रश्मिमन्तं समुद्यन्तम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
रश्मिमन्तं समुद्यन्तम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
रश्मिमन्तं
rashmimantam
The radiant one, possessed of rays (rashmi); the brilliantly shining Sun
समुद्यन्तं
samudyantam
The newly rising one, ascending in the sky
देव
deva
Gods, celestials
असुर
asura
Demons, anti-gods
नमस्कृतम्
namaskritam
Saluted, revered, bowed to (by both gods and demons alike)
पूजयस्व
pujayasva
Worship (you should worship); offer adoration
विवस्वन्तं
vivasvantam
Vivasvan — the one who shines forth, a name of the Sun and father of Manu
भास्करं
bhaskaram
Bhaskara — the maker of light, that which causes brilliance
भुवनेश्वरम्
bhuvaneshvaram
The Lord of all the worlds; sovereign of the universe
Complete Translation
किरणों से युक्त, उदित होते हुए, देवों और असुरों दोनों से नमस्कृत — उन विवस्वान् (सूर्य), प्रकाशकर्ता भास्कर, समस्त लोकों के स्वामी भुवनेश्वर की आप पूजा कीजिए।
Origin & History
Source: Aditya Hridayam, verse 6 (Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 105)
Author: Sage Agastya (as recorded by Maharishi Valmiki)
Period: Ancient (Ramayana; text compiled c. 500 BCE–100 CE)
Having declared the greatness of the Aditya Hridaya to the war-weary Rama, the sage Agastya now directs him to the act of worship itself. With this verse he bids Rama adore the rising Sun — Vivasvan, Bhaskara, sovereign of all the worlds — before reciting the names and praises that follow in the hymn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Rashmimantam Samudyantam' describe?▼
It describes the Sun-god rising with his rays, and instructs the devotee to worship him as Vivasvan, Bhaskara (the light-maker) and Bhuvaneshvara (Lord of the worlds), who is revered by gods and demons alike. It is the sixth verse of the Aditya Hridayam.
Why is the Sun called 'saluted by gods and demons'?▼
The phrase 'devasura-namaskritam' conveys that Surya is so supreme that even opposing forces — celestials and demons — bow to him equally. Light and time, which he governs, are indispensable to all beings without distinction.
When is the best time to chant this verse?▼
At sunrise, while offering Arghya (water oblation) to the Sun. Sundays, Ratha Saptami and the days of the Chhath festival are considered especially auspicious for Sun worship.
Is this verse part of a longer hymn?▼
Yes. It belongs to the Aditya Hridayam in the Yuddha Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana — the hymn the sage Agastya taught Lord Rama to grant him victory in battle.
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