Rig Veda · 344 of 1027
Mandala 4: HYMN XLVIII. Vāyu.
1.TASTE offerings never tasted yet, as bards enjoy the foeman’s wealth. O Vāyu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.
2.Removing curses, drawn by teams, with Indra, seated by thy side, O Vāyu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.
3.The two dark treasuries of wealth that wear all beauties wait on thee. O Vāyu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.
4.May nine-and-ninety harnessed steeds who yoke them at thy will bring thee. O Vāyu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.
5.Harness, O Vāyu, to thy car a hundred well-fed tawny steeds, Yea, or a thousand steeds, and let thy chariot come to us with might.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn keep calling Vāyu to 'come to the drinking of the juice'?
The hymn repeatedly invites Vāyu to “the drinking of the juice” as a ritual summons to share in soma and its rewards; it frames Vāyu as a guest whose arrival brings wealth and healing — “removing curses” and bringing “treasuries of wealth.” The refrain mobilizes ceremonial hospitality: soma drinking binds deity and worshipper, and Vāyu’s presence guarantees prosperity and protection.
The images of steeds, chariot, and abundance — “a hundred well-fed tawny steeds” — signal divine power arriving in full regalia to partake of the sacrificial gift. Compare the Rig Veda hymns to Indra where soma drinking likewise establishes alliance and bestows spoils; here Vāyu is invited into that same sacramental economy.
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