Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

That's French for "the ancient system," as in the ancient system of feudal privileges and the exercise of autocratic power over the peasants. The ancien regime never goes away, like vampires and dinosaur bones they are always hidden in the earth, exercising a mysterious influence. It is not paranoia to believe that the elites scheme against the common man. Inform yourself about their schemes here.

Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:16 am

Part 2 of 2

FOURTH READING
FIRST ANTHEM.
AT THE ASWINS.

[English Version by Google Translate]

1. (Gods) May our sacrifices grow, the sweetest of libations are laid out for you. O Aswins, take these drinks prepared yesterday, and grant your servant the goods (which he desires)!

2. O Aswins, arrive on your magnificent chariot, (this chariot) which traverses the three worlds, and which is decorated with three seats! The sons of Canwa address this prayer to you in sacrifice; deign to listen to their invocation.

3. O Aswins, may our sacrifices grow, drink of our sweet libations! Helping (Deities), loading your chariot with riches, come on this day to the (father of the family) who honors you.

4. You who possess all the goods, (place yourselves) on our triple cousa, and pour out your sweets on our sacrifice. O Aswins, the sons of Canwa call upon you, pouring out these libations in your honour! they (invoke) you, shining with the rising light.

5. Masters of purity, grant us this protection with which you once honored Canwa. Aswins, you whose sacrifice increases strength, taste our libations.

6. Helpful Aswins, come on your chariot, bringing abundance to Soudas (1). Give us those riches that all desire, and whether they come to us from the ocean (aerial) or from the sky (2).

7. Truthful (Gods), whether you are far or near us, always come to our prayer, together with the rays of the sun, in your chariot with its magnificently fast wheels.

8. May your couriers, eager for our sacrifices, bring you here to our libations. Grant the richness to the generous (father of the family) who presents these offerings to you; strong (gods), take your place on the cousa.

9. Truthful and helpful (Gods), with this chariot shining with the light of the sun, and on which you always bring wealth to your servant, come and taste our sweet libations.

10. (Gods) opulent, we implore your protection by our hymns and our prayers. O Aswins, the sons of Canwa are devoted to you, and in their assembly you have never lacked libations.

Author: Prascanwa; meter, Vrihati.

HYMN II.

AT DAWN.

1. Daughter of Heaven, Aurora, arise, and bring us your riches and your opulent abundance. Brilliant and generous Goddess, (come) with your treasures.

2. Holy prayer has often contributed to the happy establishment (of man); it has brought him horses, cows, goods of all kinds. Aurora, may your presence inspire my prayers, and send me the happiness of the rich.

3. She is already born, she is going to shine, this divine Aurora; it sets in motion the chariots, which, on its arrival, move (on the earth), as on the sea the (vessels) greedy for wealth.

4. Among these fathers of families whose piety greets your appearance to obtain your largesse, there is no child of Canwa more devoted than the one who, at this moment, invokes your name.

5. Aurora, like a good mother, comes to protect (the world). She arrives, stopping the flight of the evil (genius) of the night (3), and exciting the flight of birds.

6. The Dawn excites equally the diligent and the poor. She is the enemy of laziness. To your clarity, (o goddess) rich in gifts, it is no longer the winged being who forgets himself in rest.

7. Here she is, in the distant region where the sun rises, harnessing her horses. The happy Aurora comes to find the sons of Manu with hundreds of chariots (all laden with wealth).

8. The whole world, in its aspect, bows down. Wise and opulent, it sheds light. Aurora, daughter of Heaven, by her rays chases away our enemies and confounds their hatred.

9. Daughter of Heaven, Aurora, shine with your sweet radiance! Bring us happiness and abundance, enlighten our sacrifices.

10. Foresighted (goddess), the moment you shine, you become life, the breath of the universe. (Appear) on your broad chariot, rich and resplendent; hear our prayer.

11. Aurora, grant us those various foods that are suitable for mankind! Approach those innocent and pious men who have hymns and oblations for you.

12. Aurora, bring here from heaven all the gods to our libations! Grant us, Aurora, such abundance that we may be renowned for our cows, our horses, and our vigor.

13. May the Dawn, whose happy lights we see, give us the richness so beautiful, so desired; may this wealth come to us gently!

14. All the ancient sages who implored your help, O great (goddess), have been heard. Aurora, also welcome our prayer, and (answer us) with the gift of a brilliant and pure abundance

15. Divine Aurora, after having illumined the gates of heaven with your rays, grant us that our house may be powerful, that our enemies may move away from it, and that fertile cows maintain abundance there.

16. Noble and magnificent Aurora, spread over us a wide and beautiful opulence; that we obtain from you cows, wealth that assures triumph, and much food!

Author: Prascanwa; meter, Vrihati.

HYMN III.

AT DAWN.

1. Dawn, come gloriously, and ascend into heaven resplendent with light! May the (celestial) cows (4), with their red hair, bring you to the house of the (father of the family) who offers you these libations.

2. Aurora, daughter of Heaven, on this happy and magnificent chariot that carries you, come today to the bosom of a family ready to honor you with its offerings.

3. O brilliant Aurora, the bird, the man (5) and the quadruped, on your return to the sky, rise on all sides.

4. You radiate, and your brilliance is communicated to the universe. Aurora, the sons of Canwa desire your favors, and invoke you with their hymns.

Author: Prascanwa; meter, Anouchtoubh.

HYMN IV.

UNDER THE SUN.

1. The Sun, this god who contains all goods, rises in the eyes of the universe, carried by his shining horses (6).

2. Before the Sun, eye of the world, the stars, like the thieves, disappear with the shadows of the night.

3. Its luminous rays illuminate beings, sparkling like fires.

4. Sun traveler (7), (beacon) exposed to the eyes of all, author of light, you fill the whole sky with your brilliance.

5. You rise in the sight of the people (8) of the gods, in the sight of men, in the sight of the whole sky, to bring happiness.

6. Purifying sun, (Sun) protector, with that eye from which you see the human world,

7. You walk the sky and the vast region of the air, measuring the days and the nights, and contemplating the creatures.

8. Divine Sun, seven horsemen are harnessed to your chariot; the hair is crowned with rays, (star) dazzling with light.

9. Drawn by the seven purifying steeds harnessed by the Sun, the chariot moves without constraint.

10. (Presently) surrounded by darkness, (and now) enlightened by the most brilliant of stars, we present ourselves before the Sun, the greatest of the gods, the most beautiful of celestial lights.

11. O you whose rays are beneficent, Sun, rising today, ascending to the top of the sky, destroy the evil that gnaws my heart and dulls my face.

12. We give our yellow colors to the parrots, to the saricas (9), or to the (flowers of) the haridrava (10).

13. The son of Aditi has just been born with all his vigor. He is the one who can defeat my enemy. I do not recognize such power.

Author: Prascanwa; meters, Gayatri and Anouchtoubh.

HYMN V.

TO INDRA.

1. Charm by your accents Indra, the ram (11), (chief of the divine flock), invoked by all mouths, celebrated by our hymns; (Indra), ocean of riches, whose (works), favorable to mortals, extend as far as the celestial worlds. To obtain his favors, honor the greatest of the wise.

2. Let the Ribhous (12), generous protectors, venerate this victorious Indra, who fills the air and surrounds himself with power; this Satacratou, who strikes down the pride (of his enemies). May their voice, rising to him, go and encourage him!

3. At the prayer of the Angiras, you opened the cave which contained the (celestial) cows. You guided Atri in the prison of a hundred doors (13). You gave (14) to Vimada (15) a happy abundance of provisions. On a battlefield, in favor of your servant, you launched your thunderbolt.

4. You opened the reservoir of the waters (contained in the cloud). You seized the treasure of Danou (16), piled up in the celestial mountain. When Vritra, when Ahi felt the blows of your power, then you raised the sun in the sky, to offer it to our sight.

5. By your magic, you dissipated the prestige of these magicians, (of these Asuras), who consumed in their own fire the most precious offerings (17). Friend of men, you broke the (aerial) cities of Piprou (18); and, in (the combats) fatal to the Dasjous (19), you saved Ridjiswan (20).

6. You preserved Coutsa (21), when it came to fighting Souchna (22). You killed Sambara (23), in favor of Atithigva (24). With your foot, you knocked down the great Arbouda (25). Finally, at all times, you have been the mortal enemy of the Dasyous.

7. In you is united all vigor; your heart is pleased with our libations; we see the lightning placed in your hand. Break all enemy forces.

8. Distinguish between the Aryas (26) and the Dasyous. In favor of the one who offers you this bed of cousa, strike the impious who would like to dominate us. Be a powerful guide for the (father of the family) who presents this sacrifice to you. Such are the graces that I ask of you for those who take part in the joy of this feast.

9. Indra, to please the pious man, strikes the ungodly; to please those who honor him, he overwhelms those who disdain him. Vamra (27), singing the praises of this Indra who is great, who always grows, and fills the sky, (Vamra) was able to overthrow the rampart (with which the ants had surrounded him).

10. Let Usanas (28) try to fight vigorously with you; soon your strength, stimulated by resistance, makes heaven and earth tremble. O you who are the friend of men, be sated with our homage, and may your (horses), harnessed by thought, bring you, as light as the wind, here, towards our offerings.

11. When Indra hears himself called by our hymns, he mounts his chariot; he hurries his two steeds to the winding walk. (The) terrible god, from the bosom of the traveling cloud, sends forth an impetuous wave; he shakes the large cities of Souchna.

12. Here you are on your chariot, ready to taste our libations. You once kindly received those of Saryata (29), o Indra! May you delight (also) in our offerings! May our hymn rise unhindered to you in heaven!

13. It was you, Indra, who gave a young wife, Vrichaya, to old Cakchivan (30), who knew how to sing to you and offer you libations. (God) famous for your works, it was you who became Mena, daughter of Vrichanaswa (31). All your actions deserve to be celebrated in our sacrifices.

14. Indra is the refuge of needy piety. See the Padjras (32), where the (grateful) hymn is as (solid) as a doorpost. Indra can give horses, cows, chariots, treasures. He is in our midst to fulfill our wishes.

15. Adoration to the (god) who gives the rain (33), who shines with his own splendor! (To the) mighty god who enjoys true strength, hail! O India, in this sacrifice cover with your protection both masters and subjects!

Author: Savya (34), son of Angiras; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN VI.

TO INDRA.

1. Worship with ardor the ram (divine), the master of happiness, whose glory a hundred faithful sing together. By my hymns I implore the help of Indra, and I invite him to come like a swift courier, to direct his chariot towards our sacrifices.

2. As firm as a mountain in the midst of torrents, armed with a thousand virtues, we saw Indra, when he struck that (Vritra) which chains the rivers, (we saw him) double his forces, make the waves leap. , and receive with joy our offerings.

3. It is he who, seizing the udder (of the cloud), opens and closes it at will; a source of joy for reasonable (mortals), he delights in our libations. I invoke him with a very pious soul, this Indra who spreads his gifts with generosity, and who fills us with the treasures of abundance.

4. Indra loves the offerings arranged on the cousa, and which ascend to him in the sky, as the ocean loves the (rivers) of his vassals which descend to him. In his struggle against Vritra, following Indra are his auxiliaries (the Marouts), who exhaust the waters, and, always firm, know how to change direction at will.

5. Just as the waters flow towards the slopes (of the mountain), so these Marouts, intoxicated with our libations, rush towards Vritra who wants to hold back the rain, and support the efforts of Indra, when this god, weapon of lightning and fortified by our offerings, strikes the soldiers of Bala (35), as Trita struck the guards (Asuras) (36).

6. Around you, lndra, shines the light and triumphs over the force. Vritra, holding back the waves, was sitting high in the air, when on this (celestial) slope, where it seemed difficult to grasp this enormous mass, you came to break its broad jaw.

7. The prayers, which exalt your greatness, go towards you, like the waves towards the lake (which receives them); o Indra, Twachtri (37) doubled your strength by making you an invincible trait.

8. Lindra, you who are honored by our sacrifices and dragged by brilliant steeds, you have struck Vritra to open, in favor of man, a way for the rain. Your hands grabbed your iron weapon, el, in the air, you made the sun shine in our eyes.

9. However (the mortals) frightened invited Indra to ascend into heaven by one of those brilliant and loud hymns, of wide and harmonious measures; and the Marouts, friends of man and helpers of the god, protectors of the earth, happily flattered him (with their voices).

10. The firmament itself constricted in fear at the voice of Ahi, the moment you were seen. O Indra, intoxicated with our libations, strike violently with your thunderbolt the head of this Vritra, who threatened heaven and earth with their ruin.

11. O Maghavan, were the earth ten times wider, were the men who cultivate it to increase in number every day, your strength would not be less celebrated; like the sky, your power would extend to cover us.

12. Dwelling on the borders of the resplendent Ether, of your strong and superb nature, for our good you have made the earth in the image of your greatness. You cross the sky happily surrounded by waters.

13. You are the model of the earth (expanded like you), and the master of the immense (sky), and people of magnanimous gods. You fill with your greatness all the space of doing. Ah! no doubt there is no being like you.

14. No, you have no equal, you who in the intoxication of our libations fought the ravening enemy of the rain, you whom heaven and earth cannot contain, whose waves of air can only reach the end. Alone, you have made everything that exists.

15. Seeing you, in this fight, with your murderous weapon striking Vritra in the face and knocking him down, the Marouts addressed their homage to you; all the gods accompanied you with their intoxicating praises.

Author: Savya; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN VII.

To Indra

1. (Assembled) in the house of a faithful servant, we offer to Indra our prayers and our hymns. With the same speed as (the thief carries away) the treasure of the sleeping man, may (this god) take the offering (which we present to him. May he remember that) among the rich one collects only honorable hymns .

2. O lndra, you can give us horses, cows, barley (38); you are the master and guardian of wealth. You have always been famous for your liberality; you do not know how to deceive our desires, you show yourself the friend of your friends. This is why we address this hymn to you.

3. Brilliant Indra, your exploits are many; noble husband of Satchi, your opulence shines on all sides. Victory be yours! and give us the riches you have collected. Do not deceive the vows of the servant who implores you.

4. Accept with benevolence these burnt offerings and libations. Provide for our needs by giving us cows, horses. May we, with the help of Indra's charm of our libations, overcome the Dasyou, deliver ourselves from our enemies, and obtain abundance!

5. May we acquire wealth, food, those goods which bring happiness and glory to men! May we feel the effects of this divine prudence which multiplies the number of our men, our cows, our horses!

6. These intoxicating drinks, (these burnt offerings) which increase your strength, these libations offered for the death of Vritra, O master of virtue, have always flattered your soul; and you have been seen, easily victorious, divert thousands of misfortunes away from the man who offers you the sacrifice and a seat of cousa.

7. With your victorious strength you go from battle to battle, you successively destroy the cities (of the Asuras). Lightning is your companion, and with this murderous weapon you are going, under another sky, to strike the magician Namoutchi (39).

8. In favor of Atithigwa (40), you have with mighty vigor killed Carandja and Parnaya (41). Your arm alone was enough to break the hundred cities of Vangrida (42), besieged by Ridjiswan (43).

9. Twenty kings, followed by sixty, ninety-nine thousand (44) soldiers, had come to attack Susravas (45), who had no other ally but you: o noble defender, the wheel of your formidable chariot has them crushed tones.

10. No less happy than Sousravas, whom you saved by your help, o Indra, Tourvayana (46) obtained your protection. Very young as he was, thanks to your kindness, Coutsa (47), Atithigwa (48) and Ayou (49) recognized him as their overlord (50).

11. O Indra, in completing the sacrifice, we dare to boast of the protection of the gods and your happy friendship. May we still praise you later, holding in your favor the advantage of a large family and a long old age!

Author: Savya; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN VIII.

TO INDRA.

1. In the midst of wars caused by our faults, O Maghavan, do not abandon us, for your power knows no rival! With a terrible noise you make the rivers and the waves resound. How could the worlds not tremble with fear?

2. Address your prayer to the mighty Sacra, the husband of Satchi. Praise and glorify this Indra who listens to you, and who, by his high power, adorns heaven and earth, (Indra) who gives rain and fulfills our desires.

3. Address (to this god, who is) the immense sky, a prayer with which he is flattered. Winner, it is in himself that he finds his strength, this glorious master who is our life (51), our defense, our benefactor, and who, on a chariot, quickly carries his two steeds.

4. You have shaken the wide plains of heaven; your victorious hand struck Sambara (52), and on these proud magicians, insolently conjured against us, you hurled your thunderbolt, a radiant and sharp weapon.

5. On the head of Souchna, who blows the drought and unites (with his brothers for our ruin), you bring down the waters with a noise. You, whose firm and protective council executes so many things, could you find a conqueror?

6. It is you who saved Narya (53), Tourvasa (54) and Yadou (55), o Satacratou! you who (defended) the Vayya Tourviti (56); you who have, at the time of the fight, (protect) Etasa (57) carried away by a light tank; it is you who destroyed the ninety-nine (58) cities (of the Asuras).

7. He works for the happiness of his nation, the prince friend of virtue who, in honor of Indra, presents the holocaust and the sacred hymn, or who accompanies the prayer with rich offerings. The generous Indra sends him rain from the sky.

8. The strength (of this god) is incomparable, as well as his prudence. May they see their works prosper, O Indra, those who honor you with the offering of the soma, and double by their piety your greatness and your mighty strength.

9. It is for you, Indra, that these copious libations are prepared which have sprung up in the mortar under the blows of the pestle, and which rest in these vessels. Come quench your thirst, satisfy your desire, and then fulfill our wishes by granting us wealth.

10. Around the flanks of Vritra stretched a black mountain which stopped the rising of the waters. These imprisoned waves, whose long chain was prolonged in the distance, Indra has them, on the slopes (of the sky), precipitated in torrents.

11. O Indra, grant us happiness with glory; let our strength be great enough to resist our enemies. Keep us rich and powerful. That through you we have wealth, family, food.

Author: Savya; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN IX.

TO INDRA

1. Indra is greater than the sky, greater than the earth. Terrible and strong, in favor of men he ignites, and, like the bull which sharpens his horns, he sharpens his lightning dart.

2. Aerial ocean, it is like the sea, and receives in its breast the vast torrents of the sky. Indra, to take part in our libations, hastens with the impetuosity of the bull; always ready to prove its strength in the fight to deserve our praise.

3. O Indra, it is not for you that the cloud swells like a mountain. (You will strike it in our favor.) You are the king of those who possess wealth. Powerful God, it is by flashes that he appears to us, formidable and disposed to any kind of attack.

4. He loves the hymn addressed to him by the pious (solitary) of the forest, and by his exploits he makes himself known to mortals. It is when the noble Maghavan receives the homage of our hymns, that his heart is flattered, and that, by his largesse, he responds to the wishes of his servant.

5. Sustainer of mortals, with holy vigor he fights great battles for them. So mortals have faith in the brilliant Indra, who strikes (their enemies) with a deadly dart.

6. Friend of praise, more and more firm and vigorous, he destroys the dwellings founded (by the Asuras); he prevents the celestial splendors from being veiled, and, for the happiness of him who offers the sacrifice, he sends down the rain.

7. O you who love soma and who listen to our hymns with pleasure, dispose your soul to liberality. Direct your two steeds to this side. Those whom you protect, o Indra, are among the most skilful squires to drive a chariot. Neither cunning nor violence can triumph over you.

8. In your hands you carry infinite riches; your divine body is endowed with an invincible force. Like abundant wells, all parts of your vast body, o Indra, are sources of benefits and wholesome works.

Author: Savya; meter, Djagati.

ANTHEM X.

TO INDRA.

1. With the eagerness that drives the courier to the run, let Indra come and take the copious libations that the father of the family has poured into the cups. (Let us) the great (god), greedy for our offerings, stop here his magnificent chariot all resplendent with gold, and hitched to two azure horses.

2. The pious and greedy singers of his favors surround his altar, going to him like merchants to the sea. that the women go to the mountain (to collect flowers there).

3. He's fast, he's big. In virile works, its value shines with an irreproachable luster; pernicious (to our enemies), and standing out like the top of the hill. Terrible, covered with an iron cuirass, intoxicated with our libations, he goes, in the midst of his subjects, to the place where they are chained (the clouds), to play the magician Souchna.

4. When the divine force, increased by your offerings, comes, for your happiness, to unite with Indra, like the Sun with the Dawn; then the god who, by his indomitable power, dispels the darkness, raises the cries of his enemies, and throws them violently into the dust.

5. When you want to withdraw the waves, and, in every part of the sky, restore to the air all its purity, then, mighty Indra, in your intoxication, which spreads happiness on us, you strike Vritra with courage, and you open to us the ocean of rains.

6. It is your power, O magnanimous Indra, that gives the earth the waves of heaven. Intoxicated with our libations, you cause water to spring forth (from the sea); and, with a weapon thrown from an arm no less strong than his, you reach Vritra.

Author: Savya; meter, Djagati.

HYMN XI.

TO INDRA.

1. I pay my respects to the magnificent, great, rich, true and strong god. Like the course of these torrents which descend from the mountain, its power is irresistible; he opens to all beings the treasury of his strength and opulence.

2. Ah! no doubt the whole world is devoted to your worship; the libations flow in your honor no less abundant than rivers, when one sees your threatening, murderous golden lightning, clinging unrelentingly (to the body of Vritra), like a mountain.

3. For this terrible, for this adorable Indra, come, brilliant Aurora, prepare the offerings of the sacrifice: this god is only strong, powerful and luminous, he is Indra only to support us, as the horse is not made only to carry us.

4. O Indra, treasure of abundance and praise, we are yours; in you we place our trust. Hymns rise to you, and no other is more worthy. Yours are our songs, just as all beings are on the earth.

5. Indra, your strength is great, and we are your servants. Fulfill the wish of the one who sings to you. Your strength is as wide as the sky, and this earth bends in fear before your power.

6. God armed with lightning, you tear with your weapon the sides of (Vritra), of this broad mountain which fills the air; and the waves which held back, through you, have found their course. Yes, you possess the sovereign power.

Author: Savya; meter, Djagali.

HYMN XII.

TO AGNI.

1. The immortal, born of force, soars quickly, charged by the father of the family to be the sacrificer and the messenger (of the gods). He opened the marvelous paths of light, and, in the sacrifice offered to the divinities, he kindles the holocaust.

2. (The god) ever young, uniting with his own food, ready to consume it quickly, and stands above the stake. Like the courier, the brilliant flame escapes from the hearth, and quivers like thunder under the celestial vault.

3. Bearer of offerings, placed in front by the Roudras and the Vasous, priest and pontiff, treasury of oblations, immortal, he is celebrated by humans, children of Ayou, like the chariot that transports their holocausts, and he receives in her resplendent bosom their precious libations.

4. Animated by the breath of the wind, it rises effortlessly above the pyre, resounding with force under the libations flowing from the sacred vessels. O Agni, with the impetuosity of the bull you rush on your food; always new, you unfold your reddish flame, and trace your black furrow.

5. With your teeth of flame, you attack the pyre, excited by the wind. There, you reign like the mighty bull in the midst of the herd. By your (natural) strength you rise into the indestructible air. All beings, animate or inanimate, fear your attacks.

6. To perpetuate your divine births, the Bhrigus (59) have placed you among the children of Manu as a precious treasure, o Agni, you who willingly listen to the voice of mortals; you their priest, their honorable guest, their benevolent friend.

7. This first of the priests, whom, in the holy ceremonies, the seven (60) cups of the priest come to honor; this Agni, distributor of all goods, I honor him with my offerings; I address myself to the one who is the most precious (of beings).

8. Son of the Force, protector of your friends, grant us today, your panegyrists, unreserved happiness; o Agni, child of the (sacred) food (61), be for us like an armor of iron, and deliver him who sings to you from the defilement of evil.

9. Be for the man who praises you, o resplendent (god), a veritable rampart; o (god) rich, give us wealth and security; O Agni, deliver your servant from evil. May our protector come early in the morning to collect the treasure of our prayers.

Author: Nodhas, son of Gotama; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN XIII.

TO AGNI.

1. The different fires, O Agni, are like so many branches that come from you; you are the joy of all immortals. O Veswanara (62), you are a center for men, whom you support, like a pillar erected near them.

2. Agni is the head of heaven and the navel of earth. The universe recognizes him as master. O Veswanara, the Devas gave birth to you to be, in favor of the pious Arya (63), a luminous divinity.

3. As the rays are in the sun, so in Veswanara are the treasures which are found on the mountains, in the plants, in the waters, in men. O Agni, you are the king of all these treasures.

4. As around a son, heaven and earth extend around him. (We sing) his praises; he is a magnificent priest, he is for us like a child of Manu. (We pour) large libations in honor of Veswanara, true, strong, vigorous and fortune.

5. Opulent Veswanara, you are greater than the wide sky; you are the king of human beings; you even fought in favor of the gods, and defended their goods.

6. Yes, I must sing the greatness of this beneficent (god) whom the children of Puru honor as the winner of Vritra. Agni, the friend of men, strikes the Dasyou, shakes the air, and breaks the limbs of Sambara (64).

7. Veswanara, by his power, reigns over all men. Brilliant, honored among the Bharadwadjas (65), Agni receives from the illustrious chief, son of Satavan (66), many offerings, songs, prayers.

Author: Nodhas; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XIV.

TO AGNI.

1. (That god) who takes charge of our offerings, who is the glorious banner of sacrifice; this faithful protector, this quick messenger, this benevolent friend, c and child of two mothers (67), was, like a precious treasure, brought to Bhrigou by (the god of the wind) Matariswan (68).

2. This sovereign master is honored by two kinds of servants, some who have burnt offerings, others who have only vows. Preceding the light of heaven, (Agni) takes his place, venerable priest and king of men, wisely liberal in their midst.

3. May this new hymn reach this god who is born under our breath, and whose tongue is softened by our libations! him whom at the time of the sacrifice the priests, children of Manu, come to engender, and honor, with their presents.

4. (God) greedy of our libations, refuge of humans, purifier, excellent pontiff, Agni was placed among men; he subdues our enemies, he protects our homes. In the domestic asylum (which we have given him), let him be (for us) the master of wealth!

5. Children of Gotama (69), we celebrate you with our hymns, o Agni, master of wealth. We charge you with our offerings, like a courier who must transport them (faithfully). May our protector come early in the morning to collect the treasure of our prayers.

Author: Nodhas; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XV.

TO INDRA.

1. To this (god) great, powerful and swift; to that Indra, worthy of our praise; to this insurmountable master, I offer the homage of my hymn and the abundant tribute of my prayers. May it be like a (pleasant) dish for him!

2. Yes, as a delicacy, I present to him this pure invocation, whose virtue is to give victory; (the poets devoted) to Indra of heart, soul and spirit, in honor of this ancient master, embellish the prayer.

3. My mouth sings a hymn which represents the picture of its blessings; I would like, by the brilliant expression of my thoughts, to obtain the favor of this magnificent master, and to add something to his greatness.

4. For him I prepare a hymn, as the workman (makes) a chariot for (the master) who commanded it. (I offer him) words, to him whose words exalt the glory; (I offer) to the wise Indra poetic songs which are powerful on his soul.

5. As the bait of food is to the steed, the cup of sacrifice is to my hymn; (he feels more ardor) to sing Indra. I want to celebrate this heroic (god), magnificent in his gifts, object of our pious praise, and destroyer of cities (of Asuras).

6. Twachtri (70) has for this warrior god fabricates a famous feature by his works; and with this formidable weapon this active and mighty master pierced the limbs of Vritra.

7. From the moment that, in the sacrifices offered to him by the noble lord here present, (Indra) has touched the libations and the sacred meats, immediately the powerful (god) seizes the (cloud), black boar that the vapors have swelled; he penetrates it, and pierces it with his thunderbolt.

8. Joyful at the death of Ahi, the wives of the gods (71) sang Indra, who embraces heaven and earth, while heaven and earth cannot equal his greatness.

9. For it is greater than heaven, earth, and air (72); A king by himself, a hero worthy of all praise, a mighty rival of mighty rivals, within his empire, Indra comes to battle.

10. Vritra dries up (the earth); with his mighty lightning Indra strikes him; and, responding to the wishes (of the father of the family) who offers the sacrifice, (he opens the cloud): like imprisoned cows, the salutary (waves) obtain their deliverance.

11. When, under the claps of thunder, he shakes all around him, the waves, at his dazzling gleams, are agitated with pleasure. Generous master, in favor of Tourviti (73), his servant, he suddenly made a ford appear in the middle of the waters.

12. Incomparable Master, hasten to throw your thunderbolt on Vritra. Like the flanks of an immolated cow, divide between us with your weapon the limbs of the cloud, and cause torrents of rain to flow.

13. (Poete), sings of the ancient exploits of (this god) swift. He is worthy of your praise when in battle he throws his darts from afar, and rushes to strike his enemies close at hand.

14. Indra appeared, and out of fear the strongest mountains, and the sky, and the earth, trembled. Busy repeating the praise of this good and helpful god, | may Nodhas feel his strength renewed at all times.

15. It is for him that this hymn was composed (in the name of the faithful) present here. May this hymn please the one who is the only powerful, the only rich; to Indra, who protected in the fight against Sourya, son of Swaswa, the pious Etasa (74)!

16. O you who are carried by two brilliant steeds, Indra, grant the poetic wish addressed to you by the sons of Gotama. Turn your mind to them, and give them all your blessings. May, in the morning, our protector come and collect the treasure of our prayer.

Author: Nodhas; meter, Trichtoubh.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:53 am

Part 1 of 2

LECTURE CINQUIEME.
HYMNE PREMIER.
A INDRA.

[French Version]

1. Tels qu’Angiras (1), nous adressons au (dieu) fort et digne d’eloges un hymne qui puisse lui plaire. Nous cbantons la gloire d’un heros qui merite la louange et la priere du poete.

2. Allons, offrez au grand (Indra) vos profondes adorations; offrez au (dieu) fort vos chants harmonieux. C’est par lui que nos ancetres, les fils d’Angiras, en recompense de leurs hymnes, ont suivi les traces de leurs vaches, et les ont retrouvees (2).

3. Dans cette recherche que faisait Indra, de concert avec les Angiras, Sarama (3) a senti ce qui pouvait etre l’aliment de son nourrisson. Vrihaspati (4) a frappe le vorace (Asoura); il a retrouve les vaches, et les illustres (Angiras) en ont pousse des cris de joie.

4. C’est toi, puissant Indra, toi, digne d’etre celebre par des hymnes harmonieux, qui, accompagne des sept pretres (Angirasas) habiles a chanter sur des mesures de neuf ou dix syllabes (5), as effraye par le bruit (de ton tonnerre) Bala, receleur des pluies fecondes.

5. Chante par les Angiras, (dieu) admirable! tu as dissipe les tenebres devant les rayons de l’aurore et du soleil; o Indra, tu as etendu la surface de la terre, tu as assure le firmament.

6. Mais l’oeuvre la plus belle, la plus merveilleuse de ce (maitre) superbe, c’est d’avoir, d’une onde aussi douce que le miel, rempli le lit des quatre fleuves (6).

7. Cet invincible (Indra), que celebrent nos chants, a divise en deux parts le ciel et la terre, deux compagnons toujours renaissant ensemble. Tel que Bhaga (7), ce (dieu) magnifique en ses oeuvres, du haut des airs les maintient, ces deux venerables auteurs du monde.

8. Revetues de formes differentes, l'une noire, l'autre brillante, la Nuit et l’Aurore se succedent; et, toujours jeunes, chacune a son tour, elles roulent sans cesse autour du ciel et de la terre.

9. Le (dieu) fort et magnanime se complait en des oeuvres genereuses; il maintient la vieille amitie (qui l'unit aux hommes). Il peut, quand il le veut, remplir d’un lait nourrissant la mamelle de vaches noires ou rouges (8), et trop jeunes encore.

10. Une troupe d’immortelles soeurs, toutes habitantes du meme sejour, animees du meme esprit de salut et de recueillement, accomplit avec constance, en son honneur, mille et mille pratiques de piete; et, telles que de chastes epouses, elles ornent la pompe triomphale du rnagnifique (Indra) (9).

11. En effet, les Prieres sans cesse avides de s unir a toi, (dieu) admirable et digne d’eloges, curieuses d’obtenir par leurs hommages le tresor (de tes benedictions), accourent (aux sacrifices): comme des epouses cheries s’approhbent de l'epoux qui les aime, les saintes Invocations, o (maitre) puissant, viennent vers toi.

12. Sous tes brillantes mains, merveilleuse (deite), les richesses ne sauraient diminuer ni perir; o Indra, tu es lumineux, fort et prudent. Epoux de Satchi, fais-nous sentir les effets de tes oeuvres.

13. L’enfant de Gotama, Nodhas, a compose pour toi, o genereux Indra, cet hymne nouveau, pour toi qui es eternel, qui nous diriges dans la bonne voie; toi qui attelles deux coursiers a ton char (magnifique). Que, des le matin, notre protecteur vienne recueillir le tresor de notre priere.

Auteur: Nodhas; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE II.

A INDRA.

1. O Indra, tu es grand, toi qui, te montrant au jour de malheur, soutiens le ciel et la terre par tes puissantes vertus, lorsque tout dans la nature, et les plus fermes montagnes elles-memes, tremblent de terreur devant toi, et vacillent comme de freles rayons.

2. Quand tu lances tes coursiers merveilleux, alors le poete arme tes mains de la foudre; et avec cette arme, o invincible, o adorable Indra, tu frappes tes ennemis, et tu renverses leurs larges villes.

3. (Dieu) vrai et triomphant, o Indra, tu commandes aux Riblious, tu aimes les heros, tu detruis (tes adversaires); c’est toi qui, dans un jour de bataille, au milieu de la melee, as pris le parti du jeune et brillant Coutsa (10), et as terrasse l’avare Souchna.

4. C’est ton amitie qui t’animait (pour nous; o Indra, lorsque, lancant la foudre en maitre genereux, tu frappais Vritra, et que, heros magnifique et invincible, tu faisais sur ce champ de bataille reculer les Dasyous, dont tu dechirais les membres.

5. O Indra, tu ne depenses pas ta force contre les mortels; tu ne veux pas nuire a celui qui est ferme parmi eux. Ouvre les regions du ciel au (nuage) qui vient vers nous, et que ta foudre terrasse nos ennemis.

6. Quand tu combats pour leur donner la pluie et faire descendre sur eux l'onde bienfaisante, les homines t’invoquent. O toi qui recois nos offrandes, que ta protection soit la recompense de nos presents et de nos hommages solennels!

7. C’est ainsi, o foudroyant Indra, que, combattant en faveur de Pouroucoutsa (11), tu as detruit sept villes. A Soudas (12), enfant de Pourou, tu as confere les richesses d’Anhou (13), avec autant de facilite que l'on arrache quelques tiges de cousa.

8. Heros divin, o Indra, o toi qui embrasses le monde, tu repands pour nous (sur la terre) les divers aliments, tels qu’une bienfaisante rosee; et avec ces aliments tu nous donnes cette vie, qui, comme une eau (salutaire), circule partout (dans nos veines).

9. O Indra, les enfants de Gotama ont compose pour toi ces hymnes que notre respect te presente. (Viens) avec tes coursiers azures, et amene-nous une magnifique abondance. Que, des le matin, notre protecteur vienne recueillir le tresor de notre priere.

Auteur: Nodhas; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE III.

AUX MAROUTS.

1. "Allons, Nodhas, presente l'hommage d’un hymne aux Marouts, a cette troupe qui donne l’abondance et la fecondile, et qui aime nos sacrifices." Recueilli, et les mains pieusement levees pour la sainte ceremonie, je compose des vers qui vont couler corame une onde (pure).

2. Ils naissent du ciel, ces brillants et vigoureux enfants de Roudra, qui sement la vie (14) et sont exempts du mal, tantot purs et beaux comme des soleils, tantot mouilles de pluie, funestes et horribles comme les mauvais genies (15).

3. Jeunes et redoutables, ils ne connaissent pas la faiblesse de la maladie; ennemis de l’impie, ils favorisent (l’homme fidele). Fermes comme le roc, ils ebranlent de leur souffle puissant tout ce qu’il y a de plus fort dans tons les mondes, au ciel et sur la terre.

4. Des ornements divers relevent leur beaute; sur leurs poitrines pendent avec grace de brillants colliers; sur leurs epaules se dressent leurs armes eclatantes. Ils naissent du ciel au meme instant que se montre Swadha (16).

5. Ils donnent la richesse, et remuent le monde; ils detruisent leurs ennemis, et produisent par leur puissance les vents et les eclairs; les images du ciel sont comme une mamelle qu’ils pressent vivement, et, parcourant avec bruit les airs, ils engraissent la terre d’une eau feconde.

6. Les Marouts, riches en presents, repandent le lait celeste; tels, dans les ceremonies sacrees, les (pretres) versent le beurre liquide. De meme que (l’ecuyer) dresse le cheval, eux, ils apprennent au nuage a pleuvoir. C’est une nourrice intarissable qu’ils ont l’art de traire au milieu des mugissements de la foudre.

7. Magnifiques et habiles a changer de formes, vous vous parez de superbes lueurs, et vous avancez rapidement, forts, et pareils a de larges collines; tels que des elephants sauvages, vous renversez les forets, quand a votre char puissant vous avez attele des (coursiers) rougeatres (17).

8. Ces (dieux) riches et prevoyants fremissent comme des lions. Leur beaute est celle du chevreuil. Terribles (pour un ennemi), bons (pour leur serviteur), ils poussent avec ardeur les daims (18) qui les emportent; et, agitant leurs armes, ils s'unissent pour faire sentir (a ceux qui leur resistent) leur puissant et funeste courroux.

9. Heros pleins de vigueur, troupe amie des mortels, faites retentir, de votre voix animee par la colere, et la terre et le ciel. Et deja, sur le siege de vos chars, o Marouts, j’ai cru voir vos formes admirables s’elever, et briller comme l’eclair.

10. Ces (dieux) possedent tous les biens, et habitent avec la richesse; ils sent doues d’une force tumultueuse et d’une voix eclatante; habiles archers, ils tiennent une fleche dans leurs mains; heros dont la puissance est sans borne, ils semblent mordre (le nuage pour en extraire) la pluie.

11. Montes sur leurs chars aux roues d’or, les Marouts amoncellent les nuages, et les poussent sur leur route comme des montagnes. Dignes de nos hommages, ils vont, ils se precipitent, abattant ce qui est solide, exercant leur dur empire, et armes de traits resplendissants.

12. Nous invoquons ces enfants de Roudra, sages, purs, redoutables, et dispensant la pluie. Honorez, pour votre bonheur, cette famille des Marouts, forte, liberale, victorieuse, et parcourant le domaine des airs.

13. O Marouts, le mortel que vous protegez surpasse  tous les autres en puissance; ses coursiers ont de gras paturages, ses gens ont la richesse; il voit croitre son opulence et la renommee de ses sacrifices.

14. O Marouts, donnez a nos nobles seigneurs un fils fort dans ses oeuvres, difficile a vaincre dans les combats, magnifique, robuste, opulent, eclaire, et digne d’etre chante. Puissions-nous, pendant une centaine d’annees, celebrer une telle famille!

15. O Marouts, accordez-nous une fortune qui soit stable; que nos gens soient pleins de force, qu’ils soutiennent les attaques de nos ennemis. Que cent, que mille tresors augmentent notre richesse! Que, des le matin, nos protecteurs viennent recueillir le tribut de notre priere!

Auteur: Nodhas; metres, Trichtoubh et Djagati.

HYMNE IV.

A AGNI.

1. Tel que le brigand qui se renferme dans sa caverne avec son betail, (tu te caches) (19), o (dieu) qui te joins au sacrifice et qui portes les offrandes!

2. Cependant les (Devas), tes sages compagnons, suivent tes traces (20); et tous, habiles sacrificateurs, ils savent te retrouver.

3. Les Devas poursuivent le coins des saintes ceremonies; et bientot (le dieu) s’est entoure de (rayons) abondants et brillants comme la lumiere du ciel.

4. Les ondes (sacrees) (21) augmentent sa force; leur (doux) breuvage fait grandir cet heureux nourrisson,  ne au giron du sacrifice.

5. Tel qu’une agreable vegetation, que la terre etendue, que la colline chargee de fruits, que l'eau salutaire;

6. Tel que le coursier debarrasse de ses liens, que la mer impetueuse, tel est Agni. Qui donc peut le maitriser?

7. Agni est pour les ondes comme un frere pour ses soeurs; de meme qu’un roi devore les riches, de meme il devore les bois,

8. Quand, excite par le vent, il se jette sur la foret et dechire la chevelure de la terre.

9. Tel que le cygne qui plonge, il souffle au milieu des endes (22). Eveille des l’aurore, il avertit les hommes que l’heure de l'oeuvre sainte est arrivee.

10. Ainsi que l’excellent Soma (23), il nait du sacrifice. De meme que l’animal au sein de sa mere, (il est faible d'abord); bientot il se developpe, et porte au loin ses splendeurs.

Auteur: Parasara, fils de Sacti, petit-fils de Vasichtha; metre, Dwipada.

HYMNE V.

A AGNI.

1. Tel qu’un tresor richement varie, un soleil resplendissant, un souffle vital, un fils devoue;

2. Tel qu’un coursier docile, tel est (Agni); pur et brillant, il s’atlache au bois comme la tendre genisse a la mamelle de sa mere.

3. Tel qu’une maison agreable, il renferme notre bonheur; tel que la moisson que (le soleil) a murie, il doit conquerir (l’amour) des hommes.

4. Tel que le poete qui chante (les dieux), il est beni par les mortels; tel que le coursier cheri, il apporte (a la terre) sa nourriture.

5. Entoure d’un eclat incomparable, il accomplit sans relache son oeuvre sainte; il est dans le foyer, semblable a une epouse fidele dans sa maison: il embellit tout,

6. Et quand il allume ses flammes variees, il brille comme le soleil dans le monde, comme un char dore dans les batailles.

7. Il repand la terreur de meme que l’armee qu’on lance (au combat), de meme que la fleche de l'archer garnie d’une pointe etincelante.

8. Jumeau du passe, jumeau de l’avenir, il est le fiance des filles et l'epoux des femmes.

9. Comme les vaches vont vers l'etable, nous, le matin et le soir (24), nous venons vers lui des l'instant qu’il brille.

10. Ainsi qu’une onde impetueuse, le voila qui pousse ses vagues (enflammees), et ses rayons s’elevent vers la voute du ciel.

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Dwipada.  

HYMNE VI.

A AGNI.

1. Ne sur le bucher, ami des mortels, (Agni) cherit le pere de famille qui ordonne le sacrifice (25), comme un roi cherit l’homme fort.

2. Tel qu’un protecleur vertueux, tel qu’un pretre venerable, il est notre patron, notre sacrificateur, le porteur de nos offrandes.

3. Dans sa main il tient toutes les richesses, et quand il se renferme dans sa retraite (26), les Devas commencent a trembler.

4. Les pretres alors le decouvrent, (les pretres) devoues a la priere, et chantant les hymnes que le coeur inspire.

5. Semblable a (l'astre) voyageur (27), il soutient l’air et la terre; encourage par les invocations pieuses, il affermit le ciel.

6. O Agni, jouis des diverses offrandes qui te sont presentees; toi qui es la vie de tous les etres, quitte chaque jour pour nous ta retraite.

7. Celui qui sait le tirer de sa retraite, et qui le ramene au foyer du sacrifice,

8. (Agni) le comble de biens, ainsi que ceux qui l'honorent par leurs saintes pratiques.

9. Il enveloppe (de sa flamme) les ramees, et attaque avec force le corps meme des branches (qui sont comme) ses meres (28).

10. Sage soutien de tous les etres, il habite le sejour des ondes (sacrees), ou les (hommes) religieux lui ont prepare avec soin une espece de demeure.

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Dwipada.

HYMNE VII.

A AGNI.

1. (Agni), anime par nos libations, s’eleve vers le ciel, ou il porte (nos offrandes); il eclaire la nuit, (il illumine) tous les etres, animes et inanimes.

2. Et, Deva incomparable parmi les Devas, il les surpasse tous par sa grandeur.

3. O dieu, des l’instant que tu viens a la vie du sein de (la branche) aride, tous aussitot s’appliquent a l'oeuvre sainte;

4. Tous par leurs hymnes celebrent ta divine essence, el honorent l'immortel auteur du sacrifice.

5. Pour l’auteur du sacrifice est notre hymne, pour lui notre offrande. Il est la vie de tous, et tous s’unissent pour l’oeuvre (sacree).

6. Favorise de ton attention, comble de tes bienfaits ceux qui t’honorent par leurs presents on par leurs prieres.

7. Sacrificateur place pres des enfants de Manou, tu es le maitre de la richesse.

8. Tes (serviteurs) demandent que tu repandes dans leurs corps une semence de vie. Qu’ils sentent, a leur ferme assurance, (que leurs voeux sont exauces).

9. Tels que des fils dociles a l’ordre de leur pere, ils viennent avec empressement honorer Agni d’un culte pieux.

10. (Agni) donne la fertilite et ouvre les portes de l'opulence; (le dieu) qui triomphe de tout (29) a decore d’etoiles la voute celeste.

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Dwipada.

HYMNE VIII.

A AGNI.

1. Agni repand des clartes non moins vives que les clartes de (l'astre) qui eclipse l’aurore; tel que le flambeau celeste, il remplit (de lumieres) et la terre et le ciel.

2. Tu nais, et de la splendeur til embrasses deja toute la nature. Tu es le fils des Devas, et tu deviendras leur pere (30).

3. Agni, bon et prudent, vent connaitre la douceur de nos libations; elles sont pour lui comme le lait de nos vaches.

4. Tel qu’un homme bienfaisant parmi le peuple, dont le secours est reclame dans le besoin, il siege au milieu de nous, il est la joie de nos foyers.

5. Il est, dans nos demeures, agreable comme un enfant nouveau-ne, comme un coursier cheri. Qu’il soit le bienfaiteur du peuple!

6. Quand j’appelle tout ce peuple (31), ainsi reuni avec mes compagnons, qi'Agni recoive tous les honneurs divins.

7. Personne ne peut troubler nos ceremonies, o (Agni), lorsqu’a de tels ministres de ton culte tu donnes un tel pere de famille.

8. Si ton sacrifice se trouvait interrompu, tu saurais bien, avec tes serviteurs, mettre en fuite les criminels.

9. Que (Agni) repande donc ses clartes, non moins vives que les clartes de (l'astre) qui eclipse l’aurore; qu’il fasse briller ses formes eclatantes, et qu’il protege son (serviteur).

10. Mais voila ses (rayons) porteurs de (nos offrandes), qui s’ouvrent d’eux-memes les portes, et s’elevent tous vers la voute du ciel.

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Dwipada.  

HYMNE IX

A AGNI

1. Puissions-nous posseder l'abondance! Que, propice a nos voeux, le brillant Agni obtienne tous les honneurs!

2. Lui qui connait les divines pratiques, lui qui aime a naitre au milieu des enfants de Manou!

3. Lui, qui nait au sein des ondes sacrees, dans le bucher (du sacrifice), parmi les (offrandes) solides et liquides (32)!

4. Lui qui, sur la montagne (33) ou dans l'interieur de nos foyers, est comme le patron du peuple, immortel et bienveillant!

5. Agni, ami des libations qu’amenent les crepuscules (34), donne ses tresors a celui qui le celebre par ses hymnes.

6. (Dieu) sage et prevoyant, conserve toutes les creatures, la race des Devas et les mortels!

7. Agni, qui a pour ceinture le sacrifice lui-meme, est fortifie par les libations que lui apportent les Aurores et les Nuits, (deesses) aux formes si differentes, et par les offrandes liquides et solides.

8. Nous l’avons invoque, ce sacrificateur heureusement place pres de nous, cet agent de toutes les oeuvres saintes.

9. Puissions-nous, par toi, devenir celebres! puissions-nous obtenir l’opulence et le bonheur!

10. Les hommes te venerent avec empressement; qu’ils recoivent de toi la richesse, comme (on recoit) l'heritage d’un vieux pere!

11. Mais, dans les combats, brille (et deviens redoutable) autant que l’usurier avide, que l'archer courageux, que le guerrier terrible qui conduit un char (35)!...

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Dwipada.

HYMNE X.

A AGNI.

1. Tendrement attachees a un (dieu) qui les paye d’une egale tendresse, de pieuses soeurs (36), habitantes d’un meme sejour, venerent (Agni) comme des epouses venerent un epoux adore: de meme les vaches (lumineuses) rendent hommage a l’Aurore, qui, (par degre) sombre et rougeatre, se pare a son lever des couleurs les plus variees.

2. Nos peres, les Angiras, ont, par leurs chants et par l’harmonie de leurs hymnes, brise la force du vorace (Asoura); ils nous ont decouvert les voies du vaste ciel; nous leur devons le jour, la lumiere, le feu, les vaches (celestes) (37).

3. Ils ont recueilli le brillant (Agni); ils ont amasse pour lui un tresor d’offrandes. Puis, chargees de diverses parties de l’oeuvre sainte, de venerables soeurs (38), attentives, modestes, sont venues, en presence des Devas, accroitre par leurs hommages la force du nouveau-ne.

4. Aussitot que le souffle de Matariswan a excite (Agni), dans tous les foyers (le dieu) s’eleve et brille. (Le pretre), suivant l’exemple de Bhrigou (39), et agissant (avec les dieux) comme un prince a l’egard d’un prince plus puissant, engage Agni a lui servir de messager.

5. Quand (le pretre) verse le liquide (consacre) en l'honneur de celui qui est grand, secourable et brillant, alors l’ennemi (du jour), qui le voit, s’enfuit; aussitot le dieu, comme un archer superbe, lui decoche une fleche etincelante, et lance sa lumiere jusque sur (l’Aurore) sa fille.

6. O Agni, toi qui bribes entre le ciel et la terre (40), augmente la fortune de celui qui, chaque jour, allume ton brasier et t’offre les libations que tu aimes. Il est sur du triomphe, celui dont tu montes le char et dont tu presses (les coursiers).

7. Toutes les offrandes vont a Agni, comme les sept (41) fleuves a l'Ocean. Nos familles sentent l’indigence qui les presse. Par ta sage entremise, que notre voeu soit connu des dieux.

8. La force que nos offrandes ont donnee a ce (dieu) roi des hommes, produit une pure semence (de lumiere) jelee an sein du ciel. Qu’ainsi soit engendre et sacre par Agni un prince royal, fort, irreprochable et genereux (42)!

9. Le soleil, qui, rapide comme la pensee (43), traverse toujours seul les routes (celestes), est le maitre de la richesse; Mitra et Varouna, ces deux rois aux belles mains (44), gardent la douce ambroisie des vaches (celestes).

10. O Agni, ne brise pas le traite d’amitie conclu avec nos peres. Tu connais (nos besoins), car tu es sage. La vieillesse est comme un nuage qui pese sur moi et defigure mon corps. Previens cette ennemie, et souviens-toi de moi.

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XI.

A AGNI.

1. "(Poete), commence un hymne en l'honneur d’un (dieu) sage et eternel. Agni tient dans sa main tous les biens qui conviennent a l 'homme. Agni est le maitre de la richesse et l’auteur d’oeuvres immortelles."

2. (Agui), tel qu’un nourrisson cheri, etait pres de nous (45). Cependant tous les Devas (46) le cherchaient avec Constance, sans le trouver. Fatigues, prives de leur char (47), prodigues de prieres, ils ne s’arrelerent qu’en le voyant briller sur son siege.

3. O Agni, ces (Devas) purs comme toi, apres t'avoir honore d’une triple libation (48) de beurre consacre, onht partage eux-memes les honneurs du sacrifice, et ils out sanctifie leurs corps, se montrant dignes de leur naissance (49).

4. (Ces Devas) honorables, impatients de voir se developper et le ciel et la terre, commencent des (chants) que doivent comprendre les enfants de Roudra. Et bientot cette (troupe) mortelle (des Marouts cherchant) avec Indra, a trouve Agni siegeant sur son brillant foyer.

5. En le voyant, (les Devas) viennent avec leurs epouses (50) s’asseoir pres de lui, et adorer celui qui est adorable. Leurs corps etaient epuises par le travail; le coup d’oeil d’un ami les a ranimes.

6. Vingt et une fois (51) ces (Devas), dignes de nos hommages, prononcent en ton honneur de mysterieuses invocations; et vingt et une fois, compagnons de ta joie, ils les accompagnent de libations. Accueille nos offrandes et solides et liquides.

7. O Agni, toi qui connais les besoins des mortels, accorde-leur toujours ce qui doit adoucir les maux de la vie! Toi qui connais aussi parfaitement les routes que suivent les dieux, sois pour eux un messager infatigable, et porte-leur nos offrandes.

8. (Par toi) les sept fleuves (52), sensibles a nos peines, (coulent) du ciel (sur la terre.) (Par loi les Angiras) (53), habiles dans les sacrifices, ont connu les portes de la fortune, et Sarama a decouvert le cachot ou etaient renfermees les vaches (celestes), tresor de la race humaine.

9. La (noble) mere (des Adityas), la grande Aditi (54), apparait avec majeste, escortee de ses fils, de ces genereux enfants qui s’elevent, ouvrant la voie a l'immortalite, et assurant la marche de (l’astre) voyageur.

10. Cependant (les pretres) ont nourri de leurs tresors les clartes d’Agni, pour qu’elles attirent les regards des immortels. Les (flammes) rougeatres courent et s’elancent comme des ondes dechainees. O Agni, les (dieux) sont avertis.

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XII.

A AGNI.

1. Abondant comme le tresor amasse par un pere, prudent comme le commandement du sage, aimable commie l’hote qui se plait dans nos foyers, (Agni), tel qu’nn sacrificateur, fait fructifier la maison de l'homme pieux.

2. Semblable au divin Savitri, il connait la verite; par sa force il protege tous nos sacrifices. Comble de nos louanges, il merite d’etre honore comme la forme la plus pure, comme l'ame la plus vivifiante.

3. Tel que le dieu qui embrasse tout, tel qu’un roi ami de ses sujets, il protege la terre. Ses serviteurs ressemblent a des fils eleves dans la meme maison, el qu’une epouse vertueuse, aimee de son epoux, (cherit egalement).

4. O Agni, les pretres, te choisissant une demeure sure, te font perpetuellement briller dans ton foyer, et t'adressent leurs hommages; dans ce foyer ils deposent leurs nombreuses offrandes. O toi qui es la vie de tous, deviens (pour nous) un tresor de richesses.

5. O Agni, que nos princes obtiennent (par toi) la fortune, et, maitres genereux du sacrifice, jouissent de tous les agrements de la vie! Que, dans les combats, nous nous emparions des tresors de l’ennemi, disposes a partager avec les dieux le fruit glorieux (de la victoire)!

6. Les vaches (celestes), brillant des feux du sacrifice, montrent avec bonheur leurs mamelles remplies de lait; et, de l’extremite de l'horizon, jalouses de meriter sa faveur, les ondes viennent couler au sein du nuage (qu'elles grossissent).

7. Les (Devas) aussi, dignes de nos hommages, ont voulu te complaire, o brillant Agni! Ils ont dans ton sein verse leurs libations; ils ont (pour les sacrifices) fait la nuit et l’aurore d’apparences differentes, el les ont distinguees par la couleur noire et la couleur rouge.

8. O Agni, donne-nous la grandeur et la richesse, comme tu le fais pour ceux des mortels que tu favorises! Tu couvres le monde entier comme d’une ombre protectrice, et tu remplis le ciel, la terre et l'air.

9. O Agni, que par ton secours nos coursiers, nos soldats, nos chefs, triomphent des coursiers, des soldats, des chefs (ennemis)! que, possesseurs de la fortune de leurs peres, nos enfants, comme nous maitres genereux du sacrifice, vivent cent hivers!

10. Prudent Agni, que ces chants te soient agreables, qu’ils charment ton esprit et ton coeur! Puissions-nous avoir assez de force pour porter le doux poids de tes opulentes faveurs, et posseder des richesses que notre reconnaissance partage avec les dieux!

Auteur: Parasara; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XIII

A AGNI.

1. Offrons le sacrifice, et prononcons la priere en l'honneur d’Agni, qui nous entend de loin,

2. Et qui, premier gardien des biens de son serviteur, les protege au milieu des luttes sanglantes.
3. Aussi, que le peuple s’ecrie: "Agni est ne pour etre vainqueur de Vritra, et s’emparer de ses tresors dans tous les combats."

4. (L’homme) dont tu honores la maison en devenant son messager, dont tu transportes les holocaustes, dont tu embellis le sacrifice,

5. O Angiras (55), o fils de la Force, est renomme parmi le peuple, qui vante ses offrandes, son heureuse destinee, et la beaute de ses lits de cousa.

6. Amene ici les dieux, o brillant (Agni), et fais-leur agreer et nos louanges et nos holocaustes!

7. O Agni, quand tu pars pour accomplir ton message, on n’entend jamais le bruit de ton char, ni de tes coursiers.

8. Aide par toi, ton serviteur, o Agni, du dernier rang s’est eleve au premier; il possede l’abondance et la gloire.

9. Car, o divin Agni, tu donnes, a celui qui honore les dieux, la splendeur, l’opulence, et la force d’une nombreuse famille.

Auteur: Gotama, fils de Raghougana; metre, Gayatri.

HYMNE XIV.

A AGNI.

1. Daigne ecouter ces longs hymnes qui font le plaisir des dieux, et que la bouche recoive nos holocaustes.

2. O Agni, le plus grand des Angiras, le plus sage (d’entre les dieux), nous voulons t’adresser une priere qui te soit chere et agreable.

3. Parmi les mortels, o Agni, quel est ton ami? Quel est celui qui se recommande par ses sacrifices? Qui es-tu, et en quel endroit es-tu retire?

4. O Agni, tu es le parent des mortels, tu es leur ami cheri; tu es un compagnon digne des hommages de tes compagnons.

5. Honore pour nous Mitra et Varouna, honore les autres dieux par un large sacrifice. O Agni, viens occuper le foyer qui t’est prepare.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Gayatri.

HYMNE XV.

A AGNI.

1. O Agni, par quel moyen peut-on parvenir a charmer ton ame? Quel hymne est capable de te plaire? Quel homme, par ses sacrifices, peut ajouter a ta grandeur? Quel hommage devons-nous t’adresser?

2. Viens, Agni sacrificateur; prends ici ta place; sois pour nous un guide heureux et sur. Que le ciel et la terre, qui remplissent tout, te conservent! Que par toi le sacrifice s’accomplisse pour le plus grand bonheur des dieux!

3. O Agni, brule tous les Rakchasas; protege nos sacrifices! Amene ici (Indra), maitre des libations; qu’il vienne avec ses deux coursiers azures. A ce (patron) genereux nous offrons l'hospitalite.

4. O (dieu) qui dans ta bouche portes (nos offrandes), je t’adresse un hymne qui (sans doute) produira son fruit. Prends place avec les (autres) dieux; remplis ici les functions de pretre et de sacrificateur, et recois aussi nos hommages. Exauce nos voeux, toi qui es le maitre et le pere des richesses.

5. On t’a vu (jadis) sous la forme d’un pretre, enfant de Manou (56), et sage au milieu des sages, offrir des sacrifices aux dieux. De meme aujourd’hui, o pontife plein de verite, o Agni, epuise en leur honneur la coupe sacree!

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XVI.

A AGNI.

1. Quel sacrifice pouvons-nous faire a Agni? Quel chant peut etre agreable a ce dieu brillant, qui, juste, immortel (place) parmi les mortels, sacrificateur et pretre supreme, vient ici pour honorer les dieux?

2. Appelez en ces lieux, par vos invocations, celui qui, dans les sacrifices, est un pontife heureux et juste. Quand Agni daigne venir en faveur d'un mortel, alors qu’il avertisse les dieux, et qu’il accomplisse avec bonte le sacrifice.

3. (Agni) est un ami veritable, puissant et redoutable; il sait operer des merveilles. Le peuple qui accourt pour honorer les dieux l’invoque le premier dans les sacrifices, et le proclame (le dieu) admirable.

4. Le plus grand parmi les chefs du sacrifice, Agni est aussi le fleau de nos ennemis. Qu’il vienne recevoire, pour prix de sa protection, nos chants et nos offrandes. Voila que des homines, riches et puissants, ont dispose les mets sacres, et demandent q ue tes louanges soient celebrees.

5. Le juste et opulent Agni a ete chante par les sages enfants de Gotama (57). Qu’il leur donne a son tour et la force et l’abondance. (Voyez-vous) sa forme qui s’embellit? C’est qu’il se pfait a nos hommages.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XVII.

A AGNI.

1. O (dieu) riche et prevoyant, nous, enfants de Gotama, par nos chants et nos pures libations nous t’honorons.

2. Gotama, avide de tes dons, te celebre par ses hymnes; par nos pures libations nous t’honorons.

3. Comme (autrefois) les Angiras, nous t'invoquons, toi surtout qui donnes la richesse; par de pures libations nous t’honorons.

4. Toi qui contribues surtout a la mort de Vritra, toi qui mets en fuite les Dasyous, par de pures libations nous t’honorons.

5. Nous, enfants de Rahougana (58), nous avons en l’honneur d’Agni chante un hymne aussi agreable que le miel; par de pures libations nous t’honorons.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Gayatri.

HYMNE XVIII.

A AGNI (59).

1. Dans l’espace des airs, Ahi (60) vole avec rapidite; il deploie sa chevelure doree, el agite (le nuage) avec la violence du vent. Alors se trouvent voilees les Aurores fecondes, entourees d’un pur eclat, et pareilles a de laborieuses menageres.

2. Les feux ailes (d’Agni) viennent heurter la nue, qui, noire et chargee de pluie, a resonne. Ils se melent a ces ondes, qui, en s’ouvrant, semblent heureusement sourire. Elies tombent, et cependant le tonneere gronde au ciel.

3. Quand (le pretre) fortifiant (Agni) avec le lait des libations, l'a ensuite, par les voies les plus droites du sacrifice, conduit (au ciel) (61), Aryaman, Mitra, Varouna qui parcourt (le monde), touchent la surface du (nuage) place au-dessous d’eux, et lui percent le sein.

4. O Agni, fils de la Force, tu es le maitre de ces aliments que nous donne la vache. Toi qui connais tous les biens, accorde-nous l'abondance.

5. Agni, tu es resplendissant et sage; tu es notre refuge. Tu merites d’etre celebre par nos hymnes. Toi qui es la source du bonheur, brille pour nous de tes plus beaux rayons.

6. O Agni, que ta flamme se pare de tout son eclat le soir, le jour et le matin! (Dieu) a la langue effilee, consume les Rakchasas.

7. O Agni, pour prix de nos hymnes accorde-nous ta protection, toi qui merites d’etre loue dans toutes nos prieres!

8. O Agni, donne-nous une fortune solide et digne d’envie, telle que tous les efforts (de nos ennemis) ne puissent la renverser!

9. O Agni, accorde-nous, avec la sagesse, une opulence qui nous procure tous les plaisirs de la vie, et nous rende l’existence agreable!

10. Gotama, toi qui aspires au bonheur, offre a cet Agni, dont la flamme est effilee, nos hymnes et nos chants pieux.

11. O Agni, qu’il perisse celui qui cherche a nous nuire soit de pres, soit de loin; et augmente notre prosperity.

12. Agni a mille yeux (62); (divinite) prudente, il ecarte les Rakchasas; sacrificateur, il honore (les dieux), digne lui-meme d’etre honore!

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Trichtoubh, Ouchnih et Gayatri.

HYMNE XIX.

A INDRA.

1. Le soma enivrant est prepare, et le pretre y ajoute l'harmonie de ses chants. (Dieu) puissant, qui portes la foudre, tu as avec vigueur chasse Ahi des plaines (celestes), consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

2. Nos joyeuses libations, versees en ton honneur et portees sur les ailes de l’epervier (poetique) (63), ont enivre ton coeur. Fort de ces offrandes, (dieu) arme de la foudre, au milieu des ondes (celestes), tu as avec vigueur frappe Vritra, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

3. Viens, approche, et triomphe; car ton arme est invincible. O Indra, ta force est veritablement virile! Frappe Vritra, et par la victoire delivre les ondes, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

4. O Indra, de la terre au ciel, tu es vainqueur de Vritra. Envoie-nous ces ondes que poussent les Marouts, et qui sont une source de vie, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

5. Vritra s’agite; Indra courrouce accourt, et de sa foudre lui heurte le front, invitant les ondes a couler, et coilsacrant ainsi sa royaute.

6. Indra, heureux de nos hommages, a heurte le front de Vritra de sa foudre, armee de cent pointes. Il desire ouvrir a ses amis le chemin de l’abondance, consacrant ainsi sa royaute.

7. Foudroyant Indra, toi qui portes le tonnerre, tu possedes une force indomptable. Mais tu sais aussi employer la magie, et quand le magicien (Vritra) se cachait sous la forme d’un cerf (64), tu l'as frappe, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

8. Les eclats de ta foudre sont alles (rouvrir les sources) des quatre-vingt-dix fleuves (65). O Indra, ta vigueur est immense; tu deploies la force de tes bras, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

9. Des milliers (d’adorateurs) se reunissent pour honorer Indra. En voila vingt (66) (surtout) qui celebrent sa gloire; des centaines (de riches) chantent ses louanges. L’oeuvre sainte est preparee en l’honneur du dieu qui sail consacrer sa royaute.

10. Indra a brise la force de Vritra; sa vigueur a vaincu la vigueur (de l'ennemi); sa puissance est grande, et, en frappant Vritra, il nous donne (la pluie), consacrant ainsi sa royaute.

11. Le ciel et la terre, temoins de ton courroux, out fremi de crainte quand, escorte des Marouts, o foudroyant Indra, tu attaquais Vritra avec vigueur, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

12. Vritra, par son bruit, par ses mouvements, ne put effrayer Indra; il se trouva presse par la foudre de fer, armee de mille pointes, (du dieu) consacrant ainsi sa royaute.

13. De ta foudre tu combattais la foudre de Vritra; et quand tu cherchais a terrasser Ahi, ta force, o Indra, eclatait dans le ciel, consacrant ainsi ta royaute.

14. (Dieu) qui portes la foudre, au bruit que tu causes, les etres, animes et inanimes, sont tous emus; Twachtri lui-meme (67), effraye de ta colere, tremble, o Indra, en te voyant consacrer ainsi ta royaute.

15. Nous ne pouvons suivre sa marche rapide: quel autre pourrait le surpasser en puissance? Les Devas ont confere la vigueur, la force et la splendeur supreme a cet Indra qui consacre ainsi sa royaute.

16. Atharwan (68), ami de Manou, et Dadhyantch (69) ont jadis etabli une ceremonie (que nous renouvelons aujourd’hui). Que de pieuses libations et des hymnes aient lieu en l'honneur de cet India, qui sait ainsi consacrer sa royaute.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Pankti.  
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:21 am

Part 2 of 2

FIFTH READING.
FIRST ANTHEM.
TO INDRA.

[English Version by Google Translate]

1. Like Angiras (1), we address to the strong and praiseworthy (god) a hymn that may please him. We sing the glory of a hero who deserves the poet's praise and prayer.

2. Come, offer to the great (Indra) your deep adorations; offer to the strong (god) your harmonious songs. It is through him that our ancestors, the sons of Angiras, as a reward for their hymns, followed in the footsteps of their cows, and found them (2).

3. In this research that Indra was doing, together with the Angiras, Sarama (3) felt what could be the food of her infant. Vrihaspati (4) hit the voracious (Asura); he found the cows, and the illustrious (Angiras) cried out for joy.

4. It is you, mighty Indra, you, worthy of being celebrated with harmonious hymns, who, accompanied by seven priests (Angirasas) skilled in singing in measures of nine or ten syllables (5), have been frightened by the noise (of your thunder) Bala, receiver of fruitful rains.

5. Sings by the Angiras, (god) admirable! you have dissipated the darkness before the rays of dawn and of the sun; O Indra, you extended the surface of the earth, you secured the firmament.

6. But the most beautiful, the most marvelous work of this superb (master) is to have, with a wave as sweet as honey, filled the bed of the four rivers (6).

7. This invincible (Indra), whom our songs celebrate, has divided heaven and earth into two parts, two companions always reborn together. As Bhaga (7), this (god) magnificent in his works, from the heights of the air maintains them, these two venerable authors of the world.

8. Dressed in different shapes, one black, the other shining, Night and Dawn follow one another; and, always young, each in its turn, they roll unceasingly around the sky and the earth.

9. The strong and magnanimous (god) delights in generous works; he maintains the old friendship (which unites him to men). He can, when he wants, fill the udders of black or red cows (8) with milk that is still too young.

10. A troop of immortal sisters, all inhabitants of the same abode, animated by the same spirit of salvation and recollection, perform with constancy, in his honor, a thousand and a thousand practices of piety; and, like chaste wives, they adorn the triumphal pomp of the Magnificent (Indra) (9).

11. Indeed, the Prayers constantly eager to unite themselves to you, (god) admirable and worthy of praise, curious to obtain by their homage the treasure (of your blessings), hasten (to the sacrifices): like wives dear ones approach the spouse who loves them, the holy Invocations, o (master) powerful, come to you.

12. Under your shining hands, wondrous (deity), riches cannot diminish or perish; o Indra, you are bright, strong and prudent. Spouse of Satchi, let us feel the effects of your works.

13. The child of Gotama, Nodhas, has composed for you, O generous Indra, this new hymn, for you who are eternal, who direct us in the right way; you who hitch two couriers to your chariot (magnificent). May our protector come early in the morning to collect the treasure of our prayers.

Author: Nodhas; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN II.

TO INDRA.

1. O Indra, you are great, you who, showing yourself in the day of misfortune, uphold heaven and earth with your mighty virtues, when everything in nature, and the firmest mountains themselves, tremble with terror before you , and waver like frail rays.

2. When you launch your marvelous steeds, then the poet arms your hands with lightning; and with this weapon, O invincible, O adorable Indra, you smite your enemies, and overthrow their broad cities.

3. (God) true and triumphant, o Indra, you command the Riblious, you love heroes, you destroy (your adversaries); it was you who, on a day of battle, in the middle of the melee, took the side of the young and brilliant Coutsa (10), and overcame the miser Souchna.

4. It was your friendship that animated you (for us; O Indra, when, throwing the thunderbolt like a generous master, you struck Vritra, and when, magnificent and invincible hero, you made the Dasyous retreat on this battlefield, whose limbs you tore.

5. O Indra, you do not spend your strength on mortals; you do not want to harm the one who is firm among them. Open the regions of the sky to the (cloud) that comes towards us, and let your lightning strike down our enemies.

6. When you fight to give them rain and bring down on them the beneficent wave, the homines invoke you. O you who receive our offerings, may your protection be the reward of our presents and our solemn homage!

7. It is thus, O thundering Indra, that, fighting for Purucoutsa (11), you destroyed seven cities. To Soudas (12), child of Pourou, you conferred the riches of Anhou (13), with as much ease as one pulls out a few stalks of cousa.

8. Divine hero, o Indra, o you who embrace the world, you spread for us (on the earth) various foods, such as a beneficent dew; and with these foods you give us this life, which, like (healthful) water, circulates everywhere (in our veins).

9. O Indra, the children of Gotama have composed for you these hymns which our respect presents to you. (Come) with your azure steeds, and bring us magnificent abundance. May our protector come early in the morning to collect the treasure of our prayers.

Author: Nodhas; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN III.

AT THE MAROUTS.

1. "Come, Nodhas, present the homage of a hymn to the Marouts, to this troop which gives abundance and fertility, and which loves our sacrifices." Recollected, and hands piously raised for the holy ceremony, I compose verses which will flow like a (pure) wave.

2. They are born from the sky, these brilliant and vigorous children of Rudra, who sow life (14) and are exempt from evil, sometimes pure and beautiful like the suns, sometimes wet with rain, fatal and horrible like the evil genies (15 ).

3. Young and formidable, they do not know the weakness of disease; enemies of the impious, they favor (the faithful man). Firm as rock, they shake with their powerful breath all that is strongest in your worlds, in heaven and on earth.

4. Various ornaments enhance their beauty; on their breasts gracefully hang brilliant necklaces; on their shoulders stand their dazzling weapons. They are born from the sky at the same moment that Swadha appears (16).

5. They give wealth, and stir the world; they destroy their enemies, and by their power produce winds and lightning; the images of the sky are like a teat which they press eagerly, and, traversing the air noisily, they fatten the earth with fertile water.

6. The Marouts, rich in presents, spread the celestial milk; such, in the sacred ceremonies, the (priests) pour the liquid butter. Just as (the squire) trains the horse, they teach the cloud to rain. It is an inexhaustible nurse that they have the art of milking amid the roar of lightning.

7. Magnificent and adept at changing forms, you adorn yourselves with superb gleams, and you advance swiftly, strong, and like broad hills; like wild elephants, you overthrow the forests, when to your mighty chariot you have harnessed reddish (steeds) (17).

8. These wealthy and farsighted (gods) quiver like lions. Their beauty is that of the deer. Terrible (for an enemy), good (for their servant), they push with ardor the deer (18) who carry them away; and, waving their arms, they unite to make felt (on those who resist them) their mighty and fatal wrath.

9. Heroes full of vigor, troop friendly to mortals, resound, with your voice animated by anger, both earth and sky. And already, on the seat of your chariots, o Marouts, I thought I saw your admirable forms rising and shining like lightning.

10. These (gods) possess all goods, and dwell with wealth; they feel endowed with a tumultuous force and a sparkling voice; skillful archers, they hold an arrow in their hands; heroes whose power is boundless, they seem to bite (the cloud to extract) the rain.

11. Mounted on their chariots with golden wheels, the Marouts pile up the clouds, and push them on their way like mountains. Worthy of our homage, they go, they rush, knocking down what is solid, exercising their hard empire, and armed with resplendent darts.

12. We invoke these children of Rudra, wise, pure, fearsome, and dispensing rain. Honor, for your happiness, this family of Marouts, strong, liberal, victorious, and traversing the domain of the air.

13. O Maruts, the mortal you protect surpasses all others in power; her steeds have rich pastures, her people have wealth; he sees his opulence and the renown of his sacrifices grow.

14. O Marouts, give our noble lords a son strong in his works, difficult to defeat in battle, magnificent, robust, opulent, enlightened, and worthy of being sung. May we, for a hundred years, celebrate such a family!

15. O Marouts, grant us a fortune that is stable; may our people be full of strength, may they support the attacks of our enemies. May a hundred, may a thousand treasures increase our wealth! Let our protectors come early in the morning to collect the tribute of our prayers!

Author: Nodhas; meters, Trichtoubh and Djagati.

HYMN IV.

TO AGNI.

1. Like the brigand who shuts himself up in his cave with his cattle, (you hide yourself) (19), o (god) who joins you in the sacrifice and who bears the offerings!

2. However the (Devas), your wise companions, follow your footsteps (20); and all of them, skilful priests, know how to find you.

3. The Devas pursue the corners of the holy ceremonies; and soon (the god) surrounded himself with (rays) abundant and shining like the light of heaven.

4. The (sacred) waves (21) increase its strength; their (sweet) beverage makes this happy infant grow, born in the lap of sacrifice.

5. Like a pleasant vegetation, like the expansive earth, like the hill laden with fruit, like the salutary water;

6. As the steed throws off his bonds, as the stormy sea, such is Agni. Who can master it?

7. Agni is for the waves like a brother for his sisters; as a king devours the rich, so he devours the woods,

8. When, excited by the wind, it throws itself on the forest and tears the hair of the earth.

9. Like the swan that dives, it blows in the middle of the endes (22). Awakened at dawn, he warns men that the hour of holy work has arrived.

10. Like the excellent Soma (23), it is born of sacrifice. As the animal in its mother's womb, (it is weak first); soon it develops, and carries its splendors afar.

Author: Parasara, son of Sacti, grandson of Vasishtha; meter, Dwipada.

HYMN V.

TO AGNI.

1. Such as a richly varied treasure, a resplendent sun, a vital breath, a devoted son;

2. Such as a docile courier, such is (Agni); pure and brilliant, it clings to the wood like a tender heifer to its mother's udder.

3. Like a pleasant house, it contains our happiness; like the harvest which (the sun) has ripened, it must conquer (the love of) men.

4. Like the poet who sings (the gods), he is blessed by mortals; like the cherished courier, he brings (to the earth) his nourishment.

5. Surrounded by incomparable radiance, he tirelessly accomplishes his holy work; he is in the hearth, like a faithful wife in his house: he embellishes everything,

6. And when he kindles his varied flames, he shines like the sun in the world, like a golden chariot in battles.

7. It spreads terror as does the army that is launched (into battle), as does the archer's arrow with a shining point.

8. Twin of the past, twin of the future, he is the bridegroom of girls and the husband of women.

9. As the cows go to the barn, we, morning and evening (24), we come to him as soon as he shines.

10. Like an impetuous wave, here it pushes its (flaming) waves, and its rays rise towards the vault of heaven.

Author: Parasara; meter, Dwipada.

HYMN VI.

TO AGNI.

1. Born at the stake, friend of mortals, (Agni) cherishes the father of the family who orders the sacrifice (25), as a king cherishes the strong man.

2. Like a virtuous protector, like a venerable priest, he is our patron, our priest, the bearer of our offerings.

3. In his hand he holds all wealth, and when he withdraws into his retreat (26), the Devas begin to tremble.

4. The priests then discover it, (the priests) devoted to prayer, and singing the hymns which the heart inspires.

5. Similar to (the star) traveler (27), it supports the air and the earth; encouraged by pious invocations, he strengthens the sky.

6. O Agni, enjoy the various offerings presented to you; you who are the life of all beings, leave your retreat for us each day.

7. He who knows how to draw him out of his retreat, and who brings him back to the hearth of sacrifice,

8. (Agni) the height of good, as well as those who honor him by their holy practices.

9. He envelops (with his flame) the twigs, and attacks with force the very body of the branches (which are like) his mothers (28).

10. Wise support of all beings, he lives in the abode of the (sacred) waves, where the religious (men) have carefully prepared a kind of dwelling for him.

Author: Parasara; meter, Dwipada.

HYMN VII.

TO AGNI.

1. (Agni), animated by our libations, rises to heaven, where he carries (our offerings); it lights up the night, (it illuminates) all beings, animate and inanimate.

2. And, incomparable Deva among the Devas, he surpasses them all by his greatness.

3. O god, the moment you come into life from the bosom of the arid (branch), all immediately apply themselves to holy work;

4. All by their hymns celebrate your divine essence, and honor the immortal author of the sacrifice.

5. For the author of the sacrifice is our hymn, for him our offering. He is the life of all, and all unite for the (sacred) work.

6. Favor with your attention, fill with your benefits those who honor you with their gifts or with their prayers.

7. Priest placed near the children of Manu, you are the master of wealth.

8. Your (servants) ask that you sow the seed of life in their bodies. Let them feel, with their firm assurance, (that their wishes are granted).

9. Like docile sons to their father's command, they eagerly come to honor Agni with pious worship.

10. (Agni) gives fertility and opens the doors of opulence; (the god) who triumphs over everything (29) has decorated the celestial vault with stars.

Author: Parasara; meter, Dwipada.

HYMN VIII.

TO AGNI.

1. Agni sheds light no less vivid than the light of (the star) which eclipses the dawn; like the celestial torch, it fills (with light) both the earth and the sky.

2. You are born, and from the splendor you already embrace all nature. You are the son of the Devas, and you will become their father (30).

3. Agni, good and prudent, can know the sweetness of our libations; they are for him like the milk of our cows.

4. Like a beneficent man among the people, whose help is called for in need, he sits in our midst, he is the joy of our homes.

5. He is, in our homes, pleasant as a newborn child, as a beloved courier. Let him be the benefactor of the people!

6. When I call all this people (31), thus reunited with my companions, may Agni receive all divine honours.

7. No one can disturb our ceremonies, o (Agni), when to such ministers of your worship you give such a father.

8. If your sacrifice were interrupted, you would be able, with your servants, to put the criminals to flight.

9. May (Agni) therefore spread its brightness, no less vivid than the brightness of (the star) which eclipses the dawn; let him shine his dazzling forms, and protect his (servant).

10. But here are its (rays) carrying (our offerings), which open the doors of themselves, and all rise towards the vault of heaven.

Author: Parasara; meter, Dwipada.

HYMN IX

AT AGNI

1. May we have abundance! May, propitious to our wishes, the brilliant Agni obtain all the honors!

2. He who knows the divine practices, he who loves to be born among the children of Manu!

3. He, who is born within the sacred waves, in the stake (of the sacrifice), among the solid and liquid (offerings) (32)!

4. He who, on the mountain (33) or in the interior of our homes, is like the patron of the people, immortal and benevolent!

5. Agni, friend of the libations brought by twilight (34), gives his treasures to him who celebrates him with his hymns.

6. (God) wise and farsighted, preserve all creatures, the race of Devas and mortals!

7. Agni, whose girdle is the sacrifice itself, is fortified by the libations brought to it by the Dawns and the Nights, (goddesses) of such different forms, and by the liquid and solid offerings.

8. We invoked him, this priest fortunately placed near us, this agent of all holy works.

9. May we, through you, become famous! may we obtain opulence and happiness!

10. Men worship you eagerly; may they receive wealth from you, as (one receives) the inheritance of an old father!

11. But, in combat, shine (and become formidable) as much as the greedy usurer, the brave archer, the terrible warrior who drives a chariot (35)!...

Author: Parasara; meter, Dwipada.

ANTHEM X.

TO AGNI.

1. Tenderly attached to a (god) who pays them with equal tenderness, pious sisters (36), inhabitants of the same abode, venerate (Agni) as wives venerate an adored husband: in the same way cows (luminous ) pay homage to the Aurora, which, (by degree) dark and reddish, adorns itself with the most varied colors at its rising.

2. Our fathers, the Angiras, by their songs and by the harmony of their hymns, broke the force of the voracious (Asura); they have revealed to us the ways of the vast sky; we owe them the day, the light, the fire, the (celestial) cows (37).

3. They collected the shining (Agni); they have heaped up a treasure of offerings for him. Then, responsible for various parts of the holy work, venerable sisters (38), attentive, modest, came, in the presence of the Devas, to increase by their homage the strength of the newborn.

4. As soon as the breath of Matariswan has excited (Agni), in all homes (the god) rises and shines. (The priest), following the example of Bhrigou (39), and acting (with the gods) as a prince towards a more powerful prince, engages Agni to serve as his messenger.

5. When (the priest) pours out the (consecrated) liquid in honor of him who is great, helpful and brilliant, then the enemy (of the day), who sees him, flees; immediately the god, like a superb archer, shoots him a sparkling arrow, and throws his light as far as (the Dawn) his daughter.

6. O Agni, you who snatches between heaven and earth (40), increase the fortune of him who, every day, lights your brazier and offers you the libations you love. He is sure of triumph, the one whose chariot you mount and whose couriers you press.

7. All offerings go to Agni, like the seven (41) rivers to the Ocean. Our families feel the indigence which presses them. Through your wise intervention, let our wish be known to the gods.

8. The strength that our offerings have given to this (god) king of men, produces a pure seed (of light) thrown into the bosom of heaven. May thus be begotten and consecrated by Agni a royal prince, strong, irreproachable and generous (42)!

9. The sun, which, swift as thought (43), always crosses the (celestial) roads alone, is the master of wealth; Mitra and Varouna, these two kings with beautiful hands (44), keep the sweet ambrosia of the cows (celestes).

10. O Agni, do not break the treaty of friendship concluded with our fathers. You know (our needs), for you are wise. Old age is like a cloud that weighs on me and disfigures my body. Prevent this enemy, and remember me.

Author: Parasara; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XI.

TO AGNI.

1. "(Poet), begin a hymn in honor of a wise and eternal (god). Agni holds in his hand all the goods that befit man. Agni is the master of wealth and the author of 'immortal works.'

2. (Agui), like a cherished infant, was near us (45). However, all the Devas (46) were looking for him with Constance, without finding him. Tired, deprived of their chariot (47), prodigal of prayers, they only stopped when they saw it shining on its seat.

3. O Agni, these (Devas) pure like you, after having honored you with a triple libation (48) of consecrated butter, have themselves shared the honors of the sacrifice, and they have sanctified their bodies, proving themselves worthy of their birth (49).

4. (These Devas) honorable, impatient to see the development of both heaven and earth, begin (songs) which the children of Rudra must understand. And soon this mortal (troop) (searching Maruts) with Indra, found Agni sitting on his shining hearth.

5. On seeing him, (the Devas) come with their wives (50) to sit near him, and adore him who is adorable. Their bodies were exhausted from work; the glance of a friend revived them.

6. Twenty-one times (51) these (Devas), worthy of our homage, pronounce in your honor mysterious invocations; and twenty-one times, companions of your joy, they accompany them with libations. Welcome our offerings and solids and liquids.

7. O Agni, you who know the needs of mortals, grant them always that which should soften the ills of life! You who know so perfectly the roads that the gods follow, be for them an indefatigable messenger, and bring them our offerings.

8. (By you) the seven rivers (52), sensitive to our sorrows, (flow) from heaven (to earth.) (By law the Angiras) (53), skilled in sacrifices, have known the gates of fortune, and Sarama discovered the dungeon where the (celestial) cows were locked up, the treasure of the human race.

9. The (noble) mother (of the Adityas), the great Aditi (54), appears majestically, escorted by her sons, those generous children who rise, opening the way to immortality, and ensuring the march of (the star) traveler.

10. However (the priests) have nourished with their treasures the lights of Agni, so that they attract the eyes of the immortals. The reddish (flames) run and soar like raging waves. O Agni, the (gods) are warned.

Author: Parasara; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XII.

TO AGNI.

1. Abundant as the treasure hoarded by a father, prudent as the commandment of the wise, kind as the guest who delights in our homes, (Agni), as a priest, makes the house of the pious man fruitful.

2. Like the divine Savitri, he knows the truth; by his strength he protects all our sacrifices. The height of our praise, he deserves to be honored as the purest form, as the most vivifying soul.

3. Like the all-embracing god, like a king friend to his subjects, he protects the earth. His servants are like sons brought up in the same house, like a virtuous wife, loved by her husband, (also cherishes).

4. O Agni, the priests, choosing a safe abode for you, make you perpetually shine in your hearth, and pay their homage to you; in this hearth they deposit their many offerings. O you who are the life of all, become (for us) a treasury of riches.

5. O Agni, may our princes obtain (through you) fortune, and, generous masters of sacrifice, enjoy all the comforts of life! May we seize the treasures of the enemy in battle, ready to share with the gods the glorious fruit (of victory)!

6. The cows (celestes), shining with the fires of sacrifice, happily show their milk-filled udders; and, from the extremity of the horizon, jealous of deserving its favour, the waves come to flow within the cloud (that they grow).

7. The (Devas) too, worthy of our homage, wanted to please you, o brilliant Agni! They have poured their libations into your bosom; they have (for the sacrifices) made the night and the dawn of different appearances, and have distinguished them by the color black and the color red.

8. O Agni, grant us greatness and wealth, as you do to those mortals whom you favor! You cover the whole world like a protective shadow, and you fill the sky, the earth and the air.

9. O Agni, may by your help our couriers, our soldiers, our chiefs, triumph over the couriers, soldiers, chiefs (enemies)! that, possessors of the fortune of their fathers, our children, like us generous masters of sacrifice, live a hundred winters!

10. Prudent Agni, may these songs please you, may they charm your mind and your heart! May we have enough strength to bear the sweet weight of your opulent favors, and possess riches which our gratitude shares with the gods!

Author: Parasara; meter, Trichtoubh.

ANTHEM XIII

TO AGNI.

1. Let us offer the sacrifice, and say the prayer in honor of Agni, who hears us from afar,

2. And who, first guardian of the goods of his servant, protects them in the midst of bloody struggles.
3. Also, let the people cry out: "Agni was born to conquer Vritra, and seize its treasures in all battles."

4. (The man) whose house you honor by becoming his messenger, whose burnt offerings you carry, whose sacrifice you adorn,

5. O Angiras (55), o son of Strength, is renowned among the people, who praise his offerings, his happy destiny, and the beauty of his beds of cousa.

6. Bring hither the gods, O shining (Agni), and cause them to accept both our praises and our burnt offerings!

7. O Agni, when you set out to fulfill your message, the sound of your chariot is never heard, nor of your steeds.

8. Help by you, your servant, O Agni, from the last rank has risen to the first; he has abundance and glory.

9. For, O divine Agni, to him who honors the gods you bestow splendor, opulence, and the strength of a large family.

Author: Gotama, son of Raghougana; meter, Gayatri.

HYMN XIV.

TO AGNI.

1. Deign to listen to those long hymns which delight the gods, and may the mouth receive our holocausts.

2. O Agni, the greatest of the Angiras, the wisest (of the gods), we want to send you a prayer which will be dear and pleasant to you.

3. Among mortals, o Agni, who is your friend? Who is he who commends himself by his sacrifices? Who are you, and where are you retired?

4. O Agni, you are the kinsman of mortals, you are their dear friend; you are a companion worthy of the homage of your companions.

5. Honor for us Mitra and Varuna, honor the other gods with a large sacrifice. O Agni, come and occupy the home prepared for you.

Author: Gotama; meter, Gayatri.

HYMN XV.

TO AGNI.

1. O Agni, by what means can one come to charm your soul? What hymn is able to please you? What man, by his sacrifices, can add to your greatness? What homage should we pay you?

2. Come, Agni priest; take your place here; be for us a happy and sure guide. May heaven and earth, which fill everything, preserve you! May the sacrifice be accomplished through you for the greatest happiness of the gods!

3. O Agni, burn all Rakchasas; protect our sacrifices! Bring hither (Indra), master of libations; let him come with his two azure steeds. To this generous (boss) we offer hospitality.

4. O (god) who in your mouth bears (our offerings), I address to you a hymn which (no doubt) will produce its fruit. Take your place with the (other) gods; perform here the functions of priest and priest, and also receive our homage. Grant our wishes, you who are the master and the father of wealth.

5. You were seen (formerly) in the form of a priest, child of Manu (56), and wise among the wise, offering sacrifices to the gods. So today, O pontiff full of truth, O Agni, draw up the sacred cup in their honor!

Author: Gotama; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XVI.

TO AGNI.

1. What sacrifice can we make to Agni? What song can be pleasant to this shining god, who, righteous, immortal (placed) among mortals, priest and supreme priest, comes here to honor the gods?

2. Call in these places, by your invocations, the one who, in the sacrifices, is a happy and just pontiff. When Agni deigns to come in favor of a mortal, then he warns the gods, and performs the sacrifice with kindness.

3. (Agni) is a true, powerful and formidable friend; he knows how to work wonders. The people who hasten to honor the gods invoke him first in the sacrifices, and proclaim him (the god) admirable.

4. The greatest among the heads of sacrifice, Agni is also the scourge of our enemies. May he come and receive, as the price of his protection, our songs and our offerings. Behold, men, rich and powerful, have arranged the sacred dishes, and ask that your praises be celebrated.

5. The righteous and opulent Agni was sung by the wise children of Gotama (57). May he in turn give them strength and abundance. (Do you see) its form embellishing? It is because he is paying homage to us.

Author: Gotama; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XVII.

TO AGNI.

1. O (god) rich and provident, we, children of Gotama, by our songs and our pure libations we honor you.

2. Gotama, eager for your gifts, celebrates you with his hymns; by our pure libations we honor you.

3. Like (formerly) the Angiras, we invoke you, especially you who give wealth; by pure libations we honor you.

4. You who contribute above all to the death of Vritra, you who put the Dasyous to flight, by pure libations we honor you.

5. We children of Rahougana (58) have in honor of Agni sung a hymn as sweet as honey; by pure libations we honor you.

Author: Gotama; meter, Gayatri.

HYMN XVIII.

IN AGNI (59).

1. In the space of the air, Ahi (60) flies with speed; he spreads his golden hair, he shakes (the cloud) with the violence of the wind. Then the fruitful Auroras are veiled, surrounded by a pure brilliance, and like laborious housewives.

2. The winged fires (of Agni) strike the cloud, which, black and laden with rain, resounds. They mingle with these waves, which, as they open up, seem to smile happily. Elijah falls, and yet thunder rumbles in heaven.

3. When (the priest) fortifying (Agni) with the milk of the libations, then has him, by the most upright ways of sacrifice, led (to heaven) (61), Aryaman, Mitra, Varouna who travels (the world ), touch the surface of the (cloud) place below them, and pierce her breast.

4. O Agni, son of the Force, you are the master of this food that the cow gives us. You who know all good things, grant us abundance.

5. Agni, you are resplendent and wise; you are our refuge. You deserve to be celebrated by our hymns. You who are the source of happiness, shine for us with your most beautiful rays.

6. O Agni, may your flame be adorned with all its brightness in the evening, the day and the morning! (God) with a sharp tongue, consumes the Rakchasas.

7. O Agni, as the price of our hymns grant us your protection, you who deserve to be praised in all our prayers!

8. O Agni, grant us a solid and enviable fortune, such that all the efforts (of our enemies) cannot overthrow it!

9. O Agni, grant us, with wisdom, an opulence which gives us all the pleasures of life, and makes existence pleasant for us!

10. Gotama, you who aspire to happiness, offer to this Agni, whose flame is tapered, our hymns and pious songs.

11. O Agni, let him perish who seeks to harm us either near or from afar; and increase our prosperity.

12. Agni has a thousand eyes (62); (divinity) prudent, he dismisses the Rakchasas; priest, he honors (the gods), himself worthy of being honored!

Author: Gotama; meters, Trichtoubh, Ouchnih and Gayatri.

HYMN XIX.

TO INDRA.

1. The intoxicating soma is prepared, and the priest adds to it the harmony of his songs. Mighty (God) who bears lightning, you have vigorously driven Ahi from the (heavenly) plains, thus consecrating your kingship.

2. Our joyous libations, poured out in your honor and carried on the wings of the hawk (poetic) (63), have intoxicated your heart. Strengthened by these offerings, (god) armed with lightning, in the midst of the (celestial) waves, you have vigorously struck Vritra, thus consecrating your kingship.

3. Come, approach, and triumph; because your weapon is invincible. O Indra, your strength is truly manly! Smite Vritra, and in victory deliver the waves, thus consecrating your kingship.

4. O Indra, from earth to heaven you are victorious over Vritra. Send us these waves that push the Marouts, and which are a source of life, thus consecrating your royalty.

5. Vritra fidgets; Indra rushes up in anger, and his lightning strikes his forehead, inviting the waves to flow, and thus consecrating his royalty.

6. Indra, happy with our homage, struck Vritra's forehead with his thunderbolt, armed with a hundred points. He wishes to open to his friends the path of abundance, thus consecrating his royalty.

7. Lightning Indra, you who bring thunder, you possess indomitable strength. But you also know how to use magic, and when the magician (Vritra) was hiding in the form of a deer (64), you struck him, thus consecrating your kingship.

8. The shards of your thunder went (reopen the sources) of the ninety rivers (65). O Indra, your vigor is immense; you deploy the strength of your arms, thus consecrating your royalty.

9. Thousands (of worshippers) gather to honor Indra. Here are twenty (66) (mostly) who celebrate his glory; hundreds (of rich people) sing his praises. The holy work is prepared in honor of the god who wishes to consecrate his royalty.

10. Indra broke the force of Vritra; his vigor overcame the vigor (of the enemy); his power is great, and, by striking Vritra, he gives us (rain), thus consecrating his kingship.

11. Heaven and earth, witnesses of your wrath, trembled with fear when, escort of the Marouts, o thundering Indra, you attacked Vritra with vigor, thus consecrating your kingship.

12. Vritra, by her noise, by her movements, could not frighten Indra; he found himself pressed by the iron lightning, armed with a thousand points, (of the god) thus consecrating his royalty.

13. With your lightning you fought the lightning of Vritra; and when you sought to overthrow Ahi, your strength, o Indra, burst into the sky, thus consecrating your kingship.

14. (God) who bears the thunderbolt, at the noise you cause, beings, animate and inanimate, are all moved; Twachtri himself (67), frightened by your anger, trembles, O Indra, seeing you consecrate your royalty in this way.

15. We cannot follow his rapid march: what other could surpass him in power? The Devas conferred vigor, strength and supreme splendor on this Indra who thus consecrates his royalty.

16. Atharwan (68), friend of Manu, and Dadhyantch (69) once established a ceremony (which we renew today). May pious libations and hymns take place in honor of this India, who thus knows how to consecrate her royalty.

Author: Gotama; meter, Pankti.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:02 am

Part 1 of 2

LECTURE SIXIEME.
HYMNE PREMIER.
A INDRA.

[French Version]

1. Les pretres, (par leurs chants), exaltent la puissance et augmentent le bonheur d’Indra, le vainqueur de Vritra. Dans les grandes affaires, comme dans les petites, nous l'invoquons. Qu’il daigne nous proteger dans les combats!

2. Heros (invincible), tu vaux, a toi seul, une armee; tu triomphes de la force et du nombre de nos ennemis; tu donnes de l'accroissement au faible, et tu fais part de tes biens immenses a celui qui t’honore par ses sacrifices et ses libations.

3. Quand les combats s’engagent, la victoire procure la richesse. Attelle (a ton char) tes chevaux qui abattent l'enivrement (de l'orgueil). Quel est celui que tu vas frapper? Quel est celui que tu vas enrichir? Indra, puissions-nous etre l'objet de ton choix!

4. (Indra), terrible et grand dans ses oeuvres, est encore plus fort apres nos libations. Le (dieu) magnifique, a la face superbe, aux coursiers azures, s'approche de nous, et, pour notre bonheur, il prend en ses mains sa foudre de fer.

5. Il remplit l'air qui environne la terre; au ciel sont attachees ses splendeurs. O Indra, personne ne fut, personne ne sera pareil a toi. C’est toi qui soutiens l'univers.

6. Indra, toi qui portes le noin d’Arya (1), et qui donnes a ton serviteur sa nourriture de mortel, accorde-nous notre part, et ouvre pour nous le vaste tresor dont tu disposes.

7. Heureux de nos libations repetees, (dieu) juste en ta puissance, donne-nous des troupeaux de vacbes; puise de tes deux mains au tresor de tes immenses largesses, fais notre joie, et apporte-nous l'abondance.

8. Heros (divin) viens avec plaisir a nos libations; fais notre force et notre opulence. Nous savons que tu possedes de nombreuses richesses; nos voeux s’elevent vers toi. Sois notre protecteur.

9. O Indra, tes enfants, que voici, t’ont prepare des offrandes de toule espece. Noble Arya, tu sais quelle est la richesse des hommes qui ne te servent point. Apporte-nous cette richesse.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Pankti.

HYMNE II.

A INDRA.

1. O Maghavan, approche-toi pour ecouter nos chants. Ne te montre pas sourd a nos voeux. Des l’instant que tu combles nos voeux, tu obtiens aussitot notre reconnaissance. Indra, attelle promptement tes deux coursiers.

2. Les pretres, brillants d’un pieux eclat, ont prodigue les mets et les libations sacrees; ils ont fait asseoir (au foyer), et dans tous leurs atours, les epouses (des dieux) (2); ils ont, dans les plus beaux hymnes, celebre ta grandeur. Indra, attelle promptement tes deux coursiers.

3. O Maghavan, nous voulons t’honorer, toi qui jettes sur toute la nature un regard (de protection). Attire par nos chants, viens pres de tes serviteurs avec ton char rempli de richesses. Indra, attelle promptement tes deux coursiers.

4. Qu’il se trouve porte sur ce char, d’ou decoulent tant de biens, d’ou provient la richesse des troupeaux, Thomme qui te presente le vase rempli (d’offrandes), et nomme hariyodjana (3), Indra, attelle promptement tes deux coursiers.

5. O Satacratou, attache a ton char et le coursier de droite et le coursier de gauche, et viens, pres de ton epouse cherie, gouter la douceur de nos libations. Indra, attelle promptement les deux coursiers.

6. Oui, ma priere attelle (a ton char) tes deux coursiers a la criniere azuree. Que tes bras les dirigent, et viens pres de nous. Enivre-toi de nos douces libations. Heureux de notre hommage, o dieu qui portes la foudre, savoure ici avec ton epouse les plaisirs (que nous t’offrons).

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Pankti et Djagati.

HYMNE III.

A INDRA.

1. Il est riche en chevaux, il est le premier pour ses troupeaux de vaches, le mortel que tu aides de tes secours, o Indra! Tu viens a lui avec tes vastes tresors, comme les eaux vont naturellement a l’Ocean.

2. Oui, comme les eaux (coulent vers la mer), les deesses aussi viennent au lieu du sacrifice; elles ont vu sur la terre poindre et s’etendre la lueur du foyer. Les Devas, tournes vers l'orient, honorent le (dieu) ami des saintes ceremonies et serviteur des autres dieux; ils cherchent a lui plaire, comme des amants (a leurs bien-aimees) (4).

3. A cette double libation que verse en ton honneur la cuiller du sacrifice, tu as ajoute l'hommage des hymnes. Pieux et recueilli, (le pretre) s’occupe de ton culte; une heureuse force s’attache a celui qui t’adore et te sacrifie.

4. Les Angiras, jadis, auteurs de rites religieux, ont allume le feu sacre et introduit les offrandes: ils ont enleve a Pani ce troupeau (celeste) (5) qu’il gardait comme son bien, et qui sert a la prosperity de nos coursiers et de nos vaches.

5. Atharvan (6), le premier, avait enseigne le moyen d’ouvrir par les sacrifices la voie (aux vaches celestes), a l'heure ou nait le soleil, leur bien-aime et le gardien des oeuvres pieuses, a l'heure ou le fils de Cavi (7), Ousanas, se presente en meme temps pour detourner ces vaches. Alors nous invoquons l’immortel (Indra), ne pour repousser (les Asouras).

6. Quand, jaloux d’obtenir une heureuse posterite, (le chef de famille) fait preparer le pur cousa, ou bien qu’il charge le pretre de chanter aupres d’un brillant autel l'hymne poetique; quand la pierre (du mortier) resonne comme la voix d’un chantre sacre, c’est alors qu’Indra se plait a venir a nos fetes.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Djagati.

HYMNE IV.

A INDRA.

1. Les libations sont versees pour toi, o Indra puissant et vainqueur! Viens. Que la force te remplisse, comme le soleil (remplit) le ciel de ses rayons.

2. Partout ou les poetes chantent ses louanges, partout ou les mortels lui offrent des sacrifices, les deux coursiers d’Indra transportent ce (dieu), dont la vigueur est insurmontable.

3. Vainqueur de Vritra, monte sur ton char; la priere vient d’atteler tes chevaux. Que ton attention se tourne du cote de la pierre (du mortier) qui resonne (pour toi).

4. Bois, o Indra, ce breuvage excellent, immortel, enivrant, dont la pure rosee coule pour toi dans le foyer sacre.

5. Honorez donc Indra, et chantez ses louanges. Qu’il s’enivre de nos libations. Venerez sa force eclatante.

6. Il n’est pas de plus habile ecuyer que toi, o Indra, quand tu attelles tes chevaux. Il n’est personne qui egale ta force, personne qui puisse te surpasser, aurait-il les meilleurs coursiers.

7. Celui qui seul distribue la richesse au mortel qui l'honore, qui domine sans contestation, c’est Indra. Oh, viens!

8. Quand donc Indra voudra-t-il briser l’impie, comme on brise de son pied une plante epineuse? Quand voudra-t-il ecouter nos prieres? Oh, viens!

9. Celui qui, entoure de devots serviteurs, t’honore de ses libations, o Indra, tu lui donnes une force terrible. Oh, viens!

10. Les blanches (vaches du ciel) boivent cette douce rosee partout repandue. Elles s’unissent au bienfaisant Indra; et, brillantes, bondissant de joie, elles s’etendent sur son domaine.

11. Heureuses de le toucher, elles se colorent de teintes diverses; elles appretent le soma (verse en son honneur): ces vaches bien-aimees d’Indra aiguisent aussi son arme foudroyante, et elles s’etendent  sur son domaine.

12. Elles venerent avec respect la force de ce (dieu) prudent; elles le secondent dans ses oeuvres nombreuses, et, prevoyant sa pensee, elles s’etendent sur son domaine.

13. L’invincible Indra, avec les os de Dadhyantch (8), a terrasse quatre-vingt-dix-neuf (9) ennemis.

14. Il a cherche la tete de cheval (de Dadhyantch) cachee dans les montagnes, et l'a trouvee dans le lac Saryanavan (10).

15. Et (ces os merveilleux), on les aurait pris pour les feux du rapide Twachtri, alors eteints, comme s’ils avaient ete au sejour (glace) de Tchandramas (11).

16. Qui donc aujourd’hui attache au char (d’Indra) ces chevaux qu’attelle le sacrifice, chevaux vigoureux, brillants, invincibles, portant au front une arme aigue, frappant (leurs ennemis) au coeur, et repandant la joie (parmi leurs amis)? Honneur et vie & celuiqui celebre leurs services!

17. Quel est celui qui fuit, qui tremble (devant le dieu)? qui ressent l’atteinte de ses coups? Qui (au contraire) eprouve le bonheur de sa presence? qui l'invoque pour son fils, pour son elephant, pour sa fortune? qui, pour sa propre personne ou pour sa famille?

18. Quel est celui qui, (pour plaire a Indra), celebre Agni, et, a des epoques fixes, l’honore par des holocaustes et des libations de beurre? A qui les dieux apportent-ils les fruits du sacrifice? Qui, par ses offrandes et ses hommages pieux, s’attire la protection (d’Indra)?

19. Oh, viens! Maghavan, dieu puissaut, honore le mortel (qui t'honore). Le bonheur ne vient que de toi. Indra, je t’adresse ma priere.

20. O toi qui es notre refuge, que jamais tes dons et tes secours ne viennent a nous manquer! Ami des hommes, accorde a leur sollicitude tous les tresors (dont tu disposes).

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Anouchtoubh, Ouchnih, Gayatri, Trichtoubh, Vrihati et Pankti.

HYMNE V.

AUX MAROUTS.

1. Comme des femmes a la brillante demarche, les enfants de Roudra s’avancent, celebres pour leurs hauls faits; car les Marouls out developpe le ciel et la terre; heros destructeurs, ils se plaisent a nos sacrifices.

2. Couverts d’une humide rosee, ces enfants de Roudra croissent dans le ciel, ou ils etablissent leur demeure. Soumis avec respect au noble (Indra), ces fils de Prisni (12) developpent leur force, et amassent de riches tresors.

3. Nes de la Terre (13), quand ils se parent de leurs ornements, ils jettent sur leurs corps d'eclatantes couleurs; ils renversent tons leurs ennemis, et sur leur chemin coule (la pluie, qui est) le beurre (des campagnes).

4. Honores par nos sacrifices, ils brillent, et abattent sous leurs glaives ce que la force la plus grande ne saurait abattre. O Marouts! quand a vos chars vous attelez vos daims, vous volez, aussi prompts que la pensee, en repandant la pluie.

5. O Marouts! quand a votre char vous attelez vos daims, amenant le nuage pour fertiliser nos champs, alors les gouttes d’eau, percant comme la peau de ce (nuage) bienfaisant, viennent inonder la terre.

6. Que vos rapides coursiers vous transportent; venez d’un pas leger, et les bras (charges de presents). Asseyez-vous sur le cousa; une large place vous y est faite; o Marouts!, rassasiez-vous de nos douces offrandes.

7. Forts de leur propre puissance, ils grandissent; ils s’etablissent au ciel, et s’y etendent. Quand Vichnou (14) vient prendre sa part de nos enivrantes libations, eux, comme des oiseaux, arrivent aussi sur le cousa qui leur est cher.

8. Tels que des heros, de rapides guerriers, des combattants avides de gloire, ils font eclater leur courage. Tous les etres craignent les Marouts; et quand ils deploient leur vaillance, ils brillent comme des rois.

9. Saisissant la foudre, arme admirable, etincelante d’or et garnie de mille pointes, (arme) qu'a fabriquee l’habile ouvrier Twachtri, Indra se distingue dans le combat; il frappe Vritra, et lance des torrents de pluie.

10. (Non moins courageux), les Marouts ont avec force enleve une source, et fendu une haute montagne (15); (dieux) bruyants et genereux, ils operent, dans l’ivresse du soma, des (merveilles) digues d’etre celebrees.

11. Oui, ils ont, par la route des airs, enleve une source, et en ont forme un bassin en faveur de Gotama, presse par la soif: ils sont ainsi venus a son secours, et le zele de ces brillants protecteurs a comble les voeux du prophete.

12. Donnez au serviteur qui vous celebre ces biens qui vous appartiennent, et qui sont de trois especes (16). O Marouts, repandez ces biens sur nous; (dieux) bienfaisants, accordez-nous une heureuse opulence et une nombreuse famille!

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE VI.

AUX MAROUTS.

1. Brillants Marouts, celui dont vous visitez la maison, et dont le soma vous fait descendre du ciel, peut se glorifier d'avoir de puissants protecteurs.

2. Venez prendre votre part de nos sacrifices, o Marouts, et entendez la voix suppliante du pretre!

3. Celui qui vous honore par des offrandes, et dont le pretre attire votre attention, verra ses etables remplies de vaches.

4. Voici un homme de coeur, dont le cousa, dans les jours de fete, est couvert de libations toutes pretes, et dont on vante les hymnes et les offrandes.

5. Que les Marouts ecoutent favorablement la priere; qu’ils acceptent aussi les offrandes de ce (mortel) que sa position eleve au-dessus de tous les autres, et meme jusqu’au soleil.

6. Grace a votre sage protection, o Marouts, nous avons pu vous honorer par d’abondantes libations.

7. O Marouts, o vous qui etes dignes de nos sacrifices, qu’il soit fortune le mortel dont vous agreez les offrandes!

8. Heros doues d’une force veritable, accomplissez le voeu de celui qui vous implore en chantant vos louanges, et vous faisant des libations de beurre.

9. Manifestez cette force veritable que vous possedez, et d’un (trait) puissant et lumineux percez le Rakchasa.

10. Repoussez au sein des tenebres l'obscurite, qui n’en doit pas sortir. Chassez tous nos ennemis, et faites-nous la lumiere que nous desirons.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Gayatri.

HYMNE VII.

AUX MAROUTS.

1. Terribles et robustes, bruyants, invincibles, forts par leur union, amis de nos offrandes, honores et dignes du rang supreme, (les Marouts) brillent sous leurs parures comme les nuages sous les feux des etoiles.

2. Quand, par toutes les routes de l'air, vous avez, tels que des oiseaux, rassemble sur vos chars flottants (l'onde) voyageuse, alors les (nuages), tresors (de la pluie), se fondent en eau: o Marouts, envoyez a celui qui vous honore ce beurre (de la terre), aussi doux que le miel.

3. Lorsque, pour le bien (du monde), ils attellent (leur char), la terre, semblable a une epouse separee de son epoux, tremble sous leurs pas qui l'ebranlent; car (les Marouts), se faisant un jeu de leurs violences, et armes de traits resplendissants, prouvent leur force en remuant (le monde).

4. Venez, troupe jeune et legere, amenee par vos daims rapides; souverains environnes de force, vous etes vrais dans vos promesses, bienfaisants et irreprochables: accueillez notre priere, et repandez vos biens sur nous.

5. Cest en vertu de not re naissance, comme disciples de notre vieux pere (17), que nous chantons (cet hymne). Notre voix, qui celebre le esoma, s'eleve (vers les Marouts). Dans les sacrifices que les poetes offrent en l'honneur d’Indra, (ces dieux) ont obtenu d’entendre aussi invocquer leurs noms.

6. Pour le salut (du monde), ils savent aux ondes (bienfaisantes) meler l’influence des rayons lumineux; honores par les poetes, celebres par leurs chants, legers et intrepides, les Marouts ont merite la haute demeure que l'on distingue par leur nom (18).

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Djagati.

HYMNE VIII.

AUX MAROUTS.

1. O Marouts, venez sur vos chars etincelants, lumineux, garnis de traits aigus, et traines par de rapides coursiers. Accourez, tels que des oiseaux, et comblez heureusement nos voeux en nous accordant une abondante nourriture.

2. Quel (mortel ces dieux) veulent-ils favoriser? Pour qui viennent-ils avec ces coursiers jaunes et rougeatres qu’ils attachent a leur char? Leur (char) est brillant comme l'or, et retentit du bruit des armes. Le fracas de leurs roues fait fremir la terre.

3. Le long de vos corps retentissent vos belles armures. (Les mortels) elevent vers vous leurs offrandes, comme les arbres (elevent leurs tetes vers le ciel). Genereux Marouts, ils amassent pour vous dans le mortier les libations abondantes qu’ils vous reservent!

4. Les enfants de Gotama, presses par la soif, ont pendant plusieurs jours celebre cette pieuse ceremonie, accompagnee de libations; ils ont accompli l’oeuvre sainte (en l’honneur des Marouts), qui, pour les desalterer, ont par les airs enleve une source (19).

5. O Marouts, l’hymne que nous vous adressons contient les memes sentiments que celui qu’autre-fois vous a fait entendre Gotama, quand il vous apercut, nobles vainqueurs, courant ca et la sur vos chars d’or, et brandissant vos armes de fer.

6. O Marouts, la voix qui s’eleve aujourd’hui vers vous, vous chante avec non moins de raison que celle qui vous celebra (jadis). Oui, c’est avec justice que nous vous exaltons dans ces (vers), tenant en nos mains les mets sacres.

Auteur: Gotama; metre, Pankti.

HYMNE IX.

A TOUS LES DIEUX.

1. Celebrons sans trouble, et dans la paix du recueillement, nos saintes ceremonies. Qu’elles soient efficaces pour nous, et que les dieux, amis constants de notre bonheur, restent a nos cotes, et nous protegent chaque jour!

2. Que l'heureuse faveur des dieux, que les bienfaits des dieux justes soient avec nous. Puissions-nous obtenir l’amitie des dieux! que les dieux prolongent notre vie!

3. Suivant l'antique coutume, nous invoquons Bhaga, Mitra, Aditi, Dakcha, Asridh, Aryaman, Varouna, Soma, les deux Aswins (20). Que l’heureuse Saraswati nous donne la joie!

4. Que la guerison de nos maux nous soit assuree par Vayou, par la Terre, qui est la mere (commune); par le Ciel, qui est le pere; par l’influence de ces mortiers qui preparent le soma et apportent la joie! Et vous, adorables Aswins, exaucez aussi notre voeu!

5. Nous appelons a notre secours le maitre souverain des etres animes et inanimes, ce roi (21) qui se plait a nos prieres. Que Pouchan (22) soit pour nous une source intarissable de richesses, et, invulnerable lui-meme, qu’il nous sauve, nous garde et nous protege!

6. Qu’il nous protege, le grand et glorieux Indra! Qu’il nous protege, le magnifique Pouchan! Qu’il nous protege, Arichtanemi, fils de Tarkcha (23)! Que Vrihaspati (24) nous protege!

7. Que les Marouts a la marche brillante, que ces fils de Prisni, amenes par leurs daims, viennent a nos sacrifices; que tous les dieux, sages (25) et resplendissants comme le soleil, (que ces dieux) dont Agni est la langue (26), accourent ici pour nous defendre!

8. O dieux dignes de nos sacrifices, que nos oreilles, que nos yeux n’entendent, ne voient que des choses heureuses! Que nos membres soient pleins de force, et, pour prix de nos hommages, que nous obtenions de jouir de toute la vie que le ciel nous accorde!

9. O dieux, donnez-nous cent ans d’existence! Et quand vous aurez courbe nos corps sous le poids de la vieillesse, quand nos fils seront devenus nos soutiens (27), n’allez pas nous retrancher la moitie de notre vie!

10. Aditi, c’est le ciel; Aditi, c’est l’air; Aditi, c’est la mere, le pere et le fils; Aditi, ce sont tous les dieux et les cinq especes d’etres (28); Aditi, c’est ce qui est ne et ce qui naitra.

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE X.

A TOUS LES DIEUX.

1. Que Mitra, que Varouna, que le sage Aryarnan, nous diligent dans la bonne voie, et avec les autres dieux se plaisent a nos sacrifices.

2. Les dieux sont les depositaires des tresors, et chaque jour ils poursuivent sans trouble leurs oeuvres brillantes.

3. Immortels, qu’ils nous accordent le bonheur, a nous qui sommes mortels, et qu’ils repoussent nos ennemis!

4. Que nos pas soient heureusement conduits par Indra, les Marouts, Pouchan, Bhaga et (les autres) egalement dignes de nos hommages!

5. Que nos prieres nous procurent des vaches fecondes! O Pouchan, o Vichnou, o Vayou (29), comblez-nous de vos benedictions!

6. Pour l’homme qui offre le sacrifice, doux est le souffle des vents, douce est l'onde des fleuves. Que les plantes (de la terre) soient douces pour nous!

7. Que la Nuit el les Aurores soient douces pour nous! Qu’il soit doux, lair qui environne la terre! Qu’il soit doux, le Ciel notre pere!

8. Qu’il soit doux pour nous, le dieu qu’on appelle Vanaspati (30)! Qu’il soit doux, le soleil! Que les vaches (31) soient douces pour nous!

9. Favorables nous soient Mitra et Varouna! favorable, Aryaman (32)! favorables, Indra et Vrihaspati! favorable, Vichnou aux grands pas (33)!

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Geyatri et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XI.

A SOMA.

1. O Soma (34), tes services sont apprecies par notre esprit. Tu nous conduis dans la meilleure des voies. Sous ta direction, o dieu appele Indou (35), nos peres, pieux et sages, ont obtenu la faveur des dieux.

2. O Soma, saint dans les choses saintes, fort dans les choses fortes, genereux dans les choses genereuses, abondant dans les choses abondantes, lu es opulent, tu es grand, tu es le precepteur des hommes.

3. Tes oeuvres sont celles du royal Varouna; ton influence, o Soma, est etendue et profonde. Pur comme l'aimable Mitra, comme Aryaman, o Soma, tu donnes l’accroissement (aux etres).

4. L’influence que lu possedes au ciel, sur la terre, sur les images, les plantes et les eaux, o Soma, roi debonnaire et clement, daigne l’exercer en notre faveur, et accepte nos holocaustes!

5. O Soma, tu es le maitre des saints, tu es roi et vainqueur de Vritra, tu es l’agent de notre bonheur.

6. La mort ne nous atteindra pas, (si) ton desir est que nous vivions, o Soma, toi qui aimes nos louanges, et qui es Vanaspati (36).

7. O Soma, tu donnes a l’homme qui offre le sacrifice, qu’il soit jeune ou vieux, une part convenable dans les biens de la vie.

8. Roi Soma, defends-nous contre tous les mechants; l'ami (d’un dieu) tel que toi ne peut perir.

9. O Soma, accorde-nous ces secours protecteurs dont tu entoures tes fideles.

10. Agree ce sacrifice et cet hymne, et viens, o Soma, augmenter notre bien-etre!

11. Par nos chants nous savons augmenter ta gloire, o Soma! Viens nous visiter avec bonte.

12. O Soma, accrois notre richesse, detourne de nous la maladie, agrandis nos tresors, double notre opulence; sois pour nous un veritable ami!

13. Soma, sois heureux dans notre coeur, comme la vache dans les paturages, comme le pere de famille dans sa maison.

14. Divin Soma, un (dieu) sage et bienfaisant, (tel que toi), s’attache au mortel qui met son bonheur dans ton amitie.

15. O Soma, delivre-nous de l’imprecation! garde-nous contre le mal! sois pour nous un diligent ami!

16. Crois done, o Soma! apparais dans toute la plenitude de ta force, et reunis en toi tous les biens!

17. Crois, heureux Soma, et pare-toi de toutes tes splendeurs! Sois un ami qui nous ouvre la source de l’abondance et de la gloire!

18. Vainqueur de tes ennemis, qu’en toi se reunissent la douceur, l’abondance et la force des aliments! Croissant, o Soma, pour l'immortelle ambroisie, deviens pour nous dans le ciel le tresor de la plus precieuse nourriture!

19. Tous ces biens, que l'on offre ici en holocauste, viennent de toi: que (Agni) enveloppe (de ses flammes) notre sacrifice! O Soma, toi qui augmentes notre opulence et qui fais notre salut, toi qui es la force de nos heros et la mort de nos ennemis, viens visiter nos demeures.

20. A celui qui l'honore, Soma donne des vaches, de legers coursiers, des fils courageux et habiles, distingues dans leur menage, dans les sacrifices, dans les assemblees, soumis a leur pere.

21.O Soma, soyons heureux d'un (dieu tel que toi), qui, invincible a la guerre, comble nos voeux dans les combats, qui nous donne la prosperite avec les eaux (de la pluie), qui protege le sacrifice, et qui, croissant au milieu des offrandes, possesseur d’une brillante demeure, se montre glorieux et triomphant.

22. O Soma, c’est toi qui as produit toutes les plantes, les eaux et les vaches, toi qui as etendu le vaste ciel, toi qui dans ta lumiere asenseveli l’obscurite.

23. Dieu fort, o Soma, que ta divine prudence nous accorde la part de richesses (que nous desirous)! Combats pour nous; personne ne peut lutter contre toi. Tu es le maitre de la force, et regnes sur les deux partis: donne-nous la superiorite dans la bataille.

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Pankti, Gayatri. Ouchnih, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XII.

A L’AURORE ET AUX ASWINS.

1. Les Aurores elevent leur drapeau, et, dans la region orientale du ciel, annoncent la lumiere. Pareilles a des guerriers qui brillent sous leurs armes, s’avancent les vaches (37) (celestes), ces nourrices (du monde) aux couleurs empourprees.

2. Les rayons enflammes s’elancent sans obstacle, et attellent (au char du matin) ces vaches rougeatres et dociles. Les Aurores remplissent leur antique fonction, et bientot les teintes vermeilles (de leurs coursiers) se fondent dans les teintes dorees de la lumiere.

3. Ouvrieres diligentes, elles couvrent au loin (le monde) d’un meme reseau lumineux, et apportent l’abondance a l’homme pieux et liberal, qui n’epargne ni les sacrifices ni les libations.

4. Comme la danseuse, l’Aurore revele toutes ses formes; elle decouvre son sein, comme la vache decouvre sa mamelle feconde; et, de meme que celle-ci donne son lait, l’Aurore distribue au monde entier sa lumiere en dissipant les tenebres.

5. Ses lueurs eclatantes se distinguent; elle s’avance par degres, et met en fuite l'obscurite. Elle illumine sa forme, comme (les pretres) au moment du sacrifice illuminent le bucher; et la fille du ciel donne a ses clartes des teintes variees.

6. INous venons de traverser l'ocean de cette nuit. L’Aurore se leve, elle ramene la vie. Telle qu'un seigneur puissant, elle brille et sourit, belle, bienveillante, ennemie (des tenebres) pour notre bonheur.

7. Fille du ciel, elle resplendit, et inspire l’hymne sacre. Elle est, pour les fils de Gotama, un objet de louanges. Aurore, tu donnes une opulence qui peut s’enorgueillir de ses enfants, de ses serviteurs, de ses chevaux, de ses vaches!

8. Aurore, puisse-je obtenir cette abondante richesse que relevent la gloire et le nombre des enfants,  des serviteurs, des chevaux! O (deesse) eclatante et fortunee, qui produis la fertilite, et qui brilles d’une gloire merveilleuse!

9. La deesse, poursuivant sa marche, et d’un large regard embrassant lous les mondes, luit, et fait lever tout ce qui respire. Vers elle monte la voix de tous les etres intelligents.

10. Antique, renaissant chaque jour, elle brille constamment des memes couleurs; mais aussi, telle qu’une chasseresse qui frappe et abat les habitants de l'air, l’Aurore attaque la vie des mortels.

11. La voila qui ouvre les portes du ciel, et force (la Nuit) sa soeur a se cacher. Elle consume les ages de la vie humaine, et se colore des feux du (Soleil) son amant.

12. Comme (le berger repand) ses troupeaux (dans la plaine), la belle deesse repand (ses rayons dans les champs de l'air); telle qu’une mer profonde, elle remplit tout de sa grandeur. Elle maintient les oeuvres divines du soleil, et se penetre de ses rayons, qu’elle reflete.

13. Aurore, toi que nous honorons par nos offrandes, apporte-nous cette variete de biens qui nous permette d’elever nos fils et nos petits-fils.

14. Brillante Aurore, toi que celebrent nos hymnes, toi qui es riche en vaches et en chevaux, leve-toi aujourd’hui pour notre bonheur.

15. Aurore, toi que nos offrandes honorent, attelle aujourd’hui tes coursiers rougeatres, et apporte-nous toute espece de prosperites.

16. O Aswins, couple secourable, dirigez votre char vers notre demeure, ou regnent la richesse de l'or et la fecondite des vaches!

17. O Aswins, vous qui, pour le genre humain, amenez la lumiere au ciel et donnez le signal de l'hymne sacre, apportez-nous l’abondance!

18. Dieux secourables et bienfaisants, montes sur un char d’or, que (vos coursiers), eveilles par l'Aurore, vous amenent a nos libations!

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Djagati, Trichtoubh et Ouchnih.

HYMNE XIII.

A AGNI ET A SOMA.

1. Agni et Soma (38), (dieux) bienfaisants, ecoutez mon invocation. Agreez mes prieres, soyez bons pour votre serviteur.

2. A celui qui vous adresse aujourd’hui cet hymne respectueux, accordez, Agni et Soma, une heureuse abondance de serviteurs, de vaches, de chevaux.

3. Agni et Soma, que pendant toute sa vie il possede une grande force et une belle famille, celui qui vous honore par ses invocations et ses holocaustes!

4. Agni et Soma, on connait votre puissance. Elle a eclate, quand vous avez enleve a Pani les vaches (celestes) dont il etait le gardien (39); quand vous avez donne la mort au fils de Brisaya (40), et que vous avez fait briller pour tous la lumiere unique (du soleil).

5. C’est vous, Agni et Soma, qui, unissant vos efforts, avez place au ciel (41) ces (astres) etincelants; vous, Agni et Soma, qui avez delivre les fleuves enchaines de l’odieuse imprecation lancee contre eux (42).

6. Matariswan (43) vient du ciel animer l'un de vous (de son souffle); l'autre est tire du mortier par l'epervier (poetique) (44). C’est vous, Agni et Soma, qui, croissant par la priere, avez, pour le sacrifice, fonde un large emplacement.

7. Agni et Soma, venez prendre votre part de notre holocauste, et daignez l’avoir pour agreable. (Dieux) bienfaisants et fortunes, soyez nos protecteurs, et comblez de bonheur celui qui vous sacrifie.

8. Agni et Soma, protegez la piete de (l’homme) qui honore les dieux avec une ame devouee et des libations de beurre; gardez-le du mal, et accordez une grande prosperite au peuple fidele.

9. Agni et Soma, vous a qui nous adressons les memes offrandes et les memes invocations, recevez nos prieres: vous etes grands parmi les dieux.

10. Agni et Soma, donnez la gloire et la richesse a celui qui fait couler en votre honneur ce beurre sacre.

11. Agni et Soma, que nos holocaustes vous soient agreables! venez ensemble aupres de nous.

12. Agni et Soma, prenez nos coursiers sous votre protection; que nos vaches se multiplient, et donnent leur lait pour nos libations. Accordez-nous la force avec la richesse. Que l'opulence devienne le prix de notre sacrifice!

Auteur: Gotama; metres, Anouchtoubh, Trichtoubh, Djagati et Gayatri.

HYMNE XIV.

A AGNI.

1. Comme (l’ouvrier) prepare un char (pour le guerrier), que votre imagination prepare cet hymne pour (le dieu) qui possede tous les biens, et qui merite nos hommages! Que sa prudence nous soit propice dans cette reunion! O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

2. Il est heureux, celui dont tu favorises les sacrifices. Il vit en paix, et possede la puissance. Sa force croit sans cesse, et la donleur ne l'atteint pas. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

3. Laisse-nous allumer ta flamme: accomplis nos voeux. Par toi les dieux obtiennent l’holocauste qui leur est offert. Amene ici les Adityas que nous invoquons. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

4. Pour te rappeler notre souvenir, nous voulons, a chaque parwan (45), entretenir ton foyer et t’apporter des libations. Et toi, exauce nos voeux en prolongeant nos jours. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

5. Les enfants d’Agni (46) sont les pasteurs des peuples; ils marchent, et leurs rayons conduisent et les hommes et les animaux (47). Orne de couleurs variees, c’est toi qui appelles l’Aurore; tu es grand. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

6. Par ta naissance tu es le principal sacrificateur, l e prophete, le chantre, le purificateur, le pontife. Sage et instruit, tu remplis tous les offices du pretre. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

7. Egalement beau de tout cote, de loin comme de pres, tu brilles avec eclat, et ton regard, o dieu, perce l’obscurite de la nuit. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile.

8. O dieux, que le char de l’homme qui vous sacrifie soit le premier (dans les combats); que nos imprecations soient funestes a nos ennemis! Ecoulez et accomplissez noire voeu. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

9. Frappe de mort nos ennemis, quels qu’ils soient, eloignes ou voisins; qu’ils tombent sans gloire avec leurs funestes pensees! Ouvre une route facile a celui qui te loue et te sacrifie. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

10. Lorsqu’a ton char tu attelles tes (coursiers) rougeatres, aussi rapides que le vent, tes fremissements sont pareils a la voix du taureau. Tu enveloppes le bucher d’une banniere de fumee. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

11. Les oiseaux tremblent a ce bruit; et quand tes flammes, devorant l’herbe seche, se sont fermement etablies, alors la voie est ouverte a ton char. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

12. Voila un (pere de famille) qui sacrifie a Mitra et a Varouna. Descendez (aussi du ciel), vous, Marouts, dont la colere est si terrible. Apaise-les en notre faveur, et que leur souffle nous devienne propice. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

13. Tu es le dieu des dieux, un ami admirable, le tresor des tresors, superbe dans le sacrifice. Recois-nous sous ta puissante protection. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

14. Tu aimes a te voir place dans un foyer brulant, honore par des libations et chante dans nos hymnes. Rempli de douceur, tu accordes a ton serviteur des tresors et des richesses. O Agni, que ton amitie ne nous soit pas inutile!

15. Il n’est coupable d’aucune negligence dans son devoir religieux, celui que tu combles de tes dons, celui que tu remplis d’une heureuse force, dieu opulent et indestructible. Accorde-nous de la richesse et de la famille.

16. Dieu qui sais ou est le bonheur, Agni, prolonge ici-bas notre vie. Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa, fils d'Angiras; metres, Trichtoubh et Djagati.  
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Sat Feb 04, 2023 9:57 am

Part 2 of 2

SIXTH READING.
FIRST ANTHEM.
TO INDRA.

[English Version by Google Translate]

1. The priests, (by their songs), exalt the power and increase the happiness of Indra, the conqueror of Vritra. In big affairs, as in small ones, we invoke him. May he deign to protect us in combat!

2. Hero (invincible), you alone are worth an army; you triumph over the strength and number of our enemies; you give increase to the weak, and you share your immense goods with him who honors you by his sacrifices and his libations.

3. When fighting begins, victory brings wealth. Harness (to your chariot) your horses which bring down the intoxication (of pride). Which one are you gonna hit? Which one are you going to enrich? Indra, may we be the object of your choice!

4. (Indra), terrible and great in his works, is even stronger after our libations. The magnificent (god), with a superb face, with azure steeds, approaches us, and, for our happiness, he takes his iron thunderbolt in his hands.

5. He fills the air that surrounds the earth; to heaven are attached its splendors. O Indra, no one was, no one will be like you. You are the sustainer of the universe.

6. Indra, you who bear the name of Arya (1), and who give your servant his mortal food, grant us our part, and open for us the vast treasure which you have.

7. Happy with our repeated libations, (god) just in your power, give us herds of vaccines; draw with your two hands from the treasure of your immense generosity, make us happy, and bring us abundance.

8. Hero (divine) come gladly to our libations; make our strength and our opulence. We know that you have many riches; our wishes go out to you. Be our protector.

9. O Indra, your children here have prepared for you offerings of every kind. Noble Arya, you know the wealth of men who do not serve you. Bring us this wealth.

Author: Gotama; meter, Pankti.

HYMN II.

TO INDRA.

1. O Maghavan, draw near to hear our chants. Don't be deaf to our wishes. As soon as you fulfill our wishes, you immediately obtain our recognition. Indra, harness your two steeds quickly.

2. The priests, shining with pious radiance, lavished the sacred meats and libations; they have seated (in the hearth), and in all their finery, the wives (of the gods) (2); they have, in the most beautiful hymns, celebrated your greatness. Indra, harness your two steeds quickly.

3. O Maghavan, we want to honor you, you who cast a (protective) gaze on all nature. Attracted by our songs, come close to your servants with your chariot full of riches. Indra, harness your two steeds quickly.

4. That he is carried on this chariot, from which flow so many goods, from which comes the wealth of the herds, the man who presents to you the vase filled (of offerings), and names hariyodjana (3), Indra , harness your two steeds promptly.

5. O Satacratou, attach to your chariot and the courier on the right and the courier on the left, and come, close to your beloved spouse, to taste the sweetness of our libations. Indra, harness the two steeds quickly.

6. Yes, my prayer harness (to your chariot) your two steeds with the azure mane. Let your arms direct them, and come close to us. Get drunk on our sweet libations. Happy with our homage, o god who bears lightning, savor here with your wife the pleasures (that we offer you).

Author: Gotama; meters, Pankti and Djagati.

HYMN III.

TO INDRA.

1. He is rich in horses, he is the first for his herds of cows, the mortal whom you help with your help, o Indra! You come to him with your vast treasures, as the waters naturally go to the ocean.

2. Yes, as the waters (flow to the sea), so also the goddesses come to the place of sacrifice; they have seen on the earth dawn and spread the light of the hearth. The Devas, turned towards the east, honor the (god) friend of the holy ceremonies and servant of the other gods; they seek to please him, like lovers (to their beloved) (4).

3. To this double libation which the spoon of the sacrifice pours in your honor, you have added the homage of hymns. Pious and collected, (the priest) takes care of your worship; a happy force attaches itself to him who adores you and sacrifices you.

4. The Angiras, formerly, authors of religious rites, lighted the sacred fire and introduced the offerings: they took away from Pani this herd (celestial) (5) which he kept as his property, and which serves for the prosperity of our couriers and our cows.

5. Atharvan (6), the first, had taught the means of opening by sacrifices the way (to the celestial cows), at the hour when the sun is born, their beloved and the guardian of pious works, to the time when Cavi's son (7), Ousanas, shows up at the same time to hijack these cows. So we invoke the immortal (Indra), only to repel (the Asuras).

6. When, jealous of obtaining a happy posterity, (the head of the family) has the pure cousa prepared, or else he orders the priest to sing the poetic hymn near a brilliant altar; when the stone (of the mortar) resounds like the voice of a sacred cantor, it is then that Indra likes to come to our feasts.

Author: Gotama; meter, Djagati.

HYMN IV.

TO INDRA.

1. Libations are poured out for you, O mighty and victorious Indra! Come. May strength fill you, as the sun (fills) the sky with its rays.

2. Wherever poets sing his praises, wherever mortals offer him sacrifices, Indra's two steeds carry this (god), whose vigor is insurmountable.

3. Winner of Vritra, mount your chariot; prayer comes to harness your horses. May your attention turn to the side of the stone (of the mortar) which resounds (for you).

4. Drink, O Indra, this excellent, immortal, intoxicating beverage, whose pure dew flows for you in the sacred hearth.

5. So honor Indra, and sing his praises. Let him get drunk on our libations. Come his dazzling strength.

6. There is no more skilful squire than you, O Indra, when you harness your horses. There is no one who equals your strength, no one who can surpass you, even if he had the best steeds.

7. The one who alone distributes wealth to the mortal who honors it, who dominates without question, is Indra. Oh, come!

8. When then will Indra want to break the wicked, as one breaks a thorny plant with his foot? When will he want to hear our prayers? Oh, come!

9. He who, surrounded by devout servants, honors you with his libations, O Indra, you give him terrible strength. Oh, come!

10. The white cows (cows of the sky) drink this sweet dew everywhere spread. They unite with the beneficent Indra; and, shining, leaping with joy, they spread over his domain.

11. Happy to touch it, they color themselves in various tints; they prepare the soma (poured in his honor): these beloved cows of Indra also sharpen his lightning weapon, and they extend over his domain.

12. They venerate with reverence the strength of this prudent (god); they assist him in his numerous works, and, foreseeing his thought, they extend over his domain.

13. The invincible Indra, with the bones of Dadhyantch (8), slew ninety-nine (9) enemies.

14. He searched for the horse's head (of Dadhyantch) hidden in the mountains, and found it in Lake Saryanavan (10).

15. And (these wonderful bones), they would have been taken for the fires of the rapid Twachtri, then extinguished, as if they had been in the (ice) abode of Tchandramas (11).

16. Who therefore today attaches to the chariot (of Indra) these horses harnessed for sacrifice, horses strong, shining, invincible, bearing a sharp weapon in the forehead, striking (their enemies) in the heart, and spreading joy ( among their friends)? Honor and life & he who celebrates their services!

17. Who is he who flees, who trembles (before the god)? who feels the impact of his blows? Who (on the contrary) feels the happiness of his presence? who invokes him for his son, for his elephant, for his fortune? who, for himself or for his family?

18. Who is it that (to please Indra) celebrates Agni, and at fixed times honors him with burnt offerings and libations of butter? To whom do the gods bring the fruits of sacrifice? Who, by his offerings and his pious homage, attracts the protection (of Indra)?

19. Oh come on! Maghavan, mighty god, honor the mortal (who honors you). Happiness only comes from you. Indra, I send you my prayers.

20. O you who are our refuge, may your gifts and help never fail us! Friend of men, grant to their care all the treasures (at your disposal).

Author: Gotama; meters, Anouchtoubh, Ouchnih, Gayatri, Trichtoubh, Vrihati and Pankti.

HYMN V.

AT THE MAROUTS.

1. Like women of brilliant walk, the children of Rudra step forward, famous for their high deeds; for the Marouls have developed heaven and earth; destructive heroes, they delight in our sacrifices.

2. Covered with a humid dew, these children of Rudra grow in the sky, where they establish their dwelling. Subjected with respect to the noble (Indra), these sons of Prisni (12) develop their strength, and amass rich treasures.

3. Born of the Earth (13), when they adorn themselves with their ornaments, they cast dazzling colors on their bodies; they overthrow all their enemies, and on their way flows (the rain, which is) the butter (of the fields).

4. Honored by our sacrifices, they shine, and cut down under their swords what the greatest force could not cut down. O Marouts! when you harness your deer to your chariots, you fly, as quick as thought, spreading the rain.

5. O Marouts! when you harness your deer to your chariot, bringing the cloud to fertilize our fields, then the drops of water, piercing like the skin of this beneficent (cloud), come to flood the earth.

6. Let your swift couriers carry you; come with a light step, and arms (laden with presents). Sit on the cousa; a large place is made for you there; O Marouts!, fill yourselves with our sweet offerings.

7. Strong in their own power, they grow; they establish themselves in heaven and dwell there. When Vishnu (14) comes to take his share of our intoxicating libations, they, like birds, also arrive on the cousa which is dear to them.

8. Like heroes, quick warriors, fighters of glory, they burst forth their courage. All beings fear the Marouts; and when they display their valor, they shine like kings.

9. Seizing the thunderbolt, an admirable weapon, sparkling with gold and garnished with a thousand points, (weapon) which the skilful workman Twachtri has made, Indra distinguishes himself in combat; he strikes Vritra, and hurls down torrents of rain.

10. (No less courageous), the Maruts with force removed a source, and split a high mountain (15); (gods) noisy and generous, they operate, in the intoxication of the soma, (marvels) dikes to be celebrated.

11. Yes, they have, by the way of the air, removed a spring, and have formed a basin in favor of Gotama, pressed by thirst: they have thus come to his aid, and the zeal of these brilliant protectors has filled the wishes of the prophet.

12. Give to the servant who celebrates you these goods which belong to you, and which are of three kinds (16). O Marouts, spread these goods on us; Beneficent (gods), grant us happy opulence and a large family!

Author: Gotama; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN VI.

AT THE MAROUTS.

1. Brilliant Marouts, the one whose house you visit, and whose soma brings you down from heaven, can boast of having powerful protectors.

2. Come and take your share of our sacrifices, O Marouts, and hear the pleading voice of the priest!

3. He who honors you with offerings, and whose priest calls your attention, will see his stables filled with cows.

4. Here is a man of courage, whose cousa, on feast days, is covered with ready-made libations, and whose hymns and offerings are extolled.

5. That the Marouts listen favorably to the prayer; let them also accept the offerings of that (mortal) that his position exalted above all others, and even unto the sun.

6. Thanks to your wise protection, O Marouts, we were able to honor you with abundant libations.

7. O Marouts, o you who are worthy of our sacrifices, may fortune be to the mortal whose offerings you accept!

8. Heroes endowed with true strength, fulfill the wish of him who implores you by singing your praises, and making you libations of butter.

9. Manifest that true strength which you possess, and with a powerful and luminous (stroke) pierce the Rakchasa.

10. Push back the darkness within the darkness, which must not come out of it. Drive out all our enemies, and give us the light we desire.

Author: Gotama; meter, Gayatri.

HYMN VII.

AT THE MAROUTS.

1. Terrible and robust, noisy, invincible, strong by their union, friends of our offerings, honored and worthy of supreme rank, (the Marouts) shine under their ornaments like the clouds under the fires of the stars.

2. When, by all the roads of the air, you have, like birds, gathered on your floating chariots (the wave) traveling, then the (clouds), treasures (of the rain), melt into water : o Marouts, send to the one who honors you this butter (of the earth), as sweet as honey.

3. When, for the good (of the world), they harness (their chariot), the earth, like a bride separated from her husband, trembles under their shaking steps; because (the Marouts), making a game of their violence, and armed with resplendent features, prove their strength by stirring up (the world).

4. Come, young and light troop, brought by your swift deer; Sovereigns surrounded by force, you are true in your promises, beneficent and irreproachable: accept our prayer, and pour out your goods on us.

5. It is by virtue of our birth, as disciples of our aged father (17), that we sing (this hymn). Our voice, which celebrates the esoma, rises (towards the Marouts). In the sacrifices which the poets offer in honor of Indra, (these gods) obtained to hear their names also invoked.

6. For the salvation (of the world), they know how to combine (beneficial) waves with the influence of light rays; honored by poets, famous for their songs, light and intrepid, the Marouts have deserved the high residence that is distinguished by their name (18).

Author: Gotama; meter, Djagati.

HYMN VIII.

AT THE MAROUTS.

1. O Marouts, come on your sparkling chariots, luminous, adorned with sharp features, and dragged by swift steeds. Come running, like birds, and happily fulfill our wishes by granting us abundant food.

2. What (mortal these gods) do they want to favor? For whom do they come with these yellow and reddish couriers which they attach to their chariot? Their (chariot) is shining like gold, and resounds with the sound of weapons. The crash of their wheels makes the earth tremble.

3. Along your bodies resound your beautiful armours. (The mortals) lift up their offerings to you, like the trees (lift up their heads to the sky). Generous Marouts, they accumulate for you in the mortar the abundant libations that they reserve for you!

4. The children of Gotama, pressed by thirst, celebrated this pious ceremony for several days, accompanied by libations; they accomplished the holy work (in honor of the Marouts), who, to quench their thirst, removed a source through the air (19).

5. O Marouts, the hymn that we address to you contains the same sentiments as the one that Gotama once made you hear, when he saw you, noble victors, running here and there on your golden chariots, and brandishing your iron weapons.

6. O Marouts, the voice that rises to you today sings to you with no less reason than the one that celebrated you (formerly). Yes, it is with justice that we exalt you in these (verses), holding in our hands the sacred dishes.

Author: Gotama; meter, Pankti.

HYMN IX.

TO ALL THE GODS.

1. Let us celebrate without disturbance, and in the peace of recollection, our holy ceremonies. May they be effective for us, and may the gods, constant friends of our happiness, stay by our side and protect us every day!

2. May the blessed favor of the gods, the blessings of the righteous gods be with us. May we obtain the friendship of the gods! may the gods prolong our life!

3. Following the ancient custom, we invoke Bhaga, Mitra, Aditi, Dakcha, Asridh, Aryaman, Varuna, Soma, the two Aswins (20). May happy Saraswati give us joy!

4. May the healing of our ills be assured to us by Vayou, by the Earth, which is the (common) mother; by Heaven, which is the father; by the influence of these mortars which prepare the soma and bring joy! And you, adorable Aswins, grant our wish too!

5. We call to our aid the sovereign master of animate and inanimate beings, this king (21) who delights in our prayers. May Pouchan (22) be for us an inexhaustible source of wealth, and, invulnerable himself, may he save us, keep us and protect us!

6. May he protect us, the great and glorious Indra! May he protect us, the magnificent Pouchan! May he protect us, Arichtanemi, son of Tarkcha (23)! May Vrihaspati (24) protect us!

7. Let the Maruts of the shining walk, let these sons of Prisni, brought by their deer, come to our sacrifices; may all the gods, wise (25) and resplendent as the sun, (may those gods) of whom Agni is the language (26), hasten here to defend us!

8. O gods worthy of our sacrifices, that our ears, that our eyes do not hear, only see happy things! May our members be full of strength, and, as the price of our homage, may we obtain the enjoyment of all the life that heaven grants us!

9. O gods, give us a hundred years of existence! And when you have bent our bodies under the weight of old age, when our sons have become our supports (27), do not take away half of our life!

10. Aditi is heaven; Aditi is the air; Aditi is mother, father and son; Aditi are all the gods and the five species of beings (28); Aditi is what is born and what will be born.

Author: Gotama; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

ANTHEM X.

TO ALL THE GODS.

1. May Mitra, may Varuna, may the wise Aryarnan, urge us on the right path, and with the other gods be pleased with our sacrifices.

2. The gods are the repositories of treasures, and every day they pursue their brilliant works undisturbed.

3. Immortals, may they bless us who are mortals, and repel our enemies!

4. May our steps be happily led by Indra, the Maruts, Pushan, Bhaga and (others) equally worthy of our homage!

5. May our prayers provide us with fertile cows! O Pouchan, o Vishnou, o Vayou (29), fill us with your blessings!

6. For the man who offers the sacrifice, sweet is the blowing of the winds, sweet is the wave of the rivers. May the plants (of the earth) be sweet to us!

7. May the Night and the Dawns be sweet for us! May it be sweet, the air that surrounds the earth! May Heaven be sweet, our father!

8. May he be sweet to us, the god called Vanaspati (30)! May it be sweet, the sun! May the cows (31) be gentle on us!

9. Favorable to us be Mitra and Varouna! favorable, Aryaman (32)! auspicious, Indra and Vrihaspati! favorable, Vishnou with great strides (33)!

Author: Gotama; meters, Geyatri and Trichtoubh.

HYMN XI.

At SOMA.

1. O Soma (34), your services are appreciated by our spirit. You lead us in the best way. Under your direction, o god called Hindu (35), our fathers, pious and wise, obtained the favor of the gods.

2. O Soma, holy in holy things, strong in strong things, generous in bountiful things, abundant in abundant things, you are opulent, you are great, you are the preceptor of men.

3. Your works are those of the royal Varouna; your influence, o Soma, is wide and deep. Pure like lovable Mitra, like Aryaman, o Soma, you give increase (to beings).

4. The influence that you possess in heaven, on earth, on images, plants and waters, O Soma, gentle and clement king, deign to exercise it in our favor, and accept our holocausts!

5. O Soma, you are the master of the saints, you are king and conqueror of Vritra, you are the agent of our happiness.

6. Death shall not overtake us, (if) thy desire is that we live, o Soma, thou who lovest our praises, and art Vanaspati (36).

7. O Soma, you give to the man who offers the sacrifice, whether young or old, a fitting share in the goods of life.

8. King Soma, defend us against all the wicked; the friend (of a god) such as you cannot perish.

9. O Soma, grant us these protective aids with which you surround your faithful.

10. Accept this sacrifice and this hymn, and come, O Soma, to increase our well-being!

11. By our songs we know how to increase your glory, o Soma! Come visit us kindly.

12. O Soma, increase our wealth, ward off disease from us, enlarge our treasures, double our opulence; be a true friend to us!

13. Soma, be happy in our hearts, like the cow in the pasture, like the father of the family in his house.

14. Divine Soma, a wise and benevolent (god), (like you), attaches himself to the mortal who puts his happiness in your friendship.

15. O Soma, deliver us from imprecation! keep us from evil! be a diligent friend to us!

16. Believe then, o Soma! appear in all the fullness of your strength, and gather in you all good things!

17. Believe, blessed Soma, and adorn yourself in all your splendours! Be a friend who opens to us the source of abundance and glory!

18. Conqueror of your enemies, may the sweetness, abundance and strength of food be united in you! Crescent, o Soma, for the immortal ambrosia, become for us in heaven the treasury of the most precious food!

19. All these goods, which are offered here in holocaust, come from you: that (Agni) envelops (with his flames) our sacrifice! O Soma, you who increase our opulence and who make our salvation, you who are the strength of our heroes and the death of our enemies, come and visit our homes.

20. To him who honors him, Soma gives cows, light steeds, courageous and skilful sons, distinguished in their household, in the sacrifices, in the assemblies, subject to their father.

21.O Soma, let us be happy with a (god like you), who, invincible in war, fulfills our wishes in battle, who gives us prosperity with the waters (of the rain), who protects the sacrifice, and who, growing in the midst of offerings, possessor of a brilliant abode, shows himself glorious and triumphant.

22. O Soma, it is you who have produced all the plants, the waters and the cows, you who have extended the vast sky, you who in your light buried the darkness.

23. Mighty God, o Soma, may your divine prudence grant us the share of riches (which we desire)! Fight for us; no one can fight you. Thou art lord of might, and reigneth over both parties: give us superiority in battle.

Author: Gotama; meters, Pankti, Gayatri. Ouchnih, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XII.

AT DAWN AND ASWINS.

1. The Auroras raise their flag, and in the eastern region of the sky announce the light. Like warriors who shine under their arms, advance the cows (37) (celestial), these nurses (of the world) with crimson colors.

2. The fiery rays rush forth unhindered, and hitch (to the chariot of the morning) these reddish and docile cows. The Auroras fulfill their ancient function, and soon the vermilion hues (of their steeds) blend into the golden hues of the light.

3. Diligent workers, they cover afar (the world) with the same luminous network, and bring abundance to the pious and liberal man, who spares neither sacrifices nor libations.

4. Like the dancer, Aurora reveals all her forms; she uncovers her breast, as the cow uncovers her fertile udder; and, just as she gives her milk, the Dawn distributes her light to the whole world by dissipating the darkness.

5. Its dazzling gleams stand out; it advances by degrees, and puts the darkness to flight. It illuminates its form, as (the priests) at the time of the sacrifice illuminate the stake; and the daughter of heaven gives her lights varied tints.

6. We have just crossed the ocean last night. Dawn rises, she brings life. Like a powerful lord, she shines and smiles, beautiful, benevolent, enemy (of darkness) for our happiness.

7. Daughter of heaven, she shines, and inspires the sacred hymn. She is, for the sons of Gotama, an object of praise. Aurora, you give an opulence that can be proud of its children, its servants, its horses, its cows!

8. Aurora, may I obtain that abundant wealth which rises in glory and number of children, servants, horses! O shining and fortunate (goddess), who produce fertility, and who shine with wondrous glory!

9. The goddess, pursuing her walk, and with a wide gaze embracing all the worlds, shines, and raises all that breathes. Towards her rises the voice of all intelligent beings.

10. Ancient, reborn every day, it constantly shines with the same colors; but also, like a huntress who smites and strikes down the inhabitants of the air, the Aurora attacks the life of mortals.

11. Here she opens the gates of heaven, and forces (the Night) her sister to hide. She consumes the ages of human life, and is colored with the fires of the (Sun) her lover.

12. As (the shepherd scatters) his flocks (in the plain), the beautiful goddess scatters (her rays in the fields of the air); like a deep sea, it fills everything with its grandeur. It maintains the divine works of the sun, and is penetrated by its rays, which it reflects.

13. Aurora, you whom we honor with our offerings, bring us this variety of goods that will allow us to raise our sons and our grandsons.

14. Brilliant Dawn, you whom our hymns celebrate, you who are rich in cows and horses, arise today for our happiness.

15. Aurora, you whom our offerings honor, harness your reddish steeds today, and bring us every kind of prosperity.

16. O Aswins, helping couple, direct your chariot to our abode, where reign the wealth of gold and the fruitfulness of cows!

17. O Aswins, you who for mankind bring light to heaven and give the signal of the sacred hymn, bring us abundance!

18. Helpful and beneficent gods, mounted on a golden chariot, whom (your couriers), awakened by the Dawn, bring you to our libations!

Author: Gotama; meters, Djagati, Trichtoubh and Ouchnih.

HYMN XIII.

TO AGNI AND TO SOMA.

1. Agni and Soma (38), beneficent (gods), hear my invocation. Accept my prayers, be kind to your servant.

2. To him who addresses this respectful hymn to you today, grant, Agni and Soma, a happy abundance of servants, cows, horses.

3. Agni and Soma, may throughout his life he possess great strength and a beautiful family, the one who honors you with his invocations and burnt offerings!

4. Agni and Soma, we know your power. It burst, when you took away from Pani the (celestial) cows of which he was the guardian (39); when you killed the son of Brisaya (40), and caused the unique light (of the sun) to shine for all.

5. It is you, Agni and Soma, who, uniting your efforts, have placed in heaven (41) these sparkling (stars); you, Agni and Soma, who delivered the chained rivers from the odious imprecation launched against them (42).

6. Matariswan (43) comes from heaven to animate one of you (with his breath); the other is drawn from the mortar by the (poetic) hawk (44). It is you, Agni and Soma, who, growing through prayer, have, for the sacrifice, founded a large site.

7. Agni and Soma, come and take your share of our holocaust, and deign to have it as a pleasure. Beneficent (gods) and fortunes, be our protectors, and fill with happiness the one who sacrifices you.

8. Agni and Soma, protect the piety of (man) who honors the gods with a devoted soul and libations of butter; keep him from evil, and grant great prosperity to the faithful people.

9. Agni and Soma, you to whom we address the same offerings and the same invocations, receive our prayers: you are great among the gods.

10. Agni and Soma, give glory and wealth to him who pours this sacred butter in your honor.

11. Agni and Soma, may our burnt offerings be pleasing to you! come together with us.

12. Agni and Soma, take our couriers under your protection; let our cows multiply, and give their milk for our libations. Grant us strength with wealth. Let opulence become the price of our sacrifice!

Author: Gotama; meters, Anouchtoubh, Trichtoubh, Djagati and Gayatri.

HYMN XIV.

TO AGNI.

1. As (the workman) prepares a chariot (for the warrior), as your imagination prepares this hymn for (the god) who possesses all goods, and who deserves our homage! May his prudence be favorable to us in this meeting! O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

2. He is happy, the one whose sacrifices you favor. He lives in peace, and possesses power. His strength is constantly growing, and the donor does not reach him. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

3. Let us light your flame: fulfill our vows. Through you the gods obtain the burnt offering offered to them. Bring here the Adityas whom we invoke. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

4. To remind you of our memory, we want, at each parwan (45), to maintain your home and bring you libations. And you, grant our wishes by prolonging our days. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

5. The children of Agni (46) are the pastors of the peoples; they walk, and their rays lead both men and animals (47). Adorned with varied colors, it is you who call the Dawn; you are tall. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

6. By your birth you are the chief priest, the prophet, the cantor, the purifier, the pontiff. Wise and educated, you fulfill all the offices of the priest. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

7. Equally beautiful on all sides, from far and near, you shine with brilliance, and your gaze, o god, pierces the darkness of the night. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us.

8. O gods, let the chariot of the man who sacrifices you be first (in battles); may our imprecations be fatal to our enemies! Listen and accomplish our wish. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

9. Smite our enemies with death, whoever they may be, distant or near; let them fall ingloriously with their fatal thoughts! Open an easy road to him who praises you and sacrifices you. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

10. When you harness your reddish steeds to your chariot, as swift as the wind, your quiverings are like the voice of the bull. You wrap the stake in a banner of smoke. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

11. The birds tremble at this sound; and when your flames, devouring the dry grass, have become firmly established, then the way is open for your chariot. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

12. Here is a (father of a family) who sacrifices to Mitra and to Varouna. Descend (also from heaven), you Marouts, whose anger is so terrible. Calm them in our favor, and let their breath become favorable to us. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

13. You are the god of gods, an admirable friend, the treasure of treasures, superb in sacrifice. Receive us under your powerful protection. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

14. You love to see yourself placed in a burning hearth, honored with libations and singing in our hymns. Filled with sweetness, you grant your servant treasures and riches. O Agni, may your friendship not be useless to us!

15. He is not guilty of any negligence in his religious duty, which you fill with your gifts, which you fill with happy strength, opulent and indestructible god. Grant us wealth and family.

16. God who knows where happiness is, Agni, prolongs our life here below. May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa, son of Angiras; meters, Trichtoubh and Djagati.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Sun Feb 05, 2023 1:55 am

LECTURE SEPTIEME.
HYMNE PREMIER.
A AGNI.

[French Version]

1. Deux (meres) (1) de couleur differente et marchant d’un pas rapide, enfantent chacune un nourrisson. Du sein de l'une nait (Agni appele) Hari (2), et honore par les libations; du sein de l’autre nait (le Soleil, surnomme) Soucra (3), a la flamme eclatante.

2. Dix jeunes (ministres) (4), infatigables, font sortir du sein (de l’Arani), ou il est renferme, ce Twachtri (5) aux flammes aigues; ils amenent au jour ce (dieu) qui a plusieurs demeures, el qui, plein de gloire, vient briller parmi les hommes.

3. On celebre sa triple naissance (6); il nait au sein des libations, dans le soleil, au milieu des ondes (aeriennes). Il indique, il dispose successivement la region de l’orient et la variete des saisons terrestres.

4. Qui de vous a vu (le dieu), quand il se cache (au milieu des eaux)? Nourrisson tout a l’heure, le voila qui, par la vertu du sacrifice, produit maintenant ses propres meres. Ainsi (Agni), grand et sage, honore par nos libations, engendre l’onde du nuage, et renait lui-meme au sein de (l’onde) des oeuvres (saintes) (7).

5. Il croit et se manifeste avec clarte dans les eaux (du sacrifice); il s’eleve ensuite glorieux au sein des (ondes) voyageuses. (Le Ciel et la Terre) tremblent devant Twachtri (8) sortant de son berceau, et venerent ce lion (des batailles).

6. Tous les deux le venerent, tels que deux serviteurs; ils le suivent cornme les vaches suivent leurs nourrissons. Et lui, il est le rnaitre de la force; et les (pretres), commencant par la droite (9) leurs ceremonies, l'honorent de leurs holocaustes.

7. Pareil a Savitri, il etend au loin ses bras (10), et, terrible, il travaille a former son double vetement (11). Il emprunte partout les vapeurs qui composent son corps eblouissant, et il donne a ses nourrices fecondes de nouveaux habillements.

8. Quand ce dieu sage et protecteur eleve ainsi dans les airs sa forme brillante, se melant aux ondes voyageuses, il couvre au loin la voute celeste d’une armee de nuages qu’il soutient et qu’il a rassemblee.

9. Tu ressembles a un roi grand et victorieux, dont les splendeurs s’etendent par tout le ciel qu’il aurait pour palais. O Agni, o toi qui t’environnes de feux d’une nature glorieuse et invincible, defends-nous, sois notre protecteur!

10. (Agni) fait du nuage un torrent qui arrose les airs; il couvre la terre de flots limpides; dans son sein il conserve tousles germes de l’abondance; il penetre dans les plantes nouvelles.

11. O Agni, (dieu) purifiant, que notre foyer recueille et nourrit, brille, et pourvois magnifiquement a nos besoins! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE II.

A AGNI.

1. Agni, a peine enfante par la Force, a deja toute la figure et la sagesse de l’age mur. Que les ondes (du sacrifice) et la priere achevent de perfectionner (ce dieu), leur ami! Que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfaiteur!

2. Il fut l’objet des antiques chants d’Ayou (12); il a propage la race de Manou par sa force, qui soutient le ciel et les eaux. Que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfatleur!

3. O peuples, venez donc, et louez avant tous ce fils de la Force qui accomplit le sacrifice, et qui, honore par nos invocations et nos hymnes, est notre soutien et notre genereux protecteur. Que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfaiteur!

4. Que ce pasteur des peupies, qui est le maitre du bonheur, le pere du Ciel et de la Terre, et qui, tel que les dieux du vent, nous amene tous les biens, aplanisse les voies devant mon fils! Que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfaiteur!

5. La Nuit et l’Aurore, qui mutuellement se detruisent leur couleur, s’approchent pour nourrir celui qu’elles ont tour a tour enfante (13). Entre le ciel et la terre, il brille d’un vif eclat. Que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfaiteur!

6. Qu’il vienne et soit avec nous, (ce dieu) source d’opulence et de biens, heraut du sacrifice, protecteur pret a combler nos voeux! Gardiens de son immortalite, que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfaiteur!

7. Il fut autrefois, il est aujourd’hui le tresor de toute richesse, le siege de ce qui est ne et de ce qui nait, le gardien de tout ce qui existe. Que les Devas conservent Agni le bienfaiteur!

8. Bienfaiteur, qu’il nous accorde des biens (toujours si) fugitifs; bienfaiteur, qu’il nous prodigue la richesse; bienfaiteur, qu’il nous donne une maison forte et abondante; bienfaiteur, qu’il nous octroie une longue vieillesse!

9. O Agni, (dieu) purifiant, que notre foyer recueille et nourrit, bribe, et pourvois magnifiquement a nos besoins. Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa, metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE III.

A AGNI.

1. Que uotre faute soit effacee, o Agni! purifie notre fortune. Que notre faute soit effacee!

2. Nous demandons, en t’offrant le sacrifice, de beaux champs, de la prosperite, des richesses. Que notre faute soit effacee!

3. Si le premier des chantres (divins) ici presents, si nos chefs de famille s’avancent (pour t’honorer), que notre faute soit effacee!

4. O Agni! si ces chefs de famille, si nous-memes nous nous avancons avec recpect, puissions-nous obtenir la victoire! Que notre faute soit effacee!

5. Si les rayons lumineux du puissant Agni s’avancent de toute part, que notre faute soit effacee!

6. En effet, te voila, toi dont la face est tournee de tous les cotes, te voila embrassanl de toute part (nos offrandes). Que notre faute soit effacee!

7. O toi, dont la face est tournee de tous les coles, sois pour nous comme le navire sur lequel nous passions a travers nos ennemis. Que notre faute soit effacee!

8. Daigne, comme sur un vaisseau, nous faire traverser l’ocean (de la vie, et nous conduire) au bonheur. Que notre faute soit effacee!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Gayatri.

HYMNE IV.

A AGNI.

1. Soyons les amis de Veswanara (14); il est le roi venere des mondes. Ne d’ici-meme, il a l’oeil ouvert sur toute la nature. Veswanara est le rival du soleil.

2. On implore Veswanara, on le sent partout, au ciel, sur la terre, dans les plantes, (dans l’Arani), d’ou le tire la violence. Qu’Agni nous defende contre nos ennemis et la nuit et le jour!

3. O Veswanara, que ce sacrifice te soit agreable! Que l’opulence devienne notre compagne! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE V.

A AGNI.

1. Faisons des libations au (clieu) qui connait tous les biens. Qu’il consume la richesse de notre ennemi! Qu’Agni nous arrache a tous les dangers, et nous fasse traverser le malheur, comme sur un vaisseau (on traverse) la mer!

Auteur: Casyapa, fils de Maritchi; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE VI.

A INDRA.

1. Que le (dieu) bienfaisant, qui habite avec la Force, que le roi de la terre et du vaste ciel, riche en presents et digne d’etre invoque au moment du danger, qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

2. Que ce (dieu), qui, le plus genereux de tous pour ses amis fideles, est dans tous les combats fort et vainqueur de Vritra; que (ce dieu), dont la marche est aussi rapide que celle du soleil, qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

3. Que le (dieu) qui triomphe de ses ennemis et qui se distingue par ses promesses, qui, dans ses voies puissantes, insurmontables, enleve en quelque sorte au ciel sa semence feconde; qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

4. Il est parmi les Angiras (15) le plus grand, parmi les bienfaiteurs le plus genereux, parmi les amis le plus devoue, le premier parmi les etres dignes d’etre loues et celebres. Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

5. Que ce (dieu) puissant, qui dans le combat soutient l e choc de ses ennemis, et qui fait descendre la pluie feconde (16) de concert avec les Roudras qui sont comme ses enfants, habitants du meme sejour que lui; qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

6. Qu’il abatte la colere (de nos ennemis); et apres (ces combats) qui l’enivrent (d’un juste orgueil), qu’il fasse luire aujourd’hui le soleil a nos yeux, lui qui est le maitre de la piete, lui qu’implorent nos prieres! Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

7. Les (Marouts), ses auxiliaires, au moment de ses luttes heroiques l’encouragent par leurs clameurs; les hommes le reconnaissent comme le depositaire de tout bonheur. Il est le seul maitre de toute oeuvre de misericorde. Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

8. Dans les poursuites qui demandent de la force, c’est lui, c’est ce heros qu’implorent les heros, c’est lui aussi qu’invoque l’homme qui veut la richesse. C’est lui qui, au sein de l'obscurite, fait briller la lumiere. Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

9. De sa main gauche contenant ses ennemis, il recoit de la droite nos offrandes. L’hymne sacre sait emouvoir sa generosite. Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

10. Il peut aujourd’hui, et chacun le reconnait, (il peut) donner des villages, des chars, des peuples entiers. Par des actions d’eclat il triomphe de ses vils (adversaires). Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

11. Que ce (dieu), qu’implore notre piete, arrive seul ou avec les (Marouts) ses parents, pour repandre (sur la terre) les tresors de la pluie, c’est pour le bonheur de nos enfants. Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

12. Ce (dieu) terrible et effrayant est arme de la foudre; vainqueur des Dasyous, il possede mille qualites eminentes; il est grand, il est digne de commander au monde. (Pur) comme le soma, il protege par sa force les cinq classes d’etres (17). Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

13. Sa foudre retentit au loin, brillant d’un eclat celeste, feconde en bienfaits, aussi efficace que bruyante. Les bienfaits et les dons sont sur ses pas. Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

14. Que (le dieu) dont la puissance infinie protege avec gloire le ciel et la terre, qu’il enveloppe de toute part, heureux de nos sacrifices, soit notre defenseur! Qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

15. Que ce (maitre) dont les dieux n’egalent pas les qualites divines, dont les mortels et les eaux ne sauraient mesurer la puissance, par sa force souverain de la terre et du ciel, qu’Indra, accompagne des Marouts, vienne a notre secours!

16. Pour le bonheur de Ridjraswa (18) et la joie du peuple de Nahoucha (19), apparait la forme (du dieu, forme) celeste, resplendissante, azuree. Atteles au timon, (ses coursiers) trainent son char, rempli de ses heureux presents.

17. O genereux Indra, accepte cet hommage que t’adresse la voix des enfants de Vrichagiri (20), de Ridjraswa assiste des autres (Richis), d’Ambaricha, de Sahadeva, de Bhayamana, de Souradhas!

18. Appele par la priere, il vient attaquer les redoutables Dasyous, et les terrasse d’un coup mortel. Aide de ses brillants auxiliaires, et arme de sa foudre, il delivre la terre, le soleil et les eaux.

19. Qu’Indra soit chaque jour notre protecteur. Puissions-nous, exempts d’infortune, jouir de ses bienfaits! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteurs: les cinq Richis; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE VII.

A INDRA.

1. Faites offratide de vos hymnes et de vos libations a ce (dieu), auteur de tout bien, qui, avec Ridjiswan (21), a tue les epouses enceintes de Crichna (22). Nous avons besoin de ce protecteur genereux, dont la main est armee du tonnerre. C’est lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a notre secours.

2. Cet Indra qui, enflamme de colere, a brise Vritra, frappe Sambara et Piprou l'impie, detruit Souchna (23) sous ses propres ondes; cest lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a notre secours.

3. Cet Indra qui, par sa male vertu, produit le ciel et la terre, qui commande a Varouna et au Soleil, qui fait a son gre couler les fleuves; c'est lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a noire secours.

4. Cet Indra qui est le pasteur souverain des chevaux et des vaches, qui, comble de nos hommages, s’affermit dans toutes ses oeuvres, qui renverse l’impie malgre sa force; c’est lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a notre secours.

5. Cet Indra qui est le maitre de tous les etres animes, qui jadis rendit les vaches (celestes) an sage (Vrihaspati) (24), qui vainquit et renversa les Dasyous; c’est lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a notre secours.

6. Cet Indra qu’invoquent egalement les forts et les faibles, l'homme qui fuit et l’homme qui triomphe, que tous les mondes adorent avec respect; c’est lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a notre secours.

7. Il vient, brillant et annonce par les Roudras. La voix (de la priere) et celle de ces Roudras etend et fortifie sa puissance. Cet Indra, dont l’hymne raconte et celebre les exploits; c’est lui, accompagne des Marouts, que nous appelons a notre secours.

8. (O dieu) allie des Marouts, que tu sois en ce moment heureusement retenu dans ton sejour superieur, ou dans la partie inferieure (du ciel), viens ici vers notre sacrifice! O toi qui possedes les veritables richesses, c’est toi que nous desirons, toi pour qui nous offrons cet holocauste.

9. O Indra, (dieu) fort et ami de nos hommages, pour toi nous versons ce soma, pour toi nous offrons cet holocauste. (Viens) donc sur ton char brillant, accompagne de la troupe des Marouts, (viens) jouir de nos libations, et assister, sur cette couche de cousa, a notre sacrifice.

10. Oui, viens avec tes coursiers jouir de nos libations, o Indra! Que ta bouche, que tes levres souvrent (a la douceur de nos offrandes). (Dieu) a la noble face, que tes chevaux t'amenent vers nous, et que nos holocaustes comblent tes desirs!

11. Gardiens d’un sacrifice dans lequel on unit l’eloge des Marouts a celui d’Indra, puissions-nous jouir des bienfaits (de ces dieux)! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE VIII.

A INDRA.

1. J’offre cette grande priere a toi, (dieu) grand, parce que ton ame se plait a l'hymne du poete. Pour developper, pour accroitre la force du victorieux Indra, que les Devas se livrent avec lui aux joies du sacrifice!

2. Les sept fleuves (25) sont les temoins de sa puissance; le ciel, la terre et l'air, (les temoins) de sa forme merveilleuse. Pour nous donner le bonheur de te voir et d’avoir foi en toi, o Indra, le soleil et la lune apparaissent tour a lour.

3. O Maghavan, dirige vers nous, pour notre satisfaction, ton char victorieux, qui, dans le combat, cause notre felicite. O Indra, toi qu'au moment du danger invoque notre priere, o Maghavan, accorde-nous le bonheur, a nous qui te sommes devoues!

4. Puissions-nous, avec un auxiliaire tel que toi, remporter la victoire! Protege notre cause, et conserve-nous en toute occasion. O Indra, ouvre-nous le chemin de la prosperite! O Maghavan, detruis les forces de nos ennemis!

5. O toi qui possedes la richesse, tous ces hommes ici presents te celebrent, et implorent ton appui. (Viens) nous apporter tes biens, monte sur ton char victorieux. O Indra, tu es ferme et constant dans tes affections.

6. Le bras d’Indra triomphe pour la delivrance des vaches (celestes); il est tout-puissant, infini, independant, incomparable pour sa force. En toute occasion son secours remplace le nombre, et il donne la prosperite. Voila pourquoi les hommes l'invoquent pour obtenir la richesse.

7. O Maghavan, tes bienfaits repandus sur notre peuple suffisent a des centaines, a des milliers de personnes. Notre priere est grande, el essaye de mettre en relief ta grandeur immense. O dieu qui detruis les villes (des Asouras), lu peux bien frapper de mort nos ennemis!

8. Telle qu’un triple cordage, ta force est sans egale; roi des homines, tu conserves les trois mondes, les trois feux (26), tout cet univers. O Indra, par ta nature tu ne saurais avoir d’ennemis.

9. Nous t’invoquons le premier parmi les dieux. Tu es notre soutien dans les combats. Qu'Indra rende notre char de bataille terrible comme le sien, capable de fendre les rangs de nos ennemis, et de briller a l'attaque avant tous les autres.

10. Tu triomphes, et tu ne nous envies pas les fruits de la victoire, o Maghavan, quelle que soit l'importance du combat. Tu es redoutable, et nous t’invitons a nous secourir. O Indra, viens nous seconder quand nous t’invoquons!

11. Qu'Indra soit chaque jour notre protecteur. Puissions-nous, exempts d’infortune, jouir de ses bienfaits! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE IX

A INDRA.

1. Les sages ont autrefois ressenti les effets de ta puissance souveraine, et redoutable pour tes ennemis. Comme etendard, tu deploies a la fois sur la terre le feu de notre sacrifice, dans le ciel le feu du soleil.

2. C’est Indra qui etend et soutient la terre, lui qui de sa foudre frappe (les Asouras), et repand les ondes; lui, Maghavan, qui terrasse Ahi, tue Rohina (27), et brise sous ses coups les membres (de Vritra).

3. Ce (dieu) qui soutient les etres, plein de confiance en sa force, apparait pour detruire les villes des Dasyous. O maitre sage et arme de ia foudre, lance ton trait sur le Dasyou, et augmente la force et la gloire de l’Arya (28)!

4. Quand un rnortel prodiguant les libations et les hynines honore Maghavan, alors (le dieu), arme de sa foudre, court frapper le Dasyou, et, pour son serviteur, il va conquerir ce renom memorable cjui doit durer autant que les ages humains.

5. Voyez donc les effets infinis de la puissance de (cedieu); ayez foi en la force d’Indra; c’est a lui que nous devons les vaches, les chevaux, les plantes, les eaux, les forets.

6. Versons le soma en l’honneur du (dieu) puissant, liberal et genereux, qui possede la force de la justice, qui, noble heros, sait, tel que le brigand du grand chemin, dresser une embuche a l’impie (29), et distribuer ses depouilles.

7. O Indra, le haut fait dont tu peux te glorifier, c’est d’avoir avec ta foudre reveille Ahi, qui s’endormait (30). Tu triomphes, et ta joie est partagee par tous les dieux, par leurs (saintes) epouses (31), et par ceux a qui leur vitesse donne des ailes (32).

8. Quand tu frappais Souchna, Piprou, Couyava, Vritra, o Indra, tu brisais aussi les villes de Sambara (33). Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE X.

A INDRA.

1. O Indra, nous t'avons prepare ton siege au sacrifice; viens, comme un coursier hennissant, occuper ta place. (Viens) a nos libations, poussant, excitant les chevaux ailes qui te transportent et le jour et la nuit.

2. Ces hommes viennent a Indra, implorant son secours. Qu’il daigne diriger leurs voies! Que les Devas (par leurs prieres) detournent la colere de l’Asoura; qu’ils amenent pour notre salut (le dieu) protecteur!

3. Voila que Couyava, s’emparant du tresor des nuages, reserve pour lui seul l'onde ecumante. Ses deux epouses (34) se baignent dans ce lait (celeste). Qu’elles soient frappees, et viennent grossir le cours de la Sipra (35).

4. Le sejour d’Ayou (36), voisin (de ces ondes), en est submerge. Cependant le heros (celeste) eclate, epuisant le flanc (des nuages). L’Andjasi, la Coulisi et la Virapatni (37) se gonflent, et portent dans leur sein le lait (tombe du ciel).

5. Quand nous apercevons la marche du Dasyou, et qu’il se dirige vers notre demeure comme s’il en connaissait le chemin, o Maghavan, alors defends-nous contre ses attaques. Ne nous dedaigne pas, comme le debauche (dedaigne) les richesses (qu’il prodigue).

6. O Indra, permets-nous de jouir du soleil et des eaux! Donne-nous une vertu que les autres puissent vanter. Conserve le fruit que renferme le sein (de nos epouses). Nous avons foi en ta grande puissance.

7. Oui, je le confesse, j’ai foi dans un (dieu) tel que toi. Que ta liberalite nous comble de biens! O Indra, que nous invoquons avec ferveur, ne nous livre pas a l’indigence, et satisfais largement a notre faim et a notre soif.

8. Garde-toi de nous frapper, ou de nous delaisser. Ne nous enleve pas nos douces jouissances. O Maghavan, o Sacra, ne brise pas l’oeuf qui contient (nos esperances)! Ne brise pas ces vases (de nos affections), ces tendres enfants qui se trainent sur leurs genoux!

9. Viens donc vers nous. On dit que tu aimes le soma. Nous t’en avons prepare: bois-en jusqu’a l’ivresse: remplis tes larges entrailles. Nous t’appelons, daigne nous ecouter comme un pere.

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XI.

A TOUS LES DIEUX.

1. Tchandramas (38), poursuivant son vol a travers les vagues de l'air, s’avance dans le ciel. O rayons a la trace doree, (l'oeil) (39) ne peut trouver votre voie. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

2. Qui demande, obtient. La femme a obtenu un mari. Le desir des deux epoux s’est enflamme; et la femme a concu un germe precieux de cet amour (40). Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

3. O Devas, que l'heureux aliment destine a ce brillant (nourrisson) n’aille point tomber sans effet! Ne soyons pas reduits a perdre ce (fils) fortune, digne de nos libations! Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

4. Je m’adresse, avant tout, au dieu protecteur du sacrifice. (Agni) notre messager peut bien dire (aux autres dieux): "Qu'est devenu le fruit de nos sacrifices passes? Quel est votre nouveau favori?" Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

5. O dieux, qui habitez ces trois mondes qu’enveloppe la lumiere celeste, ou est pour vous la justice ou l’injustice? Qu’est devenu le prix de notre ancienne piete? Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

6. Qu’avons-nous retire de notre sacrifice? Ou est la forme de Varouna? Sur quelle route est le grand Aryaman? Comment pourrons-nous triompher de nos ennemis? Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

7. C’est moi qui, plus d’une fois, ai verse le soma et chante des hymnes en votre honneur; et c’est moi que surprend le malheur, tel que le loup (surprend) la biche alteree. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

8. Des douleurs poignantes (41), pareilles a des rivales jalouses, me dechirent de tout cote. O Satacratou, moi qui t’ai celebre, la peine me devore, de meme que les rats se devorent la queue (42), Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

9. Ma demeure est l'endroit meme ou brillent les sept rayons lumineux (43). Tel est l'espoir du fils des Eaux, de Trita (44): il chante pour obtenir sa delivrance. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

10. Les cinq (dieux) qui donnent l'abondance (45) et qui se tiennent au centre du monde, apres etre venus, au milieu des autres, briller avec tant de gloire, sont retournes (dans leur sejour). Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

11. Les (rayons) d’Agni aux ailes legeres siegent seuls sous cette voute celeste, qui embrasse tout: ils ecartent de sa route le loup (46) qui traverse les grandes ondes. Ciel et Terre, vovez ce que je suis.

12. O dieux, a vous j'adresse cette priere nouvelle, qui est faite pour vous plaire. Voila que les ondes (du sacrifice) s’approchent d’Agni; voila que le soleil a rempli sa carriere. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

13. O Agni, tu es l'allie des Devas, et cette alliance doit etre celebree par eux. Viens t’asseoir a notre foyer, comme jadis a celui de Manou, et, sage entre tous, fais le sacrifice aux dieux. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

14. Oui, qu'Agni, sage entre tous, vienne, en qualite de sacrificateur, s’asseoir a notre foyer, comme jadis a celui de Manou; que ce dieu, prudent parmi les autres dieux, les appelle a nos holocaustes. Ciel et' Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

15. Ce (dieu) sauveur accomplit l'oeuvre sacree; nous l'invoquons, lui qui peut nous conduire dans la bonne voie; il tire du coeur la priere, il est digne de nos louanges. Naisse donc le sacrifice! Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

16. Cet Aditya qui a ete fait pour etre avec tant de gloire le voyageur celeste, o Devas, n’est pas encore arrive. O mortels, vous ne le voyez pas! Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

17. Trita, tombe dans un puits, appelait ainsi les dieux a son secours. Vrihaspati (47) l’a entendu, et l’a sauve genereusement du danger. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

18. Le loup (48) au poil rougeatre m’a vu sur la route. Aussitot il s’est leve, comme l'ouvrier dont on frappe le dos. Ciel et Terre, voyez ce que je suis.

19. Par la vertu de cet hymne, puissions-nous, aides d'Indra et secondes de tous nos guerriers, etre vainqueurs dans le combat! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa (49); metres, Trichtoubh, Mahavrihati.

HYMNE XII.

A TOUS LES DIEUX.

1. Nous appelons a notre secours Indra, Mitra, Varouna, Agni, la cohorte des Marouts, Aditi. (Dieux) genereux, qui etes notre refuge, sauvez-nous du mal, comme on sauve un char d'un precipice!

2. O Adityas, venez au sacrifice qui s’offre pour tous les dieux! Soyez nos protecteurs, quand il s’agit de frapper nos ennemis. (Dieux) genereux, qui etes notre refuge, sauvez-nous du mal, comme on sauve un char d’un precipice!

3. Soyons aussi proteges des Pitris (50), qui recoivent nos justes hommages, et de ces deux divinites (51), dont nos sacrifices augmentent la grandeur, et qui ont enfante les dieux. (Dieux) genereux, qui etes notre refuge, sauvez-nous du mal, comme on sauve un char du precipice!

4. J’honore par mes offrandes (le dieu surnomme) Narasansa (52), et riche en presents. Nous invoquons par nos hymnes Pouchan, qui est le recours des heros. (Dieux) genereux, qui etes notre refuge, sauvez-nous du mal, comme on sauve un char du precipice!

5. O Vrihaspati (53), accorde-nous de marcher toujours dans la bonne voie! Nous te demandons cette part de bonheur qui convient aux enfants de Manou. (Dieux) genereux, qui etes notre refuge, sauvez-nous du mal, comme on sauve un char du precipice!

6. Le Richi Coutsa (54), tombe dans le malheur, a invoque le secours d’Indra, le vainqueur de Vritra et l'epoux de Satchi. (Dieux) genereux, qui etes notre refuge, sauvez-nous du mal, comme on sauve un char du precipice!

7. Que la divine Aditi nous defende avec les autres dieux! Que le dieu (55) infatigable, qui conserve tout, nous conserve aussi! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XIII.

A TOUS LES DIEUX.

1. Le sacrifice s’accomplit pour le plaisir des dieux. O Adityas, soyez-nous favorables! Que votre bonte se tourne vers nous, (cette bonte) qui comble de biens les malheureux!

2. Que les dieux viennent a notre secours, celebres par les chants des Angiras! Pour notre bonheur, qu’Indra nous donne la force, les Marouts le souffle des vents, Aditi les Adityas!

3. Qu’Indra, Varouna, Agni, Aryaman, Savitri, nous accordent les aliments qui nous sont necessaires! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XIV.

A INDRA ET A AGNI.

1. O Indra et Agni, sur ce char magnifique du haut duquel vous voyez tous les mondes, venez ensemble, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare.

2. Le soma que je vous offre a boire est aussi abondant que cet univers est large, profond, etendu. O Indra et Agni, qu’il suffise a vos desirs!

3. Vous avez avec gloire associe vos noms. Ensemble vous avez tue Vritra. Ensemble, o Indra et Agni, venez vous asseoir (a notre sacrifice); dieux genereux, goutez du soma que vous verse le pere de famille.

4. Ainsi les feux sont allumes pour vous; le beurre, les coupes et le lit de cousa, sont prepares en votre honneur; les libations sont prodiguees; o Indra et Agni, venez ici pour notre bonheur.

5. O Indra et Agni, ces prouesses, ces manifestations vigoureuses, ces anciens temoignages d’une heureuse amitie, daignez les renouveler pour nous, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare!

6. J’ai deja dit, en vous honorant avec respect, que ce soma etait destine a ces (dieux) qui sont notre vie (56). Comptant sur ma parole, venez, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare.

7. O vous, dignes de nos sacrifices, Indra et Agni, en quelque demeure que vous soyez en ce moment, retenus par les plaisirs que vous a prepares la prevoyance d’un saint pretre ou celle d’un prince (57), venez ici, (dieux) genereux, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare.

8. O Indra et Agni, que vous soyez chez les enfants d’Yadou, de Tourvasa, de Drouhyou, d’Anou ou bien de Pourou (58), venez ici, (dieux) genereux, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare!

9. O Indra et Agni, que vous soyez dans le monde inferieur, intermediaire ou superieur (59), venez ici, (dieux) genereux, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare!

10. Oui, Indra et Agni, que vous soyez dans le monde superieur, intermediaire ou inferieur, venez ici, (dieux) genereux, et buvez du soma qui a ete prepare!

11. O Indra et Agni, que vous soyez dans le ciel ou sur la terre; que vous soyez clans les nuages, clans les plants ou clans les ondes, venez ici, (dieux) genereux, et buvez du soma qui est prepare!

12. O Indra et Agni, que vous soyez dans l’enivrement des offrandes qu’on vous presente au lever du soleil, ou bien au milieu du jour, venez ici, (dieux) genereux, et buvez du soma qui vous est prepare!

13. O Indra et Agni, buvez de ce soma, et accordez-nous tous les biens! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XV.

A INDRA ET A AGNI.

1. O Indra et Agni, je desire la fortune, et c’est vous que j’invoque avec la confiance qu’inspirent des parents ou des amis. Je n’ai pas d’autre protecteur que vous: c’est pour vous que j’ai prepare cet hymne et ces offrandes.

2. Je sais que vous etes plus genereux qu’un amant ou qu’un frere de fiancee. Je vous offre donc ce soma, o Indra et Agni, et je vous fais l'hommage  d’un hymne nouveau.

3. Craignant de voir couper la chaine (de leur race), et souhaitant de conserver le pouvoir viril de leurs peres, ces chefs de famille veulent, par leurs libations, se concilier la faveur d’Indra et d’Agni. Ces (dieux) terribles (pour leurs ennemis) s’approchent de ceux qui les louent.

4. Pour vous plaire, o Indra et Agni, la sainte priere vous implore, et vous verse le soma. Entraines par vos chevaux (60), (dieux) aux bras magnifiques,  aux belles mains, accourez; et, dans nos ondes (sacrees,) enivrez-vous de douceurs.

5. O Indra et Agni, je sais quelle est votre force quand il s’agit de frapper Vritra, et de distribuer ses tresors. (Dieux) sages, venez donc vous asseoir sur le cousa de notre sacrifice, et savourer le soma.

6. Dans les combats, vous etes plus forts que tous les hommes; vous etes plus etendus que la terre et le ciel, plus grands que les mers et les montagnes. O Indra et Agni, vous etes au-dessus de tous les autres etres.

7. O Indra et Agni! (dieux) armes de la foudre, soyez prodigues de vos presents; couvrez-nous de votre protection. C’est sous l'influence de ces memes rayons du soleil que nos peres sont arrives au comble de leurs voeux.

8. O Indra et Agni, (dieux) qui brisez les villes (des Asouras), et armez vos bras de la foudre, sauvez-nous dans les dangers! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Aditi, la Mer, Mitra, Varouna, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XVI.

AUX RIBHOUS.

1. J’ai tout prepare pour l’oeuvre (sainte); un nouvel hymne est chante en l’honneur (des etres divins). Cette mer (de soma) est versee pour tous les dieux. O Ribhous (61), rejouissez-vous de nos hommages!

2. O fils de Soudhanwan, o vous qui, comme moi, descendez d’Angiras, vous n’aviez pas votre part aux offrandes (62); vous vous etes rendus, pour vous la procurer, dans la demeure du genereux Savitri: vous comptiez (avec raison) sur vos merites.

3. Et Savitri vous a donne l’immortalite, quand vous etes venus vous mettre au service du (dieu) qui ne peut rester cache. C’est alors que la coupe d’Asoura (63), qui contenait les offrandes et qui etait unique, vous l’avez divisee en quatre parties (64).

4. Pretres accomplissant les saintes ceremonies avec diligence, quoique mortels, les Ribhous ont obtenu l'immortalite. Ces fils de Soudhanwan, (etablis) dans le disque solaire et brillants comme l’astre du jour, sont invoques par nos prieres.

5. Les Ribhous ont partage la coupe du sacrifice, comme avec un instrument tranchant on partage la terre. Loues et puissants a l'egal (des autres dieux), ils obtiennent, parmi les mortels, les offrandes qu’ils ont desirees.

6. Ainsi, en l'honneur de ces princes de l'air, nous offrons, par le moyen de la science, la priere, comme, par le moyen de la cuiller (sacree), on offre le beurre du sacrifice. Les Ribhous, s’unissant aux vives clartes du pere (de la nature), s’elevent dans l'air pour alimenter le soleil.

7. Ribhou est pour nous un maitre dont la force est toujours nouvelle: Ribhou nous accorde des aliments et des tresors; il est notre refuge, notre bienfaiteur. O dieux, puissions-nous, avec votre secours et dans un jour favorable, attaquer les armees des impies!

8. O Ribhous, vous avez de la peau (d’une vache morte) couvert une vache (nouvelle), et rendu ainsi une mere au jeune veau (65). Nobles fils de Soudhanwan, dans une pieuse intention vous avez donne la jeunesse a votre pere et a votre mere, accables sous le poids des ans (66).

9. O Indra, viens avec les Ribhous! Donne-nous notre part dans les aliments que tu dispenses (aux hommes), accorde-nous l'abondance de tous les biens divers. Qu'ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XVII.

AUX RIBHOUS.

1. Les Ribhous (67), savants ouvriers, ont construit (pour les Aswins) un char dont les roues sont merveilleuses. Ils ont donne pour le char d’Indra des coursiers qui repandent le tresor de l’abondance. Ils ont rendu la jeunesse aleurs parents. Ils ont pour un jeune veau cree une nouvelle mere.

2. En faveur de notre sacrifice, donnez-nous une nourriture abondante; en faveur de nos hommages et de nos offrandes, accordez-nous une opulence que soutiennent de nombreux enfants. (Faites) que nous soyons entoures d’un peuple de heros. Pour notre bonheur, entourez-nous de force et de puissance.

3. Nobles Ribhous, donnez-nous la richesse, donnez-nous des chars, des chevaux; donnez-nous la victoire. Que chaque jour on vante notre puissance, et que, seals ou aides de nos amis, nous soyons forts dans les combats.

4. J’appelle a notre secours Indra (appele) Ribhoukchas, les Ribhous, les Vadjas (68), les Marouts, Mitra et Varouna, les Aswins. Qu’ils viennent boire notre soma, et qu’ils nous donnent la richesse, la piete, la victoire!

5. Que Ribbou, par la force, nous premunisse contre le danger; que Vadja le victorieux nous sauve! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE XVIII.

AUX ASWINS.

1. Je chante en premier lieu le Ciel et la Terre (69), et Agni, resplendissant d’un si bel eclat au moment du sacrifice. La puissance avec laquelle vous faites dans le danger triompher un parti, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

2. Pour obtenir vos faveurs, des (serviteurs) devoues, les mains chargees d’offrandes, s’approchent de votre char, et semblent vouloir entendre votre parole. La puissance avec laquelle vous accueillez la priere au moment du sacrifice, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

3. Par la force de la divine ambroisie, vous exercez sur ce peuple un genereux empire. Nobles protecteurs, la puissance avec laquelle vous avez su donner du lait a une vache sterile (70), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

4. La puissance avec laquelle se distingue entre les etres rapides et legers celui qui a deux meres (71), et qui, glorieux de la majeste de son fils, parcourt (le monde); avec laquelle un sage (72) a ete doue d’une triple science, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

5. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez ramene a la lumiere du jour et Rebha et Bandana (73) enfermes dans les tenebres d’un puits, avec laquelle vous avez sauve Canwa (74) qui demandait la guerison de ses maux, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

6. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez protege Antaca (75) blesse et plonge dans un gouffre, Bhoudjyou (76), Carcandhou et Vayya (77), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

7. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez rendu Soutchanti (78) riche et puissant; avec laquelle vous avez apaise en faveur d’Atri (79) le brillant et fortune (Agni); avec laquelle vous avez sauve Prisnigou et Pouroucoutsa (80), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

8. (Dieux) bienfaisants, la puissance avec laquelle vous avez fait voir et marcher Paravridj (81) aveugle et boiteux, avec laquelle vous avez delivre un passereau devore (82), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

9. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez rendu l’onde (83) aussi douce que le miel; avec laquelle, (dieux) toujours jeunes, vous avez sauve Vasichtha (84), conserve Coutsa (85), Sroutarya et Narva (86), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

10. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, dans la bataille qui procure mille tresors, soutenu la marche chancelante de l’opulente Vispala (87); avec laquelle vous avez protege votre serviteur Vasa, fils d’Aswa (88), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

11. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, (dieux) genereux, ouvert le doux tresor (de la pluie) au fils d’Ousidj, a Dirghasravas (89), devenu marchand; avec laquelle vous avez protege votre serviteur Cakchivan (90), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

12. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez rempli la (91) Rasa d’une onde impetueuse; avec laquelle vous avez pousse a la victoire un char prive de ses chevaux, et rendu a Trisoca (92) ses vaches (enlevees), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

13. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, a l’horizon lointain, debarrasse le soleil (93) (des tenebres) qui l’environnaient; avec laquelle vous avez augmente les domaines de Mandhatri (94), et conserve le sage Bharadwadja (95), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

14. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, dans les combats contre Sambara, protege le grand Atithigwa (96), Divodasa (97) submerge (98); avec laquelle vous avez, dans le sac d’une ville, sauve Trasadasyou (99), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

15. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez apaise la soif du celebre Vamra (100), sauve Cali (101) au moment de son mariage, defendu Prithi (102) prive de son cheval, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

16. La puissance avec laquelle, o (dieux) vaillants, vous avez arrache au danger Sayou (103), Atri (104) et l’antique Manou; avec laquelle, en faveur de Syoumarasmi (105), vous avez su lancer des fleches, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

17. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, dans le combat, fait briller, comme un feu artistement dresse, Patharvan (106), remarquable par son ventre; avec laquelle vous avez protege Saryata (107) dans la bataille, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

18. La puissance avec laquelle, entrant dans la pensee des Angiras, vous avez marche les premiers pour delivrer les vaches prisonnieres (108); avec laquelle vous avez comble de biens l'heroique Manou, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

19. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez delivre les epouses de Vimada (109); avec laquelle vous avez fait largesse (de vaches) rougeatres, et donne a Soudas (110) une merveilleuse opulence, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

20. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, o (dieux) bienfaisants, seconde votre serviteur, protege Bhoudjyou et Adhrigou (111), et accorde a Ritasthoubh (112) le bonheur et la gloire, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

21. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez soutenu Crisanou (113) dans un combat; sauve, en excitant sa vitesse, le cheval d’un jeune (heros) (114), et donne a des abeilles un miel agreable, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

22. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, dans une rencontre de guerriers, defendu Nara (115), qui combattait pour ses troupeaux de vaches; avec laquelle, lui accordant et des terres et des enfants, vous avez sauve ses chars et ses chevaux, montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

23. La puissance avec laquelle vous avez, o (dieux) dignes de cent sacrifices (116), protege Coutsa fils d’Ardjouna (117), Tourviti (118) et Dabhiti (119), sauve Dhwasanti (120) et Pourouchanti (121), montrez-la encore, o Aswins, et secourez-nous!

24. O Aswins, (dieux) secourables et genereux, rendez fecondes en resultats et notre parole et notre pensee. Je vous appelle a notre aide, quand le jour ne luit pas encore. Daignez augmenter notre bonheur, et nous accorder l’abondance!

25. Jour et nuit, o Aswins, veillez sur nous, et comblez-nous de vos faveurs! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:05 am

SEVENTH READING.
FIRST ANTHEM.
TO AGNI.

[English Version by Google Translate]

1. Two (mothers) (1) of different color and walking at a rapid pace, each give birth to an infant. From the bosom of one is born (Agni called) Hari (2), and honored by libations; from the breast of the other is born (the Sun, nicknamed) Soucra (3), with a dazzling flame.

2. Ten youths (ministers) (4), indefatigable, bring out from the bosom (of the Arani), where it is enclosed, this Twachtri (5) with sharp flames; they bring to light this (god) who has many dwellings, and who, full of glory, comes to shine among men.

3. One celebrates his triple birth (6); it is born within libations, in the sun, in the midst of (aerial) waves. It indicates, it arranges successively the region of the Orient and the variety of the terrestrial seasons.

4. Which of you saw (the god), when he hides (in the midst of the waters)? Infant just now, here he is who, by virtue of sacrifice, now produces his own mothers. Thus (Agni), great and wise, honored by our libations, engenders the wave of the cloud, and is reborn himself within (the wave) of (holy) works (7).

5. He believes and manifests himself with clarity in the waters (of sacrifice); it then rises glorious within the traveling (waves). (Heaven and Earth) tremble before Twachtri (8) coming out of his cradle, and worship this lion (of battles).

6. Both worship him, as two servants; they follow him like cows follow their sucklings. And he, he is the master of strength; and the (priests), beginning from the right (9) their ceremonies, honor him with their burnt offerings.

7. Like Savitri, he extends his arms far (10), and, terrible, he works to form his double garment (11). He borrows everywhere the vapors which compose his dazzling body, and he gives his fertile nurses new clothes.

8. When this wise and protective god thus raises in the air his brilliant form, mingling with the traveling waves, he covers the celestial vault in the distance with an army of clouds which he supports and which he has gathered.

9. You look like a great and victorious king, whose splendours extend over all the sky that he would have for his palace. O Agni, O you who surround yourself with fires of a glorious and invincible nature, defend us, be our protector!

10. (Agni) makes the cloud a torrent that waters the air; it covers the earth with limpid waves; in its bosom it preserves all the seeds of abundance; it penetrates new plants.

11. O Agni, (god) purifying, whom our home gathers and nourishes, shines, and supplies our needs magnificently! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN II.

TO AGNI.

1. Agni, barely born by the Force, already has all the figure and wisdom of mature age. May the waves (of sacrifice) and prayer complete the perfection of (this god), their friend! May the Devas preserve Agni the benefactor!

2. He was the object of the ancient songs of Ayou (12); he propagated the race of Manu by his strength, which sustains the sky and the waters. May the Devas preserve Agni the Beneficent!

3. O peoples, come then, and praise above all this son of the Force who accomplishes the sacrifice, and who, honored by our invocations and our hymns, is our support and our generous protector. May the Devas preserve Agni the benefactor!

4. May this pastor of the peoples, who is the master of happiness, the father of Heaven and Earth, and who, like the gods of the wind, brings us all good things, smooth the way before my son! May the Devas preserve Agni the benefactor!

5. Night and Dawn, which mutually destroy their color, approach to nourish the one they have in turn given birth to (13). Between heaven and earth, it shines brightly. May the Devas preserve Agni the benefactor!

6. May he come and be with us, (this god) source of wealth and wealth, herald of sacrifice, protector ready to fulfill our wishes! Guardians of his immortality, may the Devas preserve Agni the benefactor!

7. It was once, it is today, the treasury of all wealth, the seat of what is born and what is born, the guardian of all that exists. May the Devas preserve Agni the benefactor!

8. Benefactor, may he grant us goods (always so) fugitive; benefactor, let him give us wealth; benefactor, may he give us a strong and abundant house; benefactor, may he grant us a long old age!

9. O Agni, (god) purifying, whom our home gathers and nourishes, snatches, and supplies our needs magnificently. May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa, meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN III.

TO AGNI.

1. Let your fault be blotted out, o Agni! purifies our fortune. Let our fault be erased!

2. We ask, by offering you the sacrifice, beautiful fields, prosperity, riches. Let our fault be erased!

3. If the first of the singers (divine) present here, if our heads of families come forward (to honor you), may our fault be erased!

4. O Agni! if these heads of families, if we ourselves advance with respect, may we obtain the victory! Let our fault be erased!

5. If the bright rays of mighty Agni come forth from all sides, let our fault be blotted out!

6. Indeed, here you are, you whose face is turned on all sides, here you are embracing (our offerings) on all sides. Let our fault be erased!

7. O you, whose face is turned from all schools, be to us like the ship on which we passed through our enemies. Let our fault be erased!

8. Deign, as on a ship, to take us across the ocean (of life, and lead us) to happiness. Let our fault be erased!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Gayatri.

HYMN IV.

TO AGNI.

1. Let us be friends of Veswanara (14); he is the revered king of the worlds. Born here, he has an eye open to all of nature. Veswanara is the rival of the sun.

2. We implore Veswanara, we feel it everywhere, in the sky, on the earth, in the plants, (in the Arani), from where the violence draws it. May Agni defend us against our enemies night and day!

3. O Veswanara, may this sacrifice be pleasing to you! Let opulence become our companion! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN V.

TO AGNI.

1. Let us make libations to the (place) which knows all good things. Let him consume the wealth of our enemy! May Agni tear us away from all dangers, and make us cross misfortune, as on a ship (we cross) the sea!

Author: Casyapa, son of Maritchi; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN VI.

TO INDRA.

1. May the beneficent (god), who dwells with the Force, may the king of the earth and the vast sky, rich in presents and worthy of being invoked in time of danger, may Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our help!

2. That this (god), who, most generous of all to his faithful friends, is in all battles strong and victorious in Vritra; may (this god), whose march is as rapid as that of the sun, may Indra, accompany the Marouts, come to our aid!

3. May the (god) who triumphs over his enemies and who is distinguished by his promises, who in his mighty, insurmountable ways, somehow lifts his fruitful seed to heaven; May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

4. He is among the Angiras (15) the greatest, among the most generous benefactors, among the most devoted friends, the first among those worthy of praise and fame. May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

5. May this (god) powerful, who in the fight sustains the shock of his enemies, and who sends down the fruitful rain (16) in concert with the Rudras who are like his children, inhabitants of the same abode as him; May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

6. Let him subdue the anger (of our enemies); and after (these battles) which intoxicate him (with just pride), may he make the sun shine in our eyes today, he who is the master of piety, he whom our prayers implore! May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

7. The (Marouts), his auxiliaries, at the time of his heroic struggles encourage him with their clamours; men recognize him as the repository of all happiness. He is the only master of all works of mercy. May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

8. In pursuits that require strength, it is he, it is this hero that heroes implore, it is he also that the man who wants wealth invokes. It is he who, in the darkness, makes the light shine. May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

9. With his left hand containing his enemies, he receives our offerings with his right. The sacred hymn knows how to move his generosity. May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

10. It can today, and everyone recognizes it, (it can) give villages, tanks, entire peoples. By actions of brilliance he triumphs over his base (adversaries). May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

11. That this (god), whom our piety implores, arrives alone or with the (Maruts) his parents, to spread (on the earth) the treasures of the rain, it is for the happiness of our children. May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

12. This terrible and frightening (god) is a weapon of lightning; conqueror of the Dasyous, he possesses a thousand eminent qualities; he is great, he is worthy to command the world. (Pure) like the soma, it protects by its strength the five classes of beings (17). May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

13. His lightning resounds in the distance, shining with a celestial radiance, fruitful in blessings, as effective as it is noisy. Blessings and gifts follow in his footsteps. May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

14. May (the god) whose infinite power protects heaven and earth with glory, whom he envelops on all sides, happy with our sacrifices, be our defender! May Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come to our aid!

15. Let that (master) whose divine qualities are not equaled by the gods, whose power mortals and waters cannot measure, by his power, sovereign of earth and sky, whom Indra, accompanied by the Marouts, come help us!

16. For the happiness of Ridjraswa (18) and the joy of the people of Nahoucha (19), appears the form (of the god, form) celestial, resplendent, azure. Harnessed to the drawbar, (his couriers) drag his chariot, filled with his happy gifts.

17. O generous Indra, accept this homage addressed to you by the voice of the children of Vrichagiri (20), of Ridjraswa assisted by others (Richis), of Ambaricha, of Sahadeva, of Bhayamana, of Souradhas!

18. Called by prayer, he comes to attack the formidable Dasyous, and defeats them with a mortal blow. Aided by his brilliant auxiliaries, and armed with his lightning, he delivers the earth, the sun and the waters.

19. Let Indra be our protector every day. May we, free from misfortune, enjoy its benefits! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Authors: the five Richis; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN VII.

TO INDRA.

1. Make an offering of your hymns and your libations to this (god), author of all good, who, with Ridjiswan (21), killed the pregnant wives of Crichna (22). We need this generous protector, whose hand is armed with thunder. It is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call to our aid.

2. This Indra who, inflamed with anger, broke Vritra, struck Sambara and Piprou the impious, destroyed Souchna (23) under his own waves; it is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call to our aid.

3. This Indra who, by his evil virtue, produces heaven and earth, who commands Varuna and the Sun, who causes rivers to flow at will; it is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call for our assistance.

4. This Indra who is the sovereign pastor of horses and cows, who, the height of our homage, strengthens himself in all his works, who overthrows the impious in spite of his strength; it is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call to our aid.

5. That Indra who is the master of all living beings, who once returned the (celestial) cows to a sage (Vrihaspati) (24), who conquered and overthrew the Dasyous; it is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call to our aid.

6. This Indra invoked equally by the strong and the weak, the man who flees and the man who triumphs, whom all the worlds adore with respect; it is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call to our aid.

7. He comes, shining and announced by the Rudras. The voice (of prayer) and that of these Rudras extends and strengthens its power. This Indra, whose exploits are recounted and celebrated in the hymn; it is he, accompanied by the Marouts, whom we call to our aid.

8. (O god) ally of the Marouts, whether you are at this moment happily restrained in your upper abode, or in the lower part (of the sky), come hither to our sacrifice! O you who possess the true riches, it is you whom we desire, you for whom we offer this holocaust.

9. O Indra, (god) strong and friend of our homage, for you we pour this soma, for you we offer this burnt offering. (Come) therefore on your shining chariot, accompanied by the troop of the Marouts, (come) enjoy our libations, and witness, on this layer of cousa, our sacrifice.

10. Yes, come with your couriers to enjoy our libations, o Indra! Let your mouth, let your lips open (to the sweetness of our offerings). (God) has the noble face, may your horses bring you to us, and may our burnt offerings fulfill your desires!

11. Guardians of a sacrifice in which we unite the praise of the Marouts to that of Indra, may we enjoy the benefits (of these gods)! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN VIII.

TO INDRA.

1. I offer this great prayer to you, great (god), because your soul delights in the poet's hymn. To develop, to increase the strength of the victorious Indra, let the Devas indulge with him in the joys of sacrifice!

2. The seven rivers (25) are witnesses of his power; the sky, the earth and the air, (the witnesses) of its marvelous form. To give us the happiness of seeing you and having faith in you, o Indra, the sun and the moon appear in turn.

3. O Maghavan, direct towards us, for our satisfaction, your victorious chariot, which in battle causes our bliss. O Indra, you whom at the time of danger invoke our prayer, O Maghavan, grant us happiness, to us who are devoted to you!

4. May we, with an auxiliary like you, achieve victory! Protect our cause, and keep us on all occasions. O Indra, open the way to prosperity! O Maghavan, destroy the forces of our enemies!

5. O you who possess wealth, all these men present here praise you, and implore your support. (Come) bring us your goods, get on your victorious chariot. O Indra, you are firm and constant in your affections.

6. The arm of Indra triumphs for the deliverance of the cows (celestial); he is all-powerful, infinite, independent, incomparable for his strength. On all occasions his help replaces the number, and he gives prosperity. This is why men invoke him to obtain wealth.

7. O Maghavan, your blessings poured out on our people are enough for hundreds, thousands of people. Our prayer is great, it tries to highlight your immense greatness. O god who destroys the cities (of the Asuras), you can strike our enemies with death!

8. Like a triple rope, your strength is unmatched; king of homines, you preserve the three worlds, the three fires (26), this whole universe. O Indra, by your nature you cannot have enemies.

9. We invoke you first among the gods. You are our support in the fights. May Indra make our battle tank terrible like his, able to split the ranks of our enemies, and to shine on the attack before all the others.

10. You triumph, and you do not envy us the fruits of victory, o Maghavan, no matter how great the fight. You are formidable, and we invite you to help us. O Indra, come and help us when we invoke you!

11. May Indra be our protector every day. May we, free from misfortune, enjoy its benefits! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN IX

TO INDRA.

1. The wise once felt the effects of your sovereign power, and dreadful to your enemies. As a standard, you display both on earth the fire of our sacrifice, in the sky the fire of the sun.

2. It is Indra who extends and sustains the earth, he who strikes with his lightning (the Asuras), and spreads the waves; he, Maghavan, who defeats Ahi, kills Rohina (27), and breaks the limbs (of Vritra) under his blows.

3. This (god) who supports beings, full of confidence in his strength, appears to destroy the cities of the Dasyous. O wise master and weapon of lightning, cast your line on the Dasyou, and increase the strength and glory of the Arya (28)!

4. When a ruler lavishing libations and hynines honors Maghavan, then (the god), armed with his thunderbolt, runs to strike the Dasyou, and, for his servant, he will conquer that memorable fame which must last as long as human ages. .

5. See therefore the infinite effects of the power of (this god); have faith in the strength of Indra; it is to him that we owe the cows, the horses, the plants, the waters, the forests.

6. Let us pour the soma in honor of the powerful, liberal and generous (god), who possesses the force of justice, who, noble hero, knows, like the robber of the highway, to lay an ambush for the impious ( 29), and distribute his remains.

7. O Indra, the deed of which you can boast, is to have with your thunderbolt awaken Ahi, who fell asleep (30). You triumph, and your joy is shared by all the gods, by their (holy) wives (31), and by those to whom their speed gives wings (32).

8. When you struck Souchna, Piprou, Couyava, Vritra, o Indra, you also broke the cities of Sambara (33). May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

ANTHEM X.

TO INDRA.

1. O Indra, we have prepared your seat for the sacrifice; Come, like a neighing courier, take your place. (Come) to our libations, pushing, exciting the winged horses that carry you day and night.

2. These men come to Indra, imploring his help. May he deign to direct their ways! Let the Devas (by their prayers) deflect the wrath of Asura; that they bring for our salvation (the god) protector!

3. Behold, Couyava, seizing the treasure of the clouds, reserves the foaming wave for himself alone. His two wives (34) bathe in this (celestial) milk. Let them be struck, and come to swell the course of the Sipra (35).

4. The stay of Ayou (36), neighbor (of these waves), is submerged. However the (celestial) hero bursts, exhausting the flank (of the clouds). The Andjasi, the Coulisi and the Virapatni (37) swell, and carry in their bosom the milk (falls from the sky).

5. When we see the march of the Dasyou, and he goes towards our abode as if he knows the way, o Maghavan, then defend us against his attacks. Do not despise us, as debauchery (despise) the riches (which he lavishes).

6. O Indra, allow us to enjoy the sun and the waters! Give us a virtue that others can praise. Preserve the fruit that contains the breast (of our wives). We have faith in your great power.

7. Yes, I confess, I have faith in a (god) such as you. May your liberality fill us with blessings! O Indra, whom we fervently invoke, deliver us not to poverty, and amply satisfy our hunger and our thirst.

8. Beware of hitting us, or leaving us. Do not deprive us of our sweet enjoyments. O Maghavan, o Sacra, do not break the egg that contains (our hopes)! Do not break these vases (of our affections), these tender children who drag themselves on their knees!

9. So come to us. They say you like soma. We have prepared it for you: drink it to drunkenness: fill your wide bowels. We call you, deign to listen to us like a father.

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XI.

TO ALL THE GODS.

1. Chandramas (38), continuing his flight through the waves of the air, advances in the sky. O rays of golden trace, (the eye) (39) cannot find your way. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

2. Who asks, gets. The woman got a husband. The desire of the two spouses is inflamed; and the woman conceived a precious seed of this love (40). Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

3. O Devas, may the happy nourishment destined for this brilliant (infant) not fall void! Let us not be reduced to losing this (son) fortune, worthy of our libations! Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

4. I address myself, above all, to the protective god of sacrifice. (Agni) our messenger may well say (to the other gods): "What has become of the fruit of our past sacrifices? What is your new favorite?" Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

5. O gods, who inhabit these three worlds enveloped by celestial light, where is justice or injustice for you? What has become of the price of our ancient piety? Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

6. What have we gained from our sacrifice? Where is the form of Varouna? What road is the great Aryaman on? How can we triumph over our enemies? Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

7. It is I who, more than once, have poured the soma and sung hymns in your honor; and it is me whom misfortune surprises, as the wolf (surprises) the altered deer. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

8. Poignant pains (41), like jealous rivals, tear me on all sides. O Satacratou, I who celebrated you, pain devours me, just as rats devour their tails (42), Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

9. My dwelling is the very place where the seven luminous rays shine (43). Such is the hope of the son of the Waters, of Trita (44): he sings to obtain his deliverance. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

10. The five (gods) who give abundance (45) and who stand at the center of the world, after having come, among the others, to shine with so much glory, have returned (to their abode). Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

11. The light-winged (rays) of Agni sit alone under this celestial vault, which embraces everything: they drive away from his path the wolf (46) who crosses the great waves. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

12. O gods, to you I address this new prayer, which is made to please you. Behold, the waves (of sacrifice) approach Agni; now the sun has filled his career. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

13. O Agni, you are the ally of the Devas, and this alliance must be celebrated by them. Come and sit at our hearth, as formerly at Manu's, and, wise among all, make the sacrifice to the gods. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

14. Yes, that Agni, wise among all, come, as a priest, to sit at our hearth, as formerly at that of Manu; may this god, prudent among other gods, call them to our holocausts. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

15. This (god) savior accomplishes the sacred work; we invoke him, he who can lead us in the right way; he draws prayer from the heart, he is worthy of our praise. Thus is born the sacrifice! Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

16. That Aditya who was made to be with so much glory the celestial traveler, o Devas, has not yet arrived. O mortals, you do not see it! Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

17. Trita, fallen into a well, thus called the gods to her aid. Vrihaspati (47) heard him, and generously rescued him from danger. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

18. The wolf (48) with reddish hair saw me on the road. Immediately he got up, like the workman whose back is beaten. Heaven and Earth, see what I am.

19. By virtue of this hymn, may we, helpers of Indra and seconds of all our warriors, be victorious in battle! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa (49); meters, Trichtoubh, Mahavrihati.

HYMN XII.

TO ALL THE GODS.

1. We call to our aid Indra, Mitra, Varouna, Agni, the cohort of Marouts, Aditi. Generous (Gods), who are our refuge, save us from evil, as one saves a chariot from a precipice!

2. O Adityas, come to the sacrifice offered for all the gods! Be our protectors, when it comes to striking down our enemies. Generous (Gods), who are our refuge, save us from evil, as one saves a chariot from a precipice!

3. Let us also be protected from the Pitris (50), who receive our just homage, and from these two divinities (51), whose grandeur our sacrifices increase, and who gave birth to the gods. Generous (Gods), who are our refuge, save us from evil, as one saves a chariot from the precipice!

4. I honor by my offerings (the god surnamed) Narasansa (52), and rich in gifts. We invoke by our hymns Pouchan, which is the recourse of heroes. Generous (Gods), who are our refuge, save us from evil, as one saves a chariot from the precipice!

5. O Vrihaspati (53), grant us to walk always in the right way! We ask you for that share of happiness that suits Manu's children. Generous (Gods), who are our refuge, save us from evil, as one saves a chariot from the precipice!

6. The Richi Coutsa (54), falls into misfortune, invoked the help of Indra, the conqueror of Vritra and the husband of Satchi. Generous (Gods), who are our refuge, save us from evil, as one saves a chariot from the precipice!

7. May the divine Aditi defend us with the other gods! May the indefatigable god (55), who preserves everything, also preserve us! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN XIII.

TO ALL THE GODS.

1. The sacrifice is performed for the pleasure of the gods. O Adityas, be favorable to us! May your kindness turn towards us, (that kindness) which fills the unfortunate with good things!

2. May the gods come to our aid, celebrated by the songs of the Angiras! For our happiness, may Indra give us strength, the Marouts the breath of the winds, Aditi the Adityas!

3. May Indra, Varouna, Agni, Aryaman, Savitri grant us the food we need! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XIV.

TO INDRA AND AGNI.

1. O Indra and Agni, on this magnificent chariot from the top of which you see all the worlds, come together, and drink from the soma which has been prepared.

2. The soma that I offer you to drink is as abundant as this universe is wide, deep, extended. O Indra and Agni, suffice your desires!

3. You have associated your names with glory. Together you killed Vritra. Together, o Indra and Agni, come and sit (at our sacrifice); Generous gods, taste the soma poured out to you by the father of the family.

4. So the fires are kindled for you; the butter, the cups and the bed of cousa, are prepared in your honor; libations are lavished; o Indra and Agni, come here for our happiness.

5. O Indra and Agni, these prowess, these vigorous manifestations, these ancient testimonies of a happy friendship, deign to renew them for us, and drink of the soma which has been prepared!

6. I have already said, honoring you with respect, that this soma was intended for those (gods) who are our life (56). Relying on my word, come, and drink from the soma which has been prepared.

7. O you, worthy of our sacrifices, Indra and Agni, in whatever abode you are at this moment, restrained by the pleasures prepared for you by the foresight of a holy priest or that of a prince (57), come here, generous (gods), and drink soma which has been prepared.

8. O Indra and Agni, whether you are among the children of Yadou, Tourvasa, Drouhyou, Anou or Pourou (58), come here, generous (gods), and drink the soma which has been prepared !

9. O Indra and Agni, whether you are in the lower, middle or upper world (59), come hither, generous (gods), and drink from the soma which has been prepared!

10. Yes, Indra and Agni, whether you are in the upper, middle or lower world, come here, generous (gods), and drink soma which has been prepared!

11. O Indra and Agni, whether you are in heaven or on earth; whether you are in the clouds, in the plants or in the waves, come here, generous (gods), and drink the soma which is prepared!

12. O Indra and Agni, whether you are intoxicated by the offerings presented to you at sunrise, or at midday, come here, generous (gods), and drink of the soma prepared for you!

13. O Indra and Agni, drink from this soma, and grant us all goodness! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XV.

TO INDRA AND AGNI.

1. O Indra and Agni, I desire fortune, and it is you whom I invoke with the confidence inspired by relatives or friends. I have no other protector than you: it is for you that I have prepared this hymn and these offerings.

2. I know you are more generous than a lover or a bride's brother. I therefore offer you this soma, o Indra and Agni, and I pay you homage with a new hymn.

3. Fearing to see the chain cut (of their race), and wishing to preserve the virile power of their fathers, these heads of families wish, by their libations, to conciliate the favor of Indra and Agni. These (gods) terrible (to their enemies) approach those who praise them.

4. To please you, O Indra and Agni, holy prayer implores you, and pours soma upon you. Trained by your horses (60), (gods) with magnificent arms, beautiful hands, come running; and, in our (sacred) waves, get drunk on sweetness.

5. O Indra and Agni, I know your strength when it comes to smiting Vritra, and distributing her treasures. Wise (Gods), come and sit on the cousa of our sacrifice, and savor the soma.

6. In battles you are stronger than all men; you are larger than the earth and the sky, larger than the seas and the mountains. O Indra and Agni, you are above all other beings.

7. O Indra and Agni! (gods) armed with lightning, be lavish with your presents; cover us with your protection. It is under the influence of these same rays of the sun that our fathers arrived at the height of their wishes.

8. O Indra and Agni, (gods) who smash the cities (of the Asuras), and arm your arms with lightning, save us in perils! May they also protect us, Aditi, the Sea, Mitra, Varouna, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN XVI.

TO THE RIBHUS.

1. I have prepared everything for the (holy) work; a new hymn is sung in honor (of divine beings). This sea (of soma) is shed for all the gods. O Ribhous (61), rejoice in our tributes!

2. O son of Sudhanwan, o you who, like me, descend from Angiras, you had no part in the offerings (62); you went, to get it, to the house of the generous Savitri: you counted (rightly) on your merits.

3. And Savitri gave you immortality, when you came to serve the (god) who cannot remain hidden. It was then that the cup of Asura (63), which contained the offerings and which was unique, you divided it into four parts (64).

4. Priests performing the holy ceremonies with diligence, although mortal, the Ribhous obtained immortality. These sons of Sudhanwan, (established) in the solar disk and shining like the star of the day, are invoked by our prayers.

5. The Ribhous shared the cup of sacrifice, as with a sharp instrument one shares the earth. Praised and powerful on an equal footing (of the other gods), they obtain, among mortals, the offerings they have desired.

6. Thus, in honor of these princes of the air, we offer, by means of science, the prayer, as, by means of the (sacred) spoon, we offer the butter of the sacrifice. The Ribhous, uniting with the bright lights of the father (of nature), rise in the air to feed the sun.

7. Ribhou is for us a master whose strength is always new: Ribhou grants us food and treasures; he is our refuge, our benefactor. O gods, may we, with your help and in a favorable day, attack the armies of the impious!

8. O Ribhous, you have skin (of a dead cow) covered a (new) cow, and thus made a mother to the young calf (65). Noble sons of Sudhanwan, with a pious intention you gave youth to your father and your mother, crushed under the weight of years (66).

9. O Indra, come with the Ribhous! Give us our share in the food that you dispense (to men), grant us the abundance of all the various goods. May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN XVII.

TO THE RIBHUS.

1. The Ribhous (67), learned workers, built (for the Aswins) a chariot whose wheels are marvelous. They gave for the chariot of Indra couriers who spread the treasure of abundance. They returned the youth to their parents. They have for a young calf created a new mother.

2. In favor of our sacrifice, give us abundant food; in favor of our homage and our offerings, grant us an opulence supported by many children. (Make) that we are surrounded by a people of heroes. For our happiness, surround us with strength and power.

3. Noble Ribhous, give us wealth, give us chariots, horses; give us victory. May each day we boast of our power, and may, seals or helpers of our friends, we be strong in the fights.

4. I call to our aid Indra (called) Ribhoukchas, the Ribhous, the Vadjas (68), the Marouts, Mitra and Varouna, the Aswins. May they come and drink our soma, and may they give us wealth, piety, victory!

5. May Ribbou, by force, protect us against danger; may Vadja the victor save us! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN XVIII.

AT THE ASWINS.

1. I sing first of Heaven and Earth (69), and Agni, resplendent with such beautiful radiance at the moment of sacrifice. The power with which you make a party triumph in danger, show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

2. To obtain your favors, devoted (servants), their hands laden with offerings, approach your chariot, and seem to want to hear your word. The power with which you welcome prayer at the moment of sacrifice, show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

3. By the power of divine ambrosia, you exercise a generous empire over this people. Noble protectors, the power with which you knew how to give milk to a sterile cow (70), show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

4. The power with which distinguishes between swift and light beings he who has two mothers (71), and who, glorious in the majesty of his son, traverses (the world); with which a sage (72) was endowed with a triple science, show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

5. The power with which you brought back to the light of day and Rebha and Bandana (73) locked in the darkness of a well, with which you saved Canwa (74) who asked for the healing of his illnesses, show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

6. The power with which you protected Antaca (75) wounds and plunges into an abyss, Bhoudjyou (76), Carcandhou and Vayya (77), show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

7. The power with which you have made Soutchanti (78) rich and powerful; with which you have appeased in favor of Atri (79) the bright and wealthy (Agni); with which you saved Prisnigou and Pouroucoutsa (80), show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

8. Beneficent (Gods), the power with which you made the blind and lame Paravridj (81) see and walk, with which you delivered a devoured sparrow (82), show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

9. The power with which you made the wave (83) as sweet as honey; with which, (gods) ever young, you saved Vasishtha (84), preserved Coutsa (85), Sroutarya and Narva (86), show her again, o Aswins, and help us!

10. The power with which you have, in the battle which procures a thousand treasures, supported the tottering march of the opulent Vispala (87); with which you protected your servant Vasa, son of Aswa (88), show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

11. The power with which you, generous gods, opened the sweet treasure (of the rain) to the son of Usij, in Dirghasravas (89), who had become a merchant; with which you protected your servant Cakchivan (90), show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

12. The power with which you filled the (91) Rasa with an impetuous wave; with which you pushed to victory a chariot deprived of its horses, and returned to Trisoca (92) its cows (taken away), show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

13. The power with which you have, on the distant horizon, rids the sun (93) (of the darkness) which surrounded it; with which you have increased the domains of Mandhatri (94), and preserves the wise Bharadwadja (95), show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

14. The power with which you have, in the fights against Sambara, protect the great Atithigwa (96), Divodasa (97) overwhelms (98); with which you have, in the sack of a city, saved Trasadasyou (99), show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

15. The power with which you have quenched the thirst of the famous Vamra (100), saved Cali (101) at the time of her marriage, defended Prithi (102) bereft of her horse, show her again, o Aswins, and succour- We!

16. The power with which, o valiant (gods), you rescued Sayou (103), Atri (104) and the ancient Manu from danger; with which, in favor of Syoumarasmi (105), you knew how to throw arrows, show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

17. The power with which you have, in the fight, caused to shine, like a fire artistically erected, Patharvan (106), remarkable for his belly; with which you protected Saryata (107) in battle, show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

18. The power with which, entering into the thought of the Angiras, you marched first to free the captive cows (108); with which you showered the heroic Manu with blessings, show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

19. The power with which you delivered the wives of Vimada (109); with which you have given bounty (of reddish cows), and given Soudas (110) marvelous opulence, show it again, O Aswins, and help us!

20. The power with which you have, o benevolent (gods), second your servant, protect Bhudjyou and Adhrigou (111), and grant Ritasthoubh (112) happiness and glory, show it again, o Aswins, and succor -We!

21. The power with which you supported Crisanou (113) in combat; save, by exciting his speed, the horse of a youth (hero) (114), and give bees pleasant honey, show her again, o Aswins, and help us!

22. The power with which you, in an encounter of warriors, defended Nara (115), who fought for his herds of cows; with which, granting her both lands and children, you saved her chariots and horses, show her again, O Aswins, and help us!

23. The power with which you have, O (gods) worthy of a hundred sacrifices (116), protect Coutsa son of Arjuna (117), Turviti (118) and Dabhiti (119), save Dhwasanti (120) and Purushanti (121), show it again, o Aswins, and help us!

24. O Aswins, (gods) helpful and generous, make fruitful in results both our word and our thought. I call you to our aid, when the day does not yet shine. Deign to increase our happiness, and grant us abundance!

25. Day and night, O Aswins, watch over us, and shower us with your favours! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Tue Feb 07, 2023 4:29 am

LECTURE HUITIEME.
HYMNE PREMIER.
A L’AURORE.

[French Version]

1. La plus douce des lumieres se leve; elle vient de ses rayons colorer partout la nature. Fille du Jour (1), la Nuit a prepare le sein de l’Aurore, c|ui doit etre le berceau du Soleil.

2. Belle de l’eclat de son nourrisson (2), la blanche Aurore s’avance; la noire deesse a dispose son trone. Toutes deux alliees au Soleil, (l’une comme sa fille, l’autre comme sa mere), toutes deux immortelles, se suivant l’une l’autre, elles parcourent le ciel, l’une a l’autre s’effacant tour a tour leurs couleurs.

3. Ce sont deux soeurs qui poursuivent sans fin la meme route; elles y apparaissent tour a tour, dirigees par le divin (Soleil). Sans se heurter jamais, sans s’arreter, couvertes d’une douce rosee, la Nuit et l’Aurore sont unies de pensee et divisees de couleurs.

4. Ramenant la parole et la priere(3), l'Aurore repand ses teintes brillantes; elle ouvre pour nous les portes (du jour). Elle illumine le monde, et nous decouvre les richesses (de la nature); elle visite tous les etres.

5. Le monde etait courbe par le sommeil; tu annonces que le temps est venu de marcher, de jouir de la vie, de songer aux sacrifices, d’augmenter sa fortune. L’obscurite regnait; l’Aurore eclaire au loin l’horizon, et visite tous les etres.

6. Richesse, abondance, honneur, sacrifices, voila des biens vers lesquels tout ce qui respire va marcher a la lumiere de tes rayons. L’Aurore va visiter tous les etres.

7. Fille du ciel, tu apparais, jeune, couverte d’un voile brillant, reine de tous les tresors terrestres; Aurore, brille aujourd’hui fortunee pour nous.

8. Suivant les pas des Aurores passees, tu es l’ainee des Aurores futures, des Aurores eternelles. Viens ranimer tout ce qui est vivant, Aurore! viens vivifier ce qui est mort!

9. Aurore, c’est toi qui allumes le feu du sacrifice, toi qui reveles (au monde) la lumiere du soleil, toi qui eveilles les hommes pour l’oeuvre sainte. Telle est la noble fonction que tu exerces parmi les dieux.

10. Depuis combien de temps l'Aurore vient-elle nous visiter? Celle qui arrive aujourd’hui imite les anciennes qui nous ont lui deja, comme elle sera imitee de celles qui nous luiront encore; elle vient, a la suite des autres, briller pour notre bonheur.

11. Ils sont morts, les humains qui voyaient l’eclat de l'antique Aurore; nous aurons leur sort, nous qui voyons celle d’aujourd’hui; ils mourront aussi, ceux qui verront les Aurores futures.

12. Toi qui repousses nos ennemis, qui favorises les sacrifices, nee au moment meme du sacrifice (4); toi qui inspires l'hymne et encourage la priere; toi qui amenes les heureux augures et les rites agreables aux dieux, bonne Aurore, sois-nous aujourd’hui favorable.

13. Dans les temps passes l'Aurore a brille avec eclat; de meme aujourd’hui elle eclaire richement le monde; de meme dans l'avenir elle resplendira. Elle ne connait pas la vieillesse, elle est immortelle; elle s’avance, ornee de nouvelles beautes.

14. De ses clartes elle remplit les regions celestes; deesse lumineuse, elle repousse la noire deesse. Sur son char magnifique traine par des coursiers rougeatres, l'Aurore vient, eveillant (la nature).

15. Elle apporte les biens necessaires a la vie de l’homme, elle deploie un etendard brillant; elle nous appelle, pareille aux Aurores qui l'ont toujours precedee, pareille aux Aurores qui la suivront toujours.

16. Levez-vous; l'esprit vital est venu pour nous. L’obscurite s’eloigne, la lumiere s’avance; elle prepare au soleil la voie qu’il doit parcourir. Nous allons reprendre lex travaux qui soutiennent la vie.

17. Le ministre du sacrifice eleve la voix pour celebrer en vers les lumieres de l’Aurore. Loin des yeux de celui qui te loue, repousse l’obscurite; Aurore, benis, en les eclairant de tes rayons, le pere de famille et ses enfants.

18. Le mortel qui t’honore voit briber pour lui des Aurores qui multiplient ses vaches et lui donnent des enfants vigoureux. Puisse celui qui t’offre ces libations accompagnees de la priere (qui resonne) comme un vent (favorable), puisse-t-il obtenir des Aurores fecondes en beaux coursiers!

19. Mere des dieux (5), oeil de la terre (6), messagere du sacrifice, noble Aurore, bribe pour nous; approuve nos voeux, et repands sur nous ta lumiere. Toi qui fais la joie de tous, rends-nous fameux parmi les notres.

20. Les biens divers qu’apportent les Aurores sent le partage de celui qui les honore et qui les chante. Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE II.

A ROUDRA.

1. Nous adressons l’offrande de ces prieres au puissant Roudra (7),qui est le refuge des hommes; (a Roudra), qui est distingue par sa chevelure (8). Bien portant soit en ce canton tout (etre anime), bipede ou quadrupede! Que tout ce qui vit y soit exempt de mal!

2. Sois bon pour nous, o Roudra, et fais notre felicite! Nous t’honorons, nous te benissons, toi qui es le refuge des hommes. Et cette part de bonheur que Manou, notre pere, nous a assuree par ses sacrifices, o Roudra, que nous l’obtenions par toi!

3. Par la vertu du divin sacrifice, que nous obtenions ta faveur, o Roudra, toi qui es le refuge des hommes, et qui donnes la pluie. Viens vers notre peuple pour faire son bonheur: puissions-nous, sains et bien portants, t’offrir notre holocauste!

4. Nous appelons a notre secours le sage et brillant Roudra, ce (dieu) a la marche oblique (9), qui consomme le sacrifice. Qu’il ecarte loin de nous la colere du ciel! c’est sa faveur que nous souhai-tons.

5. Nous invoquons, en l’honorant, le sanglier (10) celeste, aux formes rougeatres, ce (dieu) eblouissant, distingue par sa chevelure. Sa main nous presente de precieux specifiques. Qu’il nous donne nourriture, vetement et maison!

6. En l'honneur du pere (11) des Marouts, et pour augmenter la gloire de Roudra, nous chantons cet hymne, que rien n’egale en douceur. (Dieu) immortel, accorde-nous la nourriture des mortels. Sois bon pour moi, pour mon fils et mon petit-fils.

7. Epargne parmi nous le vieillard et l'enfant, le pere et le fils. Epargne celui et celle qui nous ont donne le jour; o Roudra, abstiens-toi de frapper les personnes qui nous sont cheres!

8. O Roudra, grace pour nos fils et nos petits-fils! grace pour nos gens, pour nos vaches et nos chevaux! Dans ta colere, ne frappe pas nos guerriers. Nous t’invoquons sans cesse, et t’offrons l’holocauste.

9. Comme le pasteur (soumis devant son maitre), je t’honore et t’adresse mes hommages. Pere des Marouts, accorde-moi le bonheur. Ta faveur est le bien le plus admirable; voila pourquoi nous implorons  ta protection.

10. O toi qui es le refuge des hommes, eloigne de nous ta (colere), qui tue les vaches et les hommes! Que ta benediction soit avec nous! O dieu, sois notre bienfaiteur et notre patron! Conserve-nous, toi qui regnes sur un double domaine (12)!

11. C’est a Roudra que nous adressons cet hymne en implorant son secours. Que ce (dieu), accompagne des Marouts, ecoute notre priere! Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Coutsa; metres, Djagati et Trichtoubh.

HYMNE III.

AU SOLEIL.

1. Le magnifique flambeau des dieux, l’oeil de Mitra, de Varouna et d’Agni, le Soleil, ame de tout ce qui existe, a rempli le ciel, la terre et l'air.

2. Comme l’epoux suit sa (jeune) epouse, le Soleil suit aussi la divine et brillante Aurore, a l’heure ou les pretres, attendant pour honorer les dieux les moments favorables, adressent a leur digne (protecteur) un hommage digne de lui.

3. Les chevaux du Soleil, nobles, rapides, brillants, s’elancent dans leur route, dignes, comme lui, de nos hommages. Baissant la tete sous le joug, ils s’attachent a la voute celeste, et s’empressent de commencer leur revolution entre la terre et le ciel.

4. Et telle est la fonction divine, la fonction sublime du Soleil. A la moitie de sa course circulaire, il retire en lui-meme ses rayons; et quand il detelle les chevaux de son char, la nuit couvre l’univers de son voile.

5. Ainsi, pour nous faire jouir de la vue de Mitra et de Varouna, le Soleil manifeste sa forme a la face du ciel. Sans relache, ses coursiers nous ramenent sa figure, tantot brillante, tantot noire.

6. Divins rayons du Soleil levant, delivrez-nous de toute faute honteuse. Qu’ils nous protegent egalement, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, la Mer, la Terre et le Ciel!

Auteur: Cousta; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE IV.

AUX ASWINS.

1. Je prepare comme un lit (13) d’honneur aux (dieux) veridiques. Je produis le chant (sacre), de meme que le vent produit (l’onde) du nuage. Ce sont les Aswins qui, sur un char et a travers les armees (ennemies), amenerent une epouse au jeune Vimada (14).

2. Vous marchez avec fermete, avec vitesse, appeles par les dieux; (divinites) veridiques, l'ane (attele a votre char), dans vos combats qui enrichissent Yama (15), terrasse des milliers d’ennemis.

3. O Aswins, Tougra (16), tel que l’homme qui va mourir et qui se defait de son tresor, avait confie a la mer (son fils) Bhoudjyou. Vous avez sauve ce Bhoudjyou sur votre propre vaisseau, (sur un vaisseau) aerien qui s’eleve au-dessus des eaux.

4. (Dieux veridiques), au bout de trois jours et de trois nuits vous avez, sur votre triple char (17), aile, rapide, porte sur cent roues et attele de six coursiers, ramene Bhoudjyou, de l'element humide, sur le rivage de la terre ferme.

5. Telle fut votre prouesse sur la mer immense, incertaine, insaisissable; et vous avez, o Aswins, depose dans son palais Bhoudjyou, monte sur votre navire aux cent gouvernails.

6. O Aswins, le cheval blanc que vous avez une fois donne au cavalier (que vous cherissez), est pour lui une continuelle benediction. Ce fut la, de votre part, un don merveilleux et memorable. Nous devons souhaiter pour nous le coursier de votre serviteur Pedou (18).

7. O Maitres, l’enfant de Padjra (19), Cakchivan, chanta vos louanges, et obtint de vous la sagesse. Vous avez du sabot d’un etalon, comme d’un filtre, tire des centaines de vases (20) de liqueur.

8. Vous avez par (une onde) fraiche eteint l’incendie (qui devorait Atri) (21); vous avez donne a ce Richi une nourriture qui a releve ses forces. O Aswins, il etait renferme dans une horrible (prison); vows l'en avez retire, et vous l’avez comble d’un bonheur qui charme tous les sens.

9. (Dieux) veridiques, vous avez de ses fondements souleve un puits, et, lui donnant un escalier facile, vous avez satisfait la soif de Gotama: vous avez ouvert pour lui comme une source abondante de felicite (22).

10. (Dieux) veridiques et secourables, Tchyavana etait vieux: vous l’avez depouille de son corps comme d’une (ancienne) cuirasse. Vous l'avez rendu jeune; il etait sans famille, vous lui avez donne de jeunes epouses (23).

11. Maitres veridiques, il est de vous un trait qui doit etre celebre, exalte par nos louanges; une action qui doit nous faire desirer votre protection. Sachant que Bandana (avait ete jete dans un puits), tel qu’un tresor que l'on a cache a la vue de tous, vous l'en avez retire (24).

12. O Maitres! je veux aussi reveler (aux mortels qui desirent) la fortune, une de vos oeuvres difficiles: (ma voix est) comme le tonnerre (qui annonce) la pluie. (C'est a vous que Dadhyantch, fils d’Atharvan, a offert le miel de ses chants; c’est par vous que sa tete de cheval a opere des merveilles (25).

13. (Dieux) puissants et veridiques, (dieux) aux grands bras, Pourandhi (26) vous invoqua dans l'hymne du sacrifice. Comme (le disciple entend la voix) de son maitre, vous avez entendu la priere de cette femme qui avait pour epoux un eunuque: o Aswins, vous lui avez donne (un fils), Hiranyahasta.

14. (Dieux) veridiques, un passereau courait le risque d’etre devore par un loup: vous l'avez arrache de sa gueule (27). (Dieux) aux grands bras, un Richi (28) a chante vos louanges, et vous l’avez rendu a la lumiere.

15. Tel que l’aile d’un oiseau, le pied de l’epouse de Khela avait ete casse dans un combat. Aussitot vous avez donne a Vispala une jambe de fer, qui devait la porter dans la bataille suivante (29).

16. Ridjraswa mettail en pieces cent beliers, (pour les offrir) a une louve; son pere le rendit aveugle. Vous lui avez restitue la vue, (dieux) veridiques et secourables, (dieux) medecins (30).

17. La fille du Soleil (31), portee an but par la vitesse de votre cheval, monta triomphante sur votre char, et les coeurs de tous les dieux l’y suivirent. (Deites) veridiques, soyez entourees de ses tresors lumineux!

18. O Aswins, lorsque, invoques par le Bharadwadja Divodasa (32), vous visitiez sa maison, votre char apportait la richesse et l’abondance a votre ami, (ce char) que trainaient un boeuf et un squale atteles ensemble (33).

19. (Dieux) veridiques, qui amenez avec vous la richesse, la puissance, la force; qui donnez de brillanls enfants et de vaillants vassaux, vous etes venus combler de vos dons la fille de Djahnou, qui trois fois par jour vous offrait votre part du sacrifice (34).

20. Djahoucha (35) etait de toute part environne d’ennemis: (dieux) veridiques et exempts de vieillesse, vous l'avez, pendant la nuit, enleve par la voie de l'air qui etait libre, et votre char a facilement franchi les montagnes (celestes).

21. O Aswins! vous avez protege Vasa (36), et lui avez accorde mille jouissances qui se renouvelaient chaque jour. Defenseurs genereux et redoulables, vous avez, avec Indra, detruit les ennemis de Prithousravas (37).

22. Le fils de Ritchatca, Sara (38), avait soif: vous avez pour lui souleve l'eau du fond d’un puits. (Dieux) veridiques, pour Sayou (39) fatigue, vous avez rempli la mamelle d’une vache sterile.

28. (Dieux) veridiques, le juste Viswaca, fils de Crichna, implora votre secours et celebra vos louanges. Grace a vous, il a revu son fils, Vischnapwa, comrne (un pasteur revoit) sa brebis perdue (40).

24. Rebha (41) enchaine, blesse, avait ete jete dans l'eau. Pendant dix nuits et neuf jours il souffrit cruellement au milieu des flots, d’ou vous l'avez retire, comme avec la cuiller du sacrifice on puise le soma.

25. O Aswins! j’ai chante vos hauts fails. Que mes desirs soient combles! Faites de moi un maitre riche en vaches, puissant en vassaux! Que je jouisse longtemps de la lumiere, et que j’arrive a la vieillesse, comme (le soleil) a son couchant.

Auteur: Cakchivan; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE V.

AUX ASWINS.

1. O Aswins, l’antique sacrificateur (42) vous honore, et vous invite a vous enivrer de nos douces libations. Le lit de cousa est prepare pour vous; les chants sont prets. (Dieux) veridiques, venez gouter nos mets et nous apporter vos dons!

2. Puissants Aswins, sur ce char, merveilleusement attele, plus rapide que la pensee, qui vous amene vers les hommes et qui vous conduit a la demeure du mortel religieux, venez vers notre maison!

3. Le pieux Atri, quand il etait de ce monde (43), fut jete dans une horrible prison: o maitres genereux, vous l'avez delivre avec sa famille, brisant les prestiges magiques de son cruel ennemi, et triomphant (de ses ruses) (44).

4. Comme un coursier (tombe dans un abime), le pieux Rebha (45) avait ete, par ses ennemis, precipite dans les flots. Maitres genereux, vous l’avez secouru et retire tout meurtri. La memoire de vos antiques prouesses ne perit pas.

5. Tel que (l’homme) endormi dans le sein de Nirriti (46), tel que le soleil enseveli dans l’obscurite, tel que l'or fait pour briller et enfoui dans la terre, tel etait Bandana (47). O secourables Aswins, vous l'avez releve dans sa chute!

6. Maitres veridiques, au nombre des bienfaits que vous semez sur votre route, il en est un qui doit etre celebre par Cakchivan (48), l'enfant de Padjra. Vous avez, pour un mortel, tire du sabot d’un cheval des centaines de vases de liqueur (49).

7. Puissants Aswins, vous avez rendu au fils de Crichna, a Viswaca, Vichnapwa (qu’il avait perdu) (50). Ghocha avait vieilli dans la maison de son pere; vous lui avez donne un epoux (51).

8. Par vous, Syava (52) a obtenu la brillante Rousati, et Canwa (53) la lumiere. O genereux Aswins, votre gloire, c’est d’avoir rendu l’usage de l'ouie au fils de Nrichada (54).

9. O Aswins, repandant vos bienfaits sous toutes les formes, vous avez amene a Pedou (55) un cheval leger et invincible, (cheval) glorieux, auteur de mille biens, qui terrasse l’ennemi et sauve (son maitre).

10. Bienfaisants Aswins, vos actions meritent d’etre celebrees, et l'hymne de la louange retentit au ciel et sur la terre. A la voix des enfants de Padjra (56), venez, avec vos dons, vers le sage qui vous presente son offrande.

11. Veridiques Aswins, (dieux) protecteurs, touches de la priere de son fils, vous avez nourri le sage (Bharadwadja) (57). Celebres par la voix d’Agastya, vous avez releve Vispala (58).

12. Quel est encore le lieu, o fils du Ciel, (divinities) genereuses, protectrices de Sayou (59), (quel est le lieu) ou, arrivant a la voix du fils de Cavi (60), vous avez, o Aswins, au bout de dix jours, retire (Rebha englouti dans les flots), comme un vase plein d’or enfoui dans la terre (61)?

13. Veridiques Aswins, vous avez, par votre puissance, rendu la jeunesse au vieux Tchyavana (62). La fille du Soleil a environne votre char de ses tresors de lumiere (63).

14. (Dieux) toujours jeunes, Tougra a du renouveler pour vous les louanges des anciens hymnes; car vous aviez, des flots de la mer, recueilli sur vos coursiers aile's et rapides (son fils) Bhoudjyou (64).

15. Genereux Aswins, le fils de Tougra vous invoqua; eleve au-dessus de l’Ocean, il le traversa sain et sauf. Sur votre char merveilleux, aussi prompt que la pensee, vous l’avez transpose heureusement.

16. O Aswins, le passereau vous a invoques; vous l’avez delivre de la gueule du loup. Sur votre (char), vous avez gravi le haut de la montagne (celeste); et (l’etre) qui remplit tout a vu son fils expirer sous l’influence d’un fluide mortel (65).

17. Ridjraswa immolait cent beliers a une louve; son pere impitoyable lui avait ote la lumiere. O Aswins, vous avez rendu les yeux a Ridjraswa. Oui, par vous un aveugle a recouvre la vue (66).

18. "O Aswins, maitres genereux," s’etait ecriee cette louve, implorant votre appui pour un aveugle; "Ridjraswa m’a immole cent et un beliers: il est pour moi comme un jeune amant."

19. Adorables Aswins, votre protection est grande et salutaire; vous avez releve (l'homme) fatigue. Pourandhi (67) vous a appeles; (vous l’avez entendue, dieux) genereux, et vous etes venus a son secours.

20. Secourables Aswins, en faveur de Sayou (68) vous avez rempli les mamelles d’une vache maigre et sterile. Vous avez, par votre puissance, amene a Vimada sa jeune epouse, fille de Pouroumitra (69).

21. Secourables Aswins, c’est vous qui, avec la charrue, avez seme l'orge; vous qui avez tire (de la terre) la nourriture de l’homme; c’est vous qui, frappant de la foudre le Dasyou, avez fait briller la lumiere pour l'Arya.

22. O Aswins! c’est a vous que Dadhyantch, fils d’Atharvan, dut sa tete de cheval. Le doux savoir, aime de Twachtri, ce pieux Richi l’employa pour vous, et vos louanges sont devenues comme les guides du sacrifice (70).

23. Sages et veridiques Aswins! j’implore sans cesse votre faveur; exaucez toutes mes prieres; accordez-nous de grandes richesses, des enfants et de la gloire.

24. Puissants, bienfaisants Aswins, vous avez donne a l'epouse d’un eunuque un fils (nomme) Hiranyahasta (71). O Aswins, Syava, trois fois dechire, a ete par vous rappele a la vie (72).

25. Voila, o genereux Aswins, vos anciennes prouesses, que les mortels ont celebrees. Nous aussj nous chantons vos louanges: pour prix de nos sacrifices, donnez-nous la force et la domination!

Auteur: Cakchivan; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE VI.

AUX ASWINS.

1. Genereux Aswins, que votre char vienne ici, amene sur l’aile de l’epervier (poetique) (73); (ce char) rempli de richesses et de plaisirs, plus rapide que la pensee de l’homme, orne de trois sieges, aussi prompt que le vent.

2. Sur ce char a trois roues, a trois sieges, rapide et roulant dans les trois mondes (74), venez; o Aswins, engraissez nos vaches, nourrissez nos chevaux, augmentez notre vaillante race!

3. Secourables Aswins, venez, sur votre char rapide et impetueux, ecouter l’hymne du poete. Les anciens sages n’ont-ils pas celebre votre empressement a soulager la misere (des mortels)?

4. Veridiques Aswins, qu’ils vous amenent ici, ces eperviers (poetiques) (75), legers et rapides, atteles a votre char, lesquels, pareils a des vautours aeriens et impetueux comme les flots, vous conduisent vers le sacrifice!

5. O maitres, la jeune et aimable fille du Soleil (76) vient de monter sur votre char. Que dans leur course circulaire vos chevaux ailes, superbes, rapides, brillants, vous amenent pres (de nous)!

6. Genereux protecteurs, par votre puissance vous avez sauve Bandana (77), delivre Rebha (78), transporte a travers l'Ocean le fils de Tougra (79), rendu Tchyavana (80) a la jeunesse.

7. Atri se trouvait au milieu du feu: o Aswins, vous lui avez donne soulagement et nourriture (81). Touches de sa priere, vous avez rendu le jour a Canwa, plonge dans les tenebres (82).

8. Le vieux Sayou (83) vous implora; o Aswins, vous avez pour lui rempli la mamelle d’une vache. Vous avez delivre du danger un passereau (84), et rendu une jambe a Vispala (85).

9. O Aswins, vous avez donne a Pedou un cheval blanc, vigoureux, terrible, aime d’lndra, redoutable en ses hennissements, frappant, immolant son ennemi, auteur etonnant de mille biens (86).

10. Puissants Aswins, o vous dont la naissance est si fortunee, nous vous appelons a notre secours; nous vous prions. Venez vers nous, pour notre bonheur, avec votre char charge de richesses, et daignez accueillir nos chants.

11. (Dieux) veridiques, pousses par l'energie nouvelle de l'epervier (poetique) (87), venez vers nous. Heureux de votre bonheur, o Aswins, je vous appelle, en vous offrant l’holocausle, au lever de l’eternelle Aurore!

Auteur: Cakchivan; metre, Trichtoubh.

HYMNE VII.

AUX ASWINS.

1. Pour obtenir les biens de la vie, j’appelle votre char merveilleux et rapide comme la pensee, (ce char) attele de coursiers legers, digne de nos honours, orne de mille bannieres, portant la pluie et d’abondants tresors, charge d’opulence et de richesses.

2. A l’arrivee de ce char, la Priere s'eleve, et fait resonner l’hymne (sacre). De tout cote les Invocations arrivent. Je vous invite a notre holocauste, et nos compagnons se joignent a nous (pour vous honorer). O Aswins, Ourdjani (88) vient de monter sur votre char.

3. Lorsque d’innombrables guerriers, jaloux des biens que procure la victoire, se rassemblent sur le champ de bataille, alors, sur la voute inclinee du ciel, on apercoit votre char qui s’approche du maitre que vous favorisez.

4. C’est vous qui, sur vos chevaux ailes, avez rapporte Bhoudjyou (89) submerge; c’est vous qui l’avez ramene a ses parents au sein de leur demeure lointaine. (Dieux) protecteurs, c’est vous qui avez genereusement secouru Divodasa (90).

5. Pour soutenir votre gloire, vos nobles (coursiers) ont transporte votre char au but (assigne par les dieux); et la beaute, qui etait le prix du combat, venant a vous comme a des amis, vous accepta pour epoux (91).

6. Vous avez delivre Rebha (92) des ennemis qui l'entouraient, Atri (93) des feux qui l’environnaient, et que vous avez eteints par une onde f'raiche. Vous avez, pour secourir Sayou (94), rempli la mamelle d’une vache. Vous avez donne de longs jours a Bandana (95).

7. Bandana etait accable par l'age: o (dieux) secourables et puissants, vous l’avez restaure, comme un (vieux) char. Pour prix de ses hymnes, du sein qu’il a feconde vous avez fait naitre un saint homme. A celui qui vous honore accordez aujourd’hui votre secours.

8. Un fils etait loin de son pere, et tristement abandonne (96). Il vous a invoques; vous etes accourus, et par d’heureux secours vous avez exauce les voeux qu’il vous adressait en sa detresse.

9. L’abeille a recouvre par vous son miel agreable. Le fils d’Ousidj (97) compose en votre honneur de doux chants, et vous invoque en vous enivrant de soma. Vous avez ecoute la priere de Dadhyantch, et la tete de cheval vous a celebres (98).

10. O Aswins, vous avez donne a Pedou (99) un (coursier) blanc, objet de mille desirs pour les guerriers; (coursier) brillant et sauveur, invincible dans les combats, distingue dans toutes ses oeuvres, et terrassant ses ennemis avec la force d’Indra.

Auteur: Cakchivan; metre, Djagati.

HYMNE VIII.

AUX ASWINS.

1. O Aswins, quel hommage est digne de vous? quel (mortel est capable) de vous plaire? Comment vous honorera-t-il, l'homme faible et ignorant (de sa nature)?

2. Oui, l'homme est ignorant, et vous etes sages. Tout autre que vous est insense. Mais que l'homme s’adresse pieusement a vous; aussitot, pour un simple mortel, vous exercez votre puissance invincible.

3. Vous etes sages, et nous vous invoquons; vous etes sages, inspirez notre priere en ce jour. Un serviteur devoue vous honore et vous sacrifie.

4. Je ne m’adresse pas a des dieux impuissants; (nous attendons), genereux (Aswins), le prix de nos invocations et de nos sacrifices. Conservez-nous forts et vigoureux.

5. Qu’il vous plaise, cet hymne qui retentit avec eclat dans la bouche de celui qui voudrait imiter Bhrigou (100), (cet hymne) que le fils de Padjra (101) vous adresse (aujourd’hui)! Qu’il vous plaise aussi le sage qui joint (a sa priere) l’offrande sacree!

6. Ecoutez l’hymne que chantait en votre honneur (un homme) errant dans les tenebres (102), (hymne) que j’ai repete en recouvrant la vue par votre protection, o Aswins, auteurs de tout bien!

7. C’est vous qui donnez, comme c’est vous qui otez la puissance. Vous etes notre refuge; soyez nos gardiens, et delivrez-nous des brigands sans conscience.

8. Ne nous livrez pas a notre ennemi. Ne souffrez pas que nos vaches nourricieres, eloignees de leurs veaux, soient chassees de nos demeures.

9. Que vos amis vous trouvent favorables a leurs voeux! Que nous obtenions de vous abondance de nourriture, abondance de vaches!

10. Voila le char des Aswins riches et bienfaisants. (Ce char) est sans chevaux (103), et j’espere qu’il me procurera l’abondance.

11. (Char divin), charge de richesses, signale pour nous ton pouvoir!... (Le voyez-vous)? ce char fortune avance du cote de ceux qui ont prepare le soma.

12. Il est deux choses qui passent vite: le sommeil et les mauvais riches. Dans ce moment, je ne connais ni l'une ni l'autre deces deux choses.

Auteur: Cakchivan; metres, Gayatri. Ouchnih, Vrihati.

HYMNE IX.

A INDRA.

1. Quand donc (le dieu) qui protege les hommes et qui donne la richesse voudra-t-il ecouter la voix des pieux Angiras? Lorsqu’il sort de son palais, (ce roi) digne de nos sacrifices, pour visiter l e peuple qui l’honore, son pouvoir se manifeste au loin.

2. Ce maitre puissant, voulant pourvoir a notre nourriture, amene ce riche troupeau de vaches (divines); le ciel en est assiege. Le souverain (des dieux) contemple ces tenebres qu’il a fait naitre; et l'epouse du coursier devient la mere de la vache (104).

3. Qu’il vienne (ecouter) notre antique invocation, celui qui donne aux Aurores leur lumiere, celui qui chaque jour est le bienfaiteur des Angiras ses serviteurs. Il s’est fait une arme dont les coups foudroyants sont rapides; pour les quadrupedes utiles a l’homme, pour l’homme lui-meme, il a couvert le ciel (de nuages).

4. Enivre de la douceur du soma, e’est toi qui, pour le sacrifice, as jadis rendu (aux Angiras) ce fameux troupeau de vaches qui leur avait ete enleve (105). Car toutes les fois que (le dieu) aux trois tetes (106) apparait dans le combat, il brise les portes de l’ennemi des enfants de Manou.

5. (Oui, rien ne te resiste, o dieu) merveilleusement rapide, quand le pere et la mere de famille (107), soutiens (du sacrifice), t’ont presente le lait (des libations) et le tresor fecond des offrandes; quand (les pretres) out fait couler en ton honneur la brillante liqueur, et le breuvage que donne la vache nourriciere.

6. (Le dieu) vainqueur vient d’apparaitre: qu’il excite nos transports de joie. Il brille, tel que le soleil qui suit l’aurore. Qu’offert par nous sans reserve, et accompagne de nos chants, le soma jaillisse de la cuiller sacree jusque sur le foyer.

7. Quand Agni s’enflamme au bucher du sacrifice, alors que le Soleil s’occupe a garnir les plaines celestes de vaches (merveilleuses) (108), toi, cependant, tu brilles d'un eclat serein pour les travaux de l’homme qui pousse son char, ou qui conduit ses troupeaux, ou qui voyage avec celerity.

8. Habitant des vastes regions de l’air, arrete ici tes chevaux; combats l’ennemi qui convoite nos richesses, anime par cette boisson agreable, legere, fortifiante, que nos mortiers expriment pour ton bonheur.

9. C’est toi, o (Indra) digne de tant d’hommages, qui as lance contre le nuage le trait de fer que t’avait du ciel apporte Ribhou, quand, en faveur de Coutsa (109), tu frappais Souchna de coups innombrables.

10. (O dieu) arme de la foudre, quand le soleil, au depart de la nuit, percait le nuage qui le pressait, et cherchait a se debarrasser des chaines dont Souchna avait tout couvert les airs,

11. Alors, en te voyant a l’oeuvre, o Indra, le ciel et la terre, vastes, forts, inebranlables, se livraient a la joie. De ta foudre puissante tu terrassais Vritra, qui se cachait au sein des ondes et se nourrissait de la substance des nuages.

12. O Indra, toi qui es l'ami des hommes, dirige vers nous ces coursiers vigoureux et rapides corame le vent, que tu conserves pour atteler a ton char. (Prends) ta foudre, que le fils de Cavi, Ousanas (110), t’a donnee; arme qui fait notre joie, et qu’il a aiguisee pour etre fatale a Vritra et te donner la victoire.

13. O Indra, arrete ici un instant tes brillants coursiers, de meme que le fameux Etasa retint le char du soleil (111). Rejetant les impies (Asouras) au dela des quatre-vingt-dix fleuves(112), detruis leurs oeuvres.

14. O lndra, (dieu) foudroyant, sauve-nous de la triste pauvrete, de la defaite dans la bataille! Nous demandons l’abondance, la gloire, l'honneur des sacrifices; donne-nous de l'opulence, des chars, des chevaux.

15. Que ta protection ne nous abandonne pas, (dieu) de la puissance et de la richesse! accorde-nous l’abondance! O Maghavan, multiplie nos vaches! Peres de famille devoues a ta grandeur, puissions-nous jouir d’un bonheur constant!

Auteur: Cakchivan; metre, Trichtoubh.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:53 am

EIGHTH READING.
FIRST ANTHEM.
AT DAWN.

[English Version by Google Translate]

1. The sweetest light rises; it comes from its rays to color nature everywhere. Daughter of the Day (1), Night has prepared the womb of Dawn, which must be the cradle of the Sun.

2. Beautiful with the radiance of her nursling (2), the white Aurore advances; the black goddess has arranged her throne. Both allied to the Sun, (one like her daughter, the other like her mother), both immortal, following each other, they cross the sky, one to the other being erased in turn their colors.

3. They are two sisters who endlessly pursue the same road; they appear there in turn, directed by the divine (Sun). Without ever colliding, without stopping, covered with a gentle dew, Night and Dawn are united in thought and divided in color.

4. Bringing back the word and the prayer (3), the Dawn spreads its brilliant tints; it opens for us the doors (of the day). It illuminates the world, and reveals to us the riches (of nature); it visits all beings.

5. The world was bent by sleep; you announce that the time has come to walk, to enjoy life, to think of sacrifices, to increase one's fortune. Darkness reigned; the Aurora illuminates the horizon in the distance, and visits all beings.

6. Wealth, abundance, honor, sacrifices, these are goods towards which all that breathes will walk in the light of your rays. The Aurora will visit all beings.

7. Daughter of heaven, you appear, young, covered with a shining veil, queen of all earthly treasures; Aurora, shine today fortune for us.

8. Following in the footsteps of past Auroras, you are the eldest of future Auroras, eternal Auroras. Come revive all that is alive, Aurore! come to vivify what is dead!

9. Aurora, it is you who kindle the fire of sacrifice, you who reveal (to the world) the light of the sun, you who awaken men for the holy work. Such is the noble office you exercise among the gods.

10. How long has Aurora been visiting us? The one that arrives today imitates the old ones that have us already, as it will be imitated from those that will still have us; it comes, following the others, to shine for our happiness.

11. They are dead, the humans who saw the brilliance of the ancient Dawn; we will have their fate, we who see that of today; they will also die, those who will see the future Auroras.

12. You who repel our enemies, who favor the sacrifices, born at the very moment of the sacrifice (4); you who inspire the hymn and encourage prayer; you who bring happy omens and rites agreeable to the gods, good Aurora, be favorable to us today.

13. In times past the Dawn shone brightly; likewise today it richly enlightens the world; in the same way in the future it will shine. She does not know old age, she is immortal; she advances, adorned with new beauties.

14. With its brightness it fills the celestial regions; luminous goddess, she repels the black goddess. On her magnificent chariot drawn by reddish steeds, the Aurora comes, awakening (nature).

15. She brings the goods necessary for the life of man, she unfurls a shining standard; she calls us, like the Auroras that have always preceded her, like the Auroras that will always follow her.

16. Stand up; the vital spirit has come for us. Darkness recedes, light advances; it prepares for the sun the way it must travel. We will resume work that sustains life.

17. The minister of sacrifice raises his voice to celebrate in verse the lights of the Dawn. Far from the eyes of him who praises you, push back the darkness; Aurora, bless, by illuminating them with your rays, the father of the family and his children.

18. The mortal who honors you sees dawning for him Auroras who multiply his cows and give him vigorous children. May he who offers you these libations accompanied by prayer (which resounds) like a (favorable) wind, may he obtain fertilized Auroras in beautiful steeds!

19. Mother of the gods (5), eye of the earth (6), messenger of the sacrifice, noble Aurora, scrap for us; Approve our vows, and shed your light on us. You who bring joy to all, make us famous among our own.

20. The various goods that the Aurora bring feel the share of the one who honors them and who sings them. May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN II.

TO ROUDRA.

1. We address the offering of these prayers to the mighty Rudra (7), who is the refuge of men; (a Rudra), who is distinguished by her hair (8). Healthy either in this canton everything (to be animated), biped or quadruped! May everything that lives there be free from evil!

2. Be good to us, o Rudra, and do our felicity! We honor you, we bless you, you who are the refuge of men. And this share of happiness that Manu, our father, assured us by his sacrifices, o Roudra, that we obtain it through you!

3. By virtue of the divine sacrifice, may we obtain your favour, O Rudra, you who are the refuge of men, and who give the rain. Come to our people to make them happy: may we, healthy and well, offer you our holocaust!

4. We call to our help the wise and brilliant Rudra, this (god) with the oblique walk (9), who consummates the sacrifice. May he ward off the wrath of heaven far from us! it is his favor that we desire.

5. We invoke, in honor, the celestial boar (10), with reddish shapes, this dazzling (god), distinguished by his hair. His hand presents us with precious specifics. May he give us food, clothing and a house!

6. In honor of the father (11) of the Marouts, and to increase the glory of Roudra, we sing this hymn, which nothing equals in sweetness. Immortal (God), grant us the food of mortals. Be good to me, to my son and my grandson.

7. Spare among us the old and the child, the father and the son. Spare him and her who gave birth to us; o Roudra, refrain from hitting the people who are dear to us!

8. O Roudra, grace for our sons and our grandsons! grace for our people, for our cows and our horses! In your anger, strike not our warriors. We invoke you without ceasing, and offer you the holocaust.

9. Like the pastor (submitted before his master), I honor you and send you my homage. Father of the Marouts, grant me happiness. Your favor is the most admirable good; this is why we implore your protection.

10. O you who are the refuge of men, remove from us your (anger), which kills cows and men! May your blessing be with us! O god, be our benefactor and patron! Preserve us, you who reign over a double domain (12)!

11. It is to Roudra that we address this hymn imploring his help. May this (god), accompanied by the Marouts, listen to our prayer! May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Coutsa; meters, Djagati and Trichtoubh.

HYMN III.

UNDER THE SUN.

1. The magnificent torch of the gods, the eye of Mitra, Varuna and Agni, the Sun, soul of all that exists, filled the sky, the earth and the air.

2. As the husband follows his (young) wife, the Sun also follows the divine and brilliant Aurora, at the hour when the priests, waiting to honor the gods for the favorable moments, address to their worthy (protector) a worthy homage from him.

3. The horses of the Sun, noble, rapid, brilliant, set off on their way, worthy, like him, of our homage. Lowering their heads under the yoke, they attach themselves to the celestial vault, and hasten to begin their revolution between earth and heaven.

4. And such is the divine function, the sublime function of the Sun. Halfway through its circular course, it withdraws its rays into itself; and when he unhitches the horses of his chariot, the night covers the universe with its veil.

5. Thus, to make us enjoy the sight of Mitra and Varuna, the Sun manifests its form on the face of the sky. Relentlessly, his couriers bring us back his face, sometimes shiny, sometimes black.

6. Divine rays of the rising Sun, deliver us from every shameful fault. May they also protect us, Mitra, Varouna, Aditi, the Sea, the Earth and the Sky!

Author: Cousta; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN IV.

AT THE ASWINS.

1. I prepare as a bed (13) of honor to the truthful (gods). I produce the (sacred) song, just as the wind produces (the wave) of the cloud. It was the Aswins who, on a chariot and through the (enemy) armies, brought a bride to the young Vimada (14).

2. You walk with firmness, with speed, called by the gods; (divinities) truthful, the donkey (harnessed to your chariot), in your battles which enrich Yama (15), strikes down thousands of enemies.

3. O Aswins, Tougra (16), like the man who is about to die and who gets rid of his treasure, had entrusted to the sea (his son) Bhoudjyou. You saved this Bhoudjyou on your own vessel, (on an aerial vessel) which rises above the waters.

4. (Truthful gods), after three days and three nights you have, on your triple chariot (17), wing, fast, carried on a hundred wheels and harnessed by six steeds, brought back Bhoudjyou, from the damp element, on the shore of dry land.

5. Such was your prowess on the vast, uncertain, elusive sea; and you have, O Aswins, lodged in his Bhoudjyou palace, mounted your ship with a hundred rudders.

6. O Aswins, the white horse which you once gave to the rider (whom you cherish), is a continual blessing to him. This was a wonderful and memorable gift from you. We must wish for us the courier of your servant Pedou (18).

7. O Masters, the child of Padjra (19), Cakchivan, sang your praises, and obtained wisdom from you. You have the hoof of a stallion, like a filter, draws hundreds of vases (20) of liquor.

8. You have (a cool wave) extinguished the fire (which was devouring Atri) (21); you gave this Richi food that boosted his strength. O Aswins, he was confined in a horrible (prison); you have withdrawn it, and you have filled it with a happiness which charms all the senses.

9. Truthful (Gods), you raised a well from its foundations, and, giving it an easy staircase, you satisfied the thirst of Gotama: you opened for him like an abundant source of bliss (22).

10. Truthful and helpful (Gods), Chyavana was old: you stripped him of his body like an (ancient) cuirass. You made him young; he had no family, you gave him young wives (23).

11. Truthful masters, there is a trait of you that should be celebrated, exalted by our praises; an action which must make us desire your protection. Knowing that Bandana (had been thrown into a well), like a treasure that was hidden in plain sight, you removed it (24).

12. O Masters! I also want to reveal (to mortals who desire) fortune, one of your difficult works: (my voice is) like thunder (which announces) rain. (It is to you that Dadhyantch, son of Atharvan, offered the honey of his songs; it is through you that his horse's head worked wonders (25).

13. Mighty and truthful (gods) of great arms, Purandhi (26) invoked you in the hymn of sacrifice. As (the disciple hears the voice) of his master, you heard the prayer of this woman who had a eunuch for her husband: O Aswins, you bore him (a son), Hiranyahasta.

14. (Gods) truthfully, a sparrow ran the risk of being devoured by a wolf: you tore it out of its mouth (27). (Gods) with big arms, a Richi (28) sang your praises, and you returned it to the light.

15. Like a bird's wing, Khela's wife's foot had been broken in a fight. Immediately you gave Vispala an iron leg, which was to carry it into the next battle (29).

16. Ridjraswa cut into pieces a hundred rams, (to offer them) to a wolf; his father made him blind. You restored his sight, (gods) truthful and helpful, (gods) doctors (30).

17. The daughter of the Sun (31), carried to the goal by the speed of your horse, mounted triumphant on your chariot, and the hearts of all the gods followed her there. Truthful (Deities), be surrounded by its luminous treasures!

18. O Aswins, when, invoked by the Bharadwadja Divodasa (32), you visited his house, your chariot brought wealth and abundance to your friend, (this chariot) dragged by an ox and a dog harnessed together (33) .

19. Truthful (gods), who bring with you wealth, power, strength; who give brilliant children and valiant vassals, you have come to fill with your gifts the daughter of Djahnu, who three times a day offered you your share of the sacrifice (34).

20. Djahoucha (35) was surrounded on all sides by enemies: (gods) truthful and exempt from old age, you carried him away during the night by the way of the air which was free, and your chariot easily crossed the mountains (celestes).

21. O Aswins! you protected Vasa (36), and granted him a thousand pleasures which were renewed each day. Generous and formidable defenders, you have, with Indra, destroyed the enemies of Prithousravas (37).

22. Ritchatca's son, Sara (38), was thirsty: you raised water for him from the bottom of a well. (Gods) truthful, for Sayou (39) tired, you have filled the udder of a sterile cow.

28. Truthful (Gods), the just Viswaca, son of Crichna, implored your help and celebrated your praises. Thanks to you, he saw his son, Vischnapwa, like (a pastor sees again) his lost sheep (40).

24. Rebha (41) chained, injured, had been thrown into the water. For ten nights and nine days he suffered cruelly in the midst of the waves from which you withdrew him, as with the spoon of the sacrifice one draws the soma.

25. O Aswins! I sang your high fails. May my wishes be fulfilled! Make me a master rich in cows, mighty in vassals! That I enjoy the light for a long time, and that I arrive at old age, like (the sun) at its setting.

Author: Cakchivan; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN V.

AT THE ASWINS.

1. O Aswins, the ancient priest (42) honors you, and invites you to intoxicate yourselves with our sweet libations. The bed of cousa is prepared for you; the songs are ready. Truthful (Gods), come and taste our dishes and bring us your gifts!

2. Mighty Aswins, on that chariot, wonderfully harnessed, quicker than thought, which brings you to men and leads you to the abode of religious mortal, come to our home!

3. The pious Atri, when he was of this world (43), was thrown into a horrible prison: O generous masters, you delivered him with his family, breaking the magic spells of his cruel enemy, and triumphing (over his tricks) (44).

4. Like a courier (fallen into an abyss), the pious Rebha (45) had been, by his enemies, thrown into the waves. Generous masters, you rescued him and removed all bruised. The memory of your ancient prowess does not perish.

5. As (man) asleep in the bosom of Nirriti (46), as the sun buried in darkness, as gold made to shine and buried in the earth, such was Bandana (47). O helpful Aswins, you lifted him up in his fall!

6. Truthful masters, among the blessings you sow on your way, there is one that must be celebrated by Cakchivan (48), the child of Padjra. You have, for a mortal, drawn from the hoof of a horse hundreds of vases of liquor (49).

7. Mighty Aswins, you returned to the son of Crichna, to Viswaca, Vishnapwa (which he had lost) (50). Ghocha had aged in his father's house; you have given her a husband (51).

8. By you, Syava (52) obtained the brilliant Rousati, and Canwa (53) the light. O generous Aswins, your glory is to have restored the use of hearing to the son of Nrichada (54).

9. O Aswins, spreading your blessings in all forms, you have brought to Pedu (55) a light and invincible horse, (horse) glorious, author of a thousand blessings, which strikes down the enemy and saves (his master).

10. Beneficent Aswins, your deeds deserve to be celebrated, and the hymn of praise resounds in heaven and on earth. At the voice of the children of Padjra (56), come, with your gifts, to the wise man who presents his offering to you.

11. Truthful Aswins, (gods) protectors, touched by the prayer of his son, you have nourished the sage (Bharadwadja) (57). Famous for the voice of Agastya, you have raised Vispala (58).

12. What is the place again, o son of Heaven, (deities) generous, protectors of Sayou (59), (what is the place) where, coming to the voice of the son of Cavi (60), you have, o Aswins , after ten days, withdraw (Rebha engulfed in the waves), like a vessel full of gold buried in the earth (61)?

13. Truthful Aswins, you have, by your power, restored youth to old Tchyavana (62). The daughter of the Sun has surrounded your chariot with her treasures of light (63).

14. (Gods) ever young, Tougra had to renew for you the praises of ancient hymns; for you had, from the waves of the sea, gathered on your winged and swift steeds (his son) Bhoudjyou (64).

15. Generous Aswins, the son of Tugra called upon you; raised above the ocean, he crossed it safe and sound. On your marvelous chariot, as quick as thought, you have happily transposed it.

16. O Aswins, the sparrow has called upon you; you delivered him from the mouth of the wolf. On your (chariot) you climbed the top of the mountain (celeste); and (the being) who fills everything saw his son expire under the influence of a mortal fluid (65).

17. Ridjraswa sacrificed a hundred rams to a wolf; his pitiless father had taken away his light. O Aswins, you have returned Ridjraswa's eyes. Yes, through you a blind man regained his sight (66).

18. "O Aswins, generous masters," cried that wolf, imploring your help for a blind man; "Ridjraswa sacrificed a hundred and one rams to me: he is like a young lover to me."

19. Adorable Aswins, your protection is great and salutary; you relieved (man) fatigue. Pourandhi (67) called you; (you heard her, gods) generous, and you came to her rescue.

20. Helpful Aswins, in favor of Sayou (68) you have filled the udders of a lean and sterile cow. You have, by your power, brought to Vimada his young wife, daughter of Pouroumitra (69).

21. Helpful Aswins, it is you who with the plow have sown the barley; you who have taken (out of the earth) the food of man; it is you who, striking Dasyou with lightning, caused the light to shine for Arya.

22. O Aswins! it is to you that Dadhyantch, son of Atharvan, owed his horse's head. The sweet knowledge, love of Twachtri, this pious Richi used it for you, and your praises became like the guides of the sacrifice (70).

23. Wise and truthful Aswins! I ceaselessly implore your favour; grant all my prayers; grant us great wealth, children and glory.

24. Mighty, beneficent Aswins, you gave to the wife of a eunuch a son (named) Hiranyahasta (71). O Aswins, Syava, thrice torn, was called to life by you (72).

25. Behold, O generous Aswins, your ancient prowess, which mortals have celebrated. We too sing your praises: as the price of our sacrifices, give us strength and dominion!

Author: Cakchivan; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN VI.

AT THE ASWINS.

1. Generous Aswins, let your chariot come here, bring on the hawk's wing (poetic) (73); (this chariot) filled with riches and pleasures, swifter than the thought of man, adorned with three seats, as swift as the wind.

2. On this chariot with three wheels, with three seats, swift and rolling in the three worlds (74), come; o Aswins, fatten our cows, feed our horses, increase our valiant race!

3. Helpful Aswins, come in your swift and impetuous chariot to hear the poet's hymn. Did not the ancient sages celebrate your eagerness to relieve the misery (of mortals)?

4. Truthful Aswins, let them bring you here, these (poetic) hawks (75), light and swift, hitched to your chariot, which, like aerial vultures and impetuous as the waves, lead you to sacrifice!

5. O masters, the young and lovely daughter of the Sun (76) has just mounted your chariot. May your winged horses, superb, rapid, brilliant, bring you near (to us) in their circular course!

6. Generous protectors, by your power you have saved Bandana (77), delivered Rebha (78), transported the son of Tugra (79) across the ocean, restored Tchyavana (80) to youth.

7. Atri stood in the midst of the fire: o Aswins, you gave him relief and nourishment (81). Touched by his prayer, you have brought Canwa back to life, plunged into darkness (82).

8. Old Sayou (83) implored you; o Aswins, you have filled a cow's udder for him. You have rescued a sparrow (84) from danger, and restored a leg to Vispala (85).

9. O Aswins, you have given Pedu a white horse, vigorous, terrible, loved by Indra, formidable in its neighing, striking, immolating its enemy, astonishing author of a thousand blessings (86).

10. Mighty Aswins, o you whose birth is so fortunate, we call to our help; please. Come to us, for our happiness, with your chariot loaded with riches, and deign to welcome our songs.

11. Truthful (Gods), driven by the new energy of the (poetic) hawk (87), come to us. Happy with your happiness, O Aswins, I call you, offering you the burnt offering, at the rising of the eternal Dawn!

Author: Cakchivan; meter, Trichtoubh.

HYMN VII.

AT THE ASWINS.

1. To obtain the goods of life, I call on your marvelous chariot, swift as thought, (that chariot) harnessed with light steeds, worthy of our honours, adorned with a thousand banners, carrying rain and abundant treasures, laden with opulence and wealth.

2. At the arrival of this chariot, the Prayer rises, and causes the hymn (sacred) to sound. From all sides the Summons arrive. I invite you to our holocaust, and our companions join us (to honor you). O Aswins, Ourdjani (88) just got on your chariot.

3. When countless warriors, jealous of the blessings of victory, gather on the battlefield, then, on the sloping vault of heaven, your chariot is seen approaching the master you favor.

4. It is you who, on your winged horses, reported Bhoudjyou (89) submerged; it was you who brought him back to his parents in their distant home. (Gods) protectors, it was you who generously rescued Divodasa (90).

5. To support your glory, your nobles (steeds) carried your chariot to the goal (assigned by the gods); and beauty, which was the price of the fight, coming to you as to friends, accepted you as her husband (91).

6. You delivered Rebha (92) from the enemies around him, Atri (93) from the fires around him, and you extinguished them with a cool wave. You have, to rescue Sayou (94), filled the udder of a cow. You have given long days to Bandana (95).

7. Bandana was overwhelmed with age: o (gods) helpful and mighty, you have restored him, like an (old) chariot. For the price of his hymns, from the womb he fertilized you have given birth to a holy man. To him who honors you grant your help today.

8. A son was far from his father, and sadly abandoned (96). He called upon you; you have run to it, and by happy help you have granted the wishes he addressed to you in his distress.

9. The bee has covered its pleasant honey with you. The son of Ousidj (97) composes sweet songs in your honor, and invokes you while intoxicating you with soma. You have listened to Dadhyantch's prayer, and the horse's head has celebrated you (98).

10. O Aswins, you have given to Pedou (99) a white (steed), object of a thousand desires for warriors; (steed) brilliant and savior, invincible in battle, distinguished in all his works, and overthrowing his enemies with the strength of Indra.

Author: Cakchivan; meter, Djagati.

HYMN VIII.

AT THE ASWINS.

1. O Aswins, what tribute is worthy of you? what (mortal is able) to please you? How will he honor you, the weak and ignorant man (of his nature)?

2. Yes, man is ignorant, and you are wise. Anything other than you is insane. But let the man address you piously; immediately, for a mere mortal, you exert your invincible power.

3. You are wise, and we call upon you; you are wise, inspire our prayer on this day. A devoted servant honors you and sacrifices you.

4. I do not address helpless gods; (we wait), generous (Aswins), the price of our invocations and our sacrifices. Keep us strong and vigorous.

5. May it please you, this hymn which resounds with brilliancy in the mouth of the one who would like to imitate Bhrigou (100), (this hymn) that the son of Padjra (101) addresses to you (today)! May you also like the sage who joins (to his prayer) the sacred offering!

6. Hear the hymn which (a man) wandering in the darkness (102) sang in your honor, (hymn) which I repeated while receiving my sight by your protection, O Aswins, authors of all good!

7. It is you who give, as it is you who take away power. You are our refuge; be our guardians, and deliver us from robbers without conscience.

8. Do not deliver us to our enemy. Do not allow our foster cows, separated from their calves, to be driven from our homes.

9. May your friends find you favorable to their wishes! May we get plenty of food from you, plenty of cows!

10. Behold the chariot of the rich and benevolent Aswins. (This chariot) is without horses (103), and I hope it will bring me abundance.

11. (Divine Chariot), loaded with riches, show us your power!... (Do you see it)? this fortune chariot advances on the side of those who prepared the soma.

12. There are two things that pass quickly: sleep and bad money. At this moment, I know neither of these two things.

Author: Cakchivan; meters, Gayatri. Ouchnih, Vrihati.

HYMN IX.

TO INDRA.

1. When will (the god) who protects men and who gives wealth want to listen to the voice of the pious Angiras? When he leaves his palace, (this king) worthy of our sacrifices, to visit the people who honor him, his power manifests itself in the distance.

2. This mighty master, wanting to provide for our food, brings this rich herd of (divine) cows; the sky is besieged by it. The sovereign (of the gods) contemplates this darkness which he has created; and the courier's wife becomes the mother of the cow (104).

3. Let him come (listen) to our ancient invocation, he who gives the Auroras their light, he who every day is the benefactor of the Angiras his servants. He has made himself a weapon whose lightning strikes are rapid; for the quadrupeds useful to man, for man himself, he has covered the sky (with clouds).

4. Intoxicated with the sweetness of the soma, it is you who, for the sacrifice, have once returned (to the Angiras) that famous herd of cows which had been taken from them (105). For whenever (the god) with three heads (106) appears in combat, he breaks down the doors of the enemy of the children of Manu.

5. (Yes, nothing resists you, o god) marvelously fast, when the father and the mother of the family (107), supports (of the sacrifice), presented to you the milk (of the libations) and the fruitful treasure of the offerings ; when (the priests) out pour in your honor the brilliant liquor, and the drink that the nursing cow gives.

6. (The victorious god) has just appeared: may he excite our transports of joy. It shines like the sun following the dawn. That offered by us without reserve, and accompanied by our songs, the soma springs from the sacred spoon onto the hearth.

7. When Agni ignites at the stake of sacrifice, while the Sun is busy garnishing the celestial plains with (wonderful) cows (108), you, however, shine with serene brilliance for the labors of the a man who pushes his chariot, or who drives his herds, or who travels with celerity.

8. Dwellers in the vast regions of the air, halt your horses here; fight the enemy who covets our wealth, animated by this pleasant, light, fortifying drink, which our mortars express for your happiness.

9. It is you, o (Indra) worthy of so much homage, who threw against the cloud the iron dart that Ribhou brought you from the sky, when, in favor of Coutsa (109), you struck Souchna countless blows.

10. (O god) armed with lightning, when the sun, at the beginning of the night, pierced the cloud which pressed it, and sought to get rid of the chains with which Souchna had covered all the air,

11. Then, seeing you at work, O Indra, the heavens and the earth, vast, strong, unshakeable, gave themselves up to joy. With your mighty lightning you overcame Vritra, who hid within the waves and fed on the substance of the clouds.

12. O Indra, you who are the friend of men, direct towards us these vigorous and swift steeds like the wind, which you keep to harness to your chariot. (Take) your lightning, which the son of Cavi, Usanas (110), gave you; weapon which is our joy, and which he has sharpened to be fatal to Vritra and give you victory.

13. O Indra, halt here for a moment your brilliant steeds, as the famous Etasa restrained the chariot of the sun (111). Rejecting the wicked (Asuras) beyond the ninety rivers (112), destroy their works.

14. O Indra, (god) lightning, save us from sad poverty, from defeat in battle! We ask for abundance, glory, the honor of sacrifices; give us wealth, chariots, horses.

15. May your protection not forsake us, (god) of power and wealth! grant us abundance! O Maghavan, multiply our cows! Fathers of families devoted to your greatness, may we enjoy constant happiness!

Author: Cakchivan; meter, Trichtoubh.
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Re: Rig-Veda Or Book of Hymns, by Par M. Langlois

Postby admin » Tue Feb 07, 2023 9:48 am

NOTES
DE LA PREMIERE SECTION.
LECTURE I.

[French Version]

(1) Il existe simultanement deux manieres de diviser les Rig-Veda: ces deux manieres se distinguent et en meme temps se confondent assez pour qu’on ne puisse les indiquer a la fois sans inconvenient. Elles ont du etre introduites a des epoques ou par des ecoles differentes: l’une de ces divisions, que nous suivrons, est en huit sections, appelees achtacas; un achtaca renferme huit chapitres ou lectures, adhyayas. Chaque lecture contient une trentaine, plus ou moins, de vargas. Le varga est une reunion de vers ou distiques appeles rig, qui varient de trois jusqu’a huit. La subdivision par hymne, soukta, n’appartient pas a ce systeme de division, mais a l’autre systeme, qui est celui des mandalas. Il y a dix mandalas, partages en anouvacas. Chaque anouvaca contient un certain nombre d’hymnes ou souktas. Nous n’avons pu admettre completement l'une ou l'autre de ces deux divisions: nous avons pris la division par achtaca (section) et adhyaya (lecture); puis a la subdivision par vargas nous avons substitue celle qui se fait par souktas (hymnes). Nous avons numerote ces souktas suivant le nombre qu’en renferme chaque adhyaya.

(2) Agni, ignis, est le dieu du feu. Ce debut du Rig-Veda, qui commence par un hymne a Agni, a donne lieu a la legende mythologique qui fait sortir le Rig-Veda de la bouche d’Agni. (Commentaire de Sayana-Atcharya, copie de Paris, t. I, p. 5.)

(3) Hotri a une double signification, suivant qu’on le tire du mot hou, sacrifier, ou du mot hwe, invoquer, appeler.

(4) Le feu, allume pour le sacrifice, donne aux dieux un signal auquel ils accourent.

(5) Ce mot angiras, comme beaucoup d’autres noms anciens, ne me parait pas d'origine sanscrite. Cependant le commentateur cherche a l’expliquer, tantot en le rapprochant du mot angara, charbon, tantot en lui donnant le sens d 'anganasila, doue d’ornement. C’est le nom d’un sage, pere d’une famille sacerdotale. Une legende identifie le richi Angiras avec le feu. Comme le mot angiras peut signifier pretre en general, il n’est pas etonnant qu’on l’applique a Agni.

(6) C’est la, a l’egard d’un dieu, un moyen de captation qui paraitra indigne a notre civilisation. Nous en verrons plus d’un exemple dans le cours de cet ouvrage. N’est-ce pas la le caractere d'une de ces religions antiques, dans lesquelles on prend par son interet le dieu que l'on adore, et que l'on brise quand il ne se montre pas favorable?

(7) Le mot rita offre un certain nombre de significations variees et embarrassantes. Comme adjectif, il veut dire pur, eclatant. Comme substantif, il s’emploie pour les choses et les substances qui peuvent avoir ces qualites, c’est-a-dire la lumiere, le feu, le sacrifice, et, suivant le commentateur, l'eau; au moral, la verite, la justice. Oblige de choisir entre ces sens divers, et voulant mettre une certaine unite dans ma traduction, j’ai presque toujours prefere le sens de sacrifice, feu du sacrifice.

(8) Vayou est le dieu du vent ou de l'air.

(9) Ces liqueurs etaient faites avec des grains qu’on laissait fermenter, ou avec le jus de l'asclepias acida, appele soma.

(10) Indra est le dieu de l’ether, considere comme le premier des elements: c’est le ciel qui enveloppe le monde. Le nom d'Indra signifie roi.

(11) Ces mets se composaient de beurre (ghrita), de caille (dadhi) mele de farine, de gateaux. On les appelle ici du nom general de prayas; ailleurs, du nom de vadja.

(12) Mitra et Varouna sont deux formes du ciel, ou plutot du soleil. Ce sont le soleil de jour ct le soleil de nuit: car celui-ci est cense revenir, pendant les tenebres, reprendre sa place a l'orient. Ces deux personnages reunis represented le jour astronomique; Mitra est le jour, et Varouna la nuit.

(13) Ou bien: exaucent la priere qu’accompagne le beurre (du sacrifice). Dans l’autre version, le mot ghrita indique la pluie, qui est comme le beurre destine a engraisser la terre.

(14) Les Aswins ou Cavaliers sont deux divinites par lesquelles se trouvent personnifies deux etats, deux apparences du ciel. Il est probable que ce sont les deux crepuscules. Le commentateur les a quelque part confondus avec le Ciel et la Terre, et meme avec le Soleil et la Lune, d’apres l'autorite d’Yasca.  

(15) Chez ces dieux, ce que le poete appelle mains et bras, ce sont les rayons de lumiere.

(16) Traduction des deux mots dasra et nasatya, qui sont les noms ordinaires des Aswins.

(17) Les offrandes etaient disposees, et les ministres du sacrifice assis sur des couches d’un gazon appele varhis, cousa, darbha (poa cynosuroides).

(18) Paraphrase indiquee par le commentaire pour rendre le mot Roudra. Je traduirais volontiers: suivant la route de Roudra, c’est-a-dire la voie de l'air.

(19) Vipra, le pretre qui preside au sacrifice.

(20) J’essaye de rendre ainsi le mot hari.

(21) Le mot viswa signifie tout. Ce nom collectif designe tous les dieux invoques ailleurs separement, et ne semble pas s’appliquer a une classe particuliere de divinites.

(22) Traduction du mot compose ehimdyasah, sur l'origine duquel les commentateurs semblent embarrasses. Ils racontent a ce sujet une petite legende; ils disent que le feu, appele Sotchica, s’etant cache dans les eaux parce que ses trois freres avaient ete tues, les Viswadevas le rappelerent, en disant: Ehi, ma yasih (Veni, ne abeas).

(23) Saraswati est la deesse de la parole, vag devata. Elle est, dans le sacrifice, accompagnee de deux deesses, Ila et Bharati: Ila est la parole poetique, l’hymne; et Bharati, la parole accompagnee du geste, l'action declamatoire.

(24) Le commentateur voudrait que ce vers se rapportat a la riviere Saraswati. Je n’ai pu partager son avis, et n’admets pas cette confusion de personnages. Ce drapeau qu’eleve Saraswati, il me semble que c’est le feu allume pour le sacrifice. Le mythe de Saraswati ne me parait pas encore forme; Brahma n’est que le sacrifice; et si Saraswati etait dite fille ou femme de Brahma, cela signifierait qu’elle nait du sacrifice ou qu’elle l’accompagne. On appelle Femmes des dieux les prieres prononcees en leur honneur. Cependant Saraswati est le nom de l'une des sept rivieres citees souvent dans les hymnes.

(25) Je trouve cette idee dans le mot dasma, qui est au 6th vers de cet hymne; et j’emprunte le sens que je lui donne, non au commentaire qui en fait une epithete d’Indra, mais au dictionnaire de M. Wilson.

(26) Litteralement: honore par cent sacrifices. Le nombre cent est ici pour un nombre indefini. Telle est l'explication donnee par le commentateur, qui en indique encore deux autres, representees par-les mots bahoucarman et bahoupradjna. On ne connaissait pas encore la fable qui suppose qu’Indra est depossede de son royaume celeste par celui qui a celebre cent sacrifices appeles aswamedhas.

(27) Vritra est un nom donne a l’ennemi d’Indra; c’est l’obscurite des nuages, que dissipe la puissance du dieu. Indra fait la guerre aux Vritras, comme le Jupiter grec la fait aux Titans.

(28) Ce caille porte le nom de dadhi.

(29) Allusion a l’immensite du ciel, eclaire le matin par les rayons du jour.

(30) Le char que l'on prepare pour un dieu, c’est le sacrifice.

(31) Moyennant ces trois epithetes, le commentateur, tout plein d'idees modernes, forme ici un syncretisme d'Indra avec le soleil, le feu et le vent; il l'identifie aussi avec les etoiles qui brillent au firmament. Je ne vois en cet endroit qu’une description poetique du ciel, personnifie dans Indra, et represente au moment de l’aurore.

(32) Cette invocation s’appelle Swaha.

(33) Les Marouts sont les vents: nous verrons, par la suite, que ce nom se donne a une classe de pretres.

(34) Je n’ai pu adopter le sens du commentaire.

(35) On donne ici au vent le meme nom qu’au feu, Vahni. L’idee est sans doute differente.

(36) Nous allons tacher d’expliquer cette image, qui doit se representer souvent. D’abord le mot vache, dans le langage poetique, est tout ce qui procure un avantage; cet avantage est le lait que l'on retire de cette vache. On donnera donc ce nom au sacrifice, a la priere, a la terre, au nuage, a la libation, aux rayons du soleil, etc. Ici la vache doit etre le nuage, ou plutot la lumiere, le rayon. Au sein de la nuit, representee comme une vaste caverne, sont renfermes les rayons, enleves et gardes par les Asouras, enfants de Bala, et nommes Panis. Vrihaspati, autrement Agni, le feu du sacrifice, reclame ces vaches: une chienne divine, nommee Sarama, et qui n’est que la voix de la priere (vag devi), est envoyee a la decouverte. Indra, le dieu du ciel qui commence a s’eclairer, marche, avec les Marouts et les Angiras (c’est-a-dire les pretres), a la delivrance de ces vaches, et il brise la caverne ou elles sont renfermees. De tous ces details on a compose une legende, dont nous venons d’indiquer quelques traits, et qui peut avoir quelque rapport avec la fable de Cacus. Les vaches que j’appelle celestes me semblent etre ici les rayons du soleil: dans d’autres passages, ce mot designera les nuages qui repandent sur la terre l’eau, qui est pour elle une espece de lait. Je me trompe fort, si cette explication ne doit pas etre aussi celle de l’histoire de la vache Io chez les Grecs, laquelle est donnee en garde a Argus, le Sahasrakcha (millioculus).

(37) Le soleil, suivant le commentateur.

(38) J’estime que le veritable sens doit etre: dociles a, la voix du pretre qui les attelle par la priere; litteralement, atteles par la parole.

(39) Quelles sont ces cinq classes d’etres? Le commentateur pense que ce sont les quatre castes, auxquelles il ajoute les Nichadas. Il explique de la meme maniere le mot pantchadjanya, qui se presentera plus loin. Mais je crois que les castes n’existaient pas encore a l’epoque ou ces hymnes furent composes, et, de plus, les Nichadas n'etaient pas une caste. Yasca suppose que par ces cinq classes il faut entendre les Gandharvas, les Pitris, les Devas, les Asouras et les Rakchasas. Un autre auteur retrouve les cinq classes dans les Devas, les Hommes, les Gandharvas, les Apsaras et les Serpents, ou bien dans les Devas, les Hommes, les Pitris, les Quadrupedes et les Oiseaux. D’un autre cote, les Indiens reconnaissent cinq elements. Ne seraient-ce pas les etres appartenant a chacun de ces elements? M. Wilson donne au mot pantchadjanya une etymologie qui a trait a cette explication. Je dois dire que la meme idee se presente dans la 5th section, 8th lecture, et que ces cinq classes sont appelees enfants de Manou, pantcha Manouchah.

(40) Litteralement, a coups de poing: le commentateur indique le sens que j’ai adopte.

(41) Sousipra; cette epithete est remarquable, et signifie ayant un beau nez ou de belles machoires. Quel rapport ont ces traits de beaute avec le caractere particulier d’Indra?

(42) Traduction litterale.

(43) Le mot arih repond au mot latin herus. C’est le maitre de la maison faisant les frais du sacrifice.

(44) Ce passage renferme le mot vansa, qui signifie roseau et famille. Le commentaire, expliquant ce mot dans le premier sens, dit que les sauteurs elevent un roseau, qui est une espece de mat de cocagne. Il me semble, a moi, que ce roseau doit etre comme la hampe d’un drapeau. Dans le second sens, le commentaire pense que le vansa est une famille elevee par les vertus d’un pere.

(45) Avant le jour du sacrifice, le chef de famille a du envoyer sur les montagnes chercher le soma (asclepias acida ou sarcostema viminalis), recueillir le bois, et prendre toutes les dispositions pour les offrandes et le repas.

(46) Repetition exigee par le texte.

(47) Cousica est un roi de la race solaire. Il desira un fils dont la puissance fut egale a celle d’Indra; Indra lui-meme voulut bien naitre de lui, et porta, dans cette incarnation, le nom de Gadhi. Quelques auteurs forment du mot cousica un adjectif qui signifierait fils de Cousa, et alors le pere de Gadhi se nommerait Cousanabha ou Cousambha. Cosica voudrait dire descendant de Cousa.

(48) Les nuages sont consideres par le poete comme des villes habitees par les Asouras. Indra les frappe avec sa foudre, pour en faire sortir la pluie, que retiennent ces ennemis des dieux.

(49) Souchna est le nom d’un Asoura. Ce mot signifie dessechant. Par le mot magie il faut entendre l'art avec lequel il cree ces apparences physiques qui seduisent nos yeux.

(50) Deux pieces de bois composent l'arani, et du frottement de ces deux pieces de bois on tire le feu du sacrifice.

(51) Esprits immondes, ennemis des dieux et des hommes.

(52) Ce passage doit faire allusion a la distinction des feux, qui sont au nombre de trois: Ahavaniya ou feu du sacrifice, Garhapatya ou feu domestique, et Dakchina ou feu place du cote du sud.

(53) Djouhou est un vase de bois en forme de croissant. Je crois qu’ici ce mot s’emploie pour le vase du foyer meme, qui est de terre.

(54) Cet hymne est consacre a une classe de divinites nommees Apris: ce sont des formes du dieu Agni, et des personifications divines des choses qui concoureut au sacrifice. Les 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th et 11th distiques sont consacres a Agni, sous les noms de Sousamiddha, Tanounapat, Narasansa, Ilita, Twachtri et Vanaspati. Le 5th distique celebre le gazon sacre; le 6th, les portes de l’enceinte du sacrifice; le 7th, la nuit et l’aurore; le 8th, deux divinites qui doivent presider au sacrifice; le 9th, Ila, Saraswati et Bharati, c’est-a-dire la poesie, l’eloquence et la declamation; le 12th, la Swaha, ou exclamation employee au moment de l'holocauste. Ces etres ainsi divinises deviennent comme les ministres du sacrifice offert en l'honneur d'une divinite principale: en cette qualite, ils portent le nom de Devas.  

(55) C’est-a-dire bien enflamme.

(56) Ce mot Tanounapat recoit plusieurs explications. Comme le mot napat ne peut guere s’expliquer, partout ou je le vois, que par le sens d'enfant, de petit-fils, je concois que le mot Tanounapat s’entende par enfant de son corps. Agni nait et vit aux depens du bois, qui est comme son corps. Un autre sens qu’on lui donne est destructeur de son propre corps. Je crois devoir eloigner le sens de destructeur, qu’on donne a napat.

(57) Ce mot signifie chante. Narasansa, plus haut, signifie celebre par les hommes.

(58) Le nom de Manou est pris d’une maniere generale pour signifier l'homme, ou d’une maniere speciale pour designer le patriarche que les Indiens regardent comme le fondateur de leur race. Il me semble qu’on lui attribue, en plusieurs endroits, l’institution du culte du feu. L’expression Manourhita peut encore se traduire par constitue pour l'homme.

(59) La peinture que le poete fait de ces deux divinites ne me permet guere de les identifier avec les Aswins. Ce sont, comme l’indique le commentaire, deux formes d’Agni, le feu de la terre et le feu de l’air. Ne serait-ce pas plutot les deux sacrifices du matin et du soir?

(60) Voy plus haut la note 23. Mahi, qui signifie grande, est une epithete de Bharati.

(61) Twachtri est Agni considere comme donnant la forme; c’est le feu plastique. On lui attribue les objets d’art, il forge la foudre d’Indra: c’est le Vulcain de cette mythologie. Je suppose que Twachtri est la troisieme forme d’Agni, repandue dans l'air et constituant la chaleur vitale.

(62) Mot a mot, maitre du bois. C’est le feu presidant au bucher du sacrifice, et meme aux pieces de bois qui y sont employees, youpagni.

(63) La swaha est une exclamation prononcee au moment de l’holocauste. On en fait une epouse d’Agni, car les prieres sont les epouses des dieux.

(64) Canwa est un ancien sage, issu de race royale: rien en effet ne me semble, dans cet ouvrage, annoncer la distinction des castes. Canwa fut pretre, et pere de pretres, mais non brahmane. Son pere etait Apratiratha (nomme peut-etre aussi Ghora), descendant de Pourou, prince de la dynastie lunaire. Il donna le jour a Medhatithi, auteur de cet hymne, d’ou sortirent les Canwas, devoues au service des autels. Le commentateur regarde quelquefois le mot Canwa comme un nom commun, signifiant sage, pretre.

(65) Personnages mythologiques au nombre de douze: ce sont les douze formes du soleil, regardees comme les fils d’Aditi.

(66) Le chamou ou tchamasa est un vase qui contient le soma: c’est aussi la cuiller avec laquelle on le sert. Quelquefois on emploie ce mot pour le filtre de peau a travers lequel on passe la boisson pour la clarifier, et meme aussi peut-etre pour le pressoir.

(67) Les epouses des dieux sont les prieres particulieres que l'on dit en l’honneur de chacun de ces dieux.

(68) Exclamation usitee au moment de l’holocauste.

(69) Dieux des saisons, au nombre de six.

(70) Le nom de cette coupe est potra: un des pretres s’appelle potri.

(71) Ce mot signifie conducteur; ce doit etre un nom du dieu Agni.

(72) L’epouse d’Agni, c’est une priere, une invocation, comme Swaha.

(73) Le sacrifice a lieu trois fois par jour, le matin, a midi, et le soir: de la l'expression trichavana.

(74) L’expression est gravahasta, lapidem manu tenens; et le mot gravan designe sans doute les vases de terre employes dans les sacrifices. Ce pourrait bien etre aussi les mortiers ou les pierres qui ont servi a nettoyer l'orge ou a ecraser le soma: cependant le mortier parait avoir ete de bois.

(75) C’est-a-dire qui donne la richesse ou la force.

(76) Cette coupe s’appelle nechtra; un des pretres, et Agni lui-meme, porte le nom de nechtri, conducteur.

(77) Le mot touriyam m’a semble obscur. J’ai remarque que le nom de Dravinodas etait invoque quatre fois, et je me suis determine a ce sens.

(78) Voy. la note 52.

(79) Ces grains s’appellent dhanah.

(80) Je me suis eloigne du sens donne par le commentateur, qui ne distingue pas les trois sacrifices.

(81) Gora signifie un cerf blanc, goramriga.

(82) Vritra est le nom principal sous lequel on personnifie le nuage qui couvre le ciel; c’est donc l’ennemi d’Indra, qui le frappe de sa foudre, et envoie a la terre l'eau qu’il retenait.

(83) Epithete d’Agni, signifiant maitre de la chose sacree, du sacrifice.

(84) Cakchivan est un saint Richi, regarde comme le fils putatif d’un roi de Calinga ou d’Anga, qui, accable par l'age, voulut se susciter a lui-meme un fils de Dirghatamas. La reine, rougissant de se preter au voeu du roi, substitua a sa place son esclave Ousidj, qui enfanta Cakchivan. Celui-ci epousa plus tard la fille du prince Swanaya, fils de Bhavayavya, nommee Vrichaya.

(85) Soma n’est pas le dieu Lunus; c’est la libation du soma personnifiee.

(86) Nom d’Agni. Voy. note 52.

(87) Autre nom d’Agni, signifiant maitre de l'assemblee pieuse.

(88) Voy. note 56.

(89) Ce sens a ete pris dans le dictionnaire de M. Wilson.
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