Atharva Veda · 89 of 724

HYMN XXII

The taming and training of an elephant for a king to ride on 1. Famed be the Elephant’s strength, the lofty glory, which out of   Aditi’s body took existence!   They all have given me this for my possession, even all the Gods    and Aditi accordant. 2. On this have Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Rudra fixed their    thought.   May those all-fostering deities anoint and balm me with his    strength. 3. The strength wherewith the Elephant was dowered, that decks a   King among the men, in waters,   O Agni, even with that strength make thou me vigorous to-day. 4. The lofty strength which sacrifice brings, Jātavedas! unto thee,   What strength the Sun possesses, all strength of the royal Ele-    phant—such strength vouchsafe to me the pair of Asvins    lotus-garlanded! 5. Far as the heaven’s four regions spread, far as the eye’s most    distant ken.   So wide, so vast let power be mine, this vigour of the Elephant. 6. Now hath the Elephant become chief of all pleasant beasts to    ride.   With his high fortune and his strength I grace and conscorate    myself.