Sukta 37
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (late book; specific r̥ṣi not securely fixed without Anukramaṇī consultation).
Devata: Abstract powers (Ūrj, Bala, Ojas, Sahas, Abhibhūti) oriented toward rāṣṭra (realm).
Chandas: Mixed/late Atharvanic cadence; functionally treated as anuṣṭubh-like in ritual recitation.
Mantras
Mantra 1
बलप्राप्तिः। इदं वर्चो अग्निना दत्तमागन् भर्गो यशः सह ओजो वयो बलम्। त्रयस्त्रिंशद् यानि च वीर्याणि तान्यग्निः प्र ददातु मे
This splendour, given by Agni, hath come—radiance, fame, might, vital force, life-vigour, strength. What heroic powers there be, even the thirty-three, those may Agni bestow forth upon me.
Mantra 2
वर्च आ धेहि मे तन्वां३ सह ओजो वयो बलम्। इन्द्रियाय त्वा कर्मणे वीर्याय प्रति गृह्णामि शतशारदाय
Set thou splendour in my body—might, vital force, life-vigour, strength. Thee for lordly power, for work, for heroic efficacy I take unto myself, for a hundred autumns.
Mantra 3
ऊर्जे त्वा बलाय त्वौजसे सहसे त्वा । अभिभूयाय त्वा राष्ट्रभृत्याय पर्यूहामि शतशारदाय
For sap and sustenance I invest thee; for strength I invest thee; for vigor I invest thee; for conquering might I invest thee. For the upholding of the kingdom I bear thee about, that thou mayest endure for a hundred autumns.
Mantra 4
ऋतुभ्यष्ट्वार्तवेभ्यो माद्भ्यः संवत्सरेभ्यः । धात्रे विधात्रे समृधे भूतस्य पतये यजे
From the seasons I take thee, from the ordered times, from the months, from the years. To Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, to Prosperity, to the Lord of Being, I offer worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to confer splendour (varcas), strength (bala), vigor (ojas), force (sahas), and conquering dominance (abhibhūti), especially for royal or leadership contexts, sealing the blessing for long life and stable authority.
Agni is treated as the transmitter of divine energies into the human sphere. The hymn first receives these powers from Agni, then installs them into the body or a consecrated object through ‘taking’ and circumambulation.
It is a standard Vedic longevity seal meaning a full, complete lifespan. In this hymn it also implies enduring rule and sustained capacity to uphold the realm over many years.