A History of Indian Literature v1.c8.s3.72

v1.c8.s3.72

In the closest connection with these prayers are the extremely numerous benedictions (pauṣṭikāni), by means of which the farmer, the shepherd, the merchant hope to gain happiness and success in their undertakings. Here we find a prayer which is used at the building of a house, benedictions for ploughing, for sowing, for the growth of the corn, and exorcisms against field-vermin, spells against the danger of fire, prayers for rain used in rain-magic, numerous benedictions for the prosperity of the herds of cattle, exorcisms of a herdsman against wild animals and robbers, prayers of a merchant for good business and good fortune on his journey, of a gamester for good luck with the dice, proscriptions and exorcisms against snakes, and so on. Only a few of these songs and spells are of any worth as poetry. It frequently happens, however, that in a very mediocre poem of considerable length, we find single verses of great beauty. The most beautiful is perhaps the rain-song Ath. IV, 15. Here we read: Driven by the wind may the clouds pass by, and "while the great, cloud-enwrapped bull roars,¹ may the rushing waters refresh the earth." Parjanya himself is invoked with the words: