Sukta 69
Rishi: Atharvanic/anonymous.
Devata: Āpaḥ (Waters).
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh-like (short, benedictive).
Mantras
Mantra 1
आपः। जीवा स्थ जीव्यासं सर्वमायुर्जीव्यासम्
Ye Waters are life indeed: may I live; may I live out my whole life-term.
Mantra 2
उपजीवा स्थोप जीव्यासं सर्वमायुर्जीव्यासम्
Be ye my life-sustainers; may I live on in support: may I live out the whole of life.
Mantra 3
संजीवा स्थ सं जीव्यासं सर्वमायुर्जीव्यासम्
Be ye the givers of full life; may I live in completeness: may I live out the whole of life.
Mantra 4
जीवला स्थ जीव्यासं सर्वमायुर्जीव्यासम्
Be ye enliveners; may I live: may I live out the whole of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to strengthen and protect life-force (āyus), especially to recover vitality and to avert premature death by consecrating water with life-benedictions.
In Vedic thought, waters are purifying and life-sustaining; this hymn personifies them as carriers of vitality (jīva/saṃjīva/jīvala) that can renew and complete one’s lifespan.
Recite the mantras over a vessel of clean water, then sip a little (and optionally sprinkle on the head/chest). The focus is the repeated request to ‘live out the whole lifespan’ (sarvam āyuḥ).