The Veiling Brilliance: The Devi Sukta

[Guest guest]

Devadatta Kali ends his novel

_The Veiling Brilliance_

with the following translation of

 

The Devisukta

Rigveda, 10.125

 

I move through the gods of storm and light, through the

gods of the heavens, through all the gods. I uphold the

lords of day and night, the sovereign of the atmosphere,

the god of fire, and the benevolent celestial guardians.

 

I bear the nectar of immortality. I support the creator of

living beings, the protector of the universe and the

gracious lord of prosperity. I bestow wealth on those

who prepare the sacrifices and offer the oblations with

an attentive mind.

 

I am the sovereign in whom all the auspicious gods are

united. Shining with consciousness, I am foremost

among those worthy of worship. The gods diffuse me in

every direction, my presence abiding in many places and

revealed in manifold ways.

 

Through me alone all mortals live who see and breathe

and hear what is said, not knowing that they abide in

me. Hear me as I speak the truth to you.

 

I myself proclaim this, which is phasing to gods and

men alike: I make mighty whomever I wish, I make him

devout and open his eyes to right understanding.

 

For the god who puts evil to flight, I draw the bow, that

his arrow may strike down the hater of devotion; such is

the fervor I stir within that man. Through heaven and

earth I extend.

 

At the summit of creation, I bring forth the heavens. My

creative power flows from amid the waters of the

infinite ocean. Thence I spread through all the worlds

and touch yonder heaven with my vastness.

 

I breathe forth like the wind, setting all the worlds in

motion. So great have I become in my splendor, shining

far beyond heaven and earth.