Mythology & Folklore
Atharva Veda 19.26: A hymn accompanying investiture with an amulet of gold
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
Gold that was born from Fire is immortal hath been deposited with mortal creatures.
He who knows this deserves to own this jewel, and in extreme old age dies he who wears it.
The men of ancient time with children round them longed for this Gold, bright with the Sun's own colour, This shall endow thee, as it shines, with splendour, and long shall be the life of him who wears it.
Long life and splendour let it bring energy and strength to thee.
That thou mayst shine among the folk with all the brightness of the Gold.
What Varuna the King knows well, and what the God Brihaspati, And Indra, Slayer of the Foe, may that bestow long life on thee, may that increase thy splendid strength.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.26: A hymn accompanying investiture with an amulet of gold.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/494/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.26: A hymn accompanying investiture with an amulet of gold.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/494/.
Read this poem with the Codex →