Mythology & Folklore
Atharva Veda 7.70: A charm to frustrate an enemy's sacrifice
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
Whatever sacrifice that man performeth with voice, mind, sacred formula, oblation, May, in accord with Death, Destruction ruin his offering before it gain fulfilment.
For him may sorcerers, Destruction, demons strike and prevent fulfilment through their falsehood.
Let Gods, by Indra sent, destroy his butter, and let his sacrifice be ineffective.
Let the two Sovrans, swift to come, like falcons swooping on their prey, Destroy the butter of the foe whoever plots to injure us.
I seize thine arms and draw them back, I bind a bandage on thy mouth.
I with the anger of the God Agni have killed thy sacrifice.
Behind thy back I tie thine arms, I bind a bandage on thy mouth: With the terrific Agni's wrath have I destroyed thy sacrifice.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 7.70: A charm to frustrate an enemy's sacrifice.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/372/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 7.70: A charm to frustrate an enemy's sacrifice.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/372/.
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