Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s17.151

v1.c3.s17.151

In the Śatarudriya litany of the Vājasaneyi Saṃhitā¹⁷ Rudra is called lord of assailers (*ā-vyādhin*), thieves (*stena*), robbers (*taskara*), pickpockets (*stāyu*), stealers (*muṣṇant*), and cutters (*vi-kṛnta*); and designations of sharpers (*gṛtsa*) and bands (*gaṇa, vrāta*), apparently of robbers, are mentioned.¹⁸ It is therefore not surprising that the Rigveda¹⁹ should contain many prayers for safety at home or on the way, or that the Atharvaveda should devote several hymns to night²⁰ chiefly for protection against the evil doings of thieves and robbers.