Sukta 55
Sukta 6.55
Bharadvāja (Bārhaspatya) tradition (Mandala 6 attribution)
Triṣṭubh (probable; confirm in critical edition)
This short hymn primarily praises Pūṣan as the guide and protector of right movement (ṛta), invoked to “come” and to become the charioteer who leads the worshipper safely. It blends imagery of travel and harnessing—Pūṣan drawn by goats—with a deeper request for release from constraints and for prosperous, luminous guidance in life’s paths.
In this hymn
Addressed to
Mantras
Mantra 1
एहि वां विमुचो नपादाघृणे सं सचावहै । रथीॠतस्य नो भव ॥
आ जा हमारे पास, चमकता हुआ देवता। हम तेरे साथ मिल के चलेंगे। तू हमारे रथ का ड्राइवर बन, सच के रास्ते पे ले चल।
Mantra 2
रथीतमं कपर्दिनमीशानं राधसो महः । रायः सखायमीमहे ॥
हम उसे दोस्त माँगते हैं जो सबसे बड़ा ड्राइवर है। जिसके बाल में तार हैं, जो बड़े माल का मालिक है, जो दौलत का यार है।
Mantra 3
रायो धारास्याघृणे वसो राशिरजाश्व । धीवतोधीवतः सखा ॥
हे चमकता हुआ, तू दौलत की नदी है, अच्छी चीज़ों का ढेर है। अजश्व, तू हमेशा सोचने वाले का दोस्त है।
Mantra 4
पूषणं न्वजाश्वमुप स्तोषाम वाजिनम् । स्वसुर्यो जार उच्यते ॥
अब हम पूषण की स्तुति करते हैं। पूषण वो देवता है जो बल और शक्ति देता है। लोग उसे सूर्य की बहन के प्यारे कहते हैं, क्योंकि वो सवेरे की रोशनी के साथ जुड़ता है।
Mantra 5
मातुर्दिधिषुमब्रवं स्वसुर्जारः शृणोतु नः । भ्रातेन्द्रस्य सखा मम ॥
मैंने माँ से कहा कि वो हमारे साथ हो। सूर्य की बहन का प्यारा हमारी सुन ले। वो इंद्र का भाई है और मेरा दोस्त है। वो हमारी पुकार सुन ले।
Mantra 6
आजासः पूषणं रथे निशृम्भास्ते जनश्रियम् । देवं वहन्तु बिभ्रतः ॥
पूषण का रथ बकरियाँ खींचती हैं। वो लोगों में चमक लाते हैं। यह देवता को रथ में बिठा के ले जाती हैं।
Inside Sukta 55
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
A direct summons: the deity is asked to come, join in companionship, and become the ‘charioteer of ṛta’.
- Development
The hymn clarifies the divine identity and function—Pūṣan as the praised guide and increaser—using relational and luminous imagery (including the evocative ‘lover of the radiant sister’).
- Climax
The vivid chariot scene: goats, well-harnessed, carry Pūṣan—symbolizing the rite’s successful ‘mobilization’ of divine guidance into action.
- Where it settles
The hymn settles into assurance of Pūṣan’s upheld presence and benefaction, closing with the god borne forward to grant human flourishing and right movement.
The deity: Pūṣan
- In the VedaEpithets in the hymn stress radiance, release/unbinding, and right-leading in accordance with ṛta.
- Cosmic functionGuardian of paths and passages—physical journeys, social exchanges, and the safe ‘crossing’ between states—ensuring orderly movement under ṛta and bringing increase (vāja) and well-being.
- Inner significanceThe awakened capacity of discernment and right-direction: the inner guide that leads the seeker through uncertainty, loosens bindings (fear, confusion, obstruction), and aligns intention with truth (ṛta).
The seer
- Bharadvāja (Bārhaspatya tradition)Bharadvāja-gotra; Bārhaspatya (connected with Bṛhaspati) · Foremost among Rigvedic seer-families of Mandala 6, celebrated for hymns that unite precise ritual address with inner meanings of ṛta, guidance, and divine help in human action.
Famous verses
rathīr ṛtasya no bhava
पूषणं न्वजाश्वमुप स्तोषाम वाजिनम् । स्वसुर्यो जार उच्यते ॥आजासः पूषणं रथे निशृम्भास्ते जनश्रियम् । देवं वहन्तु बिभ्रतः ॥Attributes of the deity
- Path-finder and protector of travelers
- Nourisher and increaser of wealth/strength (vāja)
- Associated with goats as his draft animals
- Linked with ṛta (right order) and safe leading
- Gentle but firm guidance; remover of hindrances
Also by this seer
- Rig Veda Mandala 6 (family book) is predominantly attributed to the Bharadvājas
- Hymns to Agni, Indra, the Aśvins, and allied powers within Mandala 6
- Later Vedic memory associates Bharadvāja lineages with transmission of mantra and ritual knowledge (śrauta-prayoga traditions)
The rite, step by step
- Āvāhana (invocation): call Pūṣan to ‘come’ and join companionship with the sacrificer
- Stuti (praise): recite verses highlighting his guidance, radiance, and lordship of paths
- Yācñā (petition): request charioteer-like leading in ṛta, release from restraints, and prosperity
- Upasthāna (establishment): envision Pūṣan seated on the chariot, properly harnessed
- Śānti/niṣkṛti (closure): conclude with affirmation of carrying/bringing the god and the boon into the rite and life
Offerings
- Ghee in fire (ājya)
- Simple oblations (havis) appropriate to Pūṣan
- Soma praise context (where integrated into a soma sequence)
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn resolves into praise of Pūṣan. While the opening uses a dual-address style, later verses explicitly name Pūṣan and use his characteristic imagery (like the goat-drawn chariot).
It means the deity is asked to lead the worshipper’s movement according to ṛta—truth, right order, and the straight path—so actions and journeys reach a good end without going astray.
Goats are Pūṣan’s traditional draft animals in Vedic imagery. They symbolize practical, steady conveyance and the safe carrying of divine guidance into real-world travel and daily life.
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