Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 2.32: A charm against worms or bots in cows

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

Uprising let the Sun destroy, and when he sinketh, with his beams.
The Worms that live within the cow.

The four-eyed worm, of every shape, the variegated, and the white I break and crush the creature's ribs, and tear away its head besides.

Like Atri I destroy you, Worms! in Kanva's, Jamadagni's way: I bray and bruise the creeping things to pieces with Agastya's• spell.

Slain is the sovran of these Worms, yea, their controlling lord is slain: Slain is the Worm, his mother slain, brother and sister both are slain.

Slain are his ministers, and slain his followers and retinue: Yes, those that seemed the tiniest things, the Worms have all been put to death.

I break in pieces both thy horns wherewith thou pushest here and there: I cleave and rend the bag which holds the venom which is• stored in thee.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 2.32: A charm against worms or bots in cows.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/61/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 2.32: A charm against worms or bots in cows.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/61/.

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