Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 4.40: A charm against rival worshippers

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)

Mythology & Folklore

O Jātavedas, eastward sacrificers, as foes assail us from the eastern quarter.
May they, turned back, be pained for harming Agni. I drive them backward with mine incantation.

O Jātavedas, southward sacrificers as foes assail us from the southern quarter.
May they, turned back, be pained for harming Yama. I smite them backward with mine incantation.

O Jātavedas, westward sacrificers as foes assail us from the western quarter.
For harming Varuna be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.

Jātavedas, northward sacrificers as foes assail us from the northern quarter.
For harming Soma be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.

O Jātavedas, nether sacrificers, as foes assail us from the stead-fast quarter.
For harming Earth let them be turned and troubled. I smite them backward with mine incantation.

Those who pay sacrifice, O Jātavedas, from air assail us from the midway quarter.
For harming Vāyu be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.

The sacrificers from above assail us, O Jātavedas, from the lofty quarter.
For wronging Sūrya be they turned and troubled! I smite them backward with mine incantation.

Those from all points assail us, Jātavedas, who sacrifice from intermediate regions.
For wronging Prayer let them be turned and troubled, I smite them backward with mine incantation.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 4.40: A charm against rival worshippers.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/132/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 4.40: A charm against rival worshippers.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/132/.

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