Aano Bhadrah Kratavo Yantu — Word-by-Word Meaning
आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
आ
ā
let (them) come, hither, towards (us)
नः
naḥ
to us, for us
भद्राः
bhadrāḥ
auspicious, noble, blessed (thoughts)
क्रतवः
kratavaḥ
thoughts, intentions, inspirations, wisdom-impulses
यन्तु
yantu
let them come, may they arrive
विश्वतः
viśvataḥ
from all sides, from everywhere
अदब्धासः
adabdhāsaḥ
uncorrupted, undeceived, unimpaired
अपरीतासः
aparītāsaḥ
unhindered, unopposed, not turned back
उद्भिदः
udbhidaḥ
ever-fresh, springing forth, revealing (new knowledge)
देवाः
devāḥ
the gods, the shining ones
यथा
yathā
so that, in such a way that
सदम् इत्
sadam id
always, ever, at all times indeed
वृधे
vṛdhe
for (our) growth, increase, prosperity
असन्
asan
may they be, let them be
अप्रायुवः
aprāyuvaḥ
untiring, never neglectful, ever-attentive
रक्षितारः
rakṣitāraḥ
protectors, guardians
दिवेदिवे
dive-dive
day by day, every day
Complete Translation
Let noble thoughts come to us from every side — thoughts that are unimpaired, unhindered and ever-fresh. May the gods be ever with us for our growth and prosperity, untiring guardians who protect us day after day. May only what is auspicious, true and elevating enter our minds, so that the divine powers may forever uphold and advance our well-being.
Origin & History
Source: Rigveda 1.89.1
Author: Rishi Gotama Rahugana
Period: Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE or earlier)
This verse opens a hymn of the Rigveda dedicated to the Vishvedevas, ascribed to the seer Gotama, son of Rahugana. The hymn prays for the favour, protection and blessing of all the gods. Its first line — a request that auspicious thoughts come to the worshipper from every direction — has been embraced across the centuries as a universal prayer for wisdom, open-mindedness and continual divine guardianship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Aano Bhadrah Kratavo Yantu Vishwatah' mean?▼
It means 'Let noble (auspicious) thoughts come to us from all directions.' It is a prayer to receive pure, uncorrupted and ever-fresh wisdom from every side, and for the gods to be untiring protectors of our growth each day.
Where is this verse from?▼
It is the first verse (mantra) of Rigveda 1.89, a hymn addressed to the Vishvedevas — all the gods together. It is one of the best known prayers for an open and receptive mind.
Why is this mantra famous?▼
The line 'let noble thoughts come from all sides' beautifully expresses the Vedic spirit of welcoming truth and knowledge from any source, free of prejudice. Swami Vivekananda and many teachers have cited it as a symbol of Hinduism's openness.
When should this mantra be chanted?▼
It is ideal at the beginning of study, meditation, teaching or any new endeavour, and is commonly used as a Shanti Patha (peace invocation) to set an auspicious, receptive tone.
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