Hinduism Index
Book 7 Index
Previous Next
Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895], at
1Inflamed is Agni, Heroes! charioteer of heaven. The caldron
boils: the meath is drained to be your food.
For we, O Asvins, singers sprung from many a house, invite you
to be present at our banquetings. p. a301
2Asvins, the fire is all aglow: your caldron hath been heated;.
come!
Here, even now, O Heroes, are the milch-kine milked. The
priests, ye mighty ones! rejoice.
3Pure with the Gods is sacrifice with cry of Hail! That is the
Asvins' cup whence Gods are wont to drink.
Yea, the Immortal Ones accept it, one and all, and come to kiss
that cup with the Gandharva's mouth.
4Milk, molten butter offered when the mornings break,—this is
your portion, Asvins! Come ye hitherward.
Lords of the brave, balm-lovers, guards of sacrifice, drink ye the
warm libation in the light of heaven.
5Let the warm drink approach you with its Hotar-priest: let the
Adhvaryu come to you with store of milk.
Come, O ye Asvins, taste the meath that hath been drained,
drink of the milk provided by this radiant cow.
6Come hither, quickly come, thou milker of the kine; into the
caldron pour milk of the radiant cow.
Most precious Savitar hath looked upon the heaven. After
Dawn's going-forth he sends his light abroad.
7I invocate this milch-cow good for milking, so that the milker,
deft of hand, may milk her.
May Savitar give goodliest stimulation. The caldron hath been
warmed. Let him proclaim it.
8She, sovran of all treasures, is come hither yearning in spirit for
her calf, and lowing.
May this cow yield her milk for both the Asvins, and may she
prosper to our great advantage.
9As dear house-friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our
sacrifice come thou who knowest.
And, Agni, having scattered all assailants, bring to us the posses-
sions of our foemen.
10Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni! Most excellent be
thine effulgent splendours!
Make easy to maintain our household lordship, and overcome
the might of those who hate us.
11Fortunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we also
be exceeding wealthy.
Feed on the grass, O Cow, at every season, and, coming hither,
drink the limpid water.