Atharva Veda · 431 of 724
HYMN V
A charm accompanying investiture with an amulet 1. Upon the strong is bound the strong, this magic cord, this Amu- let, Potent, foe-slayer, served by valiant heroes, happy and fortu- nate defence. 2. This Charm, foe-slayer, served by many heroes, strong, power- ful, victorious, and mighty, goes bravely forth to meet and ruin witchcraft. 3. With this same Amulet wise Indra routed the Asuras, with this he slaughtered Vritra, With this he won this pair, both Earth and Heaven, and made the sky’s four regions his possession. 4. May this encircling magic cord, this Amulet of Srāktya wood, Mighty, subduing enemies, keep us secure on every side. 5. This Agni hath declared, Soma declared it, Brihaspati, and Savitar, and Indra. So may these Gods whom I have set before me oppose with saving charms and banish witchcraft. 6. I have obscured the heaven and earth, yea, and the daylight and the sun. So may these Gods whom I have set before me oppose with saving charms and banish witchcraft. 7. Whoever for his armour takes an amulet of the Srāktya tree, Like the Sun risen up to heaven, quells witchcraft with superior might. 8. With Amulet of Srāktya wood, as with a thoughtful Rishi’s aid, In every fight have I prevailed; I smite the foes and Rākshasas. 9. All witchcraft of Angirases,”all witchcraft wrought by Asuras, All witchcraft self-originate, and all that others have prepared, May these depart to both remotest spaces, past ninety ample water-floods. 10. May the Gods bind the Charm on him for armour, Indra, and Vishnu, Savitar Rudra, Agni, Prajāpati, sublimest Parameshlhin, Virāj, Vaisvānara, and all the Rishis. 11. Thou art the chief of all the plants, even as a bull among the beasts. A tiger of the beasts of prey. Him whom we sought for have we found, him lying near in wait for us. 12. A tiger verily is he, he is a lion, and a bull, Subduer of his foes is he, the man who wears this Amulet. 13. No mortal beings slay him, no Gāndharvas, no Apsarases; O’er all the regions he is king, the man who wears this Amulet. 14. Kasyapa formed and fashioned thee, Kasyapa raised and sent thee forth. Indra wore thee, and, wearing thee, won in the wrestling-match with man. The Amulet of boundless might the Gods have made a coat of mail. 15. Whoever would destroy thee with Dikshā-rites, sacrifices, spells, Meet him and smite him, Indra! with thy hundred-knotted thunderbolt. 16. Verily let this Amulet, circular, potent, conquering, Happy and fortunate defence, preserve thy children and thy wealth. 17. Brave Indra, set before us light, peace and security from below, Peace and security from above, peace and security from behind. 18. My coat of mail is Heaven and Earth, my coat of mail is Day and Sun: A coat of mail may Indra and Agni and Dhātar grant to me. 19. Not all the Gods may pierce, all leagued together, the vast strong shield which Indra gives, and Agni. May that great shield on all sides guard my body, that to full old my life may be extended. 20. Let the Gods’ Charm be bound on me to keep me safe from every ill. Come ye and enter all within this pillar, the safe-guard of the body, thrice-defended. 21. In this let Indra lay a store of valour: approach ye Gods, and enter it together, For his long life, to last a hundred autumns, that to full age his days may be extended. 22. Lord of the clan who brings, us bliss, fiend-slayer, queller of the foe, May he, the conqueror, ne’er subdued, may Indra bind the Charm on thee, Bull, Soma-drinker, he who gives us peace. May he protect thee round about, by night and day on every, side.