Mantra 4
Sukta 21
अपेन्द्र द्विषतो मनोऽप जिज्यासतो वधम्। वि महच्छर्म यच्छ वरीयो यावया वधम्
ápéndra dviṣató máno ’pá jijyā́sato vadhám | ví mahác chárma yaccha várī́yo yāvaya vadhám ||
Away, O Indra, the mind of them that hate; away the deadly blow of them that seek to conquer. Spread forth and grant us mighty shelter, better yet; drive thou away the deadly blow.
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (often transmitted under Atharvan/Angiras lineages; specific r̥ṣi attribution varies by anukramaṇī).
Devata: Indra (as protector and smiter of hostile forces).
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (4 pādas of 8 syllables; with minor Atharvanic sandhi/metrical adjustments).
{"primary_rasa":"vira","secondary_rasa":"shanta","emotional_arc":"Alert defense → confident banishment → settled safety under a wide shelter.","listener_experience":"Feeling of being covered and protected; reduced fear and hypervigilance.","intensity":7}