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


p. a100

HYMN XXIX

On the means to obtain immunity from taxation in the next world

1When yonder kings who sit beside Yama divide among them-
   selves the sixteenth part of hopes fulfilled,
  A ram bestowed as sacrifice, white-footed, frees us from the tax.
2He satisfies each hope and want, prevailing, present and pre-
   pared.
  The wish-fulfilling ram, bestowed, white-footed is exhaustless
   still.
3He who bestows a white-hooved ram, adequate to the place he
   holds.
  Ascends to the celestial height, the heaven where tribute is not
   paid to one more mighty by the weak.
4He who bestows a white-hooved ram, adequate to the place he
   holds.
  Offered with five cakes, lives on that, unwasting, in the Fathers'
   world.
5He who bestows a white-hooved ram, adequate to the place he
   holds,
  Offered with five cakes, lives on that, wasteless, while Sun and.
  Moon endure.
6Like a refreshing draught, like sea, the mighty flood, he faileth
   not.
  Like the two Gods whose home is one, the ram white-footed,
   faileth not.
7Whose gift was this, and given to whom? Kāma to Kāma gave
   the gift.
  Kāma is giver, Kāma is receiver. Kāma has passed into the sea.
  Through Kāma do I take thee to myself. O Kāma, this is thine. p. a101
8May Earth receive thee as her own, and this great interspace of
   air.
  Neither in breath and body nor in progeny may this acceptance
   do me harm.


Next: Hymn 30: A prayer or charm to secure love and concord in a family