Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.454

c7.454

O Agni, give us wealth with store of heroes and mighty strength in food and noble offspring.¹
21. The fair-tongued Savitar, the golden-handed, comes thrice (for daily sacrifices) from heaven in our *vidatha*.
Bear to the gods this song of praise, and send us then, Savitar, complete and perfect safety.²
22. Streams! The wise gods (Viśvedevas) have thrice three habitations. Child of three mothers (? three seasons), he is Lord in the *vidathas*.
Three are the holy ladies of the waters (Iḷā, Sarasvatī, Bhāratī), thrice (at three daily sacrifices) here from heaven supreme in our *vidatha*.³
23. The *vidatha*, in which the gods rejoice, seated in Vivasvat's (the Sun's) dwelling (*sadane*)
Has given the Moon his beams, the sun his splendour; the two unweariedly maintain their brightness.⁴
24. At the great *vidatha* will I laud thy (Indra's) two bay steeds;
I prize the sweet strong drink of thee, the warrior god.
His who pours lovely oil as it were with yellow drops. Let my songs enter thee whose form hath golden tints.⁵
25. Of Indra is the might celestial nobly formed; the singer in the house (*gṛhe kaviḥ*) is Agni, the prudent sage;
And he is the sacrifice (*yajñaḥ*) in the *vidatha*, fair, most near. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.⁶
26. This world's imperial kings, O Mitra-Varuṇa, ye rule in the *vidatha*, looking on the light.
We pray for rain, your boon, and immortality; through heaven and over earth the thunderers (roaring winds) take their way.⁷
27. To the eastern sacrifice (*prāñcaṁ yajñam*) have we turned; may the hymn aid it; with wood and worship shall they (the priests) honour Agni.
From heaven the *vidatha* of the wise has learned it: even for the quick and strong they seek advancement.⁸
28. Within the house (*durone*) sat the king immortal of mortals (Agni), the accomplisher of the *vidatha*.
Bedewed with holy oil he shines widely, Agni, the knower of all secret wisdom.⁹