Vedic Suktas - the foundational hymns

ॐ सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात्। स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वा अत्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम्॥ १ ॥

The Purusha has a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet. Having pervaded the earth on all sides, he yet extended ten fingers beyond. (Verse 1)

पुरुष एवेदं सर्वं यद्भूतं यच्च भव्यम्। उतामृतत्वस्येशानो यदन्नेनातिरोहति॥ २ ॥

The Purusha is all this - whatever has been, and whatever will be. He is the lord of immortality, who grows by food. (Verse 2)

एतावानस्य महिमातो ज्यायांश्च पूरुषः। पादोऽस्य विश्वा भूतानि त्रिपादस्यामृतं दिवि॥ ३ ॥

Such is his greatness - and the Purusha is even greater than this. All beings are one-quarter of him; the three-quarters of him is immortal in the heavens. (Verse 3)

त्रिपादूर्ध्व उदैत्पुरुषः पादोऽस्येहाभवत्पुनः। ततो विष्वङ्व्यक्रामत्साशनानशने अभि॥ ४ ॥

Three-quarters of the Purusha rose upward; one-quarter became this manifest world. From this, he spread out in all directions into eating and non-eating things. (Verse 4)

तस्माद्विराळजायत विराजो अधि पूरुषः। स जातो अत्यरिच्यत पश्चाद्भूमिमथो पुरः॥ ५ ॥

From Him was Virad (the cosmic egg) born, and from Virad arose the Purusha. Being born, he spread beyond the earth, both behind and before. (Verse 5)

यत्पुरुषेण हविषा देवा यज्ञमतन्वत। वसन्तो अस्यासीदाज्यं ग्रीष्म इध्मः शरद्धविः॥ ६ ॥

When the gods performed the sacrifice with the Purusha as the oblation, Spring was its clarified butter, Summer the fuel, and Autumn the offering. (Verse 6)

सप्तास्यासन्परिधयः त्रिः सप्त समिधः कृताः। देवा यद्यज्ञं तन्वाना अबध्नन्पुरुषं पशुम्॥ ७ ॥

Seven were the enclosing borders of the altar, and thrice seven were the logs of fuel prepared, when the gods, performing the sacrifice, bound the Purusha as the victim. (Verse 7)

तं यज्ञं बर्हिषि प्रौक्षन्पुरुषं जातमग्रतः। तेन देवा अयजन्त साध्या ऋषयश्च ये॥ ८ ॥

They consecrated the Purusha, born in the beginning, on the sacred grass. With him, the gods, Sadhyas, and Rishis performed the sacrifice. (Verse 8)

तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुतः सम्भृतं पृषदाज्यम्। पशून्ताँश्चक्रे वायव्यान् आरण्यान् ग्राम्याश्च ये॥ ९ ॥

From that sacrifice in which everything was offered, the mixture of curds and ghee was gathered. He formed the beasts of the air, of the forest, and of the village. (Verse 9)

तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुत ऋचः सामानि जज्ञिरे। छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्माद्यजुस्तस्मादजायत॥ १० ॥

From that sacrifice in which everything was offered, the Rig Veda and Sama Veda verses were born. The metres were born from it, and the Yajur Veda arose from it. (Verse 10)

तस्मादश्वा अजायन्त ये के चोभयादतः। गावो ह जज्ञिरे तस्मात्तस्माज्जाता अजावयः॥ ११ ॥

From it horses were born, and all animals with two rows of teeth. Cows were born from it, and from it were born goats and sheep. (Verse 11)

यत्पुरुषं व्यदधुः कतिधा व्यकल्पयन्। मुखं किमस्य कौ बाहू का ऊरू पादा उच्येते॥ १२ ॥

When they divided the Purusha, into how many parts did they arrange him? What was his mouth? What were his arms? What are his thighs and feet called? (Verse 12)

ब्राह्मणोऽस्य मुखमासीद्बाहू राजन्यः कृतः। ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः पद्भ्यां शूद्रो अजायत॥ १३ ॥

His mouth became the Brahmana, his arms were made the Rajanya (Kshatriya), his thighs became the Vaishya, and from his feet the Shudra was born. (Verse 13)

चन्द्रमा मनसो जातः चक्षोः सूर्यो अजायत। मुखादिन्द्रश्चाग्निश्च प्राणाद्वायुरजायत॥ १४ ॥

The moon was born from his mind, and from his eyes the sun was born. From his mouth arose Indra and Agni, and from his breath the wind was born. (Verse 14)

नाभ्या आसीदन्तरिक्षं शीर्ष्णो द्यौः समवर्तत। पद्भ्यां भूमिर्दिशः श्रोत्रात्तथा लोकाँ अकल्पयन्॥ १५ ॥

From his navel arose the mid-air, and from his head the sky was fashioned. From his feet came the earth, and the directions from his ears. Thus they fashioned the worlds. (Verse 15)

वेदाहमेतम् पुरुषं महान्तम् आदित्यवर्णं तमसस्तु पारे। सर्वाणि रूपाणि विचित्य धीरः नामानि कृत्वाभिवदन् यदास्ते॥ १६ ॥

I know that great Purusha, who is brilliant like the sun, beyond all darkness. The wise one, having realized all forms and named them, sits uttering those names. (Verse 16)

धाता पुरस्ताद्यमुदाजहार शक्रः प्रविद्वान्प्रदिशश्चतस्रः। तमेवं विद्वानमृत इह भवति नान्यः पन्था अयनाय विद्यते॥ १७ ॥

Whom the Creator (Brahma) declared in the beginning, and whom Indra realized in all four directions; he who knows Him thus becomes immortal here. There is no other path to liberation. (Verse 17)

यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवास्तानि धर्माणि प्रथमान्यासन्। ते ह नाकं महिमानः सचन्त यत्र पूर्वे साध्याः सन्ति देवाः॥ १८ ॥

The gods worshipped the sacrifice by means of sacrifice. These were the first laws of dharma. These great ones reach the heavens, where the ancient gods and Sadhyas dwell. (Verse 18)

अद्भ्यः सम्भूतः पृथिव्यै रसाच्च विश्वकर्मणः समवर्तताधि। तस्य त्वष्टा विदधद्रूपमेति तन्पुरुषस्य विश्वमाजानमग्रे॥ १९ ॥

From the waters and the juice of the earth was he born, through Vishwakarma. Tvashtri fashions his form; thus did the Purusha's universe arise in the beginning. (Verse 19)

वेदाहमेतम् पुरुषं महान्तम् आदित्यवर्णं तमसः परस्तात्। तमेव विद्वानमृत इह भवति नान्यः पन्था विद्यतेऽयनाय॥ २० ॥

I know that great Purusha, who is brilliant like the sun, beyond all darkness. Knowing Him alone makes one immortal here; there is no other path. (Verse 20)

प्रजापतिश्चरति गर्भे अन्तः अजायमानो बहुधा विजायते। तस्य धीराः परिजानन्ति योनिम् मरीचीनां पदमिच्छन्ति वेधसः॥ २१ ॥

Prajapati moves within the cosmic womb; unborn, he manifests in many ways. The wise know his source; the creators seek the state of the sages (Marichis). (Verse 21)

यो देवेभ्य आतपति यो देवानां पुरोहितः। पूर्वो यो देवेभ्यो जातः नमो रुचिराय ब्राह्मये॥ २२ ॥

He who shines upon the gods, who is the priest of the gods, who was born before the gods; salutations to that radiant Brahma. (Verse 22)

रुचं ब्राह्मं जनयन्तो देवा अग्रे तदब्रुवन्। यस्त्वैवं ब्राह्मणो विद्यात्तस्य देवा असन् वशे॥ २३ ॥

Generating the supreme brilliance, the gods declared in the beginning: that Brahmana who knows Him thus, the gods shall be under his control. (Verse 23)

श्रीश्च ते लक्ष्मीश्च पत्न्यौ। अहोरात्रे पार्श्वे। नक्षत्राणि रूपम्। अश्विनौ व्यात्तम्। इष्टं मनिषाण। अमुं मनिषाण। सर्वं मनिषाण॥ २४ ॥

Hri and Lakshmi are Your consorts. Day and night are Your sides. The constellations are Your form. The Ashvins are Your mouth. Grant us our desires; grant us liberation; grant us everything. (Verse 24)

ॐ हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम्। चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥ १ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, the Goddess Lakshmi, who shines like gold, yellow in hue, adorned with gold and silver garlands, radiant like the moon, and full of gold. (Mantra 1)

तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम्। यस्यां हिरण्यं विन्देयं गामश्वं पुरुषानहम्॥ २ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, that Lakshmi who does not go away, by whose grace I shall obtain gold, cows, horses, and sons/servants. (Mantra 2)

अश्वपूर्वां रथमध्यां हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीम्। श्रियं देवीमुपह्वये श्रीर्मा देवी जुषताम्॥ ३ ॥

She who is preceded by horses, who is seated in the middle of the chariot, who is awakened by the trumpeting of elephants — I invoke that Goddess Sri. May that Goddess be pleased with me. (Mantra 3)

कां सोस्मितां हिरण्यप्राकारामार्द्रां ज्वलन्तीं तृप्तां तर्पयन्तीम्। पद्मेस्थितां पद्मवर्णां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम्॥ ४ ॥

She who is the source of all joy, who is smiling, surrounded by golden ramparts, compassionate, glowing, satisfied, and satisfying others; who is seated on a lotus and is lotus-colored — I invoke that Sri here. (Mantra 4)

चन्द्रां प्रभासां यशसा ज्वलन्तीं श्रियं लोके देवजुष्टामुदाराम्। तां पद्मिनीमीं शरणमहं प्रपद्येऽलक्ष्मीर्मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे॥ ५ ॥

I take refuge in Goddess Sri, who is radiant like the moon, glowing with fame, worshipped by the gods, generous, and lotus-like. May my Alakshmi (poverty) perish; I choose You. (Mantra 5)

आदित्यवर्णे तपसोऽधिजातो वनस्पतिस्तव वृक्षोऽथ बिल्वः। तस्य फलानि तपसा नुदन्तु मायान्तरायाश्च बाह्या अलक्ष्म्यः॥ ६ ॥

O Golden One, by Your penance was born the Bilva tree, the king of the forest. May its fruits, by Your grace, drive away all inner ignorance and outer misfortunes. (Mantra 6)

उपैतु मां देवसखः कीर्तिश्च मण्या सह। प्रादुर्भूतोऽस्मि राष्ट्रेऽस्मिन् कीर्तिमृद्धिं ददातु मे॥ ७ ॥

May the friend of the gods (Kubera) come to me along with fame and jewels. I am born in this land; grant me fame and prosperity. (Mantra 7)

क्षुत्पिपासामलां ज्येष्ठामलक्ष्मीं नाशयाम्यहम्। अभूतिमसमृद्धिं च सर्वां निर्णुद मे गृहात्॥ ८ ॥

I destroy Alakshmi, the elder sister of Lakshmi, who is characterized by hunger, thirst, and impurity. Drive out all misfortune and poverty from my home. (Mantra 8)

गन्धद्वारां दुराधर्षां नित्यपुष्टां करीषिणीम्। ईश्वरीं सर्वभूतानां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम्॥ ९ ॥

I invoke here Goddess Sri, who is accessible through fragrance, who is invincible, ever-nourished, rich in cattle, and the ruler of all beings. (Mantra 9)

मनसः काममाकूतिं वाचः सत्यमशीमहि। पशूनां रूपमन्नस्य मयि श्रीः श्रयतां यशः॥ १० ॥

May we obtain our heart's desires, truth in our speech, the form of cattle, and abundance of food. May Sri reside in me as fame and prosperity. (Mantra 10)

कर्दमेन प्रजाभूता मयि सम्भव कर्दम। श्रियं वासय मे कुले मातरं पद्ममालिनीम्॥ ११ ॥

We are the progeny of Kardama (the sage). O Kardama, reside in me. Make Mother Sri, adorned with lotus garlands, dwell in my lineage. (Mantra 11)

आपः सृजन्तु स्निग्धानि चिक्लीत वस मे गृहे। नि च देवीं मातरं श्रियं वासय मे कुले॥ १२ ॥

May the waters bring auspiciousness. O Chiklita, dwell in my house. Make the Divine Mother Sri dwell in my lineage. (Mantra 12)

आर्द्रां पुष्करिणीं पुष्टिं पिङ्गलां पद्ममालिनीम्। चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥ १३ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, Lakshmi who is moist (with compassion), who resides in lotus ponds, who is nourishing, of golden hue, adorned with lotus garlands, radiant like the moon. (Mantra 13)

आर्द्रां यः करिणीं यष्टिं सुवर्णां हेममालिनीम्। सूर्यां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥ १४ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, Lakshmi who is moist (with grace), who holds the rod of justice, who is of golden complexion, adorned with golden garlands, and radiant like the sun. (Mantra 14)

तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम्। यस्यां हिरण्यं प्रभूतं गावो दास्योऽश्वान्विन्देयं पुरुषानहम्॥ १५ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, that Lakshmi who never departs, by whose grace I shall obtain abundant gold, cows, maid-servants, horses, and men. (Mantra 15)

यः शुचिः प्रयतो भूत्वा जुहुयादाज्यमन्वहम्। सूक्तं पञ्चदशर्चं च श्रीकामः सततं जपेत्॥ १६ ॥

He who is pure and self-controlled should daily offer oblations with ghee, and constantly recite these fifteen verses of Sri Suktam to obtain prosperity. (Mantra 16)

पद्मानने पद्मविपद्मपत्रे पद्मप्रिये पद्मविनोदमोदे। पद्मालये पद्मदलायताक्षि विश्वप्रिये विष्णुमनोऽनुकूले॥ १७ ॥

O lotus-faced one, lotus-leafed, lotus-lover, who rejoices in the play of lotuses; dweller in the lotus, with wide lotus eyes, beloved of the world, pleasing to the heart of Vishnu. (Mantra 17)

पद्मप्रिये पद्मिनि पद्महस्ते पद्मालये पद्मदलायताक्षि। विश्वप्रिये विष्णुमनोऽनुकूले त्वत्पादपद्मं मयि सन्निधत्स्व॥ १८ ॥

Lover of lotuses, lotus-like, holding a lotus, dweller in the lotus, with wide lotus eyes; beloved of the world, pleasing to Vishnu's heart, establish Your lotus feet in me. (Mantra 18)

पुत्रपौत्र धनं धान्यं हस्त्यश्वादिगवे रथम्। प्रजानां भवसि माता आयुष्मन्तं करोतु माम्॥ १९ ॥

Grant me children, grandchildren, wealth, grains, elephants, horses, cattle, and chariots. You are the mother of all beings; make me long-lived. (Mantra 19)

धनमग्निर्धनं वायुर्धनं सूर्यो धनं वसुः। धनमिन्द्रो बृहस्पतिर्वरुणं धनमस्तु ते॥ २० ॥

Agni is wealth, Vayu is wealth, Surya is wealth, Vasu is wealth. Indra, Brihaspati, and Varuna are wealth; may wealth be granted to me. (Mantra 20)

वैनतेय सोमं पिब सोमं पिबतु वृत्रहा। सोमं धनस्य सोमािनो मह्यं ददातु सोमिनः॥ २१ ॥

O son of Vinata (Garuda), drink Soma; let the slayer of Vritra (Indra) drink Soma. May the lords of Soma grant that sweet wealth to me. (Mantra 21)

न क्रोधो न च मात्सर्यं न लोभो नाशुभा मतिः। भवन्ति कृतपुण्यानां भक्तानां श्रीसूक्तं जपेत्सदा॥ २२ ॥

No anger, no jealousy, no greed, no evil thoughts arise in the hearts of those devotees who have performed merits and constantly chant Sri Suktam. (Mantra 22)

वरशङ्कुचक्रधरं मुकुटकीर्तिभूषणम्। महालक्ष्मीं ध्यायेद्विष्णुपत्नीं वरप्रदाम्॥ २३ ॥

We meditate on Mahalakshmi, wielder of the conch and discus, adorned with a crown and jewels, the consort of Vishnu, the bestower of blessings. (Mantra 23)

महालक्ष्मी च विद्महे विष्णुपत्नी च धीमहि। तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात्॥ २४ ॥

We realize Mahalakshmi, we meditate on the consort of Vishnu. May Lakshmi impel our intellect. (Mantra 24)

आर्द्रां पुष्करिणीं पुष्टिं सुवर्णां हेममालिनीम्। सूर्यां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥ २५ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, Lakshmi who is moist (with compassion), residing in lotus ponds, nourishing, of golden hue, adorned with golden garlands, radiant like the sun. (Mantra 25)

तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम्। यस्यां हिरण्यं प्रभूतं गावो दास्योऽश्वान्विन्देयं पुरुषानहम्॥ २६ ॥

Invoke for me, O Agni, that Lakshmi who never departs, by whose grace I shall obtain abundant gold, cows, maid-servants, horses, and men. (Mantra 26)

आनन्दः कर्दमश्चैव चिक्लीत इति विश्रुताः। ऋषयस्ते त्रयः प्रोक्ताः स्वयं श्रीरेव देवता॥ २७ ॥

Ananda, Kardama, and Chiklita are the three famous sages of this Suktam; Goddess Sri Herself is the deity. (Mantra 27)

ऋणरोगादिदारिद्र्यपापशमनहेतवे। महालक्ष्मीस्तोत्रजपं कर्तुमारभते नरः॥ २८ ॥

To destroy debt, disease, poverty, and sins, a man should begin the chanting of this Mahalakshmi Stotra. (Mantra 28)

य एवं वेद स राज्यं श्रियमवाप्नोति। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥ २९ ॥

He who knows this obtains kingdom and prosperity. Om Peace, Peace, Peace. (Mantra 29)

नासदासीन्नो सदासीत्तदानीं नासीद्रजो नो व्योमा परो यत्। किमावरीवः कुह कस्य शर्मन्नम्भः किमासीद्गहनं गभीरम्॥ १ ॥

Then there was neither non-being nor being. There was no atmosphere, no sky beyond. What stirred? Where? Under whose protection? Was there water - deep, fathomless? (Verse 1)

न मृत्युरासीदमृतं न तर्हि न रात्र्या अह्न आसीत्प्रकेतः। आनीदवातं स्वधया तदेकं तस्माद्धान्यन्न परः किं चनास॥ २ ॥

There was neither death nor immortality then. No distinction between night and day. That One breathed without breath, by its own impulse - beyond it, there was nothing. (Verse 2)

तम आसीत्तमसा गूढमग्रेऽप्रकेतं सलिलं सर्वमा इदम्। तुच्छ्येनाभ्वपिहितं यदासीत्तपसस्तन्महिनाजायतैकम्॥ ३ ॥

Darkness was hidden in darkness in the beginning. All this was unrecognised flood. The unborn that was covered by emptiness - by the greatness of tapas (cosmic heat), That One was born. (Verse 3)

कामस्तदग्रे समवर्तताधि मनसो रेतः प्रथमं यदासीत्। सतो बन्धुमसति निरविन्दन् हृदि प्रतीष्या कवयो मनीषा॥ ४ ॥

Desire arose in the beginning, which was the first seed of mind. Sages searching in their hearts discovered the connection of being in non-being. (Verse 4)

तिरश्चीनो विततो रश्मिरेषामधः स्विदासीदुपरि स्विदासीत्। रेतोधा आसन्महिमान आसन्त्स्वधा अवस्तात्प्रयतिः परस्तात्॥ ५ ॥

Their cord was extended across. Was there a below? Was there an above? Seed-placers there were, mighty forces; self-power below, impulse above. (Verse 5)

को अद्धा वेद क इह प्र वोचत्कुत आजाता कुत इयं विसृष्टिः। अर्वाग्देवा अस्य विसर्जनेनाथा को वेद यत आबभूव॥ ६ ॥

Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it? From where was it born? From where is this creation? The gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe. Who then knows from where it arose? (Verse 6)

इयं विसृष्टिर्यत आबभूव यदि वा दधे यदि वा न। यो अस्याध्यक्षः परमे व्योमन्त्सो अङ्ग वेद यदि वा न वेद॥ ७ ॥

This creation - from where it arose, whether it set itself up or not - He who oversees this from the highest heaven, He alone knows. Or perhaps even He does not know. (Verse 7)

हिरण्यगर्भः समवर्तताग्रे भूतस्य जातः पतिरेक आसीत्। स दाधार पृथिवीं द्यामुतेमां कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ १ ॥

Hiranyagarbha arose in the beginning. Born, he was the one lord of all that exists. He supported the earth and the heavens - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 1)

य आत्मदा बलदा यस्य विश्व उपासते प्रशिषं यस्य देवाः। यस्य छायामृतं यस्य मृत्युः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ २ ॥

Who is the giver of self, the giver of strength - whose command all worship, whose command even the gods obey. Whose shadow is immortality, whose shadow is death - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 2)

यः प्राणतो निमिषतो महित्वैक इद्राजा जगतो बभूव। य ईशे अस्य द्विपदश्चतुष्पदः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ३ ॥

Who, by his greatness, became the sole king of the breathing, blinking world. Who rules over the bipeds and the quadrupeds - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 3)

यस्येमे हिमवन्तो महित्वा यस्य समुद्रं रसया सहाहुः। यस्येमा प्रदिशो यस्य बाहू कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ४ ॥

Whose greatness these snow-clad mountains declare, whose the ocean is, together with the rivers. Whose are these directions, whose are his arms - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 4)

येन द्यौरुग्रा पृथिवी च दृळ्हा येन स्वः स्तभितं येन नाकः। यो अन्तरिक्षे रजसो विमानः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ५ ॥

By whom the sky was made mighty and the earth firm, by whom the sun was established, by whom the heavens. Who measures the space in the mid-air - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 5)

यं क्रन्दसी अवसा तस्तभाने अभ्यैक्षेतां मनसा रेजमाने। यत्राधि सूर उदितो विभाति कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ६ ॥

To whom the two battle-hosts, supported by his aid, look up with trembling minds. Upon whom the risen sun shines - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 6)

आपो ह यद्बृहतीर्विश्वमायन्गर्भं दधाना जनयन्तीरग्निम्। ततो देवानां समवर्ततासुरेकः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ७ ॥

When the great waters went everywhere, holding the seed and generating Agni, then arose the one life-breath of the gods - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 7)

यश्चिदपो महिना पर्यपश्यद्दक्षं दधाना जनयन्तीर्यज्ञम्। यो देवेष्वधि देव एक आसीत्कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ८ ॥

Who by his greatness looked over the waters, which held the power and generated the sacrifice. Who was the one God above all gods - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 8)

मा नो हिंसीज्जनिता यः पृथिव्या यो वा दिवं सत्यधर्मा जजान। यश्चापश्चन्द्रा बृहतीर्जजान कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥ ९ ॥

May he not harm us, who is the creator of the earth, or who, of true laws, created the heavens, and who created the great radiant waters - to which god shall we offer our oblation? (Verse 9)

प्रजापते न त्वदेतान्यन्यो विश्वा जातानि परि ता बभूव। यत्कामास्ते जुहुमस्तन्नो अस्तु वयं स्याम पतयो रयीणाम॥ १० ॥

O Prajapati, none other than You encompasses all these created things. May that be ours for which we offer sacrifice; may we become lords of wealth. (Verse 10)

इयमददाद्रभसमृणच्युतं दिवोदासं वध्र्यश्वाय दाशुषे। या शश्वन्तमाचखादावसं पणिं ता ते दात्राणि तविषा सरस्वति॥ १ ॥

She gave the offering-Divodasa, to Vadhryashva - the bountiful giver. She who ever consumes the Pani - these are your stores, mighty Saraswati. (Verse 1)

इयं शुष्मेभिर्बिसखा इवारुजत्सानु गिरीणां तविषेभिरूर्मिभिः। पारावतघ्नीमवसे सुवृक्तिभिः सरस्वतीमा विवासोम धीतिभिः॥ २ ॥

She bursts with her powerful waves the ridges of the hills like one who digs for lotus stems. May we worship Saraswati with hymns for protection. (Verse 2)

सरस्वति देवनिदो नि बर्हय प्रजां विश्वस्य बृसयस्य मायिनः। उत क्षितिभ्यो अवनीरविन्दो विषमेभ्यो अस्रवो वाजिनीवति॥ ३ ॥

O Saraswati, destroy the mockers of gods, the progeny of the cunning Brisaya. You found lands for men and poured out waters, O strong goddess. (Verse 3)

प्र णो देवी सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती। धीनामवित्र्यवतु॥ ४ ॥

May Goddess Saraswati, rich in plenty and full of strength, protect us, the defender of our intellect. (Verse 4)

यस्त्वा देवि सरस्वत्युपब्रूते धने हिते। इन्द्रं न वृत्रतूर्ये॥ ५ ॥

He who invokes you, O Goddess Saraswati, when wealth is being distributed, is like one who invokes Indra in the battle against Vritra. (Verse 5)

त्वं देवि सरस्वत्यवा वाजेषु वाजिनि। सदा नः शं यो रधि॥ ६ ॥

O Goddess Saraswati, protect us in battles, O mighty one; always grant us peace and welfare. (Verse 6)

उत स्या नः सरस्वती घोरा हिरण्यवर्तनिः। वृत्रघ्नी वष्टि सुष्टुतिम्॥ ७ ॥

May this Saraswati, fierce, with golden path, destroyer of obstacles, accept our praise. (Verse 7)

यस्या अनन्तो अक्रुधश्चरिष्णुरर्णवस्त्वेषश्चरति खेदः। अम्बितमे नदीतमे देवितमे सरस्वति॥ ८ ॥

Whose infinite, non-angry, moving, swift ocean-like stream flows with force. O best of mothers, best of rivers, best of devis! (Verse 8)

सा नो विश्वा अति द्विषः स्वसॄरन्या ऋतावरी। अतन्नावहेव सूर्यः॥ ९ ॥

May she, who is true, carry us past all enemies, past her other sisters, like the sun. (Verse 9)

उत नः प्रिया प्रियासु सप्तस्वसा सुजुष्टा। सरस्वती स्तुभ्या भूत्॥ १० ॥

May Saraswati, dear among the dear ones, seven-sistered, well-pleased, be worthy of our praise. (Verse 10)

आपप्रुषी पार्थिवान्युरु रजो अन्तरिक्षम्। सरस्वती निदस्पातु॥ ११ ॥

Pervading the earthly regions, the wide air, the atmosphere, may Saraswati protect us from mockers. (Verse 11)

त्रिषधस्था सप्तधातुः पञ्च जाता वर्धयन्ती। वाजेवाजे हव्या भूत्॥ १२ ॥

Three-placed, seven-fold, nourishing the five races of men, may she be invoked in every battle. (Verse 12)

उत स्या नः सरस्वती भागे रथं जूपयतु। देवान् हव्याय विह्वये॥ १३ ॥

May this Saraswati speed our chariot to wealth; I call the gods for the offering. (Verse 13)

सरस्वत्यभि नो नेषि वस्यो माप स्फरीः पयसा मा न आ धक्। जुषस्व नः सख्या वेश्या च मा त्वत्क्षेत्राण्यरणानि गन्म॥ १४ ॥

O Saraswati, lead us to better wealth, do not withhold your water, do not reject us. Be pleased with our friendship; let us not go to fields far from you. (Verse 14)

ॐ सत्यं बृहदृतमुग्रं दीक्षा तपो ब्रह्म यज्ञः पृथिवीं धारयन्ति। सा नो भूतस्य भव्यस्य पत्न्युरुं लोकं पृथिवी नः कृणोतु॥ १ ॥

Truth, the great, the law, the fiery, the consecration, the tapas, Brahman, yajna - these uphold the earth. May she, the mistress of past and future, make for us a vast world. (Verse 1)

असंबाधं मध्यतो मानुषाणां यस्याः प्रवतः शुचः सन्ति बह्व्यः। या ओषधीर्विभर्ति भूरिधारा सा नो भूमिः प्रप्रथतां सुकामा॥ २ ॥

Uncrowded in the midst of men, whose are the many slopes and valleys; who bears herbs in abundant streams, may that Earth expand for us according to our desires. (Verse 2)

यस्यां समुद्र उत सिन्धुरापो यस्यामन्नं कृष्टयः सम्बभूवुः। यस्यामिदं जिन्वति प्राणदेजत्सा नो भूमिः पूर्वपेये दधातु॥ ३ ॥

In whom the ocean, rivers, and waters exist; in whom food and agricultural lands arose; in whom lives this breathing, moving world; may she establish us in prosperity. (Verse 3)

यस्याश्चतस्रः प्रदिशः पृथिव्या यस्यामन्नं कृष्टयः सम्बभूवुः। सा नो भूमिः धान्यं पशुं ददातु मे॥ ४ ॥

Whose are the four quarters of the earth; in whom food and crops arose; may that Earth grant us grains and cattle. (Verse 4)

यत्ते मध्यं पृथिवि यच्च नभ्यं यास्त ऊर्जः सम्बभूवुस्तनूभ्यः। तासु नो धेह्यभि नः पवस्व माता भूमिः पुत्रो अहं पृथिव्याः॥ ५ ॥

O Earth, whatever is your center, whatever is your navel, whatever strength arose from your body; place us in them. The Earth is my mother, and I am the son of the Earth. (Verse 5)

यस्यां वृक्षा वानस्पत्यास्तिष्ठन्ति ध्रुवाः सदा। पृथिवीं धर्मणा धृतां शिवामच्छ वदामसि॥ ६ ॥

In whom trees and forest lords stand firm always; we speak to the earth, upheld by dharma, auspicious and pleasant. (Verse 6)

उदीर्णमपश्यामि तव देव्या जनं यस्याः शिखा उपरि वर्तन्ते। सा नो भूमिः कल्याणं ददातु मे॥ ७ ॥

I look upon your divine rising, whose peaks reach high; may that Earth grant welfare to me. (Verse 7)

गिरयस्ते पर्वता हिमकणानि चारण्यं ते पृथिवि स्योनमस्तु। बभ्रुं कृष्णां रोहिणीं विश्वरूपां ध्रुवां भूमिं पृथिवीं धर्मणा धृताम्॥ ८ ॥

May your hills, snowy mountains, and forests, O Earth, be pleasant to us. Brown, black, red, of all forms, firm, protected by dharma - to this Earth we bow. (Verse 8)

यत् त ऊर्ध्वं नभसो यच्च मध्यं यास्त ऊर्जः पृथिवि सम्बभूवुः। तासु नो धेह्यभि नः पवस्व माता भूमिः पुत्रो अहं पृथिव्याः॥ ९ ॥

Whatever rises above you to the sky and whatever is in your center, the energy that arose from you; establish us in them. Earth is my mother, I am her son. (Verse 9)

यस्यां पूर्वे पूर्वजना विचक्रुः यस्यां देवा असुरानभ्यवर्तयन्। गवामश्वानां वयसश्च विष्ठा भगं वर्चः पृथिवी नो दधातु॥ १० ॥

On whom our ancestors walked, on whom the gods defeated the demons; the seat of cattle, horses, and birds; may Earth grant us fortune and glory. (Verse 10)

यस्यां कृष्णं शबलं चोभयं रूपं पृथिव्याः सम्बभूवुः। ध्रुवां भूमिं पृथिवीं धर्मणा धृताम्॥ ११ ॥

On whom the dark and multi-colored forms of Earth arose; to this firm Earth, protected by dharma, we bow. (Verse 11)

यस्यां भूतं भव्यं च सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम्। सा नो भूमिः उरुं लोकं कृणोतु॥ १२ ॥

On whom the past, future, and everything is established; may that Earth make a wide world for us. (Verse 12)

सधस्थं ते पृथिवि तानि मयि कल्याणि भूयासुः। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥ १३ ॥

May all your assemblies, O Earth, be auspicious to me. Om Peace, Peace, Peace. (Verse 13)

ॐ अहिरिव भोगैः पर्येति बाहुं ज्यायाहेतिं परिबाधमानः। हस्तघ्नो विश्वा वयुनानि विद्वान् पुमान्पुमांसं परि पातु विश्वतः॥ १ ॥

Like a serpent with its coils, it surrounds the arm - repelling the harm of the bowstring. The hand-guard, all-knowing, may the Lord protect this man from all sides. (Verse 1)

सीता मे लाङ्गलमे शम्या युक्तेन शुनसीरा। इन्द्रः शीतायाः पतिः सम्बभूव॥ २ ॥

May Sita (the furrow) be propitious. With my plough yoked to the bullock, Sunasira. Indra became the lord of Sita (the furrow). (Verse 2)

घृतेन सीता मधूना समक्ता विश्वैर्देवैर्मरुद्भिर्विहातु। सा नः सीता पयसाभ्याववृत्स्वोर्जस्वती घृतवत्पिन्वमाना॥ ३ ॥

Smeared with ghee and honey, may the furrow be blessed by all gods and Maruts. O furrow, return to us with milk, full of energy and overflowing with ghee. (Verse 3)

शुनं सुफाला वि तुदन्तु भूमिं शुनं कीनाशा अनु यन्तु वाहान्। शुनं पर्जन्यो मधुना पयोभिः शुनासीरा शुनमस्मासु धत्तम्॥ ४ ॥

May the ploughshares break the earth happily; may the ploughmen follow the beasts happily; may Parjanya (the rain god) water the earth with sweet rain happily. O Sunasira, grant happiness to us. (Verse 4)

कामादुग्धामदुग्धां तवेन्द्र विष्णोश्चरिष्णुमर्णवः। सा नो देवी पयसा वर्धयन्ती॥ ५ ॥

Yielding all desires, unmilked, O Vishnu and Indra; may that goddess nourish us with her stream. (Verse 5)

या देवानां पत्नीनां प्रथमा यज्ञियानाम्। तां नीलाममृतां हवामहे॥ ६ ॥

Who is the first among the wives of the gods, worthy of sacrifice; we invoke that immortal Nila. (Verse 6)

नीलां देवीं शरणमहं प्रपद्ये सुतरसि तरसे नमः। तस्याः फलानि तपसा नुदन्तु॥ ७ ॥

I take refuge in Goddess Nila; salutations to the savior. May her fruits drive away all ignorance by penance. (Verse 7)

मयि नीला मयि प्रजां मयि सूर्यो दधातु। मयि नीला मयि प्रजां मयि विष्णुर्दधातु॥ ८ ॥

May Nila establish progeny and solar brilliance in me. May Nila and Vishnu establish stability in me. (Verse 8)

नीलां विश्वस्य मातरं ध्रुवां भूमिं पृथिवीं धर्मणा धृताम्। तां देवीं शरणमहं प्रपद्ये॥ ९ ॥

Nila, the mother of the universe, the firm earth, protected by dharma; I take refuge in that Goddess. (Verse 9)

यस्यां देवा असुरानभ्यवर्तयन्। सा नो नीला कल्याणं ददातु मे॥ १० ॥

On whom the gods defeated the demons; may that Nila grant welfare to me. (Verse 10)

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥ ११ ॥

Om Peace, Peace, Peace. (Verse 11)

जातवेदसे सुनवाम सोममरातीयतो नि दहाति वेदः। स नः पर्षदति दुर्गाणि विश्वा नावेव सिन्धुं दुरितात्यग्निः॥ १ ॥

For Jataveda (Agni) let us press Soma. May he burn up our enemies. May he carry us across all difficulties - as a boat across the sea - across all sin, the Agni. (Verse 1)

तामग्निवर्णां तपसा ज्वलन्तीं वैरोचनीं कर्मफलेषु जुष्टाम्। दुर्गां देवीं शरणमहं प्रपद्ये सुतरसि तरसे नमः॥ २ ॥

I take refuge in that Devi Durga - fire-coloured, blazing with tapas, daughter of Agni (Virochana), pleased by the fruit of karmas. O auspicious savior, salutations to You. (Verse 2)

अग्ने त्वं पारया नव्यो अस्मान्त्स्वस्तिभिरति दुर्गाणि विश्वा। पूश्च पृथ्वी बहुला न उर्वी भवा तोकाय तनयाय शंयोः॥ ३ ॥

O Agni, carry us across all difficulties with auspicious blessings. May our city and earth be wide and bountiful; be a giver of peace to our children and descendants. (Verse 3)

विश्वानि नो दुर्गहा जातवेदः सिन्धुं न नावा दुरितातिपर्षि। अग्ने अत्रिवन्मनसा गृणानोऽस्माकं बोध्यविता तनूनाम्॥ ४ ॥

O Jataveda, remove all our difficulties, carrying us across sins like a boat across the sea. O Agni, praised by us with a mind like Sage Atri, protect our bodies. (Verse 4)

पृतनाजितं सहमानमुग्रमग्निं हुवेम परमात्सधस्थात्। स नः पर्षदति दुर्गाणि विश्वा क्षामद्देवो अतिदुरितात्यग्निः॥ ५ ॥

We invoke Agni, the conqueror of battles, the fierce, the powerful, from the highest assembly. May he carry us across all difficulties and sins, the divine fire. (Verse 5)

प्रत्नोषि कमीड्यो अध्वरेषु सनाच्च होता नव्यश्च सत्सि। स्वां चाग्ने तनुवं पिप्रयस्वास्मभ्यं च सौभगमायजस्व॥ ६ ॥

O adorable Agni, You are praised at sacrifices; You are the priest from ancient times, and You sit as the new guest. Make Your own form pleased, and grant us good fortune. (Verse 6)

गोभीर्जुष्टमयुजो निषिक्तं तवेन्द्र विष्णोरनुसञ्चरेम। नाकस्य पृष्ठमभि संवसानो वैष्णवीं लोक इह मादयन्ताम्॥ ७ ॥

Endowed with cows, unattached, showered with blessings, may we follow in the steps of Vishnu and Indra. Dwelling on the back of the heavens, may they rejoice in the world of Vishnu. (Verse 7)

मेधादेवी जुषमाणा न आगाद्विश्वाची भद्रा सुमनस्यमाना। त्वया जुष्टा नुदमाना दुरुक्तान्बृहद्वदेम विदथे सुवीराः॥ १ ॥

May Medha-Devi, gracious and pleased, come to us - turning her face to all, of auspicious mind. United with you, expelling all evil speech, may we speak greatly in the council, surrounded by heroic descendants. (Verse 1)

त्वया जुष्ट ऋषिर्भवति देवि त्वया ब्रह्मागतश्रीरुत त्वया। त्वया जुष्टश्चित्रं विन्दते वसु सा नो जुषस्व द्रविणो न मेधे॥ २ ॥

Endowed with you, one becomes a rishi, O Devi. With you, even Brahma is endowed with Sri. With you, one finds wonderful wealth. Be pleased with us, like wealth itself, O Medha. (Verse 2)

मेधां म इन्द्रो ददातु मेधां देवी सरस्वती। मेधां मे अश्विनावुभावाधत्तां पुष्करस्रजा॥ ३ ॥

May Indra grant me intelligence; may Goddess Saraswati grant me intelligence; may both Ashvins, adorned with lotus garlands, establish intelligence in me. (Verse 3)

अप्सरासु च या मेधा गन्धर्वेषु च यन्मनः। दैवीं मेधां सरस्वती सा मां मेधा सुरभिर्जुषताम्॥ ४ ॥

The intelligence that resides in the Apsaras, and the mind that resides in the Gandharvas; may that divine, fragrant intelligence of Saraswati be pleased with me. (Verse 4)

आ मां मेधा सुरभिर्विश्वरूपा हिरण्यवर्णा जगती जगम्या। ऊर्जस्वती पयसा पिन्वमाना सा मां मेधा सुप्रतीका जुषताम्॥ ५ ॥

May that fragrant, universal, golden-hued, cosmic, easily accessible intelligence, full of energy and overflowing with nourishment, look upon me with a beautiful face and bless me. (Verse 5)

मयि मेधां मयि प्रजां मयि सूर्यो भ्राजो दधातु। मयि मेधां मयि प्रजां मयि अग्निस्तेजो दधातु। मयि मेधां मयि प्रजां मयि इन्द्र इन्द्रियं दधातु॥ ६ ॥

May the Sun establish intelligence, progeny, and brilliance in me. May Agni establish intelligence, progeny, and energy in me. May Indra establish intelligence, progeny, and power of senses in me. (Verse 6)