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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 868 of 1027

Mandala 10: HYMN XXXI. Viśvedevas.

1.MAY benediction of the Gods approach us, holy, to aid us with all rapid succours. Therewith may we be happily befriended, and pass triumphant over all our troubles.

2.A man should think on wealth and strive to win it by adoration on the path of Order, Counsel himself with his own mental insight, and grasp still nobler vigour with his spirit.

3.The hymn is formed, poured are the allotted portions: as to a ford friends come unto the Wondrous. We have obtained the power of case and comfort, we haVe become acquainted, with Immortals.

4.Pleased be the Eternal Lord who loves the household with this man whom God Savitar created. May Bhaga Aryaman grace him with cattle: may he appear to him, and be, delightful.

5.Like the Dawns’ dwelling-place be this assembly, where in their might men rich in food have gathered. Striving to share the praises of this singer. To us come strengthening and effectual riches!

6.This Bull’s most gracious far-extended favour existed first of all in full abundance. By his support they are maintained in common who in the Asura’s mansion dwell together.

7.What was the tree, what wood, in sooth, produced it, from which they fashioned forth the Earth and Heaven? These Twain stand fast and wax not old for ever: these have sung praise to many a day and morning.

8.Not only here is this: more is beyond us. He is the Bull, the Heaven’s and Earth’s supporter. With power divine he makes his skin a filter, when the Bay Coursers bear him on as Sūrya.

9.He passes o’er the broad earth like a Stega: he penetrates the world as Wind the mist-cloud. He, balmed with oil, near Varuṇa and Mitra, like Agni in the wood, hath shot forth splendour.

10.When suddenly called the cow that erst was barren, she, self-protected, ended all her troubles. Earth, when the first son sprang from sire and mother, cast up the gami, that which men were seeking.

11.To Nṛṣad’s son they gave the name of Kainva, and he the brown-hued courser won the treasure. For him dark-coloured streamed the shining udder: none made it swell for him. Thus Order willed it.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call a cosmic being “the Bull” who supports Heaven and Earth?

The hymn uses “the Bull” as a concrete image for a cosmic supporter whose strength holds Heaven and Earth; verses 7–9 ask “what was the tree…from which they fashioned forth the Earth and Heaven?” and then identify the Bull as their supporter. The Bull gathers attributes of fertility, power, and sustaining force: it is linked to abundance (“most gracious far‑extended favour”) and to the sun’s movement when “the Bay Coursers bear him on as Sūrya.”

Calling the divine force a Bull ties cosmic order to everyday symbols of wealth and household blessing—cattle, udders, and the fertile cow in verse 10. This matches other Vedic imagery where providence and social prosperity are explained through pastoral metaphors, as in many hymns of the Rig Veda that equate cosmic functioning with agrarian and domestic well‑being.

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.