Sukta 175
Sukta 10.175
Late-maṇḍala ritual hymn context (10.175) addressing the soma-pressing implements; r̥ṣi attribution varies by Anukramaṇī—confirm per edition.
Grāvāṇaḥ (pressing-stones) with Savitṛ as the impelling deity.
Likely Gāyatrī (shorter cadence; verify per edition).
This brief late-maṇḍala ritual hymn addresses the grāvāṇaḥ (Soma pressing-stones), urging them to take their places on the pressing-boards and express the Soma. Savitṛ, the divine Impeller, is invoked to set the implements in right, lawful motion (dharmaṇā), so that the sacrificer’s pressing yields strength and exhilaration for the gods—especially the “Strong One” (often Indra).
Mantras
Mantra 1
प्र वो ग्रावाणः सविता देवः सुवतु धर्मणा । धूर्षु युज्यध्वं सुनुत ॥
Forward, O pressing-stones: may Savitṛ, the divine Impeller, set you in motion by the law of right working. Yoke yourselves upon the pressing-seats; press out the Soma—distil the delight that feeds the inner ascent.
Mantra 2
ग्रावाणो अप दुच्छुनामप सेधत दुर्मतिम् । उस्राः कर्तन भेषजम् ॥
O pressing-stones, drive away the evil-omened forces; drive away the crooked thought. O shining ones, carve out the healing—release the remedy from within the pressed essence.
Mantra 3
ग्रावाण उपरेष्वा महीयन्ते सजोषसः । वृष्णे दधतो वृष्ण्यम् ॥
The pressing-stones upon the upper boards grow mighty in one accord; they set the virile force into the Strong One—establishing strength within strength.
Mantra 4
ग्रावाणः सविता नु वो देवः सुवतु धर्मणा । यजमानाय सुन्वते ॥
O pressing-stones, now may Savitṛ the god impel you by the right law—for the sacrificer who presses: for the soul that labours to express the hidden delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn addresses the grāvāṇaḥ—Soma pressing-stones—treating them as sacred agents of the rite, and calls on Savitṛ to set their action in motion.
Savitṛ is the divine Impeller: he represents the power that initiates and guides right action. The hymn asks him to impel the stones ‘by dharma’ so the pressing is effective and orderly.
It fits the Soma-pressing sequence, especially when positioning and beginning to use the stones on the pressing-boards, to sanctify the action and direct its fruit to the gods and the yajamāna.