Sukta 189
Sukta 10.189
Symbolic/cosmic principle (often interpreted as Sūrya’s light/cow, or Dawn/illumination moving between Earth and Heaven)
This brief, highly symbolic hymn traces the movement of a radiant “cow” of variegated light—often read as Dawn or the Sun’s illumination—stepping before the Mother (Earth) and proceeding to the Father (Heaven). It then depicts the cosmic Power that “breathes out and in,” revealing heaven through rhythmic motion, and culminates in the vision of the solar “bird” (pataṅga) in whom Vāk (the Word) is set, shining across many realms at each dawn and day.
Mantras
Mantra 1
आयं गौः पृश्निरक्रमीदसदन्मातरं पुरः । पितरं च प्रयन्त्स्वः ॥
This radiant Cow of variegated light has stepped forth and taken her place before the Mother; and she goes onward to the Father, toward the luminous world.
Mantra 2
अन्तश्चरति रोचनास्य प्राणादपानती । व्यख्यन्महिषो दिवम् ॥
Moving within his luminous realm, breathing out and breathing in, the great Mighty One has made heaven manifest to vision.
Mantra 3
त्रिंशद्धाम वि राजति वाक्पतंगाय धीयते । प्रति वस्तोरह द्युभिः ॥
In thirty domains it shines out; the Word is set in the winged one’s flight—answering each dawn and day with its lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Vedic poetry, the cow often symbolizes nourishing abundance and rays of light. Here the “variegated cow” is a vivid image for dawn or solar illumination that ‘gives’ vision and life.
It describes a cosmic rhythm (prāṇa and apāna) by which the Mighty Power moves and reveals the heavens. Many readers also take it as a hint that inner breath-discipline supports clearer perception.
Pataṅga is the winged solar being—often the Sun conceived as a bird moving across the sky. Saying Vāk is set in its flight suggests that true speech and knowledge ride on illumination and cosmic order, returning each day with dawn.