Atharva Veda · 131 of 724

HYMN XXXIV

Glorification of the Vishtāri sacrifice 1. The 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. 2. Boneless, 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. 3. Never 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. 4. Yama 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. 5. Strongest 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. 6. Full 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. 7. I give four pitchers, in four several places, filled to the brim with    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. 8. I 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!