Sukta 174
Sukta 10.174
Attributed traditionally to a late (10th maṇḍala) seer-family context; commonly indexed as a Rāṣṭra/Abhivarta type hymn (exact r̥ṣi varies by recension/Anukramaṇī; requires edition-specific confirmation).
Brahmaṇaspati (with Indra invoked as the exemplar of victorious turning).
Likely Triṣṭubh (10.174 is typically triṣṭubh in many indices; verify per pada-count in the chosen Saṃhitā edition).
This brief Triṣṭubh hymn is a rāṣṭra/abhīvarta (sovereignty-and-victory) prayer that asks Brahmaṇaspati to “turn” the worshipper toward ordered dominion and success, using Indra’s victorious turning as the paradigm. It seeks protective overruling of rivals and hostile forces, and culminates in the assurance of becoming asapatna—“without opponents”—through the efficacy of the consecrated offering and divine favor.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अभीवर्तेन हविषा येनेन्द्रो अभिवावृते । तेनास्मान्ब्रह्मणस्पतेऽभि राष्ट्राय वर्तय ॥
By that conquering oblation with which Indra is made to turn wholly toward victory, by that same force, O Lord of the Word, turn us inwardly toward the kingdom—toward an ordered sovereignty of the soul.
Mantra 2
अभिवृत्य सपत्नानभि या नो अरातयः । अभि पृतन्यन्तं तिष्ठाभि यो न इरस्यति ॥
Encompassing and overruling the rival powers—those hostile forces that assail us—stand over the one who wars against us, stand over whoever would strike at our rightful growth.
Mantra 4
येनेन्द्रो हविषा कृत्व्यभवद्द्युम्न्युत्तमः । इदं तदक्रि देवा असपत्नः किलाभुवम् ॥
By which Indra, through the offering, became the most excellent in luminous power—this very thing you have done, O gods: indeed I have become without rivals, established in the undivided victory of the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks Brahmaṇaspati to direct the worshipper toward stable sovereignty (rāṣṭra)—outer success and inner self-rule—using Indra’s victory through offering as the model.
Because it is an abhīvarta-style prayer: it seeks to ‘overrule’ hostile forces and competition, so the worshipper becomes asapatna—free from effective opposition.
Traditionally it fits fire-offering contexts for protection and success (leadership, important decisions, contests). In personal practice it can be recited as a short prayer for clarity, confidence, and overcoming inner and outer obstacles.