Atharva Veda · 80 of 724

HYMN XIII

A benediction on a newly cut water channel 1. As ye, when Ahi had been slain, flowed forth together with a    roar,   So are ye called the Roaring Ones: this, O ye Rivers, is your    name. 2. As driven forth by Varuna ye swiftly urged your rolling waves,   There Indra reached you as you flowed; hence ye are still the   Water-floods. 3. Indra restrained you with his might. Goddesses, as ye glided    on   Not in accordance with his will: hence have ye got the name of   Streams. 4. One only God set foot on you flowing according to your will,   The mighty ones breathed upward fast: hence; Water is the name    they bear. 5. Water is good, water indeed is fatness. Agni and Soma, truly,    both bring water.   May the strong rain of those who scatter sweetness come helpful    unto me with breath and vigour. 6. Then verily, I see, yea, also hear them: their sound approaches    me, their voice comes hither.   Even then I think I am enjoying Amrit, what time I drink my    fill of you, gold coloured! 7. Here, O ye Waters, is your heart. Here is your calf, ye holy    ones.   Flow here, just here, O mighty Streams, whither I now am lead-    ing you.