________________
436
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA VII, HYMN 46.
ASHTAKA V, ADHYAYA 4, VARGA 13.
TO RUDRA.
1. Offer ye these songs to Rudra whose bow is strong, whose arrows are swift, the self-dependent1 god, the unconquered conqueror, the intelligent, whose weapons are sharp-may he hear us!
2. For, being the lord', he looks after what is born on earth; being the universal ruler, he looks after what is born in heaven. Protecting us, come to our protecting doors, be without illness among our people, O Rudra!
3. May that thunderbolt of thine, which, sent from heaven, traverses the earth, pass us by! A thousand medicines are thine, O thou who art freely accessible1; do not hurt us in our kith and kin!
4. Do not strike us, O Rudra, do not forsake us! May we not be in thy way when thou rushest forth furiously. Let us have our altar and a good report among men1-protect as always with your favours!
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