Nasadiya Sukta
Nasadiya Sukta is a profound and philosophical hymn from the Rigveda (10.129) that explores the mystery of creation and the origins of the universe. It is often called the “Hymn of Creation”, as it presents a contemplative view on the existence of the cosmos, questioning whether even the gods know how creation began.
This hymn is unique because, instead of giving definitive answers, it expresses doubt, wonder, and introspection, making it one of the earliest philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence.
THIS IS THE FAMOUS NĀSADĪYA SŪKTA THE 129TH SUUKTA OF THE 10TH MANDALA OF THE RIGVEDA.
Nasadiya Sukta
nāsad āsīn no sad āsīt tadānīṁ nāsīd rajo no vyomā paro yat |
kim āvarīvaḥ kuha kasya śarmann ambhaḥ kim āsīd gahanaṁ gabhīram || 1 ||
na mṛtyur āsīd amṛtaṁ na tarhi na rātryā ahna āsīt praketaḥ |
ānīd avātaṁ svadhayā tad ekaṁ tasmād dhānyan na paraḥ kiṁ canāsa || 2 ||
tama āsīt tamasā gūlham agre ‘praketa ̥ ṁ salilaṁ sarvam ā idam |
tucchyenābhv apihitaṁ yad āsīt tapasas tan mahinājāyataikam || 3 ||
kāmas tad agre sam avartatādhi manaso retaḥ prathamaṁ yad āsīt |
sato bandhum asati nir avindan hṛdi pratīṣyā kavayo manīṣā || 4 ||
tiraścīno vitato raśmir eṣām adhaḥ svid āsīd upari svid āsīt |
retodhā āsan mahimāna āsan svadhā avastāt prayatiḥ parastāt || 5 ||
ko addhā veda ka iha pra vocat kuta ājātā kuta iyaṁ visṛṣṭiḥ |
arvāg devā asya visarjanenāthā ko veda yata ābab || 6 ||
iyaṁ visṛṣṭir yata ābabhūva yadi vā dadhe yadi vā na |
yo asyādhyakṣaḥ parame vyoman so aṅga veda yadi vā na veda || 7 ||
Philosophical Significance
- One of the Earliest Cosmological Texts
- The Nasadiya Sukta is considered one of the first recorded instances of speculative cosmology.
- It predates many philosophical traditions and even modern scientific inquiries into the origins of the universe.
- Similarities to Modern Scientific Thought
- The hymn’s description of a formless, dark void before creation is similar to the scientific concept of the primordial universe before the Big Bang.
- The idea of desire as the first creative force resembles the concept of energy leading to the birth of the cosmos.
- Hindu Concept of Creation
- Unlike other religious traditions that describe creation as a definite event, the Nasadiya Sukta suggests that creation is a mystery beyond human understanding.
- This aligns with the Advaita (non-dualism) and Upanishadic philosophies, which see the universe as an eternal, cyclical process.
Influence on Later Hindu Thought
- Upanishads and Vedanta – Many later Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads, explore similar themes of cosmic uncertainty and the nature of reality.
- Bhagavad Gita and Puranas – While the Puranas provide mythological creation stories, the philosophical approach of Nasadiya Sukta remains foundational in Hindu metaphysics.
- Modern Interpretations – The hymn is studied by philosophers, scientists, and spiritual seekers as an early exploration of existential questions.
