Sukta 78
Sukta 7.78
Vasiṣṭha (Mandala 7 default attribution for these Uṣas hymns)
Uṣas
Triṣṭubh (probable)
This short Uṣas hymn celebrates the first visible signs of Dawn as her radiant forms spread and the world turns again toward light. It praises the Dawns for bringing forth Sūrya, rekindling Agni and yajña, and driving away the unwelcome darkness. The poet prays that the shining Dawns grant desirable boons, untie confusions, and protect the singers with lasting well-being.
Mantras
Mantra 1
प्रति केतवः प्रथमा अदृश्रन्नूर्ध्वा अस्या अञ्जयो वि श्रयन्ते । उषो अर्वाचा बृहता रथेन ज्योतिष्मता वाममस्मभ्यं वक्षि ॥
The first herald-signs become visible; her uplifted splendours spread out. O Dawn, come toward us on thy wide chariot, full of light, and bring to us what is desirable—those luminous felicities that lead the soul forward.
Mantra 2
प्रति षीमग्निर्जरते समिद्धः प्रति विप्रासो मतिभिर्गृणन्तः । उषा याति ज्योतिषा बाधमाना विश्वा तमांसि दुरिताप देवी ॥
In answer the kindled Fire awakens and grows warm; in answer the seers sing with their inspired thoughts. Dawn moves forward with her light, pressing back all darknesses and burning away the crookedness of inner difficulty—she, the Goddess.
Mantra 3
एता उ त्याः प्रत्यदृश्रन्पुरस्ताज्ज्योतिर्यच्छन्तीरुषसो विभातीः । अजीजनन्त्सूर्यं यज्ञमग्निमपाचीनं तमो अगादजुष्टम् ॥
These Dawns indeed have appeared in front, holding out the light as they shine. They have brought to birth the Sun, the Sacrifice, and the Fire; and the darkness, turned away from the path, has gone—unwelcome to the soul.
Mantra 4
अचेति दिवो दुहिता मघोनी विश्वे पश्यन्त्युषसं विभातीम् । आस्थाद्रथं स्वधया युज्यमानमा यमश्वासः सुयुजो वहन्ति ॥
The bountiful Daughter of Heaven has awakened; all behold the Dawn as she shines. She has mounted her chariot, yoking it by her own innate power; and the well-yoked energies bear her onward.
Mantra 5
प्रति त्वाद्य सुमनसो बुधन्तास्माकासो मघवानो वयं च । तिल्विलायध्वमुषसो विभातीर्यूयं पात स्वस्तिभिः सदा नः ॥
Toward thee today we awaken with a good and consenting mind—our company of seekers and we who strive for abundance. O shining Dawns, break up the confusions and entanglements; and do you guard us always with well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a hymn to Uṣas (Dawn), praising her first appearance, her spreading radiance, and her power to restore light and order each day. It asks her to bring desirable boons and protect the worshippers with well-being.
In Vedic thought, dawn’s light makes all sacred and worldly activity possible: the Sun becomes manifest, the fire can be kindled and seen, and the sacrifice can proceed. So Uṣas is praised as the enabling power behind these renewals.
It asks Dawn to disperse inner and outer obstacles—mental darkness, uncertainty, and tangled difficulties—so the day can begin with clarity, right direction, and lasting auspiciousness (svasti).