Sukta 17
प्रजापतिर्मा प्रजननवान्त्सह प्रतिष्ठाया ध्रुवाया दिशः पातु तस्मिन् क्रमे तस्मिंछ्रये तां पुरं प्रैमि । स मा रक्षतु स मा गोपायतु तस्मा आत्मानं परि ददे स्वाहा
prajā́patir mā prajánanavān sáha pratiṣṭhā́yā dhruvā́yā diśáḥ pā́tu tásmin kráme tásmiñ chraye táṃ púraṃ práimi | sá mā rakṣatu sá mā gopāyatu tásmā ātmā́naṃ pári dade svā́hā
May Prajāpati, rich in generative might, together with the firm foundation, from the steadfast quarter, protect me. In that I take my step; in that I take refuge; into that fortress I go forth. May he guard me; may he watch over me: unto him I wholly commit my very self—svāhā.
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (variable)
Devata: Prajāpati (with ‘pratiṣṭhā/dhruvā’ as associated powers)
Chandas: Atharvanic mixed cadence
{"primary_rasa":"shanta","secondary_rasa":"vira","emotional_arc":"From vulnerability to grounded refuge and confident surrender.","listener_experience":"A sense of being held, watched over, and safely enclosed; calm strength replaces diffuse fear.","intensity":4}