Kanda 7Anuvaka 4Sukta 341 Mantras

Sukta 34

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (edition-dependent).

Devata: Agni (Jātavedas); Aditi as protective horizon.

Chandas: Triṣṭubh-like (edition-dependent).

Mantras

Mantra 1

शत्रुनाशनम्। अग्ने जातान् प्र णुदा मे सपत्नान् प्रत्यजातान् जातवेदो नुदस्व । अधस्पदं कृणुष्व ये पृतन्यवोऽनागसस्ते वयमदितये स्याम

O Agni, drive forth my rivals that are born, and those born over against me drive away, O Jātavedas. Make for them a lower footing—those contentious folk; but we, being guiltless, would be for Aditi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this hymn try to accomplish?

It commands Agni Jātavedas to drive away rivals—both present and newly arising—and to reduce their standing, while placing the petitioner under Aditi’s protection.

Why are Agni and Aditi invoked together?

Agni performs the active expulsion and enforcement of the mantra, while Aditi provides the final protective ‘horizon’—a safe, unbroken shelter for the petitioner described as anāgas (without fault).

Is this a harmful spell or a protective prayer?

It is primarily apotropaic and competitive: it repels and subdues hostile rivals, but it also explicitly seals the act by asserting the petitioner’s innocence and seeking Aditi’s lawful protection.