Kanda 7Anuvaka 11Sukta 1041 Mantras

Sukta 104

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (unspecified in the provided excerpt)

Devata: Varuṇa; Bṛhaspati; Cow as prosperity-symbol

Chandas: Likely Triṣṭubh (requires full metrical verification).

Mantras

Mantra 1

गौः। कः पृश्निं धेनुं वरुणेन दत्तामथर्वने सुदुघां नित्यवत्साम्। बृहस्पतिना सख्यंऽ जुषाणो यथावशं तन्वः कल्पयाति

Who fashions for Atharvan the speckled milch-cow, given by Varuṇa—good-milking, ever with calf? Enjoying alliance with Bṛhaspati, he orders, at his will, the welfare of his own person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Atharvaveda 7.104 primarily ask for?

It asks for a speckled milch-cow that is consistently productive—“good-milking” and “ever with calf”—as a stable form of prosperity.

Why are Varuṇa and Bṛhaspati invoked together here?

Varuṇa represents lawful, orderly bestowal (ṛta), while Bṛhaspati represents the power of sacred speech and priestly support; together they authorize and stabilize prosperity and personal welfare.

How might this hymn be used in a simple household setting?

It can be recited at the byre or at milking time, optionally with a small offering of milk or ghee, focusing intention on sustained cattle productivity and the ordering of one’s bodily well-being.