Sama Veda

SECOND PART

BOOK IV

Chapter II

HYMN 1 Soma Pavamana

1

The God declares the deities' generations, like Usana, proclaiming lofty wisdom.
With brilliant kin far-ruling, sanctifying, the wild boar, singing with his foot, advances.

2

The swans, the Vrishagnas from anear us, restless, have brought their clamour to our dwelling--
Friends come to Pavamana, meet for praises-and sound in concert their resistless music.

3

He takes the swiftness of the great Far strider: cows low as, 'twere to him who sports at pleasure.
He with the sharpened horns brings forth abundance: the silvery shines by night, by day the golden.

4

Like cars that thunder on their way, like coursers eager for renown,
Have Soma drops flowed forth for wealth.

5

Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed,
Like joyful songs of singing-men.

6

The Somas deck themselves with milk as kings are graced with eulogies,
And, with seven priests, the sacrifice.

7

Pressed for the gladdening draught the drops flow forth abundantly with song,
Flow with the stream of savoury juice.

8

Winning Vivasvan's glory and speeding the light of Dawn, the suns,
Pass through the openings of the cloth.

9

The singing-men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs--
The men who bring the mighty One.

10

In close society have come the priests, the sevenfold brotherhood,
Filling the station of the One.

11

He makes us kin with Gods, he joins the Sun, for seeing, with mine eye;
I milk the Sage's offspring forth.

12

The Sun beholdeth with his eye the heaven's dear quarter which the priests
Have set within the sacred cell.