Sukta 190
Sukta 10.190
Cosmogonic principle (often addressed to the universal creative process; implicit Brahmanic/Ṛta principle rather than a single anthropomorphic deity)
This brief cosmogonic hymn traces an ordered unfolding of creation: from tapas (creative heat) arise Ṛta and Satya, then Night and the cosmic Ocean, and from that the Year that measures days and nights. It culminates in Dhātṛ, the Ordainer, setting Sun and Moon and establishing the layered worlds—heaven, earth, midspace, and svah—affirming that cosmos is founded on intelligible order.
Mantras
Mantra 1
ऋतं च सत्यं चाभीद्धात्तपसोऽध्यजायत । ततो रात्र्यजायत ततः समुद्रो अर्णवः ॥
From the kindling of inner heat, there is born the Order and the Truth; from that is born the Night, and from that the Ocean, the vast wave of becoming.
Mantra 2
समुद्रादर्णवादधि संवत्सरो अजायत । अहोरात्राणि विदधद्विश्वस्य मिषतो वशी ॥
From the oceanic depth, from the surging flood, the Year was born. He, the master-power, set in order the days and nights for all that moves and seeks to emerge.
Mantra 3
सूर्याचन्द्रमसौ धाता यथापूर्वमकल्पयत् । दिवं च पृथिवीं चान्तरिक्षमथो स्वः ॥
The Ordainer fashioned Sun and Moon according to the first archetype; and he set their stations—heaven and earth and the mid-world, and also the luminous supramental realm.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a short creation hymn describing how cosmic order (ṛta) and truth (satya) arise from tapas, leading to night, the ocean, the year, and finally the ordered placement of sun, moon, and the worlds.
Dhātṛ means “the Ordainer” or “the Setter-in-place.” Here he represents the cosmic power that arranges the universe—especially time (day/night) and the stations of sun and moon.
Because the year symbolizes cosmic time and regularity. By saying the Year ‘was born’ and then arranged days and nights, the hymn teaches that creation becomes real to beings through rhythm, measure, and dependable order.