Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.146

c7.146

“The *Parṇa*, (amulet) Soma’s formidable power, hath come, given by Indra, governed by Varuṇa; may I, shining greatly, wear it (the amulet) in order to live the full length of life for a hundred autumns (*śataśāradāya*).”³ The following three verses are also to the same effect: “Splendour set thou in my body, power, force, vigour, strength; unto Indra-like action, unto heroism, unto life of a hundred autumn’s do I accept thee [*Parṇa*].”⁴ “Unto refreshment thee [the amulet], unto strength thee, unto force, unto power thee, unto prosperity thee do I carry about, unto wearing of royalty for a hundred autumns (*śataśāradāya*).”⁵ The last verse supporting the king’s life-tenure of office is as follows: “Thee [the amulet] with the seasons, with them of the seasons; thee unto life-time, unto splendour; with the brilliancy of the year—with that we make [thee] cheek by jowl.”⁶