260 - The use of the hymns of Yajurveda

Pushkara said: 

1-2. Ishall describe the use (of the hymns) of Yajur (veda), that yield enjoyment and emancipation. Listen (to me): O Råma: The great vyährutis¹ are considered to be preceded by the syllable om. They destroy all sins and yield all pleasures. A wise manshould worship the gods with thousand oblations of clarified butter. 

1. The syllables bhuḥ, bhuvah, suah, mahah, janah tapaḥ and satyam. 

3. O Rama: This confers the desired pleasures. One who desires peaceshould offer (oblation) with barley. (Oneshould offer) with sesamum for the destruction of sin. 

4. (Oneshould offer oblation) with grains and white mustard that will confer all the pleasures. (Offering oblations) with the twigs of udumbara (tree) is commended for one who desires cattle. 

5. One who desires food (should offer oblation) with curd and one who desires peace (should) with milk. One who desires plenty of gold (should offer oblation) with the twigs of apamärga. 

6. One who seeks a maidenshould offer oblation of jati flowers that have been strung together in pairs and soaked in ghee. One who desires to have (governorship over) a villageshould offer (oblations of) sesamum and rice. 

7. The oblations (of the twigs) of sakhota, vaså and apāmärga (trees) (are commended) for bringing (others) under control. O Son of Bhrugu (Parasurama): (oblation) of twigs mixed with poison and blood (should be made) for causing the death of one after becoming sick. 

8-9. One who is angry (should act) perfectly in the above manner in order to kill his enemies. O Brahmin: After having made an image of the king made up of rice oneshould offer a thousand oblations. The king will thus be subjected to one's control. Flowers (are to be used) by one who desires clothes. (The offering of) durvā (grass) destroys disease. 

10. It is laid down that strong scents (should be used) by one who desires to gain the splendour of a realised soul. Oblationshould be offered with the ash of husk and thorns in retaliatory enchantments. 

11-12. (In incantation) to cause animosity, the wings of a crow and owl (should be offered). O Brahmin! Oneshould offer the ghee of a black cow to fire at (the time of) the lunar eclipse and partake of it after having mixed it with the residue of powdered vaca (a kind of aromatic root) after incantation a thousand times. This will make him intelligent. 

13-14a. A peg of eleven inches made of iron or khadira (tree)should be buried in the house of the enemy after repeating (the hymn) dvisato vadho'si¹. This act of magical incantation for (the destruction of) the enemy has been narrated to you. 

1. Váj. Sam. 1.28.

14b-15. By the recitation of the hymn) chakshusya² one will get back lost eyesight. (The repetition) of the section (of the hymn beginning with) upayuñjata³ will procure food. One will be free from difficulties by offering oblation of dürva (grass) (with the recitation of the hymn) tanunapagne sat⁴. 

2. Cf. chakshusmatydya sudha TB. 3.10.7.1.

3. Could not be traced.

4. Cf. Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance p. 397b. 

16-18. Oblation made with curd and clarified butter (with the recitation of the hymn) bheshajamasi⁵ will cure the sickness of domestic animals. Oblation (made with the recitation of the hymn) tryambakam yajámahe⁶ will increase one's fortune. (One who makes an oblation with this hymn) pronouncing the name of a maiden, will secure that maiden. One who repeats (this hymn) daily when he is stricken with fear, will get free from fears. By making an oblation with the dhuttūra flower along with ghee (repeating this hymn), one will get all the pleasures. O Råma! One who makes an oblation with guggulu (a fragrant gum resin) (with the recitation of the hymn) will see Sankara (Siva) in the dream. 

5. Vaj. Sam. 3.59.

6. Taitt. Sam. 1.8.6.2a. 

19-20. One will get long life by repeating the section yuñjate mana¹. (The repetition of the hymn) vishnoraråtam² destroys all the obstacles. It is capable of destroying demons. It also confers victory. (The repetition of the hymn) ayam no agniḥ³ yields victory in battle. 

1. Våj. Sam. 5.14a; Taitt. Sam. 1.2.13.1a.

2. Våj. Sam. 5.21; Taitt. Sam. 1.2.13.3.

3. Våj. Sam. 5.37a; 7.44a; Taitt. Sam. 13.4.1a; 4.46.3a.

21-22. (The hymn) idamāpaḥ pravahata⁴ (when repeated) while bathing is capable of destroying sins. If one buries an iron nail of ten inches length at the threshold (of the house) of a maiden with (the repetition of the hymn) vishvakarmannu havis⁵she will not be given (in marriage) to somebody else. One who makes an oblation with (the repetition of the hymn) devasavitaḥ⁶ will get food. 

4. RV. 1.33.22a; Vaj. Sam. 6.17a.

5. Cf. Bloomfield, Vedic Concordance p. 878a.

6. Våj. Sam. 9.1; 11.7; 30.1; Taitt. Sam. 1.7.7.1; 4.1.1.2.

23-24. O Knower of virtue! The excellent brahmin who desires strengthshould do oblation with sesamum, barley, rice and (twigs of) apāmärga with (the recitation of) agnau svāha (oblations to fire). O Brahmin! One will win the affection of the people by making a mark (on the forehead) with gorochand (yellow pigment got from the belly of cow) after having made the incantation (of the sacred syllable) a thousand times. 

25-28. The repetition of the Rudra (hymns)⁷ is capable of destroying all the sins. The oblation (made with that hymn) accomplishes all tasks and ensures peace everywhere. O Bhargava! Knower of virtue! when the goats,sheep, horses, elephants, cows, men, kings, children, women, villages, cities and countries are being attacked or afflicted by diseases, when there is the outbreak of plague and there is fear from the enemies, then (the offering) of oblation with Rudra hymns with sweet porridge and ghee (will confer) supreme peace.

7. Namas to rudra manyave Taitt. Sam. 4.5.1.1a; Vaj. Sam. 16. 1a. 

 29-30. One gets free from all sins by offering oblation with pumpkin and ghee (with the Rudra hymns). Excellent man! One gets free from the sin of) killing a brahmin by eating the flour of barley, barley or alms in the night and bathing for a month outside. One will get everything by offering oblation with (the repetition of) the hymn madhuvātā¹. 

1. Taitt. Sam. 4.2.9.3a; 5.2.8.6.

31. One will certainly get childern by offering oblation (with the recitation of the hymn) dadhikrāvņa². Similarly, (oblation made) with ghee (with the recitation of the hyinn) ghrutavali³ will give life. 

2. Taitt. Sam. 1.5.11.4a; 7.4.19.4a.

3. Cf. Taitt. Sam. 4.4.12.5a.

32. (The recitation of the hymn) svasti na indra⁴ would destroy all difficulties (and the hymn) iha gåvaḥ prajāyadhvam⁵ would increase the strength. 

4. RV. 1.89.6a; Váj. Sam. 25.19a; MS. 4.9.27a; 140.1.

5. AV. 20.127.12a; Kath. Sam. 35.5a.

33-34. A thousand oblations made with ghee (with this hymn) will ward off ill-luck. (Oblations made) with (the twigs of) apāmârga and rice (with the recitation of the hymn) sruvena devasya tva⁶ will without any doubt free one quickly from the deformities inflicted by incantation. One would get gold by (oblations) with the twigs of palasa with (the hymn) rudra pātu⁷ (Rudra protect). 

6. Could not be traced.

7. Could not be traced.

35. Oneshould offer oblations with rice with (the recitation of the hymn) sivo bhava⁸. (The repetition of the hymn) yāḥ sena⁹ removes the fear of thieves.

8. Våj. Sam. 11.45a; Taitt. Sam. 4.1.4.2a.

9. Could not be traced. 

36. O Brahmin! One who makes a thousand oblations with black sesamum with (the recitation of the hymn) yo asmabhy amayatiyat¹ will become free from deformities caused by incantation. 

1. Vāj. Sam. 11. 80a; Taitt, Sam. 4.1.10.3a.

37. One will get food by offering an oblation of food with (the recitation of the hymn) annapate². The repetition of (the hymn) hamsaḥ śuchishad³ (while remaining) in the water destroys sins. 

2. Taitt. Sam. 4.2.3.1a; 5.2.2.1.

3. Vaj. Sam. 10.24a; 12.14a; Taitt. Sam. 1.8.15.2a; 4.2.1.5a.

38. (The repetition of the hymn) chatuäri Srungah⁴ (while remaining) in the water will remove all sins. By the repetition of (the hymn) devā yajña⁵ one will be respected in the world of Brahma. 

4. Vāj. Sam. 17.91a; MS. 1.6,2a; 87.17.

5. Cf, deva yajnam nayantu RV. 1.40.3d; MS. 4.9.10; 120.10.

39. One will obtain the favour of the Sun by offering oblation with clarified butter with (the repetition of the hymn) vasanta⁶. The rites relating to (the use of the hymn) suparno'si⁷ are the same as for the (seven) vyährutis⁸. 

6. Vaj. Sam. 10.10; Taitt. Sam. 4.3.3.1.

7. Vaj Sam. 10.4; 17,72; Taitt. Sam. 4.1.10.5; 6.5.3; 5.1.10.5.

8. See note to verse 1 above.

40. One will get released from bondage by repeating namaḥ svaha⁹ three times. By repeating (the hymn) drupada¹⁰ three times (while remaining) in the water will destroy all sins. 

9. Cf. G. Dh. 27. 9.

10. Cf. drupadad iva Väj. Sam. 20. 20a.

41. The sacred formula iha gåvaḥ prajayadhvani¹¹ is capable ofsharpening the intellect when oblations are offered with clarified butter, curd, milk and sweet porridge. 

11. Kath. Sam. 33. 3a.

42. Oblations made with leaves and fruits with the recitation of the hymn) satam yo¹² confers health, wealth and long life. 

12. Tait. Sam. 5.7.2.3c.

43. (The recitation of the hymn) oshadhiḥ pratimodadhvam¹³ while mowing and cutting will give returns. Oblations made with sweet porridge (with the repetition of the hymn) asvävat¹⁴ will secure peace. 

13. RV, 10.97.3a; Våj. Sam. 12. 77a.

14. RV. 9,63. 18b; Vaj. Sam. 8. 63b. 

44. One will be released from bondage by (the repetition of) the sacred formula tasmä¹. One will get excellent dress by (repeating the hymn) yuva suvåsäħ². 

1. Cf. RV, 10.9.3a; Taitt. Sam. 4.1.5.1a.

2. RV. 3.8.4a; MS. 4, 13.1a: 199.13.

45. (The recitation of the hymn) muñchantu må sapathyāt³ is capable of destroying all the enemics. Oblation of sesamum (while reciting the hymn) mä, må himsih⁴ is capable of destroying enemies. 

3. RV. 10.97.16a; Vaj. Sam. 12.90a.

4. Tait. Sam. 1.2.2.2.

46. (Oblations of) ghee and sweet porridge (with the repetition of the hymns) namo'stu sarvasarpebhyo⁵ and krunudhvam rāja⁶ destroys magic incantations. 

5. RV. Kh. 7.55.10a; Tait. Sam. 4.2.8.3a.

6. RV. 7.32.9b.

47-49. One can control an epidemic in a village or country by making ten thousand oblations of pieces of dūrvå grass with (the recitation of the hymn) kāņdāt kāņdāt⁷. One who is suffering from a disease will be cured and the grief-stricken (will become free) from grief (by this). O Rama! A person who offers a thousand twigs of udumbara (tree) as oblation with (the recitation of the hymn) madhumānno vanaspatih⁸ will get wealth. One will also get great fortune and victory in litigation. 

7. Tait, Sam. 4.2.9.2a.

8. Tait. Sam. 4.2.9.3a.

50-51. One will make the gods rain by offering oblations (of the same) with (the recitation of the hymn) apām garbham.⁹ O Knower of virtue! By making oblations of curd, ghee and honey (with the repetition of the hymn) apah pinva¹⁰ one will make it rain heavily. (The repetition of the hymn) namaste rudra¹¹ destioys all misfortunes. 

9. Tait, Sam. 4.1.4.3b.

10. Tait. Sam. 4.3.4,3.

11. Tait. Sam. 4.5.1.1a.

52-53. (The above hymn) is also said to ensure all peace and destroy great sins. One who is afflicted by a disease is protected by (the repetition of the hymn) adhyavochat.¹² It is also capable of destroying demons, increasing fame, long life and strength. One will be happy by scattering white mustard and repeating this (hymn) on the journey. 

12. Tait. Sam. 4.5.1.2a.

54-55a. O Knower of virtue! One will get long life and undiminishing food by worshipping daily the sun morning and evening unweariedly repeating. (the hymn) asau yastämro¹. 

1. Tait. Sam. 4.5.1.3a.

55b-56. Weapons are consecrated by the six (hymns) pramuñcha dhanvanas². It will frighten enemies in battle. One need not entertain any doubt. (The repetition of the hymn) mānomahāntam³ confers peace on children. 

2. Tait. Sam. 4.5.10.2a.

3. Tait. Sam. 4.5.10.2a.

57. Oneshould offer oblations of black mustard soaked in pungent oil (with the repetition of) the seven sections (beginning with) namo hiranyabāhave⁴ that will destroy enemies. 

4. Tait. Sam. 4.5.2.1. 

58. One becomes a sovereign by offering oblations of a lakh lotuses with (the recitation of the hymn) namo vah kirikebhyo⁵. By similar (offerings) of bilva (leaves) (one will acquire) gold.

5. Tait. Sam. 4.5.9.2.

59. One will obtain wealth by oblations of sesamum with (the repetition of) imā rudrāya⁶. Oblations with dūrvå grass (will make one) free from all diseases.

6. Vaj. Sam. 16.48a.

60. (The hymn) aśuḥ śiśhāna⁷ (is used) in the protection of weapons. O Rāma! It is said to destroy all the enemies in battle. 

7. Tait. Sam, 4.6.4.1a.

61. Brahmin! Knower of virtue! One thousand oblations of clarified butter with (the repetition of) the five (hymns) rāja sāma⁸ will cure the eye disease (of a person).

8. Could not be traced.

62. The oblation (done with the hymn) śanno vanaspate gehe⁹ will destroy the defects of a building. One will not earn enmity  with anyone by offering oblations of clarified butter (with the repetition of) agna āyümshi¹. 

         9. Could not be traced. 

1. TS. 1.3.14.7a.

63. One will gain victory by the oblation of fried paddy (with the hymn) apām phena². He who has defective sense-organs will get sound ones by the repetition of (the hymn) bhadrā³. 

2. Cf. apám phenena Vaj. Sam. 19.71a.

 3. Cf. RV.8.19.19b.

64. (The hymn) agniścha pruthivi cha⁴ (is) an excellent charm. One who repeats the hymn adhvana⁵ will be victorious in litigation.

         4. Vaj. Sam. 26.1.

5. Tait, Sam. 1.7.8.1.

65. (The hymn) brahma rājanyam⁶ accomplishes the task (when repeated) at its commencement. One will be free from disease by the oblation of ghee a lakh times (with the repetition of the hymn) samvatsaro'shi⁷. 

6. Cf. brahma rājanyābhyam Våj. Sam. 26.2c.

7. Vaj. Sam. 27.45 or TB. 3.11.1.14.

66. (The hymn) ketum kruņvan⁸ will confer victory in battle. (The hymn) indrognirdharma⁹ ensures fair play in battle. 

8. Tait. Sam. 7.4.20.1a.

         9. Could not be traced

67. The hymn dhanvanā gā¹⁰ is excellent for the bow wielder, the hymn yuñjita¹¹ is known (to be used) in consecrating (the bow). 

10. Tait. Sam. 4.6.6.1a

11. Could not be traced.

68. The hymn āhiratha¹²should be used for the consecration of arrows. Bahvinām pitā¹³ is said to be the hymn for consecrating quiver.

12. Could not be traced.

         13. Tait. Sam, 4.6.6.2a.

69. Yuñjanti¹⁴ is said to be the hymn for arranging horses. (The hymn) āśuḥ śiśāna¹⁵ is said (to be used) while commencing a journey. 

14. Cf. yunjanti bradhnam Tait. Sam. 7.4.20.1a.

 15. Tait, Sam. 4.6.4.1a. 

70. The hymns vishnoḥ krama¹ (is said to be) excellent for one who boards a chariot. (The hymn) ājanghanti² is said (to be used) for whipping the horses. 

1. Tait. Sam. 1.6.5.2

2. Tait, Sam. 4.6.6.5a. 

71. Oneshould repeat (the hymn) yaḥ senā abhitvari³ when facing the army of the enemy. The war drums are beaten with (the recitation of the hymn) dundubhya⁴. 

3. Could not be traced.

4. Cf. Vedic Concordance p. 485b.

72-73. One will become victorious by offering oblations earlier with these hymns. A wise man who offers one crore oblations with (the recitation of the hymn) yamena dattam⁵ will soon produce a chariot that will give victory in the battle. The ceremonies relating to (the hymn) a krishņa⁶ are similar to that of the vyāhrutis (bhūḥ etc.). 

5. Tait. Sam. 4.6.7.1a.

         6. Tait. Sam. 3.4.11.2a.

74. One will get the composure of mind by the repetition of (the hymn of) śivasankalpa⁷. One will get fortune by making five lakh oblations (with the repetition of the hymn) pañchanadyaḥ⁸. 

7. Could not be traced.

8. Vaj Sam. 34.11a.

75. Oneshould wear a golden (plate) after making incantations one thousand times with the hymn yad ābadhnan dākṣhāyanā⁹. It will ward off the enemies. 

9. Vāj Sam. 34.52b.

76. One will not have the fear of thieves by throwing stones and lumps of earth in all the four directions in the house (after repeating the hymn) imam jivebhyaḥ¹⁰. 

10. Vaj. Sam. 35.15a.

77. (The hymn) pari me gāmaneshata¹¹ is excellent for charming. One who has come to kill will be subdued. 

11. Våj. Sam. 35.18a.

78. O Knower of Dharma! A person will be brought under one's complete control soon by giving him food, betels, flowers and other things charmed (with this hymn). 

79-80. (The hymn) Sanno mitra¹ always confers peace every. where (when repeated). One will be able to charm the entire world by making oblations of all grains (with the repetition of the hymn) gaņānām tvā ganapatim² at the junction of four roads.The hymn hiranyavarṇāḥ Suchayaḥ³ (is used) in consecration. 

1. RV. 10.9.4a.

2. Tait, Sam. 2.3.14.3a.

3. Tait. Sam. 5.6.1.1a.

81-82. (The hymn) śhanno devir abhistaye⁴ (is) excellent for conferring peace. There is no doubt that one will appease the planets and get their grace by offering oblations of clarified butter in parts (to the respective planets) with (the repetition of) the hymn ekachakra⁵. One who makes oblations of clarified butter with the two (hymns) gāvo bhago⁶ will get cows.

4.RV. 10.9.4a.

5. Cf. TA. 1.11.7c.

6. RV.6.28.5a.

83. (The hymn) pravādamshaḥ sopat⁷ is used in the propitiatory rite in the house. (The hymn) devebhyo vanaspate⁸ is prescribed (for use) in the rite for the consecration of a tree. 

7. Could not be traced.

8. MS. 4.13.7a: 208.10.

84. (The hymn) tad vishnoh paramam padam⁹ is known to be the gāyatri for (Lord) Vishņu. It is capable of destroying all the sins and granting all the pleasures.

9. Tait. Sam. 1.3.6.2a.