Atharva Veda: Book 4: Hymn 34: Glorification of the Visht...

Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895] 1The head of this is prayer, its back the Brihat, Odanas's belly is the Vāmadevya; Its face reality, its sides the metre, Vishtāri sacrifice produced from fervour. 2Boneless, cleansed, purified by him who cleanseth, they go res- plendent to the world of splendour. Fire burneth not their organ of enjoyment: much pleasure have they in the world of Svarga. 3Never doth want or evil fortune visit those who prepare oblation called Vishtāri. He goes unto the Gods, he dwells with Yama, he joys among Gandharvas meet for Soma. 4Yama robs not of generative vigour the men who dress oblation called Vishtāri. Borne on his car, a charioteer, he travels: endowed with wings he soars beyond the heavens. 5Strongest is this, performed, of sacrifices: he hath reached heaven who hath prepared Vishtāri. The oval-fruited lotus spreads his fibre: there bloom the nelo- phar and water-lilies. Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus- blossom shall approach thee. 6Full lakes of butter with their banks of honey, flowing with wine, and milk and curds and water Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus- blossom shall approach thee. 7I give four pitchers, in four several places, filled to the brim with milk and curds and water. p. a144 Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus- blossom shall approach thee. 8I part this Odana among the Brāhmans, Vishtāri, conquering worlds and reaching heaven. Let me not lose it: swelling by its nature, be it my perfect Cow to grant all wishes!