Many small charms
142 hymns of three verses: crops, cattle, love, quarrels, debts and dreams.
Book 6 is a treasury of short three-verse charms, one for almost every worry of village life.
There are prayers over barley and seed, for cattle and rain, for a lost love, against jealousy, for freedom from debt and against bad dreams.
Hymns to read first

Read
book 6.
Sanskrit and English side by side, verse by verse. Choose what to show and how large.
Hymn 6.1In praise of Savitar
1दोषो गाय बृहद्गाय द्युमद्धेहि । आथर्वण स्तुहि देवं सवितारम् ॥
1Sing, Atharvana, at eve, sing loudly, bring a splendid present: hymn God Savitar with praises.
2तमु ष्टुहि यो अन्तः सिन्धौ सूनुः । सत्यस्य युवानमद्रोघवाचं सुशेवम् ॥
2Yea, praise him whose home is in the river, Son of Truth, the youthful, gracious friend whose word is guileless.
3स घा नो देवः सविता साविषदमृतानि भूरि । उभे सुष्टुती सुगातवे ॥
3Savitar our God shall send us many everlasting treasures, that both paths may well be travelled.
Hymn 6.2In praise of Indra
1इन्द्राय सोममृत्विजः सुनोता च धावत । स्तोतुर्यो वचः शृणवद्धवं च मे ॥
1For Indra, ministering priests! run ye and press the Soma juice, That he may hear his praiser's word, and this my call.
2आ यं विशन्तीन्दवो वयो न वृक्षमन्धसः । विरप्शिन् वि मृधो जहि रक्षस्विनीः ॥
2Thou into whom the drops find way as sap pours life into a tree, Drive off in thine abundant might our demon foes.
3सुनोता सोमपाव्ने सोममिन्द्राय वज्रिणे । युवा जेतेशानः स पुरुष्टुतः ॥
3For Indra, thunder-armed, who drinks the Soma press the Soma out: He, youthful, conqueror, and Lord is praised by all.
Hymn 6.3A prayer to various deities for protection and prosperity
1पातं न इन्द्रापूषणादितिः पान्तु मरुतः । अपां नपात्सिन्धवः सप्त पातन पातु नो विष्णुरुत द्यौः ॥
1Guard us the Maruts! Guard us well, O Indra, Piishan, Aditi. Guard us, O Waters' Child, and Rivers Seven. May Vishnu guard us, and the Sky.
2पातां नो द्यावापृथिवी अभिष्टये पातु ग्रावा पातु सोमो नो अंहसः । पातु नो देवी सुभगा सरस्वती पात्वग्निः शिवा ये अस्य पायवः ॥
2May Heaven and Earth take care of us for victory, may Pressing-Stone and Soma save us from distress. Sarasvati, auspicious Goddess, guard us well: preserve us Agni and his kind protecting powers.
3पातां नो देवाश्विना शुभस्पती उषासानक्तोत न उरुष्यताम् । अपां नपादभिह्रुती गयस्य चिद्देव त्वष्टर्वर्धय सर्वतातये ॥
3Preserve us both the Asvins, Gods and Lords of Light, and let the Dawns and Night bring us deliverance. The Waters' Child protect our house from every harm. Do thou, God Tvashtar, make us strong for health and wealth.
Hymn 6.4A hymn to various deities for protection
1त्वष्टा मे दैव्यं वचः पर्जन्यो ब्रह्मणस्पतिः । पुत्रैर्भ्रातृभिरदितिर्नु पातु नो दुष्टरं त्रायमाणं सहः ॥
1May Tvashtar, Brāhmanaspati, Parjanya hear my holy prayer. May Aditi with all her sons, the brothers, guard us, invincible, protecting power.
2अंशो भगो वरुणो मित्रो अर्यमादितिः पान्तु मरुतः । अप तस्य द्वेषो गमेदभिह्रुतो यावयच्छत्रुमन्तितम् ॥
2May Ansa, Bhaga, Varuna, and Mitra, Aryaman, Aditi, and Maruts guard us. May we be freed from that oppressor's hatred. May he keep off that foeman who is near us.
3धिये समश्विना प्रावतं न उरुष्या ण उरुज्मन्न् अप्रयुच्छन् । द्यौष्पितर्यावय दुछुना या ॥
3May both the Asvins further our devotion. With ceaseless care deliver us, Wide-Ranger! O Father Heaven, keep from us all misfortunes.
Hymn 6.5A prayer to Agni and Indra for the well being of a princely patron
1उदेनमुत्तरं नयाग्ने घृतेनाहुत । समेनं वर्चसा सृज प्रजया च बहुं कृधि ॥
1Agni, adored with sacred oil, lift up this man to high estate. Endow him with full store of strength and make him rich in progeny.
2इन्द्रेमं प्रतरं कृधि सजातानामसद्वशी । रायस्पोषेण सं सृज जीवातवे जरसे नय ॥
2Advance him, Indra! Let him be ruler of all akin to him. Grant him sufficiency of wealth: guide him to life and length of days.
3यस्य कृण्मो हविर्गृहे तमग्ने वर्धया त्वम् । तस्मै सोमो अधि ब्रवदयं च ब्रह्मणस्पतिः ॥
3Prosper this man, O Agni, in whose house we offer sacrifice. May Soma bless him, and the God here present, Brāhmanaspati.
Hymn 6.6A prayer to Brāhmanaspati for protection from wicked men
1योऽस्मान् ब्रह्मणस्पतेऽदेवो अभिमन्यते । सर्वं तं रन्धयासि मे यजमानाय सुन्वते ॥
1The godless man whoever plots against us, Brāhmanaspati, Thou shalt give up as prey to me the worshipper who pour the juice.
2यो नः सोम सुशंसिनो दुःशंस आदिदेशति । वज्रेणास्य मुखे जहि स संपिष्टो अपायति ॥
2If, Soma, any spiteful man hath aimed at us whose thoughts are kind, Smite with thy bolt upon his face: he, crushed to pieces, vanisheth.
3यो नः सोमाभिदासति सनाभिर्यश्च निष्ट्यः । अप तस्य बलं तिर महीव द्यौर्वधत्मना ॥
3Soma, whoever troubleth us, be he a stranger or akin, Deprive him of the strength he hath: slay him thy-self like mighty Dyaus!
Hymn 6.7A prayer to Soma and other gods for help and protection
This hymn is missing from the sacred-texts transcription (its page av06007.htm carries Book 7 Hymn 6). Griffith's English was transcribed from the printed edition via two archive.org OCRs (in.ernet.dli.2015.274134 and hymnsoftheatharv029640mbp), which agree.
1येन सोमादितिः पथा मित्रा वा यन्त्यद्रुहः । तेना नोऽवसा गहि ॥
1Soma! what pathway Aditi and the three guileless Mitras use, come thou with help to us thereby.
2येन सोम साहन्त्यासुरान् रन्धयासि नः । तेना नो अधि वोचत ॥
2Thereby thou, conquering Soma, wilt give Asuras to be our prey, thereby be ye our advocates.
3येन देवा असुराणामोजांस्यवृणीध्वम् । तेना नः शर्म यच्छत ॥
3Whereby ye Gods repelled and stayed the powers of the Asuras, thereby give shelter unto us.
Hymn 6.8A man's love-charm
1यथा वृक्षं लिबुजा समन्तं परिषस्वजे । एवा परि ष्वजस्व मां यथा मां कामिन्यसो यथा मन् नापगा असः ॥
1Like as the creeper throws, her arms on every side around the tree, So hold thou me in thine embrace that thou mayst be in love with me, my darling, never to depart.
2यथा सुपर्णः प्रपतन् पक्षौ निहन्ति भूम्याम् । एवा नि हन्मि ते मनो यथा मां कामिन्यसो यथा मन् नापगा असः ॥
2As, when he mounts, the eagle strikes his pinions downward on the earth, So do I strike thy spirit down that thou mayst be in love with me, my darling, never to depart.
3यथेमे द्यावापृथिवी सद्यः पर्येति सूर्यः । एवा पर्येमि ते मनो यथा मां कामिन्यसो यथा मन् नापगा असः ॥
3As in his rapid course the Sun encompasses the heaven and: earth, So do I compass round thy mind that thou mayst be in love with. me, my darling, never to depart.
Hymn 6.9A man's love-charm
1वाञ्छ मे तन्वं पादौ वाञ्छाक्ष्यौ वाञ्छ सक्थ्यौ । अक्ष्यौ वृषण्यन्त्याः केशा मां ते कामेन शुष्यन्तु ॥
1Desire my body, love my feet, love thou mine eyes, and love my legs. Let both thine eyes and hair, fond girl! be dried and parched. through love of me.
2मम त्वा दोषणिश्रिषं कृणोमि हृदयश्रिषम् । यथा मम क्रतावसो मम चित्तमुपायसि ॥
2I make thee hang upon mine arm, I make thee lie upon my heart. Thou yieldest to my wish, that thou mayst be submissive to my will.
3यासां नाभिरारेहणं हृदि संवननं कृतं गावो घृतस्य मातरोऽमूं सं वानयन्तु मे ॥
3May they whose kisses are a bond, a love-charm laid within the heart, Mothers of butter, may the cows incline that maid to love of me.
Hymn 6.10A thanksgiving for life, hearing, and sight
1पृथिव्यै श्रोत्राय वनस्पतिभ्योऽग्नयेऽधिपतये स्वाहा ॥
1All hail for hearing to the Earth, to Trees, to Agni, sovran Lord!
2प्राणायान्तरिक्षाय वयोभ्यो वायवेऽधिपतये स्वाहा ॥
2All hail for breath to Air, for power to life to Vāyu, sovran Lord!
3दिवे चक्षुषे नक्षत्रेभ्यः सूर्यायाधिपतये स्वाहा ॥
3All hail for vision to the Stars, to Heaven, to Sūrya, sovran Lord!
Hymn 6.11An epithalamian charm to ensure the birth of a boy
1शमीमश्वत्थ आरूढस्तत्र पुंसुवनं कृतम् । तद्वै पुत्रस्य वेदनं तत्स्त्रीष्वा भरामसि ॥
1Asvattha on the Sami-tree. There a male birth is certified. There is the finding of a son: this bring we to the women-folk.
2पुंसि वै रेतो भवति तत्स्त्रियामनु षिच्यते । तद्वै पुत्रस्य वेदनं तत्प्रजापतिरब्रवीत् ॥
2The father sows the genial seed, the woman tends and fosters it. This is the finding of a son: thus hath Prajāpati declared.
3प्रजापतिरनुमतिः सिनीवाल्यचीकॢपत्। स्त्रैषूयमन्यत्र दधत्पुमांसमु दधतिह ॥
3Prajāpati, Anumati, Sinivāli have ordered it. Elsewhere may he effect the birth of maids, but here prepare a boy.
Hymn 6.12A charm against venomous serpents
1परि द्यामिव सूर्योऽहीनां जनिमागमम् । रात्री जगदिवान्यद्धंसात्तेना ते वारये विषम् ॥
1I, As the Sun goes round the heaven, have travelled round the Serpents' race. I ward thy poison off, as Night parts all else living from the Sun.
2यद्ब्रह्मभिर्यदृषिभिर्यद्देवैर्विदितं पुरा । यद्भूतं भव्यमासन्वत्तेना ते वारये विषम् ॥
2With this, discovered in the days of old by Brāhmans, Rishis, Gods, With this I ward thy poison off, thou Biter! formed and forming now.
3मध्वा पृञ्चे नद्यः पर्वता गिरयो मधु । मधु परुष्णी शीपाला शमास्ने अस्तु शं हृदे ॥
3With mead I mingle flowing streams: the hills and mountains shall be mead. Parushni and Sipālā mead. May it be well with mouth and heart.
Hymn 6.13Homage to death
1नमो देववधेभ्यो नमो राजवधेभ्यः । अथो ये विश्यानां वधास्तेभ्यो मृत्यो नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
1Worship to weapons of the Gods! worship to weapons of the Kings! Then worship to the people's arms! worship, O Death, be paid to thee!
2नमस्ते अधिवाकाय परावाकाय ते नमः । सुमत्यै मृत्यो ते नमो दुर्मत्यै ते इदं नमः ॥
2Let worship be to thy defence and to thine accusation paid. Death! be this worship paid to thy good-will and thy malevolence!
3नमस्ते यातुधानेभ्यो नमस्ते भेषजेभ्यः । नमस्ते मृत्यो मूलेभ्यो ब्राह्मणेभ्य इदं नमः ॥
3Worship to thy physicians, to thy sorcerers be worship paid! Death! let this reverence be done unto thy Brāhmans and thy roots.
Hymn 6.14A charm against consumption
1अस्थिस्रंसं परुस्रंसमास्थितं हृदयामयम् । बलासं सर्वं नाशयाङ्गेष्ठा यश्च पर्वसु ॥
1Remove thou all Decline that lurks within the members and the joints, The firmly-settled heart-disease that racks the bones and rends the limbs.
2निर्बलासं बलासिनः क्षिणोमि मुष्करं यथा । छिनद्म्यस्य बन्धनं मूलमुर्वार्वा इव ॥
2From the consumptive man I pluck Decline as 'twere a severed part. I cut the bond that fetters him, even as a root of cucumber.
3निर्बलासेतः प्र पताशुङ्गः शिशुको यथा । अथो इत इव हायनोऽप द्राह्यवीरहा ॥
3Begone, Consumption, hence away, like a young foal that runs. at speed. Then, not pernicious to our men, flee, yearly visitant like grass!
Hymn 6.15A charm for power and preeminence
1उत्तमो अस्योषधीनां तव वृक्षा उपस्तयः । उपस्तिरस्तु सोऽस्माकं यो अस्मामभिदासति ॥
1Most excellent of all the plants art thou: thy vassals are the trees. Let him be subject to our power, the man who seeks to injure us.
2सबन्धुश्चासबन्धुश्च यो अस्मामभिदासति । तेषां सा वृक्षाणामिवाहं भूयासमुत्तमः ॥
2Whoever seeks to injure us, with kinsmen or no kin to aid, May I be uppermost of all, even as this Plant is queen of trees.
3यथा सोम ओषधीनामुत्तमो हविषां कृतः । तलाशा वृक्षाणामिवाहं भूयासमुत्तमः ॥
3As Soma hath been made the best of all oblations 'mid the plants, So, as Talāsā is the queen of trees, may I be chief of all.
Hymn 6.16A medical charm
The Sanskrit has 4 verses and Griffith 3, so the two are shown as whole columns.
1आबयो अनाबयो रसस्त उग्र आबयो । आ ते करम्भमद्मसि ॥
2विहह्लो नाम ते पिता मदावती नाम ते माता । स हिन त्वमसि यस्त्वमात्मानमावयः ॥
3तौविलिकेऽवेलयावायमैलब ऐलयीत्। बभ्रुश्च बभ्रुकर्णश्चापेहि निराल ॥
4अलसालासि पूर्व सिलाञ्जालास्युत्तरा । नीलागलसाल ॥
1O Ābayu, non-Ābayu, dire is thy juice, O Ābayu; we eat the gruel made of thee.
2Vihalha is thy father's name, thy mother's is Madāvati. Yea, verily thou art not he, thou who hast well protected life.
3Go thou to rest, Tauvilikā! This noisy cry hath sunk to rest. Go hence, depart, Nirāla, thou! the tawny and the tawny-eared.
Hymn 6.17A charm to ensure conception
1यथेयं पृथिवी मही भूतानां गर्भमादधे । एवा ते ध्रियतां गर्भो अनु सूतुं सवितवे ॥
1Even as this mighty Earth conceived the germ of all the things that be, So may the germ of life be laid in thee that thou mayst bear a son.
2यथेयं पृथिवी मही दाधारेमान् वनस्पतीन् । एवा ते ध्रियतां गर्भो अनु सूतुं सवितवे ॥
2Even as this mighty Earth hath borne and bears the stately forest trees, So may the germ of life be borne in thee that thou mayst bear a son.
3यथेयं पृथिवी मही दाधार पर्वतान् गिरीन् । एवा ते ध्रियतां गर्भो अनु सूतुं सवितवे ॥
3Even as this mighty Earth hath borne and bears the mountains and the hills, So may the germ of life be borne in thee that thou mayst bear a son.
4यथेयं पृथिवी मही दाधार विष्ठितं जगत्। एवा ते ध्रियतां गर्भो अनु सूतुं सवितवे ॥
4Even as this mighty Earth supports the moving world that dwells thereon, So may the germ of life be borne in thee that thou mayst bear a son.
Hymn 6.18A charm to banish jealousy
1ईर्ष्याया ध्राजिं प्रथमां प्रथमस्या उतापराम् । अग्निं हृदय्यं शोकं तं ते निर्वापयामसि ॥
1The first approach of Jealousy, and that which followeth the first, The pain, the fire that burns within thy heart we quench and drive away.
2यथा भूमिर्मृतमना मृतान् मृतमनस्तरा । यथोत मम्रुषो मन एवेर्ष्योर्मृतं मनः ॥
2Even as the earth is dead to sense, yea, more unconscious than the dead, Even as a corpse's spirit is the spirit of the jealous man.
3अदो यत्ते हृदि श्रितं मनस्कं पतयिष्णुकम् । ततस्त ईर्ष्यां मुञ्चामि निरूष्माणं दृतेरिव ॥
3The thought that harbours in thy heart, the fluttering doubt that dwells therein. Yea, all thy jealousy, like heat born of the dance, I banish thence.
Hymn 6.19A prayer for purification
1पुनन्तु मा देवजनाः पुनन्तु मनवो धिया । पुनन्तु विश्वा भूतानि पवमानः पुनातु मा ॥
1Let the Gods purify me, let men purify me with a prayer. Cleanse me all creatures that exist! may Pavamāna make me pure.
2पवमानः पुनातु मा क्रत्वे दक्षाय जीवसे । अथो अरिष्टतातये ॥
2May Pavamāna make me pure for wisdom and for power and life, and unassailed security.
3उभाभ्यां देव सवितः पवित्रेण सवेन च । अस्मान् पुनीहि चक्षसे ॥
3God Savitar, byboth of these, filter and pressing out this juice, purify us that we may see.
Hymn 6.20A charm against fever
1अग्नेरिवास्य दहत एति शुष्मिण उतेव मत्तो विलपन्न् अपायति । अन्यमस्मदिच्छतु कं चिदव्रतस्तपुर्वधाय नमो अस्तु तक्मने ॥
1He goes away as 'twere from this fierce burning fire, inebriated and lamenting he departs. Let him, the lawless, seek another and not us. Worship be paid to Fever armed with fiery heat.
2नमो रुद्राय नमो अस्तु तक्मने नमो राज्ञे वरुणाय त्विषीमते । नमो दिवे नमः पृथिव्यै नम ओषधीभ्यः ॥
2To Rudra and to Fever be our worship paid: worship be paid to Varuna the splendid King! Worship to Dyaus, to Earth, worship be paid to Plants!
3अयं यो अभिशोचयिष्णुर्विश्वा रूपाणि हरिता कृणोषि । तस्मै तेऽरुणाय बभ्रवे नमः कृणोमि वन्याय तक्मने ॥
3Thou who, aglow with heat, makest all bodies green, to thee, red, brown, I bow, the Fever of the wood.
Hymn 6.21A charm to strengthen hair and promote its growth
1इमा यास्तिस्रः पृथिवीस्तासां ह भूमिरुत्तमा । तासामधि त्वचो अहं भेषजं समु जग्रभम् ॥
1Of all the three terrestrial realms the ground is verily the best. I from the skin that covers these gather a healing medicine.
2श्रेष्ठमसि भेषजानां वसिष्ठं वीरुधानाम् । सोमो भग इव यामेषु देवेषु वरुणो यथा ॥
2Thou art the best of medicines, most excellent of Plants art thou, As Soma 'mid the wandering stars, as Varuna among the Gods.
3रेवतीरनाधृषः सिषासवः सिषासथ । उत स्थ केशदृम्हणीरथो ह केशवर्धनीः ॥
3Endowed with wealth, denying not, give freely fain to give your gifts! Ye stay the hair from falling off: ye strengthen and increase its growth.
Hymn 6.22To the Maruts or Storm-Gods
1कृष्णं नियानं हरयः सुपर्णा अपो वसाना दिवमुत्पतन्ति । त आववृत्रन्त्सदनादृतस्यादिद्घृतेन पृथिवीं व्यूदुः ॥
1Dark the descent; the strong-winged birds are golden: they fly aloft to heaven, enrobed in waters. They have come hither from the seat of Order, and inundated earth with streams of fatness.
2पयस्वतीः कृणुथाप ओषधीः शिवा यदेजथा मरुतो रुक्मवक्षसः । ऊर्जं च तत्र सुमतिं च पिन्वत यत्रा नरो मरुतः सिञ्चथा मधु ॥
2Ye make floods rich in milk, make plants propitious, what time ye stir, O golden-breasted Maruts! Pour down your showers of vigorous strength and favour there where ye sprinkle mead, O Maruts, heroes!
3उदप्रुतो मरुतस्तामियर्त वृष्टिर्या विश्वा निवतस्पृणाति । एजाति ग्लहा कन्येव तुन्नैरुं तुन्दाना पत्येव जाया ॥
3O Maruts, send ye down, streaming with water rain which, may, filling all the sloping valleys, Leap like a bold girl in a man's embraces, or like a matron tumbled by her husband.
Hymn 6.23To the Waters
1सस्रुषीस्तदपसो दिवा नक्तं च सस्रुषीः । वरेण्यक्रतुरहमपो देवीरुप ह्वये ॥
1Here flow the restless ones, they flow unceasing through the day and night, Most excellently wise I call the Goddess Waters hitherward.
2ओता आपः कर्मण्या मुञ्चन्त्वितः प्रणीतये । सद्यः कृण्वन्त्वेतवे ॥
2Let the deft Waters, summoned, give permission that we bear them off, And quickly set us on our way.
3देवस्य सवितुः सवे कर्म कृण्वन्तु मानुषाः । शं नो भवन्त्वप ओषधीः शिवाः ॥
3Let all the people celebrate the rite of Savitar the God. Sweet unto us be Waters, Plants propitious!
Hymn 6.24To the Rivers
1हिमवतः प्र स्रवन्ति सिन्धौ समह सङ्गमः । आपो ह मह्यं तद्देवीर्ददन् हृद्द्योतभेषजम् ॥
1Forth from the Hills of Snow they stream, and meet in Sindhu here or there. To me the sacred Waters gave the balm that heals the heart's disease.
2यन् मे अक्ष्योरादिद्योत पार्ष्ण्योः प्रपदोश्च यत्। आपस्तत्सर्वं निष्करन् भिषजां सुभिषक्तमाः ॥
2Whatever rupture I have had that injured eyes or heels or toes. All this the Waters, skilfullest physicians, shall make well again,
3सिन्धुपत्नीः सिन्धुराज्ञीः सर्वा या नद्य स्थन । दत्त नस्तस्य भेषजं तेना वो भुनजामहै ॥
3All Rivers who have Sindhu for your Lady, Sindhu for your Queen, Give us the balm that heals this ill: this boon let us enjoy from you.
Hymn 6.25A charm to remove pustules or scrofulous swellings (apachitas)
1पञ्च च याः पञ्चाशच्च संयन्ति मन्या अभि । इतस्ताः सर्वा नश्यन्तु वाका अपचितामिव ॥
1May all the five-and-fifty which meet round the tendons of the neck. Depart and vanish hence away like plaguing insects buzz and hum!
2सप्त च याः सप्ततिश्च संयन्ति ग्रैव्या अभि । इतस्ताः सर्वा नश्यन्तु वाका अपचितामिव ॥
2Those seventy-and-seven which meet round the upper vertebrae, Let them all vanish hence away like plaguing insects' buzz and hum!
3नव च या नवतिश्च संयन्ति स्कन्ध्या अभि । इतस्ताः सर्वा नश्यन्तु वाका अपचितामिव ॥
3Those nine-and-ninety which, combined, attack the shoulder round about, Let them all vanish hence away like plaguing insects' buzz and hum!
Hymn 6.26To Affliction
1अव मा पाप्मन्त्सृज वशी सन् मृदयासि नः । आ मा भद्रस्य लोके पाप्मन् धेह्यविह्रुतम् ॥
1Let me go free, O Misery: do thou, the mighty, pity us. Set me uninjured in the world of happiness, O Misery.
2यो नः पाप्मन् न जहासि तमु त्वा जहिमो वयम् । पथामनु व्यावर्तनेऽन्यं पाप्मानु पद्यताम् ॥
2From thee, from thee who fliest not from us, O Misery, we fly. Then at the turning of the paths let Misery fall on someone else.
3अन्यत्रास्मन् न्युच्यतु सहस्राक्षो अमर्त्यः । यं द्वेषाम तमृच्छतु यमु द्विष्मस्तमिज्जहि ॥
3May the immortal, thousand eyed, dwell otherwhere apart from us. Let him afflict the man we hate: smite only him who is our foe.
Hymn 6.27A charm to avert misfortune foreshown by the coming of a dove
1देवाः कपोत इषितो यदिच्छन् दूतो निर्ऋत्या इदमाजगाम । तस्मा अर्चाम कृणवाम निष्कृतिं शं नो अस्तु द्विपदे शं चतुष्पदे ॥
1Gods! whatsoe'er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as the envoy of Destruction, For that let us sing hymns and make atonement, Well be it with our quadrupeds and bipeds!
2शिवः कपोत इषितो नो अस्त्वनागा देवाः शकुनो गृहं नः । अग्निर्हि विप्रो जुषतां हविर्नः परि हेतिः पक्षिणी नो वृणक्तु ॥
2Auspicious be the Dove that hath been sent us, a harmless bird, O Gods, that seeks our dwelling! May Agni, Sage, be pleased with our oblation, and may the missile borne on wings avoid us.
3हेतिः पक्षिणी न दभात्यस्मान् आष्ट्री पदं कृणुते अग्निधाने । शिवो गोभ्य उत पुरुषेभ्यो नो अस्तु मा नो देवा इह हिंसीत्कपोत ॥
3Let not the arrow that hath wings distract us. Beside the fire-place, on the hearth it settles. May it bring welfare to our men and cattle: here let the Dove, ye Gods, forbear to harm us.
Hymn 6.28A charm to avert misfortune foreshown by the coming of a dove
1ऋचा कपोतं नुदत प्रणोदमिषं मदन्तः परि गां नयामः । संलोभयन्तो दुरिता पदानि हित्वा न ऊर्जं प्र पदात्पथिष्ठः ॥
1Drive forth the Dove, chase it with holy verses: rejoicing bring we hither food and cattle, Obliterating traces of misfortune. Most fleet may it fly forth and leave us vigour.
2परीमेऽग्निमर्षत परीमे गामनेषत । देवेष्वक्रत श्रवः क इमामा दधर्षति ॥
2These men have strengthened Agni's might, these men have brought the kine to us. They have sung glory to the Gods. Who is the man that conquers them?
3यः प्रथमः प्रवतमाससाद बहुभ्यः पन्थामनुपस्पशानः । योऽस्येशे द्विपदो यश्चतुष्पदस्तस्मै यमाय नमो अस्तु मृत्यवे ॥
3Be reverence paid to him who, while exploring the path for many, first approached the river, Lord of this world of quadrupeds and bipeds; to him be reverence paid, to Death, to Yama!
Hymn 6.29A charm to avert misfortune foreshown by the coming of a dove and an owl
1अमून् हेतिः पतत्रिणी न्येतु यदुलूको वदति मोघमेतत्। यद्वा कपोत पदमग्नौ कृणोति ॥
1On these men yonder fall the winged missile: the screeching of the Owl is ineffective, And that the Dove beside the fire hath settled.
2यौ ते दूतौ निर्ऋत इदमेतोऽप्रहितौ प्रहितौ वा गृहं नः । कपोतोलूकाभ्यामपदं तदस्तु ॥
2Thine envoys who came hither, O Destruction, sent or not sent by thee unto our dwelling, The Dove and Owl, effectless be their visit!
3अवैरहत्यायेदमा पपत्यात्सुवीरताया इदमा ससद्यात्। पराङेव परा वद पराचीमनु संवतम् । यथा यमस्य त्वा गृहेऽरसं प्रतिचाकशान् आभूकं प्रतिचाकशान् ॥
3Oft may it fly to us to save our heroes from slaughter, oft perch here to bring fair offspring, Turn thee and send thy voice afar: cry to the region far away; That I may see thee in the home of Yama reft of all thy power, that I may see thee impotent.
Hymn 6.30A charm to promote the growth of hair
1देवा इमं मधुना संयुतं यवं सरस्वत्यामधि मणावचर्कृषुः । इन्द्र आसीत्सीरपतिः शतक्रतुः कीनाशा आसन् मरुतः सुदानवः ॥
1Over a magic stone, beside Sarasvati, the Gods Ploughed in this barley that was blent with mead. Lord of the plough was Indra, strong with hundred powers: the ploughers were the Maruts they who give rich gifts.
2यस्ते मदोऽवकेशो विकेशो येनाभिहस्यं पुरुषं कृणोषि । आरात्त्वदन्या वनानि वृक्षि त्वं शमि शतवल्शा वि रोह ॥
2Thy joy in hair that falleth or is scattered, wherewith thou subjectest a man to laughter To other trees, far from thee will I drive it. Grow up, thou Samī, with a hundred branches.
3बृहत्पलाशे सुभगे वर्षवृद्ध ऋतावरि । मातेव पुत्रेभ्यो मृड केशेभ्यः शमि ॥
3Auspicious, bearing mighty leaves, holy one, nurtured by the rain, Even as a mother to her sons, be gracious, Samī to our hair.
Hymn 6.31To Sūrya the Sun-God
1आयं गौः पृश्निरक्रमीदसदन् मातरं पुरः । पितरं च प्रयन्त्स्वः ॥
1This spotted Bull hath come and sat before his mother in the east. Advancing to his father Heaven.
2अन्तश्चरति रोचना अस्य प्राणादपानतः । व्यख्यन् महिषः स्वः ॥
2As expiration from his breath his radiance penetrates within. The Bull shines out through all the sky.
3त्रिंशद्धामा वि राजति वाक्पतङ्गो अशिश्रियत्। प्रति वस्तोरहर्द्युभिः ॥
3He rules supreme through thirty realms—One winged with song hath made him mount Throughout the days at break of morn.
Hymn 6.32A charm against fiends and goblins
1अन्तर्दावे जुहुत स्वेतद्यातुधानक्षयणं घृतेन । आराद्रक्षांसि प्रति दह त्वमग्ने न नो गृहाणामुप तीतपासि ॥
1With butter, in his hall v4here fire is burning, perform that sacrifice which quells the goblins. Burn from afar against the demons Agni! Afflict not in thy fury us who praise thee.
2रुद्रो वो ग्रीवा अशरैत्पिशाचाः पृष्टीर्वोऽपि शृणातु यातुधानाः । वीरुद्वो विश्वतोवीर्या यमेन समजीगमत् ॥
2Let Rudra break your necks, O ye Pisāchas, and split your ribs asunder, Yātudhānas! Your herb of universal power with Yama hath allied itself.
3अभयं मित्रावरुणाविहास्तु नोऽर्चिषात्त्रिणो नुदतं प्रतीचः । मा ज्ञातारं मा प्रतिष्ठां विदन्त मिथो विघ्नाना उप यन्तु मृत्युम् ॥
3Here, Mitra-Varuna! may we dwell safely: with splendour drive the greedy demons backward, Let them not find a surety or a refuge, but torn away go down to Death together.
Hymn 6.33A prayer to Indra for riches
1यस्येदमा रजो युजस्तुजे जना नवं स्वः । इन्द्रस्य रन्त्यं बृहत् ॥
1He who controls this air and men who aid his strength, and wood, and heaven, the lofty seat which Indra loves.
2नाधृष आ दधृषते धृषाणो धृषितः शवः । पुरा यथा व्यथिः श्रव इन्द्रस्य नाधृषे शवः ॥
2The bold whose overpowering might the boldest never hath defied,— As erst still, unassailable is Indra's wrath, and fame, and force.
3स नो ददातु तां रयिमुरुं पिशङ्गसंदृशम् । इन्द्रः पतिस्तुविष्टमो जनेष्वा ॥
3May he bestow on us that wealth, far-spreading, bright with yellow hue. Indra is mightiest Lord among the folk.
Hymn 6.34To Agni for protection from enemies
1प्राग्नये वाचमीरय वृषभाय क्षितीनाम् । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
1Send forth thy voice to Agni, to the manly hero of our homes, So may he bear us past our foes.
2यो रक्षांसि निजूर्वत्यग्निस्तिग्मेन शोचिषा । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
2That Agni who with sharpened flame of fire consumes the Rākshasas, So may he bear us past our foes.
3यः परस्याः परावतस्तिरो धन्वातिरोचते । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
3He who from distance far remote shineth across the tracts of land, May he transport us past our foes.
4यो विश्वाभि विपश्यति भुवना सं च पश्यति । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
4He who beholds all creatures, who observes them with a careful eye, May he transport us past our foes.
5यो अस्य पारे रजसः शुक्रो अग्निरजायत । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
5That brilliant Agni who was born beyond this region of the air, May he transport us past our foes!
Hymn 6.35To Agni Vaisvānara
1वैश्वानरो न ऊतय आ प्र यातु परावतः । अग्निर्नः सुष्टुतीरुप ॥
1Forth from the distance far away Vaisvānara come to succour us! Agni approach our eulogies!
2वैश्वानरो न आगमदिमं यज्ञं सजूरुप । अग्निरुक्थेष्वंहसु ॥
2Vaisvānara with friendly thoughts hath come to this our sacrifice, Agni who saves from woe, to lauds.
3वैश्वानरोऽङ्गिरसां स्तोममुक्थं च चाकॢपत्। ऐषु द्युम्नं स्वर्यमत् ॥
3Vaisvānara hath formed the hymn and laud of the Angirases. To these may he bring glorious right.
Hymn 6.36In praise of Agni Vaisvānara
1ऋतावानं वैश्वानरमृतस्य ज्योतिषस्पतिम् । अजस्रं घर्ममीमहे ॥
1Holy Vaisvānara we seek, the Lord of light and endless life, the burning One who fadeth not.
2स विश्वा प्रति चाकॢप ऋतूंरुत्सृजते वशी । यज्ञस्य वय उत्तिरन् ॥
2He hath directed all things; he sends forth the Seasons in his might, furthering sacrifice's power.
3अग्निः परेषु धामसु कामो भूतस्य भव्यस्य । सम्रादेको वि राजति ॥
3Agni Kāma in other homes shines forth the sole imperial Lord of all that is and is to be.
Hymn 6.37A charm to divert Imprecation personified
1उप प्रागात्सहस्राक्षो युक्त्वा शपथो रथम् । शप्तारमन्विच्छन् मम वृक इवाविमतो गृहम् ॥
1Hitherward, having yoked his steeds, came Imprecation, thousand-eyed, Seeking my curser, as a wolf the home of one who owneth sheep.
2परि णो वृङ्ग्धि शपथ ह्रदमग्निरिवा दहन् । शप्तारमत्र नो जहि दिवो वृक्षमिवाशनिः ॥
2Avoid us, Imprecation! as consuming fire avoids the lake. Smite thou the man who curses us, as the sky's lightning strikes the tree.
3यो नः शपादशपतः शपतो यश्च नः शपात्। शुने पेष्ट्रमिवावक्षामं तं प्रत्यस्यामि मृत्यवे ॥
3Who curses us, himself uncursed, or, cursed, who curses us again, Him cast I as a sop to Death, as to a dog one throws a bone.
Hymn 6.38A prayer for surpassing strength and energy
The Sanskrit has 4 verses and Griffith 3, so the two are shown as whole columns.
1सिंहे व्याघ्र उत या पृदाकौ त्विषिरग्नौ ब्राह्मणे सूर्ये या । इन्द्रं या देवी सुभगा जजान सा न ऐतु वर्चसा संविदाना ॥
2या हस्तिनि द्वीपिनि या हिरण्ये त्विषिरप्सु गोषु या पुरुषेषु । इन्द्रं या देवी सुभगा जजान सा न ऐतु वर्चसा संविदाना ॥
3रथे अक्षेष्वृषभस्य वाजे वाते पर्जन्ये वरुणस्य शुष्मे । इन्द्रं या देवी सुभगा जजान सा न ऐतु वर्चसा संविदाना ॥
4राजन्ये दुन्दुभावायतायामश्वस्य वाजे पुरुषस्य मायौ । इन्द्रं या देवी सुभगा जजान सा न ऐतु वर्चसा सम्विदाना ॥
1What energy the lion hath, the tiger, adder, and burning fire, Brāhman, or Sūrya, And the blest Goddess who gave birth to Indra, come unto us conjoined with strength and vigour!
2All energy of elephant and panther, all energy of gold, men, kine, and waters, And the blest Goddess who gave birth to Indra come unto us conjoined with strength and vigour.
3Might in car, axles, in the strong bull's courage, in Varuna's breath, in Vāta, in Parjanya, In Warrior, in the war-drum stretched for battle, in the man's roar and in the horse's mettle, May the blest Goddess who gave birth to Indra come unto us conjoined with strength and vigour.
Hymn 6.39A priest's prayer for power and glory
1यशो हविर्वर्धतामिन्द्रजूतं सहस्रवीर्यं सुभृतं सहस्कृतम् । प्रसर्स्राणमनु दीर्घाय चक्षसे हविष्मन्तं मा वर्धय ज्येष्ठतातये ॥
1Let sacrifice, like fame, thrive sped by Indra, inspired, well-ordered, with a thousand powers. To highest rank raise me who bring oblation, me who move forth to far-extended vision.
2अछा न इन्द्रं यशसं यशोभिर्यशस्विनं नमसाना विधेम । स नो रास्व राष्ट्रमिन्द्रजूतं तस्य ते रातौ यशसः स्याम ॥
2We will pay sacrifice and serve with worship our glorious Indra, famous for his glories. Give thou us sway which Indra hath promoted, and in this boon of thine may we be famous.
3यशा इन्द्रो यशा अग्निर्यशाः सोमो अजायत । यशा विश्वस्य भूतस्य अहमस्मि यशस्तमः ॥
3Indra was glorious at his birth; Agni, Soma were born renowned. And glorious am I, the most illustrious of all that is.
Hymn 6.40A prayer for peace and security
1अभयं द्यावापृथिवी इहास्तु नोऽभयं सोमः सविता नः कृणोतु । अभयं नोऽस्तूर्वन्तरिक्षं सप्तऋषीणां च हविषाभयं नो अस्तु ॥
1Here may we dwell, O Heaven and Earth, in safety. May Savitar and Soma send us safety. Our safety be the wide air: ours be safety through the oblation of the Seven Rishis.
2अस्मै ग्रामाय प्रदिशश्चतस्र ऊर्जं सुभूतं स्वस्ति सविता नः कृणोतु । अशत्र्विन्द्रो अभयं नः कृणोत्वन्यत्र राज्ञामभि यातु मन्युः ॥
2May the Four Quarters give this hamlet power: Savitar favour us and make us happy! May Indra make us free from foes and danger: may wrath of Kings be turned to other places.
3अनमित्रं नो अधरादनमित्रं न उत्तरात्। इन्द्रानमित्रं नः पश्चादनमित्रं पुरस्कृधि ॥
3Make thou us free from enemies both from below and from above. O Indra, give us perfect peace, peace from behind and from before.
Hymn 6.41A prayer for protection, long life, and various blessings
1मनसे चेतसे धिय आकूतय उत चित्तये । मत्यै श्रुताय चक्षसे विधेम हविषा वयम् ॥
1For mind, for intellect, for thought, for purpose, for intelligence,. For sense, for hearing, and for sight, let us adore with sacrifice.
2अपानाय व्यानाय प्राणाय भूरिधायसे । सरस्वत्या उरुव्यचे विधेम हविषा वयम् ॥
2For expiration, vital air, and breath that amply nourishes, Let us with sacrifice adore Sarasvatī whose reach is wide.
3मा नो हासिषुर्ऋषयो दैव्या ये तनूपा ये नस्तन्वस्तनूजाः । अमर्त्या मर्त्यामभि नः सचध्वमायुर्धत्त प्रतरं जीवसे नः ॥
3Let not the Rishis, the divine, forsake us, our own, our very selves, our lives' protectors. Do ye, immortal, still attend us mortals, and give us vital power to live the longer.
Hymn 6.42A charm to reconcile estranged friends
1अव ज्यामिव धन्वनो मन्युं तनोमि ते हृदः । यथा संमनसौ भूत्वा सखायाविव सचावहै ॥
1I loose the anger from thy heart as 'twere the bowstring from a bow, That we, one-minded now, may walk together as familiar friends.
2सखायाविव सचावहा अव मन्युं तनोमि ते । अधस्ते अश्मनो मन्युमुपास्यामसि यो गुरुः ॥
2Together let us walk as friends: thy wrathful feeling I remove. Beneath a heavy stone we cast thy wrath away and bury it.
3अभि तिष्ठामि ते मन्युं पार्ष्ण्या प्रपदेन च । यथावशो न वादिषो मम चित्तमुपायसि ॥
3I trample on thine anger thus, I tread it down with heel and toe: So dost thou yield thee to my will, to speak no more rebelliously.
Hymn 6.43The same
1अयं दर्भो विमन्युकः स्वाय चारणाय च । मन्योर्विमन्युकस्यायं मन्युशमन उच्यते ॥
1For stranger and for friend alike this Darbha-grass removeth wrath. Soother of Anger is it called because it calms the angry man.
2अयं यो भूरिमूलः समुद्रमवतिष्ठति । दर्भः पृथिव्या उत्थितो मन्युशमन उच्यते ॥
2This Plant that hath abundant roots spreads to the place where waters meet. Soother of anger is the name Darbha-grass that springs from earth.
3वि ते हनव्यां शरणिं वि ते मुख्यां नयामसि । यथावशो न वादिषो मम चित्तमुपायसि ॥
3We draw thine obstinacy forth, set in thy mouth and in thy jaw: So dost thou yield thee to my will. to speak no more rebelliously.
Hymn 6.44A charm to remove disease
1अस्थाद्द्यौरस्थात्पृथिव्यस्थाद्विश्वमिदं जगत्। अस्थुर्वृक्षा ऊर्ध्वस्वप्नास्तिष्ठाद्रोगो अयं तव ॥
1Firm stood the heaven, firm stood the earth, firm stood this universal world. Firm stood the trees that sleep erect: let this thy malady be still.
2शतं या भेषजानि ते सहस्रं संगतानि च । श्रेष्ठमास्रावभेषजं वसिष्ठं रोगनाशनम् ॥
2Of all thy hundred remedies, a thousand remedies combined. This is the surest cure for flux, most excellent to heal disease.
3रुद्रस्य मूत्रमस्यमृतस्य नाभिः । विषाणका नाम वा असि पितॄणां मूलादुत्थिता वातीकृतनाशनी ॥
3Thou art the stream that Rudra pours, the closest kin of Amrita. Thy name is called Vishānakā: thou sprangest from the Fathers' root, removing illness caused by wind.
Hymn 6.45A prayer for preservation from mental sin and evil promptings
1परोऽपेहि मनस्पाप किमशस्तानि शंससि । परेहि न त्वा कामये वृक्षां वनानि सं चर गृहेषु गोषु मे मनः ॥
1Sin of the Mind, avaunt! begone! Why sayest thou what none should say? Go hence away, I love thee not. Go to the forests and the trees. My heart is in our homes and cows.
2अवशसा निःशसा यत्पराशसोपारिम जाग्रतो यत्स्वपन्तः । अग्निर्विश्वान्यप दुष्कृतान्यजुष्टान्यारे अस्मद्दधातु ॥
2Whatever wrong we have committed, sleeping or waking, by ill-wish, dislike, or slander, All these offences, which deserve displeasure, may Agni take from us and keep them distant.
3यदिन्द्र ब्रह्मणस्पतेऽपि मृषा चरामसि । प्रचेता न आङ्गिरसो दुरितात्पात्वंहसः ॥
3Indra and Brāhmanaspati! whatever foolish deed we plan, May provident Angirasa preserve us from the sin and woe.
Hymn 6.46A charm against evil dreams
1यो न जीवोऽसि न मृतो देवानाममृतगर्भोऽसि स्वप्न । वरुणानी ते माता यमः पिताररुर्नामासि ॥
1Thou, neither quick nor dead, O Sleep, art fraught with Amrit of the Gods. Thy name is Araru: thy sire is Yama; Varunāni bare thee.
2विद्म ते स्वप्न जनित्रं देवजामीनां पुत्रोऽसि यमस्य करणः । अन्तकोऽसि मृत्युरसि तं त्वा स्वप्न तथा सं विद्म स नः स्वप्न दुष्वप्न्यात्पाहि ॥
2We know thy birth, O Sleep, thou art son of the sisters of the Gods; the minister of Yama thou, thou art Antaka, thou art Death. So well we know thee who thou art. Sleep, guard us from the evil dream.
3यथा कलां यथा शफं यथर्णं संनयन्ति । एवा दुष्वप्न्यं सर्वं द्विषते सं नयामसि ॥
3As men discharge a debt, as they pay up an eighth and half-an-eighth, So the whole evil dream do we pay and assign unto our foe.
Hymn 6.47To accompany the three daily libations
1अग्निः प्रातःसवने पात्वस्मान् वैश्वानरो विश्वकृद्विश्वशंभूः । स नः पावको द्रविणे दधात्वायुष्मन्तः सहभक्षाः स्याम ॥
1Dear to all men, all-prosperer, all-creating, may Agni, guard us• at the morn's libation. May he, the brightly pure one, give us riches: may we have life enjoying food together.
2विश्वे देवा मरुत इन्द्रो अस्मान् अस्मिन् द्वितीये सवने न जह्युः । आयुष्मन्तः प्रियमेषां वदन्तो वयं देवानां सुमतौ स्याम ॥
2At this our second offering may Indra, Maruts, and Visve Devas never fail us. Still may the favour of the Gods be with us, blest with long life and speaking words that please them.
3इदं तृतीयं सवनं कवीनामृतेन ये चमसमैरयन्त । ते सौधन्वनाः स्वरानशानाः स्विष्टिं नो अभि वस्यो नयन्तु ॥
3We pour this third libation of the Sages who fashioned forth the cup in proper order. Winners of heaven, may they, Sudhanvan's children, lead our fair sacrifice to happy fortune.
Hymn 6.48Formulas to be used at the three daily libations
1श्येनोऽसि गायत्रच्छन्दा अनु त्वा रभे । स्वस्ति मा सं वहास्य यज्ञस्योदृचि स्वाहा ॥
1Thou art the Hawk, Gāyatri's lord: I hold thee fast. Happily bear me to the goal of this my sacrifice. All hail!
2ऋभुरसि जगच्छन्दा अनु त्वा रभे । स्वस्ति मा सं वहास्य यज्ञस्योदृचि स्वाहा ॥
2Thou art the Ribhu, lord of Jagatī: I hold thee fast. Happily bear me to the goal of this my sacrifice. Al I hail!
3वृषासि त्रिष्टुप्छन्दा अनु त्वा रभे । स्वस्ति मा सं वहास्य यज्ञस्योदृचि स्वाहा ॥
3Thou art the Bull, the Trishtup's lord: I hold thee fast. Happily bear me to the goal of this my sacrifice. All hail!
Hymn 6.49In praise of Agni
1नहि ते अग्ने तन्वः क्रूरमानंश मर्त्यः । कपिर्बभस्ति तेजनं स्वं जरायु गौरिव ॥
1O Agni, in thy body man hath never found a wounded part. The Ape devours the arrow's shaft as a cow eats her after-birth.
2मेष इव वै सं च वि चोर्वच्यसे यदुत्तरद्रावुपरश्च खादतः । शीर्ष्णा शिरोऽप्ससाप्सो अर्दयन्न् अंशून् बभस्ति हरितेभिरासभिः ॥
2Thou like a fleece contractest and expandest thee what time the upper stone and that below devour. Closely compressing head with head and breast with breast he crunches up the tendrils with his yellow jaws.
3सुपर्णा वाचमक्रतोप द्यव्याखरे कृष्णा इषिरा अनर्तिषुः । नि यन् नियन्ति उपरस्य निष्कृतिं पुरू रेतो दधिरे सूर्यश्रितः ॥
3The Eagles have sent forth their voice aloud to heaven: in the sky's vault the dark impetuous ones have danced. When they come downward to repair the lower stone, they, dwellers with the Sun, have gained abundant seed.
Hymn 6.50A charm for the destruction of vermin
1हतं तर्दं समङ्कमाखुमश्विना छिन्तं शिरो अपि पृष्टीः शृणीतम् । यवान् नेददान् अपि नह्यतं मुखमथाभयं कृणुतं धान्याय ॥
1Destroy the rat, the mole, the boring beetle, cut off their heads and crush their ribs, O Asvins. Bind fast their mouths; let them not eat our barley: so guard, ye twain, our growing corn from danger.
2तर्द है पतङ्ग है जभ्य हा उपक्वस । ब्रह्मेवासंस्थितं हविरनदन्त इमान् यवान् अहिंसन्तो अपोदित ॥
2Ho! boring beetle, ho! thou worm, ho! noxious grub and grasshopper! As a priest leaves the unfinished sacrifice, go hence devouring not, injuring not this corn.
3तर्दापते वघापते तृष्टजम्भा आ शृणोत मे । य आरण्या व्यद्वरा ये के च स्थ व्यद्वरास्तान्त्सर्वान् जम्भयामसि ॥
3Hearken to me, lord of the female borer, lord of the female grub! ye rough-toothed vermin! Whate'er ye be, dwelling in woods, and piercing, we crush and mangle all those piercing insects.
Hymn 6.51A prayer for purification and forgiveness of sins
1वायोः पूतः पवित्रेण प्रत्यङ्सोमो अति द्रुतः । इन्द्रस्य युजः सखा ॥
1Cleansed by the filter of the Wind comes Soma past all our enemies, meet friend of Indra.
2आपो अस्मान् मातरः सूदयन्तु घृतेन नो घृतप्वः पुनन्तु । विश्वं हि रिप्रं प्रवहन्ति देवीरुदिदाभ्यः शुचिरा पूत एमि ॥
2May the maternal Waters make us ready: cleanse us with fatness they who cleanse with fatness! The Goddesses bear off each blot and tarnish: I come forth from the waters cleansed and stainless.
3यत्किं चेदं वरुण दैव्ये जनेऽभिद्रोहं मनुष्याश्चरन्ति । अचित्त्या चेत्तव धर्म युयोपिम मा नस्तस्मादेनसो देव रीरिषः ॥
3O Varuna, whatever the offence may be, the sin which men commit against the heavenly folk— When, through our want of thought we violate thy laws, punish us not, O God, for that iniquity.
Hymn 6.52A charm against noxious reptiles and insects
1उत्सूर्यो दिव एति पुरो रक्षांसि निजूर्वन् । आदित्यः पर्वतेभ्यो विश्वदृष्टो अदृष्टहा ॥
1Slaying the Rākshasas, the Sun mounts upward in the front of heaven, Āditya, from the mountains, seen of all, destroying things unseen.
2नि गावो गोष्ठे असदन् नि मृगासो अविक्षत । न्यूर्मयो नदीनं न्यदृष्टा अलिप्सत ॥
2The kine had settled in their pen, wild animals sought their lairs The wavelets of the brooks had passed away, and were beheld no more.
3आयुर्ददं विपश्चितं श्रुतां कण्वस्य वीरुधम् । आभारिषं विश्वभेषजीमस्यादृष्टान् नि शमयत् ॥
3I have brought Kanva's famous Plant, life-giving, and itself inspired, The medicine that healeth all: may it suppress my hidden foes.
Hymn 6.53A prayer for recovery and preservation of health and security
1द्यौश्च म इदं पृथिवी च प्रचेतसौ शुक्रो बृहन् दक्षिणया पिपर्तु । अनु स्वधा चिकितां सोमो अग्निर्वायुर्नः पातु सविता भगश्च ॥
1May Heaven and Earth, wise pair, may lofty Sukra grant me this thing by reason of the guerdon. May Agni, Soma mark through this libation: may Vāyu, Savitar, and Bhaga guard us.
2पुनः प्राणः पुनरात्मा न ऐतु पुनश्चक्षुः पुनरसुर्न ऐतु । वैश्वानरो नो अदब्धस्तनूपा अन्तस्तिष्ठाति दुरितानि विश्वा ॥
2Again return to us our breath and spirit, again come back to us our life and vision! Vaisvānara, unscathed, our bodies' guardian, stand between us and every woe and danger!
3सं वर्चसा पयसा सं तनूभिरगन्महि मनसा सं शिवेन । त्वष्टा नो अत्र वरीयः कृणोत्वनु नो मार्ष्टु तन्वो यद्विरिष्टम् ॥
3We are again united with our bodies, with happy mind, with spirit, strength, and splendour. May Tvashtar here make room for us, and freedom and smooth whate'er is injured in our bodies.
Hymn 6.54A benediction on a newly elected King
1इदं तद्युज उत्तरमिन्द्रं शुम्भाम्यष्टये । अस्य क्षत्रं श्रियं महीं वृष्टिरिव वर्धया तृणम् ॥
1Win the love of Indra that his friend may reach yet higher state. Increase, as rain the grass, this man's dominion and his lofty fame.
2अस्मै क्षत्रमग्नीषोमावस्मै धारयतं रयिम् । इमं राष्ट्रस्याभीवर्गे कृणुतं युज उत्तरम् ॥
2Confirm the princely power in him, Agni and Soma! grant him wealth. In all the circuit of his rule make him yet higher for your friend.
3सबन्धुश्चासबन्धुश्च यो अस्माँ अभिदासति । सर्वं तं रन्धयासि मे यजमानाय सुन्वते ॥
3The man who shows us enmity, whether a stranger or akin, Thou wilt give up entire to me who sacrifice and press the juice.
Hymn 6.55A prayer for general protection and prosperity
1ये पन्थानो बहवो देवयाना अन्तरा द्यावापृथिवी संचरन्ति । तेषामज्यानिं यतमो वहाति तस्मै मा देवाः परि दत्तेह सर्वे ॥
1Of all the many God-frequented pathways that traverse realms between the earth and heaven, Consign me, all ye Gods to that which leadeth to perfect and inviolable safety.
2ग्रीष्मो हेमन्तः शिशिरो वसन्तः शरद्वर्षाः स्विते नो दधात । आ नो गोषु भजता प्रजायां निवात इद्वः शरणे स्याम ॥
2Maintain us in well-being Summer, Winter Dew-time and Spring, Autumn, and Rainy Season Give us our share of cattle and of Children. May we enjoy your unassailed protection.
3इदावत्सराय परिवत्सराय संवत्सराय कृणुता बृहन् नमः । तेषां वयं सुमतौ यज्ञियानामपि भद्रे सौ मनसे स्याम ॥
3Pay to the Year your lofty adoration, to the first Year, the second, and the present. Many we abide in the auspicious favour and gracious love of these who claim our worship.
Hymn 6.56A charm against snakes
Verse division restored for this edition: the Wikisource text lacks the number after stanza 1, so stanzas 1 and 2 ran together; split where stanza 2 (Griffith: 'Be worship paid unto the black') begins
1मा नो देवा अहिर्वधीत्सतोकान्त्सहपुरुषान् । सम्यतं न वि ष्परद्व्यात्तं न सं यमन् नमो देवजनेभ्यः ।
1Let not the serpent slay us, O Gods, with our children and our folk. Let it not close the opened mouth nor open that which now is closed.
2नमोऽस्त्वसिताय नमस्तिरश्चिराजये । स्वजाय बभ्रवे नमो नमो देवजनेभ्यः ॥
2Be worship paid unto the black, worship to that with stripes across! To the brown viper reverence, reverence to the demon brood!
3सं ते हन्मि दता दतः समु ते हन्वा हनू । सं ते जिह्वया जिह्वां सं वास्नाह आस्यम् ॥
3I close together fangs with fang, I close together jaws with jaw. I close together tongue with tongue, I close together mouth with mouth.
Hymn 6.57A charm for a wound or bruise
1इदमिद्वा उ भेषजमिदं रुद्रस्य भेषजम् । येनेषुमेकतेजनां शतशल्यामपब्रवत् ॥
1This is a medicine indeed, Rudra's own medicine is this, Wherewith he warns the arrow off one-shafted, with a hundred tips.
2जालाषेणाभि षिञ्चत जालाषेणोप सिञ्चत । जालाषमुग्रं भेषजं तेन नो मृड जीवसे ॥
2Besprinkle it with anodyne, bedew it with relieving balm: Strong, soothing is the medicine: bless us therewith that we may live.
3शं च नो मयश्च नो मा च नः किं चनाममत्। क्षमा रपो विश्वं नो अस्तु भेषजं सर्वं नो अस्तु भेषजम् ॥
3Let it be health and joy to us. Let nothing vex or injure us. Down with the wound! Let all to us be balm, the whole be medicine.
Hymn 6.58A priest's prayer for power and glory
1यशसं मेन्द्रो मघवान् कृणोतु यशसं द्यावापृथिवी उभे इमे । यशसं मा देवः सविता कृणोतु प्रियो दातुर्दक्षिणाया इह स्याम् ॥
1May Indra Maghavan give me name and glory. May Heaven and Earth, this couple, make me famous. May Savitar the deity make me honoured. Here may the man who gives the guerdon love me.
2यथेन्द्रो द्यावापृथिव्योर्यशस्वान् यथाप ओषधीषु यशस्वतीः । एवा विश्वेषु देवेषु वयं सर्वेषु यशसः स्याम ॥
2Indra from Heaven and Earth receiveth glory among the plants the Waters have their glory; Even so may we be glorious'mid all the Universal Gods.
3यशा इन्द्रो यशा अग्निर्यशाः सोमो अजायत । यशा विश्वस्य भूतस्याहमस्मि यशस्तमः ॥
3Indra and Agni were renowned, famous was Soma at his birth; So too am I illustrious, most glorious of all that is.
Hymn 6.59A charm to protect cattle and men
1अनडुद्भ्यस्त्वं प्रथमं धेनुभ्यस्त्वमरुन्धति । अधेनवे वयसे शर्म यच्छ चतुष्पदे ॥
1First, O Arundhatī, protect our oxen and milky kine: Protect each one that is infirm, each quadruped that yields no milk.
2शर्म यच्छत्वोषधिः सह देवीररुन्धती । करत्पयस्वन्तं गोष्ठमयक्ष्मामुत पूरुषान् ॥
2Let the Plant give us sheltering aid, Arundhatī allied with Gods; Avert Consumption from our men and make our cow-pen rich in milk.
3विश्वरूपां सुभगामछावदामि जीवलाम् । सा नो रुद्रस्यास्तां हेतिं दूरं नयतु गोभ्यः ॥
3I welcome the auspicious Plant, life-giving, wearing every hue. Far from our cattle may it turn the deadly dart which Rudra casts.
Hymn 6.60The wooing of a bride
1अयमा यात्यर्यमा पुरस्ताद्विषितस्तुपः । अस्या इच्छन्न् अग्रुवै पतिमुत जायामजानये ॥
1With forelock loosened o'er his brow here comes the wooer of the bride, Seeking a husband for this maid, a wife for this unmarried man.
2अश्रमदियमर्यमन्न् अन्यासां समनं यती । अङ्गो न्वर्यमन्न् अस्या अन्याः समनमायति ॥
2Wooer! this girl hath toiled in vain, going to others' marriages. Now to her wedding, verily, wooer! another maid shall come.
3धाता दाधार पृथिवीं धाता द्यामुत सूर्यम् । धातास्या अग्रुवै पतिं दधातु प्रतिकाम्यम् ॥
3Dhātar upholds the spacious earth, upholds the sky, upholds the Sun. Dhātar bestow upon this maid a husband suited to her wish!
Hymn 6.61A prayer for prosperity and greatness
1मह्यमापो मधुमदेरयन्तां मह्यं सूरो अभरज्ज्योतिषे कम् । मह्यं देवा उत विश्वे तपोजा मह्यं देवः सविता व्यचो धात् ॥
1The Waters send me what is sweet and pleasant, Sūra bring all I need for light and vision! The deities, and all of pious nature, and Savitar the God afford me freedom!
2अहं विवेच पृथिवीमुत द्यामहमृतूंरजनयं सप्त साकम् । अहं सत्यमनृतं यद्वदाम्यहं दैवीं परि वाचं विशश्च ॥
2I set the heaven and the earth asunder, I brought all seven seasons into being. My word is truth, what I deny is falsehood, above celestial Vāk, above the nations.
3अहं जजान पृथिवीमुत द्यामहमृतूंरजनयं सप्त सिन्धून् । अहं सत्वमनृतं यद्वदामि यो अग्नीषोमावजुषे सखाया ॥
3I gave existence to the earth and heaven, I made the seasons and the seven rivers. My word is truth; what I deny is falsehood, I who rejoice in Agni's, Soma's friendship.
Hymn 6.62A prayer for purification and riches
1वैश्वानरो रश्मिभिर्नः पुनातु वातः प्राणेनेषिरो नभोभिः । द्यावापृथिवी पयसा पयस्वती ऋतावरी यज्ञिये न पुनीताम् ॥
1Cleanse us Vaisvānara with rays of splendour! With breath and clouds let quickening Vāyu cleanse us. And, rich in milky rain, let Earth and Heaven, worshipful, holy, cleanse us with their water.
2वैश्वानरीं सूनृतामा रभध्वं यस्या आशास्तन्वो वीतपृष्ठाः । तया गृणन्तः सधमादेषु वयं स्याम पतयो रयीनाम् ॥
2Lay hold on Sūnritā whose forms and regions have fair smooth backs, her who is all men's treasure. Through her may we, in sacrificial banquets singing her glory, be the lords of riches.
3वैश्वानरीं वर्चस आ रभध्वं शुद्धा भवन्तः शुचयः पावकाः । इहेडया सधमादं मदन्तो ज्योक्पश्येम सूर्यमुच्चरन्तम् ॥
3For splendour, seize on her whom all men worship, becoming pure yourselves, and bright, and brilliant. Here, through our prayer rejoicing in the banquet, long may we look upon the Sun ascending.
Hymn 6.63The symbolical liberation of a sacrificial victim
1यत्ते देवी निर्ऋतिराबबन्ध दाम ग्रीवास्वविमोक्यं यत्। तत्ते वि ष्याम्यायुषे वर्चसे बलायादोमदमन्नमद्धि प्रसूतः ॥
1That collar round thy neck, not to be loosened, which Nirriti the Goddess bound and fastened, I loose for thy long life and strength and vigour. Eat, liberated, food that brings no sorrow.
2नमोऽस्तु ते निर्ऋते तिग्मतेजोऽयस्मयान् वि चृता बन्धपाशान् । यमो मह्यं पुनरित्त्वां ददाति तस्मै यमाय नमो अस्तु मृत्यवे ॥
2To thee, sharp-pointed Nirriti, be homage! Loose thou the binding fetters wrought of iron. To me, in truth, again doth Yama give thee. To him, to Yama, yea, to Death, be homage!
3अयस्मये द्रुपदे बेधिष इहाभिहितो मृत्युभिर्ये सहस्रम् । यमेन त्वं पितृभिः संविदान उत्तमं नाकमधि रोहयेमम् ॥
3Compassed by death which comes in thousand manners, here art thou fastened to the iron pillar. Unanimous with Yama and the Fathers, make this man rise and reach the loftiest heaven.
4संसमिद्युवसे वृषन्न् अग्ने विश्वान्यर्य आ । इडस्पदे समिध्यसे स नो वसून्या भर ॥
4Thou, mighty Agni, good and true, gatherest up all precious things. Bring us all treasures as thou art enkindled at libation's place.
Hymn 6.64To promote unanimity in an assembly
1सं जानीध्वं सं पृच्यध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम् । देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे संजानाना उपासते ॥
1Agree and be united: let your minds be all of one accord, Even as the Gods of ancient days, unanimous, await their share.
2समानो मन्त्रः समितिः समानी समानं व्रतं सह चित्तमेषाम् । समानेन वो हविषा जुहोमि समानं चेतो अभिसंविशध्वम् ॥
2The rede is common, common the assembly, common the law, so be their thoughts united. I offer up your general oblation: together entertain one common purpose.
3समानी व आकूतिः समाना हृदयानि वः । समानमस्तु वो मनः यथा वः सुसहासति ॥
3One and the same be your resolve, be all your hearts in harmony: One and the same be all your minds that all may happily con-sent.
Hymn 6.65A sacrificial charm against enemies
1अव मन्युरवायताव बाहू मनोयुजा । पराशर त्वं तेषां पराञ्चं शुष्ममर्दयाधा नो रयिमा कृधि ॥
1The angry spirit hath relaxed: loose are the arms that act with mind. Do thou, destroyer, overcome and drive these foemen's might away, and then bring opulence to us.
2निर्हस्तेभ्यो नैर्हस्तं यं देवाः शरुमस्यथ । वृश्चामि शत्रूणां बाहून् अनेन हविषाऽहम् ॥
2The shaft for handless fiends which, Gods! ye cast against the handless ones, With this, in shape of sacrifice, I rend the arms of enemies.
3इन्द्रश्चकार प्रथमं नैर्हस्तमसुरेभ्यः । जयन्तु सत्वानो मम स्थिरेणेन्द्रेण मेदिना ॥
3Indra made first for Asuras the shaft designed for handless foes: Victorious shall my heroes be with Indra as their constant friend.
Hymn 6.66A charm for the destruction and plunder of enemies
1निर्हस्तः शत्रुरभिदासन्न् अस्तु ये सेनाभिर्युधमायन्त्यस्मान् । समर्पयेन्द्र महता वधेन द्रात्वेषामघहारो विविद्धः ॥
1Handless be every foeman who assaileth, they who with missiles come to fight against us! Dash them together with great slaughter, Indra! and let their robber chief run pierced with arrows.
2आतन्वाना आयच्छन्तोऽस्यन्तो ये च धावथ । निर्हस्ताः शत्रवः स्थनेन्द्रो वोऽद्य पराशरीत् ॥
2Ye who run hither bending bows, brandishing swords and casting darts. Handless be ye, O enemies! Let Indra mangle you to-day.
3निर्हस्ताः सन्तु शत्रवोऽङ्गैषां म्लापयामसि । अथैषामिन्द्र वेदांसि शतशो वि भजामहै ॥
3Handless be these our enemies! We enervate their languid limbs. So let us part among ourselves, in hundreds, Indra! all their wealth.
Hymn 6.67A charm for the destruction and plunder of enemies
1परि वर्त्मानि सर्वत इन्द्रः पूषा च सस्रतुः । मुह्यन्त्वद्यामूः सेना अमित्राणां परस्तराम् ॥
1Indra and Pūshan have gone forth along the ways on every side. To-day those hosts of enemies must flee bewildered far away.
2मूढा अमित्राश्चरताशीर्षाण इवाहयः । तेषां वो अग्निमूढानामिन्द्रो हन्तु वरंवरम् ॥
2Ye foes, come hitherward dismayed like serpents when their heads are gone. Let Indra slay each bravest one of you whom Agni hath con-fused.
3ऐषु नह्य वृषाजिनं हरिणस्य भियं कृधि । पराङमित्र एषत्वर्वाची गौरुपेषतु ॥
3Gird thou a bullock's hide on these, make those as timid as the deer. Let the foe flee away, and let his kine come hither-ward to us.
Hymn 6.68A charm to accompany the shaving of the beard
1आयमगन्त्सविता क्षुरेणोष्णेन वाय उदकेनेहि । आदित्या रुद्रा वसव उन्दन्तु सचेतसः सोमस्य राज्ञो वपत प्रचेतसः ॥
1Savitar hath come hither with the razor: come thou, O Vāyu, with the heated water. One-minded let Ādityas, Rudras, Vasus moisten the hair: shave ye who know King Soma.
2अदितिः श्मश्रु वपत्वाप उन्दन्तु वर्चसा । चिकित्सतु प्रजापतिर्दीर्घायुत्वाय चक्षसे ॥
2Let Aditi shave the beard, and let the Waters bathe it with their strength: Prajāpati restore his health for sight and days of lengthened life!
3येनावपत्सविता क्षुरेण सोमस्य राज्ञो वरुणस्य विद्वान् । तेन ब्रह्माणो वपतेदमस्य गोमान् अश्ववान् अयमस्तु प्रजावान् ॥
3The razor used by Savitar, for shaving, who knoweth Varuna and royal Soma, Even with this shave ye this man, O Brāhman. Let him be rich in horses, kine, and children.
Hymn 6.69A priest's prayer for power and glory
1गिरावरगराटेषु हिरन्ये गोषु यद्यशः । सुरायां सिच्यमानायां कीलाले मधु तन् मयि ॥
1Mine be the glory in the hill, in vales, in cattle, and in gold, Mine be the sweetness that is found in nectar and in flowing wine!
2अश्विना सारघेण मा मधुनाङ्क्तं शुभस्पती । यथा भर्गस्वतीं वाचमावदानि जनामनु ॥
2With your delicious honey balm me, Asvins, Lords of splendid light! That clear and resonant may be the voice I utter to mankind.
3मयि वर्चो अथो यशोऽथो यज्ञस्य यत्पयः । तन् मयि प्रजापतिर्दिवि द्यामिव दृंहतु ॥
3In me be strength, in me be fame, in me the power of sacrifice: Prajāpati establish this in me as firm as light in heaven!
Hymn 6.70A benediction on cow and calf
1यथा मांसं यथा सुरा यथाक्षा अधिदेवने । यथा पुंसो वृषण्यत स्त्रियां निहन्यते मनः । एवा ते अघ्न्ये मनोऽधि वत्से नि हन्यताम् ॥
1As wine associates with flesh, as dice attend the gaming-board, As an enamoured man's desire is firmly set upon a dame, So let thy heart and soul, O Cow, be firmly set upou thy calf.
2यथा हस्ती हस्तिन्याः पदेन पदमुद्युजे । यथा पुंसो वृषण्यत स्त्रियां निहन्यते मनः । एवा ते अघ्न्ये मनोऽधि वत्से नि हन्यताम् ॥
2As the male elephant pursues with eager step his female's track, As an enamoured man's desire is firmly set upon a dame, So let thy heart and soul, O Cow, be firmly set upon the calf.
3यथा प्रधिर्यथोपधिर्यथा नभ्यं प्रधावधि । यथा पुंसो वृषण्यत स्त्रियां निहन्यते मनः । एवा ते अघ्न्ये मनोऽधि वत्से नि हन्यताम् ॥
3Close as the felly and the spoke, fixt as the wheel-rim on the nave, As an enamoured man's desire is firmly set upon a dame, So let thy heart and soul, O Cow, be firmly set upon thy calf.
Hymn 6.71A priest's benediction after meat
1यदन्नमद्मि बहुधा विरूपं हिरण्यमश्वमुत गामजामविम् । यदेव किं च प्रतिजग्रहाहमग्निष्टद्धोता सुहुतं कृनोतु ॥
1What food I eat of varied form and nature, food whether gold, or horse, sheep, goat, or bullock, Whatever gift I have received, may Agni the Hotar make it sacrifice well-offered.
2यन् मा हुतमहुतमाजगाम दत्तं पितृभिरनुमतं मनुष्यैः । यस्मान् मे मन उदिव रारजीत्यग्निष्टद्धोता सुहुतं कृणोतु ॥
2Whatever, sacrificed or not, hath reached me, bestowed by men and sanctioned by the Fathers, Whereby my heart seems to leap up, may Agni the Hotar make that sacrifice well-offered.
3यदन्नमद्म्यनृतेन देवा दास्यन्न् अदास्यन्न् उत संगृणामि । वैश्वानरस्य महतो महिम्ना शिवं मह्यं मधुमदस्त्वन्नम् ॥
3What food I eat unjustly, Gods! or, doubtful between bestowing and refusing, swallow, Through greatness of Vaisvānara the mighty may that same food be sweet to me and blessed!
Hymn 6.72A charm to restore or increase virile power
Griffith gives this hymn in Latin, not English, as he did for passages he judged indelicate; the Latin is kept as printed.
1यथासितः प्रथयते वशामनु वपूंषि कृण्वन्न् असुरस्य मायया । एवा ते शेपः सहसायमर्कोऽङ्गेनाङ्गं संसमकं कृणोतु ॥
1Sicut anguis niger ad voluntatem se extendit, Asurarum arte magica formas novas efficiens, sic fascinum tuum, partem cum parte, conjunctum, hic hymnus efficiat.
2यथा पसस्तायादरं वातेन स्थूलभं कृतम् । यावत्परस्वतः पसस्तावत्ते वर्धतां पसः ॥
2Velut penis (tayadarus quem ventus permagnum fecit, quantus. est onagri penis, tantus penis tuus increscat.
3यावदङ्गीनं पारस्वतं हास्तिनं गार्दभं च यत्। यावदश्वस्य वाजिनस्तावत्ते वर्धतां पसः ॥
3Quantum estonagri membrum masculinum, elephanti, asinique, quantum est fortis equi, tantus penis tuus increscat.
Hymn 6.73A King's charm to conciliate his discontented kinsmen
1एह यातु वरुणः सोमो अग्निर्बृहस्पतिर्वसुभिरेह यातु । अस्य श्रियमुपसंयात सर्व उग्रस्य चेत्तुः संमनसः सजाताः ॥
1Let Varuna come hither, Soma, Agni, Brihaspati come hither with the Vasus! Unanimous, ye kinsmen, come united, come to the glory of this mighty guardian.
2यो वः शुष्मो हृदयेष्वन्तराकूतिर्या वो मनसि प्रविष्टा । तान्त्सीवयामि हविषा घृतेन मयि सजाता रमतिर्वो अस्तु ॥
2The inclination which your hearts have harboured, the purpose which hath occupied your spirits, This I annul with sacrifice and butter. In me be your sweet resting-place, O kinsmen.
3इहैव स्त माप याताध्यस्मत्पूषा परस्तादपथं वः कृणोतु । वास्तोष्पतिरनु वो जोहवीतु मयि सजाता रमतिः वो अस्तु ॥
3Stand even here; forsake me not. Before us may Pūshan make your path unfit to travel. Vāstoshpati incessantly recall you! In me be your sweet resting-place, O kinsmen!
Hymn 6.74A King's charm to secure the fidelity of his people
1सं वः पृच्यन्तां तन्वः सं मनांसि समु व्रता । सं वोऽयं ब्रह्मणस्पतिर्भगः सं वो अजीगमत् ॥
1Close gathered be your bodies: be your minds and vows in. unison! Here present Brāhmanaspati and Bhaga have assembled you.
2संज्ञपनं वो मनसोऽथो संज्ञपनं हृदः । अथो भगस्य यच्छ्रान्तं तेन संज्ञपयामि वः ॥
2Let there be union of your minds, let there be union of your hearts: All that is troubled in your lot with this I mend and harmonize.
3यथादित्या वसुभिः सम्बभूवुर्मरुद्भिरुग्रा अहृणीयमानाः । एवा त्रिणामन्न् अहृणीयमान इमान् जनान्त्संमनसस्कृधीह ॥
3As, free from jealousy, the strong Ādityas have been the Vasus' and the Rudras' fellows. So free from jealousy, Lord of Three Titles! cause thou these people here to be one-minded.
Hymn 6.75A charm to effect the removal of an enemy
1निरमुं नुद ओकसः सपत्नो यः पृतन्यति । नैर्बाध्येन हविषेन्द्र एनं पराशरीत् ॥
1Forth from his dwelling drive that man, the foeman who assaileth us: Through the Expellent sacrifice hath Indra rent and mangled him.
2परमां तं परावतमिन्द्रो नुदतु वृत्रहा । यतो न पुनरायति शश्वतीभ्यः समाभ्यः ॥
2Indra, Foe-Slayer, drive him forth into the distance most remote, Whence never more shall be return in all the years that are to come.
3एतु तिस्रः परावत एतु पञ्च जनामति । एतु तिस्रोऽति रोचना यतो न पुनरायति । शश्वतीभ्यः समाभ्यो यावत्सूर्यो असद्दिवि ॥
3To the three distances, beyond mankind's Five Races, let him go, Beyond the three skies let him go, whence he shall never come-again In all the years that are to be, long as the Sun is in the heaven.
Hymn 6.76A benediction on a new-born Kshatriya child
1य एनं परिषीदन्ति समादधति चक्षसे । संप्रेद्धो अग्निर्जिह्वाभिरुदेतु हृदयादधि ॥
1Those who are sitting round this babe prepare him to be looked upon. Let Agni thoroughly inflamed with all his tongues rise from his heart.
2अग्नेः साम्तपनस्याहमायुषे पदमा रभे । अद्धातिर्यस्य पश्यति धूममुद्यन्तमास्यतः ॥
2For length of life I use the name of Agni the Consuming God, Whose smoke the sage who knows the truth beholds proceeding. from his mouth.
3यो अस्य समिधं वेद क्षत्रियेण समाहिताम् । नाभिह्वारे पदं नि दधाति स मृत्यवे ॥
3The man who knows his fuel laid in order by the Kshatriya Sets not his foot upon the steep declivity that leads to Death.
4नैनं घ्नन्ति पर्यायिणो न सन्नामव गच्छति । अग्नेर्यः क्षत्रियो विद्वान् नाम गृह्नाति आयुषे ॥
4Those who encompass slay him not: he goes not near his lurk— ing foes The Kshatriya who, knowing well, takes Agni's name for length of life.
Hymn 6.77A charm to bring the cattle home
1अस्थाद्द्यौरस्थात्पृथिव्यस्थाद्विश्वमिदं जगत्। आस्थाने पर्वता अस्थु स्थाम्न्यश्वामतिष्ठिपम् ॥
1Firm stands the heaven, firm stands the earth, firm stands this universal world, Firm stand the rooted mountains. I have put the horses in the stall.
2य उदानत्परायणं य उदानण्न्यायनम् । आवर्तनं निवर्तनं यो गोपा अपि तं हुवे ॥
2I call the Herdsman, him who knows the way to drive the cattle forth, Who knows the way to drive them home, to drive them back and drive them in.
3जातवेदो नि वर्तय शतं ते सन्त्वावृतः । सहस्रं त उपावृतस्ताभिर्नः पुनरा कृधि ॥
3O Jātavedas turn them back: a hundred homeward ways be thine! Thou hast a thousand avenues: by these restore our kine to us.
Hymn 6.78A nuptial benediction
1तेन भूतेन हविषायमा प्यायतां पुनः । जायां यामस्मा आवाक्षुस्तां रसेनाभि वर्धताम् ॥
1Let this man be again bedewed with this presented sacrifice. And comfort with the sap of life the bride whom they have brought to him.
2अभि वर्धतां पयसाभि राष्ट्रेण वर्धताम् । रय्या सहस्रवर्चसेमौ स्तामनुपक्षितौ ॥
2With life's sap let him comfort her, and raise her high with princely sway. In wealth that hath a thousand powers, this pair be inexhaustible!
3त्वष्टा जायामजनयत्त्वष्टास्यै त्वां पतिम् । त्वष्टा सहस्रमायुंषि दीर्घमायुः कृणोतु वाम् ॥
3Tvashtar formed her to be thy dame, Tvashtar made thee to be her lord. Long life let Tvashtar give you both. Let Tvashtar give a thousand lives.
Hymn 6.79A prayer for seasonable rain and prosperity
1अयं नो नभसस्पतिः संस्फानो अभि रक्षतु । असमातिं गृहेषु नः ॥
1May this our Lord of Cloudy Sky, bedewed with liquid drops preserve unequalled riches in our homes.
2त्वं नो नभसस्पते ऊर्जं गृहेसु धारय । आ पुष्टमेत्वा वसु ॥
2Lord of the Cloudy Sky, bestow vigour and strength on our abodes. Let wealth and treasure come to us.
3देव संस्फान सहस्रापोषस्येशिषे । तस्य नो रास्व तस्य नो धेहि तस्य ते भक्तिवाम्सः स्याम ॥
3Thou, God bedewed with drops, art Lord of infinite prosperity. Grant us thereof, give us thereof: may we enjoy this boon of thine.
Hymn 6.80A prayer for help and protection
1अन्तरिक्षेण पतति विश्वा भूतावचाकशत्। शुनो दिव्यस्य यन् महस्तेना ते हविषा विधेम ॥
1He flieth in the firmament observing all the things that be: We with this offering will adore the greatness of the Heavenly Hound.
2ये त्रयः कालकाञ्जा दिवि देवा इव श्रिताः । तान्त्सर्वान् अह्व ऊतयेऽस्मा अरिष्टतातये ॥
2The three, the Kālakānjas, set aloft in heaven as they were Gods All these I call to be our help and keep this man secure from harm.
3अप्सु ते जन्म दिवि ते सधस्थं समुद्रे अन्तर्महिमा ते पृथिव्याम् । शुनो दिव्यस्य यन् महस्तेना ते हविषा विधेम ॥
3In waters is thy birth, in heaven thy station, thy majesty on earth and in the ocean. We with this offering will adore the greatness of the Heavenly Hound.
Hymn 6.81A charm to facilitate child-birth
1यन्तासि यच्छसे हस्तावप रक्षांसि सेधसि । प्रजां धनं च गृह्णानः परिहस्तो अभूदयम् ॥
1Thou art a grasper, holding fast both hands: drivest fiends away. A holder both of progeny and riches hath this Ring become.
2परिहस्त वि धारय योनिं गर्भाय धातवे । मर्यादे पुत्रमा धेहि तं त्वमा गमयागमे ॥
2Prepare accordantly, O Ring, the mother for the infant's birth. On the right way bring forth the boy. Make him come hither. I am here.
3यं परिहस्तमबिभरदितिः पुत्रकाम्या । त्वष्टा तमस्या आ बध्नाद्यथा पुत्रं जनाद् ॥
3The Amulet which Aditi wore when desirous of a son, Tvashtar hath bound upon this dame and said, Be mother of a boy.
Hymn 6.82A charm to win a bride
1आगच्छत आगतस्य नाम गृह्णाम्यायतः । इन्द्रस्य वृत्रघ्नो वन्वे वासवस्य शतक्रतोः ॥
1I call the name of him who comes, hath come, and still draws-nigh to us. Foe-slaying Indra's name I love, the Vasus' friend with hundred powers.
2येन सूर्यां सावित्रीमश्विनोहतुः पथा । तेन मामब्रवीद्भगो जायामा वहतादिति ॥
2Thus Bhaga spake to me: Let him bring thee a consort by the path. Whereon the Asvins brought the bride Sūryā the child of Savitar.
3यस्तेऽङ्कुशो वसुदानो बृहन्न् इन्द्र हिरण्ययः । तेना जनियते जायां मह्यं धेहि शचीपते ॥
3Great, Indra. is that hook of thine, bestowing treasure, wrought of gold: Therewith, O Lord of Might, bestow a wife on me who long to wed.
Hymn 6.83A charm against sores and pustules (apachitas)
The Sanskrit has 4 verses and Griffith 3, so the two are shown as whole columns.
1अपचितः प्र पतत सुपर्णो वसतेरिव । सूर्यः कृणोतु भेषजं चन्द्रमा वोऽपोच्छतु ॥
2एन्येका श्येन्येका कृष्णैका रोहिणी द्वे । सर्वासामग्रभं नामावीरघ्नीरपेतन ॥
3असूतिका रामायण्यपचित्प्र पतिष्यति । ग्लौरितः प्र पतिष्यति स गलुन्तो नशिष्यति ॥
4वीहि स्वामाहुतिं जुषानो मनसा स्वाहा मनसा यदिदं जुहोमि ॥
1Hence, Sores and Pustules, fly away even as the eagle from his home. Let Sūrya bring a remedy, the Moon shine forth and banish you.
2One bright with variegated tints, one white, one black, a couple red:— The'names of all have I declared. Begone, and injure not our men.
3Hence, childless, shall the Pustule flee, grand-daughter of the dusky one. The Boil shall fly away from us, the morbid growth shall vanish hence. Taste, happy in thy mind, thine own oblation, as I with Svāhā with my heart present it.
Hymn 6.84A charm to accompany the symbolical loosing of sacrificial victims
1यस्यास्त आसनि घोरे जुहोम्येषां बद्धानामवसर्जनाय कम् । भूमिरिति त्वाभिप्रमन्वते जना निर्ऋतिरिति त्वाहं परि वेद सर्वतः ॥
1Thou in whose dread mouth I present oblation, that these bound victims may obtain their freedom, The people deem that thou art Earth: I know thee thoroughly, and I say thou art Destruction.
2भूते हविष्मती भवैष ते भागो यो अस्मासु । मुञ्चेमान् अमून् एनसः स्वाहा ॥
2Be thou enriched, O Welfare, with oblations, here among us is thine allotted portion. Free—Hail to thee!—from sin those here and yonder.
3एवो ष्वस्मन् निर्ऋतेऽनेहा त्वमयस्मयान् वि चृता बन्धपाशान् । यमो मह्यं पुनरित्त्वां ददाति तस्मै यमाय नमो अस्तु मृत्यवे ॥
3Do thou, Destruction, thus, without a rival, release us from the iron bonds that hind us. To me doth Yama verily restore thee. To him, to Yama, yea, to Death be worship!
4अयस्मये द्रुपदे बेधिष इहाभिहितो मृत्युभिर्ये सहस्रम् । यमेन त्वं पितृभिः संविदान उत्तमं नाकमधि रोहयेमम् ॥
4Thou hast been fastened to an iron pillar, here compassed with a thousand deaths around thee. In full accord with Yama and the Fathers, send this man upward to the loftiest heaven.
Hymn 6.85A charm against Consumption
1वरणो वारयाता अयं देवो वनस्पतिः । यक्ष्मो यो अस्मिन्न् आविष्टस्तमु देवा अवीवरन् ॥
1Let Varana the heavenly tree here present keep disease away. The Gods have driven off Decline that entered and possessed this man.
2इन्द्रस्य वचसा वयं मित्रस्य वरुणस्य च । देवानां सर्वेषां वाचा यक्ष्मं ते वारयामहे ॥
2We with the speech of Indra and of Mitra and of Varuna. We with the speech of all the Gods will drive Decline away from thee.
3यथा वृत्र इमा आपस्तस्तम्भ विश्वधा यतीः । एवा ते अग्निना यक्ष्मं वैश्वानरेण वारये ॥
3Even as Vritra checked and stayed these waters flowing every way, With Agni, God of all mankind. I check and banish thy Decline.
Hymn 6.86A glorification of a newly consecrated King
1वृषेन्द्रस्य वृषा दिवो वृसा पृथिव्या अयम् । वृषा विश्वस्य भूतस्य त्वमेकवृषो भव ॥
1This is the Lord of Indra, this the Lord of Heaven, the Lord of Earth, The Lord of all existing things: the one and only Lord be thou,
2समुद्र ईशे स्रवतामग्निः पृथिव्या वशी । चन्द्रमा नक्षत्राणामीशे त्वमेकवृषो भव ॥
2The Sea is regent of the floods, Agni is ruler of the land, The Moon is regent of the stars: the one and only Lord be thou.
3सम्राडस्यसुराणां ककुन् मनुष्यानाम् । देवानामर्धभागसि त्वमेकवृषो भव ॥
3Thou art the King of Asuras, the crown and summit of mankind: Thou art the partner of the Gods: the one and only Lord be thou.
Hymn 6.87A benediction addressed to a newly elected King
1आ त्वाहार्षमन्तरभूर्ध्रुवस्तिष्ठाविचाचलत्। विशस्त्वा सर्वा वाञ्छन्तु मा त्वद्राष्ट्रमधि भ्रशत् ॥
1Here art thou: I have chosen thee. Stand stedfast and immovable. Let all the clans desire thee: let not thy kingdom fall away.
2इहैवैधि माप च्योष्ठाः पर्वत इवाविचाचलत्। इन्द्र इवेह ध्रुवस्तिष्ठेह राष्ट्रमु धारय ॥
2Be even here: fall not away: be like a mountain unremoved. Stand stedfast here like Indra's self, and hold the kingship in the grasp.
3इन्द्र एतमदीधरत्ध्रुवं ध्रुवेण हविषा । तस्मै सोमो अधि ब्रवदयं च ब्रह्मणस्पतिः ॥
3This man hath Indra stablished, made secure by constant sacrifice. Soma, and Brāhmanaspati here present bless and comfort him!
Hymn 6.88A benediction addressed to a newly elected King
1ध्रुवा द्यौर्ध्रुवा पृथिवी ध्रुवं विश्वमिदं जगत्। ध्रुवासः पर्वता इमे ध्रुवो राजा विशामयम् ॥
1Firm is the sky, firm is the earth, and firm is all this living world; Firm are these mountains on their base, and stedfast is this King of men.
2ध्रुवं ते राजा वरुणो ध्रुवं देवो बृहस्पतिः । ध्रुवं त इन्द्रश्चाग्निश्च राष्ट्रं धारयतां ध्रुवम् ॥
2Stedfast may Varuna the King, stedfast the God Brihaspati, Stedfast may Indra stedfast, too, may Agni keep thy stedfast reign.
3ध्रुवोऽच्युतः प्र मृणीहि शत्रून् छत्रूयतोऽधरान् पादयस्व । सर्वा दिशः संमनसः सध्रीचीर्ध्रुवाय ते समितिः कल्पतामिह ॥
3Firm, never to be shaken, crush thy foemen, under thy feet lay those who strive against thee. One-minded, true to thee be all the regions: faithful to thee, the firm, be this assembly!
Hymn 6.89A man's love charm
1इदं यत्प्रेण्यः शिरो दत्तं सोमेन वृष्ण्यम् । ततः परि प्रजातेन हार्दिं ते शोचयामसि ॥
1This strength that Soma hath bestowed, the head of her who gladdeneth,— With that which thence hath been produced we make thy spirit sorrowful.
2शोचयामसि ते हार्दिं शोचयामसि ते मनः । वातं धूम इव सध्र्यङ्मामेवान्वेतु ये मनः ॥
2We make thy spirit sorrowful, we fill thy mind with pain and grief. As smoke accompanies the wind, so let thy fancy follow me.
3मह्यं त्वा मित्रावरुणौ मह्यं देवी सरस्वती । मह्यं त्वा मध्यं भूम्या उभावन्तौ समस्यताम् ॥
3May Varuna and Mitra, may Sarasvati the Goddess, May the centre of the earth, and both her limits bring thee close to me.
Hymn 6.90A charm to cure a poisoned man
1यां ते रुद्र इषुमास्यदङ्गेभ्यो हृदयाय च । इदं तामद्य त्वद्वयं विषूचीं वि वृहामसि ॥
1The shaft that Rudra hath shot forth against thy members and thy heart, Here do we draw from thee to-day, and turn it hence to every side.
2यास्ते शतं धमनयोऽङ्गान्यनु विष्ठिताः । तासां ते सर्वासां वयं निर्विषाणि ह्वयामसि ॥
2From all the hundred vessels spread throughout the members of thy frame. From all those vessels and canals we call the poisonous matter forth.
3नमस्ते रुद्रास्यते नमः प्रतिहितायै । नमो विसृज्यमानायै नमो निपतितायै ॥
3Worship to thee, the archer, and O Rudra, to thy levelled shaft! Yea, worship to thine arrow when it left the bow, and when it fell!
Hymn 6.91A charm against disease
1इमं यवमष्टायोगैः षद्योगेभिरचर्कृषुः । तेना ते तन्वो रपोऽपाचीनमप व्यये ॥
1They made this barley ready with a team of eight, a team of six. With this I drive to westward, far away, thy bodily disease.
2न्यग्वातो वाति न्यक्तपति सूर्यः । नीचीनमघ्न्या दुहे न्यग्भवतु ते रपः ॥
2Vita breathes downward from above, and downward Sūrya sends his heat: Downward is drawn the milch-cow's milk: so downward go thy malady!
3आप इद्वा उ भेषजीरापो अमीवचातनीः । आपो विश्वस्य भेषजीस्तास्ते कृण्वन्तु भेषजम् ॥
3The Waters verily bring health, the Waters drive disease away. The Waters cure all malady: may they bring medicine for thee.
Hymn 6.92A charm to strengthen and inspirit a war-horse
1वातरंहा भव वाजिन् युजमान इन्द्रस्य याहि प्रसवे मनोजवाः । युञ्जन्तु त्वा मरुतो विश्ववेदस आ ते त्वस्ता पत्सु जवं दधातु ॥
1Be fleet as wind, Strong Steed, when thou art harnessed; go forth as swift as thought at lndra's sending. Let the possessors of all wealth, the Maruts, yoke thee, and Tvashtar in thy feet lay swiftness.
2जवस्ते अर्वन् निहितो गुहा यः श्येने वाते उत योऽचरत्परीत्तः । तेन त्वं वाजिन् बलवान् बलेनाजिं जय समने परयिष्णुः ॥
2That speed, that lies concealed in thee, O Charger, speed granted to the hawk or wind that wandered, Therewith, Strong Steed, saving in shock of battle endowed with might by might win thou the contest.
3तनूष्टे वाजिन् तन्वं नयन्ती वाममस्मभ्यं धावतु शर्म तुभ्यम् । अह्रुतो महो धरुणाय देवो दिवीव ज्योतिः स्वमा मिमीयात् ॥
3Bearing thy body, Charger, may thy body run blessing us and winning thee protection. May he, unswerving, to uphold the mighty, stablish his lustre as a God in heaven.
Hymn 6.93A prayer for protection from poison
1यमो मृत्युरघमारो निर्ऋथो बभ्रुः शर्वोऽस्ता नीलशिखण्डः । देवजनाः सेनयोत्तस्थिवांसस्ते अस्माकं परि वृञ्जन्तु वीरान् ॥
1Yama, Death direly fatal, the Destroyer, with his black crest, Sarva the tawny archer, And all the Gods uprisen with their army, may these on every side avoid our heroes.
2मनसा होमैर्हरसा घृतेन शर्वायास्त्र उत राज्ञे भवाय । नमस्येभ्यो नम एभ्यः कृणोम्यन्यत्रास्मदघविषा नयन्तु ॥
2With mind, burnt offerings, butter, and libation, to royal Bhava and the archer Sarva, To these the worshipful I pay my worship: may they turn elsewhere things with deadly venom.
3त्रायध्वं नो अघविषाभ्यो वधाद्विश्वे देवा मरुतो विश्ववेदसः । अग्नीषोमा वरुणः पूतदक्षा वातापर्जन्ययोः सुमतौ स्याम ॥
3Save us, All-Gods and all-possessing Maruts, from murderous stroke and things that slay with poison. Pure is the might of Varuna, Agni, Soma. May Vāta's and Parjanya's favour bless us.
Hymn 6.94A charm to reconcile a King's discontented people
1सं वो मनांसि सं व्रता समाकूतीर्नमामसि । अमी ये विव्रता स्थन तान् वः सं नमयामसि ॥
1We bend your minds in union, bend in harmony your hopes and plans: You there, who turn to sundered ways, we bend and bow in unison.
2अहं गृभ्णामि मनसा मनांसि मम चित्तमनु चित्तेभिरेत । मम वशेषु हृदयानि वः कृणोमि मम यातमनुवर्त्मान एत ॥
2I with my spirit make your spirits captive: these with their thoughts follow my thought and wishes. I make your hearts submissive to mine order closely attending go where I precede you.
3ओते मे द्यावापृथिवी ओता देवी सरस्वती । ओतौ म इन्द्रश्चाग्निश्च र्ध्यास्मेदं सरस्वति ॥
3I have invoked both Heaven and Earth, invoked divine Sarasvati, Indra and Agni have I called: Sarasvati, so may we thrive!
Hymn 6.95A charm to remove disease
1अश्वत्थो देवसदनस्तृतीयस्यामितो दिवि । तत्रामृतस्य चक्षणं देवाः कुष्ठमवन्वत ॥
1In the third heaven above us stands the Asvattha tree, the seat of Gods. There the Gods gained the Kushtha plant, embodiment of endless life.
2हिरण्ययी नौरचरद्धिरण्यबन्धना दिवि । तत्रामृतस्य पुष्पं देवाः कुष्ठमवन्वत ॥
2There moved through heaven a golden ship, a ship with cordage wrought of gold. There Gods obtained the Kushtha plant, the flower of immortality.
3गर्भो अस्योषधीनां गर्भो हिमवतामुत । गर्भो विश्वस्य भूतस्येमं मे अगदं कृधि ॥
3Thou art the infant of the plants, the infant of the Snowy Hills: The germ of every thing that is: free this my friend from his disease.
Hymn 6.96A prayer for deliverance from sin and sorrow
1या ओषधयः सोमराज्ञीर्बह्वीः शतविचक्षणाः । बृहस्पतिप्रसूतास्ता नो मुञ्चन्त्वंहसः ॥
1The many plants of hundred shapes and forms that Soma rules as King, Commanded by Brihaspati, deliver us from grief and woe!
2मुञ्चन्तु मा शपथ्यादथो वरुण्यादुत । अथो यमस्य पड्वीशाद्विश्वस्माद्देवकिल्बिषात् ॥
2Let them release me from the curse and from the noose of Varupa, Free me from Yama's fetter, and from every sin against the Gods!
3यच्चक्षुषा मनसा यच्च वाचोपारिम जाग्रतो यत्स्वपन्तः । सोमस्तानि स्वधया नः पुनातु ॥
3From every fault in look, in word, in spirit that we, awake or sleeping, have committed, May Soma, with his godlike nature, cleanse us.
Hymn 6.97A prayer for the success and prosperity of a King
1अभिभूर्यज्ञो अभिभूरग्निरभिभूः सोमो अभिभूरिन्द्रः । अभ्यहं विश्वाः पृतना यथासान्येवा विधेमाग्निहोत्रा इदं हविः ॥
1The sacrifice is victor, Agni victor, victorious is Soma, Indra conquers: So will we bring oblation unto Agni, this sacrifice that I may win all battles.
2स्वधास्तु मित्रावरुणा विपश्चिता प्रजावत्क्षत्रं मधुनेह पिन्वतम् । बाधेथां दूरं निर्ऋतिं पराचैः कृतं चिदेनः प्र मुमुक्तमस्मत् ॥
2Praise to you, Mitra-Varupa, hymn-singers! Here swell with meath dominion blest with children. Far into distant regions drive Destruction, and even from committed sin absolve us.
3इमं वीरमनु हर्षध्वमुग्रमिन्द्रं सखायो अनु सं रभध्वम् । ग्रामजितं गोजितं वज्रबाहुं जयन्तमज्म प्रमृणन्तमोजसा ॥
3In this strong hero be ye glad and joyful: cleave ye to him even as ye cleave to Indra. Victorious, kine-winner, thunder-wielder, who quells a host and with his might destroys it.
Hymn 6.98Praise of Indra
1इन्द्रो जयाति न परा जयाता अधिराजो राजसु राजयातै । चर्कृत्य ईड्यो वन्द्यश्चोपसद्यो नमस्य्श्भवेह ॥
1Indra be victor, never to be vanquished, to reign among the Kings as sovran ruler! Here be thou meet for praise and supplication, to be revered and waited on and worshipped.
2त्वमिन्द्राधिराजः श्रवस्युस्त्वं भूरभिभूतिर्जनानाम् । त्वं दैवीर्विश इमा वि राजायुष्मत्क्षत्रमजरं ते अस्तु ॥
2Thou fain for glory, an imperial ruler, hast won dominion over men, O Indra, Of these celestial tribes be thou the sovran: long-lasting be thy sway and undecaying!
3प्राच्या दिशस्त्वमिन्द्रासि राजोतोदीच्या दिशो वृत्रहन् छत्रुहोऽसि । यत्र यन्ति स्रोत्यास्तज्जितं ते दक्षिणतो वृषभ एषि हव्यः ॥
3Thou governest the north and eastern regions, Indra! fiend-slayer! thou destroycst foemen. Thou hast won all, far as the rivers wander. Bull, called to help, on our right hand thou goest.
Hymn 6.99A prayer for protection in battle
1अभि त्वेन्द्र वरिमतः पुरा त्वांहूरणाद्धुवे । ह्वयाम्युग्रं चेत्तारं पुरुणामानमेकजम् ॥
1Indra, before affliction comes, I call thee from the wide expanse. The mighty guardian, born alone, wearer of many names, I call.
2यो अद्य सेन्यो वधो जिघांसन् न उदीरते । इन्द्रस्य तत्र बाहू समन्तं परि दद्मः ॥
2Whatever deadly missile launched to-day flies forth to slaughter us. We take both arms of Indra to encompass us on every side.
3परि दद्म इन्द्रस्य बाहू समन्तं त्रातुस्त्रायतां नः । देव सवितः सोम राजन्त्सुमनसं मा कृणु स्वस्तये ॥
3We draw about us both the arms of Indra, our deliverer. May they protect us thoroughly. O Savitar, thou God, O royal Soma, make thou me pious-minded for my welfare.
Hymn 6.100A charm against poison
1देवा अदुः सूर्यो द्यौरदात्पृथिव्यदात्। तिस्रः सरस्वतिरदुः सचित्ता विषदूषणम् ॥
1The Gods and Sūrya gave the gift, the Earth and Heaven bestowed the boon. The three Sarasvatis in full accord bestowed the antidote.
2यद्वो देवा उपजीका आसिञ्चन् धन्वन्युदकम् । तेन देवप्रसूतेनेदं दूषयता विषम् ॥
2That water, Upajīkās! which Gods poured for you on thirsty land, With that same water sent by Gods, drive ye away this poison here.
3असुराणां दुहितासि सा देवानामसि स्वसा । दिवस्पृथिव्याः संभूता सा चकर्थारसं विषम् ॥
3The daughter of the Asuras art thou, and sister of the Gods. Thou who hast sprung from heaven and earth hast robbed the poison of its power.
Hymn 6.101A charm to promote virile vigour
Griffith gives this hymn in Latin, not English, as he did for passages he judged indelicate; the Latin is kept as printed.
1आ वृषायस्व श्वसिहि वर्धस्व प्रथयस्व च । यथाङ्गं वर्धतां शेपस्तेन योषितमिज्जहि ॥
1Taurum age, palpita, incresce et teipsum extende: per totum membrum increscat penis: hoc tu caede feminam.
2येन कृषं वाजयन्ति येन हिन्वन्त्यातुरम् । तेनास्य ब्रह्मणस्पते धनुरिवा तानया पसः ॥
2Quo debilem stimulant, quo aegrum excitant (homines), hoc, O Brahmanaspatis, hujus penem in arcus modum extende.
3आहं तनोमि ते पसो अधि ज्यामिव धन्वनि । क्रमस्व ऋष इव रोहितमनवग्लायता सदा ॥
3Velut nervum in arcu ego tuum fascinum extendo. Aggredere (mulierem) semper indefessus velut cervus damam.
Hymn 6.102A man's love charm
1यथायं वाहो अश्विना समैति सं च वर्तते । एवा मामभि ते मनः समैतु सं च वर्तताम् ॥
1Even as this ox, O Asvins, steps and turns together with his mate, So let thy fancy turn itself, come nearer, and unite with me.
2आहं खिदामि ते मनो राजाश्वः पृष्ट्यामिव । रेष्मछिन्नं यथा तृणं मयि ते वेष्टतां मनः ॥
2I, as the shaft-horse draws the mare beside him, draw thee to myself. Like grass that storm and wind have rent, so be thy mind attached to me!
3आञ्जनस्य मदुघस्य कुष्ठस्य नलदस्य च । तुरो भगस्य हस्ताभ्यामनुरोधनमुद्भरे ॥
3Swiftly from Bhaga's hands I bear away a love-compelling charm Of ointment and of sugar-cane, of Spikenard and the Kushtha plant.
Hymn 6.103A charm to check the approach of a hostile army
1संदानं वो बृहस्पतिः संदानं सविता करत्। संदानं मित्रो अर्यमा संदानं भगो अश्विना ॥
1Brihaspati and Savitar prepare a rope to bind you fast! Let Bhaga, Mitra, Aryaman, and both the Asvins make the bond.
2सं परमान्त्समवमान् अथो सं द्यामि मध्यमान् । इन्द्रस्तान् पर्यहार्दाम्ना तान् अग्ने सं द्या त्वम् ॥
2I bind together all of them, the first, the last, the middlemost. Indra hath girded these with cord: bind them together, Agni, thou!
3अमी ये युधमायन्ति केतून् कृत्वानीकशः । इन्द्रस्तान् पर्यहार्दाम्न तान् अग्ने सं द्या त्वम् ॥
3Those yonder who approach to fight, with banners raised along their ranks, Indra hath girded these with cord: bind them together, Agni, thou!
Hymn 6.104The same
1आदानेन संदानेनामित्रान् आ द्यामसि । अपाना ये चैषां प्राणा असुनासून्त्समछिदन् ॥
1We bind our foemen with a bond that binds them close and holds them fast. Their breath and respiration I dissever, and their lives from life.
2इदमादानमकरं तपसेन्द्रेण संशितम् । अमित्रा येऽत्र नः सन्ति तान् अग्न आ द्या त्वम् ॥
2This bond, made keen by Indra, I have formed with heat of holy zeal. Securely bind our enemies, O Agni, who are standing here.
3ऐनान् द्यतामिन्द्राग्नी सोमो राजा च मेदिनौ । इन्द्रो मरुत्वान् आदानममित्रेभ्यः कृणोतु नः ॥
3Indra and Agni bind them fast, Soma the King, and both the Friends! May Indra, girt by Maruts, make a bond to bind our enemies.
Hymn 6.105A charm to cure cough
1यथा मनो मनस्केतैः परापतत्याशुमत्। एवा त्वं कासे प्र पत मनसोऽनु प्रवाय्यम् ॥
1Rapidly as the fancy flies forth with conceptions of the mind. So following the fancy's flight, O Cough, flee rapidly away.
2यथा बाणः सुसंशितः परापतत्याशुमत्। एवा त्वं कासे प्र पत पृथिव्या अनु संवतम् ॥
2Rapidly as an arrow flies away with keenly-sharpened point, So swiftly flee away, O Cough, over the region of the earth!
3यथा सूर्यस्य रश्मयः परापतन्त्याशुमत्। एवा त्वं कासे प्र पत समुद्रस्यानु विक्षरम् ॥
3Rapidly as the beams of light, the rays of Sūrya, fly away, So, Cough! fly rapidly away over the current of the sea!
Hymn 6.106A charm to protect a house from fire
1आयने ते परायणे दूर्वा रोहन्तु पुष्पिणीः । उत्सो वा तत्र जायतां ह्रदो वा पुण्डरीकवान् ॥
1Let flowery Dūrvā grass grow up about thine exit and approach. There let a spring of water rise, or lake with blooming lotuses.
2अपामिदं न्ययनं समुद्रस्य निवेशनम् । मध्ये ह्रदस्य नो गृहाः पराचीना मुखा कृधि ॥
2This is the place where waters meet, here is the gathering of the flood. Our home is set amid the lake: turn thou thy jaws away from it.
3हिमस्य त्वा जरायुणा शाले परि व्ययामसि । शीतह्रदा हि नो भुवोऽग्निष्कृणोतु भेषजम् ॥
3O House, we compass thee about with coolness to envelop thee. Cool as a lake be thou to us. Let Agni bring us healing balm!
Hymn 6.107A charm to protect men and cattle
1विश्वजित्त्रायमाणायै मा परि देहि । त्रायमाणे द्विपाच्च सर्वं नो रक्ष चतुष्पाड्यच्च नः स्वम् ॥
1Entrust me, Visvajit, to Trāyamānā. Guard, Trāyamānā, all our men, guard all our wealth of quadrupeds.
2त्रायमाणे विश्वजिते मा परि देहि । विश्वजिद्द्विपाच्च सर्वं नो रक्ष चतुष्पाड्यच्च नः स्वम् ॥
2To Visvajit entrust me, Trāyamānā. O Visvajit, guard all our men, etc.
3विश्वजित्कल्याण्यै मा परि देहि । कल्याणि द्विपाच्च सर्वं नो रक्ष चतुष्पाड्यच्च नः स्वम् ॥
3To Visvajit entrust me, O Kalyāni. Guard, O Kalyāni, all our men, etc.
4कल्याणि सर्वविदे मा परि देहि । सर्वविद्द्विपाच्च सर्वं नो रक्ष चतुष्पाड्यच्च नः स्वम् ॥
4To Sarvavid entrust me, O Kalyāni. O Sarvavid, guard all our men, guard all our wealth of quadrupeds.
Hymn 6.108A prayer for wisdom
1त्वं नो मेधे प्रथमा गोभिरश्वेभिरा गहि । त्वं सूर्यस्य रश्मिभिस्त्वं नो असि यज्ञिया ॥
1Intelligence, come first to us with store of horses and of kine! Thou with the rays of Sūrya art our worshipful and holy one.
2मेधामहं प्रथमां ब्रह्मण्वतीं ब्रह्मजूतामृषिष्टुताम् । प्रपीतां ब्रह्मचारिभिर्देवानामवसे हुवे ॥
2The first, devout Intelligence, lauded by sages, sped by prayer, Drunk by Brahmachāris, for the favour of the Gods I call.
3यां मेधामृभवो विदुर्यां मेधामसुरा विदुः । ऋषयो भद्रां मेधां यां विदुस्तां मय्या वेशयामसि ॥
3That excellent Intelligence which Ribhus know, and Asuras, Intelligence which sages know, we cause to enter into me.
4यामृषयो भूतकृतो मेधां मेधाविनो विदुः । तया मामद्य मेधयाग्ने मेधाविनं कृणु ॥
4Do thou, O Agni, make me wise this day with that Intelligence. Which the creative ishis, which the men endowed with wisdom knew.
5मेधां सायं मेधां प्रातर्मेधां मध्यन्दिनं परि । मेधां सूर्यस्य रश्मिभिर्वचसा वेशयामहे ॥
5Intelligence at eve, at morn, Intelligence at noon of day, With the Sun's beams, and by our speech we plant in us Intelligence.
Hymn 6.109A charm to heal punctured wounds
1पिप्पली क्षिप्तभेषज्युतातिविद्धभेषजी । तां देवाः समकल्पयन्न् इयं जीवितवा अलम् ॥
1The Berry heals the missile's rent, it heals the deeply-piercing wound. The Gods prepared and fashioned it. This hath sufficient power for life.
2पिप्पल्यः समवदन्तायतीर्जननादधि । यं जीवमश्नवामहै न स रिष्याति पूरुषः ॥
2When from their origin they came, the Berries spake among themselves: The man whom we shall find alive shall never suffer injury.
3असुरास्त्वा न्यखनन् देवास्त्वोदवपन् पुनः । वातीकृतस्य भेषजीमथो क्षिप्तस्य भेषजीम् ॥
3Asuras buried thee in earth: the Gods again uplifted thee. Healer of sickness caused by wounds and healer of the missile's rent.
Hymn 6.110A benediction on a new-born child
1प्रत्नो हि कमीड्यो अध्वरेषु सनाच्च होता नव्यश्च सत्सि । स्वां चाग्ने तन्वं पिप्रायस्वास्मभ्यं च सौभगमा यजस्व ॥
1Yea, ancient, meet for praise at sacrifices, ever and now thou sittest down as Hotar. And now, O Agni, make thy person friendly, and win felicity for us by worship.
2ज्येष्ठघ्न्यां जातो विचृतोर्यमस्य मूलबर्हणात्परि पाह्येनम् । अत्येनं नेषद्दुरितानि विश्वा दीर्घायुत्वाय शतशारदाय ॥
2Neath Jyaishthaghni and Yama's Two Releasers this child was born: preserve him from uprooting. He shall conduct him safe past all misfortunes to lengthened life that lasts a hundred autumns.
3व्याघ्रेऽह्न्यजनिष्ट वीरो नक्षत्रजा जायमानः सुवीरः । स मा वधीत्पितरं वर्धमानो मा मातरं प्र मिनीज्जनित्रीम् ॥
3Born on the Tiger's day was he, a hero, the Constellations' child, born brave and manly. Let him not wound, when grown in strength, his father, nor disregard his mother, her who bare him.
Hymn 6.111A charm for insanity
1इमं मे अग्ने पुरुषं मुमुग्ध्ययं यो बद्धः सुयतो लालपीति । अतोऽधि ते कृणवद्भागधेयं यदानुन्मदितोऽसति ॥
1Unbind and loose for me this man, O Agni, who bound and well restrained is chattering folly. Afterward he will offer thee thy portion when he hath been delivered from his madness.
2अग्निष्टे नि शमयतु यदि ते मन उद्युतम् । कृणोमि विद्वान् भेषजं यथानुन्मदितोऽससि ॥
2Let Agni gently soothe thy mind when fierce excitement troubles it. Well-skilled I make a medicine that thou no larger mayst be mad.
3देवैनसादुन्मदितमुन्मत्तं रक्षसस्परि । कृणोमि विद्वान् भेषजं यदानुन्मदितोऽसति ॥
3Insane through sin against the Gods, or maddened by a demon's power— Well-skilled I make a medicine to free thee from insanity.
4पुनस्त्वा दुरप्सरसः पुनरिन्द्रः पुनर्भगः । पुनस्त्वा दुर्विश्वे देवा यथानुन्मदितोऽससि ॥
4May the Apsarases release, Indra and Bhaga let thee go. May all the Gods deliver thee that thou no longer mayst be mad.
Hymn 6.112A health-charm for man, woman, and son
1मा ज्येष्ठं वधीदयमग्न एषां मूलबर्हणात्परि पाह्येनम् । स ग्राह्याः पाशान् वि चृत प्रजानन् तुभ्यं देवा अनु जानन्तु विश्वे ॥
1Let not this one, O Agni, wound the highest of these: preserve thou him from utter ruin. Knowing the way do thou untie the nooses of the she-fiend: let all the Gods approve thee.
2उन् मुञ्च पाशांस्त्वमग्न एषां त्रयस्त्रिभिरुत्सिता येभिरासन् । स ग्राह्याः पाशान् वि चृत प्रजानन् पितापुत्रौ मातरं मुञ्च सर्वान् ॥
2Rend thou the; bonds of these asunder, Agni! the, threefold noose whereby the three were fastened. Knowing the way untie the she-fiend's nooses: free all, the son, the father, and the mother.
3येभिः पाशैः परिवित्तो विबद्धोऽङ्गेअङ्ग आर्पित उत्सितश्च । वि ते मुच्यन्तं विमुचो हि सन्ति भ्रूणघ्नि पूषन् दुरितानि मृक्ष्व ॥
3The elder brother's bonds, still left unwedded, fettered in every limb and bound securely, Loose these, for they are bonds for loosing: Pūshan, turn woes away upon the babe-destroyer.
Hymn 6.113A charm to banish the fiend Grāhi
1त्रिते देवा अमृजतैतदेनस्त्रित एनन् मनुष्येषु ममृजे । ततो यदि त्वा ग्राहिरानशे तां ते देवा ब्रह्मणा नाशयन्तु ॥
1This sin the Gods wiped off and laid on Trita, and Trita wiped it off on human beings. Thence if the female fiend hath made thee captive, the Gods by prayer shall banish her and free thee.
2मरीचीर्धूमान् प्र विशानु पाप्मन्न् उदारान् गछोत वा नीहारान् । नदीनं फेनामनु तान् वि नश्य भ्रूणघ्नि पूषन् दुरितानि मृक्ष्व ॥
2Enter the particles of light and vapours, go to the rising fogs or mists, O Evil! Hence! vanish in the foams of rivers. Pūshan, wipe woes away upon the babe-destroyer!
3द्वादशधा निहितं त्रितस्यापमृष्टं मनुष्यैनसानि । ततो यदि त्वा ग्राहिरानशे तां ते देवा ब्रह्मणा नाशयन्तु ॥
3Stored in twelve separate places lies what Trita hath wiped away, the sins of human beings. Thence if the female fiend hath made thee captive, the Gods by prayer shall banish her and free thee.
Hymn 6.114A prayer for pardon of faults and errors in sacrificing
1यद्देवा देवहेडनं देवासश्चकृम वयम् । आदित्यास्तस्मान् नो युयमृतस्य ऋतेन मुञ्चत ॥
1Whatever God-provoking wrong we priests have done, O Deities. Therefrom do ye deliver us, Ādityas! by the right of Law.
2ऋतस्य ऋतेनादित्या यजत्रा मुञ्चतेह नः । यज्ञं यद्यज्ञवाहसः शिक्षन्तो नोपशेकिम ॥
2Here set us free, O holy ones, Ādityas, by the right of Law. When striving, bringing sacrifice, we failed to offer it aright.
3मेदस्वता यजमानाः स्रुचाज्यानि जुह्वतः । अकामा विश्वे वो देवाः शिक्षन्तो नोप शेकिम ॥
3With ladle full of fatness we, worshippers, pouring holy oil, Striving, have failed, O all ye Gods, against our will, to offer it.
Hymn 6.115A prayer for forgiveness of sins
1यद्विद्वांसो यदविद्वांस एनांसि चकृमा वयम् । यूयं नस्तस्मान् मुञ्चत विश्वे देवाः सजोषसः ॥
1Whatever wrong we wittingly or in our ignorance have done, Do ye deliver us therefrom, O all ye Gods, of one accord.
2यदि जाग्रद्यदि स्वपन्न् एन एनस्योऽकरम् । भूतं मा तस्माद्भव्यं च द्रुपदादिव मुञ्चताम् ॥
2If I, a sinner, when awake or sleeping have committed sin, Free me therefrom as from a stake, from present and from future guilt.
3द्रुपदादिव मुमुचानः स्विन्नः स्नात्वा मलादिव । पूतं पवित्रेणेवाज्यं विश्वे शुम्भन्तु मैनसः ॥
3As one unfastened from a stake, or cleansed by bathing after toil, As butter which the sieve hath cleansed, so all shall purge me from the sin.
Hymn 6.116A prayer for pardon of sin against mother, father, son, or brother
1यद्यामं चक्रुर्निखनन्तो अग्रे कार्षीवणा अन्नविदो न विद्यया । वैवस्वते राजनि तज्जुहोम्यथ यज्ञियं मधुमदस्तु नोऽन्नम् ॥
1The wealth which husbandmen aforetime, digging, like men who find their food with knowledge, buried, This to the King, Vivasvān's son, I offer, Sweet be our food and fit for sacrificing!
2वैवस्वतः कृणवद्भागधेयं मधुभागो मधुना सं सृजाति । मातुर्यदेन इषितं न आगन् यद्वा पिताऽपराद्धो जिहीदे ॥
2May he, Vaivasvata, prepare our portion; May he whose share is mead with mead besprinkle. Our sin in hasty mood against our mother, or guilt whereby a sire is wronged and angered.
3यदीदं मातुर्यदि पितुर्नः परि भ्रातुः पुत्राच्चेतस एन आगन् । यावन्तो अस्मान् पितरः सचन्ते तेषां सर्वेषां शिवो अस्तु मन्युः ॥
3Whether this sin into our heart hath entered regarding mother, father, son or brother, Auspicious be to us the zeal and spirit of all the fathers who are here among us.
Hymn 6.117A prayer for freedom from debt
1अपमित्यमप्रतीत्तं यदस्मि यमस्य येन बलिना चरामि । इदं तदग्ने अनृणो भवामि त्वं पाशान् विचृतं वेत्थ सर्वान् ॥
1That which I eat, a debt which still is owing, the tribute due to Yama, which supports me, Thereby may I be free from debt, O Agni. Thou knowest how to rend all bonds asunder.
2इहैव सन्तः प्रति दद्म एनज्जीवा जीवेभ्यो नि हराम एनत्। अपमित्य धान्यं यज्जघसाहमिदं तदग्ने अनृणो भवामि ॥
2Still dwelling here we give again this present; we send it forth, the living from the living. Throwing away the grain whence I have eaten, thereby shall I be free from debt, O Agni.
3अनृणा अस्मिन्न् अनृणाः परस्मिन् तृतीये लोके अनृणाः स्याम । ये देवयानाः पितृयाणश्च लोकाः सर्वान् पथो अनृणा आ क्षियेम ॥
3May we be free in this world and that yonder, in the third world may we be unindebted. May we, debt-free, abide in all the pathways, in all the worlds which Gods and Fathers visit.
Hymn 6.118A prayer for pardon of cheating at play
1यद्धस्ताभ्यां चकृम किल्बिषाण्यक्षाणां गत्नुमुपलिप्समानाः । उग्रंपश्ये उग्रजितौ तदद्याप्सरसावनु दत्तामृणं नः ॥
1If we have sinned with both our hands, desiring to take the host of dice for our possession, May both Apsarases to-day forgive us that debt, the fiercely-conquering, fiercely-looking.
2उग्रंपश्ये राष्ट्रभृत्किल्बिषाणि यदक्षवृत्तमनु दत्तं न एतत्। ऋणान् नो न ऋणमेर्त्समानो यमस्य लोके अधिरज्जुरायत् ॥
2Stern viewers of their sins who rule the people, forgive us what hash happened as we gambled. Not urging us to pay the debt we owed him, he with a cord hath gone to Yama's kingdom.
3यस्मा ऋणं यस्य जायामुपैमि यं याचमानो अभ्यैमि देवाः । ते वाचं वादिषुर्मोत्तरां मद्देवपत्नी अप्सरसावधीतम् ॥
3My creditor, the man whose wife I visit, he, Gods! whom I approach with supplication, Let not these men dominate me in speaking. Mind this, ye two Apsarases, Gods' Consorts!
Hymn 6.119A prayer for release from debts incurred without intention of payment
1यददीव्यन्न् ऋणमहं कृणोम्यदास्यन्न् अग्ने उत संगृणामि । वैश्वानरो नो अधिपा वसिष्ठ उदिन् नयाति सुकृतस्य लोकम् ॥
1The debt which I incur, not gaming, Agni! and, not intending to repay, acknowledge, That may Vaisvānara, the best, our sovran, carry away into the world of virtue.
2वैश्वानराय प्रति वेदयामि यदि ऋणं संगरो देवतासु । स एतान् पाशान् विचृतं वेद सर्वान् अथ पक्वेन सह सं भवेम ॥
2I cause Vaisvānara to know, confessing the debt whose payment to the Gods is promised. He knows to tear asunder all these nooses: so may we dwell with him the gentle-minded.
3वैश्वानरः पविता मा पुनातु यत्संगरमभिधावाम्याशाम् । अनाजानन् मनसा याचमानो यत्तत्रैनो अप तत्सुवामि ॥
3Vaisvānara the Purifier purge me when I oppose their hope and break my promise, Unknowing in my heart. With supplication, whatever guilt there is in that, I banish.
Hymn 6.120A prayer for pardon of sins and felicity hereafter
1यदन्तरिक्षं पृथिवीमुत द्यां यन् मातरं पितरं वा जिहिंसिम । अयं तस्माद्गार्हपत्यो नो अग्निरुदिन् नयाति सुकृतस्य लोकम् ॥
1If we have injured Air, or Earth, or Heaven, if we have wronged our Mother or our Father, May Agni Gārhapatya here absolve us, and bear us up into the world of virtue.
2भूमिर्मातादितिर्नो जनित्रं भ्रातान्तरिक्षमभिशस्त्या नः । द्यौर्नः पिता पित्र्याच्छं भवाति जामिमृत्वा माव पत्सि लोकात् ॥
2Earth is our Mother, Aditi our birth-place: our brother Air save us from imprecation! Dyaus, Father, save us, from the world of Fathers! My world not lost, may I approach my kindred.
3यत्रा सुहार्दः सुकृतो मदन्ति विहाय रोगं तन्वः स्वायाः । अश्लोना अङ्गैरह्रुताः स्वर्गे तत्र पश्येम पितरौ च पुत्रान् ॥
3There where our virtuous friends, who left behind them their bodily infirmities, are happy, Free from distortion of the limbs and lameness, may we behold, in heaven, our sons and parents.
Hymn 6.121A prayer for happiness in heaven
1विषाणा पाशान् वि ष्याध्यस्मद्य उत्तमा अधमा वारुणा ये । दुष्वप्न्यं दुरितं नि ष्वास्मदथ गछेम सुकृतस्य लोकम् ॥
1Spreading them out, untie the snares that hold us, Varuna's bonds, the upper and the lower. Drive from us evil dream, drive off misfortune; then let us go into the world of virtue.
2यद्दारुणि बध्यसे यच्च रज्ज्वां यद्भूम्यां बध्यसे यच्च वाचा । अयं तस्माद्गार्हपत्यो नो अग्निरुदिन् नयाति सुकृतस्य लोकम् ॥
2If thou art bound with cord or tied to timber, fixt in the earth, or by a word imprisoned, Our Agni Gārhapatya here shall free thee, and lead thee up into the world of virtue.
3उदगातां भगवती विचृतौ नाम तारके । प्रेहामृतस्य यच्छतां प्रैतु बद्धकमोचनम् ॥
3The two auspicious stars whose name is called Releasers have gone up. Send Amrit hither, let it come freeing the captive from his bonds!
4वि जिहीष्व लोकं कृणु बन्धान् मुञ्चासि बद्धकम् । योन्या इव प्रच्युतो गर्भः पथः सर्वामनु क्षिय ॥
4Open thyself, make room: from bonds thou shalt release the prisoner. Freed, like an infant newly born, dwell in all pathways where thou wilt.
Hymn 6.122A prayer for happiness in heaven
English stanza 3 is missing from the sacred-texts transcription; supplied from the printed edition (archive.org OCR of in.ernet.dli.2015.274134 and hymnsoftheatharv029640mbp, both agree).
1एतं भागं परि ददामि विद्वान् विश्वकर्मन् प्रथमजा ऋतस्य । अस्माभिर्दत्तं जरसः परस्तादछिन्नं तन्तुमनु सं तरेम ॥
1This portion I who understand deliver to Visvakarman first-born son of Order. So may we follow to the end, unbroken, beyond old age, the thread which we have given.
2ततं तन्तुमन्वेके तरन्ति येषां दत्तं पित्र्यमायनेन । अबन्ध्वेके ददतः प्रयच्छन्तो दातुं चेच्छिक्षान्त्स स्वर्ग एव ॥
2This long-drawn thread some follow who have offered in ordered course oblation to the Fathers: Some, offering and giving to the friendless, if they can give: herein they find their heaven. 3, Stand on my side and range yourselves in order, ye two! The faithful reach this world of Svarga. When your dressed food hath been bestowed on Agni, to guard it, wife and husband, come together!
3अन्वारभेथामनुसंरभेथामेतं लोकं श्रद्दधानाः सचन्ते । यद्वां पक्वं परिविष्टमग्नौ तस्य गुप्तये दम्पती सं श्रयेथाम् ॥
3Stand on my side and range yourselves in order, ye two! The faithful reach this world of Svarga. When your dressed food hath been bestowed on Agni, to guard it, wife and husband, come together!
4यज्ञं यन्तं मनसा बृहन्तमन्वारोहामि तपसा सयोनिः । उपहूता अग्ने जरसः परस्तात्तृतीये नाके सधमादं मदेम ॥
4Dwelling with zeal I mount in spirit after the lofty sacrifice as it departeth. Agni, may we, beyond decay, invited, in the third heaven, feast and enjoy the banquet.
5शुद्धाः पूता योषितो यज्ञिया इमा ब्रह्मणां हस्तेषु प्रपृथक्सादयामि । यत्काम इदमभिषिञ्चामि वोऽहमिन्द्रो मरुत्वान्त्स ददातु तन् मे ॥
5These women here, cleansed, purified, and holy, I place at rest singly, in hands of Brāhmans. May Indra, Marut-girt, grant me the blessing I long for as I pour you this libation.
Hymn 6.123A prayer for happiness in heaven
1एतं सधस्थाः परि वो ददामि यं शेवधिमावहाज्जातवेदः । अन्वागन्ता यजमानः स्वस्ति तं स्म जानीत परमे व्योमन् ॥
1Ye who are present, unto you I offer this treasure brought to us by Jātavedas Happily will the sacrificer follow: do ye acknowledge him in highest heaven.
2जानीत स्मैनं परमे व्योमन् देवाः सधस्था विद लोकमत्र । अन्वागन्ता यजमानः स्वस्तीष्टापूर्तं स्म कृणुताविरस्मै ॥
2Do ye acknowledge him in highest heaven: ye know the world here present in assembly. In peace will he who sacrifices follow: show him the joy which comes from pious actions.
3देवाः पितरः पितरो देवाः । यो अस्मि सो अस्मि ॥
3Gods are the Fathers, and the Fathers Gods. I am the very man I am.
4स पचामि स ददामि । स यजे स दत्तान् मा यूषम् ॥
4I cook, I give, I offer up oblation. From what I gave let me not be disparted.
5नाके राजन् प्रति तिष्ठ तत्रैतत्प्रति तिष्ठतु । विद्धि पूर्तस्य नो राजन्त्स देव सुमना भव ॥
5O King, take thou thy stand in heaven, there also let that gift be placed. Recognize, King, the gift which we have given, and be gracious, God!
Hymn 6.124An Omen from the sky
1दिवो नु मां बृहतो अन्तरिक्षादपां स्तोको अभ्यपप्तद्रसेन । समिन्द्रियेन पयसाहमग्ने छन्दोभिर्यज्ञैः सुकृतां कृतेन ॥
1From the high firmament, yea, out of heaven a water-drop with dew on me hath fallen. I, Agni! share the merit of the pious, with vigour, milk, and hymns and sacrifices.
2यदि वृक्षादभ्यपप्तत्फलं तद्यद्यन्तरिक्षात्स उ वायुरेव । यत्रास्पृक्षत्तन्वो यच्च वासस आपो नुदन्तु निर्ऋतिं पराचैः ॥
2If from a tree that fruit hath fallen downward if, aught from air that is vāyu. Where it hath touched my body or my garment, thence may the Waters drive Destruction backward.
3अभ्यञ्जनं सुरभि सा समृद्धिर्हिरण्यं वर्चस्तदु पूत्रिममेव । सर्वा पवित्रा वितताध्यस्मत्तन् मा तारीन् निर्ऋतिर्मो अरातिः ॥
3It is a fragrant ointment, happy fortune, sheen all of gold, yea, purified from blemish. Spread over us are all purifications. Death and Malignity shall not subdue us.
Hymn 6.125Glorification of a war-chariot
1वनस्पते वीड्वङ्गो हि भूया अस्मत्सखा प्रतरणः सुवीरः । गोभिः संनद्धो असि वीडयस्वास्थाता ते जयतु जेत्वानि ॥
1Mayst thou, O Tree, be firm indeed in body, our friend that furthers us, a goodly hero. Put forth thy strength, compact with thongs of leather, and let thy rider win all spoils of battle.
2दिवस्पृथिव्याः पर्योज उद्भृतं वनस्पतिभ्यः पर्याभृतं सहः । अपामोज्मानं परि गोभिरावृतमिन्द्रस्य वज्रं हविषा रथं यज ॥
2Its mighty strength was borrowed from the heaven and earth: its conquering force was brought from sovrans of the wood. Honour with sacrifice the Car like Indra's bolt, the Car girt round with straps, the vigour of the floods.
3इन्द्रस्यौजो मरुतामनीकं मित्रस्य गर्भो वरुणस्य नाभिः । स इमां नो हव्यदातिं जुषाणो देव रथ प्रति हव्या गृभाय ॥
3Thou bolt of Indra, vanguard of the Maruts, close knit to Varuna and child of Mitra, As such, accepting gifts which here we offer, receive, O godlike Chariot, these oblations.
Hymn 6.126Glorification of the war drum
1उप श्वासय पृथिवीमुत द्यं पुरुत्रा ते वन्वतां विष्ठितं जगत्। स दुन्दुभे सजूरिन्द्रेण देवैर्दूराद्दवीयो अप सेध शत्रून् ॥
1Send forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let the world in all its breadth regard thee. O Drum, accordant with the Gods and Indra, drive thou afar, yea, very far, our foemen.
2आ क्रन्दय बलमोजो न आ धा अभि ष्टन दुरिता बाधमानः । अप सेध दुन्दुभे दुछुनामित इन्द्रस्य मुष्टिरसि वीडयस्व ॥
2Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour, yea, thunder forth and drive away misfortunes. Drive hence, O Drum, drive thou away mischances. Thou art the fist of Indra, show thy firmness.
3प्रामूं जयाभीमे जयन्तु केतुमद्दुन्दुभिर्वावदीतु । समश्वपर्णाः पतन्तु नो नरोऽस्माकमिन्द्र रथिनो जयन्तु ॥
3Conquer those yonder and let these be victors. Let the Drum speak aloud as battle's signal. Let our men, winged with horses, fly together. Let our car-warriors, Indra! be triumphant.
Hymn 6.127A charm to banish various diseases
1विद्रधस्य बलासस्य लोहितस्य वनस्पते । विसल्पकस्यौषधे मोच्छिषः पिशितं चन ॥
1Of abscess, of decline, of inflammation of the eyes. O Plant, Of penetrating pain, thou Herb, let not a particle remain.
2यौ ते बलास तिष्ठतः कक्षे मुष्कावपश्रितौ । वेदाहं तस्य भेषजं चीपुद्रुरभिचक्षणम् ॥
2Those nerves of thine, Consumption! which stand closely hidden in thy groin I know the balm for that disease: the magic cure is Sipudru.
3यो अङ्ग्यो यः कर्ण्यो यो अक्ष्योर्विसल्पकः । वि वृहामो विसल्पकं विद्रधं हृदयामयम् । परा तमज्ञातं यक्ष्ममधराञ्चं सुवामसि ॥
3We draw from thee piercing pain that penetrates and racks thy limbs, That pierces ears, that pierces eyes, the abscess, and the heart's disease. Downward and far away from thee we banish that unknown. decline.
Hymn 6.128A charm for fair weather
1शकधूमं नक्षत्राणि यद्राजानमकुर्वत । भद्राहमस्मै प्रायच्छन् इदं राष्ट्रमसादिति ॥
1What time the heavenly bodies chose the Weather Prophet as their King, They brought him favouring weather, and, Let this be his do-main, they said.
2भद्राहं नो मध्यंदिने भद्राहं सायमस्तु नः । भद्राहं नो अह्नां प्राता रात्री भद्राहमस्तु नः ॥
2May we have weather fair at noon, May we have weather fair at eve, Fair weather when the morning breaks, fair weather when the night is come.
3अहोरात्राभ्यां नक्षत्रेभ्यः सुर्याचन्द्रमसाभ्याम् । भद्राहमस्मभ्यं राजन् छकधूम त्वं कृधि ॥
3Fair weather to the day and night, and to the stars and sun and moon. Give favourable weather thou, King, Weather Prophet, unto us.
4यो नो भद्राहमकरः सायं नक्तमथो दिवा । तस्मै ते नक्षत्रराज शकधूम सदा नमः ॥
4Be worship ever paid to thee, O Weather Prophet, King of Star s, Who gavest us oo weather in the evening and by night and day!
Hymn 6.129A charm for success and happiness
1भगेन मा शांशपेन साकमिन्द्रेण मेदिना । कृणोमि भगिनं माप द्रान्त्वरातयः ॥
1With fortune of the Sisu tree—with Indra as my friend to aid I give myself a happy fate. Fly and begone, Malignities!
2येन वृक्षामभ्यभवो भगेन वर्चसा सह । तेन मा भगिनं कृण्वप द्रान्त्वरातयः ॥
2That splendour and felicity wherewith thou hast excelled the trees Give me therewith a happy fate. Fly and begone, Malignities
3यो अन्धो यः पुनःसरो भगो वृक्षेष्वाहितः । तेन मा भगिनं कृण्वप द्रान्त्वरातयः ॥
3Blind fortune, with reverted leaves that is deposited in trees— Give me therewith a happy fate. Fly and begone, Malignities.
Hymn 6.130A woman's love-charm
1रथजितां राथजितेयीनामप्सरसामयं स्मरः । देवाः प्र हिणुत स्मरमसौ मामनु शोचतु ॥
1This is the Apsarases' love-spell, the conquering, resistless ones'. Send the spell forth, ye Deities! Let him consume with love of me.
2असौ मे स्मरतादिति प्रियो मे स्मरतादिति । देवाः प्र हिणुत स्मरमसौ मामनु शोचतु ॥
2I pray, may he remember me, think of me, loving and beloved. Send forth the spell, ye Deities! Let him consume with love of me.
3यथा मम स्मरादसौ नामुष्याहं कदा चन । देवाः प्र हिणुत स्मरमसौ मामनु शोचतु ॥
3That he may think of me, that I may never, never think of him,. Send forth the spell, ye Deities! Let him consume with love of me.
4उन् मादयत मरुत उदन्तरिक्ष मादय । अग्न उन् मादया त्वमसौ मामनु शोचतु ॥
4Madden him, Maruts, madden him. Madden him, madden him, O Air. Madden him, Agni, madden him. Let him consume with love of me.
Hymn 6.131A woman's love-charm
1नि शीर्षतो नि पत्तत आध्यो नि तिरामि ते । देवाः प्र हिणुत स्मरमसौ मामनु शोचतु ॥
1Down upon thee, from head to foot, I draw the pangs of longing love. Send forth the charm, ye Deities! Let him consume with love of me.
2अनुमतेऽन्विदं मन्यस्वाकुते समिदं नमः । देवाः प्र हिणुत स्मरमसौ मामनु शोचतु ॥
2Assent to this, O Heavenly Grace! Celestial Purpose, guide it well! Send forth the charm, ye Deities! Let him consume with love of me.
3यद्धावसि त्रियोजनं पञ्चयोजनमाश्विनम् । ततस्त्वं पुनरायसि पुत्राणां नो असः पिता ॥
3If thou shouldst run three leagues away, five leagues, a horse's daily stage, Thence thou shalt come to me again and be the father of our sons.
Hymn 6.132The same
1यं देवाः स्मरमसिञ्चन्न् अप्स्वन्तः शोशुचानं सहाध्या । तं ते तपामि वरुणस्य धर्मणा ॥
1The Philter, burning with the pangs of yearning love, which Gods have poured within the bosom of the floods, That spell for thee I heat by Varuna's decree.
2यं विश्वे देवाः स्मरमसिञ्चन्न् अप्स्वन्तः शोशुचानं सहाध्या । तं ते तपामि वरुणस्य धर्मणा ॥
2The charm which, burning with the pangs of love, the General Gods have poured within the bosom of the floods, That spell for thee I heat by Varuna's decree.
3यमिन्द्राणी स्मरमसिञ्चदप्स्वन्तः शोशुचानं सहाध्या । तं ते तपामि वरुणस्य धर्मणा ॥
3The Philter, burning with the pangs of longing, which Indrāni hath effused within the waters' depth, That spell for thee I heat by Varuna's decree.
4यमिन्द्राग्नी स्मरमसिञ्चतामप्स्वन्तः शोशुचानं सहाध्या । तं ते तपामि वरुणस्य धर्मणा ॥
4The charm, aglow with longing, which Indra and Agni have effused within the bosom of the floods, That spell for thee I heat by Varuna's decree.
5यं मित्रावरुणौ स्मरमसिञ्चतामप्स्वन्तः शोशुचानं सहाध्या । तं ते तपामि वरुणस्य धर्मणा ॥
5The charm aglow with longing which Mitra and Varuna have poured within the bosom of the floods, That spell for thee I heat by Varuna's decree.
Hymn 6.133A glorification of the sacred girdle
1य इमां देवो मेखलामाबबन्ध यः संननाह य उ नो युयोज । यस्य देवस्य प्रशिषा चरामः स पारमिछात्स उ नो वि मुञ्चात् ॥
1By the direction of that God we journey, he will seek means to save and he will free us; The God who hath engirt us with this Girdle, he who hath fastened it, and made us ready.
2आहुतास्यभिहुत ऋषीणामस्यायुधम् । पूर्वा व्रतस्य प्राश्नती वीरघ्नी भव मेखले ॥
2Thou, weapon of the Rishis, art adored and served with sacrifice. First tasting of the votive milk, Zone, be a hero-slayer thou!
3मृत्योरहं ब्रह्मचारी यदस्मि निर्याचन् भूतात्पुरुषं यमाय । तमहं ब्रह्मणा तपसा श्रमेणानयैनं मेखलया सिनामि ॥
3As I am now Death's Brahmachāri claiming out of the living world a man for Yama, So with Austerity and Prayer and Fervour I bind this Girdle round the man before me.
4श्रद्धाया दुहिता तपसोऽधि जाता स्वसा ऋषीणां भूतकृतां बभूव । सा नो मेखले मतिमा धेहि मेधामथो नो धेहि तप इन्द्रियं च ॥
4She hath become, Faith's daughter, sprung from Fervour, the sister of the world-creating Rishis; As such, O Girdle, give us thought and wisdom, give us religious zeal and mental vigour.
5यां त्वा पूर्वे भूतकृत ऋषयः परिबेधिरे । सा त्वं परि ष्वजस्व मां दीर्घायुत्वाय मेखले ॥
5Thou whom primeval Rishis girt about them, they who made the world, As such do thou encircle me, O Girdle, for long days of life.
Hymn 6.134A priest's prayer for power to punish wrong-doers
1अयं वज्रस्तर्पयतामृतस्यावास्य राष्ट्रमप हन्तु जीवितम् । शृणातु ग्रीवाः प्र शृणातूष्णिहा वृत्रस्येव शचीपतिः ॥
1This Thunderbolt shall take its fill of Order, scare life away and overthrow the kingdom. Tear necks in pieces. rend napes asunder, even as the Lord of Might the neck of Vritra.
2अधरोऽधर उत्तरेभ्यो गूढः पृथिव्या मोत्सृपत्। वज्रेणावहतः शयाम् ॥
2Down, down beneath the conquerors, let him not rise, concealed in earth, but lie down-smitten with the bolt.
3यो जिनाति तमन्विच्छ यो जिनाति तमिज्जहि । जिनतो वज्र त्वं सीमन्तमन्वञ्चमनु पातय ॥
3Seek out the fierce oppressor, yea, strike only the oppressor dead. Down on the fierce oppressor's head strike at full length, O Thunderbolt!
Hymn 6.135A priest's fulmination against an enemy
1यदश्नामि बलं कुर्व इत्थं वज्रमा ददे । स्कन्धान् अमुष्य शातयन् वृत्रस्येव शचीपतिः ॥
1Whate'er I eat I turn to strength, and thus I grasp the Thunder-bolt, Rending the shoulders of that man as Indra shattered Vritra's neck.
2यत्पिबामि सं पिबामि समुद्र इव संपिबः । प्राणान् अमुष्य संपाय सं पिबामो अमुं वयम् ॥
2I drink together what I drink, even as the sea that swallows all. Drinking the life-breath of that man, we drink that man and swallow him.
3यद्गिरामि सं गिरामि समुद्र इव संगिरः । प्राणान् अमुष्य संगीर्य सं गिरामो अमुं वयम् ॥
3Whate'er I eat I swallow up, even as the sea that swallows all. Swallowing that man's vital breath, we swallow him completely up.
Hymn 6.136A charm to promote the growth of hair
1देवी देव्यामधि जाता पृथिव्यामस्योषधे । तां त्वा नितत्नि केशेभ्यो दृंहणाय खनामसि ॥
1Born from the bosom of wide Earth the Goddess, godlike Plant, art thou: So we, Nitatnī! dig thee up to strengthen and fix fast the hair.
2दृंह प्रत्नान् जनयाजातान् जातान् उ वर्षीयसस्कृधि ॥
2Make the old firm, make new hair spring, lengthen what has already grown.
3यस्ते केशोऽवपद्यते समूलो यश्च वृश्चते । इदं तं विश्वभेषज्याभि षिञ्चामि वीरुधा ॥
3Thy hair where it is falling off, and with the roots is torn away, I wet and sprinkle with the Plant, the remedy for all disease.
Hymn 6.137A charm to promote the growth of hair
1यां जमदग्निरखनद्दुहित्रे केशवर्धनीम् । तां वीतहव्य आभरदसितस्य गृहेभ्यः ॥
1The Plant which Jamadagni dug to make his daughter's locks. grow long, This same hath Vitahavya brought to us from Asita's abode.
2अभीशुना मेया आसन् व्यामेनानुमेयाः । केशा नडा इव वर्धन्तां शीर्ष्णस्ते असिताः परि ॥
2They might be measured with a rein, meted with both extended arms. Let the black locks spring thick and strong and grow like reeds upon thy head.
3दृंह मूलमाग्रं यच्छ वि मध्यं यामयौषधे । केशा नडा इव वर्धन्तां शीर्ष्णस्ते असिताः परि ॥
3Strengthen the roots, prolong the points, lengthen the middle part, O Plant. Let the black locks spring thick and strong and grow like reeds upon thy head.
Hymn 6.138A woman's imprecation on her unfaithful lover
Griffith gives verses 4, 5 in Latin, not English, as he did for passages he judged indelicate; the Latin is kept as printed.
1त्वं वीरुधां श्रेष्ठतमाभिश्रुतास्योषधे । इमं मे अद्य पुरुषं क्लीबमोपशिनं कृधि ॥
1O Plant, thy fame is spread abroad as best of all the herbs that grow. Unman for me to-day this man that he may wear the horn of hair.
2क्लीबं कृध्योपशिनमथो कुरीरिणं कृधि । अथास्येन्द्रो ग्रावभ्यामुभे भिनत्त्वाण्ड्यौ ॥
2Make him a eunuch with a horn, set thou the crest upon his head. Let Indra with two pressing-stones deprive him of his manly strength.
3क्लीब क्लीबं त्वाकरं वध्रे वध्रिं त्वाकरमरसारसं त्वाकरम् । कुरीरमस्य शीर्षणि कुम्बं चाधिनिदध्मसि ॥
3I have unmanned thee, eunuch! yea, impotent! made thee impotent, and robbed thee, weakling! of thy strength. Upon his head we set the horn, we set the branching ornament.
4ये ते नाद्यौ देवकृते ययोस्तिष्ठति वृष्ण्यम् । ते ते भिनद्मि शम्ययामुष्या अधि मुष्कयोः ॥
4Duas tuas venas, a Diis factas, in quibus stat vigor virilis, paxillo ligneo in testiculis ob istam mulierem tibi findo.
5यथा नडं कशिपुने स्त्रियो भिन्दन्त्यश्मना । एवा भिनद्मि ते शेपोऽमुष्या अधि मुष्कयोः ॥
5Ut mulieres mattam (tegetem) facturae arundinem lapide findunt, sic fascinum tuum cum testiculis ob istam mulierem findo.
Hymn 6.139A woman's love-charm
1न्यस्तिका रुरोहिथ सुभगंकरणी मम । शतं तव प्रतानास्त्रयस्त्रिंशन् नितानाः ॥ तया सहस्रपर्ण्या हृदयं शोषयामि ते ॥
1Thou hast grown up, a source of joy to bless me with prosperity. A hundred are thy tendrils, three-and-thirty thy descending shoots. With this that bears a thousand leaves I dry thy heart and wither it.
2शुष्यतु मयि ते हृदयमथो शुष्यत्वास्यम् । अथो नि शुष्य मां कामेनाथो शुष्कास्या चर ॥
2Let thy heart wither for my love and let thy month be dry for me. Parch and dry up with longing, go with lips that love of me hath dried.
3संवननी समुष्पला बभ्रु कल्याणि सं नुद । अमूं च मां च सं नुद समानं हृदयं कृधि ॥
3Drive us together, tawny! fair! a go-between who wakens love. Drive us together, him and me, and give us both one heart and mind.
4यथोदकमपपुषोऽपशुष्यत्यास्यम् । एवा नि शुष्य मां कामेनाथो शुष्कास्या चर ॥
4Even as his mouth is parched who finds no water for his burning thirst, So parch and burn with longing, go with lips that love of me hath dried.
5यथा नकुलो विछिद्य संदधात्यहिं पुनः । एवा कामस्य विछिन्नं सं धेहि वीर्यावति ॥
5Even as the Mungoose bites and rends and then restores the wounded snake, So do thou, Mighty one, restore the fracture of our severed love.
Hymn 6.140A blessing on a child's first two teeth
1यौ व्याघ्राववरूधौ जिघत्सतः पितरं मातरं च । तौ दन्तं ब्रह्मणस्पते शिवौ कृणु जातवेदः ॥
1Two tigers have grown up who long to eat the mother and the sire: Soothe, Brāhmanaspati, and thou, O Jātavedas, both these teeth.
2व्रीहिमत्तं यवमत्तमथो माषमथो तिलम् । एष वां भागो निहितो रत्नधेयाय दन्तौ मा हिंसिष्टं पितरं मातरं च ॥
2Let rice and barley be your food, eat also beans and sesamum. This is the share allotted you, to be your portion, ye two Teeth. Harm not your mother and your sire.
3उपहूतौ सयुजौ स्योनौ दन्तौ सुमङ्गलौ । अन्यत्र वां घोरं तन्वः परैतु दन्तौ मा हिंसिष्टं पितरं मातरं च ॥
3Both fellow teeth have been invoked, gentle and bringing happiness. Else whither let the fierceness of your nature turn away, O Teeth! Harm not your mother or your sire.
Hymn 6.141A blessing on cattle
1वायुरेनाः समाकरत्त्वष्टा पोषाय ध्रियताम् । इन्द्र आभ्यो अधि ब्रवद्रुद्रो भूम्ने चिकित्सतु ॥
1Vayu collected these: to find their sustenance be Tvashtar's care: May Indra bless and comfort them, and Rudra look that they increase.
2लोहितेन स्वधितिना मिथुनं कर्णयोः कृधि । अकर्तामश्विना लक्ष्म तदस्तु प्रजया बहु ॥
2Take thou the iron axe and make a pair by marks upon their ears. This sign the Asvins have impressed: let these increase and multiply.
3यथा चक्रुर्देवासुरा यथा मनुष्या उत । एवा सहस्रपोषाय कृणुतं लक्ष्माश्विना ॥
3Even as Gods and Asuras, even as mortal men have done, Do ye, that these may multiply in thousands, Asvins! make the mark.
Hymn 6.142A blessing on cattle
1उच्छ्रयस्व बहुर्भव स्वेन महसा यव । मृणीहि विश्वा पात्राणि मा त्वा दिव्याशनिर्वधीत् ॥
1Spring high, O Barley, and become much through thine own magnificence: Burst all the vessels; let the bolt from heaven forbear to strike thee down.
2आशृण्वन्तं यवं देवं यत्र त्वाछावदामसि । तदुच्छ्रयस्व द्यौरिव समुद्र इवैध्यक्षितः ॥
2As we invite and call to thee, Barley, a God who heareth us, Raise thyself up like heaven on high and be exhaustless as the sea.
3अक्षितास्त उपसदोऽक्षिताः सन्तु राशयः । पृणन्तो अक्षिताः सन्त्वत्तारः सन्त्वक्षिताः ॥
3Exhaustless let thine out-turns be, exhaustless be thy gathered heaps, Exhaustless be thy givers, and exhaustless those who eat of thee.
- Sanskrit text: अथर्ववेदः on Sanskrit Wikisource ↗, by Sanskrit Wikisource contributors, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗; the Sanskrit on this page is shared under the same licence. Unaccented Śaunaka text, not yet proofread against a printed edition.
- English translation: Ralph T. H. Griffith, The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895-96), public domain, from the sacred-texts.com transcription ↗; a few passages missing there were restored from scans of the printed edition on archive.org. Griffith's wording and spelling are kept as transcribed, including the passages he rendered in Latin. Hymn headings are Griffith's. Footnotes omitted.
- In 3 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.