Original text
ॐ स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः। स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः। स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः। स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Transliteration
Om svasti na indro vriddhashravah| Svasti nah pusha vishvavedah| Svasti nastarkshyo arishtanemih| Svasti no brihaspatirdadhatu || Om shantih shantih shantih ||
Where it comes from
This verse is Rigveda 1.89.6, from a hymn to all the gods (the Vishvedevas) attributed to the rishi Gotama Rahugana. It also opens several Upanishads, including the Prashna, Mundaka and Mandukya, as their shanti path, and it is the heart of svastivachan, the recitation of blessings with which weddings, griha pravesh, yajnas and pujas begin. Svasti (su + asti, "may it be well") is the root of the word swastika, the symbol of auspiciousness.
Line by line
- Svasti na indro vriddhashravah: may Indra, of great renown, grant us wellbeing.
- Svasti nah pusha vishvavedah: may Pushan, the all-knowing, the nourisher and guardian of paths and travellers, grant us wellbeing.
- Svasti nas tarkshyo arishtanemih: may Tarkshya, whose wheel-rim is unbroken (usually understood as Garuda, or the sun's swift steed), grant us wellbeing.
- Svasti no brihaspatir dadhatu: may Brihaspati, teacher of the gods, bestow wellbeing on us.
- Om shantih shantih shantih: peace, peace, peace, for the body, for the world around, and from the divine.
When it is recited
- At the start of pujas, havans, weddings, upanayana and housewarmings, as part of svastivachan.
- Before Vedic study and at school or Gurukul assemblies, often with "Om saha navavatu".
- Before setting out on a journey, since Pushan is the guardian of travellers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Svasti mantra from?
Rigveda 1.89.6. It is also the opening shanti path of the Prashna, Mundaka and Mandukya Upanishads.
What does "svasti" mean?
"Wellbeing" or "may it be well", from su (good) and asti (is). The swastika symbol takes its name from it.
Who is Tarkshya Arishtanemi?
Tarkshya is generally identified with Garuda; arishtanemi means "whose wheel-rim is unharmed", one who moves without obstruction.
Why is "shanti" said three times?
For peace from three sources of trouble: adhyatmik (within), adhibhautik (from other beings) and adhidaivik (from nature and fate).
Can it be recited daily?
Yes, many begin their daily puja or study with it.
Spotted a mistake?
If you find any grammatical, Hindi, English, mantra-text or other mistake on this page, tell us — we will correct it within 24 hours.