Sukta 185
Sukta 10.185
Mitra–Aryaman–Varuṇa (Ādityas; guardians of ṛta)
Kidung singkat tiga bait ini menyeru “Tiga” Āditya—Mitra, Aryaman, dan Varuṇa—sebagai penopang agung ṛta (tatanan kosmis) dan pelindung kehidupan manusia. Dipohonkan kekuatan mereka yang bercahaya serta penjagaan yang tak tertembus, agar daya-daya permusuhan dan ujaran jahat tidak memperoleh kuasa di jalan sang pemuja. Kidung ini berpuncak pada janji bahwa putra-putra Aditi menganugerahkan terang dan daya hidup yang berkesinambungan kepada insan fana yang mereka berkenan
Mantras
Mantra 1
महि त्रीणामवोऽस्तु द्युक्षं मित्रस्यार्यम्णः । दुराधर्षं वरुणस्य ॥
Semoga penopang agung dari Tiga menjadi milik kami—kekuatan yang bercahaya dari Mitra dan Aryaman, serta daya Varuṇa yang tak tertaklukkan.
Mantra 2
नहि तेषाममा चन नाध्वसु वारणेषु । ईशे रिपुरघशंसः ॥
Bagi mereka yang ditegakkan oleh kekuatan-kekuatan ini, tiada kehendak bermusuhan—baik yang dekat maupun di jalan-jalan sukar serta lorong-lorong yang menghalang—dapat berkuasa; musuh yang bertutur jahat itu tidak memperoleh kedaulatan di sana.
Mantra 3
यस्मै पुत्रासो अदितेः प्र जीवसे मर्त्याय । ज्योतिर्यच्छन्त्यजस्रम् ॥
Bagi insan fana yang kepadanya putra-putra Aditi mengulurkan daya untuk hidup, mereka tanpa henti menganugerahkan cahaya—agar hidup ditopang oleh penerangan yang terus-menerus, bukan oleh pergulatan dalam gelap.
Inside Sukta 185
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
A direct plea for the “vast support” of the Three—Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa—framed as shining strength and invincible might.
- Development
The hymn applies that divine support to lived experience: hostile forces cannot dominate either nearby or along difficult routes; malicious speech is disempowered.
- Climax
The revelation that the Ādityas actively “advance the power to live” for the mortal they favor.
- Where it settles
It closes with the gift of unceasing light—life sustained by continual illumination aligned with ṛta.
The deity: Mitra–Aryaman–Varuṇa, sons of Aditi
- In the VedaMitra embodies concord and right relationship, Aryaman upholds noble customs and social bonds (especially hospitality and alliance), and Varuṇa is the sovereign guardian of ṛta, famed for his firm ordinances and unassailable power. Together as Ādityas they sustain truth, protect the righteous, and restrain disorder and falsehood.
- Cosmic functionGuardians of ṛta who stabilize the moral-cosmic law, maintain social and natural order, and protect travelers and communities from hostile forces and transgression.
- Inner significanceThe integrated powers of clarity (light), ethical restraint, trustworthy relationship, and lawful conduct—supporting an inner life that is steady, protected from destructive impulses, and guided by continuous illumination.
The seer
- AnuktaAttributed in the Rigveda tradition as an anukta hymn, reflecting a late, concise Mandala 10 style focused on universal Āditya guardianship and ṛta.
Famous verses
महि त्रीणामवोऽस्तु द्युक्षं मित्रस्यार्यम्णः । दुराधर्षं वरुणस्य ॥नहि तेषाममा चन नाध्वसु वारणेषु । ईशे रिपुरघशंसः ॥यस्मै पुत्रासो अदितेः प्र जीवसे मर्त्याय । ज्योतिर्यच्छन्त्यजस्रम् ॥Attributes of the deity
- Guardians of ṛta (cosmic order)
- Shining strength (dyukṣa) that stabilizes life
- Unassailable sovereignty and protection (Varuṇa)
- Social harmony, contracts, and friendship (Mitra)
- Noble affiliation, hospitality, and right belonging (Aryaman)
- Bestowers of light and vitality (Ādityas as Aditi’s sons)
Also by this seer
- Several hymns in Mandala 10 are transmitted without a named rishi (anukta), often characterized by compact prayer-formulas and generalized deity-invocations rather than family-specific praise.
The rite, step by step
- Establish the fire (if in agnihotra/household rite) and perform ācamana and saṅkalpa for protection under ṛta.
- Recite RV 10.185.1 invoking the vast support of Mitra–Aryaman–Varuṇa, visualizing a “shining strength” surrounding the sacrificer.
- Recite RV 10.185.2 as a protective sealing: negate hostile rule “near or on the roads,” specifically against evil speech and adversarial intent.
- Recite RV 10.185.3 as the affirmation: request continuous light and life from Aditi’s sons; conclude with a brief śānti-prayer or silent contemplation of ṛta.
- Optionally conclude with oblations and a respectful namaskāra to the Ādityas, dedicating the merit to truthful living.
Offerings
- Ghee (ājya) into Agni
- Water libation (arghya) to the Ādityas
- Simple oblation such as sesame or barley (where customary)
Frequently Asked Questions
They are Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa—three Ādityas (sons of Aditi) who guard ṛta, uphold right conduct, and protect human life.
It asks for strong divine support, protection from hostility and harmful speech, safety on difficult paths, and steady inner “light” that sustains life.
It can be recited at dawn or before starting a journey or important task, with a brief intention to live truthfully (ṛta) and to seek clarity, protection, and harmony.
Ask anything about Sukta 185 of the Rig Veda
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