Atharva Veda · 231 of 724

HYMN LXIII

The symbolical liberation of a sacrificial victim 1. That collar round thy neck, not to be loosened, which Nirriti    the Goddess bound and fastened,   I loose for thy long life and strength and vigour. Eat, liberated,    food that brings no sorrow. 2. To thee, sharp-pointed Nirriti, be homage! Loose thou the    binding fetters wrought of iron.   To me, in truth, again doth Yama give thee. To him, to Yama,    yea, to Death, be homage! 3. Compassed by death which comes in thousand manners, here    art thou fastened to the iron pillar.   Unanimous with Yama and the Fathers, make this man rise and    reach the loftiest heaven. 4. Thou, mighty Agni, good and true, gatherest up all precious    things.   Bring us all treasures as thou art enkindled at libation's place.