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Mantra Pushpam --Part 5

From the Bhakti List Archives

V. Sadagopan • October 21, 1996 


NAVARATHRI SEASON : VIJAYA DASAMI DAY 
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PANCHASATS 85--86
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In the previous Panchasats ( 78  --84 ) , 
the Adhaara/Aadheya Relationship of Water 
to the Moon , Agni , Vaayu , Sun , Constellations,
Time/Year and  Rain were pointed out . The concluding 
86 th Panchasat  pays homage to a person of 
steadfast mind (Sthitha Prajnaa described in 
Srimad Bhagavat  Gita ) , who is able through meditation
to concieve the entire world in the form of a giant ship 
consecrated and floating in the immensity of 
all pervasive water . This Panchasat is as follows :

AAYATHANAVAAN BAVATHI I SAMVATSARO VAA
APAAYATHANAM I AAYATHANAVAAN BAVATHI I YA: 
SAMVATSARASYAAYATHANAM VEDA : I AAYATHANAVAAN
BAVATHI I AAPO VAI SAMVATSARASYAAYATHANAM I
AAYATHANAVAAN BAVATHI I YA YEVAM VEDA I yO 
apsunaavam prathishtithaam veda I pratyeva Thistathi I

This mantram recognizes the evolved soul , who fully 
understands the cosmic relationship of all that has been
created in the way that Purusha Suktham describes and the 
central relatonship of Water to the World and the Lord's 
creations.  

The 85th and the 86th Panchasats take off from this lofty
conception . They describe the mantras associated 
with the performance of the Yajnam known as AaruNa Kethuka 
Sayanam . The blessings that one receives from the performance 
of that  yajnam is Surya Saayujyam .The meaning of  these
mantras are : These worlds are rooted in Water. That is well
known and pointed out by these mantras. The essence (rasam ) 
of Water is shining is manifested as white effulgence in the 
orbit of the Sun. I collect the essence of the essence of the
waters and offer it unto you in sacred vessels . Therefore , the world 
is the distilled  essence of essences of waters. That essence of
essence is established in Surya Mandalam . 

The word Rasam has a rich and powerful meaning in the Vedic
context . The translation as essence is a minimal description. 
This mantra is recited In Soma Yaga , when Soma Rasam
is offered to the Devas for attaining the boon of Surya Saayujyam .

The 86  th mantram deals with the observances of te Yajnas
like Agni Hothram , Darsa PurNa MAsam and Chaathurmaasya,
where AaruNa Kethuka Sayanam is an essential part. The 86 th 
mantram describes the steps for performing this yajna in the 
proper way.

The last three mantras of the 22nd Anuvaakam of SNP deal
with the Yajnas and Krathus that include AaruNa kethuka
Sayana Agni and the presence or absence of Yupa Sthampam in 
these sacrificial rites. They mention that the descendants of 
the sage Chaandilya inquired about the fruits of AKS . The detailed 
correlation between the worship of different Agnis associated with
different Yajnaas is included . For example , the one who worships 
the agni known as Saavithram would have the fruit of the Saakshaatkaaram
of Surya Bhagavan. Vaayu appears before one , who worships the 
Agni known as Naachiketam . 

The anuvaakam concludes with the revelation that one who worships the 
Aruna kethuaka Agni will be blessed with all auspicousness in this 
and the other worlds. "Mithunavaan Bavathi " is the actual words used
by the last panchaasat. The reason for these abundant blessings 
is given as the comprehension that Jalam is united inextricably with
Agni. 

Thus ends the majestic Mantra Pushpa Anuvaakam. 

Veda Purushaaya Nama:

Oppiliappan Koil Varadachari Sadagopan