Sukta 84
Rishi: Atharvanic seer(s) for Agni-protection material (variable by anukramaṇī)
Devata: Agni (as kṣatrabhṛt, Jātavedas)
Chandas: Mixed/triṣṭubh tendency (requires metrical verification)
Mantras
Mantra 1
क्षत्रभृदग्निः। अनाधृष्यो जातवेदा अमर्त्यो विराडग्ने क्षत्रभृद् दीदिहीह। विश्वा अमीवाः प्रमुञ्चन् मानुषीभिः शिवाभिरद्य परि पाहि नो गयम्
Agni is the bearer of kṣatra. Unassailable Jātavedas, immortal, wide-ruling—O Agni, kṣatra-bearing, blaze here. Releasing all diseases by human, kindly means, today guard round about our home and substance.
Mantra 2
इन्द्र क्षत्रमभि वाममोजोऽजायथा वृषभ चर्षणीनाम्। अपानुदो जनममित्रायन्तमुरुं देवेभ्यो अकृणोरु लोकम्
Indra, for desirable kṣatra, for excellent strength, wast thou born, O Bull of the peoples. Repelling the hostile folk, thou verily didst make for the Gods a wide, secure realm.
Mantra 3
मृगो न भीमः कुचरो गिरिष्ठाः परावत आ जगम्यात् परस्याः । सृकं संशाय पविमिन्द्र तिग्मं वि शत्रून् ताढि वि मृघो नुदस्व
Like a fearsome wild beast, roaming, mountain-haunting, may he come hither from afar, from the farther side. Whetting the jaw, sharpening the keen edge, O Indra, smite the foes asunder; drive them off, like a beast, away.
Frequently Asked Questions
To kindle Agni’s protective sovereignty around the home so diseases are released and the household’s life-support and goods are guarded, while Indra drives away hostile forces.
Agni provides an inner, purifying perimeter (encircling protection and disease-release), and Indra provides outer, forceful defense (repelling enemies and securing a wide safe space).
No. The primary ‘substance’ is a steady household fire; simple water-sprinkling and (optionally) a small ghee offering or hearth-ash boundary mark are sufficient for the protective intent.