1. Sam Veda — Prapathaka 1

✦ Sukta 1 · 13 verses ✦

1.1.1.1

अग्न आ याहि वीतये गृणानो हव्यदातये । नि होता सत्सि बर्हिषि ॥१॥

Come Agni, sung and celebrated, to join our feast of enlightenment, accept our homage to create the gifts of life and yajnic performance, and take the honoured seat in the assembly. (Rg. 6-16-10)

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1.1.1.2

त्वमग्ने यज्ञानाꣳ होता विश्वेषाꣳ हितः । देवेभिर्मानुषे जने ॥२॥

Agni, self-refulgent leading light of the universe, you are the chief highpriest of all yajnic developments of nature and of all creative and developmental programmes of humanity for common universal good along with the brilliancies of nature and nobilities of humanity among the human community. (Rg. 6-16-1)

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1.1.1.3

अग्निं दूतं वृणीमहे होतारं विश्ववेदसम् । अस्य यज्ञस्य सुक्रतुम् ॥३॥

We choose Agni visible and invisible, and invoke it with faith and holy action, Agni which is the protector of the people, carrier of yajnic fragrance, and favourite of the wise. (Rg. 1-12-1)

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1.1.1.4

अग्निर्वृत्राणि जङ्घनद्द्रविणस्युर्विपन्यया । समिद्धः शुक्र आहुतः ॥४॥

Agni, leading light and ruler of the world, bright, pure and purifying, invoked, invited and lighted in the seat of yajna, keen on wealth, honour and excellence with self-approbation and public exaltation, should destroy the evils and endeavour to raise the power and prosperity of the human nation. (Rg. 6-16-34)

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1.1.1.5

प्रेष्ठं वो अतिथिꣳ स्तुषे मित्रमिव प्रियम् । अग्ने रथं न वेद्यम् ॥५॥

I sing and celebrate for you the glories of Agni, lord omniscient, light and leader of the world, dearest and most welcome as an enlightened guest, loving as a friend, who, like a divine harbinger, reveals the light of knowledge to us. (Rg. 8-84-1)

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1.1.1.6

त्वं नो अग्ने महोभिः पाहि विश्वस्या अरातेः । उत द्विषो मर्त्यस्य ॥६॥

Agni, leading light of life, with your mighty powers and grandeur, protect us against all material, moral and social adversity and all mortal jealousy and enmity. (Rg. 8-71-1)

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1.1.1.7

एह्यू षु ब्रवाणि तेऽग्न इत्थेतरा गिरः । एभिर्वर्धास इन्दुभिः ॥७॥

Agni, leading light and pioneer, come, listen, thus do I speak in honour of you, and listen further to higher words, and rise higher with these words sweet and soothing like rays of the moon and exciting as draughts of soma. (Rg. 6-16-16)

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1.1.1.8

आ ते वत्सो मनो यमत्परमाच्चित्सधस्थात् । अग्ने त्वां कामये गिरा ॥८॥

The dear dedicated sage adores you, Agni, and with words of love and faith prays for your attention from the highest heaven of light. (Rg. 8-11-7)

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1.1.1.9

त्वामग्ने पुष्करादध्यथर्वा निरमन्थत । मूर्ध्नो विश्वस्य वाघतः ॥९॥

Agni, light of life, the wise scholar and devotee, Atharva, dedicated to love and non-violence, discovers and churns you out without violence from the highest sphere above the skies which supports and sustains the entire universe. (Rg. 6-16-13)

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1.1.1.10

अग्ने विवस्वदा भरास्मभ्यमूतये महे । देवो ह्यसि नो दृशे ॥१०

Agni, lord omniscient and self-refulgent, for our protection, progress and perfection of the highest order, bring us the light so that we may see. For us, you are the light, prime benefactor, first giver.

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8.1.1.1

उपास्मै गायता नरः पवमानायेन्दवे । अभि देवाꣳ इयक्षते ॥६५१॥

O leading lights of humanity, to win the wealth of life's joy, work and sing in thanks and adoration for this infinite fount of pure bliss which overflows and yearns to join and inspire the noble creative performers of yajna. (Rg. 9-11-1)

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8.1.1.2

अभि ते मधुना पयोऽथर्वाणो अशिश्रयुः । देवं देवाय देवयु ॥६५२॥

O Soma, you are the lover of the noble and divine, and you love to bless humanity to rise to divinity. The Atharvans, people on the rock-bed foundation of piety, are steadfast, they direct their concentrated mind to you and drink the life giving nectar mixed with honey sweets of divinity. (Rg. 9-11-2)

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8.1.1.3

स नः पवस्व शं गवे शं जनाय शमर्वते । शꣳ राजन्नोषधीभ्यः ॥६५३॥

O Soma, self-refulgent light, life of life, flow free and bring us fertility for the cow, agility for the horse and maturity for the herbs and trees, undisturbed efficiency for the senses, peace and tranquillity for the mind and soul, and peace, prosperity and joy for the people. (Rg. 9-11-3)

✦ Sukta 2 · 13 verses ✦

1.1.2.1

नमस्ते अग्न ओजसे गृणन्ति देव कृष्टयः । अमैरमित्रमर्दय ॥११॥

Salutations to you, Agni, refulgent lord of generosity. The people too adore and exalt you. Pray ward off and throw out the enemies and unfriendly forces by your laws and powers. (Rg. 8-75-10)

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1.1.2.2

दूतं वो विश्ववेदसꣳ हव्यवाहममर्त्यम् । यजिष्ठमृञ्जसे गिरा ॥१२॥

O scholar and master of the science of fire and energy, with your words and thought you study and develop the power of Agni, carrier of communications, all round operative in the universe, bearer of food and fragrances, imperishable, and most creative, productive, cooperative and valuable catalytic agent of the natural and human world. O men and women of the world, the scientist develops it for you all. (Rg. 4-8-1)

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1.1.2.3

उप त्वा जामयो गिरो देदिशतीर्हविष्कृतः । वायोरनीके अस्थिरन् ॥१३॥

Moving and vibrant adorations of the enlightened celebrant reach you and stay by you in the movements of air in the middle regions. (Rg. 8-102-13)

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1.1.2.4

उप त्वाग्ने दिवेदिवे दोषावस्तर्धिया वयम् । नमो भरन्त एमसि ॥१४॥

Agni, lord omniscient, day by day, night and day, with all our heart and soul we come to you bearing gifts of homage in faith and humility. (Rg. 1-1-7)

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1.1.2.5

जराबोध तद्विविड्ढि विशेविशे यज्ञियाय । स्तोमꣳ रुद्राय दृशीकम् ॥१५

Hero of high knowledge and wide fame, create and provide for every people and offer to adorable yajnic Rudra, brilliant lord of justice and power, that wealth, honour and celebration which is magnificent and worthy of praise. (Rg. 1-27-10)

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1.1.2.6

प्रति त्यं चारुमध्वरं गोपीथाय प्र हूयसे । मरुद्भिरग्न आ गहि ॥१६॥

Agni, fire energy of nature, come with the winds, you are invoked and kindled for the preservation and promotion of the beautiful holy yajna (of the earth for her children). (Rg.1-19-1)

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1.1.2.7

अश्वं न त्वा वारवन्तं वन्दध्या अग्निं नमोभिः । सम्राजन्तमध्वराणाम् ॥१७॥

Agni, brilliant and illuminating power and presence of yajnas from the homely agnihotra to the highest programmes of humanity, like a tempestuous horse of flying hair, we praise you and celebrate you with homage and offerings of food and oblations. (Rg. 1-27-1)

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1.1.2.8

और्वभृगुवच्छुचिमप्नवानवदा हुवे । अग्निꣳ समुद्रवाससम् ॥१८॥

Like a mature and self-disciplined sage and scholar of nature and spirit, I invoke and study Agni, the fire energy, concealed in the sea and the sky and the psychic energy abiding in the mind. (Rg. 8-102-4)

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1.1.2.9

अग्निमिन्धानो मनसा धियꣳ सचेत मर्त्यः । अग्निमिन्धे विवस्वभिः ॥१९॥

When the mortal starts lighting the fire in the vedi, let him, with his whole mind in concentration, call up all his faculties of perception, thought and action and say: I light the fire with the sun rays and, all my knowledge, will and awareness, awaken the divine in the soul. (Rg. 8-102-22)

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1.1.2.10

आदित्प्रत्नस्य रेतसो ज्योतिः पश्यन्ति वासरम् । परो यदिध्यते दिवि ॥२०॥

And then the devotees see like day light the selfrefulgence of the eternal lord and source of life who shines above and beyond the day through the night of annihilation too. (Rg. 8-6-30)

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8.1.2.1

दविद्युतत्या रुचा परिष्टोभन्त्या कृपा । सोमाः शुक्रा गवाशिरः ॥६५४॥

Pure, powerful and heavenly radiations of divinity flow with beauty, glory and shining sublimity of grace, blessing the mind and soul of the supplicants. (Rg. 9-64-28)

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8.1.2.2

हिन्वानो हेतृभिर्हित आ वाजं वाज्यक्रमीत् । सीदन्तो वनुषो यथा ॥६५५॥

Just as a warrior spurred on by ambition and love of victory rushes to the field and wins the battle, and just as ardent yajakas sit on the vedi and win their object of yajna, so does the soul assisted by senses, mind and intelligential vision win the target of its meditation on Om, the presence of divinity. (Rg. 9-64-29)

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8.1.2.3

ऋधक्सोम स्वस्तये संजग्मानो दिवा कवे । पवस्व सूर्यो दृशे ॥६५६॥

O Soma, instant and gracious divinity, creative, omniscient and constant radiation of heavenly light, the very sun for the vision of humanity, pray flow on with the radiance and the bliss, purify and sanctify our mind and soul for us to see the reality of life. (Rg. 9-64-30)

✦ Sukta 3 · 17 verses ✦

1.1.3.1

अग्निं वो वृधन्तमध्वराणां पुरूतमम् । अच्छा नप्त्रे सहस्वते ॥२१॥

Well with joint action and yajna, serve Agni, most ancient power of the first order that leads you to advancement of strong familial unity and tolerant but powerful social cooperation for your coming generations for ages. (Rg. 8-102-7)

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1.1.3.2

अग्निस्तिग्मेन शोचिषा यꣳ सद्विश्वं न्या३त्रिणम् । अग्निर्नो वꣳसते रयिम् ॥२२॥

Agni, with the flaming light of pure refulgence, dries up and burns off all hostility of the world and brings the wealth of life for us, dedicated supplicants and celebrants. (Rg. 6-16-28)

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1.1.3.3

अग्ने मृड महाꣳ अस्यय आ देवयुं जनम् । इयेथ बर्हिरासदम् ॥२३॥

Agni, be kind and gracious. Great you are as you come to these divinely dedicated people sitting round the fire of yajna and you bless them all round without reserve. (Rg. 4-9-1)

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1.1.3.4

अग्ने रक्षा णो अꣳहसः प्रति स्म देव रीषतः । तपिष्ठैरजरो दह ॥२४॥

Agni, fiery ruler and generous lord of enlightenment, save us from sin, protect us from the sinful and the destroyers. Lord eternal and unaging, with your blazing law, justice and discipline, burn out evil, evil deeds and evil doers. (Rg. 7-15-13)

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1.1.3.5

अग्ने युङ्क्ष्वा हि ये तवाश्वासो देव साधवः । अरं वहन्त्याशवः ॥२५॥

Agni, leading light of knowledge and power, generous creator and giver, yoke those motive powers of yours to the chariot which are best and fastest and which transport you to the destination of your love and passion gracefully without fail. (Rg. 6-16-43)

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1.1.3.6

नि त्वा नक्ष्य विश्पते द्युमन्तं धीमहे वयम् । सुवीरमग्न आहुत ॥२६॥

Agni, loving and accessible protector and ruler of the people, brilliant and generous chief of heroic brave, universally honoured and invoked, we love and enshrine you in our heart and home with faith and reverence. (Rg. 7-15-7)

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1.1.3.7

अग्निर्मूर्धा दिवः ककुत्पतिः पृथिव्या अयम् । अपाꣳ रेताꣳसि जिन्वति ॥२७॥

This Agni is the highest lord and master of all on top of heaven and earth and gives energy and sustenance to the seeds of life in the waters of the universe. (Rg. 8- 44-16)

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1.1.3.8

इममू षु त्वमस्माकꣳ सनिं गायत्रं नव्याꣳसम् । अग्ने देवेषु प्र वोचः ॥२८॥

Agni, eternal lord omniscient, this divine knowledge, blissful, sweet and musical in Gayatri and other musical metres, ever new and giver of new ideas, pray reveal it to the sages and whisper it into our soul. (Rg. 1-27-4)

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1.1.3.9

तं त्वा गोपवनो गिरा जनिष्ठदग्ने अङ्गिरः । स पावक श्रुधी हवम् ॥२९॥

Agni, light of the world, dear as breath of life, all purifier, whom the poet visionary of light and the Word celebrates, pray listen to our invocation and song of adoration. (Rg. 8-74-11)

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1.1.3.10

परि वाजपतिः कविरग्निर्हव्यान्यक्रमीत् । दधद्रत्नानि दाशुषे ॥३०॥

Agni, lord of food, energy and the dynamics of life and society, commanding a full poetic vision of corporate life, comprehends the gifts and oblations of the holy fire of the nation, bearing the jewels of life's wealth for the generous giver. (Rg. 4-15-3)

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1.1.3.11

उदु त्यं जातवेदसं देवं वहन्ति केतवः । दृशे विश्वाय सूर्यम् ॥३१॥

The rays of the sun (like banners of a mighty monarch) carry the brilliance of light, revealing the omnipresence of the omniscient Lord Supreme of the universe. (Rg. 1-50-1)

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1.1.3.12

कविमग्निमुप स्तुहि सत्यधर्माणमध्वरे । देवममीवचातनम् ॥३२॥

In the holy acts of yajna, light, serve and adore Agni, brilliant creator of new things of beauty, prosperity and joy, illuminator and observer of the eternal laws, generous giver, and destroyer of evil and disease. (Rg. 1-12-7)

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1.1.3.13

शं नो देवीरभिष्टये शं नो भवन्तु पीतये । शं योरभि स्रवन्तु नः ॥३३॥

May the divine waters be for our peace and bliss for body, mind and soul and bring us showers of peace, protection and blessedness. (Rg. 10-9-4)

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1.1.3.14

कस्य नूनं परीणसि धियो जिन्वसि सत्पते । गोषाता यस्य ते गिरः ॥३४॥

O lord protector of the world of truth as a happy home and shelter for the people, whose sincere and abundant prayers do you accept and fulfil? His, whose prayers to you are enlightened and inspired by knowledge, wisdom and sincere awareness of divinity. (Rg. 8-84-7)

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8.1.3.1

पवमानस्य ते कवे वाजिन्त्सर्गा असृक्षत । अर्वन्तो न श्रवस्यवः ॥६५७॥

O lord ever flowing in constancy, omniscient poetic creator, omnipotent absolute victor and ruler, streams of creations flow like waves of energy in search of celebrative fulfilment. (Rg. 9-66-10)

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8.1.3.2

अच्छा कोशं मधुश्चुतमसृग्रं वारे अव्यये । अवावशन्त धीतयः ॥६५८॥

The honey sweet nectar of soma ecstasy created and vibrating in the presence of the supreme imperishable eternal spirit, the yogi's thoughts and words exalt in celebration. (Rg. 9-66-11)

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8.1.3.3

अच्छा समुद्रमिन्दवोऽस्तं गावो न धेनवः । अग्मन्नृतस्य योनिमा ॥६५९॥

Just as cows retire into their stall, and words of language retire into the ocean of absolute silence, so do the mental fluctuations of the yogi recede and return into the origin of their flow, into divinity. (Rg. 9-66-12)

✦ Sukta 4 · 13 verses ✦

1.1.4.1

यज्ञायज्ञा वो अग्नये गिरागिरा च दक्षसे । प्रप्र वयममृतं जातवेदसं प्रियं मित्रं न शꣳसिषम् ॥३५॥

In every yajnic programme of your creative and constructive work, in every word of our voice, join and let us honour, appraise and develop agni, imperishable energy pervasive in all things of existence, and adore Agni, omniscient and omnipresent lord giver of knowledge and enlightenment. (Rg. 6-48-1)

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1.1.4.2

पाहि नो अग्न एकया पाह्यू३त द्वितीयया । पाहि गीर्भिस्तिसृभिरूर्जां पते पाहि चतसृभिर्वसो ॥३६॥

Agni, save us by the first voice, and by the second, by three voices, and, O lord of cosmic power, ultimate haven and home of existence, save and promote us by the four. (Rg. 8-60-9) (This is a very simple and yet a most comprehensive verse. The first voice could be the voice of average humanity; second, words of the sages; third, voice of the soul; fourth, the voice of divinity. Another way to understand: One, two, three or all the four Veda's voice. Yet another: voice of the soul in the rising sequence of the four matras of Aum as described in the Upanishads. And then the four stages of language in the descending order from divine to the human: Para, pashyanti, madhyama and Vaikhari)

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1.1.4.3

बृहद्भिरग्ने अर्चिभिः शुक्रेण देव शोचिषा । भरद्वाजे समिधानो यविष्ठ्य रेवत्पावक दीदिहि ॥३७॥

O resplendent Agni, most youthful unaging power, bright and pure, kindled and rising in the mind and soul of sagely scholars in pursuit of science, energy and progress, shine with mighty flames of light, purity and power, and bring us the wealth of life replete with light and enlightenment. O generous light and fire of life, shine and enlighten us. (Rg. 6-48-7)

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1.1.4.4

त्वे अग्ने स्वाहुत प्रियासः सन्तु सूरयः । यन्तारो ये मघवानो जनानामूर्वं दयन्त गोनाम् ॥३८॥

Agni, ruling light of the world, invoked with reverence and adored, let those brave leaders and eminent scholars commanding wealth and power be dear and closer to you who move forward, and lead, control and protect the defenders and promoters of the people, lands and cows. (Rg. 7-16-7)

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1.1.4.5

अग्ने जरितर्विश्पतिस्तपानो देव रक्षसः । अप्रोषिवान्गृहपते महाꣳ असि दिवस्पायुर्दुरोणयुः ॥३९॥

Agni, universally adored, master ruler and protector of the people, scourge of the selfish and wicked, refulgent and generous, supreme protective presence of the home, who never neglect or forsake the inmates, you are great protector of happiness and heavens too, and abide in the heart and home of humanity. (Rg. 8-60-19)

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1.1.4.6

अग्ने विवस्वदुषसश्चित्रꣳ राधो अमर्त्य । आ दाशुषे जातवेदो वहा त्वमद्या देवाꣳ उषर्बुधः ॥४०॥

Agni, lord of life, blazing as the sun, immortal, omniscient of things born, for the man of charity who has surrendered himself to you, you bring today wonderful wealth of the dawn, and, with yogis and blessings of nature, awake at the dawn. (Rg. 1-44-1)

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1.1.4.7

त्वं नश्चित्र ऊत्या वसो राधाꣳसि चोदय । अस्य रायस्त्वमग्ने रथीरसि विदा गाधं तुचे तु नः ॥४१॥

Agni, wonderful lord of versatile action, giver of shelter and security of the home, with protection and advancement, inspire and raise our means and materials for success and achievement. O lord of knowledge and vision, you are the guide and pilot of the chariot and wealth and honours of this generation. Give us the message and inspiration of peace, progress and security for our children. (Rg. 6-48-9)

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1.1.4.8

त्वमित्सप्रथा अस्यग्ने त्रातरृतः कविः । त्वां विप्रासः समिधान दीदिव आ विवासन्ति वेधसः ॥४२॥

Agni, you are infinitely expansive, boundless, all saviour, eternally right poet of cosmic rectitude, omniscient creator. Self-refulgent ever, light of the universe, the wise sages and masters of law and right action glorify you as the Lord Supreme. (Rg. 8-60-5)

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1.1.4.9

आ नो अग्ने वयोवृधꣳ रयिं पावक शꣳस्यम् । रास्वा च न उपमाते पुरुस्पृहꣳ सुनीती सुयशस्तरम् ॥४३॥

Agni, saviour and purifier of life, closest and friendly, give us wealth which is admirable and leads to progress in food, health and age and cattle wealth. Give us the way of life leading to universally loved wealth, honour and excellence, renowned and rising. (Rg. 8-60- 11)

· · ·

1.1.4.10

यो विश्वा दयते वसु होता मन्द्रो जनानाम् । मधोर्न पात्रा प्रथमान्यस्मै प्र स्तोमा यन्त्वग्नये ॥४४॥

Like bowls of honey, let our prime songs of adoration reach this Agni who, blissful high priest of existence, gives all the wealths and joys of the world to humanity. (Rg. 8-103-6)

· · ·

8.1.4.1

अग्न आ याहि वीतये गृणानो हव्यदातये । नि होता सत्सि बर्हिषि ॥६६०॥

Come Agni, sung and celebrated, to join our feast of enlightenment, accept our homage to create the gifts of life and yajnic development, and take the honoured seat in the assembly. (Rg. 6-16-10)

· · ·

8.1.4.2

तं त्वा समिद्भिरङ्गिरो घृतेन वर्धयामसि । बृहच्छोचा यविष्ठ्य ॥६६१॥

Angira, breath of life, light of the world, expansive, lustrous pure and most youthful, we honour and exalt you with offers of fuel and ghrta to raise the flames of fire to the heights. (Rg. 6-16-11)

· · ·

8.1.4.3

स नः पृथु श्रवाय्यमच्छा देव विवाससि । बृहदग्ने सुवीर्यम् ॥६६२॥

Agni, lord of light and lustre, mighty expansive power, you bless us graciously with admirable strength and courage worthy of universal honour and fame. (Rg. 6-16-12)

✦ Sukta 5 · 13 verses ✦

1.1.5.1

एना वो अग्निं नमसोर्जो नपातमा हुवे । प्रियं चेतिष्ठमरतिꣳ स्वध्वरं विश्वस्य दूतममृतम् ॥४५॥

O people, for your sake, with food, homage and self-surrender, I invoke and serve Agni, giver of light and fire of life, product as well as the source of unfailing energy, strength and power, cherished and valuable friend, most enlightened and constant agent of the holiest programmes of love and non-violent development, and imperishable carrier and messenger of universal communication. (Rg. 7-16-1)

· · ·

1.1.5.2

शेषे वनेषु मातृषु सं त्वा मर्तास इन्धते । अतन्द्रो हव्यं वहसि हविष्कृत आदिद्देवेषु राजसि ॥४६॥

You pervade in the forests and in the earth upto heaven. The mortals light and raise you holily, and, without sloth or delay, you carry the sacred offerings of the devoted celebrants to the divinities over earth and heaven and shine among them. (Rg. 8-60-15)

· · ·

1.1.5.3

अदर्शि गातुवित्तमो यस्मिन्व्रतान्यादधुः । उपो षु जातमार्यस्य वर्धनमग्निं नक्षन्तु नो गिरः ॥४७॥

There is seen the light of Agni, best knower of the ways of life, where people concentrate their vows of piety and discipline. Let our songs of adoration rise and reach Agni, self-revealed, who opens the paths of progress and urges us on to reach the goal of rectitude for noble people. (Rg. 8-103-1)

· · ·

1.1.5.4

अग्निरुक्थे पुरोहितो ग्रावाणो बर्हिरध्वरे । ऋचा यामि मरुतो ब्रह्मणस्पते देवा अवो वरेण्यम् ॥४८॥

In the yajna of love and non-violence, Agni, prime light of life, is the first adorable, then the holy fire, the priest, the soma stone and the holy grass are cherished. Therefore with the chants of Rks, I invoke the Maruts, cosmic energies, Brahmanaspati, giver of the Veda and the vedic scholar, and other venerable divinities for protection and promotion of our choice. (Rg. 8-27-1)

· · ·

1.1.5.5

अग्निमीडिष्वावसे गाथाभिः शीरशोचिषम् । अग्निꣳ राये पुरुमीढ श्रुतं नरोऽग्निः सुदीतये छर्दिः ॥४९॥

Pray to Agni of bright flames with songs and praise for protection and progress. O generous scholar, study and serve Agni for wealth, famous among people, Agni who provides home and happiness for the man of brilliance. (Rg. 8-71-14)

· · ·

1.1.5.6

श्रुधि श्रुत्कर्ण वह्निभिर्देवैरग्ने सयावभिः । आ सीदतु बर्हिषि मित्रो अर्यमा प्रातर्यावभिरध्वरे ॥५०॥

Listen lord, you have the ear, listen to the constant crackle of the blazing flames of fire within. Come Mitra, friends of humanity, come Aryama, powers of justice, come moving travelers, to the house of yajna, join the sacred cause of love and non-violence and sit on the holy grass around the vedi-fire. (Rg. 1-44-13)

· · ·

1.1.5.7

प्र दैवोदासो अग्निर्देव इन्द्रो न मज्मना । अनु मातरं पृथिवीं वि वावृते तस्थौ नाकस्य शर्मणि ॥५१॥

Agni, the sun, lover of holy admirers, sitting as if on top of heaven in glory, turns his rays of light in circuit to the mother earth for her children. (Rg. 8-103-2)

· · ·

1.1.5.8

अध ज्मो अध वा दिवो बृहतो रोचनादधि । अया वर्धस्व तन्वा गिरा ममा जाता सुक्रतो पृण ॥५२॥

O lord refulgent and omnipotent, whether on earth or in the regions of light or even beyond the expansive light of heaven, be pleased and exalted by this refined and radiating voice of adoration and, O lord presiding spirit of yajna, bless us and our children with perfect fulfilment. (Rg. 8-1-18)

· · ·

1.1.5.9

कायमानो वना त्वं यन्मातॄरजगन्नपः । न तत्ते अग्ने प्रमृषे निवर्तनं यद्दूरे सन्निहाभुवः ॥५३॥

Agni, lord and lover of light and knowledge, giver of light and knowledge, when you go to the waters, vibrant mother sources of light and energy, that going away is not to be endured, nor to be forgotten or neglected, because while you are away, you are still near at hand with your light. Hence I have the best that is worthy of love and value from you. (Rg. 3-9-2)

· · ·

1.1.5.10

नि त्वामग्ने मनुर्दधे ज्योतिर्जनाय शश्वते । दीदेथ कण्व ऋतजात उक्षितो यं नमस्यन्ति कृष्टयः ॥५४॥

Agni, lord of universal light and power, I, Manu, man of thought and intelligence, enlightened in truth and divine Law, consecrated in the joy of piety, hold on to you in the heart. Shine, eternal light, in the heart of Kanva, man of knowledge, for the sake of humanity. The devotees bow to you in obedience and obeisance. (Rg. 1-36-19)

· · ·

8.1.5.1

आ नो मित्रावरुणा घृतैर्गव्यूतिमुक्षतम् । मध्वा रजाꣳसि सुक्रतू ॥६६३॥

May Mitra and Varuna, sun and shower, heat and cold, fire and water, and friends of the nation inspired with justice and rectitude, fertilise and energise our lands and environment with waters and yajnic enrichments, protect and promote our cows and other cattle wealth, develop our milk products, and make the earth flow with streams of milk and honey. May all these powers do good to humanity, our lands and our homes. (Rg. 3-62-16)

· · ·

8.1.5.2

उरुशꣳसा नमोवृधा मह्ना दक्षस्य राजथः । द्राघिष्ठाभिः शुचिव्रता ॥६६४॥

Mitra and Varuna, friends of humanity, dedicated to justice and values of rectitude, universally adored and exalted with homage, dedicated to observance of truth and purity of life and conduct, you shine and reign by the strength of your will and vision, dexterity of your art and expertise and the acts of persistent patience and endurance. (Rg. 3-62-17)

· · ·

8.1.5.3

गृणाना जमदग्निना योनावृतस्य सीदतम् । पातꣳ सोममृतावृधा ॥६६५॥

Mitra and Varuna, friends of humanity dedicated to love and justice, exalted by life and acts of truth, exalting universal law and the flow of existence, celebrated by men of vision dedicated to rational and empirical experience of reality, abide in the house of truth and righteousness on the vedi of yajna, protect, promote and enjoy the beauty, peace and ecstasy of life. (Rg. 3-62-18)

✦ Sukta 6 · 11 verses ✦

1.2.1.1

देवो वो द्रविणोदाः पूर्णां विवष्ट्वासिचम् । उद्वा सिञ्चध्वमुप वा पृणध्वमादिद्वो देव ओहते ॥५५॥

Agni, self-refulgent lord giver of wealth, honour and excellence, loves to have your fire of yajnic action sprinkled with overflowing ladle of ghrta and the highest refined action. Serve him closely, feed the fire to the full, let the flames rise, and the generous lord refulgent would lead you to the heights of prosperity and excellence. (Rg. 7-16-11)

· · ·

1.2.1.2

प्रैतु ब्रह्मणस्पतिः प्र देव्येतु सूनृता । अच्छा वीरं नर्यं पङ्क्तिराधसं देवा यज्ञं नयन्तु नः ॥५६॥

May the lord of divine knowledge move forward. May the lady scholar of divine truth and law move forward. May the generous and brilliant men of yajna carry and conduct our yajnas of the achievement of manly heroes for five-fold gifts of wealth and wellbeing. (Rg. 1-40-3)

· · ·

1.2.1.3

ऊर्ध्व ऊ षु ण ऊतये तिष्ठा देवो न सविता । ऊर्ध्वो वाजस्य सनिता यदञ्जिभिर्वाघद्भिर्विह्वयामहे ॥५७॥

Agni, lord of light and life, brilliant as the sun, stay high with grace in glory for our protection and progress. Rise high as the hero of life's battles of honour and prosperity. It is for the reason of your glory and generosity that we invoke and pray to you alongwith the scholars with holy offers of yajna and celebration. (Rg. 1-36-13)

· · ·

1.2.1.4

प्र यो राये निनीषति मर्तो यस्ते वसो दाशत् । स वीरं धत्ते अग्न उक्थशꣳसिनं त्मना सहस्रपोषिणम् ॥५८॥

O Giver of light, wealth and power of life, Agni, the mortal who offers to serve you with self-surrender and gives in charity and whom you lead on the path of prosperity and rectitude is blest with progeny celebrated in song for his thousandfold generosity. (Rg. 8-103-4)

· · ·

1.2.1.5

प्र वो यह्वं पुरूणां विशां देवयतीनाम् । अग्निꣳ सूक्तेभिर्वचोभिर्वृणीमहे यꣳसमिदन्य इन्धते ॥५९॥

With songs of praise and words of worship we adore Agni, Lord and light of the universe, whom other devotees too adore in many ways, and we pray to the lord of light and power and instant action, worthy of the love and devotion of many people far and wide who are seekers of divine knowledge and bliss for themselves. (Rg. 1-36-1)

· · ·

1.2.1.6

अयमग्निः सुवीर्यस्येशे हि सौभगस्य । राय ईशे स्वपत्यस्य गोमत ईशे वृत्रहथानाम् ॥६०॥

Agni, the ruler, rules strength and power, heroes and warriors of the world, rules the greatness and grandeur of good fortune, rules the wealth of nations, rules the families blest with children of noble character, rules the master of cows, land, and knowledge and language, and rules and controls those who destroy the darkness of ignorance and hoarders of wealth. (Rg. 3- 16-1)

· · ·

1.2.1.7

त्वमग्ने गृहपतिस्त्वꣳ होता नो अध्वरे । त्वं पोता विश्ववार प्रचेता यक्षि यासि च वार्यम् ॥६१॥

Agni, fiery and enlightened ruling power of nature and humanity, you are the protective and promotive head of the family and the home land. You are the receiver and giver of every thing in the loving and non-violent business of the nation's governance and administration. You are the purifier, sanctifier and giver of enlightenment universally adored. You organise, accomplish and pervade the yajnic business of life and living together by choice and common will. (Rg. 7-16-5)

· · ·

1.2.1.8

सखायस्त्वा ववृमहे देवं मर्तास ऊतये । अपां नपातꣳ सुभगꣳ सुदꣳससꣳ सुप्रतूर्तिमनेहसम् ॥६२॥

Agni, lord of brilliance, friends we are, human, mortals all. We choose you as our guide and leader for the sake of protection and victory. You are immortal, imperishable in the flow of existence and the flux of karma, treasure home of good fortune, auspicious flame of inspiration, faster than light and free from sin and violence. (Rg. 3-9-1)

· · ·

8.1.6.1

आ याहि सुषुमा हि त इन्द्र सोमं पिबा इमम् । एदं बर्हिः सदो मम ॥६६६॥

Indra, lord omnipotent and omnipresent, we hold the yajna and distil the soma of life in your service. Come, grace this holy seat of my yajna dedicated to you, watch my performance, enjoy the soma, and protect and promote the yajna for the beauty and joy of life.

· · ·

8.1.6.2

आ त्वा ब्रह्मयुजा हरी वहतामिन्द्र केशिना । उप ब्रह्माणि नः शृणु ॥६६७॥

Let the radiant waves of cosmic energy engaged in the service of divinity bring you here. Pray listen to our songs of prayer and adoration. (Rg. 8-17-2)

· · ·

8.1.6.3

ब्रह्माणस्त्वा युजा वयꣳ सोमपामिन्द्र सोमिनः । सुतावन्तो हवामहे ॥६६८॥

Dedicated to divinity and the divine voice, meditating on the divine presence with concentrated mind and soul, living in truth the beauty of life and expressing the ecstasy of soma, we invoke and wait for Indra, original maker and lover of soma, to come and bless us. (Rg. 8-17-3)

✦ Sukta 7 · 13 verses ✦

1.2.2.1

आ जुहोता हविषा मर्जयध्वं नि होतारं गृहपतिं दधिध्वम् । इडस्पदे नमसा रातहव्यꣳ सपर्यता यजतं पस्त्यानाम् ॥६३

Honour and adore Agni with havi, adorn embellish and develop this power of yajna, establish this chief of yajna and presiding spirit of the home in place, and serve this receiver and giver of the gifts of yajna on the vedi with humble submission as the most honoured member of the family.

· · ·

1.2.2.2

चित्र इच्छिशोस्तरुणस्य वक्षथो न यो मातरावन्वेति धातवे । अनूधा यदजीजनदधा चिदा ववक्षत्सद्यो महि दूत्यां३चरन् ॥६४॥

Wondrous is the invigorating and sustaining power of the newly risen youthful Agni which never goes to its parental source for food and energy replenishment. And if you say that the udderless creator has given it birth, even so, going on its great ambassadorial mission, it carries the fragrant message of yajna to the divinities immediately on its birth. (Rg. 10-115-1)

· · ·

1.2.2.3

इदं त एकं पर उ त एकं तृतीयेन ज्योतिषा सं विशस्व । संवेशनस्तन्वे३चारुरेधि प्रियो देवानां परमे जनित्रे ॥६५॥

This (body, this life time) is one mode of your existence. The one next (mind and karma) is another such. By the third (spiritual and meditative life), O man, join you with life eternal. On merging of the soul, happy and darling of the divinities, be free in the presence of the supreme creator of the world. (Rg. 10-56-1) Another interpretation is that one manifestation of Agni is as fire on the earth, the second is as vayu or electric energy in the middle region, and the third is as light in the solar region.

· · ·

1.2.2.4

इमꣳ स्तोममर्हते जातवेदसे रथमिव सं महेमा मनीषया । भद्रा हि नः प्रमतिरस्य सꣳसद्यग्ने सख्ये मा रिषामा वयं तव ॥६६॥

This song of celebration and worship in honour of venerable Jataveda, Agni, omnipresent in the created world and lord omniscient, we sing in praise of his glory with our mind and soul in sincerity and offer it to him as a joyous holiday chariot fit for his majesty. Blessed is our mind in his company, while we sit in the assembly of devotees. Agni, lord of light and knowledge, we pray, may we never come to suffering while we enjoy your company and friendship. (Rg. 1-94-1)

· · ·

1.2.2.5

मूर्धानं दिवो अरतिं पृथिव्या वैश्वानरमृत आ जातमग्निम् । कविꣳ सम्राजमतिथिं जनानामासन्नः पात्रं जनयन्त देवाः ॥६७॥

The divinities of nature and humanity light the sacred fire: supreme light of heaven, vital fire of life of the earth, Vaishvanara, leader and energiser of the world, born of cosmic law and the fire of cosmic yajna. It is the visionary, even the revolutionary, poet, ruler of the world, sacred as a chance visitor, voice of the people, sustainer of life and its order. (Rg. 6-7-1)

· · ·

1.2.2.6

वि त्वदापो न पर्वतस्य पृष्ठादुक्थेभिरग्ने जनयन्त देवाः । तं त्वा गिरः सुष्टुतयो वाजयन्त्याजिं न गिर्ववाहो जिग्युरश्वाः ॥६८॥

Agni, lord of beneficence sung and celebrated in hymns of holiness, just as warriors rush to battle for victory, so do joyous holy yajakas and celebrants eager for karmic action and life's victory hasten to you with homage and yajnas performed with these hymns of praise and songs of adoration, and then, just as rain showers pour from the heights of clouds and streams flow down from the top of mountains, so do fruits of piety and gifts of divine grace shower down and flow, from you. (Rg. 6-24-6)

· · ·

1.2.2.7

आ वो राजानमध्वरस्य रुद्रꣳ होतारꣳ सत्ययजꣳ रोदस्योः । अग्निं पुरा तनयित्नोरचित्ताद्धिरण्यरूपमवसे कृणुध्वम् ॥६९॥

All ye people of the land, before the unexpected and inconceivable thunder and lightning, light the fire and, for the protection and advancement of your peaceful, non-violent yajnic social order in the midst of heaven and earth, appoint the golden gloried ruler, a very Rudra, saviour of the good, a terror for the evil, hota, a yajaka and not a grabber or hoarder, but one inviolably dedicated to truth and Dharma. (Rg. 4-3-1)

· · ·

1.2.2.8

इन्धे राजा समर्यो नमोभिर्यस्य प्रतीकमाहुतं घृतेन । नरो हव्येभिरीडते सबाध आग्निरग्रमुषसामशोचि ॥७०॥

The spirit of life, Agni, which the ruling leader challenging the battle of life kindles with faith, reverence and fragrant oblations, feeding its physical symbol, the yajnic fire, with ghrta, honour and dignity of life, the leading lights of the nation take over, augment it and celebrate it with the best offers of yajna, and then, just as the light of the sun earlier obstructed by nightly darkness rises and shines with the dawns in advance of the day, so does the spirit of the nation earlier suppressed arise on the clarion call of yajna. (Rg. 7-8-1)

· · ·

1.2.2.9

प्र केतुना बृहता यात्यग्निरा रोदसी वृषभो रोरवीति । दिवश्चिदन्तादुपमामुदानडपामुपस्थे महिषो ववर्ध ॥७१॥

Agni, mighty abundant power and presence, goes forward with lofty lightning force and banner roaring over heaven and earth. It goes to the very heights and bounds of heaven in all directions and sub-directions and pervades in the middle regions in the depth of vapours and the mighty one grows mightier there at the heart of clouds. (Rg. 10-8-1)

· · ·

1.2.2.10

अग्निं नरो दीधितिभिररण्योर्हस्तच्युतं जनयत प्रशस्तम् । दूरेदृशं गृहपतिमथव्युम् ॥७२॥

O leading lights of yajna, let the people produce fire by the heated friction of arani woods done with the manual motion of hands. Fire is an admirable power seen from afar and shining far and wide, sustaining home life like a guardian but otherwise silent, implicit in nature and non-violent. Further create this domestic energy by your acts of research and intelligence. (Rg. 7-1-1)

· · ·

8.1.7.1

इन्द्राग्नी आ गतꣳ सुतं गीर्भिर्नभो वरेण्यम् । अस्य पातं धियेषिता ॥६६९॥

Indra and Agni, lord of might and lord of light, brilliant and blazing like thunder and lightning, come to this child worthy of love and choice, come with voices from the heavens and inspire the darling with intelligence and passion for action. (Rg. 3-12-1)

· · ·

8.1.7.2

इन्द्राग्नी जरितुः सचा यज्ञो जिगाति चेतनः । अया पातमिमꣳ सुतम् ॥६७०॥

Indra, lord of wealth and power, Agni, lord of light and knowledge, friends of the supplicant celebrant, the child is yajna, worthy of love, dedication and consecration, sensitive and intelligent, and moves forward to learn. Nurture him with the holy voice and the Word. (Rg. 3-12-2)

· · ·

8.1.7.3

इन्द्रमग्निं कविच्छदा यज्ञस्य जूत्या वृणे । ता सोमस्येह तृम्पताम् ॥६७१॥

I choose Indra and Agni, both patrons and promoters of poets, with holy enthusiasm such as the fire of yajna. May they both come here, have a drink of soma, and bless the child. (Rg. 3-12-3)

✦ Sukta 8 · 11 verses ✦

1.2.3.1

अबोध्यग्निः समिधा जनानां प्रति धेनुमिवायतीमुषासम् । यह्वा इव प्र वयामुज्जिहानाः प्र भानवः सस्रते नाकमच्छ ॥७३॥

Agni is seen and known while rising by the burning samidhas lighted by the yajakas at dawn coming up like a cow early in the morning, and the flames, like branches of a mighty tree, rise brilliantly and touch the sky where there is no pain, no darkness. (Rg. 5-1-1)

· · ·

1.2.3.2

प्र भूर्जयन्तं महां विपोधां मूरैरमूरं पुरां दर्माणम् । नयन्तं गीर्भिर्वना धियं धा हरिश्मश्रुं न वर्मणा धनर्चिम् ॥७४॥

Earnest men of love, passion and faith, but, being human, limited in intelligence, hold at heart, worship and serve Agni pervading and dominating the world of existence, great, sustainer of the vibrant wise, all knowing and wise, breaker of the strongholds of negativity and darkness, the original seed and source of life, beatific, supremely intelligent, golden flamed and divinely adorable. Men hold at heart, worship and serve this omnipresent Agni being more dynamic than the dynamics of nature, the instant presence that it is. (Rg. 10-46-5)

· · ·

1.2.3.3

शुक्रं ते अन्यद्यजतं ते अन्यद्विषुरूपे अहनी द्यौरिवासि । विश्वा हि माया अवसि स्वधावन्भद्रा ते पूषन्निह रातिरस्तु ॥७५॥

O Pusha, giver of nourishment for body, mind and soul, you are the light of the world as the sun. Two are the forms of your beauty and glory, both different yet alike like the twin forms of the day: one is bright and inspiring, the other is soothing sweet adorable as the night. Lord of your own essential might, you animate, inspire, preserve and promote all intelligence, energy and powers of the world community. We pray, may your gifts of generosity be good for all in this world. (Rg. 6-58-1)

· · ·

1.2.3.4

इडामग्ने पुरुदꣳसꣳ सनिं गोः शश्वत्तमꣳ हवमानाय साध । स्यान्नः सूनुस्तनयो विजावाग्ने सा ते सुमतिर्भूत्वस्मे ॥७६॥

Agni, lord of heaven and earth, give us, we pray, the abundance of mother earth which overflows with possibilities of action and achievement. Give us liberal gifts of cows and the universal form of speech and knowledge and lasting wealth. Make it possible for the performer of yajna. Bless us with brave and heroic children and grand children. Bless us with the favour of your kindness and benevolence under your benign eye. (Rg. 3-6-11)

· · ·

1.2.3.5

प्र होता जातो महान्नभोविन्नृषद्मा सीददपां विवर्ते । दधद्यो धायी सुते वयाꣳसि यन्ता वसूनि विधते तनूपाः ॥७७॥

High priest of the cosmic yajna of creation, universally self-manifested, great and glorious, pervasive in space and things even beyond the senses, abiding in the heart and soul of humanity, Agni rolls at the heart of the dynamics of existence. O man, the omnipresent light of the universe which holds, controls and sustains everything is celebrated in the Vedas and worshipped at heart. It is Agni, sustainer of the individual body and the cosmic form, ruler and controller of everything, that bears and brings you all food and energies and blesses you with all wealth, honour and excellence of life. (Rg.

10-46-1)

· · ·

1.2.3.6

प्र सम्राजमसुरस्य प्रशस्तं पुꣳसः कृष्टीनामनुमाद्यस्य । इन्द्रस्येव प्र तवसस्कृतानि वन्दद्वारा वन्दमाना विवष्टु ॥७८॥

Let us speak in honour of the universal Vaishvanara, leading artist and light of the world: I honour and celebrate the glory of the self-refulgent, generous, virile, beloved hero of the nations like Indra of mighty exploits, the sun, joy of the world. (Rg. 7-6-1)

· · ·

1.2.3.7

अरण्योर्निहितो जातवेदा गर्भ इवेत्सुभृतो गर्भिणीभिः । दिवेदिव ईड्यो जागृवद्भिर्हविष्मद्भिर्मनुष्येभिरग्निः ॥७९॥

Agni, immanent in everything in existence, it is hidden in the two arani woods (the lower base and the upper churner), like the embryo neatly nestled in the womb of pregnant mothers. Agni is worthy of love and reverence, and it ought to be generated by people who are alert and awake and possess the right inputs and apparatuses in plenty. (Rg. 3-29-2)

· · ·

1.2.3.8

सनादग्ने मृणसि यातुधानान्न त्वा रक्षाꣳसि पृतनासु जिग्युः । अनु दह सहमूरान्कयादो मा ते हेत्या मुक्षत दैव्यायाः ॥८०॥

Agni, you destroy the oppressors since time immorial. Never can the evil dominate over you in their battles against the good. Let the flesh eaters alongwith the cruel and wicked be destroyed, and may they never escape the strike of your divine punishment and natural retribution. (Rg. 10-87-19)

· · ·

8.1.8.1

उच्चा ते जातमन्धसो दिवि सद्भूम्या ददे । उग्रꣳ शर्म महि श्रवः ॥६७२॥

O Soma, high is your renown, great your peace and pleasure, born and abiding in heaven, and the gift of your energy and vitality, the earth receives as the seed and food of life. (Rg. 9-61-10)

· · ·

8.1.8.2

स न इन्द्राय यज्यवे वरुणाय मरुद्भ्यः । वरिवोवित्परि स्रव ॥६७३॥

Soma, lord of peace and purity, power and piety, creator, controller and commander of the entire wealth of life, flow on by the dynamics of nature and bless us for the benefit of power and glory, yajna and unity among the yajakas, judgement and right values and the vibrant forces of law and order. (Rg. 9-61-12)

· · ·

8.1.8.3

एना विश्वान्यर्य आ द्युम्नानि मानुषाणाम् । सिषासन्तो वनामहे ॥६७४॥

Soma is the lord of humanity and the earth. By virtue of him and of him, we ask and pray for all food, energy, honour and excellence for humanity, serving him and sharing all the benefits together. (Rg.9-61-11)

✦ Sukta 9 · 12 verses ✦

1.2.4.1

अग्न ओजिष्ठमा भर द्युम्नमस्मभ्यमध्रिगो । प्र नो राये पनीयसे रत्सि वाजाय पन्थाम् ॥८१॥

Agni, irresistible power of motion and advancement for the aspirants, bring us the most brilliant honour and excellence of life. Bless us with abundant wealth, open the path of progress and guide us on the way. (Rg. 5-10-1)

· · ·

1.2.4.2

यदि वीरो अनु ष्यादग्निमिन्धीत मर्त्यः । आजुह्वद्धव्यमानुषक्शर्म भक्षीत दैव्यम् ॥८२

If a person is brave and zealous, lights the fire, then offers havi into the vedi with surrender, the mortal would have the lasting gift of divine peace and prosperity.

· · ·

1.2.4.3

त्वेषस्ते धूम ऋण्वति दिवि सं च्छुक्र आततः । सूरो न हि द्युता त्वं कृपा पावक रोचसे ॥८३॥

Shining bright and rising high, your flames and fragrance reach unto the height of heaven. O pure and purifying fire, with light and splendour you shine like the sun. (Rg. 6-2-6)

· · ·

1.2.4.4

त्वꣳहि क्षैतवद्यशोऽग्ने मित्रो न पत्यसे । त्वं विचर्षणे श्रवो वसो पुष्टिं न पुष्यसि ॥८४॥

Agni, leading light of life, like an inmate of our earthly home, like a friend for sure you protect, promote and sustain our honour and excellence. O watchful observer of all, our haven and home, you preserve and advance our food and energy, honour and fame, like our body's vitality. (Rg. 6-2-1)

· · ·

1.2.4.5

प्रातरग्निः पुरुप्रियो विश स्तवेतातिथिः । विश्वे यस्मिन्नमर्त्ये हव्यं मर्तास इन्धते ॥८५॥

Let Agni, beloved of all people, freely roaming around as a visitor, be welcomed and honoured early morning, immortal power into which all the mortals, people of the world, offer homage of fragrant havi. (Rg. 5-18-1)

· · ·

1.2.4.6

यद्वाहिष्ठं तदग्नये बृहदर्च विभावसो । महिषीव त्वद्रयिस्त्वद्वाजा उदीरते ॥८६॥

The fastest transport, fastest communication, lightning adoration is for Agni, lord of light and power. Shine high and wide and intense, blazing power, and as all greatness and grandeur flows from you, so do all wealth, all energy and all victories flow from you. (Rg. 5-25-7)

· · ·

1.2.4.7

विशोविशो वो अतिथिं वाजयन्तः पुरुप्रियम् । अग्निं वो दुर्यं वचः स्तुषे शूषस्य मन्मभिः ॥८७॥

O people of the world, seekers of light and advancement by every community for every community, for the sake of you all, with sincere thoughts and resounding words, I adore Agni, holy power, your homely friend loved by all for the common good. (Rg. 8-74-1)

· · ·

1.2.4.8

बृहद्वयो हि भानवेऽर्चा देवायाग्नये । यं मित्रं न प्रशस्तये मर्तासो दधिरे पुरः ॥८८॥

For heat and light, energy and power, and for vision and excellence in life, study, develop and revere that mighty inexhaustible Agni with vast and rich inputs, which, like a friend, people have lighted and instituted as a prime and divine power with high praise and celebrations since the earliest times. (Rg. 5-16-1)

· · ·

1.2.4.9

अगन्म वृत्रहन्तमं ज्येष्ठमग्निमानवम् । य स्म श्रुतर्वन्नार्क्षे बृहदनीक इध्यते ॥८९॥

Let us rise and reach Agni, highest divinity, greatest destroyer of evil and darkness and friend of humanity, which shines with mighty blaze in the universal sun in the midst of the stars. (Rg. 8-74-4)

· · ·

1.2.4.10

जातः परेण धर्मणा यत्सवृद्भिः सहाभुवः । पिता यत्कश्यपस्याग्निः श्रद्धा माता मनुः कविः ॥९०

Manifested in existence by supreme law of Dharma, coexistent with its highest concomitant natural powers, Agni, father protector of the soul and pranic energy, omniscient visionary and law giver, emerges in human consciousness from Shraddha, inviolable faith, which is the genitor of divine consciousness.

· · ·

8.1.9.1

पुनानः सोम धारयापो वसानो अर्षसि । आ रत्नधा योनिमृतस्य सीदस्युत्सो देवो हिरण्ययः ॥६७५॥

O Soma, pure and purifying our thought, will and actions, abiding in the heart, you move and flow on in our consciousness. Bearing treasures of jewels, pray come and sit on the seat of yajna vedi and our sense of truth and eternal law. Indeed, O lord refulgent, you are the fountain head of life's golden treasures.(Rg.9-107-4)

· · ·

8.1.9.2

दुहान ऊधर्दिव्यं मधु प्रियं प्रत्नꣳ सधस्थमासदत् । आपृच्छ्यं धरुणं वाज्यर्षसि नृभिर्धौतो विचक्षणः ॥६७६॥

Giver of fulfilment, treasure trove of life's sustaining milk, yielding celestial dear honey sweets of living strength and joy, pervasive in its eternal universal loved seat, all conqueror all watching and knowing, when moved by meditative celebrants, Soma radiates and vibrates in the faithful heart of earnest seekers. (Rg. 9-107-5)

✦ Sukta 10 · 9 verses ✦

1.2.5.1

सोमꣳ राजानं वरुणमग्निमन्वारभामहे । आदित्यं विष्णुꣳ सूर्यं ब्रह्माणं च बृहस्पतिम् ॥९१॥

We invoke adore brilliant Soma, Varuna, exhilarating spirit of peace and justice for protection and progress, Agni, spirit of light and warmth of life, with holy words and songs of devotion. We invoke and adore the Adityas, brilliant powers of enlightenment, Vishnu, lord omniscient and omnipresent awareness, Surya, self-refulgent divine source of light, Brahma, Divine and the sage of divinity, and Brhaspati, Lord Infinite and the scholar visionary of divinity. (Rg. 10- 141-3)

· · ·

1.2.5.2

इत एत उदारुहन्दिवः पृष्ठान्या रुहन् । प्र भूर्जयो यथा पथोद्यामङ्गिरसो ययुः ॥९२

Just as winners of the earth march forward by paths of freedom so do these adventurers of the spirit rise from here by stages to the heights of heaven and reach the realm of freedom and divine bliss in Moksha.

· · ·

1.2.5.3

राये अग्ने महे त्वा दानाय समिधीमहि । ईडिष्वा हि महे वृषन् द्यावा होत्राय पृथिवी ॥९३

Agni, divinity self-refulgent and omnificent, we kindle the yajna fire together for the gift of great wealth, power and excellence. O generous lord of showers, pray inspire, energise and fertilise heaven and earth with abundance of food and energy so that we may continue the yajnic process of creation and production.

· · ·

1.2.5.4

दधन्वे वा यदीमनु वोचद्ब्रह्मेति वेरु तत् । परि विश्वानि काव्या नेमिश्चक्रमिवाभुवत् ॥९४॥

He holds and controls the waters of life, and He reveals the universal knowledge of existence, the Veda. And He knows that world of existence and comprehends the cosmic system and its working. Thus He holds and controls its working just as the centre-hold of the wheel and the rim hold the structure and control the movement of the wheel. (Rg. 2-5-3)

· · ·

1.2.5.5

प्रत्यग्ने हरसा हरः शृणाहि विश्वतस्परि । यातुधानस्य रक्षसो बलं न्युब्ज वीर्यम् ॥९५॥

Agni, universal spirit of light and fire, creator, protector and destroyer, refulgent ruler of nature, life and society, with your love and passion for life and goodness and with your wrath against evil, sabotage and negativity, seize, cripple and all round destroy the strength, vigour, valour and resistance of the negative and destructive forces of evil and wickedness, lurking, working and persisting in nature, life and society. Save the good and destroy the demons. (Rg. 10-87-25)

· · ·

1.2.5.6

त्वमग्ने वसूꣳरिह रुद्राꣳ आदित्याꣳ उत । यजा स्वध्वरं जनं मनुजातं घृतप्रुषम् ॥९६॥

Agni, lord of light and knowledge, sagely scholar of wisdom and piety, bring together into this yajna of love and non-violence the people, children of reflective humanity, who sprinkle the vedi with holy water and offer ghee into the fire. Bring together the celibate scholars of twenty four, thirty six and forty eight years discipline and perform yajna in honour of the Vasus, eight abodes of life in nature, Rudras, eleven vitalities of life, and Adityas, twelve phases of the yearly round of the sun. (Rg. 1-45-1)

· · ·

8.1.10.1

प्र तु द्रव परि कोशं नि षीद नृभिः पुनानो अभि वाजमर्ष । अश्वं न त्वा वाजिनं मर्जयन्तोऽच्छा बर्ही रशनाभिर्नयन्ति ॥६७७॥

O Soma, radiate, flow into the sanctity of the heart and sink into the soul of the devotee. Adored by the yajakas on the vedi, let the showers of joy stream forth. The celebrants, exalting your power and presence, invoke and invite you like energy itself with adorations to the grass seats of the yajna. (Rg. 9-87-1)

· · ·

8.1.10.2

स्वायुधः पवते देव इन्दुरशस्तिहा वृजना रक्षमाणः । पिता देवानां जनिता सुदक्षो विष्टम्भो दिवो धरुणः पृथिव्याः ॥६७८॥

Divine Indu, light of life, equipped with noble arms, destroyer of scandal and malignity, protector of yajna vedi against crookedness and intrigue, flows pure and purifying. It is the generator and sustainer of the divine powers of nature and humanity, perfect and expert original agent of action, pillar of heaven and foundation support of the earth. (Rg. 9-87-2)

· · ·

8.1.10.3

ऋषिर्विप्रः पुरएता जनानामृभुर्धीर उशना काव्येन । स चिद्विवेद निहितं यदासामपीच्या३ꣳ गुह्यं नाम गोनाम् ॥६७९॥

Divine seer, vibrant and sagely power, potent maker, stable of will and action, Soma is brilliant with innate vision and wisdom. He alone knows what is the hidden secret and mystery of these stars and planets. (Rg. 9-87-3)

✦ Sukta 11 · 2 verses ✦

8.1.11.1

अभि त्वा शूर नोनुमोऽदुग्धा इव धेनवः । ईशानमस्य जगतः स्वर्दृशमीशानमिन्द्र तस्थुषः ॥६८०॥

O lord almighty, we adore you and wait for your blessings as lowing cows not yet milked wait for the master. Indra, lord of glory, you are ruler of the moving world and you are ruler of the unmoving world and your vision is bliss. (Rg. 7-32-22)

· · ·

8.1.11.2

न त्वावाꣳ अन्यो दिव्यो न पार्थिवो न जातो न जनिष्यते । अश्वायन्तो मघवन्निन्द्र वाजिनो गव्यन्तस्त्वा हवामहे ॥६८१॥

There is none other like you, neither heavenly nor earthly, neither born nor yet to be born. O lord of power and glory, we invoke you and pray for veteran scholars, dynamic scientists and technologists and the light of the divine Word of knowledge. (Rg. 7-32-23)

✦ Sukta 12 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.12.1

कया नश्चित्र आ भुवदूती सदावृधः सखा । कया शचिष्ठया वृता ॥६८२॥

When would the Lord, sublime and wondrous, ever greater, ever friendly, shine in our consciousness and bless us? With what gifts of protection and promotion? What highest favour of our choice? What order of grace? (Rg. 4-31-1)

· · ·

8.1.12.2

कस्त्वा सत्यो मदानां मꣳहिष्ठो मत्सदन्धसः । दृढा चिदारुजे वसु ॥६८३॥

What is the truest and highest of joys and foods for body, mind and soul that may please you? What wealth and value of life to help you break through the limitations and settle on the rock-bed foundation of permanence? (Rg. 4-31-2)

· · ·

8.1.12.3

अभी षु णः सखीनामविता जरितॄणाम् । शतं भवास्यूतये ॥६८४॥

Friend of friends and protector of celebrants you are, come and bless us too with a hundred modes of protection and advancement. Be ours, O lord ! (Rg.4-31-3)

✦ Sukta 13 · 2 verses ✦

8.1.13.1

तं वो दस्ममृतीषहं वसोर्मन्दानमन्धसः । अभि वत्सं न स्वसरेषु धेनव इन्द्रं गीर्भिर्नवामहे ॥६८५॥

We invoke and call upon Indra eagerly as cows call for their calves in the stalls, and with songs of adoration over night and day we glorify him, lord glorious, omnipotent power fighting for truth against evil forces, and exhilarated with the bright soma of worship offered by celebrant humanity. (Rg. 8-88-1)

· · ·

8.1.13.2

द्युक्षꣳ सुदानुं तविषीभिरावृतं गिरिं न पुरुभोजसम् । क्षुमन्तं वाजꣳ शतिनꣳ सहस्रिणं मक्षू गोमन्तमीमहे ॥६८६॥

We pray to Indra, lord of light, omnificent, hallowed with heavenly glory, universally generous like clouds of shower, and we ask for food abounding in strength and nourishment and for hundredfold and thousandfold wealth and prosperity abounding in lands, cows and the graces of literature and culture, and we pray for the gift instantly. (Rg. 8-88-2)

✦ Sukta 14 · 2 verses ✦

8.1.14.1

तरोभिर्वो विदद्वसुमिन्द्रꣳ सबाध ऊतये । बृहद्गायन्तः सुतसोमे अध्वरे हुवे भरं न कारिणम् ॥६८७॥

In the yajna of love and non-violence where everything is perfect and soma is distilled, I invoke Indra like Abundance itself, giver of wealth, honour and fulfilment. Singing songs of adoration with energy and enthusiasm for your protection and progress, O devotees, celebrate Indra who brings wealth, honour and excellence at the earliest by fastest means. (Rg.8-66-1)

· · ·

8.1.14.2

न यं दुध्रा वरन्ते न स्थिरा मुरो मदेषु शिप्रमन्धसः । य आदृत्या शशमानाय सुन्वते दाता जरित्र उक्थ्यम् ॥६८८॥

Indra whom none can stop in his state of ecstasy and abundant charity, neither the impetuous, nor the constant, nor demon nor mortal, Indra who is the giver of cherished wealth and joy to the celebrant, the creator of soma and the zealous worshipper with deep reverence and homage. (Rg. 8-66-2)

✦ Sukta 15 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.15.1

स्वादिष्ठया मदिष्ठया पवस्व सोम धारया । इन्द्राय पातवे सुतः ॥६८९॥

O Soma, Spirit of Divinity, peace and glory of existence distilled in the essence for the soul's being, flow in the sweetest and most exhilarating streams of ecstasy, cleanse and sanctify us unto purity and constancy, and initiate us into the state of ananda, divine glory. (Rg.9-1-1)

(Soma in the physical sense is an exhilarating drink, in the aesthetic sense it is ecstasy, in the psychic sense it is ananda, and in the spiritual sense it is elevation of the soul to the experience of divinity. It is the peace, purity and glory of life, any power physical, social or divine that leads to satyam (truth), shivam (goodness), and sundaram (beauty) of life, anything, power and person that gives us an experience of sacchidananda, the real, the intelligent and the blissful state of the life divine. In short, Soma is satyam, shivam and sundaram, the sat, the chit and the ananda of life. It is not restricted to a particular herb and a particular drink. The meaning of soma is open-ended on the positive side of life and living joy.)

· · ·

8.1.15.2

रक्षोहा विश्वचर्षणिरभि योनिमयोहते । द्रोणे सधस्थमासदत् ॥६९०॥

You are the destroyer of negativity, destructivity and evil and darkness, you are universal watcher and guardian of all that is, you are centre of the origin and end of existence, veiled in impenetrable womb of gold, you are ever on the move yet settled and constant in the house of life. (Soma is Divinity Itself.) (Rg. 9-1-2)

· · ·

8.1.15.3

वरिवोधातमो भुवो मꣳहिष्ठो वृत्रहन्तमः । पर्षि राधो मघोनाम् ॥६९१॥

Be the highest giver of the cherished wealth of life, mightiest munificent, and the destroyer of want, suffering and darkness. Sanctify the wealth of the prosperous and powerful with showers of peace, purity and generosity. (Rg. 9-1-3)

✦ Sukta 16 · 2 verses ✦

8.1.16.1

पवस्व मधुमत्तम इन्द्राय सोम क्रतुवित्तमो मदः । महि द्युक्षतमो मदः ॥६९२॥

O Soma, sweetest honey spirit of light, action and joy, radiate purifying for Indra, the soul. You are the wisest spirit of the knowledge of holy action, greatest and most enlightened spirit of joy. (Rg. 9-108-1)

· · ·

8.1.16.2

यस्य ते पीत्वा वृषभो वृषायतेऽस्य पीत्वा स्वर्विदः । स सुप्रकेतो अभ्यक्रमीदिषोऽच्छा वाजं नैतशः ॥६९३॥

Having drunk of the Soma spirit of light, action and joy, Indra, the soul, overflows with strength and virile generosity. Having drunk of it, the soul receives the light of heavenly knowledge. And the soul, also, blest with inner light of spiritual awareness, rushes to achieve food, energy and enlightenment as a warrior wins the battle of his challenges. (Rg. 9-108-2)

✦ Sukta 17 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.17.1

इन्द्रमच्छ सुता इमे वृषणं यन्तु हरयः । श्रुष्टे जातास इन्दवः स्वर्विदः ॥६९४॥

May these realised, cleansed and confirmed, blessed, beautiful and brilliant virtues and sanskars touching the bounds of divine bliss, emerging and risen in the mind, well reach and seep into the heart core of the soul completely and permanently. (Rg. 9-106-1)

· · ·

8.1.17.2

अयं भराय सानसिरिन्द्राय पवते सुतः । सोमो जैत्रस्य चेतति यथा विदे ॥६९५॥

This Soma, competent and victorious for the battle of life, when realised, flows for Indra, the winning soul, and enlightens it about the world's reality as it is and as it knows. (Rg. 9-106-2)

· · ·

8.1.17.3

अस्येदिन्द्रो मदेष्वा ग्राभं गृभ्णाति सानसिम् । वज्रं च वृषणं भरत्समप्सुजित् ॥६९६॥

Under the inspiration and ecstasy of this soma of divine love, let the soul seize the victorious bow, take on the generous virile and mighty bolt of will and power of faith and win the target of the battle of Karma to the attainment of Divinity. (Rg. 9-106-3)

✦ Sukta 18 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.18.1

पुरोजिती वो अन्धसः सुताय मादयित्नवे । अप श्वानꣳ श्नथिष्टन सखायो दीर्घजिह्व्यम् ॥६९७॥

O friends, for your attainment of the purified and exhilarating Soma bliss of existence, eliminate vociferous disturbances of the mind and concentrate on the deep resounding voice of divinity. (Rg.9-101-1)

· · ·

8.1.18.2

यो धारया पावकया परिप्रस्यन्दते सुतः । इन्दुरश्वो न कृत्व्यः ॥६९८॥

Brilliant and blissful Soma, when, filtered and exhilarated, vibrates and flows in clear purifying streams like waves of energy itself. (Rg. 9-101-2)

· · ·

8.1.18.3

तं दुरोषमभी नरः सोमं विश्वाच्या धिया । यज्ञाय सन्त्वद्रयः ॥६९९॥

That blazing unassailable Soma, adorable in yajna, leading lights of rock-bed foundation invoke and impel with universal thought and speech, with controlled mental reflection for self-realisation. (Rg. 9-101-3)

✦ Sukta 19 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.19.1

अभि प्रियाणि पवते चनोहितो नामानि यह्वो अधि येषु वर्धते । आ सूर्यस्य बृहतो बृहन्नधि रथं विष्वञ्चमरुहद्विचक्षणः ॥७००॥

Soma, spirit of life and joy of existence, mighty, infinite, omnipresent, pervades and vitalises all dear beautiful systems of waters and light, expansive and exalted therein. Greater than the great, all watching, it rides the grand chariot of the sun which comprehends and illuminates the whole world. (Rg. 9-75-1)

· · ·

8.1.19.2

ऋतस्य जिह्वा पवते मधु प्रियं वक्ता पतिर्धियो अस्या अदाभ्यः । दधाति पुत्रः पित्रोरपीच्यां३ नाम तृतीयमधि रोचनं दिवः ॥७०१

The flame of yajna as the voice of eternal truth rises and expresses the dear delicious beauty and glory of Soma, spirit of universal light and bliss. The speaker and protector of the acts of yajna and Soma truth of life is fearless, undaunted. Just as progeny is the continuance and illumination of the honour and reverence of parents, so is yajna the progeny and illuminative soma of Soma refulgent in the third and highest region of the light of existence. (Rg. 9-75-2)

· · ·

8.1.19.3

अव द्युतानः कलशाꣳ अचिक्रदन्नृभिर्येमाणः कोश आ हिरण्यये । अभी ऋतस्य दोहना अनूषताधि त्रिपृष्ठ उषसो वि राजसि ॥७०२॥

Evoked and concentrated in the golden cave of the heart by veteran yogis, leading them to a vision of divinity, illuminating the sacred hearts, it vibrates and speaks loud and bold in the spirit. Those who distil the eternal truth of existence in their yajnic communion with divinity celebrate and exalt it in song as it abides over three regions of earth, heaven and the skies and shines over the glory of dawns. (Rg. 9-75-3)

✦ Sukta 20 · 2 verses ✦

8.1.20.1

यज्ञायज्ञा वो अग्नये गिरागिरा च दक्षसे । प्रप्र वयममृतं जातवेदसं प्रियं मित्रं न शꣳसिषम् ॥७०३॥

In every yajnic programme of your creative and constructive work, in every word of our voice, join and let us honour, appraise and develop agni, imperishable energy pervasive in all things of existence and adore Agni, omniscient and omnipresent lord giver of knowledge and enlightenment. (Rg. 6-48-1)

· · ·

8.1.20.2

ऊर्जो नपातꣳ स हिनायमस्मयुर्दाशेम हव्यदातये । भुवद्वाजेष्वविता भुवद्वृध उत त्राता तनूनाम् ॥७०४॥

Let us honour and serve Agni, infallible cosmic light and energy, power that is surely our own, lover and benefactor in matters of creation and development. May Agni be our protector and promoter in our struggles for progress and may he be the saviour and cleanser of our health of body, mind and social order. (Rg. 6-48-2)

✦ Sukta 21 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.21.1

एह्यू षु ब्रवाणि तेऽग्न इत्थेतरा गिरः । एभिर्वर्धास इन्दुभिः ॥७०५॥

Agni, leading light and pioneer, come, listen, thus do I speak in honour of you, and listen further to higher words, and rise higher with these words sweet and soothing like rays of the moon and exciting as draughts of soma. (Rg. 6-16-16)

· · ·

8.1.21.2

यत्र क्व च ते मनो दक्षं दधस उत्तरम् । तत्र योनिं कृणवसे ॥७०६॥

O leading light, where, wherever in fact, is your mind, there you hold your efficiency and identity, and there indeed you create your haven and home. (Rg. 6-16-17)

· · ·

8.1.21.3

न हि ते पूर्तमक्षिपद्भुवन्नेमानां पते । अथा दुवो वनवसे ॥७०७॥

Never is the perfection, abundance and fruitfulness of your food and sustenance ever wasted away, instead it increases, O haven and home of life and creator of its sustenance. Hence accept our homage and reverence. (Rg. 6-16-18)

✦ Sukta 22 · 2 verses ✦

8.1.22.1

वयमु त्वामपूर्व्य स्थूरं न कच्चिद्भरन्तोऽवस्यवः । वज्रिञ्चित्रꣳ हवामहे ॥७०८॥

O lord sublime, eternal, first and most excellent, we, bearing almost nothing substantial but praying for protection and advancement, invoke you in our battle of life for food, energy, knowledge and ultimate victory. (Rg. 8-21-1)

· · ·

8.1.22.2

उप त्वा कर्मन्नूतये स नो युवोग्रश्चक्राम यो धृषत् । त्वामिध्यवितारं ववृमहे सखाय इन्द्र सानसिम् ॥७०९॥

We approach you for protection and success in every undertaking. O lord youthful and blazing brave who can challenge and subdue any difficulty, pray come to our help. Indra, friends and admirers of yours, we depend on you alone as our sole saviour and victorious lord and choose to pray to you only as the lord supreme. (Rg. 8-21-2)

✦ Sukta 23 · 3 verses ✦

8.1.23.1

अधा हीन्द्र गिर्वण उप त्वा काम ईमहे ससृग्महे । उदेव ग्मन्त उदभिः ॥७१०॥

And O lord lover of song and celebration, Indra, we send up vaulting voices of ambition, adoration and prayer to you like wave on waves of the flood rolling upon the sea. (Rg. 8-98-7)

· · ·

8.1.23.2

वार्ण त्वा यव्याभिर्वर्धन्ति शूर ब्रह्माणि । वावृध्वाꣳसं चिदद्रिवो दिवेदिवे ॥७११॥

O lord of clouds and oceans of space, munificent and brave, expansive, boundless, infinite, like streams of water augmenting the sea, our songs of adoration exalt you wave on wave of flood day by day, the knowledge about you is unending. (Rg. 8-98-8)

· · ·

8.1.23.3

युञ्जन्ति हरी इषिरस्य गाथयोरौ रथ उरुयुगे वचोयुजा । इन्द्रवाहा स्वर्विदा ॥७१२॥

Two motive forces like chariot horses, controlled by word, carry Indra, the soul, in the wide yoked spacious body-chariot by the power of the adorations of the universal blissful mover, Indra, cosmic energy. (Rg. 8-98-9)

✦ Sukta 24 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.1.1

पान्तमा वो अन्धस इन्द्रमभि प्र गायत । विश्वासाहꣳ शतक्रतुं मꣳहिष्ठं चर्षणीनाम् ॥७१३॥

Sing in praise and appreciation of Indra, the ruler, protector of your food, sustenance and maintenance, all tolerant, all defender and all challenger, hero of a hundred noble actions and the best, most generous and most brilliant of the people. (Rg. 8-92-1)

· · ·

8.2.1.2

पुरुहूतं पुरुष्टुतं गाथान्या३ꣳसनश्रुतम् । इन्द्र इति ब्रवीतन ॥७१४॥

Call him by the name and title of 'Indra', invoked by many, adored by all, worthy of celebration in story, all time famous who is also a scholar of universal knowledge. (Rg. 8-92-2)

· · ·

8.2.1.3

इन्द्र इन्नो महोनां दाता वाजानां नृतुः । महाꣳ अभिज्ञ्वा यमत् ॥७१५॥

Indra is a happy and joyous leader, giver of a high order of living, energy and life's victories. May he, with love, courtesy and humility, lead us to life's greatness and glory. (Rg. 8-92-3)

✦ Sukta 25 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.2.1

प्र व इन्द्राय मादनꣳ हर्यश्वाय गायत । सखायः सोमपाव्ने ॥७१६॥

O friends, sing exciting songs of celebration in honour of Indra, your leader, commander of dynamic forces who loves the nation's honour and excellence and thirsts to celebrate the grandeur of it. (Rg. 7-31-1)

· · ·

8.2.2.2

शꣳसेदुक्थꣳ सुदानव उत द्युक्षं यथा नरः । चकृमा सत्यराधसे ॥७१७॥

Say adorable words of praise for Indra, generous giver, and sing heavenly songs for him as leading lights of the nation do. Let us too do the same honour to him, the great accomplisher of truth. (Rg. 7-31-2)

· · ·

8.2.2.3

त्वं न इन्द्र वाजयुस्त्वं गव्युः शतक्रतो । त्वꣳ हिरण्ययुर्वसो ॥७१८॥

Indra, glorious ruler, you are giver of peace and settlement, you are accomplisher of a hundred yajnic acts of truth, you are giver of victory and progress to us, you are lover of the land and culture and you are creator of golden wealth, honour and excellence. (Rg. 7-31-3)

✦ Sukta 26 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.3.1

वयमु त्वा तदिदर्था इन्द्र त्वायन्तः सखायः । कण्वा उक्थेभिर्जरन्ते ॥७१९॥

Indra, we too have the same aims and objectives as you. We are your friends and admirers. We know and wish to achieve, and with all words of praise and appreciation, we adore you as others, wise devotees, do. (Rg.8-2-16)

· · ·

8.2.3.2

न घेमन्यदा पपन वज्रिन्नपसो नविष्टौ । तवेदु स्तोमैश्चिकेत ॥७२०॥

Indra, lord of thunder and justice, in the beginning of a new plan, action or programme of holiness, I adore none else but only you. I know only one song of adoration and that is for you alone. (Rg. 8-2-17)

· · ·

8.2.3.3

इच्छन्ति देवाः सुन्वन्तं न स्वप्नाय स्पृहयन्ति । यन्ति प्रमादमतन्द्राः ॥७२१॥

Divines of brilliance and holy action love those engaged in creative actions of piety. They care not for dreams and love no dreamers. Active, wakeful and realistic beyond illusion, they achieve the joy of success in life. (Rg. 8-2-18)

✦ Sukta 27 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.4.1

इन्द्राय मद्वने सुतं परि ष्टोभन्तु नो गिरः । अर्कमर्च्चन्तु कारवः ॥७२२॥

Let all our voices of admiration flow and intensify the soma for the joy of Indra, and let the poets sing songs of adoration for him and celebrate his achievements. (Rg. 8-92-19)

· · ·

8.2.4.2

यस्मिन्विश्वा अधि श्रियो रणन्ति सप्त सꣳसदः । इन्द्रꣳ सुते हवामहे ॥७२३॥

In our soma yajna of life, in meditation, and in the holy business of living, we invoke Indra, in whom all beauties and graces abide, whom all the seven seers in yajna adore, in whom all five senses, mind and intelligence subside absorbed, and under whom all the seven assemblies of the world unite, meet and act. (Rg. 8-92-20)

· · ·

8.2.4.3

त्रिकद्रुकेषु चेतनं देवासो यज्ञमत्नत । तमिद्वर्धन्तु नो गिरः ॥७२४॥

In three modes of body, mind and soul, the devas, seven senses, the human consciousness and the noble yogis, concentrate on Indra, divine consciousness. In three regions of the universe, noble souls meditate on the universal consciousness of the divine Indra. Thus they perform the yajna of divinity in communion. May all our songs of adoration glorify that supreme consciousness, Indra. (Rg. 8-92-21)

✦ Sukta 28 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.5.1

अयं त इन्द्र सोमो निपूतो अधि बर्हिषि । एहीमस्य द्रवा पिब ॥७२५॥

Indra, this soma pure and sanctified on the holy grass of yajna vedi, is dedicated to you. Come fast, you would love it, drink and enjoy, and protect and promote it for the good of all. (Rg. 8-17-11)

· · ·

8.2.5.2

शाचिगो शाचिपूजनायꣳ रणाय ते सुतः । आखण्डल प्र हूयसे ॥७२६॥

Lord self-refulgent creator of stars and planets, glorious adorable, this cosmic soma of the universe of your creation is for the joy of life. Therefore, O lord imperishable, you are invoked and adored with love and faith. (Rg. 8-17-12)

· · ·

8.2.5.3

यस्ते शृङ्गवृषो णपात्प्रणपात्कुण्डपाय्यः । न्यस्मिन् दध्र आ मनः ॥७२७॥

O lord, the sun on high which neither falls nor allows others, planets and satellites, to fall is your creation and it is the protector and sustainer of the vault of heaven and the firmament. On this we meditate and concentrate our mind. (Rg. 8-17-13)

✦ Sukta 29 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.6.1

आ तू न इन्द्र क्षुमन्तं चित्रं ग्राभꣳ सं गृभाय । महाहस्ती दक्षिणेन ॥७२८॥

Lord of mighty arms, Indra, gather by your expert right hand abundant riches for us which may be full of nourishment, energy, wonderful beauty and grace worth having as a prize possession. (Rg. 8-81-1)

· · ·

8.2.6.2

विद्मा हि त्वा तुविकूर्मिं तुविदेष्णं तुवीमघम् । तुविमात्रमवोभिः ॥७२९॥

We know you as lord of universal action, all giving, treasure hold of unbounded wealth and boundless in power and presence with your favour and protections. (Rg. 8-81-2)

· · ·

8.2.6.3

न हि त्वा शूर देवा न मर्तासो दित्सन्तम् । भीमं न गां वारयन्ते ॥७३०॥

When you give to bless mankind, no one can stop you, O brave lord, neither mortals nor immortals, just as no one can resist the mighty sun. (Rg. 8-81-3)

✦ Sukta 30 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.7.1

अभि त्वा वृषभा सुते सुतꣳ सृजामि पीतये । तृम्पा व्यश्नुही मदम् ॥७३१॥

Lord of generous and creative power, when the yajna is on and soma is distilled, I prepare the cup and offer you the drink. Pray accept, drink to your heart's content and enjoy the ecstasy of bliss divine. (Rg. 8- 45-22)

· · ·

8.2.7.2

मा त्वा मूरा अविष्यवो मोपहस्वान आ दभन् । मा कीं ब्रह्मद्विषं वनः ॥७३२॥

Let the fools and scoffers never get round you, even if they profess that they are keen to please you, for protection and support. Never support the negationists of knowledge, piety, existence and divinity. (Rg. 8-45-23)

· · ·

8.2.7.3

इह त्वा गोपरीणसं महे मन्दन्तु राधसे । सरो गौरो यथा पिब ॥७३३॥

Here may devotees entertain you Indra, lover of light, with milk and soma for the achievement of great competence and success so that you may drink like the thirsty stag drinking at the pool. (Rg. 8-45-24)

✦ Sukta 31 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.8.1

इदम् वसो सुतमन्धः पिबा सुपूर्णमुदरम् । अनाभयिन्ररिमा ते ॥७३४॥

O lord of the world's treasure of wealth, honour and excellence, here is this exhilarating soma nectar of love and devotion distilled from the heart and soul. Pray drink of it to your heart's content. We offer it to you, lord beyond fear. (Rg. 8-2-1)

· · ·

8.2.8.2

नृभिर्धौतः सुतो अश्नैरव्या वारैः परिपूतः । अश्वो न निक्तो नदीषु ॥७३५॥

Stirred by best of men, crushed and filtered by men of adamantine character, purified and guarded by best of the brave, it is sparkling like sun rays reflected on the river waters. (Rg. 8-2-2)

· · ·

8.2.8.3

तं ते यवं यथा गोभिः स्वादुमकर्म श्रीणन्तः । इन्द्र त्वास्मिंत्सधमादे ॥७३६॥

That sparkling soma drink of devotion seasoned with barley, mixed with milk and cream, we, blenders, having prepared it, offer to you in this house of celebration. (Rg. 8-2-3)

✦ Sukta 32 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.9.1

इदꣳ ह्यन्वोजसा सुतꣳ राधानां पते । पिबा त्वा३स्य गिर्वणः ॥७३७॥

O lord and ruler of wealth, power and potential, drink the exciting soma of this generous yajamana, elaborately distilled with vigour and splendour and offered with the voice of homage and reverence. (Rg. 3-51-10)

· · ·

8.2.9.2

यस्ते अनु स्वधामसत्सुते नि यच्छ तन्वम् । स त्वा ममत्तु सोम्य ॥७३८॥

Indra, lord ruler of the world, whatever and whoever be in accord with your power and pleasure, pray control, direct, administer and order the bodypolitic into settled form, and may all that give you pleasure and satisfaction, lover and creator of soma peace as you are. (Rg. 3-51-11)

· · ·

8.2.9.3

प्र ते अश्नोतु कुक्ष्योः प्रेन्द्र ब्रह्मणा शिरः । प्र बाहू शूर राधसा ॥७३९॥

Indra, heroic lord ruler of the world, whatever you receive into the body of your treasury for asset and energy, may that wealth and energy inspire your mind with knowledge and enlightenment, and strengthen your arms for potential development of the wealth of nations. (Rg. 3-51-12)

✦ Sukta 33 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.10.1

आ त्वेता नि षीदतेन्द्रमभि प्र गायत । सखाय स्तोमवाहसः ॥७४०॥

Friends and celebrants of song divine, come, sit together and join to meditate (on life, divinity, humanity, science and spirituality, and freedom), and sing in thankful praise of Indra, lord of life and energy. (Rg. 1-5-1)

· · ·

8.2.10.2

पुरूतमं पुरूणामीशानं वार्याणाम् । इन्द्रꣳ सोमे सचा सुते ॥७४१॥

Friends and comrades in study and meditation, when you have distilled the essence of soma, life and spirit present at the heart of things, then sing in praise of Indra, closest at hand of things in heaven and earth, and ruler dispenser of the fruits of love and desire. (Rg. 1-5-2)

· · ·

8.2.10.3

स घा नो योग आ भुवत्स राये स पुरन्ध्या । गमद्वाजेभिरा स नः ॥७४२॥

Indra, life and energy of the universe, is at the heart of our meditation. That is the spirit and secret of the wealth of the world. That is the inspiration at the centre of our thought and intelligence. May that lord of life and energy come and bless us with gifts of knowledge and power in our joint endevours. (Rg. 1-5-3)

✦ Sukta 34 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.11.1

योगेयोगे तवस्तरं वाजेवाजे हवामहे । सखाय इन्द्रमूतये ॥७४३॥

Friends together and friends of Indra ever stronger and mightier, in every act of production and progress and in every battle for protection and preservation, we call upon Indra for defence and victory for well-being. (Rg. 1-30-7)

· · ·

8.2.11.2

अनु प्रत्नस्यौकसो हुवे तुविप्रतिं नरम् । यं ते पूर्वं पिता हुवे ॥७४४॥

I invoke and call upon the Primeval Man, eternal father, who creates this multitudinous existence from the eternal womb of nature, the same whom our original forefathers invoked and worshipped. (Rg. 1-30-9)

· · ·

8.2.11.3

आ घा गमद्यदि श्रवत्सहस्रिणीभिरूतिभिः । वाजेभिरुप नो हवम् ॥७४५॥

If Indra hears our call, let Him come, we pray, with a thousand ways of protection and progress of prosperity and well-being. (Rg. 1-30-8)

✦ Sukta 35 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.12.1

इन्द्र सुतेषु सोमेषु क्रतुं पुनीष उक्थ्यम् । विदे वृधस्य दक्षस्य महाꣳ हि षः ॥७४६॥

When a special yajnic programme for the realisation of special knowledge, power and expertise in a particular field is completed with hymns of thanks and praise to divinity, then Indra, lord omnipotent and omniscient, sanctifies the joint endeavour of holiness and blesses the programme with success. Great is he. (Rg. 8-13-1)

· · ·

8.2.12.2

स प्रथमे व्योमनि देवानाꣳ सदने वृधः । सुपारः सुश्रवस्तमः समप्सुजित् ॥७४७॥

At the first expansive manifestation of space, at the centre of all divine mutations of nature, he is the efficient cause of nature's evolution, supreme pilot, most abundant and most glorious, omnipotent victor over conflicts and negativities in the way of evolution of nature and humanity in relation to will and action. (Rg. 8-13-2)

· · ·

8.2.12.3

तमु हुवे वाजसातय इन्द्रं भराय शुष्मिणम् । भवा नः सुम्ने अन्तमः सखा वृधे ॥७४८॥

That Indra, potent and abundant, I invoke for victory in the race for life, for growth and fulfilment. O lord, be our friend, our innermost centre of conscience for our progress, peace and all round well being. (Rg. 8-13-3)

✦ Sukta 36 · 2 verses ✦

8.2.13.1

एना वो अग्निं नमसोर्जो नपातमा हुवे । प्रियं चेतिष्ठमरतिꣳ स्वध्वरं विश्वस्य दूतममृतम् ॥७४९॥

O people, for your sake, with food, homage and self-surrender, I invoke and serve Agni, giver of light and fire of life, product as well as the source of unfailing energy, strength and power, cherished and valuable friend, most enlightened and constant agent of the holiest programmes of love and non-violent development, and imperishable carrier and messenger of world communications. (Rg. 7-16-1)

· · ·

8.2.13.2

स योजते अरुषा विश्वभोजसा स दुद्रवत्स्वाहुतः । सुब्रह्मा यज्ञः सुशमी वसूनां देवꣳ राधो जनानाम् ॥७५०॥

That Agni, leading power of nature and humanity, uses bright natural elements of universal value such as sun rays, fire and water, like horses harnessed to the chariot, and, when invoked and raised, would move at the fastest speed. He is the master of natural knowledge and natural materials, adorable, noble and potent worker, and the accomplisher of means, materials and projects of humanity for common success and progress. (Rg. 7-16-2)

✦ Sukta 37 · 2 verses ✦

8.2.14.1

प्रत्यु अदर्श्यायत्यू३च्छन्ती दुहिता दिवः । अपो मही वृणुते चक्षुषा तमो ज्योतिष्कृणोति सूनरी ॥७५१॥

The great and glorious dawn, child of the light of divinity, is seen rising, dispelling mists and darkness, and illuminates with light the world of our actions, brilliant guide as she is for the day. (Rg. 7-81-1)

· · ·

8.2.14.2

उदुस्रियाः सृजते सूर्यः सचा उद्यन्नक्षत्रमर्चिवत् । तवेदुषो व्युषि सूर्यस्य च सं भक्तेन गमेमहि ॥७५२॥

And then the sun, friend and associate together, takes over and, blazing with splendour, sends forth radiations of light and illuminates the planet earth. O dawn, in your original revelation of light divine and in the solar radiations, we pray, let us abide and act with faith and delightful experience of the illumination. (Rg. 7-81-2)

✦ Sukta 38 · 2 verses ✦

8.2.15.1

इमा उ वां दिविष्टय उस्रा हवन्ते अश्विना । अयं वामह्वेऽवसे शचीवसू विशंविशꣳ हि गच्छथः ॥७५३॥

Brilliant Ashvins, these yajakas dedicated to life divine invoke and call upon you for light, and I too, O versatile commanders of the wealth of knowledge, power and vision, invite you and pray for protection and advancement since you visit and bless every individual and every community. (Rg. 7-74-1)

· · ·

8.2.15.2

युवं चित्रं ददथुर्भोजनं नरा चोदेथाꣳ सूनृतावते । अर्वाग्रथꣳ समनसा

नि यच्छतं पिबतꣳ सोम्यं मधु ॥७५४॥

O leading lights of humanity, you provide wonderful food for the body, mind and soul, provide inspiration and incentive for the man of truth and rectitude. With an equal mind with us all, bring up your chariot, add to the joy of the community and share the honey sweets of peace and pleasure. (Rg. 7-74-2)

✦ Sukta 39 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.16.1

अस्य प्रत्नामनु द्युतꣳ शुक्रं दुदुह्रे अह्रयः । पयः सहस्रसामृषिम् ॥७५५॥

Men of vision and science of yajna, in pursuit of the ancient and eternal Vedic tradition of this lord of light, peace and purity, distil the brilliant, pure and powerful and visionary knowledge of a thousandfold nourishing and inspiring gifts of existence.(Rg.9-54-1)

· · ·

8.2.16.2

अयꣳ सूर्य इवोपदृगयꣳ सराꣳसि धावति । सप्त प्रवत आ दिवम् ॥७५६॥

This Soma, like the sun, all watching and illuminating, sets rivers, seas and energies aflow, pervading therein on earth and in the seven-fold light of the sun upto the regions of light. (Rg. 9-54-2)

· · ·

8.2.16.3

अयं विश्वानि तिष्ठति पुनानो भुवनोपरि । सोमो देवो न सूर्यः ॥७५७॥

This Soma, lord of light, peace and power, pure and purifying, pervades all regions of the universe in and above, like the divine light which illuminates all regions of the universe. (Rg. 9-54-3

✦ Sukta 40 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.17.1

एष प्रत्नेन जन्मना देवो देवेभ्यः सुतः । हरि पवित्रे अर्षति ॥७५८॥

This divine spirit since its timeless manifestation, revealed and manifested for the divines, arises in the pure hearts of humanity, eliminating pain and suffering. (Rg. 9-3-9)

· · ·

8.2.17.2

एष प्रत्नेन मन्मना देवो देवेभ्यस्परि । कविर्विप्रेण वावृधे ॥७५९॥

This divine Soma, light and vision of the world, self-realised by the sages and glorified with ancient and eternal hymns of the Veda, vibrates for them in the heart and soul and sanctifies them with showers of heavenly bliss. (Rg. 9-42-2)

· · ·

8.2.17.3

दुहानः प्रत्नमित्पयः पवित्रे परि षिच्यसे । क्रन्दं देवाꣳ अजीजनः ॥७६०॥

Creating the eternal life-giving food of divine ecstasy for the soul, the presence of blissful Soma vibrates in the heart of the celebrant and, calling out as if loud and bold, awakens the dormant divine potentialities of the devotee to active possibilities. (Rg. 9-42-4)

✦ Sukta 41 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.18.1

उप शिक्षापतस्थुषो भियसमा धेहि शत्रवे । पवमान विदा रयिम् ॥७६१॥

O lord of purity, those who stay far off, bring close and instruct; those who are negative, strike with fear; bring wealth, honour and excellence for life.(Rg. 9-19-6)

· · ·

8.2.18.2

उपो षु जातमप्तुरं गोभिर्भङ्गं परिष्कृतम् । इन्दुं देवा अयासिषुः ॥७६२॥

Soma, spirit of beauty, grace and glory, divinely created, nobly born, zealous, destroyer of negativity, beatified and celebrated in songs of divine voice, the noblest powers of nature and humanity adore, share and enjoy. (Rg.9-61-13)

· · ·

8.2.18.3

उपास्मै गायता नरः पवमानायेन्दवे । अभि देवाꣳ इयक्षते ॥७६३॥

O leading lights of humanity, to win the wealth of life's joy, work and sing in thanks and adoration for this infinite fount of pure bliss which overflows and yearns to join and inspire the noble creative performers of yajna. (Rg. 9-11-1)

✦ Sukta 42 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.19.1

प्र सोमासो विपश्चितोऽपो नयन्त ऊर्मयः । वनानि महिषा इव ॥७६४॥

Just as waves of water rise to the moon and great men strive for things of beauty and goodness, so do inspired learned sages, lovers of dynamic peace and goodness, move forward to realise the supreme power and Spirit of the Vedic hymns. (Rg. 9-33-1)

· · ·

8.2.19.2

अभि द्रोणानि बभ्रवः शुक्रा ऋतस्य धारया । वाजं गोमन्तमक्षरन् ॥७६५॥

Just as pure, powerful, brown nectar streams of soma shower milky energies to fill the casks of exhilarating drink for the aspirants, so do seasoned selfrealised scholars and teachers of Vedic knowledge and experience, pure at heart and clairvoyant in vision and intelligence, let flow powerful exhilarating streams of knowledge and enlightenment in channels of truth, law and immortality for competent and conscientious seekers of life's fulfilment. (Rg. 9-33-2)

· · ·

8.2.19.3

सुता इन्द्राय वायवे वरुणाय मरुद्भ्यः । सोमा अर्षन्तु विष्णवे ॥७६६॥

Knowledge, wisdom and expertise, valuable and blissful as soma, collected and refined by sages and scholars of vision and experience, flows on for Indra, the ruling soul, Vayu, the vibrant people, Varuna, powers of judgement and dispensation, Maruts, stormy warriors, and Vishnu, universal sustaining powers of life and humanity. (Rg. 9-33-3)

✦ Sukta 43 · 2 verses ✦

8.2.20.1

प्र सोम देववीतये सिन्धुर्न पिप्ये अर्णसा । अꣳशोः पयसा मदिरो न जागृविरच्छा कोशं मधुश्चुतम् ॥७६७॥

O Soma, be full with the liquid spirit of joy like the sea which is full with the flood of streams and rivers, and, like the very spirit of ecstasy overflowing with delicious exuberance of light divine, ever awake, flow into the devotee's heart blest with the honeyed joy of divinity. (Rg. 9-107-12)

· · ·

8.2.20.2

आ हर्यतो अर्जुनो अत्के अव्यत प्रियः सूनुर्न मर्ज्यः । तमीꣳ हिन्वन्त्यपसो यथा रथं नदीष्वा गभस्त्योः ॥७६८॥

Dear, loved and fascinating, Soma emerges in transparent unsullied form, winsome worth refinement like a child's and inspiring as a sanative. Devotees stimulate it with holy karma, a thing beautiful and inspiring, and let it join and flow in the streams of thought and action between their intellect and emotion and their prana and apana energies. (Rg. 9-107-13)

✦ Sukta 44 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.21.1

प्र सोमासो मदच्युतः श्रवसे नो मघोनाम् । सुता विदथे अक्रमुः ॥७६९॥

May the streams of soma, nectar sweet and exhilarating, distilled and sanctified in yajna, flow for the safety, security and fame of our leading lights of honour, power and excellence. (Rg. 9-32-1)

· · ·

8.2.21.2

आदीꣳ हꣳसो यथा गणं विश्वस्यावीवशन्मतिम् । अत्यो न गोभिरज्यते ॥७७०॥

And just as a hansa bird joins its flock and just as a horse is controlled by reins to reach the destination, so does the soul, having controlled and concentrated all senses, mind and intelligence, rise and join the presence of Divinity, its ultimate haven and home. (Rg. 9-32-3)

· · ·

8.2.21.3

आदीं त्रितस्य योषणो हरिꣳ हिन्वन्त्यद्रिभिः । इन्दुमिन्द्राय पीतये ॥७७१॥

And the vibrant thoughts and words of the sage beyond three fold bondage of body, mind and soul, with all perceptions of sense and conceptions of mind concentrated, rise, reach and exalt the lord of peace and joy, destroyer of suffering, for the enlightenment and ecstasy of the human soul. (Rg. 9-32-2)

✦ Sukta 45 · 3 verses ✦

8.2.22.1

अया पवस्व देवयू रेभन्पवित्रं पर्येषि विश्वतः । मधोर्धारा असृक्षत ॥७७२॥

Thus vibrate, purify and flow, friend of sages and divines, releasing these honey streams of joy, and go on eloquent to bless the pure heart all round all ways in the world. (Rg. 9-106-14)

· · ·

8.2.22.2

पवते हर्यतो हरिरति ह्वराꣳसि रꣳह्या । अभ्यर्ष स्तोतृभ्यो वीरवद्यशः ॥७७३॥

The beauteous and beatific divine saviour spirit of Soma vibrates, purifies and flows with tremendous force, casting off all crookedness and contradictions, and overflowing with valour, honour and excellence for the celebrants and their heroic progeny for generations. (Rg. 9-106-13)

· · ·

8.2.22.3

प्र सुन्वानायान्धसो मर्तो न वष्ट तद्वचः । अप श्वानमराधसं हता मखं न भृगवः ॥७७४॥

That silent voice of the generative illuminative Soma of divine food, energy and enlightenment for the devotee, the ordinary mortal does not perceive. O yajakas, ward off the clamours and noises which disturb the meditative yajna as men of wisdom ward them off to save their yajna. (Rg. 9-101-13)