Sukta 125
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (not specified in the excerpt).
Devata: Vanaspati (lord of trees/wood), with the chariot as empowered object.
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh-like; requires metrical verification.
Mantras
Mantra 1
वीरस्य रथः। वनस्पते वीड्वऽङ्गो हि भूया अस्मत्सखा प्रतरणः सुवीरः । गोभिः संनद्धो असि वीडयस्वास्थाता ते जयतु जेत्वानि
The Hero’s chariot. O Lord of the Forest, be thou of firm frame indeed—our comrade, overpassing, rich in brave men. With kine art thou well bound and harnessed: be strong; let him who mounts thee conquer, and win the winnings.
Mantra 2
दिवस्पृथिव्याः पर्योज उद्भृतं वनस्पतिभ्यः पर्याभृतं सहः । अपामोज्मानं परि गोभिरावृतमिन्द्रस्य वज्रं हविषा रथं यज
Worship with oblation the chariot, Indra’s thunderbolt: the might brought forth from heaven and earth, the strength fetched round about from the forest-lords; the waters’ full vigor, encompassed, covered over with kine.
Mantra 3
इन्द्रस्यौजो मरुतामनीकं मित्रस्य गर्भो वरुणस्य नाभिः । स इमां नो हव्यदातिं जुषाणो देव रथ प्रति हव्या गृभाय
Indra’s vigor, the Maruts’ battle-front; Mitra’s very womb, Varuṇa’s navel-hub—accepting for us this gift of oblation, O god, O Chariot, lay hold of the offerings in return.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to consecrate and empower a chariot before conflict or a campaign, so the vehicle is firm, protected, and brings victory and spoils to the rider.
Because the chariot is made of wood; Vanaspati is the divine power within trees and timber, invoked to make the frame strong, steady, and successful in its martial purpose.
It ritually identifies the chariot with Indra’s decisive striking power—turning the vehicle into a thunderbolt-like instrument so the warrior’s movement and impact become victorious and protected.