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VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA I, HYMN 114. ASHTAKA I, ADHYÅYA 8, VARGA 5-6.
To RUDRA. 1. We offer these prayers ? to Rudra, the strong, whose hair is braided , who rules over heroes 3, that he may be a blessing to man and beast, that everything in this our village may be prosperous and free from disease.
2. Be gracious to us, O Rudra, and give us joy, and we shall honour thee, the ruler of heroes, with worship. What health and wealth father Manu acquired by his sacrifices, may we obtain the same, O Rudra, under thy guidance.
3. O bounteous Rudra, may we by sacrifice obtain the goodwill of thee, the ruler of heroes; come to our clans, well-disposed, and, with unharmed men, we shall offer our libation to thee.
4. We call down for our help the fierce Rudra, who fulfils our sacrifice, the swift, the wise; may he drive far away from us the anger of the gods; we desire his goodwill only.
5. We call down with worship the red boar of the sky, the god with braided hair, the blazing form; may he who carries in his hand the best medicines grant us protection, shield, and shelter !
6. This speech is spoken for the father of the Maruts, sweeter than sweet, a joy to Rudra ; grant to us also, O immortal, the food of mortals, be gracious to us and to our kith and kin !
7. Do not slay our great or our small ones, our
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