Atharva Veda · 301 of 724

HYMN CXXXIII

A glorification of the sacred girdle 1. By the direction of that God we journey, he will seek means to    save and he will free us;   The God who hath engirt us with this Girdle, he who hath fast-    ened it, and made us ready. 2. Thou, weapon of the Rishis, art adored and served with    sacrifice.   First tasting of the votive milk, Zone, be a hero-slayer thou! 3. As I am now Death’s Brahmachāri claiming out of the living    world a man for Yama,   So with Austerity and Prayer and Fervour I bind this Girdle    round the man before me. 4. She hath become, Faith’s daughter, sprung from Fervour, the    sister of the world-creating Rishis;   As such, O Girdle, give us thought and wisdom, give us religious    zeal and mental vigour. 5. Thou whom primeval Rishis girt about them, they who made the    world,   As such do thou encircle me, O Girdle, for long days of life.