Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 1.24: A charm against leprosy

by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda c. 1200–900 BCE (traditional; uncertain)

Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)

Mythology & Folklore

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.

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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