Sukta 51
Sukta 7.51
Vasiṣṭha
Ādityas / Aditi (collective cosmic guardians of ṛta)
Triṣṭubh (likely; verify)
This brief Triṣṭubh hymn of Vasiṣṭha invokes the Ādityas with Aditi for ever-fresh protection, blamelessness (anāgas), and the stable establishment of the sacrifice within ṛta. It asks the chief Ādityas—Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa—to guard the worshippers and to drink Soma for their strengthening aid, then widens into a universal appeal to all gods for lasting svasti (well-being).
Mantras
Mantra 1
आदित्यानामवसा नूतनेन सक्षीमहि शर्मणा शंतमेन । अनागास्त्वे अदितित्वे तुरास इमं यज्ञं दधतु श्रोषमाणाः ॥
By the ever-new help of the Ādityas may we be in their companionship and shelter—by the most peace-giving protection. In the state of blamelessness, in the wideness of Aditi, may the swift powers establish this sacrifice, listening to our call.
Mantra 2
आदित्यासो अदितिर्मादयन्तां मित्रो अर्यमा वरुणो रजिष्ठाः । अस्माकं सन्तु भुवनस्य गोपाः पिबन्तु सोममवसे नो अद्य ॥
May the Ādityas and Aditi be gladdened; Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa—strong in their luminous straightness—may they be our guardians of the world. Let them drink the Soma for our fostering today: the delight that increases their action in us.
Mantra 3
आदित्या विश्वे मरुतश्च विश्वे देवाश्च विश्व ऋभवश्च विश्वे । इन्द्रो अग्निरश्विना तुष्टुवाना यूयं पात स्वस्तिभिः सदा नः ॥
All you Ādityas, all Maruts, all gods, all Ṛbhus—and Indra, Agni, the Aśvins, praised by our hymn—do you guard us always with your powers of well-being, establishing a constant inner auspiciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn primarily praises the Ādityas together with Aditi, especially Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa. In the final verse it also calls on all gods (Viśve Devāḥ), including Maruts, Ṛbhus, Indra, Agni, and the Aśvins.
It asks for peaceful shelter (śarman), protection as guardians of the world, and a state of ‘blamelessness’ (anāgas) within Aditi’s wide, freeing presence. It also asks them to establish and support the sacrifice by listening to the prayer.
Soma is the offering that strengthens the gods’ helping power in the ritual relationship. The hymn requests the Ādityas to drink Soma ‘today’ so their fostering aid (avasa) actively protects and supports the worshippers.