Religion

Atharva Veda 4.8: A benediction at the consecration of a King

by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda c. 1200–900 BCE (traditional; uncertain)

Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)

Religion

The Being lays the sap of life in beings: he hath become the sovran Lord of creatures.
Death comes to this man's royal consecration: let him as King own and allow this kingdom.

Come forward, turn not back in scorn, strong guardian, slayer of the foes.
Approach, O gladdener of thy friends. The Gods have blessed and strengthened thee.

All waited on him as he came to meet them. He self-resplendent moves endued with glory.
That is the royal hero's lofty nature: he, manifold, hath gained immortal powers.

Stride forth to heaven's broad regions, thou, a tiger on a tiger's skin.
Let all the people long for thee. Let heavenly floods be rich in milk.

Heaven's waters joyous in their milk, the waters of middle air, and those that earth containeth-I with the gathered power and might of all these waters sprinkle thee,

The heavenly waters rich in milk have sprinkled thee with power and might.
To be the gladdener of thy friends. May Savitar so fashion thee.

These, compassing the tiger, rouse the lion to great joy and bliss.
As strong floods purify the standing ocean, so men adorn the leopard in the waters

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 4.8: A benediction at the consecration of a King.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/101/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 4.8: A benediction at the consecration of a King.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/101/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda