Rig Veda

Mandal - 1 (Part - 1)

HYMN 187 Praise of Food

1

Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength,
By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vrtra limb frorn limb.

2

O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own,
So be our kind protector thou.

3

Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help,
Health-bringing, not unkind, a dear and guileless friend.

4

These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused.
like winds they have their place in heaven.

5

These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste,
These savours of thy juices work like creatures that have mighty necks.

6

In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods.
Under thy flag brave deeds were done he slew the Dragon with thy help.

7

If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds,
Even from thence, O Food of meath, prepared for our enjoyment, come.

8

Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby.

9

What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley-brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.

10

O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.

11

O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,
From thee who banquetest with Gods, from thee who banquetest with us.