Sukta 69
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (often anonymous in AV; associated with Aśvin-invocations for vāc and success)
Devata: Aśvinau (the twin healers), with vāc-brilliance (bhárgas) as the sought power
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (4 pādas of ~8 syllables)
Mantras
Mantra 1
वर्चःप्राप्तिः। गिरावरगराटेषु हिरण्ये गोषु यद् यशः । सुरायां सिच्यमानायां कीलाले मधु तन्मयि
Attainment of splendour. What fame (there is) in speech, in stony places, in gold, among cows—what glory (there is) in surā as it is being poured, in the sweet kīlāla, (what) honey—let that be in me.
Mantra 2
अश्विना सारघेण मा मधुनाङ्क्तं शुभस्पती । यथा भर्गस्वतीं वाचमावदानि जनाँ अनु
O Aśvins, with the sārāgha, with honey anoint me, ye Lords of auspicious weal; that I may utter speech endowed with splendour, and that the people may follow after.
Mantra 3
मयि वर्चो अथो यशोऽथो यज्ञस्य यत् पयः । तन्मयि प्रजापतिर्दिवि द्यामिव दृंहतु
In me be lustre, and in me be fame; and also whatever milk-like essence is of the sacrifice: that in me may Prajāpati make firm, as ’twere the heaven in the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to gain radiant presence (varcas), public fame (yaśas), and persuasive speech—especially for situations like speaking in an assembly, debate, interview, or negotiation.
Sweet substances function as consecratory ‘unctions’: they symbolize and ritually transmit pleasantness, attraction, and brilliance into the speaker’s mouth and words, under the Aśvins’ patronage.
The Aśvins bestow and ‘anoint’ the power, while Prajāpati is asked to stabilize it—so the gained lustre, fame, and the sacrifice’s essence remain firm and do not dissipate.