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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 595 of 1027

Mandala 7: HYMN LXXIX. Dawn.

1.ROUSING the lands where men’s Five Tribes are settled, Dawn hath disclosed the pathways of the people. She hath sent out her sheen with beauteous oxen. The Sun with light hath opened earth and heaven.

2.They paint their bright rays on the sky’s far limits. the Dawns come on like tribes arrayed for battle. Thy cattle, closely shutting up the darkness, as Savitar spreads his arms, give forth their lustre.

3.Wealthy, most like to Indra, Dawn hath risen, and brought forth lauds that shall promote our welfare. Daughter of Heaven, a Goddess, she distributes, best of Aṅgirases, treasures to the pious.

4.Bestow on us, O Dawn, that ample bounty which thou didst send to those who sang thy praises; Thou whom with bellowings of a bull they quickened: thou didst unbar the firm-set mountain’s portals.

5.Impelling every God to grant his bounty sending to us the charm of pleasant voices, Vouchsafe us thoughts, for profit, as thou breakest. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Asked of Guide

Why does Dawn get called a wealthy daughter who “distributes… treasures to the pious”?

The hymn treats Dawn as an active benefactor: she “brought forth lauds that shall promote our welfare” and is praised for restoring light and opening “the firm-set mountain’s portals,” literal acts tied to giving. Calling her wealthy and a distributor links the daily return of light to ritual prosperity—the dawn’s arrival renews cattle, crops, and the auspicious time for offerings.

This is consistent with other Rig Veda hymns that personify natural forces as patrons; see Mandala 1 where Dawn’s gifts trigger blessings and ritual speech. The poem asks Dawn to bestow the same “ample bounty” she gave to earlier worshippers, making cosmic rhythm and human generosity part of one continuous economy.

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