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Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

Rig Veda · 241 of 1027

Mandala 3: HYMN VII.

1.THE seven tones risen from the whitebacked viand have made their way between the pair of Mothers. Both circumjacent Parents come together to yield us length of days they hasten forward.

2.The Male who dwells in heaven hath Mares and Milchkine: he came to Goddesses who bring sweet treasure. To thee safe resting in the seat of Order the Cow alone upon her way proceedeth.

3.Wise Master, wealthy finder-out of riches, he mounted those who may with case be guided. He, dark-backed, manifold with varied aspect, hath made them burst forth from their food the brush-wood.

4.Strength-giving streams bear hither him eternal, fain to support the mighty work. of Tvaṣṭar. He, flashing in his home with all his members, hath entered both the worlds as they were single.

5.They know the red Bull’s blessing, and are joyful under the flaming-coloured Lord’s dominion: They who give shine from heaven with fair effulgence, whose lofty song like Iḷā must be honoured.

6.Yea, by tradition from the ancient sages they brought great strength from the two mighty Parents, To where the singer’s Bull, the night’s dispeller, after his proper law hath waxen stronger.

7.Seven holy singers guard with five Adhvaryus the Bird’s beloved firmly-settled station. The willing Bulls, untouched by old, rejoice them: as Gods themselves the ways of Gods they follow.

8.I crave the grace of heaven’s two chief Invokers: the seven swift steeds joy in their wonted manner. These speak of truth, praising the Truth Eternal, thinking on Order as the guards of Order.

9.The many seek the great Steed as a stallion: the reins obey the Lord of varied colour. O heavenly Priest, most pleasant, full of wisdom, bring the great Gods to us, and Earth and Heaven.

10.Rich Lord, the Mornings have gleamed forth in splendour, fair-rayed, fair-speaking, worshipped with all viands, Yea, with the glory of the earth, O Agni. Forgive us, for our weal, e’en sin cornmitted.

11.As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels. To us be born a son, and spreading offspring Agni, be this thy gracious will to usward.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn keep calling a Bull, a Steed, and seven singers together — what are they doing here?

The hymn gathers images — Bull, Steed, seven singers, the two Parents — as linked powers that sustain cosmic order and human prosperity. It names actions: the Bull gives blessing, the Steed is sought by many, the seven singers “guard” and the Invokers speak “praising the Truth Eternal,” so these figures are presented as active agents who maintain ṛta (Order) and bring cattle, offspring, and long life to worshippers.

Those roles echo core Vedic priorities: sacrificial order, wealth in kine, and successful lineage, all entrusted to divine or semi-divine functionaries. Compare Rig Veda Mandala 1, Hymn 1, where Agni and the priests perform comparable mediating work between humans and gods to secure blessing and continuity.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.