Rig Veda

Book 1, Hymn XLIII. Rudra

1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise,
That shall be dearest to his heart?

2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine,
Our cattle and our progeny;

3 That Mitra and that Varuṇa, that Rudra may remember us,
Yea, all the Gods with one accord.

4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines,
We pray for joy and health and strength.

5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he,
The good, the best among the Gods.

6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes,
To men, to women, and to kine.

7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men,
The great renown of mighty chiefs.

8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us.
Indu, give us a share of strength.

9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee,
Children of thee Immortal, at the highest place of holy law.