Atharva Veda · 522 of 724

HYMN XIII

A prayer for aid and victory in battle 1. These the two sturdy, manly arms of Indra, these that are won-    drous, mighty, and successful   First, when the need hath come will I employ them by which    the heaven of Asuras was conquered. 2. Swift, like a dread bull sharpening his weapons, rapidly striking,    stirring up the people,   Loud shouting, vigilant, the one sole Hero, Indra subdued a    hundred hosts together. 3. With him loud-roaring, ever watchful, victor bold, hard to over-    throw, whom none may vanquish,   Indra the strong whose hand bears arrows, conquer, ye heroes    now, now vanquish in the combat. 4. He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who    with his hand brings hosts together,   Foe-conquering, strong of arm, the Soma-drinker,    with mighty bow, shooting with well-laid arrows. 5. Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and    fierce, victorious, all-subduing,   O'ercoming might, excelling men and heroes, mount the kine-    winning conquering car, O Indra. 6. Troop-vanquisher, kine-winner, armed with thunder, who quells    an army and with might destroys it,   Follow him, comrades! quit yourselves like heroes, and like this   Indra show your zeal and courage. 7. Piercing the cow-stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra the pitiless    hero, wild with anger, Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless,—may he protect our    armies in our battles. 8. Brihaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving.    off our foemen.   Be thou protector of our bodies, crushing our enemies, destroy-    ing those who hate us. 9. Indra guide these! Brihaspati, the Guerdon, and Soma, and the   Sacrifice precede them!   And let the banded Maruts march in forefront of heavenly hosts    that conquer and demolish. 10. Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, and   Maruts and Ādityas.   Uplifted is the shout of Gods who conquer, high-minded God    who cause the world to tremble. 11. May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be th    arrows of our army.   May our brave men of war prevail in battle. Ye Gods, protect u    in the shouts of onset.