The funeral hymns
Four hymns for the dead: Yama, the fathers and the path to the ancestors.
Book 18 gathers the verses for funerals and offerings to the ancestors. Many come from the funeral hymns of the tenth book of the Rigveda.
They speak to the dead on their journey to Yama and the fathers, and to the living who return from the cremation ground to life.
Hymns to read first
Read
book 18.
Sanskrit and English side by side, verse by verse. Choose what to show and how large.
Hymn 18.1An accompaniment to funeral ceremonies and sacrificial offerings to ancestral spirits
1ओ चित्सखायं सख्या ववृत्यां तिरः पुरू चिदर्णवं जगन्वान् । पितुर्नपातमा दधीत वेधा अधि क्षमि प्रतरं दीध्यानः ॥
1Fain would I win my friend to kindly friendship. So may the Sage, come through the air's wide ocean, Remembering the earth and days to follow, obtain a son the issue of his father.
2न ते सखा सख्यं वष्ट्येतत्सलक्ष्मा यद्विषुरूपा भवति । महस्पुत्रासो असुरस्य वीरा दिवो धर्तार उर्विया परि ख्यन् ॥
2Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as a stranger. Sons of the mighty Asura, the heroes, supporters of the heaven, see far around them.
3उशन्ति घा ते अमृतास एतदेकस्य चित्त्यजसं मर्त्यस्य । नि ते मनो मनसि धाय्यस्मे जन्युः पतिस्तन्वमा विविष्याः ॥
3Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, a scion of the only man existing. Then let thy soul and mine be knit together. Embrace thy consort as her loving husband.
4न यत्पुरा चकृमा कद्ध नूनमृतं वदन्तो अनृतं रपेम । गन्धर्वो अप्स्वप्या च योषा सा नौ नाभिः परमं जामि तन् नौ ॥
4Shall we do now what we ne'er did aforetime? we who spoke righteously now talk impurely? Gandharva in the floods, the Dame of Waters—such is our bond, such our most lofty kinship.
5गर्भे नु नौ जनिता दम्पती कर्देवस्त्वष्टा सविता विश्वरूपः । नकिरस्य प्र मिनन्ति व्रतानि वेद नावस्य पृथिवी उत द्यौः ॥
5Even in the womb God Tvashtar, vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts. Ne'er are his holy statutes violated: that we are his the heaven and earth acknowledge.
6को अद्य युङ्क्ते धुरि गा ऋतस्य शिमीवतो भामिनो दुर्हृणायून् । आसन्निषून् हृत्स्वसो मयोभून् य एषां भृत्यामृणधत्स जीवात् ॥
6Who yokes to-day unto the pole of Order the strong and passionate steers of checkless spirit, With shaft-armed mouths, heart-piercing, joy-bestowing? Long shall he live who duly pays them service.
7को अस्य वेद प्रथमस्याह्नः क ईं ददर्श क इह प्र वोचत्। बृहन् मित्रस्य वरुणस्य धाम कदु ब्रव आहनो वीच्या नॄन् ॥
7Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest, Who hath beheld it? Who can here declare it? Great is the law of Varuna and Mitra. What, wanton, wilt thou say to men to tempt them?
8यमस्य मा यम्यं काम आगन्त्समाने योनौ सहशेय्याय । जायेव पत्ये तन्वं रिरिच्यां वि चिद्वृहेव रथ्येव चक्रा ॥
8Yami am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him. I as a wife would yield me to my husband. Like car-wheels let us speed to meet each other.
9न तिष्ठन्ति न नि मिषन्त्येते देवानां स्पश इह ये चरन्ति । अन्येन मदाहनो याहि तूयं तेन वि वृह रथ्येव चक्रा ॥
9They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us. Not me—go quickly, wanton, with another, and hasten like a chariot-wheel to meet him.
10रात्रीभिरस्मा अहभिर्दशस्येत्सूर्यस्य चक्षुर्मुहुरुन् मिमीयात्। दिवा पृथिव्या मिथुना सबन्धू यमीर्यमस्य विवृहादजामि ॥
10May Sūrya's eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him. In heaven and earth the kindred pair commingle. On Yami be the unbrotherly act of Yama.
11आ घा ता गच्छान् उत्तरा युगानि यत्र जामयः कृणवन्न् अजामि । उप बर्बृहि वृषभाय बाहुमन्यमिच्छस्व सुभगे पतिं मत् ॥
11Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. Not me, O fair one—seek another husband, and make thine arm a pillow for thy consort.
12किं भ्रातासद्यदनाथं भवाति किमु स्वसा यन् निर्ऋतिर्निगछात्। काममूता बह्वेतद्रपामि तन्वा मे तन्वं सं पिपृग्धि ॥
12Is he a brother when no help is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh? Forced by my love these many words I utter. Come near, and hold me in thy close embraces,
13न ते नाथं यम्यत्राहमस्मि न ते तनूं तन्वा सं पपृच्याम् । अन्येन मत्प्रमुदः कल्पयस्व न ते भ्राता सुभगे वष्ट्येतत् ॥
13I am no help for thee, no refuge, Yami, I will not clasp and press thee to my bosom. This is abhorrent to my mind and spirit—a brother on the couch beside a sister.
14न वा उ ते तनूं तन्वा सं पिपृच्यां पापमाहुर्यः स्वसारं निगच्छात्। असंयदेतन् मनसो हृदो मे भ्राता स्वसुः शयने यच्छयीय ॥
14I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near a sister. Not me—prepare thy pleasure with another. Thy brother seeks not this from thee, O fair one.
15बतो बतासि यम नैव ते मनो हृदयं चाविदामा । अन्या किल त्वां कक्ष्येव युक्तं परि ष्वजातौ लिबुजेव वृक्षम् ॥
15Alas; thou art indeed a weakling Yama. We find in thee no trace o f heart or spirit. As round a tree the woodbine clings, another will cling about thee girt as with a girdle.
16अन्यमू षु यम्यन्य उ त्वां परि ष्वजातौ लिबुजेव वृक्षम् । तस्य वा त्वं मन इछा स वा तवाधा कृणुष्व संविदं सुभद्राम् ॥
16Embrace another, Yami. Let some other, even as the woodbine rings a tree, enfold thee. Win thou his heart and let him win thy fancy; so make with him a bond of blest alliance.
17त्रीणि च्छन्दांसि कवयो वि येतिरे पुरुरूपं दर्शतं विश्वचक्षणम् । आपो वाता ओषधयस्तान्येकस्मिन् भुवन आर्पितानि ॥
17Three hymns the Sages have disposed in order, the many-formed, the fair, the all-beholding. These in one single world are placed and settled—the growing plants, the breezes, and the waters.
18वृषा वृष्णे दुदुहे दोहसा दिवः पयांसि यह्वो अदितेरदाभ्यः । विश्वं स वेद वरुणो यथा धिया स यज्ञियो यजति यज्ञियामृतून् ॥
18The Bull hath yielded for the Bull the milk of heaven: inviolable is the Son of Aditi. According to his wisdom Varuna knoweth all: he halloweth, the holy, times for sacrifice.
19रपद्गन्धर्वीरप्या च योषणा नदस्य नादे परि पातु नो मनः । इष्टस्य मध्ये अदितिर्नि धातु नो भ्राता नो ज्येष्ठः प्रथमो वि वोचति ॥
19Gandharvi spake. May she, the Lady of the Flood amid the river's roaring leave my heart untouched. May Aditi accomplish all that we desire, and may our eldest Brother tell us this as chief.
20सो चित्नु भद्रा क्षुमती यशस्वत्युषा उवास मनवे स्वर्वती । यदीमुशन्तमुशतामनु क्रतुमग्निं होतारं विदथाय जीजनन् ॥
20Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for man, Since they as was the wish of yearning Gods, brought forth that yearning Agni for the assembly as the Priest.
21अध त्यं द्रप्सं विभ्वं विचक्षनं विराभरदिषिरः श्येनो अध्वरे । यदी विशो वृणते दस्ममार्या अग्निं होतारमध धीरजायत ॥
21And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flowing. drop most excellent and passing wise, Then when the Aryan tribes chose as invoking Priest Agni the wonder-worker, and the hymn rose up.
22सदासि रण्वो यवसेव पुष्यते होत्राभिरग्ने मनुषः स्वध्वरः । विप्रस्य वा यच्छशमान उक्थ्यो वाजं ससवामुपयासि भूरिभिः ॥
22Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and. skilled in sacrifice offers thee holy gifts. When thou having received the sage's strengthening food with lauds, after long toil comest with many more.
23उदीरय पितरा जार आ भगमियक्षति हर्यतो हृत्त इष्यति । विवक्ति वह्निः स्वपस्यते मखस्तविष्यते असुरो वेपते मती ॥
23Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover, to delight: the lovely One desires and craves it from his heart. As Priest he calls aloud, as Warrior shows his skill, as Asura tries his strength, and with the hymn is stirred.
24यस्ते अग्ने सुमतिं मर्तो अख्यत्सहसः सूनो अति स प्र शृण्वे । इषं दधानो वहमानो अश्वैरा स द्युमाममवान् भूषति द्यून् ॥
24Far famed is he, the mortal man, O Agni thou Son of strength, who hath obtained thy favour. He, gathering power, borne onward by his horses, makes his, days lovely in his might and splendour.
25श्रुधी नो अग्ने सदने सधस्थे युक्ष्वा रथममृतस्य द्रवित्नुम् । आ नो वह रोदसी देवपुत्रे माकिर्देवानामप भूरिह स्याः ॥
25Hear us, O Agni, in the great assembly: harness thy rapid car,. the car of Amrit. Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities' Parents, hither: stay with us here, nor from the Gods be absent.
26यदग्न एषा समितिर्भवाति देवी देवेषु यजता यजत्र । रत्ना च यद्विभजासि स्वधावो भागं नो अत्र वसुमन्तं वीतात् ॥
26When, holy Agni, the divine assembly, the holy synod mid the Gods, is gathered, And when thou, godlike One, dealest forth treasures vouchsafe us too our portion of the riches.
27अन्वग्निरुषसामग्रमख्यदन्वहानि प्रथमो जातवेदाः । अनु सूर्य उषसो अनु रश्मीन् द्यावापृथिवी आ विवेश ॥
27Agni hath looked upon the van of Mornings, and on the days. the earliest Jātavedas. After the Dawns, after their rays of brightness, Sūrya hath entered into earth and heaven.
28प्रत्यग्निरुषसामग्रमख्यत्प्रत्यहानि प्रथमो जातवेदाः । प्रति सूर्यस्य पुरुधा च रश्मीन् प्रति द्यावापृथिवी आ ततान ॥
28Agni hath looked against the van of Mornings, against the days the earliest Jātavedas; In many a place against the beams of Sūrya, against the heavens and earth hath he extended.
29द्यावा ह क्षामा प्रथमे ऋतेनाभिश्रावे भवतः सत्यवाचा । देवो यन् मर्तान् यजथाय कृण्वन्त्सीदद्धोता प्रत्यङ्स्वमसुं यन् ॥
29Heaven and Earth, first by everlasting Order, speakers of truth, are near enough to hear us, When the God, urging men to worship, sitteth as Priest, assuming all his vital vigour.
30देवो देवान् परिभूर्ऋतेन वहा नो हव्यं प्रथमश्चिकित्वान् । धूमकेतुः समिधा भाऋजीको मन्द्रो होता नित्यो वाचा यजीयान् ॥
30As God comprising Gods by Law eternal, bear, as the chief who knoweth, our oblation, Smoke-bannered with the fuel, radiant, joyous, better to praise and worship, Priest for ever.
31अर्चामि वां वर्धायापो घृतस्नू द्यावाभूमी शृणुतं रोदसी मे । अहा यद्देवा असुनीतिमायन् मध्वा नो अत्र पितरा शिशीताम् ॥
31I praise your work.that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, twain worlds that drop with fatness! While days and Gods go to the world of spirits, have let the Parents with sweet mead refresh us.
32स्वावृग्देवस्यामृतं यदी गोरतो जातासो धारयन्त उर्वी । विश्वे देवा अनु तत्ते यजुर्गुर्दुहे यदेनी दिव्यं घृतं वाः ॥
32When the Cow's nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven's and earth's sustainers All the Gods come to this thy heavenly Yajus which from the motley Pair milked oil and water
33किं स्विन् नो राजा जगृहे कदस्याति व्रतं चकृमा को वि वेद । मित्रस्चिद्धि ष्मा जुहुराणो देवां छ्लोको न यातामपि वाजो अस्ति ॥
33Hath the King seized us? How have we offended against his holy Ordinance? Who knoweth? For even Mitra mid the Gods is angry. There are both song and wealth for those who come not.
34दुर्मन्त्वत्रामृतस्य नाम सलक्ष्मा यद्विषुरूपा भवाति । यमस्य यो मनवते सुमन्त्वग्ने तमृष्व पाह्यप्रयुच्छन् ॥
34'Tis hard to understand the Immortal's nature, where she who is akin becomes a stranger. Guard ceaselessly, great Agni, him who ponders Yama's name easy to be comprehended.
35यस्मिन् देवा विदथे मादयन्ते विवस्वतः सदने धारयन्ते । सूर्ये ज्योतिरदधुर्मास्यक्तून् परि द्योतनिं चरतो अजस्रा ॥
35They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasvan's dwelling, Have given the Moon his beams, the Sun his splendour: the two unweariedly maintain their brightness.
36यस्मिन् देवा मन्मनि संचरन्त्यपीच्ये न वयमस्य विद्म । मित्रो नो अत्रादितिरनागान्त्सविता देवो वरुणाय वोचत् ॥
36The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan, of that we have no knowledge. There let God Savitar, Aditi, and Mitra proclaim to Varuna that we are sinless.
37सखाय आ शिषामहे ब्रह्मेन्द्राय वज्रिणे । स्तुष ऊ षु नृतमाय धृष्णवे ॥
37Companions, let us learn a prayer to Indra whom the thunder arms, To glorify your bold and most heroic Friend.
38शवसा ह्यसि श्रुतो वृत्रहत्येन वृत्रहा । मघैर्मघोनो अति शूर दाशसि ॥
38For thou by slaying Vritra art the Vritra-slayer, famed for might. Thou, Hero, in rich gifts surpassest wealthy chiefs.
39स्तेगो न क्षामत्येषि पृथिवीं मही नो वाता इह वान्तु भूमौ । मित्रो नो अत्र वरुणो युजमानो अग्निर्वने न व्यसृष्ट शोकम् ॥
39O'er the broad land thou goest like a Stega: here on vast earth let breezes blow upon us, Here hath our dear Friend Varuna, united, like Agni in the wood, shot forth his splendour.
40स्तुहि श्रुतं गर्तसदं जनानां राजानं भीममुपहत्नुमुग्रम् । मृडा जरित्रे रुद्र स्तवानो अन्यमस्मत्ते नि वपन्तु सेन्यम् ॥
40Sing praise to him the chariot-borne, the famous, Sovran of men, the dread and strong destroyer. O Rudra, praised be gracious to the singer; let thy darts spare us and smite down another.
41सरस्वतीं देवयन्तो हवन्ते सरस्वतीमध्वरे तायमाने । सरस्वतीं सुकृतो हवन्ते सरस्वती दाशुषे वार्यं दात् ॥
41The pious call Sarasvati, they worship Sarasvati while sacrifice proceedeth. The virtuous call Sarasvati to hear them. Sarasvati send bliss to him who giveth!
42सरस्वतीं पितरो हवन्ते दक्षिणा यज्ञमभिनक्षमाणाः । आसद्यास्मिन् बर्हिषि मादयध्वमनमीवा इष आ धेह्यस्मे ॥
42Sarasvati is called on by the Fathers who come right forward to our solemn worship. Seated upon this sacred grass rejoice you. Give thou us strengthening food that brings no sickness.
43सरस्वति या सरथं ययाथोक्थैः स्वधाभिर्देवि पितृभिर्मदन्ती । सहस्रार्घमिडो अत्र भागं रायस्पोषं यजमानाय धेहि ॥
43Sarasvati, who comest with the Fathers, joying in hymns, O Goddess, and oblations, Give plenteous wealth to this the sacrificer, a portion, worth a thousand, of refreshment.
44उदीरतामवर उत्परास उन् मध्यमाः पितरः सोम्यासः । असुं य ईयुरवृका ऋतज्ञास्ते नोऽवन्तु पितरो हवेषु ॥
44May they ascend, the lowest, highest, midmost, the Fathers, who deserve a share of Soma. May they who have attained to life, the Fathers, righteous and gentle, aid us when we call them.
45आहं पितॄन्त्सुविदत्रामवित्सि नपातं च विक्रमणं च विष्णोः । बर्हिषदो ये स्वधया सुतस्य भजन्त पित्वस्त इहागमिष्ठाः ॥
45I have attained the gracious-minded Fathers, I have gained son and progeny from Vishnu. They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation, seated on sacred grass, come oftenest hither.
46इदं पितृभ्यो नमो अस्त्वद्य ये पूर्वासो ये अपरास ईयुः । ये पार्थिवे रजस्या निषक्ता ये वा नूनं सुवृजनासु दिक्षु ॥
46Now be this homage offered to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed, Those who have rested in the earthly region and those who dwell among the happy races.
47मातली कव्यैर्यमो अङ्गिरोभिर्बृहस्पतिर्ऋक्वभिर्वावृधानः । यांश्च देवा वावृधुर्ये च देवांस्ते नोऽवन्तु पितरो हवेषु ॥
47Mātali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Angiras' sons, Brihaspati with singers. Exalters of the Gods, by Gods exalted, aid us those Fathers in our invocations?
48स्वादुष्किलायं मधुमाँ उतायं तीव्रः किलायं रसवाँ उतायम् । उतो न्वस्य पपिवांसमिन्द्रं न कश्चन सहत आहवेषु ॥
48Yes, this is good to taste and full of sweetness, verily it is strong and rich in flavour. No one may conquer Indra in the battle when he hath drunken of the draught we offer.
49परेयिवांसं प्रवतो महीरिति बहुभ्यः पन्थामनुपस्पशानम् । वैवस्वतं संगमनं जनानां यमं राजानं हविषा सपर्यत ॥
49Honour the King with your oblations, Yama, Vivasvān's son, who gathers men together. Even him who travelled o'er the mighty rivers, who searches out and shows the path to many.
50यमो नो गातुं प्रथमो विवेद नैषा गव्यूतिरपभर्तवा उ । यत्रा नः पूर्वे पितरः परेता एना जज्ञानाः पथ्या अनु स्वाः ॥
50Yama first found for us the road to travel: this pasture never can be taken from us. Men born on earth tread their own paths that lead them whither our ancient Fathers have departed.
51बर्हिषदः पितर ऊत्यर्वागिमा वो हव्या चकृमा जुषध्वम् । त आ गतावसा शंतमेनाधा नः शं योररपो दधात ॥
51Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us: these offsprings have we made for you; accept them. So come to us with most auspicious favour: bestow on us unfailing health and plenty.
52आच्या जानु दक्षिणतो निषद्येदं नो हविरभि गृणन्तु विश्वे । मा हिंसिष्ट पितरः केन चिन् नो यद्व आगः पुरुषता कराम ॥
52Bowing their bended knees and seated southward let all accept this sacrifice with favour. Punish us not for any sin, O fathers which we through human frailty have committed.
53त्वष्टा दुहित्रे वहतुं कृणोति तेनेदं विश्वं भुवनं समेति । यमस्य माता पर्युह्यमाना महो जाया विवस्वतो ननाश ॥
53Tvashtar prepares the bridal for his daughter: therefore the whole of this our world assembles. But Yama's mother, spouse of great Vivasvān, vanished as she was carried to her dwelling.
54प्रेहि प्रेहि पथिभिः पूर्याणैर्येना ते पूर्वे पितरः परेताः । उभा राजानौ स्वधया मदन्तौ यमं पश्यासि वरुणं च देवम् ॥
54Go forth, go forth upon the homeward pathways whither our sires of old have gone before us. Then shalt thou look on both the Kings enjoying their sacred food, God Varuna and Yama.
55अपेत वीत वि च सर्पतातोऽस्मा एतं पितरो लोकमक्रन् । अहोभिरद्भिरक्तुभिर्व्यक्तं यमो ददात्यवसानमस्मै ॥
55Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions. This world for him the Fathers have provided. Yama bestow upon this man a dwelling adorned with days and beams of light and waters.
56उशन्तस्त्वेधीमह्युशन्तः समिधीमहि । उशन्न् उशत आ वह पितॄन् हविषे अत्तवे ॥
56We set thee down with yearning, and with yearning we enkindle thee, Yearning, bring yearning Fathers nigh to eat the food of sacrifice.
57द्युमन्तस्त्वेधीमहि द्युमन्तः समिधीमहि । द्युमान् द्युमत आ वह पितॄन् हविषे अत्तवे ॥
57We, splendid men, deposit thee, we, splendid men, enkindle thee. Splendid, bring splendid Fathers nigh to eat the sacrificial food.
58अङ्गिरसो नः पितरो नवग्वा अथर्वाणो भृगवः सोम्यासः । तेषां वयं सुमतौ यज्ञियानामपि भद्रे सौमनसे स्याम ॥
58Our Fathers are Angirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhrigus, who deserve the Soma. May these, the holy, look on us with favour; may we enjoy their gracious loving-kindness.
59अङ्गिरोभिर्यज्ञियैरा गहीह यम वैरूपैरिह मादयस्व । विवस्वन्तं हुवे यः पिता तेऽस्मिन् बर्हिष्या निषद्य ॥
59Come, Yama, with Angirases, the holy; rejoice thee here with children of Virūpa. Seated on sacred grass at this oblation: I call Vivasvān too, thy father, hither.
60इमं यम प्रस्तरमा हि रोहाङ्गिरोभिः पितृभिः संविदानः । आ त्वा मन्त्राः कविशस्ता वहन्त्वेना राजन् हविषो मादयस्व ॥
60Come, seat thee on this bed of grass. O Yama, accordant with Angirases and Fathers. Let texts recited by the sages bring thee. O. King, let this oblation make thee joyful.
61इत एत उदारुहन् दिवस्पृष्ठान्वारुहन् । प्र भूर्जयो यथा पथा द्यामङ्गिरसो ययुः ॥
61He hath gone hence and risen on high mounting heaven's ridges by that path Whereon the sons of Angiras, the conquerors of earth, went up.
Hymn 18.2A funeral hymn, taken mainly from the Rigveda
1यमाय सोमः पवते यमाय क्रियते हविः । यमं ह यज्ञो गच्छत्यग्निदूतो अरंकृतः ॥
1For Yama Soma juice flows clear, to Yama is oblation paid. To Yama sacrifice prepared, and heralded by Agni, goes.
2यमाय मधुमत्तमं जुहोता प्र च तिष्ठत । इदं नम ऋषिभ्यः पूर्वजेभ्यः पूर्वेभ्यः पथिकृद्भ्यः ॥
2Offer to Yama sacrifice most sweet in savour and draw near. Bow down before the Rishis of the olden time, the ancient ones who made the path.
3यमाय घृतवत्पयो राज्ञे हविर्जुहोतन । स नो जीवेष्वा यमेद्दीर्घमायुः प्र जीवसे ॥
3Offer to Yama, to the King, butter and milk in sacrifice. So may he grant that we may live long days of life mid living men,
4मैनमग्ने वि दहो माभि शूशुचो मास्य त्वचं चिक्षिपो मा शरीरम् । शृतं यदा करसि जातवेदोऽथेमेनं प्र हिणुतात्पितॄंरुप ॥
4Burn him not up, nor quite consume him, Agni. Let not his body or his skin be scattered. O Jātavedas, when thou hast matured him, then send him on his way unto the Fathers.
5यदा शृतं कृणवो जातवेदोऽथेममेनं परि दत्तात्पितृभ्यः । यदो गछात्यसुनीतिमेतामथ देवानां वशनीर्भवाति ॥
5When thou hast made him ready, Jātavedas, then do thou give him over to the Fathers. When he attains unto the life that waits him he will obey the Deities' commandment.
6त्रिकद्रुकेभिः पवते षडुर्वीरेकमिद्बृहत्। त्रिष्टुब्गायत्री छन्दांसि सर्वा ता यम आर्पिता ॥
6With the three jars Brihat alone makes pure the six wide-spreading realms. The Gāyatri, the Trishtup, all metres in Yama are contained.
7सूर्यं चक्षुषा गच्छ वातमात्मना दिवं च गच्छ पृथिवीं च धर्मभिः । अपो वा गच्छ यदि तत्र ते हितमोषधीषु प्रति तिष्ठा शरीरैः ॥
7The Sun receive thine eye, the wind thy spirit; go, as thy merit is, to earth or heaven. Go, if it be thy lot, unto the waters: go, make thy home in plants with all thy members.
8अजो भागस्तपसस्तं तपस्व तं ते शोचिस्तपतु तं ते अर्चिः । यास्ते शिवास्तन्वो जातवेदस्ताभिर्वहैनं सुकृतामु लोकम् ॥
8Thy portion is the goat: with heat consume him: let thy fierce flame, thy glowing splendour, burn him. With thine auspicious forms, O Jātavedas, bear this man to the region of the pious.
9यास्ते शोचयो रंहयो जातवेदो याभिरापृणासि दिवमन्तरिक्षम् । अजं यन्तमनु ताः समृण्वतामथेतराभिः शिवतमाभिः शृतं कृधि ॥
9Let all thy rapid flames, O Jātavedas, wherewith thou fillest heaven and earth's mid-region, Follow the goat as he goes on, united: then with the others, most auspicious, aid us.
10अव सृज पुनरग्ने पितृभ्यो यस्त आहुतश्चरति स्वधावान् । आयुर्वसान उप यातु शेषः सं गच्छतां तन्वा सुवर्चाः ॥
10Away O Agni, to the Fathers, send him who, offered in thee, goes with our oblations. Wearing new life let him approach his offspring, and splendid, be invested with a body,
11अति द्रव श्वानौ सारमेयौ चतुरक्षौ शबलौ साधुना पथा । अधा पितॄन्त्सुविदत्रामपीहि यमेन ये सधमादं मदन्ति ॥
11Run and outspeed the two dogs, Sarama's offspring, brindled, four-eyed, upon thy happy pathway. Draw nigh thou to the gracious-minded Fathers who take their pleasure in the feast with Yama.
12यौ ते श्वानौ यम रक्षितारौ चतुरक्षौ पथिषदी नृचक्षसा । ताभ्यां राजन् परि धेह्येनं स्वस्त्यस्मा अनमीवं च धेहि ॥
12And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four-eyed who look on men and guard the pathway Entrust this man, O King, to their protection, and with prosperity and health endow him.
13उरूणसावसुतृपावुदुम्बलौ यमस्य दूतौ चरतो जनामनु । तावस्मभ्यं दृशये सूर्याय पुनर्दातामसुमद्येह भद्रम् ॥
13Dark-hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama's two envoys roam among the people. May they restore to us a fair existence here and to-day that we may see the sunlight.
14सोम एकेभ्यः पवते घृतमेक उपासते । येभ्यो मधु प्रधावति तांश्चिदेवापि गच्छतात् ॥
14For some the Soma juice runs clear some sit by sacrificial oil. To those for whom the meath flows forth, even to those let him depart.
15ये चित्पूर्व ऋतसाता ऋतजाता ऋतावृधः । ऋषीन् तपस्वतो यम तपोजामपि गच्छतात् ॥
15Let him, O Yama, go to those Rishis austere, of Fervour born, First followers of Law, the sons of Law, upholders of the Law.
16तपसा ये अनाधृष्यास्तपसा ये स्वर्ययुः । तपो ये चक्रिरे महस्तांश्चिदेवापि गच्छतात् ॥
16Invincible through Fervour, they who by their Fervour went to heaven. Who practised great austerity,—even to those let him depart.
17ये युध्यन्ते प्रधनेषु शूरासो ये स्वर्तनूत्यजः । ये वा सहस्रदक्षिणास्तां चिदेवापि गच्छतात् ॥
17The heroes who contend in war and boldly cast their lives away. Or who give guerdon thousandfold,—even to those let him depart.
18सहस्रणीथाः कवयो ये गोपायन्ति सूर्यम् । ऋषीन् तपस्वतो यम तपोजामपि गच्छतात् ॥
18Let him, O Yama, go to those Rishis austere, of Fervour born, Skilled in a thousand ways and means, the sages who protect the Sun.
19स्योनास्मै भव पृथिव्यनृक्षरा निवेशनी । यछास्मै शर्म सप्रथाः ॥
19Be pleasant unto him, O Earth, thornless and lulling him to rest. Vouchsafe him shelter broad and sure.
20असंबाधे पृथिव्या उरौ लोके नि धीयस्व । स्वधा याश्चकृषे जीवन् तास्ते सन्तु मधुश्चुतः ॥
20In the free amplitude of earth take roomy space to lodge thee in. Let all oblations which in life thou paidest drop thee honey now.
21ह्वयामि ते मनसा मन इहेमान् गृहामुप जुजुषाण एहि । सं गच्छस्व पितृभिः सं यमेन स्योनास्त्वा वाता उप वान्तु शग्माः ॥
21Hither I call thy spirit with my spirit. Come thou; delighted, to these dwelling-places. Unite thee with the Fathers and with Yama: strong and delicious be the winds that fan thee.
22उत्त्वा वहन्तु मरुत उदवाहा उदप्रुतः । अजेन कृण्वन्तः शीतं वर्षेणोक्षन्तु बालिति ॥
22Floating in water, bringing streams, let Maruts carry thee aloft, And causing coolness by their rush sprinkle thee with their falling rain.
23उदह्वमायुरायुषे क्रत्वे दक्षाय जीवसे । स्वान् गच्छतु ते मनो अधा पितॄंरुप द्रव ॥
23I have recalled thy life to life, to being, power, and energy. Let thy soul go unto its own: so to the Fathers hasten thou.
24मा ते मनो मासोर्माङ्गानां मा रसस्य ते । मा ते हास्त तन्वः किं चनेह ॥
24Let not thy soul be left behind: here let not aught of thee remain, Of spirit, body, members, sap.
25मा त्वा वृक्षः सं बाधिष्ट मा देवी पृथिवी मही । लोकं पितृषु वित्त्वैधस्व यमराजसु ॥
25Let not a tree oppness thee, nor Earth the great Goddess weigh thee down. Among the Fathers find thy home, and thrive mid those whom Yama rules.
26यत्ते अङ्गमतिहितं पराचैरपानः प्राणो य उ वा ते परेतः । तत्ते संगत्य पितरः सनीडा घासाद्घासं पुनरा वेशयन्तु ॥
26Each parted member, severed from thy body, thy vital breaths that in the wind have vanished, With all of these, piece after piece, shall Fathers who dwell together meet and reunite thee.
27अपेमं जीवा अरुधन् गृहेभ्यस्तं निर्वहत परि ग्रामादितः । मृत्युर्यमस्यासीद्दूतः प्रचेता असून् पितृभ्यो गमयां चकार ॥
27Him have the living banished from their houses: remove him to a distance from the hamlet. Yama's observant messenger was Mrityu he hath despatched men's lives unto the Fathers.
28ये दस्यवः पितृषु प्रविष्टा ज्ञातिमुखा अहुतादश्चरन्ति । परापुरो निपुरो ये भरन्त्यग्निष्टान् अस्मात्प्र धमाति यज्ञात् ॥
28Those Dasyus who, not eating our oblations, come wilh friends' faces mingled with the Fathers, Those who wear gross those who wear subtile bodies,—from this. our sacrifice let Agni blast them.
29सं विशन्त्विह पितरः स्वा नः स्योनं कृण्वन्तः प्रतिरन्त आयुः । तेभ्यः शकेम हविषा नक्षमाणा ज्योग्जीवन्तः शरदः पुरूचीः ॥
29Bringing delight, prolonging our existence, here let our own, the Fathers, dwell together. Coming with sacrifice may we assist them, living long lives through many autumn seasons.
30यां ते धेनुं निपृणामि यमु क्षीर ओदनम् । तेना जनस्यासो भर्ता योऽत्रासदजीवनः ॥
30Now by this cow I bring thee, by the boiled rice set in milk for thee, Be the supporter of the folk left here without a livelihood.
31अश्वावतीं प्र तर या सुशेवा र्क्षाकं वा प्रतरं नवीयः । यस्त्वा जघान वध्यः सो अस्तु मा सो अन्यद्विदत भागधेयम् ॥
31Prolong the pleasant Dawn enriched with horses-or bearing us. anew beyond the darkness. Adjudged to die be he, the man who slew thee: this portion let him find, and not another.
32यमः परोऽवरो विवस्वान् ततः परं नाति पश्यामि किं चन । यमे अध्वरो अधि मे निविष्टो भुवो विवस्वान् अन्वाततान ॥
32Yama is higher and Vivasvān lower: nothing whatever do I see above him. This sacrifice of mine is based on Yama, Vivasvān spread the atmosphere about us.
33अपागूहन्न् अमृतां मर्त्येभ्यः कृत्वा सवर्णामदधुर्विवस्वते । उताश्विनावभरद्यत्तदासीदजहादु द्वा मिथुना सरण्यूः ॥
33From mortal men they hid the immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvān. Saranyū brought to him the Asvin brothers, and then deserted both twinned pairs of children.
34ये निखाता ये परोप्ता ये दग्धा ये चोद्धिताः । सर्वांस्तान् अग्न आ वह पितॄन् हविषे अत्तवे ॥
34Bring thou the Fathers one and all Agni, to eat the sacrifice. The buried, and the cast away, those burnt with fire, and those exposed.
35ये अग्निदग्धा ये अनग्निदग्धा मध्ये दिवः स्वधया मादयन्ते । त्वं तान् वेत्थ यदि ते जातवेदः स्वधया यज्ञं स्वधितिं जुषन्ताम् ॥
35Those, whether flames have burnt or not consumed them, who in the midst of heaven enjoy oblations— Let them, when thou dost know them, Jatavedas, accept with sacred food the axe and worship.
36शं तप माति तपो अग्ने मा तन्वं तपः । वणेषु शुष्मो अस्तु ते पृथिव्यामस्तु यद्धरः ॥
36Burn gently, Agni, burn not up the body with too fervent heat. Let all thy force and fury be expended on the woods and earth.
37ददाम्यस्मा अवसानमेतद्य एष आगन् मम चेदभूदिह । यमश्चिकित्वान् प्रत्येतदाह ममैष राय उप तिष्ठतामिह ॥
37I give this place to him who hath come hither and now is mine, to be a home to rest in: This was the thought of Yama when he answered: This man is. mine. Let him come here to riches.
38इमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
38This date we settle once for all, that it may ne'er be fixt again_ A hundred autumns; not before.
39प्रेमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
39This date we order, etc.
40अपेमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
40This date we limit, etc.
41वीमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
41This date we measure, etc.
42निरिमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
42This date we mete out, etc.
43उदिमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
43This date we stablish, etc.
44समिमां मात्रां मिमीमहे यथापरं न मासातै । शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
44This date we mete and measure out, that it may ne'er be fixt. again. A hundred autumns: not before.
45अमासि मात्रां स्वरगामायुष्मान् भूयासम् । यथापरं न मासातै शते शरत्सु नो पुरा ॥
45The period I have measured—come to heaven. I would my life were long Not to be measured out again; a hundred autumns, not before.
46प्राणो अपानो व्यान आयुश्चक्षुर्दृशये सूर्याय । अपरिपरेण पथा यमराज्ञः पितॄन् गच्छ ॥
46Inbreath and outbreath, breath diffused, life, sight to look upon the Sun Seek by a straight unwinding path the Fathers whom King Yama rules,
47ये अग्रवः शशमानाः परेयुर्हित्वा द्वेषांस्यनपत्यवन्तः । ते द्यामुदित्याविदन्त लोकं नाकस्य पृष्ठे अधि दीध्यानाः ॥
47Unmarried men who toiled and have departed, the childless, having left their foes behind them, Have found on high the world whereto they mounted, reflecting on the ridge of vaulted heaven.
48उदन्वती द्यौरवमा पीलुमतीति मध्यमा । तृतीया ह प्रद्यौरिति यस्यां पितर आसते ॥
48The lowest is the Watery heaven, Pilumatī the middlemost; The third and highest, that wherein the Fathers dwell, is called Pradyaus.
49ये न पितुः पितरो ये पितामहा य आविविशुरुर्वन्तरिक्षम् । य आक्षियन्ति पृथिवीमुत द्यां तेभ्यः पितृभ्यो नमसा विधेम ॥
49The Fathers of our Father, his Grandfathers, those who have entered into air's wide region, Those who inhabit earth or dwell in heaven, these Fathers will we worship with oblation.
50इदमिद्वा उ नापरं दिवि पश्यसि सूर्यम् । माता पुत्रं यथा सिचाभ्येनं भूम ऊर्णुहि ॥
50Thou seest now, and ne'er again shalt look upon, the Sun in heaven. Cover him as a mother draws her skirt about her son, O Earth!
51इदमिद्वा उ नापरं जरस्यन्यदितोऽपरम् । जाया पतिमिव वाससाभ्येनं भूम ऊर्णुहि ॥
51This once,,and at no other time hereafter in a lengthened life: Cover him, as a wife, O Earth, covers her husband with her robe!
52अभि त्वोर्णोमि पृथिव्या मातुर्वस्त्रेण भद्रया । जीवेषु भद्रं तन् मयि स्वधा पितृषु सा त्वयि ॥
52Round thee auspiciously I wrap the vesture of our Mother Earth: Be bliss among the living mine, oblation mid the Fathers thine!
53अग्नीषोमा पथिकृता स्योनं देवेभ्यो रत्नं दधथुर्वि लोकम् । उप प्रेष्यन्तं पूषणं यो वहात्यञ्जोयानैः पथिभिस्तत्र गच्छतम् ॥
53Ye have prepared, pathmakers, Agni-Soma, a fair world for the Gods to be the it treasure. Go to that world and send us Pūshan hither to bear us on the paths the goat hath trodden.
54पूषा त्वेतश्च्यावयतु प्र विद्वान् अनष्टपशुर्भुवनस्य गोपाः । स त्वैतेभ्यः परि ददत्पितृभ्योऽग्निर्देवेभ्यः सुविदत्रियेभ्यः ॥
54Guard of the world, whose cattle ne'er are injured, may Pūshan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge. May he consign thee to these Fathers' keeping, and to the gracious Gods let Agni give hee.
55आयुर्विश्वायुः परि पातु त्वा पूषा त्वा पातु प्रपथे पुरस्तात्। यत्रासते सुकृतो यत्र त ईयुस्तत्र त्वा देवः सविता दधातु ॥
55Lord of all life, let Ayu guard thee, Pūshan convey thee forward on the distant pathway. May Savitar the God conduct thee thither where dwell the pious who have gone before thee.
56इमौ युनज्मि ते वह्नी असुनीताय वोढवे । ताभ्यां यमस्य सादनं समितिश्चाव गच्छतात् ॥
56For thee I yoke these carriers twain to bear thee to the spirit. world. Hasten with them to Yama's home and join his gathered. companies.
57एतत्त्वा वासः प्रथमं न्वागन्न् अपैतदूह यदिहाबिभः पुरा । इष्टापूर्तमनुसंक्राम विद्वान् यत्र ते दत्तं बहुधा विबन्धुषु ॥
57This is the robe that first was wrapped about thee: cast off the robe thou worest here among us. Go, knowing, to the meed of virtuous action, thy many gifts. bestowed upon the friendless.
58अग्नेर्वर्म परि गोभिर्व्ययस्व सं प्रोर्णुष्व मेदसा पीवसा च । नेत्त्वा धृष्णुर्हरसा जर्हृषाणो दधृग्विधक्षन् परीङ्खयातै ॥
58Mail thee with flesh against the flames of Agni; encompass thee about with fat and marrow; So will the bold One eager to attack thee with fierce glow fail to girdle and consume thee.
59दण्डं हस्तादाददानो गतासोः सह श्रोत्रेण वर्चसा बलेन । अत्रैव त्वमिह वयं सुवीरा विश्वा मृधो अभिमातीर्जयेम ॥
59From his dead hand I take the staff he carried, together with his lore and strength and splendour. There art thou, there; and here with good men round us may we o'ercome all enemies and foemen.
60धनुर्हस्तादाददानो मृतस्य सह क्षत्रेण वर्चसा बलेन । समागृभाय वसु भूरि पुष्टमर्वाङ्त्वमेह्युप जीवलोकम् ॥
60From his dead hand I take the bow he carried, together with his. power and strength and splendour. Having collected wealth and ample treasure, come hither to the world of living beings.
Hymn 18.3A funeral hymn, taken partly from the Rigveda
1इयं नारी पतिलोकं वृणाना नि पद्यत उप त्वा मर्त्य प्रेतम् । धर्मं पुराणमनुपालयन्ती तस्यै प्रजां द्रविणं चेह धेहि ॥
1Choosing her husband's world, O man, this woman lays herself down beside thy lifeless body. Preserving faithfully the ancient custom. Bestow upon here both wealth and offspring.
2उदीर्ष्व नार्यभि जीवलोकं गतासुमेतमुप शेष एहि । हस्तग्राभस्य दधिषोस्तवेदं पत्युर्जनित्वमभि सं बभूथ ॥
2Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover.
3अपश्यं युवतिं नीयमानां जीवां मृतेभ्यः परिणीयमानाम् । अन्धेन यत्तमसा प्रावृतासीत्प्राक्तो अपाचीमनयं तदेनाम् ॥
3I looked and saw the youthful dame escorted, the living to the dead: I saw them, bear her. When she with blinding darkness was enveloped, then did I turn her back and lead her homeward.
4प्रजानत्यघ्न्ये जीवलोकं देवानां पन्थामनुसंचरन्ती । अयं ते गोपतिस्तं जुषस्व स्वर्गं लोकमधि रोहयैनम् ॥
4Knowing the world of living beings, Aghnyā! treading the path. of Gods which lies before thee, This is thy husband: joyfully receive him and let him mount into the world of Svarga.
5उप द्यामुप वेतसमवत्तरो नदीनाम् । अग्ने पित्तमपामसि ॥
5The speed of rivers craving heaven and cane, thou, Agni, art the waters' gall.
6यं त्वमग्ने समदहस्तमु निर्वापय पुनः । क्याम्बूरत्र रोहतु शाण्डदूर्वा व्यल्कशा ॥
6Cool, Agni, and again refresh the spot which thou hast scorched and burnt. Here let the water-lily grow, and tender grass and leafy plant.
7इदं त एकं पुर ऊ त एकं तृतीयेन ज्योतिषा सं विशस्व । संवेशने तन्वा चारुरेधि प्रियो देवानां परमे सधस्थे ॥
7Here is one light for thee, another yonder: enter the third and be therewith united. Uniting with a body be thou lovely, dear to the Gods in their sublimest mansion.
8उत्तिष्ठ प्रेहि प्र द्रवौकः कृणुष्व सलिले सधस्थे । तत्र त्वं पितृभिः संविदानः सं सोमेन मदस्व सं स्वधाभिः ॥
8Rise up, advance, run forward: make thy dwelling in water that shall be thy place to rest in There dwelling in accordance with the Fathers delight thyself with Soma and libations.
9प्र च्यवस्व तन्वं सं भरस्व मा ते गात्रा वि हायि मो शरीरम् । मनो निविष्टमनुसंविशस्व यत्र भूमेर्जुषसे तत्र गच्छ ॥
9Prepare thy body: speed thou on thy journey: let not thy limbs,. thy frame be left behind thee. Follow to its repose thy resting spirit: go to whatever spot of earth thou lovest.
10वर्चसा मां पितरः सोम्यासो अञ्जन्तु देवा मधुना घृतेन । चक्षुषे मा प्रतरं तारयन्तो जरसे मा जरदष्टिं वर्धन्तु ॥
10With splendour may the Fathers, meet for Soma, with mead and. fatness may the Gods anoint me. Lead me on farther to extended vision, and prosper me through life of long duration.
11वर्चसा मां समनक्त्वग्निर्मेधां मे विष्णुर्न्यनक्त्वासन् । रयिं मे विश्वे नि यच्छन्तु देवाः स्योना मापः पवनैः पुनन्तु ॥
11May Agni balm me thoroughly with splendour; may Vishnu. touch my lips with understanding. May all the Deities vouchsafe me riches, and pleasant Waters purify and cleanse me.
12मित्रावरुणा परि मामधातामादित्या मा स्वरवो वर्धयन्तु । वर्चो म इन्द्रो न्यनक्तु हस्तयोर्जरदष्टिं मा सविता कृणोतु ॥
12Mitra and Varuna have stood about me. Ādityas, Sacirifical Posts exalt me! May Indra balm my hands with strength and splendour. A long, long life may Savitar vouchsafe me.
13यो ममार प्रथमो मर्त्यानां यः प्रेयाय प्रथमो लोकमेतम् । वैवस्वतं संगमनं जनानां यमं राजानं हविषा सपर्यत ॥
13Worship with sacrificial gift King Yama, Vivasvān's son who gathers men together, Yama who was the first to die of mortals, the first who travelled to the world before us.
14परा यात पितर आ च यातायं वो यज्ञो मधुना समक्तः । दत्तो अस्मभ्यं द्रविणेह भद्रं रयिं च नः सर्ववीरं दधात ॥
14Depart, O Fathers, and again come hither; this sacrifice of yours is balmed with sweetness. Enrich us here with gift of great possessions; grant blessed wealth with ample store of heroes.
15कण्वः कक्षीवान् पुरुमीढो अगस्त्यः श्यावाश्वः सोभर्यर्चनानाः । विश्वामित्रोऽयं जमदग्निरत्रिरवन्तु नः कश्यपो वामदेवः ॥
15Kanva, Kakshivān, Purumidha, Agastya, Syāvāsva Sobhari, and Archanānas, This Visvāmitra, Jamadagni, Atri, Kasyapa, Vāmadeva be our helpers!
16विश्वामित्र जमदग्ने वसिष्ठ भरद्वाज गोतम वामदेव । शर्दिर्नो अत्रिरग्रभीन् नमोभिः सुसंशासः पितरो मृडता नः ॥
16Vasishtha, Jamadagni, Visvāmitra, Gotama, Vāmadeva, Bharadvaja! Atri hath won your favour with homage. Gracious to us be ye praiseworthy Fathers.
17कस्ये मृजाना अति यन्ति रिप्रमायुर्दधानाः प्रतरं नवीयः । आप्यायमानाः प्रजया धनेनाध स्याम सुरभयो गृहेषु ॥
17They, making for themselves a new existence, wash off defilement in the brazen vessel. May we be fragrant in our houses, ever increasing in our children and our riches.
18अञ्जते व्यञ्जते समञ्जते क्रतुं रिहन्ति मधुनाभ्यञ्जते । सिन्धोरुच्छ्वासे पतयन्तमुक्षणं हिरण्यपावाः पशुमासु गृह्नते ॥
18They balm him, balm him over, balm him thoroughly, caress the mighty power and balm it with the mead, They seize the flying steer at the stream's breathing-place: cleansing with gold they grasp the animal herein.
19यद्वो मुद्रं पितरः सोम्यं च तेनो सचध्वं स्वयशसो हि भूत । ते अर्वाणः कवय आ शृणोत सुविदत्रा विदथे हुयमानाः ॥
19Fathers, be glorious in yourselves, and follow all that is glad in you and meet for Soma. Give ear and listen, swiftly-moving Sages, benevolent, invoked in our assembly.
20ये अत्रयो अङ्गिरसो नवग्वा इष्टावन्तो रातिषाचो दधानाः । दक्षिणावन्तः सुकृतो य उ स्थासद्यास्मिन् बर्हिषि मादयध्वम् ॥
20Atris, Angirases, Navagvas, givers of liberal gifts, continual sacrificers, Devout and pious, granting guerdon freely, sit on this holy grass and be ye joyful.
21अधा यथा नः पितरः परासः प्रत्नासो अग्न ऋतमाशशानाः । शुचीदयन् दीध्यत उक्थशसः क्षामा भिन्दन्तो अरुणीरप व्रन् ॥
21As in the days of old our ancient Fathers, speeding the work of sacred worship, Agni! Sought pure light and devotion, singing praises, they cleft the ground and made red Dawns apparent.
22सुकर्मानः सुरुचो देवयन्तो अयो न देवा जनिमा धमन्तः । शुचन्तो अग्निं वावृधन्त इन्द्रमुर्वीं गव्यां परिषदं नो अक्रन् ॥
22Gods, doing holy acts, devout, resplendent, smelting like ore their human generation, Brightening Agni and exalting Indra, they came encompassing the stall of cattle.
23आ यूथेव क्षुमति पश्वो अख्यद्देवानां जनिमान्त्युग्रः । मर्तासश्चिदुर्वशीरकृप्रन् वृधे चिदर्य उपरस्यायोः ॥
23Strong One! he marked them, and the gods before them, like herds of cattle in a foodful pasture. There man moaned forth their strong desires, to strengthen even the true; the nearest One, the living.
24अकर्म ते स्वपसो अभूम ऋतमवस्रन्न् उषसो विभातीः । विश्वं तद्भद्रं यदवन्ति देवा बृहद्वदेम विदथे सुवीराः ॥
24We have worked for thee, we have toiled and laboured: bright Dawns have shed their light upon our worship. All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
25इन्द्रो मा मरुत्वान् प्राच्या दिशः पातु बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
25From eastward Indra, Lord or Maruts, guard me, as in her arms Earth guards the heaven above us! Those who give room, who made the paths, we worship, you, mid the Gods, who share the gifts we offer.
26धाता मा निर्ऋत्या दक्षिणाया दिशः पातु बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
26Dhātar with Nirriti save me from southward, etc. (as in stanza 25).
27अदितिर्मादित्यैः प्रतीच्या दिशः पातु बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
27From westward Aditi was Ādityas save me! etc.
28सोमो मा विश्वैर्देवैरुदीच्या दिशः पातु बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
28From westward with the All-Gods save me Soma! etc.
29धर्ता ह त्वा धरुणो धारयाता ऊर्ध्वं भानुं सविता द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
29May the strong firm Sustainer bear thee upright, as Savitar bears light above the heaven. Those who give room, who made the paths, we worship, you mid the Gods, whe share the gifts we offer.
30प्राच्यां त्वा दिशि पुरा सम्वृतः स्वधायामा दधामि बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
30Toward the eastward region I supply thee before thou goest homeward, with oblation, as in her arms, etc. (as in stanza 25).
31दक्षिणायां त्वा दिशि पुरा सम्वृतः स्वधायामा दधामि बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
31Toward the southern region, etc.
32प्रतीच्यां त्वा दिशि पुरा संवृतः स्वधायामा दधामि बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
32Toward the western region, etc.
33उदीच्यां त्वा दिशि पुरा सम्वृतः स्वधायामा दधामि बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
33Toward the northern region, etc.
34ध्रुवायां त्वा दिशि पुरा संवृतः स्वधायामा दधामि बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
34Toward the stedfast region, etc.
35ऊर्ध्वायां त्वा दिशि पुरा सम्वृतः स्वधायामा दधामि बाहुच्युता पृथिवी द्यामिवोपरि । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
35Toward the upmost region I supply thee, before thou goest homeward, with oblation, as in her arms Earth bears the heaven above us. Those who give room, who made the paths, we worship, you, mid the Gods, who share the gifts we offer.
36धर्तासि धरुनोऽसि वंसगोऽसि ॥
36Thou art the Bull, Supporter, and Upholder,
37उदपूरसि मधुपूरसि वातपूरसि ॥
37Who purifiest wind and mead and water.
38इतश्च मामुतश्चावतां यमे इव यतमाने यदैतम् । प्र वां भरन् मानुषा देवयन्तो आ सीदतां स्वमु लोकं विदाने ॥
38From this side and from that let both assist me. As, speeding, ye have come like two twin sisters, Religious-hearted votaries brought you forward. Knowing your several places be ye seated.
39स्वासस्थे भवतमिन्दवे नो युजे वां ब्रह्म पूर्व्यं नमोभिः । वि श्लोक एति पथ्येव सूरिः शृण्वन्तु विश्वे अमृतास एतत् ॥
39Sit near, sit very near beside our Soma: for you I fit the ancient prayer with homage. The praise-song, like a chieftain on his pathway, spreads far and wide. Let all Immortals hear it.
40त्रीणि पदानि रुपो अन्वरोहच्चतुष्पदीमन्वेतद्व्रतेन । अक्षरेण प्रति मिमीते अर्कमृतस्य नाभावभि सं पुनाति ॥
40Three paces hath the stake gone up, and followed her, the four-footed, with devout observance. He with the Syllable copies the praise-song; he thoroughly purifies at Order's centre.
41देवेभ्यः कमवृणीत मृत्युं प्रजायै किममृतं नावृणीत । बृहस्पतिर्यज्ञमतनुत ऋषिः प्रियां यमस्तन्वमा रिरेच ॥
41Chose he then, death for Gods to be their portion? Why chose he not for men a life eternal? Brihaspati span sacrifice, the Rishi; and Yama yielded up his own dear body.
42त्वमग्न ईडितो जातवेदोऽवाड्ढव्यानि सुरभीणि कृत्वा । प्रादाः पितृभ्यः स्वधया ते अक्षन्न् अद्धि त्वं देव प्रयता हवींषि ॥
42Thou, Agni Jātavedas, when entreated, didst bear our offerings, having made them fragrant. And give them to the Fathers who consumed them with Svadhā. Eat, thou God, the gifts we bring thee.
43आसीनासो अरुणीनामुपस्थे रयिं धत्त दाशुषे मर्त्याय । पुत्रेभ्यः पितरस्तस्य वस्वः प्र यच्छत त इहोर्जं दधात ॥
43Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to the man who brings oblations. Grant to your sons a portion of that treasure, and, present, give them energy, O Fathers.
44अग्निष्वात्ताः पितर एह गच्छत सदःसदः सदत सुप्रणीतयः । अत्तो हवींषि प्रयतानि बर्हिषि रयिं च नः सर्ववीरं दधात ॥
44Fathers whom Agni's flames have tasted, come ye nigh: in perfect order take ye each your proper place. Eat sacrificial food presented on the grass: grant riches with a multitude of hero sons.
45उपहूता नः पितरः सोम्यासो बर्हिष्येषु निधिषु प्रियेषु । त आ गमन्तु त इह श्रुवन्त्वधि ब्रुवन्तु तेऽवन्त्वस्मान् ॥
45May they, the Fathers who deserve the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations. Laid on the sacred grass, come nigh and listen. May they be gracious unto us and bless us.
46ये नः पितुः पितरो ये पितामहा अनूजहिरे सोमपीथं वसिष्ठाः । तेभिर्यमः सम्रराणो हवींष्युशन्न् उशद्भिः प्रतिकाममत्तु ॥
46Our Father's Fathers and their sires before them who came, most noble, to the Soma banquet, With these let Yama, yearning with the yearning, rejoicing eat our offerings at his pleasure.
47ये तातृषुर्देवत्रा जेहमाना होत्राविदः स्तोमतष्टासो अर्कैः । आग्ने याहि सहस्रं देववन्दैः सत्यैः कविभिर्ऋषिभिर्घर्मसद्भिः ॥
47Come to us, Agni, with the gracious Fathers who dwell in glowing light, the very Sages, Who thirsted mid the Gods, who hasten hither, oblation-winners, theme of singers' praises.
48ये सत्यासो हविरदो हविष्पा इन्द्रेण देवैः सरथं तुरेण । आग्ने याहि सुविदत्रेभिरर्वाङ्परैः पूर्वैर्ऋषिभिर्घर्मसद्भिः ॥
48Come, Agni, come with countless ancient Fathers, dwellers in light, primeval, God-adorers, Eaters and drinkers of oblation, truthful, who travel with the Deities and Indra.
49उप सर्प मातरं भूमिमेतामुरुव्यचसं पृथिवीं सुशेवाम् । ऊर्णम्रदाः पृथिवी दक्षिणावत एषा त्वा पातु प्रपथे पुरस्तात् ॥
49Betake thee to the lap of Earth, our mother, of Earth far-spreading, very kind and gracious. May she, wool-soft unto the guerdon-giver, guard thee in front upon the distant pathway.
50उच्छ्वञ्चस्व पृथिवि मा नि बाधथाः सूपायनास्मै भव सूपसर्पणा । माता पुत्रं यथा सिचाभ्येनं भूम ऊर्णुहि ॥
50Heave thyself, Earth, nor press him downward heavily: afford him easy access pleasant to approach, Cover him as a mother wraps her skirt about her child, O Earth!
51उच्छ्वञ्चमाना पृथिवी सु तिष्ठतु सहस्रं मित उप हि श्रयन्ताम् । ते गृहासो घृतश्चुतः स्योना विश्वाहास्मै शरणाः सन्त्वत्र ॥
51Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea, let a thousand clods remain above him. Be they to him a home distilling fatness: here let them ever be his place of refuge.
52उत्ते स्तभ्नामि पृथिवीं त्वत्परीमं लोगं निदधन् मो अहं रिषम् । एतां स्थूणां पितरो धारयन्ति ते तत्र यमः सादना ते कृणोतु ॥
52I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. May I be free from injury. The Fathers firmly fix this pillar here for thee; and there let Yama make thee an abiding-place.
53इममग्ने चमसं मा वि जिह्वरः प्रियो देवानामुत सोम्यानाम् । अयं यश्चमसो देवपानस्तस्मिन् देवा अमृता मादयन्ताम् ॥
53Forbear, O Agni, to upset this chalice: the Gods and they who merit Soma love it. This cup, yea this which serves the Gods to drink from,—in this let the Immortals take their pleasure.
54अथर्वा पूर्णं चमसं यमिन्द्रायाबिभर्वाजिनीवते । तस्मिन् कृणोति सुकृतस्य भक्षं तस्मिन् इन्दुः पवते विश्वदानीम् ॥
54The chalice brimming o'er which erst Atharvan offered to Indra, Lord of wealth and treasure, Indu therein sets draught of virtuous action, and ever purifies himself within it.
55यत्ते कृष्णः शकुन आतुतोद पिपीलः सर्प उत वा श्वापदः । अग्निष्टद्विश्वादगदं कृणोतु सोमश्च यो ब्राह्मणामाविवेश ॥
55What wound soe'er the dark bird hath inflicted, the emmet, or the serpent, or the jackal, May Agni who devoureth all things heal it, and Soma, who hath passed into the Brāhmans.
56पयस्वतीरोषधयः पयस्वन् मामकं पयः । अपां पयसो यत्पयस्तेन मा सह शुम्भतु ॥
56The plants of earth are rich in milk, and rich in milk is this my milk. With all the milky essence of the Waters let them make me clean.
57इमा नारीरविधवाः सुपत्नीराञ्जनेन सर्पिषा सं स्पृशन्ताम् । अनश्रवो अनमीवाः सुरत्ना आ रोहन्तु जनयो योनिमग्रे ॥
57Let these unwidowed dames with goodly husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent. Decked with fair jewels, tearless, free, from trouble, first let the dames go up to where he lieth.
58सं गच्छस्व पितृभिः सं यमेनेष्टापूर्तेन परमे व्योमन् । हित्वावद्यं पुनरस्तमेहि सं गच्छतां तन्वा सुवर्चाः ॥
58Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of virtuous action in the loftiest heaven. Leave sin and evil, seek anew thy dwelling: so bright with glory let him join his body.
59ये नः पितुः पितरो ये पितामहा य आविविशुरुर्वन्तरिक्षम् । तेभ्यः स्वरादसुनीतिर्नो अद्य वथावशं तन्वः कल्पयाति ॥
59Our Father's Fathers and their sires before them, they who have entered into air's wide region, For them shall self-resplendent Asuniti form bodies now according to her pleasure.
60शं ते नीहारो भवतु शं ते प्रुष्वाव शीयताम् । शीतिके शीतिकावति ह्लादिके ह्लादिकावति । मण्डूक्यप्सु शं भुव इमं स्वग्निं शमय ॥
60Let the hoar-frost be sweet to thee. sweetly on thee the rain descend! O full of coolness, thou cool Plant, full of fresh moisture, freshening Herb, Bless us in waters, female Frog: calm and allay this Agni here.
61विवस्वान् नो अभयं कृणोतु यः सुत्रामा जीरदानुः सुदानुः । इहेमे वीरा बहवो भवन्तु गोमदश्ववन् मय्यस्तु पुष्टम् ॥
61Vivasvān make us free from fear and peril, good rescuer, quick-pouring, bounteous giver! Many in number be these present heroes! Increase of wealth be mine in kine and horses!
62विवस्वान् नो अमृतत्वे दधातु परैतु मृत्युरमृतं न ऐतु । इमान् रक्षतु पुरुषान् आ जरिम्णो मो स्वेषामसवो यमं गुः ॥
62In immortality Vivasvān set us! Go from us Death, come to us life eternal! To good old age may he protect these people: let not their spirits pass away to Yama.
63यो दध्रे अन्तरिक्षे न मह्ना पितॄणां कविः प्रमतिर्मतीनाम् । तमर्चत विश्वमित्रा हविर्भिः स नो यमः प्रतरं जीवसे धात् ॥
63The Sage of Fathers, guardian of devotions who holds thee up with might in air's mid-region,— Praise him ye Visvāmitras, with oblation. To lengthened life shall be, this Yama, lead us.
64आ रोहत दिवमुत्तमामृषयो मा बिभीतन । सोमपाः सोमपायिन इदं वः क्रियते हविरगन्म ज्योतिरुत्तमम् ॥
64Mount and ascend to highest heaven, O Rishis: be ye not afraid. Soma-drinkers to you is paid this Soma-lover's sacrifice. We have attained the loftiest light.
65प्र केतुना बृहता भात्यग्निरा रोदसी वृषभो रोरवीति । दिवश्चिदन्तादुपमामुदानडपामुपस्थे महिषो ववर्ध ॥
65Agni is shining forth with lofty banner: the Bull is bellowing to earth and heaven. From the sky's limit even hath he stretched near us: the Steer hath waxen in the waters' bosom.
66नाके सुपर्णमुप यत्पतन्तं ह्र्दा वेनन्तो अभ्यचक्षत त्वा । हिरण्यपक्षं वरुणस्य दूतं यमस्य योनौ शकुनं भुरन्युम् ॥
66They gaze on thee with longing in their spirit, as on an eagle that is mounting skyward; On thee with wings of gold, Varuna's envoy, the Bird that hasteth to the home of Yama.
67इन्द्र क्रतुं न आ भर पिता पुत्रेभ्यो यथा । शिक्षा णो अस्मिन् पुरुहूत यामनि जीवा ज्योतिरशीमहि ॥
67O Indra, bring us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons. Guide us, O much-invoked in this our way: may we still living look upon the Sun.
68अपूपापिहितान् कुम्भान् यांस्ते देवा अधारयन् । ते ते सन्तु स्वधावन्तो मधुमन्तो घृतश्चुतः ॥
68Let these which Gods have held for thee, the beakers covered o'er with cake, Be full of sacred food for thee, distilling fatness, rich in mead.
69यास्ते धाना अनुकिरामि तिलमिश्रा स्वधावतीः । तास्ते सन्तु विभ्वीः प्रभ्वीस्तास्ते यमो राजानु मन्यताम् ॥
69Grains which for thee I scatter, mixt with Sesamum, as holy food, May they for thee be excellent and potent: King Yama look on them as thine with favour!
70पुनर्देहि वनस्पते य एष निहितस्त्वयि । यथा यमस्य सादन आसातौ विदथा वदन् ॥
70O Tree, give back again this man who is deposited on thee. That he may dwell in Yama's home addressing the assemblies there.
71आ रभस्व जातवेदस्तेजस्वद्धरो अस्तु ते । शरीरमस्य सं दहाथैनं देहि सुकृतामु लोके ॥
71Seize hold O Jātavedas; let thy flame be full of fervent heat. Consume his body: to the world of pious ones transport this man.
72ये ते पूर्वे परागता अपरे पितरश्च ये । तेभ्यो घृतस्य कुल्यैतु शतधारा व्युन्दती ॥
72To these, thy Fathers who have passed away at first and afterward, Let the full brook of butter run, o'erflowing with a hundred streams.
73एतदा रोह वय उन्मृजानः स्वा इह बृहदु दीदयन्ते । अभि प्रेहि मध्यतो माप हास्थाः पितॄनां लोकं प्रथमो यो अत्र ॥
73Mount to this life, removing all defilement: here thine own kindred shine with lofty splendour. Depart thou; be not left behind: go forward, first of those here, unto the world of Fathers.
Hymn 18.4A funeral hymn, composed partly of verses from the Rigveda
1आ रोहत जनित्रीं जातवेदसः पितृयानैः सं व आ रोहयामि । अवाड्ढव्येषितो हव्यवाह ईजानं युक्ताः सुकृतां धत्त लोके ॥
1Rise to your mother, flames of Jātavedas! I send you up by paths which Fathers traverse. With headlong speed the Oblation bearer bore our gifts: toil ye, and place the offerer where the righteous dwell.
2देवा यज्ञमृतवः कल्पयन्ति हविः पुरोडाशं स्रुचो यज्ञायुधानि । तेभिर्याहि पथिभिर्देवयानैर्यैरीजानाः स्वर्गं यन्ति लोकम् ॥
2The Seasons, Deities, form and order Worship, butter, cake, ladles, sacrificial weapons. Tread thou God-travelled paths whereby the righteous, payers of sacrifices, go to Svarga.
3ऋतस्य पन्थामनु पश्य साध्वङ्गिरसः सुकृतो येन यन्ति । तेभिर्याहि पथिभिः स्वर्गं यत्रादित्या मधु भक्षयन्ति तृतीये नाके अधि वि श्रयस्व ॥
3Carefully look on Sacrifice's pathway whereon the Angirases, the righteous, travel. By those same pathways go thou up to Svarga where the Ādityas take their fill of sweetness, There make thy home in the third vault of heaven,
4त्रयः सुपर्णा उपरस्य मायू नाकस्य पृष्ठे अधि विष्टपि श्रिताः । स्वर्गा लोका अमृतेन विष्ठा इषमूर्जं यजमानाय दुह्राम् ॥
4Three eagles in the region's roar are standing high on heaven's ridge in their appointed station. The worlds of Svarga shall, filled full of Amrit, yield food and power to him who sacrificeth.
5जुहूर्दाधार द्यामुपभृदन्तरिक्षं ध्रुवा दाधार पृथिवीं प्रतिष्ठाम् । ध्रुव आ रोह पृथिवीं विश्वभोजसमन्तरिक्षमुपभृदा क्रमस्व । प्रतीमां लोका घृतपृष्ठाः स्वर्गाः कामंकामं यजमानाय दुह्राम् ॥
5Upabhrit stablished air, Juhū the heaven, Dhruva supported earth securely founded. As meed, the Svarga worlds, o'erspread with fatness shall yield the sacrificer all his wishes.
6ध्रुव आ रोह पृथिवीं विश्वभोजसमन्तरिक्षमुपभृदा क्रमस्व । जुहु द्यां गच्छ यजमानेन साकं स्रुवेण वत्सेन दिशः प्रपीनाः सर्वा धुक्ष्वाहृण्यमानः ॥
6Dhruvā, ascend thou earth the all sustainer: go thou, O Upabhrit, to air's mid-region. Juhu, go skyward with the sacrificer; go, and with Sruva be thy calf beside thee drain all the swelling unreluctant quarters.
7तीर्थैस्तरन्ति प्रवतो महीरिति यज्ञकृतः सुकृतो येन यन्ति । अत्रादधुर्यजमानाय लोकं दिशो भूतानि यदकल्पयन्त ॥
7They ford the mighty rivers by the pathway which they who sacrifice, the righteous, travel. There they gave room unto the sacrificer when they made regions and existing creatures.
8अङ्गिरसामयनं पूर्वो अग्निरादित्यानामयनं गार्हपत्यो दक्षिणानामयनं दक्षिणाग्निः । महिमानमग्नेर्विहितस्य ब्रह्मणा समङ्गः सर्व उप याहि शग्मः ॥
8The Angirases' pathway is the eastern Agni, the Ādityas' pathway is the Gārhapatya: The southward Agni is the way of Southerns. To Agni's greatness whom the prayer divideth go powerful, unscathed with all thy members.
9पूर्वो अग्निष्ट्वा तपतु शं पुरस्ताच्छं पश्चात्तपतु गार्हपत्यः । दक्षिणाग्निष्टे तपतु शर्म वर्मोत्तरतो मध्यतो अन्तरिक्षाद्दिशोदिशो अग्ने परि पाहि घोरात् ॥
9Eastward let east fire happily consume thee, and westward happily the Gārhapatya. Burn southern fire, thine armour and protection: from air's-mid-region from the north and centre, on all sides, Agni, guard thou him from horror.
10यूयमग्ने शंतमाभिस्तनूभिरीजानमभि लोकं स्वर्गम् । अश्वा भूत्वा पृष्टिवाहो वहाथ यत्र देवैः सधमादं मदन्ति ॥
10Do ye, with your most kindly forms, O Agni, waft, turned to rapid steeds whose ribs bear burthens, The sacrificer to the world of Svarga where with the Gods they banquet and are joyful.
11शमग्ने पश्चात्तप शं पुरस्ताच्छमुत्तराच्छमधरात्तपैनम् । एकस्त्रेधा विहितो जातवेदः सम्यगेनं धेहि सुकृतामु लोके ॥
11Happily from the rear burn this man, Agni, happily from before, above, and under. One, triply parted, Jātavedas, place him happily in the world that holds the righteous.
12शमग्नयः समिद्धा आ रभन्तां प्राजापत्यं मेध्यं जातवेदसः । शृतं कृण्वन्त इह माव चिक्षिपन् ॥
12Happily lit, let fires, each Jātavedas, seize on Prajāpati's appointed victim. Let them not cast it down while here they cook it.
13यज्ञ एति विततः कल्पमान ईजानमभि लोकं स्वर्गम् । तमग्नयः सर्वहुतं जुषन्तां प्राजापत्यं मेध्यं जातवेदसः ॥
13Sacrifice, duly offered, comes preparing the sacrificer for the. world of Svarga, Let all the fires, each Jatavedas, welcome Prajāpati's completely offered victim. Let them not cast it down while here they cook it.
14ईजानश्चितमारुक्षदग्निं नाकस्य पृष्ठाद्दिवमुत्पतिष्यन् । तस्मै प्र भाति नभसो ज्योतिषीमान्त्स्वर्गः पन्थाः सुकृते देवयानः ॥
14Fain to fly up from the sky's ridge to heaven, the worshipper hath mounted visible Agni. Lucid from out the mist to him, the pious, gleams the God-travelled path that leads to Svarga.
15अग्निर्होताध्वर्युष्टे बृहस्पतिरिन्द्रो ब्रह्मा दक्षिणतस्ते अस्तु । हुतोऽयं संस्थितो यज्ञ एति यत्र पूर्वमयनं हुतानाम् ॥
15On thy right hand let Indra be thy Brāhman, Brihaspati Adhvaryu Agni Hotar. This ordered sacrifice goes offered thither whither presented gifts have gone aforetime.
16अपूपवान् क्षीरवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
16Enriched with cake and milk here let the Charu rest. World-makers, makers of the path we worship you of the Gods who here partake oblations.
17अपूपवान् दधिवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
17Enriched with cake and curds, etc. (as in stanza 16).
18अपूपवान् द्रप्सवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
18Enriched with cake and drops, etc.
19अपूपवान् घृतवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
19Enriched with cake and butter, etc.
20अपूपवान् मांसवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
20Enriched with cake and flesh, etc.
21अपूपवान् अन्नवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
21Enriched with cake and food, etc.
22अपूपवान् मधुमांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
22Enriched with cake and mead, etc.
23अपूपवान् रसवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
23Enriched with cake and juice, etc.
24अपूपवान् अपवांश्चरुरेह सीदतु । लोककृतः पथिकृतो यजामहे ये देवानां हुतभागा इह स्थ ॥
24Here, mixt with cake and water rest the Charu! World-makers, makers of the path, we worship those Gods of you who here partake oblations.
25अपूपापिहितान् कुम्भान् यांस्ते देवा अधारयन् । ते ते सन्तु स्वधावन्तो मधुमन्तो घृतश्चुतः ॥
25Let these which Gods have held for thee, these beakers covered o'er with cake, Be full of sacred food for thee, distilling fatness, rich in mead.
26यास्ते धाना अनुकिरामि तिलमिश्राः स्वधावतीः । तास्ते सन्तूद्भ्वीः प्रभ्वीस्तास्ते यमो राजानु मन्यताम् ॥
26Grains which for thee I scatter, mixt with Sesamum, as holy food. May they for thee be excellent and potent. King Yama look on, them as thine with favour!
27अक्षितिं भूयसीम् ॥
27More immortality!
28द्रप्सश्चस्कन्द पृथिवीमनु द्यामिमं च योनिमनु यश्च पूर्वः । समानं योनिमनु संचरन्तं द्रप्सं जुहोम्यनु सप्त होत्राः ॥
28On all the earth, to heaven, the drop descended, on this place and on that which was before it. I offer up, throughout the seven oblations, the drop which still to one same place is moving.
29शतधारं वायुमर्कं स्वर्विदं नृचक्षसस्ते अभि चक्षते रयिम् । ये पृनन्ति प्र च यच्छन्ति सर्वदा ते दुह्रते दक्षिणां सप्तमातरम् ॥
29Those who observe men look on wealth as Vāyu with countless. streams, and as light-finding Arka; Those drain out Guerdon sprung from seven mothers, who satisfy and evermore give presents.
30कोशं दुहन्ति कलशं चतुर्बिलमिडां धेनुं मधुमतीं स्वस्तये । ऊर्जं मदन्तीमदितिं जनेष्वग्ने मा हिंसीः परमे व्योमन् ॥
30They for their weal drain out the cask, the beaker four-holed,. the milch-cow Idā full of sweetness, Injure not, Agni, in the loftiest heaven Aditi heightening strength among the people.
31एतत्ते देवः सविता वासो ददाति भर्तवे । तत्त्वं यमस्य राज्ये वसानस्तार्प्यं चर ॥
31On thee doth Savitar the God bestow this vesture for thy wear. Clothe thee herein, and find meet robe in Yama's realm to cover thee.
32धाना धेनुरभवद्वत्सो अस्यास्तिलोऽभवत्। तां वै यमस्य राज्ये अक्षितामुप जीवति ॥
32The grains of corn have now become a cow, the Sesamum her calf. He in the realm of Yama lives on her the inexhaustible.
33एतास्ते असौ धेनवः कामदुघा भवन्तु । एनीः श्येनीः सरूपा विरूपास्तिलवत्सा उप तिष्ठन्तु त्वात्र ॥
33Let these become thy milch-kine, man! supplying all thy heart's desires. There, speckled, white, like-hued and various-coloured, with calves of Sesamum let them stand beside thee.
34एनीर्धाना हरिणीः श्येनीरस्य कृष्णा धाना रोहिणीर्धेनवस्ते । तिलवत्सा ऊर्जमस्मै दुहाना विश्वाहा सन्त्वनपस्फुरन्तीः ॥
34Let the green grains become thy white, and speckled, The dusky corns become thy ruddy milch-kine. Let those with calves of Sesamum for ever yield strength to him and never flinch from milking.
35वैश्वानरे हविरिदं जुहोमि साहस्रं शतधारमुत्सम् । स बिभर्ति पितरं पितामहान् प्रपितामहान् बिभर्ति पिन्वमानः ॥
35I offer in Vaisvānara this oblation, thousandfold spring that pours a hundred steamlets. This with a swelling flow supports the Father, supports grandfathers and their sires before them.
36सहस्रधारं शतधारमुत्समक्षितं व्यच्यमानं सलिलस्य पृष्ठे । ऊर्जं दुहानमनपस्फुरन्तमुपासते पितरः स्वधाभिः ॥
36Beside the spring with hundred, thousand currents, expanding on the summit of the water, Exhaustless, yielding strength, never reluctant, the Fathers with their sacred food are seated.
37इदं कसाम्बु चयनेन चितं तत्सजाता अव पश्यतेत । मर्त्योऽयममृतत्वमेति तस्मै गृहान् कृणुत यावत्सबन्धु ॥
37This pile of wood, collected, heaped together, regard it, O ye, kinsmen, and come near it. To immortality this mortal goeth: prepare a home for him, all ye his kindred.
38इहैवैधि धनसनिरिहचित्त इहक्रतुः । इहैधि वीर्यवत्तरो वयोधा अपराहतः ॥
38Be here, even here, acquiring wealth, here be thou thoughts here be thou strength. Be stronger here in manly power, life-giver, never beaten back.
39पुत्रं पौत्रमभितर्पयन्तीरापो मधुमतीरिमाः । स्वधां पितृभ्यो अमृतं दुहाना आपो देवीरुभयांस्तर्पयन्तु ॥
39Giving the son and grandson satisfaction, let these the present Waters full of sweetness, Pouring forth food and Amrit for the Fathers, refresh both these and those, the Goddess Waters.
40आपो अग्निं प्र हिणुत पितॄंरुपेमं यज्ञं पितरो मे जुषन्ताम् । आसीनामूर्जमुप ये सचन्ते ते नो रयिं सर्ववीरं नि यछान् ॥
40Waters, send Agni forward to the Fathers: let them accept the sacrifice I offer. May they who follow Vigour that abideth there send us down wealth with full store of heroes.
41समिन्धते अमर्त्यं हव्यवाहं घृतप्रियम् । स वेद निहितान् निधीन् पितॄन् परावतो गतान् ॥
41Lover of butter, deathless, him, Oblation-bearer, they inflame. He knoweth well the treasured stores gone to the Fathers, far away.
42यं ते मन्थं यमोदनं यन् मांसं निपृणामि ते । ते ते सन्तु स्वधावन्तो मधुमन्तो घृतश्चुतः ॥
42The mingled draught, the mess of rice, the flesh which I present to thee, May these be full of food for thee, distilling fatness, rich in sweets.
43यास्ते धाना अनुकिरामि तिलमिश्राः स्वधावतीः । तास्ते सन्तूद्भ्वीः प्रभ्वीस्तास्ते यमो राजानु मन्यताम् ॥
43Grains which for thee I scatter, mixt with Sesamum as sacred food, May these for thee be excellent and potent. King Yama look on, them, as thine, with favour.
44इदं पूर्वमपरं नियानं येना ते पूर्वे पितरः परेताः । पुरोगवा ये अभिसाचो अस्य ते त्वा वहन्ति सुकृतामु लोकम् ॥
44This is the ancient, this the recent pathway, by which thy sires of olden time departed. They who first travelled it, and they who followed, convey thee to the world where dwell the righteous.
45सरस्वतीं देवयन्तो हवन्ते सरस्वतीमध्वरे तायमाने । सरस्वतीं सुकृतो हवन्ते सरस्वती दाशुषे वार्यं दात् ॥
45The pious call Sarasvati: they worship Sarasvati while sacrifice proceedeth. The righteous doers of good deeds invoke her: Sarasvati send bliss to him who giveth!
46सरस्वतीं पितरो हवन्ते दक्षिणा यज्ञमभिनक्षमाणाः । आसद्यास्मिन् बर्हिषि मादयध्वमनमीवा इष आ धेह्यस्मे ॥
46Approaching on the south our solemn worship, the Fathers call-Sarasvati to hear them. Sit on this holy grass and be ye joyful: give thou us strengthening food that brings no sickness.
47सरस्वति या सरथं ययाथोक्थैः स्वधाभिर्देवि पितृभिर्मदन्ती । सहस्रार्घमिडो अत्र भागं रायस्पोषं यजमानाय धेहि ॥
47Sarasvati, who tamest with them, joying in hymns and food, O Goddess, with the Fathers, Here give the Sacrificer growth of riches, a portion, worth a thousand, of refreshment.
48पृथिवीं त्वा पृथिव्यामा वेशयामि देवो नो धाता प्र तिरात्यायुः । परापरैता वसुविद्वो अस्त्वधा मृताः पितृषु सं भवन्तु ॥
48As Prithivī rests on earth, so do I seat thee. May the God Dhātar lengthen our existence. For you may he who parts in turn find treasures, but let the Dead among the Fathers.
49आ प्र च्यवेथामप तन् मृजेथां यद्वामभिभा अत्रोचुः । अस्मादेतमघ्न्यौ तद्वशीयो दातुः पितृष्विहभोजनौ मम ॥
49Depart ye two: wipe ye away whatever omens of evil fortune here have told you. Go from this man, both Steers, to him who wills it: ye are my joys here by the giver's Fathers.
50एयमगन् दक्षिणा भद्रतो ना अनेन दत्ता सुदुघा वयोधाः । यौवने जीवान् उपपृञ्चती जरा पितृभ्य उपसंपराणयादिमान् ॥
50From a good quarter have we gained this guerdon, gift of this man, strength giving, plenteous milker. Bringing in youth old age unto the living, may she bear these together to the Fathers.
51इदं पितृभ्यः प्र भरामि बर्हिर्जीवं देवेभ्य उत्तरं स्तृणामि । तदा रोह पुरुष मेध्यो भवन् प्रति त्वा जानन्तु पितरः परेतम् ॥
51I bring this clipped grass hither for the Fathers: grass living,. higher, for the Gods I scatter. Mount this, O man, as victim: let the Fathers recognize thee: when thou hast travelled yonder.
52एदं बर्हिरसदो मेध्योऽभूः प्रति त्वा जानन्तु पितरः परेतम् । यथापरु तन्वं सं भरस्व गात्राणि ते ब्रह्मणा कल्पयामि ॥
52Set on this grass thou hast become a victim. Fathers shall know thee yonder when they meet thee. Gather thy body, limb by limb, together: I by the power of prayer arrange thy members.
53पर्णो राजापिधानं चरूणामूर्जो बलं सह ओजो न आगन् । आयुर्जीवेभ्यो विदधद्दीर्घायुत्वाय शतशारदाय ॥
53The royal Parna is the caldrons' cover: strength have we gained, force, power, and might, and vigour. Bestowing length of life upon the living, for long existence through a hundred autumns.
54ऊर्जो भागो य इमं जजानाश्मान्नानामाधिपत्यं जगाम । तमर्चत विश्वमित्रा हविर्भिः स नो यमः प्रतरं जीवसे धात् ॥
54The share of vigour which gave this man being, the stone won lordship over foods that nourish. Hymn this with your oblations, Visvāmitras: may he, may Yama, lengthen our existence.
55यथा यमाय हर्म्यमवपन् पञ्च मानवाः । एवा वपामि हर्म्यं यथा मे भूरयोऽसत ॥
55As the Five Races of mankind for Yama set apart a house. Even so I set a house apart that greater numbers may be mine.
56इदं हिरण्यं बिभृहि यत्ते पिताबिभः पुरा । स्वर्गं यतः पितुर्हस्तं निर्मृड्ढि दक्षिणम् ॥
56Take thou and wear this piece of gold, the gold thy father used to wear. Wipe tenderly the right hand of thy sire who goes away to heaven.
57ये च जीवा ये च मृता ये जाता ये च यज्ञियाः । तेभ्यो घृतस्य कुल्यैतु मधुधारा व्युन्दती ॥
57To all, the living and the dead, all that are born, the worshipful. Let the full brook of fatness run, o'erflowing, with stream of mead.
58वृषा मतीनां पवते विचक्षणः सूरो अह्नां प्रतरीतोषसां दिवः । प्राणः सिन्धूनां कलशामचिक्रददिन्द्रस्य हार्दिमाविशन् मनीषया ॥
58Far-seeing he flows on, the Bull, the Lord of hymns, promoter of the Sun, of Days, of Dawns, of Heaven. Breath of the rivers he hath roared into the jars, and through his wisdom entered into Indra's heart.
59त्वेषस्ते धूम ऊर्णोतु दिवि षं छुक्र आततः । सूरो न हि द्युता त्वं कृपा पावक रोचसे ॥
59Let thy bright smoke envelop thee, spread forth, O Bright One, in the sky. For, Purifier, like the Sun thou shinest with thy radiant glow.
60प्र वा एतीन्दुरिन्द्रस्य निष्कृतिं सखा सख्युर्न प्र मिनाति संगिरः । मर्य इव योषाः समर्षसे सोमः कलशे शतयामना पथा ॥
60Indu is moving forth to Indra's destined place, and slights not as a friend the promise of his friend. Thou, Soma, comest nigh as bridegroom meets the bride, reaching the beaker by a course of hundred paths.
61अक्षन्न् अमीमदन्त ह्यव प्रियामधूषत । अस्तोषत स्वभानवो विप्रा यविष्ठा ईमहे ॥
61Well have they eaten and rejoiced: their dear ones have they shaken off. Sages, self-luminous, have praised: we who are youngest supplicate.
62आ यात पितरः सोम्यासो गम्भीरैः पथिभिः पितृयाणैः । आयुरस्मभ्यं दधतः प्रजां च रायश्च पोषैरभि नः सचध्वम् ॥
62Come hither, Fathers, who deserve the Soma, by the deep pathways which the Fathers travel. Bestow upon us life and store of children, and favour us with increase of our riches.
63परा यात पितरः सोम्यासो गम्भीरैः पथिभिः पूर्याणैः । अधा मासि पुनरा यात नो गृहान् हविरत्तुं सुप्रजसः सुवीराः ॥
63Depart, O Fathers, ye who merit Soma, by the deep pathways which the Fathers travel; But in a month, rich in fair sons and heroes, come back into our homes to eat oblation.
64यद्वो अग्निरजहादेकमङ्गं पितृलोकं गमयं जातवेदाः । तद्व एतत्पुनरा प्याययामि साङ्गाः स्वर्गे पितरो मादयध्वम् ॥
64If Agni Jātavedas, as he bore you hence to the Fathers' world, hath left one single. Limb of your bodies, here do I restore it. Fathers, rejoice in heaven with all your members!
65अभूद्दूतः प्रहितो जातवेदाः सायं न्यह्न उपवन्द्यो नृभिः । प्रादाः पितृभ्यः स्वधया ते अक्षन्न् अद्धि त्वं देव प्रयता हवींषि ॥
65Meet for men's praises, Agni Jātavedas was sent as envoy when the day was closing. Thou gavest to the Fathers with oblation. They ate; eat, God, our offered sacrifices.
66असौ हा इह ते मनः ककुत्सलमिव जामयः । अभ्येनं भूम ऊर्णुहि ॥
66Here hast thou left thy heart; O man, as sisters leave their little pet. Do thou, O earth, envelop him.
67शुम्भन्तां लोकाः पितृषदनाः पितृषदने त्वा लोक आ सादयामि ॥
67Bright be to thee those worlds where dwell the Fathers! I seat thee in that sphere which they inhabit.
68ये अस्माकं पितरस्तेषां बर्हिरसि ॥
68Thou art the grass whereon our Fathers seat them.
69उदुत्तमं वरुण पाशमस्मदवाधमं श्रथाय । अधा वयमादित्य व्रते तवानागसो अदितये स्याम ॥
69Loosen, O Varuna, the bond that binds us; loosen the bond above, between, and under. Then under thy protection, O Āditya, may we be sinless and restored to freedom.
70प्रास्मत्पाशान् वरुण मुञ्च सर्वान् यैः समामे बध्यते यैर्व्यामे । अधा जीवेम शरदं शतानि त्वया राजन् गुपिता रक्षमाणाः ॥
70From all those bonds, O Varuna, release us, wherewith a man is bound at length and cross-wise. Then may we live a hundred autumn seasons guarded by thee, O King, by thee protected.
71अग्नये कव्यवाहनाय स्वधा नमः ॥
71To Agni, bearer of oblation to the Manes, be Hail! and homage!
72सोमाय पितृमते स्वधा नमः ॥
72To Soma connected with the Fathers Hail! and homage!
73पितृभ्यः सोमवद्भ्यः स्वधा नमः ॥
73To the Fathers connected with Soma Hail! and homage!
74यमाय पितृमते स्वधा नमः ॥
74To Yama connected with the Fathers Hail! and homage!
75एतत्ते प्रततामह स्वधा ये च त्वामनु ॥
75To thee, O Great-grandfather, and those with thee be this cry of Hail
76एतत्ते ततामह स्वधा ये च त्वामनु ॥
76To thee, Great-grandfather, and to those with thee be this cry of Hail!
77एतत्ते तत स्वधा ॥
77To thee, O Fathers, be this cry of Hail!
78स्वधा पितृभ्यः पृथिविषद्भ्यः ॥
78Hail to the Fathers who inhabit earth!
79स्वधा पितृभ्यो अन्तरिक्षसद्भ्यः ॥
79Hail to the Fathers who inhabit the firmament!
80स्वधा पितृभ्यो दिविषद्भ्यः ॥
80Hail to the Fathers who dwell in heaven!
81नमो वः पितर ऊर्जे नमो वः पितरो रसाय ॥
81Hail, Fathers, to your energy! Hail, Fathers, to your sap!
82नमो वः पितरो भामाय नमो वः पितरो मन्यवे ॥
82Hail Father; to your wrath! Hail, Fathers, to your ardour!
83नमो वः पितरो यद्घोरं तस्मै नमो वः पितरो यत्क्रूरं तस्मै ॥
83Hail, Fathers, to what is awful! Hail to what is terrible in you!'
84नमो वः पितरो यच्छिवं तस्मै नमो वः पितरो यत्स्योनं तस्मै ॥
84Hail, Fathers, to all that is propitious! Hail to all that is pleasant in you!
85नमो वः पितरः स्वधा वः पितरः ॥
85Homage to you Fathers! Hail to you, Fathers!
86येऽत्र पितरः पितरो येऽत्र यूयं स्थ युष्मांस्तेऽनु यूयं तेषां श्रेष्ठा भूयास्थ ॥
86All Fathers who are here, the Fathers here are you: let then follow you. May ye be the most excellent of these.
87य इह पितरो जीवा इह वयं स्मः । अस्मांस्तेऽनु वयं तेषां श्रेष्ठा भूयास्म ॥
87All living fathers who are here are we here: let them follow us. May we be the most excellent of these.
88आ त्वाग्न इधीमहि द्युमन्तं देवाजरम् । यद्घ सा ते पनीयसी समिद्दीदयति द्यवि । इषं स्तोतृभ्य आ भर ॥
88Bright Agni, we will kindle thee, rich in thy splendour, fading. not. So that this glorious fuel may send forth to heaven its light for thee. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
89चन्द्रमा अप्स्वन्तरा सुपर्णो धावते दिवि । न वो हिरण्यनेमयः पदं विन्दन्ति विद्युतो वित्तं मे अस्य रोदसी ॥
89Within the waters runs the Moon, the strong-winged Eagle soars. in heaven. Ye Lightnings with your golden wheels, men find not your abiding-place. Hear this my call, O Heaven and Earth.
- Sanskrit text: अथर्ववेदः on Sanskrit Wikisource ↗, by Sanskrit Wikisource contributors, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗; the Sanskrit on this page is shared under the same licence. Unaccented Śaunaka text, not yet proofread against a printed edition.
- English translation: Ralph T. H. Griffith, The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895-96), public domain, from the sacred-texts.com transcription ↗; a few passages missing there were restored from scans of the printed edition on archive.org. Griffith's wording and spelling are kept as transcribed, including the passages he rendered in Latin. Hymn headings are Griffith's. Footnotes omitted.