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Becamest king of all that goes and moveth, Begetting sun and heaven and dawn together.
THE MARUTS.
These gods, the constant followers of Indra, from the present point of view are not of great importance, except as showing an unadulterated type of nature-gods, worshipped without much esoteric wisdom (although there is a certain amount of mystery in connection with their birth). There is something of the same pleasure in singing to them as is discernible in the hymns to Dawn. They are the real storm-gods, following Rudra, their father, and accompanying the great storm-bringer, Indra. Their mother is the variegated cow Pricni, the mother cloud. Their name means the shining, gleaming ones.
HYMN TO THE MARUTS (vii. 56. 1-10).
Who, sooth, are the gleaming related heroes,
the glory of Rudra, on beauteous chargers? For of them the birthplace no man hath witnessed;
they only know it, their mutual birthplace. With wings expanded they sweep each other, [14]
and strive together, the wind-loud falcons. Wise he that knoweth this secret knowledge,
that Prixni the great one to them was mother.[15] This folk the Maruts shall make heroic,
victorious ever, increased in manhood; In speed the swiftest, in light the lightest,
with grace united and fierce in powerYour power fierce is; your strength, enduring;
and hence with the Maruts this folk is mighty. Your fury fair is, your hearts are wrothful,
like maniacs wild is your band courageous.