Sukta 138
Sukta 1.138
This short hymn praises Pūṣan as the tireless, mighty-born guide whose strength and the singer’s praise never flag. The poet seeks Pūṣan’s “near help” for success, wealth, and safe companionship in every contest, affirming steadfast friendship with the god who yokes all minds toward the sacrifice.
In this hymn
Addressed to
Mantras
Mantra 1
प्रप्र पूष्णस्तुविजातस्य शस्यते महित्वमस्य तवसो न तन्दते स्तोत्रमस्य न तन्दते । अर्चामि सुम्नयन्नहमन्त्यूतिं मयोभुवम् । विश्वस्य यो मन आयुयुवे मखो देव आयुयुवे मखः ॥
पूषन देवता की बड़ाई बार-बार कही जाती है, वो बहुत ताकतवाले हैं। उनकी ताकत थकती नहीं, उनकी स्तुति थकती नहीं। मैं उनकी स्तुति करता हूँ, उनकी मदद माँगता हूँ। वो सबके मन को यज्ञ के काम में लगाते हैं, वो देवता है।
Mantra 2
प्र हि त्वा पूषन्नजिरं न यामनि स्तोमेभिः कृण्व ऋणवो यथा मृध उष्ट्रो न पीपरो मृधः । हुवे यत्त्वा मयोभुवं देवं सख्याय मर्त्यः । अस्माकमाङ्गूषान्द्युम्निनस्कृधि वाजेषु द्युम्निनस्कृधि ॥
मैं पूषन की स्तुति करता हूँ, वो रास्ते में तेज़ चलते हैं। जैसे कोई कर्ज़दार दुश्मन से लड़ने के लिए तैयार होता है, वैसे ही उनको स्तुति से तैयार करता हूँ। मैं उनको बुलाता हूँ, वो खुशी देने वाले देवता हैं, दोस्ती के लिए बुलाता हूँ। हमारी बात को चमक दो, ताकत में चमक दो।
Mantra 3
यस्य ते पूषन्त्सख्ये विपन्यवः क्रत्वा चित्सन्तोऽवसा बुभुज्रिर इति क्रत्वा बुभुज्रिरे । तामनु त्वा नवीयसीं नियुतं राय ईमहे । अहेळमान उरुशंस सरी भव वाजेवाजे सरी भव ॥
पूषन, लोग तुम्हारी दोस्ती में सीखते हैं और तुम्हारी मदद से काम करते हैं। उनका इरादा और समझ दोनों काम करती है। अब हम भी तुम्हारी नई शक्ति के साथ जुड़ना चाहते हैं। हम तुमसे धन और सफलता माँगते हैं। तुम गुस्सा नहीं करते, तुम्हारी बात बहुत फैली हुई है। हर काम में हमारा साथी बनो।
Mantra 4
अस्या ऊ षु ण उप सातये भुवोऽहेळमानो ररिवाँ अजाश्व श्रवस्यतामजाश्व । ओ षु त्वा ववृतीमहि स्तोमेभिर्दस्म साधुभिः । नहि त्वा पूषन्नतिमन्य आघृणे न ते सख्यमपह्नुवे ॥
पूषन, हमारे काम के लिए पास आओ। तुम गुस्सा नहीं करते, तुम देते हो भी बहुत। अजश्व, तुम सुनने की शक्ति बढ़ा देते हो। हम अपने गीत और स्तुति से तुम्हे बुलाते हैं। मैं तुम्हारे बारे में ज़्यादा नहीं सोचता, पूषन। तुम्हारी दोस्ती कभी नहीं छोड़ता।
Inside Sukta 138
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
The hymn opens by proclaiming Pūṣan’s greatness again and again—his strength and the praise offered to him are both declared untiring.
- Development
The poet asks for Pūṣan’s close, joy-giving aid and describes him as the power who yokes every mind toward the sacrificial accomplishment (makha).
- Climax
A direct plea: Pūṣan, unangered and widely praised, “be our companion” in every gain of strength and in the pursuit of wealth.
- Where it settles
The hymn ends in confident devotion—turning Pūṣan toward the worshiper with true hymns and affirming, “I do not deny your friendship.”
The deity: Pūṣan
- Cosmic functionGuardian of paths and journeys, patron of safe passage and successful undertaking; harmonizer who directs beings toward orderly action and the sacrificial goal.
- Inner significanceThe inner guide that aligns intention and attention with a chosen aim—removing inner agitation, fostering trust, and keeping one steady on the ‘path’ of practice and duty.
The seer
- Ajāśva (traditional Anukramaṇī attribution)Ājāśva (often grouped under the wider Aṅgirasa-associated poet families in later tradition) · A Rigvedic poet associated with hymns to Pūṣan that emphasize guidance, companionship, and practical aid—especially the deity’s “near help” (antyūti).
Famous verses
antyūtiṃ mayobhuvam
vāje-vāje sarī bhava
na te sakhyam apahnuve
Attributes of the deity
- Path-finder and protector of travelers
- Near help (antyūti) and companionship (sakhya)
- Bestower of wealth and success (rāyas, vāja)
- Unangered, benevolent protector (aheḻamāna)
- Yoker/director of the mind toward sacrifice (āyuyuj-)
Also by this seer
- Other Pūṣan-related stotras within Mandala 1 traditionally linked to the Ājāśva group (exact hymn lists vary by śākhā/anukramaṇī).
- Themes of sakhya (divine friendship) and safe passage that later become characteristic of Pūṣan-invocations in ritual practice.
The rite, step by step
- Prepare the sacred fire and seat; establish intention for protection/prosperity.
- Recite the hymn (or selected mantras) as an āvāhana (invitation) to Pūṣan’s presence.
- Offer oblations while repeating key epithets: aheḻamāna (unangered), uruśaṃsa (wide-praised), sarī bhava (be our companion).
- Conclude with a request for ‘near help’ and reaffirmation of friendship, then dedicate the fruit of the rite.
Offerings
- Ghee (ājya) oblations
- Simple food offerings (anna/puroḍāśa-style offering where applicable)
- Soma-libation in soma contexts (by extension of Rigvedic ritual setting)
Frequently Asked Questions
Pūṣan is praised as a benevolent guide and protector who stays close, brings well-being, and leads people safely toward success and the goal of the sacrifice.
It means Pūṣan aligns people’s thoughts and intentions so they move together toward effective action—especially toward completing the yajña and its desired results.
It can be recited before travel, at the start of a task, or at the opening of a fire-offering to ask for protection, steady guidance, prosperity, and supportive companionship.
Ask anything about Sukta 138 of the Rig Veda
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