Sukta 85
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (svastyayana corpus)
Devata: Tārkṣya (Garuḍa-like protective power/steed)
Chandas: Triṣṭubh (by cadence and length)
एष एकऋचः पौष्टिकः सूक्तः तार्क्ष्यं—शीघ्रं देवप्रेरितं संग्रामजयिनं शक्तिं—स्वस्त्यर्थं आह्वयति। अरिष्टनेमिं रथानां तरुतारं इति स्तुत्वा, अयं मन्त्रः अरिष्टगमनं सुरक्षितं पन्थानं च स्पर्धायां गतिसिद्धिं च साधयितुं, यात्रायै धावने संग्रामगत्यै च अपोत्प्रतिषेधक-रक्षारूपेण प्रयुज्यते।
Mantras
Frequently Asked Questions
Tārkṣya is a swift, protective power often associated with a Garuḍa-like figure or divine steed, invoked to carry one beyond danger and opposition.
‘Ariṣṭanemi’ means “with an uninjured rim/nave,” implying freedom from damage. In this hymn it functions as a protective epithet, transferring the idea of ‘unharmedness’ to the traveler and the journey.
Recite it before starting a journey, before mounting a vehicle/horse, or before a race, contest, or risky undertaking—any time safe passage and victorious momentum are desired.
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