Religion

Atharva Veda 6.133: A glorification of the sacred girdle

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

By 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 fast-ened it, and made us ready.

Thou, weapon of the Rishis, art adored and served with sacrifice.
First tasting of the votive milk, Zone, be a hero-slayer thou!

As 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.

She 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.

Thou whom primeval Rishis girt about them, they who made the world, As such do thou encircle me, O Girdle, for long days of life.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 6.133: A glorification of the sacred girdle.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/295/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 6.133: A glorification of the sacred girdle.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/295/.

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