Hinduism  Index 
Book 1 Index
  Previous  Next 

Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895], at


p. a16

HYMN XVI

A prayer and charm against demons

1May potent Agni who destroys the demons bless and shelter us.
 From greedy fiends who rise in troops at night-time when the
  moon is dark.
2Varuna's benison hath blessed the lead, and Agni strengthens it.
 Indra hath given me the lead: this verily repels the fiends.
3This overcomes Vishkandha, -this drives the voracious fiends
  away:
 By means of this have I, o'erthrown all the Pisāchi's demon
  brood.
4If thou destroy a cow of ours, a human being, or a steed,
 We pierce thee with this piece of lead so that thou mayst not slay
  our men.


Next: Hymn 17: A charm to be used at venesection