Mythology & Folklore
Atharva Veda 19.28: A charm for the destruction of enemies
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
On thee I bind this Amulet for lengthened life and brilliancy.
The rival-quelling Darbha grass that burns the spirit of a foe.
Burning the spirit of the foe, vexing the heart of enemies.
Darbha, on every side, like heat, inflame all evil-hearted men.
O Darbha, burning round like heat, consuming foes, O Amulet,.
Like Indra rending Vala cleave mine adversaries' hearts in twain.
Cleave through. O Darbha, Amulet, my foes', mine adversaries'.
heart.
Rise thou and batter down their heads like growth that coverethl the earth.
Cleave thou my rivals, Darbha, cleave the men who fain would, fight with me.
Cleave all who wish me evil, cleave the men who hate me,.
Amulet!
Wound thou, my rivals, Darbha, etc. (as in 5, substituting.
'wound' for cleave.)
Tear thou my rivals, Darbha, etc.
How thou my rivals, Darbha, etc.
Carve thou my rivals, Darbha, etc.
Pierce thou my rivals, Darbha, pierce the men who fain would fight with me.
Pierce those who wish me evil, pierce the men who hate me, Amulet!
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.28: A charm for the destruction of enemies.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/496/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.28: A charm for the destruction of enemies.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/496/.
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