PURUSHA SUKTA
Epilogue
Concluding Invocation
The Purusha Sooktam closes, as it began, with that unique and wonderful invocation to peace. In peace all begins, and in peace all ends. All we work for is so peace may flourish.
[Note: The following is not part of the Purusha Sukta proper. However, it is often chanted at the end and is found in many printed editions.]
tacchamyo-rAvrNeemahe | gAtum yagnyAya | gAtum yagnyapataye | daivee: svastirastu na: | svasti mAnushebhya: | oordhvam jigAtu bheSHajam | sham no astu dvipade | sham chatushpade | om shAnti: shAnti: shAnti: ||
(AvrNeemahe) We seek (tat) that which (chamyo) gives
us peace from sorrows, present and future. We seek
(gAtum) growth (yagnyAya) for the rite of sacrifice
and (gAtum) growth for (yagnyapataye) patron of the
rite, the yajamAna. (daivee: svasti) The grace of the Gods
(astu) be (na:) unto us. (svasti) Well being (mAnushebhya:)
to all mankind. (bheshajam) May plants, like medicinal herbs
(jigAtu) flourish and grow (oordhvam) upwards. (sham)
Good (na: astu ) come unto us from (dvipade) creatures that
go on two feet (sham) and good from (chatuSHpade) those
that go on four feet. (shAnti:) Peace.
Sorrows that are, and sorrows to be
We seek that which grants us
Peace from these
May the rite flourish,
And those who keep it..
The grace of the gods
Be with all mankind..
May the earth be covered
With growing green
And good come to us
From all creation
From beings that go
On two feet and four..
May the three-fold peace
Embrace the Land..
Dedication
This translation is dedicated to my great grandfather, Mahomahopadhyaaya Manaloor Veeravalli Ramanujacharyar. Its faults are mine alone.The spirit that moved and enthused me to even attempt this is his, and what he inspires. I did not know him in life. This is my small attempt at remembering him, as he deserves to be remembered - in learning, in respect, in humility, and most of all, in trying - for his spirit of doing was indefatigable.
-- V. Sundar
Purusha Sukta:
