
Sukta 7.74
Vasiṣṭha (book 7 attribution)
Aśvinau
Gāyatrī (probable; shorter pādas suggest gāyatrī-type; confirm)
This brief hymn calls the Aśvinau at the moment of dawn, when the “dawn-lights” rise and seekers of the shining heaven invoke their swift help. It emphasizes the Twins’ mobile, people-to-people beneficence—arriving on fast horses to the house of the generous worshipper—and frames them as protectors who strengthen human vitality and settle communities into well-being.
Mantra 1
इमा उ वां दिविष्टय उस्रा हवन्ते अश्विना । अयं वामह्वेऽवसे शचीवसू विशंविशं हि गच्छथः ॥
These seekers of the shining heaven call you, O Aśvins, as the dawn-lights rise. I too call you for help, O lords of effective power; for you indeed go from people to people, answering the need wherever it awakens.
Mantra 2
युवं चित्रं ददथुर्भोजनं नरा चोदेथां सूनृतावते । अर्वाग्रथं समनसा नि यच्छतं पिबतं सोम्यं मधु ॥
You two give the varied nourishment, O heroes, and you impel the one who is rich in true speech. Bring your chariot near with one accord; drink the soma-honeyed sweetness—so the delight may increase in us and the straight word become effective.
Mantra 3
आ यातमुप भूषतं मध्वः पिबतमश्विना । दुग्धं पयो वृषणा जेन्यावसू मा नो मर्धिष्टमा गतम् ॥
Come, draw near and be gracious, O Aśvins; drink the honeyed sweetness. Drink the milk, the nourishing essence, O mighty ones, O winners of the right delight—do not crush us; come to us.
Mantra 4
अश्वासो ये वामुप दाशुषो गृहं युवां दीयन्ति बिभ्रतः । मक्षूयुभिर्नरा हयेभिरश्विना देवा यातमस्मयू ॥
The horses that bear you, which bring you near to the house of the giver, carry you swiftly. With those quick-running steeds, O heroes, O Aśvins, O gods—come to us who long for you and seek your presence.
Mantra 5
अधा ह यन्तो अश्विना पृक्षः सचन्त सूरयः । ता यंसतो मघवद्भ्यो ध्रुवं यशश्छर्दिरस्मभ्यं नासत्या ॥
Then indeed, as the Aśvins set forth, the illumined seers join them with their thriving energies. Grant to the generous a steadfast glory and a sheltering protection; and for us too, O Nāsatyas, establish that secure covering of grace.
Mantra 6
प्र ये ययुरवृकासो रथा इव नृपातारो जनानाम् । उत स्वेन शवसा शूशुवुर्नर उत क्षियन्ति सुक्षितिम् ॥
Forward move those who are un-wolfed (unguileful, unharmed), like chariots—guardians of the peoples. And by their own force they grow ever stronger as true men; and they come to dwell in a good abiding, a harmonious settlement of the being.
The Aśvins are twin Vedic gods known for swift arrival, healing, rescue, and practical help. Here they are called at dawn to come quickly and protect the worshipper and community.
Dawn is a transition moment when light returns and activity begins. The hymn uses this timing to invite the Aśvins—deities of timely aid—to arrive with the rising dawn-lights and remove obstacles.
Beyond immediate help, it seeks protection and strengthening of human life, ending in “su-kṣiti”—a good, stable dwelling or well-ordered settlement, meaning secure well-being for people.