HYMN I

The hyperbolical glorification of the Vratya or Aryan Non-conformist

There was a roaming Vratya. He roused Prajapati to action.
Prajapati beheld gold in himself and engendered it.
That became unique, that became distinguished, that became
great, that became excellent, that became Devotion, that be-
came holy Fervour, that became Truth: through that he was
born.
He grew, he became great, he became Mahadeva.
He gained the lordship of the Gods. He became Lord.
He became Chief Vratya. He held a bow, even that Bow of
Indra.
His belly is dark-blue, his back is red.
With dark-blue he envelops a detested rival, with red he pierces
the man who hates him: so the theologians say.