Sukta 57
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (unspecified here)
Devata: Bheṣaja; Rudra as lord of healing
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh
Mantras
Mantra 1
जलचिकित्सा। इदमिद् वा उ भेषजमिदं रुद्रस्य भेषजम्। येनेषुमेकतेजनां शतशल्यामपब्रवत्
This, verily, is the remedy—this is Rudra’s remedy—wherewith he drives away the arrow, keen-pointed, hundred-barbed.
Mantra 2
जालाषेणाभि षिञ्चत जालाषेणोप सिञ्चत । जालाषमुग्रं भेषजं तेन नो मृड जीवसे
With jālāṣa sprinkle ye upon us; with jālāṣa sprinkle ye close upon us. Jālāṣa is a potent remedy: with that be gracious unto us for life.
Mantra 3
शं च नो मयश्च नो मा च नः किं चनाममत्। क्षमा रपो विश्वं नो अस्तु भेषजं सर्वं नो अस्तु भेषजम्
Weal be to us, and joy be to us; and let not anything at all harm us. Earth and the Waters—let all be remedy to us; let all, without exception, be remedy to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
It targets acute, piercing pains and sudden afflictions described as Rudra’s ‘arrow,’ using consecrated water to drive the pain away and restore vitality.
Jālāṣa is medicinal/consecrated water used for sprinkling or ablution; the hymn treats it as a potent bheṣaja (remedy) empowered under Rudra’s healing authority.
The practitioner recites the verses over water, sprinkles it on the patient (repeatedly as stated), and ends with a sealing prayer that Earth and Waters—and everything—become remedial and protective.