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Rig Veda · 554 of 1027
Mandala 7: HYMN XXXVIII. Savitar.
1.ON high hath Savitar, this God, extended the golden lustre which he spreads around him. Now, now must Bhaga be invoked by mortals, Lord of great riches who distributes treasures.
2.Rise up, O Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while sacrifice is offered, Spreading afar thy broad and wide effulgence, and bringing mortal men the food that feeds them.
3.Let Savitar the God he hymned with praises, to whom the Vasus, even, all sing glory. Sweet be our lauds to him whose due is worship: may he with all protection guard our princes.
4.Even he whom Aditi the Goddess praises, rejoicing in God Savitar’s incitement: Even he who praise the high imperial Rulers, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman, sing in concert.
5.They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty, from the earth and heaven. May they and Ahibudhnya hear our calling: guard us Varūtrī with the Ekadhenus.
6.This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,—the wealth which Savitar the God possesses. The mighty calls on Bhaga for protection, on Bhaga calls the weak to give him riches.
7.Bless us the Vajins when we call, while slowly they move, strong Singers, to the Gods’ assembly. Crushing the wolf, the serpent, and the demons, may they completely banish all affliction.
8.Deep-skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, O Vajins, help us in each fray for booty. Drink of this meath, he satisfied, be joyful: then go on paths which Gods are wont to travel.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn keep invoking both Savitar and Bhaga together?
The hymn pairs Savitar and Bhaga because Savitar is the radiant mover who spreads “golden lustre” and brings sustenance, while Bhaga is the distributor of wealth and treasures; Savitar supplies light and motion, Bhaga allocates prosperity. The poet repeatedly calls Bhaga as the one who gives riches—“Lord of great riches who distributes treasures”—so invoking both secures both provision and its blessing.
The assembly of other gods—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman—and the Singers (Vajins) extend that work into order and protection, crushing foes and guarding princes. This cooperation echoes themes in the Atharva Veda and later ritual texts where different deities perform complementary roles in cosmic and social welfare.
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