Kanda 7Anuvaka 9Sukta 881 Mantras

Sukta 88

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (not specified in the supplied excerpt; headings mention Garutmān/Takṣaka as thematic markers)

Devata: Anti-venom power (often Garuḍa/Tārkṣya); addressed adversary is the poison/serpent

Chandas: Bṛhatī (as indicated in the supplied heading)

Mantras

Mantra 1

सर्पविषनाशनम्। १ गरुत्मान्। तक्षकः। त्र्यवसाना बृहती। अपेह्यरिरस्यरिर्वा असि। विषे विषमपृक्था विषमिद् वा अपृक्थाः । अहिमेवाभ्यपेहि तं जहि

Away—begone! Thou art an enemy, yea an enemy. With poison thou hast mingled poison—poison indeed hast thou mingled. From the serpent, even from him, withdraw; smite him down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atharvaveda 7.88 used for?

It is used as an emergency anti-venom charm: to drive out snake-poison and ritually defeat the serpent-agency causing harm.

Who is invoked in this hymn—Garuḍa or the serpent?

The heading points to Garuḍa/Tārkṣya as the protective anti-serpent power, while the spoken address targets the poison/serpent force as an ‘enemy’ to be expelled.

Does the hymn require herbs or complex ritual items?

No. It is a command-style, one-verse expulsion mantra; at most, clean water for sprinkling/sipping and a simple protective cord may be used depending on tradition.