Amulets and long life
Hymns of about five verses: amulets, long life, worms and demons, and the mystic Vena.
Book 2 mostly has hymns of five verses. Several are spoken while tying on an amulet, a piece of sacred wood or herb worn for protection.
It also contains the riddling hymn to Vena, the seer who saw the hidden highest place, and charms against worms that give a picture of ancient ideas of disease.
Hymns to read first
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book 2.
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Hymn 2.1Glorification of the prime cause of all things
1वेनस्तत्पश्यत्परमं गुहा यद्यत्र विश्वं भवत्येकरूपम् । इदं पृश्निरदुहज्जायमानाः स्वर्विदो अभ्यनूषत व्राः ॥
1Vena beholds That Highest which lies hidden, wherein this All resumes one form and fashion. Thence Prisni milked all life that had existence: the hosts that know the light with songs extolled her.
2प्र तद्वोचेदमृतस्य विद्वान् गन्धर्वो धाम परमं गुहा यत्। त्रीणि पदानि निहिता गुहास्य यस्तानि वेद स पितुष्पितासत् ॥
2Knowing Eternity, may the Gandharva declare to us that highest secret station. Three steps thereof lie hidden in the darkness: he who knows these shall be the father's father.
3स नः पिता जनिता स उत बन्धुर्धामानि वेद भुवनानि विश्वा । यो देवानां नामध एक एव तं संप्रश्नं भुवना यन्ति सर्वा ॥
3He is our kinsman, father, and begetter: he knows all beings and all Ordinances. He only gave the Gods their appellations: all creatures go to him to ask direction.
4परि द्यावापृथिवी सद्य आयमुपातिष्ठे प्रथमजामृतस्य । वाचमिव वक्तरि भुवनेष्ठा धास्युरेष नन्वेषो अग्निः ॥
4I have gone forth around the earth and heaven, I have approached the first-born Son of Order. He, putting voice, as 'twere, within the speaker, stands in the world, he, verily is Agni.
5परि विश्वा भुवनान्यायमृतस्य तन्तुं विततं दृशे कम् । यत्र देवा अमृतमानशानाः समाने योनावध्यैरयन्त ॥
5I round the circumjacent worlds have travelled to see the far-extended thread of Order. Wherein the Gods, obtaining life eternal, have risen upward to one common birthplace.
Hymn 2.2A charm to ensure success in gambling
1दिव्यो गन्धर्वो भुवनस्य यस्पतिरेक एव नमस्यो विक्ष्वीड्यः । तं त्वा यौमि ब्रह्मणा दिव्य देव नमस्ते अस्तु दिवि ते सधस्थम् ॥
1Lord of the World, divine Gandharva, only he should be honoured in the Tribes and worshipped. Fast with my spell, celestial God, I hold thee. Homage to thee! Thy home is in the heavens.
2दिवि स्पृष्टो यजतः सूर्यत्वगवयाता हरसो दैव्यस्य । मृडात्गन्धर्वो भुवनस्य यस्पतिरेक एव नमस्यः सुशेवाः ॥
2Sky-reaching, like the Sun in brightness, holy, he who averts from us the Gods' displeasure. Lord of the World, may the Gandharva bless us, the friendly God who only must be worshipped.
3अनवद्याभिः समु जग्म आभिरप्सरास्वपि गन्धर्व आसीत्। समुद्र आसां सदनं म आहुर्यतः सद्य आ च परा च यन्ति ॥
3I came, I met these faultless, blameless beings: among the Apsarases was the Gandharva. Their home is in the sea—so men have told me,—whence they come quickly hitherward and vanish.
4अभ्रिये दिद्युन् नक्षत्रिये या विश्वावसुं गन्धर्वं सचध्वे । ताभ्यो वो देवीर्नम इत्कृणोमि ॥
4Thou, Cloudy! ye who follow the Gandharva Visvā-vasu, ye, Starry! Lightning-Flasher! You, O ye Goddesses, I truly worship.
5याः क्लन्दास्तमिषीचयोऽक्षकामा मनोमुहः । ताभ्यो गन्धर्वभ्योऽप्सराभ्योऽकरं नमः ॥
5Haunters of darkness, shrill in voice, dice-lovers, maddeners of the mind To these have I paid homage, the Gandharva's wives, Apsarases.
Hymn 2.3A water-cure charm
1अदो यदवधावत्यवत्कमधि पर्वतात्। तत्ते कृणोमि भेषजं सुभेषजं यथाससि ॥
1That little spring of water which is running downward from the hill I turn to healing balm for thee that thou mayst be good medicine.
2आदङ्गा कुविदङ्ग शतं या भेषजानि ते । तेषामसि त्वमुत्तममनास्रावमरोगणम् ॥
2Hither and onward! Well! Come on! Among thy hundred remedies Most excellent of all art thou, curing disease and morbid flow.
3नीचैः खनन्त्यसुरा अरुस्राणमिदं महत्। तदास्रावस्य भेषजं तदु रोगमनीनशत् ॥
3The Asuras bury deep in earth this mighty thing that healeth wounds. This is the cure for morbid flow, this driveth malady away.
4उपजीका उद्भरन्ति समुद्रादधि भेषजम् । तदास्रावस्य भेषजं तदु रोगमशीशमत् ॥
4The emmets from the water-flood produce this healing medicine: This is the cure for morbid flow, this driveth malady away.
5अरुस्राणमिदं महत्पृथिव्या अध्युद्भृतम् । तदास्रावस्य भेषजं तदु रोगमनीनशत् ॥
5Mighty is this wound-healing balm: from out the earth was it produced. This is the cure for morbid flow, this driveth malady away.
6शं नो भवन्त्वप ओषधयः शिवाः । इन्द्रस्य वज्रो अप हन्तु रक्षस आराद्विसृष्टा इषवः पतन्तु रक्षसाम् ॥
6Bless us the Waters! be the Plants auspicious! May Indra's thunderbolt drive off the demons. Far from us fall the shafts they shoot against us!
Hymn 2.4A charm to ensure health and prosperity by wearing an amulet
1दीर्घायुत्वाय बृहते रणायारिष्यन्तो दक्षमाणाः सदैव । मणिं विष्कन्धदूषणं जङ्गिडं बिभृमो वयम् ॥
1For length of life, for mighty joy, uninjured, ever showing strength. We wear Vishkandha's antidote, the Amulet of Jangida.
2जङ्गिडो जम्भाद्विशराद्विष्कन्धादभिशोचनात्। मणिः सहस्रवीर्यः परि णः पातु विश्वतः ॥
2Amulet of a thousand powers, Jangida save us, all around. From Jambha, and from Viara, Vishkandha, and tormenting pain.
3अयं विष्कन्धं सहतेऽयं बाधते अत्त्रिणः । अयं नो विश्वभेषजो जङ्गिडः पात्वंहसः ॥
3This overcomes Vishkandha, this chases the greedy fiends away: May this our panacea, may Jangida save us from distress.
4देवैर्दत्तेन मणिना जङ्गिडेन मयोभुवा । विष्कन्धं सर्वा रक्षांसि व्यायामे सहामहे ॥
4With Jangida that brings delight, Amulet given by the Gods, We in the conflict overcome Vishkandha and all Rākshasas.
5शणश्च मा जङ्गिडश्च विष्कन्धादभि रक्षताम् । अरण्यादन्य आभृतः कृष्या अन्यो रसेभ्यः ॥
5May Cannabis and Jangida preserve me from Vishkandha,— that Brought to us from the forest, this sprung from the saps of husbandry.
6कृत्यादूषिरयं मणिरथो अरातिदूषिः । अथो सहस्वान् जङ्गिडः प्र ण आयुंषि तारिषत् ॥
6This Amulet destroys the might of magic and malignity: So may victorious Jangida prolong the years we have to live.
Hymn 2.5Invitation to, and praise of Indra
1इन्द्र जुषस्व प्र वहा याहि शूर हरिभ्याम् । पिबा सुतस्य मतेरिह मधोश्चकानश्चारुर्मदाय ॥
1Indra, be gracious, drive thou forth, come, Hero, with thy two bay steeds. Taste the libation, hither, enjoying meath and the hymn, come, fair, to the banquet.
2इन्द्र जठरं नव्यो न पृणस्व मधोर्दिवो न । अस्य सुतस्य स्वर्णोप त्वा मदाः सुवाचो अगुः ॥
2O Indra, even as one athirst, fill thee with meath as 'twere from heaven. Sweet-toned, the raptures of this juice have come to thee as to the light.
3इन्द्रस्तुराषाण्मित्रो वृत्रं यो जघान यतीर्न । बिभेद वलं भृगुर्न ससहे शत्रून् मदे सोमस्य ॥
3Swift-conquering Indra, Mitra like, smote, as a Yati, Vritra dead. Like Bhrigu he cleft Vala through, and quelled his foes in Soma's rapturous joy.
4आ त्वा विशन्तु सुतास इन्द्र पृणस्व कुक्षी विड्ढि शक्र धियेह्या नः । श्रुधी हवं गिरो मे जुषस्वेन्द्र स्वयुग्भिर्मत्स्वेह महे रणाय ॥
4O Indra, let the juices enter thee. Fill full thy belly, sate thee, mighty one! Let the hymn bring thee. Hear thou my call, accept the song I sing, here, Indra, with thy friends enjoy thyself, to height of rapture.
5इन्द्रस्य नु प्र वोचं वीर्याणि यानि चकार प्रथमानि वज्री । अहन्न् अहिमनु अपस्ततर्द प्र वक्षणा अभिनत्पर्वतानाम् ॥
5Now will I tell the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the thunder-wielder. He slew the Dragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the channels of the mountain torrents.
6अहन्न् अहिं पर्वते शिश्रियाणं त्वष्टास्मै वज्रं स्वर्यं ततक्ष । वाश्रा इव धेनवः स्यन्दमाना अञ्जः समुद्रमव जग्मुरापः ॥
6He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvashtar fashioned. Like lowing kine in rapid flow descending the waters glided downward to the ocean.
7वृषायमाणो अवृणीत सोमं त्रिकद्रुकेषु अपिबत्सुतस्य । आ सायकं मघवादत्त वज्रमहन्न् एनं प्रथमजामहीनाम् ॥
7Impetuous as a bull he chose the Soma, and quaffed the juices in three sacred beakers. Maghavan grasped the thunder for his weapon, and smote to death this first-born of the dragons.
Hymn 2.6A prayer to Agni for protection
1समास्त्वाग्न ऋतवो वर्धयन्तु संवत्सरा ऋषयो यानि सत्या । सं दिव्येन दीदिहि रोचनेन विश्वा आ भाहि प्रदिशश्चतस्रः ॥
1Half-years and seasons strengthen thee, O Agni, the years, and all the Verities, and Rishis! Flash forth with thy celestial effulgence: illumine all four regions of the heavens.
2सं चेध्यस्वाग्ने प्र च वर्धयेममुच्च तिष्ठ महते सौभगाय । मा ते रिषन्न् उपसत्तारो अग्ने ब्रह्माणस्ते यशसः सन्तु मान्ये ॥
2Kindle thee, Agni, and make this man prosper: rise up erect for high and happy fortune. Agni, be those uninjured who adore thee, and may thy priests be glorious and no others.
3त्वामग्ने वृणते ब्राह्मणा इमे शिवो अग्ने संवरणे भवा नः । सपत्नहाग्ने अभिमातिजिद्भव स्वे गये जागृह्यप्रयुच्छन् ॥
3These Brāhmans have elected thee, O Agni: be thou propitious in our sacred chamber. Slayer of rivals, Agni, quell our foemen: watch in our house with care that never ceases.
4क्षत्रेणाग्ने स्वेन सं रभस्व मित्रेणाग्ने मित्रधा यतस्व । सजातानां मध्यमेष्ठा राज्ञामग्ने विहव्यो दीदिहीह ॥
4Seize, Agni, on thy power and firmly hold it: contend thou with the Friend by way of friendship. Placed in the centre of our fellows, Agni, flash forth to be invoked by kings around thee.
5अति निहो अति सृधोऽत्यचित्तीरति द्विषः । विश्वा ह्यग्ने दुरिता तर त्वमथास्मभ्यं सहवीरं रयिं दाः ॥
5Past those who slay, past enemies, past thoughtless men, past those who hate, Yea, Agni, hear us safe past all distresses: give thou us opulence with men about us.
Hymn 2.7A counter-charm against imprecation and malignity
1अघद्विष्टा देवजाता वीरुच्छपथयोपनी । आपो मलमिव प्राणैक्षीत्सर्वान् मच्छपथामधि ॥
1Hated by sinners, sprung from Gods, this Plant that turns the curse away Hath washed from me all curses, as water makes clean from spot and stain.
2यश्च सापत्नः शपथो जाम्याः शपथश्च यः । ब्रह्मा यन् मन्युतः शपात्सर्वं तन् नो अधस्पदम् ॥
2All curses of a rival, each curse of a female relative, Curse uttered by an augry priest, all these we tread beneath our feet.
3दिवो मूलमवततं पृथिव्या अध्युत्ततम् । तेन सहस्रकाण्डेन परि णः पाहि विश्वतः ॥
3Spread on the surface of the earth, downward from heaven thy root depends: With this that hath a thousand joints keep thou us safe on every side.
4परि मां परि मे प्रजां परि णः पाहि यद्धनम् । अरातिर्नो मा तारीन् मा नस्तारिशुरभिमातयः ॥
4Guard on all sides this woman, guard my children, us, and all our wealth! Let not malignity o'ercome, nor adversaries conquer us.
5शप्तारमेतु शपथो यः सुहार्त्तेन नः सह । चक्षुर्मन्त्रस्य दुर्हार्दः पृष्टीरपि शृणीमसि ॥
5Upon the curser fall his curse! Dwell we with him whose heart is true! We split the cruel villain's ribs whose evil eye bewitches us.
Hymn 2.8A charm against hereditary disease (kshetriya)
1उदगातां भगवती विचृतौ नाम तारके । वि क्षेत्रियस्य मुञ्चतामधमं पाशमुत्तमम् ॥
1Twin Stars of happy omen, named Releasers, have gone up. May they Loose, of inherited disease, the uppermost and lowest bond.
2अपेयं रात्र्युच्छत्वपोच्छन्त्वभिकृत्वरीः । वीरुत्क्षेत्रियनाशन्यप क्षेत्रियमुच्छतु ॥
2Vanish this Night, extinct in Dawn! Let those who weave their spells depart. So let the plague-destroying Plant remove inherited disease.
3बभ्रोरर्जुनकाण्डस्य यवस्य ते पलाल्या तिलस्य तिलपिञ्ज्या । वीरुत्क्षेत्रियनाशन्यप क्षेत्रियमुच्छतु ॥
3With straw of barley tawny-brown in colour with its silvery ears, with stalk and stem of Sesamum-So let the plague-destroying Plant remove inherited disease.
4नमस्ते लाङ्गलेभ्यो नम ईषायुगेभ्यः । वीरुत्क्षेत्रियनाशन्यप क्षेत्रियमुच्छतु ॥
4Let homage to thy ploughs be paid, our homage to the pole and yokes. So let the plague-destroying Plant remove inherited disease.
5नमः सनिस्रसाक्षेभ्यो नमः संदेश्येभ्यः । नमः क्षेत्रस्य पतये वीरुत्क्षेत्रियनाशन्यप क्षेत्रियमुच्छतु ॥
5Homage to men with blinking eyes, homage to those who hear and act! To the Field's Lord be homage paid. So let the plague-destroying Plant remove inherited disease.
Hymn 2.9A charm to cure dangerous disease
1दशवृक्ष मुञ्चेमं रक्षसो ग्राह्या अधि यैनं जग्राह पर्वसु । अथो एनं वनस्पते जीवानां लोकमुन् नय ॥
1Free this man, Dasavriksha! from the demon, from Grāhi who hath seized his joints and members, And raise him up again, O Tree, into the world of living men.
2आगादुदगादयं जीवानां व्रातमप्यगात्। अभूदु पुत्राणां पिता नृणां च भगवत्तमः ॥
2He hath arisen and come once more, rejoined the band of those who live. May he become the sire of sons, and of all men most fortunate.
3अधीतीरध्यगादयमधि जीवपुरा अगान् । शतं ह्यस्य भिषजः सहस्रमुत वीरुधः ॥
3He hath returned to consciousness, rejoined the living's firm abodes, For hundred leeches are in this, yea, and a thousand healing herbs.
4देवास्ते चीतिमविदन् ब्रह्माण उत वीरुधः । चीतिं ते विश्वे देवा अविदन् भूम्यामधि ॥
4The Gods, the Brāhman-priests, and plants observed the way to gather thee: All deities described the way men gather thee upon the earth.
5यश्चकार स निष्करत्स एव सुभिषक्तमः । स एव तुभ्यं भेषजानि कृणवद्भिषजा शुचिः ॥
5Let him who made it also heal: he, truly, is the deftest leech. Pure, with a leech he verily shall give thee medicines that heal.
Hymn 2.10Absolution and benediction
1क्षेत्रियात्त्वा निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
1From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I free and save thee. With spell and prayer I make thee pure and sinless: to thee be both, the Earth and Heaven, auspicious!
2शं ते अग्निः सहाद्भिरस्तु शं सोमः सहौषधीभिः । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
2Gracious to thee be Agni with the Waters, let Soma with the Plants be kind and bless thee. From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I thus release thee.
3शं ते वातो अन्तरिक्षे वयो धाच्छं ते भवन्तु प्रदिशश्चतस्रः । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
3May kind Wind strengthen thee in air's mid-region, to thee may heaven's four quarters be auspicious. From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's curse I thus release thee.
4इमा या देवीः प्रदिशश्चतस्रो वातपत्नीरभि सूर्यो विचष्टे । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृनोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
4These Goddesses, four regions of the heavens, on whom the Sun looks kindly, wives of Vāta— From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I thus release thee.
5तासु त्वान्तर्जरस्या दधामि प्र यक्ष्म एतु निर्ऋतिः पराचैः । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
5For long life, in the midst of these I set thee. Away pass Nirriti, away Consumption! From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I thus release thee.
6अमुक्था यक्ष्माद्दुरितादवद्याद्द्रुहः पाशाद्ग्राह्याश्चोदमुक्थाः । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
6Thou hast been freed from Phthisis and from trouble, from shame, and from the snare of Druh and Grain. From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I thus release thee.
7अहा अरातिमविदः स्योनमप्यभूर्भद्रे सुकृतस्य लोके । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
7Joy hast thou found, and left ill-will behind thee: thou hast attained the happy world of virtue. From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I thus release thee.
8सूर्यमृतं तमसो ग्राह्या अधि देवा मुञ्चन्तो असृजन् निरेनसः । एवाहं त्वां क्षेत्रियान् निर्ऋत्या जामिशंसाद्द्रुहो मुञ्चामि वरुणस्य पाशात्। अनागसं ब्रह्मणा त्वा कृणोमि शिवे ते द्यावापृथिवी उभे स्ताम् ॥
8The Gods have freed from, sinfulness, redeeming the Sun, the Law from darkness and from Grāhi. From family sickness, kinsmen's curse, Destruction, from Druh, from Varuna's noose I thus release thee. With spell and prayer I make thee pure and sinless: to thee be both, the Earth and Heaven, auspicious!
Hymn 2.11Counter-charm, with an amulet, against an enemy's spell
1दूष्या दूषिरसि हेत्या हेतिरसि मेन्या मेनिरसि । आप्नुहि श्रेयांसमति समं क्राम ॥
1Dart against dart, destroyer of destruction, thou art the missile sent to meet the missile. Reach thy superior, thou; surpass thine equal.
2स्रक्त्योऽसि प्रतिसरोऽसि प्रत्यभिचरणोऽसि । आप्नुहि श्रेयांसमति समं क्राम ॥
2Sraktya art thou, an Amulet art thou, a counter-charm of spells, Reach thy superior, thou; surpass thine equal.
3प्रति तमभि चर योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः । आप्नुहि श्रेयांसमति समं क्राम ॥
3Use spells against the man we hate, against the man who hateth us. Reach thy superior, thou; surpass thine equal.
4सूरिरसि वर्चोधा असि तनूपानोऽसि । आप्नुहि श्रेयांसमति समं क्राम ॥
4A prince art thou, giver of speech, thou art our bodies' strong defence. Reach thy superior, thou; surpass thine equal.
5शुक्रोऽसि भ्राजोऽसि स्वरसि ज्योतिरसि । आप्नुहि श्रेयांसमति समं क्राम ॥
5Fulgent art thou, and splendid, thou art heavenly lustre, thou art light. Reach thy superior, thou; surpass thine equal.
Hymn 2.12A prayer for vengeance on a malicious rival worshipper
1द्यावापृथिवी उर्वन्तरिक्षं क्षेत्रस्य पत्न्युरुगायोऽद्भुतः । उतान्तरिक्षमुरु वातगोपं त इह तप्यन्तां मयि तप्यमाने ॥
1The spacious Firmament, and Earth and Heaven, the Field's Queen, and the wonderful Wide-Strider, Yea, the broad middle air which Vāta guardeth, may these now burn with heat while I am burning.
2इदं देवाः शृणुत ये यज्ञिया स्थ भरद्वाजो मह्यमुक्थानि शंसति । पाशे स बद्धो दुरिते नि युज्यतां यो अस्माकं मन इदं हिनस्ति ॥
2Listen to this, ye Gods who merit worship. Hymns here are sung for me by Bharadvāja. Bound in the noose may he be doomed to trouble whoever mars this that our mind hath purposed.
3इदमिन्द्र शृणुहि सोमप यत्त्वा हृदा शोचता जोहवीमि । वृश्चामि तं कुलिशेनेव वृक्षं यो अस्माकं मन इदं हिनस्ति ॥
3Hear this my call, O Indra, Soma-drinker, as with a burning heart I oft invoke thee. I smite, as 'twere a tree felled with a hatchet, the man who marreth this my plan and purpose.
4अशीतिभिस्तिसृभिः सामगेभिरादित्येभिर्वसुभिरङ्गिरोभिः । इष्टापूर्तमवतु नः पितॄणामामुं ददे हरसा दैव्येन ॥
4Together with thrice-eighty Sāma-singers, Angirases, and Vasus, and Ādityas, May the felicity of the Fathers guard us. I seize that man with fire that Gods have kindled.
5द्यावापृथिवी अनु मा दीधीथां विश्वे देवासो अनु मा रभध्वम् । अङ्गिरसः पितरः सोम्यासः पापमार्छत्वपकामस्य कर्ता ॥
5O Heaven and Earth, regard me with your favour, and, all ye Gods, stand on my side and help me. Angirases, Fathers worthy of the Soma! woe fall on him who, caused the hateful outrage!
6अतीव यो मरुतो मन्यते नो ब्रह्म वा यो निन्दिषत्क्रियमाणम् । तपूंषि तस्मै वृजिनानि सन्तु ब्रह्मद्विषं द्यौरभिसंतपाति ॥
6Whoever either scorns us, O ye Maruts, or blames devotion which we now are paying. Let his own wicked deeds be fires to burn him. May Heaven consume the man who hates devotion.
7सप्त प्राणान् अष्टौ मन्यस्तांस्ते वृश्चामि ब्रह्मणा । अया यमस्य सादनमग्निदूतो अरंकृतः ॥
7Thy sevenfold vital breath, thine eight marrows I rend away with prayer. With Agni as thine envoy, go, prepared, to Yama's dwelling place.
8आ दधामि ते पदं समिद्धे जातवेदसि । अग्निः शरीरं वेवेष्ट्वसुं वागपि गच्छतु ॥
8In Jātavedas kindled flame I set the place assigned to thee. Let fire consume thy body, and thy voice go to the general breath.
Hymn 2.13A youth's Investiture ceremony (godānam)
1आयुर्दा अग्ने जरसं वृणानो घृतप्रतीको घृतपृष्ठो अग्ने । घृतं पीत्वा मधु चारु गव्यं पितेव पुत्रान् अभि रक्षतादिमम् ॥
1Strength-giver, winning lengthened life, O Agni, with face and back shining with molten butter, Drink thou the butter and fair milk and honey, and, as a sire his sons, keep this man safely.
2परि धत्त धत्त नो वर्चसेमं जरामृत्युं कृणुत दीर्घमायुः । बृहस्पतिः प्रायच्छद्वास एतत्सोमाय राज्ञे परिधातवा उ ॥
2For us surround him, cover him with splendour, give him long life, and death when age removes him. The garment hath Brihaspati presented to Soma, to the King, to w rap about him.
3परीदं वासो अधिथाः स्वस्तयेऽभूर्गृष्टीनामभिशस्तिपा उ । शतं च जीव शरदः पुरूची रायश्च पोषमुपसंव्ययस्व ॥
3Thou for our w eal hast clothed thee in the mantle: thou hast become our heifers' guard from witchcraft. Live thou a hundred full and plenteous autumns, and wrap thee in prosperity of riches.
4एह्यश्मानमा तिष्ठाश्मा भवतु ते तनूः । कृण्वन्तु विश्वे देवा आयुष्टे शरदः शतम् ॥
4Come hither, stand upon the stone: thy body shall become a stone. The Universal Gods shall make thy life a hundred autumns long.
5यस्य ते वासः प्रथमवास्यं हरामस्तं त्वा विश्वेऽवन्तु देवाः । तं त्वा भ्रातरः सुवृधा वर्धमानमनु जायन्तां बहवः सुजातम् ॥
5So may the Universal Gods protect thee, whom we divest of raiment worn aforetime. So after thee, well-formed and growing stronger, be born a multitude of thriving brothers.
Hymn 2.14A charm to banish vermin and noxious creatures
1निःसालां धृष्णुं धिषणमेकवाद्यां जिघत्स्वम् । सर्वाश्चण्डस्य नप्त्यो नाशयामः सदान्वाः ॥
1Forth from the hall the bold, the sharp, the greedy one, the single-voiced, Sadānvās, and all progeny of Chanda we exterminate.
2निर्वो गोष्ठादजामसि निरक्षान् निरुपानशात्। निर्वो मगुन्द्या दुहितरो गृहेभ्यश्चातयामहे ॥
2We drive you forth from cattle-shed, from axle, from within the wain, Ye daughters of Magundi, we frighten and chase you from out homes.
3असौ यो अधराद्गृहस्तत्र सन्त्वराय्यः । तत्र सेदिर्न्युच्यतु सर्वाश्च यातुधान्यः ॥
3Yonder let the Arāyis dwell, there where that house is down below. Let utter indigence and all the Yātudhānis settle there.
4भूतपतिर्निरजत्विन्द्रश्चेतः सदान्वाः । गृहस्य बुध्न आसीनास्ता इन्द्रो वज्रेणाधि तिष्ठतु ॥
4May Bhūtapati drive away, and Indra, the Sadānvās hence. Let Indra with his bolt quell those who sit upon our dwelling's floor.
5यदि स्थ क्षेत्रियाणां यदि वा पुरुषेषिताः । यदि स्थ दस्युभ्यो जाता नश्यतेतः सदान्वाः ॥
5Whether ye be of farm and field, or whether ye be sent by men, Or be ye sprung from Dasyu race, vanish, Sadānvās, and begone.
6परि धामान्यासामाशुर्गाष्ठामिवासरम् । अजैषं सर्वान् आजीन् वो नश्यतेतः सदान्वाः ॥
6I have gone round their homes as runs a fleet-foot racer round the post, And in all races conquered you. Vanish, Sadānvās, and begone.
Hymn 2.15A charm against fear
1यथा द्यौश्च पृथिवी च न बिभीतो न रिष्यतः । एवा मे प्राण मा बिभेः ॥
1As Heaven and Earth are not afraid, and never suffer loss or harm, Even so, my spirit, fear not thou.
2यथाहश्च रात्री च न बिभीतो न रिष्यतः । एवा मे प्राण मा बिभेः ॥
2As Day and Night are not afraid, nor ever suffer loss or harm, Even so, my spirit, fear not thou.
3यथा सूर्यश्च चन्द्रश्च न बिभीतो न रिष्यतः । एवा मे प्राण मा बिभेः ॥
3As Sun and Moon are not afraid, nor ever suffer loss or harm. Even so. my spirit, fear not thou.
4यथा ब्रह्म च क्षत्रं च न बिभीतो न रिष्यतः । एवा मे प्राण मा बिभेः ॥
4As Brāhmanhood and Princely Power fear not, nor suffer loss, or harm, Even so, my spirit, fear not thou.
5यथा सत्यं चानृतं च न बिभीतो न रिष्यतः । एवा मे प्राण मा बिभेः ॥
5As Truth and Falsehood have no fear, nor ever suffer loss or harm, Even so, my spirit, fear not thou.
6यथा भूतं च भव्यं च न बिभीतो न रिष्यतः । एवा मे प्राण मा बिभेः ॥
6As What Hath Been and What Shall Be fear not, nor suffer loss or harm, Even so, my spirit, fear not thou.
Hymn 2.16A prayer for general protection
1प्राणापानौ मृत्योर्मा पातं स्वाहा ॥
1Guard me from death, Inhaling and Exhaling! All bliss to you!
2द्यावापृथिवी उपश्रुत्या मा पातं स्वाहा ॥
2Guard me from overhearing, Earth and Heaven! All hail to you!
3सूर्य चक्षुषा मा पाहि स्वाहा ॥
3Do thou, O Sūrya, with thine eye protect me! All hail to thee!
4अग्ने वैश्वानर विश्वैर्मा देवैः पाहि स्वाहा ॥
4Agni Vaisvānara, with all Gods preserve me! All hail to thee!
5विश्वम्भर विश्वेन मा भरसा पाहि स्वाहा ॥
5Preserve me with all care. O All-Sustainer! All hail to thee!
Hymn 2.17A prayer to an amulet for health and strength
1ओजोऽस्योजो मे दाः स्वाहा ॥
1Power art thou, give me power. All hail!
2सहोऽसि सहो मे दाः स्वाहा ॥
2Might art thou, give me might. All hail!
3बलमसि बलं दाः स्वाहा ॥
3Strength art thou, give me strength. All hail!
4आयुरस्यायुर्मे दाः स्वाह ॥
4Life art thou, give me life. All hail!
5श्रोत्रमसि श्रोत्रं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
5Ear art thou, give me hearing! Hail!
6चक्षुरसि चक्षुर्मे दाः स्वाह ॥
6Eye art thou, give me eyes. All hail!
7परिपाणमसि परिपाणं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
7Shield art thou, shield me well. All hail
Hymn 2.18A charm against enemies, goblins, and other evil creatures
1भ्रातृव्यक्षयणमसि भ्रातृव्यचातनं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
1Destruction of the foe art thou, give me the scaring of my foes. All hail!
2सपत्नक्षयणमसि सपत्नचातनं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
2The rival's ruiner art thou, give me to drive my rivals off. All hail!
3अरायक्षयणमस्यरायचातनं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
3Arāyis' ruiner art thou, give me to drive Arāyis off. All hail!
4पिशाचक्षयणमसि पिशाचचातनं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
4Pisa-chas' ruiner art thou, give me to drive Pisāchas off. All hail!
5सदान्वाक्षयणमसि सदान्वाचातनं मे दाः स्वाह ॥
5Sadānvās' ruiner art thou, give me to drive Sadānvās off. All hail!
Hymn 2.19A prayer to Agni for aid against an enemy
1अग्ने यत्ते तपस्तेन तं प्रति तप योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
1Burn thou, O Agni, with that heat of thine against the man who hates us, whom we hate.
2अग्ने यत्ते हरस्तेन तं प्रति हर योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
2Flame thou, O Agni, with that flame of thine against the man who hates us, whom we hate.
3अग्ने यत्तेऽर्चिस्तेन तं प्रत्यर्च योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
3Shine out, O Agni, with that sheen of thine against the man who hates us, whom we hate.
4अग्ने यत्ते शोचिस्तेन तं प्रति शोच योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
4Blaze thou, O Agni, with that blaze of thine against the man who hates us, whom we hate.
5अग्ने यत्ते तेजस्तेन तमतेजसं कृणु योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
5O Agni, with the splendour that is thine darken the man who hates us, whom we hate.
Hymn 2.20
Griffith gives no separate translation of this hymn. His note to Hymn 2.19 (checked in the printed edition, archive.org in.ernet.dli.2015.274134) says that Hymns XX to XXIII are exactly similar to XIX except that other deities (Vayu, Surya, Chandra or the Moon, and the Waters) are addressed instead of Agni. This hymn addresses Vayu.
1वायो यत्ते तपस्तेन तं प्रति तप योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
2वायो यत्ते हरस्तेन तं प्रति हर योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
3वायो यत्तेऽर्चिस्तेन तं प्रत्यर्च योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
4वायो यत्ते शोचिस्तेन तं प्रति शोच योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
5वायो यत्ते तेजस्तेन तमतेजसं कृणु योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
Griffith gives no English translation for this hymn.
Hymn 2.21
Griffith gives no separate translation of this hymn. His note to Hymn 2.19 says that Hymns XX to XXIII are exactly similar to XIX except that other deities are addressed instead of Agni. This hymn addresses Surya.
1सूर्य यत्ते तपस्तेन तं प्रति तप योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
2सूर्य यत्ते हरस्तेन तं प्रति हर योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
3सूर्य यत्तेऽर्चिस्तेन तं प्रत्यर्च योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
4सूर्य यत्ते शोचिस्तेन तं प्रति शोच योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
5सूर्य यत्ते तेजस्तेन तमतेजसं कृणु योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
Griffith gives no English translation for this hymn.
Hymn 2.22
Griffith gives no separate translation of this hymn. His note to Hymn 2.19 says that Hymns XX to XXIII are exactly similar to XIX except that other deities are addressed instead of Agni. This hymn addresses Chandra (the Moon).
1चन्द्र यत्ते तपस्तेन तं प्रति तप योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
2चन्द्र यत्ते हरस्तेन तं प्रति हर योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
3चन्द्र यत्तेऽर्चिस्तेन तं प्रत्यर्च योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
4चन्द्र यत्ते शोचिस्तेन तं प्रति शोच योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
5चन्द्र यत्ते तेजस्तेन तमतेजसं कृणु योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
Griffith gives no English translation for this hymn.
Hymn 2.23
Griffith gives no separate translation of this hymn. His note to Hymn 2.19 says that Hymns XX to XXIII are exactly similar to XIX except that other deities are addressed instead of Agni. This hymn addresses the Waters.
1आपो यद्वस्तपस्तेन तं प्रति तपत योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
2आपो यद्वस्हरस्तेन तं प्रति हरत योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
3आपो यद्वस्ऽर्चिस्तेन तं प्रति अर्चत योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
4आपो यद्वस्शोचिस्तेन तं प्रति शोचत योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
5आपो यद्वस्तेजस्तेन तमतेजसं कृणुत योऽस्मान् द्वेष्टि यं वयं द्विष्मः ॥
Griffith gives no English translation for this hymn.
Hymn 2.24A charm against the magic arts of fiends
1शेरभक शेरभ पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
1O Serabhaka, Serabha, back fall your arts of witchery! Back, Kimidins! let your weapon fall. Eat your possessor; eat ye him who sent you forth;
2शेवृधक शेवृध पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
2Srvridhaka, O Sevridha, back fall your arts of witchery! Back, Kimidins! let your weapon fall, etc.
3म्रोकानुम्रोक पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
3O Mroka, Anumroka, back return your arts of witchery! Back, Kimidins! let your weapon fall, etc.
4सर्पानुसर्प पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
4O Sarpa, Anusarpa, back return your arts of witchery! Back, 'i Kimidins! let your weapon fall, etc.
5जूर्णि पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
5Back fall your witcheries, Jūrni! back your weapon, ye Kimidinis, etc.
6उपब्दे पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
6Back fall your spells, Upabdi! back your weapon, ye Kimidinis, etc.
7अर्जुनि पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
7Back fall your witchcrafts, Arjuni! your weapon, ye Kimidinis, etc,
8भरूजि पुनर्वो यन्तु यातवः पुनर्हेतिः किमीदिनः । यस्य स्थ तमत्त यो वो प्राहैत्तमत्त स्वा मांसान्यत्त ॥
8Back, O, Bharūji! fall your charms, your weapon, ye Kimidinis. Eat your possessor; eat ye him who sent you forth; eat your own flesh.
Hymn 2.25A charm against fiends who cause abortion
1शं नो देवी पृश्निपर्ण्यशं निर्ऋत्या अकः । उग्रा हि कण्वजम्भनी तामभक्षि सहस्वतीम् ॥
1The Goddess Prisniparni hath blest us, and troubled Nirriti. Fierce crusher of the Kanvas she: her have I gained, the mighty one.
2सहमानेयं प्रथमा पृश्निपर्ण्यजायत । तयाहं दुर्णाम्नां शिरो वृश्चामि शकुनेरिव ॥
2Victorious in the olden time this Prisniparni was brought forth: With her I cleave, as 'twere a bird's, the head of the Detestables.
3अरायमसृक्पावानं यश्च स्फातिं जिहीर्षति । गर्भादं कण्वं नाशय पृश्निपर्णि सहस्व च ॥
3The hateful fiend who drinks the blood, and him who take away the growth, The Kanva who devours the germ, quell, Prisniparni! and! destroy.
4गिरिमेनामा वेशय कण्वान् जीवितयोपनान् । तांस्त्वं देवि पृश्निपर्ण्यग्निरिवानुदहन्न् इहि ॥
4Drive and imprison in a hill these Kanvas harassers of life: Follow them Prisniparni, thou Goddess, like fire consuming. them.
5पराच एनान् प्र णुद कण्वान् जीवितयोपनान् । तमांसि यत्र गच्छन्ति तत्क्रव्यादो अजीगमम् ॥
5Drive thou away these Kanvas, drive the harassers of life afar. Whither the shades of darkness go, I send the fiends who feed on flesh.
Hymn 2.26A benediction on homeward coming cattle
1एह यन्तु पशवो ये परेयुर्वायुर्येषां सहचारं जुजोष । त्वष्टा येषां रूपधेयानि वेदास्मिन् तान् गोष्ठे सविता नि यच्छतु ॥
1Let them come home, the cattle that have wandered, whom Vāyu hath delighted to attend on, Whose forms and figures are well known to Tvashtar. These cows let Savitar drive within this stable.
2इमं गोष्ठं पशवः सं स्रवन्तु बृहस्पतिरा नयतु प्रजानन् । सिनीवाली नयत्वाग्रमेषामाजग्मुषो अनुमते नि यच्छ ॥
2Let the beasts stream together to this cow-pen. Brihaspati who knoweth lead them hither! Let Sinivāli guide the foremost homeward. When they have come, Anumati! enclose them.
3सं सं स्रवन्तु पशवः समश्वाः समु पूरुषाः । सं धान्यस्य या स्फातिः संस्राव्येण हविषा जुहोमि ॥
3Together stream the cattle! stream together horses and the men! Hitherward press all growth of grain! I offer sacrifice with mixt oblation.
4सं सिञ्चामि गवां क्षीरं समाज्येन बलं रसम् । संसिक्ता अस्माकं वीरा ध्रुवा गावो मयि गोपतौ ॥
4I pour together milk of kine, with butter blending strength and juice. Well sprinkled be our men, as true to me as cows are to their herd!
5आ हरामि गवां क्षीरमाहार्षं धान्यं रसम् । आहृता अस्माकं वीरा आ पत्नीरिदमस्तकम् ॥
5Hither I bring the milk of cows, hither have brought the juice of corn. Hitherward have our men been brought, hitherward to this house our wives.
Hymn 2.27A charm against an opponent in debate
1नेच्छत्रुः प्राशं जयाति सहमानाभिभूरसि । प्राशं प्रतिप्राशो जह्यरसान् कृण्वोषधे ॥
1Let not the enemy win the cause! Strong and predominant art thou. Refute mine adversary's speech. Render them dull and flat, O Plant.
2सुपर्णस्त्वान्वविन्दत्सूकरस्त्वाखनन् नसा । प्राशं प्रतिप्राशो जह्यरसान् कृण्वोषधे ॥
2The strong-winged bird discovered thee, the boar unearthed thee with his snout. Refute mine adversary's speech. Render them dull and flat, O Plant.
3इन्द्रो ह चक्रे त्वा बाहावसुरेभ्य स्तरीतवे । प्राशं प्रतिप्राशो जह्यरसान् कृण्वोषधे ॥
3Yea, Indra laid thee on his arm, to cast the Asuras to the ground. Refute mine adversary's speech. Render them dull and flat, O Plant.
4पाटामिन्द्रो व्याश्नादसुरेभ्य स्तरीतवे । प्राशं प्रतिप्राशो जह्यरसान् कृण्वोषधे ॥
4Indra devoured the Pātā plant that he might lay the Asuras low. Refute mine adversary's speech! Render them dull and flat, O Plant.
5तयाहं शत्रून्त्साक्ष इन्द्रः सालावृकामिव । प्राशं प्रतिप्राशो जह्यरसान् कृण्वोषधे ॥
5With this I overcome my foes as Indra overcame the wolves. Refute mine adversary's speech! Render them dull and flat, O Plant.
6रुद्र जलाषभेषज नीलशिखण्ड कर्मकृत्। प्राशं प्रतिप्राशो जह्यरसान् कृण्वोषधे ॥
6O Rudra, Lord of Healing Balms, dark-crested, skilful in thy work!— Refute mine adversary's speech. Render them dull and flat, O Plant.
7तस्य प्राशं त्वं जहि यो न इन्द्राभिदासति । अधि नो ब्रूहि शक्तिभिः प्राशि मामुत्तरं कृधि ॥
7Indra, defeat the speech of him who meets us with hostility. Comfort us with thy power and might. Make me superior in debate.
Hymn 2.28A prayer for a boy's long and happy life
1तुभ्यमेव जरिमन् वर्धतामयं मेममन्ये मृत्यवो हिंसिषुः शतं ये । मातेव पुत्रं प्रमना उपस्थे मित्र एनं मित्रियात्पात्वंहसः ॥
1This Child, Old Age! shall grow to meet thee only: none of the hundred other deaths shall harm him. From trouble caused by friends let Mitra guard him, as a kind mother guards the son she nurses.
2मित्र एनं वरुणो वा रिशादा जरामृत्युं कृणुतां संविदानौ । तदग्निर्होता वयुनानि विद्वान् विश्वा देवानां जनिमा विवक्ति ॥
2Mitra or Varuna the foe-destroyer, accordant, grant him death in course of nature! Thus Agni, Hotar-priest, skilled in high statutes, declareth all the deities' generations.
3त्वमीशिषे पशूनां पार्थिवानां ये जाता उत वा ये जनित्राः । मेमं प्राणो हासीन् मो अपानो मेमं मित्रा वधिषुर्मो अमित्राः ॥
3Thou art the Lord of all terrestrial cattle, of cattle born and to be born hereafter. Let not breath drawn or breath emitted fail him. Let not his friends, let not his foemen slay him.
4द्यौष्ट्वा पिता पृथिवी माता जरामृत्युं कृणुतां संविदाने । यथा जीवा अदितेरुपस्थे प्राणापानाभ्यां गुपितः शतं हिमाः ॥
4Let Heaven thy father and let Earth thy mother, accordant, give thee death in course of nature, That thou mayst live on Aditi's bosom, guarded, a hundred winters, through thy respirations.
5इममग्ने आयुषे वर्चसे नय प्रियं रेतो वरुण मित्र राजन् । मातेवास्मा अदिते शर्म यच्छ विश्वे देवा जरदष्टिर्यथासत् ॥
5Lead him to life, O Agni, and to splendour, this dear child, Varuna! and thou King Mitra! Give him protection, Aditi! as a mother; All Gods, that his be life of long duration;
Hymn 2.29A benediction on a sick man
1पार्थिवस्य रसे देवा भगस्य तन्वो बले । आयुष्यमस्मा अग्निः सूर्यो वर्च आ धाद्बृहस्पतिः ॥
1Gods, give him all that earth hath best with bodily strength and happy fate. Agni and Sūrya grant him life, Brihaspati give him eminence!
2आयुरस्मै धेहि जातवेदः प्रजां त्वष्टरधिनिधेहि अस्मै । रायस्पोषं सवितरा सुवास्मै शतं जीवाति शरदस्तवायम् ॥
2Bestow thou life on him, O Jātavedas. Store him with future progeny, O Tvashtar. Send him, O Savitar, full growth of riches. Let this thy servant live a hundred autumns.
3आशीर्ण ऊर्जमुत सौप्रजास्त्वं दक्षं धत्तं द्रविणं सचेतसौ । जयं क्षेत्राणि सहसायमिन्द्र कृण्वानो अन्यान् अधरान्त्सपत्नान् ॥
3May this our prayer bring strength and goodly offspring. Give, both of you one-minded, strength and riches. Let him with might win fields and victory, Indra! setting beneath his feet the rest, his rivals.
4इन्द्रेण दत्तो वरुणेन शिष्टो मरुद्भिरुग्रः प्रहितो नो आगन् । एष वां द्यावापृथिवी उपस्थे मा क्षुधन् मा तृषत् ॥
4As Indra's gift, by Varuna instructed the fierce one came to us sent by the Maruts. Let him, O Heaven and Earth, rest in your bosom. Let him not hunger, let him not be thirsty.
5ऊर्जमस्मा ऊर्जस्वती धत्तं पयो अस्मै पयस्वती धत्तम् । ऊर्जमस्मै द्यावपृथिवी अधातां विश्वे देवा मरुत ऊर्जमापः ॥
5Ye twain endowed with vigour, grant him vigour. Ye who are rich in milk, give milk to feed him. These twain have given him vigour, Earth and Heaven, and all the Gods, the Maruts, and the Waters.
6शिवाभिष्टे हृदयं तर्पयाम्यनमीवो मोदिषीष्ठाः सुवर्चाः । सवासिनौ पिबतां मन्थमेतमश्विनो रूपं परिधाय मायाम् ॥
6With health-bestowing drops thine heart I comfort: all-bright again, and undiseased, enjoy them. Drest in like robes let these two drink the mixture, wearing the Asvins' form as an illusion.
7इन्द्र एतां ससृजे विद्धो अग्र ऊर्जां स्वधामजरां सा त एषा । तया त्वं जीव शरदः सुवर्चा मा त आ सुस्रोद्भिषजस्ते अक्रन् ॥
7Erst Indra, wounded, made this strengthening portion, eternal food: thine is it, here presented. With this live full of vigour through the autumns. Let not thy strength be drained. Leeches have helped thee.
Hymn 2.30A man's love-charm
1यथेदं भूम्या अधि तृणं वातो मथायति । एवा मथ्नामि ते मनो यथा मां कामिन्यसो यथा मन् नापगा असः ॥
1As the wind shake this Tuft of Grass hither and thither on the ground. So do I stir and shake thy mind, that thou mayst be in love with me, my darling, never to depart.
2सं चेन् नयाथो अश्विना कामिना सं च वक्षथः । सं वां भगासो अग्मत सं चित्तानि समु व्रता ॥
2Ye, Asvins, lead together, ye unite and bring the loving pair. Now have the fortunes of you twain, now have your vows and spirits met.
3यत्सुपर्णा विवक्षवो अनमीवा विवक्षवः । तत्र मे गच्छताद्धवं शल्य इव कुल्मलं यथा ॥
3When eagles, calling out aloud, are screaming in the joy of health, Then to my calling let her come, as to the arrow's neck the shaft.
4यदन्तरं तद्बाह्यं यद्बाह्यं तदन्तरम् । कन्यानां विश्वरूपाणां मनो गृभायौषधे ॥
4Let what is inward turn outside, let what is outward be within: Seize and possess, O Plant, the mind of maidens rich in every charm.
5एयमगन् पतिकामा जनिकामोऽहमागमम् । अश्वः कनिक्रदद्यथा भगेनाहं सहागमम् ॥
5Seeking a husband she hath come! and I came longing for a wife: Even as a loudly-neighing steed may fate and fortune have I met.
Hymn 2.31A charm against all sorts of worms
1इन्द्रस्य या मही दृषत्क्रिमेर्विश्वस्य तर्हणी । तया पिनष्मि सं क्रिमीन् दृषदा खल्वामिव ॥
1With Indra's mighty millstone, that which crushes worms of every sort, I bray and bruise the worms to bits like vetches on the grinding stone.
2दृष्टमदृष्टमतृहमथो कुरूरुमतृहम् । अल्गण्डून्त्सर्वान् छलुनान् क्रिमीन् वचसा जम्भयामसि ॥
2The Seen and the Invisible, and the Kurūru have I crushed: Alāndus, and all Chhalunas, we bruise to pieces with our spell.
3अल्गण्डून् हन्मि महता वधेन दूना अदूना अरसा अभूवन् । शिष्टान् अशिष्टान् नि तिरामि वाचा यथा क्रिमीणां नकिरुछिषातै ॥
3I kill Alāndus with a mighty weapon: burnt or not burnt they now have lost their vigour. Left or not left, I with the spell subdue them: let not a single worm remain uninjured.
4अन्वान्त्र्यं शीर्षण्यमथो पार्ष्टेयं क्रिमीन् । अवस्कवं व्यध्वरं क्रिमीन् वचसा जम्भयामसि ॥
4The worm that lives within the ribs, within the bowels, in the head. Avaskava and Borer, these we bruise to pieces with the spell.
5ये क्रिमयः पर्वतेशु वनेष्वोषधीषु पशुष्वप्स्वन्तः । ये अस्माकं तन्वमाविविशुः सर्वं तद्धन्मि जनिम क्रिमीणाम् ॥
5Worms that are found on mountains, in the forests, that live in plants, in cattle, in the waters, Those that have made their way within our bodies,—these I destroy, the worms' whole generation.
Hymn 2.32A charm against worms or bots in cows
1उद्यन्न् आदित्यः क्रिमीन् हन्तु निम्रोचन् हन्तु रश्मिभिः । ये अन्तः क्रिमयो गवि ॥
1Uprising let the Sun destroy, and when he sinketh, with his beams. The Worms that live within the cow.
2विश्वरूपं चतुरक्षं क्रिमिं सारङ्गमर्जुनम् । शृणाम्यस्य पृष्टीरपि वृश्चामि यच्छिरः ॥
2The four-eyed worm, of every shape, the variegated, and the white I break and crush the creature's ribs, and tear away its head besides.
3अत्रिवद्वः क्रिमयो हन्मि कण्ववज्जमदग्निवत्। अगस्त्यस्य ब्रह्मणा सं पिनष्म्यहं क्रिमीन् ॥
3Like Atri I destroy you, Worms! in Kanva's, Jamadagni's way: I bray and bruise the creeping things to pieces with Agastya's• spell.
4हतो राजा क्रिमीणामुतैषां स्थपतिर्हतः । हतो हतमाता क्रिमिर्हतभ्राता हतस्वसा ॥
4Slain is the sovran of these Worms, yea, their controlling lord is slain: Slain is the Worm, his mother slain, brother and sister both are slain.
5हतासो अस्य वेशसो हतासः परिवेशसः । अथो ये क्षुल्लका इव सर्वे ते क्रिमयो हताः ॥
5Slain are his ministers, and slain his followers and retinue: Yes, those that seemed the tiniest things, the Worms have all been put to death.
6प्र ते शृणामि शृङ्गे याभ्यां वितुदायसि । भिनाद्मि ते कुषुम्भं यस्ते विषधानः ॥
6I break in pieces both thy horns wherewith thou pushest here and there: I cleave and rend the bag which holds the venom which is• stored in thee.
Hymn 2.33
1अक्षीभ्यां ते नासिकाभ्यां कर्णाभ्यां छुबुकादधि । यक्ष्मं शीर्षण्यं मस्तिष्काज्जिह्वाया वि वृहामि ते ॥
1From both thy nostrils, from both eyes, from both thine ears, and from thy chin, Forth from thy brain and tongue I root Consumption seated in thy head.
2ग्रीवाभ्यस्त उष्णिहाभ्यः कीकसाभ्यो अनूक्यात्। यक्ष्मं दोषण्यमंसाभ्यां बाहुभ्यां वि वृहामि ते ॥
2Forth from the neck and from the nape, from dorsal vertebrae and spine. From arms and shoulder-blades I root Consumption seated in thine arms.
3हृदयात्ते परि क्लोम्नो हलीक्ष्णात्पार्श्वाभ्याम् । यक्ष्मं मतस्नाभ्यां प्लीह्नो यक्नस्ते वि वृहामसि ॥
3Forth from thy heart and from thy lungs, from thy gall-bladder and thy sides, From kidneys, spleen and liver thy Consumption we eradicate.
4आन्त्रेभ्यस्ते गुदाभ्यो वनिष्ठोरुदरादधि । यक्ष्मं कुक्षिभ्यां प्लाशेर्नाभ्या वि वृहामि ते ॥
4From bowels and intestines, from the rectum and the belly, I Extirpate thy Consumption, from flanks, navel and mesentery.
5ऊरुभ्यां ते अष्ठीवद्भ्यां पार्ष्णिभ्यां प्रपदाभ्याम् । यक्ष्मं भसद्यं श्रोणिभ्यां भासदं भंससो वि वृहामि ते ॥
5Forth from thy thighs and from thy knees, heels and the fore-parts of thy feet. Forth from thy loins and hips I draw Consumption setted in thy loins.
6अस्थिभ्यस्ते मज्जभ्यः स्नावभ्यो धमनिभ्यः । यक्ष्मं पाणिभ्यामङ्गुलिभ्यो नखेभ्यो वि वृहामि ते ॥
6Forth from thy marrows and thy bones, forth from thy tendons and thy veins I banish thy Consumption, from thy hands, thy fingers, and thy nails.
7अङ्गेअङ्गे लोम्निलोम्नि यस्ते पर्वणिपर्वणि । यक्ष्मं त्वचस्यं ते वयं कश्यपस्य वीबर्हेण विष्वञ्चं वि वृहामसि ॥
7In every member, every hair, in every joint wherein it lies, We with the exorcising spell of Kasyapa drive far away Consumption settled in thy skin.
Hymn 2.34A prayer accompanying an animal sacrifice
1य ईशे पशुपतिः पशूनां चतुष्पदामुत यो द्विपदाम् । निष्क्रीतः स यज्ञियं भागमेतु रायस्पोषा यजमानं सचन्ताम् ॥
1May this, of all the beasts that Pasupati rules, Lord of animals,. quadruped and biped, Come, purchased, to the sacrificial portion. May growth of wealth attend the sacrificer.
2प्रमुञ्चन्तो भुवनस्य रेतो गातुं धत्त यजमानाय देवाः । उपाकृतं शशमानं यदस्थात्प्रियं देवानामप्येतु पाथः ॥
2Loosing the seed of future-time existence, give good success, O Gods, to him who worships. May what is present, duly brought, the victim, go to the deities' beloved region.
3ये बध्यमानमनु दीध्याना अन्वैक्षन्त मनसा चक्षुषा च । अग्निष्टान् अग्रे प्र मुमोक्तु देवो विश्वकर्मा प्रजया संरराणः ॥
3Those who are looking, deep in meditation, on the bound animal with eye and spirit To them, the first, may Agni, God, give freedom, rejoicing in his creatures, Visvakarman.
4ये ग्राम्याः पशवो विश्वरूपा विरूपाः सन्तो बहुधैकरूपाः । वायुष्टान् अग्रे प्र मुमोक्तु देवः प्रजापतिः प्रजया संरराणः ॥
4Tame animals of every shape, though varied in colour, manifold. alike in nature To them, the first, may Vāyu, God, give freedom, Prajāpati. rejoicing in his creatures.
5प्रजानन्तः प्रति गृह्णन्तु पूर्वे प्राणमङ्गेभ्यः पर्याचरन्तम् । दिवं गच्छ प्रति तिष्ठा शरीरैः स्वर्गं याहि पथिभिर्देवयानैः ॥
5Let those who know receive before all others the vital breath proceeding from the body. Go to the sky. Stay there with all thy members. By paths which Gods have travelled go to Svarga.
Hymn 2.35Expiation for an imperfectly performed sacrifice
1ये भक्षयन्तो न वसून्यानृधुर्यान् अग्नयो अन्वतप्यन्त धिष्ण्याः । या तेषामवया दुरिष्टिः स्विष्टिं नस्तां कृणवद्विश्वकर्मा ॥
1We who enjoying it have grown no richer, for whom the sacred altar-fires have sorrowed, We who compounded with deficient worship,—may Visvakarman make our service prosper.
2यज्ञपतिमृषयः एनसाहुर्निर्भक्तं प्रजा अनुतप्यमानम् । मथव्यान्त्स्तोकान् अप यान् रराध सं नष्टेभिः सृजतु विश्वकर्मा ॥
2Rishis have called the sacrifice's patron amerced through sin, sorrowing for his offspring. Those drops of meath whereof the missed enjoyment,—may Visvakarman with those drops unite us.
3अदान्यान्त्सोमपान् मन्यमानो यज्ञस्य विद्वान्त्समये न धीरः । यदेनश्चकृवान् बद्ध एष तं विश्वकर्मन् प्र मुञ्चा स्वस्तये ॥
3Regarding niggard churls as Soma-drinkers, skilful in sacrifice, weak at the meeting, Whatever sin the captive hath committed, do thou for weal release him, Visvakarman!
4घोरा ऋषयो नमो अस्त्वेभ्यश्चक्षुर्यदेषां मनसश्च सत्यम् । बृहस्पतये महिष द्युमन्न् नमो विश्वकर्मन् नमस्ते पाह्यस्मान् ॥
4Awful are Rishis: unto them be homage, and to their eye and truthfulness of spirit! Loud homage to Brihaspati, O mighty! Homage to thee, O Visvakarman! Guard us.
5यज्ञस्य चक्षुः प्रभृतिर्मुखं च वाचा श्रोत्रेण मनसा जुहोमि । इमं यज्ञं विततं विश्वकर्मणा देवा यन्तु सुमनस्यमानाः ॥
5The eye of sacrifice, source, and beginning—with voice, ear, spirit unto him I offer. To this our sacrifice wrought by Visvakarman may the Gods come gracious and kindly-hearted.
Hymn 2.36A charm to secure a husband for a marriageable girl
1आ नो अग्ने सुमतिं संभलो गमेदिमां कुमारीं सह नो भगेन । जुष्टा वरेषु समनेषु वल्गुरोषं पत्या सौभगमस्तु अस्यै ॥
1To please us may the suitor come, O Agni, seeking this maid and bringing us good fortune. Approved by wooers, lovely in assemblies, may she be soon made happy with a husband.
2सोमजुष्टं ब्रह्मजुष्टमर्यम्णा संभृतं भगम् । धातुर्देवस्य सत्येन कृणोमि पतिवेदनम् ॥
2As bliss beloved by Soma, dear to Prayer, and stored by Aryaman, With the God Dhātar's truthfulness I work the bridal oracle.
3इयमग्ने नारी पतिं विदेष्ट सोमो हि राजा सुभगां कृणोति । सुवाना पुत्रान् महिषी भवाति गत्वा पतिं सुभगा वि राजतु ॥
3O Agni, may this woman find a husband. Then verily King Soma makes her happy. May she bear sons, chief lady of the household, blessed and bearing rule beside her consort.
4यथाखरो मघवंश्चारुरेष प्रियो मृगाणां सुषदा बभूव । एवा भगस्य जुष्टेयमस्तु नारी संप्रिया पत्याविराधयन्ती ॥
4As this lair, Maghavan! that is fair to look on was dear to wild things as a pleasant dwelling, So may this woman here be Bhaga's darling. Loved by her lord and prizing his affection.
5भगस्य नावमा रोह पूर्णामनुपदस्वतीम् । तयोपप्रतारय यो वरः प्रतिकाम्यः ॥
5Mount up, embark on Bhaga's ship, the full, the inexhaustible, Thereon bring hitherward to us the lover whom thou fain wouldst wed.
6आ क्रन्दय धनपते वरमामनसं कृणु । सर्वं प्रदक्षिणं कृणु यो वरः प्रतिकाम्यः ॥
6Call out to him, O Lord of Wealth! Make thou the lover well-inclined. Set each on thy right hand who is a lover worthy of her choice.
7इदं हिरण्यं गुल्गुल्वयमौक्षो अथो भगः । एते पतिभ्यस्त्वामदुः प्रतिकामाय वेत्तवे ॥
7Here is the Bdellium and the gold, the Auksha and the bliss are here: These bring thee to the husbands, so to find the man whom thou. wouldst have.
8आ ते नयतु सविता नयतु पतिर्यः प्रतिकाम्यः । त्वमस्यै धेह्योषधे ॥
8May Savitar lead and bring to thee the husband whom thy heart desires. O Plant, be this thy gift to her!
- 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.
- In 4 hymns of this book Griffith condenses, omits or divides the verses differently, so the two texts are shown as whole columns rather than verse by verse. Each is explained under its heading.