskevalya 6astra, la the Ilotr begins with the strophe of the +Raj an a Sam an. 17 + +In Sankhayana 3 rant a Sutra, XVII, 12, 5, the an ujap a is: vdg dyur viivayur vik’am +dyur ehy eva hmdropehi viivaika vidd maghavan vidd Hi. The call is adhvaryo iomsavom, +Aitareya Brahmana, III, 12, &c. ; Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVII, 17, 14. (Jarbe, RttuaL +Litteratar , pp. 100-102 ; Cal and and llenry, L'Agnis/oma, p. 232. + +Not, as in the prakrti, also with the anurupas and dhdyyds (Sayana). + +11 Ka ray anti is little, if any, more than a simple verb. Cf. epic examples in Holt/mann, + +on Whitneys Sanskrit Grammar, §§ 10.41, 1068; Speijer, Vrdisihe und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 1^6- +San ski it-Syntax , § 304. So in Pali and Prakrit, Muller, Pali Grammar, p. 107. This is a +preliminary to the beginning of the Sastra. Presumably the woids, like those mentioned below, +are intended to frighten away demons. &c. Cf. Cook , Journal of Hellenic Studies, 1902, p. i S ; +Parnell, Cults of the Greek States , IN, 31 ; Crooke, Northern India , p. 106; my Sankhayana +Ar any aka, p. 78. y + +12 i. e. the yajamdna. + +1J The ceiemony is described at greater length in Sankhayana Srauta Sotra, XVII, 15. The +king or his representative pierces the skin with three arrows, which aie not allowed to penetiate +through. I he idea is clearly a rain spell. The airows picice the sky and bring down the +waters the sky imprisons. This idea may explain the archer in the myth of the descent of Soma +though the idea appears distorted theie (Bloomfield, J. A. O. S., XVI, 22 sq.). For the arc! +and instr., cf. Gaedicke, Der A ecu sat iv im Veda, pp. 275 sq.; Liebich, Bezz. Beitr., XI, +272 sq. ; Dclbruck, AItindischc Syntax, pp. 225, 226 ; Vagi. Synt., II, 117, 118; III, 2, 4, n. id! + +The drumming is performed on a raw hide, stietchcd ovei a hole dug in the ground outside +the vedi, by means of the tail of the sacrificial animal, Sankhayana, XVII, 5. There are also +four or six ordinary drums used. The wives used vanous instruments, ghdtakarkarir ava^ha- +tarikdh kdtulavinah ptchord iti, ibid., XVTI, 3, 12. Another list, partly the same, in Latyayana +IV, 2, 1-8. Cf. Ilillebiandt, Ved. Myth., II, 190; J.A. O.S., XXIII, 309. + +For similar ceremonies to promote fertility, cf. Parnell, ( ults of the Greek States , III, 80, 103 ; +Pra/er, Adonis , Attis , Osins, pp. 21 sq ; my Sankhayana Aranyaka, pp. 82 sq. + +Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVII, 6, 1; 2 : a/ha lud/aryau stripumiimsau baiuiakhalati ity +upakalpayanti I tad e/at puninam utsannam na kdryatn I Apastamba, cited by Sayana, says: +uttarasydm vediirony d, m p u mhalyai tndgadhaya ta par A ray anti (al. partsarpanti) ; see XXI, 19! +Cf. Taittmya Samhita, VII, 3, 9, 4, The conversation of the student and courtesan is given +in Latyayana, IV, 3, 9-11 ; the mithuna m 17; cf. Kathaka Samhita, XXXIV, 5 • KstyAyana +Srauta Sutra, XITT, 3 ; v. Schrocder, Mysterium und Jllimus , pp. 161 sq., who overlooks the force +of the plural (, caranti) in the Kathaka; Oldenberg, Got/, gel. Anz., 1909, p. 77, n. 1; my note +f*R. A.S., 1909, p. 205, n. 2. ’ ' + +Sayana explains that the Udgatrs sing their Samans first of all ending with the rdjanam +saman the first tristich of which serves as the commencement of the Niskevalya &astra of +t le Ilotr. On the priests, cf. Oldenberg, Religion des Veda , pp. 383 sq.; Weber, Ind. Stud X + +1 4 r s( f> 37^ s q- , ' + +I he Latyayana Srauta Sfitra, which goes into further detail, mentions also as pait of the + + + +2 73 A1TAREYA ARANYAKA V, ,, 6- + +G. ‘Tliat was the oldest in the worlds’ (RV., X, 120), 1 ‘That fame of thine +0 Maghavan, tbiough thy greatness' (RV., X, 54), ‘He growelh more for +strength ' (RV., VI, 30), and the three verses beginning, ‘ Thee, manliest of men, +with songs, with hymns' (RV., HI, 5,, 4), (are the commencement of the Astral. +Here some say ! that one should take from the body-verses the two quarter-verses, +‘Join with the sweet what is sweeter than sweet’ (RV., X, 120, 30), and ‘The +sweet with the sweet hast thou conquered' (ibid., 3d), and replace’them with +the wing quarter-verses, ‘O Maghavan, O Indra, the strong steeds' (RV., VII, +3.h 22c), and ‘O Indra, grant a cow, a chariot horse’ (RV., VI, 46, 20), and put +in place of the latter those other two. He thus wins the profit of a cow 3 and + + +ceremonies a fight between an A.ya (VaKya) and a Siidra for a shin which is compared with the +siin, and the appointment of persons to piaise and ciitiii/e the acts of the priests, TV 3 perhaps +in order to avert the evil eye (harnell, Cults of the Greek States, III, 172); c f. the abuse of the +Roman tnumph. The first ceremony charly shows the nature of the rite as a sun spell +whieh has many parallels m d.ffeient paits of the woild (Usencr, A/chiv f Keligionsxvissen- +S ‘ ly ° 4 : IT* Agmsvaimn on TV, 3, 7, points out. It is discussed in Taittniya + +Uialimnna, 2, 6, 7. For ntual ai<r X/ ,oAoyUx as stimulating vegetation or serving a piaculai +purpose, cf. harnell, Cults of the G, eek States, III, ,04; IV, 267; hra/er, Golden Bough , I>, 07- +Viooke, Northern India, p. 193 ; v. Schroeder, Mystc/ium und Minus, pp. 309 si, + +1 bee I, 3, 3-8. This, K hand a deals with the body and the sudadohas veise following it. It +concsponds to S.lnkha)ana Aianyaka, II, i, and Siautra Sutra, XV 11 I, 1. + +3 Sankhayana Srauta Sutia, XVIII, 14, 7; Aranyaka, II, 1 ; 11, omits the last two fadas +and does not replace them, but puts them before the dvifadas. The stanza RV., VII 03 22° + +vuTV” thC nghl ’ thC btaM7a R y-’ VT ’ * 6 ’ in lhe ,clt w ing. The Satapatha Biahmana| +v ill, 0, 2, 3, seems to agree with Sankhayana, though not precisely; Eggelnig, S.B. Ji., XLTII +thug’s explanation of the ardhanau in the Satapatha as referring to RV./x, 120’ +$ > and V1II » 2 °> ial ’» scc,n! * to overlook the lact that in the Sankhayana the a/dharca, x’ 120! + +?' -• erlmes Wlth 11 thc VIII, 6y, 2= •>, making up in all a.dhancm ; they are called Urn + +111 Aranyaka, IT, 1. + +8 1 his is practically a defining genitive. Cf IV: ray ah suviryam, and contrast Whitney, +Sanskrit Gramma/, § 295; Speijei, Vedisihe und Sansknt-Syutax, § 65. Delbruck {Altai +dt uhe Syntax, pp. 153, 154) gives examples of thc genitive of material and origin, and see Ver°l. +Synt., 1 , 340, 346 sij. 'l’hc construction sam faksayoh / atanaya is curious. The saw is joined with +patandya by Sajana, and we might compare lor this infra, ufa-afite, V, 3, 3 ; or sam might be +taken with dhatte (cf Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 1081). The use of the geiutivc * with +patandya ^as with dftyai, Sankhayana Aianyaka, JI, 5 ; 6 , &c.) disentitles it to be lankcd as a +real infinitive: cf. Speijer, Vcdische und Samkrit-Synta.x, §48; Whitney, l.c., §§ 287, 982. +The easy conjecture lam, though rather tempting, is unnecessary. The conjunction of cow and +horse is truly Vedic, cf. Indra’s hymn, RV., X, 119. j : Ifi va Iti me mdno gam diram sanuydm +Iti; Atharvaveda, XII, r, 5 : gavdm alvdndm, &c.; Winternitz, Geseh. der indtSih. Lift., I, 57 ; +Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance , p. 346*. For at man dhatte , cf. Sankhayana Srauta Sutra XIV* +2S, 9; XV, 6, 7. ’ + + +* Tt is possible to think of faksayoh as a dative (cf. Speijer, Vediuhe und Sanskrit-Syntax , +§ 12, for the confusion of °bhydm and oh forms), but this is not essential. + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +279 + + +-V, 1, 6 + +a horse, and the wings are made strong to fly. He intertwines these hymns with +the verse nadam va odaimam (RV., VIII, 69, 2), joining quarter-verse with quarter- +verse, making them into brhati verses, so that the qnarter-verses of the nada +hymn are second. lie also inserts in the first stanza the syllables of the word +pur us a y one in each quarter-verse, at the end, save in the case of the third quarter- +verse. Thus docs he intertwine them. We will also set (a verse forth) as an +example, thus : 4 —■ + +tad id dsa bhuvanesu jyedham pu +nadam va odallndm l +yato jajna ttgras Ivesanrmno tu +nadam yoyuvatino^m 11 +sadyo jajhano ni rinali sairun +pa/tm 7’0 aghnydnam \ +anu yam visve madanty umdh so +dhenunam is udhyaso 3 m II + +The verse should be thrice repeated. 6 Should (the Udgalrs) sing as the +Rajana Saman other verses which occur (in the hymns enumerated), then (the +Ilott) recites them in their own 6 place, but here (at the beginning of the &astra) +he recites these voises (1. e. RV., X, 120, 1-3), If die other verses do not occur +in these hymns, he should take as many out of the hymns mentioned and recite +the (other verses) in their place, but still recite these verses (RV., X, 120, 1-3) +here. (The verses removed) in this case are to be those before the sudadohas +verse. The Sastra always begins with the verses commencing, ‘That was the + +4 The plutf and the otn after the fourth pada are probably meant. Cf. .^ankh.lyana, ll.ee ., +and T, 5, 1. Rajendralala and the Anandasrama edition are both inconsistent. For the pluti, +see Wackcrnagel, Altmdischc Grammattk, I, 297-300. .Both tmdhyaso 3 m and yarn +tine) 3 m present curious torms, which may be compared with the rule recognized in T’anini, +VI, 1,95, that om with a preceding a vowel gives om, and this Sandhi in its turn has early +parallels (Macdoncll, Vedie Grammar , p. 64). .So in Manava Grhya Sutra, I, 4, 4, vdnom stands, +in my opinion, for idm- f om (cl. II, 7, n. 1). See also Caland and Henry, Id Agnistoma, pp. 11 2, +166, 178, 232, 237, 238, &e., for examples of this Sandhi. + +3 To make up twenty-five verses, T, 3, 5, n. 6; &ankhayana Aianyaka, II, 1 : evarn vihrtiim +prathamam b ih tamsati pardtir uttarah . + +6 Literally, ‘ in their place.’ The Udgatrs may either adopt tad id dsa as the beginning +or stotriya, or use other verses o'f the enumerated hymns, or use <juite new verses, but in +all cases the llotr must stick to tad id asa as a commencement, and must not follow the +strophe of the Rajana Saman. The new verses arc to be inserted before the sudadohas verse +omitting a corresponding number of those in the oidmary version. If the verses occur in the +hymns enumerated, then they are simply recited in their own original place, since the whole +ol the first three hymns is included in the Sastra, and the three veises, I, 51, 4-6, count +picsumably as a hymn for this purpose. Cf. 11. 3 on V, 2, 1. For the construction, cf. Aitaieya +Brahmana, V, 7, 1 : mahandmnJsv atta stuvate Uikvarena sdmnd. + + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +oRn + +r i Ai hf H V /J SI i-* A 1\1 \r A 7S" A Tr + +V, I, 6- + +Oldest in the worlds’ (RV„ X, ,*>, ,). The reply of the Adhvaryu is not altered.’ +VIlT^^ 0 ^)^ thC SUdad ° haS VefSe ’ be S innin S> <0f that milk yielder ’ (RV. f + +4 i;r- ”■» 50; XXVI> 336 : Sabbathier ’ + +Z Tlr! S° W X "ZThZ™ " re ; after a tf ‘^Viamsa of three verses, RV„ X, i so, + +tw^; ™^ 9 ^1h e wh“; w^ x ;he’A x ;Hie t f 1 , o‘T + +. h =r.^ a ”i sss:ir —- ^----- + +After the borly-verses the order in Snnkhayana and the Aitareya difTers as shown below + +Head-verses SGlra > Aianyaka, + +xt | , . , , bankhiiyana, XVIII, 2 IT □ + +Neck-vcrses (wilh skandha , cervical column, . ’ + +J- R. A. S., 1907, pp. i, 2) ” »> 3 ,,3 + +Right side (aksa, bahu, prahastakd) + +Left side (ditto) * + +Rack (t muka, backbone, perhaps lumbar por- +tion in special, J. R. A.S ., ujo 7t pp . 7t 8 ) + +AUtis +Vala hymn + +Dvipadas (with ardharcau) + +Amdrdgna hymn +Avapana + +Anu)tubha samdmnaya +Trislupchata +Neck-verses +Head-verses +Vertebrac-verses +Right wing +Left wing +Dvipadas +A At is +Vat a hymn +Dr& t &C. + + +” + +,, + +4 + +»» 4; 5 + +,, + +tt + +5 + +tt 4 » 5 + +tt + +it + +6 + +» 6 + + +„ + +7 -I 3 + +M + +1 + +O + +It + +»> + +14 + +„ II + +tt + +tt + +T 5 + +„ 12 + +tt + +it + +16 + +11 13 + +tt + +tt + +17 + +tt 14 + + +tt + +18 + +» J 5 + +tt + +tt + +19; 20 + +tt 1 ^ + +:aieya, + +V, 2, 1 + + +l t 4« 1 + +tt + +tt + + +tt + +tt + +tt + + +tt + +” + +V, 2, 2 + + +T , 4, a + + +V, 3-5 +V, 2,5 +V, 3, 1; 2 + + +4, 3 +I. 5,i +1, 5,1; 2 + + +, !? 1 * houM b< ! n ° ted - however, that this division, which is that adopted by Hr. Friedlander is + +For h“ “ T TZ SldeS ’ Which ( Intlod - P- >«) ^ divides into shoulder, arm and hand + +or the word skandha (really ‘ cervical column’, Iloernle, /.R.A.S 1006 mX \ + +ldtS? h , ll *^T“ l ‘ he W ° rd ^ of wh.ch S are + +. Ln 1 * P 3 ’ as re K” rds the port rendered as ‘shoulder’, seems rather to denote + +(l loemi T/- Z Z Sl ’ 50 T thC faC ‘ ' hat ak;ata h r this s ™ se ia Cataka and Sukruta +readme should*be'e^' V"', ‘ h ‘ S ““ ‘ n th ° Sata P all,a Urahmana. Possibly the + +In, - Wb f ! ^‘’"'“'Aranyaka,of. aha slhmrtha (sic) just after, and cf I 2 2 n 11 + +aha rc „ good sense. The exact d.vislons are probably (a) collar-bone, (b) arm, (’c)’hand ’ + + + +-V, 2, I + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +Adhyaya 2. + +(Then come)the neck-verses. ‘Of India, 1 the smiter.the powerful, the earnest, who +has the world, are might and strength, great and delightful. The mighty 3 overcomes + +1 These verses occur with many variants in the Atharvavcda, VI, 33, and also in the +Paippalada recension, the Naigeya text of the Samaveda, I, 588, which has \hdjo ytijas tujiJane +vdnarrt svdh, and has not the second two verses, and &Inkha\ana £iaula Sutia, XVIII, 3, where +tliey lull \ yasyedam oja thujas tujo yujo balam sahah \ Indrasya rarity am hr hat II anddhr stain +vipanyaya nadhrsa ddadharsayd I dhrsdriam dhrsitam Sarah II sa no dadatu tarn rayim puru +piiahgasamdrUim I Indrah path tarastamo janesu II It should, however, be noted that balam +is merely a conjecture of Hillebrandt’s for variant of all his MSS. It is a probable one. The +AV. version is unintelligible, see Whitney's Translation , p. 305. In the version given, which +is purely conjectural, I have taken thu/ah as a genitive from Sahkhayana (the change of u and a +is easy, the accent is dubious), like tujo and yujo, presumably also genitives. Sayan a as usual +gives no help; he takes arajah as either (1) niskeralyam sarvato rarfjakam , or (2) jagatpdla- +nam sar~vato ran/akam 3 ujo tujo is yotjo rairindm himsakah . Variant is bhaktair rana- +ntyarri. The AV. has^ a rdjo ydjas tu/d jdnd vdnam sm\h I and nadhrm a dadhrsate dhrsdriJ +dhrsitdh Sdrah I pura ydthd ryathlh infra /ndrasya rnidhrse Sarah. The Paippalada differs +greatly. + +3 The translation again is purely conjectural. Whitney, by reading adhhe (infin.), dhrsdndm +dhrntdrn , and 'ryathi, makes it, * (lie is) not to be dared against ; (his) might, dared, dares daring +against pothers) ; as, of old, his fame (was) unwaveiing, Tndra’s might (is) not to be dared +against. laking the Aitareya text as it stands, I think we must resolve nadharsa as nd +adharsa(h) and take the word as an adjective meaning ‘ impetuous \ I think vddhha, however, +almost certainly right (cf. I<V. f V, 8, 5), ‘ He is not to be dared against.’ The'cditions and +Whitney with Sayana read the two v\oids following as a dadharsa dddhrsdridrn,. This is quite +possible, though the change m quantity is remarkable, but it seems to have escaped notice that + +dadharsad ddhrsdnam is quite possible, and could have the same sense while keeping the +prefix a in both cases and restoring the metre (a dadharsad a 1 dhrsdndm) and explaining the +Saukhayana text. If nddhrsa is read, I would not take the participle as a neuter nom., but +translate, ‘ He dares against the daiing; his might is dread.’ This avoids the inconvenience of +the idea of might daring, and the raie use of the present participle as a finite verb. The second +half of the line is very obscure. Ati rydthih occurs also in KV, X, 8b, 2, and here as thcie +Sayana explains it as a verbal form, which is quite impossible, ‘When Indra caused his foe to +fall.’ It might however mean, ‘ When trembling (cf. Naigh , II, 13) passed from Indra/referring +to the terrois which so often fell cfn Indra before he showed his might. For a diffeient theory ns +to rydthih (-track), see RV„ IV, 4, 3 (Oldenberg, 6*. It. X., XLVI, 331) ; AV., IV, 21, 3, with +Whitney’s note; and see Geldner, Vedische Studien , II, 29. Gel’dncr holds that \ydthih +originally means ‘ Falschheit ’ and thence ‘Malice, Zorn, Ungnade, Argcr, Ilass, Feindschaft’, +and so has tne gen. of the subject or object. So he renders RV., IV, 4, 3] as, ‘no one +approaches thee when angry,’ and in AV., VI, 33, 2, takes pura ydthd ryathlh (this is the +AV-^ accentuation as in AV., IV, 21, 3) Srdva 1 ndrasya rnidhrse Sarah, as ‘Like a citadel (cf. +ur l a and ur T Pischel, Vedische Studien , I, 183; unappioachable, is the anger, the fame, the + + + +282 AITAREYA ARANYAKA V, 2, 1- + +not him who is exceeding strong. His vigour is dreadful. When aforetime +trembling passed fiom him, Indra's might was dreadful. May he give us that wealth +wealth of tawny hue. Indra is the lord, the most mighty among men’ (Then +comes) the sudadohas verse. The head-verses are in gayalri metre, beginning + +‘ T le s , ingCrS Ca " a '° Ud t0 Indra ’ ( RV ‘> 1 7 - *)• ^ (the Udgatrs) sing the Saman +with other verses which occur (in the service), then the two sets are to be inter¬ +changed in place. 8 If the other verses are ones not occurring, or some occur +and some not, (then they should be inserted in the place of verses occurring +winch should be taken out.) The last verse of the hymn (should be recited +the insertion being made before it), and then the sudadohas verse. Then come + + +-trench of India. Unhappily he does not cite or discuss this passage, where of course purd +™° v v“, y any ° the imagination to be a noun, lint accepting the sense ‘wrath’, + +then AV., VI 33 2, would give the sense ‘ As aforetime, the anger’, &c, and this passage +might be rendeied ‘As of old (para ydt ) his anger is excessive’ («/«), and on thewludc +this is perhaps the least unlikely version of a very difficult and probably corrupt lext Cf +v. Schroedcr, Mystomm and Mimas, p. 3 i6, n. a, whose version of KV„ X, 86, a suggests +‘ because of anger ’ ’ > au i>K C! > L » + +For the form of the verse, cf. e.g. Vajasaneyi Samhit.1,1, 8: dhiir a si dhtirva dhunamtam I +,' V \ y ° d "’~’ a ' 1 /a "‘ ,ihr ' n ’*y am dhfirvSmab, and Wintcrnits, <lack, dor indtsch + +Utt l, ,J 9 . In the next verse the AV. reads uim (Ppp. no) unim and tuvhtamas (Al’r., Ill,' + +A v V ’i r 9) ’ moo “ P f ’‘ he COm ‘- n ” aml one MS ’ have dadhatu, and the commentary on the +AV. and two MSS. (out of three) in Sankhayana have °sadrtam. One MS. of Sankhayana has + +iU RV " I9 °’ 5 ; 3 . For the dat. inf. in + +8 This is Sayana s version. The Anandaframa reads ubhaydsamstha na viparyayo with the + +t°heTnd I" f? 'r Pr0bal,,e - Th ' ap ° d0sis t0 the lait daasa i8 borrowed from + +hef r V ’ 6 ' , AS th . e ' leXt clause show8 < thc i" 8 «lion of the new verses is to be made + +before the last verse preceding the sudadohas veisc and not directly before that verse. The word +samamnatasu refers here to verses occuning in the hymn itself. The form ubhayasamsthSnmsitar - +yayah, however, presents great difficulty, fo, the use of ubhayd in compounds is confined to cases +like cakra pant, hasla, &c., and it is hardly likely that the second member of the compound +is asamdkaaa, or that the fern, is kept because ri is fern. (VVackernagcl, Altindische Gram- +*’ 4 ® : 5 ^’. Cut ’ farther, there is no special meaning in samsthana, and the conjecture +ubhayasuy sthonauiparyayah is possible. Ubhaydsam (yedm) is precisely correct for two +sets of three verses (cf RV, I, a6, 9: .89, j, and regularly later, cf. Bloomfield, I'Z +Lomordamt, p. 272), and Sayana’s version in no way confirms cither the reading of Raiendrallla +or the Anandairama. The form would be very rare, the ordinary feminine being ubhayl +(common m the Ailareya Brabmana), and possibly r Maya is the Vedic adverb. It may be +noted that l' 8 version of the comm., id sum arthe (R 4 against R> and R 8 ), alone makes sense +b s tasani madhye being nonsense. Cf. Introd , p. 9. + +The Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVIII, 2, gives the head-verses thus,RV., T 7 1-2- I 6 -7-0• + +V ' 3 ~‘ 5 ’ VI11 ’ I 6 ’ I<5 - I3 i VIU, 93, >-3, any of those used by the Saman singers’. Some +use 1, 50, i- 9 , to correspond with the Saman singers. If the latter use only I, S o, i- 3 , then +c reel cr can take any two of the other treas to make up the nine verses. As in the Aitareva +the leutation is by half-verses, and the sfuiadohas verse occurs at the end. * ’ + + + +-V, 2, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +283 + + +the vertebrae-verses. ‘ The Soma is pressed for thee, come to the sacrifice, +rejoice in the carouse, rich in gifts, for wealth. O Indra, thou art generous and +young for us to sing/ He can overcome his foes in slaying Vrtras; he is skilful +and a plunger. We magnify our leader, Indra. 6 Impetuous, bright, the leader, +the dweller on the mountains, hastening towards you, Indra, shouting aloud, with +his eternal steeds.’ c (Then comes) the sudadohas verse. The three sets of +verses, neck, head, and vertebrae, are all to be repeated with a pause at the +half-verse. 7 + +2. The (verses of the) right wing are connected with the Rathantara Saman. 1 +The Rathantara has for its strophe, ‘We praise thee, O hero’(RV., VII, 32, 22), +and for its antistrophe, ‘Thee for the first drink’ (RV., VIII, 3, 7), both being + +4 These verses contain an unusual number of rare expressions, and the uncertainty as to their +accent adds to the difficulty. The reading of vijdrak is very doubtful. R in the commentary, +which is followed by Bloomfield, Vedic Comordance , S, and the MSS. have vi/arak, while +Sayana perhaps read vidnrah ft ( yiH)talokadvdrdni grnadhyd asmadagre kathayitum atra hrsto +bhavci). I have tianslated the vijdrah (? vijardh) of R’s text, and taken grnadhyai as an +infinitive practically equivalent to an imperative, ‘ Let us sing of,’ cf. Dclbruck, Altindische +Syntax , pp. 411 sq.; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 982 d; Hopkins, A.J. P. y XIII, 21 sq.; +Speijer, Vcdische und Sanskrit-Syntax , §216. + +• Vigdhdh , Sayana tenders as sevitum takyah. Cf. RV., Ill, 3, 5, where it is an epithet of +Agni. The sd no netatam looks like an imitation of older verses, such as RV., II, 6, 5, without +much regard to their construction. Possibly the reading should be (cf. on IV) sdm (which +would become san before no). So Maitrayani Samhita, IV, 12, 6, has sa ddhisc kiralti bhuri +vdmam , but in Taittirlya Samhita, III, 3,11 : sarn, See. Esdh may be from the root is (cf. Max +Muller's conjecture on RV., IV, 2, 4, S. />. E. y XT/VI, 320) and meaning ‘swift’.* S takes +sasahatur as one word, but this makes nonsense of Sayana. The form is unusual, see Whitney, +Grammar , $ 1161 d. + +6 Sdmajch (for the form, cf. Wackernagel, Altindische Grammatik , IT, i, 73, 74) apparently +means the‘bringcr-together’. Kjtst cannot have the sense which it normally has (see Ilillebrandt, +Ved. Myth ., I, 235 sq.; Bloomfield, J. A. O. S. y XVI, 39) and which is here ascribed to it by +Sayana, rpsopalaksitasomarasavdn. In RV., Ill, 32, i, it seems to mean impetuous, and cf. +rjisd, ibid, I, 32, 6. Vdm he explains as the husband and wife engaged in the sacrifice. +Rajendralala reads vdsu which is quite wrong, though followed in Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance , +p. 205®. It would of course be acc. with sdmajah. Sdsvadbhir evaih possibly merely means +‘ ns usual’, or ‘in his eternal courses \ Cf. dvaih , ‘ in due way,’ RV., I, 68, 4 ; 95, 6 ; aryd/t +khuh y IV, 2, 12 ; S. B. E.y XLVI, 437. These verses are unparalleled m other texts. + +7 This means, as Sayana and ^ankhayana show, that there is a pause at the end of the half- +verse (and otn at the end of the verse). The other possibilities are (1) pause at each pdda, with +cm at half-verse, (2) no pause, oni at end. The Asvalayana $rauta Sutra contains examples of +all kinds, see I, 2 sq. + +1 Cf. 1 , 4 , 2 . _ + + +a If so, it might be taken as two words and translate it ‘the giver is to be praised’. Cf. vl +durdgynhe in RV., VI, 35, 5, and cf. Sankhayana Aranyaka, XII, 10. + + + +284 + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 2, 2 - + + +VerS f: Thcse foUr hrharis he turns im ° s *'x. 2 (Then come the hymns) +I shall proclaim the deeds of Indra' (RV I c> 2 )- ‘T n thp^ c.- n r ’ + +InJra * (RV vn T «\ 32), m thee since our father, + +bull (RV'vil 1 \ 8 ' fifteen wrses only ; - Who is sharp-horned, terrible like a +( *» ’ ■?)> read is he born for strength, the mighty' (RV. VII 2 oV + +Ye have uttered ir orious pravers ’ (RV VTl < t? ' ’ ’ + +carouse ’ (RV I « W “ h} ' mn ' ‘ ThuS in the Soma, in the + +Th 'L s !If t ’ l' ?’ " “ ^ VefSe - (T ' len COmCS ) the '****« verse. + +( c verses of the) left wing are connected with the Brhat Saman. The B.hit + +has for ,ts strophe • For thee we hail' (RV., VI, 4 C, i), and for its antistrophe + +Come hither to the worship' (RV., VIII, 6., 7), both being pragma verses’ + +These four brhafo he turns into six. (Then come the hymns),‘Praise him who + +srrRv r g r rv 1 ’ ,8); ,Thou art “ to k ^ ^ + +of riehL IRV V I 7 T 7 " ** ^ ^ ° f lich -’ 0 >««> + +creased ?' (VV rv ’ f- ’ V* U h}mns; ‘ W1,at! whose sacrifice has he in- +(RV I 8 7 ’ 7-7 ^ hym "- ‘ Indra is tom for the carouse' + +( ’.', 8l ’ r) ,s a f ,ankl ‘ vcrse - (™en comes) the sMadohas verse. The ritrht + +wtng is connected with the Rathantara Saman, and so is the paiUaJ.ua s 27 +here ate one hundred and one (verses) in it, and it is called the Vasisthapiasaha +The left wtng ts connected with the Brhat Saman, and so is the saptaJal stoma +icre arc one hundred and two verses, and it is called the BhaiadvSjaprasaha +1 (vases of the) lad, as being dvipadas, aie connected with the Bhadra Saman +There are nine verses from the Samhita, ‘These worlds let us conquer' (RV' + +, 157), and Come hither with thy splendour’ (RV., X, 172) and there +are also other verses not f,om the Samhita.' (These are), ‘Ye priests sing forth +song to Indra, who beyond all others slays the foe, that he may rejoice” 1 + +:rrr;i‘ttr™ 1 + +KV„ X, i2o, y ’ ’ ’ 101 Ule pMla ' KV -> V1I > 32. 23", >s to he substituted + +,le^“ The + +»«t ) Vasisthaprastlhani. S.milady i„ ,| le case of the so/JL u,ma aTl cTlf /**"*"* +for Ihe atmbutions. The syntax of RV VI n T1 - t ™- aml cf - IJ i a, 2, 11. n, + +P- -06 ; V'rgl. Syut., I, j 9 Cd rf to re 1 ~ + +Prasaha, of. Z.J), M. G’," XL VIII, 548. ’ ’ ’ 9 • censoum trabeate saint as. lor + +Jhcse are given also in Sankhaynna Siauta Sutra, XVIII ic w h Pr „ *1 + +,,le *-• - — + + + +-V, 2, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +285 + + +‘Among the gods the singers sing the song; the youthful Jndra, famous, takes up +the strain. 6 * Resting beneath the plaksa 7 rich in honey, rejoicing in wealth, + +may we meditate on thee, Indra/ ‘ O thou to whom, most strong, we have +recourse, giver on all sides, 8 from all sides bring us (gifts)/ ‘Thou art the +manliest, the lord, most generous to win us booty, when the (rite) is duly paid/ 9 +‘hor thou alone 10 dost rule from of old, unsuipassed in might/ ‘Do thou sing + + +8 Sankhayana has matntah svarkah , a much better reading, which obviates the difficulties +of devAtdsv drkdh with the unusual accent and use of Arkdh. Here I would lead dev At ah +svarkah , the omission of h before sv being quite common in all Sanskrit MSS. The Samaveda, +I, 445 J 4 6 4 » l ,as Marutah, and the phrase Marutah svarkah occurs also in V, 1, 1. The +tianslation of the last uords given by lien fey is : ‘ gepnescn wird dcr hchre Jungling, Indra,’ +but though SrutAh, k\vt 6 s, inclitus , pci haps means ‘ famous’ here, a \tobhati must mean something +like ‘ sings in return’. C'f. n. 11, below. A noun, prAstobha, is unlikely. Passive particles like +prastubhdnAh , RV., IV, 3, 12, ‘ incited by shouting,’ afford no support for a passive use here. + +7 The reading in Sankhayana and in Samaveda, I, 444 ; II, 465, is puyema and ta, which +explain the accent on dhimdhe (for which, cf. Ben fey, Samaveda , Glossar, p. 100; Whitney, +Soots, p. 82, and in Colcbrooke’s Essays' 1 , I, in, 112), although the accent might be otherwise +explained. There is a paiallel difference of reading between Sankhayana Aranyaka, XII, 16, +and the paiallel passages paiyema—paiyantah. The woids iipaprahA are explained by Sayana +as 011c word, plaksavrk\ as a mpdditani patrdny atra p/akniiabdena vivakntdni tesdm samJpavartti +ydgapradeta upaprak^ah, but they must mean ‘ beneath the plaksa tree rich in honey as +rendered by Aufrecht, ligveda, II, xlvi, n., or ‘in a dwelling rich in honey’, as translated by +Ben fey, who derives the woid from pra + Vk'i, but who also (p. 130) suggests a derivation fiom +pra + Vghas and a meaning ‘ food’. To take it from upa + */prc as an infinitive (as in RV., V, +47 * 6 ) is possible but not probable. In favour of Ben fey’s derivation from y/ksi is the form +vanapraksam , Samaveda, I, 580, but there is a v. 1 . vanakraksam . The last words mean, +according to Benfcy, ‘lass deinc Schatz’ uns mehren, beigcn, Indra!* according to Aufrecht, + +* mogen wir unseren Wohlstand mehren, und den von dir vcTlichenen bewahren, India.’ The +translation given above is that of Sayana, and may well represent the view of the passage taken +by the author. The plakm (Ficus infectotia) is used as an upper barhis , Satapatha Brahmaua, HI, +8, 3, 10. Cf. Zimmer, AUindtsches Leben, p. 59. + +’ In any case viivAtoddvan must be considered as practically one word. Probably vlsvato- +ddvan should be read as in the Samaveda, I, 437; cf. Samavidhana Brahmana, II, 1, 5. +Bloomfield ( Vedic Concordance, p. 879*) treats the phrase as one word. + +9 Supranite is so rendered by Sayana. Ilillebrandt in his text of .‘sankhayana Siauta Stlfra, +XVIII, 15, 5, apparently by conjecture, leads supianiti , followed by Bloomfield (/.<•., p. 998 b ), +but both his MSS., B and K, lead supranite, which is piesumably the older leading. I think the +reading should be supranite unaccented, and would translate, ‘ Thou, O good leader, &e.,' the word +being found frequently in this use, and the voc e. g at RV , III, 1, 16; 15, 4. Neither this +nor the next verse is in the Samaveda; tvam hy eka Ui\e is — RV., IV, 32, 7 a ; mamhistho +vdjasdtaye ., VIII, 4, iS* 1 ; 88, 6 d . + +J0 Sankhayana reads: tvam hi rddhasyata eka, &c., corrected by Bloomfield (/.r., p. 456 a ) +to rddhaspate. Sayana takes Sana/ as samtum, 1 thou canst give.’ The next three verses are not +in Sankhayana. For the accent sandt, sec Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar t § 1114 d. i*or. +Amrktah, cf. RV., Ill, 6, 4; u, 6; IV, 3, 12 ; X, 104, 8. + + + +286 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 2, 2- + +forth, that dost know indeed all that has been aforetime or that is now.'- <0 +M.tra and Varupa, grant ns strength and food. O Indra, make us strength +abounding. (Grant) prosperity, strength, wealth, to him who seeks gain » +Soma impels not him who keeps not vows, gain will not come near him.’ Then +come three dv.padas," beginning, ‘This Brahman.’ Then comes one dvipada + +=2S~sSS*=K=a=~= + +the strange aMlHO, ’in Viminlya f + +vttar,mih in Apastamba G r hya Sal,a, VI, M , 5 ’(O denbergy n E vvy "‘TZT +the form Irnuhl, cf. Whitney, SauUrii CrLnJ, I Z mLo^U vl r’ ’ ^ f" +Wackernagcl, Altindische Grammaiik, 1 , 310 . See also Oldenbem /> * animat , p. 62 , + +Znbaty’s articles in Vienna Oriental Journal, II and III; and Arnold's Ch 7 \V + +Ml,-e pTZZl) tCl!Kt 1 Ca ' ,n0 ' ° n thC Wll ° ,e a£rCC (cf ' y ' K ’ A ' S - ‘ 9 *. P. 1'i -d V',l» +a dwelling, prosperity to him who seeks wealth. The man who pys no vows ob,a ns not hU + +Ws Snn'orSt'Inh; A SSyan k ^ ^lUya dZa^Zl , + +KV IX, Tt 7 ,S CO,TCC, ’ il iS P resum abl y from J ran, as in jj, + +SoJmm 'dh'tyam RV VI ”7 m 77 7 ° 7 "n “ n ° m ' neUL ° f ra AAv'> compare +f • 4 ; Vl ’ * 3 . IO. The only probable construction of the text here is ‘ there + +(or mny there be ) in the seeker of wealth, prosperity’, &c. R has nfy/A which is rlen 1 + +5 pi s r ° } | )1 f’ J° T thC omission of the verb in the SSmavedi* version, cf RV^ +n, 6 , 5 ; lischel, J edtscheStudien, I, i 9 ; Geldner, ibid., 166 ; n . 1 on V r c ’ + +VI, 7 S ' 7 a 7 a) “ re 8iVen in Sranta Sntra, + +occurs in Taittiriya Brahmana, II, 4 , j, xo t lrl/ika onlvt •’ 7 Vo n ! “ + +VuL'Zv 7 hm;, ' la ’ 7' 3 ’ SCC ^ a0d GriffithS, “n-'a'ionVand ZZJTZZy + +•Sansfa it Grammar, § 7 , 9 . Perhaps it may be taken as a passive cf RV I ,0 ! 7 - + +ukthyhh, rendered as ‘is praised’ by Oldenberg (/tf XI VT i In ’i ^ + +..«*** 1W «.vs t i«firir. + +H.:iC "i«f S “n l ’S" S ‘i 'a" Pr '“,’ Olilentwg, „ d + +essential Th' , ’ f* 1 1 SUrC that ,n an y case th e passive sense is quite + +*1 indsav* I at ' nLCr y 15 of course a s»«n early date; cf. the Middle and Passive in lltin +1 -indsay, /.atm Language, pp. 519 - 521 ; Delbruck, Vergl. Synt., IV, 433 . 7 + + + +-V, 2, 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +287 + + +* To the yokes for him * (RV., VII, 34, 4); lfl the sudadohas verse; the dhdyyd verse, + +* What he won * (RV., X, 74, 6); and the sudadohas verse. + +a stobhati and prd stobha must be active, and so here and in RV., I, 79, 12, the activity may +be that of the god, not of the poet. In the RV. passage it has just been said : dgnt rdksdrjisi +sedhati , and I see no reason to give a passive sense to grnite. The verses may then be rendered, + +* The holy season’s lord, Indra by name, famous, utters praise. Let gifts approach thee, Indra, +as paths the way. Like songs, to thee, lord of might, do men fare eagerly.’ It should be +noted that in I, 43^? the Samaveda has grnP, but m II, 1 1 16, grne. The accent on grnL is quite +unintelligible, a and can only be explained by the fact that the Taittirlya Brahmana , 6 //. cc ., has +gant. In the Aitareya only esa brahma (not as Aufrccht’s text esa) is cited, a striking instance of +the danger of arguments from the use of pratikas only as a sign of later redaction (cf. Bloomfield’s +proof of the posteriority of the Gopatha Brahmana to the Vaitana Sutra, Tntrod., p. 26), since the +argument would show that the Aitareya Brahmana was later than the A§valuyana 6rauta Sutra ; +cf. also Oldenberg’s remarks in God. gel. Anz., 1907, p. 234, n. 2. + +13 &ahkhayana adds the verses, RV., VIII, 29, 4, and VI, 17, 15, but as there are only six +instead of nine new verses, the total number of dvipadd verses made up is still only twenty-one. +The Aitareya adds a twenty-second verse, see 1 , 4, 2. + +The passages corresponding to the paksas are given in f^hkhayana 6rauta Sutra, XVIII, 4; 5, +thus: the sides are divided into the aksas , bah us (arms), and prahastakas (hand). The aksas +are VI, 47, 8, and a verse not from the RV., sa surye janayan , &e. Then for the right bdhu, +the strophe of the rathantara sum an, repeated as a kakubh, then the sudadohas verse. Then +similarly the antistrophe, and a dhdyyd verse. Then the rathantara fragdtha. Then the hymn, +RV., VI, 22, exchanging for VI, 22, 2, the verse X, 28, 2. For the left bdhu precisely the +same treatment of the hr hat sdman , but no dhdyyd , and the hymn X, 28, with VI, 22, 2, as its +Second verse. The prahastakas are respectively VIII, 97, 13-15, and VIII, 97, 10-I2. + +Then comes XV 111 , 6, the caturuttardni , viz. RV., VIII, 92, 19-21; VIII, 12, 22-24; I, +10, 1-3 ; VIII, 88, 3, 4 (a puigdtha , or 3-5), by half verses; I, 80, 1-3 ( pahkttUimsam ); VI, +34, 1-3; and T, 83, 4-6, paichas, then the sudadohas. + +It is worthy of note that, just as the Aitareya refers only to the esa brahma verses by the +pratika of the first verse, so the 6ankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVTII, 15, 4, also uses only the +pratika. It is almost impossible to avoid the conclusion that this book XVIII (and presumably, +also XVII) must be not earlier nor later than the main body of the Sutra, and this will modify +to some extent Hillebrandt’s view, Ritual-Litieratur, p. 25. Similarly the Aranyaka may +be written after the Aivalayana Srauta Sutra. Cf. my note in J. R. A. S. t 1907, pp. 410-412. + +In the Aitareya Biahmana, VI, 18, 1, it is said that J^isvamitra was the seer of RV., IV, +19, 22 and 23, and that Vamadeva asrjata them, tan ksipram samapatat, while in IV, 30, 2, +RV., IV, 20 and 21, aie also declared to be sampdta hymns: P'dmadevo vd imdfil lokdn +apaiyat tan sampdtaih samapatat (Sieg, Die Sagenstoffe des Rgveda, p. 103). + + +a It falls under none of the exceptional cases, Maedoncll, Vedic Grammar , p. 106 ; Whitney, +Sanskrit Grammar , §§ 597, 598; Weber, Jnd. JS tad., XIIJ, 70 sq.; Delbnick, AUindische +Syntax , pp. 21-29; Oldenberg, Z. D. M.G ., LX, 707-740; see my note, J. R.A. S., 1908, +p. 202. + +b Also the Apastamba Srauta Sutra, XIV, 2, 13, cited by Bloomfield, l'edit Concoidance, + +p. 207 b . + + + +288 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 2, 3- + + +3. (Then come) the eighty gdyairi tristichs. 1 He lakes out the last three +verses of the lijmn, ‘Great is Tndra who by his might’ (RV., VIII, 6). (Then +come) tlnce verst's of the hymn, ‘A cake for us’ (RV., VIII, 78). Of the +verses following, ‘ Indra indeed is the drinker of Soma beyond others’ (RV., +VIII, 2, 4), he omits the last three. Of the others he omits, ‘Sweet are the +draughts ol Soma, come hither’ (ibid., 28), and puts in its place the verse, +‘No other mighty one’ (RV., VIII, 80, 1). (Then comes) one veise, ‘Born +with a hundred stiengths’ (RV., VIII, 77, 1). (Then comes) the remainder (of +the hymn, RV., VIII, 92), ‘Much invoked, much praised’ (ibid., 2). He omits +the last verse of the hymn, ‘To him that hath renowned tieasuics’ (RV., VIII, +93 , 1 ). (Then come the hymns), ‘The deeds of the impetuous one’ (RV., +VIII, 32), ‘Those that kindle Agni ’ (RV., VIII, 45), and ‘For us, O Indra, +rich in food’ (RV., VIII, 81), and the following hymn. (Then comes) the +sudadohas verse. + +4 . (Then come) the eighty hr ha it tristichs. 1 There arc twenty-nine verses + + +1 They are— RV., VIII, 6 , 1 —45 -- 45 verses. + +7 iS > *- 3 = 3 „ + +» 2, 4-.V> = 3 <> » + +(For veise 28, RV., VIII, 80, 1, is substituted.) + + + +77, * + +« + +1 „ + + +9 2 > 2-33 + + +32 „ + + +93, *-33 + +** + +33 „ + + +32 + +- + +30 „ + +99 + +45 + + +42 ,, + +9} + +81 + + +9 „ + +9 9 + +8 2 + +■= + +9 „ + + += 240 verses. + +In tsankhavana Jsiauta Sntra, XVIII, 7, the verses are - RV.. VTTT, 6, 1-45; 2,4 27; +31-39; 45,1-42; 32,1-30; 92,4-18; 22-53, 93, 4-18, 22-35; Ill,5i, 10-12; VIII, 76, +10-12 ; (hj, 4-6 , VI, 45, 1 30, which gives 81 (mis and not 80. The number is reduced to So +by the omission ot one of the three tnas. III, 51, 10-12 ; VIH, 76, 10-12 ; 69, 4-6. + + +These aie— RV., VIII, t, 1-29 + +„ 3, 1-6; 9-20 + +4, I_i 4 ** J 4 + +„ 33. 1-I 5 L *5 + +VII, 32, 1 ; 2, 4-21; 24 7 -= 24 + +(For VII, 32, lo, is substituted VIII, 99 +6 Valakhil)a h)mns — 56 + +VI, 46, 314 =-12 + +111,44 - 5 + +HI, 45 - 5 + + +29 verses. +18 „ + + +* ) + + + +-V, 2, 4 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +289 + + +of the hymn, ‘Sing of nought else’ (RV., VIII, 1). He omits the se\enth ami +eighth stanzas of the twenty stanzas beginning, ‘Drink the fragrant Soma’(RV., VI 11 , +3, 1). (Then come) fourteen stanzas beginning, ‘ When, India, foi ward, backward, +upwaid’ (RV., VIII, 4, 1). Then fifteen stanzas beginning, ‘We with the Soma +thee’ (RV., VIII, 33, 1). In the hymn, ‘May not thee the sacrifices ’ (RV., +VII, 32), he omits the dvipadd (ibid., 3), and the ptagdiha connected with the +Rathantara Saman (ibid., 22). Fuithcr he omits the p>ragdtha, ‘No one Sudas +chariot’ (ibid., 10), and inserts in its place the pragd/ha , ‘Thee men but +yesterday’ (RV., VIII, 99, 1). (Then) six Valakhilya lnmns beginning, ‘Him +of good gifts’ (RV., VIII, 49, 1). (Then) the rest (of the hymn, RV., VI, +46), beginning, ‘Who active ever slays the foe’ (ibid., 3). (Then) two hymns +beginning, ‘May this delightful one for thee’ (RV., Ill, 44, 1). lie omits the +seventh and eighth stanzas of the hymn, ‘Both let him hear’ (RV., \ III, 61). +He omits the last stanza of the hymn, ‘ With strength him that finds treasure’ +(RV., VIII, 66) (Then come) eleven stanzas beginning, ‘ Who is king of +men ’ (RV., VIII, 70, 1). (Tnen the hymns), ‘ Him who works wonders, enduring +the onslaught’ (RV., VIII, 88), ‘To be invoked by us m all' (RV., VIII, 90), +and nine verses of the hymn, ‘The blessings thou dost bear, Indra ’ (RV., VIII, +97). (Then comes) the sudadehas verse. + + +R\ ., V III, 61. 1-6, 9 18 +,, 66, 1—14 + +,, 70, i-n + +„ 8S +90 + +m 97, J -9 + + +16 veises*. + +14 + +n + +6 + +6 + +9 » + + +— 240 verses. + +Of these, however, no less than 80 are satobihati versos. In Sankhayana tsiauta Sfltra, XVIII, +8-11, the a 07/ is given as follows: VTII, 97, J-9 ; VIII, 62, 7-9 ; 1, 36, 7, 8; VIII, 70, 7-12 ; +- 20 pratyaksabrhatis : then VT, 46, 3-10; VII, 32, 1, 2, 4-9; VII, 32, 12-21 ; VII, 32, +24-27; VIII, r, 1-4; via u tvd pinuva<;o\ VIII, 3, 9-12, VIII, 3, 17-20; VIII, 4, 1-14; +V1I1,6 t, 3-6; VIII, 61, 9-18; VIII, 66, 3-14 Ilillebrandt in his index gives the references +differently, but this is apparently due to a confusion between ptagathas and stanzas. There are +really 43 pi agdthas. The one via u, See., is not appaiently from the Samhita , Ilillebrandt’s +indices all ignore it, and it does not appear in Bloomfield’s Vedic Concordante. Of the last six, +three only are selected to make up the 40. Then come 20 more pratyaksabrhatis , VIIT, 1, +5-24. Then 20 more. VIII, 1, 25-29; VIII, 33, r-15. Then 40 p> ay at has, the three over +the first 40, VIII, 70, 1-6; VTII, 88, 1, 2; VTII, 90, 1-6; VIII, 99, 1 8 , VIII, 49 55 (the +Valakhilyas), omitting VIII, 53, 5, 6 ; 54, 3, 4 Then I, 175, 1 ; VI, 42, 4 ; IIJ, 53, 18 ; VI, +47, 19; VIII, ;S, ro; VIII, 89, 7 ; VTII, 101,13; X, 102, 1 ; 3 ; 12, making 10 brhatis, and +HI, 44 ; 45, making up 20 in all. The whole bdrhatl aiiti consists therefore of 80 brhatis and 80 +(not 160 as bricdlander) praydthas , giving 180 + 80 ) 160 brhatis and 80 satobrhatis , just +as in the Aitaieya. Cf. Sankhayana Aranyaka, II, 8 and 9, foi the yiyuti /ami baihati as it is. + +U + + +Kb 11 n + + + + +290 + + +A 1 TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 2, 5- + + +5. (Then come) the eighty usnih tristichs. 1 There are the two hymns +beginning, ‘ Indr a who is the greatest drinker of the Soma’ (RV., VIII, 12, 1). +lie omits the last stanza of the hymn, ‘Sing forth to him’ (RV., VIII, 15). + + +(Then comes) the hymn, ‘To Indra sing + +the saffian’ (RV., VIII, 98). He + +omits the last three stanzas of the hymn, ‘ + +Let us utter, 0 comrades’ (RV., VIII, + +1 There are— RV., VIII, 12 + + +33 stanzas. + +„ 13 + += + +33 „ + +„ 15,1-12 + += + +12 „ + +„ 98 + +- + +12 ,, + +„ 24,1-27 + += + +37 + +I, 84, 7-9 + + +3 + +V, 40, 1-3 + +- + +3 »» + +VI, 43, 1-3 + += + +3 ,, + + + +126 usnih stanzas. + +Then gay atn stanzas — RV., VIII, 14 + +- + +15 stanzas. + +„ i 6 + += + +12 ,, + +17, I-I3 + +- + +13 0 + +III, 37, 1 -10 + +=* + +10 + +1,4 + + +10 „ + +,, 5 + += + +10 „ + +„ 6 + += + +10 ,, + +„ 8 + + +10 „ + +,, 9 + +4 + +10 „ + +VI, 45, 1-30 + +=■ + +30 M + +I, 30, 13-15 + +— + +3 >, + + + +133 gdyatri stanzas, or 114 usnih stanzas, + + + +making in all 240 usnihs. + +According to &ankhayana 3rauta Sutra the verses are: RV., VIII, 13, 1-33; VIIT, t a, T-21, + + +35-33; VIII, 15, 1—12; VIII, 24, 1-27; 1,84, 7-9; V, 40, 1-3, — tfsifias or 108 usnih stanzas, +XVIII, 12. Then, XVIII, 13, come RV., IV, 30, 1-6; IV, 30,9-22; IV, 32, 1-21; I, 30, +1-15 ; VIII, 14, 1-15; VIII, 16, 1-12; VIII, 64, 1-12; VIII, 82, 1-9 (Hillebrandt’s I, 30, 1-5, +and VIII, 82, 1-7 are slips), making 104 gdyairi stanzas. Then VIII, 21, 1-16, kakubh +pragiithas ; then VIII, 98, 1-12 in usnihs. We thus get 240 stanzas, consisting of 120 (108+ 12) +usnihs, 104 gdyatris , 8 kakubhs , and 8 satobrhatls (i.e. VIII, 21,1-16). The 6ahkhayarm +Aranyaka, II, 10, points out that to get 240 umihs it is necessary to take away four syllables from +each of the 80 satobrhatls, which with 160 brhatis make up (V, 2, 4) the bdrhati trcailti. Then +the 8 kakubhs give 8 usnihs , while the 8 satobrhatls yield each three, or 24 in all, sets of four +syllables. Adding the 80 and the 24 we have 104 sets of four syllables, which added to the +gdyatrls give 104 usnihs, to which again must be added 120 usmhs , 8 kakubhs , and 8 usnihs, +left after the deduction of 24 syllables from each satobrhati, making a grand total of 240 usnihs. + +This complicated version, as Dr. Friedlander points out, probably arises from an attempt +to remedy the apparent inaccuracy of the Aitareya in permitting 80 satobrhatls in the bdrhati +atiti. Its success is not obvious, and that the attempt should be made may faiily be reckoned +a sign of lateness. + + + + +-v, 2, 5 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +291 + + +24, 1). Then three tristichs, ‘Who alone bestowed’ (RV., 1 , 84, ’j), ‘Come +hither to what is pressed with stones’ (RV., V, 40, r), and, ‘Under whose sway +Sambara’ (RV., Vr, 43, 1). Gayatri verses become usnih verses by equalization. +Kvery seven gayatris make six usnihs. (Then come) the hymn beginning, If, +Indra, I, like thee’ (RV., VIII, 14, 1), and the two hymns beginning, ‘ The loid +of men’ (RV., VIII, 16, 1). He omits the last two stanzas of the second hymn. +He omits the last stanza of the hymn, ‘For the strength that slays Vrtra (RV., +HI, 37). (Then come) three hymns beginning, ‘The doer of fair deeds to +our aid’ (RV., I, 4, 1). Then two hymns beginning, ‘Indra, lasting wealth’ +(RV., I, 8, 1). He omits the last stanza of the hymn, ‘Who has brought from +afar’ (RV., VI, 45). Then come three stanzas of the hymn beginning, ‘Let +splendid feasts be ours’ (RV., I, 30, 13). (Then comes) the sudadohas verse. +In the case of all these three sets of eighty tristichs, there is made a pause after +the half-stanza. The eighty tristichs are the food, and the vasa verses are +the stomach (of the bird). The vala hymn begins,* ‘ Worthy of thee, O wealthy +one’ (RV., VIII, 46, 1), and ends, ‘Gainer, gainer of good’ (ibid., 20). The +verse, ‘Giving wealth’ (ibid., 15) is a dvipadd, and, ‘Now then (ibid.) an +ckapada. It ends with the verse, ‘Of that milk yielder’ (RV., VIII, 69, 3). (Then +comes) the sudadohas verse. + +a Cf. I, 5, 1. The explanation of the number 21 stanzas given by Say ana there and here +is that the passage ends with verse 20 and the sudadohas veise makes up the 21. This view +may be supported by the fact that the sudadohas verse is here set out with its pratlka. .It is most +probable that we should understand that the 21 stan/as are made up by the inclusion of the +sudadohas verse, and then that there follows again that verse in its usual capacity of separating +the different parts of the whole. Sayana does not clearly appear thus to have taken it, but +it seems most probably so, and the translation is based on this view. + +Jsankhayana in Aranyaka, II, n, and fsrauta Siitra, XVJII, 14, takes the whole hymn, +VIII, 46, as being used. The priority of the Aitareya is evident as vv. 21-24 contain +a danastuti of Prthu4ravas. The same remark applies to the Satapatha Brahmana, see Fggeling, + +S. B. J£.y XLII, 112. , , f . + +Tt is worthy of note that an annotator in S 3 considers that Sayana s explanation of the +number 21 is inconsistent (this is not the case) and inaccurate. He argues that the 21 stanzas +are made up by splitting ver. 15 into an ekapada and a dvipadd. This view is at first sight +plausible but the mention here of these divisions is moie probably due to an explanation of +yathopapddam in I. 5, 1, and so Sayana theie takes it. The other view is, however accepted +by Eggeling, S. B. E., XLII1, 112.11. 2, who points out that the version of the Mahaduktha +contained in MS. Ind. Off. 1729 D gives ver. 15 as an ckapada and a dvipadd , which certainly +tells against Sayana. + +For gdyatns and touihs, cf. Kgveda PratiUklija, XVT, 10 sq.; for sampada, Sankhayana +^rauta Sutia, XV, 10, 5. + + +U 2 + + + +292 + + +A 1 TARE)'A ARAXYAKA + + +V, 3. + + +Aim My \ 3. + +(Then conn*) the thigh (wises). 1 In the hymn, ‘O Inilr.i and Agni, ye two’ +(RV, VIII, 40), (he rentes) the half-stanzas as gayatris? but the second half +of the second as an anmtubh , up to the last stanza. I he hymn, 'To thee, the +mighty, the intoxicated one' (RV., X, 50), has mvids inserted. Between the two +hymns ‘Who in the foiest as it were has been set down' (RV., X, 29), and +•Who first is bom, the wise one* (RV., IT, 12), are s inserted the h)mn, ‘Come +hither standing on thy chariot-seat’ (RV., Ill, 43), and the stanza, ‘ Wandering +alone in the midst of many’ (RV , X, 55, 5). As many decades 4 of verses in +iristubh and jagati addicssed to Indraas they insert, after transforming them into +brhatis , so many years may a man be fain to live beyond the normal life, at +the rate of ten verses for a year 6 ; or he need not do so. (1 hen come) the + +1 Cf. I, 5, 1. The verses arc .RV., \ JIT, 40, 1 10; X, 50, 1 7 • X, 29, i-iS; Tit, 43, i-<S ; +X, 55, 5, II, 12, 1 15; X, 17S, 1-3, an ekapada ; 1 , 11, 1-8; Nil, 23, 1 - 6 ; \ II, 24, +1-4, 6, 5. + +In Sunkhayana the raid hymn is follower), XVIII, 15, by the dripadds, I, 2, 2, above; +tin 11 comes the Atmhdyna sukta, NTH, 40. Then the uvapamy R\ , X, 167, 1 , II, 21, 1-6; +1, 8g 1012 ; MI. 31, 10 12; VJ, 46, 1-3 Then the auudithha mmamnayn , R\ 1 , 10, + +1, n, i-S, I,*84. 1-6, I, 7,, 2-5; I, 176, 1-5; V, 35, 1 7;\, 3 S < », 2 ; V, 1 4 \ + +VI, 44,1-6; \ III, 34, 1 -15 ; VIII, 63, 4-6; \ HI. 89, 5, 6; VIII, 95; X, 152. Then the + +ttidupi haiu, R\ ., 1,32; VI, 25; II, 12; II, 14. HI, 41 1 HI,46; TIT, 51, 4-6 ; IV, 16; + +VII, 24; MJ, ,3, Mil, 69, 13-15. See 6rauta Sutia, XVITI, 16-20; Ainnyaka, IT, 12-16. +Tlu.sc contused masse-, of Aerscs show distinctly the later character of tin SanlJiayana ritual. +See also S.it.ipatha Biahmana, VIII, 6, 2, 3, where RV , X, 50, is called the spine ; IX, 1, 1, 44; +3. 3 19, m the last passage the vaUi is given as 35 in Rggehng (S />. XLIIT, 223J, which +must be an crioi as there are only 33 veises, cl. lntrod., p. 36. + +3 The second veise is a dvtpadd in iakvari. The fust three feet make up a fdyatrT, that +is, they arc lecitcd with a pause after the second foot and om after the thud. The second four +fcit aie iccitcd as an anudul’h t with a pause after the second and om nftei the fourth. Ihe last +is a /; istubh, and it is reuled by padas, that is, a pause ullei the first foot and om after +the second. The remaining ten verses are 111 mahdpankti , and therefore are each divided into +two gdyatrls foi recitation. It is characteiistic ol the dchbeiate differences between Aitareya +and fsaukhayana that the latter, XVIII, 16, divides vcr. 2 into an amidubh and a gdyatri , +not via vena. + +3 That is, if one desires life (Sayana'. See n. 5. For X, 55 , 5 , cf. Rudwig, Rgvtda, TIT, +186; llillebrandt, Ved. Myth., 1 , 465 + +4 Cf. 1 , 2, n 6 Sayana here renders daiati as verses produced in the Samhita, which + +is a collection of ten Mandates. But the daiato below certainly suggests that it means decades +as probably in I, 5, 2 * + +5 '1 his must be the meaning, and so Sayana takes it. lie, however, lakes mi vd as meaning +that each brhati produces a year of life, contradicting the ten -fa ZiatT rule This is not +impossible, in which event he points out the insertion of the nine tnAubh verses gives eleven +h hairs or eleven years’ longer life But it is not natural, and it ignores tristubjagalindm, +there being no jugarts m the- nine veises, and therefore 111 accordance- with the ordinary use + + + +-v, /!, 2 + + +TR.INSI.. I T/O.X AM) XOllS + + +-93 + + +hymn, ‘That steed impelled by the gods’ (RV., X, 17B), an ^ l ^ e <'kiij‘id<i,* +‘India rules all.* (Then comes) the anustubh hymn, ‘All songs have caused +Indra to grow’ (RV., I, 11). Having recited the first half-stanza of the first +stanza of this hymn, he combines 7 the first hall-stan/a of the second stanza \Mth +the second half-stanza (of the fust stanza), (joining) quarter-stanza with quaitcr- +stanza so as to make anustubhs. Up to the last stanza he combines every +succeeding half-stanza with the preceding. 1 lie rest arc done in the usual way. +(There are) six \erscs beginning, ‘Dunk, Indra, the Soma, let it gladden thee’ +(RV., VII, 23, 1). Having recited foui verses of the lnmn, ‘ Thy place, () India, +is made on thy seat’ (RV., VII, 24), and then joining 8 the last stanza, he ends +with the second last stanza. The Sastra finished, 9 he mutteis the ukthasampad. +In the place of the uklhavhya the uklhadoha is used. + +2 . ‘Thou art the head of the world, 1 the essence of speech, the fire of breath, + +of na 7'if in A&valaynna (e. g. Srauta Sutra, VI, 5, 22), Saunnka’s pupil,* 1 take it to mean that, +unless one is dyu^kdma, one need not insert the verses. ( 1. .S<i)nn.is note, yady dyW'kdmah >yot +t add tilm . . . pt&ksipet, whence it appears that he did not regard the dvapana as essential. +He may be combining two ddlcimg prtvious comments. The idea is curiously inverted. + +* Not m the kgieda. See Samaveda, I. .156, Vujnsaneyi Snmhita, \XX\ 1 , 8; AAvnlayana +Jsianla Sutra, \ lit, 2, 21 ; S.nnavidhana Brdhmann, II, (>, 7, winch all have 7 '/s 7 ’arya ta/ah. + +7 See T, 5, 2, 11 is. S.mkhayana, Will, 20, applies the same combination to the udubi ahmiya +hymn, RV., VII, 23 The first and last lrilf-st.mzas 111 both cases aie lelt timilleicd the othti +sets of loin pada\ aie treated as auudi/bhf + +8 ]' or a iormal di fmition of samtata , see Asvalayana Siauta Sutia, T, 2, 10. + +» Jn the Agrdstoma, the piakiti, the Niskevalya Sastra. liggehng, /V. A , XXVI. +339, n., ends with a Mantin, uktham vd< fndtdyopaU'tivatt tva, As\al.i>.nm Siauta Sutra, V, 13, +23, of which uktham vantnhdya foims the ukthasampad. and the rest the ukthavnya . 1 he + +Ilotr here recites the sampad , Hut in the place ot the ukthavirya come the uklhadoha, 1 0. the +M«,ses sit out in V, 3, 2. For the ukthavirya, if l, 3, 11.6; ITnug, Aitatcya Ihahmana, +I>- 177 ; Hggehng, i.r t 327, n ; ('aland and Henry, L'Agnidoma, p. 233 S.ivana asuibes +the verses and formulae to a kakhdnta 1 a as usual. ^ + +1 The rtndeiing of these verses is veiy doubtlul, and I have mainly followed S.ivana The +difficulty is increased by the fact that E has here no accents, and Rajendralala has app.uently +followed a most conupt MS. or has scattered accents at landom. They do not occui in +fsankh.lyana. lloth Kajendralala and the AnandV.ama edition print the veises with stops +only at sdrvatn, vybma, pinvati , and duhdmnn (and m the former case also at ad\ as il they +were prose They seem clearly, however, to he intended as verses, and I have divided them +,nto Matis with mixed tihtuhhs Indrah may belong to the first verse, and other divisions me +no doubt possible, but the original met ncal form of e. g. ttdm uitydm vi/igyandm vramatiotn +is certain. kor similai cases of veise treated as prose, cf. Aitareya Ihahmana, Mil, 25, 3, ami +27, 2 and 3, wheie dokas appear in prose form. In \ HI, * 7 > J. "'avail is two syllables only + +«■ The BrhaddevaU, IV, 139, in the ‘B’ recension mentions Asval.iyana, although this may +point to the veise being late, it may also be quite correct, sinic a pupil of Saunaka appears +to have been the author of the B|haddevata, cf Macdoncdl, I, xxiv, and Asval.1ya.1a was evidently +one of his oldest pupils. + + + +294 + + +4ITAREYA A R ANY AKA + + +V, 3, 2- + + +the abode of mind, the entrance of the eye, the source of the ear, the resting-place +of the heart, thou art all. (Thou art) Tndra, the undying sacrifice, the ambrosia, +the sky, right, truth, conquest, decision, the end of speech, the peivading, that +which is beyond all, the light, the udder, the unanswerable, that which was before. +Thou ait all , 2 speech, the water with the lightning that goes thither and returns , 3 + +as elsewhere. A sinking example of verse disguised as prose is the inscription on the Biprahva +s/ufa, hc Meet, J R.A..S , 1907, pp 111 sq , following, with minor dilfeiences, Thomas, +/. R. A ..S , 190O, pp. 462 sq. I11 the Aitareya, II. cc., we have :— + +A'sattena ksattam jayati balemi ha lam a'suutc I +yayaivam vtdvan bnVimano rdstragopah putohitahW +iasmat viiah sam/aiiati satimakha ckamanasah I +yasyaivam vulva 11 In a/nnano t dstt agopalt purohitah II 25 II II 2 II +tasya fa/a mitram bhavati (2 syll ) dvisantam apabddhaU I +yasyaivam vuivan Inahmano rdstragopah piuohitah I +las mat vtiah, &C., as above, + +and in other places fragments of verse appear, as is only natuial, since gnomic sayings like +them tend 111 all languages to become veise. The old character ol these Slokas appeals from +their metrical form, and they may he tompaied with the verse cited fiom Snt.ipatha Biahmana, +XI, 5, 4, 3, hy Olden berg (A Id. £., XXX, xix). Similar \erses composed at later dates arc found +in the dialactei 1stic late metre 111 the Gihya Sutras, quite fieely tOlileiiherg, xxxv-xxxvii\ +one hung attributed (;Uvnlayana Gihva Sutra, IV, 7, 16) to Saunaka, and Slokas are recognised +111 the lists of compositions, e. g. Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, II, 4, 10; IV, 1, 2 ; see Sieg, +Die .Sagenslope dcs Rgveda, pp. 7 sq. + +7 Say ana has : yaya yasya vastuno yad yat pan'am kdranam tdpam tat sarvam rtipam ; +and he explains paiag a/rag as uttamadhamai upd vdc. + +1 Sdpru is so explained h> Saynna, and pa rag and arvag prohahly go with ui/i/am. In the +Jaimimya Upanisad Biahmana, 1 , 9; 10, this passage from ludtah . . . amt tarn duhanam +appears, but in a diffeient connexion and in an infeiior, pulinps secondaiy, form, which looks as +if it w'erc borrowed from the Aranyaka. The parallelism has escaped not only Ocilel, but also +Bloomfield (IWn Conrerdauee). Quite irrelevantly appear the wools (the gay ah F as brahman +is the subject of discouise) . tasyaitani ndmdnFndrah larmdlsitir amrtam vyomanto zuuah I +bahur bhdyas sarvam sarvasmdd uttaram /yotih I rtam satyam vijildnam vnuh attain aprati- +vary am I ptlrvam sarvam sanni zdk I sarvam idam apt dhemth pmvate parag an'dk II 9 II +su ptthaksaltlam kdmadayhdkPti prCinasamhi tarn lakzuiiroham vakprabhatam manasa vydptam +h> daydgt am brdhmanabhaktam annaiabham vat sapavitram gobhagam prthivyupaiam tapastanu +1 ’a? anapanyatanam IndraWepham sahasraksarant ayutadharam amrtam duhdtui sartuin tmdtil +lohdn abhiviksaratlti I Oertei rendeis, ‘These are its names: India, action, impel ishableness, +the immortal, end of the firmament of speech ; the manifold, the numeious, the all, the light +higher than the all; righteousness, truth, distinction, decision vvhich is not to he contiadictcd; +the ancient all, all speech. This all also, [like] a cow, fattens hitherward, thitherward. She +that milks iinmoitality possessing individual oceans Q). possessing wish granting lmpcrish- +ableness, connected with breath, possessing sight and hearing, superior by speech, permeated +by the mind, havnjg the heait as its point, apportioned to the Brahmans, pleasant through food, +having the lain ns means of purification (?), cow-protect mg, higher than the earth, having +penance as a bodv, having Varuna as an enclosure, having ludra ns leadei, possessing a thousand +syllables, possessing ten thousand streams, flows in all directions unto all these woilds.’ It + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +2 95 + + +-V, 3, 2 + +which yields milk and fattens 4 . (Thou ait) the eye, the eai, breath, that which is + +should be noted that the MS8. read mjijnamiu, a clear tiror for vipgyanatn, properly a perf. +part, middle of s/ji (cf. Whituev, Sanskrit C.ianimar , § Sog\ a won! elsewhere unknown but +of interesting function (lor g, ef. Wackunagel, AlttndisAic Giammatik. 1 . 146), "Inch is remkied +very probable by the metre, apratrmnyah w>, ml unroham, h 1 dayog, am , brahma nabhni- + +ktram (a), °bhratram ( 1 U, °bhrtram (C), Varunapai lyatanam, duhauah 'J hese readings +confirm the brahiuanabJnuti kant of the Aranvaka text. J 1 > dayayi n»i is no doubt a possible +and an easy conjecture, but Sa)ana alieady had /// dayoi.iam , and its appearance line ceitai. ly +shows that the tradition haidencd to hrdaycgi am at a veiy early date AnuaUtbham is tempting, +but uncertain as Sayana read dmnisitbhe. Cf. Satapatlm Rrahmana, IX, 5, 1, 12, satyauite +Z'lhatn for Mantia\anl\a Samhita, III, 7 » 3 * '<//van 1 tain So m Atharva\eda, XIV, 1, 11, iiotic +replaces RV., X, 85, 11, trotiam fpnte wronglv (cf. Whitney, 1 1 anslation, p 74 ~b T ( onsuter +therefore that (especially m view of the accent) it is veiy likely that diiuawib/iain should be +replaced. For hrdayogram if it really is hrdaydgiatn might be compared Maitiavam +Upanisad, VI, 33, dvtdhai mondham for °<md//ain (Max Muller, .S./> E., XV, li). but ui"t +of text is'easy. "Vyomanto mmh must, 1 think, be divided into vybma and onto rfudh. The +sense ascribed to Indi aUcdham is possible, and Indra/y< sthani may mean (as in KV., AV., ami +TS.) ‘having India as its best’. Varunapanyatanam may perhaps be light, but it is fai irom +certain, and bayana had rai unavdyrUam<im, a more recondite ioim (see 11. 12 on II, 4, 3) than +that of the lhahmana. ’The words bahur bhfiyas should be bailor bhuyah, I Ins example +answers the quciy of Spcijer, Vediuhc und S ansknf .Syntax, § 122, n. a, as to whethci the idiom +‘cusserals suss’ is Vedic as well as classic (his Sansh it .Syntax-, § 251, 3V The same phrase +Is found Ill V, i, 5, ill a Mantra passage, and 111 the parallel passage, Sankhayana Aianvaka, 1 , 8 . +Cl. also such phrases as balm ca me bhuyas ca me, Taittiri>a Samhita, TV, 7, 4, 2 , J K.A.S., lpocj. + +The accents of the K edition are veiy incorrect. I n'diandm is quite impossible T11 the +case of the compounds R has hidayogi dm, bi uliinandhhai ti kdm, vdi \apaviti am, v,dpi Mutant, +p, thivYiipdram, tdpastdnii, Indi ajydd/taiii, ayutaku'v am, b, dhmavdi tasam. Vai sdpavitram is +suppoited by vaiyimrmj (RV.), and varsdnnda\ tAV , °nndhas , AV. l’aipp.); uihdsradhai am +by the RV.; ayiitdkairam by analogy with salidwadlnh am , &c\; tdpastonu and bia/iinana/i/iar- +fr leant depend on analogy; /ndra/yedhain has abundant nuthoiity; yd bit again may be compaied +with gdmayha (KV.), hul d - & ,hht *J )• Vakpiabhutam and satyd\amnntam are supported by +usage (Macdonell, Vedic Guimtnur , p. 96, W’ackt rnagel, AltmdisJie Granimatik, II, 1, ^ 7 s ‘l 0 > +and hidavognitn is pmbable (Whitney, Sanski it Gi annual, § 1287 a, gives several examples +of different accents, Wackcinagel, pp. 238 sq , decides for accent on the fust member as usual 111 +determinatives with adjectives at the end (for examples, el. p. 233*1). On this analogy, p/thivyu- +parani ma> be light, or possibly we should lead pithily dpaiam as two words, but the gender +of uparam would be strange if it is a noun (meaning cither ‘ lower Soma stone’ (RV., AY., but +ef. Ved. Stud, I, 108 sq.), 01 ‘ lower pait of sacrificial post ’ (\ S )), since theie it is alwavs masc. +(ef. 11. 5). The ac cent on Vdi and' must remain doubtful, but if it is a case of a past part , the accent +should be on the first. None of these woids have found their way into Wackcrnagcl’s lists. + +For similai cases of double accent 111 MSS., cf. Scheftelowit/, Jhe Apokiyphen des Kgvcda, +pp. 39# 49 (from JJi; Wackeinagel, p.40, points out that in cases of compounds the Atliai vaveda, +XIX and XX, Satapatha Hrahmann, Taittiriya Aianvaka and Maitrayani Upanisad (he ignores +this work) are veiy badly accented. Ills theory of accent 1 pp. 4° sq. 1 lays stress on the lact that +determinatives (save those with verbal second paits—other than forms in da, -h) onginally had +the accent on the first part and only latei on the second. 'J he accents here must depend to some +extent on (<?) the validity of the theoiy, (*) the view as to the age of the A ran\ aka. + +* Vinrati as it stands spoils the construction, but may be right, l’ossibly it was originally + + + +296 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 3, 2- + + +measured by truth, which is produced by speech, and proceeds from the mind, +what is truth in the heart, and borne by Brahmins. (Thou art) food and prosperity, +purified by the rains, rich in cows, that beyond the earth, 8 to which Varuna and +V3yu most resoit, that uhich has for its body penance, 6 has Indra as its +mightiest, which milks ambtosia, with a thousand streams and countless letters. 7 +These, O hymn, are thy powers; there arc the powers of speech. 8 With these +for me now milk the great wealth of ambrosia. Prajapati created this prayer, +the essence of the Vedas. With it may I obtain all; let it win all desires greatly. +Thou art bhuh , bhuvah , and svar, the three, thou art the Veda. 9 Milk, O +prayer, 10 children for me. Life and breath milk for me. Cattle and folk milk +for me. Prospeiity and glory milk for me. The world (to come), splendour +of renown, courage, prospeiity in sacrifice, milk for me/ All this he makes the +Adhvaryu repeat, if he does not know (the Mantras). Then being urged on to +sacrifice (by the Adhvaryu, who says), ‘ Om, n offer the Soma singer of the hymn,’ + +pinvdt (of. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 716\ the nom. of the participle, or pinvati, , reading +dhenuh. The Jaiminlya Upanisad pinvate may arise from a misreading of i or f. + +3 Gdbhagam may mean ‘prospering cows', and varsdpavitram, ‘ purifying by rains.’ Prthi- +vyupardm is yupasya mulam (Sayana). If this is correct (cf. n. 3), the next adjective may belong +to U or to tdpastanu, but it is much moie likely to be merely-- ‘beyond the eaith’, as in the +Jaiminlya Upanisad, which has Vat unapariyatanam and annafubham/ pleasant through food.’ + +6 Apparently we must follow Sayana and supply muniiarirajdtam or something similar. +The verses are late in character, and tdpastanu might mean ‘ lean through penance ’, but the +translation of Oertel ‘ having penance as a body ’ is at least as probable (cf. the accent). The +uktha is blindly piaised. + +7 Ddhdnam is taken as nom. ncut. Sayana renders it as with gokulam . AytUdksaram is due, +he says, to the fact that there are so many syllables in the dohanaprakarana , vasundm pavitram +asi sahasradhdram (Tailtirlya Samhita, I, 1, 3, 1 ; Maitiayanl Samhita, I, 1, 3). He takes +ay util km ram and sahasradharam as acctis. agreeing with amrtam. They are perhaps more +probably nominative. + +* Or, as Sayana, ‘these sounds are thy powers.’ Bloomfield ( Vedit Concordance^ p. 300*) +reads ukthabhidayah. The other seems simpler; uktha and vac are easily identified, or rather +the latter lies at the base of the foimer. For apyasam , cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, +§§ 921-925, 573 c; Pelbruck, Altindische Syntax , pp. 352, 353. + +* The conjecture vtddsi for veda asi is easy, but unnecessary; cf. 11. 11 on III, 2, 4 ; RV., II, +6, 7 ; 1, 45, 6 ; II, 3, 6 ; III, 14, 3, &c. See also Asvalayana Gfliya Sutra, 1 , 15, 3, for veda 'si. +To take tiayo, &c., as a separate Mantra is wrong. + +10 Sayana takes brahma as accusative. 1 prefer to regard it as vocative, despite the apparent +parallelism of the next sentences. Foi another neuter voe., cf. II, 7, n. 1. Katyayana israuta +Sutra, VII, 4, 13, has prajdm me dhuksva , and also dyttr me dhuksva , paiutt me dhuksva. On +the other hand Alharvaveda, X, 8, 25 has adhok — brahma ca tapai ia. + +J1 Cf. V, 3, 3. The Adhvaryu utters the praisa twice, see Afevalayana Srauta Sutra, I, 5, 3: +ekaikam preuto yajati. See Sabbathier, Agnistoma , p. 58, for the phrase, and for the gen., +Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 397 b; Delbruck, Altindische Syntax, p. 160. + + + +-v, 3 , 2 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +297 + + +uttering the cry, ‘We who sacrifice/ he offers sacrifice with the usual 12 (stanza), +and holding back as it were his breath, repeats a secondary vasal. n The ac¬ +companiment of the vasal is described elsewhere. 14 The Adhvaryu brings up +the vessel containing the libation and the (three) atigrahya bowls. 18 As soon +as he perceives the food, the Hotr descends from the swing towards the east. 16 + +18 RV., VII, 23, 1, see Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, V, 15, 23 : fil'd sontam India mandat it tveti +yHjya , and VII, n, 27. For the dgtlh, see ibid., I, 5, 3 5 4 = dgur yajyddir anuyajavarjam II 4 II +ye 3 yajdmaha ity dguh. See also Ilillebiandt, Ritual- Littcratur, pp. ioisq.; Kcu- und Voll- +tnondsoffer, p. 95 ; Kggcling, S. B. E., XL 1 V, 32, n. 1. + +J8 Anuva^atkr is freely used as a compound verb in the Aitareya Brahmana (I, 22, 4, &c.), +Asvalayana Siauta Sfitra, and Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, and should be written as one word. +Vyavdnya is rendered ucihvdsam akrtvd by Sayana, who takes iva ns eva. The reason for the +expression anuvauit is given in Hillebrandt, Ritual- f.itleratur, p. 102; Fggcling, S. b. E. t +XXVI, 351, n. 1. After the ydjyd the ITotr says: dev a 3 van 3 sat and somasydgite vt/u 3 +van 3 sat, thus making two van 3 sat cries. For the 7 >a?a(kara, cf. Apaslamba, Ynjuap.inbhasa, +96 {S.B.E., XXX, 341). The words somasydgne vihi occur in Aitareya Brahmana, III, 5, 4 ; 6: +Asvalayana’Siauta Sutra, V, 5, 19, and the brevity of this passage is only explained by the fact +(see the following note) that the writei clearly knew the Asvalayana Srauta Sutra (cl. In trod., +p. 19) : cf. the relation of Grhya Sutra and Siauta Sutra in the case of Asvalayana and +S*ankhayana. Oldenberg, who once thought the evidence was in favour of assigning the two +Sutras of Sankhayana to dilferent epochs, has now abandoned the attempt and leaves the question +open (see S. B.E. } XXIX, 5, 6 ; XXX, xxxin sq.)„ while 1 am inclined to think that there is no +evidence worth counting against the traditional authorship 111 either case. + +11 Cf. Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, I, 5, 17: rag ojah saha ojo mayt frdndfdndv iti vasat- +kdram uktvoktvdniimantrayate I This is a direct reference. Cl. also Aitaieya Biahmniia, III, +8, 9, where it reads tan anumantt ayeta vdg ojo sa/ta ojo mayt prana fa nav tty dtman eva tad +hold vacant ca ftdnafdnau ta sthdfayati sarvdyuh san’dyutvdya. The reference here might be +supposed to be to the Brahmana passage and not to the Srauta Sutra, but the use of amt mantra,uim +and the mode of reference are hopelessly opposed to this view. The style of reference is +reminiscent of Asvalayana Grhya Sutra, J, 1, 1 : uktdm vaitdnikdni gihydni vaksydmah , which +is a clear reference to the Srauta Sutra, and I think an assertion of the identity of authorship. It +may be noted that, although Oldenberg { S.B._E., XXIX, 158) clearly indicates that he has some +novel view on the relations of Saunaka and Asvalajana, he docs not (in . 9 . B. E. t XXX) cany +out his promise of discussing the point, save that (ibid., p. xxxv, n. 2) he alludes to the fact that +Asvalayana Grhya Sfitra, IV, 7, 16, quotes a ya/nagatha by Saunaka. This of couise in no way +contradicts the view of the relation as pupil and teacher reflected on the tiadition of the Katha- +saritsagara and recorded in the mo^t piccise teims by Sa^lguruMsya. The B vcision of the +Brhaddevata, which probably was composed by a pupil of Saunaka’s, distinctly quotes Awala- +yaua, which suits the tiadition admiiably (p. 293, note 11 ). + +15 Cf. Asvalayana Srauta Sfitra, VII, 3 > 22 \ Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVIII, 21, 10, +vailvakarmano ’tigrdhyah . They are diawn ‘over and above’ (a/*), Weber, Ind. Stud., IX, +23«51 Eggeling, S. B. E., XXVI, 402, 11.4 ; XTd, 6, n. 2. + +w Cf. I, 2, 4 ; Sankhayana Aranyaka, II, 17 ; Srauta Sfitra, XVIIT, 21,6; 7. Tor yatkd na +with fut., cf. Delbriick, Altindische Syntax , pp. 596 sq.; Speijer, Vedische und Sanskrit- +Syntax , §§ 197, 277. This case illustrates admirably the origin of the use in its relation of iti +and the 2nd person; sec also Maitrayan! Saiphita, II, 2, 7 ; I\, i, 9; Taittiri)a Saiphita, +II, 3, 5, 1 ; J.R.A.S., 1909. + + + + +298 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 3, 2- + + +Then they tie up the swing to the west that it may not slay the reciter when +about to eat. For the Hotr eats seated on the place of the swing. Then the +Hotr consumes the (libation in the) vessel with the words uttered in response, 17 +‘ May speech, the deity, rejoice in the Soma/ ‘ May Soma, the king, shower life +on me for my breath,’ ‘ May my breath milk mightily all life/ The third pressing +(in this rite) is taken over 18 from the last day of the Abhiplava rite, except as +regards the hymn containing ntvtds addressed to the All-gods (RV., T, 89). In +its place are inserted forty-one verses of the ‘ water * hymn of Dlrghatamas, +‘Of that noble grey sacrificer’ (RV., I, 164), and the hymn dnobhadriya (RV., +I, 89). The strophe and antistrophe of the Vaisvadeva Sastra are taken over +from the one day form 10 (the Visvajit). If the Yajfiayajftlya Saman is omitted, 20 + +17 Upasrdena is explained by Say ana as iiardnujiiapurvakena ; the word occurs often in +Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, but not in a parallel passage. Cf., however, XVIII, 1, 12, The verse +vdg devt (jusana) somasya trpyatu is found in Vajasaneyi Samhita, VIII, 37, and elsewhere, +Bloomfield, Vedic Comordance, p. 853**. Sa me , &c., is a quasi verse. It is tempting to render +dyttfy as if it wcic a dative, ‘ may Soma rain on me for life, for breath/ and it might possibly be +so taken as the sentence is a Mantra, and theiefore not to be judged by the ordinary rules of +prose (cf. liloomfield, J T edic Concordance , p. viii). In that case dyuhpnimiya would not be +a tatpuruui compound, since ‘ the breath of life’ is not in Sanskrit dyuhprana , nor yet a dvandva , +but rather a case in which the mere base is accepted as sufficient to denote the case relation when +followed by a case form in a parallel woid, cf. c.g. RV., I, 26, 9, where Max Muller would so +render (see Oldenberg, S.B.E., XLVI, 15) Amrta tndrtydnam , and see Pischel, Vedisihe +Studten, I, 60 sq., 225 sq.; Jacobi, Golt. gel. Ans ., 1880, p. 855 ; Waekernagel, Altindische +Gram mat ik , I, xvii, and II, i, 157, who accepts this view of RV., I, 26,9. Cf., however, Aitareya +Brahmana, l.c. on n. 14, where sannlyuh sarvdyutvdya occurs. The gen. is one of partitive +force, cf. Dclbiuck, Altindische Syntax, p. 160; Monro, Homeric Grammar 2 , p. 146. For loc. +with as, cf. Aitareya Brahmana, VI, 3, 10; for acc. exx. in Ind. Stud., IX, 295. + +lM For the Abhiplava, see AWalayana Srauta Sutra, VII, 6; Eggeling, S.B. E., XXVI, 403. +It has six days. The hymn referred to is RV., T, 89 ; cf. Sankhayana Siauta Sutra, XV11I, 22, 8. +The hymn, RV., I, 164, 1, is called salila also in Sankhayana Aranyaka, TI, 18, and Srauta +Sntra, XVIN, 22, 7. It is of course derived from v. 41, gaunr mimdya salildni taksati ; cf. also +Brhaddevata, IV, 43. + +19 The Vai&vadeva Sastra begins therefore with RV., V, 82, 1-3, 4-6. The contents of it and +the Agnimaruta are given in full in I, 5, 3, which explains the brevity with which they are here +treated. Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVIII, 22 (cf. Sankhayana Aranyaka, II, 18), gives»the +Sastra as RV., V, 82, 1-3, 4-6 ; IV, 53; I, 160; 1, 161 ; I, 164 (the whole) ; and I, 89, with +nivids; and V, 53,5, as a paridhdniya. Anobhadriya is used as a name of I, 89, also in +Rgvidhana, I, 20, 5, but Bloomfield (Vedic Concordance , p. i69 b ) docs not cite this passage, +which is earlier. + +20 The Agnimaruta for the Sankhayana is given in detail in Sankhayana Srauta Sutra, XVI11, +23; cf. Aranyaka, II, 18. It consists of RV., Ill, 3 ; V, 55 ; the Yajuayajiilya or a substitute, +VI, 48, not noted by Bloomfield (Vedic Concordance , p. 735“) who omits also any reference +to this passage; I, 141. If the Yajuayajiilya Siiman is employed, the Agnimaruta Sastra con¬ +stitutes itself in the Aitareya thus : RV.,111, 2; J, 43, 6; V, 35; VI, 48, 1 and 2; VII, 17, 11 and + +» i> 99> 1 ; X, 9, 1, &c., the rest being as in the ptaktti (Sayana). If the IJanda Saman is + + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +299 + + +-V, 3, 3 + + +then the strophe and antistrophe (in the Agnimaruta Sastra) consist of the +six stanzas, beginning, ‘ 0 Agni, thy fame, thy strength’ (RV., X, 140, 1), when +the Ilanda Saman is employed (three stanzas being used). If more (than three) +are used in this Saman, then so many are employed (in the Sastra) as the anti¬ +strophe, beginning, ‘Agni, for ourselves as it were’ (RV., X, 21, 1). Thus is +completed the Mahavrala and this day and the Agnistoma. 21 At the proper time +they should carry the swing to the bath, and burn together the seats. + +3. No one 1 who has not been initiated should recite the Mahavrata, nor + + +used, then for the two fragdthas, VI, 48, 1 and a, and VII, .7, n and .2, arc substituted X, +140 1-3 and 4-6 respectively, being the two parts of the Ilanda Saman. U, however, all the six +stanzas (X, 140 1-6) are used for the stotnya, then X, 21, 1-6, must form the anunipa. So Saiiklm- +yana, who Rives Anther variations. For the TJanda. cf. Oldcnbcrg, Celt. gel. Anz., 1908, p. 714. + +si The Mahavrala is a form of the Agmstoma, and so in a sense the Agmstoma is finished +The utensils and the swing are both cleansed, while the vedi and the brsTs are both consumed +by fire. Saftkhayana Srauta Sutra, XVIH, 24, develops the final close of the ceremony ... some +detail. The Aranjaka, II, 18, has: tad Agmstomah samhfhate. The burning points clearly +to an original sun spell. The question, however, has recently been raised whether the use +of fire is not merely piacular, cf. Fiazcr, Adonis, Attis, Osins, p. 151, n. 4 , cstermarc , +Origin and Development of Moral Ideas, 1 , 56, n. 3. The usual view is that both the burning +and the waving of torches in such rites are intended to evoke heat by magic. C f. VVaide bowler, + +Roman Festivals, p. N4. . . , , + +1 Sayana, as usual, ignores the difficulties of this passage. (1) c worts ty e c mos +probably refer to the whole passage (ef. Ill, a, 4. ». a), because the very first p.oh.b.t.on +contradicts the passage above, V, ., 5, n. 5, when the case of an .Mnta IIot r ts deliberately +discussed. The sense then must be, as Eggeliiig (. 9 . IS. F., XLIII, 367. "• 0 takes it, that +(1) no one but a diksita can recite, and even he only (2) if there is a ulyagn,, and (3) a year¬ +long sattra, and (4) not even he for another unless he he father or teacher. It may be noted that +Sankhayana Aranyak a, 1 ,1, prohibits recitation to another, save in the case of sattnns and of a father +and a teacher, which co.responds with the rule here, since sattrins of course are entitled to recite +for one another, but ibid., I, 5, and Srauta Sutra, XVII, 13, 6, regard a eityagni as optional, +perhaps a later idea (cl. Weber, Ind. Stud, Xlll, 2.7, ».). The rule of those here cited thus +excludes the Mahavrata as anything but a sattra. Katyayana Srauta Sutra, XVI 1, 2, insists on +an altar at the Mahavrata (Eggeling, S.B.E., XLIII, xxv, n. a). But it should be noted that +this is inconsistent with the exception of the father and the teacher, for they could only be +concerned-being e-r hyfothesi not sattrins, in an ekaha or aim,a rite. Possibly, however, the +view that one can recite for a father or teacher does not contemplate the case of an atm,a +or ekaha, hut means that in a sattra the sacrificer may carry out the sacrifice for the benefit +of his father or teacher though they are not initiated and cannot take part themselves; this view +I incline to think the most probable, despite Dr. Kriedlandcr’s view (p. 29, n. 2). It cannot mean +that, the teacher or father being dik-ita, the Hot r recited for them only, lot in the Mahaviata at +the sattrins equally obtain the benefits of the rite (cf. Eggeling, A. />. A., XLIII, xxv sq.), ami +therefore are forbidden to perform for others outside the circle of the initiated, cf. Satapatha + +* It may be noted that the prohibition of performing sacrifices by other than Brahmins is +ascribed in the Satapatha Brahinaua, II, 3, 39 \<=f. Katyayana Srauta Sutra, IV, 14, 11 ; Max + + + +3 °° + + +A1TAREYA A RAN YAK A + + +V, 3, 3 - + + +should he recite it when there is no altar, nor should one recite it for another, +nor if it does not last a year, so say some. Only one may recite it for a father +or a teacher, for that is recited for oneself. 3 (The only 3 utterance (of the + +Brah man a, IX, 5, 2, 12 and 13; X, 5, 2, 5. (2) Presumably for this reason Sayana renders the + +passage as equivalent to ‘no one who is not diksita should recite the Mahavrata at anothei's +sacrifice (i.e. an ahina or ekdha) unless there is a citydgni\ or unless that other is a father or +a teacher’. Ilis explanation is that the Mahavrata is of three forms, ekdha, ahina , and sattra. +As in the sattra , the yajamdna and Holr are identical, then the diksd is automatic. In the +other two rites the Ilotr is not the yajamdna, and may be either diksita or adiksita : In the +Agnistoma, &c , if svdrthe he is diksita, as these arc .Soma sacrifices (cf. Hillcbrandt, Kitual- +Litteratur , p. 125). If the sacrifice is not a Soma one, then he is not. Only the diknta can +perform at a parakiya mahdvratakarman . and he only if theie is a ciiydgni. Put all this is very +difficult and inconsistent. The ndsamvatsara ity eke he takes as a sepaiate prohibition confined to +one school. Put this seems less likely. (3^ Max Mullei, .S’. B. A’., I, 266, 267, takes the passage +thus: ‘ No one who is adikshita, uninitiated, should recite it for another person ; nor should he +do so, when the Mahavrata is performed without (or with) an altar, or if it does not last one +year.’ Put this hardly makes sense, since an adiksita can never recite if there is a iattra, and +the construction of the sentence shows that the series of prohibitions is not directed to an +add^ita but to a piiest in general. He is not to iccitc if adiksita , nor if there is no fire, &c. +Dr. Friedlandei, on Sank hay ana Aranyakn, I, i, follows Max Muller, without commenting on the +difficulties. (4) The only other possibility is to render, ‘No one who is not initiated must +recite, nor must one lecite if theie is no fire, nor for another (i. e. allowing ahinas and ekdhas +if by chance the yajamana is the Ilotr in fact).’ Some say, ‘nor if it be not a sattra. One may +recite foi a father, &c.* In this case the passage confirms in part the view that theie was +probably a citydgni at the ekdha and ahina rites, Kggeling, . 9 . B. A\, XL! 11 , xxv. + +a Sankhayana Aranyaka, I, 1, has at mane haivdnya tac chasfam hhavati. The 011c gives the +body, the othci learning. Atmano here is no doubt correct as Jess easy than at mane. It is +a predicative possessive gen., as in I, 2, 2, n. 8. Cf. Whitney, Sansknt Grammar , § 29S ; +Speijer, Vednche und Sansknt Syntax , § 64. For asya, cf. Caland, Ucber das rit. S/ttra des +Baudh , pp. 44, 45. + +3 Sayana says : atra hecid vdkydntaram adhiyate . This can haidly refer to recitation, and +throws grave doubt on Wintermt/s interpietation of a similar phrase in Haradatta ( A/antra- +/d/ha , I, xix). The passage is given in all the MSS., but it cannot be oiiginal. In addition to +being quite out of place, it is almost unintelligible heie. It is a general description of the +prana of the Adhvaryu in the case of 3 astras, whether accompanied by NdrdAamsdkhyaiamauis +or not. In the case of the Hotr’s Sastras the prana is ukthaidya/a somaya. In the case of the +Ilotrakas, what it is is disputed. Sayana says (1) some supply ukt/iaSd yaja somdndm (cf. +Katyfiyana Siauta Sotra, IX, 13, 33 (somasya) ; 14, 12 {somdndm); Apastamba Srauta Sutra, +XIT, 27, 19 ( somasya ) ; 28, 14 (somdndm)) and make this the praisa ; (2) others, so ’yam arthah +prakrtita eva prdpta tti matvd , reject the passage ; (3) others repeat ukthaid yaja somasya , and +assume the mention here is hotrakdnam Sastrcsu viienividhdndrtham . The second alternative is +the most probable. The woids ukthaid — somdndm , which appear in the text after hotrakdnam , +are certainly spurious and cannot have been read even by Sayana, whose note would be + +Muller, .S’. B. E. f XXX, 321), to the fact that Brahmins only can eat the remains of a sacrifice. + +T he reason is no doubt a reflex of the doctrine of the presence of the divinity in the sacrifice +(which in certain eases forbids any eating whatever, c.g. Asvalilyana C.rhya Sutra, TV, 8, 31), for +which see my ai tide m the/. K. A.S., 1 907, pp. 939 sq ; Robeitson Smith, AV/. of Scm ., 1,276 sq. + + + +-V, 3, 3 + + +TRANSLATION AND NOTES + + +301 + + +Adhvaryu) on the Hotr’s Sastras, whether accompanied or not by libations for +Narasam^a, is ( Offer the Soma with the hymn ’, and it also occurs in the +Hotraka’s Sastras) : This day one should not teach to one who is not a regular +pupil, and has not been so for a year, assuredly not to one who has not been +so for a year, nor to one who is not a brahmacarin and does not belong to +the same school, 4 assuredly not to one who does not belong to the same school, +nor to one who has not come to that place. 5 There should not be more than +one saying or twice, twice only.* ‘ One man should tell it to one/ says Jatii- +karnya. ‘ Not to a child or a man in the third stage of life/ 7 Nor standing +to one standing, nor walking to one walking, nor lying to one lying, nor seated +on a couch to one so seated, but seated on the ground to one so seated (should +the teacher teach). Nor (should the pupil) lean backwards, 8 nor forwards, nor +be over clothed, nor adopt postures, but he should raise his knees, without +wearing special apparel, and so learn. He should not learn when he has eaten +flesh, or seen blood, or a dead body, or done what is unlawful, or anointed (his +eyes) or oiled or rubbed his body, or had himself shaved, or bathed, or has +put on colour, or put on a wreath, or had intercourse, or written, 9 or obliterated + +unintelligible if he had had them before him. The reason for their insertion is obvious. For +the libations, cf. IIAgnidama, p. 220. The gen. is picsumably partitive, cf. Speijer, I'edtsche +und Sanskrit-Syntax, §67; V, 3, 2, n. 17. + +4 Cf. Gautama Sutra, XIV, 21, and Ruhler’s note in his translation (S, B. E , TI), where +he differentiates it from sahddhydya. Here, however, it is perhaps used in that usual sense. + +5 Where the teacher lives. lie is not to go to the pupil’s house. + +« Because it is so sacred. According to Sayana, Jatukarnya insists on one lecture only +to one person at a time, and the same teacher to avoid mmpraddyaviiheda. + +7 This sentence must also belong to Jatukarnya. This seems the proper way to interpret the +Hi, which, however, Sayana explains as H\yap> ayuktanisedhasaindpty art hah, and so Max Muller +takes it. For the idea, cf. Manu, VIII, 66, &c. + +8 T. e. lean on a kudi (or a wall, &c., Apastamba Dharma Sutra, I, 2, 6, 17), or rest wit-h his +hands on a stick (on the ground, Apastamba, l.c., 17). The other renderings follow Sayana, who +gives uuhLtddydkramana for ndvratyam akramya\ cf. Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, XII, 8, 19. +For ativltah, cf. Manu, VIII, 23 : samzdtdhgah. For ndpitena kdrayitvd he lias tiakhanikrnta - +nadi ; cf. 6ankhayana Grhya Sutra, VT, i, 6, and for the syntax, Delbniok, Altindisehe Syntax, +pp. 224 sq. He takes ndktvd as refeinng to the eyes. Varnakcndnulipya he refers to sandal or +saffron being smeared on ; for varnaka , cf. Bohtlingk, Diet.) VI, 24. For ana paint a , ibid., +I, 41. For these rules, cf. Apastamba, T, 2, 6, 23-27. + +9 These translations follow s'ayana and Max Muller. Though they no longer «seem to be the +earliest mention of actual writing in Sanskrit literature’, in view of the discoveries of Biihler, +Indische Palaeogmphie , and Ind. .Stud., Ill (1898); Hoernle,/. A.S. B., LXIX, pt. i; Rhys Davids, +Buddhist India , ch. VIT and others, they are interesting. Writing on palm-leaves may be meant +rather than on wood. The violent repugnance to writing shown here and elsewhere is certainly in +favour of this view, accepted by Macdonell ( 'Sanskrit Literature , p. 16) and Wintcrnitz ( Geuh . +der indisch. Litt., T, 29), that writing first came into use on the South Western Coast through +commerce, and that MSS. arc later, fora different but very nnpiobable Hew, cf. R. ShamasaHry, +Ind. Ant., 1906 ; J, A\ A. .S’., 1907, pp. 426, 427. + + + +302 + + +AITAREYA ARANYAKA + + +V, 3 ) 3 - + + +wiiting. ‘ He should not finish learning this in one day,’ says Jatukarnya. +‘ He should do so,’ says Galava. ‘ He should finish all before the sets of eighty +tristichs, and resting 10 in another place learn the rest,’ says Agnivesyayana. +Where he learns this, he should learn nothing else ; but where he learns some¬ +thing else he may at will learn this there also. He who does not study this +does 11 not become a snataka; even though he study much else, yet if he study not +this, he does not become a snataka. Nor should he forget this; even though +he forgets something else, he should not forget this. Assuredly 12 never should +he foiget this. If he forget not this, let him know that it is enough for himself. 18 +Let him know that truly it is enough. 14 He who knows this should not com¬ +municate 15 nor dine nor amuse himself with one who knows this not. + +Now lfi we shall set forth the rules of study. When the old water about + +10 Samayamdnah is taken as samdpayan by Sayana, which is possible. I follow Max Muller. +On the passage as a whole, cf. Oldenbcrg, Prolegomena, p. 293. On the form Agnivesyayana, +cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 1219. It occurs as a name of a grammarian in the Taittiriya +ITatisakhya, XIV, 32. Agnivef>ya occurs in the VarpAas in Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, II, 6, 2, and +IV, 6, 2, in both Kanva and Madhyandina Vakhas (Max Muller, .9. B. E., XV, 118, n.; 186, n.). +Jaliikarnja the word is found in th e gana, gargadi) occurs in the same passages with Galava. The +spelling seems clearly Jatn°, though in Max Muller’s translation the two forms Jatu 0 and Jatii° +occur. Jatukarnya occurs in Sahkhayana Aranyaka, VIII, 10, and frequently in the &ankhayana +^raut a and Gfh)a Sutras (III, 10, 1), Katyayana's Srauta Sutra, the Vajasaneyi PratRakhya, +and in Kausitaki Brahmana, XXVI, 5. Galava is known to Nirukta, IV, 3 ; Brhadaranyaka, +If, 6, 3; IV, 6, 3; Bfhaddevata, and Panini as a grammarian; see Max Muller, Pgveda +]'>illtUlkhya, p. 6. + +11 ‘ Should not become’ is Sayana’s version. Literally it must be ‘is not a (true) snataka +Cf. Apastamba Dharma Sutra, I, 2, 8, 27. The exact force of the optative is rather doubtful: it +may be that it is the indefinite use, of which examples undoubtedly occur in Sanskrit (cf. Speijer, +Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 283; also in III, 2, 1, n. 1, and Introd., p. 61), or it may be +an opt. in protasis with the apod, in the indie, to denote the certainty of the result, though the +rule of similarity of mood is usually strictly observed in the older language, see Whitney, +Sanskrit Grammar , § 581 f, who enforces his. rule partly by alterations in the text of the MaitrayanI +Sniphita (see his review of v. Selnoedei’s ed., P.A. O. S,, Oct., 1887); J.R.A.S., 1909, p. 153. + +u Sayana says that this is read by some only. It is in all the MSS., but is an easy addition. +Cf n. 14. No here and above follows a negative sentence and is practically merely an emphatic +negative as usual in classical Sanskrit, Speijer, Vedis<he and Sanskrit-Syntax , § 240; Sanskrit +Syntax, § 402, R. 1; cf. Caland, Ueber das rit. Sutra des Baudh., p. 51. + +Sayana renders punisdrthdya, and Max Miiller gives as possible ‘for acquiring a knowledge +of the self’. For the dat., cf. II, 4, 2. Atman, however, is merely the ordinary reflexive, Speijer, +Vedische und Sanskrit-Syntax, § 127; Delbiuck, Altindische Syntax, pp. 208, 262. + +14 This again, Sayana says, is read only by some, and as it is 011c of those easy additions +it cannot be accepted as genuine. Naturally a chapter of this kind lies open beyond others to +such interpolations as this. + +18 Sayana renders samuddiUt as ‘study with’ (Jasya purato grant ham etam na pathet\ The +sense is probably ‘ enter into discussion with’, evamvid and anevamvid here are clearly com¬ +pounds; cf. Wackeinagcl, Altindische Grammatik, II, i,68. + +Then come genual nilcs for all Vedic study, not for the Mahavrata alone. These are found both + + + +-V, 3, 3 TRANSLATION AND NOTES 303 + +the roots of the trees has been dried up, 17 he should not study, nor in the +forenoon, 18 when the shadows meet, nor in the afternoon, nor when a thick +cloud has risen; and when rain 10 falls out of season he should stop his study +of the Veda 20 for three nights, nor in this time 21 should he tell tales, nor even + +in Grhya and Dharma Sutras (Oldcnberg, S. ft. E., XXX, xxxiv, xxxv); Khadira Grhya Sutra, + +II, 11; cf. Jsankhayana Grhya Sutra, IV, 8; VI, i ; Hillebrandt, Kitual-l.it/eratur, p. 56 and +reff.; Gobhila Grhya Sutra, III, 3; Apastamba Dharma Sutra, I, 3, 9-11 ; Gautama Dharma +Sutra, XVI, with Buhler’s notes. + +17 The time after the full moon of Pausa, i. e. January-Fcbruary is meant, of. Weber, Djo +vedischen A T achrichten von den Naxatra , IT, 322 s<|.; Olden berg, S. H. E., XXX, 77, 11. ; +Apastamba Dharma Sutra, I, 3, 9, 2, with Buhler’s note; Manii, IV, 95; Yajnavalkya, I, 142 ; +143. The four months after the full moon of Asadha aie forbidden in Sankhayana, VI, 2, 1. The +term is five months, beginning in the middle of Sravnnn, Gautama Dharma Sutra, XVI, 1 54.; +of Prausthapada, Gobhila Grhya Sutra, HI, 3, 1 ; Khadira Grhya Sutra, III, 2, 16. Srivana is +also given by AfcvalSyana Grhya Sutra, III, 5, 2 ; 3; Sankhayana Grhya Sutra, IV, 5, 2 : l’Jra- +skara G|-hya Sutra, II, 10, 2; Hiranyake&i Grhya Sutra, II, 18,1. The tmesis upa -ndpite is +very unusual, but upapurane would be almost equally strange, though not impossible. Kakydake +is a curious expression, as explained by Sayana. The separation of prefix and verb is (see Caland, +Ueberdas rit. Sutra des Baudh pp. 48,49) lare in the late Sutra style and is difficult to assume here, +though this may be quoted from an older (? mctiical) text. Upapurdna seems elsewhere unknown +in the sense ‘somewhat (?) old \ Nothing is indeed more characteristic of the Vedic Sanskrit than +the separation of particle and verb. Holtzmann (Grammatisches aus dan Mahdbhdrata , p. 48) +says that the only example & in the Epic occurs in a pseudo-Vedic hymn to the A'vins, I, 3, 62 : +devd adhi vilve visakUth. Even the Bihaddevata has no certain case of suJi separation. On +Jacobi’s theories of the beginning of the year {tedgrm r an Both, pp. *>8-74), sec Whitney, +J A. 0 . S., XVI, lxxxil sq.; Buhler, Ind. Ant XXIl T, 238-249 (dates of the commencement of +Vedic study at p. 249) ; Thibaut, ibid., XXIV, 85-100 ; Oldcnlicrg, Z.D. A/. <7., I., 451 sq. + +18 When study is permissible (hardly ‘ at any time ’ as 111 Max Muller), he must not so study +in the forenoon or aftcinoon, when shadows are meeting; i.e. he should begin at sunrise when +the shadows first appear, and cease before sunset when they again disappear (Sayana), + +For the case of a cloud, cf. Apastamba, 1,3, 11, 31. Kain out of season (ibid., 27; Mnnu, + +III, 104, combines the two into a cloud out of the 01 dinary in the rains) is explained by Sayana +as rain falling in months other than Sravana and Bhadrapada,_August and September, or according +to the Smrtikaras, undei Naksatias other than the 13 from Ardra to Jyestha. + +30 The study of Vedangas, like vydkarana, is not prohibited (Sayana). lie adds drdrddi- +jycsthdntasya trayodaSanahurtrafarimitasya kdlasya vrdikdlatvam abhyupetya tato 'nyah a +vrstau satydm akdlavrsUmmit tam triratrddhyayanavarjanam uhanti. + +Asm in is vague. Sayana gives either adhiyamdne svddhydye or mahdvratddhyayanakdk. +The rendering ‘ at that time’ of Ma\ Muller is perhaps intended to refer to the triratram , since +the translation continues ‘not eyen during the night, nor should he glory in his knowledge’, +since asya seems to be taken with rdtrau. Tnrdttam, of course, includes days, so that the +lendering is quite possible, though probably the first of Siyana’s alternatives is correct. For +the ncc., cf. Speijor, Vedische und Sansknt-Syntax, § 28 and reff. The instr. is one of +separation, ibid., § 33 ; Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar , § 283. The usual case is the abl., +Speijer, § 52 ; Delbriick, Altindische Syntax, p. 446, who ignore this passage. + +* But cf. the warning as to Iloltzmann’s accuracy in Buhler, Ind. Ant., XXIII, 14G, and +Winternitz’s review there cited. In this case the fact seems substantially correct. + + + +304 + + +A1TAREYA ARANYAKA + + +v » 3 , 3 + + +at night at this time be fain to set them forth. 22 ‘This’ 23 is the name of this +great being. He who knows thus ‘ this * as the name of it, becomes brahman . + +M The text reads: ttaya rdtrau ca na ca ktrtayiset. Sayana, followed by Max Miiller, +takes this as consisting of two sentences, (i) ndsya rdtrau ca , (2) na ca ktrtayiset. Sayana +renders, (r') kimcdsya mahdvratasya pat ham rdtrau na kurydt, (2) kimca mahdvratabhijfto +’ ham tty evam janamadhye ktrtim api neihet. Max Muller’s version, which is much more +probable, is cited above. But ‘ not even at night ’ would more properly be na rdtrau cana +than na rdtrau ca, cf. Ill, 1,3: ndtidyumne cana. Further ktrtayiset is quite impossible. The +form required is ciklrtayiset , and no easier error than cana cikiriayiset being changed to cana +ca ktrtayiset can well be conceived. Then the whole must mean, I think, ‘nor even at night +in this time (probably adhiyamdne svddkydye ) should one be fkir to proclaim (tales).’ The +adhyayana takes place during the day (see above), and neither then nor even at night, when +the adhyayana stops, is the telling of tales to be permitted. For the form ciklrtayisct , an opt. +dcsid. from a denominative (cf. Whitney, Sanskrit Grammar, § 1056), see Whitney, § 1068. +Such forms are very rare ; hence the non-recognition of this case by the commentators. Cf. also +Aitareya Brahmana, III, 30: vdei kalpayiwn , where Aufrccht (p. 430) proposes to read cikalpa - +yisan (presumably by haplography for vdei akalpayimn) ; 1,24,5: dlulobkayudt (cf. Liebich, +Panin 1 , p. 32, n.) ; Apastamba fsrauta Sutra, XII, 24, 5 : bibhaksayiset ; Kathaka Snmhita, +^ VI 1 > 3 : piptiyayiset ; Ind. Stud., IX, 264; Iloltzmann, Grammatisches aus dem Mahdbhdrata , +p. 46. + +33 Sayana renders, followed by Max Muller, ‘This, the krtsnddhydyavdkyam mahdvrata- +vdkyam ? w, thus learned ( = iti), is the name of the paramdtman lie explains that the Veda +produces brahman and so is identified with it, and its sacred character lesulting from this power +causes the long list of niyamas here given. This cannot be right. The word tad is the name +of the brahman ; see I, 3, 4, where this is most expressly stated. + +The end of the section renders it probable that it may be accepted as coming from &aunaka. +Otherwise the passage would be suspect, since it contains passages whose genuineness was +doubted e\en before Sayana, and the possibility of it all being an interpolation cannot be entirely +excluded. The use of brahman is striking, especially in the pred., and confirms the view that +brahma is not to be found save on good grounds in any early texts. For Atharvaveda, TV, 35,2 +see Weber, Ind. Stud.. XVIII, 140; for Maitrayani Samhitl, II, 9, 1, see v. Schroeder, Ind. Lit., +p. 91, 11. 1. Muir, Texts. V, 323, finds him in 6atapatha Biahmana, XT, 5, 6, 9, &c., but +needlessly. Ilopkins, Religion of India , p. 195, and Oldenberg, Buddha \ p. 30, n. 1, are vague. +The St. Petersburg Diet., V, 138, cites Taittirlya Brahmana, II, 7, 17, 1, as the oldest passage, +but S.lyana’s view may be wrong, and none of the passages in Macdonell, Vedic Mythology , +p. 168, are necessarily so taken. He occurs, of course, in the Taittiilya Aranyaka, X, but that is +not early, though its lateness has been needlessly exaggerated on insufficient grounds. Eggeling +(cf. S.B.E. t XLIV, 525) finds him nowhere in the comparatively late $atapatha, though he +appears in the Brhadaranyaka Upanisnd (cf. Dcussen, Phil, of the Upanishads , pp. 172 sq.), and +in the later Upanisads and in the earliest Buddhist texts, which, however, can only be doubtfully +dated. + +