The dawns come like warriors, bright red, the mother cows; red cows are harnessed to her cart; she dresses like a dancer and opens the darkness as cows open their stall. She is Mother of the Cows, red as a bright mare; her rays are like herds loosed to graze. Cows with full udders follow her path. The poets ask for wealth in cattle, and one asks whether her cart is old or new today.
Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 1.92.1-12; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 4.51.4; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 4.52.2-5; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 5.80.3; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 6.64.3; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 10.172.1; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 1.124.5; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 1.124.11
The Vasishthas, first awake, sing that the ancient Fathers, companions of the gods, found the light hidden in darkness and with true words brought the Dawn to birth. Roused with a bull's bellowing, she unbarred the doors of the firm mountain; she broke down the strong fences and gave out the cattle, and the cows lowed to greet her. She is called best of the Angirases.
The cows were once imprisoned in a mountain and freed by song and by Dawn herself; a first time stands behind the daily event.
Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 7.76.4; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 7.75.1; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 7.75.7; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 7.79.3-4; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 7.80.1; Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 7.76.6
The handbook lists eight deities who together cleft Vala, beginning with Ushas and including Indra, Soma, Agni, Surya and Brihaspati.
A later index statement confirming Dawn's part in opening the cave; no narrative.
The Brhad-devata attributed to Saunaka, ed. and tr. A. A. Macdonell (Harvard Oriental Series 6) § 6.64
In the gods' race for the Ashvina recitation Ushas runs with ruddy cows, and therefore when dawn has come there is a ruddy glow, the form of Ushas.
Explains the red sky by a race; the story is told in full in the Ashvins' record.
Rigveda Brahmanas: the Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas, tr. A. B. Keith (1920) § aitareya.4.9
Sources: Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer; The Brhad-devata attributed to Saunaka, ed. and tr. A. A. Macdonell (Harvard Oriental Series 6); Rigveda Brahmanas: the Aitareya and Kausitaki Brahmanas, tr. A. B. Keith (1920)
Prajapati gives his daughter Surya Savitri to King Soma; all the gods come as groomsmen.
Surya, daughter of the Sun, is given to Soma with the Ashvins as groomsmen; the Rigveda's wedding hymn, and the Brahmana's race for the wedding recitation.
A poet lists Indra's deeds.
Before sunrise Night gives up her place to Dawn.
Night approaches, looking out with all her eyes, wearing all her glories.
Harishchandra promises Varuna the son he asks for and keeps putting off the sacrifice; the prince flees, the king swells with disease, and the bought boy Shunahshepa praises the gods from the post until his bonds fall.
Trita kills the three-headed son of Tvashtri; evil dreams and guilt are sent off to him; the Brahmana explains why.
The Adityas outwit the Angirases with a same-day Soma sacrifice, make them their priests, and pay them with the sun as a white horse.