Medhatithi Hymns

27 Hymns Family: Kanva Found in Mandalas: 1, 8

An early sage of the Kanva family, credited with being the seer of a significant portion of the early hymns in Rigveda Mandala 1 (hymns 12-23). He is a foundational figure for the Kanva school.

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Hymn 1.12

Stanzas: 12

Addressed to: Agni

Rishi: Medhatithi

Here, we meet Agni, the vital fire god, as both a divine messenger and the chief priest of the sacrifice. This hymn calls upon him to bring the other gods, accept offerings, burn away enemies, and bless worshippers with riches and heroic children. It's an invitation for his shining presence.

Hymn 1.13

Stanzas: 12

Addressed to: Apri Hymn

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn is a meticulous invitation to a grand ritual feast. It begins with Agni, the shining priest, bringing other gods, then calls upon a host of specific deities like Tanunapat, Narashamsa, and divine pairs like Night and Dawn to join the sacrifice, sit on the sacred grass, and partake in the offerings.

Hymn 1.14

Stanzas: 12

Addressed to: All the Gods

Rishi: Medhatithi

Here, Agni is called upon to gather an impressive assembly of gods—including Indra, Vayu, Mitra, and the Maruts—for a communal Soma feast. The Kanva priests eagerly prepare the sacred grass and offerings, urging Agni to use his "good tongue" to ensure all the invited deities enjoy the intoxicating drink.

Hymn 1.15

Stanzas: 12

Addressed to: Cycle of the Gods

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn repeatedly invites a broad pantheon of gods—Indra, the Maruts, Agni, Mitra-Varuna, and the Ashvins—to drink the exhilarating Soma. A recurring theme is the performance of rituals "with the rhythm of the cosmos" (ṛtú), emphasizing cosmic order and seeking generosity and blessings from these powerful deities.

Hymn 1.16

Stanzas: 9

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi

An eager call for Indra, this hymn urges the powerful deity to hasten on his radiant horses to the waiting Soma offerings. The singers repeatedly invite him to drink the intoxicating drops, hoping it will boost his immense strength and prompt him to fulfill their desires for abundant wealth, like cows and horses.

Hymn 1.17

Stanzas: 9

Addressed to: Indra and Varuna

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn is a joint appeal to the mighty duo, Indra and Varuna. The singer calls for their combined help, graciousness, and protection, emphasizing their readiness to aid. The plea is for the two great rulers to bestow generous gifts, ensuring wealth and an overflowing abundance for the worshipper.

Hymn 1.18

Stanzas: 9

Addressed to: Brahmanaspati and Sadasaspati

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn invokes Brahmanaspati, the lord of sacred utterances, to inspire wisdom and protect from harm. Alongside Soma and Indra, he's seen as a vital force for success, guiding sacrifices to prosperity and ensuring the well-being of those he favors. It's a prayer for divine intelligence and security.

Hymn 1.19

Stanzas: 9

Addressed to: Agni and the Maruts

Rishi: Medhatithi

Here, the hymn delivers an enthusiastic, repeated call to Agni, urging him to attend the ritual, always accompanied by the formidable Maruts. It vividly describes the Maruts' awe-inspiring power—their radiance, their songs, their ability to toss clouds across the ocean—emphasizing Agni's strength when allied with these storm gods.

Hymn 1.20

Stanzas: 8

Addressed to: The Ribhus

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn celebrates the extraordinary skill of the Ribhus, divine artisans renowned for their craftsmanship. It praises them for fashioning chariots and horses for Indra, creating a wondrous milk-giving cow, and even rejuvenating their parents, highlighting their ability to transform and contribute powerfully to the divine order and sacrifices.

Hymn 1.21

Stanzas: 6

Addressed to: Indra and Agni

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn is a direct and enthusiastic call to Indra and Agni, celebrating their shared love for Soma. Worshippers invite these powerful gods to drink, receive praise, crush demons, and grant protection, ensuring their presence at the ritual.

Hymn 1.22

Stanzas: 21

Addressed to: Diverse Gods

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn is a vibrant roll call of deities, inviting Ashvins for Soma, Savitr for protection and wealth, Agni to bring divine wives, and praising Vishnu’s cosmic steps. It's a wide-ranging appeal for blessings, protection, and well-being at the ritual.

Hymn 1.23

Stanzas: 24

Addressed to: Diverse Gods

Rishi: Medhatithi

Here, a chorus of deities is called upon: Vayu for Soma, Indra and his Maruts for strength, Mitra and Varuna for order, and Pushan to find what's lost. The hymn culminates with the Waters, celebrated as the source of all healing and purification, sought for vitality and absolution.

Hymn 1.24

Stanzas: 15

Addressed to: Agni, Savitri and Varuna

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn opens with a poignant question about which god can restore us to Aditi, naming Agni. It then praises Savitr for gifts, but centers on Varuna. The King is lauded for upholding cosmic laws, then earnestly entreated to release the worshipper from sin and bonds, echoing the tale of Śunaḥśepa.

Hymn 1.25

Stanzas: 21

Addressed to: Varuna

Rishi: Medhatithi

This is a heartfelt appeal to Varuna, acknowledging human failings in upholding divine laws. The speaker confesses daily missteps, fears Varuna's wrath, and seeks his forgiveness and guidance. Varuna is portrayed as the all-seeing, all-knowing maintainer of cosmic order, whom the worshipper earnestly petitions for release from sin.

Hymn 1.26

Stanzas: 10

Addressed to: Agni

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn primarily focuses on Agni, inviting the "radiant one" to clothe himself and accept the sacrifice as a chosen priest and friend. Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman are also welcomed. It celebrates Agni as the crucial link through whom all offerings reach the gods, fostering a precious fellowship.

Hymn 1.27

Stanzas: 13

Addressed to: Agni

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn champions Agni as a powerful, sovereign protector and a lavish giver of wealth. The worshipper hails him with offerings and asks him to carry praises to the gods, seeking his boundless strength, wisdom, and blessings. It's a robust celebration of Agni's vital role in all aspects of life.

Hymn 1.28

Stanzas: 9

Addressed to: The Simplified Pressing of Soma

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn vividly describes the rhythmic process of pressing Soma juice using the mortar and pestle. Each stanza, with a cheerful repetition, invites Indra to eagerly drink the fresh drops. It celebrates the powerful, ancient tools and the sacred act of preparing Soma for the chief of gods.

Hymn 1.29

Stanzas: 7

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn is a fervent plea to Indra, the powerful Soma-drinker, for abundant wealth—cows, horses, and riches—even in times of despair. Each verse earnestly implores him to grant good fortune, awaken the generous, and swiftly crush all critics and hidden enemies.

Hymn 1.30

Stanzas: 22

Addressed to: Indra, Final Verses Asvins and Usas

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn is largely an enthusiastic invitation to Indra, the "Lord of a Hundred Powers," to drink Soma and provide aid in all endeavors. Worshippers seek his companionship, strength, and the joy he brings. It concludes by briefly calling upon the Ashvins and the radiant Dawn for swift support and riches.

Hymn 1.31

Stanzas: 18

Addressed to: Agni

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn celebrates Agni as the ancient, wise fire god, the first priest and divine messenger. It praises his roles in creation, his power to protect and bring wealth, and his ability to forgive. He’s seen as a powerful guardian, a father figure, and the source of all good fortune for worshippers.

Hymn 1.32

Stanzas: 15

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi

Experience Indra's most epic triumph! This hymn recounts his legendary battle against the serpent Vritra, detailing how he slew the monster, released the life-giving waters, and brought forth the sun and dawn. It's a vivid celebration of Indra's unparalleled strength and cosmic heroism.

Hymn 1.33

Stanzas: 15

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi

Here, Indra emerges as a fierce warrior and generous wealth-giver. Worshippers seek his help to conquer enemies, gain cows, and achieve riches. The hymn vividly describes his victories against godless foes, his shattering of strongholds, and his protection of those who praise him in battle.

Hymn 1.34

Stanzas: 12

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Medhatithi

This hymn invokes the Ashvins, the divine twins, with an emphasis on their triple nature and constant presence. Worshippers seek their healing, protection, wealth, and offspring, asking them to bless offerings and bring strength. It highlights their swift, honey-sweet chariot and their role as tireless givers of well-being.

Hymn 1.35

Stanzas: 11

Addressed to: Savitri

Rishi: Medhatithi

Journey with Savitar, the golden-eyed solar god, as he traverses the sky in his shining chariot. This hymn praises his role in illuminating all worlds, bringing rest to mortals, and dispelling troubles. He's invoked for protection, healing, and the precious gifts he bestows on earth.

Hymn 8.1

Stanzas: 34

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Priyamedha, Others

An ardent call to Indra, celebrating his immense strength as the fort-destroyer and giver of wealth. The hymn urges unwavering praise, pledging loyalty over any price. It recounts his heroic deeds—from healing to rescuing Kutsa—and eagerly summons him to the Soma ritual for protection and abundance.

Hymn 8.2

Stanzas: 42

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Priyamedha, Others

This hymn is a fervent invitation for Indra to drink the sacred Soma, presented by the devoted Kanvas. It emphasizes his unparalleled strength and role as the universe's companion. Praising his generosity, the hymn seeks his protection from foes and calls upon the hero to bestow abundant wealth and glory.

Hymn 8.3

Stanzas: 24

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Priyamedha, Others

A majestic hymn celebrating Indra's cosmic power—from spreading the worlds to making the sun shine. It earnestly seeks his protection, strength, and wealth, emphasizing his ancient, unsurpassed might. The seer invokes Indra in worship, battle, and for prosperity, recalling his heroic deeds and affirming his unique majesty.

Hymn 8.4

Stanzas: 21

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Priyamedha, Others

This hymn first calls Indra from all corners, inviting him to drink Soma like a thirsty bull, affirming his presence among various tribes. It then turns to Pūṣan, seeking his alliance, wisdom, and protection for cattle and prosperity. The hymn celebrates divine generosity and the tangible benefits of devotion.

Hymn 8.5

Stanzas: 39

Addressed to: Asvins

Rishi: Medhatithi, Priyamedha, Others

Welcoming the swift Ashvins at dawn, this hymn praises the divine twins' golden chariot and healing powers. It invites them to bring wealth, cows, and strong heroes, recounting their past aid to sages in distress. The hymn fervently seeks their protective presence and bountiful blessings for the sacrificer and his community.

Hymn 8.32

Stanzas: 30

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Sons of Kanva

The Kanvas sing of Indra's formidable strength, recounting his triumphs over demons like Vritra, freeing waters and cattle. They call upon him in Soma-intoxication, seeking his protection, abundant wealth, and swift arrival to their fervent offerings and hymns.

Hymn 8.33

Stanzas: 19

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Sons of Kanva

Drawing Indra to their Soma-pressing like a roaring bull, devotees laud his wisdom, might, and fearlessness. This hymn celebrates him as the unconquered Vritra-slayer and fort-breaker, who grants abundant riches and victory, eagerly sought for his powerful presence.

Hymn 8.34

Stanzas: 18

Addressed to: Indra

Rishi: Medhatithi, Sons of Kanva

This hymn repeatedly calls to Indra, the "dweller in the sky," to descend for the Soma libations. It describes the resonant pressing stones and Kanva's prayers, urging the hero to come from afar for protection, enjoyment, and to shower thousands of cows and horses upon his devotees.