Religion
Atharva Veda 4.8: A benediction at the consecration of a King
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
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
Cite this poem
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/.
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- Atharva Veda 7.52: A prayer for peace and concord
- Atharva Veda 13.2: The glorification of the Sun as Āditya, Sūrya and Rohita