Religion
Rig Veda 10.165: GODS, whatsoe'er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as the envoy of Destruction
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1896) · From The Hymns of the Rigveda (1896)
GODS, whatsoe'er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as the envoy of Destruction,
For that let us sing hymns and make atonement. Well be it with our quadrupeds and bipeds.
Auspicious be the Dove that hath been sent us, a harmless bird, ye Gods, within our dwelling.
May Agni, Sage, be pleased with our oblation, and may the Missile borne on wings avoid us.
Let not the Arrow that hath wings distract us: beside the fire-place, on the hearth it settles.
May it bring welfare to our men and cattle: here let the Dove, ye Gods, forbear to harm us.
The screeching of the owl is ineffective and when beside the fire the Dove hath settled,
To him who sent it hither as an envoy, to him be reverence paid, to Death, to Yama.
Drive forth the Dove, chase it with holy verses: rejoicing, bring ye hither food and cattle,
Barring the way against all grief and trouble. Let the swift bird fly forth and leave us vigour.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 10.165: GODS, whatsoe'er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as the envoy of Destruction.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/1000/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 10.165: GODS, whatsoe'er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as the envoy of Destruction.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/1000/.
Read this poem with the Codex →
More by The Rishis of the Rig Veda
- Rig Veda 2.14: MINISTERS, bring the Soma juice for Indra, pour forth the gladdening…
- Rig Veda 5.56: AGNI, that valorous company adorned with ornaments of gold
- Rig Veda 7.98: PRIESTS, offer to the Lord of all the people the milked-out stalk of…
- Rig Veda 9.96: IN forefront of the cars forth goes the Hero, the Leader…
- Rig Veda 10.190: FROM Fervour kindled to its height Eternal Law and Truth were born