A priest's prayer for protection and assistance

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

p. a186

HYMN XXIV

A priest's prayer for protection and assistance

1Savitar, Lord of furthering aids, protect me, in this my prayer,
   in this mine act, in this my sacerdotal charge, in this perfor-
   mance, in this thought, in this my plan and wish, in this my
   calling on the Gods! All hail!
2May Agni, Lord of forest trees, protect, me, in, etc.
3May Heaven and Earth, the Queens of bounties, save me.
4May Varuna, the Lord of waters, save me.
5May Mitra-Varuna, Lords of rain, preserve me.
6Lords of the mountains, may the Maruts save me.
7May, Soma, Lord of plants and herbs, protect me.
8May Vāyu, Lord of middle air, protect me.
9May Sūrya, sovran Lord of eyes, protect me.
10May the Moon, Lord of constellations, save me.
11May Indra who is Lord of heaven protect me.
12The Maruts' father, Lord of cattle, save me.
13May Mrityu, Lord of living creatures, save me.
14May Yama, Regent of the Fathers, save me.
15May the Forefathers of old time protect me.
16May Fathers of succeeding ages save me.
17Next may the Fathers of our fathers save me, in this my prayer,.
   in this mine act, in this my sacerdotal charge, in this perfor-
   mance, in this thought, in this my plan and wish, in this my
   calling on the Gods! All hail!