[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s8.839 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.839 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.839 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s8.839](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.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 - [Previous: v2.c4.s8.838](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.838) - [Next: v2.c4.s8.840](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.840) - [Up: v2.c4.s8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.839](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.839) · Pramāṇa