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By Nithin Sridhar
It has 63 verses and occurs in Atharva Veda (12.1). The very first verse
opens with a bold statement that defines the proper manner in which the
Earth and the environment must be understood.
This does not mean that the Suktam is denying the physical aspect of the
Earth. In fact, the verse (12.1.26), clearly says that rocks, stones and dust
constitute the Earth. Hence, the aim of the Suktam is to highlight the fact
that physical aspect is only the outermost layer of the ‘Reality’. And in
order to understand Earth in a deeper, spiritual and in a meaningful way
one must practice the qualities of Truth etc.
The Suktam (in verse 12.1.12) calls “Earth as the mother and humans as
her sons”. Hence, as offsprings of Mother Earth, it becomes a duty of
humans to not only help her sustain herself, but also to protect and
enrich her. Therefore, it becomes an obligation on part of humans to
practice truth, righteousness, and austerity in their day to day life.
Mother Earth is further described as a place where all human actions are
carried out. She is the basis, the foundation that holds together all
actions. It is on her foot, that the altars are built and sacrifices are
carried out (Verse 12.1.13). It is on her the riks and samans are chanted
(Verse 12.1.38). The men sing and dance and the people beat their
drums, rise the war cries and battle with each other (Verse 12.1.41). It is
on her, the people grow various food grains (Verse 12.1.42), where
people speaking different languages, practising different customs, all
exist together (Verse 12.1.45).
But, the Bhoomi Suktam is concerned about those human actions that
may turn to be harmful to nature. Verse 12.1.35 says, “What, O earth, I
dig out of thee, quickly shall that grow again: may I not, O pure one,
injure thy vitals or thy heart”. The verse is clearly speaking about the
misuse of natural resources and its harmful effect on the environment. It
is advising humans to renounce greed and utilize the resources given by
the Mother Earth in a useful way without hurting the nature in the
process. The current activities such as unregulated and harmful mining
and other such activities are clearly against these tenets expressed in the
Suktam.
Towards the end, in Verse 12.1.48, Mother Earth is described as
supporting both the fools and the wise, the good and the bad. The verse
goes to highlight the motherly love and compassion of Mother Earth.
She, in her magnanimity and compassion has given abode to all people,
all objects. She does not discriminate between the fool and the wise or
between the good or the bad. She supports everyone, including those
who harm her and the environment in a dangerous way.
Such, is the compassion and love of Mother Earth for her children.
Hence, people should realize her supreme love and sacrifice, and begin
to live their lives in such a way that the environment is not harmed in
any manner.