भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः। भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः। स्थिरैरङ्गैः तुष्टुवाग्ं-सस्तनूभिः। व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः॥ Bhadraṁ Karṇebhiḥ Śṛṇuyāma Devāḥ. Bhadraṁ Paśyemākṣabhiryajatrāḥ. Sthirair Aṅgaiḥ Tuṣṭuvāgṁ-Sastanūbhiḥ. Vyaśema Devahitaṁ Yadāyuḥ. Oh divine beings! May we listen attentively and hear only auspicious things. May our vision be clear, perceiving only that which is auspicious. May our limbs be strong and healthy, without any impairment, enabling us to worship the divinities. May we attain the entire lifespan granted to us by the Gods! स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः। स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः । स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः। स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु॥ Swasti na Indro Vṛddhaśravāḥ. Swasti naḥ Pūṣā Viśvavedāḥ. Swasti nastaārkṣyo Ariṣṭanemiḥ. Swasti no Bṛhaspatir Dadhātu. May we be safeguarded by Indra, whose glory has been extolled by the noble and virtuous of ancient times. May we be shielded by Pushan, who possesses omniscient knowledge. May we be guarded by Tarkshya (Garuda), the embodiment of fearless protection. May Brihaspati watch over and protect us!
Introduction
This Shanti Mantra is widely recognized and holds significant importance in Vedic literature. Consisting of two distinct sections, it serves as the invocation at the beginning of the first chapter of the Taittiriya Aranyaka. This chapter focuses on the Aruna Ketuka Chayana yajna dedicated to Lord Surya. These mantras are also present in the Rigveda Samhita, underscoring their ancient origins and enduring relevance.
The first part, beginning with “Bhadram karebhih…”, is the 8th mantra of the 89th sukta in the first mandala of the Rigveda Samhita. Meanwhile, the second section, starting with “Svasti na…” is the 6th mantra in the same sukta. Known as the “A no bhadrah…” sukta, the 89th sukta encapsulates noble Vedic ideals, further emphasizing the significance of these mantras in invoking auspiciousness and divine blessings.
Rishi-Devata-Chhandas
In the Rigveda Samhita Bhashya, Acharya Sayana attributes the rishi, devata, and chhandas for this sukta as follows:
- Rishi: Gautama
- Devata: Vishve devah, representing “all divinities” or “various divinities” seen as one entity.
- Meter for the portion “Bhadram karnebhih”: Trishtubh
- Meter for the “Svasti nah” mantra portion: Virat
Notably, this mantra appears in both the Rigveda and the Yajurveda, and Sayanacharya has provided commentary for both versions. While the word meaning and commentary provided here are primarily based on the Yajurvedic occurrence of the mantra, any insightful differences in interpretation will be emphasized in the explanation section.
Word Meaning
भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः। भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः। स्थिरैरङ्गैः तुष्टुवाग्ं-सस्तनूभिः। व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः॥
- भद्रम् – auspicious/well,
- कर्णेभिः – with ears,
- शृणुयाम – let us hear,
- देवाः – Oh! Divinities!
- भद्रम् –auspicious/well ,
- पश्येम – let us see,
- अक्षभिः – with eyes,
- यजत्राः – capable of doing Yagas/Vedic rituals,
- स्थिरैः – with firm/unimpaired
- अङ्गैः– limbs,
- तुष्टुवांसः – praising you,
- तनूभिः – with (our) bodies,
- व्यशेम – let us attain,
- देवहितम् – given by the divinity (Prajapati)
- यद् – that,
- आयुः – life span
स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः। स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः । स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः। स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु॥
- स्वस्ति – protection/well-being,
- नः – to us,
- इन्द्रः – Indra,
- वृद्धश्रवाः – the one who(se) glory is heard by the great and pious, स्वस्ति – protection/well being,
- नः – to us,
- पूषा – Pushan,
- विश्ववेदाः – the one who knows everything,
- स्वस्ति – protection/wellbeing,
- नः – to us,
- तार्क्ष्यः – Tarkshya/Garuda – Son of Trksha,
- अरिष्टनेमिः – the one who is the protective ring of fearlessness, स्वस्ति – protection/wellbeing,
- नः– to us,
- बृहस्पतिः – Brihaspati,
- दधातु – grant.
Explanations
Om Bhadram Karnnebhih Shrnnuyaama Devaah | Bhadram Pashyema-Akssabhir-Yajatraah | Sthirair-Anggais-Tussttuvaamsas-Tanuubhih | Vyashema Deva-Hitam Yad-Aayuh |
- Acharya Sayana’s interpretation of the word “Bhadram” as “auspiciousness” in his Yajurveda commentary and as “the ability to hear well; without deafness” in his Rigveda Samhita commentary of the same mantra is intriguing.
- According to Acharya Sayana, auspiciousness in hearing refers to listening to the Vedas and the Smritis. This applies similarly to the act of seeing.
- The mantra’s use of the plural number may signify the collective community, either the teacher-student relationship or the yajamana (performer of Vedic rituals) and ritviks (officiators of the rituals) community.
- Acharya Sayana’s clarification regarding the “attainment of full life span” as avoiding untimely demise, or apa-mrityu, is insightful. He suggests that the risk of accidents or premature death is minimized by hearing and seeing auspicious things properly and by having firm limbs and good health.
In modern times, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits contribute to lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac problems, which reduce life expectancy. Therefore, adhering to a healthy lifestyle advocated in this portion of the mantra, Bhadram Karnebhih, would be beneficial.
Svasti Na Indro Vrddha-Shravaah | Svasti Nah Puussaa Vishva-Vedaah | Svasti Nas-Taarkssyo Arisstta-Nemih | Svasti No Brhaspatir-Dadhaatu || Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Acharya Sayana interprets the word “svasti” as “kshemam,” highlighting the importance of protection or safeguarding. Sanskrit has a well-known pair of words, “yoga” and “kshema.” “Yoga” signifies the attainment of various blessings in life, such as wealth and peace, while “kshema” refers to preserving and protecting those attained blessings.
This distinction suggests a fundamental orientation necessary in all aspects of life: to earn or attain, and then to safeguard or protect what has been acquired. This principle underscores the importance of acquisition and preservation in ensuring a happy and fulfilling life.
Indra, Pushan, Tarkshya/Garuda, and Brihaspati are the divinities invoked for protection in this mantra.
Indra, the presiding deity of rain, symbolizes the provider of nourishment and abundance. Invoking Indra reminds us of the importance of environmental sustainability and eco-friendly living practices, as it is through such practices that the blessings of rain and abundance are ensured.
Pushan, often associated with the Sun, represents the vital force that sustains life on Earth. Embracing a lifestyle centered around the Sun’s rhythm promotes health and well-being. Starting the day with the sunrise and concluding it with sunset, including dinner, aligns our biological rhythms with natural cycles, fostering physical and mental health.
Additionally, Pushan is depicted as the omniscient observer, symbolizing cosmic awareness. Acting with integrity and ethical conduct, mindful that Pushan perceives all, encourages virtuous behavior and minimizes errors or transgressions, contributing to personal safety and collective harmony.
Garuda, symbolized as the protective ring, embodies strength and resilience. Just as the metallic ring shields wooden wheels from breaking, Garuda’s might serves as a deterrent against harm. Invoking Garuda emphasizes the importance of physical strength through practices like yoga, fostering individual and societal security. Swami Vivekananda’s advocacy for inner strength parallels this sentiment, emphasizing the need for robust nerves and muscles.
Furthermore, Brihaspati, representing speech and intellect, underscores the power of wisdom and communication. Intellectual prowess and effective communication often offer formidable defense in the face of challenges. As the saying goes, “Mighty Brawn is no match for a nimble brain.” Cultivating intellect and refining communication skills are additional protection in navigating life’s complexities.
Conclusion
These Vedic mantras offer profound insights into attaining prosperity and protection, encapsulating the essence of yoga and kshema. By chanting these mantras, contemplating their significance, and integrating their wisdom into our daily lives, we pay homage to the Vedic rishis and uphold the Vedic way of life.
The universal applicability of these teachings transcends boundaries and resonates with humanity as a whole. Embracing the Vedic way of living, characterized by spiritual wisdom, ethical conduct, and holistic well-being, can lead to the upliftment and betterment of individuals and society. As we imbibe these timeless principles, we pave the way for a more harmonious and prosperous world.