Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 19.45: A curative and protective charm

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 debt from debt repay and send sorcery to the sorcerer's house.
Split, Salve! the cruel villain's ribs whose evil eye bewitches us.

Whatever evil dream we have, what'er befall our kine or home, Be this that is salubrity, the evil-hearted's foe applied.

Increasing from the Waters' strength and vigour, sprung into life from Agni Jātavedas, Strong as four heroes, mountain born, this Ointment make for thee quarters and mind-points auspicious!

On thee is laid the Chaturvira Ointment: let all the regions give thee peace and safety.
Secure like precious Savitar thou standest: to thee let all these regions bring their tribute.

Make one thy salve, thine amulet another, drink one, and with another bathe thy body.
So let the Chaturvira keep us guarded from the four bonds of Nirriti and Grāhi.

May Agni protect me with fire for inspiration and expiration, for strength, for energy, for vigour, for weal and prosperity.
All Hail!

May Indra protect me with his Indra-power for inspiration, etc.

May Soma protect me with Soma-power, etc.

May Bhaga with good fortune protect me, etc.

May the Maruts protect me with their troops for inspiration and expiration, for strength, for energy, for vigour, for weal and prosperity. All Hail!

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.45: A curative and protective charm.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/513/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.45: A curative and protective charm.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/513/.

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