Upadhyayula Lakshman Rao
In the sacred hymns of the Rigveda, the sage Praskanva, son of the revered seer Kanva, offers fervent prayers to the divine twin deities known as the Ashvins. These hymns, composed in the dignified Bruhati chandas (metrical form), portray the Ashvins as compassionate celestial helpers who sustain both the cosmic order and the sacrificial life of humanity. Through vivid imagery and devotional language, the sage presents their greatness, their swift responsiveness to prayer, and their intimate connection with the sacred ritual of yajna.
The Ashvins is praised as divine guardians of the sacrificial process. The sage proclaims that they constantly nourish and cause the yajnas to flourish. In the hymn, the ritual preparation has already begun. The sacred Soma has been purified according to the ritual procedure known as “Tiro Ahnya”, signifying the completion of a careful purification process. The priests invite the Ashvins to accept this consecrated Soma, the luminous elixir revered in the Vedic ritual tradition. The sage prays that by partaking in the offering, the Ashvins may bestow prosperity, health, and wealth upon the yajamāna—the patron who sponsors the sacrifice.
The hymn describes the magnificent chariot of the Ashvins, a symbol of their cosmic mobility and divine authority. Their golden chariot is said to traverse the three worlds, moving freely through heaven, atmosphere, and earth. It contains seats of different levels—high and low—symbolizing the harmonious arrangement of cosmic hierarchy and divine participation in all realms of existence. Seated in this radiant vehicle filled with treasures, the Ashvins are invoked to arrive swiftly and bless the patron with abundant riches and well-being.
The sage confidently invites the Ashvins, declaring that they will surely come when called with sincerity. The Soma juice, described as a delicious and immortalizing elixir, awaits them. The priests have carefully purified this sacred drink and have spread the holy darbha grass in three sacred rows upon the sacrificial ground. These ritual arrangements symbolize purity, order, and readiness for divine presence. The Ashvins is invited to take their seats upon these consecrated mats and partake in the Soma offering that sanctifies the yajna.
In Vedic thought, the Ashvins are not merely celestial beings but also embodiments of auspiciousness and healing. They are celebrated as protectors who respond compassionately to the prayers of sages and devotees. The tradition recalls that when the sage Kanva and his descendants prayed to them with devotion, the Ashvins rescued and blessed them. Following the same sacred tradition, the present priests and worshippers repeat those ancient invocations, hoping to receive similar grace and protection.
The hymn further remembers the generosity of the Ashvins toward the legendary king Sudasa. They are said to have granted him a splendid vehicle filled with nourishment and prosperity. This imagery conveys the divine ability to supply sustenance to humanity from both heaven and earth. The Ashvins is portrayed as bringers of food, wealth, and vitality, ensuring that life flourishes abundantly across the world.
Another beautiful aspect of the hymn is the description of the Ashvins’ arrival at dawn. They are imagined as approaching with the rays of the rising sun, traveling through the sky in luminous splendour. Whether from near or far, they are invited to come at the most auspicious moment of the ritual. The priests, seated in disciplined order, offer oblations and chant the sacred verses, awaiting the divine guests who bring blessings and prosperity.
From the perspective of Vedic studies, this hymn illustrates several profound themes. Spiritually, it reflects the deep faith that the universe is sustained by a harmonious interaction between divine forces and human effort. The yajna symbolizes cooperation between nature, humanity, and the divine order (ṛta). Scientifically interpreted, the imagery of the Ashvins traveling with the dawn and sunrays may represent early observations of natural cycles—the movement of celestial bodies, the arrival of daylight, and the renewal of life each morning. Thus, the hymn embodies both spiritual symbolism and a primitive yet perceptive scientific awareness of cosmic rhythms.
The prayer of Praśkanva ultimately encapsulates a universal aspiration. With simple yet profound devotion, he invites the Ashvins to accept the Soma offering, bless the ritual, protect the community, and grant wealth without measure. The hymn stands as a testimony to the refined intellectual and spiritual culture of the Vedic age, where poetry, ritual, philosophy, and observation of nature were woven together into a unified vision of life and cosmos.
