Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 7.53: A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death

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

As thou, Brihaspati, from the curse hast saved us, from dwel-ling yonder in the realm of Yama, The Asvins, leeches of the Gods, O Agni, have chased Death far from us with mighty powers.

Move both together; do not leave the body. Let both the breathings stay for thee united.
Waxing in strength live thou a hundred autumns. Thy noblest guardian and thy lord is Agni.

Return, thy life now vanished into distance! Return, the breath thou drawest and exhalest!
Agni hath snatched it from Destruction's bosom: into thyself again I introduce it.

Let not the vital breath he draws forsake him, let not his expiration part and leave him.
I give him over to the Seven Rishis: let them conduct him to old age in safety.

Enter him, both ye breaths, like two draught-oxen entering their stall.
Let him, the treasure of old age, still wax in strength, uninjured,.
here.

I send thee back thy vital breath; I drive Consumption far from thee, May Agni here, most excellent, sustain our life on every side.

From out the depth of darkness, we, ascending to the highest heaven, Have come to the sublimest light, to Sūrya, God among the.
Gods.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 7.53: A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/355/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 7.53: A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/355/.

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