Sukta 57
Sukta 10.57
Indra (with Soma-sacrificer context)
This short hymn is a protective and restorative prayer for those engaged in the Soma-sacrifice, asking Indra that the sacrificers not deviate from the right path or be obstructed by hostile forces. It then turns inward, invoking the return and stabilization of manas (mind) for right will (kratu), discernment (dakṣa), life, and the sustained vision of the Sun as inner light. The closing affirms alignment with Soma’s vratas (right workings), bearing the restored mind within the body and gaining fruitful creative vitality (prajā).
Mantras
Mantra 1
मा प्र गाम पथो वयं मा यज्ञादिन्द्र सोमिनः । मान्त स्थुर्नो अरातयः ॥
May we not stray forward from the Path; nor, O Indra, we who are Soma-bearers, from the sacrifice. Let not the hostile powers stand between us (and the true way).
Mantra 2
यो यज्ञस्य प्रसाधनस्तन्तुर्देवेष्वाततः । तमाहुतं नशीमहि ॥
That thread of the sacrifice which is its true accomplishing, stretched out among the gods—may we reach and possess that which is well-offered.
Mantra 3
मनो न्वा हुवामहे नाराशंसेन सोमेन । पितॄणां च मन्मभिः ॥
Now we call back the Mind with the Soma of Narāśaṃsa, and with the inspired thoughts of the Fathers.
Mantra 4
आ त एतु मनः पुनः क्रत्वे दक्षाय जीवसे । ज्योक्च सूर्यं दृशे ॥
May your Mind come back to you—back for will and right discernment, for life, and for the long seeing of the Sun (the inner light).
Mantra 5
पुनर्नः पितरो मनो ददातु दैव्यो जनः । जीवं व्रातं सचेमहि ॥
Let the Fathers give back to us the Mind; let the divine People (the gods) grant it. May we move in harmony with the living host (of our powers).
Mantra 6
वयं सोम व्रते तव मनस्तनूषु बिभ्रतः । प्रजावन्तः सचेमहि ॥
O Soma, in your law of working, bearing the Mind within our bodies, may we be in harmony—rich in progeny (creative powers).
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks for protection so the sacrificers do not deviate from the right path or the Soma-yajña, and it prays for the mind to return—bringing will, discernment, life, and clear inner vision.
In Vedic thought, scattered mind weakens both ritual effectiveness and inner clarity. The hymn calls mind back so intention (kratu) and discernment (dakṣa) become steady, leading to sustained ‘seeing of the Sun’ as light and truth.
It can be recited as a prayer before any disciplined practice—study, meditation, or ritual—asking for protection from distractions, restoration of focus, and alignment with a higher order of living (vrata).