Sukta 126
Sukta 10.126
Traditionally assigned to a seer of the late Tenth Maṇḍala (Anukramaṇī-dependent; often connected with Aditya-invocations)
Ādityas—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman
Anuṣṭubh (likely for RV 10.126; verse-level confirmation may vary)
This hymn is a protective and liberating prayer centered on the Ādityas—Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman—who, moving “in one accord,” lead the worshipper beyond hostility, sin, and misfortune. It expands into a broader coalition of divine helpers (Rudra with the Maruts, Indra, Agni, and the Vasus), asking for well-being (svasti), release from bonds/distress, and safe passage into a fuller, steadier life-force.
Mantras
Mantra 1
न तमंहो न दुरितं देवासो अष्ट मर्त्यम् । सजोषसो यमर्यमा मित्रो नयन्ति वरुणो अति द्विषः ॥
No anguish, no crooked misfortune overtakes the mortal whom these gods—moving in one accord—Aryaman, Mitra, and Varuṇa lead beyond the hostile powers.
Mantra 2
तद्धि वयं वृणीमहे वरुण मित्रार्यमन् । येना निरंहसो यूयं पाथ नेथा च मर्त्यमति द्विषः ॥
That indeed we choose—O Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman—by which you may guard us out of constriction and lead the mortal beyond the hostile powers.
Mantra 3
ते नूनं नोऽयमूतये वरुणो मित्रो अर्यमा । नयिष्ठा उ नो नेषणि पर्षिष्ठा उ नः पर्षण्यति द्विषः ॥
May they now be for our help—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman: most sure in leading, lead us; most strong in carrying across, carry us beyond the hostile powers.
Mantra 4
यूयं विश्वं परि पाथ वरुणो मित्रो अर्यमा । युष्माकं शर्मणि प्रिये स्याम सुप्रणीतयोऽति द्विषः ॥
You guard all around—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman. In your dear shelter may we be, well-led, beyond the hostile powers.
Mantra 5
आदित्यासो अति स्रिधो वरुणो मित्रो अर्यमा । उग्रं मरुद्भी रुद्रं हुवेमेन्द्रमग्निं स्वस्तयेऽति द्विषः ॥
O Ādityas—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman—carry us beyond the fissures of disharmony. We call the mighty Rudra with the Maruts, and Indra and Agni, for our well-being, beyond the hostile powers.
Mantra 6
नेतार ऊ षु णस्तिरो वरुणो मित्रो अर्यमा । अति विश्वानि दुरिता राजानश्चर्षणीनामति द्विषः ॥
May Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman—our true leaders—carry us across, beyond all inner crookedness and distress; may these Kings of the human races take us past every hostility and division.
Mantra 7
शुनमस्मभ्यमूतये वरुणो मित्रो अर्यमा । शर्म यच्छन्तु सप्रथ आदित्यासो यदीमहे अति द्विषः ॥
For our help, may Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman bring us a happy, auspicious state; may the wide-moving Ādityas grant us sheltering peace, so that what we seek may pass beyond every opposing force.
Mantra 8
यथा ह त्यद्वसवो गौर्यं चित्पदि षिताममुञ्चता यजत्राः । एवो ष्वस्मन्मुञ्चता व्यंहः प्र तार्यग्ने प्रतरं न आयुः ॥
As once, O Vasus worthy of the offering, you released even the bright one bound in the snare, so now release us from the divided distress; and you, Agni, carry us forward—further and more victoriously—into our life-force and its continuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn primarily addresses the Ādityas—Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman—seen as guardians of order and harmony. It also calls on Rudra with the Maruts, Indra, Agni, and the Vasus for added protection and release.
It asks to be led beyond hostile forces and freed from distress, wrongdoing, and misfortune (aṃhas, durita). The hymn also prays for svasti—overall well-being—and for life (āyus) to be carried forward securely.
It is suitable as a protective recitation at dawn, before travel, or during times of conflict and anxiety. Recite with a clear intention for harmony and release, optionally offering ghee into a lamp or household fire while invoking Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman, and Agni.