A charm to hasten the coming of the rains

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

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HYMN XV

A charm to hasten the coming of the rains

1Let all the misty regions fly together, let all the rain-clouds sped
   by wind, assemble.
  Let waters satisfy the earth, the voices of the great mist-enve-
   loped Bull who roareth.
2Let them show forth, the strong, the bounteous Maruts: let
   plants and shrubs be hung with drops of moisture.
  Let floods of rain refresh the ground with gladness and herbs
   spring various with each form and colour.
3Cause us who sing to see the gathering vapours: out burst in
   many a place the rush of waters!
  Let floods of rain refresh the ground with gladness; and herbs
   spring various with each form and colour.
4Apart, Parjanya! let the troops of Maruts, roaring, swell the
   song.
  Let pouring torrents of the rain that raineth rain upon the
   earth.
05. Up from the sea lift your dread might, ye Maruts: as light and
   splendour, send the vapour upward! p. a122
  Let waters satisfy the earth, the voices of the great mist-enve-
   loped Bull who roareth.
6Roar, thunder, set the sea in agitation, bedew the ground with
   thy sweet rain, Parjanya!
  Send plenteous showers on him who seeketh shelter, and let the
   owner of lean kine go homeward.
7Let the boon Maruts, let the springs and coiling serpents tend!
   you well.
  Urged by the Maruts let the clouds pour down their rain upon.
   the earth.
8Let lightning flash on every side: from all the regions blow the
   winds!
  Urged by the Maruts let the clouds pour down their rain upon
   the earth.
9May waters, lightning, cloud, and rain, boon springs and serpents
   tend you well.
  Urged by the Maruts let the clouds pour down their rain upon
   the earth.
10May he who hath become the plants' high regent, suiting our
   bodies, Agni of the Waters,
  May Jātavedas send us rain from heaven, Amrit and vital breath
   to earthly creatures.
11Sending up waters from the flood and ocean Prajapati move the
   sea to agitation!
  Forth flow the moisture of the vigorous stallion!
  With this thy roar of thunder come thou hither,
12Our father, Lord divine pouring the torrents. Let the streams
   breathe, O Varuna, of the waters.
  Pour the floods down: along the brooks and channels let frogs
   with speckled arms send out their voices.
13They who lay quiet for a year, the Brāhmans who fulfil their
   vows.
  The frogs, have lifted up their voice, the voice Parjanya hath.
   inspired.
14Speak forth a welcome, female frog! Do thou O frog, accost
   the rain.
  Stretch thy four feet apart, and swim in the middle of the lake.
15Khanvakhā, ho! Khaimakhā, ho! thou in the middle, Taduri!
  Fathers, enjoy the rain from one who strives to win the Marutes
   heart.p. a123
16Lift up the mighty cask and pour down water; let the wind
   blow, and lightnings flash around us.
  Let sacrifice be paid, and, widely scattered, let herbs and plants
   be full of joy and gladness.