Sukta 80
Sukta 7.80
Vasiṣṭha
Uṣas
Triṣṭubh (probable)
This brief Vasiṣṭha hymn greets Uṣas (Dawn) as the first awakener of the seers and the revealer of all worlds, turning the two realms and making existence visible. Dawn is praised for renewing life, hiding darkness with light, and leading perception toward Sūrya, Agni, and the yajña. The closing prayer asks that the Dawns rise daily with auspiciousness—bringing strength, illumination, and heroic vitality—and protect the worshippers with lasting well-being.
Mantras
Mantra 1
प्रति स्तोमेभिरुषसं वसिष्ठा गीर्भिर्विप्रासः प्रथमा अबुध्रन् । विवर्तयन्तीं रजसी समन्ते आविष्कृण्वतीं भुवनानि विश्वा ॥
With hymns the Vasiṣṭhas, the seers, are the first to awaken to Dawn; she who turns the two worlds of space on every side and makes all the planes of existence manifest to the sight.
Mantra 2
एषा स्या नव्यमायुर्दधाना गूढ्वी तमो ज्योतिषोषा अबोधि । अग्र एति युवतिरह्रयाणा प्राचिकितत्सूर्यं यज्ञमग्निम् ॥
This Dawn has awakened, carrying a renewed life and hiding the darkness by her light; the young maiden moves in front, unwearied, and she makes us perceive forward the Sun, the Sacrifice, and Agni—the divine Will at the head.
Mantra 3
अश्वावतीर्गोमतीर्न उषासो वीरवतीः सदमुच्छन्तु भद्राः । घृतं दुहाना विश्वतः प्रपीता यूयं पात स्वस्तिभिः सदा नः ॥
May the Dawns rise for us always—auspicious, bringing the powers of swift force (horses), the rays of light/knowledge (cows), and heroic energies; milking the clarified richness from every side, fully filled—may you guard us always with harmonies of well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
This hymn praises Uṣas, the Dawn, as the power that awakens beings, dispels darkness, and makes the worlds visible each day.
Dawn renews life and clarity, and she leads the worshipper toward the Sun, the sacrificial act (yajña), and Agni—so the day begins with light, order, and right action.
It is best recited at dawn as a morning invocation, ideally with a simple ghee offering to Agni, ending with the prayer for svasti (well-being) and daily protection.