The wedding hymns
Two long hymns for a wedding, built on the marriage of Surya the sun's daughter.
Book 14 is the wedding book. Its frame is the marriage of Surya, daughter of the sun, to Soma, a hymn also found in the Rigveda (10.85).
Its verses are still heard at Hindu weddings: the bride is welcomed as queen of her new household and the couple are blessed with long life together.
Hymns to read first
Read
book 14.
Sanskrit and English side by side, verse by verse. Choose what to show and how large.
Hymn 14.1On the Bridal of Sūryā, marriage ceremonies in general
1सत्येनोत्तभिता भूमिः सूर्येणोत्तभिता द्यौः । ऋतेनादित्यास्तिष्ठन्ति दिवि सोमो अधि श्रितः ॥
1Truth is the base that bears the earth; by Sūrya are the heavens upheld. By Law the Ādityas stand secure, and Soma holds his place in heaven.
2सोमेनादित्या बलिनः सोमेन पृथिवी मही । अथो नक्षत्राणामेषामुपस्थे सोम आहितः ॥
2By Soma are the Ādityas strong, by Soma mighty is the earth: Thus Soma in the lap of all these constellations hath his home.
3सोमं मन्यते पपिवान् यत्संपिंषन्त्योषधिम् । सोमं यं ब्रह्माणो विदुर्न तस्याश्नाति पार्थिवः ॥
3One thinks, when men have brayed the plant, that he hath drunk the Soma's juice. Of him whom Brāhmans truly know as Soma never mortal eats.
4यत्त्वा सोम प्रपिबन्ति तत आ प्यायसे पुनः । वायुः सोमस्य रक्षिता समानां मास आकृतिः ॥
4When they begin to drink thee, then, O God, thou swellest out again. Vāyu in Soma's sentinel. The month is that which shapes the years.
5आच्छद्विधानैर्गुपितो बार्हतैः सोम रक्षितः । ग्राव्णामिच्छृण्वन् तिष्ठसि न ते अश्नाति पार्थिवः ॥
5Soma, preserved by covering rules, guarded by hymns in Brihatī, Thou standest listening to the stones; none tastes of thee who dwells on earth.
6चित्तिरा उपबर्हणं चक्षुरा अभ्यञ्जनम् । द्यौर्भूमिः कोश आसीद्यदयात्सूर्या पतिम् ॥
6Thought was her coverlet, the power of sight was unguent for her eyes: Her treasure-chest was earth and heaven, when Sūryā went unto her lord.
7रैभ्यासीदनुदेयी नाराशंसी न्योचनी । सूर्याया भद्रमिद्वासो गाथयैति परिष्कृता ॥
7Raibhi was her dear bridal friend, and Nārāsatisi led her home. Lovely to see was Sūryā's robe: by Gāthā beautified she moves
8स्तोमा आसन् प्रतिधयः कुरीरं छन्द ओपशः । सूर्याया अश्विना वराग्निरासीत्पुरोगवः ॥
8Songs were the cross-bars of the pole, Kurira metre docked her head. Both Asvins were the paranymphs: Agni was leader of the train.
9सोमो वधूयुरभवदश्विनास्तामुभा वरा । सूर्यां यत्पत्ये शंसन्तीं मनसा सविताददात् ॥
9Soma was he who wooed the maid: the groomsmen were both. Asvins, when The Sun-God Savitar bestowed his willing Sūryā on her lord.
10मनो अस्या अन आसीद्द्यौरासीदुत च्छदिः । शुक्रावनड्वाहावास्तां यदयात्सूर्या पतिम् ॥
10Her spirit was the bridal car, the canopy thereof was heaven: Two radiant oxen formed the team when Sūryā came unto her lord.
11ऋक्सामाभ्यामभिहितौ गावौ ते सामनावैताम् । श्रोत्रे ते चक्रे आस्तां दिवि पन्थाश्चराचरः ॥
11Steadily went the steers upheld by holy verse and song of praise, The chariot-wheels were listening ears: thy path was tremulous in the sky.
12शुची ते चक्रे यात्या व्यानो अक्ष आहतः । अनो मनस्मयं सूर्यारोहत्प्रयती पतिम् ॥
12Pure, as thou wentest, were thy wheels, breath was the axle piercing them. Sūryā advancing to her lord rode on the chariot of her heart.
13सूर्याया वहतुः प्रागात्सविता यमवासृजत्। मघासु हन्यन्ते गावः फल्गुनीषु व्युह्यते ॥
13The bridal pomp of Sūryā, which Savitar started, moved along. In Maghā days are oxen slain, in Phalgunis they wed the bride.
14यदश्विना पृच्छमानावयातं त्रिचक्रेण वहतुं सूर्यायाः । क्वैकं चक्रं वामासीत्क्व देष्ट्राय तस्थथुः ॥
14When on your three-wheeled chariot, O ye Asvins, ye came as suitors unto Sūrya's bridal, Where was one chariot-wheel of yours? Where stood ye for the sire's command?
15यदयातं शुभस्पती वरेयं सूर्यामुप । विश्वे देवा अनु तद्वामजानन् पुत्रः पितरमवृणीत पूषा ॥
15Twin Lords of Lustre, at the time when ye to Sūryā's wooing came, Then all the Gods agreed to your proposal Pūshan as son elected you as father.
16द्वे ते चक्रे सूर्ये ब्रह्माण ऋतुथा विदुः । अथैकं चक्रं यद्गुहा तदद्धातय इद्विदुः ॥
16Two wheels of thine the Brāhmans know, Sūrya! according to their times. That which is hidden only those who know the highest truths have learned.
17अर्यमणं यजामहे सुबन्धुं पतिवेदनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनात्प्रेतो मुञ्चामि नामुतः ॥
17Worship we pay to Aryaman, finder of husbands, kindly friend. As from its stalk a cucumber, from here I loose thee, not from there
18प्रेतो मुञ्चामि नामुतः सुबद्धाममुतस्करम् । यथेयमिन्द्र मीढ्वः सुपुत्रा सुभगासति ॥
18Hence and not thence I send her free. I make her softly fettered there. That, bounteous Indra! she may live blest in her fortune and her sons.
19प्र त्वा मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशाद्येन त्वाबध्नात्सविता सुशेवाः । ऋतस्य योनौ सुकृतस्य लोके स्योनं ते अस्तु सहसंभलायै ॥
19Now from the noose of Varuna I free thee, where with the blessed Savitar hath bound thee. May bless be thine together with thy wooer in Order's dwelling, in the world of virtue.
20भगस्त्वेतो नयतु हस्तगृह्याश्विना त्वा प्र वहतां रथेन । गृहान् गच्छ गृहपत्नी यथासो वशिनी त्वं विदथमा वदासि ॥
20Let Bhaga take thy hand and hence conduct thee: let the two Asvins on their car transport thee. Go to the house to be the household's mistress, and speak as lady to thy gathered people.
21इह प्रियं प्रजायै ते समृध्यतामस्मिन् गृहे गार्हपत्याय जागृहि । एना पत्या तन्वं सं स्पृशस्वाथ जिर्विर्विदथमा वदासि ॥
21Happy be thou and prosper with thy children here: be vigilant to rule the household in this home. Closely unite thy body with this man thy lord. So shalt thou, full of years, address thy company.
22इहैव स्तं मा वि यौष्टं विश्वमायुर्व्यश्नुतम् । क्रीडन्तौ पुत्रैर्नप्तृभिर्मोदमानौ स्वस्तकौ ॥
22Be not divided; dwell ye here; reach the full time of human life. With sons and grandsons sport and play, rejoicing in your happy home.
23पूर्वापरं चरतो माययैतौ शिशू क्रीडन्तौ परि यातोऽर्णवम् । विश्वान्यो भुवना विचष्ट ऋतूंरन्यो विदधज्जायसे नवः ॥
23Moving by magic power from east to westward, these children twain go sporting round the ocean. The one beholds all creatures: thou, the other, art born anew, duly arranging seasons.
24नवोनवो भवसि जायमानोऽह्नां केतुरुषसामेष्यग्रम् । भागं देवेभ्यो वि दधास्यायन् प्र चन्द्रमस्तिरसे दीर्घमायुः ॥
24Thou, born afresh, art new and new for ever; ensign of days, before the Dawns thou goest. Coming, thou orderest for Gods their portion. Thou lengthenest, Moon, the days of our existence.
25परा देहि शामुल्यं ब्रह्मभ्यो वि भजा वसु । कृत्यैषा पद्वती भूत्वा जाया विशते पतिम् ॥
25Give thou the wollen robe away: deal treasure to the Brāhman-priests. This Witchery hath got her feet: the wife attendeth on her lord.
26नीललोहितं भवति कृत्यासक्तिर्व्यज्यते । एधन्ते अस्या ज्ञातयः पतिर्बन्धेषु बध्यते ॥
26It turneth dusky-red: the witch who clingeth close is driven off. Well thrive the kinsmen of this bride: the husband is bound fast in bonds.
27अश्लीला तनूर्भवति रुशती पापयामुया । पतिर्यद्वध्वो वाससः स्वमङ्गमभ्यूर्णुते ॥
27Unlovely is his body when it glistens with that wicked fiend, What time the husband wraps about his limbs the garment of his wife.
28आशसनं विशसनमथो अधिविकर्तनम् । सूर्यायाः पश्य रूपाणि तानि ब्रह्मोत शुम्भति ॥
28The butchering, the cutting-up, the severing of limb and joint— Behold the forms which Sūryā wears: yet these the Brāhman purifies,
29तृष्टमेतत्कटुकमपाष्ठवद्विषवन् नैतदत्तवे । सूर्यां यो ब्रह्मा वेद स इद्वाधूयमर्हति ॥
29Pungent is this, bitter is this, filled as it were with arrow barbs, empoisoned and not fit for use. The Brāhman who knows Sūryā well deserves the garment of the bride.
30स इत्तत्स्योनं हरति ब्रह्मा वासः सुमङ्गलम् । प्रायश्चित्तिं यो अध्येति येन जाया न रिष्यति ॥
30The Brāhman takes away the robe as a fair thing that brings good luck. He knows the expiating rite whereby the wife is kept unharmed.
31युवं भगं सं भरतं समृद्धमृतं वदन्तावृतोद्येषु । ब्रह्मणस्पते पतिमस्यै रोचय चारु संभलो वदतु वाचमेताम् ॥
31Prepare, ye twain, happy and prosperous fortune, speaking the truth in faithful utterances. Dear unto her, Brihaspati, make the husband, and pleasant be these words the wooer speaketh.
32इहेदसाथ न परो गमाथेमं गावः प्रजया वर्धयाथ । शुभं यतीरुस्रियाः सोमवर्चसो विश्वे देवाः क्रन्न् इह वो मनांसि ॥
32Remain ye even here and go no farther: strengthen this man, ye Cows, with plenteous offspring. May Dawns that come for glory, bright with Soma, here may all Gods fix and enchant your spirits.
33इमं गावः प्रजया सं विशाथायं देवानां न मिनाति भागम् । अस्मै वः पूषा मरुतश्च सर्वे अस्मै वो धाता सविता सुवाति ॥
33Come, O ye Cows, with offspring dwell around him: he doth not stint the Gods' alloted portion. To him, your friend, may Pūshan, all the Maruts, to him may Dhatar, Savitar send vigour.
34अनृक्षरा ऋजवः सन्तु पन्थानो येभिः सखायो यन्ति नो वरेयम् । सं भगेन समर्यम्णा सं धाता सृजतु वर्चसा ॥
34Straight in direction be the paths, and thornless, whereby our fellows travel to the wooing. With Bhaga and with Aryaman Dhātar endue the pair with strength!
35यच्च वर्चो अक्षेषु सुरायां च यदाहितम् । यद्गोष्वश्विना वर्चस्तेनेमां वर्चसावतम् ॥
35Whatever lustre is in dice, whatever lustre is in wine, Whatever lustre is in cows, Asvins, endue this dame therewith.
36येन महानघ्न्या जघनमश्विना येन वा सुरा । येनाक्षा अभ्यषिच्यन्त तेनेमां वर्चसावतम् ॥
36With all the sheen that balmeth wine, or thigh of female paramour, With all the sheen that balmeth dice, even with this adorn the dame.
37यो अनिध्मो दीदयदप्स्वन्तर्यं विप्रास ईडते अध्वरेषु । अपां नपान् मधुमतीरपो दा याभिरिन्द्रो वावृधे वीर्यावान् ॥
37He who in water shines unfed with fuel, whom sages worship in their sacrifices. May he, the Waters' Child, send us sweet waters those that enhanced the power of mighty Indra.
38इदमहं रुशन्तं ग्राभं तनूदूषिमपोहामि । यो भद्रो रोचनस्तमुदचामि ॥
38I cast away a handful here, hurtful, injurious to health. I lift another handful up, sparkling and bringing happiness.
39आस्यै ब्राह्मणाः स्नपनीर्हरन्त्ववीरघ्नीरुदजन्त्वापः । अर्यम्णो अग्निं पर्येतु पूषन् प्रतीक्षन्ते श्वशुरो देवरश्च ॥
39Hither let Brāhmans bring her bathing water; let them draw such as guards the lives of heroes. Aryaman's fire let her encircle, Pūshan! Fathers-in-law stand, with their sons, expectant.
40शं ते हिरण्यं शमु सन्त्वापः शं मेथिर्भवतु शं युगस्य तर्द्म । शं त आपः शतपवित्रा भवन्तु शमु पत्या तन्वं सं स्पृशस्व ॥
40Blest be the gold to thee, and blest the water, blest the yoke's opening, and blest the pillar. Blest he the waters with their hundred cleansings: blest be thy body's union with thy husband.
41खे रथस्य खेऽनसः खे युगस्य शतक्रतो । अपालामिन्द्र त्रिष्पूत्वाकृणोः सूर्यत्वचम् ॥
41Cleansing Apālā, Indra! thrice, thou gavest sunbright skin to her Drawn, Satakratu! through the hole of car, of wagon, and of yoke.
42आशासाना सौमनसं प्रजां सौभाग्यं रयिम् । पत्युरनुव्रता भूत्वा सं नह्यस्वामृताय कम् ॥
42Saying thy prayer for cheerfulness, children, prosperity, and wealth, Devoted to thy husband, gird thyself for immortality.
43यथा सिन्धुर्नदीनां साम्राज्यं सुषुवे वृषा । एवा त्वं सम्राज्ञ्येधि पत्युरस्तं परेत्य ॥
43As vigorous Sindhu won himself imperial lordship of the streams, So be imperial queen when thou hast come within thy husband's home.
44सम्राज्ञ्येधि श्वशुरेषु सम्राज्ञ्युत देवृषु । ननान्दुः सम्राज्ञ्येधि सम्राज्ञ्युत श्वश्र्वाः ॥
44Over thy husband's fathers and his brothers be imperial queen. Over thy husband's sister and, his mother bear supreme control.
45या अकृन्तन्न् अवयन् याश्च तत्निरे या देवीरन्तामभितोऽददन्त । तास्त्वा जरसे सं व्ययन्त्वायुष्मतीदं परि धत्स्व वासः ॥
45They who have spun, and woven, and extended Goddesses who have drawn the ends together, May they invest thee for full long existence. Heiress of lengthened life, endue this garment,
46जीवं रुदन्ति वि नयन्त्यध्वरं दीर्घामनु प्रसितिं दीध्युर्नरः । वामं पितृभ्यो य इदं समीरिरे मयः पतिभ्यो जनये परिष्वजे ॥
46They mourn the living, they arrange the sacred rite: the men have set their thoughts upon a distant cast: They who have brought the Fathers this delightful gift, when wives allowed their lords the joy of their embrace.
47स्योनं ध्रुवं प्रजायै धारयामि तेऽश्मानं देव्याः पृथिव्या उपस्थे । तमा तिष्ठानुमाद्या सुवर्चा दीर्घं त आयुः सविता कृणोतु ॥
47I place upon the lap of Earth the Goddess, a firm auspicious stone to bring thee children. Stand on it, thou, greeted with joy, resplendent: a long long life may Savitar vouchsafe thee.
48येनाग्निरस्या भूम्या हस्तं जग्राह दक्षिणम् । तेन गृह्णामि ते हस्तं मा व्यथिष्ठा मया सह प्रजया च धनेन च ॥
48As Agni in the olden time took the right hand of this our Earth. Even so I take and hold thy hand: be not disquieted, with me, with children and with store of wealth.
49देवस्ते सविता हस्तं गृह्णातु सोमो राजा सुप्रजसं कृणोतु । अग्निः सुभगां जतवेदाः पत्ये पत्नीं जरदष्टिं कृणोतु ॥
49God Savitar shall take thy hand, and Soma the King shall make thee rich in goodly offspring, Let Agni, Lord Omniscient, make thee happy, till old old age a wife unto thy husband.
50गृह्णामि ते सौभगत्वाय हस्तं मया पत्या जरदष्टिर्यथासः । भगो अर्यमा सविता पुरंधिर्मह्यं त्वादुर्गार्हपत्याय देवाः ॥
50I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy consort, Gods, Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given thee to be my household's mistress.
51भगस्ते हस्तमग्रहीत्सविता हस्तमग्रहीत्। पत्नी त्वमसि धर्मणाहं गृहपतिस्तव ॥
51Bhaga and Savitar the God have clasped that hand of thine in theirs, By rule and law thou art my wife: the master of thy house am I.
52ममेयमस्तु पोष्या मह्यं त्वादाद्बृहस्पतिः । मया पत्या प्रजावति सं जीव शरदः शतम् ॥
52Be it my care to cherish her: Brihaspati hath made thee mine. A hundred autumns live with me thy husband, mother of my sons!
53त्वष्टा वासो व्यदधाच्छुभे कं बृहस्पतेः प्रशिषा कवीनाम् । तेनेमां नारीं सविता भगश्च सूर्यामिव परि धत्तां प्रजया ॥
53Tvashtar, by order of the holy sages, hath laid on her Brihaspati's robe for glory, By means of this let Savitar and Bhaga surround this dame, like Sūryā, with her children.
54इन्द्राग्नी द्यावापृथिवी मातरिश्वा मित्रावरुणा भगो अश्विनोभा । बृहस्पतिर्मरुतो ब्रह्म सोम इमां नारिं प्रजया वर्धयन्तु ॥
54May Indra-Agni, Heaven-Earth, Mātarisvan, may Mitra-Varuna, Bhaga, both the Asvins, Brihaspati, the host of Maruts, Brahma, and Soma magnify this dame with offspring.
55बृहस्पतिः प्रथमः सूर्यायाः शीर्षे केशाँ अकल्पयत्। तेनेमामश्विना नारीं पत्ये सं शोभयामसि ॥
55It was Brihaspati who first arranged the hair on Sūryā's head, And therefore, O ye Asvins, we adorn this woman for her lord.
56इदं तद्रूपं यदवस्त योषा जायां जिज्ञासे मनसा चरन्तीम् । तामन्वर्तिष्ये सखिभिर्नवग्वैः क इमान् विद्वान् वि चचर्त पाशान् ॥
56This lovely form the maiden wears in spirit I long to look on as my wife approaching, Her will I follow with my nine companions. Who is the sage that loosed the bonds that held her?
57अहं वि ष्यामि मयि रूपमस्या वेददित्पश्यन् मनसः कुलायम् । न स्तेयमद्मि मनसोदमुच्ये स्वयं श्रथ्नानो वरुणस्य पाशान् ॥
57I free her: he who sees, within my bosom, my heart's nest knows how her fair form hath struck me. I taste no stolen food: myself untying Varuna's nooses I am freed in spirit.
58प्र त्वा मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशाद्येन त्वाबध्नात्सविता सुशेवाः । उरुं लोकं सुगमत्र पन्थां कृणोमि तुभ्यं सहपत्न्यै वधु ॥
58Now from the bond of Varuna I loose thee, wherein the blessed Savitar hath bound thee. O bride, I give thee here beside thy husband fair space and room and pleasant paths to travel.
59उद्यच्छध्वमप रक्षो हनाथेमं नारीं सुकृते दधात । धाता विपश्चित्पतिमस्यै विवेद भगो राजा पुर एतु प्रजानन् ॥
59Lift up your weapons. Drive away the demons. Transport this woman to the world of virtue. Dilator, most wise, hath found for her a husband. Let him who knows, King Bhaga, go before her.
60भगस्ततक्ष चतुरः पादान् भगस्ततक्ष चत्वार्युष्पलानि । त्वष्टा पिपेश मध्यतोऽनु वर्ध्रान्त्सा नो अस्तु सुमङ्गली ॥
60Bhaga hath formed the four legs of the litter, wrought the four pieces that compose the frame-work. Tvashtar hath decked the straps that go across it, May it be blest, and bring us happy fortune.
61सुकिंशुकं वहतुं विश्वरूपं हिरण्यवर्णं सुवृतं सुचक्रम् । आ रोह सूर्ये अमृतस्य लोकं स्योनं पतिभ्यो वहतुं कृणु त्वम् ॥
61Mount this, all-hued. gold tinted, strong wheeled, fashioned of Kinsuka, this chariot lightly rolling, Bound for the world of life immortal, Sūryā! Made for thy lord a happy bride's procession.
62अभ्रातृघ्नीं वरुणापशुघ्नीं बृहस्पते । इन्द्रापतिघ्नीं पुत्रिणीमास्मभ्यं सवितर्वह ॥
62To us, O Varuna, bring her, kind to brothers; bring her, Brihaspati, gentle to the cattle. Bring her, O Indra, gentle to her husband: bring her to us, O Savitar, blest with children.
63मा हिंसिष्टं कुमार्यं स्थूणे देवकृते पथि । शालाया देव्या द्वारं स्योनं कृण्मो वधूपथम् ॥
63Hurt not the girl, ye Pillars twain upon the path which Gods have made. The portal of the heavenly home we make the bride's auspicious road.
64ब्रह्मापरं युज्यतां ब्रह्म पूर्वं ब्रह्मान्ततो मध्यतो ब्रह्म सर्वतः । अनाव्याधां देवपुरां प्रपद्य शिवा स्योना पतिलोके वि राज ॥
64Let prayer he offered up before and after, prayer in the middle, lastly, all around her. Reaching the Gods' inviolable castle shine in thy lord's world gentle and auspicious.
Hymn 14.2On the Bridal of Sūryā, marriage ceremonies in general, continued
1तुभ्यमग्रे पर्यवहन्त्सूर्यां वहतुना सह । स नः पतिभ्यो जायां दा अग्ने प्रजया सह ॥
1For thee with bridal train they first escorted Sūryā to her home, Give to the husband in return, Agni, the wife with future sons.
2पुनः पत्नीमग्निरदादायुषा सह वर्चसा । दीर्घायुरस्या यः पतिर्जीवाति शरदः शतम् ॥
2Agni hath given the bride again with splendour and a lengthened. life. Long-lived be he who is her lord: a hundred autumns let him live.
3सोमस्य जाया प्रथमं गन्धर्वस्तेऽपरः पतिः । तृतीयो अग्निष्टे पतिस्तुरीयस्ते मनुष्यजाः ॥
3She was the wife of Soma first: next the Gandharva was thy lord. Agni was the third husband: now one born of woman is thy fourth.
4सोमो ददद्गन्धर्वाय गन्धर्वो दददग्नये । रयिं च पुत्रांश्चादादग्निर्मह्यमथो इमाम् ॥
4Soma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave. Now, Agni hath bestowed on me riches and sons and this my bride.
5आ वामगन्त्सुमतिर्वाजिनीवसू न्यश्विना हृत्सु कामा अरंसत । अभूतं गोपा मिथुना शुभस्पती प्रिया अर्यम्णो दुर्यामशीमहि ॥
5Your favouring grace hath come, ye who are rich in spoil! Asvins, your longings are stored up within your hearts. Ye, Lords of Splendour have become our twofold guard: may we as dear friends reach the dwelling of the friend.
6सा मन्दसाना मनसा शिवेन रयिं धेहि सर्ववीरं वचस्यम् । सुगं तीर्थं सुप्रपाणं शुभस्पती स्थाणुं पथिष्ठामप दुर्मतिं हतम् ॥
6Thou, Dame, rejoicing, take with kindly spirit wealth worthy to be famed, with all thy heroes. Give, Lords of Light a fair ford, good to drink at: remove the spiteful stump that blocks the pathway.
7या ओषधयो या नद्यो यानि क्षेत्राणि या वना । तास्त्वा वधु प्रजावतीं पत्ये रक्षन्तु रक्षसः ॥
7May all the Rivers, all the Plants, may all the Forests, all the Fields, O Bride, protect thee from the fiend, guard his sons' mother for her lord.
8एमं पन्थामरुक्षाम सुगं स्वस्तिवाहनम् । यस्मिन् वीरो न रिष्यत्यन्येषां विन्दते वसु ॥
8Our feet are on this pleasant path, easy to travel, bringing bliss, Whereon no hero suffers harm, which wins the wealth of other men.
9इदं सु मे नरः शृणुत ययाशिषा दंपती वाममश्नुतः । ये गन्धर्वा अप्सरसश्च देवीरेषु वानस्पत्येषु येऽधि तस्थुः । स्योनास्ते अस्यै वध्वै भवन्तु मा हिंसिषुर्वहतुमुह्यमानम् ॥
9Here these my words, ye men, the benediction through which the wedded pair have found high fortune. May the divine Apsarases, Gandharvas, all they who are these fruitful trees' protectors, Regard this bride with their auspicious, favour, nor harm the nuptial pomp as it advances.
10ये वध्वश्चन्द्रं वहतुं यक्ष्मा यन्ति जनामनु । पुनस्तान् यज्ञिया देवा नयन्तु यत आगताः ॥
10Consumptions, which, through various folk, attack the bride's resplendent train, These let the holy Gods again bear to the place from which they sprang.
11मा विदन् परिपन्थिनो य आसीदन्ति दंपती । सुगेन दुर्गमतीतामप द्रान्त्वरातयः ॥
11Let not the highway thieves who lie in ambush find the wedded pair. Let wicked men's malignities go elsewhere by an easy path.
12सं काशयामि वहतुं ब्रह्मणा गृहैरघोरेण चक्षुषा मित्रियेण । पर्याणद्धं विश्वरूपं यदस्ति स्योनं पतिभ्यः सविता तत्कृणोतु ॥
12I look upon the house and bride's procession with prayer and with the gentle eye of friendship. All that is covered there in perfect beauty may Savitar make pleasant to the husband.
13शिवा नारीयमस्तमागन्न् इमं धाता लोकमस्यै दिदेश । तामर्यमा भगो अश्विनोभा प्रजापतिः प्रजया वर्धयन्तु ॥
13She hath come home this dame come home to bless us: this her appointed world hath Dhātar shown her. So may Prajāpati, and both the Asvins, Aryaman, Bhaga gladden her with offspring.
14आत्मन्वत्युर्वरा नारीयमागन् तस्यां नरो वपत बीजमस्याम् । सा वः प्रजां जनयद्वक्षणाभ्यो बिभ्रती दुग्धमृषभस्य रेतः ॥
14This dame hath come, an animated corn-field: there sow, thou man, the seed of future harvest. She from her teeming side shall bear thee children, and feed them from the fountain of her bosom.
15प्रति तिष्ठ विराडसि विष्णुरिवेह सरस्वति । सिनीवालि प्र जायतां भगस्य सुमतावसत् ॥
15Take thou thy stand, a Queen art thou, like Vishnu here, Sarasvati! O Sinivali, let her bear children, and live in Bhaga's grace.
16उद्व ऊर्मिः शम्या हन्त्वापो योक्त्राणि मुञ्चत । मादुष्कृतौ व्येनसावघ्न्यावशुनमारताम् ॥
16So let your wave bear up the pins, and ye, O Waters, spare the thongs; And never may the holy pair, sinless and innocent, suffer harm.
17अघोरचक्षुरपतिघ्नी स्योना शग्मा सुशेवा सुयमा गृहेभ्यः । वीरसूर्देवृकामा सं त्वयैधिषीमहि सुमस्यमाना ॥
17Not evil-eyed no slayer of thy husband, be strong, mild, kind, and gentle to thy household. Mother of heroes, love thy husband's father: be happy, and through thee may we too prosper.
18अदेवृघ्न्यपतिघ्नीहैधि शिवा पशुभ्यः सुयमा सुवर्चाः । प्रजावती वीरसूर्देवृकामा स्योनेममग्निं गार्हपत्यं सपर्य ॥
18No slayer of thy husband or his father, gentle and bright, bring blessing on the cattle. Loving thy husband's father, bring forth heroes. Tend well this household fire: be soft and pleasant.
19उत्तिष्ठेतः किमिच्छन्तीदमागा अहं त्वेडे अभिभूः स्वाद्गृहात्। शून्यैषी निर्ऋते याजगन्थोत्तिष्ठाराते प्र पत मेह रंस्थाः ॥
19Up and begone! What wish hath brought thee hither from thine own house? Thy mightier, I conjure thee. Vain is the hope, O Nirriti, that brought thee. Fly off, Malignity; stay here no longer.
20यदा गार्हपत्यमसपर्यैत्पूर्वमग्निं वधूरियम् । अधा सरस्वत्यै नारि पितृभ्यश्च नमस्कुरु ॥
20As first of all this woman hath adored the sacred household fire. So do thou, Dame, pay homage to the Fathers and Sarasvati.
21शर्म वर्मैतदा हरास्यै नार्या उपस्तिरे । सिनीवालि प्र जायतां भगस्य सुमतावसत् ॥
21Take thou this wrapper as a screen, to be a covering for the bride O Sinivali, let her bear children, and live in Bhaga's grace.
22यं बल्बजं न्यस्यथ चर्म चोपस्तृणीथन । तदा रोहतु सुप्रजा या कन्या विन्दते पतिम् ॥
22Let her who shall be blest with sons, the maid who finds a. husband, step Upon the rough grass that ye spread and on the skin ye lay beneath.
23उप स्तृणीहि बल्बजमधि चर्मणि रोहिते । तत्रोपविश्य सुप्रजा इममग्निं सपर्यतु ॥
23Over the ruddy-coloured skin strew thou the grass, the Balbuja. Let her, the mother of good sons, sit there and serve this Agni here.
24आ रोह चर्मोप सीदाग्निमेष देवो हन्ति रक्षांसि सर्वा । इह प्रजां जनय पत्ये अस्मै सुज्यैष्ठ्यो भवत्पुत्रस्त एषः ॥
24Step on the skin and wait upon this Agni: he is the God who drives away all demons. Here bear thou children to this man thy husband: let this thy boy be happy in his birthnight.
25वि तिष्ठन्तां मातुरस्या उपस्थान् नानारूपाः पशवो जायमानाः । सुमङ्गल्युप सीदेममग्निं संपत्नी प्रति भूषेह देवान् ॥
25Let many babes of varied form and nature spring in succession from this fruitful mother. Wait on this fire, thou bringer of good fortune. Here with thy husband serve the Gods with worship.
26सुमङ्गली प्रतरणी गृहाणां सुशेवा पत्ये श्वशुराय शंभूः । स्योना श्वश्र्वै प्र गृहान् विशेमान् ॥
26Bliss-bringer, furthering thy household's welfare, dear gladdening thy husband and his father, enter this home, mild to thy husband's mother.
27स्योना भव श्वशुरेभ्यः स्योना पत्ये गृहेभ्यः । स्योनास्यै सर्वस्यै विशे स्योना पुष्टायैषां भव ॥
27Be pleasant to the husband's sire, sweet to thy household and thy lord, To all this clan be gentle, and favour these men's prosperity.
28सुमङ्गलीरियं वधूरिमां समेत पश्यत । सौभाग्यमस्यै दत्त्वा दौर्भाग्यैर्विपरेतन ॥
28Signs of good fortune mark the bride. Come all of you and look at her. Wish her prosperity: take on you her evil lucks and go your way.
29या दुर्हार्दो युवतयो याश्चेह जरतीरपि । वर्चो न्वस्यै सं दत्ताथास्तं विपरेतन ॥
29Ye youthful maidens, ill-disposed, and all ye ancient woman here, Give all your brilliance to the bride, then to your several homes depart!
30रुक्मप्रस्तरणं वह्यं विश्वा रूपाणि बिभ्रतम् । आरोहत्सूर्या सावित्री बृहते सौभगाय कम् ॥
30Sūryā the child of Savitar mounted for high felicity Her litter with its cloth of gold, wearing all forms of loveliness.
31आ रोह तल्पं सुमनस्यमानेह प्रजां जनय पत्ये अस्मै । इन्द्राणीव सुबुधा बुध्यमाना ज्योतिरग्रा उषसः प्रति जागरासि ॥
31Rise, mount the bridal bed with cheerful spirit. Here bring forth children to this man thy husband. Watchful and understanding like Indrāni wake thou before the earliest light of Morning.
32देवा अग्रे न्यपद्यन्त पत्नीः समस्पृशन्त तन्वस्तनूभिः । सूर्येव नारि विश्वरूपा महित्वा प्रजावती पत्या सं भवेह ॥
32The Gods at first lay down beside their consorts; body with body met in close embracement. O Dame, like Sūryā perfect in her grandeur, here rich in future children, meet thy husband.
33उत्तिष्ठेतो विश्वावसो नमसेडामहे त्वा । जामिमिच्छ पितृषदं न्यक्तां स ते भागो जनुषा तस्य विद्धि ॥
33Rise and go hence, Visvāvasu: with reverence we worship thee. Steal to her sister dwelling with her father: this is the share— mark this—of old assigned thee.
34अप्सरसः सधमादं मदन्ति हविर्धानमन्तरा सूर्यं च । तास्ते जनित्रमभि ताः परेहि नमस्ते गन्धर्वर्तुना कृणोमि ॥
34Apsarases rejoice and feast together between the sun and place of sacrificing. These are thy kith and kin: go thou and join them: I in due season worship thee Gandharva.
35नमो गन्धर्वस्य नमसे नमो भामाय चक्षुषे च कृण्मः । विश्वावसो ब्रह्मणा ते नमोऽभि जाया अप्सरसः परेहि ॥
35Homage we pay to the Gandharva's favour, obeisance to his eye and fiery anger. Visvāvasu, with prayer we pay thee homage. Go hence to those Apsarases thy consorts.
36राया वयं सुमनसः स्यामोदितो गन्धर्वमावीवृताम । अगन्त्स देवः परमं सधस्थमगन्म यत्र प्रतिरन्त आयुः ॥
36May we be happy with abundant riches. We from this place have banished the Gandharva. The God is gone to the remotest region, and we have come where men prolong existence.
37सं पितरावृत्विये सृजेथां माता पिता च रेतसो भवाथः । मर्य इव योषामधि रोहयैनां प्रजां कृण्वाथामिह पुष्यतं रयिम् ॥
37In your due season, Parents! come together. Mother and sire be ye of future children. Embrace this woman like a happy lover. Raise ye up offspring here: increase your riches.
38तां पूषं छिवतमामेरयस्व यस्यां बीजं मनुष्या वपन्ति । या न ऊरू उशती विश्रयाति यस्यामुशन्तः प्रहरेम शेपः ॥
38Send her most rich in every charm, O Pūshan, her who shall be the sharer of my pleasures; Her who shall twine her eager arms about me, and welcome all my love and soft embraces.
39आ रोहोरुमुप धत्स्व हस्तं परि ष्वजस्व जायां सुमनस्यमानः । प्रजां कृण्वाथामिह मोदमानौ दीर्घं वामायुः सविता कृणोतु ॥
39Up, happy bridegroom! with a joyous spirit caress thy wife and throw thine arm around her. Here take your pleasure, procreate your offspring. May Savitar bestow long life upon you.
40आ वां प्रजां जनयतु प्रजापतिरहोरात्राभ्यां समनक्त्वर्यमा । अदुर्मङ्गली पतिलोकमा विशेमं शं नो भव द्विपदे शं चतुष्पदे ॥
40So may the Lord of Life vouchsafe you children, Aryaman bind you, day and night, together. Enter thy husband's house with happy omens, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds.
41देवैर्दत्तं मनुना साकमेतद्वाधूयं वासो वध्वश्च वस्त्रम् । यो ब्रह्मणे चिकितुषे ददाति स इद्रक्षांसि तल्पानि हन्ति ॥
41Sent by the Gods associate with Manu, the vesture of the bride, the nuptial garment, He who bestows this on a thoughtful Brāhman, drives from the marriage-bed all evil demons.
42यं मे दत्तो ब्रह्मभागं वधूयोर्वाधूयं वासो वध्वश्च वस्त्रम् । युवं ब्रह्मणेऽनुमन्यमानौ बृहस्पते साकमिन्द्रश्च दत्तम् ॥
42The priestly meed wherewith ye twain present me, the vesture of the bride, the nuptial garment, This do ye both, Brihaspati and Indra, bestow with loving-kindness on the Brāhman.
43स्योनाद्योनेरधि बध्यमानौ हसामुदौ महसा मोदमानौ । सुगू सुपुत्रौ सुगृहौ तराथो जीवावुषसो विभातीः ॥
43On your soft couch awaking both together, revelling heartily with joy and laughter, Rich with brave sons, good cattle, goodly homestead, live long to look on many radiant mornings.
44नवं वसानः सुरभिः सुवासा उदागां जीव उषसो विभातीः । आण्डात्पतत्रीवामुक्षि विश्वस्मादेनसस्परि ॥
44Clad in new garments, fragrant, well-apparelled, to meet refulgent Dawn have I arisen. I, like a bird that quits the egg, am freed from sin and purified.
45शुम्भनी द्यावापृथिवी अन्तिसुम्ने महिव्रते । आपः सप्त सुस्रुवुर्देवीस्ता नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
45Splendid are Heaven and Earth, still near to bless us, mighty in their power; The seven streams have flowed: may they, Goddesses, free us from distress
46सूर्यायै देवेभ्यो मित्राय वरुणाय च । ये भूतस्य प्रचेतसस्तेभ्य इदमकरं नमः ॥
46To Sūryā and the Deities, to Mitra and to Varuna, Who know aright the thing that is, this adoration have I paid.
47य ऋते चिदभिश्रिषः पुरा जत्रुभ्य आतृदः । संधाता संधिं मघवा पुरूवसुर्निष्कर्ता विह्रुतं पुनः ॥
47He without ligature, before making incision in the neck. Closed up the wound again, most wealthy Bounteous Lord who healeth the dissevered parts.
48अपास्मत्तम उच्छतु नीलं पिशङ्गमुत लोहितं यत्। निर्दहनी या पृषातक्यस्मिन् तां स्थाणावध्या सजामि ॥
48Let him flash gloom away from us, the blue, the yellow and the red. I fasten to this pillar here the burning pest Prishātaki.
49यावतीः कृत्या उपवासने यावन्तो राज्ञो वरुणस्य पाशाः । व्यृद्धयो या असमृद्धयो या अस्मिन् ता स्थाणावधि सादयामि ॥
49All witcheries that hang about this garment, all royal Varuna's entangling nooses. All failure of success and all misfortunes here I deposit fastened to the pillar.
50या मे प्रियतमा तनूः सा मे बिभाय वाससः । तस्याग्रे त्वं वनस्पते नीविं कृणुष्व मा वयं रिषाम ॥
50My body that I hold most dear trembles in terror at this robe. Tree, make an apron at the top. Let no misfortune fall on us.
51ये अन्ता यावतीः सिचो य ओतवो ये च तन्तवः । वासो यत्पत्नीभिरुतं तन् न स्योनमुप स्पृशात् ॥
51May all the hems and borders all the threads that form the web and woof. The garment woven by the bride, be soft and pleasant to our touch.
52उशतीः कन्यला इमाः पितृलोकात्पतिं यतीः । अव दीक्षामसृक्षत स्वाहा ॥
52These maids who from their father's house have come with longing to their lord have let the preparation pass. All hail!
53बृहस्पतिनावसृष्टां विश्वे देवा अधारयन् । वर्चो गोषु प्रविष्टं यत्तेनेमां सं सृजामसि ॥
53Her whom Brihaspati hath loosed the Visve Devas keep secure. With all the splendour that is stored in cows do we enrich this. girl.
54बृहस्पतिनावसृष्टां विश्वे देवा अधारयन् । तेजो गोषु प्रविष्टं यत्तेनेमां सं सृजामसि ॥
54Her whom Brihaspati hath loosed the Visve Devas keep secure. With all the vigour that is stored in cows do we enrich this girl.
55बृहस्पतिनावसृष्टां विश्वे देवा अधारयन् । भजो गोषु प्रविष्टो यस्तेनेमां सं सृजामसि ॥
55Her whom Brihaspati, etc. With all good fortune, etc.
56बृहस्पतिनावसृष्टां विश्वे देवा अधारयन् । यशो गोषु प्रविष्टं यत्तेनेमां सं सृजामसि ॥
56Her whom Brihaspati, etc. With all the glory, etc.
57बृहस्पतिनावसृष्टां विश्वे देवा अधारयन् । पयो गोषु प्रविष्टं यत्तेनेमां सं सृजामसि ॥
57Her whom Brihaspati, etc. With all the milky store possessed by cows do we enrich this girl.
58बृहस्पतिनावसृष्टां विश्वे देवा अधारयन् । रसो गोषु प्रविष्टो यस्तेनेमां सं सृजामसि ॥
58Her whom Brihaspati hath freed the Visve Devas keep secure. With all the store of sap that cows contain do we enrich this. girl.
59यदीमे केशिनो जना गृहे ते समनर्तिषू रोदेन कृण्वन्तोऽघम् । अग्निष्ट्वा तस्मादेनसः सविता च प्र मुञ्चताम् ॥
59If, wearing long loose hair, these men have danced together in thy house, committing sin with shout and cry, May Agni free thee from that guilt, may Savitar deliver thee,
60यदीयं दुहिता तव विकेश्यरुदद्गृहे रोदेन कृण्वत्यघम् । अग्निष्ट्वा तस्मादेनसः सविता च प्र मुञ्चताम् ॥
60If in thy house thy daughter here have wept, with wild dishevelled locks, committing sin with her lament. May Agni, etc.
61यज्जामयो यद्युवतयो गृहे ते समनर्तिषू रोदेन कृण्वतीरघम् । अग्निष्ट्वा तस्मादेनसः सविता च प्र मुञ्चताम् ॥
61If the bride's sisters, if young maids have danced together in thy house, committing sin with shout and cry. May Agni free thee from that guilt, may Savitar deliver thee.
62यत्ते प्रजायां पशुषु यद्वा गृहेषु निष्ठितमघकृद्भिरघं कृतम् । अग्निष्ट्वा तस्मादेनसः सविता च प्र मुञ्चताम् ॥
62If any evil have been wrought by mischief-makers that affects thy cattle progeny or house, May Agni free thee from the woe, may Savitar deliver thee.
63इयं नार्युप ब्रूते पूल्यान्यावपन्तिका । दीर्घायुरस्तु मे पतिर्जीवाति शरदः शतम् ॥
63This woman utters wish and prayer, as down she casts the husks of corn: Long live my lord and master! yea, a hundred autumns let him live!
64इहेमाविन्द्र सं नुद चक्रवाकेव दंपती । प्रजयैनौ स्वस्तकौ विश्वमायुर्व्यश्नुताम् ॥
64Join thou this couple, Indra! like the Chakravaka and his. mate: May they attain to full old age with children in their happy home.
65यदासन्द्यामुपधाने यद्वोपवासने कृतम् । विवाहे कृत्यां यां चक्रुरास्नाने तां नि दध्मसि ॥
65Whatever magic hath been wrought on cushion, chair, or canopy. Each spell to mar the wedding rites, all this we throw into the bath.
66यद्दुष्कृतं यच्छमलं विवाहे वहतौ च यत्। तत्संभलस्य कम्बले मृज्महे दुरितं वयम् ॥
66Whatever fault or error was in marriage or in bridal pomp. This woe we wipe away upon the cloak the interceder wears.
67संभले मलं सादयित्वा कम्बले दुरितं वयम् । अभूम यज्ञियाः शुद्धाः प्र ण आयूंषि तारिषत् ॥
67We, having laid the stain and fault upon the interceder's cloak, Are pure and meet for sacrifice. May he prolong our lives for us.
68कृत्रिमः कण्टकः शतदन् य एषः । अपास्याः केश्यं मलमप शीर्षण्यं लिखात् ॥
68Now let this artificial comb, wrought with a hundred teeth, remove Aught of impurity that dims the hair upon this woman's head.
69अङ्गादङ्गाद्वयमस्या अप यक्ष्मं नि दध्मसि । तन् मा प्रापत्पृथिवीं मोत देवान् दिवं मा प्रापदुर्वन्तरिक्षम् । अपो मा प्रापन् मलमेतदग्ने यमं मा प्रापत्पितॄंश्च सर्वान् ॥
69We take away consumption from each limb and member of the bride. Let not this reach Earth, nor the Gods in heaven, let it not reach the sky or air's wide region. Let not this dust that sullies reach the Waters, nor Yama, Agni, nor the host of Fathers.
70सं त्वा नह्यामि पयसा पृथिव्याः सं त्वा नह्यामि पयसौषधीनाम् । सं त्वा नह्यामि प्रजया धनेन सा संनद्धा सनुहि वाजमेमम् ॥
70With all the milk that is in Earth I gird thee, with all the milk that Plants contain I dress thee. I gird thee round with children and with riches. Do thou, thus girt, receive the offered treasure.
71अमोऽहमस्मि सा त्वं सामाहमस्म्यृक्त्वं द्यौरहं पृथिवी त्वम् । ताविह सं भवाव प्रजामा जनयावहै ॥
71I am this man, that dame art thou I am the psalm and thou the verse. I am the heaven and thou the earth. So will we dwell together here, parents of children yet to be.
72जनियन्ति नावग्रवः पुत्रियन्ति सुदानवः । अरिष्टासू सचेवहि बृहते वाजसातये ॥
72Unmarried men desire to wed; bountiful givers wish for sons. Together may we dwell with strength unscathed for high prosperity.
73ये पितरो वधूदर्शा इमं वहतुमागमन् । ते अस्यै वध्वै संपत्न्यै प्रजावच्छर्म यच्छन्तु ॥
73May they, the Fathers who, to view the bride, have joined this nuptial train, Grant to this lady and her lord children and peaceful happiness.
74येदं पूर्वागन् रशनायमाना प्रजामस्यै द्रविणं चेह दत्त्वा । तां वहन्त्वगतस्यानु पन्थां विराडियं सुप्रजा अत्यजैषीत् ॥
74Her who first guided by a rein came hither, giving the bride, here offspring and possessions, Let them convey along the future's pathway. Splendid, with noble children, she hath conquered.
75प्र बुध्यस्व सुबुधा बुध्यमाना दीर्घायुत्वाय शतशारदाय । गृहान् गच्छ गृहपत्नी यथासो दीर्घं त आयुः सविता कृणोतु ॥
75Wake to long life, watchful and understanding, yea, to a life shall last a hundred autumns Enter the house to be the household's mistress. A long long life let Savitar vouchsafe thee.
- Sanskrit text: अथर्ववेदः on Sanskrit Wikisource ↗, by Sanskrit Wikisource contributors, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗; the Sanskrit on this page is shared under the same licence. Unaccented Śaunaka text, not yet proofread against a printed edition.
- English translation: Ralph T. H. Griffith, The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895-96), public domain, from the sacred-texts.com transcription ↗; a few passages missing there were restored from scans of the printed edition on archive.org. Griffith's wording and spelling are kept as transcribed, including the passages he rendered in Latin. Hymn headings are Griffith's. Footnotes omitted.