Vedic Hymns, Part I (SBE32): Vedic Hymns: VIII, 7. To the... | Internet Sacred Text Archive

MANDALA VIII, HYMN 7.

ASHTAKA V, ADHYÂYA 8, VARGA 18-24.

To the Maruts (the Storm-gods).

1. When the sage has poured out the threefold 1 draught to you, O Maruts, then you shine forth in the mountains (clouds).

2. Aye, when, O bright Maruts, growing in strength, you have seen your way, then the mountains (clouds) have gone down 1.

3. The sons of Prisni, the bulls, have risen together with the winds, they have drawn forth the swelling draught.

4. The Maruts sow the mist, they shake the mountains (clouds), when they go their way with the winds,

5. When the mountain bent down before your march, the rivers before your rule, before your great power (blast).

6. We invoke you by night for our protection, you by day, you while the sacrifice proceeds.

7. And they rise up on their courses, the beautiful, of reddish hue 1, the bulls, above the ridge of the sky.

8. With might they send forth a ray of light, that the sun may have a path to walk 1: they have spread far and wide with their lights.

9. Accept, O Maruts, this my speech, this hymn of praise, O Ribhukshans 1, this my call.

10. The Prisnis 1 (the clouds) yielded three lakes (from their udders) as mead for the wielder of the thunderbolt (Indra), the well, the water-skin, the watering-pot 2.

11. O Maruts, whenever we call you from heaven, wishing for your favour, come hither towards us.

12. For you are bounteous 1, in our house, O Rudras, Ribhukshans: you are attentive, when you enjoy (the libations).

13. O Maruts, bring to us from heaven enrapturing wealth, which nourishes many, which satisfies all.

14. When you have seen your way, brilliant Maruts, as it were from above 1 the mountains, you rejoice in the (Soma) drops which have been pressed out.

15. Let the mortal with his prayers ask the favour of that immense, unconquerable (host) 1 of them,

16. Who like torrents 1 foam along heaven and earth with their streams of rain, drawing the inexhaustible well.

17. These sons of Prisni rise up together with rattlings, with chariots, with the winds, and with songs of praise.

18. That (help) with which you helped Turvasa, Yadu, and Kanva when he carried off riches, that we pray for, greatly for our wealth.

19. O bounteous Maruts, may these draughts, swelling like butter, strengthen you, together with the prayers of Kânva.

20. Where do you rejoice now, O bounteous Maruts, when an altar has been prepared for you? What priest serves you?

21. For you for whom we have prepared an altar, do not, as it was with you formerly, in return for these praises, gladden the companies of our sacrifice.

22. These Maruts have brought together piece

by piece 1 the great waters, heaven and earth, the sun, and the thunderbolt;