The Rigveda || Mandal 1 || Sutra 119 || English Podcast

Key Themes and Ideas:

The core of this Sukta revolves around the invocation and praise of the Ashvins, portraying them as powerful and benevolent beings who actively intervene in the lives of humans to provide aid and facilitate progress. The main themes and ideas explored are:

• Ashvins as Facilitators of Long Life and Success: The very title of the excerpt sets the stage, and the initial invocation explicitly states the desire for "a long life and full living and for the desired aim of life." The Ashvins are called upon to grant these fundamental human aspirations.
• The Marvellous Chariot: The Ashvins' chariot is a central and recurring motif, described in detail as a vehicle of divine power and efficiency. It is depicted as "wonderfully made, quick as mind, drawn by swift horses, a vehicle for yajnic action." This chariot symbolises not only their speed and mobility but also their connection to righteous action and progress. The description evolves, highlighting its capacity for "heavenly ride for this existential journey" and being a "very home and treasure of divine bliss."
• Divine Intervention and Protection: A significant portion of the Sukta focuses on the Ashvins' role as protectors and rescuers. They are invoked to deliver individuals from various forms of adversity and suffering. This is exemplified in phrases like:
• "Accordingly protections and paths of progress open and expand."
• "You rescue the man of faith and prayer from all round oppression and relieve the thrice free man from blazing heat with the cool of snow."
• They are called upon to "take a powerful force to the protector and defender of the nation gone to a state of isolation, rescue him and carry him home."
• Their protection is described as "blessed and brilliant... wonderful and cherished, and instant and close at hand."
• Support for the Wise and Righteous: The Ashvins are shown to have a particular affinity for those who embody wisdom, righteousness, and contribute to society. They are described as assisting "the noblest hero of valour and wisdom" and supporting "the giver of light and knowledge, who is a servant of heaven." They also "reinvigorate the noble reverend scholar stricken with age and adversity," comparing this to repairing a chariot.
• Connection to Enlightenment and Divine Wisdom: The Sukta links the Ashvins to the attainment of knowledge and enlightenment. The invocation of the "bright and beaming maiden of the morning, the dawn, victorious over the dark," who opts to join the Ashvins, symbolises the dispelling of ignorance and the arrival of light. The narrative of Dadhicha seeking knowledge and proclaiming the "Word of cherished wisdom and enlightenment" under the Ashvins' influence further reinforces this theme.
• Mastery over Nature's Energy and Innovation: The Ashvins are referred to as "masters of nature’s energy." This is explicitly demonstrated in their ability to provide a "brilliant mode of transport, communication and defence superfast as light," which can challenge any enemy. This highlights their association with harnessing natural forces for the benefit of humanity.
• Generosity and Benevolence: Repeatedly, the Ashvins are described as "brave and generous heroes." Their actions are driven by a desire to help and support, from providing wealth ("giver of a hundred kinds of wealth") to offering rest and security.