The Hiranyagarbha Sukta: The Golden Seed of Creation and Cosmic Order
In Hindu Vedic cosmology, Hiranyagarbha metaphorically represents the universe's creation, symbolized by a "Golden Womb" or "Golden Egg." The Vedas, including the Rigveda, explicitly states that it is all creation's origin. Hiranyagarbha is depicted as a celestial ovum from which the entirety of the universe and all living entities originate. It represents the fundamental substance and sacred origin from which the universe arises. The notion highlights the recurring pattern of the universe, which encompasses the processes of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
The Hiranyagarbha Sukta is a hymn from the Rigveda (RV 10.121) that poetically describes the universe's origin through the concept of the Hiranyagarbha, or "Golden Womb." It provides a metaphysical framework for understanding the creation of the cosmos from a Hindu perspective. Here's a brief explanation of Hiranyagarbha Sukta: The Golden Seed of Creation
Understanding the Universe's Beginning
The Hiranyagarbha Sukta uses symbolic and poetic language to describe the origin of the universe, focusing on the following themes:
Unity and Origin: The universe is born from a single, unified source, represented by the golden egg. This symbolizes the potential and the seed of all existence.
Divine Creation: The creation process is not random but guided by divine intelligence, embodying creation and sustenance.
Cosmic Order: Hiranyagarbha is seen as the maintainer of cosmic order, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings
Significance and Themes
Primordial Creation
The Hiranyagarbha Sukta presents a vision of the universe from a singular, divine source—the golden egg or womb. This concept emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of all existence.
Divine Authority
Hiranyagarbha is not just the creator but also the sustainer and governor of the cosmos. This highlights the belief in a divine order and authority that permeates the universe, ensuring its balance and harmony.
Cyclical Nature of Time
The golden egg imagery suggests creation, preservation, and dissolution cycles, reflecting the cyclical nature of time and existence in Hindu cosmology.
Symbolism and Metaphor
The hymn's rich symbolism and metaphor allow for a deeper, contemplative understanding of the universe's origins, blending the physical and the metaphysical.
The Hiranyagarbha Sukta offers a profound and eloquent account of the universe's genesis, firmly grounded in Hinduism's profound spiritual and philosophical traditions. The depiction illustrates the cosmos originating from a celestial, gilded womb, highlighting the concepts of oneness, divine supremacy, and the recurring pattern of creation. The hymn ponders the interdependence of all things and the divine powers that uphold them.
Verse 1: The Emergence of the Golden Seed (Hiranyagarbha)
hi̠ra̠ṇya̠ga̠rbha-ssama̍varta̠tāgrē̍ bhū̠tasya̍ jā̠taḥ pati̠rēka̍ āsīt ।
sa dā̍dhāra pṛthi̠vī-ndyāmu̠tēmā-ṅkasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 1
"In the beginning arose the golden seed (Hiranyagarbha); born, he was the sole lord of every creature. He upheld this earth and heaven. Which Lord shall we worship with the offering?"
Hiranyagarbha, the golden seed, is the primordial entity that emerged at the start of creation. This verse highlights his role as the creator and sustainer of the universe. He is recognized as the lord of all beings and upholds the earth and the heavens. The rhetorical question "Which god shall we worship with offering?" implies that no other god is as worthy of worship as Hiranyagarbha.
Verse 2: Bestower of Life and Strength
ya ā̍tma̠dā ba̍la̠dā yasya̠ viśva̍ u̠pāsa̍tē pra̠śiṣa̠ṃ yasya̍ dē̠vāḥ ।
yasya̍ Chā̠yāmṛta̠ṃ yasya̍ mṛ̠tyuḥ kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 2
"He bestows the soul force and vigour upon his call, and all, even gods, approach. His shadow is immortality; death is also his shadow. Which Lord shall we worship with the offering?"
Hiranyagarbha is the giver of life force (atmada) and strength (balada). All beings, including the gods, revere and approach him. He embodies the dual aspects of existence: immortality and death. This verse emphasizes his supreme power and the essential nature of his being, suggesting that he is the ultimate deity worthy of worship.
Verse 3: Sovereign Ruler of All Beings
yaḥ prā̍ṇa̠tō ni̍miṣa̠tō ma̍hi̠tvaika̠ idrājā̠ jaga̍tō ba̠bhūva̍ ।
ya īśē̍ a̠sya dvi̠pada̠śchatu̍ṣpada̠ḥ kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 3
"In this Universe, he by his greatness becomes the sole king of the breathing and seeing. He is the lord of all beings with two states and four. Which Lord shall we worship with the offering?"
Hiranyagarbha is portrayed as the sovereign ruler of all living beings, those who breathe and see. He governs all creatures, both bipeds (humans) and quadrupeds (animals). His greatness makes him the sole king of the universe. This verse underscores his omnipotence and the universal scope of his rule, reinforcing that he is the only deity worthy of worship with offerings.
Verse 4: Creator of Mountains and Oceans
yasyē̠mē hi̠mava̍ntō mahi̠tvā yasya̍ samu̠draṃ ra̠sayā̍ sa̠hāhuḥ ।
yasyē̠māḥ pra̠diśō̠ yasya̍ bā̠hū kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 4
"These snowy mountains arose through his greatness. They call the oceans and their essence as his. These quarters are his arms. Which Lord shall we worship with the offering?"
This verse emphasizes the vastness and power of Hiranyagarbha, whose greatness manifests in the creation of snowy mountains and oceans. The quarters or directions are metaphorically described as his arms, indicating his omnipresence and control over all regions of the earth.
Verse 5: Supporter of Heaven and Earth
yēna̠ dyauru̠grā pṛ̍thi̠vī cha̍ dṛ̠ḻhā yēna̠ sva̍-sstabhi̠taṃ yēna̠ nāka̍ḥ ।
yō a̠ntari̍kṣē̠ raja̍sō vi̠māna̠ḥ kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 5
"Through him heaven is forceful and earth firm; He supported the world of Light (svah) and heaven (naka). He is the measurer of the region of the midworld. Which Lord shall we worship with the offering?"
Hiranyagarbha is the force that strengthens the heavens and stabilizes the earth. He upholds the world of light and the higher heavens, acting as the measurer and regulator of the cosmic regions. This verse highlights his crucial role in maintaining cosmic order.
Verse 6: Stabilizer of the Universe
ya-ṅkranda̍sī̠ ava̍sā tastabhā̠nē a̠bhyaikṣē̍tā̠-mmana̍sā̠ rēja̍mānē ।
yatrādhi̠ sūra̠ udi̍tō vi̠bhāti̠ kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 6
"He who propped up the heavens and the earth, beholding them with his mind as they trembled. Where the risen sun brightly shines, which Lord shall we worship with offering?"
This verse portrays Hiranyagarbha as the supporter of the heavens and the earth, stabilizing them with his power. His gaze encompasses the entire universe, and the sun's rising symbolizes his sustaining energy and presence. It again poses the rhetorical question of which deity deserves worship.
Verse 7: Progenitor of Agni and Divine Life
āpō̍ ha̠ yadbṛ̍ha̠tīrviśva̠māya̠-ngarbha̠-ndadhā̍nā ja̠naya̍ntīra̠gnim ।
tatō̍ dē̠vānā̠ṃ sama̍varta̠tāsu̠rēka̠ḥ kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 7
"When the mighty Waters enveloped the universe, bearing the child in birth and gave birth to Agni, then (Prajapati), the sole breath of the Gods, arose. Which Lord shall we worship with the offering?"
In the primordial waters, Hiranyagarbha bore and gave birth to Agni, the fire god. This event marks Prajapati's emergence, the gods' sole breath, signifying the origin of divine life. The verse underscores his role as the creator and sustainer of the divine and natural orders.
Verse 8: Creator of Sacrifice and Supreme God
yaśchi̠dāpō̍ mahi̠nā pa̠ryapa̍śya̠ddakṣa̠-ndadhā̍nā ja̠naya̍ntīrya̠jñam ।
yō dē̠vēṣvidhi̍ dē̠va ēka̠ āsī̠tkasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 8
"He in his might beheld energies (waters), bearing discernment and gave birth to Yajna. He was the sole God above all the Gods. Which God shall we worship with the offering?"
Hiranyagarbha might perceive the waters' energies, giving rise to discernment and Yajna (sacrifice). He is recognized as the supreme god above all others, highlighting his singular divinity and role in the inception of sacrificial (Yajna) rituals, a cornerstone of Vedic worship.
Verse 9: Protector and Creator of Heaven and Earth
mā nō̍ hiṃsījjani̠tā yaḥ pṛ̍thi̠vyā yō vā̠ diva̍ṃ sa̠tyadha̍rmā ja̠jāna̍ ।
yaśchā̠paścha̠ndrā bṛ̍ha̠tīrja̠jāna̠ kasmai̍ dē̠vāya̍ ha̠viṣā̍ vidhēma ॥ 9
"May he who is the father of earth protect us. He created heaven, and his law of being is Truth. He created the great, delightful Waters. Which god shall we worship with the offering?"
The hymn seeks protection from Hiranyagarbha, acknowledging him as the earth's father and heaven's creator. His being is rooted in truth, and he is the creator of the great and delightful waters. This verse emphasizes his role as the universe's protector and foundational force.
Verse 10: Prajapati: The Supreme Creator and Fulfillment of Desires
prajā̍patē̠ na tvadē̠tānya̠nyō viśvā̍ jā̠tāni̠ pari̠ tā ba̍bhūva ।
yatkā̍māstē juhu̠mastannō̍ astu va̠yaṃ syā̍ma̠ pata̍yō rayī̠ṇām ॥ 10
"O Prajapati, none other than you has given existence to all these beings. That object of our desires for which we call you may be ours. May we become the masters of felicities?"
Hiranyagarbha is addressed as Prajapati, the lord of all creatures, who alone has brought all beings into existence. The verse is a prayer for the fulfilment of desires and for attaining prosperity and happiness through his blessings. It acknowledges his unique role as the creator and sustainer of all life.
The Hiranyagarbha Sukta extols the cosmic golden seed as the source and sustainer of the universe, seeking his favour and blessings through reverent hymns and offerings. The verses highlight his paramount importance in creation, his role as the life-giver, and his control over all aspects of existence, culminating in a prayer for protection, fulfilment of desires, and prosperity.
The Hiranyagarbha Sukta provides a rich and poetic depiction of the universe's creation from the Hindu cosmology perspective. Each verse emphasizes Hiranyagarbha's role as the cosmos' supreme creator, sustainer, and ruler. Through symbolic language and profound metaphors, the hymn captures the essence of the divine origin and ongoing maintenance of the universe, reflecting the profound spiritual insights of the Vedic tradition.
हिरण्य गर्भ सूक्तम् (The Hiranyagarbha Sukta)
(ऋ.10.121)
हि॒र॒ण्य॒ग॒र्भ-स्सम॑वर्त॒ताग्रे॑ भू॒तस्य॑ जा॒तः पति॒रेक॑ आसीत् ।
स दा॑धार पृथि॒वी-न्द्यामु॒तेमा-ङ्कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 1
य आ॑त्म॒दा ब॑ल॒दा यस्य॒ विश्व॑ उ॒पास॑ते प्र॒शिषं॒-यँस्य॑ दे॒वाः ।
यस्य॑ छा॒यामृतं॒-यँस्य॑ मृ॒त्युः कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 2
यः प्रा॑ण॒तो नि॑मिष॒तो म॑हि॒त्वैक॒ इद्राजा॒ जग॑तो ब॒भूव॑ ।
य ईशे॑ अ॒स्य द्वि॒पद॒श्चतु॑ष्पदः॒ कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 3
यस्ये॒मे हि॒मव॑न्तो महि॒त्वा यस्य॑ समु॒द्रं र॒सया॑ स॒हाहुः ।
यस्ये॒माः प्र॒दिशो॒ यस्य॑ बा॒हू कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 4
येन॒ द्यौरु॒ग्रा पृ॑थि॒वी च॑ दृ॒ल्हा येन॒ स्वः॑ स्तभि॒तं-येँन॒ नाकः॑ ।
यो अ॒न्तरि॑क्षे॒ रज॑सो वि॒मानः॒ कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 5
य-ङ्क्रन्द॑सी॒ अव॑सा तस्तभा॒ने अ॒भ्यैक्षे॑ता॒-म्मन॑सा॒ रेज॑माने ।
यत्राधि॒ सूर॒ उदि॑तो वि॒भाति॒ कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 6
आपो॑ ह॒ यद्बृ॑ह॒तीर्विश्व॒माय॒-न्गर्भ॒-न्दधा॑ना ज॒नय॑न्तीर॒ग्निम् ।
ततो॑ दे॒वानां॒ सम॑वर्त॒तासु॒रेकः॒ कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 7
यश्चि॒दापो॑ महि॒ना प॒र्यप॑श्य॒द्दक्ष॒-न्दधा॑ना ज॒नय॑न्तीर्य॒ज्ञम् ।
यो दे॒वेष्विधि॑ दे॒व एक॒ आसी॒त्कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 8
मा नो॑ हिंसीज्जनि॒ता यः पृ॑थि॒व्या यो वा॒ दिवं॑ स॒त्यध॑र्मा ज॒जान॑ ।
यश्चा॒पश्च॒न्द्रा बृ॑ह॒तीर्ज॒जान॒ कस्मै॑ दे॒वाय॑ ह॒विषा॑ विधेम ॥ 9
प्रजा॑पते॒ न त्वदे॒तान्य॒न्यो विश्वा॑ जा॒तानि॒ परि॒ ता ब॑भूव ।
यत्का॑मास्ते जुहु॒मस्तन्नो॑ अस्तु व॒यं स्या॑म॒ पत॑यो रयी॒णाम् ॥ 10
The English translation above is based on multiple sources and my understanding of Sanskrit. The selection of vocabulary is my own and may not be accurate.
References:
Regveda
Very nice.