Hymns of the Rgveda (2 Volumes)

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The Rgveda or the Veda of Praise is the oldest extant literary work in the world. The Hindus have always revered it as the fountain of divine wisdom. All schools of Hindu philosophy claim inspiration from it.

The Rgveda contains 1071 hymns (or 1028 according to Valakhilyas) arranged in ten mandalas or books. The first book contains hymns of different character; the seven books, from the second to the eighth, consist of groups of hymns, each group ascribed to one sage or to the members of his family. The groups arranged in order of deities, with Agni in the vanguard followed by Indra, Vayu and others.

The poetic quality of the hymns has had different appeal. Most scholars agree, that some, if not all, touch sublime heights of poetry. The monotonous repetition of some hymns has driven away not a few poetasters. They consider the merits of the Rgveda more historic and less poetic.

The present translation of Rgveda is considered as one of the most authentic rendering of the Vedic text in the fine metrical English with explanatory notes and useful indices. Mainly he has relied on Sayana's commentary for exposition, though departing from it at his convenience.

About the Author:

Ralph Thomas Hotchkin Griffith born May 25, 1826; son of Revd. R.C. Griffith: educated at Warminster, Uppingham and Queen's college, Oxford: University Boden Sanskrit Scholar: Assistant Master, Marlborough, 1849-53: Professor of English Literature, Benares College, 1854-62: Principal of Benares College, 1863-78: Director of Public Instruction, N.W.P. and Oudh, 1878-85: retired 1885: author of Specimens of Old Indian Poetry, 1852; The Birth of the War-God, 1853; Idylls from the Sanskrit, 1866; Scenes from the Ramayana, 1868; The Ramayana of Valmiki, 1870-5; The Hymns of the Rgveda, 1889-92; The Hymns of the Atharvaveda, 1895-6; The Texts of the White Yajurveda, 1899; founder and editor of the Pandit, a Sanskrit journal, for eight years: C.I.E. 1885. Died 1906.

Translation

Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV
Book V
Book VI

1. Hymn I. CXXVI.6, 7; I.CLXXIX Metre

Book VII
Book VIII
Book IX
Book X

Index of Hymns
General Index of Hymns
       According to Deities and Subjects
Index of Names, etc.