Rig Veda · 403 of 1027
Mandala 5: HYMN XLIX. Viśvedevas.
1.THIS day I bring God Savitar to meet you, and Bhaga who allots the wealth of mortals. You, Aśvins, Heroes rich in treasures, daily seeking your friendship fain would I turn hither.
2.Knowing full well the Asura’s time of coming, worship God Savitar with hymns and praises. Let him who rightly knoweth speak with homage to him who dealeth out man’s noblest treasure.
3.Not for reward doth Pūṣan send his blessings, Bhaga, or Aditi: his garb is splendour. May Indra, Visniu, Varuṇa, Mitra, Agni produce auspicious days, the Wonder-Workers.
4.Sending the shelter which we ask, the foeless Savitar and the Rivers shall approach us. When I, the sacrifice’s priest, invite them, may we he lords of wealth and rich possessions.
5.They who devote such worship to the Vasus, singing their hymns to Varuṇa and Mitra, Vouchsafe them ample room, far off be danger. Through grace of Heaven and Earth may we be happy.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call on many gods together instead of naming one supreme deity?
The hymn gathers Savitar, Bhaga, the Aśvins, Pūṣan, Aditi, Indra, Viśņu, Varuṇa, Mitra, Agni and the Rivers because it is asking for several related favors—wealth, protection, auspicious days, and shelter—and each deity embodies a particular power needed for the community’s well‑being. The speaker, the sacrifice’s priest, frames these gods as “Wonder‑Workers” and agents who “dealeth out man’s noblest treasure,” so invoking them collectively concentrates their offices into one ritual request.
This practice matches other Rig Vedic hymns where function, not a single supremacy, determines invocation; compare Mandala 1 hymns where multiple gods are praised for their distinct roles in granting prosperity and protection. The poem treats divine plurality as a practical network of forces to secure riches and safety for the worshippers.
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