Sukta 117
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (requires Anukramaṇī confirmation).
Devata: Indra (as martial protector).
Chandas: Likely Anuṣṭubh (verification needed due to textual uncertainty in pāda 2).
एष एकऋचो रक्षोघ्नः सूक्तः शीघ्रं योधरूपं रक्षकं इन्द्रं आह्वयति, यः बन्धान् भित्त्वा शत्रूणां पाशिनः (बन्धकान्) निरस्ति। मन्त्रे इन्द्रं विघ्नान् अतिक्रम्य शत्रून् अभिहन्तुं प्रेरयन्, अयं शत्रुविघ्न-रोधनं, पाशबन्ध-आभिचार-प्रतिघातं, तथा च गूढाघात-निवारणं कृत्वा सुरक्षितं अग्रगमनं जयञ्च साधयति।
Mantras
Frequently Asked Questions
It targets situations where enemies or hostile forces try to restrain, bind, or obstruct you—symbolized as “noose-bearers” (pāśinaḥ)—and seeks unimpeded advance and victory through Indra.
“Mayūra-roma” functions as a protective implement and auspicious marker in the invocation, reinforcing the hymn’s intent of warding off hostile restraint and enabling safe passage.
Recite the verse before travel or a risky encounter while holding or wearing a small peacock-feather tuft, focusing on removing obstacles and preventing any ‘binding’ interference; repetition (3 or 9 times) is commonly adopted in applied practice.
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