Sukta 71
Sukta 5.71
Atri (Ātreya)
Mitra-Varuṇa
Gāyatrī (3×8 syllables typical of brief invitatory verses)
This brief Gāyatrī hymn invites Mitra and Varuṇa to come near the sacrifice as protectors who repel injuring forces and uphold the right path of the adhvara. It praises them as all-knowing sovereigns and asks that they enlarge and steady the worshipper’s dhiḥ (insight). The hymn culminates in a clear Soma-invitation: may the divine pair approach and drink, establishing inner order and delight.
Mantras
Mantra 1
आ नो गन्तं रिशादसा वरुण मित्र बर्हणा । उपेमं चारुमध्वरम् ॥
Come to us, O Varuṇa and Mitra, destroyers of the harming force; sit near this fair and rightly-moving offering—the inner journey of sacrifice.
Mantra 2
विश्वस्य हि प्रचेतसा वरुण मित्र राजथः । ईशाना पिप्यतं धियः ॥
For you two, Varuṇa and Mitra, are the wide-aware rulers of all; as masters, make our thoughts swell with fullness—fill the intelligence with right abundance.
Mantra 3
उप नः सुतमा गतं वरुण मित्र दाशुषः । अस्य सोमस्य पीतये ॥
Come near to us, to the pressed Soma of the giver; O Varuṇa and Mitra, come for the drinking of this Soma—so the inner delight may be received and ordered in us.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are a paired Vedic divinity: Mitra represents harmony, agreement, and right relationship, while Varuṇa represents vast moral oversight, truth, and the binding law of ṛta. Together they protect the sacrifice and uphold order.
The hymn asks Mitra-Varuṇa to come to the ritual, drive away harmful forces, and “fill” the worshipper’s dhiḥ—clear, inspired understanding—so life and worship align with ṛta.
Because it is used in a Soma-rite setting: the final verse invites Mitra-Varuṇa to approach the pressed Soma and drink, symbolizing divine presence and the settling of joy and order in the sacrificer.