Maṇḍala 2

2.1.1 You, O Agni, are born from the heavens; you, the swiftly blazing one, from the waters; you from the rock; you from the forests; you from the plants; you, O lord of men, are born pure.

2.1.2 Yours, O Agni, is the Hotṛ-office; yours the seasonal Potṛ-office; yours the Neṣṭṛ-office; you, engaged in the rite, are the Āgnīdhra. Yours is the Praśāstṛ-function; you perform the Adhvaryu duties; and you are both the Brahman-priest and the master of our house.

2.1.3 You, O Agni, are Indra, the bull of the righteous; you are Viṣṇu of the wide stride, worthy of reverence. You are Brahmā, the finder of wealth, O lord of prayer; you, the upholder, preside with abundant wisdom.

2.1.4 You, O Agni, are King Varuṇa who holds firm his ordinances; you become Mitra, the wonderful, worthy of praise. You are Aryaman, the lord of the righteous, at whose table all share; you are Aṁśa, O god, the apportioner at the assembly.

2.1.5 You, O Agni, are Tvaṣṭṛ granting heroic offspring to the worshiper; yours are the wives of the gods — of Mitra's greatness is the kinship. You swiftly hasten to bestow wealth in fine horses; you are the host of men, O Purūvasu, rich in many goods.

2.1.6 You, O Agni, are Rudra, the mighty Asura of the great sky; you command the troop of the Maruts, the nourishing ones. You travel with the ruddy winds as your auspicious companions; you are Pūṣan who guards the worshiper by your very nature.

2.1.7 You, O Agni, are the giver of wealth to the one who worships fitly; you are the god Savitṛ, the bestower of treasures. You are Bhaga, O lord of men, and you command wealth; you are the guardian in the house of whoever has honored you.

2.1.8 You, O Agni, the tribes worship as the lord of the house in their home; the peoples adore you as their king who bestows favor well. You preside over all things, O bright-faced one; you face a thousand hundreds and tens.

2.1.9 You, O Agni, do men worship as a father with oblations; they seek you as a brother for their comfort, you who shine in your body. You become a son to one who has honored you; you, a kind and unchecked friend, are their protector.

2.1.10 You, O Agni, are the Ṛbhu at the summit, worthy of homage; you command the wealth of nourishing sustenance. You shine forth, O Dakṣa, for the giving of gifts; you are the all-directing one, the extender of the sacrifice.

2.1.11 You, O Agni, are Aditi to the worshiper, O god; you as Bhāratī, the invocation-goddess, grow through praise. You are Iḷā of the hundred winters, skilled in action; you are Sarasvatī, O lord of wealth, the slayer of Vṛtra.

2.1.12 You, O Agni, well-nourished, are the most exalted bird; in your desirable color is the beauty of sight. You are the great, forward-advancing food-strength; you are the abundant, all-pervading, wide wealth.

2.1.13 You, O Agni, have the Ādityas made their mouth; the pure ones have made you their tongue, O seer. The gift-seekers follow you at the sacrifices; in you the gods eat the offered oblation.

2.1.14 In you, O Agni, all the immortal, un-treacherous gods eat the offered oblation with open mouth. Through you mortals relish the libation; you, the pure one, were born as the embryo of the plants.

2.1.15 You are with them all and you face them all, O Agni, well-born; and you, O god, are far-surpassing. For here, in your greatness, the strengthening force pervades, and both the world-halves, heaven and earth, follow you.

2.1.16 The generous lords who send forth for the praisers the gift headed by cattle and adorned with horses — O Agni, lead both us and them to better fortune. May we speak great words at the assembly, possessed of heroes.

2.2.1 Make Jātavedas grow through the sacrifice; worship Agni with oblation, with your whole being, with hymn — him the enkindled, the one of good cheer, whose men are noble, the heavenly Hotṛ, enthroned at the forepost in the assemblies.

2.2.2 Toward you the nights and dawns have lowed, O Agni, like milch-cows toward their calves at their resting-places. Like heaven's hub you illumine the generations of men; you shine through the nights, O much-desired one, ever watchful.

2.2.3 Him of wondrous deeds the gods have set down as the hub at the base of the atmospheric realm, the charioteer between heaven and earth — Agni bright-flaming as a car worthy of knowledge, praiseworthy among settlements like Mitra.

2.2.4 Him sprinkling in the atmosphere, in his own house, shining like the moon, bright-gleaming, in the curve they have placed — the offspring of the speckled one who illumines with his eyes, like a guardian at the ford, following both peoples.

2.2.5 Let that Hotṛ encompass the whole sacrifice; him too men adorn with oblations and song. Golden-jawed, he roars as he grows among the kindlings, illumining the two world-halves as heaven does with stars.

2.2.6 Enkindled, bringing wealth, shine for us as an auspicious boon; bestow and cause wealth to blaze among us. Make the two world-halves favorable to us, O Agni; be pleased with the oblations of man, O god.

2.2.7 Give us, O Agni, the great gift worth thousands; increase like a door that yields strength, O widely famed one. Make heaven and earth favorable to us through prayer; shine brightly like the sun at the dawns.

2.2.8 Enkindled, following the pleasant nights in order, may he shine like the sun with his red-gleaming light. Agni with his invocations is the well-sacrificing one of men, the king of the peoples, the beloved guest for the mortal.

2.2.9 Thus among the immortals, O primal Agni, has our thought been nourished in the great heavens, among human beings — like a milch-cow yielding for the singer at the assemblies, of herself driving forth the hundredfold, manifold vigor.

2.2.10 May we, O Agni, illumine the peoples — whether through a swift horse or through heroic strength or through prayer. May our glory above the five peoples shine high and unassailable like the unconquerable sun.

2.2.11 Be aware of us — you, the powerful, the praiseworthy, in whom the well-born generous ones are active — the sacrifice, O Agni, which the vigorous ones approach, shining perpetually on their offspring in their own house.

2.2.12 May we both — the praisers and the generous, O Jātavedas, O Agni — abide in your shelter. Grant us the abundant, many-gleaming wealth of cattle, with offspring and good progeny.

2.2.13 The generous lords who send forth for the praisers the gift headed by cattle and adorned with horses — O Agni, lead both us and them to better fortune. May we speak great words at the assembly, possessed of heroes.

2.3.1 Agni, enkindled, set in the earth, has stood facing all the worlds. The Hotṛ, the purifier, from of old of good intelligence — may Agni, the god worthy of the gods, sacrifice to the gods.

2.3.2 Narāśaṁsa, adorning all the dwellings, radiant in his own light against the three heights of heaven — let him, sprinkling with ghee, with willing mind, moistening the oblation, anoint the gods at the head of the sacrifice.

2.3.3 Praised, O Agni, with mind, being worthy of us, sacrifice to the gods today, going before mankind. Bring hither the unshaken host of Maruts and Indra; men, worship the one who is seated on the sacrificial grass.

2.3.4 The divine sacrificial grass, growing, filled with heroes, spread out for wealth, easily borne on this altar, anointed with ghee — let the Vasus, the Viśve Devāḥ, the Ādityas, the worthy of sacrifice, sit upon it.

2.3.5 Let the divine Doors, being called upon, spread wide, well-approached with reverences; wide-extending, let them spread out, ever-young, purifying the glorious color abounding in heroes.

2.3.6 Performing their good deeds, moistened as by ancient rains, Dawn and Night delight like two weavers at their work. Weaving together the stretched thread, facing each other — let them adorn the sacrifice with milk, well-yielding.

2.3.7 The two divine Hotṛ-priests, the first, the more knowing, sacrifice straightforwardly, the more wondrous with their hymn. Anointing one another, sacrificing to the gods in due season, at the navel of the earth, upon the three ridges.

2.3.8 Sarasvatī, perfecting our prayer, and Iḷā the goddess, and Bhāratī all-pervading — these three goddesses, sitting down, guard this unbroken refuge with their own nature.

2.3.9 Of reddish form, well-supporting, food-giving — an obedient hero desiring the gods is born. May Tvaṣṭṛ loosen the navel of progeny in us; then may the path of the gods also reach us.

2.3.10 The tree of the forest, releasing it, comes to the fore; Agni advances the oblation with his thoughts. Knowing its threefold anointing, may the divine slaughterer lead the oblation to the gods.

2.3.11 Ghee is sprinkled; ghee is his womb; he is established in ghee; ghee is his very dwelling. Bring hither in order; delight yourself; carry the oblation consecrated with Svāhā, O bull.

2.4.1 I call for you the brilliantly shining one, the well-lauded one, Agni the guest of the peoples, of fine gifts — he who has become beloved like Mitra, Jātavedas the god among godless folk.

2.4.2 Worshiping him, they placed him a second time at the dwelling-place of the waters; the Bhṛgus placed him among the peoples of Āyu. May this one, the swift-horsed Agni, the hub of the gods, encompass all the beings.

2.4.3 The gods placed beloved Agni among the human peoples, as they would settle a friend who would dwell among them. He illumines with flame those who desire him — he who is worthy of skill in the house of the generous worshiper.

2.4.4 Delightful is his nourishment like a possession of one's own; the power of his advancing skill is a joy to see. He who thrusts out his tongue among the plants, tossing like a racehorse, whirling through his obstacles.

2.4.5 When the forest-eaters, as they marvel at my might, bend their color to the Uśij-fires — he is known in the delightful realm by his variegated brightness, he who, though aged, becomes instantly young again.

2.4.6 He who, like one thirsting, shines among the forests; along the path he has roared like a chariot-horse. The scorching one of black trail has become conscious, smiling like heaven with its clouds.

2.4.7 He who has stood up and encompassed the wide expanse — a beast going of his own will without a herdsman. Agni the flame-possessor, heating the withered plants, causing a black trembling, has not tasted the earth.

2.4.8 Now I recite the thought for you in the third assembly, meditating upon your former helping. Bestow on us, O Agni, the great wealth that gathers heroes, the nourishing strength, with good offspring.

2.4.9 Just as, O Agni, the Gṛtsamadas through you conquered in secret and overwhelmed the adversaries — possessed of heroes, overcoming hostility — bestow that same vitality from the generous ones upon the singer.

2.5.1 The conscious Hotṛ has been born, a father for the fathers' aid. Offering excellent wealth, may we, the vigorous, be able to attain the rein.

2.5.2 In him who is the leader of the sacrifice, seven cords are stretched; the Potṛ, as a man of the gods, drives the eighth — the divine one; he pervades all that.

2.5.3 He has indeed sustained it; verily, when the Brahman-priest has spoken the holy words after him, the wheel-rim has encompassed all poetic wisdom as the felly of a wheel.

2.5.4 For the pure Praśāstṛ together with the pure, knowing its fixed ordinances, was born with his power of will; he mounts up following them like branches.

2.5.5 The milch-cows of Āyu attend the color of this Neṣṭṛ. Perhaps the sisters who have come to this — will they bring a choice gift from the three?

2.5.6 When the sister approaches the mother bringing ghee to where she stands, the Adhvaryu rejoices at their coming like barley at rain.

2.5.7 Let the seasonal priest make heaven for his own heaven-seeker; the laud and the sacrifice — we have been adequate; we have given; we have won.

2.5.8 As a knowing one may do what is fit for all the adorable gods — this sacrifice which we have made, O Agni, let it also be in you.

2.6.1 Accept for me, O Agni, this kindling-wood, accept this drawing-near; and listen to these songs.

2.6.2 With this, O Agni, for your worshiper — O grandson of strength, desired of horses — with this well-spoken hymn, O well-born one.

2.6.3 You who are pleased by song and longing for wealth, O giver of wealth — may we, reverencing you with hymns, pay you homage.

2.6.4 Be aware of us — O sage, O bountiful one, O lord of wealth, O giver of wealth — drive away from us all enmities.

2.6.5 May he give us rain from the sky; may he give us strength that meets no opposition; may he give us thousandfold refreshments.

2.6.6 O youngest, for the praiser who seeks your aid — come as our messenger with our hymn, O most sacrificing Hotṛ.

2.6.7 For, O Agni, you travel between the two births, O knowing, O seer — as a friendly messenger among the people.

2.6.8 You who know, fill us too; O knowing one, sacrifice in order; and sit down on this sacrificial grass.

2.7.1 O youngest, O Agni of the Bharata-clan, bring the most excellent, radiant wealth — O Vasu, wealth longed for by many.

2.7.2 Let no niggardliness of the divine or the mortal master us; carry us across that also, and across enmity.

2.7.3 And through you may we, like rivers in flood, wade across all enmities.

2.7.4 O Agni, pure, purifying, worthy of praise — you shine forth greatly; you are invoked with ladles of ghee.

2.7.5 You, O Agni of the Bharata-clan, are ours, invoked with cows and bulls and eight-footed victims.

2.7.6 Whose food is dry wood, whose libation is ghee — the ancient, deserving, desirable Hotṛ, the wondrous son of strength.

2.8.1 As if hastening for prizes — now praise the harnessing of Agni's cars, of the most glorious, the bountiful one.

2.8.2 He who is of good guidance for the worshiper, the undecaying, wearing out the enemy — of beautiful aspect, invoked with oblations.

2.8.3 He who, in his beauty, is praised in the houses at dusk and dawn — whose ordinance is never diminished.

2.8.4 He who, like the sun, shines brightly with his beam, gleaming with his flame — anointed with undecaying ones all around.

2.8.5 After Atri — the self-ruling Agni — the praises have increased; he has assumed all glories.

2.8.6 With the aids of Agni, Indra, Soma, and the gods, may we, remaining unharmed, keep company and overcome those who battle against us.

2.9.1 The Hotṛ, perceiving, fierce, blazing, skilled, has sat down in the Hotṛ's seat — Agni, whose ordinance is undeceived, whose insight is excellent, most excellent, carrier of a thousand, pure-tongued.

2.9.2 You are the messenger; you are our protector across; you, O bull, are the guide to better things. Be the unwavering, shining guardian, O Agni, of our offspring and the continuation of our persons.

2.9.3 May we worship you in your supreme birth, O Agni; may we worship you with praises in the lower dwelling. The womb from which you have arisen — that I sacrifice to; into you when enkindled the oblations have been poured.

2.9.4 O Agni, sacrifice with the oblation, O most sacrificing; readily accept the gift-offering of largess. For you are the lord of riches among riches; you are the thinker of the bright word.

2.9.5 Neither part of your wealth diminishes, O wondrous one, being born day by day. Make the singer nourishing, O Agni; make him the lord of wealth with good offspring.

2.9.6 Most beneficent with your array of praisers, the most sacrificing to the gods, auspicious to us — undeceived guardian and our protector across, O Agni, shine brightly and wealth-bestowing.

2.10.1 Agni, oft-invoked, the first, at the step of the father-like Iḷā, enkindled among mankind — clothed in beauty, the immortal, the all-wise, worthy of being cleansed, seeking glory — he is the victorious one.

2.10.2 May Agni of brilliant radiance hear my call with all his hymns — immortal, all-wise. The dark ones and the red carry his car; he has made a wheel bearing Dawn's overcoming — he who is all-supporting.

2.10.3 They generated the well-born one in the one lying open; Agni became the embryo in the manifoldly-adorned ones. Even in the rough one he dwells, enveloped by no one, the all-wise, with his great nocturnal powers.

2.10.4 I anoint Agni with the ghee-oblation — dwelling opposite all the worlds, broad across, great in body, widest, mighty in food, fierce to behold.

2.10.5 I anoint him facing all around from all sides; with a demon-free mind may he relish it. Agni of manly splendor, of desirable color, roaring without being touched in his body.

2.10.6 Let him be known for his share with overwhelming choice; may we, as messengers of yours, speak after the manner of Manu. I invoke Agni who is complete, with the ladle and speech — the honey-mixed one — with praise.

2.11.1 Hear the call, O Indra; may we not be harmed; may we be yours for the giving of wealth. For these streams, flowing like rivers, seeking riches, increase you with their strength.

2.11.2 Release the great waters, O Indra, those which swelled but were penned around by the serpent, O hero, the many. He who grew great with praises, he struck down even the immortal-thinking Dāsa.

2.11.3 In the praises, O hero, in which you have delighted, O Indra, and in the Rudra-hymns — for you these bright ones, as you rejoice in them, hasten forward like winds.

2.11.4 Increasing your bright strength, placing the bright thunderbolt in your two arms — bright are you, O Indra, grown great, making the Dāsa-peoples subject to us with the sun.

2.11.5 The hidden one, the secret one, the concealed, shrouded in the waters, the magical one dwelling there — even him who had propped up the waters and the sky — you slew the serpent, O hero, with your heroic power.

2.11.6 Let us laud your former great deeds, O Indra, and let us laud the new ones accomplished. Let us laud the thunderbolt longing in your arms; let us laud the two bays, the banners of the sun.

2.11.7 Your two prize-winning bays, O Indra, have struck out the self-poured heavenly mead. The earth spread apart equally; even the mountain stood still about to quake.

2.11.8 The mountain lay still without swerving; bellowing with its mother-waters, it contracted. In the far distance they increased the voice, spreading out the pipe sent by Indra.

2.11.9 Indra has kicked out the great Vṛtra lying prone — the magical one. Both world-halves trembled in fear at the thunderbolt of this roaring bull.

2.11.10 The thunderbolt of this bull bellowed out — what the inhuman one can overwhelm the human. Having drunk the pressed Soma, he brought down the magic of the magical Dānava.

2.11.11 Drink and drink again, O Indra, O hero; may the exhilarating pressed ones exhilarate you. Let those who fill your flanks increase you; thus the pressed drink of the citizen has helped Indra.

2.11.12 In you, O Indra, we have become inspired seers; seeking your grace, we would gain the thought with truth. May we who seek your help hold fast to your praise; may we at once be yours for the giving of riches.

2.11.13 May we be of those, O Indra, who, with your help, seek your aid, increasing your strength. O god, bestow on us the wealth abounding in heroes — that most vigorous gift for which we have longed.

2.11.14 Grant us dwelling; grant us friendship; grant us, O Indra, the Marut-host. Those who rejoice together, who are exhilarated — the winds guard the foremost leader.

2.11.15 Let those in whom you, exhilarated, having drunk, have been satisfied pass through, O Indra, O firm one. You have increased us well in battles as conquerors, with great hymns to the sky.

2.11.16 Those great conquerors of yours, or those who have sought your favor with praises — they, strewing the sacrificial grass as in a homestead, protected by you, O Indra, have truly reached the prize.

2.11.17 Among the mighty, O hero — rejoicing — drink the Soma at the three Kadrū vessels, O Indra. Having caused your beards to tremble with delight, come with your two bays to drink of the pressed drink.

2.11.18 Assume the might, O hero, with which you broke down Vṛtra, Dānu, and Aurṇavābha. You revealed the light for the Ārya; the Dasyu was made to sit on his left side, O Indra.

2.11.19 May we be of those who, with your help, crossing over, overcome all rivals and Dasyus for the Ārya. You have subjected to us for the friendship of Trita that Tvāṣṭra-born thing of all forms.

2.11.20 Growing great on the pressed, exhilarating drink of Trita, he has struck down the myriad serpents. Indra with the Aṅgirases has turned the sun like a wheel; he has cloven Vala.

2.11.21 Now may that bountiful right hand of yours, O Indra, yield to your singer the choicest gift. Grant aid to the praisers; let our share not be consumed. May we speak great words at the assembly, possessed of heroes.

2.12.1 He who, as soon as born, was the first thinker, the god who encompassed the gods with his power of will — from whose might the two world-halves trembled in fear at the greatness of his manly force — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.2 He who made firm the trembling earth; he who stilled the mountains when they were enraged; he who measured out the atmosphere more widely; he who propped up the sky — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.3 He who, having slain the serpent, released the seven rivers; who drove out the cows having opened Vala's lair; who begot fire between the two stones — the victorious one in battles — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.4 By whom these all-moving things were made; who has placed the dark Dāsa-color below, hiding it; who, like a gambler winning, has taken up the mark and the Ārya's abundance — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.5 Of whom they ask in awe "Where is he?" and they even say of him "He does not exist" — yet he diminishes the Ārya's riches like a dice-player's throw. Place faith in him — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.6 He who is the encourager of the feeble, of the emaciated; of the Brahman-singer calling out in distress; of the one whose pressing-stones are yoked — the fine-jawed protector of the pressed Soma — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.7 Whose are the horses in every direction, whose the cattle, whose the settlements, whose all the chariots; who begot the sun, who the dawn, who is the leader of the waters — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.8 Whom the two opposing battle-cries invoke — the far and the near, both enemies — having mounted the same chariot, they call upon him separately — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.9 Without whom the peoples do not conquer; whom those who fight invoke for help; who has become the measure of all; who shakes the unshakable — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.10 Who slew with his weapon those who were repeatedly committing great sin, those who thought nothing of it; who yields not one measure to the arrogant; who is the slayer of the Dasyu — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.11 Who found Śambara dwelling in the mountains in the fortieth autumn; who slew the serpent growing in strength, Dānu lying asleep — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.12 He who, seven-rayed, the mighty bull, released the seven rivers to flow; who, thunderbolt-armed, kicked away Rauhinī as she was ascending to the sky — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.13 Even heaven and earth bow down to him; even the mountains fear his might. He who drinks Soma, who is intent, whose arms hold the thunderbolt, who is thunderbolt-handed — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.14 Who helps the presser, who helps the cooker, who helps the reciter, who helps the toiling one with his aid; whose growing power is prayer, whose is the Soma, whose is this bounty — he, O people, is Indra.

2.12.15 You truly shatter the prize even for the unwilling presser and cooker — yes, you are true. May we, always dear to you, O Indra, possessed of heroes, speak forth at the assembly.

2.13.1 She who is the birth-season, his mother — around her waters he was swiftly born, in whom he grows. That which became swollen, brimming with milk: the first-pressed nectar of the soma-stalk — that is praiseworthy.

2.13.2 Together they come, bearing milk in abundance, bearing nourishment for universal enjoyment. One road runs downward along the slopes — he who first made these things, thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.3 The one speaks after, whatever he gives; the other, fashioning forms, moves by means of water. All things endure the impulse of the one — he who first made these things, thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.4 They sit distributing nourishment to creatures, like wealth upon the back of one who waxes great as he comes. With unsatiated fangs he eats the father's food — he who first made these things, thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.5 Then thou madest the earth to be seen by heaven — thou who, slaying the serpent of the torrents, didst open the paths. The gods begat thee, like a mighty steed, to be hymned with praises and with waters — thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.6 Thou who dispensest nourishment and growth, who hast milked out honey-sweetness from the moist and dry alike — thou layest up treasure in the realm of the sun; thou alone art lord of all — thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.7 Thou who, by ordinance, didst hold up the blossoming and the fertile streams at their bestowing, who didst create unequal beings blazing from heaven, the wide wide-spreading on every side — thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.8 Thou who didst bring down Nārmarī together with his wealth, for the slaying and for the gift of Dāsaveśa — the mouth encompassed by the strength-bestowing one, and even today, O much-doer, thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.9 Whose hundred, even ten, eating together at once — at the summons of one alone didst thou indeed spur them forth. Thou didst bind the Dasyus without a rope for Dabhīti's sake; thou becamest most helpful — thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.10 All things followed the blockings of his manly power; they gave him treasure, they assigned wealth to the effective one. Thou didst prop up six expanses, five visible ones; thou becamest the encompassing beyond — thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.11 Well worth proclaiming is thy heroic valour, O hero, whereby with a single will thou findest goods. The might of Jātuṣṭhira the powerful dost thou increase — all that thou hast done, together with Indra, is praiseworthy.

2.13.12 Thou didst clear the road of those without horses and without provisions for Turvīta and for Vayya to cross. One cast down low, a cripple, thou didst raise him up; making the blind and the lame to hear — thou art praiseworthy.

2.13.13 Concentrate for us that wealth for giving, O Lord of wealth; great is thy richness. Indra, with the glittering renown through the days — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.14.1 O Adhvaryus, bring soma for Indra; pour the intoxicating draught into the vessels. The hero ever desires his drink — offer it to the bull; this very thing he craves.

2.14.2 O Adhvaryus, he who smote Vṛtra that had wrapped the waters round, as lightning strikes a tree — bring this soma to him who wills it so; Indra is worthy of drinking this.

2.14.3 O Adhvaryus, he who slew Dṛbhīka, who drove out the cows, who cleft Vala for you — him, Indra, wrap in somas as the midair wraps the wind, as a woman wraps in garments.

2.14.4 O Adhvaryus, he who slew Uraṇa gnawing with ninety and nine arms, who drove Arbuda downward low — urge that Indra on at the pressing of the soma.

2.14.5 O Adhvaryus, he who slew Svaśna, who slew Śuṣṇa the shriveller and Vyaṁsa, who slew Pipru, Namuci, and Rudhikrā — pour the soma for that Indra.

2.14.6 O Adhvaryus, he who pierced the hundred strongholds of Śambara as if they were ancient stones, who felled a hundred, a thousand of the Varcinas — O Bharatas, offer soma to him.

2.14.7 O Adhvaryus, he who, having slain, felled a hundred, a thousand in the lap of earth — who turned back the heroes of Kutsa, Āyu, and Atithigva — O Bharatas, offer soma to him.

2.14.8 O Adhvaryus, whatever ye men desire, bringing obedience, ye shall attain that in Indra. Bring the soma purified in the palms, O worshippers; pour it for Indra who is famed.

2.14.9 O Adhvaryus, bestow obedience upon him; from the wood bring up what has been purified in the wood. Delighting in what is offered by hand, he calls to you — pour the exhilarating soma for Indra.

2.14.10 O Adhvaryus, as the udder of a cow with milk, fill Indra the enjoyer with somas. I know his secret — this very one wishes to give more; may the adorable one take note of it.

2.14.11 O Adhvaryus, he who is king of heavenly wealth, of earthly wealth, of terrestrial wealth — fill him, Indra, like a belly with barley-somas; so let it be of benefit to you.

2.14.12 Concentrate for us that wealth for giving, O Lord of wealth; great is thy richness. Indra, with the glittering renown through the days — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.15.1 Now indeed let me proclaim the great and true deeds of this great one, the acts of accomplishment of the truthful one. At the three Trikadrukas he drank of the pressed soma — in the rapture of this, Indra slew the serpent.

2.15.2 He propped up the vast sky without a prop; he filled the two world-halves and the atmosphere. He held up the earth and spread it wide — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.3 He measured out the eastern regions as if they were a dwelling, with his bolt he pierced the channels of the rivers. He set them free along paths running far — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.4 He brought to naught those who had carried off Dabhīti's possessions; he placed all weapons into the blazing fire. He released cattle, horses, and chariots — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.5 He stilled the great roaring flood of Ita; he brought those who could not swim safely across. They went forward to him who had bathed in wealth — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.6 He let the Sindhu flow northward by his greatness; with his bolt he crushed together the cloud before the dawn. He hewed asunder the swift ones with his swift steeds — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.7 Knowing the concealed retreat of the maidens, he rose up manifest, having turned back. The lame stood upright, the blind looked with open eyes — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.8 Praised by the Aṅgirases, he clove Vala; he shattered the firm fortifications of the mountain. He loosed the artificial barriers of those waters — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.9 Lulling Cumuri and Dhuni to sleep thou didst smite them, the Dasyus; thou didst protect Dabhīti. Even the lame one found gold here — these things Indra did in the rapture of soma.

2.15.10 Now may that generous dakshinā of thine, O Indra, yield to the singer in return for his choice. Be bountiful to the praisers; let not our fortune be consumed — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.16.1 For you the best among the true, I bring praise as an oblation on a kindled fire. We invoke Indra, unaging, yet making others age, well-nourished, forever young, for our help.

2.16.2 From great Indra, what is there apart? All heroic powers are gathered in him. In his belly he carries soma, in his body great strength, in his hand the thunderbolt, on his head wisdom.

2.16.3 By the two world-halves thy might is not encompassed, nor by the seas, nor by the mountains thy chariot, O Indra. No one overtakes thy thunderbolt when thou fliest with thy swift horses across many leagues.

2.16.4 All beings bring will-power to this bold and adorable one, the bull who is incessant. Worship, O bull, with oblation — thou who art wiser; drink, Indra, the soma with bull-like brilliance.

2.16.5 The sack of the bull flows, a wave of honey, for the bull to eat and for the bull to drink. The two bull-like Adhvaryus, the bull-like stones press out the bull-like soma for the bull.

2.16.6 Bull-like is thy thunderbolt and bull-like thy chariot, thy two bay horses are bulls, bull-like are thy weapons. Of the bull-like rapture, O bull, thou art lord — satiate thyself, Indra, with the bull-like soma.

2.16.7 I advance toward thee with a prayer, like a boat on a field of battle, bold at the pressings. May he hearken to this our word — may we pour out Indra like a spring of wealth.

2.16.8 Turn back to us before the press of need, as a cow full of milk turns to her calf in the pasture. O thou of a hundred plans, even once with thy graces may we meet, as with consorts the bull-like one.

2.16.9 Now may that generous dakshinā of thine, O Indra, yield to the singer in return for his choice. Be bountiful to the praisers; let not our fortune be consumed — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.17.1 Sing to him this fresh hymn as the Aṅgirases did, as his ancient strength is stirred. When in the rapture of soma he shook loose all the fortifications of the cattle-pen surrounded by force on all sides.

2.17.2 Let him be praised who, for the first nutriment, measuring out his might, surpassed greatness — the hero who in battle wrapt his body around, and by his greatness adorned the sky upon his head.

2.17.3 Then thou didst perform the first great heroic deed, when thou didst rouse the mighty impulse before this with thy prayer. Shaken loose by him standing in the chariot with his bay horses, the swift ones rush forward together and apart.

2.17.4 Then he who surpassed all worlds in greatness, the sovereign maker with his swift-flying power, grew great. Forthwith the carrier extended both worlds with light, sewing up the darkness he wrapped it fast.

2.17.5 He strengthened the eastern mountains with his might, he made the waters flow downward. He held up the earth that nourishes all; by his magic power he propped up the sky lest it fall.

2.17.6 The weapon which the father made ready for him with both arms, choosing it from all beings and all birth — with that thunderbolt, having struck, the loud-sounding one opened the way to lay Krivi low upon the earth.

2.17.7 Like an old maid staying at home with her parents, I seek blessing from thee from the common seat. Make me conspicuous, bring to me — give the bodily share by which thou wouldst magnify.

2.17.8 As the bountiful one we call thee, O Indra — do thou give, Indra, drinks and prizes. Guard us, Indra, with splendid aid; make us richer, O bull Indra.

2.17.9 Now may that generous dakshinā of thine, O Indra, yield to the singer in return for his choice. Be bountiful to the praisers; let not our fortune be consumed — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.18.1 At dawn a new winning chariot was yoked, four-horsed, three-whipped, seven-reined, ten-oared — a human one winning the sun; may it be swift by sacrificial rites and prayers.

2.18.2 He was prepared first, the second and the third — the human priest. One is born from another's womb; another begets; he, the conquering bull, accompanies still others.

2.18.3 Now with a fresh well-spoken word let me yoke the two bay horses to Indra's chariot to come here. May not the many seers detain thee here, nor other sacrificers.

2.18.4 Come, Indra, with thy two bay horses; come with four, come with six, being invoked. Come with eight, with ten — this soma has been pressed for drinking; O fair-faced one, do not despise it.

2.18.5 Come hither with twenty, with thirty; come yoked with forty bay horses. Come, Indra, with fifty well-horsed ones, with sixty, with seventy — here is soma for drinking.

2.18.6 Come hither with eighty, with ninety; come carried by a hundred bay horses. For this soma in the Śunahtra rites, O Indra, has been poured out for thine own exhilaration.

2.18.7 Come toward my prayer, Indra; place all thy bay horses on the yoke of thy chariot. For thou hast been invocable in many places — at this pressing, O hero, be exhilarated.

2.18.8 May friendship with Indra not depart from me; may his right-hand gift yield to us. Under his highest shelter, under his arm, may we be victorious at each and every contest.

2.18.9 Now may that generous dakshinā of thine, O Indra, yield to the singer in return for his choice. Be bountiful to the praisers; let not our fortune be consumed — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.19.1 Drunk for the rapture of this soma draught, of the pressed offering of the wise men — in whom Indra, waxing great since ancient times, has set his abode, and in whom men delight in prayer.

2.19.2 Exhilarated by this sweet honey, thunderbolt in hand, Indra cut through the serpent that had dammed the waters, when the streams advanced toward their own resting places and the offerings of the rivers moved forward.

2.19.3 That great Indra drove the flood of the waters toward the ocean, slaying the serpent. He begat the sun, he found the cows; with night-light he established the courses of the days.

2.19.4 He gave many unresisted gifts to Manu, the worshipper; Indra smites Vṛtra. He who at once became unconquerable for men in the contest for the sun.

2.19.5 Indra, being praised, released the sun for the mortal, the presser; when he brought forth the hidden treasure not given away, when Naitaśa brought him his share, willing.

2.19.6 He ever made Śuṣṇa, the shriveller, yield to his charioteer, the evil Kuyava to Kutsa. Indra smashed the ninety and nine strongholds of Śambara for Divo-dāsa.

2.19.7 Thus may we proclaim for thee, Indra, the praise, seeking renown, spurring ourselves on our own. May we attain that sevenfold prize, pressing eagerly; we bow down to the weapon slaying the ungodly one who mocks.

2.19.8 Thus the Gṛtsamadas, O hero, seeking shelter, have fashioned prayer for thee like guides. Delighting in prayer, Indra, they who sing thy newer hymn shall win food, strength, good dwelling, and happiness.

2.19.9 Now may that generous dakshinā of thine, O Indra, yield to the singer in return for his choice. Be bountiful to the praisers; let not our fortune be consumed — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.20.1 We are thy offspring, Indra — know us indeed; we drive forth eagerly like a chariot seeking the prize. Wise ones meditating with prayer, seeking the grace of thee and of thy men.

2.20.2 Thou, Indra, with thine own aids guardest the peoples devoted to thee as their protector. Thou art the lord and shelter of the worshipper — thus planning, him who approaches thee.

2.20.3 May young Indra, much invoked, be to us a friendly comrade, a protector of men — he who guides with his aid the one reciting and the one who has laboured, the one cooking and the one praising.

2.20.4 That Indra do I praise, that one do I invoke, in whom in the past men waxed strong and prospered. He shall satisfy the desire for wealth as he advances, of the one delighting in prayer, of the new generation.

2.20.5 Delighting in the praises of the Aṅgirases, Indra the inspired poet drove on, spurring the way. Wresting away the dawns with the sun, when praised, he clove asunder the ancient things of the rock.

2.20.6 Verily famed is the god Indra by name; he became the highest, most marvellous for man. Having challenged the favourite of the one reigning, the self-powerful one bore off the head of the Dāsa.

2.20.7 That Vṛtra-slaying Indra, breaker of strongholds, drove away the dark-wombed Dāsa women. He generated earth and waters for Manu; he altogether spurred on the glory of the sacrificer.

2.20.8 For that powerful Indra a gift was assigned by the gods in the battle of the flood, when he placed the thunderbolt on his two arms and, having slain the Dasyus, he drove through the iron fortresses.

2.20.9 Now may that generous dakshinā of thine, O Indra, yield to the singer in return for his choice. Be bountiful to the praisers; let not our fortune be consumed — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.21.1 Bring soma, dear to the adorable Indra — to the all-conqueror, the wealth-conqueror, the sky-conqueror, the all-vanquisher, the man-conqueror, the field-conqueror, the horse-conqueror, the cow-conqueror, the water-conqueror.

2.21.2 Proclaim homage to Indra — to the overwhelming, the utterly crushing, the desiring, the unconquerable, the enduring, the ordaining, the strongly assailing, the propelling, the hard to check, the all-overpowering.

2.21.3 All-overpowering, people-devouring, people-subduing, the warrior Indra who shakes, sprinkled according to his pleasure, the obstructor-slayer, the subduer, who is invoked among the peoples — may I proclaim the heroic deeds Indra has performed.

2.21.4 Irresistible bull, the quaking death-stroke, deep, noble, of incomparable poetic skill, driving the helpless ones, destroying, firm and broad — Indra, worshipped well, generated the dawns and the sun.

2.21.5 By sacrifice the skilful ones found the way; the Uśijas, wise ones, spurring forward with prayers, sitting around the cows that echo with chants, seeking protection, spurring Indra, they attained riches.

2.21.6 O Indra, bestow the best of riches upon us; the wisdom of skill and good fortune for us. The increase of wealth, the uninjured state of our bodies, the good taste of speech, and the auspiciousness of our days.

2.22.1 The great bull was satisfied and drank at the three Trikadrukas the soma mixed with barley, pressed by Viṣṇu, as he willed — the mighty one was exhilarated to do the great deed. The great, far-reaching drop follows the true god, Indra, the true god.

2.22.2 Then, radiant, in battle he attacked Krivi with his might; he filled the two world-halves; by his greatness he increased. Then he placed another in his belly, and overflowed from it — the true drop follows the true god Indra, the true god.

2.22.3 Born at once with will-power, thou hast grown together with strength; grown great at once with heroic deeds, the overwhelmer of enemies, the all-seeing. The giver of desirable wealth to the praiser — the true drop follows the true god Indra, the true god.

2.22.4 That manly deed of thine, O dancer Indra, the first, primeval, proclaimed in heaven — when by the god's might thou didst let loose the vital breath, releasing the waters; all the ungodly one became subject through thy might; the hundred-minded one found strength, found refreshment.

2.23.1 We call thee, lord of the troops, Gaṇapati, the poet among poets, most widely famed — king supreme of prayers, O Brahmaṇaspati; hearing us, come, take thy seat with thine aids in the seat of worship.

2.23.2 Even the gods, O Bṛhaspati, thy far-seeing lordly ones, obtained their sacrificial share. Like mornings by the sun's great light — thou art verily the progenitor of all sacred formulas.

2.23.3 Driving away the slanderers and the dark ones, thou standest on the luminous chariot of cosmic order, O Bṛhaspati — terrible, crushing the enemies, slaying the Rākṣasas, cleaving the mountain cave, finding the sun.

2.23.4 With good guidance thou leadest and protectest the man who has offered to thee; no distress overtakes him. Thou art the scorcher of those who hate sacred prayer, the source of wrath, O Bṛhaspati — great is that thy greatness.

2.23.5 No distress, no mishap from anywhere overwhelms him, nor do enmities, nor the deceitful — all crookedness thou drivest away from him whom thou, well-protecting, guardest, O Brahmaṇaspati.

2.23.6 Thou art our guardian, path-maker, far-seeing; by our prayers we worship according to thy ordinance. O Bṛhaspati, whoever places crooked intent against us — may calamity, the hateful one, afflict that man himself.

2.23.7 Or whosoever would harm us, though we are guiltless — a mortal, like an enemy wolf who sneaks close — O Bṛhaspati, turn him from the path; make it easy for us on this path to the divine gathering.

2.23.8 We call thee as protector of our bodies, as the rescuer, the advocate, who favours us. O Bṛhaspati, crush down the revilers of the gods; may the ill-intentioned not attain the highest happiness.

2.23.9 With thee, O Brahmaṇaspati, who makest well grow, may we receive the desirable, human good things. The enmities that are afar, the thunderings against us, the hostilities that threaten us — crush them all, the harmless ones.

2.23.10 With thee, O Bṛhaspati, the filling companion who conquers, may we attain the highest wellbeing. Let not the ill-spoken one who desires to harm us rule us; may we overcome with prayers, well-spoken.

2.23.11 Irresistible bull, going to the invocation, who burns down the enemy, who has conquered in battles — thou art the truly due debt-exactor, O Brahmaṇaspati, the tamer even of the violent and bold-rejoicing one.

2.23.12 He who intends to harm with ungodly mind, who powerful and imperious seeks to slay — O Bṛhaspati, let not his deadly blow reach us; lay down the wrath of the evilly-abiding proud one.

2.23.13 He is to be called upon in battles, to be approached with reverence, the one who goes to the prizes and wins wealth upon wealth. All the attacks of the enemy who desires to harm, Bṛhaspati has driven away like chariots.

2.23.14 With the most keen and scorching one, scorch the Rākṣasas who have held thee in contempt, whose powers are manifest. Make that praiseworthy thing visible which is to be; O Bṛhaspati, afflict and crush the slanderers.

2.23.15 O Bṛhaspati, that which surpasses the stranger's excellence, which shines luminously with wisdom among the peoples — that which blazes with power, O thou born of ṛta — bestow that brilliant wealth upon us.

2.23.16 O Bṛhaspati, let not thieves, those who would injure, the destructive enemies who lie in wait for prey, be against us. At the summons of the gods the woollen threads are spread upon the heart — no one beyond knows the secret.

2.23.17 Tvaṣṭṛ created thee, the poet, beyond all worlds, sāman by sāman. He, the debt-exactor, the exactor of debts, is Brahmaṇaspati, the slayer of wrong, the upholder of great cosmic order.

2.23.18 For thy glory the mountain opened wide when the cave of the cows was unsealed, O Aṅgiras. Allied with Indra, O Bṛhaspati, thou didst cause the ocean of the waters, surrounded by darkness, to stream forth.

2.23.19 O Brahmaṇaspati, be thou the controller of this hymn; be aware, and quicken its offspring. All that is blessed which the gods protect — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.24.1 Protect this offering here, thou who art lord; with this fresh great hymn we would worship. So that the bounteous one, thy friend, praises us, O Bṛhaspati, succeed and quicken our prayer.

2.24.2 He who bent the bending obstacles down with his might, and shattered the devices of Śambara with wrath — Brahmaṇaspati set shaking what was immovable and entered and opened the wealth-containing mountain.

2.24.3 That was to be done for the most divine of the gods — the firm ones unloosed and broke apart the solid strongholds. He drove the cows out; with his prayer he clove Vala; he hid the darkness and made the sunlight visible.

2.24.4 Brahmaṇaspati pierced with his might the rocky cave that streams with honey. All those who see the sun drank from that very one; together they poured into the welling spring abundantly.

2.24.5 Whatever worlds there are that have been and are yet to be — for many seasons their doors have been closed to you. Roaming without effort, each in a different direction, are the courses that Brahmaṇaspati has ordained.

2.24.6 Those who approached and attained to it, the supreme treasure of the Paṇis, hidden in the cave — those wise ones, looking back at the untruth, from whence they had come, rose up openly.

2.24.7 Those who possess cosmic order, looking back at untruth, came and stood firm on the path of the great. They by both arms fanned the fire in the stone — there is none who is a stranger; verily they abandoned him.

2.24.8 Brahmaṇaspati with the bow-string of cosmic order, with the swift one — where he desires, thither he reaches with his bow. His are the true arrows with which he shoots, for seeing by men; those born for the ear.

2.24.9 He is the leader, the guide, the domestic priest, the one well praised, the warrior — Brahmaṇaspati. He is fit to see when prayer brings the prize; it is from wealth alone that the sun burns; the heat burns in vain.

2.24.10 Vast, mighty, the first — of the exuberant Bṛhaspati the riches to be attained are well-known. These prizes of the admirable prize-winner — with which both peoples enjoy, the clans.

2.24.11 He who is all-pervading in the lower assembly and great — joyful, grown great by power. That god extended wide before the gods; Brahmaṇaspati is the encompasser of all these things.

2.24.12 All truth is yours indeed, O bounteous pair; even the waters do not transgress your ordinance. Come to our oblation, O Indra and Brahmaṇaspati — come to our food like two prize-winners to a yoke.

2.24.13 The carriers, those who stand above, hear and follow; the eloquent sage brings wealth with his prayer in the assembly. He exacted the debt at will of those who hate firmly — Brahmaṇaspati is truly the prize-winner in the battle.

2.24.14 It happened as Brahmaṇaspati willed — the true wrath of the one about to perform the great deed. He who drove out the cows, he divided them among the heavens; like a great stream it flowed forth separately by power.

2.24.15 O Brahmaṇaspati, may we be always in possession of easily controlled wealth that has offspring; masters of the chariot, full of vigour. Mix the hero among heroes for us — thou who art lord and dost heed my call with thy prayer.

2.24.16 O Brahmaṇaspati, be thou the controller of this hymn; be aware, and quicken its offspring. All that is blessed which the gods protect — may we speak forth greatly in the assembly, with noble sons.

2.25.1 Kindling Agni, he shall conquer the foes who wish him ill; he who has wrought the sacred hymn, who has offered the oblation, shall flourish exceedingly. Born after born he overruns and surpasses them — whomsoever Brahmaṇaspati takes as his companion.

2.25.2 With heroes he shall conquer the hostile heroes; with kine he has spread wealth wide and is himself awake. His offspring and his progeny both grow and thrive — whomsoever Brahmaṇaspati takes as his companion.

2.25.3 Like a rushing river, mighty, he overwhelms those who rage against him; like a bull he overpowers the weaklings with his might. Like the onrush of Agni there is no turning it back — whomsoever Brahmaṇaspati takes as his companion.

2.25.4 For him the heavenly, inexhaustible ones stream forth; he with his warriors goes foremost among the cows. His force undiminished, he slays with might — whomsoever Brahmaṇaspati takes as his companion.

2.25.5 All rivers rush resoundingly for him; unbroken, they have bestowed many shelters upon him. In the goodwill of the gods he prospers, the blessed one — whomsoever Brahmaṇaspati takes as his companion.

2.26.1 Truly the honest worshipper shall conquer those who wish him ill; he who is devout shall prevail over the impious. He who is well-equipped shall win in battles the hard-to-conquer; he who sacrifices distributes the enjoyment from the non-sacrificer.

2.26.2 Sacrifice, O hero; send forth to those who are devoted; make your mind auspicious in the conquest of Vṛtra. Prepare the oblation so that you may be blessed — we choose the grace of Brahmaṇaspati for ourselves.

2.26.3 He indeed with his folk, with his clan, with his kindred, with his sons, bears off the prize-booty and wealth with his men — he who with devoted heart and oblation seeks to please Brahmaṇaspati, father of the gods.

2.26.4 Him who has attended Brahmaṇaspati with fat-laden oblations, Brahmaṇaspati leads forward on the eastern path. He guards from distress, protects from injury — the wide-acting, wondrous one saves him even from the narrowest strait.

2.27.1 These hymns, flowing like ghee, I offer with my tongue as an oblation to the Ādityas, the eternal kings. May Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga hear us, may Varuṇa of mighty birth, Dakṣa, and Aṁśa hear.

2.27.2 May Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa, of one purpose with me, accept this hymn of praise today. The Ādityas, pure, cleansed by the stream of truth, faultless, blameless, inviolate.

2.27.3 Those Ādityas are broad and deep, undeceived, warding off deceit, with many eyes. They see within both the crooked and the straight — all things are near even to these kings from the farthest distance.

2.27.4 The Ādityas sustain the moving and the standing; they are gods, guardians of all the world. Of far-reaching wisdom, protecting their divine lordship, upholders of ṛta, exacting the dues owed them.

2.27.5 O Ādityas, may we know your aid in this matter — O Aryaman, even from fear there is comfort. Under your guidance, O Mitra and Varuṇa, may I turn aside all evils as around a pit.

2.27.6 For easy is your path, O Aryaman, free of thorns, O Mitra; it is well-made, O Varuṇa. By that path, O Ādityas, speak favorably for us; grant us shelter hard for the wicked to assail.

2.27.7 May Aditi, daughter of kings, carry us across all enmities; may Aryaman do so by easy paths. May we abide under the great shelter of Mitra and Varuṇa, rich in heroes, unharmed.

2.27.8 They sustain three earths and likewise three heavens; three ordinances are established within their assembly. By ṛta, O Ādityas, great is your greatness — that, O Aryaman, Varuṇa, Mitra, is beautiful.

2.27.9 They sustain the three divine luminous realms; golden are they, pure, cleansed by truth's stream. Unsleeping, unwinking, undeceived, of wide renown — they exist for the protection of the upright mortal.

2.27.10 You, O Varuṇa, are king of all — both those gods who are lords of might, and mortals as well. Grant us a hundred autumns that we may see; may we obtain lives well-placed from of old.

2.27.11 Neither to the south is it discerned, O Ādityas, nor to the north, neither to the east nor to the west. Even from the wise and the thoughtful, O Vasus — guided by you, may I attain the fearless light.

2.27.12 He who has offered to the royal lords of ṛta, whom the perennial abundances make to grow — he, the wealthy one, goes foremost in the chariot, the giver of wealth, praised in the assemblies.

2.27.13 Pure, abounding in good pasture, undeceived, he dwells nearby, grown to old age, rich in heroes. None strikes him down, from near or far — he who is under the guidance of the Ādityas.

2.27.14 O Aditi, Mitra, Varuṇa, be gracious — whatever transgression we have committed against you. May I attain the wide, fearless light, O Indra; let not the long darkness overcome us.

2.27.15 Both, meeting together, bestow abundance on him — the rain of heaven, which the fortunate one cherishes by name. He goes conquering both realms in battles; both parties become favorable to him.

2.27.16 Those snares of yours set for the treacherous, O adorable Ādityas, the meshes spread for the enemy — may we pass beyond them like swift horses in a chariot, unharmed, in the wide shelter.

2.27.17 May I not, O Varuṇa, be found bereft of the beloved, bountiful patron's largesse. May we not be set apart from wealth well-governed, O king; may we speak aloud in the assembly, with fine heroes.

2.28.1 This is from the seer of Āditya, the self-resplendent sovereign — may it overcome all things with its greatness. He who is the exhilarating god beyond reckoning for worship — I beg the great fame of Varuṇa.

2.28.2 In your ordinance may we be blessed and self-sufficient, O Varuṇa, praising you well. Like fires aging through the days, in the coming of the cow-rich Dawns.

2.28.3 May we be in the shelter of you, O Varuṇa, leader, rich in heroes, of wide renown. You, O gods, sons of Aditi, undeceived — govern over us for our companionship.

2.28.4 Āditya released these who sustain creation; the rivers flow on by Varuṇa's ṛta. They do not weary, nor do they let go — like birds they flew, swift, wheeling around.

2.28.5 Loosen me, as a rope, from sin; may we prosper at your spring of ṛta, O Varuṇa. Let not the thread be cut while I am weaving; let not the measure be broken before the work is done.

2.28.6 Drive fear away from me, O Varuṇa, O sovereign, O upholder of ṛta — seize me not! Like a calf from a rope, loosen the sin from me; for truly I cannot command even the twinkling of an eye without you.

2.28.7 O Varuṇa, let not your missiles that are aimed at the sinner strike us, O mighty one. Let us not depart to the far realms of light; loose our bonds, O gracious one, so that we may live.

2.28.8 Homage to you of old, O Varuṇa, and also now — and again in days to come we shall speak, O mighty-born. For in you, as on a mountain, rest the unshaken, hard-to-attain ordinances.

2.28.9 Remove the debts that I myself have made, O sovereign; let me not be made to consume what another has committed. Many are the dawns not yet come to light — in those, O Varuṇa, instruct us living ones.

2.28.10 He who is my companion or comrade, O king, or who in a dream tells fear to the fearful like me — whether a thief who plans to betray us, or a wolf — from that one, O Varuṇa, protect us.

2.28.11 May I not, O Varuṇa, be found bereft of the beloved, bountiful patron's largesse. May we not be set apart from wealth well-governed, O king; may we speak aloud in the assembly, with fine heroes.

2.29.1 The Ādityas, upholders of vows, are swift-moving — keep sin far from me as one keeps a secret wrong at a distance. I, who know the good, call upon you for aid, O Varuṇa, Mitra, gods who are listening.

2.29.2 You, O gods, are wisdom; you are strength; you are those who ward off enmities from afar. You are the overseers; govern over us — today be gracious to us and also in the future.

2.29.3 What shall we do for you anew, O Vasus, or what by the ancient, intimate bond? You, O Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, and Indra and the Maruts — grant us prosperity.

2.29.4 O gods — you indeed are they who must help; be gracious to me who am supplicating. Let not your chariot pass us by in the midst without cause; may we not toil in vain among those who depend on you, among your intimates.

2.29.5 I have indeed committed many transgressions — that which a father like a gambler has instructed me in. Far away be the snares, far away the evils, O gods; seize me not in it as a bird in a net.

2.29.6 Turn toward us today, O adorable ones — I, full of fear, would lay open my heart to you. Protect us, O gods, from the ravage of the wolf; protect us from the pit into which one falls, O adorable ones.

2.29.7 May I not, O Varuṇa, be found bereft of the beloved, bountiful patron's largesse. May we not be set apart from wealth well-governed, O king; may we speak aloud in the assembly, with fine heroes.

2.30.1 For Savitṛ who makes ṛta, for Indra the serpent-slayer, the waters do not rest. Day after day the ray of the waters passes on; the first flood of them rushes forth.

2.30.2 He who was about to bring destruction here upon Vṛtra — him his mother declared, knowing it. The roaring rivers, breaking the paths in their pleasure, flow day after day to their goal.

2.30.3 For he stood upright above the mid-region, and thus brought forth his weapon for Vṛtra. Clothed in mist he rushed upon him — Indra, of sharp weapons, conquered the foe.

2.30.4 O Bṛhaspati, pierce like a burning arrow the heroes of the wolf-doored demon. As you slew of old with boldness — even so slay our enemy, O Indra.

2.30.5 Hurl down the stone from heaven on high, with which, exhilarated, you crush the foe. In the gaining of offspring and of abundant progeny, let Indra make us the better half of the cows.

2.30.6 For you carry forth the purpose which you desire to win; you are the stimulators of the poor sacrificer. O Indra and Soma, do you two help us; in this fearful place make for us a world.

2.30.7 Darkness shall not oppress me, nor weariness, nor torpor; we shall not say 'press not the Soma.' He who fills me, who gives, who heeds me, who comes to me when I am pressing with kine.

2.30.8 O Sarasvatī, do you help us; with the Maruts, bold, conquer the enemies. Even that raging, mighty one — Indra slays the bull of the Śaṇḍikas.

2.30.9 He who from afar or who is about to strike us — look upon him, pierce him with your sharp weapon. O Bṛhaspati, conquer the enemies with your weapons; enclose in a ring the treacherous injurer, O king.

2.30.10 With our warriors, O hero, perform heroic deeds — those which are yours to do. Long may they be scattered as smoke; having slain them, bring us their riches.

2.30.11 That host of yours, the Marutas — I who desire their goodwill implore with a hymn and homage the divine folk. That we may daily attain to wealth rich in all heroes, accompanied by offspring, worthy of praise.

2.31.1 O Mitra and Varuṇa, protect our chariot together with the Ādityas, the Rudras, the Vasus. When the glory-hungry, exhilarated forest-dwellers flew like birds around the garment.

2.31.2 Thus, O gods, willingly do you carry upward our chariot, the prize-seeking one, among the clans. When the swift ones, spreading with their feet, stamped the dust on the ridge of the earth with their hoofs.

2.31.3 And may Indra, beholder of all peoples, the wise in purpose, together with the Marutic host of heaven — may he follow close after us with his wolf-like aids for the winning of great wealth in the contest.

2.31.4 And may Tvaṣṭṛ, the sustainer of existence, together with the wives of the gods in accord, spur on the chariot. Iḷā, Bhaga, Bṛhaddivu, and the two world-halves, Pūṣan, Puraṁdhi, the two Aśvins — they are the lords.

2.31.5 And those two blessed goddesses who behold each other in turn — Dawn and Night, quickeners of the moving world — may I, O Earth, with a fresh utterance praise you; and may all plants that are spreading spring forth from your offspring.

2.31.6 And we proclaim your praise as do the Uśijs — Ahir Budhnya and Aja Ekapād. Trita, Ṛbhukṣan, Savitṛ has placed his benevolence; Apāṁ Napāt, swift of impulse, has achieved his purpose through prayer.

2.31.7 These are those I desire from you, O adorable ones, prepared — which mortal men have fashioned anew together. Like a chariot-horse longing for the prize, O glory-seeker — today may I attain the inspired thought.

2.32.1 O Heaven and Earth, be my protectors in ṛta as I seek to win with speech. With whose life-span is longer — those I, who desire wealth, formerly, when praised, have set as great offerings to you both.

2.32.2 Let not secret enemies beguile and harm us, let them not injure us with ill omens. Let not the friendship between us be sundered — knowing that, we entreat you with a mind set on goodwill.

2.32.3 With an unoffending mind bring hearing — the milch cow, swelling inexhaustibly. I urge you, O much-invoked one, each day, with my feet swift in motion and my prize-winning speech.

2.32.4 I invoke Rākā, easy to call, with excellent praise; may the blessed one hear us and awaken of herself. May she sew works together with her needle without missing; may she grant a hero, worthy of praise, the giver of a hundredfold.

2.32.5 O Rākā, those benevolent, well-formed thoughts of yours with which you bestow riches upon the worshipper — with those come to us today, O blessed one, well-disposed, granting thousandfold prosperity.

2.32.6 O Sinīvāli of broad braids, you who are the sister of the gods — accept the oblation that has been offered; O goddess, bestow offspring upon us.

2.32.7 She who has beautiful arms, beautiful fingers, who is kind, mother of many — for her, for the lady of the house, for Sinīvāli, offer the oblation.

2.32.8 She who is Guṅgū, she who is Sinīvāli, she who is Rākā, she who is Sarasvatī — I call upon Indrāṇī for help, and Varuṇānī for well-being.

2.33.1 O father of the Maruts, may your goodwill come to us; do not keep us away from the sight of the sun. May the hero fare well on his horse; may we be born and multiply in offspring, O Rudra.

2.33.2 With your most healing medicines, O Rudra, with those given by you, may I live a hundred winters. Drive far from us hatred and anguish; ward off diseases in all directions.

2.33.3 You are the most glorious among the born, O Rudra — the mightiest of the mighty, O you of the thunderbolt arm. Carry us beyond distress to well-being; ward off all attacks of injury.

2.33.4 Let us not anger you, O Rudra, with our homage; not with ill praise, O bull, not with invocation. Lift up our heroes with your medicines — I hear that you are the most excellent of healers.

2.33.5 He who calls with oblations, him who calls with offerings — with praises I would propitiate Rudra. The tender-bellied, easy to invoke — may the brown, fine-lipped one not harm us, nor our minds.

2.33.6 The bull accompanied by the Maruts has cheered me up, who was supplicating, with swiftly increasing vital strength. Sinless as a shadow in the sun's warmth, I would seek the goodwill of Rudra.

2.33.7 Where, O Rudra, is your gracious hand — that which is healing and cooling? O you who remove divine injury — do look upon me, O bull.

2.33.8 To the tawny bull, the white-shining one, I utter great and glorious praise. With reverences we honor the matted one; we proclaim the terrible name of Rudra.

2.33.9 With his firm limbs, of many forms, the fierce and tawny one is adorned with shining gold ornaments. From Rudra who rules this wide existence, divine lordship shall never depart.

2.33.10 Worthily you bear the arrows and the bow; worthily you wear the neck-ornament worthy of worship, all-formed. Worthily you share out this formidable universe — there is nothing mightier than you, O Rudra.

2.33.11 Praise the famous one who sits in the chariot seat, the youthful — terrible and fierce like a wild beast, smiting. Be gracious when praised, O Rudra, to the singer; let your arrows strike down another, not us.

2.33.12 Even a child bows back to his father when Rudra approaches, to him who comes with reverence. I praise you as the great giver, the true master — you, when praised, give medicines to us.

2.33.13 Those pure medicines of yours, O Maruts — those most soothing, O bulls, those beneficent ones — those which Manu our father chose — the weal and joy of Rudra I desire.

2.33.14 May the missile of Rudra pass us by; may the great malevolence of the fierce one pass away. Loosen the rigid ones from the bountiful ones, O liberal giver; be gracious to our offspring and progeny.

2.33.15 Even so, O tawny bull, O wise one, be such, O god, that you do not wroth and do not slay. Hearing our invocations, O Rudra, be gracious here — may we speak aloud in the assembly, with fine heroes.

2.34.1 The Maruts, possessors of rain-streams, of bold might, are terrible as wild beasts in their strengths and shine brightly. Like fires blazing in splendor, impetuous, roaring, they have driven away the cows.

2.34.2 Like heavens with stars they shine, the devouring ones; like lightning from the cloud the rains flash forth. When Rudra, O Maruts of golden breastplates, engendered you as the vigorous ones from the bright udder of Pṛśni.

2.34.3 They anoint themselves like race-horses in the contests, hastening swiftly with the ears of the roaring stream. O golden-helmeted Maruts, gleaming and shaking, you come to the prize with the dappled mares, all of one mind.

2.34.4 At the prize they have borne all the worlds within them, quick givers, whether ever for Mitra. Dapple-horsed ones of inexhaustible wealth, rushing like hawks in their courses, sitting firmly in the chariot-pole.

2.34.5 With kindling fires, with milch cows of swelling udder, with roads without dust, with shining glances — like swans to their resting-places come, O Maruts of one accord, for the exhilaration of the honey-sweet.

2.34.6 Come to our sacred prayers, O Maruts of one accord, as the praise of men to the pressings. Like one who fattens the udder of a milch cow — create for the singer a thought that is shaped by the prize.

2.34.7 Give us that — the prize-winning one in the chariot, the food that lights up the prayer day by day. Refreshment for the praisers in the enclosures, for the poet — gain, wisdom, inviolability, irresistible might.

2.34.8 When the Maruts of golden breastplates yoke their horses to the chariots in their season, O good givers — like a cow to her calf they swell with abundance in their stations, bestowing great refreshment upon the people who have offered the oblation.

2.34.9 Whatever mortal enemy sets upon us with wolf-like onslaught, O Vasus, protect us from injury. Turn the fiery wheel-weapon against him; strike him down, O Rudras, with the slaying weapon aimed at the impious.

2.34.10 Wondrous is that journey of yours, O Maruts, which is celebrated — when the streams milked from Pṛśni's udder. Or when the Rudra-born ones, who are to blame the newly born one, the undeceiving ones, grant Trita to old age to be aged.

2.34.11 Those great Maruts who pass on swiftly we invoke at the advancing of Viṣṇu's step. Golden-hued, lofty, with streaming garments, we who are devoted to prayer seek from them praiseworthy bounty.

2.34.12 They, the ten-fold firstborn, were the first to celebrate the sacrifice; may they impel us at the break of the Dawns. Dawn, like a dark woman, uncovers herself with the ruddy beams of the great, pure light, rich in cows.

2.34.13 The Rudras, with their ruddy, unanointed earth-lands, have grown strong in the seats of ṛta. Dripping moisture, with the strength of a steed rushing past, they have assumed a bright complexion, beautiful in form.

2.34.14 Seeking those for great shelter and for aid, we approach them indeed with homage and praise. Even as Trita turned the five sacrificial priests downward for the wheel's protection against the oppressor.

2.34.15 With that aid by which you convey the helpless man beyond distress, by which you free the praiser from the revilers — O Maruts, let that aid of yours turn toward us; may your benevolence come like a lowing cow.

2.35.1 I have been impelled forward, eager for the prize-winning eloquence; may the voice of the rivers rejoice in my hymns. Apāṁ Napāt of swift impulse — will he not render them beautiful and take pleasure in them?

2.35.2 This hymn well-fashioned from the heart — may we speak it; will he come to know it? Apāṁ Napāt, the lord, has by the greatness of his divine lordship generated all the worlds.

2.35.3 Some waters come together, others flow toward them — the rivers fill the same enclosure. The pure and shining waters have stood around him, Apāṁ Napāt, who is pure and shining.

2.35.4 The unwearied young women, the waters, polishing him, the young one, go around him. He of shining and skillful powers shines brightly for us — kindled, clad in ghee, within the waters.

2.35.5 Three divine women, goddesses, place food for this god without tiring. Constructed, as it were, he has crept forward in the waters; he drinks the first milk of those who gave birth first.

2.35.6 Here is the birthplace of the horse and of the sun; protect the wise ones from the injury of treachery, from mingling with it. In the unripened fortresses, that which cannot be forgotten beyond — may the hostilities vanish, and all falsehoods.

2.35.7 In his own house whose milch cow gives freely, who has drunk up the self-rule and eats wholesome food — that Apāṁ Napāt, energizing within the waters, shines forth for the worshipper for the giving of riches.

2.35.8 He who shines widely within the waters with divine purity, an upholder of ṛta inexhaustible — indeed the other worlds and plants with their offspring are born as his branches.

2.35.9 Apāṁ Napāt has stood up in the womb of the recumbent ones, upright, wearing lightning as a garment. Carrying his greatest greatness, the golden-hued, mighty ones go around him.

2.35.10 Of golden form is he, of golden appearance — Apāṁ Napāt, he too is golden in color. Sitting within the golden womb, the golden givers give food to him.

2.35.11 That face of his, and the dear, secret name of Apāṁ Napāt, grows. He whom the young women kindle together in just this way — his food is golden-hued ghee.

2.35.12 For him, in the friendship of the most lowly of many, we would worship with sacrifices, with homage and oblations. I polish the ridge, I light it with tinder, I place food around it — I honor it with hymns.

2.35.13 He, the bull, engendered the embryo in them; he as an infant sucks from them, they lick him. That Apāṁ Napāt of unfading color has entered here as if with another's body.

2.35.14 Stationed in this highest station, shining everywhere with unstained paths — the great waters, carrying ghee and food to Apāṁ Napāt's grandson, flow around of their own accord with their garments.

2.35.15 I have obtained for the people, O Agni, a good dwelling; I have also obtained excellent praise for the bountiful ones. All that is auspicious which the gods protect — may we speak aloud in the assembly, with fine heroes.

2.36.1 Urging for you, O Vasiṣṭha, the men milked the kine and the waters with sheep-wool and pressing-stones. Drink, O Indra, the Soma that has been offered with Svāhā, consecrated with Vaṣaṭ, from the Hotṛ's station — you who as first have the sovereignty.

2.36.2 Mingled with the sacrifices and with the dappled mares and spears, beautiful in their anointing on the path, and dear — O sons of Bharata, having taken your seat on the sacred grass, O men of heaven, drink the Soma from the Potṛ's station.

2.36.3 Come near to us like a friend, easy to invoke; sit down upon the sacred grass and rejoice. Then be exhilarated, taking pleasure in the drink, O Tvaṣṭṛ, with the gods and with the divine women, in their company.

2.36.4 Bring hither the gods, O inspired Hotṛ — sacrifice, eager one; sit down in the three stations. Fill in return the onward-moving soma-honey; drink from the Agnīdh's station; satisfy yourself with your own share.

2.36.5 This is that which increases the manly strength of your body, the might placed from of old in your two arms. O bountiful one, it has been pressed for you and brought to you — you yourself, O Indra, drink to satisfaction from the Brahman's station.

2.36.6 Take pleasure in the sacrifice, both of you; hearken to my call. The Hotṛ, having sat down, recites the nivid following the ancient formula. Homage goes toward the two kings who turn hither — from the Praśāstr's station, drink the soma-honey.

2.37.1 Be gladdened, O Adhvaryus, according to your pleasure from the Hotṛ's share of the soma-juice — he who desires a full vessel of the libation. Bring therefore this draught to him, the generous giver, obedient to his will: drink the soma from the Hotṛ's cup, O Draviṇodas, at the (proper) seasons.

2.37.2 Him whom I invoked aforetime, that same one I invoke now — he is indeed worthy of invocation, the liberal giver who rules by his very name. Drink the sweet soma-draught set forth by the Adhvaryus from the Potṛ's cup, O Draviṇodas, at the (proper) seasons.

2.37.3 Let your carriers be purified — those by which you travel, unharmed; be you firm, O Vanaspati. Bold one, having roared forth with your fierce cry, drink the soma from the Neṣṭṛ's cup, O Draviṇodas, at the (proper) seasons.

2.37.4 Not from the Hotṛ's cup, nor from the Potṛ's has he drunk to satiety, nor did he relish the oblation set forth from the Neṣṭṛ's cup. Let Draviṇodas drink from the fourth vessel, uncontaminated and immortal, belonging to the Son of Draviṇodas.

2.37.5 Harness your swift chariot, man-borne and fit for travel, hither today — here shall be your unyoking. The oblations are mingled with honey; come then, and drink the soma, O ye two whose wealth is in strength (Vājinīvasū — the Aśvins).

2.37.6 Be pleased, O Agni, with the kindling-wood; be pleased with the oblation; be pleased with the brahman (prayer) belonging to the people; be pleased with the hymn of praise. O Vasu, great one, with all the gods at the (proper) season, being yourself desirous, make the desirous gods drink the oblation.

2.38.1 Up has risen this god Savitṛ for his stimulation; the ever-constant carrier (of offerings) has taken his stand thereby. Now he distributes treasure among the gods, and has shared out (his gifts) with the fire of offering in blessing.

2.38.2 For the hearing of all, the god rises upright, extending his two arms with broad hands. Even the waters sink down at his ordinance; even this wind rests in its circuit.

2.38.3 Even those (steeds) which he now unyokes with the swiftest, even the untamed course has rested. Even the paths of the water-rushing serpents have been laid down; following the ordinance of Savitṛ, (the world) has come to release.

2.38.4 She who weaves has again rolled up what was spread out; the wise one has laid down her skill in the midst of her work. The divine Savitṛ, Aramati (Piety), has risen up, having shaken apart the seasons.

2.38.5 The abodes of diverse forms pervade all of life throughout the house — such is the power, the flame of Agni. The mother has assigned the best portion to her son; Savitṛ has impelled (men to act) following his will.

2.38.6 Having taken his stance, eager to conquer, he (the sun) has wheeled back; the desire of all who roam about has come home. Leaving behind the ever-flowing waters in their altered state, he has come back following the divine ordinance of Savitṛ.

2.38.7 The share of water-dwelling (creatures) placed by you in the waters — the gazelles tracking across the desert have spread out (to their own places). No one violates the woodlands (which belong) to the various (creatures); none transgress the ordinances of the divine Savitṛ.

2.38.8 Where Varuṇa lies unsleeping, blinking in the watery womb — every living creature, Mārtāṇḍa (the sun-bird), has gone to the fold; Savitṛ has declared the births of those that stand (on the earth).

2.38.9 Whose ordinance neither Indra, nor Varuṇa, nor Mitra, nor Aryaman, nor Rudra violates, nor do hostile powers — him, this divine Savitṛ, I now invoke for blessing with reverences.

2.38.10 Striving for Bhaga, for wise understanding, for eloquence — may Narāśaṁsa and Gnāspati protect us. May we be dear to the divine Savitṛ at the confluence of riches, at the gathering-place of wealth.

2.38.11 May the desirable bounty from heaven, from the waters, from the earth, given by you, come to us. That which brings blessing to the praisers, to the one who seeks refreshment — O Savitṛ, widely acclaimed, to your singer.

2.39.1 Like two pressing-stones you praise that very purpose; like a vulture toward a tree that holds a treasure. Like two chanters of brahman in the assembly, reciting the uktha-verse; like two messengers (you convey) the oblations belonging to the people in many places.

2.39.2 Going forth at dawn, like two chariot-warriors, like two Yamas you attain the boon together. Like two women adorning their bodies, like a husband and wife knowing (the proper) rites among the people.

2.39.3 Come first to us as the (two) horns (of an animal), gnawing powerfully like two hooves. Come hither at dawn like two ruddy geese (cakravākas) at the break of day, like two capable chariot-warriors.

2.39.4 Like a boat, carry us across; like a yoke, (uphold us) like the nave (of a wheel), like the felloe, like the circumference. Like a dog, keep our bodies from injury; like the khṛgala-bird (which warns), protect us from calamity.

2.39.5 Come hither like the aging (rush) of wind, like the flowing of a river, like two eyes with their sight. Most beneficent for our body, like two hands — like two feet, lead us toward (greater) well-being.

2.39.6 Like two lips speaking sweetness into the mouth, like two breasts, fill us (with nourishment) for life. Like two nostrils, be the guardians of our body; like two ears, be you sharp-hearing among us.

2.39.7 Like a hand, bestow power on us; like the earth, gather together our (scattered) spaces. These songs, O Aśvins, yearning for you — sharpen them like an axe on a whetstone.

2.39.8 These (words) that strengthen you, O Aśvins — the Gṛtsamadas have made (this) brahman-hymn of praise. O ye two heroes, come delighting in them; may we speak the great (word) in the assembly, endowed with good heroes.

2.40.1 O Soma and Pūṣan, generators of riches, generators of heaven, generators of earth — the two guardians born of all existence — the gods made you the navel of immortality.

2.40.2 These two gods as they are being born show favor; let these two conceal the undesired darknesses. Through these two — Soma and Pūṣan — Indra generated the ripe (cattle) within the raw (stones), among the ruddy cows (of dawn).

2.40.3 O Soma and Pūṣan, the measure of the atmosphere is the seven-wheeled chariot that pervades all space — turning in opposite directions, yoked by the mind: that chariot with five reins, O ye two bulls, you impel.

2.40.4 One has made his seat on high in heaven; the other (moves) above the earth in mid-air. Let those two release for us the navel of abundant bounty, the richly-nourishing pouring-forth of riches, upon us.

2.40.5 One has engendered all the worlds; the other moves beholding everything. O Soma and Pūṣan, strengthen my thought; through you both may we conquer all opposing hosts.

2.40.6 May Pūṣan, all-pervading, quicken (our) thought; may Soma, lord of riches, establish wealth. May the divine, unassailable Aditi protect (us); may we speak the great (word) in the assembly, endowed with good heroes.

2.41.1 O Vāyu, come hither with those thousandfold chariots of yours, drawn by your team, to drink the soma.

2.41.2 O Vāyu, with your team come hither — this bright (soma) is poured out for you. You shall be one who goes to the house of the soma-presser.

2.41.3 Of the bright (soma) mixed today with milk — O Indra and Vāyu, with your teams, come hither, O ye two heroes, and drink.

2.41.4 O Mitra and Varuṇa, increasers of truth (ṛta) — this soma is pressed out for you both. Hear my invocation here.

2.41.5 The two kings without treachery are seated in the firm, highest assembly — the hall with a thousand pillars.

2.41.6 Those two universal sovereigns, for whom ghee is poured, the two Ādityas, lords of the gift (dānu) — they associate without deviation.

2.41.7 O Nāsatyas, O Aśvins — come hither with (gifts of) cattle, with horses. O Rudra (sons of Rudra), bring the wealth worthy of heroes.

2.41.8 That no malicious mortal enemy from without or from within might do harm to you, O ye two whose wealth is the bull (Vṛṣaṇvasū — the Aśvins).

2.41.9 O Aśvins, bring us here the wealth of tawny aspect, O ye attentive ones, that finds wide space.

2.41.10 Indra, truly, has shaken off great terror from here; for he is the firm one, the all-seeing.

2.41.11 And may Indra be gracious to us; let no evil overtake us from behind; may blessedness be before us.

2.41.12 May Indra make (us) fearless on every side, on all quarters — the all-seeing conqueror of enemies.

2.41.13 O all-gods (Viśvedevāḥ), come hither; hear this invocation of mine; sit down upon this barhis-grass.

2.41.14 This intoxicating (soma), pungent and sweet, for you in the rites of the Śunahotras — drink this desirable (draught).

2.41.15 The Marut-hosts with Indra as their chief, the gods with Pūṣan as their gift-giver — all of you, hear my invocation.

2.41.16 O Sarasvatī, best of mothers, best of rivers, best of goddesses — we are as though without praise; O mother, make praise for us.

2.41.17 In you, O Sarasvatī divine, all life-forces are sheltered. Find joy in the rites of the Śunahotras; O goddess, shine upon our progeny.

2.41.18 Be pleased, O Sarasvatī possessed of sustenance (Vājinīvatī), with this brahman-prayer — the devotion that the Gṛtsamadas, O guardian of truth (ṛtāvari), dear to the gods, offer up to you.

2.41.19 We choose only you two, the two beneficent ones presiding over the sacrifice, to go forth — and Agni the bearer of oblations.

2.41.20 May Heaven and Earth today direct this successful, sky-touching sacrifice among the gods.

2.41.21 In your lap, O ye two without treachery, let the divine and holy powers sit here today for the drinking of soma.

2.42.1 Crying again and again, announcing (yourself) by your birth-cry, you set your voice in motion like a rower his boat. Be you of auspicious omen, O bird; may no universal misfortune find you.

2.42.2 Let not the hawk slay you, nor the eagle; let not the armed warrior-archer find you. Crying again and again in the direction of the ancestors, speak here as an auspicious, good-word-speaking one.

2.42.3 Cry down (your omen) from the south upon our houses, auspicious and good-word-speaking, O bird (śakunta). Let no thief gain power over us, no wicked one; may we speak the great (word) in the assembly, endowed with good heroes.

2.43.1 The śakunta-birds (kārus) sing circling sunwise; the birds speak in their proper season. It (the bird) utters both voices as though a sāman-singer — it reigns over the gāyatrī and the triṣṭubh in succession.

2.43.2 Like an Udgātṛ, O bird, you sing the sāman; like a brahman's son you recite at the soma-pressings. Like a powerful bull (going) to the nursing cows, proclaim blessings to us from every side, O bird; proclaim what is auspicious to us from all directions, O bird.

2.43.3 You who are speaking, O bird, speak blessings; even sitting in silence, discern well-being for us. When you speak as you fly up, like the karkarī (calling bird) — may we speak the great (word) in the assembly, endowed with good heroes.