Sukta 56
Sukta 6.56
Bharadvāja
Pūṣan
Triṣṭubh (contextual; verify)
This short hymn to Pūṣan prays for guidance, protection, and integral well-being, emphasizing that the deity is not grasped by mere labels but by true recognition and lived relationship. It moves from defining Pūṣan beyond external description to requesting the successful fulfillment of the worshipper’s intent, ending with a clear benediction for safety and wholeness today and tomorrow.
Mantras
Mantra 1
य एनमादिदेशति करम्भादिति पूषणम् । न तेन देव आदिशे ॥
Whoever points him out as ‘Pūṣan from the karambha (offering)’, by that (mere naming) the god is not truly indicated; he is known by inner recognition, not by a label.
Mantra 2
उत घा स रथीतमः सख्या सत्पतिर्युजा । इन्द्रो वृत्राणि जिघ्नते ॥
And indeed he, the best of charioteers, the lord of the true home through comradeship and yoking—Indra strikes down the obstructing powers; thus he clears the path for our progress.
Mantra 3
उतादः परुषे गवि सूरश्चक्रं हिरण्ययम् । न्यैरयद्रथीतमः ॥
And also there, on the rugged cow (field), the Sun set the golden wheel in motion; the supreme charioteer drove it down into ordered movement—bringing luminous order into the hard substance.
Mantra 4
यदद्य त्वा पुरुष्टुत ब्रवाम दस्र मन्तुमः । तत्सु नो मन्म साधय ॥
What today we utter to you, O much-praised one, O wondrous and discerning power—make that intention of ours effective; accomplish our inner thought in right realization.
Mantra 5
इमं च नो गवेषणं सातये सीषधो गणम् । आरात्पूषन्नसि श्रुतः ॥
And this our seeking of the Rays (cows) for the winning—this band that presses forward—hear from near, O Pūṣan; you are the one who is known to respond.
Mantra 6
आ ते स्वस्तिमीमह आरेअघामुपावसुम् । अद्या च सर्वतातये श्वश्च सर्वतातये ॥
We seek from you well-being—keeping evil far away and bringing near the true wealth; for wholeness today and for wholeness tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pūṣan is the Vedic guide and nourisher who protects travelers, helps one reach the right goal, and brings practical welfare—safety, prosperity, and right attainment.
It suggests that merely calling the god by a label does not truly reveal him; real knowing comes through inner recognition, devotion, and lived connection.
It asks for continuous well-being—protection from harm, nearness of true wealth, and complete welfare that extends beyond the present moment into the next day.