Sukta 12
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (often treated as an Atharvan/Angiras-type social charm; specific r̥ṣi not marked in the provided excerpt).
Devata: Sabhā and Samiti (personified), with Prajāpati as genealogical source; Ancestors as witnesses.
Chandas: Mixed/irregular (Atharvanic prose-verse tendency); broadly triṣṭubh-like cadence in parts.
Mantras
Mantra 1
राष्ट्रसभा। सभा च मा समितिश्चावतां प्रजापतेर्दुहितरौ संविदाने। येना संगच्छा उप मा स शिक्षाच्चारु वदानि पितरः संगतेषु
May Assembly and Council, the two accordant Daughters of Prajāpati, befriend and guard me. By what means one draweth near and entereth into concord with me—let that instruct me, that I may speak fair words, O Fathers, in the gatherings.
Mantra 2
विद्म ते सभे नाम नरिष्टा नाम वा असि । ये ते के च सभासदस्ते मे सन्तु सवाचसः
We know thy name, O Assembly: ‘Nariṣṭā’ by name thou art. Whatsoever members are thine that sit in council—let them be to me of one utterance, in accord of speech.
Mantra 3
एषामहं समासीनानां वर्चो विज्ञानमा ददे । अस्याः सर्वस्याः संसदो मामिन्द्र भगिनं कृणु
Of these who sit together I take unto myself the splendour and the discerning wit. Of this whole session, O Indra, make me a sharer in the portion—yea, a partner in its fortune.
Mantra 4
यद् वो मनः परागतं यद् बद्धमिह वेह वा । तद् व आ वर्तयामसि मयि वो रमतां मनः
What mind of yours hath wandered far, what mind is bound—whether here or yonder—this same we turn back hither. In me let your mind take pleasure; in me let it rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to gain protection and success in an assembly or council—helping the practitioner speak pleasingly, be accepted, and receive a favorable share in the group’s decision.
The hymn treats orderly public deliberation as a sacred social power rooted in cosmic order (Prajāpati). Calling them his daughters emphasizes legitimacy, harmony, and the right functioning of collective decisions.
Not in the provided verses. It functions primarily as a speech-and-attention charm: recitation before entering, while seated, and just before speaking is the main practice.