Varuna who sees all
Hymns of about seven verses, including the famous hymn on Varuna's watchful eye.
Book 4 mostly has hymns of seven verses. It includes hymns for a king's consecration and a hymn to the unknown creator also found in the Rigveda.
Hymn 4.16 says that when two people sit and whisper, King Varuna is there as the third. It is one of the most quoted passages in the Veda.
Hymns to read first
Read
book 4.
Sanskrit and English side by side, verse by verse. Choose what to show and how large.
Hymn 4.1Cosmogonical and mystico-theological doctrine
1ब्रह्म जज्ञानं प्रथमं पुरस्ताद्वि सीमतः सुरुचो वेन आवः । स बुध्न्या उपमा अस्य विष्ठाः सतश्च योनिमसतश्च वि वः ॥
1Eastward at first the prayer was generated: Vena disclosed bright flashes from the summit, Disclosed his deepest, nearest revelations, womb of the non-existent and existent.
2इयं पित्र्या राष्ट्र्येत्वग्रे प्रथमाय जनुषे भुवनेष्ठाः । तस्मा एतं सुरुचं ह्वारमह्यं घर्मं श्रीणन्तु प्रथमाय धास्यवे ॥
2Let this Queen come in front, her Father's daughter, found in the worlds for earliest generation. For him they set this radiant vault in motion. Let them prepare warm milk for him who first would drink.
3प्र यो जज्ञे विद्वान् अस्य बन्धुर्विश्वा देवानां जनिमा विवक्ति । ब्रह्म ब्रह्मण उज्जभार मध्यान् निचैरुच्चैः स्वधा अभि प्र तस्थौ ॥
3He who was born as his all-knowing kinsman declareth all the deities' generations. He from the midst of prayer his prayer hath taken. On high, below, spread forth his godlike nature.
4स हि विदः स पृथिव्या ऋतस्था मही क्षेमं रोदसी अस्कभायत्। महान् मही अस्कभायद्वि जातो द्यां सद्म पार्थिवं च रजः ॥
4For he, true to the law of Earth and Heaven, established both the mighty worlds securely. Mighty when born, he propped apart the mighty, the sky, our earthly home, and air's mid-region.
5स भुध्न्यादाष्ट्र जनुषोऽभ्यग्रं बृहस्पतिर्देवता तस्य सम्राट्। अहर्यच्छुक्रं ज्योतिषो जनिष्टाथ द्युमन्तो वि वसन्तु विप्राः ॥
5He from the depth hath been reborn for ever, Brihaspati the world's sole Lord and Ruler. From light was born the Day with all its lustre: through this let sages live endowed with splendour.
6नूनं तदस्य काव्यो हिनोति महो देवस्य पूर्व्यस्य धाम । एष जज्ञे बहुभिः साकमित्था पूर्वे अर्धे विषिते ससन् नु ॥
6The sage and poet verily advanceth the statute of that mighty God primeval. He was born here with many more beside him: they slumbered when the foremost side was opened.
7योऽथर्वाणं पितरं देवबन्धुं बृहस्पतिं नमसाव च गछात्। त्वं विश्वेषां जनिता यथासः कविर्देवो न दभायत्स्वधावान् ॥
7The man who seeks the friend of Gods, Atharvan the father, and Brihaspati, with worship, Crying to him, Be thou all things' creator! the wise God, self-dependent, never injures.
Hymn 4.2To the unknown God
This hymn is missing from the sacred-texts transcription (its page av04002.htm carries Hymn 3). Griffith's English was transcribed from the printed edition via two independent archive.org OCRs (in.ernet.dli.2015.274134, 1895; hymnsoftheatharv029640mbp, 1916 reprint), with OCR errors corrected by comparing the two; diacritics may be incomplete.
1य आत्मदा बलदा यस्य विश्व उपासते प्रशिषं यस्य देवाः । योऽस्येशे द्विपदो यश्चतुष्पदः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
1Giver of breath, giver of strength and vigour, he whose commandment all the Gods acknowledge, He who is Lord of this, of man and cattle:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
2यः प्राणतो निमिषतो महित्वैको राजा जगतो बभूव । यस्य छायामृतं यस्य मृत्युः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
2Who by his grandeur hath become sole ruler of all the moving world that breathes and slumbers, Whose shade is death, whose lustre makes immortal:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
3यं क्रन्दसी अवतश्चस्कभाने भियसाने रोदसी अह्वयेथाम् । यस्यासौ पन्था रजसो विमानः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
3To whom both hosts embattled, look with longing, and Heaven and Earth invoke him in their terror; Whose is this path that measures out the region:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
4यस्य द्यौरुर्वी पृथिवी च मही यस्याद उर्वन्तरिक्षम् । यस्यासौ सूरो विततो महित्वा कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
4Whose is the mighty earth and spacious heaven, and yonder ample firmament between them, Whose is yon Sun extended in his grandeur:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
5यस्य विश्वे हिमवन्तो महित्वा समुद्रे यस्य रसामिदाहुः । इमाश्च प्रदिशो यस्य बाहू कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
5Whose, through his might, are all the Snowy Mountains, and whose, they say is Rasā in the ocean, The arms of whom are these celestial quarters:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
6आपो अग्रे विश्वमावन् गर्भं दधाना अमृता ऋतज्ञाः । यासु देवीष्वधि देव आसीत्कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
6The deathless Waters, born in Law, receiving, protected all the germ in the beginning,— Waters divine who had the God above them:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
7हिरण्यगर्भः समवर्तताग्रे भूतस्य जातः पतिरेक आसीत्। स दाधार पृथिवीमुत द्यां कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
7In the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, even at his birth sole Lord of all creation. He fixt and firmly stablished earth and heaven:— What God shall we adore with our oblation?
8आपो वत्सं जनयन्तीर्गर्भमग्रे समैरयन् । तस्योत जायमानस्योल्ब आसीद्धिरण्ययः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
8In the beginning, generating offspring, the Waters brought an embryo into being; And even as it sprang to life it had a covering of gold.
Hymn 4.3A Charm against tigers, wolves, thieves and other noxious creatures
1उदितस्त्रयो अक्रमन् व्याघ्रः पुरुषो वृकः । हिरुग्घि यन्ति सिन्धवो हिरुग्देवो वनस्पतिर्हिरुङ्नमन्तु शत्रवः ॥
1Three have gone hence and passed away, the man, the tiger, and the wolf. Down, verily, the rivers flow, down-goeth the celestial Tree,. down let our foemen bend and bow.
2परेणैतु पथा वृकः परमेणोत तस्करः । परेण दत्वती रज्जुः परेणाघायुरर्षतु ॥
2On distant pathway go the wolf, on pathway most remote the thief! On a far road speed forth the rope with teeth, and the malicious man!
3अक्ष्यौ च ते मुखं च ते व्याघ्र जम्भयामसि । आत्सर्वान् विंशतिं नखान् ॥
3We crush and rend to pieces both thine eyes, O Tiger, and thy jaws and all the twenty claws we break.
4व्याघ्रं दत्वतां वयं प्रथमं जम्भयामसि । आदु ष्टेनमथो अहिं यातुधानमथो वृकम् ॥
4We break and rend the tiger first of creatures that are armed. with teeth; The robber then, and then the snake, the sorcerer, and then the wolf.
5यो अद्य स्तेन आयति स संपिष्टो अपायति । पथामपध्वंसेनैत्विन्द्रो वज्रेण हन्तु तम् ॥
5The thief who cometh near to-day departeth bruised and crushed to bits. By nearest way let him be gone. Let Indra slay him with his bolt.
6मूर्णा मृगस्य दन्ता अपिशीर्णा उ पृष्टयः । निम्रुक्ते गोधा भवतु नीचायच्छशयुर्मृगः ॥
6Let the beast's teeth be broken off, shivered and shattered be his ribs! Slack be thy bowstring: downward go the wild beast that pursues the hare!
7यत्संयमो न वि यमो वि यमो यन् न संयमः । इन्द्रजाः सोमजा आथर्वणमसि व्याघ्रजम्भनम् ॥
7Open not what thou hast compressed, close not what thou hast not compressed. Indra's and Soma's child, thou art Atharvan's tiger-crushing charm.
Hymn 4.4A charm to restore virile power
Griffith gives verses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in Latin, not English, as he did for passages he judged indelicate; the Latin is kept as printed.
1यां त्वा गन्धर्वो अखनद्वरुणाय मृतभ्रजे । तां त्वा वयं खनामस्योषधिं शेपहर्षणीम् ॥
1We dig thee from the earth, the Plant which strengthens and exalts the nerves, The Plant which the Gandharva dug for Varuna whose power was lost.
2उदुषा उदु सूर्य उदिदं मामकं वचः । उदेजतु प्रजापतिर्वृषा शुष्मेण वाजिना ॥
2Let Ushas and let Sūrya rise, let this the speech I utter rise. Let the strong male Prajāpati arise with manly energy.
3यथा स्म ते विरोहतोऽभितप्तमिवानति । ततस्ते शुष्मवत्तरमियं कृणोत्वोषधिः ॥
3Sicut tui surgentis (membrum virile) tanquam inflammatum palpitat, hoc illud tui ardentius haec herba faciat.
4उच्छुष्मौषधीनां सारा ऋषभाणाम् । सं पुंसामिन्द्र वृष्ण्यमस्मिन् धेहि तनूवशिन् ॥
4Sursum (estote) herbarum vires, taurorum vigor. Tu, Indra, corporis potens, virorum masculum robur in hoc homine depone.
5अपां रसः प्रथमजोऽथो वनस्पतीनाम् । उत सोमस्य भ्रातास्युतार्शमसि वृष्ण्यम् ॥
5Ros aquarum primigenitus atque arborum, Somae etiam frater es, vatum sacrorum masculus vigor es.
6अद्याग्ने अद्य सवितरद्य देवि सरस्वति । अद्यास्य ब्रह्मणस्पते धनुरिवा तानया पसः ॥
6Hodie, Agnis! hodie Savitar! hodie dea Sarasvatis! hodie Brahmanaspatis! hujus fascinum velut arcum extende.
7आहं तनोमि ते पसो अधि ज्यामिव धन्वनि । क्रमस्वर्श इव रोहितमनवग्लायता सदा ॥
7Velut nervum in arcu ego tuum fascinum extendo. Aggredere (mulierem) semper indefessus velut cervus damam.
8अश्वस्याश्वतरस्याजस्य पेत्वस्य च । अथ ऋषभस्य ये वाजास्तान् अस्मिन् धेहि तनूवशिन् ॥
8Quae sunt equi vires, muli, capri, arietis, atque tauri, illas, corporis potens! in hoc homine depone.
Hymn 4.5A lover's sleep-charm
1सहस्रशृङ्गो वृषभो यः समुद्रादुदाचरत्। तेना सहस्येना वयं नि जनान्त्स्वापयामसि ॥
1The Bull who hath a thousand horns, who rises up from out the sea, By him the strong and mighty one we lull the folk to rest and. sleep.
2न भूमिं वातो अति वाति नाति पश्यति कश्चन । स्त्रियश्च सर्वाः स्वापय शुनश्चेन्द्रसखा चरन् ॥
2Over the surface of the earth there breathes no wind, there looks. no eye. Lull all the women, lull the dogs to sleep, with Indra as thy friend!
3प्रोष्ठेशयास्तल्पेशया नारीर्या वह्यशीवरीः । स्त्रियो याः पुण्यगन्धयस्ताः सर्वाः स्वापयामसि ॥
3The woman sleeping in the court, lying without, or stretched on beds, The matrons with their odorous sweets—these, one and all, we lull to sleep.
4एजदेजदजग्रभं चक्षुः प्राणमजग्रभम् । अङ्गान्यजग्रभं सर्वा रात्रीणामतिशर्वरे ॥
4Each moving thing have I secured, have held and held the eye and breath. Each limb and member have I seized in the deep darkness of the night.
5य आस्ते यश्चरति यश्च तिष्ठन् विपश्यति । तेषां सं दध्मो अक्षीणि यथेदं हर्म्यं तथा ॥
5The man who sits, the man who walks, whoever stands and clearly sees Of these we closely shut the eyes, even as we closely shut this house.
6स्वप्तु माता स्वप्तु पिता स्वप्तु श्वा स्वप्तु विश्पतिः । स्वपन्त्वस्यै ज्ञातयः स्वप्त्वयमभितो जनः ॥
6Sleep mother, let the father sleep, sleep dog, and master of the home. Let all her kinsmen sleep, sleep all the people who are round about.
7स्वप्न स्वप्नाभिकरणेन सर्वं नि स्वापया जनम् । ओत्सूर्यमन्यान्त्स्वापयाव्युषं जागृतादहमिन्द्र इवारिष्टो अक्षितः ॥
7With soporific charm, O Sleep, lull thou to slumber all the folk. Let the rest sleep till break of day, I will remain awake till dawn, like Indra free from scath and harm.
Hymn 4.6A charm to make a poisoned arrow harmless
1ब्राह्मणो जज्ञे प्रथमो दशशीर्षो दशास्यः । स सोमं प्रथमः पपौ स चकारारसं विषम् ॥
1The Brāhman first was brought to life ten-headed and with faces ten. First drinker of the Soma, he made poison ineffectual.
2यावती द्यावापृथिवी वरिम्णा यावत्सप्त सिन्धवो वितष्ठिरे । वाचं विषस्य दूषणीं तामितो निरवादिषम् ॥
2Far as the heavens and earth are spread in compass, far as the Seven Rivers are extended, So far my spell, the antidote of poison, have I spoken hence,
3सुपर्णस्त्वा गरुत्मान् विष प्रथममावयत्। नामीमदो नारूरुप उतास्मा अभवः पितुः ॥
3The strong-winged Bird Garutmān first of all, O Poison fed on thee: Thou didst not gripe or make him drunk: aye, thou becamest food for him.
4यस्त आस्यत्पञ्चाङ्गुरिर्वक्राच्चिदधि धन्वनः । अपस्कम्भस्य शल्यान् निरवोचमहं विषम् ॥
4Whoever with five fingers hath discharged thee from the crooked bow, I from the shaft have charmed away the poison of the fastening band.
5शल्याद्विषं निरवोचं प्राञ्जनादुत पर्णधेः । अपाष्ठाच्छृङ्गात्कुल्मलान् निरवोचमहं विषम् ॥
5The poison have I charmed away from shaft, cement, and feathered end; Yea, from the barb, the neck, the horn, the poison have I charmed away.
6अरसस्त इषो शल्योऽथो ते अरसं विषम् । उतारसस्य वृक्षस्य धनुष्टे अरसारसम् ॥
6Feeble, O Arrow, is thy shaft, thy poison, too, hath lost its strength. Made of a worthless tree, thy bow, O feeble one, is impotent.
7ये अपीषन् ये अदिहन् य आस्यन् ये अवासृजन् । सर्वे ते वध्रयः कृता वध्रिर्विषगिरिः कृतः ॥
7The men who brayed it, smeared it on, they who discharged it, sent it forth, All these are made emasculate, emasculate the poison-hill.
8वध्रयस्ते खनितारो वध्रिस्त्वमस्योषधे । वध्रिः स पर्वतो गिरिर्यतो जातमिदं विषम् ॥
8Thy diggers are emasculate, emasculate, O, Plant art thou. The rugged mountain that produced this poison is emasculate.
Hymn 4.7A charm to make a poisonous plant innocuous
1वारिदं वारयातै वरणावत्यामधि । तत्रामृतस्यासिक्तं तेना ते वारये विषम् ॥
1So may this water guard us on the bank of Varanāvati. Therein hath Amrit been infused: with that I ward thy poison off.
2अरसं प्राच्यं विषमरसं यदुदीच्यम् । अथेदमधराच्यं करम्भेण वि कल्पते ॥
2Weak is the poison of the East, weak is the poison of the North, So too this poison of the South counts as a cake of curds and meal.
3करम्भं कृत्वा तिर्यं पीबस्पाकमुदारथिम् । क्षुधा किल त्वा दुष्टनो जक्षिवान्त्स न रूरुपः ॥
3When he hath made of thee a cake, broad, steaming, swelling up with fat, And even in hunger eaten thee, then gripe him not, thou hideous one!
4वि ते मदं मदावति शरमिव पातयामसि । प्र त्वा चरुमिव येषन्तं वचसा स्थापयामसि ॥
4Intoxicater! like a shaft we make thy spirit fly away, Like a pot boiling on the fire, we with our word remove thee hence.
5परि ग्राममिवाचितं वचसा स्थापयामसि । तिष्ठा वृक्ष इव स्थाम्न्यभ्रिखाते न रूरुपः ॥
5We set around thee with the spell as 'twere a gathered armament. Stay quiet like a rooted tree. Dug up with mattocks, gripe not thou.
6पवस्तैस्त्वा पर्यक्रीणन् दूर्शेभिरजिनैरुत । प्रक्रीरसि त्वमोषधेऽभ्रिखाते न रूरुपः ॥
6For coverings men have bartered thee, for skins of deer and woven cloths. Thou art a thing of sale, O Plant. Dug up with mattocks, gripe not thou!
7अनाप्ता ये वः प्रथमा यानि कर्माणि चक्रिरे । वीरान् नो अत्र मा दभन् तद्व एतत्पुरो दधे ॥
7None have attained to those of old, those who wrought holy acts for you. Let them not harm our heroes here. Therefore I set before you this.
Hymn 4.8A benediction at the consecration of a King
1भूतो भूतेषु पय आ दधाति स भूतानामधिपतिर्बभूव । तस्य मृत्युश्चरति राजसूयं स राजा अनु मन्यतामिदम् ॥
1The Being lays the sap of life in beings: he hath become the sovran Lord of creatures. Death comes to this man's royal consecration: let him as King own and allow this kingdom.
2अभि प्रेहि माप वेन उग्रश्चेत्ता सपत्नहा । आ तिष्ठ मित्रवर्धन तुभ्यं देवा अधि ब्रुवन् ॥
2Come forward, turn not back in scorn, strong guardian, slayer of the foes. Approach, O gladdener of thy friends. The Gods have blessed and strengthened thee.
3आतिष्ठन्तं परि विश्वे अभूषं छ्रियं वसानश्चरति स्वरोचिः । महत्तद्वृष्णो असुरस्य नामा विश्वरूपो अमृतानि तस्थौ ॥
3All waited on him as he came to meet them. He self-resplendent moves endued with glory. That is the royal hero's lofty nature: he, manifold, hath gained immortal powers.
4व्याघ्रो अधि वैयाघ्रे वि क्रमस्व दिशो महीः । विशस्त्वा सर्वा वाञ्छन्त्वापो दिव्याः पयस्वतीः ॥
4Stride forth to heaven's broad regions, thou, a tiger on a tiger's skin. Let all the people long for thee. Let heavenly floods be rich in milk.
5या आपो दिव्याः पयसा मदन्त्यन्तरिक्ष उत वा पृथिव्याम् । तासां त्वा सर्वासामपामभि षिञ्चामि वर्चसा ॥
5Heaven's waters joyous in their milk, the waters of middle air, and those that earth containeth I with the gathered power and might of all these waters sprinkle thee,
6अभि त्वा वर्चसासिचन्न् आपो दिव्याः पयस्वतीः । यथासो मित्रवर्धनस्तथा त्वा सविता करत् ॥
6The heavenly waters rich in milk have sprinkled thee with power and might. To be the gladdener of thy friends. May Savitar so fashion thee.
7एना व्याघ्रं परिषस्वजानाः सिंहं हिन्वन्ति महते सौभगाय । समुद्रं न सुभुवस्तस्थिवांसं मर्मृज्यन्ते द्वीपिनमप्स्वन्तः ॥
7These, compassing the tiger, rouse the lion to great joy and bliss. As strong floods purify the standing ocean, so men adorn the leopard in the waters
Hymn 4.9A charm addressed to a precious ointment for safety and wealth
1एहि जीवं त्रायमाणं पर्वतस्यास्यक्ष्यम् । विश्वेभिर्देवैर्दत्तं परिधिर्जीवनाय कम् ॥
1Approach! thou art the mountain's eye, the living thing that saveth us; A gift bestowed by all the Gods, yea, the defence that guardeth life.
2परिपाणं पुरुषाणां परिपाणं गवामसि । अश्वानामर्वतां परिपाणाय तस्थिषे ॥
2Thou art the safeguard of the men, thou art the safeguard of the kine, Thou standest ready to protect the horses that are fleet of foot.
3उतासि परिपाणं यातुजम्भनमाञ्जन । उतामृतस्य त्वं वेत्थाथो असि जीवभोजनमथो हरितभेषजम् ॥
3Thou, also, Salve! art a defence that rends and crushes sorcerers. Thou knowest, too, of Amrit, thou art the delight of all who live, a jaundice-curing balm art thou.
4यस्याञ्जन प्रसर्पस्यङ्गमङ्गं परुष्परुः । ततो यक्ष्मं वि बाधस उग्रो मध्यमशीरिव ॥
4Whomso thou creepest over, Salve! member by member, joint by joint, From him, like some strong arbiter of strife, thou banishest decline.
5नैनं प्राप्नोति शपथो न कृत्या नाभिशोचनम् । नैनं विष्कन्धमश्नुते यस्त्वा बिभर्त्याञ्जन ॥
5No imprecation reaches him, no magic, no tormenting fiend, O Salve, Vishkandha seizes not the man who carries thee about.
6असन्मन्त्राद्दुष्वप्न्याद्दुष्कृताच्छमलादुत । दुर्हार्दश्चक्षुषो घोरात्तस्मान् नः पाह्याञ्जन ॥
6From lying speech, from evil dream, from wicked act and sinfulness, From hostile and malignant eye,—from these, O Salve, protect us well.
7इदं विद्वान् आञ्जन सत्यं वक्ष्यामि नानृतम् । सनेयमश्वं गामहमात्मानं तव पूरुष ॥
7I, knowing this, O Salve, will speak the very truth and not a lie: May I obtain both horse and ox, may I obtain thy life, O man.
8त्रयो दासा आञ्जनस्य तक्मा बलास आदहिः । वर्षिष्ठः पर्वतानां त्रिककुन् नाम ते पिता ॥
8Three are the slaves that serve the Salve, Fever, Consumption, and the Snake. Thy father is the loftiest of mountains, named the Triple-peaked.
9यदाञ्जनं त्रैककुदं जातं हिमवतस्परि । यातूंश्च सर्वाञ्जम्भयत्सर्वाश्च यातुधान्यः ॥
9Sprung from the Snowy Mountain's side, this Ointment of the Three-peaked hill. Crushes and rends all sorcerers and every witch and sorceress.
10यदि वासि त्रैककुदं यदि यामुनमुच्यसे । उभे ते भद्रे नाम्नी ताभ्यां नः पाह्याञ्जन ॥
10If thou art from the Three-peaked hill or hast thy name from Yamunā, These names are both auspicious: by these two protect thou us, O Salve!
Hymn 4.10A charm accompanying investiture with an amulet of shell
1वाताज्जातो अन्तरिक्षाद्विद्युतो ज्योतिषस्परि । स नो हिरण्यजाः शङ्खः कृशनः पात्वंहसः ॥
1Child of the wind firmament, sprung from the lightning and the light, May this the gold-born Shell that bears the pearl preserve us from distress.
2यो अग्रतो रोचनानां समुद्रादधि जज्ञिषे । शङ्खेन हत्वा रक्षांस्यत्त्रिणो वि षहामहे ॥
2Shell that wast born from out the sea, set at the head of things that shine! With thee we slay the Rākshasas and overcome voracious fiends.
3शङ्खेनामीवाममतिं शङ्खेनोत सदान्वाः । शङ्खो नो विश्वभेषजः कृशनः पात्वंहसः ॥
3We stay disease and indigence, and chase Sadānvās with the Shell. May the all-healing Shell that bears the pearl preserve us from distress.
4दिवि जातः समुद्रजः सिन्धुतस्पर्याभृतः । स नो हिरण्यजाः शङ्ख आयुष्प्रतरणो मणिः ॥
4Born in the heaven, sprung from the sea, brought to us hither from the flood. This gold-born Shell shall be to us an amulet to lengthen life.
5समुद्राज्जातो मणिर्वृत्राज्जातो दिवाकरः । सो अस्मान्त्सर्वतः पातु हेत्या देवासुरेभ्यः ॥
5From ocean sprang the Amulet, from Vritra sprang the Lord of Day: May this protect us round about from shaft of God and Asura.
6हिरण्यानामेकोऽसि सोमात्त्वमधि जज्ञिषे । रथे त्वमसि दर्शत इषुधौ रोचनस्त्वं प्र ण आयूंषि तारिषत् ॥
6Peerless 'mid golden ornaments art thou: from Soma wast thou born. Thou gleamest on the quiver, thou art beautiful upon the car: may it prolong our days of life!
7देवानामस्थि कृशनं बभूव तदात्मन्वच्चरत्यप्स्वन्तः । तत्ते बध्नाम्यायुषे वर्चसे बलाय दीर्घायुत्वाय शतशारदाय कार्शनस्त्वाभि रक्षतु ॥
7Bone of the Good became the pearl's shell-mother endowed with soul it moveth in the waters. I bind this on thee for life, strength, and vigour, for long life lasting through a hundred autumns. May the pearl's mother keep and guard thee safely!
Hymn 4.11A glorification of the sacrificial gharma or milk caldron
1अनड्वान् दाधार पृथिवीमुत द्यामनड्वान् दाधारोर्वन्तरिक्षम् । अनड्वान् दाधार प्रदिशः षडुर्वीरनड्वान् विश्वं भुवनमा विवेश ॥
1The Bull supports the wide-spread earth and heaven, the Bull supports the spacious air between them. The Bull supports the sky's six spacious regions: the universal world hath he pervaded.
2अनड्वान् इन्द्रः स पशुभ्यो वि चष्टे त्रयां छक्रो वि मिमीते अध्वनः । भूतं भविष्यद्भुवना दुहानः सर्वा देवानां चरति व्रतानि ॥
2The Bull is Indra o'er the beasts he watches. He, Sakra measures out three several pathways. He, milking out the worlds, the past, the future, discharges all the Gods' eternal duties.
3इन्द्रो जातो मनुष्येष्वन्तर्घर्मस्तप्तश्चरति शोशुचानः । सुप्रजाः सन्त्स उदारे न सर्षद्यो नाश्नीयादनडुहो विजानन् ॥
3Being produced among mankind as Indra, the Caldron works heated and brightly glowing. Let him not, with good sons, pass off in vapour who hath not eaten of the Ox with knowledge.
4अनड्वान् दुहे सुकृतस्य लोक ऐनं प्याययति पवमानः पुरस्तात्। पर्जन्यो धारा मरुत ऊधो अस्य यज्ञः पयो दक्षिणा दोहो अस्य ॥
4The Ox pours milk out in the world of virtue: in earliest time, he, Pavam5na, swells it. Parjanya is the stream, Maruts his udder, sacrifice is the milk, the meed his milking.
5यस्य नेशे यज्ञपतिर्न यज्ञो नास्य दातेशे न प्रतिग्रहीता । यो विश्वजिद्विश्वभृद्विश्वकर्मा घर्मं नो ब्रूत यतमश्चतुष्पात् ॥
5That which not sacrifice nor sacrificer, not giver nor receiver rules and governs, All-winning, all-supporting, all-effecting,—which of all quadrupeds, tell us! is the Caldron?
6येन देवाः स्वरारुरुहुर्हित्वा शरीरममृतस्य नाभिम् । तेन गेष्म सुकृतस्य लोकं घर्मस्य व्रतेन तपसा यशस्यवः ॥
6May we, fame-seekers, reach the world of virtue by service of the Gharma and through fervour, Whereby the Gods went up to heaven, the centre of life eternal, having left the body.
7इन्द्रो रूपेणाग्निर्वहेन प्रजापतिः परमेष्ठी विराट्। विश्वानरे अक्रमत वैश्वानरे अक्रमतानडुह्यक्रमत । सोऽदृंहयत सोऽधारयत ॥
7Prajāpati, supreme and sovran ruler, Indra by form and by his shoulder Agni, Came to Visvānara, came to all men's Bullock: he firmly fortified and held securely.
8मध्यमेतदनडुहो यत्रैष वह आहितः । एतावदस्य प्राचीनं यावान् प्रत्यङ्समाहितः ॥
8The middle of the Bullock's neck, there where the shoulder-bar is placed, Extends as far to east of him as that is settled to the west.
9यो वेदानडुहो दोहान्त्सप्तानुपदस्वतः । प्रजां च लोकं चाप्नोति तथा सप्तऋषयो विदुः ॥
9He whosoever knows the seven exhaustless pourings of the Ox, Wins himself offspring and the world: the great Seven Rishis know this well.
10पद्भिः सेदिमवक्रामन्न् इरां जङ्घाभिरुत्खिदन् । श्रमेणानड्वान् कीलालं कीनाशश्चाभि गच्छतः ॥
10With feet subduing weariness, with legs extracting freshening draughts, Through toil the plougher and the Ox approach the honeyed beverage.
11द्वादश वा एता रात्रीर्व्रत्या आहुः प्रजापतेः । तत्रोप ब्रह्म यो वेद तद्वा अनडुहो व्रतम् ॥
11Assigned are these twelve nights, they say, as holy to Prajāpati: Whoever knows their proper prayer performs the service of the Ox.
12दुहे सायं दुहे प्रातर्दुहे मध्यंदिनं परि । दोहा ये अस्य संयन्ति तान् विद्मानुपदस्वतः ॥
12At evening he is milked, is milked at early morn, is milked at noon. We know that streams of milk that flow from him are inexhaustible.
Hymn 4.12A charm to mend a broken bone
1रोहण्यसि रोहण्यस्थ्नश्छिन्नस्य रोहणी । रोहयेदमरुन्धति ॥
1Thou art the healer, making whole, the healer of the broken bone: Make thou this whole, Arundhatī!
2यत्ते रिष्टं यत्ते द्युत्तमस्ति पेष्ट्रं त आत्मनि । धाता तद्भद्रया पुनः सं दधत्परुषा परुः ॥
2Whatever bone of thine within thy body hath been wrenched or cracked, May Dhātar set it properly and join together limb by limb.
3सं ते मज्जा मज्ज्ञा भवतु समु ते परुषा परुः । सं ते मांसस्य विस्रस्तं समस्थ्यपि रोहतु ॥
3With marrow be the marrow joined, thy limb united with the limb. Let what hath fallen of thy flesh, and the bone also grow again.
4मज्जा मज्ञा सं धीयतां चर्मणा चर्म रोहतु । असृक्ते अस्थि रोहतु मांसं मांसेन रोहतु ॥
4Let marrow close with marrow, let skin grow united with the skin. Let blood and bone grow strong in thee, flesh grow together with the flesh.
5लोम लोम्ना सं कल्पया त्वचा सं कल्पया त्वचम् । असृक्ते अस्थि रोहतु छिन्नं सं धेह्योषधे ॥
5Join thou together hair with hair, join thou together skin with skin. Let blood and bone grow strong in thee. Unite the broken part,. O Plant.
6स उत्तिष्ठ प्रेहि प्र द्रव रथः सुचक्रः । सुपविः सुनाभिः प्रति तिष्ठोर्ध्वः ॥
6Arise, advance, speed forth; the car hath goodly fellies, naves, and wheels!! Stand up erect upon thy feet.
7यदि कर्तं पतित्वा संशश्रे यदि वाश्मा प्रहृतो जघान । ऋभू रथस्येवाङ्गानि सं दधत्परुषा परुः ॥
7If he be torn and shattered, having fallen into a pit, or a cast stone have struck him, Let the skilled leech join limb with limb, as 'twere the portions of a car.
Hymn 4.13A charm to restore a sick man to health
1उत देवा अवहितं देवा उन् नयथा पुनः । उतागश्चक्रुषं देवा देवा जीवयथा पुनः ॥
1Gods, raise again the man whom ye, O Gods, have humbled and brought low. Ye Gods, restore to life again, him, Gods! who hath committed sin.
2द्वाविमौ वातौ वात आ सिन्धोरा परावतः । दक्षं ते अन्य आवातु व्यन्यो वातु यद्रपः ॥
2Here these two winds are blowing far as Sindhu from a distant land. May one breathe energy to thee, the other blow thy fault away.
3आ वात वाहि भेषजं वि वात वाहि यद्रपः । त्वं हि विश्वभेषज देवानां दूत ईयसे ॥
3Hither, O Wind, blow healing balm, blow every fault away, thou Wind! For thou who hast all medicine comest as envoy of the Gods.
4त्रायन्तामिमं देवास्त्रायन्तां मरुतां गणाः । त्रायन्तां विश्वा भूतानि यथायमरपा असत् ॥
4May the Gods keep and save this man, the Maruts' host deliver him. All things that be deliver him that he be freed from his offence.
5आ त्वागमं शंतातिभिरथो अरिष्टतातिभिः । दक्षं त उग्रमाभारिषं परा यक्ष्मं सुवामि ते ॥
5I am come nigh to thee with balms to give thee rest and keep thee safe. I bring thee mighty strength, I drive thy wasting malady away.
6अयं मे हस्तो भगवान् अयं मे भगवत्तरः । अयं मे विश्वभेषजोऽयं शिवाभिमर्शनः ॥
6Felicitous is this my hand, yet more felicitous is this. This hand contains all healing balms, and this makes whole with gentle touch.
7हस्ताभ्यां दशशाखाभ्यां जिह्वा वाचः पुरोगवी । अनामयित्नुभ्यां हस्ताभ्यां ताभ्यां त्वाभि मृशामसि ॥
7The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our tenfold-branching hands. With these two healers of disease, we stroke thee with a soft caress.
Hymn 4.14Accompanying the sacrifice of a he-goat
1अजो ह्यग्नेरजनिष्ट शोकात्सो अपश्यज्जनितारमग्रे । तेन देवा देवतामग्रा आयन् तेन रोहान् रुरुहुर्मेध्यासः ॥
1The Goat was verily produced from Agni. Through sorrow he beheld, at first, his father. Through him at first the Gods attained to godhead, and, meet for sacrifices, were exalted.
2क्रमध्वमग्निना नाकमुख्यान् हस्तेषु बिभ्रतः । दिवस्पृष्ठं स्वर्गत्वा मिश्रा देवेभिराध्वम् ॥
2Bearing in hands seethed viands, go with Agni to the cope of heaven. Reaching the sky that touches heaven, mix with the company of Gods.
3पृष्ठात्पृथिव्या अहमन्तरिक्षमारुहमन्तरिक्षाद्दिवमारुहम् । दिवो नाकस्य पृष्ठात्स्वर्ज्योतिरगामहम् ॥
3From earth's high ridge to middle air I mounted, and from mid-air ascended up to heaven. From the high pitch of heaven's cope I came into the world of light.
4स्वर्यन्तो नापेक्षन्त आ द्यां रोहन्ति रोदसी । यज्ञं ये विश्वतोधारं सुविद्वांसो वितेनिरे ॥
4Mounting the sky they look not round; they rise to heaven through both the worlds, Sages who paid the sacrifice that pours its streams on every side.
5अग्ने प्रेहि प्रथमो देवतानां चक्षुर्देवानामुत मानुषानाम् । इयक्षमाणा भृगुभिः सजोषाः स्वर्यन्तु यजमानाः स्वस्ति ॥
5First among all the deities, come forward, thou who art eye of Gods and men, O Agni. Imploring, and accordant with the Bhrigus, to heaven in safety go the sacrificers!
6अजमनज्मि पयसा घृतेन दिव्यं सुपर्णं पयसं बृहन्तम् । तेन गेष्म सुकृतस्य लोकं स्वरारोहन्तो अभि नाकमुत्तमम् ॥
6With milk and butter I anoint the mighty, celestial Goat, strong-winged, and full of juices. Through him will we attain the world of virtue, ascending to the loftiest cope, to heaven.
7पञ्चौदनं पञ्चभिरङ्गुलिभिर्दर्व्योद्धर पञ्चधैतमोदनम् । प्राच्यां दिशि शिरो अजस्य धेहि दक्षिणायां दिशि दक्षिणं धेहि पार्श्वम् ॥
7Set the Goat's head toward the eastern region, and turn his right side to the southern quarter. His hinder part turn to the western quarter, and set his left side to the northern region.
8प्रतीच्यां दिशि भसदमस्य धेह्युत्तरस्यां दिश्युत्तरं धेहि पार्श्वम् । ऊर्ध्वायां दिश्यजस्यानूकं धेहि दिशि ध्रुवायां धेहि पाजस्यमन्तरिक्षे मध्यतो मध्यमस्य ॥
8Set the Goat's backbone upmost in the zenith, and lay his belly downward in the nadir; set his midportion in mid-air between them.
9शृतमजं शृतया प्रोर्णुहि त्वचा सर्वैरङ्गैः संभृतं विश्वरूपम् । स उत्तिस्ठेतो अभि नाकमुत्तमं पद्भिश्चतुर्भिः प्रति तिष्ठ दिक्षु ॥
9O'er the dressed Goat lay a dressed skin to robe him prepared, in perfect form, with all his members. Rise upward to the loftiest vault of heaven: with thy four feet stand firmly in the regions.
Hymn 4.15A charm to hasten the coming of the rains
1समुत्पतन्तु प्रदिशो नभस्वतीः समभ्राणि वातजूतानि यन्तु । महऋषभस्य नदतो नभस्वतो वाश्रा आपः पृथिवीं तर्पयन्तु ॥
1Let all the misty regions fly together, let all the rain-clouds sped by wind, assemble. Let waters satisfy the earth, the voices of the great mist-enveloped Bull who roareth.
2समीक्षयन्तु तविषाः सुदानवोऽपां रसा ओषधीभिः सचन्ताम् । वर्षस्य सर्गा महयन्तु भूमिं पृथग्जायन्तामोषधयो विश्वरूपाः ॥
2Let them show forth, the strong, the bounteous Maruts: let plants and shrubs be hung with drops of moisture. Let floods of rain refresh the ground with gladness and herbs spring various with each form and colour.
3समीक्षयस्व गायतो नभांस्यपां वेगासः पृथगुद्विजन्ताम् । वर्षस्य सर्गा महयन्तु भूमिं पृथग्जायन्तां वीरुधो विश्वरूपाः ॥
3Cause us who sing to see the gathering vapours: out burst in many a place the rush of waters! Let floods of rain refresh the ground with gladness; and herbs spring various with each form and colour.
4गणास्त्वोप गायन्तु मारुताः पर्जन्य घोषिणः पृथक्। सर्गा वर्षस्य वर्षतो वर्षन्तु पृथिवीमनु ॥
4Apart, Parjanya! let the troops of Maruts, roaring, swell the song. Let pouring torrents of the rain that raineth rain upon the earth.
5उदीरयत मरुतः समुद्रतस्त्वेषो अर्को नभ उत्पातयाथ । महऋषभस्य नदतो नभस्वतो वाश्रा आपः पृथिवीं तर्पयन्तु ॥
5Up from the sea lift your dread might, ye Maruts: as light and splendour, send the vapour upward! Let waters satisfy the earth, the voices of the great mist-enveloped Bull who roareth.
6अभि क्रन्द स्तनयार्दयोदधिं भूमिं पर्जन्य पयसा समङ्धि । त्वया सृष्टं बहुलमैतु वर्षमाशारैषी कृशगुरेत्वस्तम् ॥
6Roar, thunder, set the sea in agitation, bedew the ground with thy sweet rain, Parjanya! Send plenteous showers on him who seeketh shelter, and let the owner of lean kine go homeward.
7सं वोऽवन्तु सुदानव उत्सा अजगरा उत । मरुद्भिः प्रच्युता मेघा वर्षन्तु पृथिवीमनु ॥
7Let the boon Maruts, let the springs and coiling serpents tend! you well. Urged by the Maruts let the clouds pour down their rain upon. the earth.
8आशामाशां वि द्योततां वाता वान्तु दिशोदिशः । मरुद्भिः प्रच्युता मेघाः सं यन्तु पृथिवीमनु ॥
8Let lightning flash on every side: from all the regions blow the winds! Urged by the Maruts let the clouds pour down their rain upon the earth.
9आपो विद्युदभ्रं वर्षं सं वोऽवन्तु सुदानव उत्सा अजगरा उत । मरुद्भिः प्रच्युता मेघाः प्रावन्तु पृथिवीमनु ॥
9May waters, lightning, cloud, and rain, boon springs and serpents tend you well. Urged by the Maruts let the clouds pour down their rain upon the earth.
10अपामग्निस्तनूभिः संविदानो य ओषधीनामधिपा बभूव । स नो वर्षं वनुतां जातवेदाः प्राणं प्रजाभ्यो अमृतं दिवस्परि ॥
10May he who hath become the plants' high regent, suiting our bodies, Agni of the Waters, May Jātavedas send us rain from heaven, Amrit and vital breath to earthly creatures.
11प्रजापतिः सलिलादा समुद्रादाप ईरयन्न् उदधिमर्दयाति । प्र प्यायतां वृष्णो अश्वस्य रेतोऽर्वान् एतेन स्तनयित्नुनेहि ॥
11Sending up waters from the flood and ocean Prajapati move the sea to agitation! Forth flow the moisture of the vigorous stallion! With this thy roar of thunder come thou hither,
12अपो निषिञ्चन्न् असुरः पिता नः श्वसन्तु गर्गरा अपां वरुणाव नीचीरपः सृज । वदन्तु पृश्निबाहवो मण्डूका इरिणानु ॥
12Our father, Lord divine pouring the torrents. Let the streams breathe, O Varuna, of the waters. Pour the floods down: along the brooks and channels let frogs with speckled arms send out their voices.
13संवत्सरं शशयाना ब्राह्मणा व्रतचारिणः । वाचं पर्जन्यजिन्वितां प्र मण्डूका अवादिषुः ॥
13They who lay quiet for a year, the Brāhmans who fulfil their vows. The frogs, have lifted up their voice, the voice Parjanya hath. inspired.
14उपप्रवद मण्डूकि वर्षमा वद तादुरि । मध्ये ह्रदस्य प्लवस्व विगृह्य चतुरः पदः ॥
14Speak forth a welcome, female frog! Do thou O frog, accost the rain. Stretch thy four feet apart, and swim in the middle of the lake.
15खण्वखा३ खैमखा३ मध्ये तदुरि । वर्षं वनुध्वं पितरो मरुतां मन इच्छत ॥
15Khanvakhā, ho! Khaimakhā, ho! thou in the middle, Taduri! Fathers, enjoy the rain from one who strives to win the Marutes heart.
16महान्तं कोशमुदचाभि षिञ्च सविद्युतं भवतु वातु वातः । तन्वतां यज्ञं बहुधा विसृष्टा आनन्दिनीरोषधयो भवन्तु ॥
16Lift up the mighty cask and pour down water; let the wind blow, and lightnings flash around us. Let sacrifice be paid, and, widely scattered, let herbs and plants be full of joy and gladness.
Hymn 4.16On the omnipresence and omniscience of Varuna
1बृहन्न् एषामधिष्ठाता अन्तिकादिव पश्यति । य स्तायन् मन्यते चरन्त्सर्वं देवा इदं विदुः ॥
1The mighty Ruler of these worlds beholds as though from close at hand, The man who thinks he acts by stealth: all this the Gods perceive and know.
2यस्तिष्ठति चरति यश्च वञ्चति यो निलायं चरति यः प्रतङ्कम् । द्वौ संनिषद्य यन् मन्त्रयेते राजा तद्वेद वरुणस्तृतीयः ॥
2If a man stands or walks or moves in secret, goes to his lying-down or his uprising, What two men whisper as they sit together, King Varuna knows: he as the third is present.
3उतेयं भूमिर्वरुणस्य राज्ञ उतासौ द्यौर्बृहती दूरेअन्ता । उतो समुद्रौ वरुणस्य कुक्षी उतास्मिन्न् अल्प उदके निलीनः ॥
3This earth, too, is King Varuna's possession, and the high heaven whose ends are far asunder. The loins of Varuna are both the oceans, and this small drop of water, too, contains him.
4उत यो द्यामतिसर्पात्परस्तान् न स मुच्यातै वरुणस्य राज्ञः । दिव स्पशः प्र चरन्तीदमस्य सहस्राक्षा अति पश्यन्ति भूमिम् ॥
4If one should flee afar beyond the heaven, King Varuna would still be round about him. Proceeding hither from the sky his envoys look, thousand-eyed, over the earth beneath them.
5सर्वं तद्राजा वरुणो वि चष्टे यदन्तरा रोदसी यत्परस्तात्। संख्याता अस्य निमिषो जनानामक्षान् इव श्वघ्नी नि मिनोति तानि ॥
5All this the royal Varuna beholdeth, all between heaven and earth and all beyond them. The twinklings of men's eyelids hath he counted. As one who plays throws dice he settles all things.
6ये ते पाशा वरुण सप्तसप्त त्रेधा तिष्ठन्ति विषिता रुषन्तः । छिनन्तु सर्वे अनृतं वदन्तं यः सत्यवाद्यति तं सृजन्तु ॥
6Those fatal snares of thine which stand extended, threefold, O Varuna, seven by seven, May they all catch the man who tells a falsehood, and pass unharmed the man whose words are truthful.
7शतेन पाशैरभि धेहि वरुणैनं मा ते मोच्यनृतवाङ्नृचक्षः । आस्तां जाल्म उदरं श्रंशयित्वा कोश इवाबन्धः परिकृत्यमानः ॥
7Varuna, snare him with a hundred nooses! Man's watcher! let not him who lies escape thee. There let the villain sit with hanging belly and bandaged like a cask whose hoops are broken.
8यः समाभ्यो वरुणो यो व्याभ्यो यः संदेश्यो वरुणो यो विदेश्यो । यो दैवो वरुणो यश्च मानुषः ॥
8Varuna sends, and drives away, diseases: Varuna is both native and a stranger, Varuna is celestial and is human.
9तैस्त्वा सर्वैरभि ष्यामि पाशैरसावामुष्यायणामुष्याः पुत्र । तान् उ ते सर्वान् अनुसंदिशामि ॥
9I bind and hold thee fast with all these nooses, thou son of such a man and such a mother. All these do I assign thee as thy portion.
Hymn 4.17A charm to secure freedom from various evils
1ईशाणां त्वा भेषजानामुज्जेष आ रभामहे । चक्रे सहस्रवीर्यं सर्वस्मा ओषधे त्वा ॥
1We seize and hold thee, Conquering One! the queen of medicines that heal. O Plant, I have endowed thee with a hundred powers for every man,
2सत्यजितं शपथयावनीं सहमानां पुनःसराम् । सर्वाः समह्व्योषधीरितो नः पारयादिति ॥
2Still conquering, banishing the curse, mighty, with thy reverted. bloom. Thee and all Plants have I invoked: Hence let it save us! was my prayer.
3या शशाप शपनेन याघं मूरमादधे । या रसस्य हरणाय जातमारेभे तोकमत्तु सा ॥
3She who hath cursed us with a curse, or hath conceived a murderous sin, Or seized our son to take his blood, may she devour the child she bare.
4यां ते चक्रुरामे पात्रे यां चक्रुर्नीललोहिते । आमे मांसे कृत्यां यां चक्रुस्तया कृत्याकृतो जहि ॥
4What magic they have wrought for thee in dish unbaked or burnt dark-red, What they have wrought in flesh undressed,—conquer the sorcerers therewith.
5दौष्वप्न्यं दौर्जीवित्यं रक्षो अभ्वमराय्यः । दुर्णाम्नीः सर्वा दुर्वाचस्ता अस्मन् नाशयामसि ॥
5Ill dream and wretchedness of life, Rākshasa, monster, stingy hags, All the she-fiends of evil name and voice, we drive away from us.
6क्षुधामारं तृष्णामारमगोतामनपत्यताम् । अपामार्ग त्वया वयं सर्वं तदप मृज्महे ॥
6Death caused by famine, caused by thirst, failure of children,. loss of kine, With thee, O Apāmārga, all this ill we cleanse and wipe away.
7तृष्णामारं क्षुधामारमथो अक्षपराजयम् । अपामार्ग त्वया वयं सर्वं तदप मृज्महे ॥
7Death caused by thirst, death caused by stress of hunger, loss at play with dice, All this, O Apāmārga with thine aid we cleanse and wipe away.
8अपामार्ग ओषधीनां सर्वासामेक इद्वशी । तेन ते मृज्म आस्थितमथ त्वमगदश्चर ॥
8The Apāmārga is alone the sovran of all Plants that grow. With this we wipe away whate'er hath fallen on thee: go in health!
Hymn 4.18A counter-charm against the incantations of enemies
1समं ज्योतिः सूर्येणाह्ना रात्री समावती । कृणोमि सत्यमूतयेऽरसाः सन्तु कृत्वरीः ॥
1The moonlight equalleth the sun, night is the rival of the day. I make effectual power my help: let magic arts be impotent.
2यो देवाः कृत्यां कृत्वा हरादविदुषो गृहम् । वत्सो धारुरिव मातरं तं प्रत्यगुप पद्यताम् ॥
2Gods! if one make and bring a spell on some man's house who knows it not, Close as the calf that sucks the cow may it revert and cling to him.
3अमा कृत्वा पाप्मानं यस्तेनान्यं जिघांसति । अश्मानस्तस्यां दग्धायां बहुलाः फट्करिक्रति ॥
3When one puts poison in a dish of unbaked clay to kill a man, It cracks when set upon the fire with the sharp sound of many stones.
4सहस्रधामन् विशिखान् विग्रीवां छायया त्वम् । प्रति स्म चक्रुषे कृत्यां प्रियां प्रियावते हर ॥
4Endowed with thousand powers! adjure the bald and those with necks awry. Back to its author turn the spell like a dear damsel to her friend!
5अनयाहमोषध्या सर्वाः कृत्या अदूदुषम् । यां क्षेत्रे चक्रुर्यां गोषु यां वा ते पुरुषेषु ॥
5I with this Plant have ruined all malignant powers of witchery. The spell which they have laid upon thy field, thy cattle, or thy men.
6यश्चकार न शशाक कर्तुं शश्रे पादमङ्गुरिम् । चकार भद्रमस्मभ्यमात्मने तपनं तु सः ॥
6No power had he who wrought the spell: he hurt his foot, he broke his toe. His act hath brought us happiness and pain and sorrow to himself.
7अपामार्गोऽप मार्ष्टु क्षेत्रियं शपथश्च यः । अपाह यातुधानीरप सर्वा अराय्यः ॥
7Let Apāmārga sweep away chronic disease and every curse, Sweep sorceresses clean away, and all malignant stingy hags.
8अपमृज्य यातुधानान् अप सर्वा अराय्यः । अपामार्ग त्वया वयं सर्वं तदप मृज्महे ॥
8Sweep thou away the sorcerers, all stingy fiendish hags away. All this, O Apāmārga, with thine aid we wipe away from us.
Hymn 4.19A counter-charm and charm to secure general protection.
1उतो अस्यबन्धुकृदुतो असि नु जामिकृत्। उतो कृत्याकृतः प्रजां नदमिवा छिन्धि वार्षिकम् ॥
1Thou breakest ties of kith and kin, thou causest, too, relationship: So bruise the sorcerer's offspring, like a reed that groweth in the Rains.
2ब्राह्मणेन पर्युक्तासि कण्वेन नार्षदेन । सेनेवैषि त्विषीमती न तत्र भयमस्ति यत्र प्राप्नोष्योषधे ॥
2Thou hast been blessed with blessing by the Brāhman, Kanva Nārshada. Thou fliest like a flashing dart: there is no fear or danger, Plant! within the limit of thy range.
3अग्रमेष्योषधीनां ज्योतिषेवाभिदीपयन् । उत त्रातासि पाकस्याथो हन्तासि रक्षसः ॥
3Illumining, as 'twere, with light, thou movest at the head of plants. The saviour of the simple man art thou, and slayer of the fiends.
4यददो देवा असुरांस्त्वयाग्रे निरकुर्वत । ततस्त्वमध्योषधेऽपामार्गो अजायथाः ॥
4As once when time began the Gods with thee expelled the Asuras, Even thence, O Plant, wast thou produced as one who wipes and sweeps away.
5विभिन्दती शतशाखा विभिन्दन् नाम ते पिता । प्रत्यग्वि भिन्धि त्वं तं यो अस्मामभिदासति ॥
5Thy father's name was Cleaver. Thou with thousand branches cleavest all. Do thou, turned backward, cleave and rend the man who treateth us as foes.
6असद्भूम्याः समभवत्तद्यामेति महद्व्यचः । तद्वै ततो विधूपायत्प्रत्यक्कर्तारमृच्छतु ॥
6The evil sprang from earth; it mounts to heaven and spreads to vast extent. Reverted, shaking him with might, thence on its maker let it fall.
7प्रत्यङ्हि संबभूविथ प्रतीचीनफलस्त्वम् । सर्वान् मच्छपथामधि वरीयो यावया वधम् ॥
7For thou hast grown reverted, and turned backward also is thy fruit. Remove all curses far from me, keep most remote the stroke of death.
8शतेन मा परि पाहि सहस्रेणाभि रक्षा मा । इन्द्रस्ते वीरुधां पत उग्र ओज्मानमा दधत् ॥
8Preserve me with a hundred, yea, protect me with a thousand aids. May mighty Indra, Lord of Plants! give store of strength and. power to thee.
Hymn 4.20A charm for the acquisition of superhuman powers of sight
1आ पश्यति प्रति पश्यति परा पश्यति पश्यति । दिवमन्तरिक्षमाद्भूमिं सर्वं तद्देवि पश्यति ॥
1It sees in front, it sees behind, it sees afar away, it sees The sky, the firmament, and earth: all this, O Goddess, it beholds.
2तिस्रो दिवस्तिस्रः पृथिवीः षट्चेमाः प्रदिशाः पृथक्। त्वयाहं सर्वा भूतानि पश्यानि देव्योषधे ॥
2Through thee, O godlike Plant, may I behold all creatures that exist, Three several heavens, three several earths, and these six regions one by one.
3दिव्यस्य सुपर्णस्य तस्य हासि कनीनिका । सा भूमिमा रुरोहिथ वह्यं श्रान्ता वधूरिव ॥
3The pupil, verily, art thou of that celestial Engle's eye. On earth hast thou alighted as a weary woman seeks her couch.
4तां मे सहस्राक्षो देवो दक्षिणे हस्त आ दधत्। तयाहं सर्वं पश्यामि यश्च शूद्र उतार्यः ॥
4The God who hath a thousand eyes give me this Plant in my right hand! I look on every one therewith, each Sūdra and each Āryan man.
5आविष्कृणुष्व रूपानि मात्मानमप गूहथाः । अथो सहस्रचक्षो त्वं प्रति पश्याः किमीदिनः ॥
5Make manifest the forms of things; hide not their essences from sight. And, thou who hast a thousand eyes, look the Kimidins in the face.
6दर्शय मा यातुधानान् दर्शय यातुधान्यः । पिशाचान्त्सर्वान् दर्शयेति त्वा रभ ओषधे ॥
6Make me see Yātudhānas, make thou Yātudhānis visible. Make me see all Pisāchas With this prayer, O Plant, I hold thee fast.
7कश्यपस्य चक्षुरसि शुन्याश्च चतुरक्ष्याः । वीध्रे सूर्यमिव सर्पन्तं मा पिशाचं तिरस्करः ॥
7Thou art the sight of Kasyapa and of the hound who hath four eyes. Make the Pisācha manifest as Sūrya when he rides at noon.
8उदग्रभं परिपाणाद्यातुधानं किमीदिनम् । तेनाहं सर्वं पश्याम्युत शूद्रमुतार्यम् ॥
8Kimidin, Yātudhāna from their hiding-places have I dragged. I look on every one with this, Sūdra and Aryan man alike.
9यो अन्तरिक्षेण पतति दिवं यश्च अतिसर्पति । भूमिं यो मन्यते नाथं तं पिशाचं प्र दर्शय ॥
9Make that Pisācha visible, the fiend who flies in middle air, The fiend who glides across the sky, and him who deems the earth his help.
Hymn 4.21Glorification and benediction of cows
1आ गावो अग्मन्न् उत भद्रमक्रन्त्सीदन्तु गोष्ठे रणयन्त्वस्मे । प्रजावतीः पुरुरूपा इह स्युरिन्द्राय पूर्वीरुषसो दुहानाः ॥
1The kine have come and brought good fortune: let them rest in the cow-pen and be happy near us. Here let them stay prolific, many-coloured, and yield through many morns their milk for Indra.
2इन्द्रो यज्वने गृणते च शिक्षत उपेद्ददाति न स्वं मुषायति । भूयोभूयो रयिमिदस्य वर्धयन्न् अभिन्ने खिल्ये नि दधाति देवयुम् ॥
2Indra aids him who offers sacrifice and praise: he takes not what is his, and gives him more thereto. Increasing ever more and ever more his wealth, he makes the pious dwell within unbroken bounds.
3न ता नशन्ति न दभाति तस्करो नासामामित्रो व्यथिरा दधर्षति । देवांश्च याभिर्यजते ददाति च ज्योगित्ताभिः सचते गोपतिः सह ॥
3These are ne'er lost, no robber ever injures them: no evil-minded foe attempts to harass them. The master of the kine lives a long life with these, the Cows whereby he pours his gifts and serves the Gods.
4न ता अर्वा रेणुककाटोऽश्नुते न संस्कृतत्रमुप यन्ति ता अभि । उरुगायमभयं तस्य ता अनु गावो मर्तस्य वि चरन्ति यज्वनः ॥
4The charger with his dusty brow o'ertakes them not, and never to the shambles do they take their way. These Cows, the cattle of the pious worshipper, roam over wide-spread pasture where no danger is.
5गावो भगो गाव इन्द्रो म इछाद्गाव सोमस्य प्रथमस्य भक्षः । इमा या गावः स जनास इन्द्र इछामि हृदा मनसा चिदिन्द्रम् ॥
5To me the Cows seem Bhaga, they seem Indra, they seem a portion of the first poured Soma. These present Cows, they, O ye men, are Indra. I long for Indra with my heart and spirit.
6यूयं गावो मेदयथ कृशं चिदश्रीरं चित्कृणुथा सुप्रतीकम् । भद्रं गृहं कृणुथ भद्रवाचो बृहद्वो वय उच्यते सभासु ॥
6O Cows, ye fatten e'en the worn and wasted, and make the unlovely beautiful to look on. Prosper my home, ye with auspicious voices! Your power is magnified in our assemblies.
7प्रजावतीः सूयवसे रुशन्तीः शुद्धा अपः सुप्रपाणे पिबन्तीः । मा व स्तेन ईशत माघशंसः परि वो रुद्रस्य हेतिर्वृणक्तु ॥
7In goodly pasturage, bright-hued, prolific, drinking pure water at fair drinking-places, Never be thief or sinful man your master, and may the dart of Rudra still avoid you!
Hymn 4.22A benediction on a newly consecrated king
1इममिन्द्र वर्धय क्षत्रियं मे इमं विशामेकवृषं कृणु त्वम् । निरमित्रान् अक्ष्णुह्यस्य सर्वांस्तान् रन्धयास्मा अहमुत्तरेषु ॥
1Exalt and strengthen this my Prince, O Indra, Make him sole lord and leader of the people. Scatter his foes, deliver all his rivals into his hand in struggles for precedence.
2एमं भज ग्रामे अश्वेषु गोषु निष्टं भज यो अमित्रो अस्य । वर्ष्म क्षत्राणामयमस्तु राजेन्द्र शत्रुं रन्धय सर्वमस्मै ॥
2Give him a share in village, kine, and horses, and leave his enemy without a portion. Let him as King be head and chief of Princes, Give up to him, O Indra, every foeman.
3अयमस्तु धनपतिर्धनानामयं विशां विश्पतिरस्तु राजा । अस्मिन्न् इन्द्र महि वर्चांसि धेह्यवर्चसं कृणुहि शत्रुमस्य ॥
3Let him be treasure-lord of goodly treasures, let him as King be master of the people. Grant unto him great power and might, O Indra, and strip his enemy of strength and vigour.
4अस्मै द्यावापृथिवी भूरि वामं दुहाथां घर्मदुघे इव धेनू । अयं राजा प्रिय इन्द्रस्य भूयात्प्रियो गवामोषधीनां पशूनाम् ॥
4Like milch-kine yielding milk for warm libations, pour, Heaven and Earth! on him full many a blessing. May he as King be Indra's well-beloved, the darling of the kine, the plants, the cattle.
5युनज्मि त उत्तरावन्तमिन्द्रं येन जयन्ति न पराजयन्ते । यस्त्वा करदेकवृषं जनानामुत राज्ञामुत्तमं मानवानाम् ॥
5I join in league with thee victorious Indra, with whom men conquer and are ne'er defeated. He shall make thee the folk's sole lord and leader, shall make thee highest of all human rulers.
6उत्तरस्त्वमधरे ते सपत्ना ये के च राजन् प्रतिशत्रवस्ते । एकवृष इन्द्रसखा जिगीवां छत्रूयतामा भरा भोजनानि ॥
6Supreme art thou, beneath thee are thy rivals, and all, O King, who were thine adversaries. Sole lord and leader and allied with Indra, bring, conqueror, thy foremen's goods and treasures.
7सिंहप्रतीको विशो अद्धि सर्वा व्याघ्रप्रतीकोऽव बाधस्व शत्रून् । एकवृष इन्द्रसखा जिगीवां छत्रूयतामा खिदा भोजनानि ॥
7Consume, with lion aspect, all their hamlets, with tiger aspect, drive away thy foemen. Sole lord and leader and allied with Indra, seize, conqueror, thine enemies' possessions.
Hymn 4.23Magnification of Agni and prayer for his protection
1अग्नेर्मन्वे प्रथमस्य प्रचेतसः पाञ्चजन्यस्य बहुधा यमिन्धते । विशोविशः प्रविशिवांसमीमहे स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
1I fix my heart on wise and ancient Agni, the Five Tribes' Lord, in many a place enkindled. We seek him who hath entered all our houses. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
2यथा हव्यं वहसि जातवेदो यथा यज्ञं कल्पयसि प्रजानन् । एवा देवेभ्यः सुमतिं न आ वह स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
2As thou conveyest offerings, Jātavedas! and fashionest the sacrifice with knowledge, So bear thou to the Gods the prayer we utter. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
3यामन्यामन्न् उपयुक्तं वहिष्ठं कर्मङ्कर्मन्न् आभगमग्निमीडे । रक्षोहणं यज्ञवृधं घृताहुतं स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
3I pray to Agni in each act successful, employed in every sacrifice, the strongest, Fiend-slayer, served with fatness, strengthening worship. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
4सुजातं जातवेदसमग्निं वैश्वानरं विभुम् । हव्यवाहं हवामहे स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
4We invoke the oblation-bearer, well-born Agni Jātavedas, Him, Vaisvānara, almighty. May he set us free from trouble.
5येन ऋषयो बलमद्योतयन् युजा येनासुराणामयुवन्त मायाः । येनाग्निना पणीन् इन्द्रो जिगाय स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
5With whom as friend the Rishis gave their power new splendour, with whom they kept aloof the Asuras' devices, Agni, with whom Indra subdued the Panis. May he deliver us. from grief and trouble.
6येन देवा अमृतमन्वविन्दन् येनौषधीर्मधुमतीरकृण्वन् । येन देवाः स्वराभरन्त्स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
6Through whom the Gods discovered life eternal, through whom they stored the plants with pleasant juices, Through whom they brought to men the light of heaven. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
7यस्येदं प्रदिशि यद्विरोचते यज्जातं जनितव्यं च केवलम् । स्तौम्यग्निं नाथितो जोहवीमि स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
7I, suppliant, praise and ever call on Agni, sole Lord of all this world, of all that shineth, Of what exists and shall exist hereafter. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
Hymn 4.24A hymn of prayer and praise to Indra
1इन्द्रस्य मन्महे शश्वदिदस्य मन्महे वृत्रघ्न स्तोमा उप मेम आगुः । यो दाशुषः सुकृतो हवमेति स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
1I think of Indra, only him for ever, fiend-slayer, May these lauds of mine come near him. He cometh to the pious offerer's calling. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
2य उग्रीणामुग्रबाहुर्ययुर्यो दानवानां बलमारुरोज । येन जिताः सिन्धवो येन गावः स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
2Who with strong arms o'ercame his strong opponents, who broke and crushed the power of the demons, Who won the rivers and the kine in battle. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
3यश्चर्षणिप्रो वृषभः स्वर्विद्यस्मै ग्रावाणः प्रवदन्ति नृम्णम् । यस्याध्वरः सप्तहोता मदिष्ठः स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
3Ruler of men, finder of light, the hero: the pressing-stones declare his valour, master. Of sweetest sacrifice with seven Hotars. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
4यस्य वशास ऋषभास उक्षणो यस्मै मीयन्ते स्वरवः स्वर्विदे । यस्मै शुक्रः पवते ब्रह्मशुम्भितः स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
4The lord of barren cows and bulls and oxen, finder of light for whom the posts are planted, For whom the bright juice flows cleansed by devotion. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
5यस्य जुष्टिं सोमिनः कामयन्ते यं हवन्त इषुमन्तं गविष्टौ । यस्मिन्न् अर्कः शिश्रिये यस्मिन्न् ओजः स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
5Whose favour those desire who offer Soma, whom, arrow-bearer, men invoke in battle, On whom the hymn depends, in whom is power, May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
6यः प्रथमः कर्मकृत्याय जज्ञे यस्य वीर्यं प्रथमस्यानुबुद्धम् । येनोद्यतो वज्रोऽभ्यायताहिं स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
6Why was born, first, for active operation, whose valour as the first hath been awakened, Who raised his bolt when he encountered Ahi. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
7यः संग्रामान् नयति सं युधे वशी यः पुष्टानि संसृजति द्वयानि । स्तौमीन्द्रं नाथितो जोहवीमि स नो मुञ्चत्वंहसः ॥
7Strong Lord, who leadeth hosts to meet for battle, who sendeth riches both of earth and heaven, I, suppliant, praise and ever call on Indra. May he deliver us from grief and trouble.
Hymn 4.25A hymn of prayer and praise to Vāyu and Savitar
1वायोः सवितुर्विदथानि मन्महे यावात्मन्वद्विशथो यौ च रक्षथः । यौ विश्वस्य परिभू बभूवथुस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
1I think on Vāyu's and Savitar's holy rites, ye twain who penetrate and guard the living world: Ye who have come to be this All's pervaders, deliver us, ye two from grief and trouble.
2ययोः संख्याता वरिमा पार्हिवानि याभ्यां रजो युपितमन्तरिक्षे । ययोः प्रायं नान्वानशे कश्चन तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
2Ye who have counted up the earth's expanses, and in the sky smoothed out the air's mid-region, Whose going-forth hath ne'er been reached by any, deliver us, ye two, from grief and trouble.
3तव व्रते नि विशन्ते जनासस्त्वय्युदिते प्रेरते चित्रभानो । युवं वायो सविता च भुवनानि रक्षथस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
3Beauteously bright! men rest in thy dominion when thou hast risen up and hastened onward. Ye, Vāyu, Savitar, preserve all creatures. Deliver us, ye, twain, from grief and trouble.
4अपेतो वायो सविता च दुष्कृतमप रक्षांसि शिमिदां च सेधतम् । सं ह्यूर्जया सृजथः सं बलेन तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
4Hence, Vāyu, Savitar drive evil action, chase Simidā away, drive off the demons. Ye give us store of energy and power. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
5रयिं मे पोषं सवितोत वायुस्तनू दक्षमा सुवतां सुशेवम् । अयक्ष्मतातिं मह इह धत्तं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
5Of their own selves let Savitar and Vāyu send favourable strength and wealth and plenty. Here give us perfect freedom from consumption. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
6प्र सुमतिं सवितर्वाय ऊतये महस्वन्तं मत्सरं मादयाथः । अर्वाग्वामस्य प्रवतो नि यच्छतं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
6Ye, Savitar and Vāyu, to assist us, enjoy the hymn and the delightful cheerer. Come hither downward from the stream of blessing. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
7उप श्रेष्ठा न आशिषो देवयोर्धामन्न् अस्थिरन् । स्तौमि देवं सवितारं च वायुं तौ नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
7Like noblest benisons they have stayed in the God loving man's abode. I glorify bright Savitar and Vāyu. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
Hymn 4.26A hymn to Heaven and Earth
1मन्वे वां द्यावापृथिवी सुभोजसौ सचेतसौ ये अप्रथेथाममिता योजनानि । प्रतिष्ठे ह्यभवतं वसूनां ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
1O Heaven and Earth, I think on you, wise, givers of abundant gifts, ye who through measureless expanses have spread forth. For ye are seats and homes of goodly treasures. Deliver us, ye twain from grief and trouble.
2प्रतिष्ठे ह्यभवतं वसूनां प्रवृद्धे देवी सुभगे उरूची । द्यावापृथिवी भवतं मे स्योने ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
2Yea, seats and homes are ye of goodly treasures, grown strong, divine, blessed, and far-extending, To me, O Heaven and Earth, be ye auspicious. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
3असन्तापे सुतपसौ हुवेऽहमुर्वी गम्भीरे कविभिर्नमस्ये । द्यावापृथिवी भवतं मे स्योने ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
3I call on you who warm and cause no sorrow, deep, spacious, meet to be adored by poets. To me, O Heaven and Earth, be ye auspicious. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
4ये अमृतं बिभृथो ये हवींषि ये स्रोत्या बिभृथो ये मनुष्यान् । द्यावापृथिवी भवतं मे स्योने ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
4Ye who maintain Amrit and sacrifices, ye who support rivers and human beings, To me, O Heaven and Earth, be ye auspicious, Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
5ये उस्रिया बिभृथो ये वनस्पतीन् ययोर्वां विश्वा भुवनान्यन्तः । द्यावापृथिवी भवतं मे स्योने ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
5Ye by whom cows and forest trees are cherished within whose range all creatures are included, To me, O Heaven and Earth, be ye auspicious. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
6ये कीलालेन तर्पयथो ये घृतेन याभ्यामृते न किं चन शक्नुवन्ति । द्यावापृथिवी भवतं मे स्योने ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
6Ye who delight in nectar and in fatness, ye without whom men have no strength or power, To me, O Heaven and Earth, be ye auspicious. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
7यन् मेदमभिशोचति येनयेन वा कृतं पौरुषेयान् न दैवात्। स्तौमि द्यावापृथिवी नाथितो जोहवीमि ते नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
7The grief that pains me here, whoever caused it, not sent by fate, hath sprung from human action. I, suppliant, praise Heaven, Earth, and oft invoke them. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
Hymn 4.27A hymn to the Maruts
1मरुतां मन्वे अधि मे ब्रुवन्तु प्रेमं वाजं वाजसाते अवन्तु । आशून् इव सुयमान् अह्व ऊतये ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
1I think upon the Maruts: may they bless me, may they assist me to this wealth in battle. I call them like swift well-trained steeds to help us. May they deliver us from grief and trouble.
2उत्समक्षितं व्यचन्ति ये सदा य आसिञ्चन्ति रसमोषधीषु । पुरो दधे मरुतः पृश्निमातॄंस्ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
2Those who surround the never-failing fountain for ever, and bedew the plants with moisture, The Maruts, Prini's sons, I chiefly honour. May they deliver us from grief and trouble.
3पयो धेनूनां रसमोषधीनां जवमर्वतां कवयो य इन्वथ । शग्मा भवन्तु मरुतो नः स्योनास्ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
3Bards, who invigorate the milk of milch-kine, the sap of growing plants, the speed of coursers To us may the strong Maruts be auspicious. May they deliver us from grief and trouble.
4अपः समुद्राद्दिवमुद्वहन्ति दिवस्पृथिवीमभि ये सृजन्ति । ये अद्भिरीशाना मरुतश्चरन्ति ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
4They who raised water from the sea to heaven and send it from the sky to earth in showers, The Maruts who move mighty with their waters, may they deliver us from grief and trouble.
5ये कीलालेन तर्पयन्ति ये घृतेन ये वा वयो मेदसा संसृजन्ति । ये अद्भिरीशाना मरुतो वर्षयन्ति ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
5They who delight in nectar and in fatness, they who bestow upon us health and vigour. The Maruts who rain mighty with their waters, may they deliver us from grief and trouble.
6यदीदिदं मरुतो मारुतेन यदि देवा दैव्येनेदृगार । यूयमीशिध्वे वसवस्तस्य निष्कृतेस्ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
6Whether with stormy might the Maruts established this All, or Gods with their celestial power, Ye, kindly Gods, are able to restore it. May they deliver us from grief and trouble.
7तिग्ममनीकं विदितं सहस्वन् मारुतं शर्धः पृतनासूग्रम् । स्तौमि मरुतो नाथितो जोहवीमि ते नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
7Potent in battles is the Maruts' army, impetuous train, well-known, exceeding mighty. I, suppliant, praise and oft invoke the Maruts. May they deliver us from grief and trouble.
Hymn 4.28A hymn to Bhava and Sarva
1भवाशर्वौ मन्वे वां तस्य वित्तं ययोर्वामिदं प्रदिशि यद्विरोचते । यावस्येशाथे द्विपदो यौ चतुष्पदस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
1I Reverence you—mark this—Bhava and Sarva, ye under whose control is this that shineth. Lords of this world both quadruped and biped. Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
2ययोरभ्यभ्व उत यद्दूरे चिद्यौ विदिताविषुभृतामसिष्ठौ । यावस्येशथे द्विपदो यौ चतुष्पदस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
2Lords of all near and even of what is distant, famed as the best and skilfullest of archers, Lords of this world both quadruped and biped, Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
3सहस्राक्षौ वृत्रहना हुवेहं दूरेगव्यूती स्तुवन्न् एम्युग्रौ । यावस्येशथे द्विपदो यौ चतुष्पदस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
3Thousand-eyed foe-destroyers, I invoke you, still praising you the strong, of wide dominion: Lords of this world both quadruped and biped, Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
4यावारेभाथे बहु साकमग्रे प्र चेदस्राष्ट्रमभिभां जनेषु । यावस्येशथे द्विपदो यौ चतुष्पदस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
4Ye who of old wrought many a deed in concert, and showed among mankind unhappy omens; Lords of this world both quadruped and biped, Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
5ययोर्वधान् नापपद्यते कश्चनान्तर्देवेषूत मानुषेषु । यावस्येशथे द्विपदो यौ चतुष्पदस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
5Ye from the stroke of whose destroying weapon not one among the Gods or men escapeth, Lords of this world both quadruped and biped, Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
6यः कृत्याकृन् मूलकृद्यातुधानो नि तस्मिन् धत्तं वज्रमुग्रौ । यावस्येशथे द्विपदो यौ चतुष्पदस्तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
6Hurl your bolt, strong Gods, at the Yātudhāna, him who makes ready roots and deals in magic: Lords of this world both quadruped and biped, Deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
7अधि नो ब्रूतं पृतनासूग्रौ सं वज्रेण सृजतं यः किमीदी । स्तौमि भवाशर्वौ नाथितो जोहवीमि तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
7Comfort and aid us, ye strong Gods, in battles, at each Kimidin send your bolt of thunder. I, suppliant, praise and ever call on Bhav and Sarva. Set us free from grief and trouble.
Hymn 4.29A hymn to Mitra-Varuna
1मन्वे वां मित्रावरुणावृतावृधौ सचेतसौ द्रुह्वणो यौ नुदेथे । प्र सत्यावानमवथो भरेषु तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
1You twain, O Mitra, Varuna, I honour, Lawstrengtheners, wise, who drive away oppressors. Ye who protect the truthful in his battles, deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
2सचेतसौ द्रुह्वणो यौ नुदेथे प्र सत्यावानमवथो भरेषु । यौ गच्छथो नृचक्षसौ बभ्रुणा सुतं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
2Ye the wise Gods who drive away oppressors, ye who protect the truthful in his battles, Who come, men's guards, to juice pressed forth by Babhru,. deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
3यावङ्गिरसमवथो यावगस्तिं मित्रावरुणा जमदग्निमत्त्रिम् । यौ कश्यपमवथो यौ वसिष्ठं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
3Mitra and Varuna who help Agasti, Atri, and Angiras, and Jamadagni, Ye who help Kasyapa, who help Vasishtha, deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
4यौ श्यावाश्वमवथो वाध्र्यश्वं मित्रावरुणा पुरुमीढमत्त्रिम् । यौ विमदमवथो सप्तवध्रिं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
4Mitra and Varuna, who help Syāvāsva, Atri, and Purumilha, and Vadhryasva, Ye who help Vimada and Saptavadhri, deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
5यौ भरद्वाजमवथो यौ गविष्ठिरं विश्वामित्रं वरुण मित्र कुत्सम् । यौ कक्षीवन्तमवथो प्रोत कण्वं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
5Ye, Varuna, Mitra, who give aid to Kutsa, Gavishthira, Bharadvāja, Visvāmitra, Who help Kakshivan and give aid to Kanva, deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
6यौ मेधातिथिमवथो यौ त्रिशोकं मित्रावरुणावुशनां काव्यं यौ । यौ गोतममवथो प्रोत मुग्दलं तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
6Ye, Mitra, Varuna, who help Trisoka, Medhātithi, and Usanā son of Kavi, Ye, Gotama's and Mudgala's protectors, deliver us, ye twain, from grief and trouble.
7ययो रथः सत्यवर्त्म र्जुरश्मिर्मिथुया चरन्तमभियाति दूषयन् । स्तौमि मित्रावरुणौ नाथितो जोहवीमि तौ नो मुञ्चतमंहसः ॥
7Whose straight-reined car that keeps the track of goodness assails and ruins him who walks perversely I, suppliant, praise with constant invocation Mitra and Varuna. Save us from affliction.
Hymn 4.30A glorification of vāk or speech
1अहं रुद्रेभिर्वसुभिश्चराम्यहमादित्यैरुत विश्वदेवैः । अहं मित्रावरुनोभा बिभर्म्यहमिन्द्राग्नी अहमश्विनोभा ॥
1I travel with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Ādityas and All-Gods I wander. I hold aloft both Varuna and Mitra, I hold aloft Indra and both the Asvins.
2अहं राष्ट्री संगमनी वसूनां चिकितुषी प्रथमा यज्ञियानाम् । तां मा देवा व्यदधुः पुरुत्रा भूरिस्थात्रां भूर्यावेशयन्तः ॥
2I am the Queen, the gatherer-up of treasures, most thoughtful, first of those who merit worship. The Gods, making me enter many places, in diverse spots have set mine habitation.
3अहमेव स्वयमिदं वदामि जुष्टं देवानामुत मानुषाणाम् । यं कामये तन्तमुग्रं कृणोमि तं ब्रह्माणं तमृषिं तं सुमेधाम् ॥
3I, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods, and men alike shall welcome. I make the man I love exceeding mighty, make him a sage, a Rishi, and a Brāhman.
4मया सोऽन्नमत्ति यो विपश्यति यः प्राणति य ईं शृणोत्युक्तम् । अमन्तवो मां त उप क्षियन्ति श्रुधि श्रुत श्रुद्धेयं ते वदामि ॥
4Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them, each man who sees, breathes, hears, the word out-spoken. They know it not, but yet they dwell beside me. Hear, one and all, the truth as I declare it.
5अहं रुद्राय धनुरा तनोमि ब्रह्मद्विषे शरवे हन्तवा उ । अहं जनाय समदं कृणोमि अहं द्यावापृथिवी आ विवेश ॥
5I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. I rouse and order battle for the people, and I have penetrated Earth and Heaven.
6अहं सोममाहनसं बिभर्म्यहं त्वष्टारमुत पूषणं भगम् । अहं दधामि द्रविणा हविष्मते सुप्राव्या यजमानाय सुन्वते ॥
6I cherish and sustain high-swelling Soma, and Tvashtar I support, Pashan, and Bhaga. I load with wealth the zealous sacrificer who pours the juice and offers his oblation.
7अहं सुवे पितरमस्य मूर्धन् मम योनिरप्स्वन्तः समुद्रे । ततो वि तिष्ठे भुवनानि विश्वोतामूं द्यां वर्ष्मणोप स्पृशामि ॥
7On the world's summit I bring forth the Father: my home is in the waters, in the ocean. Thence I extend o'er all existing creatures, and touch even yonder heaven with my forehead.
8अहमेव वातैव प्र वाम्यारभमाणा भुवनानि विश्वा । परो दिवा पर एना पृथिव्यैतावती महिम्ना सं बभूव ॥
8I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while I hold together all existence. Beyond this wide earth and beyond the heavens I have become so mighty in my grandeur.
Hymn 4.31A hymn to Manyu or Wrath
1त्वया मन्यो सरथमारुजन्तो हर्षमाणा हृषितासो मरुत्वन् । तिग्मेषव आयुधा संशिशाना उप प्र यन्तु नरो अग्निरूपाः ॥
1Borne on with thee, O Manyu girt by Maruts, let our brave men, impetuous, bursting forward, March on, like flames of fire in form, exulting, with pointed arrows, sharpening their weapons.
2अग्निरिव मन्यो त्विषितः सहस्व सेनानीर्नः सहुरे हूत एधि । हत्वाय शत्रून् वि भजस्व वेद ओजो मिमानो वि मृधो नुदस्व ॥
2Flashing like fire, be thou, O conquering Manyu, invoked, O victor, as our army's leader. Slay thou our foes, distribute their possession: show forth thy vigour, scatter those who hate us.
3सहस्व मन्यो अभिमातिमस्मै रुजन् मृणन् प्रमृणन् प्रेहि शत्रून् । उग्रं ते पाजो नन्वा रुरुध्रे वशी वशं नयासा एकज त्वम् ॥
3O Manyu, overcome those who assail us. On! breaking, slaying, crushing down the foemen. They have not hindered thine impetuous vigour: mighty! sole born! reduce them to subjection.
4एको बहूनामसि मन्य ईडिता विशंविशं युद्धाय सं शिशाधि । अकृत्तरुक्त्वया युजा वयं द्युमन्तं घोषं विजयाय कृण्मसि ॥
4Alone of many thou art worshipped, Manyu: sharpen the spirit of each clan for combat. With thee to aid, O thou of perfect splendour, we raise the glorious battle-shout for conquest.
5विजेषकृदिन्द्र इवानवब्रवोऽस्माकं मन्यो अधिपा भवेह । प्रियं ते नाम सहुरे गृणीमसि विद्मा तमुत्सं यत आबभूथ ॥
5Unyielding, bringing victory like Indra, O Manyu be thou here our sovran ruler. To thy dear name. O victor, we sing praises: we know the spring from which thou art come hither.
6आभूत्या सहजा वज्र सायक सहो बिभर्षि सहभूत उत्तरम् । क्रत्वा नो मन्यो सह मेद्येधि महाधनस्य पुरुहूत संसृजि ॥
6Twin-borne with power, destructive bolt of thunder the highest conquering might is thine, subduer! Be friendly to us in thy spirit, Manyu! O much-invoked, in shock of mighty battle!
7संसृष्टं धनमुभयं समाकृतमस्मभ्यं धत्तां वरुणश्च मन्युः । भियो दधाना हृदयेषु शत्रवः पराजितासो अप नि लयन्ताम् ॥
7For spoil let Varuna and Manyu give us the wealth of both sides gathered and collected; And let our enemies with stricken spirits, o'er-whelmed with. terror, sling away defeated.
Hymn 4.32A hymn to Manyu
1यस्ते मन्योऽविधद्वज्र सायक सह ओजः पुष्यति विश्वमानुषक्। साह्याम दासमार्यं त्वया युजा वयं सहस्कृतेन सहसा सहस्वता ॥
1He who hath reverenced thee, Manyu, destructive bolt! breeds. for himself forthwith all conquering energy. Arya and Dāsa will we conquer with thine aid, with thee the conqueror, with conquest conquest-sped.
2मन्युरिन्द्रो मन्युरेवास देवो मन्युर्होता वरुणो जातवेदाः । मन्युं विश ईडते मानुषीर्याः पहि नो मन्यो तपसा सजोषाः ॥
2Manyu was Indra, yea, the God was Manyu; Manyu was Hotar Varuna, Jātavedas. The tribes of human lineage worship Manyu. Accordant, with thy fervour, Manyu! guard us.
3अभीहि मन्यो तवसस्तवीयान् तपसा युजा वि जहि शत्रून् । अमित्रहा वृत्रहा दस्युहा च विश्वा वसून्या भरा त्वं नः ॥
3Come hither, Manyu, mightier than the mighty: smite, with thy fervour, for ally, our foemen. Slayer of foes, of Vritra, and of Dasyu, bring thou to us all kinds of wealth and treasure.
4त्वं हि मन्यो अभिभूत्योजाः स्वयंभूर्भामो अभिमातिषाहः । विश्वचर्षणिः सहुरिः सहीयान् अस्मास्वोजः पृतनासु धेहि ॥
4For thou art, Manyu, of surpassing vigour, fierce, queller of the foe, and self-existent, Shared by all men, victorious, subduer: vouchsafe to us superior strength in battles.
5अभागः सन्न् अप परेतो अस्मि तव क्रत्वा तविषस्य प्रचेतः । तं त्वा मन्यो अक्रतुर्जिहीडाहं स्वा तनूर्बलदावा न एहि ॥
5I have departed still without a portion, wise God! according to thy will, the mighty. I, feeble man, was wroth with thee, O Manyu. Come in thy proper form and give us vigour.
6अयं ते अस्म्युप न एह्यर्वाङ्प्रतीचीनः सहुरे विश्वदावन् । मन्यो वज्रिन्न् अभि न आ ववृत्स्व हनाव दस्यूंरुत बोध्यापेः ॥
6Come hither, I am all thine own: advancing, turn thou to me, victorious, all-bestowing. Come to me, Manyu, wielder of the thunder: bethink thee of thy friend, and slay the Dasyus.
7अभि प्रेहि दक्षिणतो भवा नोऽधा वृत्राणि जङ्घनाव भूरि । जुहोमि ते धरुणं मध्वो अग्रमुभावुपांशु प्रथमा पिबाव ॥
7Approach, and on our right hand hold thy station, then let us slay a multitude of foemen. The best of meath I offer to support thee: may we be first to drink thereof in quiet.
Hymn 4.33A prayer to Agni for protection and prosperity
1अप नः शोशुचदघमग्ने शुशुग्ध्या रयिम् । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
1Chasing our pain with splendid light, O Agni, shine thou wealth on us. His lustre flash our pain away.
2सुक्षेत्रिया सुगातुया वसूया च यजामहे । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
2For goodly fields, for pleasant homes, for wealth we sacrifice to thee. His lustre flash our pain away!
3प्र यद्भन्दिष्ठ एषां प्रास्माकासश्च सूरयः । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
3Best praiser of all these be he, and foremost be our noble chiefs. His lustre flash our pain away!
4प्र यत्ते अग्ने सूरयो जायेमहि प्र ते वयम् । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
4So that thy worshipper and we, thine, Agni! in our sons may live. His lustre flash our pain away!
5प्र यदग्नेः सहस्वतो विश्वतो यन्ति भानवः । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
5As ever conquering Agni's beams of splendour go to every side, His lustre flash our pain away.
6त्वं हि विश्वतोमुख विश्वतः परिभूरसि । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
6To every side thy face is turned, thou art triumphant everywhere. His lustre flash our pain away!
7द्विषो नो विश्वतोमुखाति नावेव पारय । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
7O thou whose face looks every way, bear off our foes as in a ship. His lustre flash our pain away!
8स नः सिन्धुमिव नावाति पर्ष स्वस्तये । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
8As in a ship across the flood, transport us to felicity. His lustre flash our pain away
Hymn 4.34Glorification of the Vishtāri sacrifice
1ब्रह्मास्य शीर्षं बृहदस्य पृष्ठं वामदेव्यमुदरमोदनस्य । छन्दांसि पक्षौ मुखमस्य सत्यं विष्टारी जातस्तपसोऽधि यज्ञः ॥
1The head of this is prayer, its back the Brihat, Odanas's belly is the Vāmadevya; Its face reality, its sides the metre, Vishtāri sacrifice produced from fervour.
2अनस्थाः पूताः पवनेन शुद्धाः शुचयः शुचिमपि यन्ति लोकम् । नैषां शिश्नं प्र दहति जातवेदाः स्वर्गे लोके बहु स्त्रैणमेषाम् ॥
2Boneless, cleansed, purified by him who cleanseth, they go resplendent to the world of splendour. Fire burneth not their organ of enjoyment: much pleasure have they in the world of Svarga.
3विष्टारिणमोदनं ये पचन्ति नैनान् अवर्तिः सचते कदा चन । आस्ते यम उप याति देवान्त्सं गन्धर्वैर्मदते सोम्येभिः ॥
3Never doth want or evil fortune visit those who prepare oblation called Vishtāri. He goes unto the Gods, he dwells with Yama, he joys among Gandharvas meet for Soma.
4विष्टारिणमोदनं ये पचन्ति नैनान् यमः परि मुष्णाति रेतः । रथी ह भूत्वा रथयान ईयते पक्षी ह भूत्वाति दिवः समेति ॥
4Yama robs not of generative vigour the men who dress oblation called Vishtāri. Borne on his car, a charioteer, he travels: endowed with wings he soars beyond the heavens.
5एष यज्ञानां विततो वहिष्ठो विष्टारिणं पक्त्वा दिवमा विवेश । आण्डीकं कुमुदं सं तनोति बिसं शालूकं शफको मुलाली । एतास्त्वा धारा उप यन्तु सर्वाः स्वर्गे लोके मधुमत्पिन्वमाना उप त्वा तिष्ठन्तु पुष्करिणीः समन्ताः ॥
5Strongest is this, performed, of sacrifices: he hath reached heaven who hath prepared Vishtāri. The oval-fruited lotus spreads his fibre: there bloom the nelophar and water-lilies. Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus-blossom shall approach thee.
6घृतह्रदा मधुकूलाः सुरोदकाः क्षीरेण पूर्णा उदकेन दध्ना । एतास्त्वा धारा उप यन्तु सर्वाः स्वर्गे लोके मधुमत्पिन्वमाना उप त्वा तिष्ठन्तु पुष्करिणीः समन्ताः ॥
6Full lakes of butter with their banks of honey, flowing with wine, and milk and curds and water Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus-blossom shall approach thee.
7चतुरः कुम्भांश्चतुर्धा ददामि क्षीरेण पूर्नामुदकेन दध्ना । एतास्त्वा धारा उप यन्तु सर्वाः स्वर्गे लोके मधुमत्पिन्वमाना उप त्वा तिष्ठन्तु पुष्करिणीः समन्ताः ॥
7I give four pitchers, in four several places, filled to the brim with milk and curds and water. Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus-blossom shall approach thee.
8इममोदनं नि दधे ब्राह्मणेषु विष्टारिणं लोकजितं स्वर्गम् । स मे मा क्षेष्ट स्वधया पिन्वमानो विश्वरूपा धेनुः कामदुघा मे अस्तु ॥
8I part this Odana among the Brāhmans, Vishtāri, conquering worlds and reaching heaven. Let me not lose it: swelling by its nature, be it my perfect Cow to grant all wishes!
Hymn 4.35Magnification of the Odana or oblation of milk and rice
1यमोदनं प्रथमजा ऋतस्य प्रजापतिस्तपसा ब्रह्मणेऽपचत्। यो लोकानां विधृतिर्नाभिरेषात्तेनौदनेनाति तराणि मृत्युम् ॥
1Odana which Prajāpati, the firstborn of Order, dressed with fervour for the Brāhman, which guards the worlds from breaking atIthe centre,—I with this Odana will conquer Mrityu.
2येनातरन् भूतकृतोऽति मृत्युं यमन्वविन्दन् तपसा श्रमेण । यं पपाच ब्रह्मणे ब्रह्म पूर्वं तेनौदनेनाति तराणि मृत्युम् ॥
2Whereby the World-Creators vanquished Mrityu, that which they found by fervour, toil and trouble, That which prayer first made ready for the Brāhman,—I with this Odana will conquer Mrityu.
3यो दाधार पृथिवीं विश्वभोजसं यो अन्तरिक्षमापृणाद्रसेन । यो अस्तभ्नाद्दिवमूर्ध्वो महिम्ना तेनौदनेनाति तराणि मृत्युम् ॥
3That which upholds the Earth, the all-sustainer, that which hath filled air's middle realm with moisture, Which, raised on high in grandeur, stablished heaven,—I with this Odana will conquer Mrityu.
4यस्मान् मासा निर्मितास्त्रिंशदराः संवत्सरो यस्मान् निर्मितो द्वादशारः । अहोरात्रा यं परियन्तो नापुस्तेनौदनेनाति तराणि मृत्युम् ॥
4From which the months with thirty spokes were moulded, from which the twelve-spoked year was formed and fashioned. Which circling day and night have ne'er o'ertaken,—I with this Odana will conquer Mrityu.
5यः प्राणदः प्राणदवान् बभूव यस्मै लोका घृतवन्तः क्षरन्ति । ज्योतिष्मतीः प्रदिशो यस्य सर्वास्तेनौदनेनाति तराणि मृत्युम् ॥
5Which hath become breath-giver, life-bestower; to which the worlds flow full of oil and fatness, To whom belong all the refulgent regions,—I with this Odana will conquer Mrityu.
6यस्मात्पक्वादमृतं संबभूव यो गायत्र्या अधिपतिर्बभूव । यस्मिन् वेदा निहिता विश्वरूपास्तेनौदनेनाति तराणि मृत्युम् ॥
6From which, matured, sprang Amrit into being, which hath become Gāyatris lord and ruler, In which the perfect Vedas have been treasured,—I with this Odana will conquer Mrityu,
7अव बाधे द्विषन्तं देवपीयुं सपत्ना ये मेऽप ते भवन्तु । ब्रह्मौदनं विश्वजितं पचामि शृण्वन्तु मे श्रद्दधानस्य देवाः ॥
7I drive away the hostile God-despiser: far off be those who are mine adversaries, I dress Brahmaudana that winneth all things. May the Gods hear me who believe and trust them.
Hymn 4.36A charm against fiends, human enemies, and other pests
1तान्त्सत्यौजाः प्र दहत्वग्निर्वैश्वानरो वृषा । यो नो दुरस्याद्दिप्साच्चाथो यो नो अरातियात् ॥
1Endowed with true strength, let the Bull, Agni Vaisvānara, burn them up. Him who would pain and injure us, him who would treat us as a foe.
2यो नो दिप्साददिप्सतो दिप्सतो यश्च दिप्सति । वैश्वानरस्य दंष्ट्रयोरग्नेरपि दधामि तम् ॥
2Him who, unharmed, would injure us, and him who, harmed, would do us harm, I lay between the doubled fangs of Agni, of Vaisvānara.
3य आगरे मृगयन्ते प्रतिक्रोशेऽमावास्ये । क्रव्यादो अन्यान् दिप्सतः सर्वांस्तान्त्सहसा सहे ॥
3Those who, what time the moon is dark, hunt with loud cry and answering shout, Flesh-eaters, others who would harm,—all these I overcome with might.
4सहे पिशाचान्त्सहसैषां द्रविणं ददे । सर्वान् दुरस्यतो हन्मि सं म आकूतिर्ऋध्यताम् ॥
4I conquer the Pisāchas with my power, and take their wealth away. All who would injure us I slay. Let mine intention have success.
5ये देवास्तेन हासन्ते सूर्येण मिमते जवम् । नदीषु पर्वतेषु ये सं तैः पशुभिर्विदे ॥
5With Gods who flee with him, and match their rapid motion with the Sun, I with those animals who dwell in rivers and on hills am found.
6तपनो अस्मि पिशाचानां व्याघ्रो गोमतामिव । श्वानः सिंहमिव दृष्ट्वा ते न विन्दन्ते न्यञ्चनम् ॥
6I trouble the Pisāchas as the tiger plagues men rich in kine. They, even as dogs when they have seen a lion, find no hiding-place.
7न पिशाचैः सं शक्नोमि न स्तेनैः न वनर्गुभिः । पिशाचास्तस्मान् नश्यन्ति यमहं ग्राममाविशे ॥
7Naught with Pisāchas can I do, with thieves, with roamers of the wood. Pisāchas flee and vanish from each village as I enter it.
8यं ग्राममाविशत इदमुग्रं सहो मम । पिशाचास्तस्मान् नश्यन्ति न पापमुप जानते ॥
8Into whatever village this mine awful power penetrates, Thence the Pisāchas flee away, and plot no further mischief there.
9ये मा क्रोधयन्ति लपिता हस्तिनं मशका इव । तान् अहं मन्ये दुर्हितान् जने अल्पशयून् इव ॥
9Those who enrage me with their prate, as flies torment an elephant, I deem unhappy creatures, like small insects troublesome to man.
10अभि तं निर्ऋतिर्धत्तामश्वमिव अश्वाभिधान्या । मल्वो यो मह्यं क्रुध्यति स उ पाशान् न मुच्यते ॥
10Destruction seize upon the man, as with a cord they hold a horse, The fool who is enraged with me! He is not rescued from the noose.
Hymn 4.37A charm against Gandharvas and Apsarases
Both sides have 12 verses but Griffith divides verses 4 to 6 differently: his verse 4 covers Sanskrit verses 4 and 5, and his verses 5 and 6 are the two halves of Sanskrit verse 6 (checked in the printed edition). Verses 1-3 and 7-12 correspond one to one. The Sanskrit has 12 verses and Griffith 12, so the two are shown as whole columns.
1त्वया पूर्वमथर्वाणो जघ्नू रक्षांस्योषधे । त्वया जघान कश्यपस्त्वया कण्वो अगस्त्यः ॥
2त्वया वयमप्सरसो गन्धर्वांस्चातयामहे । अजशृङ्ग्यज रक्षः सर्वान् गन्धेन नाशय ॥
3नदीं यन्त्वप्सरसोऽपां तारमवश्वसम् । गुल्गुलूः पीला नलद्यौक्षगन्धिः प्रमन्दनी । तत्परेताप्सरसः प्रतिबुद्धा अभूतन ॥
4यत्राश्वत्था न्यग्रोधा महावृक्षाः शिखण्डिनः । तत्परेताप्सरसः प्रतिबुद्धा अभूतन ॥
5यत्र वः प्रेङ्खा हरिता अर्जुना उत यत्राघाताः कर्कर्यः संवदन्ति । तत्परेताप्सरसः प्रतिबुद्धा अभूतन ॥
6एयमगन्न् ओषधीनां वीरुधां वीर्यावती । अजशृङ्ग्यराटकी तीक्ष्णशृङ्गी व्यृषतु ॥
7आनृत्यतः शिखण्डिनो गन्धर्वस्याप्सरापतेः । भिनद्मि मुष्कावपि यामि शेपः ॥
8भीमा इन्द्रस्य हेतयः शतमृष्टीरयस्मयीः । ताभिर्हविरदान् गन्धर्वान् अवकादान् व्यृषतु ॥
9भीमा इन्द्रस्य हेतयः शतमृष्टीर्हिरण्ययीः । ताभिर्हविरदान् गन्धर्वान् अवकादान् व्यृषतु ॥
10अवकादान् अभिशोचान् अप्सु ज्योतय मामकान् । पिशाचान्त्सर्वान् ओषधे प्र मृणीहि सहस्व च ॥
11श्वेवैकः कपिरिवैकः कुमारः सर्वकेशकः । प्रियो दृश इव भूत्वा गन्धर्वः सचते स्त्रियस्। तमितो नाशयामसि ब्रह्मणा वीर्यावता ॥
12जाया इद्वो अप्सरसो गन्धर्वाः पतयो यूयम् । अप धावतामर्त्या मर्त्यान् मा सचध्वम् ॥
1With thee, O Plant, in olden time Atharvans smote and slew the fiends. Kasyapa smote with thee, with thee did Kanava and Agastya smite.
2With thee we scare and drive away Gandharvas and Apsarases. O Ajasringi, chase the fiends. Cause all to vanish with thy smell.
3Let the Apsarases, puffed away, go to the river, to the ford,— Guggulū, Pīlā, Naladi, Aukshagandhi, Pramandini. Ye have become attentive since the Apsarases have past away.
4Where great trees are, Asvatthas and Nyagrodhas with their leafy crests, There where your swings are green and bright, and lutes and cymbals sound in tune, 'Ye have become attentive since the Apsarases have past away.
5Hither hath come this one, the most effectual of herbs and plants.
6Let Ajasringi penetrate, Arā4aki with sharpened horn.
7From the Gandharva, dancing near, the lord of the Apsarases, Wearing the tuft of hair, I take all manhood and virility.
8With those dread hundred iron spears, the darts of Indra, let it pierce. The Blyxa-fed Gandharvas, those who bring no sacrificial gift.
9With those dread hundred golden spears, the darts of Indra, let it pierce. The Blyxa-fed Gandharvas, those who bring no sacrificial gift.
10O Plant, be thou victorious, crush the Pisāchas, one and all, Blyxa-fed, shining in the floods, illumining the selfish ones.
11Youthful, completely decked with hair, one monkey-like, one like a dog,— So the Gandharva, putting on a lovely look, pursues a dame. Him with an efficacious charm we scare and cause to vanish hence.
12Your wives are the Apsarases, and ye, Gandharvas, are their lords. Run ye, immortal ones, away: forbear to interfere with men!
Hymn 4.38A charm for success in gambling
1उद्भिन्दतीं संजयन्तीमप्सरां साधुदेविनीम् । ग्लहे कृतानि कृण्वानामप्सरां तामिह हुवे ॥
1Hither I call the Apsaras, victorious, who plays with skill, Her who comes freely fort to view, who wins the stakes in games of dice.
2विचिन्वतीमाकिरन्तीमप्सरां साधुदेविनीम् । ग्लहे कृतानि गृह्णानामप्सरां तामिह हुवे ॥
2Hither I call that Apsaras who scatters and who gathers up. The Apsaras who plays with skill and takes her winnings in the game.
3यायैः परिनृत्यत्याददाना कृतं ग्लहात्। सा नः कृतानि सीषती प्रहामाप्नोतु मायया । सा नः पयस्वत्यैतु मा नो जैषुरिदं धनम् ॥
3Dancing around us with the dice, winning the wager by her play. May she obtain the stake for us and gain the victory with skill. May she approach us full of strength: let them not win this wealth of ours.
4या अक्षेषु प्रमोदन्ते शुचं क्रोधं च बिभ्रती । आनन्दिनीं प्रमोदिनीमप्सरां तामिह हुवे ॥
4Hither I call that Apsaras, the joyous, the delightful one— Those nymphs who revel in the dice, who suffer grief and yield to wrath.
5सूर्यस्य रश्मीन् अनु याः सञ्चरन्ति मरीचीर्वा या अनुसञ्चरन्ति । यासामृषभो दूरतो वाजिनीवान्त्सद्यः सर्वान् लोकान् पर्येति रक्षन् । स न ऐतु होममिमं जुषाणोऽन्तरिक्षेण सह वाजिनीवान् ॥
5Who follow in their course the rays of Sūrya, or as a particle of light attend him. Whose leader from afar, with store of riches, compasses quickly all the worlds and guards them. Pleased, may he come to this our burnt oblation, together with the Air, enriched with treasure.
6अन्तरिक्षेण सह वाजिनीवन् कर्कीं वत्सामिह रक्ष वाजिन् । इमे ते स्तोका बहुला एह्यर्वाङियं ते कर्कीह ते मनोऽस्तु ॥
6Together with the Air, O rich in treasure, guard here the white cow and the calf, O mighty! Here are abundant drops for thee, come hither! Here is thy white calf, let thy mind be with us.
7अन्तरिक्षेण सह वाजिनीवन् कर्कीं वत्सामिह रक्ष वाजिन् । अयं घासो अयं व्रज इह वत्सां नि बध्नीमः । यथानाम व ईश्महे स्वाहा ॥
7Together with the Air, O rich in treasure, keep the white calf in safety here, O mighty! Here is the grass, here is the stall, here do we bind the calf. We are your masters, name by name. All Hail!
Hymn 4.39A prayer to various deities for health, wealth, and prosperity
1पृथिव्यामग्नये समनमन्त्स आर्ध्नोत्। यथा पृथिव्यामग्नये समनमन्न् एवा मह्यं संनमः सं नमन्तु ॥
1Agni no earth kath had mine homage. May he bless me. As I have bowed me down to Agni on the earth, so let the Favouring Graces bow them down to me.
2पृथिवी धेनुस्तस्या अग्निर्वत्सः । सा मेऽग्निना वत्सेनेषमूर्जं कामं दुहाम् । आयुः प्रथमं प्रजां पोषं रयिं स्वाहा ॥
2Earth is the Cow, her calf is Agni. May she with her calf Agni yield me food, strength, all my wish, life first of all, and off-spring, plenty, wealth. All Hail!
3अन्तरिक्षे वायवे समनमन्त्स आर्ध्नोत्। यथान्तरिक्षे वायवे समनमन्न् एवा मह्यं संनमः सं नमन्तु ॥
3Vāyu in air hath had mine homage. May he bless me. As I have bowed me down to Vāyu in the air, so let the Favouring Graces bow them down to me.
4अन्तरिक्षं धेनुस्तस्या वत्सः । सा मे वायुना वत्सेनेषमूर्जं कामं दुहाम् । आयुः प्रथमं प्रजां पोषं रयिं स्वाहा ॥
4Air is the Cow, her calf is Vāyu. May she with her calf Vāyu yield me food, strength, all my wish, life first of all, and off-spring, plenty, wealth. All Hail!
5दिव्यादित्याय समनमन्त्स आर्ध्नोत्। यथा दिव्यादित्याय समनमन्न् एवा मह्यं संनमः सं नमन्तु ॥
5The Sun in heaven hath had my homage. May he bless me. As I have bowed me down unto the Sun in heaven, so let the Favouring Graces bow them down to me.
6द्यौर्धेनुस्तस्या आदित्यो वत्सः । सा म आदित्येन वत्सेनेषमूर्जं कामं दुहाम् । आयुः प्रथमं प्रजां पोषं रयिं स्वाहा ॥
6Heaven is the Cow, her calf Āditya. May she yield with her calf the Sun food, strength, and all my wish, life first of all, and offspring, plenty, wealth. All Hail!
7दिक्षु चन्द्राय समनमन्त्स आर्ध्नोत्। यथा दिक्षु चन्द्राय समनमन्न् एवा मह्यं संनमः सं नमन्तु ॥
7To Chandra in the quarters have I bowed me. May he bless me. As unto Chandra in the quarters I have bent, so let the Favouring Graces bow them down to me.
8दिशो धेनवस्तासां चन्द्रो वत्सः । ता मे चन्द्रेण वत्सेनेषमूर्जं कामं दुहामायुः प्रथमं प्रजां पोसं रयिं स्वाहा ॥
8The quarters are the Cows, their calf is Chandra. May they yield with their calf the Moon food, strength and all my wish, life first of all, and offspring, plenty, wealth. All Hail!
9अग्नावग्निश्चरति प्रविष्ट ऋषीणां पुत्रो अभिशस्तिपा उ । नमस्कारेण नमसा ते जुहोमि मा देवानां मिथुया कर्म भागम् ॥
9Agni moves having entered into Agni, the Rishis' son, who guards from imprecations, I offer unto thee with reverent worship. Let me not mar the Gods' appointed service.
10हृदा पूतं मनसा जातवेदो विश्वानि देव वयुनानि विद्वान् । सप्तास्यानि तव जातवेदस्तेभ्यो जुहोमि स जुषस्व हव्यम् ॥
10Skilled in all ways, O God, O Jātavedas, I offer what is cleansed by heart and spirit. To all thy seven mouths, O Jātavedas. Do thou accept with pleasure my libation.
Hymn 4.40A charm against rival worshippers
1ये पुरस्ताज्जुह्वति जातवेदः प्राच्या दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । अग्निमृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
1O Jātavedas, eastward sacrificers, as foes assail us from the eastern quarter. May they, turned back, be pained for harming Agni. I drive them backward with mine incantation.
2ये दक्षिणतो जुह्वति जातवेदो दक्षिणाया दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । यममृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेना प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
2O Jātavedas, southward sacrificers as foes assail us from the southern quarter. May they, turned back, be pained for harming Yama. I smite them backward with mine incantation.
3ये पश्चाज्जुह्वति जातवेदः प्रतीच्या दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । वरुणमृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
3O Jātavedas, westward sacrificers as foes assail us from the western quarter. For harming Varuna be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.
4य उत्तरतो जुह्वति जातवेद उदीच्या दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । सोममृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
4Jātavedas, northward sacrificers as foes assail us from the northern quarter. For harming Soma be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.
5येऽधस्ताज्जुह्वति जातवेद उदीच्या दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । भूमिमृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
5O Jātavedas, nether sacrificers, as foes assail us from the stead-fast quarter. For harming Earth let them be turned and troubled. I smite them backward with mine incantation.
6येऽन्तरिक्षाज्जुह्वति जातवेदो व्यध्वाया दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । वायुमृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
6Those who pay sacrifice, O Jātavedas, from air assail us from the midway quarter. For harming Vāyu be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.
7य उपरिष्टाज्जुह्वति जातवेद ऊर्ध्वाया दिशोऽभिदासन्त्यस्मान् । सूर्यमृत्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
7The sacrificers from above assail us, O Jātavedas, from the lofty quarter. For wronging Sūrya be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.
8ये दिशामन्तर्देशेभ्यो जुह्वति जातवेदः सर्वाभ्यो दिग्भ्योऽभिदासन्ति अस्मान् । ब्रह्म र्त्वा ते पराञ्चो व्यथन्तां प्रत्यगेनान् प्रतिसरेण हन्मि ॥
8Those from all points assail us, Jātavedas, who sacrifice from intermediate regions. For wronging Prayer let them be turned and troubled, I smite them backward with mine incantation.
- 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 1 hymn 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.