Sukta 51
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (protective formula section)
Devata: Bṛhaspati and Indra
Chandas: Triṣṭubh
एष एकऋचो रक्षोघ्नः सूक्तः सर्वदिक्परितः सम्पूर्णं रक्षणवेष्टनं स्थापयति, यत्र बृहस्पतिः इन्द्रश्च सर्वासां दिशां रक्षणभारं विभजन्ते। बृहस्पतिः पृष्ठतः ऊर्ध्वतः (उत्तरतो) अधस्ताच्च ‘दुष्कृतम्’ अपवारयितुं प्रार्थ्यते, इन्द्रः पुरस्तात् मध्ये च रक्षां विधत्ते, समुदायाय वरियः (विस्तीर्णं) क्षेमस्थानं प्रसारयन्।
Mantras
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to establish all-round protection—guarding every direction and the communal center—especially against hostile or harmful agents (“evil-doers”).
Bṛhaspati protects through sacred speech and orderly guardianship of the quarters, while Indra secures the front and center with warrior-protection and grants a safer, expanded living space.
No. The core practice is recitation with directional intention; optional supports like water sprinkling, ash marking, or a boundary cord can be used to symbolize the protective enclosure.
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