Sukta 72
Sukta 5.72
Atri (Ātreya) explicitly referenced (atrivat)
Mitra-Varuṇa
Triṣṭubh
This brief Triṣṭubh hymn invokes Mitra and Varuṇa with the precedent of Atri, inviting them to “sit on the barhis” and partake of Soma in the sacrifice. It praises their steadfast governance through vrata (binding ordinance) and dharma, asking them to stabilize peace, restrain disruptive forces, and delight in the yajña for the worshipper’s chosen good (iṣṭi).
Mantras
Mantra 1
आ मित्रे वरुणे वयं गीर्भिर्जुहुमो अत्रिवत् । नि बर्हिषि सदतं सोमपीतये ॥
To Mitra and Varuṇa we call with our hymns, as Atri once called; sit down upon the sacred seat within us, for the drinking of Soma—so the delight may be rightly received.
Mantra 2
व्रतेन स्थो ध्रुवक्षेमा धर्मणा यातयज्जना । नि बर्हिषि सदतं सोमपीतये ॥
By your inner law (vrata) stand firm, establishing a settled peace that cannot be shaken; by the sustaining right (dharma) restrain the disordering impulses. Sit down upon the sacred seat within (barhis) for the drinking of Soma—the delight and luminous essence.
Mantra 3
मित्रश्च नो वरुणश्च जुषेतां यज्ञमिष्टये । नि बर्हिषि सदतां सोमपीतये ॥
May Mitra and Varuṇa take delight in our offering, for the soul’s chosen fulfilment. Let them sit within on the sacred seat, to drink Soma—the sweetness that increases light and concord.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are a paired form of the Ādityas who protect ṛta (cosmic and moral order). Mitra emphasizes harmony and right agreement, while Varuṇa emphasizes vast law, restraint, and moral sovereignty.
It recalls the authority of the seer Atri’s earlier invocations, implying that the present worship follows a proven, ṛṣi-sanctioned way of calling the gods to the sacrifice.
Barhis is the sacred grass seat prepared on the ritual ground. Inviting the gods to sit there and drink Soma is the formal act of welcoming them to accept the offering and participate in the yajña.