Mantra Pushpam --Part 5

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NAVARATHRI SEASON : VIJAYA DASAMI DAY

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PANCHASATS 85--86

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In the previous Panchasats ( 78 --84 ) ,

the Adhaara/Aadheya Relationship of Water

to the Moon , Agni , Vaayu , Sun , Constellations,

Time/Year and Rain were pointed out . The concluding

86 th Panchasat pays homage to a person of

steadfast mind (Sthitha Prajnaa described in

Srimad Bhagavat Gita ) , who is able through meditation

to concieve the entire world in the form of a giant ship

consecrated and floating in the immensity of

all pervasive water . This Panchasat is as follows :

 

AAYATHANAVAAN BAVATHI I SAMVATSARO VAA

APAAYATHANAM I AAYATHANAVAAN BAVATHI I YA:

SAMVATSARASYAAYATHANAM VEDA : I AAYATHANAVAAN

BAVATHI I AAPO VAI SAMVATSARASYAAYATHANAM I

AAYATHANAVAAN BAVATHI I YA YEVAM VEDA I yO

apsunaavam prathishtithaam veda I pratyeva Thistathi I

 

This mantram recognizes the evolved soul , who fully

understands the cosmic relationship of all that has been

created in the way that Purusha Suktham describes and the

central relatonship of Water to the World and the Lord's

creations.

 

The 85th and the 86th Panchasats take off from this lofty

conception . They describe the mantras associated

with the performance of the Yajnam known as AaruNa Kethuka

Sayanam . The blessings that one receives from the performance

of that yajnam is Surya Saayujyam .The meaning of these

mantras are : These worlds are rooted in Water. That is well

known and pointed out by these mantras. The essence (rasam )

of Water is shining is manifested as white effulgence in the

orbit of the Sun. I collect the essence of the essence of the

waters and offer it unto you in sacred vessels . Therefore , the world

is the distilled essence of essences of waters. That essence of

essence is established in Surya Mandalam .

 

The word Rasam has a rich and powerful meaning in the Vedic

context . The translation as essence is a minimal description.

This mantra is recited In Soma Yaga , when Soma Rasam

is offered to the Devas for attaining the boon of Surya Saayujyam .

 

The 86 th mantram deals with the observances of te Yajnas

like Agni Hothram , Darsa PurNa MAsam and Chaathurmaasya,

where AaruNa Kethuka Sayanam is an essential part. The 86 th

mantram describes the steps for performing this yajna in the

proper way.

 

The last three mantras of the 22nd Anuvaakam of SNP deal

with the Yajnas and Krathus that include AaruNa kethuka

Sayana Agni and the presence or absence of Yupa Sthampam in

these sacrificial rites. They mention that the descendants of

the sage Chaandilya inquired about the fruits of AKS . The detailed

correlation between the worship of different Agnis associated with

different Yajnaas is included . For example , the one who worships

the agni known as Saavithram would have the fruit of the Saakshaatkaaram

of Surya Bhagavan. Vaayu appears before one , who worships the

Agni known as Naachiketam .

 

The anuvaakam concludes with the revelation that one who worships the

Aruna kethuaka Agni will be blessed with all auspicousness in this

and the other worlds. "Mithunavaan Bavathi " is the actual words used

by the last panchaasat. The reason for these abundant blessings

is given as the comprehension that Jalam is united inextricably with

Agni.

 

Thus ends the majestic Mantra Pushpa Anuvaakam.

 

Veda Purushaaya Nama:

 

Oppiliappan Koil Varadachari Sadagopan