Sukta 46
Sukta 7.46
Vasiṣṭha
Rudra
Triṣṭubh
This brief Triṣṭubh hymn of Vasiṣṭha addresses Rudra as the mighty archer whose swift, sharp power can both wound and heal. The poet pleads that Rudra’s lightning-like force and wrath be turned away, while invoking his “thousand medicines” for protection of family, offspring, and continued life. The sukta’s purpose is appeasement (śamana) and well-being (svasti) through reverent praise and a direct request for mercy.
Mantras
Mantra 1
इमा रुद्राय स्थिरधन्वने गिरः क्षिप्रेषवे देवाय स्वधाव्ने । अषाळ्हाय सहमानाय वेधसे तिग्मायुधाय भरता शृणोतु नः ॥
These words bear toward Rudra of the steady bow, the swift-arrowed god who moves by his own power. To the unconquered, the enduring, the wise disposer, the one with keen weapons—carry (our prayer); may he hear us.
Mantra 2
स हि क्षयेण क्षम्यस्य जन्मनः साम्राज्येन दिव्यस्य चेतति । अवन्नवन्तीरुप नो दुरश्चरानमीवो रुद्र जासु नो भव ॥
For he is aware through the settled dwelling of earthly birth, and through the sovereign mastery of the divine. Come near to us with protecting helps; move around our doors. O Rudra, be for us without hurt, be swiftly our refuge.
Mantra 3
या ते दिद्युदवसृष्टा दिवस्परि क्ष्मया चरति परि सा वृणक्तु नः । सहस्रं ते स्वपिवात भेषजा मा नस्तोकेषु तनयेषु रीरिषः ॥
That lightning of yours, loosed from heaven, that moves around upon the earth—let it turn away from us. A thousand are your well-breathed medicines; do not harm us in our children and in our becomings.
Mantra 4
मा नो वधी रुद्र मा परा दा मा ते भूम प्रसितौ हीळितस्य । आ नो भज बर्हिषि जीवशंसे यूयं पात स्वस्तिभिः सदा नः ॥
Do not slay us, O Rudra; do not cast us away. Let us not fall under the onset of your wrath. Share with us upon the sacred seat the boon of the life that hopes and grows; and may you powers guard us always with well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Rudra’s immense power and asks him to turn away harm—especially lightning-like danger and wrath—while granting healing, protection, and well-being for the family and descendants.
In the Veda, Rudra governs sudden affliction (like storm and disease) but also its remedy. The hymn acknowledges his sharp weapons and then appeals to his ‘thousand medicines’ to protect and restore life.
It is traditionally suited for a calming/protective recitation during fire worship or when fearing storms, illness, or misfortune—ending with a humble plea for mercy and ongoing svasti (well-being).