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426
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA II, HYMN 33. ASHTAKA II, ADHYAYA 7, VARGA 16-18.
TO RUDRA, THE FATHER OF THE MARUTS (THE STORM-GODS).
1. O father of the Maruts, let thy favour come near, and do not deprive us of the sight of the sun; may the hero (Rudra) be gracious to our horse 1, may we increase in offspring, O Rudra!
and
2. May I attain to a hundred winters through the most blissful medicines which thou hast given! Put far1 from us all hatred, put away anguish, put away sicknesses in all directions!
away
3. In beauty thou art the most beautiful of all that exists, O Rudra, the strongest of the strong, thou wielder of the thunderbolt! Carry us happily to the other shore of our anguish, and ward off all assaults of mischief1.
4. Let us not incense thee, O Rudra, by our worship, not by bad praise, O hero, and not by divided praise! Raise up our men by thy medicines, for I hear thou art the best of all physicians.
5. He who is invoked1 by invocations and libations, may I pay off that Rudra with my hymns of praise. Let not him who is kind-hearted, who readily hears our call, the tawny, with beautiful cheeks, deliver us to this wrath!
6. The manly hero with the Maruts has gladdened me, the suppliant, with more vigorous health. May I without mischief find shade, as if from sunshine', may I gain the favour of Rudra!
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