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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 661 of 1027

Mandala 8: HYMN XLI. Varuṇa.

1.To make this Varuṇa come forth sing thou a song unto the band of Maruts wiser than thyself,— This Varuṇa who guardeth well the thoughts of men like herds of kine. Let all the others die away.

2.Him altogether praise I with the song and hymns our fathers sang, and with Nabhāka’s eulogies,— Him dwelling at the rivers’ source, surrounded by his Sisters Seven.

3.The nights he hath encompassed, and stablished the morns with magic art visible over all is he. His dear Ones, following his Law, have prospered the Three Dawns for him.

4.He, visible o’er all the earth, stablished the quarters of the sky: He measured out the eastern place, that is the fold of Varuṇa: like a strong herdsman is the God.

5.He who supports the worlds of life, he who well knows the hidden names mysterious of the morning beams, He cherishes much wisdom, Sage, as heaven brings forth each varied form.

6.In whom all wisdom centres, as the nave is set within the wheel. Haste ye to honour Trita, as kine haste to gather in the fold, even as they muster steeds to yoke.

7.He wraps these regions as a robe; he contemplates the tribes of Gods and all the works of mortal men. Before the home of Varuṇa all the Gods follow his decree.

8.He is an Ocean far-removed, yet through the heaven to him ascends the worship which these realms possess. With his bright foot he overthrew their magic, and went up to heaven.

9.Ruler, whose bright far-seeing rays, pervading all three earths, have filled the three superior realms of heaven. Firm is the seat of Varuṇa: over the Seven he rules as King.

10.Who, after his decree, o’erspread the Dark Ones with a robe of light; Who measured out the ancient seat, who pillared both the worlds apart as the Unborn supported heaven. Let all the others die away.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn keep calling Varuṇa a herdsman and ruler of the heavens?

The hymn presents Varuṇa as both herdsman and ruler to show how he orders and protects the cosmos: he “guardeth well the thoughts of men like herds of kine” and “measured out the eastern place,” so his authority is practical care as much as sovereign law. Those images tie cosmic functions (measuring the sky, fixing dawns, supporting worlds) to everyday governance, making his kingship visible in seasonal, social, and moral arrangements.

Calling him a herdsman makes his rule intimate and continuous; calling him king makes it absolute and structural. This chapter’s language echoes earlier Vedic hymns that personify cosmic order—compare Mandala 10 where Varuṇa and Mitra share the role of maintaining ṛta (cosmic law) through oversight and measured limits.

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.