Mandala 5Sukta 841 Mantras

Sukta 84

Sukta 5.84

Rishi

Atri (probable for nearby hymns in Mandala 5; exact attribution for 5.84 requires hymn-level confirmation)

Devata

Uncertain from isolated verse; likely a roaming luminous/storm-related power (possibly Vāta/Marut-associated or a named feminine/epithet ‘Arjunī’)

Chandas

Gāyatrī (verse appears shorter; likely gāyatrī-like rather than triṣṭubh)

This brief Atri hymn addresses a swift, roaming power hailed by nocturnal chants, praised for driving forth plenitude and force like a neighing war-horse. The verse functions as an evocative invocation: it “calls” the moving brilliance/storm-energy (named or epitheted as Arjunī) to manifest vigor, momentum, and victorious abundance for the worshipper.

Mantras

Mantra 2

स्तोमासस्त्वा विचारिणि प्रति ष्टोभन्त्यक्तुभिः । प्र या वाजं न हेषन्तं पेरुमस्यस्यर्जुनि ॥

The chants resound to you, O wanderer, with their night-works; you who cast forward the plenitude of force, neighing like a charger—O Arjunī, swift-bright power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Arjunī in Rig Veda 5.84?

Arjunī appears as a name or epithet for a swift, roaming power. From the verse alone, she seems linked to wind/storm-like movement and luminous force, but the exact deity identification needs hymn-level confirmation.

Why does the hymn mention “night-works” (aktubhiḥ)?

It suggests the praise is performed in the night or in a nocturnal ritual setting. The hymn frames the chant itself as an effective action that calls the roaming power to respond.

What does the “neighing like a charger” image mean?

It compares the deity’s force to a war-horse surging forward—symbolizing speed, courage, and winning power (vāja). The hymn asks for that same forward-driving energy to manifest for the worshipper.