Sukta 6
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (specific ṛṣi attribution varies by anukramaṇī; commonly treated as an Agni-focused Atharvanic utterance)
Devata: Agni (as Sapatnahan, rival-slayer; radiant pervader of the quarters)
Chandas: Mixed/irregular (Atharvavedic triṣṭubh-jagatī tendency; requires pada-count verification against a critical text)
Mantras
Mantra 1
सपत्नहाऽग्निः। समास्त्वाग्न ऋतवो वर्धयन्तु संवत्सरा ऋषयो यानि सत्या। सं दिव्येन दीदिहि रोचनेन विश्वा आ भाहि प्रदिशश्चतस्रः
Agni is the slayer of rivals. Let the years, O Agni, and the seasons increase thee; the year-cycles, the seers, and whatsoever truths are theirs. Shine forth wholly with heavenly splendor; illumine all the four quarters of space.
Mantra 2
सं चेध्यस्वाग्ने प्र च वर्धयेममुच्च तिष्ठ महते सौभगाय । मा ते रिषन्नुपसत्तारो अग्ने ब्रह्माणस्ते यशसः सन्तु मान्ये
Blaze up in concert, O Agni; and forward may we increase that man. Stand up aloft for mighty good fortune. Let not thy near-attendants, O Agni, suffer harm: let the Brahman-powers be thine, glorious and worthy of honour.
Mantra 3
त्वामग्ने वृणते ब्राह्मणा इमे शिवो अग्ने संवरणे भवा नः । सपत्नहाग्ने अभिमातिजिद् भव स्वे गये जागृह्यप्रयुछन्
Thee, Agni, do these Brahmans choose. Be gracious, Agni, in our guarding enclosure for us. Slayer of rivals, Agni, conqueror of hostile assault, be thou; in thine own house keep watch, unremitting.
Mantra 4
क्षत्रेणाग्ने स्वेन सं रभस्व मित्रेणाग्ने मित्रधा यतस्व । सजातानां मध्यमेष्ठा राज्ञामग्ने विहव्यो दीदिहीह
With thine own kingly power, O Agni, lay firm hold; with Mitra’s might, O Agni, strive in Mitra’s ordered way. Among the clansmen be thou best, set in the midst of kings: O Agni, manifold-invoked, shine brightly here for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means “slayer of rivals.” The hymn asks Agni to burn away opposition—social competitors and hostile forces—and to secure the patron’s domain.
It portrays Agni’s strength as growing with ṛta (cosmic order). By rooting the charm in time’s stability, Agni’s protection is made continuous and reliable.
Though it has anti-rival (abhicārika) force, it also functions as a household and polity-protection prayer: Agni is installed as an unremitting watcher who stabilizes the home and community.