Sukta 35
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (often transmitted under Atharvan/Angiras lineages; specific r̥ṣi attribution depends on anukramaṇī tradition for this hymn).
Devata: Hiraṇya (gold) as empowered substance; implicitly Āyus/Varcas/Bala as desired powers.
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (predominant Atharvanic charm-meter; verse is in two pādas/hemistichs with anuṣṭubh cadence).
Mantras
Mantra 1
दीर्घायुःप्राप्तिः। यदाबध्नन् दाक्षायणा हिरण्यं शतानीकाय सुमनस्यमानाः । तत् ते बध्नाम्यायुषे वर्चसे बलाय दीर्घायुत्वाय शतशारदाय
What gold the Dākṣāyaṇas, well-minded, bound upon Śatānīka—this same for thee I bind, for life, for splendor, for strength, for long-livedness, for a hundred autumns.
Mantra 2
नैनं रक्षांसि न पिशाचाः सहन्ते देवानामोजः प्रथमजं ह्येतत्। यो बिभर्ति दाक्षायणं हिरण्यं स जीवेषु कृणुते दीर्घमायुः
Neither Rākṣases nor Piśācas can withstand him: for this is the Gods’ might, first-born in its origin. Whoso beareth the Dākṣāyaṇa gold, he among the living maketh for himself long life.
Mantra 3
अपां तेजो ज्योतिरोजो बलं च वनस्पतीनामुत वीर्याऽणि । इन्द्र इवेन्द्रियाण्यधि धारयामो अस्मिन् तद् दक्षमाणो बिभरद्धिरण्यम्
The splendour of the Waters, their light, their vital force and strength, and, moreover, the efficacies of the Lords of the Forest—these, Indra-like powers, we set and bear upon ourselves herein; so, made effectual, bearing the gold, he carries that might.
Mantra 4
समानां मासामृतुभिष्ट्वा वयं संवत्सरस्य पयसा पिपर्मि । इन्द्राग्नी विश्वे देवास्तेऽनु मन्यन्तामहृणीयमानाः
With the orderly months, with the seasons, thee do we—by the year’s milk—replenish and make full. Indra and Agni, and all the Gods—let them, unangered, approve thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is recited while binding a gold amulet to secure long life, bodily radiance, and strength—ideally “for a hundred autumns”—and to keep the blessing stable through the year.
In Atharvanic practice, certain substances are empowered as carriers of tejas and āyus. Gold’s brightness and durability make it a fitting seat for varcas and protective vitality when ritually bound on.
Water represents purification and life-splendor, plants represent healing efficacy and vigor, and milk symbolizes nourishment and ‘filling.’ Together they complete the charm and help it endure across months, seasons, and the year.