Sukta 42
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (late liturgical compilation; specific ṛṣi not explicit in the given citation)
Devata: Brahman (sacred speech) / Yajña (sacrifice personified)
Chandas: Mixed/late Atharvanic; predominantly anuṣṭubh-like cadence (exact meter uncertain without full pada-count verification)
Mantras
Mantra 1
ब्रह्मयज्ञः। ब्रह्म होता ब्रह्म यज्ञा ब्रह्मणा स्वरवो मिताः । अध्वर्युर्ब्रह्मणो जातो ब्रह्मणोऽन्तर्हितं हविः
This is the Brahma-sacrifice. The Hotṛ is brahman; the sacrifices are brahman; by brahman are the tones duly measured. The Adhvaryu is born of brahman; within brahman the oblation is hidden.
Mantra 2
ब्रह्म स्रुचो घृतवतीर्ब्रह्मणा वेदिरुद्धिता । ब्रह्म यज्ञस्य तत्त्वं च ऋत्विजो ये हविष्कृतः । शमिताय स्वाहा
Brahman are the ghee-filled ladles; by brahman is the altar set up. Brahman is the sacrifice’s very truth, and the priests who fashion the oblation. To the Śamitar—svāhā!
Mantra 3
अंहोमुचे प्र भरे मनीषामा सुत्राव्णे सुमतिमावृणानः । इदमिन्द्र प्रति हव्यं गृभाय सत्याः सन्तु यजमानस्य कामाः
To the releaser from anguish I bring forth my thought, choosing for myself good favor from the good protector. This oblation, O Indra, do thou accept in return: true be the sacrificer’s desires.
Mantra 4
अंहोमुचं वृषभं यज्ञियानां विराजन्तं प्रथममध्वराणाम्। अपां नपातमश्विना हुवे धिय इन्द्रियेण त इन्द्रियं दत्तमोजः
The releaser from anguish, the Bull of the worshipful, shining, the first of sacrifices; the Child of the Waters—O Aśvins, him I invoke with prayers. By your vital power grant ye vital power—bestow might.
Frequently Asked Questions
It teaches that sacred speech and its correct intonation are the real power behind the rite: priests, chants, and even the oblation function successfully because they arise from Brahman.
After grounding the rite in Brahman, the hymn asks for practical results: Indra as aṃhomuc removes distress, accepts the offering, and makes the sacrificer’s wishes come true.
They are invoked to bestow indriya (vital capacity) and ojas (strength), completing the hymn’s aim of turning ritual correctness into lived health and power.