Tachchakshur Devahitam — Pashyema Sharadah Shatam — Word-by-Word Meaning
तच्चक्षुर्देवहितम् — पश्येम शरदः शतम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तत्
tat
that (well-known, supreme)
चक्षुः
cakṣuḥ
the eye, the (cosmic) sight — the Sun as the eye of the gods
देवहितम्
devahitam
ordained / placed for the good of the gods and all beings
पुरस्तात्
purastāt
in the east, in front, ahead
शुक्रम्
śukram
bright, pure, luminous
उच्चरत्
uccarat
rising up, ascending (the sun rising in the east)
पश्येम
paśyema
may we see, may we behold
शरदः शतम्
śaradaḥ śatam
a hundred autumns (a hundred years)
जीवेम
jīvema
may we live
शृणुयाम
śṛṇuyāma
may we hear
प्र ब्रवाम
pra bravāma
may we speak well, may we proclaim
अदीनाः
adīnāḥ
undejected, self-reliant, free from want and helplessness
स्याम
syāma
may we be, may we remain
भूयः च
bhūyaḥ ca
and even more, and beyond
शरदः शतात्
śaradaḥ śatāt
than a hundred autumns (more than a hundred years)
Complete Translation
That bright, beneficent eye of the gods — the Sun — rises pure and luminous in the east. May we see it for a hundred autumns; may we live for a hundred autumns; may we hear for a hundred autumns; may we speak well for a hundred autumns; may we remain self-reliant and undejected for a hundred autumns, and even beyond a hundred autumns. May the radiant Sun, ordained for the welfare of all, bless us with a long, healthy, dignified and joyful life.
Origin & History
Source: Rigveda 7.66.16
Author: Rishi Vasishtha Maitravaruni
Period: Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE or earlier)
This verse appears in a Rigvedic hymn to Mitra and Varuna by the great seer Vasishtha. Contemplating the Sun rising in the east as the radiant 'eye of the gods,' the seer offers a fivefold prayer — to see, live, hear, speak and remain dignified for a hundred autumns and more. So beloved is this benediction that it was carried into the Yajurveda and quoted in the Upanishads, becoming the archetypal Vedic prayer for longevity and the health of all the senses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Pashyema Sharadah Shatam' mean?▼
It means 'May we see for a hundred autumns.' The verse prays that we may behold the Sun, live, hear, speak and remain self-reliant for a hundred autumns (a hundred years) and even beyond — a blessing for a long, healthy and dignified life.
What is 'Tachchakshur Devahitam'?▼
These opening words mean 'that beneficent eye of the gods' — referring to the Sun, which rises pure and luminous in the east. The Sun is praised as the cosmic eye that sustains and blesses all life.
Where is this verse from?▼
It is Rigveda 7.66.16, from a hymn to Mitra and Varuna by the seer Vasishtha. The same prayer is repeated in the Yajurveda and quoted in several Upanishads, making it one of the most widespread longevity blessings.
When should this mantra be chanted?▼
It is best chanted at sunrise facing the east, during Surya worship or while offering Arghya. It is also a favourite blessing recited on birthdays and longevity (Ayushya) ceremonies.
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