The fourth of the Vedas, the Atharvaveda, gathers together miscellaneous hymns and prayers, many dealing with social and everyday life and other less spiritual matters than the Rig, Yajus and Saman Vedas. These selections here show the ageless concerns of merchants and farmers.

For Success in Trade. Atharvaveda, III. 15. 1, 2, 5.

I urge Indra, the Merchant, may He come to us and be our fore-runner; warding off the one who pays not, the beastly competitor who crosses my path, let that masterful Indra be a bringer of wealth to me. The many paths running betwixt heaven and earth, which the gods tread, may they seek me with milk and ghi, so that, with my commerce, I may amass wealth. O Gods! let that money with which, desiring more, I carry on my trade, multiply, never decrease; O Agni! with this oblation, frustrate those who try to ruin the profit I would gain.

For Success in Agriculture. Atharvaveda, III. 17. 1-4, 8-9.

The foresighted fit the ploughs and severally the yokes, the thoughtful ones seeking the good-will of the gods. Harness the plough, place the yokes, and in the prepared furrow here, sow the seed; O Gods! may the ears of corn be full for us; let the ripe (grain) touch the sickle. May the sharp-pointed, well-furrowing, smooth-handled plough throw up for us cattle and sheep, a yoked chariot-drawer (horse), and a plump lass. May Indra hold the furrow, may Pushan guard it on all sides; may the milch cow of the furrow yield us year after year. O fortunate Furrow! we bow to you; turn towards us, so that you may be favourable to us and bear us excellent fruits. The furrow is drenched with ghi and honey; all the gods have blessed her; turn hither to us, O Furrow, with milk, overflowing with vigour and fat.