Sukta 2
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (Indra-protective usage; r̥ṣi attribution edition-dependent)
Devata: Indra (with Soma as enabling offering)
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh-like (requires metrical verification)
Mantras
Mantra 1
आत्मगोपनम्। इन्द्राय सोममृत्विजः सुनोता च धावत । स्तोतुर्यो वचः शृणवद्धवं च मे
Self-guarding. For Indra press ye the Soma, O officiants, and haste ye on: may he hear the praiser’s word, and my call as well.
Mantra 2
आ यं विशन्तीन्दवो वयो न वृक्षमन्धसः । विरप्शिन् विमृधो जहि रक्षस्विनीः
Him, whom the Soma-drops enter—like birds a tree—(him) of the pressed draught: O wide-handed one, smite apart the hostile powers; slay the demon-women.
Mantra 3
सुनोता सोमपाव्ने सोममिन्द्राय वज्रिणे । युवा जेतेशानः स पुरुष्टुतः
Press ye the Soma, O purifier of Soma—press Soma for Indra, the bolt-bearer: youthful, conquering, sovereign is he, the much-lauded.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used for self-protection (ātmagopana): to call Indra through Soma and to drive away hostile forces and rakṣas-like afflictions.
Traditionally Soma is the enabling offering, but many Atharvanic settings allow a consecrated substitute drink; the key is the intention of ‘pressing/purifying’ and the focused recitation.
In Atharvavedic idiom this can denote specific classes of harmful, obstructive influences—personified as rākṣasī-like agents—whom Indra is commanded to destroy for the reciter’s safety.