Sukta 25
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (pragmatic equine charm corpus)
Devata: Aśva (the horse as empowered subject); success-force (implicit)
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh-like (with prose-like opening label ‘aśvaḥ’)
இந்த ஒரே-மந்திர அதர்வவேதச் சாந்தி/செயல்முறை, குதிரையை அயராத, வெற்றியளிக்கும் செயல்திறனுக்காக அபிஷேகித்து அர்ப்பணிக்கிறது—மனஸ் (சங்கல்பம்) மூலம் அதை “முன்னிலை” நோக்கி யோகப்படுத்துகிறது. இது தடைகளைத் தாண்டி (நதிக்கரை/அணை என்ற உருவகம்) வேகமாகப் பாயவும், சாரதியின் அழைப்பிற்கு உடனடியாகப் பதிலளிக்கவும் வலிமை அளிக்கிறது; அப்படியே இயக்கமே வெற்றி-சக்தியின் வாகனமாகிறது.
Kind of charm
Mantras
Inside Sukta 25
How it unfolds
- How it opens
Begins with a prose-like label “aśvaḥ” (“The Horse”), directly fixing the ritual subject.
- What it asks
‘With mind I yoke you’ for first place; become an up-bearer over the bank and run forth in response.
- Where its power lies
Efficacy is implied through performative speech: the act of yoking by mind-and-word is treated as real binding of power into the horse, producing endurance and winning movement.
- How it closes
Ends with the imperative/benediction ‘prati dhāvatāt’—a final command that seals the charm by launching the horse into successful motion.
Famous verses
aśrāntasya tvā manasā yunajmi
utkūlam udvaho bhava
prati dhāvatāt
Kind of hymn
Paustika / Saṃgrāmika (success in movement/competition); also practical equine rite
What it is for
Consecrates and energizes a horse for sustained speed, obstacle-crossing, and preeminence—so it runs forth in response and carries its master to success.
Who it is for
Horse-owners, charioteers, travelers, messengers, and competitors (race/raid contexts) seeking dependable, winning mobility.
Also used as
- Saṃgrāmika (competitive success)
- Yātrā/Patha-safety (safe movement)
- Aśva-saṃskāra (equine consecration/empowerment)
The deity
The horse is addressed not merely as an animal but as a charged agent of victory, speed, endurance, and safe passage—an Atharvanic “power-vehicle” that carries the owner’s fortune and competitive edge.
Powers of the deity
- Unwearied endurance (aśrānta)
- Foremost placing/victory (prathama)
- Obstacle-crossing and ascent over banks/embankments (utkūla, udvaha)
- Responsive acceleration and forward surge (prati dhāv)
- Successful conveyance of the rider/owner’s intent (manas-yoking)
Why the deity is called
To yoke the horse—by mental resolve and harness—into a state of tireless, first-place performance and to ensure it surges forward effectively when called upon in travel or competition.
The seer
- Atharvanic (anonymous pragmatic equine-charm seer)Atharvan. Paustika and saṃgrāmika pragmatics: charms for success in motion, contests, and the efficient “yoking” of power into animals/vehicles; performance-consecrations rather than speculative theology.
Other hymns of this seer
- AV.19.24
- AV.19.26
- AV.20.139 (Aśva-related material in the later collection, thematic parallel)
Preparing for the rite
- Select the horse to be empowered; ensure it is calm and properly fed/watered (to support the ‘unwearied’ intent).
- Arrange yoke/harness and reins; stand at the horse’s head or left side (customary handling position).
- Set a clear intention of ‘foremost place’ (prathamasya) before recitation.
The rite
- While placing/adjusting the yoke or harness, recite the mantra once (or thrice as a practical Atharvanic amplification) with focused mind (manas).
- Touch the yoke, withers, or chest as ‘yoking’ is spoken (yunajmi), synchronizing speech, mind, and binding-gear.
- At ‘prati dhāvatāt’ cue the horse forward gently—initiating motion so the mantra’s command is enacted.
What it needs
- Horse (aśva)
- Yoke/harness/reins (implied by yunajmi)
- Optional: water for sprinkling as a general Atharvanic consecratory act (not specified in the verse)
When
Immediately before departure, race, raid, or any demanding journey; ideally at the moment of yoking/harnessing.
The main substance
Horse with yoke/harness (aśva + yoking-gear)
How it is prepared
No herb/amulet is specified; the ‘preparation’ is functional—proper harnessing and a focused mental yoking while reciting the mantra at the moment of putting on the yoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to empower a horse for tireless performance, quick response, and winning movement—especially right when the horse is being yoked or harnessed.
No. The verse itself implies the key ‘substance’ is the horse and its yoke/harness; the main technique is focused recitation while yoking.
It can be literal—helping the horse surge over embankments, river-banks, or raised ground—and also symbolic of overcoming obstacles on a journey or in competition.
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