Atharva Veda · 598 of 724

HYMN XVII

I. In perfect unison all yearning hymns of mine that find the light    of heaven have sung forth Indra’s praise.   As wives embrace their lord, the comely bridegroom, so they    compass Maghavan about that he may help. 2. Directed unto thee my spirit never strays, for I have set my    hopes on thee, O much-invoked!   Sit, wonderful! as King upon the sacred grass, and let thy    drinking-place be by the Soma juice. 3. From indigence and hunger Indra turns away: Maghavan hath    dominion over precious wealth.   These the Seven Rivers flowing on their downward path increase    the vital vigour of the Mighty Steer. 4. As on the fair-leafed tree rest birds, to Indra flow the gladden-    ing Soma juices that the bowls contain.   Their face that glows with splendour through their mighty    power hath found the shine of heaven for man, the Aryas’    light. 5. As in the game a gambler piles his winnings, so Maghavan,    sweeping all together, gained the Sun.   This mighty deed of thine none other could achieve, none,   Maghavan, before thee, none in recent time. 6. Maghavan came by turns to all the tribes of men: the Steer    took notice of the people’s songs of praise.   The man in whose libations Sakra hath delight by means of    potent Somas vanquisheth his foes. 7. As waters flow together to the river, thus Somas to Indra flow,    as rivulets to the lake.   In place of sacrifice sages exalt his might, as the rain swells the    corn by moisture sent from heaven. 8. He rushes through the region like a furious bull, he who hath    made these floods the dames of worthy lords.   This Maghavan hath found light for the man who brings    oblation, sheds the juice, and promptly pours his gifts. 9. Let the keen axe come forth together with the light: here be,    as erst, the teeming cow of sacrifice.   Let the Red God shine pure with his refulgent ray, and let the   Lord of heroes glow like heaven’s clear sheen. 10. O much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with    store of grain and cattle.   May we allied, as first in rank, with princes, obtain possessions    by our own exertion. 11. Brihaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and    from below, from sinners.   May Indra from the front, and from the centre, as friend to    friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom. 12. Ye twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O   Brihaspati, and thou, O Indra.   Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve    us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.