Kanda 19Anuvaka 8Sukta 711 Mantras

Sukta 71

Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (late book; r̥ṣi uncertain)

Devata: Vedamātā (Vāc/Śruti), Pāvamānī (Purifier), and Brahman (as locus: brahmaloka)

Chandas: Mixed; late Atharvanic triṣṭubh/jagatī-like expansions with enumerative cadence

Mantras

Mantra 1

वेदमाता। स्तुता मया वरदा वेदमाता प्र चोदयन्तां पावमानी द्विजानाम्। आयुः प्राणं प्रजां पशुं कीर्तिं द्रविणं ब्रह्मवर्चसम्। मह्यं दत्त्वा व्रजत ब्रह्मलोकम्

O Mother of the Veda. Praised by me, boon-bestowing Mother of the Veda, let the Purifying Ones impel onward the twice-born: life and breath, progeny and cattle, fame and wealth, and brahmanic splendour—having bestowed these upon me, depart unto the world of Brahman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Vedamātā in this hymn?

Vedamātā is the Veda as Mother—Vāc/Śruti personified as the source of mantra-power, learning, and the distinctive radiance associated with Vedic life.

What does the hymn ask for in practical terms?

It asks for longevity and breath (āyus, prāṇa), family continuity (prajā), livelihood and resources (paśu, draviṇa), public honor (kīrti), and brahmavarcasa—sacral brilliance and authority grounded in Vedic purity.

Why does it end with ‘depart to brahmaloka’?

That line functions as a ritual closure: after the blessing is granted, the invoked power is respectfully dismissed, sealing the effect and completing the act of invocation.