Sukta 74
Sukta 6.74
Bharadvāja (Bārhaspatya lineage) (traditional attribution for Maṇḍala 6; this hymn addressed to Soma-Rudra)
Soma-Rudra (dual deities as healing and protective powers)
Triṣṭubh (probable for RV 6.74; requires full hymn metrical scan for absolute confirmation)
RV 6.74 is a compact healing and protection hymn to the dual divinities Soma–Rudra, asking them to uphold inner “asuryá” (lordly luminous vitality), accept the offerings, and bring welfare to both two-footed and four-footed beings. It prays for the implantation of medicines within the body, the loosening of bonds of fault and affliction, and liberation from Varuṇa’s noose—ending in a plea for ongoing guardianship and benevolence.
Mantras
Mantra 1
सोमारुद्रा धारयेथामसुर्यं प्र वामिष्टयोऽरमश्नुवन्तु । दमेदमे सप्त रत्ना दधाना शं नो भूतं द्विपदे शं चतुष्पदे ॥
O Soma and Rudra, uphold in us the Asurya—lordly luminous power; may our offerings swiftly attain you. In every dwelling, bearing the seven treasures, become for us peace and well-being for the two-footed and peace for the four-footed (all our powers and supports of life).
Mantra 2
सोमारुद्रा वि वृहतं विषूचीममीवा या नो गयमाविवेश । आरे बाधेथां निॠतिं पराचैरस्मे भद्रा सौश्रवसानि सन्तु ॥
O Soma and Rudra, tear away and cast out the disease that strikes from many sides, which has entered our vital being. Drive far away the power of dissolution (Nirṛti) by paths that turn outward; in us may there be auspicious, fair-famed strengths and fulfillments.
Mantra 3
सोमारुद्रा युवमेतान्यस्मे विश्वा तनूषु भेषजानि धत्तम् । अव स्यतं मुञ्चतं यन्नो अस्ति तनूषु बद्धं कृतमेनो अस्मत् ॥
O Soma and Rudra, you two place in us—all these medicines in our bodies. Cast down and release whatever is bound in our bodies, the formed fault and knot of wrong-doing, from us.
Mantra 4
तिग्मायुधौ तिग्महेती सुशेवौ सोमारुद्राविह सु मृळतं नः । प्र नो मुञ्चतं वरुणस्य पाशाद्गोपायतं नः सुमनस्यमाना ॥
O Soma and Rudra, keen-weaponed, keen-darted, yet gracious—here indeed be very merciful to us. Release us forward from Varuṇa’s noose, and guard us, holding a happy, benevolent mind toward us.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are invoked together as a twofold healing power: Soma as the life-giving, purifying nectar principle, and Rudra as the fierce protector who can also cure and remove harm.
It is a prayer for well-being for people (two-footed) and for animals like cattle (four-footed), extending protection to the whole household economy and life-support system.
Varuṇa’s noose symbolizes binding by cosmic law—guilt, debt, or constraint. The hymn asks Soma–Rudra to loosen these bonds so the worshipper can return to health, freedom, and right order.