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Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895], at sacred-texts.com


p. a16

HYMN XVI

A prayer and charm against demons

1May potent Agni who destroys the demons bless and shelter us.
  From greedy fiends who rise in troops at night-time when the
   moon is dark.
2Varuna's benison hath blessed the lead, and Agni strengthens it.
  Indra hath given me the lead: this verily repels the fiends.
3This overcomes Vishkandha, -this drives the voracious fiends
   away:
  By means of this have I, o'erthrown all the Pisāchi's demon
   brood.
4If thou destroy a cow of ours, a human being, or a steed,
  We pierce thee with this piece of lead so that thou mayst not slay
   our men.


Next: Hymn 17: A charm to be used at venesection