Kanda 7Anuvaka 8Sukta 711 Mantras

Sukta 71

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (specific r̥ṣi not recoverable from the single verse alone)

Devata: Agni

Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (probable)

Mantras

Mantra 1

अग्निः। परि त्वाग्ने पुरं वयं विप्रं सहस्य धीमहि । धृषद् वर्णं दिवेदिवे हन्तारं भङ्गुरावतः

Round thee, O Agni, as a fortress, we establish the inspired, the mighty: of daring hue, day after day, the slayer of the assailant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to make Agni a ‘fortress’ (pura)?

It means treating the sacred fire as an encircling boundary-power: Agni is envisioned not only in the hearth but as a protective ring around the home or settlement.

Why does the hymn say ‘day after day’ (divé-divé)?

Because the protection is meant to be renewed regularly; the mantra frames security as a daily re-establishment of Agni’s guarding presence.

Is this hymn only about human enemies?

No. In Atharvavedic usage, ‘assailants’ can include human attackers as well as rakṣas and other harmful influences; Agni is invoked to repel and destroy any hostile intrusion.