Sukta 165
Sukta 10.165
Traditionally associated with Atharvanic/late book (Mandala 10) apotropaic seers; specific r̥ṣi attribution varies by Anukramaṇī for this hymn (often given as a late/anonymous tradition).
Devas in general; with explicit reference to Nirr̥ti as the adverse power being averted.
Triṣṭubh (probable; RV 10 frequently uses Triṣṭubh in such stanzas—exact metrical scan recommended for confirmation).
This brief apotropaic hymn addresses the Devas collectively to avert an ominous sign: a pigeon appearing as a possible messenger of Nirr̥ti (misfortune, dissolution). Through mantra (ṛc), the hymn performs a “release” (niṣkṛti), seeking protection for all living prosperity—two-footed and four-footed—especially around the ritual fire-space.
Mantras
Mantra 1
देवाः कपोत इषितो यदिच्छन्दूतो निॠत्या इदमाजगाम । तस्मा अर्चाम कृणवाम निष्कृतिं शं नो अस्तु द्विपदे शं चतुष्पदे ॥
O Gods, if the pigeon, impelled and seeking, has come here as a messenger of Nirr̥ti (the Power of dissolution and misfortune), then to that (dark) sending we offer our chant and make a release; may peace be for us in the two-footed and peace in the four-footed—may the whole embodied life be made safe.
Mantra 2
शिवः कपोत इषितो नो अस्त्वनागा देवाः शकुनो गृहेषु । अग्निर्हि विप्रो जुषतां हविर्नः परि हेतिः पक्षिणी नो वृणक्तु ॥
May the pigeon, though impelled, be for us benign; may the bird-sign be without fault in our homes. For Agni the seer accepts our offering; and may the winged missile (the hostile stroke) pass around us and choose us not.
Mantra 3
हेतिः पक्षिणी न दभात्यस्मानाष्ट्र्यां पदं कृणुते अग्निधाने । शं नो गोभ्यश्च पुरुषेभ्यश्चास्तु मा नो हिंसीदिह देवाः कपोतः ॥
The winged stroke shall not deceive or overpower us; it makes its mark in the place of the fire-setting. Peace be for our rays of light (the ‘cows’) and for our human powers; may the pigeon, O Gods, not hurt us here.
Mantra 4
यदुलूको वदति मोघमेतद्यत्कपोतः पदमग्नौ कृणोति । यस्य दूतः प्रहित एष एतत्तस्मै यमाय नमो अस्तु मृत्यवे ॥
What the owl utters is vain, and what the pigeon marks upon the fire is vain—when this is only the dispatched messenger of that Power. To that Yama (the Lord of the law of departure) be obeisance, to Death—let the dark claim be satisfied elsewhere, not here.
Mantra 5
ऋचा कपोतं नुदत प्रणोदमिषं मदन्तः परि गां नयध्वम् । संयोपयन्तो दुरितानि विश्वा हित्वा न ऊर्जं प्र पतात्पतिष्ठः ॥
With the chant drive away the pigeon—thrust it far; rejoicing in the nourishing force, lead it away around (and out). Gathering up all misfortunes, leaving our plenitude of energy untouched, let it fly forth, most swiftly.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this sukta the pigeon is treated as a possible bad omen—an apparent ‘messenger’ of Nirr̥ti (misfortune). The hymn uses mantra to send that omen away and restore peace.
Nirr̥ti is a Vedic power associated with loss, decay, and misfortune. Here she is not praised; she is the adverse force to be averted so that well-being (śam) returns.
It is a compact blessing for the whole community: humans (two-footed) and animals like cattle and horses (four-footed). The hymn asks that all embodied life in the household remain safe and prosperous.