Devi Suktam (Rigvedokta)
देवी सूक्तम् (ऋग्वेदोक्त) in English · English
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✦ Meaning
The Devi Suktam (Rigvedokta) is the famous hymn of Rigveda 10.125, revealed by the seer Vak, daughter of sage Ambhrina (hence 'Ambhrini Sukta'). In it the Goddess speaks in the first person as the supreme cosmic power who pervades and upholds all gods, all worlds and all beings. Recited in every Devi puja and especially during Navaratri, it is one of the most important Vedic affirmations of the Divine Mother as the ultimate reality.
Origin & Story
Rigveda, Mandala 10, Sukta 125 (the Devi Sukta / Vak Sukta / Ambhrini Sukta) · Revealed by the rishika Vak, daughter of sage Ambhrina · Vedic (ancient)
The Devi Suktam is one of the most philosophically profound hymns of the Rigveda. Its seer, Vak Ambhrini, attained the highest realization and uttered this hymn in which the Divine Mother speaks as the one Self animating all gods, all worlds and all life. She declares that she bends Rudra's bow, bestows wisdom on whom she loves, and pervades heaven and earth, breathing forth like the wind to set the cosmos in motion. The hymn became the Vedic cornerstone of Shakta theology and is recited at the heart of the Durga Saptashati liturgy.
✦ As told in scripture
Tradition holds that the rishika Vak, by the power of this very realization, became one with the Goddess she praised — and that sincere recitation of the Suktam awakens in the devotee the same recognition that the supreme 'I' speaking through the hymn is none other than the Self within.
Complete Text with Meaning
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Om Aham Rudrebhir-Vasubhish-Charamy-Aham-Adityair-Uta Vishva-Devaih। Aham Mitra-Varunobha Bibharmy-Aham-Indragni Aham-Ashvinobha॥1॥
Meaning:I move with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Adityas and all the Vishvedevas. I uphold both Mitra and Varuna, Indra and Agni, and both the Ashvins.
Aham Somam-Ahanasam Bibharmy-Aham Tvashtaram-Uta Pushanam Bhagam। Aham Dadhami Dravinam Havishmate Supravye Yajamanaya Sunvate॥2॥
Meaning:I bear the exhilarating Soma, I uphold Tvashtar, Pushan and Bhaga. I bestow wealth upon the devoted sacrificer who offers oblation and presses the Soma.
Aham Rashtri Sangamani Vasunam Chikitushi Prathama Yajniyanam। Tam Ma Deva Vyadadhuh Purutra Bhuristhatram Bhury-Aveshayantim॥3॥
Meaning:I am the sovereign queen, the gatherer of treasures, full of knowledge, the first among those worthy of worship. The gods have set me in many places, with many homes, causing me to enter into many forms.
Maya So Annam-Atti Yo Vipashyati Yah Praniti Ya Im Shrinoty-Uktam। Amantavo Mam Ta Upa Kshiyanti Shrudhi Shruta Shraddhivam Te Vadami॥4॥
Meaning:Through me alone does everyone eat who sees, who breathes, who hears what is spoken. Though they know it not, they dwell in me. Hear, O renowned one, I tell you what deserves your faith.
Aham-Eva Svayam-Idam Vadami Jushtam Devebhir-Uta Manushebhih। Yam Kamaye Tam Tam-Ugram Krinomi Tam Brahmanam Tam-Rishim Tam Sumedham॥5॥
Meaning:I myself proclaim this, welcomed by gods and men alike. Whomever I love, I make him mighty — a knower of Brahman, a seer, a sage of deep wisdom.
Aham Rudraya Dhanura Tanomi Brahma-Dvishe Sharave Hantava U। Aham Janaya Samadam Krinomy-Aham Dyava-Prithivi A Vivesha॥6॥
Meaning:I bend the bow for Rudra, that his arrow may strike down the hater of devotion. I rouse the battle-spirit among the people; I have pervaded heaven and earth.
Aham Suve Pitaram-Asya Murdhan-Mama Yonir-Apsv-Antah Samudre। Tato Vi Tishthe Bhuvananu Vishvota-Amum Dyam Varshmanopa Sprishami॥7॥
Meaning:I give birth to the Father (heaven) upon the summit of this world; my own origin is within the waters, in the ocean. From there I spread out through all the worlds, and I touch yonder heaven with my vast form.
Aham-Eva Vata Iva Pra Vamy-Arabhamana Bhuvanani Vishva। Paro Diva Para Ena Prithivy-Etavati Mahina Sam Babhuva॥8॥
Meaning:I, verily, breathe forth like the wind, setting in motion all the worlds. Beyond heaven, beyond this earth — so great have I become in my majesty.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting देवी सूक्तम् (ऋग्वेदोक्त)
One of the supreme Vedic hymns establishing the Goddess as the all-pervading reality (Brahman)
Central to Navaratri, Chandi Path and all formal Devi worship
Recited to invoke divine wisdom (medha), sovereignty and spiritual power
Affirms the seeker's identity with the cosmic Shakti, deepening Self-knowledge
Traditionally bestows mastery of speech and learning, as it is the hymn of Vak (Goddess of speech)
Confers prosperity, protection and the strength to overcome those who oppose dharma
Purifies the mind and aligns the devotee with the universal Mother
How to Chant देवी सूक्तम् (ऋग्वेदोक्त)
Traditionally chanted as part of Devi puja and before reciting the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya). Sit facing east, observe purity, and recite with attention to the Vedic words. As a Vedic hymn it is ideally learned from a teacher to preserve correct pronunciation. It may be followed by the Tantrokta Devi Suktam ('Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu') and the Argala and Keelaka stotras.
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