Atharva Veda

The Hymns of the Atharvaveda

Translation by Ralph T.H. Griffith

HYMN XVI

A prayer and charm against demons

1 May 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.

2 Varuna's benison hath blessed the lead, and Agni strengthens it.
Indra hath given me the lead: this verily repels the fiends.

3 This overcomes Vishkandha, -this drives the voracious fiends away:
By means of this have I, o'erthrown all the Pisāchi's demon brood.

4 If 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.