Sukta 85
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (svastyayana corpus)
Devata: Tārkṣya (Garuḍa-like protective power/steed)
Chandas: Triṣṭubh (by cadence and length)
บทสวดปौษฺฏิกะหนึ่งบทนี้อัญเชิญตารฺกฺษยะ—ผู้ถูกพรรณนาเป็นพลังอันรวดเร็วที่เทพเจ้าขับเคลื่อนและนำชัยในศึก—เพื่อให้บังเกิด “สฺวสฺติ” คือการเคลื่อนไหวโดยปราศจากอันตราย การเดินทางผ่านพ้นอย่างปลอดภัย และความสำเร็จในการเคลื่อนที่แข่งขัน. ด้วยการสรรเสริญตารฺกฺษยะว่า “อริษฺฏเนมิ” (ผู้มีขอบล้อ/ดุมไม่บาดเจ็บ) และ “ตรุตาร รถานาม” (ผู้แซงหน้ารถศึกทั้งหลาย) มนต์นี้จึงทำหน้าที่เป็นเครื่องป้องกันเภทภัยสำหรับการเดินทาง การแข่งความเร็ว และการเคลื่อนย้ายในยามศึก.
Kind of charm
Mantras
Inside Sukta 85
How it unfolds
- How it opens
The hymn begins by calling Tārkṣya as the swift, prize-winning ‘vājin’—divinely impelled and mighty.
- What it asks
A direct petition for ‘svastaye’—welfare through unharmed, victorious movement and safe passage.
- Where its power lies
Tārkṣya is characterized as ‘ariṣṭanemi’ (uninjured) and ‘tarutāra rathānām’ (outstripping chariots), asserting unstoppable protective speed and superiority in conflict.
- How it closes
The invocation is localized—‘ihā huvem’ (‘here we call/invoke’)—fixing the protection in the present place and undertaking.
Famous verses
svastaye tārkṣyam ihā huvem
ariṣṭanemim
Kind of hymn
Paustika (Welfare/Protection)
What it is for
To secure welfare (svasti), safe passage, and triumphant, unhindered movement—symbolically ‘outstripping chariots’ and overcoming conflict.
Who it is for
Travelers, charioteers, warriors, competitors (race/contest), and householders seeking protective blessing before a journey or undertaking.
Also used as
- Shantika
- Raksha
The deity
A Garuḍa-like protective, swift-moving power—often imagined as a mighty steed or over-flying force—that wards harm and carries one beyond danger and opposition.
Powers of the deity
- Averting injury and mishap (ariṣṭa-nivāraṇa)
- Granting speed, momentum, and successful transit
- Overcoming rivals in contest and battle
- Providing divine propulsion and protection in travel
Why the deity is called
Invoked to ensure svasti—safe, unharmed movement and victory—especially when one must outpace obstacles (literal or hostile) as in chariot-travel, racing, or martial advance.
The seer
- Anirukta (Svastyayana Atharvanic redaction)Atharvan. Svastyayana-style welfare charms focused on safe passage, averting mishap, and securing victory through protective invocations
Other hymns of this seer
- AV 7.84
- AV 7.86
- AV 7.87
Preparing for the rite
- Undertake basic śauca (cleanliness) and steady the intention: ‘svastaye’ (for welfare).
- Face an auspicious direction (commonly east) and keep the vehicle/means of travel nearby if applicable.
- Optionally touch or sight the wheel/rim (nemi) or yoke as a protective focus, aligning with the hymn’s imagery.
The rite
- Recite AV 7.85.1 once (or in sets of 3/9/27 by customary Atharvanic repetition) with clear emphasis on ‘ariṣṭanemim… svastaye’.
- Mentally ‘place’ Tārkṣya as a protective over-flight ahead of the route or contest path.
- Seal with a brief silent resolve for unharmed return and victory.
What it needs
- None required (mantra-centered).
- Optional: a thread/cord or small talisman tied to the vehicle or carried on the person as a svasti-token.
- Optional: water for ācamana (sipping) as preparatory purification.
When
Before departure, before mounting a vehicle/horse, or immediately prior to a contest or martial movement; also suitable at dawn for general svasti.
Amulets
- Protective cord/thread (mauli/sūtra) tied to the traveler or vehicle
- Small travel-talisman kept at the waist or on the chariot/vehicle
How it is prepared
If using a cord or talisman, tie/hold it while reciting the mantra, then keep it on the body or fasten it to the vehicle as a svasti-marker.
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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