Sukta 73
Sukta 6.73
Bharadvāja Bārhaspatya (traditional for this Bṛhaspati hymn cluster)
Triṣṭubh (probable)
This short Triṣṭubh hymn praises Bṛhaspati as the first-born of Ṛta who breaks rocky obstructions, smashes forts, and wins space, waters, light, and cattle for the striving worshipper. It presents him as the victorious priestly power whose roar reaches both worlds and whose “arkas” (luminous hymns) themselves become weapons against hostility. The sukta’s purpose is to invoke Bṛhaspati for breakthrough, protection in conflict, and the gaining of prosperity through right invocation.
In this hymn
Addressed to
Mantras
Mantra 1
यो अद्रिभित्प्रथमजा ऋतावा बृहस्पतिराङ्गिरसो हविष्मान् । द्विबर्हज्मा प्राघर्मसत्पिता न आ रोदसी वृषभो रोरवीति ॥
बृहस्पति पत्थर तोड़ने वाले हैं। सत्य से पैदा हुए पहले। अंगिरस रिशियों में से हैं। यज्ञ में समझते हैं। दो दुनिया के लिए बाप जैसे हैं। बैल की तरह ज़ोर से गूँजते हैं।
Mantra 2
जनाय चिद्य ईवत उ लोकं बृहस्पतिर्देवहूतौ चकार । घ्नन्वृत्राणि वि पुरो दर्दरीति जयञ्छत्रूँरमित्रान्पृत्सु साहन् ॥
बृहस्पति ने मेहनत करने वाले के लिए जगह बना दी। भगवान के बुलावे पर काम करते हैं। रास्ते में आने वाले को मारते हैं। किले तोड़ देते हैं। दुश्मन को हरा देते हैं। लड़ाई में जीत लेते हैं।
Mantra 3
बृहस्पतिः समजयद्वसूनि महो व्रजान्गोमतो देव एषः । अपः सिषासन्त्स्वरप्रतीतो बृहस्पतिर्हन्त्यमित्रमर्कैः ॥
बृहस्पति ने धन जीता। बड़े-बड़े गायों के झुंड। पानी के लिए इच्छा रखते हैं। सूर्य की रोशनी तक पहुँचते हैं। दुश्मन को मंत्र के ज़ोर से मारते हैं।
Inside Sukta 73
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
Bṛhaspati is introduced as Ṛta’s first-born, the rock-splitter and bull of power whose might resounds through both worlds.
- Development
His aid is made practical: he creates ‘loka’ for the striving person and, by striking Vṛtras, shatters enemy strongholds and wins battles.
- Climax
The hymn peaks in the image of Bṛhaspati winning riches and great radiant herds, seeking waters and svar, irresistible in his advance.
- Where it settles
It resolves by affirming that Bṛhaspati destroys hostility with arkas—luminous hymns—making sacred speech itself the final instrument of victory.
The deity: Bṛhaspati
- Cosmic functionHe embodies the victorious power of brahman (sacred formulation) that clears obstruction, establishes ordered space (loka), releases waters and light, and secures wealth and herds for the community.
- Inner significanceThe awakened intelligence and disciplined speech that breaks inner ‘rocks’ (inertia, fear, confusion), opens the mind’s horizons, and turns mantra and insight into effective force for right action.
The seer
- Bharadvāja BārhaspatyaBharadvāja (Āṅgirasa/Bārhaspatya affiliation in the Bṛhaspati hymn cycle) · A foremost seer of Maṇḍala 6, renowned for powerful, priestly (brahman) hymns—especially to Indra and Bṛhaspati—linking inspired speech with victory and the opening of hidden riches.
Famous verses
adribhit prathamajā ṛtāvā
vi puro dardarīti
hanty amitram arkaiḥ
Attributes of the deity
- Priest-lord (brahmaṇaspati/bṛhaspati) and master of mantra
- Rock/obstruction breaker (adribhit)
- Fort-shatterer and Vṛtra-slayer in function
- Bull-like strength and roar reaching heaven and earth
- Giver of loka (spaciousness), waters, light (svar), and wealth
- Protector and battle-aid against enemies
Also by this seer
- Major authorship within Rig Veda Maṇḍala 6 (Bharadvāja family hymns)
- Notable Indra hymns emphasizing fort-breaking and cattle-winning motifs (within RV 6)
- Bṛhaspati-focused stotras in the same mandala cluster (traditional attribution)
The rite, step by step
- Ācamana and sankalpa: establish intention for obstacle-removal and right speech
- Agni kindling and preliminary offerings (āhuti) to open the rite
- Recitation of RV 6.73.1–3 with focus on ‘adribhit’ and ‘vi puro dardarīti’ as breakthrough formulas
- Main oblation to Bṛhaspati with a request for loka (space), āpaḥ (waters), and svar (light)
- Concluding śānti/āśīrvāda: dedicate gains to Ṛta and communal welfare
Offerings
- Ghṛta (ghee) oblations
- Soma (where applicable in soma-yajña context)
- Samidhs (fuel sticks) and fragrant offerings per local śrauta/smārta custom
Frequently Asked Questions
He is the divine lord of sacred speech and priestly power, praised as the breaker of obstructions who wins space, light, waters, and prosperity through the force of mantra aligned with Ṛta.
On the outer level it evokes defeating enemies and opening hidden wealth; on the inner level it points to removing mental and spiritual blockages so clarity, strength, and right action can emerge.
Breakthrough and protection: Bṛhaspati is invoked to destroy hostile forces, create a supportive ‘loka’ (room to live and act), and grant wealth, cattle, waters, and the light of svar.
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