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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 38 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN XXXVIII. Maruts.

1.WHAT now? When will ye take us by both hands, as a dear sire his son, Gods, for whom sacred grass is clipped?

2.Now whither? To what goal of yours go ye in heaven, and not on earth? Where do your cows disport themselves?

3.Where are your newest favours shown? Where, Maruts, your prosperity? Where all your high felicities?

4.If, O ye Maruts, ye the Sons whom Pṛśni bore, were mortal, and Immortal he who sings your praise.

5.Then never were your praiser loathed like a wild beast in pasture-land, Nor should he go on Yama’s path.

6.Let not destructive plague on plague hard to be conquered, strike its down: Let each, with drought, depart from us.

7.Truly, they the fierce and mighty Sons of Rudra send their windless Rain e’en on the desert places.

8.Like a cow the lightning lows and follows, motherlike, her youngling, When their rain-flood hath been loosened.

9.When they inundate the earth they spread forth darkness e’en in day time, With the water-laden rain-cloud.

10.O Maruts, at your voice’s sound this earthly habitation shakes, And each man reels who dwells therein.

11.O Maruts, with your strong-hoofed steeds, unhindered in their courses, haste Along the bright embanked streams.

12.Firm be the fellies of your wheels, steady your horses and your cars, And may your reins be fashioned well.

13.Invite thou hither with this song, for praise, Agni the Lord of Prayer, Him who is fair as Mitra is.

14.Form in thy mouth the hymn of praise expand thee like, a rainy cloud Sing forth the measured eulogy.

15.Sing glory to the Marut host, praiseworthy, tuneful, vigorous: Here let the Strong Ones dwell with us.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call the Maruts both fierce storm-sons and caring like a mother cow?

The hymn presents the Maruts as a complex group: they are “fierce and mighty Sons of Rudra” who send sudden, windless rain and shake the earth, yet the poem also pictures lightning as lowing “like a cow” and following its young—an image of protection. The singer asks them for favor, steadying their chariots and inviting Agni, treating the Maruts as powerful forces whose wrath can be turned into beneficence through praise.

This doubling—terrible and tender—matches a Vedic pattern where natural powers are both dangerous and necessary; praising them secures their blessing, as in other hymns of Mandala 1 that call violent deities into helpful roles. The hymn’s request for steadiness and protection is a practical ritual move to make the storm’s force work for the community rather than against it.

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