Sukta 31
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (cosmological hymn cluster)
Devata: Gauḥ/Pṛśni (cosmic cow; nourishing principle)
Chandas: Triṣṭubh (probable)
Mantras
Mantra 1
गौः। आयं गौः पृश्निरक्रमीदसदन्मातरं पुरः । पितरं च प्रयन्त्स्वः
The Cow—this Cow, Pṛśni, hath stepped forth; she hath sat down with the Mother in the fore; and with the Father too, going onward unto heaven.
Mantra 2
अन्तश्चरति रोचना अस्य प्राणादपानतः । व्यऽख्यन्महिषः स्वः
Within move the shining realms of him, from prāṇa and from apāna; the Mighty One—heaven—was clearly seen made manifest.
Mantra 3
त्रिंशद् धामा वि राजति वाक् पतङ्गो अशिश्रियत्। प्रति वस्तोरहर्द्युभिः
Thirty abodes shine forth in splendour: Speech hath found her stay in the flying Sun; answering to dawn and day, by the bright days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gauḥ/Pṛśni is not only a literal cow but a cosmic symbol of nourishment and increase—the life-supporting principle that establishes beings in right order and leads toward svàr (heavenly light).
Because prosperity and well-being are rooted in stable life-breath. The hymn treats prāṇa (in-breath/life-force) and apāna (downward/out-breath force) as the inner basis by which luminous clarity and strength become manifest.
It points to the shining stations of time—often understood as the measured cycle of days (a month-like count) and the ordered rhythm of dawn and daylight—showing that success comes from life and speech aligned to cosmic timing.