Mythology & Folklore
Atharva Veda 6.50: A charm for the destruction of vermin
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
Destroy the rat, the mole, the boring beetle, cut off their heads and crush their ribs, O Asvins.
Bind fast their mouths; let them not eat our barley: so guard, ye twain, our growing corn from danger.
Ho! boring beetle, ho! thou worm, ho! noxious grub and grasshopper!
As a priest leaves the unfinished sacrifice, go hence devouring not, injuring not this corn.
Hearken to me, lord of the female borer, lord of the female grub! ye rough-toothed vermin!
Whate'er ye be, dwelling in woods, and piercing, we crush and mangle all those piercing insects.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 6.50: A charm for the destruction of vermin.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/213/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 6.50: A charm for the destruction of vermin.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/213/.
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More by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda
- Atharva Veda 1.10: Absolution of a sinner after intercession with Varuna
- Atharva Veda 4.24: A hymn of prayer and praise to Indra
- Atharva Veda 6.64: To promote unanimity in an assembly
- Atharva Veda 7.33: A prayer for long life, children, and riches
- Atharva Veda 10.3: Purusha, Primeval Man or humanity personified