Jaiminīya (Talavakāra) Brāhmaṇa 52.275

52.275

Now the Daivānīka. / The gods and the Asuras were contending. / The gods desired: "With Agni as our battle-front (anīka) may we conquer the Asuras!" / They saw this sāman; / with it they praised: / "Auspicious to us is Agni when invoked"— / thus they made Agni their battle-front; / "Auspicious is the gift, O fortunate one, auspicious the rite, / auspicious also the praises; / make our mind auspicious in the slaying of Vṛtra, whereby you are victorious in battles"— / thus they overcame them in battles; / "Loosen the firm [bows] of those who display great arrogance"— / thus whatever vital power, whatever strength they had, they struck down with this; / "May we win your favors!"— / thus they surmounted them. / Then with Agni as their battle-front they conquered the Asuras. / That is the battle-front quality of the Daivānīka (divine army). / This sāman is victorious and slays the rival. / He is victorious and slays his spiteful rival, who knows thus.