Sukta 12
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (Anukramaṇī attribution varies by school)
Devata: Madhu (sweetness) and sacred Waters (Āpaḥ; named rivers)
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (predominant Atharvanic cadence; mixed/irregular possible)
Mantras
Mantra 1
सर्प-विष-निवारणम्। परि द्यामिव सूर्योऽहीनां जनिमागमम्। रात्री जगदिवान्यद्धंसात् तेना ते वारये विषम्
As the Sun encompasseth the heaven, so have I come upon the serpents’ birth. As from the Haṁsa the other moving world (is kept apart), by that same power I ward from thee the poison.
Mantra 2
यद् ब्रह्मभिर्यदृषिभिर्यद् देवैर्विदितं पुरा। यद् भूतं भव्यमासन्वत् तेना ते वारये विषम्
What by the Brahmans, what by the Seers, what by the Gods was known of old; what is, what shall be, as a thing established—by that I ward from thee the poison.
Mantra 3
मध्वा पृञ्चे नद्यः१ पर्वता गिरयो मधु । मधु परुष्णी शीपाला शमास्ने अस्तु शं हृदे
With honey-sweetness I besprinkle the rivers; the mountains, the hills—(all) honey. Honey is Paruṣṇī, honey is Śīpālā: let there be weal for the mouth, weal for the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used to ward off snake-venom (viṣa), stopping its harmful spread and restoring calm, auspicious well-being—especially for mouth and heart.
Madhu symbolizes pacification and restoration of wholesome ‘taste’ and harmony, while waters cleanse and carry away impurity. Together they ritually replace the toxic condition with sweetness and śānti.
Yes. In urgency it may be recited as a protective charm with clean water (and honey if available). Traditional practice pairs recitation with sprinkling/sipping honeyed water, but the mantra’s warding intent remains central.