Religion
Atharva Veda 19.52: A hymn to Kāma or Desire
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire the primal seed and germ of Spirit.
O Kāma dwelling with the lofty Kāma, give growth of riches to the sacrificer.
Thou, Kāma, art victorious, famous, potent, splendid, a friend.
to him who seeks thy friendship.
Mighty and overpowering in battle, give strength and vigour to the sacrificer.
They heard his prayers, and they begot, by Kāma, heavenly-light for him.
Who from a distance longed for it, a dealer ready to exchange.
O Kāma, with whatever wish we make this offering to thee, May it be all fulfilled to us. Then taste this sacrifice, All hail!
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.52: A hymn to Kāma or Desire.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/520/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 19.52: A hymn to Kāma or Desire.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/520/.
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More by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda
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- Atharva Veda 5.3: A prayer to Agni, Indra, and other deities for victory and prosperity
- Atharva Veda 6.80: A prayer for help and protection
- Atharva Veda 7.48: A prayer for prosperity and the birth of a son
- Atharva Veda 12.4: On the duty of giving cows to Brāhmans, and the sin and danger of withholding the gift