Agastya Hymns

27 Hymns Family: Maitravaruni Found in Mandalas: 1

A revered sage, born from Mitra and Varuna. He is the principal seer of Rigveda Mandala 1 (hymns 165-191). He is also celebrated in post-Vedic literature as the pioneer of Vedic culture in Southern India.

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Hymn 1.165

Stanzas: 15

Addressed to: Dialogue Between Indra, the Maruts and Agastya

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn captures a dynamic exchange between Indra and the Maruts. Indra initially questions their presence, emphasizing his solo heroic feats. But the Maruts assert their powerful companionship and past support, leading to a friendly resolution that reaffirms their shared strength.

Hymn 1.166

Stanzas: 15

Addressed to: The Maruts

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn powerfully celebrates the Maruts, the storm-gods. It vividly describes their roaring might, their ability to shake mountains and heavens, and their formidable weapons. Yet, it also praises them as fierce protectors who generously bestow wealth and good fortune upon their worshippers.

Hymn 1.167

Stanzas: 11

Addressed to: The Maruts

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn celebrates the Maruts, highlighting their powerful chariots and glorious retinue, which includes the radiant maiden Rodasî. It also calls upon Indra for aid, praising the storm-gods’ unwavering strength and generous spirit, all while seeking abundant blessings for their worshippers.

Hymn 1.168

Stanzas: 10

Addressed to: The Maruts

Rishi: Agastya

Feel the power of the Maruts! This hymn vividly describes these self-born storm-gods, surging across the sky like mighty bulls. It highlights their gleaming weapons and their ability to shake the earth, bringing both thunderous might and life-giving rain to sustain all existence.

Hymn 1.169

Stanzas: 8

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

Indra is hailed here as the ultimate protector and source of wealth. This hymn asks him to bring the blessings of the Maruts, his powerful allies, emphasizing their collaborative strength in battle and their collective role in bestowing prosperity and abundant gifts upon humanity.

Hymn 1.170

Stanzas: 5

Addressed to: Dialogue Between Agastya, Indra and the Maruts

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn unfolds a fascinating dialogue between Indra and the sage Agastya. Indra questions Agastya's intention to exclude the Maruts from the sacrifice, emphasizing their brotherhood. The discussion leads to a harmonious agreement to include the Maruts, ensuring all divine allies receive their rightful share.

Hymn 1.171

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: The Maruts and Indra

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn offers deep respect and a special song to the Maruts, asking for their favor, kindness, and strength. The poet also seeks forgiveness for past actions and implores Indra, alongside the Maruts, for glory, protection, and a release from anger, hoping for bright and victorious days ahead.

Hymn 1.172

Stanzas: 3

Addressed to: The Maruts

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn directly addresses the generous Maruts, requesting their spectacular arrival and brilliant protection. The poet asks that their powerful arrows and stones stay far away, and that they bypass the people of Tr̥ṇaskanda, lifting the speaker up so they can survive and thrive.

Hymn 1.173

Stanzas: 13

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

This extensive hymn bursts with praise for the mighty Indra, celebrating him as a hero, destroyer of darkness, and protector. It depicts priests offering libations and songs, inviting Indra and his companions, the Maruts, to accept them. The poet seeks Indra's friendship, aid in battle, and abundant sustenance.

Hymn 1.174

Stanzas: 10

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

Celebrating Indra as the king of gods and protector, this hymn recounts his legendary feats: destroying forts, releasing waters, and defeating enemies like Purukutsa and Kutsa. It emphasizes his role as a generous giver and vanquisher of the wicked, appealing for his continued protection and strength against all rivals, ensuring abundant nourishment.

Hymn 1.175

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn revels in Indra's intoxicating greatness and power, hailing him as a mighty bull, energetic winner, and immortal conqueror. It recalls his heroic feats like destroying the Dasyu and aiding Kutsa, appealing for his exhilarating essence. The poet seeks Indra's joy, bliss, and abundant nourishment.

Hymn 1.176

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn calls for Soma juice to powerfully energize Indra, urging praises to reach him. It asks Indra to destroy non-sacrificers and seize their wealth, reminding him of his past aid in battles. The poet implores Indra for continued help, seeking strength and abundance, just as he brought joy and water in the past.

Hymn 1.177

Stanzas: 5

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn is a vibrant invitation to Indra, calling him the "bull among men" and "king of peoples." The poet urges him to hitch his powerful horses and descend quickly, drawn by soma juice, sweet drinks, and spread sacred grass. The plea is for him to come, sit, drink, and grant abundance and lasting strength.

Hymn 1.178

Stanzas: 5

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Agastya

Addressing Indra, this hymn asks for his special attention to hear desires for greatness and not to disappoint. It praises Indra as a battle-winner and a great listener to the struggling, who favors devoted worshippers. The poet seeks his help to defeat mighty enemies and for him to bring connection, life, strength, and abundant nourishment.

Hymn 1.179

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: Agastya and Lopamudra

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn features Lopamudra lamenting her aging and expressing her strong desire for her husband, even as cosmic order isn't fully achieved. It hints at the struggles of mortal desires, and Agastya's quest for offspring and strength. The hymn concludes by invoking Soma for forgiveness of human shortcomings.

Hymn 1.180

Stanzas: 10

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn vividly describes the Asvins' swift chariot, scattering moisture and bringing sweetness with the dawn. It celebrates their benevolent actions, from helping Atri to securing abundant flow, and asks them to guard the divine within. The poet praises them, seeking well-being, good horses for sacrificers, and wealth.

Hymn 1.181

Stanzas: 9

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn invites the swift, treasure-bringing Ashvins, divine twins, to arrive on their radiant chariots. It praises their power to nourish and protect, asking them to hear the call and bring abundance like a flowing river.

Hymn 1.182

Stanzas: 8

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Agastya

Calling the Ashvins, this hymn urges the swift, wise twins to arrive with their sweet-laden chariot. It asks them to crush enemies, bless the poet, and celebrates their legendary rescue of Tugra's son from the watery depths.

Hymn 1.183

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn invokes the powerful Ashvins, asking them to bring their swift, three-wheeled chariot. It praises their ability to fly with Dawn, seeking their protection from harm, asking them not to pass by, and celebrating their aid in overcoming darkness.

Hymn 1.184

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Agastya

As dawn breaks, this hymn calls upon the generous Ashvins and Pushan, sons of heaven, to arrive. It asks them to gladden the praisers, drive away the stingy, and bring their sweet gifts and strength, celebrating their divine power.

Hymn 1.185

Stanzas: 11

Addressed to: Heaven and Earth

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn ponders the mystery of Heaven and Earth (Day and Night), portraying them as cosmic parents who sustain all existence. It calls upon these grand, protective forces to keep the worshipper safe from harm and bless them with divine sustenance.

Hymn 1.186

Stanzas: 11

Addressed to: All the Gods

Rishi: Agastya

This expansive hymn invokes a wide array of deities, including Savitr, Agni, the Maruts, and the Ashvins, among many others. It seeks their collective favor, asking for joy, protection, strength, and abundant sustenance for the community.

Hymn 1.187

Stanzas: 11

Addressed to: Food and Drink

Rishi: Agastya

Celebrating the vital power of nourishing food, this hymn praises its strength and connection to divine deeds, like Trita slaying Vritra. It asks for food's helpful essences to be wholesome and strong, delighting both gods and humans.

Hymn 1.188

Stanzas: 11

Addressed to: Apri Hymn

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn meticulously invokes various deities and ritual elements crucial for a successful sacrifice. It calls upon Agni as messenger, the divine Doors, the Dawns, revered priests, Sarasvati, and Tvastr to bring blessings and increase through the offerings.

Hymn 1.189

Stanzas: 8

Addressed to: Agni

Rishi: Agastya

This hymn offers a heartfelt plea to Agni, asking the ever-vigilant fire god for guidance on a good path to prosperity. It seeks his powerful protection from sickness, enemies, and all harm, expressing deep trust in his rescuing strength.

Hymn 1.190

Stanzas: 8

Addressed to: Brihaspati

Rishi: Agastya

Celebrating Brihaspati, this hymn praises the powerful and wise god whose voice delights gods and humans alike. It describes hymns flowing to him like streams, and asks him, the establisher of vast spaces, to grant strength and prosperity.

Hymn 1.191

Stanzas: 16

Addressed to: Against Venomous Animals

Rishi: Agastya

Feeling stung and poisoned by unseen creatures and sharp grasses, this hymn acts as a powerful charm. It calls upon the all-seeing Sun and other cosmic forces to neutralize the venom, asserting with confidence that the poison will be overcome and life will endure.