Glorification of the Vishtāri sacrifice

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

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HYMN XXXIV

Glorification of the Vishtāri sacrifice

1The head of this is prayer, its back the Brihat, Odanas's belly is
   the Vāmadevya;
  Its face reality, its sides the metre, Vishtāri sacrifice produced
   from fervour.
2Boneless, cleansed, purified by him who cleanseth, they go res-
   plendent to the world of splendour.
  Fire burneth not their organ of enjoyment: much pleasure have
   they in the world of Svarga.
3Never doth want or evil fortune visit those who prepare oblation
   called Vishtāri.
  He goes unto the Gods, he dwells with Yama, he joys among
  Gandharvas meet for Soma.
4Yama robs not of generative vigour the men who dress oblation
   called Vishtāri.
  Borne on his car, a charioteer, he travels: endowed with wings
   he soars beyond the heavens.
5Strongest is this, performed, of sacrifices: he hath reached
   heaven who hath prepared Vishtāri.
  The oval-fruited lotus spreads his fibre: there bloom the nelo-
   phar and water-lilies.
  Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall
   reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus-
   blossom shall approach thee.
6Full lakes of butter with their banks of honey, flowing with wine,
   and milk and curds and water
  Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall
   reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus-
   blossom shall approach thee.
7I give four pitchers, in four several places, filled to the brim with
   milk and curds and water. p. a144
  Abundant with their overflow of sweetness, these streams shall
   reach thee in the world of Svarga, whole lakes with lotus-
   blossom shall approach thee.
8I part this Odana among the Brāhmans, Vishtāri, conquering
   worlds and reaching heaven.
  Let me not lose it: swelling by its nature, be it my perfect Cow
   to grant all wishes!