Rig Veda · 422 of 1027
Mandala 5: HYMN LXVIII. Mitra-Varuṇa.
1.SING forth unto your Varuṇa and Mitra with a song inspired. They, Mighty Lords, are lofty Law
2.Full springs of fatness, Sovran Kings, Mitra. and Varuṇa, the Twain, Gods glorified among the Gods.
3.So help ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth: Vast is your sway among the Gods.
4.Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might. The two Gods wax devoid of guile.
5.With rainy skies and streaming floods, Lords of the strength that bringeth gifts, A lofty seat have they attained.
Asked of Guide
Why are Mitra and Varuṇa called 'twain' and linked to Law in this hymn?
The hymn names Mitra and Varuṇa as a paired sovereignty: “the Twain, Gods glorified among the Gods,” which frames their power as jointly governing order and prosperity. Their authority is practical and moral; lines like “Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might” present their rule as maintained by and expressed through rta, the cosmic and social order itself.
Calling them together ties rainfall and wealth to lawful governance—“With rainy skies and streaming floods” makes generosity a function of right rule. This paired, juridical aspect of divine kingship echoes themes in the Gṛhyasūtras and later Upanishads where cosmic order and social duty are two sides of the same authority.
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