✶Gnosis
← Contents
Theme
0110 / 1027

Listen

Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

Rig Veda · 110 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN CX. Ṛbhus.

1.THE holy work I wrought before is wrought again: my sweetest hymn is sung to celebrate your praise. Here, O ye Ṛbhus, is this sea for all the Gods: sate you with Soma offered with the hallowing word.

2.When, seeking your enjoyment onward from afar, ye, certain of my kinsmen, wandered on your way, Sons of Sudhanvan, after your long journeying, ye came unto the home of liberal Savitar.

3.Savitar therefore gave you immortality, because ye came proclaiming him whom naught can hide; And this the drinking-chalice of the Asura, which till that time was one, ye made to be fourfold.

4.When they had served with zeal at sacrifice as priests, they, mortal as they were, gained immortality. The Ṛbhus, children of Sudhanvan, bright as suns, were in a year’s course made associate with prayers.

5.The Ṛbhus, with a rod measured, as ’twere a field, the single sacrificial chalice. wide of mouth, Lauded of all who saw, praying for what is best, desiring glorious fame among Immortal Gods.

6.As oil in ladles, we through knowledge will present unto the Heroes of the firmament our hymn,— The Ṛbhus who came near with this great Father’s speed, and rose to heaven’s high sphere to eat the strengthening food.

7.Ṛbhu to us is Indra freshest in his might, Ṛbhu with powers and wealth is giver of rich gifts. Gods, through your favour may we on the happy day quell the attacks of those who pour no offerings forth.

8.Out of a skin, O Ṛbhus, once ye formed a cow, and brought the mother close unto her calf again. Sons of Sudhanvan, Heroes, with surpassing skill ye made your aged Parents youthful as before.

9.Help us with strength where spoil is won, O Indra: joined with the Ṛbhus give us varied bounty. This prayer of ours may Varuṇa grant, and Mitra, and Aditi and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven.

Asked of Guide

Why do the Ṛbhus earn immortality despite being mortal?

The chapter says the Ṛbhus gained immortality because they served zealously at sacrifice and performed wondrous crafts: they “served with zeal at sacrifice as priests” and made the single drinking-chalice fourfold and even fashioned a cow from a skin. Their skillful service to the gods and the ritual acts—priestly work plus creative deeds—are presented as the cause of their ascent to the gods’ sphere and immortality.

This links with themes in the Gītā where disciplined action and devotion align one with the divine; here the Rig Veda locates that alignment in visible, communal ritual and inventive service. The hymn praises practical craftsmanship and sacrificial fidelity as the means by which mortals are made “associate with prayers” and brought among the Immortal Gods.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.