Kanda 7Anuvaka 3Sukta 231 Mantras

Sukta 23

Rishi: Uncertain (requires anukramaṇī verification for AVŚ 7.23.1).

Devata: Rakṣoghna-brahman (the mantra’s own power); implicitly Indra/Agni as destroyers of rakṣas in Atharvanic idiom.

Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (probable; requires scansion).

Mantras

Mantra 1

दुःस्वप्ननाशनम्। दौष्वप्न्यं दौर्जीवित्यं रक्षो अभ्वऽमराय्यः । दुर्णाम्नीः सर्वा दुर्वाचस्ता अस्मन्नाशयामसि

Ill-dreaming and ill-living, the demon, the dreadful thing, the deathward power; all ill-named ones, all that are of evil speech—from us we cause them to perish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Atharvaveda 7.23 mainly protect against?

It protects against bad dreams and the forces believed to cause them—demonic oppression, life-wasting misfortune, deathward influences, and harmful/hostile speech.

Is a ritual substance (herb, amulet, water) required for this sukta?

No. The verse itself is designed as a self-sufficient rakṣoghna-brahman: the spoken mantra is the primary instrument, though simple cleansing or sprinkling water may be added optionally.

When is the best time to recite AVŚ 7.23.1?

Before sleep is the most natural timing; it can also be recited right after a disturbing dream or whenever one feels pressured by misfortune, fear, or slander.