Kanda 7Anuvaka 2Sukta 161 Mantras

Sukta 16

Rishi: Atharvanic compiler tradition (specific ṛṣi attribution not given in the input; commonly assigned by Anukramaṇī)

Devata: Savitar and Bṛhaspati; ‘All the Gods’ as confirming assembly

Chandas: Triṣṭubh-like (requires metrical verification)

Mantras

Mantra 1

सविता बृहस्पते सवितर्वर्धयैनं ज्योतयैनं महते सौभगाय । संशितं चित् संतरं सं शिशाधि विश्व एनमनु मदन्तु देवाः

Savitar, O Bṛhaspati—O Savitar—do thou increase this man, illumine him unto great good fortune. Even though well-whetted, well-overpassing, do thou wholly set him to success: let all the Gods rejoice in him and follow with their favour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atharvaveda 7.16 used for?

It is used to increase a person’s prosperity and auspicious standing, to ‘illumine’ them with clarity and renown, and to secure success with broad divine approval.

Why are Savitar and Bṛhaspati invoked together?

Savitar supplies life-giving impulse and auspicious brilliance, while Bṛhaspati supplies brahmanic authority—wise counsel, mantra-force, and victorious leadership—so the blessing becomes both radiant and firmly established.

Is there a simple way to practice this hymn today?

Yes. Light a lamp (or face morning sunlight), state your intention for success and good fortune, recite the mantra once or three times, and conclude by asking that ‘all the gods’ support the outcome.