Kanda 7Anuvaka 3Sukta 211 Mantras

Sukta 21

Rishi: Atharvanic/Angirasa tradition (specific ṛṣi attribution varies by anukramaṇī; requires verification for AVŚ 7.21.1).

Devata: Āditya/Sūrya as 'the One, all-pervading Lord'; alternatively a monistic 'Pati' principle.

Chandas: Mixed/irregular (close to Triṣṭubh cadence in parts; requires metrical checking against pada lengths).

Mantras

Mantra 1

एको विभुः। समेत विश्वे वचसा पतिं दिव एको विभूरतिथिर्जनानाम्। स पूर्व्यो नूतनमाविवासत् तं वर्तनिरनु वावृत एकमित् पुरु

One is the All-pervading: with speech have all assembled to the Lord of heaven; one, the All-pervading, the Guest of men. He, primeval, hath welcomed the new-comer; along his track the course hath turned—unto the One alone, indeed, in manifold wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hymn to Sūrya/Āditya or to a formless ‘One’ (Eka)?

Both readings are traditional and compatible: the ‘Lord of heaven’ fits Āditya/Sūrya theology, while the repeated ‘One, all-pervading’ supports a monistic Pati principle behind all powers.

What does “Guest of men” (atithiḥ janānām) mean here?

It portrays the deity as the ever-present, continually arriving presence in human life—received through speech, worship, and daily recognition—who also ‘welcomes the newcomer’ (new beginnings and transitions).

How can this one-verse sūkta be used for prosperity (pausti)?

By reciting it at dawn or before an undertaking, the practitioner aligns speech and intention with the single ruling order; the hymn’s imagery of ‘paths turning along his track’ is used to seek steady success and auspicious continuity.