Sukta 42
Sukta 8.42
Varuṇa
This short hymn opens with a grand portrayal of Varuṇa as the all-knowing Asura who fixed heaven, measured earth, and rules all worlds through his unbreakable ṛta—his “laws” (vratāni) of cosmic order. In its later verses, the focus shifts into a Soma-sacrificial setting, invoking the Aśvins (Nāsatyas) to come to the pressing and drink Soma, harmonizing the movements of the rite in balanced unity.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अस्तभ्नाद्द्यामसुरो विश्ववेदा अमिमीत वरिमाणं पृथिव्याः । आसीदद्विश्वा भुवनानि सम्राड्विश्वेत्तानि वरुणस्य व्रतानि ॥
The Asura, the All-knower, set firm the heaven and measured the wide extent of the earth. As universal king he has taken his seat in all the worlds; all these are Varuṇa’s laws of right order.
Mantra 2
एवा वन्दस्व वरुणं बृहन्तं नमस्या धीरममृतस्य गोपाम् । स नः शर्म त्रिवरूथं वि यंसत्पातं नो द्यावापृथिवी उपस्थे ॥
Thus adore Varuṇa the Vast; bow to the steadfast guardian of immortality. May he extend to us a peace with triple protection; may he guard us in the lap of Heaven-and-Earth.
Mantra 3
इमां धियं शिक्षमाणस्य देव क्रतुं दक्षं वरुण सं शिशाधि । ययाति विश्वा दुरिता तरेम सुतर्माणमधि नावं रुहेम ॥
This thought of mine, while I am learning, O God—Varuṇa, sharpen and set in right order my will and my skill. By that may we cross beyond all hardships; may we mount the well-protecting boat.
Mantra 4
आ वां ग्रावाणो अश्विना धीभिर्विप्रा अचुच्यवुः । नासत्या सोमपीतये नभन्तामन्यके समे ॥
Toward you, O Aśvins, the pressing-stones have moved by inspired thoughts; O Nāsatyas, come for the drinking of Soma. May the other movements shine in a harmonised equality.
Mantra 5
यथा वामत्रिरश्विना गीर्भिर्विप्रो अजोहवीत् । नासत्या सोमपीतये नभन्तामन्यके समे ॥
As Atri once called you, O Aśvins, with inspired songs—so do I invoke you, O Nāsatyas, for the drinking of Soma. May the other movements shine in equal concord.
Mantra 6
एवा वामह्व ऊतये यथाहुवन्त मेधिराः । नासत्या सोमपीतये नभन्तामन्यके समे ॥
So I call you for help, as the wise have called you before; O Nāsatyas, come for Soma-drinking. May the other forces shine in a balanced unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
It declares Varuṇa as the all-knowing universal king who established heaven and earth and rules everything through his laws of right order (vratāni/ṛta). It also links that cosmic order to the correct, harmonious performance of the Soma rite.
The hymn shifts into a Soma-sacrificial scene where multiple deities are invited. The Aśvins (Nāsatyas) are called to come quickly to the pressing and drink Soma, supporting the rite’s success and harmony.
It means Varuṇa’s fixed ordinances or laws—principles that keep the universe and moral life in order. The hymn says all worlds stand within these rules of truth and rightness (ṛta).
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