29. Adhyāya 29 — Aśvamedha
Mantras 1–10
29.1
समिद्धो ऽ अञ्जन् कृदरं मतीनां घृतम् अग्ने मधुमत् पिन्वमानः ।
वाजी वहन् वाजिनं जातवेदो देवानां वक्षि प्रियम् आ सधस्थम् ॥
samiddho ' añjan kṛdaraṃ matīnāṃ ghṛtam agne madhumat pinvamānaḥ ।
vājī vahan vājinaṃ jātavedo devānāṃ vakṣi priyam ā sadhastham ॥
Agni, universal energy, well-lighted, proclaiming and materialising the ideas and imagination of the learned, consuming lots of precious fats and waters for fuel and, as carrier, bearing the rider at the speed of the wind, take us to the favourite assembly of the divines.
29.2
घृतेनाञ्जन्त् सं पथो देवयानान् प्रजानन् वाज्य् अप्य् एतु देवान् ।
अनु त्वा सप्ते प्रदिशः सचन्ताꣳ स्वधाम् अस्मै यजमानाय धेहि ॥
ghṛtenāñjant saṃ patho devayānān prajānan vājy apy etu devān ।
anu tvā sapte pradiśaḥ sacantāṁ svadhām asmai yajamānāya dhehi ॥
Agni, fire energy, generated and fed on fuels and holy waters, lighting up and opening the paths traversed by generous and brilliant scholars, rises up at top speed to the divinities on high. Scholar of the science of fire and energy, fast advancing like a winged horse in pursuit of knowledge, rise up to the heights of space in all directions and bring
29.3
ईड्यश् चासि वन्द्यश् च वाजिन्न् आशुश् चासि मेध्यश् च सप्ते ।
अग्निष् ट्वा देवैर् वसुभिः सजोषाः प्रीतं वह्निं वहतु जातवेदाः ॥
īḍyaś cāsi vandyaś ca vājinn āśuś cāsi medhyaś ca sapte ।
agniṣ ṭvā devair vasubhiḥ sajoṣāḥ prītaṃ vahniṃ vahatu jātavedāḥ ॥
Vajin, scholar technologist of the speed of the winds, working restlessly like a restive courser, worthy of praise you are, a celebrity, quick in action and revered on the vedi of science-yajna. May Agni, lord omniscient of light and life, lover and admirer of His devotees, reveal to you the secrets of fire and energy cherished by you, alongwith the treasures of the powers of devas and Vasus such as earth, air and sky.
29.4
स्तीर्णं बर्हिः सुष्टरीमा जुषाणोरु पृथु प्रथमानं पृथिव्याम् ।
देवेभिर् युक्तम् अदितिः सजोषाः स्योनं कृण्वान सुविते दधातु ॥
stīrṇaṃ barhiḥ suṣṭarīmā juṣāṇoru pṛthu prathamānaṃ pṛthivyām ।
devebhir yuktam aditiḥ sajoṣāḥ syonaṃ kṛṇvāna suvite dadhātu ॥
We collect and develop in proper order the splendid fire-energy spread around, vast, great, expansive over the earth, and immanent in all the natural powers of the universe. May Aditi, infinite and eternal mother spirit of creativity, loving, loved and admired by her devotees, always doing good to her children, strew our paths of progress with the energy sought for by us.
29.5
एता ऽ उ वः सुभगा विश्वरूपा वि पक्षोभिः श्रयमाणा ऽ उदातैः ।
ऋष्वाः सतीः कवषः शुम्भमाना द्वारो देवीः सुप्रायणा भवन्तु ॥
etā ' u vaḥ subhagā viśvarūpā vi pakṣobhiḥ śrayamāṇā ' udātaiḥ ।
ṛṣvāḥ satīḥ kavaṣaḥ śumbhamānā dvāro devīḥ suprāyaṇā bhavantu ॥
(By the grace of the Mother Spirit of the world) may these doors of movement along the paths of progress be divinely blest, various and manifold, wide open with flexible leaves, lofty, high and sublime, strong and stable, resounding, bright and beautiful, auspicious, and pleasant for easy movement, for all of you.
29.6
अन्तरा मित्रावरुणा चरन्ती मुखं यज्ञानाम् अभि संविदाने ।
उषासा वाꣳ सुहिरण्ये सुशिल्पे ऽ ऋतस्य योनाव् इह सादयामि ॥
antarā mitrāvaruṇā carantī mukhaṃ yajñānām abhi saṃvidāne ।
uṣāsā vāṁ suhiraṇye suśilpe ' ṛtasya yonāv iha sādayāmi ॥
The splendid dawn and the beauteous twilight, both rejoicing with the light of the day and resting in the oceanic womb of the starry night, and both heading towards the wide open doors of the yajna of humanity to join in the celebration, I consecrate you in the golden glorious divinely sculpted seat of nature’s law in the vedi of eternity.
29.7
प्रथमा वाꣳ सरथिना सुवर्णा देवौ पश्यन्तौ भुवनानि विश्वा ।
अपिप्रयं चोदना वां मिमाना होतारा ज्योतिः प्रदिशा दिशन्ता ॥
prathamā vāṁ sarathinā suvarṇā devau paśyantau bhuvanāni viśvā ।
apiprayaṃ codanā vāṃ mimānā hotārā jyotiḥ pradiśā diśantā ॥
I love and admire you both, lights of the world (teachers like the Ashvins or like the dawn and the twilight), first and foremost to move, riding the same chariot, handsome of form, brilliant in bearing, watching the entire regions of the world, inspiring, measuring and ascertaining the facts of life, two high-priests of life and learning, and filling the quarters of space with light for both of you (learners).
29.8
आदित्यैर् नो भारती वष्टु यज्ञꣳ सरस्वती सह रुद्रैर् न ऽ आवीत् ।
इडोपहूता वसुभिः सजोषा यज्ञं नो देवीर् अमृतेषु धत्त ॥
ādityair no bhāratī vaṣṭu yajñaṁ sarasvatī saha rudrair na ' āvīt ।
iḍopahūtā vasubhiḥ sajoṣā yajñaṃ no devīr amṛteṣu dhatta ॥
May Bharati, voice of the knowledge of the world, alongwith the scholars and sages of the pre-eminent Aditya order, grace our yajna. May Sarasvati, voice of science and prayer, alongwith the scholars of the eminent Rudra order protect and promote our yajna. May Ida, voice of the spirit and meditation alongwith the sages of the noble Vasu order grace and extend our yajna. May the three divinities of the divine voice invoked and worshipped elevate our yajna to the regions of the immortals.
29.9
त्वष्टा वीरं देवकामं जजान त्वष्टुर् अर्वा जायत ऽ आशुर् अश्वः ।
त्वष्टेदं विश्वं भुवनं जजान बहोः कर्तारम् इह यक्षि होतः ॥
tvaṣṭā vīraṃ devakāmaṃ jajāna tvaṣṭur arvā jāyata ' āśur aśvaḥ ।
tvaṣṭedaṃ viśvaṃ bhuvanaṃ jajāna bahoḥ kartāram iha yakṣi hotaḥ ॥
Tvashta, lord creator, creates and shapes the brave hero, lover and loved of the divines. The bright sun as the windy horse is born of Tvashta. Tvashta it is who creates the entire worlds of the universe. Man of yajna, honour and serve the great creator by yajna — through worship, charity and good fellowship.
29.10
अश्वो घृतेन त्मन्या समक्त ऽ उप देवाꣳ२ऽ ऋतुशः पाथ ऽ एतु ।
वनस्पतिर् देवलोकं प्रजानन्न् अग्निना हव्या स्वदितानि वक्षत् ॥
aśvo ghṛtena tmanyā samakta ' upa devāṁ2' ṛtuśaḥ pātha ' etu ।
vanaspatir devalokaṃ prajānann agninā havyā svaditāni vakṣat ॥
May Agni, in unison with ghrta and waters, moving at the speed of sunbeams and by virtue of being what it is in itself, carry food to the divinities according to the seasons. May Vanaspati, the sun and the sacred Tree, conscious of the regions of the divinities and nobilities of humanity, by subservience to the eternal
Mantras 11–20
29.11
प्रजापतेस् तपसा वावृधानः सद्यो जातो दधिषे यज्ञम् अग्ने ।
स्वाहाकृतेन हविषा पुरोगा याहि साध्या हविर् अदन्तु देवाः ॥
prajāpates tapasā vāvṛdhānaḥ sadyo jāto dadhiṣe yajñam agne ।
svāhākṛtena haviṣā purogā yāhi sādhyā havir adantu devāḥ ॥
Agni/brilliant and sagely scholar, rising and fast advancing by the austere discipline of Prajapati, lord of creation and the people, carry on the yajna by offers of refined and sanctified foods to the fire. Go on, and may the noblest of humanity, leaders and pioneers, and the divinities of the higher regions of the world partake of the libations offered by you into the fire.
29.12
यद् अक्रन्दः प्रथमं जायमान ऽ उद्यन्त् समुद्राद् उत वा पुरीषात् ।
श्येनस्य पक्षा हरिणस्य बाहू ऽ उपस्तुत्यं महि जातं ते ऽ अर्वन् ॥
yad akrandaḥ prathamaṃ jāyamāna ' udyant samudrād uta vā purīṣāt ।
śyenasya pakṣā hariṇasya bāhū ' upastutyaṃ mahi jātaṃ te ' arvan ॥
Man of knowledge of the speed of sun-beams, whether you emerge from the depths of meditation or from the consciousness of the Divine like energy of the wind, first-born of nature, then whatever you speak or do becomes great and worthy of celebration like flights of the hawk or bounds of the deer.
29.13
यमेन दत्तं त्रित ऽ एनम् आयुनग् इन्द्र ऽ एणं प्रथमो ऽ अध्य् अतिष्ठत् ।
गन्धर्वो ऽ अस्य रशनाम् अगृभ्णात् सूराद् अश्वं वसवो निर् अतष्ट ॥
yamena dattaṃ trita ' enam āyunag indra ' eṇaṃ prathamo ' adhy atiṣṭhat ।
gandharvo ' asya raśanām agṛbhṇāt sūrād aśvaṃ vasavo nir ataṣṭa ॥
The Vasus, abodes of life and life energy, receive the heat of sunbeams from the sun. Indra, universal electric energy, first controls this heat energy given by yama (vayu, wind) from three sources, i.e., earth, water and sky. Gandharva, the sun, which holds and supports the earth holds the reins of the flow. And the vasus, scholars of the first order of natural knowledge, receiving it from the sun, refine and develop it further for use in life.
29.14
असि यमो ऽ अस्य् आदित्यो ऽ अर्वन्न् असि त्रितो गुह्येन व्रतेन ।
असि सोमेन समया विपृक्त ऽ आहुस् ते त्रीणि दिवि बन्धनानि ॥
asi yamo ' asy ādityo ' arvann asi trito guhyena vratena ।
asi somena samayā vipṛkta ' āhus te trīṇi divi bandhanāni ॥
By the intrinsic law of your own existence, you are Yama, controller and judge; you are Aditya, sun and source of light; you are Arvan, moving fast as light. You arise from three because of three, earth, water and sky. You are one with, undivided from, Soma, peace,
29.15
त्रीणि त ऽ आहुर् दिवि बन्धनानि त्रीण्य् अप्सु त्रीण्य् अन्तः समुद्रे ।
उतेव मे वरुणश् छन्त्स्य् अर्वन् यत्रा त ऽ आहुः परमं जनित्रम् ॥
trīṇi ta ' āhur divi bandhanāni trīṇy apsu trīṇy antaḥ samudre ।
uteva me varuṇaś chantsy arvan yatrā ta ' āhuḥ paramaṃ janitram ॥
Arvan, lord of the dynamics of existence, three are your bonds in heaven, they say, three in the waters of space and three in the womb of the sea. Wherever, they say, your ultimate origin be, you declare your presence as Varuna, lord of our choice and lord of judgement and approval.
29.16
इमा ते वाजिन्न् अवमार्जनानीमा शफानाꣳ सनितुर् निधाना ।
अत्रा ते भद्रा रशना ऽ अपश्यम् ऋतस्य या ऽ अभिरक्षन्ति गोपाः ॥
imā te vājinn avamārjanānīmā śaphānāṁ sanitur nidhānā ।
atrā te bhadrā raśanā ' apaśyam ṛtasya yā ' abhirakṣanti gopāḥ ॥
Warlike hero, lord of spirit and speed, I see these tools of the cleansing and freshening of your war-horses. I see the treasures of the beneficiaries of their hoofs. I see the auspicious reins of your power and force which are all-round defenders of truth and law and which protect the law-abiding.
29.17
आत्मानं ते मनसाराद् अजानाम् अवो दिवा पतयन्तं पतंगम् ।
शिरो ऽ अपश्यं पथिभिः सुगेभिर् अरेणुभिर् जेहमानं पतत्रि ॥
ātmānaṃ te manasārād ajānām avo divā patayantaṃ pataṃgam ।
śiro ' apaśyaṃ pathibhiḥ sugebhir areṇubhir jehamānaṃ patatri ॥
Agni, fire energy, with my own mind and knowledge, I know your soul in body form so close being flown from down below through space to the sun. I see your head soaring up, voraciously sucking the air and struggling to ascend by clear and dustless paths of the sky.
29.18
अत्रा ते रूपम् उत्तमम् अपश्यं जिगीषमाणम् इष ऽ आ पदे गोः ।
यदा ते मर्तो ऽ अनु भोगम् आनड् आद् इद् ग्रसिष्ठ ऽ ओषधीर् अजीगः ॥
atrā te rūpam uttamam apaśyaṃ jigīṣamāṇam iṣa ' ā pade goḥ ।
yadā te marto ' anu bhogam ānaḍ ād id grasiṣṭha ' oṣadhīr ajīgaḥ ॥
Agni, victorious power, here I see your most splendid form eager to win the wealth of food and energy of the earth. Only when your people have received their portion of the food, only then you, most voracious though, take your share of the nourishing foods and herbs.
29.19
अनु त्वा रथो ऽ अनु मर्यो ऽ अर्वन्न् अनु गावो ऽनु भगः कनीनाम् ।
अनु व्रातासस् तव सख्यम् ईयुर् अनु देवा ममिरे वीर्यं ते ॥
anu tvā ratho ' anu maryo ' arvann anu gāvo 'nu bhagaḥ kanīnām ।
anu vrātāsas tava sakhyam īyur anu devā mamire vīryaṃ te ॥
Arvan, tempestuous victorious hero, the chariot follows you. The humans and cows follow you. The power and passion of youth follows you. Multitudes of people love to be friends and followers with you. Even the divinities have watched, measured and admired your courage and valour.
29.20
हिरण्यशृङ्गो ऽयो अस्य पादा मनोजवा ऽ अवर इन्द्र ऽ आसीत् ।
देवा ऽ इद् अस्य हविरद्यम् आयन् यो ऽ अर्वन्तं प्रथमो ऽ अध्यतिष्ठत् ॥
hiraṇyaśṛṅgo 'yo asya pādā manojavā ' avara indra ' āsīt ।
devā ' id asya haviradyam āyan yo ' arvantaṃ prathamo ' adhyatiṣṭhat ॥
(Who can ride and control the tempestuous horse that is agni, fire power of nature and humanity?) Indra, master ruler, youthful and new. Golden is his crown. Of golden steel are his legs moving at the speed of mind. New and youthful, he is supreme. The noblest of humanity share power with him and partake of his holy food. First among all, he alone can ride and control the speed and power of agni.
Mantras 21–30
29.21
ईर्मान्तासः सिलिकमध्यमासः सꣳ शूरणासो दिव्यासो ऽ अत्याः ।
हꣳसा ऽ इव श्रेणिशो यतन्ते यद् आक्षिषुर् दिव्यम् अज्मम् अश्वाः ॥
īrmāntāsaḥ silikamadhyamāsaḥ saṁ śūraṇāso divyāso ' atyāḥ ।
haṁsā ' iva śreṇiśo yatante yad ākṣiṣur divyam ajmam aśvāḥ ॥
Warriors of horse, with steeds which are broadchested, full-haunched and sensitively trained, slim in the middle, fiery, superb, of electric speed, when they are ranked like swans in battle array and fight, then they penetrate the enemy defences and clear the paths to wonder victories.
29.22
तव शरीरं पतयिष्ण्व् अर्वन् तव चित्तं वात ऽ इव ध्रजीमान् ।
तव शृङ्गाणि विष्ठिता पुरुत्रारण्येषु जर्भुराणा चरन्ति ॥
tava śarīraṃ patayiṣṇv arvan tava cittaṃ vāta ' iva dhrajīmān ।
tava śṛṅgāṇi viṣṭhitā purutrāraṇyeṣu jarbhurāṇā caranti ॥
Arvan, tempestuous hero, your body loves to soar like a bird’s, your mind moves at the speed of the wind, the flames of your glory are various and blazing, and they range around steadily across distant lands.
29.23
उप प्रागाच् छसनं वाज्य् अर्वा देवद्रीचा मनसा दीध्यानः ।
अजः पुरो नीयते नाभिर् अस्यानु पश्चात् कवयो यन्ति रेभाः ॥
upa prāgāc chasanaṃ vājy arvā devadrīcā manasā dīdhyānaḥ ।
ajaḥ puro nīyate nābhir asyānu paścāt kavayo yanti rebhāḥ ॥
29.24
उप प्रागात् परमं यत् सधस्थम् अर्वाꣳ२ऽ अच्छा पितरं मातरं च ।
अद्या देवान् जुष्टतमो हि गम्या ऽ अथा शास्ते दाशुषे वार्याणि ॥
upa prāgāt paramaṃ yat sadhastham arvāṁ2' acchā pitaraṃ mātaraṃ ca ।
adyā devān juṣṭatamo hi gamyā ' athā śāste dāśuṣe vāryāṇi ॥
The man of knowledge, will and action who goes to the highest assembly, who does homage to father, mother and brilliant holy people, and offers liberal gifts of service and reverence to generous teachers and philanthropists, is worthy of highest love and admiration. O seeker of knowledge and virtue, such a person is worthy of company. Go straight and meet him.
29.25
समिद्धो ऽ अद्य मनुषो दुरोणे देवो देवान् यजसि जातवेदः ।
आ च वह मित्रमहश् चिकित्वान् त्वं दूतः कविर् असि प्रचेताः ॥
samiddho ' adya manuṣo duroṇe devo devān yajasi jātavedaḥ ।
ā ca vaha mitramahaś cikitvān tvaṃ dūtaḥ kavir asi pracetāḥ ॥
You are the man, jataveda, light of the day as Agni, brilliant inspired and generous, in company with the noblest at yajna in the home. Call upon the divinities, best of friends, bring them to the yajna. Wide awake you are, harbinger of light and good fortune, poet creator, wise and luminous.
29.26
तनूनपात् पथ ऽ ऋतस्य यानान् मध्वा समञ्जन्त् स्वदया सुजिह्व ।
मन्मानि धीभिर् उत यज्ञम् ऋन्धन् देवत्रा च कृणुह्य् अध्वरं नः ॥
tanūnapāt patha ' ṛtasya yānān madhvā samañjant svadayā sujihva ।
manmāni dhībhir uta yajñam ṛndhan devatrā ca kṛṇuhy adhvaraṃ naḥ ॥
Sagely scholar, self-preserver, protector of the good things of life, sweet of tongue and speech, sprinkling the paths of truth and modes of progress with honey, enjoy the march to freedom and prosperity. And, surrounded by the noblest saints and scholars, leading our plans and prayers to resounding success, render our yajna of life free from hate and violence with your guidance.
29.27
नराशꣳसस्य महिमानम् एषाम् उप स्तोषाम यजतस्य यज्ञैः ।
ये सुक्रतवः शुचयो धियंधाः स्वदन्ति देवा ऽ उभयानि हव्या ॥
narāśaṁsasya mahimānam eṣām upa stoṣāma yajatasya yajñaiḥ ।
ye sukratavaḥ śucayo dhiyaṃdhāḥ svadanti devā ' ubhayāni havyā ॥
We celebrate with songs of praise and yajnas the greatness of the man of universal honour and admiration and the greatness of these brilliant scholars of exceptional intelligence and noble action, pure at heart,
29.28
आजुह्वान ऽ ईड्यो वन्द्यश् चा याह्य् अग्ने वसुभिः सजोषाः ।
त्वं देवानाम् असि यह्व होता स ऽ एनान् यक्षीषितो यजीयान् ॥
ājuhvāna ' īḍyo vandyaś cā yāhy agne vasubhiḥ sajoṣāḥ ।
tvaṃ devānām asi yahva hotā sa ' enān yakṣīṣito yajīyān ॥
Agni, brilliant power of light and life, challenging and inviting, adorable, admirable, delighted to be with the generous lovers of life, you are the most fluent and dynamic of divinities, giving and sacrificing. Excellent power of yajna, cherished and implored, come and join these sacrificers at the yajna.
29.29
प्राचीनं बर्हिः प्रदिशा पृथिव्या वस्तोर् अस्या वृज्यते ऽ अग्रे ऽ अह्नाम् ।
व्य् उ प्रथते वितरं वरीयो देवेभ्यो ऽ अदितये स्योनम् ॥
prācīnaṃ barhiḥ pradiśā pṛthivyā vastor asyā vṛjyate ' agre ' ahnām ।
vy u prathate vitaraṃ varīyo devebhyo ' aditaye syonam ॥
Just as sacred grass, old and ancient, is gathered at dawn, in the early morning, before the rise of the day, from the sacred quarters of the earth, grows further, softer and more excellent for the yajnics and the earth, so realized awareness of Brahma, Eternal Spirit, vast as space, is distilled from the inspiring regions of silent nature in the sacred hours of dawn before the rising of the day and, by the mystique of the Veda grows further, higher and more blissful for the pious souls for their rise towards Divinity and Infinity.
29.30
व्यचस्वतीर् उर्विया वि श्रयन्तां पतिभ्यो न जनयः शुम्भमानाः ।
देवीर् द्वारो बृहतीर् विश्वमिन्वा देवेभ्यो भवत सुप्रायणाः ॥
vyacasvatīr urviyā vi śrayantāṃ patibhyo na janayaḥ śumbhamānāḥ ।
devīr dvāro bṛhatīr viśvaminvā devebhyo bhavata suprāyaṇāḥ ॥
Just as noble, beautiful, generous women provide ample unlimited joy and solace to the husbands, so may the divine doors of yajna, wide open, grand, all-embracing, provide free access and universal movement to the dedicated divines of yajna.
Mantras 31–40
29.31
आ सुष्वयन्ती यजते ऽ उपाके ऽ उषासानक्ता सदतां नि योनौ ।
दिव्ये योषणे बृहती सुरुक्मे ऽ अधि श्रियꣳ शुक्रपिशं दधाने ॥
ā suṣvayantī yajate ' upāke ' uṣāsānaktā sadatāṃ ni yonau ।
divye yoṣaṇe bṛhatī surukme ' adhi śriyaṁ śukrapiśaṃ dadhāne ॥
The day and the night, like two heavenly women, wearing light and dark, inspiring and comforting, adorable, great and sublime, wielding and commanding the wealth of the world, may, we pray, come in unison and grace the vedi, seat of yajna.
29.32
दैव्या होतारा प्रथमा सुवाचा मिमाना यज्ञं मनुषो यजध्यै ।
प्रचोदयन्ता विदथेषु कारू प्राचीनं ज्योतिः प्रदिशा दिशन्ता ॥
daivyā hotārā prathamā suvācā mimānā yajñaṃ manuṣo yajadhyai ।
pracodayantā vidatheṣu kārū prācīnaṃ jyotiḥ pradiśā diśantā ॥
Two divine high-priests of the first order, scholars of the language (of science and architecture), masters of measurement and design, and expert builders, pointing to the directions of the ancient and eternal light (of the Veda) inspire people to join in scientific yajnas of development and construction.
29.33
आ नो यज्ञं भारती तूयम् एत्व् इडा मनुष्वद् इह चेतयन्ती ।
तिस्रो देवीर् बर्हिर् एदꣳ स्योनꣳ सरस्वती स्वपसः सदन्तु ॥
ā no yajñaṃ bhāratī tūyam etv iḍā manuṣvad iha cetayantī ।
tisro devīr barhir edaṁ syonaṁ sarasvatī svapasaḥ sadantu ॥
May Bharati (bearing the knowledge of science) come soon to advance our yajna of development. May Ida, the Vedic vision, shine, enlightening us like a human teacher. May Sarasvati, bearing the knowledge of the Shastras, come and inspire us. May three supernal divinities of the Word of the Veda, light and inspiration of the Shastras, and knowledge of science and technology, Ida, Sarasvati, and Bharati, mothers of noble yajnic acts, come and grace this auspicious seat of yajna.
29.34
य ऽ इमे द्यावापृथिवी जनित्री रूपइर् अपिꣳशद् भुवनानि विश्वा ।
तम् अद्य होतर् इषितो यजीयान् देवं त्वष्टारम् इह यक्षि विद्वान् ॥
ya ' ime dyāvāpṛthivī janitrī rūpair apiṁśad bhuvanāni viśvā ।
tam adya hotar iṣito yajīyān devaṃ tvaṣṭāram iha yakṣi vidvān ॥
High-priest of shilpa (science and technology), scholar, inspired and dedicated, offer yajna here and now in honour of that divine artist, Tvashta, creator of the universe, who made all these worlds of existence, carved out the generative heaven and earth, and adorned them with all the beautiful forms of life and nature.
29.35
उपाव सृज त्मन्या समञ्जन् देवानां पाथ ऽ ऋतुथा हवीꣳषि ।
वनस्पतिः शमिता देवो ऽ अग्निः स्वदन्तु हव्यं मधुना घृतेन ॥
upāva sṛja tmanyā samañjan devānāṃ pātha ' ṛtuthā havīṁṣi ।
vanaspatiḥ śamitā devo ' agniḥ svadantu havyaṃ madhunā ghṛtena ॥
Scholar, sprinkling and seasoning the holy materials of yajna, food for the divinities, with honey and ghrta, offer the libations yourself with your heart and soul so that Vanaspati, lord of light and vegetation, the sun, the generous cloud, giver of the showers of peace and prosperity, and Agni, the holy fire, may relish their food seasoned with delicacies.
29.36
सद्यो जातो व्यमिमीत यज्ञम् अग्निर् देवानाम् अभवत् पुरोगाः ।
अस्य होतुः प्रदिश्य् ऋतस्य वाचि स्वाहाकृतꣳ हविर् अदन्तु देवाः ॥
sadyo jāto vyamimīta yajñam agnir devānām abhavat purogāḥ ।
asya hotuḥ pradiśy ṛtasya vāci svāhākṛtaṁ havir adantu devāḥ ॥
Agni, lord of light and life, brilliant scholar, instantly responsive, ever young, going ahead of the divines, enacts and accomplishes the yajna of the business of life within the word and spirit of the laws of truth. May all the divinities of nature and humanity taste the sweets of the holy offerings of this sacrifices
29.37
केतुं कृण्वन्न् अकेतवे पेशो मर्या ऽ अपेशसे ।
सम् उषद्भिर् अजायथाः ॥
ketuṃ kṛṇvann aketave peśo maryā ' apeśase ।
sam uṣadbhir ajāyathāḥ ॥
Agni, lord of light and life, man of knowledge, creating light for the man in the dark, providing plenty for the man in adversity, as mortals do, you arise with the light of the dawns and the fires of the generous yajamanas.
29.38
जीमूतस्येव भवति प्रतीकं यद् वर्मी याति समदाम् उपस्थे ।
अनाविद्धया तन्वा जय त्वꣳ स त्वा वर्मणो महिमा पिपर्तु ॥
jīmūtasyeva bhavati pratīkaṃ yad varmī yāti samadām upasthe ।
anāviddhayā tanvā jaya tvaṁ sa tvā varmaṇo mahimā pipartu ॥
A very image of the cloud he seems to be when the hero in armour goes forward to join the ardent warriors in the raging battle. Come victorious, warrior, with your body unscathed. May the mighty grandeur of the armour protect and promote you.
29.39
धन्वना गा धन्वनाजिं जयेम धन्वना तीव्राः समदो जयेम ।
धनुः शत्रोर् अपकामं कृणोति धन्वना सर्वाः प्रदिशो जयेम ॥
dhanvanā gā dhanvanājiṃ jayema dhanvanā tīvrāḥ samado jayema ।
dhanuḥ śatror apakāmaṃ kṛṇoti dhanvanā sarvāḥ pradiśo jayema ॥
Let us win the earths by the bow, win the battle by the bow, win the violent wars by the bow. The bow it is that shatters the enemy’s ambition for evil. Let us win in all directions by the bow.
29.40
वक्ष्यन्तीवेद् आ गनीगन्ति कर्णं प्रियꣳ सखायं परिषस्वजाना ।
योषेव शिङ्क्ते वितताधि धन्वन् ज्या इयꣳ समने पारयन्ती ॥
vakṣyantīved ā ganīganti karṇaṃ priyaṁ sakhāyaṃ pariṣasvajānā ।
yoṣeva śiṅkte vitatādhi dhanvan jyā iyaṁ samane pārayantī ॥
This string stretched on the bow is drawn close to the ear and, like a young woman embracing her dear husband and whispering love into his ear, twangs, carrying the warrior across the battle to victory.
Mantras 41–50
29.41
ते ऽ आचरन्ती समनेव योषा मातेव पुत्रं बिभृताम् उपस्थे ।
अप शत्रून् विध्यताꣳ संविदाने ऽ आर्त्नी इमे विष्फुरन्ती ऽ अमित्रान् ॥
te ' ācarantī samaneva yoṣā māteva putraṃ bibhṛtām upasthe ।
apa śatrūn vidhyatāṁ saṃvidāne ' ārtnī ime viṣphurantī ' amitrān ॥
Behaving as a beloved wife one at heart with her husband, the two ends of the bow joined together by the string may hold the arrow like a mother holding her baby in her arms, and, shaking the enemies with fear, may pierce them with the arrow and scatter and drive them away with the twang.
29.42
बह्वीनां पिता बहुर् अस्य पुत्रश् चिश्चा कृणोति समनावगत्य ।
इषुधिः सङ्काः पृतनाश् च सर्वाः पृष्ठे निनद्धो जयति प्रसूतः ॥
bahvīnāṃ pitā bahur asya putraś ciścā kṛṇoti samanāvagatya ।
iṣudhiḥ saṅkāḥ pṛtanāś ca sarvāḥ pṛṣṭhe ninaddho jayati prasūtaḥ ॥
Father protector of many forces, mighty are his sons. His arrow clangs when he engages the enemy. Hero of the bow and arrow and the quiver inspired and shooting forth, he takes on the once organized but now scattered forces of the enemy and comes out victorious.
29.43
रथे तिष्ठन् नयति वाजिनः पुरो यत्र-यत्र कामयते सुषारथिः ।
अभीशूनां महिमानं पनायत मनः पश्चाद् अनु यच्छन्ति रश्मयः ॥
rathe tiṣṭhan nayati vājinaḥ puro yatra-yatra kāmayate suṣārathiḥ ।
abhīśūnāṃ mahimānaṃ panāyata manaḥ paścād anu yacchanti raśmayaḥ ॥
An able and expert driver sitting on the controls in the chariot drives the horses wherever he wants to. Know and admire the great value of the reins: the reins (controlled by the driver on the wheel), those which control the movement and direction of the mind from behind.
29.44
तीव्रान् घोषान् कृण्वते वृषपाणयो ऽश्वा रथेभिः सह वाजयन्तः ।
अवक्रामन्तः प्रपदैर् अमित्रान् क्षिणन्ति शत्रूꣳ१ऽ रनपव्ययन्तः ॥
tīvrān ghoṣān kṛṇvate vṛṣapāṇayo 'śvā rathebhiḥ saha vājayantaḥ ।
avakrāmantaḥ prapadair amitrān kṣiṇanti śatrūṁ1' ranapavyayantaḥ ॥
Warriors Heroes of war manned with stronghoofed horses flying by the chariots raise frightful cries of war while the horses, unremitting in their force, trampling upon the enemy with their hoofs, destroy his army.
29.45
रथवाहनꣳ हविर् अस्य नाम यत्रायुधं निहितम् अस्य वर्म ।
तत्रा रथम् उप शग्मꣳ सदेम विश्वाहा वयꣳ सुमनस्यमानाः ॥
rathavāhanaṁ havir asya nāma yatrāyudhaṃ nihitam asya varma ।
tatrā ratham upa śagmaṁ sadema viśvāhā vayaṁ sumanasyamānāḥ ॥
29.46
स्वादुषꣳसदः पितरो वयोधाः कृच्छ्रेश्रितः शक्तीवन्तो गभीराः ।
चित्रसेना ऽ इषुबला ऽ अमृध्राः सतोवीरा ऽ उरवो व्रातसाहाः ॥
svāduṣaṁsadaḥ pitaro vayodhāḥ kṛcchreśritaḥ śaktīvanto gabhīrāḥ ।
citrasenā ' iṣubalā ' amṛdhrāḥ satovīrā ' uravo vrātasāhāḥ ॥
Let us honour senior veterans of war, of pleasant company, mature and widely experienced, facing and challenging dangers, strong and brave, serious and wise, commanding wonderful armies, trained in powerful weapons, invincible of body, equally valiant, broadchested and muscular, and conquering hosts of armies.
29.47
ब्राह्मणासः पितरः सोम्यासः शिवे नो द्यावापृथिवी ऽ अनेहसा ।
पूषा नः पातु दुरिताद् ऋतावृधो रक्षा माकिर् नो ऽ अघशꣳस ऽ ईशत ॥
brāhmaṇāsaḥ pitaraḥ somyāsaḥ śive no dyāvāpṛthivī ' anehasā ।
pūṣā naḥ pātu duritād ṛtāvṛdho rakṣā mākir no ' aghaśaṁsa ' īśata ॥
May the Brahmanas, scholars of Veda and divine vision, parental seniors, lovers of peace, joy and yajnasoma, defenders and promoters of truth and Law, guide and protect us. May Heaven and earth, auspicious, pure and sinless, be kind to bless us. May Pusha, lord giver of health and growth, protect us from sin and promote us. May no sinner and supporter of evil rule over us.
29.48
सुपर्णं वस्ते मृगो ऽ अस्या दन्तो गोभिः संनद्धा पतति प्रसूता ।
यत्रा नरः सं च वि च द्रवन्ति तत्रास्मभ्यम् इषवः शर्म यꣳसन् ॥
suparṇaṃ vaste mṛgo ' asyā danto gobhiḥ saṃnaddhā patati prasūtā ।
yatrā naraḥ saṃ ca vi ca dravanti tatrāsmabhyam iṣavaḥ śarma yaṁsan ॥
The army of the brave wears the battle array of a falcon. Its tooth, i.e., attack, strikes as a mriga, tiger, falls upon the game. Equipped with shields and mailed in armour, passionate for the kill, it falls upon the enemy. The warriors there fall upon the enemy in united strength as well as attack in different directions. May the arrows of this army bring us peace and well-being.
29.49
ऋजीते परि वृङ्धि नो ऽश्मा भवतु नस् तनूः ।
सोमो ऽ अधि ब्रवीतु नो ऽदितिः शर्म यच्छतु ॥
ṛjīte pari vṛṅdhi no 'śmā bhavatu nas tanūḥ ।
somo ' adhi bravītu no 'ditiḥ śarma yacchatu ॥
May the spirit of health, peace and progress ward off ills from us all round. May our body be strong as granite. May soma, spirit of life, inspire us from above. May the earth as well as the sky bring us peace and happiness.
29.50
आ जङ्घन्ति सान्व् एषां जघनाꣳ२ऽ उप जिघ्नते ।
अश्वाजनि प्रचेतसो ऽश्वान्त् समत्सु चोदय ॥
ā jaṅghanti sānv eṣāṃ jaghanāṁ2' upa jighnate ।
aśvājani pracetaso 'śvānt samatsu codaya ॥
The warriors spur the horses on the sides and strike them with the goad on the shanks. Expert teacher, the horses are intelligent and responsive, train them in quick curves and movements of battle.
Mantras 51–60
29.51
अहिर् इव भोगैः पर्य् एति बाहुं ज्याया हेतिं परिबाधमानः ।
हस्तघ्नो विश्वा वयुनानि विद्वान् पुमान् पुमाꣳसं परि पातु विश्वतः ॥
ahir iva bhogaiḥ pary eti bāhuṃ jyāyā hetiṃ paribādhamānaḥ ।
hastaghno viśvā vayunāni vidvān pumān pumāṁsaṃ pari pātu viśvataḥ ॥
Like the hand-guard warding off the strikes of the bow-string with its coils and protecting the hand of the archer, the expert commander of the army and the man of laws and ways of the world, by the blows of his arms and himself facing the challenges, protects the people from all round and, like the cloud, showers all the peace and comfort on them.
29.52
वनस्पते वीड्वङ्गो हि भूया ऽ अस्मत्सखा प्रतरणः सुवीरः ।
गोभिः संनद्धो ऽ असि वीडयस्वास्थाता ते जयतु जेत्वानि ॥
vanaspate vīḍvaṅgo hi bhūyā ' asmatsakhā prataraṇaḥ suvīraḥ ।
gobhiḥ saṃnaddho ' asi vīḍayasvāsthātā te jayatu jetvāni ॥
Hero and protector of the land and forests, brilliant as the sun, our friend and heroic leader crossing over crises and challenges, be strong of body and power. Committed you are to the earth and traditions of humanity. Grow stronger and expand in power. And may your commander win all the battles for you.
29.53
दिवः पृथिव्याः पर्य् ओज ऽ उद्भृतं वनस्पतिभ्यः पर्य् आभृतꣳ सहः ।
अपाम् ओज्मानं परि गोभिर् आवृतम् इन्द्रस्य वज्रꣳ हविषा रथं यज ॥
divaḥ pṛthivyāḥ pary oja ' udbhṛtaṃ vanaspatibhyaḥ pary ābhṛtaṁ sahaḥ ।
apām ojmānaṃ pari gobhir āvṛtam indrasya vajraṁ haviṣā rathaṃ yaja ॥
Man of knowledge and power, receive, cultivate and socially promote the light and energy emanating from the sun and earth. Receive, cultivate and promote the strength, courage and endurance emanated from the trees. Cultivate and promote the energy of the waters. Refine and strengthen the chariot invincible as thunder and blazing with the rays of the sun, and develop it further by sacrifice and investment.
29.54
इन्द्रस्य वज्रो मरुताम् अनीकं मित्रस्य गर्भो वरुणस्य नाभिः ।
सेमां नो हव्यदातिं जुषाणो देव रथ प्रति हव्या गृभाय ॥
indrasya vajro marutām anīkaṃ mitrasya garbho varuṇasya nābhiḥ ।
semāṃ no havyadātiṃ juṣāṇo deva ratha prati havyā gṛbhāya ॥
29.55
उप श्वासय पृथिवीम् उत द्यां पुरुत्रा ते मनुतां विष्ठितं जगत् ।
स दुन्दुभे सजूर् इन्द्रेण देवैर् दूराद् दवीयो ऽ अप सेध शत्रून् ॥
upa śvāsaya pṛthivīm uta dyāṃ purutrā te manutāṃ viṣṭhitaṃ jagat ।
sa dundubhe sajūr indreṇa devair dūrād davīyo ' apa sedha śatrūn ॥
Heroic leader, loud and bold, let the war-drum of action, your clarion-call to the nation, resound over earth and sky. Let the wide world, moving and non-moving, know you and hear the call. And, in unison with the power and grandeur of the nation and the best of nobility, let the call drive off the enemies farthest away.
29.56
आ क्रन्दय बलम् ओजो न ऽ आ धा नि ष्टनिहि दुरिता बाधमानः ।
अप प्रोथ दुन्दुभे दुच्छुना ऽ इत ऽ इन्द्रस्य मुष्टिर् असि वीडयस्व ॥
ā krandaya balam ojo na ' ā dhā ni ṣṭanihi duritā bādhamānaḥ ।
apa protha dundubhe ducchunā ' ita ' indrasya muṣṭir asi vīḍayasva ॥
Thunderous hero, rally the forces with the beat of the war drum. Loud and bold, instil and inspire us with passion for action. Resisting and suppressing evil, let the call resound as thunder. Fight and throw off the dogged enemies far from here. You are the measure and concentration of the power and glory of Indra, lord of humanity. Grow, expand and glorify the human nation.
29.57
आमूर् अज प्रत्या वर्तयेमाः केतुमद् दुन्दुभिर् वावदीति ।
सम् अश्वपर्णाश् चरन्ति नो नरो ऽस्माकम् इन्द्र रथिनो जयन्तु ॥
āmūr aja pratyā vartayemāḥ ketumad dundubhir vāvadīti ।
sam aśvaparṇāś caranti no naro 'smākam indra rathino jayantu ॥
Indra, mighty hero, rout those enemy forces to annihilation. Bring our armies back home with flying colours. The drum, with the flag flying, resounds. United, our men on the wings of horses fight on. May our heroes of the chariot be ever victorious.
29.58
आग्नेयः कृष्णग्रीवः सारस्वती मेषी बभ्रुः सौम्यः पौष्णः श्यामः शितिपृष्ठो बार्हस्पत्यः शिल्पो वैश्वदेव ऽ ऐन्द्रो ऽरुणो मारुतः कल्माष ऽ ऐन्द्राग्नः सꣳहितो ऽधोरामः सावित्रो वारुणः कृष्ण ऽ एकशितिपात् पेत्वः ॥
āgneyaḥ kṛṣṇagrīvaḥ sārasvatī meṣī babhruḥ saumyaḥ pauṣṇaḥ śyāmaḥ śitipṛṣṭho bārhaspatyaḥ śilpo vaiśvadeva ' aindro 'ruṇo mārutaḥ kalmāṣa ' aindrāgnaḥ saṁhito 'dhorāmaḥ sāvitro vāruṇaḥ kṛṣṇa ' ekaśitipāt petvaḥ ॥
The animal with black neck is holy, it has the
29.59
अग्नये ऽनीकवते रोहिताञ्जिर् अनड्वान् अधोरामौ सावित्रौ पौष्णौ रजतनाभी वैश्वदेवौ पिशंगौ तूपरु मारुतः कल्माष ऽ आग्नेयः कृष्णो ऽजः सारस्वती मेषी वारुणः पेत्वः ॥
agnaye 'nīkavate rohitāñjir anaḍvān adhorāmau sāvitrau pauṣṇau rajatanābhī vaiśvadevau piśaṃgau tūparu mārutaḥ kalmāṣa ' āgneyaḥ kṛṣṇo 'jaḥ sārasvatī meṣī vāruṇaḥ petvaḥ ॥
The bull with a red mark on the forehead is for Agni, front rank of the army. Two animals with white below are for Savita. Two animals with silver navel are for the Pushas. Two animals of yellow colour and without horns are for Vishvedevas. The multicoloured is for Maruts. The black goat is for Agni. The sheep is for Sarasvati. And the fast one is for Varuna.
29.60
अग्नये गायत्राय त्रिवृते राथन्तरायाष्टाकपाल ऽ इन्द्राय त्रैष्टुभाय पञ्चदशाय बर्हतायैकादशकपालो विश्वेभ्यो देवेभ्यो जागतेभ्यः सप्तदशेभ्यो वैरूपेभ्यो द्वादशकपालो मित्रावरुणाभ्याम् आनुष्टुभाभ्याम् एकविꣳशाभ्यां वैराजाभ्यां पयस्या बृहस्पतये पाङ्क्ताय त्रिणवाय शाक्वराय चरुः सवित्र ऽ औष्णिहाय त्रयस्त्रिꣳशाय रैवताय द्वादशकपालः प्राजापत्यश् चरुर् अदित्यै विष्णुपत्न्यै चरुर् अग्नये वैश्वानराय द्वादशकपालो ऽनुमत्या ऽ अष्टाकपालः ॥
agnaye gāyatrāya trivṛte rāthantarāyāṣṭākapāla ' indrāya traiṣṭubhāya pañcadaśāya barhatāyaikādaśakapālo viśvebhyo devebhyo jāgatebhyaḥ saptadaśebhyo vairūpebhyo dvādaśakapālo mitrāvaruṇābhyām ānuṣṭubhābhyām ekaviṁśābhyāṃ vairājābhyāṃ payasyā bṛhaspataye pāṅktāya triṇavāya śākvarāya caruḥ savitra ' auṣṇihāya trayastriṁśāya raivatāya dvādaśakapālaḥ prājāpatyaś carur adityai viṣṇupatnyai carur agnaye vaiśvānarāya dvādaśakapālo 'numatyā ' aṣṭākapālaḥ ॥