Atharva Veda · 68 of 724

BOOK III

HYMN I A prayer or charm for the defeat and destruction of enemies in battle 1. Let the wise Agni go against our foemen, burning against ill-will    and imprecation   Let him bewilder our opponents’ army, Let Jātavedas smite and    make them handless. 2. Mighty are ye for such a deed, O Maruts. Go forward, overcome    them and destroy them.   The Vasus slew, and these were left imploring. Wise Agni as our    messenger assail them! 3. O Maghavan, O Indra, thou who slayest fiends, and, Agni, thou,   Burn, both of you, against these men, the foeman’s host that    threatens us. 4. Shot down the slope, with thy two tawny coursers, forth go thy    bolt, destroying foes, O Indra!   Slay those who fly, slay those who stand and follow.   On every side fulfil these men’s intention. 5. Indra, bewilder thou the foemen’s army.   With Agni’s, Vāta’s furious rush drive them away to every side. 6. Let Indra daze their army. Let the Maruts slay it with their    might.   Let Agni take their eyes away, and let the conquered host    retreat.