23. Adhyāya 23 — Aśvamedha
Mantras 1–10
23.1
हिरण्यगर्भः सम् अवर्तताग्रे भूतस्य जातः पतिर् एक ऽ आसीत् ।
स दाधार पृथिवीं द्याम् उतेमां कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
hiraṇyagarbhaḥ sam avartatāgre bhūtasya jātaḥ patir eka ' āsīt ।
sa dādhāra pṛthivīṃ dyām utemāṃ kasmai devāya haviṣā vidhema ॥
The Great Golden Egg, the mighty original womb of the lights of the world such as the sun and moon, exists by Himself before the world comes into existence. He is the sole lord manifest, preserver, creator and guardian of the world of forms. He holds this earth and Heaven, and to that lord of bliss and majesty we offer our homage and worship with the surrender of our mind and soul.
23.2
उपयामगृहीतो ऽसि प्रजापतये त्वा जुष्टं गृह्णामि ।
एष ते योनिः सूर्यस् ते महिमा ।
यस् ते ऽहन्त् संवत्सरे महिमा संबभूव यस् ते वायाव् अन्तरिक्षे महिमा संबभूव यस् ते दिवि सूर्ये महिमा संबभूव तस्मै ते महिम्ने प्रजापतये स्वाहा देवेभ्यः ॥
upayāmagṛhīto 'si prajāpataye tvā juṣṭaṃ gṛhṇāmi ।
eṣa te yoniḥ sūryas te mahimā ।
yas te 'hant saṃvatsare mahimā saṃbabhūva yas te vāyāv antarikṣe mahimā saṃbabhūva yas te divi sūrye mahimā saṃbabhūva tasmai te mahimne prajāpataye svāhā devebhyaḥ ॥
23.3
यः प्राणतो निमिषतो महित्वैक ऽ इद् राजा जगतो बभूव ।
य ऽ ईशे ऽ अस्य द्विपदश् चतुष्पदः कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम ॥
yaḥ prāṇato nimiṣato mahitvaika ' id rājā jagato babhūva ।
ya ' īśe ' asya dvipadaś catuṣpadaḥ kasmai devāya haviṣā vidhema ॥
The sole one lord who, with His own might, creates and rules over the world of those who breathe and see, the lord who rules over men and animals, to that sovereign lord of bliss and majesty we offer our homage and worship with our heart and soul.
23.4
उपयामगृहीतो ऽसि प्रजापतये त्वा जुष्टं गृह्णामि ।
एष ते योनिश् चन्द्रस् ते महिमा ।
यस् ते रात्रौ संवत्सरे महिमा संबभूव यस् ते पृथिव्याम् अग्नौ महिमा संबभूव यस् ते नक्षत्रेषु चन्द्रमसि महिमा संबभूव तस्मै ते महिम्ने प्रजापतये देवेभ्यः स्वाहा ॥
upayāmagṛhīto 'si prajāpataye tvā juṣṭaṃ gṛhṇāmi ।
eṣa te yoniś candras te mahimā ।
yas te rātrau saṃvatsare mahimā saṃbabhūva yas te pṛthivyām agnau mahimā saṃbabhūva yas te nakṣatreṣu candramasi mahimā saṃbabhūva tasmai te mahimne prajāpataye devebhyaḥ svāhā ॥
Lord of the universe, seated and consecrated you are in the heart. Loved and worshipped you are in faith. I surrender to you for the sake of Prajapati, protector and guardian of the people. This world is your space of immanence and omnipotence. The moon is the symbol of your glory. The grandeur of yours which manifests in the night and in the year, the generosity of yours which manifests in the earth and in the universal fire vitality, the glory of yours which manifests in the stars and in the moon, to that glory of yours and to you we offer our homage and worship for the sake of Prajapati and the noble and brilliant powers of nature and humanity.
23.5
युञ्जन्ति ब्रध्नम् अरुषं चरन्तं परि तस्थुषः ।
रोचन्ते रोचना दिवि ॥
yuñjanti bradhnam aruṣaṃ carantaṃ pari tasthuṣaḥ ।
rocante rocanā divi ॥
23.6
युञ्जन्त्य् अस्य काम्या हरी विपक्षसा रथे ।
शोणा धृष्णू नृवाहसा ॥
yuñjanty asya kāmyā harī vipakṣasā rathe ।
śoṇā dhṛṣṇū nṛvāhasā ॥
Just as they yoke to the chariot two strong, handsome, reddish horses worthy of ride by men and loved by all, so do the yogis join their senses, mind and soul to Ishvara, lord and light of the world. (So do the scientists use the carrier currents of solar and electric energy, i.e., the energy of Surya/sun and Indra/electricity, in the service of humanity for the divine purpose.)
23.7
यद् वातो ऽ अपो ऽ अगनीगन् प्रियाम् इन्द्रस्य तन्वम् ।
एतꣳ स्तोतर् अनेन पथा पुनर् अश्वम् आ वर्तयासि नः ॥
yad vāto ' apo ' aganīgan priyām indrasya tanvam ।
etaṁ stotar anena pathā punar aśvam ā vartayāsi naḥ ॥
O man of the science-mantra, the celestial horse, mighty carrier, flies across the waters of the sky and the wondrous oceans of space on the wings of the winds. The same horse, by the same paths of energy, you bring us back and take us round.
23.8
वसवस् त्वाञ्जन्तु गायत्रेण छन्दसा ।
रुद्रास् त्वाञ्जन्तु त्रैष्टुभेन छन्दसा ।
आदित्यास् त्वाञ्जन्तु जागतेन छन्दसा ।
भूर् भुवः स्वर् लाजी3ञ् छाची3न् यव्ये गव्यऽ एतद् अन्नम् अत्त देवा ऽ एतद् अन्नम् अद्धि प्रजापते ॥
vasavas tvāñjantu gāyatreṇa chandasā ।
rudrās tvāñjantu traiṣṭubhena chandasā ।
ādityās tvāñjantu jāgatena chandasā ।
bhūr bhuvaḥ svar lājī3ñ chācī3n yavye gavya' etad annam atta devā ' etad annam addhi prajāpate ॥
Prajapati, guardian and protector of the people, may the scholars of the Vasu order of twenty-four years celebrate you with the joy of the gayatri verses. May the scholars of the Rudra order of thirty-six years enlighten you with the knowledge of the trishtubh verses. May the scholars of the Aditya order of fortyeight years beatify you with the vision of the jagati verses. Receive the homage and be pleased by this celebration. Brilliant men of knowledge and vision, take the food from the fields of barley and milk of the cow and reach across the regions of the earth to the sky and the heavens orbiting in their own courses in space.
23.9
कः स्विद् एकाकी चरति क ऽ उ स्विज् जायते पुनः ।
किꣳ स्विद्धिमस्य भेषजं किम् व् आवपनं महत् ॥
kaḥ svid ekākī carati ka ' u svij jāyate punaḥ ।
kiṁ sviddhimasya bheṣajaṃ kim v āvapanaṃ mahat ॥
Who moves alone (by itself, self-lighted)? Who
23.10
सूर्य ऽ एकाकी चरति चन्द्रमा जायते पुनः ।
अग्निर् हिमस्य भेषजं भूमिर् आवपनं महत् ॥
sūrya ' ekākī carati candramā jāyate punaḥ ।
agnir himasya bheṣajaṃ bhūmir āvapanaṃ mahat ॥
The sun moves alone (self-lighted, on its own axis). The moon is born again (in the light of the sun). Fire is the antidote of cold. The earth is the great field for the sowing of seeds (and the great store-house of things, with its gravity).
Mantras 11–20
23.11
का स्विद् आसीत् पूर्वचित्तिः किꣳ स्विद् आसीद् बृहद् वयः ।
का स्विद् आसीत् पिलिप्पिला का स्विद् आसीत् पिशङ्गिला ॥
kā svid āsīt pūrvacittiḥ kiṁ svid āsīd bṛhad vayaḥ ।
kā svid āsīt pilippilā kā svid āsīt piśaṅgilā ॥
What is the first object of perception and thought? What is the great bird of motion? What is soft, smooth and beautiful? What is it that devours light and form?
23.12
द्यौर् आसीत् पूर्वचित्तिः अश्व ऽ आसीद् बृहद् वयः ।
अविर् आसीत् पिलिप्पिला रात्रिर् आसीत् पिशङ्गिला ॥
dyaur āsīt pūrvacittiḥ aśva ' āsīd bṛhad vayaḥ ।
avir āsīt pilippilā rātrir āsīt piśaṅgilā ॥
Heaven is the first object of perception and thought. Energy, electricity and light, is the greatest bird of motion. Protective mother earth is soft, smooth and beautiful. The night of darkness devours light and forms.
23.13
वायुष् ट्वा पचतैर् अवतु ।
असितग्रीवश् छागैः ।
न्यग्रोधश् चमसैः ।
शल्मलिर् वृद्ध्या ।
एष स्य राथ्यो वृषा ।
पड्भिश् चतुर्भिर् एद् अगन् ।
ब्रह्माकृष्णश् च नो ऽवतु ।
नमो ऽग्नये ॥
vāyuṣ ṭvā pacatair avatu ।
asitagrīvaś chāgaiḥ ।
nyagrodhaś camasaiḥ ।
śalmalir vṛddhyā ।
eṣa sya rāthyo vṛṣā ।
paḍbhiś caturbhir ed agan ।
brahmākṛṣṇaś ca no 'vatu ।
namo 'gnaye ॥
Seeker of knowledge, may the air protect you with maturation and perfection. May the fire nourish and protect you with the milk of goats. May the banyan tree strengthen and protect you with ladlefuls of juice. May the shalmali plant protect and advance you with growth. May this strong and virile chariot horse on its four legs carry you forward on your journey. Brahma, brilliant star of knowledge, guide and protect us. All homage, respect and support for Agni, light of knowledge and yajna.
23.14
सꣳशितो रश्मिना रथः सꣳशितो रश्मिना हयः ।
सꣳशितो अप्स्व् अप्सुजा ब्रह्मा सोमपुरोगवः ॥
saṁśito raśminā rathaḥ saṁśito raśminā hayaḥ ।
saṁśito apsv apsujā brahmā somapurogavaḥ ॥
The chariot is refined by the light of sunbeams. The horse is refined by sensitive reins of steering. The
23.15
स्वयं वाजिꣳस् तन्वं कल्पयस्व स्वयं यजस्व स्वयं जुषस्व ।
महिमा ते ऽन्येन न संनशे ॥
svayaṃ vājiṁs tanvaṃ kalpayasva svayaṃ yajasva svayaṃ juṣasva ।
mahimā te 'nyena na saṃnaśe ॥
Man of knowledge, seeker of advancement, develop your self by yourself. Do the yajna of joint work by your own choice. Serve the scholars and society by yourself. Your eminence and value must not be destroyed by others.
23.16
न वा ऽ उ ऽ एतन् म्रियसे न रिष्यसि देवाꣳ२ऽ इद् एषि पथिभिः सुगेभिः ।
यत्रासते सुकृतो यत्र ते ययुस् तत्र त्वा देवः सविता दधातु ॥
na vā ' u ' etan mriyase na riṣyasi devāṁ2' id eṣi pathibhiḥ sugebhiḥ ।
yatrāsate sukṛto yatra te yayus tatra tvā devaḥ savitā dadhātu ॥
Man of knowledge and yajna, you go to meet with the seers and sages by the straight and right paths of truth. Die you shall not, nor your value diminish. Where dwell the men of right action and where they realize lasting peace and joy, there may Savita, lord of light and life, establish you.
23.17
अग्निः पशुर् आसीत् तेनायजन्त स ऽ एतं लोकम् अजयद् यस्मिन्न् अग्निः स ते लोको भविष्यति तं जेष्यसि पिबैता ऽ अपः ।
वायुः पशुर् आसीत् तेनायजन्त स ऽ एतं लोकम् अजयद् यस्मिन् वायुः स ते लोको भविष्यति तं जेष्यसि पिबैता ऽ अपः ।
सूर्यः पशुर् आसीत् तेनायजन्त स ऽ एतं लोकम् अजयद् यस्मिन्त् सूर्यः स ते लोको भविष्यति तं जेष्यसि पिबैता ऽ अपः ॥
agniḥ paśur āsīt tenāyajanta sa ' etaṃ lokam ajayad yasminn agniḥ sa te loko bhaviṣyati taṃ jeṣyasi pibaitā ' apaḥ ।
vāyuḥ paśur āsīt tenāyajanta sa ' etaṃ lokam ajayad yasmin vāyuḥ sa te loko bhaviṣyati taṃ jeṣyasi pibaitā ' apaḥ ।
sūryaḥ paśur āsīt tenāyajanta sa ' etaṃ lokam ajayad yasmint sūryaḥ sa te loko bhaviṣyati taṃ jeṣyasi pibaitā ' apaḥ ॥
Agni, fire, is the soul of yajna, a direct participant. The divines perform yajna with agni. Who ever does the yajna with agni wins the sphere where agni is supreme. The same will become your sphere too, you would conquer it if you do yajna. Drink deep at the fount of knowledge and joy purified by agni. Vayu, wind, is the soul of yajna, a seer and participant. The divines perform yajna by vayu. Whoever does the yajna by vayu wins the sphere where vayu is supreme. The same will become your sphere too, you would conquer it if you do yajna. Drink deep at the fount of breath and energy purified by vayu. Surya, the sun, is the soul of yajna, a seer and participant. The divines perform yajna with the sun. Whoever does the yajna with the sun wins the sphere where the sun is supreme. The same will become your
23.18
प्राणाय स्वाहा ।
अपानाय स्वाहा ।
व्यानाय स्वाहा अम्बे ऽ अम्बिके ऽम्बालिके न मा नयति कश् चन ।
ससस्त्य् अश्वकः सुभद्रिकां काम्पीलवासिनीम् ॥
prāṇāya svāhā ।
apānāya svāhā ।
vyānāya svāhā ambe ' ambike 'mbālike na mā nayati kaś cana ।
sasasty aśvakaḥ subhadrikāṃ kāmpīlavāsinīm ॥
Best of thought, word and action in truth for prana, for apana and for vyana, the energy of breath, the energy for systemic cleansing, and the overall health and vitality of the body system. Mother, grand-mother, and great-grand-mother, none can retain and sustain me or anyone in the splendid good fortune and peaceful settled seat of the man of prosperity, who, though he might have been as fast and impetuous as a war-horse, goes to sleep in sloth after getting the wealth and comfort.
23.19
गणानां त्वा गणपतिꣳ हवामहे प्रियाणां त्वा प्रियपतिꣳ हवामहे निधीनां त्वा निधिपतिꣳ हवामहे वसो मम ।
आहम् अजानि गर्भधम् आ त्वम् अजासि गर्भधम् ॥
gaṇānāṃ tvā gaṇapatiṁ havāmahe priyāṇāṃ tvā priyapatiṁ havāmahe nidhīnāṃ tvā nidhipatiṁ havāmahe vaso mama ।
āham ajāni garbhadham ā tvam ajāsi garbhadham ॥
Lord of the universe, you are the presiding and protective fatherly presence over all the groups, communities and republics of the world. Such as you are, we accept, realise and surrender unto you. You are the darling life-giver and protector of all things of existence which are so dear to you. We recognise, realise and worship you in love and faith. You are the giver, protector and promoter of all the wealths of the world. We surrender to you in worship and gratitude and pray to you for all the wealth, prosperity and happiness of life. Lord omnipresent in every particle of existence, every particle of existence exists in you. You are my haven and home too. You are the father of all forms of existence. I pray that I may know you, the father, that I may know Prakriti, the mother; and that I may know all the forms of existence, as you do.
23.20
ता ऽ उभौ चतुरः पदः सम्प्र सारयाव स्वर्गे लोके प्रोर्णुवाथां वृषा वाजी रेतोधा रेतो दधातु ॥
tā ' ubhau caturaḥ padaḥ sampra sārayāva svarge loke prorṇuvāthāṃ vṛṣā vājī retodhā reto dadhātu ॥
Let both of them, the ruler and the people, protect and support each other. May both realise and extend the four values of life: Dharma, righteous living, Artha, worldly well-being, kama, self-fulfilment, and Moksha, ultimate freedom. May the ruler, wielder of power, swift in action and advancement, strengthen the people with power, and the people, in return, strengthen the ruler with power.
Mantras 21–30
23.21
उत्सक्थ्या ऽ अव गुदं धेहि सम् अञ्जिं चारया वृषन् ।
य स्त्रीणां जीवभोजनः ॥
utsakthyā ' ava gudaṃ dhehi sam añjiṃ cārayā vṛṣan ।
ya strīṇāṃ jīvabhojanaḥ ॥
O Ruler, man of strength and power, if there is anyone evil who plays with the life and honour of women, punish him. Establish peace among the people. Establish the rule of law. Eliminate immorality and wantonness from the state.
23.22
यकासकौ शकुन्तिकाहलग् इति वञ्चति ।
आ हन्ति गभे पसो निगल्गलीति धारका ॥
yakāsakau śakuntikāhalag iti vañcati ।
ā hanti gabhe paso nigalgalīti dhārakā ॥
Where the ruler strikes at the people, he strikes at the nation and the state because there the people, though otherwise they enjoyed comfort and happiness before, grow weaker and weaker now and fade like a helpless bird. When such a ruler exacts taxes from the farmers, he only cheats the nation.
23.23
यको ऽसकौ शकुन्तक ऽ आहलग् इति वञ्चति ।
विवक्षत ऽ इव ते मुखम् अध्वर्यो मा नस् त्वम् अभि भाषथाः ॥
yako 'sakau śakuntaka ' āhalag iti vañcati ।
vivakṣata ' iva te mukham adhvaryo mā nas tvam abhi bhāṣathāḥ ॥
Ruler, high-priest of the yajna of the state, make no false promises to us. Let your mouth be not like a boaster’s. If you tell lies, you will grow weaker and weaker like a helpless bird and end up, cheating yourself.
23.24
माता च ते पिता च ते ऽग्रं वृक्षस्य रोहतः ।
प्रतिलामीति ते पिता गभे मुष्टिम् अतꣳसयत् ॥
mātā ca te pitā ca te 'graṃ vṛkṣasya rohataḥ ।
pratilāmīti te pitā gabhe muṣṭim ataṁsayat ॥
Ruler, the earth your mother and the sun your father rise to the top of the world. The sun strikes at the treasure of space-waters with his light and power, the earth receives the showers and shines. Celebrate them with the people in yajna: It is beautiful, it is joyous. I am happy.
23.25
माता च ते पिता च ते ऽग्रे वृक्षस्य क्रीडतः ।
विवक्षत ऽइव ते मुखं ब्रह्मन् मा नस् त्वं वदो बहु ॥
mātā ca te pitā ca te 'gre vṛkṣasya krīḍataḥ ।
vivakṣata 'iva te mukhaṃ brahman mā nas tvaṃ vado bahu ॥
People of the land, your mother-land like the earth and the ruler, father of the nation, like the sun, both joyous, play on top of the world in the midst of beauty and prosperity. Ruler, Brahma, presiding priest of the national yajna, your mouth seems eager to shout with pride and joy. At that time, speak not much, control yourself.
23.26
ऊर्ध्वम् एनाम् उच्छ्रापय गिरौ भारꣳ हरन्न् इव ।
अथास्यै मध्यम् एधताꣳ शीते वाते पुनन्न् इव ॥
ūrdhvam enām ucchrāpaya girau bhāraṁ harann iva ।
athāsyai madhyam edhatāṁ śīte vāte punann iva ॥
23.27
ऊर्ध्वम् एनम् उच्छ्रापय गिरौ भारꣳ हरन्न् इव ।
अथास्य मध्यम् एजतु शीते वाते पुनन्न् इव ॥
ūrdhvam enam ucchrāpaya girau bhāraṁ harann iva ।
athāsya madhyam ejatu śīte vāte punann iva ॥
Man of knowledge, enlightened citizen, support this rising ruler to the height of glory and power as a mountaineer carrying his burden to the top of the mount, and, in the midst of this nation, and sifting the truth from falsehood, as if, in the cool breeze, shine on in the beauty and prosperity of the land.
23.28
यद् अस्या ऽ अꣳहुभेद्याः कृधु स्थूलम् उपातसत् ।
मुष्काविदस्या ऽ एजतो गोशफे शकुलाव् इव ॥
yad asyā ' aṁhubhedyāḥ kṛdhu sthūlam upātasat ।
muṣkāvidasyā ' ejato gośaphe śakulāv iva ॥
When the small and great acts of the people who clear out sin and crime from the society are appreciated by the ruler and the enlightened officers, they, the ruler and the elite, captivate the heart of the people and they shine in their eyes as shakula fish shine in a little pool of water.
23.29
यद् देवासो ललामगुं प्र विष्टीमिनम् आविषुः ।
सक्थ्ना देदिश्यते नारी सत्यस्याक्षिभुवो यथा ॥
yad devāso lalāmaguṃ pra viṣṭīminam āviṣuḥ ।
sakthnā dediśyate nārī satyasyākṣibhuvo yathā ॥
Just as noble people approach an eminent and reasonable judge for justice, just as a woman is distinguished by her body, so the men of reason find out the truth by direct observation of evidence.
23.30
यद्धरिणो यवम् अत्ति न पुष्टं पशु मन्यते ।
शूद्रा यद् अर्यजारा न पोषाय धनायति ॥
yaddhariṇo yavam atti na puṣṭaṃ paśu manyate ।
śūdrā yad aryajārā na poṣāya dhanāyati ॥
When the deer eats up the barley it does not care for the field but destroys it. A servant woman who is the mistress of her master loves money but not for the well-being of her master or of her family. So when a ruler exploits his people, he does not care for their well-being, he destroys the nation.
Mantras 31–40
23.31
यद्धरिणो यवम् अत्ति न पुष्टं बहु मन्यते ।
शूद्रो यद् अर्यायै जारो न पोषम् अनु मन्यते ॥
yaddhariṇo yavam atti na puṣṭaṃ bahu manyate ।
śūdro yad aryāyai jāro na poṣam anu manyate ॥
The deer that eats up the barley cares not for the
23.32
दधिक्राव्णो ऽ अकारिषं जिष्णोर् अश्वस्य वाजिनः ।
सुरभि नो मुखा करत् प्र ण ऽ आयूꣳषि तारिषत् ॥
dadhikrāvṇo ' akāriṣaṃ jiṣṇor aśvasya vājinaḥ ।
surabhi no mukhā karat pra ṇa ' āyūṁṣi tāriṣat ॥
The hero is on guard, holding and protecting the land and people. Like a knight of horse panting for victory, fast advancing in the battle, I place him at the head of the nation. May he do us proud, holding our head high gracefully, and may he carry us across the field of life.
23.33
गायत्री त्रिष्टुब् जगत्य् अनुष्टुप् पङ्क्त्या सह ।
बृहत्य् उष्णिहा ककुप् सूचीभिः शम्यन्तु त्वा ॥
gāyatrī triṣṭub jagaty anuṣṭup paṅktyā saha ।
bṛhaty uṣṇihā kakup sūcībhiḥ śamyantu tvā ॥
May the scholars with research and action perfect and stabilize you in peace and tranquillity with the joyous gayatri, the stable trishtup, the protective anushtup, the comprehensive pankti, the expansive brihati, the lovely ushnih, and the charming kakup verses of the Veda. (May the scholars perfect the ruler.)
23.34
द्विपदा याश् चतुष्पदास् त्रिपदा याश् च षट्पदाः ।
विच्छन्दा याश् च सच्छन्दाः सूचीभिः शम्यन्तु त्वा ॥
dvipadā yāś catuṣpadās tripadā yāś ca ṣaṭpadāḥ ।
vicchandā yāś ca sacchandāḥ sūcībhiḥ śamyantu tvā ॥
O citizens of the nation, may the learned and the wise, with their knowledge and acts, perfect and stabilise you in peace and tranquillity with two-part, four-part, three-part, or six-part, or various or regular verses of the Veda.
23.35
महानाम्न्यो रेवत्यो विश्वा आशाः प्रभूवरीः ।
मैघीर् विद्युतो वाचः सूचीभिः शम्यन्तु त्वा ॥
mahānāmnyo revatyo viśvā āśāḥ prabhūvarīḥ ।
maighīr vidyuto vācaḥ sūcībhiḥ śamyantu tvā ॥
Seekers of knowledge, citizens of the nation, may the universal words of wisdom, golden rich, great and sublime, ringing in all directions, raining like the clouds, roaring like thunder, and blazing as lightning — may all these great voices perfect you with their integrative and elevating message of peace and stability.
23.36
नार्यस् ते पत्न्यो लोम विचिन्वन्तु मनीषया ।
देवानां पत्न्यो दिशः सूचीभिः शम्यन्तु त्वा ॥
nāryas te patnyo loma vicinvantu manīṣayā ।
devānāṃ patnyo diśaḥ sūcībhiḥ śamyantu tvā ॥
Ruler, citizens, teachers, may the women, virgins and wives of the noble people, protectors of the nation, listen and gather your words with care and understanding, and may they, like the pure transparent quarters of space, stabilise and perfect you with their integrative words
23.37
रजता हरिणीः सीसा युजो युज्यन्ते कर्मभिः ।
अश्वस्य वाजिनस् त्वचि सिमाः शम्यन्तु शम्यन्तीः ॥
rajatā hariṇīḥ sīsā yujo yujyante karmabhiḥ ।
aśvasya vājinas tvaci simāḥ śamyantu śamyantīḥ ॥
Women in love, lovely, captivating, arresting with love and loyalty, exciting and dedicated, are joined in marriage to the protection and embrace of handsome, virile and generous young men by their own will and action. Bound in the discipline of matrimony, may they be at peace in security, and may they provide for the love, peace and security of the young men of their choice.
23.38
कुविद् अङ्ग यवमन्तो यवं चिद् यथा दान्त्य् अनुपूर्वं वियूय ।
इहेहैषां कृणुहि भोजनानि ये बर्हिषो नम ऽ उक्तिं यजन्ति ॥
kuvid aṅga yavamanto yavaṃ cid yathā dānty anupūrvaṃ viyūya ।
ihehaiṣāṃ kṛṇuhi bhojanāni ye barhiṣo nama ' uktiṃ yajanti ॥
Dear Sabhasad, eminent member of the council, just as farmers blest with rich barley harvest the grain with discrimination, some plants separately and some together, so do the teachers sit on seats of grass, receive food and water, and carry on the yajna of education accomplishing their work with the disciples with judgement. Here in this school, provide for their food and maintenance.
23.39
कस् त्वा छ्यति कस् त्वा वि शास्ति कस् ते गात्राणि शम्यति ।
क ऽ उ ते शमिता कविः ॥
kas tvā chyati kas tvā vi śāsti kas te gātrāṇi śamyati ।
ka ' u te śamitā kaviḥ ॥
Young learner, who cuts, grinds and shapes you into form? Who teaches, directs and controls you? Who exercises your body-parts to suppleness and equipoise? Who is the sage and seer, high-priest of your education, giving the last oblation of completion?
23.40
ऋतवस्त ऽ ऋतुथा पर्व शमितारो वि शासतु ।
संवत्सरस्य तेजसा शमीभिः शम्यन्तु त्वा ॥
ṛtavasta ' ṛtuthā parva śamitāro vi śāsatu ।
saṃvatsarasya tejasā śamībhiḥ śamyantu tvā ॥
Learner, seeker of knowledge and expertise, may the seasons and the teachers training you in peace and action instruct and temper you according to the needs of the time and the stage of your life, and may they complete and perfect you with the splendour of the sun round the year and peaceable action and refinement.
Mantras 41–50
23.41
अर्धमासाः परूꣳषि ते मासा ऽ आ च्छ्यन्तु शम्यन्तः ।
अहोरात्राणि मरुतो विलिष्टꣳ सूदयन्तु ते ॥
ardhamāsāḥ parūṁṣi te māsā ' ā cchyantu śamyantaḥ ।
ahorātrāṇi maruto viliṣṭaṁ sūdayantu te ॥
Learner, seeker of knowledge, may the days and
23.42
दैव्या ऽ अध्वर्यवस् त्वा छ्यन्तु वि च आसतु ।
गात्राणि पर्वशस् ते सिमाः कृण्वन्तु शम्यन्तीः ॥
daivyā ' adhvaryavas tvā chyantu vi ca āsatu ।
gātrāṇi parvaśas te simāḥ kṛṇvantu śamyantīḥ ॥
Learner, seeker, mler, citizen, may the divine high-priests of the yajna and development of the nation instmct and refine you and develop the parts of your body, life and community from every joint and transition onward. May the loving motherly women wholly dedicated soften your heart and refine your mind.
23.43
द्यौस् ते पृथिव्यन्तरिक्षं वायुश् छिद्रं पृणातु ते ।
सूयस् ते नक्षत्रैः सह लोकं कृणोतु साधुया ॥
dyaus te pṛthivyantarikṣaṃ vāyuś chidraṃ pṛṇātu te ।
sūyas te nakṣatraiḥ saha lokaṃ kṛṇotu sādhuyā ॥
May the heaven (with its light), the earth (with his generosity and stability), the sky (with its expanse), the wind and air (with speed and energy) make up your wants and repair your weaknesses. And may the sun, lord of light and life, with the stars and planets, create for you a straight and simple world of beauty, freedom and progress.
23.44
शं ते परेभ्यो गात्रेभ्यः शम् अस्त्व् अवरेभ्यः ।
शम् अस्थभ्यो मज्जभ्यः शम् व् अस्तु तन्वै तव ॥
śaṃ te parebhyo gātrebhyaḥ śam astv avarebhyaḥ ।
śam asthabhyo majjabhyaḥ śam v astu tanvai tava ॥
Peace and health to the higher parts of your personality. Peace and health to the lower parts of your body. Peace and strength to your bones and marrow. Peace and well-being to your body and mind all over.
23.45
कः स्विद् एकाकी चरति क ऽ उ स्विज् जायते पुनः ।
किꣳ स्विद्धिमस्य भेषजं किम् व् आवपनं महत् ॥
kaḥ svid ekākī carati ka ' u svij jāyate punaḥ ।
kiṁ sviddhimasya bheṣajaṃ kim v āvapanaṃ mahat ॥
Who moves alone? Who is born again and again? What is the antidote of cold? And what is the great field and hold of life, seed and sustenance?
23.46
सूर्य ऽ एकाकी चरति चन्द्रमा जायते पुनः ।
अग्निर् हिमस्य भेषजं भूमिर् आवपनं महत् ॥
sūrya ' ekākī carati candramā jāyate punaḥ ।
agnir himasya bheṣajaṃ bhūmir āvapanaṃ mahat ॥
The sun moves alone. The moon is born again and again. Fire, heat, is the antidote of cold. And earth is the great field and hold of life, seed and sustenance.
23.47
किꣳ स्वित् सूर्यसमं ज्योतिः किꣳ समुद्रसमꣳ सरः ।
किꣳ स्वित् पृथिव्यै वर्षीयः कस्य मात्रा न विद्यते ॥
kiṁ svit sūryasamaṃ jyotiḥ kiṁ samudrasamaṁ saraḥ ।
kiṁ svit pṛthivyai varṣīyaḥ kasya mātrā na vidyate ॥
What is the other light like the sun? What is the vessel-hold of water like the sea? What is larger than the earth? What is without limits in the world?
23.48
ब्रह्म सूर्यसमं ज्योतिर् द्यौः समुद्रसमꣳ सरः ।
इन्द्रः पृथिव्यै वर्षीयान् गोस् तु मात्रा न विद्यते ॥
brahma sūryasamaṃ jyotir dyauḥ samudrasamaṁ saraḥ ।
indraḥ pṛthivyai varṣīyān gos tu mātrā na vidyate ॥
Brahma is the light like the sun. The sky is the great vessel-hold of waters like the sea. The sun is greater than the earth. Word, divine speech, has no limits.
23.49
पृच्छामि त्वा चितये देवसख यदि त्वम् अत्र मनसा जगन्थ ।
येषु विष्णुस् त्रिषु पदेष्व् एष्टस् तेषु विश्वं भुवनम् आ विवेशाꣳ३ऽ ॥
pṛcchāmi tvā citaye devasakha yadi tvam atra manasā jagantha ।
yeṣu viṣṇus triṣu padeṣv eṣṭas teṣu viśvaṃ bhuvanam ā viveśāṁ3' ॥
Friend of the divine, I ask you for my understanding, if with your mind you can reach the answer: Does the living world exist in those three regions of the universe — the earth, the sky, and the heavens, wherein Vishnu, universal lord of the world,
23.50
अपि तेषु त्रिषु पदेष्व् अस्मि येषु विश्वं भुवनम् आविवेश ।
सद्यः पर्य् एमि पृथिवीम् उत द्याम् एकेनाङ्गेन दिवो ऽ अस्य पृष्ठम् ॥
api teṣu triṣu padeṣv asmi yeṣu viśvaṃ bhuvanam āviveśa ।
sadyaḥ pary emi pṛthivīm uta dyām ekenāṅgena divo ' asya pṛṣṭham ॥
I am there, sure, in those three regions of the universe wherein the whole living world exists. I instantly and universally pervade the earth, the sky and the vault of heaven, each with one existential part of my omnipresence.
Mantras 51–60
23.51
केष्व् अन्तः पुरुष ऽ आ विवेश कान्य् अन्तः पुरुषे ऽ अर्पितानि ।
एतद् ब्रह्मन्न् उपवल्हामसि त्वा किꣳ स्विन् नः प्रति वोचास्य् अत्र ॥
keṣv antaḥ puruṣa ' ā viveśa kāny antaḥ puruṣe ' arpitāni ।
etad brahmann upavalhāmasi tvā kiṁ svin naḥ prati vocāsy atra ॥
Who and how many does the Purusha, supreme spirit, pervade? Who and how many reside in the Purusha? This, O man of knowledge, we ask you so that we too may excel. What do you say to us on this
23.52
पञ्चस्व् अन्तः पुरुष ऽ आ विवेश तान्य् अन्तः पुरुषे ऽ अर्पितानि ।
एतत् त्वात्र प्रतिमन्वानो ऽ अस्मि न मायया भवस्य् उत्तरो मत् ॥
pañcasv antaḥ puruṣa ' ā viveśa tāny antaḥ puruṣe ' arpitāni ।
etat tvātra pratimanvāno ' asmi na māyayā bhavasy uttaro mat ॥
23.53
का स्विद् आसीत् पूर्वचित्तिः किꣳ स्विद् आसीद् बृहद् वयः ।
का स्विद् आसीत् पिलिप्पिला का स्विद् आसीत् पिशङ्गिला ॥
kā svid āsīt pūrvacittiḥ kiṁ svid āsīd bṛhad vayaḥ ।
kā svid āsīt pilippilā kā svid āsīt piśaṅgilā ॥
What is the first original structure in time? What is the great womb of the forms of life? What is the finest pliant material? What is the universal devourer?
23.54
द्यौर् आसीत् पूर्वचित्तिः अश्वऽ आसीद् बृहद् वयः ।
अविर् आसीत् पिलिप्पिला रात्रिर् आसीत् पिशङ्गिला ॥
dyaur āsīt pūrvacittiḥ aśva' āsīd bṛhad vayaḥ ।
avir āsīt pilippilā rātrir āsīt piśaṅgilā ॥
Heaven, light, i.e., divine vibration of thought energy is the first original step in creation. Mahat, the first mutation of original Prakriti, was the great womb of the forms of creation. Manifested Prakriti is the finest pliant material for creation. Pralaya, the night of annihilation devours the universe.
23.55
का ऽ ईमरे पिशंगिला का ऽ ईं कुरुपिशंगिला ।
क ऽ ईम् आस्कन्दम् अर्षति क ऽ ईं पन्थां वि सर्पति ॥
kā ' īmare piśaṃgilā kā ' īṃ kurupiśaṃgilā ।
ka ' īm āskandam arṣati ka ' īṃ panthāṃ vi sarpati ॥
What is the cover of the forms of existence? Who destroys the beauty of the crops? Who moves jumping in leaps? Who creeps on the path?
23.56
अजारे पिशंगिला श्वावित् कुरुपिशंगिला ।
शश आस्कन्दम् अर्षत्य् अहिः पन्थां वि सर्पति ॥
ajāre piśaṃgilā śvāvit kurupiśaṃgilā ।
śaśa āskandam arṣaty ahiḥ panthāṃ vi sarpati ॥
Prakriti is the cover of forms. Porcupine is the destroyer of the beauty of crops in the field. Energy moves in currents. And the clouds sail upon their path.
23.57
कत्य् अस्य विष्ठाः कत्य् अक्षराणि कति होमासः कतिधा समिद्धः ।
यज्ञस्य त्वा विदथा पृच्छम् अत्र कति होतार ऽ ऋतुशो यजन्ति ॥
katy asya viṣṭhāḥ katy akṣarāṇi kati homāsaḥ katidhā samiddhaḥ ।
yajñasya tvā vidathā pṛccham atra kati hotāra ' ṛtuśo yajanti ॥
How many permanent materials? How many operations? How many fuels and modes of lighting? I ask you these questions on the subject of yajna for knowledge. How many priests perform it according to the seasons?
23.58
षड् अस्य विष्ठाः शतम् अक्षराण्य् अशीतिर् होमाः समिधो ह तिस्रः ।
यज्ञस्य ते विदथा प्र ब्रवीमि सप्त होतार ऋतुशो यजन्ति ॥
ṣaḍ asya viṣṭhāḥ śatam akṣarāṇy aśītir homāḥ samidho ha tisraḥ ।
yajñasya te vidathā pra bravīmi sapta hotāra ṛtuśo yajanti ॥
Six seasons are the pillars of yajna. Hundreds are the materials of permanent nature. Eighty are the operations. Three are the fuels. I speak to you of the knowledge of yajna. Seven priests carry on the yajna according to the seasons.
23.59
को ऽ अस्य वेद भुवनस्य नाभिं को द्यावापृथिवी ऽ अन्तरिक्षम् ।
कः सूर्यस्य वेद बृहतो जनित्रं को वेद चन्द्रमसं यतोजाः ॥
ko ' asya veda bhuvanasya nābhiṃ ko dyāvāpṛthivī ' antarikṣam ।
kaḥ sūryasya veda bṛhato janitraṃ ko veda candramasaṃ yatojāḥ ॥
Who knows the centre-hold of this world? Who knows the earth, the sky, and the heaven, region of light? Who knows the great creator of the sun? Who knows the moon and wherefrom it was born?
23.60
वेदाहम् अस्य भुवनस्य नाभिं वेद द्यावापृथिवी ऽ अन्तरिक्षम् ।
वेद सूर्यस्य बृहतो जनित्रं अथो वेद चन्द्रमसं यतोजाः ॥
vedāham asya bhuvanasya nābhiṃ veda dyāvāpṛthivī ' antarikṣam ।
veda sūryasya bṛhato janitraṃ atho veda candramasaṃ yatojāḥ ॥
I know the centre-hold of this world. I know the heaven and earth and the middle regions of the sky. I know the great creator of the sun. I know the moon and wherefrom it was born. (The man of real knowledge is one who knows Brahma, creator and sustainer of the world, and the world itself, who knows the efficient cause, Brahma, and the material cause, Prakriti, and the beneficiary, the jiva. The speaker is such a man of knowledge. Alternatively, the speaker is Brahma Itself.)
Mantras 61–65
23.61
पृच्छामि त्वा परम् अन्तं पृथिव्याः पृच्छामि यत्र भुवनस्य नाभिः ।
पृच्छामि त्वा वृष्णो ऽ अश्वस्य रेतः पृच्छामि वाचः परमं व्योम ॥
pṛcchāmi tvā param antaṃ pṛthivyāḥ pṛcchāmi yatra bhuvanasya nābhiḥ ।
pṛcchāmi tvā vṛṣṇo ' aśvasya retaḥ pṛcchāmi vācaḥ paramaṃ vyoma ॥
I ask you: What is the highest end of the earth and where? I ask you: What and where is the centre of the world? I ask you: Where and what is the seed of the virility and fertility of the male? I ask you: What and where is the haven and home and ultimate preserve of the Word, universal speech?
23.62
इयं वेदिः परो ऽ अन्तः पृथिव्या ऽ अयं यज्ञो यत्र भुवनस्य नाभिः ।
अयꣳ सोमो वृष्णो ऽ अश्वस्य रेतः ब्रह्मायं वाचः परमं व्योम ॥
iyaṃ vediḥ paro ' antaḥ pṛthivyā ' ayaṃ yajño yatra bhuvanasya nābhiḥ ।
ayaṁ somo vṛṣṇo ' aśvasya retaḥ brahmāyaṃ vācaḥ paramaṃ vyoma ॥
23.63
सुभूः स्वयम्भूः प्रथमो ऽन्तर् महत्य् अर्णवे ।
दधे ह गर्भम् ऋत्वियं यतो जातः प्रजापतिः ॥
subhūḥ svayambhūḥ prathamo 'ntar mahaty arṇave ।
dadhe ha garbham ṛtviyaṃ yato jātaḥ prajāpatiḥ ॥
Gracious and glorious, self-existent and at the very centre in this grand ocean of the universe is Brahma. He plants the seed of creation into Prakriti according to the season of the creative cycle, and thence is born Prajapati, the sun, lord of life.
23.64
होता यक्षत् प्रजापतिꣳ सोमस्य महिम्नः ।
जुषतां पिबतु सोमꣳ होतर् यज ॥
hotā yakṣat prajāpatiṁ somasya mahimnaḥ ।
juṣatāṃ pibatu somaṁ hotar yaja ॥
The man of yajna performs the yajna in honour of Prajapati, father and sustainer of the world of creation by the grace and glory of Soma, lord of life and omnipotence. May he ever dedicate himself to the lord and drink the nectar of life and immortality by divine grace. Man of yajna, carry on the yajna, relent not ever.
23.65
प्रजापते न त्वद् एतान्य् अन्यो विश्वा रूपाणि परि ता बभूव ।
यत्कामास् ते जुहुमस् तन् नो ऽ अस्तु । वयꣳ स्याम पतयो रयीणाम्॥
prajāpate na tvad etāny anyo viśvā rūpāṇi pari tā babhūva ।
yatkāmās te juhumas tan no ' astu । vayaṁ syāma patayo rayīṇām॥
Prajapati, lord of creation, no one other than you is supreme over and beyond all these and other forms of existence. Whatever our ends and aims for which we offer our homage to you, may all that come true for us. May we, by Grace, be masters, promoters and preservers of the wealths of the world.