Vedic Hymns, Part I (SBE32): Vedic Hymns: VII, 56. To the... | Internet Sacred Text Archive

MANDALA VII, HYMN 56.

ASHTAKA V, ADHYÂYA 4, VARGA 23-26.

To the Maruts (the Storm-gods).

1. Who are these resplendent men, dwelling together, the boys of Rudra, also 1 with good horses?

2. No one indeed knows their births, they alone know each other's birthplace.

3. They plucked each other with their beaks 1; the hawks, rushing like the wind, strove together.

4. A wise man understands these secrets 1, that Prisni, the great, bore an udder.

5. May that clan be rich in heroes by the Maruts, always victorious, rich in manhood!

6. They are quickest to go, most splendid with splendour, endowed with beauty, strong with strength.

7. Strong is your strength, steadfast your powers, and thus by the Maruts is this clan mighty.

8. Resplendent is your breath, furious are the minds of the wild host, like a shouting maniac 1.

9. Keep from us entirely your flame, let not your hatred reach us here.

10. I call on the dear names of your swift ones, so that the greedy should be satisfied 1, O Maruts,

11. The well-armed, the swift, decked with beautiful chains, who themselves adorn their bodies.

12. Bright are the libations for you, the bright ones, O Maruts, a bright sacrifice I prepare for the bright. In proper order came those who truly follow the order, the bright born, the bright, the pure.

13. On your shoulders, O Maruts, are the rings,

on your chests the golden chains are fastened; far-shining like lightnings with showers 1, you wield your weapons, according to your wont.

14. Your hidden 1 splendours come forth; spread out your powers (names), O racers! Accept, O Maruts, this thousandfold, domestic share, as an offering for the house-gods 2.

15. If you thus listen, O Maruts, to this praise, at the invocation of the powerful sage, give him quickly a share of wealth in plentiful offspring, which no selfish enemy shall be able to hurt.

16. The Maruts, who are fleet like racers, the manly youths, shone like Yakshas 1; they are beautiful like boys standing round the hearth, they play about like calves who are still sucking.

17. May the bounteous Maruts be gracious to us, opening up to us the firm heaven and earth. May that bolt of yours which kills cattle and men, be far from us! Incline to us, O Vasus, with your favours.

18. The Hotri priest calls on you again and again, sitting down and praising your common gift, O Maruts. O strong ones, he who is the guardian of so much wealth, he calls on you with praises, free from guile.

19. These Maruts stop the swift, they bend strength by strength 1, they ward off the curse of the plotter, and turn 2 their heavy hatred on the enemy.