Svasti Na Indro Vriddhashravah — Word-by-Word Meaning
स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
स्वस्ति
svasti
well-being, blessing, auspiciousness, may it be well
नः
naḥ
to us, for us
इन्द्रः
indraḥ
Indra (lord of the gods and of strength)
वृद्धश्रवाः
vṛddhaśravāḥ
of widespread fame, of ancient renown
पूषा
pūṣā
Pushan (the nourishing solar deity, protector of paths)
विश्ववेदाः
viśvavedāḥ
the all-knowing, knower of all things
तार्क्ष्यः
tārkṣyaḥ
Tarkshya (the celestial bird Garuda, swift protector)
अरिष्टनेमिः
ariṣṭanemiḥ
of unhurt felly / whose course is never harmed, ever-safe
बृहस्पतिः
bṛhaspatiḥ
Brihaspati (lord of prayer, wisdom and the guru of the gods)
दधातु
dadhātu
may (he/they) grant, bestow, establish
Complete Translation
May Indra of widespread fame grant well-being to us; may the all-knowing Pushan grant well-being to us. May Tarkshya, whose course is ever unharmed, grant well-being to us; may Brihaspati bestow well-being upon us. May all these radiant powers establish auspiciousness, safety and prosperity for us on every side.
Origin & History
Source: Rigveda 1.89.6
Author: Rishi Gotama Rahugana
Period: Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE or earlier)
This verse belongs to the Rigvedic hymn to the Vishvedevas composed by the seer Gotama, son of Rahugana. As the hymn prays for the grace of all the gods, this verse asks four resplendent powers — Indra, Pushan, Tarkshya and Brihaspati — to bestow svasti, the all-round well-being that includes safety, health, prosperity and auspiciousness. Over millennia it became the standard 'Svasti Vachana' used to crown rituals with blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Svasti Mantra mean?▼
It means 'May Indra of great fame grant us well-being; may all-knowing Pushan grant us well-being; may Tarkshya of unharmed course grant us well-being; may Brihaspati grant us well-being.' Svasti means welfare, safety and auspiciousness.
Where does 'Svasti Na Indro Vriddhashravah' come from?▼
It is verse 6 of Rigveda 1.89, the hymn to the Vishvedevas by the seer Gotama Rahugana. It is one of the most common Vedic blessings, found in many ritual handbooks.
When is this mantra chanted?▼
It is traditionally recited as a Svasti Vachana — a blessing of well-being — at the conclusion of yajnas, pujas, scriptural recitations and ceremonies. It is also used at the start of journeys and new undertakings for protection.
Who are the four deities invoked?▼
Indra (lord of strength and the heavens), Pushan (the nourishing, all-knowing sun and guardian of paths), Tarkshya (Garuda, the swift celestial protector), and Brihaspati (lord of wisdom and prayer, guru of the gods).
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