Sukta 10

Kind of hymn

Bhaisajya (Healing) / Rakṣoghna (Apotropaic)

What it is for

To consecrate and deploy a śaṅkha-maṇi (Kṛśana) that removes disease and mental affliction, breaks persistent ill-luck, defeats rakṣas, and secures longevity and safe transit.

Who it is for

Householders, healers (bhaiṣajika), Atharvanic ritualists, travelers/warriors seeking protection, and families safeguarding a patient or vulnerable person (children, the sick, those under ‘evil influence’).

Also used as

• Rakṣoghna
• Paustika
• Maṇi (amulet) liturgy

The deity

The conch—ocean-born, luminous, and ‘universal medicine’—is treated as a conscious protective power (maṇi-devatā). Under the epithet Kṛśana it functions as a wearable, chargeable safeguard that repels malign beings and restores wholeness of body and mind.

Powers of the deity

• Expels amīvā (disease) and durmati/amatí (mental confusion, folly)
• Drives away sadānvāḥ (ever-clinging/persistent evils and misfortunes)
• Smites rakṣas and attriṇaḥ (predatory/demonic forces)
• Bestows āyus (long life) and safe passage across dangers
• Radiant protection (golden, shining), effective in travel and conflict contexts
• Acts as viśvabheṣaja (universal medicine) when ritually installed and worn

Why the deity is called

Invoked to ‘activate’ the śaṅkha as an empowered amulet that simultaneously heals, wards off spirits, and carries the bearer safely through peril, extending life and removing distress (aṃhas).

The seer

• Atharvanic seer(s) of the maṇi-tradition (Anukramaṇī: Atharvan/Āṅgirasa transmission)Atharvan. Maṇi (amulet) liturgies combining bhaiṣajya healing with rakṣoghna spirit-expulsion; installation/charging of protective objects for longevity, travel, and crisis-warding.

Other hymns of this seer

• AV 4.4 (Maṇi-hymn cluster, protective charm)
• AV 4.9 (Protective/amulet-oriented hymn in the same kanda sequence)
• AV 5.22 (Rakṣoghna protective formulas; Atharvanic style)
• AV 6.136 (Bhaiṣajya healing charm; Atharvanic medical register)

Preparing for the rite

• Select a clean, intact śaṅkha (conch) or conch-piece suitable as a maṇi; cleanse with water (optionally with astringent/alkaline wash) and dry.
• Seat the patient or wearer facing east; establish a small protective boundary (rekhā) or clean space; maintain silence/continence during the rite.
• If used as a pendant, thread it with a clean cord; if used as a hand-held charm, place it on a clean cloth near the reciter.

The rite

• Recite the sukta over the śaṅkha, touching it at key verses that name its powers (e.g., viśvabheṣaja, rakṣas-smiting).
• Bind or place the śaṅkha on the person (neck/upper arm/waist) while repeating the protective pādas; alternatively keep it at the head of the bed for a patient.
• Perform a short apotropaic gesture: circle the conch around the head/torso 3 times, then set it on the body or threshold; conclude with a final recitation for āyus (safe ‘crossing over’).

What it needs

• Śaṅkha (conch) as maṇi/amulet (Kṛśana)
• Clean water for purification
• Cord/thread for binding (if worn)
• Optional: ghee or a small lamp for ‘radiance’ symbolism; a clean cloth/altar space

When

Preferably at dawn or early morning (āyus/health rites), or immediately upon onset of illness/ominous symptoms; also before travel or entering contested/unsafe spaces.

The main substance

Śaṅkha (conch) fashioned/used as a maṇi (amulet), invoked as Kṛśana

Amulets

• Śaṅkha-maṇi (conch amulet)
• Cord/thread binding for wearing
• Optional adjunct: protective knot or cloth wrap for the conch

How it is prepared

Wash and dry the conch; optionally anoint lightly with ghee for ‘radiance’; recite the sukta over it (and over the cord), then bind it onto the patient/wearer or place it at the bedside/threshold as a charged protective object.