Religion

Rig Veda 7.101: SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk…

by The Rishis of the Rig Veda c. 1500–1000 BCE (traditional; uncertain)

Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1896) · From The Hymns of the Rigveda (1896)

Religion

SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk this udder that produceth nectar.
Quickly made manifest, the Bull hath bellowed, engendering the germ of plants, the Infant.

Giver of growth to plants, the God who ruleth over the waters and all moving creatures,
Vouchsafe us triple shelter for our refuge, and threefold light to succour and befriend us.

Now he is sterile, now begetteth offspring, even as he willeth doth he change his figure.
The Father's genial flow bedews the Mother; therewith the Sire, therewith the son is nourished.

In him all living creatures have their being, and the three heavens with triply flowing waters.
Three reservoirs that sprinkle down their treasure shed their sweet streams around him with a murmur.

May this my song to Sovran Lord Parjanya come near unto his heart and give him pleasure.
May we obtain the showers that bring enjoyment, and God-protected plants with goodly fruitage.

He is the Bull of all, and their impregner lie holds the life of all things fixed and moving.
May this rite save me till my hundredth autumn. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 7.101: SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk….” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/615/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 7.101: SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk….” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/615/.

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