Rig Veda

Hear now the tale of the great gods as sung in the ancient hymns. Indra, lord of might, master of safety and the yoked team, is invoked with reverence. He, the slayer of Vritra and wielder of the thunderbolt, is called to partake of the sacred Soma at the midday pressing, surrounded by all his aids. For sovereignty and aid, Indra is remembered, for he has answered the prayers of the faithful before. He listened to the hymn of Shyavashva and to the deeds of Atri as they performed the rites, and he alone protected Trasadasyu, subduing foes and exalting the powers among men. Together with Agni, Indra is the priest of sacrifice, ever victorious in contests and deeds. Swift as thought, they ride in their chariot, unconquered slayers of Vritra. To them is offered the sweet draught, rich with honey, pressed by devoted men. The people call upon Indra and Agni to accept the sacrifice, the desired offering, and the praised Soma at the sacred seat. Libations are poured, and hymns sung in the Gayatri meter, all directed to these heroic gods. At dawn, with their chariots and in the company of the gods, Indra and Agni are invited for the drinking of Soma. The invocations of Shyavashva and the Atris rise to them, seeking their presence and aid, as the wise ones have always done. Alongside these two, Sarasvati is invoked, she who inspires the song of the Gayatri. Agni is then praised with heartfelt hymns and honored in worship. May Agni and the gods grant their favor, for Agni moves as a wise messenger among both divine and human assemblies, bringing silence to all others in his presence. With fresh words, Agni is praised for the well-being of the people, so that all the Aryas, united and free from hostility, may gather together. Thoughts are offered to Agni as clarified butter, that he might make them known among the gods, for he is ancient and gracious, the messenger of Vivasvan. Agni establishes each vigor as needed, bestowing strength and joy for all gods’ invocations. With splendid action, he perceives all, acting as the priest of perpetual rites, adorned with gifts and bringing prosperity. Born among the gods, Agni knows what mortals seek, opening the doors of wealth when called by offerings, and is approached by the flowing waters as their lord. Among men, Agni stands as the seventh, established among all rivers, threefold and ancient, the foremost in sacrifices and destroyer of foes. He resides in three triple places, the sage of assemblies, worshipping and gladdening all, the inspired and well-adorned messenger. Agni is the life of the people, ancient among gods, the sole ruler of wealth. The flowing waters come to him, their own lord. Indra and Agni together are invoked for strength and wealth, that their devotees may overcome even the firmest opposition, as Agni conquers the forest and as the wind prevails. No other gods are chosen but these two, for Indra is the most powerful among men. He is called to come with his team, to bring strength and wisdom. Indra and Agni are the masters among those who bear offerings, wise and friendly when questioned, and the hymn is directed to them, as it was in the days of Nabhāka. By their might, heaven and earth are upheld, and the world is filled with wealth. The hymns, as in the time of Nabhāka, are offered to Indra and Agni, who, with seven streams, cleared the crooked barrier and filled the ocean, with Indra ruling in might. The people pray that, as in ancient times, the strength of the enemy be cut down, the foe confounded, and that wealth may be shared with Indra. In every contest of words or battle, may the devotees prevail, conquering the hostile with the gods’ aid. The bright ones of Indra and Agni rise in the sky with the days, and the rivers flow in accordance with their ordinance, their bonds released. Indra is praised in many forms, the golden son of the charger, generous and heroic, whose gifts strengthen the thoughts of men. The hymns strengthen him, the mighty and swift, who shatters the strongholds of Shushna and releases the sun-filled waters. The true sacrificer, mighty and proper, is also strengthened by these praises, and the waters flow in abundance. Thus, as the fathers, Mandhātṛ, and the Angirases did, the people seek protection with triple shelter from Indra and Agni, aspiring to become lords of riches. Now, for abundance, Varuṇa and the Maruts are praised with song, for they are wise and excellent, guarding the cattle like a herdsman guards his herd. With united voice and the thoughts of the fathers, as in the hymns of Nabhāka, Varuṇa is praised, he who stands in the midst when the seven rivers come, the middle one among the seven sisters. He encompasses the nights and sets the dawns in their place by his power, establishing all things to be seen, and the three dawns grow as ordained by him. Varuṇa has fixed the supports and pillars of the earth, the ancient step of the mother, which is Varuṇa’s path, for he is the herdsman who guards. He upholds the worlds, knows the hidden names of the bright ones, and as a sage, fosters many forms, vast as the sky. Thus, through these hymns and praises, the gods are invoked, their deeds remembered, and their blessings sought, that the people may be victorious, prosperous, and united under their divine shelter.