Kanda 7Anuvaka 4Sukta 391 Mantras

Sukta 39

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (hymn-level attribution varies by anukramaṇī)

Devata: Āpas (Waters) / Rain-nourishment as divine agency

Chandas: Triṣṭubh-like cadence (longer pādas; not strict anuṣṭubh)

Mantras

Mantra 1

आपः। दिव्यं सुपर्णं पयसं बृहन्तमपां गर्भं वृषभमोषधीनाम्। अभीपतो वृष्ट्या तर्पयन्तमा नो गोष्ठे रयिष्ठां स्थापयाति

Waters! The heavenly fair-winged one, the great nourishment—waters’ embryo, the bull of herbs—descending, with rain refreshing: may it establish for us, within the cow-stall, wealth most rich.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this hymn mainly ask for?

It asks the Waters—acting as rain and nourishment—to refresh the world, strengthen herbs, and establish abundant wealth, especially cattle-wealth, in the cow-stall at home.

Why are ‘waters’ and ‘herbs’ linked in this verse?

Because rain (waters descending) is portrayed as the power that makes herbs flourish; thriving herbs mean fodder and health for cattle, which translates into household prosperity.

How can this be used in a simple home practice?

Recite the verse with a clean vessel of water (ideally rainwater) and sprinkle a little near the cattle-stall area or on fodder/grass, focusing on rainfall, pasture growth, and the well-being of the herd.