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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 184 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN CLXXXIV. Aśvins.

1.LET us invoke you both this day and after the priest is here with lauds when morn is breaking: Nāsatyas, wheresoe’er ye be, Heaven’s Children, for him who is more liberal than the godless.

2.With us, ye Mighty, let yourselves be joyful, glad in our stream of Soma slay the niggards. Graciously hear my hymns and invitations, marking, O Heroes, with your cars my longing.

3.Nāsatyas, Pūṣans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in order Sūrya’s bridal. Your giant steeds move on, sprung from the waters, like ancient times of Varuṇa the Mighty.

4.Your grace be with us, ye who love sweet juices: further the hymn sung by the poet Māna, When men are joyful in your glorious actions, to win heroic strength, ye Bounteous Givers.

5.This praise was made, O liberal Lords, O Aśvins, for you with fair adornment by the Mānas. Come to our house for us and for our children, rejoicing, O Nāsatyas, in Agastya.

6.We have passed o’er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been bestowed on you, O Aśvins. Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. may we find strengthening food in full abundance.

Asked of Guide

Why do the poets call the Aśvins both 'Heaven's Children' and 'Bounteous Givers' here?

The hymn presents the Aśvins as youthful divine twins — “Heaven’s Children” — who arrive like joyous, well-adorned guests bringing abundance. Their twin identity ties speed, healing, and generosity: they come in “giant steeds sprung from the waters,” which links their intervention to renewal and the Soma ritual that secures strength and plenty for the worshippers.

Calling them “Bounteous Givers” emphasizes the social function of the gods in this rite: they restore vitality and confer prosperity on the poet’s household and offspring, answering hymns and invitations. This matches other Rig Veda passages where the Aśvins reward hospitality and ritual praise with healing and boons, as in later hymns that seek their aid to rejuvenate warriors and cattle.

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