On the Bridal of Sūryā, marriage ceremonies in general

1Truth is the base that bears the earth; by Sūrya are the heavens upheld. By Law the Ādityas stand secure, and Soma holds his place in heaven.

2By Soma are the Ādityas strong, by Soma mighty is the earth: Thus Soma in the lap of all these constellations hath his home.

3One thinks, when men have brayed the plant, that he hath drunk the Soma’s juice. Of him whom Brāhmans truly know as Soma never mortal eats.

4When they begin to drink thee, then, O God, thou swellest out again. Vāyu in Soma’s sentinel. The month is that which shapes the years.

5Soma, preserved by covering rules, guarded by hymns in Brihatī, Thou standest listening to the stones; none tastes of thee who dwells on earth.

6Thought was her coverlet, the power of sight was unguent for her eyes: Her treasure-chest was earth and heaven, when Sūryā went unto her lord.

7Raibhi was her dear bridal friend, and Nārāsatisi led her home. Lovely to see was Sūryā’s robe: by Gāthā beautified she moves

8Songs were the cross-bars of the pole, Kurira metre docked her head. Both Asvins were the paranymphs: Agni was leader of the train.

9Soma was he who wooed the maid: the groomsmen were both. Asvins, when The Sun-God Savitar bestowed his willing Sūryā on her lord.

10Her spirit was the bridal car, the canopy thereof was heaven: Two radiant oxen formed the team when Sūryā came unto her lord.

11Steadily went the steers upheld by holy verse and song of praise, The chariot-wheels were listening ears: thy path was tremulous in the sky.

12Pure, as thou wentest, were thy wheels, breath was the axle pier-cing them. Sūryā advancing to her lord rode on the chariot of her heart.

13The bridal pomp of Sūryā, which Savitar started, moved along. In Maghā days are oxen slain, in Phalgunis they wed the bride.

14When on your three-wheeled chariot, O ye Asvins, ye came as suitors unto Sūrya’s bridal, Where was one chariot-wheel of yours? Where stood ye for the sire’s command?

15Twin Lords of Lustre, at the time when ye to Sūryā’s wooing came, Then all the Gods agreed to your proposal Pūshan as son elected you as father.

16Two wheels of thine the Brāhmans know, Sūrya! according to their times. That which is hidden only those who know the highest truths have learned.

17Worship we pay to Aryaman, finder of husbands, kindly friend. As from its stalk a cucumber, from here I loose thee, not from there

18Hence and not thence I send her free. I make her softly fettered there. That, bounteous Indra! she may live blest in her fortune and her sons.

19Now from the noose of Varuna I free thee, where with the bless-ed Savitar hath bound thee. May bless be thine together with thy wooer