Rig Veda

Book 9, Hymn III. Soma Pavamana

1. HERE present this Immortal God flies, like a bird upon her wings,
To settle in the vats of wood.

2 This God, made ready with the hymn, runs swiftly through the winding ways,
Inviolable as he flows.

3 This God while flowing is adorned, like a bay steed for war, by men
Devout and skilled in holy songs.

4 He, like a warrior going forth with heroes, as he flows along
Is fain to win all precious boons.

5 This God, as he is flowing on, speeds like a car and gives his gifts:
He lets his voice be heard of all

6 Praised by the sacred bards, this God dives into waters, and bestows
Rich gifts upon the worshipper.

7 Away he rushes with his stream, across the regions, into heaven,
And roars as he is flowing on.

8 While flowing, meet for sacrifice, he hath gone up to heaven across
The regions, irresistible.

9 After the 'way of ancient time, this God, pressed out for Deities,
Flows tawny to the straining-cloth.

10 This Lord of many Holy Laws, even at his birth engendering strength,
Effused, flows onward in a stream.