HYMN XXXV. Indra.

1
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, O Hero, three, Or those of the Five Tribes of men, bring quickly all that help to us.

3
The aid most excellent of thee the Mightiest hitherward we call, For thou wast born with hero might, conquering, Indra, with the Strong.

4
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
O Satakratu, Lord of Strength, O Indra, Caster of the Stone. With all thy chariot's force assail the man who shows himself thy foe.

6
For, Mightiest Vrtra-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, O Mightiest One, obtain excellent fame at break of day, and meditate our hymn at dawn.

HYMN XXXVI. Indra.

1
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 drink 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, O 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, O ever-prospering 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.

5
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, thunderarmed, 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.

1
BEDEWED with holy oil and meetly worshipped, the Swift One vies with Surya's beam in splendour. For him may mornings dawn without cessation who saith, 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
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, cherishing 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 India.

HYMN XXXVIII. Indra.

1
WIDE, Indra Satakratu, spreads the bounty of thine ample grace: So, Lord of fair dominion, Friend of all men, give us splendid wealth.

2
The food which, Mightiest Indra, thou possessest worthy of renown Is bruited as most widely famed, invincible, O Golden-hued!

3
O Darter of the Stone, the powers which readily obey thy will,- Divinities, both thou and they, ye rule, to guard them, earth and heaven.

4
And from whatever power of thine, O Vrtra-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, O Lord of Hundred Powers, Indra, may we be guarded well, Hero, may we be guarded well.

HYMN XXXIX. Indra.

1
STONE-DARTING Indra. Wondrous One, what wealth is richly given from thee, That bounty, Treasure-Finder! bring filling both thy hands, to us.

2
Bring what thou deemest worth the wish, O Indra, that which is in heaven. So may we know thee as thou art, boundless in thy munificence.

3
Thy lofty spirit, far-renowned as fain to give and prompt to win,- With this thou rendest e'en the firm, Stone-Darter! so to gain thee strength.

4
Singers with many songs have made Indra propitious to their fame, Him who is King of human kind, most liberal of your wealthy ones.

5
To him, to Indra must be sung the poet's word, the hymn of praise. To him, accepter of the prayer, the Atris raise their songs on high, the Atris beautify their songs.

HYMN XL. Indra. Surya. Atri.

1
COME thou to what the stones have pressed, drink Soma, O thou Soma's Lord, Indra best Vrtra-slayer Strong One, with the Strong.

2
Strong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this Soma that is pressed, Indra, best Vrtra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong.

3
As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunder-armed, with various aids, Indra, best Vrtra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong.

4
Impetuous, Thunderer, Strong, quelling the mighty, King, potent, Vrtra-slayer, Soma-drinker, May he come hither with his yoked Bay Horses; may Indra gladden him at the noon libation.

5
O Surya, when the Asura's descendant Svarbhanu, pierced thee through and through with darkness, All creatures looked like one who is bewildered, who knoweth not the place where he is standing.

6
What time thou smotest down Svarbhanu's magic that spread itself beneath the sky, O Indra, By his fourth 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, O Atri. Mitra art thou, the sender of true blessings: thou 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 Svarbhanu'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 XLI. Visvedevas

1
WHO, Mitra-Varuna, is your pious servant to give you gifts from earth or mighty heaven? Preserve us in the seat of holy Order, and give the offerer power that winneth cattle.

2
May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, and Ayu, Indra Rbhuksan, 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: Or also to the Asura of heaven, Worshipful, bring a hymn as 'twere libation.

4
The heavenly Victor, he whose priest is Kanva, Trta with Dyaus accordant, Vata, Agni, All-feeding Pusan, 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 he the priest of Ausija through courses, the courses which are yours the fleet, O Maruts.

6
Bring hither him who yokes the car, your Vayu, who praises with his songs, the God and Singer; And, praying and devout, noble 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, Vastospati and Tvastar- Rich Dhisana 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.

10
Trta praised him, germ of the earthly hero, with pure songs him the Offspring of the Waters. Agn; with might neighs loudly like a charger: he of the flaming hair destroys the forests.

11
How shall we speak to the great might of Rudra? 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 listen 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.

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 summon 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 Varutri with her powers to succour. May the great Mother Rasa 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 us, and gladly may he welcome our addresses.

17
Thus thinking, O ye Gods, the mortal wins you 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, Nirrti consume it

18
O 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 Ila, 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 Urjavya's food.

HYMN XLII. Visvedevas.

1
Now may our sweetest song with deep devotion reach Varuna, Mitra, Aditi, and Bhaga. May the Five Priests' Lord, dwelling in oblations, bliss-giving Asura, hear, whose paths are open.

2
May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart-gladdening son, my song that lauds her. The prayer they love, bliss-giving, God-appointed, I offer unto Varuna and Mitra.

3
In spirit 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 Vrtra's treasures, And Vaja and Rbhuksan and Purandhi, the Mighty and Immortal Ones, protect us!

6
Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the Maruts follow. None of old times, O Maghavan, nor later, none of these days hath reached thy hero prowess.

7
Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati distributor of treasures, Who, blessing most the man who sings and praises, comes with abundant wealth to his invoker.

8
Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed 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, O Maruts, who at the feasts of Gods regards the demons. May he, though bathed in 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. Worship thou Rudra for his great good favour: adore the Asura, God, with salutations.

12
May the House-friends, the cunning-handed Artists, may the Steer's Wives, the streams carved out by Vibhvan, And may the fair Ones honour and befriend us, Sarasvati, Brhaddiva, 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, O 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 unwearied 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.

1
MAY 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.

2
With reverence and fair praise will I bring hither, for sake of strength, exhaustless Earth and Heaven. Father and Mother, sweet of speech, fairhanded, may they, far-famed, in every fight protect us.

3
Adhvaryus, make the sweet libations ready, and bring the beautiful bright juice to Vayu. God, as our Priest, be thou the first to drink it: we give thee of the mead to make thee joyful.

4
Two arms-the Soma's dexterous immolators-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.

5
The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power and might and high enjoyment. Invoked, turn hither in thy car, O Indra, at need, thy two well-trained and dear Bay Horses.

6
Bring by God-traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati, 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 singers deck, as if 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! Come in one car, joy-givers! to the banquet, like the bolt binding pole and nave, come hither.

9
I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious Vayu, Who by their bounty are the hymns' inspirers, and of themselves give power as a possession.

10
Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their names and figures. Come to the sacrifice with aid all Maruts, all to the songs and praises of the singer!

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, Brhaspati 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 priests 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 power is thine, the mighty: pairs waxing old in their devotion seek thee. May every Deity be swift to listen, and Mother Earth with no ill thought regard me.

16
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!

HYMN XLIV. Visvedevas.

1
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! 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 undecaying Youth set in the midst of plants.

4
These come, well-yoked, to you for furtherance in the rite: down come the twinborn 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.

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 wide extent, great might invincible, with store of hero sons.

7
Surya 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 Rsis 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 though to of Ksatra, Manasa, of Yajata, and Sadhri, and Evavada, With Avatsara'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 Visvavara, 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
Sadaprna the holy, Tarya, Srutavit, and Bahuvrkta, 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.

13
The worshipper's defender is Sutambhara, producer and uplifter of all holy thoughts. The milch-cow brought, sweet-flavoured milk was dealt around. Who speaks the bidding text knows this, not he who sleeps.

11
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 gcas [sic] love him; Agni is watchful, Sama verses seek him. Agni is watchful, to him saith this Soma, I rest and have my dwelling in thy friendship.

HYMN XLV. Visvedevas.

1
BARDS of approaching Dawn 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 men, too, hath the God thrown open.

2
Surya 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 stablished 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 worshippers were worn with constant serving.

4
With hymns and God-loved 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.

5
This day approach us: may our thoughts be holy, far from us let us cast away misfortune. Let us keep those who hate us at a distance, and haste to meet the man who sacrifices.

6
Come, let us carry out, O 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 wherewith Navagvas through ten months sang praises. Sarama 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,-Sarama 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.

11
I lay upon the Floods your hymn, lightwinning, wherewith Navagvas their ten months completed. Through this our hymn may we have Gods to guard us: through this our hymn pass safe beyond affliction.

HYMN XLVI. Visvedevas.

1
WELL knowing I have bound me, horselike, to the pole: I carry that which bears as 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
O Agni, Indra, Varuna, and Mitra, give, O ye Gods, and Marut host, and Visnu. May both Nasatyas, Rudra, heavenly Matrons, Pusan, Sarasvati, Bhaga, accept us.

3
Indra and Agni, Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the Waters, Mountains, Maruts, Sky, and Earth and Heaven, Visnu I call, Pusan, and Brahmanaspati, and Bhaga, Samsa, Savitar that they may help.

4
May Visnu also and Vata who injures none, and Soma granter of possessions give us joy; And may the Rbhus and the Asvins, Tvastar 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; Brhaspati and Pusan grant us sure defence, Varuna, 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 freewill, aid us to offspring and the winning of the spoil. Grant us protection, O ye gracious Goddesses, ye who are on the earth or in the waters' realm.

8
May the Dames, wives of Gods, enjoy our presents, Rat, Asvini, Agnayi, and Indrani. May Rodasi and Varunani hear us, and Goddesses come at the Matrons' season.

HYMN XLVII. Visvedevas.

1
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 central point of life immortal, On every side about the earth and heaven go forth the spacious 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 invigorate the Babe for travel. His kine most excellent, of threefold nature, pass swiftly round the boundaries of heaven.

5
Wondrous, O people, is the mystic knowledge that while the waters stand the streams are flowing: That, separate from his Mother, Two support him, closely-united, twins, here made apparent.

6
For him they lenghten prayers and acts of worship: the Mothers weave garments for him their offspring. Rejoicing, for the Steer's impregning contact, his Spouses move on paths or heaven to meet him.

7
Be this our praise, O Varuna and Mitra may this be health and force to us, O Agni. May we obtain firm ground and room for resting: Glory to Heaven, the lofty habitation!