Mythology & Folklore
Atharva Veda 1.24: A charm against leprosy
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)
First, before all, the strong-winged Bird was born;; thou wast the gall thereof.
Conquered in fight, the Asuri took then the shape and form of plants.
The Asuri made, first of all, this medicine for leprosy, this banisher of leprosy.
She banished leprosy, and gave one general colour to the skin.
One-coloured, is thy mother's name, One-coloured is thy father called: One-colour-maker, Plant! art thou: give thou one colour to this man.
Sāmā who gives one general hue was formed and fashioned from the earth: Further this work efficiently. Restore the colours that were his.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 1.24: A charm against leprosy.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/23/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 1.24: A charm against leprosy.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/23/.
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More by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda
- Atharva Veda 3.17: A farmer's song and prayer to speed the plough
- Atharva Veda 6.25: A charm to remove pustules or scrofulous swellings (apachitas)
- Atharva Veda 6.134: A priest's prayer for power to punish wrong-doers
- Atharva Veda 7.101: The same
- Atharva Veda 19.43: In praise of Brahma, Prayer, or Devotion