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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 411 of 1027

Mandala 5: HYMN LVII. Maruts.

1.OF one accord, with Indra, O ye Rudras, come borne on your golden car for our prosperity. An offering from us, this hymn is brought to you, as, unto one who th irsts for water, heavenly springs.

2.Armed with your daggers, full of wisdom, armed with spears, armed with your quivers, armed with arrows, with good bows, Good horses and good cars have ye, O Pṛśni’s Sons: ye, Maruts, with good weapons go to victory.

3.From hills and heaven ye shake wealth for the worshipper: in terror at your coming low the woods bow down. Ye make the earth to tremble, Sons of Pṛśni, when for victory ye have yoked, fierce Ones! your spotted deer.

4.Bright with the blasts of wind, wrapped in their robes of rain, like twins of noble aspect and of lovely form, The Maruts, spotless, with steeds tawnyhued and red, strong in their mightiness and spreading wide like heaven.

5.Rich in adornment, rich in drops, munificent, bright in their aspect, yielding bounties that endure, Noble by birth, adorned with gold upon their breasts, the Singers of the sky have won immortal fame.

6.Borne on both shoulders, O ye Maruts, are your spears: within your arms is laid your energy and 3trength. Bold thoughts are in your heads, your weapons in your cars, all glorious majesty is moulded on your forms.

7.Vouchsafe to us, O Maruts, splendid bounty in cattle and in steeds, in cars and heroes. Children of Rudra, give us high distinction: may I enjoy your Godlike help and favour.

8.Ho! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious unto us, ye rich in treasures, Ye hearers of the truth, ye sage and youthful, grown mighty, dwelling on the lofty mountains.

Asked of Guide

Why do the Maruts get praised for both violence and bounty in this hymn?

The hymn pictures the Maruts as storm-warriors whose fierce power produces material blessing: their spears, cars, and thundermaking cause the earth to tremble and the woods to bow, and that same force is said to “shake wealth for the worshipper.” The poets link martial might and providence tightly, treating the storm’s destructive energy as the active source of rain, cattle, and heroic fame.

This pairing echoes other Rig Veda hymns where elemental gods bring both danger and prosperity; compare Mandala 1 where Indra’s slaying of Vritra releases waters and riches. The poets praise force that secures order and fertility, asking the Maruts for distinction, “Godlike help and favour,” rather than mere spectacle.

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.