Sukta 172
Sukta 1.172
Maruts
Gayatri (3 pādas of 8 syllables typical for such concise Marut verses)
This brief Gāyatrī hymn invokes the Maruts for a radiant, auspicious approach and for their vivid, protective aid. It asks them to drive far away hostile missiles and crushing blows, and to clear the surroundings like one removes a fallen mass of grass, so the worshipper may rise “upward” into life and well-being.
Mantras
Mantra 1
चित्रो वोऽस्तु यामश्चित्र ऊती सुदानवः । मरुतो अहिभानवः ॥
May your going be radiant, and radiant your help, O generous Maruts, you whose brilliance is like the serpent’s flashing—swift, vibrant, and irresistible in the inner skies.
Mantra 2
आरे सा वः सुदानवो मरुत ऋञ्जती शरुः । आरे अश्मा यमस्यथ ॥
Far from you, O generous Maruts, be that reddening dart; far away cast the stone that strikes—let the hostile blow be driven away from our path.
Mantra 3
तृणस्कन्दस्य नु विशः परि वृङ्क्त सुदानवः । ऊर्ध्वान्नः कर्त जीवसे ॥
Now, as one clears away the falling mass of grass, so do you, O generous ones, clear our surroundings; make us rise upward for life—set our being on the ascending line.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Maruts are the Vedic storm-host—radiant, swift, and powerful—invoked here as protectors who clear obstacles and drive away harm.
It asks for the Maruts’ bright, supportive presence, for hostile weapons and blows to be sent far away, and for the worshipper to be lifted upward into life and well-being.
The grass image expresses removing clutter and obstruction from all sides; “rising upward” is a prayer for renewed vitality, progress, and a higher, safer course in life.