A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.
Rig Veda · 602 of 1027
Mandala 7: HYMN LXXXVI. Varuṇa.
1.WISE, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever, spacious heaven and earth asunder; Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of old, and spread the earth before him.
2.With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuṇa and I may be united. What gift of mine will he accept unangered? When may I calmly look and find him gracious?
3.Fain to know this is my sin I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuṇa, and ask them. This one same answer even the sages gave me, “Surely this Varuṇa is angry with thee.”
4.What, Varuṇa, hath been my chief transgression, that thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises? Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I approach thee with mine homage.
5.Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended. O King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasiṣṭha.
6.Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuṇa wine, dice, or anger. The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth not all evil-doing.
7.Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches.
8.O Lord, O Varuṇa, may this laudation come close to thee and lie within thy spirit. May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever-more, ye Gods, with blessings.
Asked of Guide
Why does the speaker think Varuṇa is angry with him?
The speaker recounts asking sages and hearing the single reply: “Surely this Varuṇa is angry with thee.” He lists possible causes—ancestral sins, personal faults, seduction, wine, dice, anger, and sleep—that could have led to Varuṇa’s wrath.
To repair the breach he offers humble service, vows to be “sinless” and requests release for Vasiṣṭha, asking Varuṇa to accept praise and free them. This resembles later smriti themes about atonement and ritual reconciliation found in Manusmṛti, where confession, restraint, and service restore the divine favor.
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.