Mythology & Folklore
Atharva Veda 19.32: A charm, with an amulet of Darbha grass, to subdue enemies and win the affection of others
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
For lengthened life I bind on thee the Darbha grass, the mighty plant.
Excellent, hard to overthrow, with hundred stems and thousand blades.
They cut not off his hair, they strike blow upon the breast for' him.
To whom one gives protection by Darbha that hath uninjured leaves.
O Plant, thy root is in the sky, and thou art stationed on the earth: With thee who hast a thousand stalks we strengthen all the powers of life.
Through all three skies the plant hath pierced, and the three regions of the earth; With thee I split in twain the tongue and words of the bad-hearted man.
Thou art victorious in thy might I am endowed with conquering strength: Possessed of overpowering force we two will quell our enemies.
Subdue our foeman, overcome the men who fain would fight: with us.
Conquer all evil-hearted ones: make many well-disposed to me.
With Darbha that hath sprung from Gods, stationed in heaven, full many a time.
With this have I won many men, have won and may I win them still.
Do thou, O Darbha, make me dear to Brāhman and Rājanya, dear to Sūdra, and to Arya dear, Yea, dear to every man we love, to every man with eyes to see.
He who first born fixed earth in her position, he who established heaven and air's mid-region, Whom sinner ne'er hath known as his supporter,—this Darbha be our shelter and protection!
First of all plants it sprang into existence, victorious, hundred-stemmed, the foe-subduer, So may this Darbha from all sides protect us: with this may I subdue our foes in battle.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.32: A charm, with an amulet of Darbha grass, to subdue enemies and win the affection of others.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/500/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.32: A charm, with an amulet of Darbha grass, to subdue enemies and win the affection of others.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/500/.
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More by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda
- Atharva Veda 2.1: Glorification of the prime cause of all things
- Atharva Veda 5.10: A prayer to the presiding deities of the four quarters for protection
- Atharva Veda 6.87: A benediction addressed to a newly elected King
- Atharva Veda 7.56: A charm against poisonous bites and stings
- Atharva Veda 14.2: On the Bridal of Sūryā, marriage ceremonies in general, continued