Rig Veda · 878 of 1027
Mandala 10: HYMN XLI. Aśvins.
1.THAT general Car of yours, invoked by many a man, that comes to our libations, three-wheeled, meet for lauds, That circumambient Car, worthy of sacrifice, we call with our pure hymns at earliest flush of dawn.
2.Ye, O Nāsatyas, mount that early-harnessed Car, that travels early, laden with its freight of balm, Wherewith ye, Heroes, visit clans who sacrifice, even the poor man’s worship where the priest attends.
3.If to the deft Adhvaryu with the meath in hand, or to the Kindler firm in strength, the household friend, Or to the sage’s poured libations ye approach, come thence, O Aśvins, now to drink the offered meath.
Asked of Guide
Why are the Aśvins called to an early three-wheeled Car at dawn?
The hymn summons the Aśvins as beneficent visitors who arrive at daybreak in a “three-wheeled” Car to accept offerings; dawn frames their coming because they bring healing and gifts “at earliest flush of dawn,” when rites begin. The Car’s description as “circumambient” and “meet for lauds” marks it sacred and suitable for sacrificial praise, signaling their role in connecting worshippers and rites.
The poet stresses accessibility: the Aśvins come “even [to] the poor man’s worship where the priest attends,” showing they receive offerings across households and ranks. This emphasis resembles other Vedic hymns that link dawn, ritual commencement, and divine benefaction, as in several hymns of Mandala 1 where gods are invoked with morning libations.
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