Sukta 85
Sukta 7.85
Vasiṣṭha
Indra–Varuṇa
Triṣṭubh (probable; needs verification)
This brief hymn of Vasiṣṭha invokes the paired powers Indra–Varuṇa to receive Soma and to protect the worshipper “on the journey,” both outwardly (safe passage, welfare) and inwardly (growth of progeny/inner powers). It highlights their complementary sovereignty: one stabilizes and upholds the peoples and order, while the other smites obstructions and resistances, with the Waters themselves portrayed as installing them as divine authorities.
Mantras
Mantra 1
पुनीषे वामरक्षसं मनीषां सोममिन्द्राय वरुणाय जुह्वत् । घृतप्रतीकामुषसं न देवीं ता नो यामन्नुरुष्यतामभीके ॥
I purify for you two a thought free from hostile powers, offering the Soma to Indra and to Varuṇa. Like the goddess Dawn with her ghee-bright face, may you two protect us on the journey, close at hand.
Mantra 2
स्पर्धन्ते वा उ देवहूये अत्र येषु ध्वजेषु दिद्यवः पतन्ति । युवं ताँ इन्द्रावरुणावमित्रान्हतं पराचः शर्वा विषूचः ॥
Here they strive in the god-invoking clash, where the flashing lights fall upon the battle-standards. You two, O Indra and Varuṇa, strike down those hostile powers—drive them far away, shattered and scattered.
Mantra 3
आपश्चिद्धि स्वयशसः सदस्सु देवीरिन्द्रं वरुणं देवता धुः । कृष्टीरन्यो धारयति प्रविक्ता वृत्राण्यन्यो अप्रतीनि हन्ति ॥
Even the Waters, self-glorious, in their seats have set Indra and Varuṇa as divine powers. One upholds the human communities, clearly distinguished; the other strikes down the resistances, the unopposed obstructions.
Mantra 4
स सुक्रतुॠतचिदस्तु होता य आदित्य शवसा वां नमस्वान् । आववर्तदवसे वां हविष्मानसदित्स सुविताय प्रयस्वान् ॥
May he be the priest of good will and truth-awareness, who, O Ādityas, with force bows to you. Turning again toward your help with the offering, may he indeed sit firm for the right impulsion and progress toward the true unfolding.
Mantra 5
इयमिन्द्रं वरुणमष्ट मे गीः प्रावत्तोके तनये तूतुजाना । सुरत्नासो देववीतिं गमेम यूयं पात स्वस्तिभिः सदा नः ॥
This my word of inspiration has reached Indra and Varuṇa, urging the growth of our inner ‘child’ and the yet-to-be-born powers within us. May we, rich in the true gems of consciousness, arrive at the divine path of communion; do you two guard us always with states of well-being and safe passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are invoked together as a paired divine power: Indra clears obstacles and defeats resistances, while Varuṇa safeguards ṛta (right order) and stable governance. Together they protect the worshipper and the community.
The hymn asks for protection “on the journey,” removal of obstructions, and steady well-being (svasti). It also prays for growth and continuity—expressed as toke and tanaye (offspring and unfolding inner potential).
The Waters are portrayed as self-glorious powers that establish Indra and Varuṇa in their divine seats. This emphasizes that their authority is cosmic and foundational, not merely local to a single ritual.