Pavamana Suktam (Punantu Mam)
पवमान सूक्तम् (पुनन्तु माम्)
Also known as: pavamana sukta · punantu mam · punantu ma devajanah · pavamana suktam lyrics · vedic purification mantra
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✦ Meaning
The Pavamana Suktam (Rigveda 9.67.21-27) is the celebrated 'Punantu Mam' purification hymn, addressed to Pavamana Soma together with Agni, Savitr, the Vasus and the Vishvedevas. Verse by verse it prays to be cleansed of fear and impurity 'from every side', invoking the gods to purify body, mind and speech. It is one of the most important Vedic mantras for inner purification, recited at the conclusion of rites, in prayaschitta (atonement), and during sacred bathing and homa.
Origin & Story
Rigveda, Mandala 9, Sukta 67 (verses 21-27) · Rishi Pavitra Angirasa and the seers of the Soma-Pavamana hymns (traditional) · c. 1500-1200 BCE
The ninth Mandala of the Rigveda is devoted entirely to Soma Pavamana — the sacred draught as it is pressed and purified through the woollen strainer. From this Mandala the closing verses of Sukta 67 form the 'Punantu Mam' hymn, in which the imagery of straining and purifying Soma becomes a prayer for the purification of the worshipper himself. Adopted across the Vedic ritual tradition, it is recited wherever inner and outer purity is sought — in bathing, atonement and the sealing of every sacred rite.
✦ As told in scripture
Tradition holds that the Pavamana Suktam carries the cleansing power of Soma itself: just as the strained Soma becomes clear and radiant, the worshipper who recites 'Punantu Mam' with faith is said to be inwardly purified of fear, fault and impurity. For this reason it is the mantra invoked to make a person and a ritual fit and whole, washing away even unknown lapses.
Complete Text with Meaning
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ॐ यदन्ति यच्च दूरके भयं विन्दति मामिह। पवमान वि तज्जहि॥
Om yadanti yachcha durake bhayam vindati mamiha; Pavamana vi tajjahi.
Meaning:Om. Whatever fear besets me — near at hand or far away — O Pavamana, drive it utterly away.
पवमानः सो अद्य नः पवित्रेण विचर्षणिः। यः पोता स पुनातु नः॥
Pavamanah so adya nah pavitrena vicharshanih; Yah pota sa punatu nah.
Meaning:May Pavamana, the all-discerning, purify us this day with his cleansing strainer; he who is the purifier, may he make us pure.
यत्ते पवित्रमर्चिष्यग्ने विततमन्तरा। ब्रह्म तेन पुनीहि नः॥
Yatte pavitramarchishyagne vitatamantara; Brahma tena punihi nah.
Meaning:That purifying power, O Agni, which is spread within your flame — with that, purify us by the sacred word.
यत्ते पवित्रमर्चिवदग्ने तेन पुनीहि नः। ब्रह्मसवैः पुनीहि नः॥
Yatte pavitramarchivadagne tena punihi nah; Brahmasavaih punihi nah.
Meaning:That purifying, flaming power of yours, O Agni — with it purify us; purify us through the impulses of sacred knowledge.
उभाभ्यां देव सवितः पवित्रेण सवेन च। मां पुनीहि विश्वतः॥
Ubhabhyam deva savitah pavitrena savena cha; Mam punihi vishvatah.
Meaning:O divine Savitr, with both the purifier and the divine impulse, purify me on every side.
त्रिभिष्ट्वं देव सवितर्वर्षिष्ठैः सोम धामभिः। अग्ने दक्षैः पुनीहि नः॥
Tribhishtvam deva savitarvarshishthaih soma dhamabhih; Agne dakshaih punihi nah.
Meaning:With your three loftiest states, O Savitr, O Soma, and with your powers, O Agni, purify us.
पुनन्तु मां देवजनाः पुनन्तु वसवो धिया। विश्वे देवाः पुनीत मा जातवेदः पुनीहि मा॥
Punantu mam devajanah punantu vasavo dhiya; Vishve devah punita ma jatavedah punihi ma.
Meaning:May the divine beings purify me; may the Vasus purify me through wisdom; O all you gods, purify me; O Jatavedas, purify me.
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Om shantih shantih shantih.
Meaning:Om, peace, peace, peace.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Pavamana Suktam (Punantu Mam)
Purifies the body, mind and speech from every side (mam punihi vishvatah)
Removes fear, both near and far (yadanti yachcha durake bhayam)
Cleanses subtle impurities and the effects of wrongdoing; used in prayaschitta (atonement)
Recited at the conclusion of homas, pujas and Vedic rituals for completeness and purity
Brings deep inner peace, clarity and sanctity to the practitioner
Invokes the combined purifying grace of Soma, Agni, Savitr and all the gods
How to Chant Pavamana Suktam (Punantu Mam)
Traditionally recited during ritual bathing, while sprinkling water for self-purification (proksana), and at the conclusion of homas and pujas to sanctify the act. Sit or stand facing east, recite each verse with the sincere intention of inner cleansing, and conclude with the threefold shanti. It is also chanted as a daily purification mantra before worship or meditation.