Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s11.726

v1.c3.s11.726

Kṛmi, ‘worm.’ In the later Saṃhitās,¹ and especially in the Atharvaveda,² worms play a considerable part. They are regarded as poisonous, and are spoken of as found in the mountains, in forests, in waters, in plants, and in the human body. In accordance with widespread primitive ideas, they are considered to be the causes of disease in men and animals. The Atharvaveda contains three hymns² as charms directed against them. The first of these hymns is of a general character, the second is meant to destroy worms in cattle, and the third is intended to cure children of worms. When found in men, worms are said to have their place in the head and ribs,³ and to creep into the eyes, nose, and teeth.⁴ They are described as dark brown, but white in the fore part of the body, with black ears, and as having three heads.⁵ They are given many specific names: Alāṇḍu, Ejatka, Kaṣkaṣa, Kiṭa, Kurūru, Nīlaṅgu, Yevāṣa, Vaghā, Vṛkṣasarpī, Śaluna, Śavarta, Śipavitnuka, Stega.