Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.839

v2.c4.s8.839

Śyena is the name in the Rigveda¹ of a strong bird of prey, most probably the ‘eagle’; later² (as in post-Vedic Sanskrit) it seems to mean the ‘falcon’ or ‘hawk.’ It is the swiftest of birds,³ and a source of terror to smaller birds.⁴ It is the strongest of birds,⁵ and even attacks herds.⁶ It watches over men (nṛ-cakṣas),⁷ a reference, no doubt, to its lofty flight in air. It brings the Soma from heaven.⁸