Atharva-Veda Samhita/Book XIX/Hymn 1

1. With an oblation for confluence.

[Brahman.—⌊tṛcam.⌋ yājñikam; cāndramasam. ānuṣṭubham: 1, 2. pathyābṛhatyāu; 3. pan̄kti.]

The hymn is found also in Pāipp. xix. (the order of vss. 2 and 3 being inverted). It resembles i. 15, and, as it has the same pratīka of the first verse, the comm. maintains that it may be used along with or instead of that hymn where the latter is quoted (Kāuç. 19. 4, and Nakṣ. K. 20). ⌊C.f. also note to Kāuç. 19. 1.⌋

Translated: Griffith, ii. 259.

1. Together, together let the rivers flow, together the winds, together the birds; increase ye this sacrifice, O songs (gír); I make offering with an oblation of confluence.

The first half-verse is nearly identical with i. 15. 1 a, b; the third pāda, nearly with i. 15. 2 c; the last pāda, with i. 15. 1 d; ii. 26. 3 d. The translation implies giras, voc., in this verse and the next; it is read by the mss. almost without exception, and so by SPP's text; also in i. 15. 2. Ppp. reads in a sravanti sindhavaḥ.

2. This sacrifice do ye aid, O offerings (hóma); this one, ye also that flow together: increase ye this sacrifice, O songs; I make offering with an oblation of confluence.

SPP. reads in a hómās, with all the mss., but our emendation to homās is evidently demanded by the sense; the comm. also understands the word as vocative. Ppp. reads homā yajña pacate idaṁ, and uses the last half of vs. 3 as refrain, instead of that of vs. 1.

3. Form by form, vigor (váyas) by vigor—taking hold together I embrace him: let the four quarters increase this sacrifice; I make offering with an oblation of confluence.

The comm. understands the sacrificer by enam in b. ⌊In c, cátasraḥ is metrically and otherwise superfluous.⌋

The metrical definitions given by the Anukr. for this hymn are of no value; the first two are inexact even as regards a mechanical count of syllables.