Sukta 172
Sukta 10.172
This short hymn links the coming of Dawn with the re-opening of the right “path” (vartani) for life and sacrifice: darkness is driven away, the rays/cows gather, and the work is set back into orderly motion. It presents renewal as both a cosmic event (Uṣas restoring light) and a ritual-psychological act (re-establishing the “thread” of continuity in yajña and in consciousness).
Mantras
Mantra 1
आ याहि वनसा सह गावः सचन्त वर्तनिं यदूधभिः ॥
Come hither with the power of delight; let the luminous Rays (the ‘cows’) join and follow the path, when they are full with their uddered abundance—when the inner sources of nourishment are streaming.
Mantra 2
आ याहि वस्व्या धिया मंहिष्ठो जारयन्मखः सुदानुभिः ॥
Come with the opulent thought-force; most bounteous, ripening the sacrifice within us, come with thy good outpourings—those streams that make the being grow.
Mantra 3
पितुभृतो न तन्तुमित्सुदानवः प्रति दध्मो यजामसि ॥
As bearers of the nurturing drink, we set the thread in its right place; O generous powers, we establish it firmly and we sacrifice—holding together the continuity of the work.
Mantra 4
उषा अप स्वसुस्तमः सं वर्तयति वर्तनिं सुजातता ॥
Dawn, the happy sister, drives away the darkness; by her well-born power she sets the path in motion again—restoring the right course for the journey of consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn centers on Uṣas (Dawn), who removes darkness and re-establishes the right path for life and ritual activity.
Here “cows” commonly symbolizes luminous rays or powers of light that bring nourishment and clarity, gathering onto the proper course (the path).
It means restoring continuity and correct order—both in the external sacrifice (yajña sequence) and inwardly in one’s steady practice and direction.