Devīsūkta
{{Short description|Sukta}}
{{about-distinguish|the Devīsūktam in the Ṛgveda|Devīsūktam (Chandipatha)}}
{{Hindu scriptures}}
The {{IAST|Devīsūktam}}, also called the {{IAST|Aṃbhṛnīsūktam}}, is the 125th {{IAST|sūkta}} (hymn) occurring in the 10th mandala of the Rigveda.Rao, P. Venkata (1955): {{IAST|Ṛgveda Saṃhitā}} with {{IAST| Sāyaṇa's bhāṣya}}, Vol. 30. {{IAST|Śṛī Śāradā}} Press, Mysore, Karnataka, India, (Published by The {{IAST|Mahāṛāja}} of Mysore, for free public perusal). p. 689 In the present day, the {{IAST|sūkta}} is popularly chanted during the worship of the {{IAST|Devī}} (Universal Goddess in any form), in the daily rituals of temples, and also in various Vedic sacrificial ceremonies like {{IAST|iṣti, hōma, havana}}, etc. It is also chanted at the end of Devi Mahatmya. The hymn portrays the Feminine Divine as the supreme origin, creative energy, and ultimate deity. It conveys a profound, all-encompassing experience of the Self and highlights the ancient Vedic acknowledgment of women's enlightened consciousness. Furthermore, it introduces the notion of the Divine Feminine as an immanent creative force. The Vedic hymn is an important basis for Shaktism.{{Cite book |last=Howard |first=Veena R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J1OqDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA254 |title=The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Indian Philosophy and Gender |date=2019-10-17 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-4742-6959-9 |pages=254 |language=en}}
Sequential Index
The proper sequential occurrence of {{IAST|Devīsūkta}}, in the Rigveda text is:
{{font color||#A3BABF|{{IAST|Maṇḍala}}: X; {{IAST|Anuvāka}}: X; {{IAST|Sūkta}}: CXXV; {{IAST|Aṣtaka }}: VIII; {{IAST|Adhyāya}}: VII; Varga: XI, XII}}
Significance
The {{IAST|sūkta}}, in its apparent, general sense, is the proclamation by the {{IAST|Devī}} of her own power, glory, pervasiveness, and actions. The hymn depicts the Feminine Divine as the Ultimate Source, Creative Force, and Supreme Divinity. It portrays a mystical experience of the Self as pervasive, unlimited, and nonlocal. It underscores the early Vedic recognition of women's enlightened awareness and introduces the idea of the Divine Feminine as immanent, experienceable creative power.{{Cite book |last=Howard |first=Veena R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J1OqDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA254 |title=The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Indian Philosophy and Gender |date=2019-10-17 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-4742-6959-9 |pages=254 |language=en}}
The origins of Tantric Śaktism can be traced to the Vāgāmbhṛṇī Sūkta. This hymn depicts Vac as the Supreme Power, governing various deities such as Vasu, Soma, Tvasta, the Rudras, and the Adityas while also being the source of treasures, sustainer of natural forces, and bestower of favors. It encapsulates key monotheistic ideas, forming the basis of historical Sāktism.{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/rootsoftantra0000unse |title=The roots of Tantra |date=2002 |location=Albany |publisher= State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-7914-5305-6 |pages=41}}
{{IAST|Sāyaṇācārya}}, in his commentary, states that {{IAST|Vāgāmbhṛṇī}}, ({{IAST|Vāk}}, the daughter of {{IAST|Ṛṣi Aṃbhṛṇa}}) – a {{IAST|brahmaviduṣi}} (one who has realized {{IAST|Bṛahman}}) – has eulogized herself in this {{IAST|sūkta}}. {{IAST|Vāk}}, having dissolved her individuality – the ego – has hence identified herself with the {{IAST|Paramātman }} (Brahman who is none other than the {{IAST|Devī}}), the all-pervasive Satcitananda (the indivisible Existence-Knowledge-Bliss-Absolute), and thus with all the forms in the universe and the functionaries thereof, has praised herself.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}
Hence, she is the {{IAST|ṛṣikā }} of this {{IAST|sūkta}} and also the {{IAST|devatā}}.Rao (1955), p. 690
Recitation
An audio recording of the recitation of the Devīsūkta:
File:04-DEVI SUKTHAM-MANTRA MANJUSHA.ogg
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References
{{wikisource|The Rig Veda/Mandala 10/Hymn 125}}
- [http://www.vedarahasya.net/devisuk.htm {{IAST|Devīsūkta}}]
- [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10125.htm {{IAST|Ṛgveda}} Online]
{{Reflist}}
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