Sukta 66
Sukta 5.66
Atri (Ātreya)
Mitra–Varuṇa with emphasis on Varuṇa as ṛta-peśas
Triṣṭubh (probable; needs verification)
This short hymn of Atri invokes Mitra–Varuṇa, with a marked focus on Varuṇa as ṛta-peśas—“whose form/raiment is ṛta (cosmic order).” It urges the mortal worshipper to awaken to their far-seeing guidance, offer rightly, and receive protection, clarity, and a movement toward inner sovereignty (svarājya). Across its verses, the pair are praised as kavi-like seers who illumine peoples by their ketu (luminous sign) and uphold Dakṣa and ṛta through wondrous powers.
Mantras
Mantra 1
आ चिकितान सुक्रतू देवौ मर्त रिशादसा । वरुणाय ऋतपेशसे दधीत प्रयसे महे ॥
Awaken to the knowledge, O gods of perfect will, O Mitra and Varuṇa, destroyers of the harm; O mortal, set your offering for Varuṇa whose form is of ṛta, for the great onward impulse.
Mantra 2
ता हि क्षत्रमविह्रुतं सम्यगसुर्यमाशाते । अध व्रतेव मानुषं स्वर्ण धायि दर्शतम् ॥
For those two uphold an unbetrayed sovereignty, rightly they attain the asuric power (lordly mastery). Then, as by a steadfast law, the human is made to carry the beautiful light of heaven within him.
Mantra 3
ता वामेषे रथानामुर्वीं गव्यूतिमेषाम् । रातहव्यस्य सुष्टुतिं दधृक्स्तोमैर्मनामहे ॥
To you two belong these rushes of the chariots and their wide pasture of rays. For the giver of the offering we fashion a good praise, holding it firmly with our hymns in the mind.
Mantra 4
अधा हि काव्या युवं दक्षस्य पूर्भिरद्भुता । नि केतुना जनानां चिकेथे पूतदक्षसा ॥
Then indeed, O wonder-working seers, you two by the strongholds of Dakṣa build the marvel. By your luminous sign you awaken the peoples to knowledge, O you whose discerning power is purified.
Mantra 5
तदृतं पृथिवि बृहच्छ्रवएष ऋषीणाम् । ज्रयसानावरं पृथ्वति क्षरन्ति यामभिः ॥
That is the ṛta, O Earth: the vast fame and utterance that the seers pursue. Moving on their swift courses, they pour it out broadly, overflowing the wide spaces by their goings.
Mantra 6
आ यद्वामीयचक्षसा मित्र वयं च सूरयः । व्यचिष्ठे बहुपाय्ये यतेमहि स्वराज्ये ॥
When by your far-seeing vision, O Mitra and Varuṇa, we and the illumined ones come near, then in your wide and many-protecting power we strive toward self-rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn addresses Mitra–Varuṇa together, but it especially highlights Varuṇa as ṛta-peśas—Varuṇa whose very form is ṛta (cosmic and moral order).
It means “having ṛta as one’s form/raiment.” The idea is that Varuṇa embodies the structure of truth and right order, so offering to him is a way of aligning life with ṛta.
The hymn ends by seeking protection and guidance that lead toward svarājya—self-rule or inner sovereignty—where one’s mind and actions are governed by truth and clear discernment.
Read Rig Veda in the Vedapath app
Scan the QR code to open this directly in the app, with audio, word-by-word meanings, and more.