Kanda 7Anuvaka 6Sukta 511 Mantras

Sukta 51

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (protective formula section)

Devata: Bṛhaspati and Indra

Chandas: Triṣṭubh

Mantras

Mantra 1

परिपाणम्। बृहस्पतिर्नः परि पातु पश्चादुतोत्तरस्मादधरादघायोः । इन्द्रः पुरस्तादुत मध्यतो नः सखा सखिभ्यो वरीयः कृणोतु

All-round protection: May Bṛhaspati guard us round about—from behind, and from the north, and from below, against the evil-doer. May Indra, from the front and from the midst, as friend, for his friends, make for us a safer, wider room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AV 7.51 used for?

It is used to establish all-round protection—guarding every direction and the communal center—especially against hostile or harmful agents (“evil-doers”).

Why are both Bṛhaspati and Indra invoked?

Bṛhaspati protects through sacred speech and orderly guardianship of the quarters, while Indra secures the front and center with warrior-protection and grants a safer, expanded living space.

Does this hymn require herbs or special ritual items?

No. The core practice is recitation with directional intention; optional supports like water sprinkling, ash marking, or a boundary cord can be used to symbolize the protective enclosure.