Veda Examples

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Here are two examples:

 

Mandala 1, Hymn 3

1 YE Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of splendour, having nimble hands,                  [Asvins: two gods, symbolizing sunrise and sunset]

     Accept the sacrificial food.

2 Ye Asvins, rich in wondrous deeds, ye heroes worthy of our praise,

     Accept our songs with mighty thought.

3 Nasatyas, wonder-workers, yours are these libations with clipt grass:               [Nasatyas: synonym for Asvins]

     Come ye whose paths are red with flame.

4 O Indra marvellously bright, come, these libations long for thee,

     Thus by fine fingers purified.

5 Urged by the holy singer, sped by song, come, Indra, to the prayers,

     Of the libation-pouring priest.

6 Approach, O Indra, hasting thee, Lord of Bay Horses, to the prayers.

     In our libation take delight.

7 Ye Visvedevas, who protect, reward, and cherish men, approach                          [Visvedevas: collective term for Vedic deities]

     Your worshipper's drink-offering.

8 Ye Visvedevas, swift at work, come hither quickly to the draught,

     As milch-kine hasten to their stalls.                                                                     [milch-kine: milk cows]

9 The Visvedevas, changing shape like serpents, fearless, void of guile,

     Bearers, accept the sacred draught

10 Wealthy in spoil, enriched with hymns, may bright Sarasvati desire,             [Sarasvati: goddess of art, music and wisdom]

    With eager love, our sacrifice.

11 Inciter of all pleasant songs, inspirer o all gracious thought,

     Sarasvati accept our rite

12 Sarasvati, the mighty flood,--she with be light illuminates,

     She brightens every pious thought.

 

Mandala 1, Hymn 10

 

1. THE chanters hymn thee, they who say the word of praise magnify thee.

     The priests have raised thee up on high, O Satakratu, like a pole.                     [Satakratu: another name for Indra]

2. As up he clomb from ridge to ridge and looked upon the toilsome task,

     Indra observes this wish of his, and the Rain hastens with his troop.

3. Harness thy pair of strong bay steeds, long-maned, whose bodies fill the girths,

     And, Indra, Soma-drinker, come to listen to our songs of praise.                   [Soma: ritual drink, origins unknown]

4. Come hither, answer thou the song, sing in approval, cry aloud.

     Good Indra, make our prayer succeed, and prosper this our sacrifice.

5. To Indra must a laud be said, to strengthen him who freely gives,

     That Sakra may take pleasure in our friendship and drink-offerings.          [Sakra: 'powerful', another name for Indra]

6. Him, him we seek for friendship, him for riches and heroic might.

     For Indra, he is Sakra, he shall aid us while he gives us wealth.

7. Easy to turn and drive away, Indra, is spoil bestowed by thee. 

    Unclose the stable of the kine, and give us wealth O Thunder-armed

8. The heaven and earth contain thee not, together, in thy wrathful mood.

     Win us the waters of the sky, and send us kine abundantly.

9. Hear, thou whose ear is quick, my call; take to thee readily my songs

     O Indra, let this laud of mine come nearer even than thy friend.                       [laud: praise]

10. We know thee mightiest of all, in battles hearer of our cry.

     Of thee most mighty we invoke the aid that giveth thousandfold.

11. O Indra, Son of Kusika, drink our libation with delight.

     Prolong our life anew, and cause the seer to win a thousand gifts.

12. Lover of song, may these our songs on every side encompass thee:

     Strengthening thee of lengthened life, may they be dear delights to thee.