Atharva Veda

The Hymns of the Atharvaveda

Translation by Ralph T.H. Griffith

BOOK II

HYMN I

Glorification of the prime cause of all things

1          Vena beholds That Highest which lies hidden, wherein this All
            resumes one form and fashion.
            Thence Prisni milked all life that had existence: the hosts that
            know the light with songs extolled her.

2          Knowing Eternity, may the Gandharva declare to us that highest
            secret station.
            Three steps thereof lie hidden in the darkness: he who knows
            these shall be the father's father.

3          He is our kinsman, father, and begetter: he knows all beings
            and all Ordinances.
            He only gave the Gods their appellations: all creatures go to
             him to ask direction.

4          I have gone forth around the earth and heaven, I have approached
            the first-born Son of Order.
            He, putting voice, as 'twere, within the speaker, stands in the
            world, he, verily is Agni.

5          I round the circumjacent worlds have travelled to see the far-
            extended thread of Order.
            Wherein the Gods, obtaining life eternal, have risen upward to
            one common birthplace.

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