Atharva Veda: Book 5: Hymn 3: A prayer to Agni, Indra, and other deities for victory and prosperity
Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895]
1Let strength be mine while I invoke thee, Agni! enkindling thee
may we support our bodies.
May the four regions bend and bow before me: with thee for
guardian may we win the combat.
2Baffling the range of our opponents, Agni! guard us as our
protector round about us.
Down the steep slope go they who hate us, backward, and let
their thought who watch at home be ruined.
3May all the Gods be on my side in battle, the Maruts led by
Indra, Vishnu, Agni.
Mine be the middle air's extended region, and may the Wind
blow favouring these my wishes.
4For me let them present all mine oblations, and let my mind's
intention be accomplished.
May I be guiltless of the least transgression: may all the Gods
come hither and protect me.
5May the Gods grant me riches, may the blessing and invocation
of the Gods assist me.
This boon shall the celestial Hotars win us: may we, unwound-
ed, have brave heroes round us.
6Ye six divine Expanses, give us freedom. Here, all ye Gods,
acquit yourselves like heroes.
Let not calamity or curse o'ertake us, nor deeds of wickedness
that merit hatred.
7Do ye three Goddesses give ample shelter and all success to us
ourselves and children.
Let us not lose our children or our bodies: let us not benefit
the foe, King Soma!
8Foodful and much-invoked, at this our calling may the far-
reaching Bull grant us wide shelter.
Lord of bay coursers, Indra, bless our children: harm us not,
give us not as prey to others.
9Lord of the world, Creator and Disposer, may the God Savitar
who quells assailants,
May the Ādityas, Rudras, both the Asvins, Gods, guard the
sacrificer from destruction.
10Let those who are our foemen stay afar from us: with Indra
and with Agni we will drive them off. p. a158
The Ādityas and the Rudras, over us on high, have made me
strong, a thinker, and a sovran lord.
11Yea, we call Indra hitherward, the winner of wealth in battle
and of kine and horses.
May he mark this our worship when we call him, Lord of bay
steeds, thou art our friend and comrade.