Rig Veda
etā u tyā uṣasaḥ ketum akrata pūrve ardhe rajaso bhānum añjate niṣkṛṇvānā āyudhānīva dhṛṣṇavaḥ prati gāvo 'ruṣīr yanti mātaraḥ
These Dawns have raised their banner; in the eastern half of the mid-air they spread abroad their shining light. Like heroes who prepare their weapons for the war, onward they come bright red in hue, the Mother Cows.
ud apaptann aruṇā bhānavo vṛthā svāyujo aruṣīr gā ayukṣata akrann uṣāso vayunāni pūrvathā ruśantam bhānum aruṣīr aśiśrayuḥ
Readily have the purple beams of light shot up; the Red Cows have they harnessed, easy to be yoked. The Dawns have brought distinct perception as before: red-hued, they have attained their fulgent brilliancy.
arcanti nārīr apaso na viṣṭibhiḥ samānena yojanenā parāvataḥ iṣaṃ vahantīḥ sukṛte sudānave viśved aha yajamānāya sunvate
They sing their song like women active in their tasks, along their common path hither from far away, Bringing refreshment to the liberal devotee, yea, all things to the worshipper who pours the juice.
This verse is not included in this edition.
She, like a dancer, puts her broidered garments on: as a cow yields her udder so she bares her breast. Creating light for all the world of life, the Dawn hath laid the darkness open as the cows their stall.
praty arcī ruśad asyā adarśi vi tiṣṭhate bādhate kṛṣṇam abhvam svaruṃ na peśo vidatheṣv añjañcitraṃ divo duhitā bhānum aśret
We have beheld the brightness of her shining; it spreads and drives away the darksome monster. Like tints that deck the Post at sacrifices, Heaven's Daughter hath attained her wondrous splendour.
atāriṣma tamasas pāram asyoṣā ucchantī vayunā kṛṇoti śriye chando na smayate vibhātī supratīkā saumanasāyājīgaḥ
We have o'erpast the limit of this darkness; Dawn breaking forth again brings clear perception. She like a flatterer smiles in light for glory, and fair of face hath wakened to rejoice us.
bhāsvatī netrī sūnṛtānāṃ diva stave duhitā gotamebhiḥ prajāvato nṛvato aśvabudhyān uṣo goagrāṁ upa māsi vājān
The Gotamas have praised Heaven's radiant Daughter, the leader of the charm of pleasant voices. Dawn, thou conferrest on us strength with offspring and men, conspicuous with kine and horses.
uṣas tam aśyāṃ yaśasaṃ suvīraṃ dāsapravargaṃ rayim aśvabudhyam sudaṃsasā śravasā yā vibhāsi vājaprasūtā subhage bṛhantam
O thou who shinest forth in wondrous glory, urged onward by thy strength, auspicious Lady, Dawn, may I gain that wealth, renowned and ample, in brave sons, troops of slaves, far-famed for horses.
viśvāni devī bhuvanābhicakṣyā pratīcī cakṣur urviyā vi bhāti viśvaṃ jīvaṃ carase bodhayantī viśvasya vācam avidan manāyoḥ
Bending her looks on all the world, the Goddess shines, widely spreading with her bright eye westward. Waking to motion every living creature, she understands the voice of each adorer.
punaḥ punar jāyamānā purāṇī samānaṃ varṇam abhi śumbhamānā śvaghnīva kṛtnur vija āminānā martasya devī jarayanty āyuḥ
Ancient of days, again again born newly, decking her beauty with the self-same raiment. The Goddess wastes away the life of mortals, like a skilled hunter cutting birds in pieces.
vyūrṇvatī divo antāṁ abodhy apa svasāraṃ sanutar yuyoti praminatī manuṣyā yugāni yoṣā jārasya cakṣasā vi bhāti
She hath appeared discovering heaven's borders: to the far distance she drives off her Sister. Diminishing the days of human creatures, the Lady shines with all her lover's splendour.
This verse is not included in this edition.
The bright, the blessed One shines forth extending her rays like kine, as a flood rolls his waters. Never transgressing the divine commandments, she is beheld visible with the sunbeams.
uṣas tac citram ā bharāsmabhyaṃ vājinīvati yena tokaṃ ca tanayaṃ ca dhāmahe
O Dawn enriched with ample wealth, bestow on us the wondrous gift Wherewith we may support children and children's sons.
uṣo adyeha gomaty aśvāvati vibhāvari revad asme vy uccha sūnṛtāvati
Thou radiant mover of sweet sounds, with wealth of horses and of kine Shine thou on us this day, O Dawn auspiciously.
yukṣvā hi vājinīvaty aśvāṁ adyāruṇāṁ uṣaḥ athā no viśvā saubhagāny ā vaha
O Dawn enriched with holy rites, yoke to thy car thy purple steeds, And then bring thou unto us all felicities.
aśvinā vartir asmad ā gomad dasrā hiraṇyavat arvāg rathaṃ samanasā ni yacchatam
O Asvins wonderful in act, do ye unanimous direct Your chariot to our home wealthy in kine and gold.
yāv itthā ślokam ā divo jyotir janāya cakrathuḥ ā na ūrjaṃ vahatam aśvinā yuvam
Ye who brought down the hymn from heaven, a light that giveth light to man, Do ye, O Asvins, bring strength hither unto us.
eha devā mayobhuvā dasrā hiraṇyavartanī uṣarbudho vahantu somapītaye
Hither may they who wake at dawn bring, to drink Soma both the Gods Health-givers Wonder-Workers, borne on paths of gold.