Rig Veda · 217 of 1027
Mandala 2: HYMN XXVI. Brahmaṇaspati.
1.THE righteous singer shall o’ercome his enemies, and he who serves the Gods subdue the godless man. The zealous man shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper share the food of him who worships not.
2.Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes. Prepare oblation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring help of Brahmaṇaspati.
3.He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth, Who with oblation and a true believing heart serves Brahmaṇaspati the Father of the Gods.
4.Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmaṇaspati leads forward on his way, Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer from woe.
Asked of Guide
Why do the hymns say serving Brahmaṇaspati gives victory and wealth?
The chapter presents Brahmaṇaspati as a patron whose favor brings concrete success: victory over enemies, booty, and protection from sorrow. Lines like “He with his folk…gains booty” and “Brahmaṇaspati leads forward on his way” locate divine power in social and material outcomes — ritual devotion produces practical benefits for worshippers and their families.
This is a ritual logic found across the Vedas where correct oblation and belief create reciprocal ties between gods and people; see also the Bhagavad Gita’s treatment of yajña (sacrifice) as sustaining the world. Here the emphasis is communal: offerings secure the household’s prosperity through the deity’s active assistance.
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