Rig Veda · 421 of 1027
Mandala 5: HYMN LXVII. Mitra-Varuṇa.
1.YE Gods, Ādityas, Varuṇa, Aryaman, Mitra, verily Have here obtained supremest sway, high, holy, set apart for you.
2.When, Varuṇa and Mitra, ye sit in your golden dwelling-place, Ye Twain, supporters of mankind, foeslayers, give felicity.
3.All these, possessors of all wealth, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman, Follow their ways, as if with feet, and guard from injury mortal man.
4.For they are true, they cleave to Law, held holy among every race, Good leaders, bounteous in their gifts, deliverers even from distress.
5.Which of your persons, Varuṇa or Mitra, merits not our praise? Therefore our thought is turned to you, the Atris’ thought is turned to you.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn address Mitra and Varuṇa together so often?
The hymn pairs Mitra and Varuṇa because they function as a complementary divine duo: Mitra as covenant and friendly order, Varuṇa as cosmic law and moral sovereignty, both “supporters of mankind” who “guard from injury.” The text treats them as joint patrons who sit “in your golden dwelling-place” and share rulership and gifts, so praise naturally flows to them as a unit.
This pairing reflects a Vedic pattern where gods form dyads whose combined roles maintain social and cosmic order; see Mandala 3’s hymns to Mitra‑Varuṇa which likewise emphasize covenant, law, and protection. The hymn’s question “Which of your persons… merits not our praise?” underscores their inseparable authority and the poet’s duty to honor both.
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