Rig Veda · 20 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN XX. Ṛbhus.

1. FOR the Celestial Race this song of praise which gives wealth lavishly Was made by singers with their lips.

Insight

First appearance of the Ṛbhus — three artisan brothers who attained immortality by the quality of their craftsmanship, fashioning chariots and divine implements so well the gods admitted them into godhood. The single ceremonial chalice they made fourfold (verse 6) is the iconic Ṛbhu deed. Their case is theologically striking: humans become gods not by ascetic withdrawal or moral perfection but by sheer excellence of work. The Greek tradition deifies Heracles through labors and Asclepius through medicine — same instinct, same period. The Christian doctrine of work as vocation (1 Corinthians 10:31, 'whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God') is downstream of the same idea that human craft can be sacred when offered well.Wave MM anchor — Ṛbhus first appearance / craft-deification

2. They who for Indra, with their mind, formed horses harnessed by a word, Attained by works to sacrifice.

3. They for the two Nāsatyas wrought a light car moving every way: They formed a nectar-yielding cow.

4. The Ṛbhus with effectual prayers, honest, with constant labour, made Their Sire and Mother young again.

5. Together came your gladdening drops with Indra by the Maruts girt, With the Ādityas, with the Kings.

6. The sacrificial ladle, wrought newly by the God Tvaṣṭar's hand— Four ladles have ye made thereof.

7. Vouchsafe us wealth, to him who pours thrice seven libations, yea, to each Give wealth, pleased with our eulogies.

8. As ministering Priests they held, by pious acts they won themselves, A share in sacrifice with Gods.