Sukta 39
Sukta 4.39
Vāmadeva Gautama (traditional for many hymns in Maṇḍala 4; this Dadhikrā praise belongs to the same family collection)
Dadhikrā with support of Uṣas (Dawns) as awakeners
Triṣṭubh
This six-verse hymn praises Dadhikrāvan, the swift, conquering steed-power, asking that his speed and victorious momentum carry the singer beyond dangers and difficult passages. The Dawns (Uṣas) are invoked as awakeners who rouse the worshipper into right movement, while the hymn expands into a protective, well-being prayer that briefly calls allied gods (Maruts, Mitra–Varuṇa, Agni, Indra) to secure svasti (wholeness). The final note is transformative: Dadhikrāvan is asked to make the “front” of consciousness fragrant/bright and to lead the life-forces forward across limiting crossings.
Mantras
Mantra 1
आशुं दधिक्रां तमु नु ष्टवाम दिवस्पृथिव्या उत चर्किराम । उच्छन्तीर्मामुषसः सूदयन्त्वति विश्वानि दुरितानि पर्षन् ॥
The swift Dadhikrā—him now will we praise, and we will proclaim him from Heaven and from Earth. May the Dawns rising awaken me, and may they carry me beyond all the difficult passages and wrong movements.
Mantra 2
महश्चर्कर्म्यर्वतः क्रतुप्रा दधिक्राव्णः पुरुवारस्य वृष्णः । यं पूरुभ्यो दीदिवांसं नाग्निं ददथुर्मित्रावरुणा ततुरिम् ॥
I proclaim the greatness of the steed Dadhikrāvan, the bull of many treasures, who fills the will with power. Him—shining like Fire—you, Mitra and Varuṇa, have given to the many peoples as the swift overcomer.
Mantra 3
यो अश्वस्य दधिक्राव्णो अकारीत्समिद्धे अग्ना उषसो व्युष्टौ । अनागसं तमदितिः कृणोतु स मित्रेण वरुणेना सजोषाः ॥
He who has fashioned the offering/act for Dadhikrāvan, the Horse-power, when Agni is kindled at the dawn’s wide opening—may Aditi make him without inner fault; may he live in one harmonious accord with Mitra and Varuṇa.
Mantra 4
दधिक्राव्ण इष ऊर्जो महो यदमन्महि मरुतां नाम भद्रम् । स्वस्तये वरुणं मित्रमग्निं हवामह इन्द्रं वज्रबाहुम् ॥
Since we have grasped Dadhikrāvan as the great plenitude of nourishment and force, and have held the auspicious Name of the Maruts in consciousness, for our inner well-being we call Varuṇa and Mitra, Agni, and Indra of the thunderbolt-arm.
Mantra 5
इन्द्रमिवेदुभये वि ह्वयन्त उदीराणा यज्ञमुपप्रयन्तः । दधिक्रामु सूदनं मर्त्याय ददथुर्मित्रावरुणा नो अश्वम् ॥
As if calling Indra, both sides invoke, rising up and advancing toward the sacrifice. Mitra and Varuṇa have granted us for the mortal journey Dadhikrāvan, the impelling steed that drives us to victory.
Mantra 6
दधिक्राव्णो अकारिषं जिष्णोरश्वस्य वाजिनः । सुरभि नो मुखा करत्प्र ण आयूंषि तारिषत् ॥
I have fashioned (the hymn/act) for Dadhikrāvan, for the conquering steed of plenitude. May he make our front (our leading consciousness) fragrant and luminous; may he carry forward our life-powers beyond the limiting crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dadhikrāvan is a divine “steed-power” praised for swift, conquering movement. In this hymn he represents victorious momentum that protects the worshipper and carries them safely beyond obstacles.
Uṣas are asked to “awaken” the singer as they rise. Dawn symbolizes the start of right action and clear perception, helping the worshipper move beyond wrong turns and difficult passages.
The hymn repeatedly seeks safe passage beyond duritāni (hard crossings, errors, dangers) and asks for svasti (well-being). It concludes by praying that the leading edge of life and consciousness be made auspicious and that the life-forces move forward.