हिन्दी
The vinardi voice (deep, like that of a bull) for singing the Sāma is good for animals, and Agni, the god of fire, is its presiding deity. I bear this in mind and pray that I may have this voice. The god Prajāpati presides over the udgītha sung in the anirukta (unclear) voice. The one having Soma as its presiding deity is nirukta (clear). That of Vāyu, the god of air, is soft and pleasant, and Indra’s is strong. That which has Bṛhaspati as its presiding deity is like the voice of the krauñca bird, and that of Varuṇa is like the sound of a broken metal pot. Cultivate all of these, but avoid the one of Varuṇa.
One should sing with the resolve: ‘By singing I will get immortality for the gods and goddesses, food offerings for the ancestors, hope for humanity, food and water for the animals, Swarg-loka for those who perform sacrifices, and food for myself. All this I will get by singing.’ Thinking thus, one should sing without raising the voice too much (or, without being too excited).
All the vowels are like Indra’s body with its various parts. The sibilants (śa, ṣa, etc.) are like Prajāpati’s body with its various parts. The consonants, starting with ka, are the body and limbs of Death. If someone finds fault with the way the udgātā pronounces the vowels, he may say to that person: ‘As I began singing, I took refuge in Indra (i.e., I sought Indra’s blessings). Ask him and he will give you the right answer (to your criticism).’
Then, if someone finds fault with his pronunciation of the sibilants, the singer will say to him: ‘When I started singing, I sought Prajāpati’s blessings. He will therefore crush you.’ Then, if someone finds fault with his pronunciation of the consonants, the singer will say to him: ‘I sought Death’s protection while singing. He will therefore burn you to ashes.
Each vowel should be articulated clearly and powerfully, (and while doing so, you should think) ‘I will give some of my strength to Indra.’ The sibilants also should be uttered fully and distinctly, without sounding as if you are swallowing part of them or spitting them out. (While uttering them, you should think) ‘I surrender myself to Prajāpati.’ Then each of the consonants also should be uttered separately and clearly, (and while doing so, you should think) ‘I will save myself from death’.
