Sukta 160
Sukta 1.160
As RV 1.160 (verify in Anukramaṇī)
Dyāvāpṛthivī (with Sūrya as the lawful mover between them)
Triṣṭubh (probable; verify)
This hymn praises Dyāvā-Pṛthivī (Heaven and Earth) as the universal, truth-supporting Parents who uphold the mid-space and establish order and wellbeing. Sūrya is portrayed as the pure, lawful mover between them, while the hymn also hints at an inner, purifying fire-force that cleanses the worlds and yields luminous nourishment. The seer finally petitions the two for bṛhat (vast greatness), fame, kṣatra (protective power), and strengthening inner force for the community.
Mantras
Mantra 1
ते हि द्यावापृथिवी विश्वशम्भुव ऋतावरी रजसो धारयत्कवी । सुजन्मनी धिषणे अन्तरीयते देवो देवी धर्मणा सूर्यः शुचिः ॥
For Heaven and Earth are indeed universal bringers of peace, two seer-powers upholding the mid-regions by the Truth. Between them moves the pure Sun by the law—god and goddess as the two well-born seats of understanding.
Mantra 2
उरुव्यचसा महिनी असश्चता पिता माता च भुवनानि रक्षतः । सुधृष्टमे वपुष्ये न रोदसी पिता यत्सीमभि रूपैरवासयत् ॥
Wide in extension, the two great ones, never failing, the Father and the Mother guard the worlds. Strong-set in beauty are the two firm realms, when the Father has made them dwell by forms all around.
Mantra 3
स वह्निः पुत्रः पित्रोः पवित्रवान्पुनाति धीरो भुवनानि मायया । धेनुं च पृश्निं वृषभं सुरेतसं विश्वाहा शुक्रं पयो अस्य दुक्षत ॥
He, the carrier of the divine flame, the Son of the two Parents, possessed of the inner purifier, cleanses the worlds by the power of formative vision. From him they milk out always the bright, pure nourishment—(from) the Cow of abundance, from the speckled one, from the puissant Bull rich in seed: the luminous milk of his being.
Mantra 4
अयं देवानामपसामपस्तमो यो जजान रोदसी विश्वशम्भुवा । वि यो ममे रजसी सुक्रतूययाजरेभिः स्कम्भनेभिः समानृचे ॥
This is the most puissant among the gods in works—the one who brought forth the two worlds for the universal good. He measured out the two mid-regions by a right and luminous intelligence; with undecaying supports he set them firm in a perfect harmony.
Mantra 5
ते नो गृणाने महिनी महि श्रवः क्षत्रं द्यावापृथिवी धासथो बृहत् । येनाभि कृष्टीस्ततनाम विश्वहा पनाय्यमोजो अस्मे समिन्वतम् ॥
You two, as we hymn you, O mighty ones, establish for us the vast greatness—wide fame and kingly power, O Heaven and Earth. With which you spread out the peoples always, do you set that admirable force in us and make it grow together in our being.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn primarily praises Dyāvā-Pṛthivī—Heaven and Earth as a divine pair. It also highlights Sūrya (the Sun) as the pure one who moves between them according to cosmic law (dharma/ṛta).
This points to a purifying power born within the cosmic frame of Heaven and Earth—often understood as an inner fire-force (vahni/agni-like) that cleanses and transforms. The imagery expresses spiritual purification and the steady production of luminous nourishment (clarity and strength).
It asks Heaven and Earth to establish “vast greatness” (bṛhat), wide fame (śravas), and protective power (kṣatra), and to increase admirable inner force (ojas) within the worshippers and their community.