Atharva Veda · 77 of 724

HYMN X

A new year prayer 1. The First hath dawned. With Yama may it be a cow to pour    forth milk.   May she be rich in milk and stream for us through many a com-    ing year. 2. May she whom Gods accept with joy, Night who approacheth.    as a cow,   She who is Consort of the Year, bring us abundant happiness 3. Thou whom with reverence we approach, O Night, as model of    the Year,   Vouchsafe. us children long to live; bless us with increase of    our wealth. 4. This same is she whose light first dawned upon us: she moves    established in the midst of others:   Great powers and glories are contained within her: a first-born    bride, she conquers and bears children. 5. Loud was the wooden pass-gear’s ring and rattle, as it made    annual oblation ready.   First Ashtakā! may we be lords of riches, with goodly children    and good men about us. 6. The shrine of Ilā flows with oil and fatness: accept, O Jātavedas,    our oblations.   Tame animals of varied form and colour—may all the seven    abide with me contented. 7. Come thou to nourish me and make me prosper. Night! may the    favour of the Gods attend us.   Filled full, O Ladle, fly thou forth. Completely filled fly back    again.   Serving at every sacrifice bring to us food and energy. 8. This Year hath come to us, thy lord and consort, O Ekāshtakā.   Vouchsafe us children long to live, bless us with increase of our    wealth. 9. The Seasons, and the Seasons’ Lords I worship, annual parts    and groups.   Half years, Years, Months, I offer to the Lord of all existing    things. 10. I offer to the Seasons, to their several groups, to Months, to   Years.   Dhātar, Vidhātar, Fortune, to the lord of all existing things. 11. With fatness and libation we sacrifice and adore the Gods.   Wealthy in kine may we retire to rest us in our modest homes. 12. Ekāshtakā, burning with zealous fervour, brought forth her    babe the great and glorious Indra.   With him the Gods subdued their adversaries: the Lord of   Might became the Dasyus’ slayer. 13. Indra’s and Soma’s mother! thou art daughter of Prajāpati.   Satisfy thou our hearts’ desires. Gladly accept our sacrifice.