Kanda 7Anuvaka 11Sukta 1021 Mantras

Sukta 102

Rishi: Prajāpati (as given in the input header)

Devata: Dyāvā-Pṛthivī, Antarikṣa, Mṛtyu (as given)

Chandas: Virāṭ (pūrvastād), Bṛhatī (as given in the input header)

Mantras

Mantra 1

आत्मनोऽहिंसनम्। १ प्रजापतिः। द्यावापृथिवी, अन्तरिक्षम्, मृत्युः। विराट् पुरस्ताद् बृहती। नमस्कृत्य द्यावापृथिवीभ्यामन्तरिक्षाय मृत्यवे । मेक्षाम्यूर्ध्वस्तिष्ठन् मा मा हिंसिषुरीश्वराः

Having made obeisance to Heaven and Earth, to the Mid-air, to Death, I would win release: standing upright, let not the mighty Powers injure me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of AV 7.102?

It is a short self-protection charm meant to prevent injury and avert death by invoking the cosmic realms (Heaven–Earth, Mid-space) and addressing Death directly.

Why does the hymn salute Death (Mṛtyu) instead of only opposing it?

In Atharvavedic practice, acknowledging a sovereign power through respectful address can restrain it; the mantra seeks ‘release’ by placing the reciter under cosmic order rather than panic or hostility.

How is this mantra practically used if no herbs or amulets are mentioned?

Its efficacy is primarily verbal and performative: recite while standing upright, with a gesture of reverence, especially before risky situations or when fear of harm arises.