Hinduism Index
Book 20 Index
Previous Next
Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895], at
I. In perfect unison all yearning hymns of mine that find the light
of heaven have sung forth Indra's praise.
As wives embrace their lord, the comely bridegroom, so they
compass Maghavan about that he may help.
2Directed unto thee my spirit never strays, for I have set my
hopes on thee, O much-invoked!
Sit, wonderful! as King upon the sacred grass, and let thy
drinking-place be by the Soma juice.
3From indigence and hunger Indra turns away: Maghavan hath
dominion over precious wealth.
These the Seven Rivers flowing on their downward path increase
the vital vigour of the Mighty Steer.
4As on the fair-leafed tree rest birds, to Indra flow the gladden-
ing Soma juices that the bowls contain.
Their face that glows with splendour through their mighty
power hath found the shine of heaven for man, the Aryas'
light.
5As in the game a gambler piles his winnings, so Maghavan,
sweeping all together, gained the Sun.
This mighty deed of thine none other could achieve, none,
Maghavan, before thee, none in recent time.
6Maghavan came by turns to all the tribes of men: the Steer
took notice of the people's songs of praise.
The man in whose libations Sakra hath delight by means of
potent Somas vanquisheth his foes.
7As waters flow together to the river, thus Somas to Indra flow,
as rivulets to the lake.
In place of sacrifice sages exalt his might, as the rain swells the
corn by moisture sent from heaven.
8He rushes through the region like a furious bull, he who hath
made these floods the dames of worthy lords.
This Maghavan hath found light for the man who brings
oblation, sheds the juice, and promptly pours his gifts.
9Let the keen axe come forth together with the light: here be,
as erst, the teeming cow of sacrifice.
Let the Red God shine pure with his refulgent ray, and let the
Lord of heroes glow like heaven's clear sheen. p. 278
10O much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with
store of grain and cattle.
May we allied, as first in rank, with princes, obtain possessions
by our own exertion.
11Brihaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and
from below, from sinners.
May Indra from the front, and from the centre, as friend to
friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.
12Ye twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O
Brihaspati, and thou, O Indra.
Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve
us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.