Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 1.16: A prayer and charm against demons

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

May potent Agni who destroys the demons bless and shelter us.
From greedy fiends who rise in troops at night-time when the moon is dark.

Varuna's benison hath blessed the lead, and Agni strengthens it.
Indra hath given me the lead: this verily repels the fiends.

This overcomes Vishkandha, -this drives the voracious fiends away: By means of this have I, o'erthrown all the Pisāchi's demon brood.

If thou destroy a cow of ours, a human being, or a steed, We pierce thee with this piece of lead so that thou mayst not slay our men.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 1.16: A prayer and charm against demons.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/15/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 1.16: A prayer and charm against demons.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/15/.

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