Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 3.9: A charm against rheumatism (vishkondha)

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

Heaven is the sire, the mother Earth, of Karsapha and Visapha.
As ye have brought them hither, Gods! so do ye move therm hence away.

The bands hold fast without a knot: this is the way that Manu-used.
I make Vishkandha impotent as one emasculateth bulls.

Then to a tawny-coloured string the wise and skilful bind a brush.
Let bandages make impotent the strong and active Kābava.

Ye who move active in your strength like Gods with Asuras' magic powers, Even as the monkey scorns the dogs, Bandages! scorn the Kābava.

Yea, I will chide thee to thy shame, I will disgrace the Kābava.
Under our impracations ye, like rapid cars, shall pass away.

One and one hundred over earth are the Vishkandhas spread abroad.
Before these have they fetched thee forth. Vishkandha quelling Amulet.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 3.9: A charm against rheumatism (vishkondha).” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/72/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 3.9: A charm against rheumatism (vishkondha).” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/72/.

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