Sukta 86
Sukta 1.86
Gotama Rāhūgaṇa (traditional for RV 1.86)
Marutās
Gāyatrī (compact 3×8 style; hymn 1.86 is commonly in Gāyatrī/related meters)
This hymn invokes the Maruts as mighty, heaven-ranging protectors who widen the paths, guard the worshipper, and uphold the striving peoples. The seer recalls long-standing devotion to them and asks for their active help—driving away hidden darkness and making luminous clarity prevail. Overall, it is a prayer for protection, communal strength, and the victory of light over obstructive forces.
Mantras
Mantra 1
मरुतो यस्य हि क्षये पाथा दिवो विमहसः । स सुगोपातमो जनः ॥
O Maruts, in whose dwelling the paths of heaven are made wide—he becomes the best-protected among men.
Mantra 2
यज्ञैर्वा यज्ञवाहसो विप्रस्य वा मतीनाम् । मरुतः शृणुता हवम् ॥
Whether by the sacrifices, O bearers of the sacrifice, or by the inspired thoughts of the seer—O Maruts, hear the call.
Mantra 3
उत वा यस्य वाजिनोऽनु विप्रमतक्षत । स गन्ता गोमति व्रजे ॥
Or he whose strong ones fashion the seer onward—he comes to the pen rich in cows, to the enclosure of luminous gains.
Mantra 4
अस्य वीरस्य बर्हिषि सुतः सोमो दिविष्टिषु । उक्थं मदश्च शस्यते ॥
On the sacred grass of this hero, the pressed Soma in the heavenly strivings is set forth; the hymn of affirmation and the ecstasy are proclaimed.
Mantra 5
अस्य श्रोषन्त्वा भुवो विश्वा यश्चर्षणीरभि । सूरं चित्सस्रुषीरिषः ॥
Let all the worlds listen to this call—he who moves toward the peoples; even the impulsions (of the Delight) run forth toward the hero-sun within.
Mantra 6
पूर्वीभिर्हि ददाशिम शरद्भिर्मरुतो वयम् । अवोभिश्चर्षणीनाम् ॥
For with many former seasons, O Maruts, we have given ourselves (to the work); and by your protections you uphold the peoples—the human powers that strive.
Mantra 7
सुभगः स प्रयज्यवो मरुतो अस्तु मर्त्यः । यस्य प्रयांसि पर्षथ ॥
Fortunate is that mortal, O Maruts, who is forward in sacrifice; whose goings and advances you carry safely across.
Mantra 8
शशमानस्य वा नरः स्वेदस्य सत्यशवसः । विदा कामस्य वेनतः ॥
O heroic ones of true strength, whether for the toiler who labours in his own heat, or for the seeker of delight—may he win by your knowledge the desired fulfilment.
Mantra 9
यूयं तत्सत्यशवस आविष्कर्त महित्वना । विध्यता विद्युता रक्षः ॥
You, O powers of true might, make that manifest by your greatness; strike with the lightning the devouring darkness that obstructs.
Mantra 10
गूहता गुह्यं तमो वि यात विश्वमत्रिणम् । ज्योतिष्कर्ता यदुश्मसि ॥
Hide away the hidden darkness; drive out all the devouring obscurity. Become makers of the Light, for that is what we ardently seek.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are a host of storm and wind deities, youthful and radiant, who protect the worshipper, shake away obstacles, and bring clarity like a cleared sky.
The hymn asks the Maruts to grant the best protection, to open safe and auspicious ‘paths,’ to uphold the community, and to drive away hidden darkness so light and clarity prevail.
On the outer level it fits the Maruts clearing storm-darkness; on the inner level it means removing obscurity and confusion so insight, right direction, and spiritual brightness arise.