Ratri Suktam
Ratri Suktam is a hymn from the Rigveda dedicated to Goddess Ratri, the divine personification of night. It is a part of the Devi Suktas, which glorify different aspects of the Divine Mother. The Ratri Suktam is found in the Rigveda Mandala 10, Hymn 127, and is attributed to the rishi Kutsa Angirasa. This hymn is a prayer seeking protection, peace, and rest during the night.
Etymology and Meaning
- Ratri means night, symbolizing darkness, rest, and mystery.
- Suktam refers to a well-composed hymn or praise.
Thus, Ratri Suktam can be understood as a hymn in praise of the Goddess of Night. It describes how she spreads her veil of darkness over the world and provides shelter and relief from the activities of the day.
Structure and Composition
The Ratri Suktam consists of seven verses (mantras) in the Rigvedic version and nine verses in the Taittiriya Brahmana version. The hymn is written in Anushtubh meter and follows a rhythmic pattern.
Each verse highlights the protective and nurturing qualities of the night, comparing her to a mother who ensures safety and comfort for all creatures.
Spiritual and Philosophical Significance
- Ratri Suktam is not just a hymn about night but also symbolizes the journey of the soul from ignorance to enlightenment.
- It teaches that darkness is temporary, and divine grace always brings light into our lives.
- In Tantric traditions, Ratri is associated with the Divine Mother Kali, who represents both destruction and transformation.
Benefits of Chanting Ratri Suktam
- Removes Fear: Protects from negative energies, bad dreams, and unknown fears of the night.
- Promotes Peace and Rest: Encourages deep sleep and mental relaxation.
- Provides Spiritual Strength: Helps in overcoming inner darkness (ignorance) and attaining wisdom.
- Brings Divine Protection: Seeks the blessings of the Goddess for safety and well-being.
Ratri Suktam In English
(ṛ.10.127)
asya śrī rātrīti sūktasya kuśika ṛṣiḥ rātrirdēvatā, gāyatrīchChandaḥ,
śrījagadambā prītyarthē saptaśatīpāṭhādau japē viniyōgaḥ ।
rātrī̠ vya̍khyadāya̠tī pu̍ru̠trā dē̠vya̠1̍kṣabhi̍ḥ ।
viśvā̠ adhi̠ śriyō̍-‘dhita ॥ 1
ōrva̍prā̠ ama̍rtyā ni̠vatō̍ dē̠vyu̠1̍dvata̍ḥ ।
jyōti̍ṣā bādhatē̠ tama̍ḥ ॥ 2
niru̠ svasā̍ramaskṛtō̠ṣasa̍-ndē̠vyā̍ya̠tī ।
apēdu̍ hāsatē̠ tama̍ḥ ॥ 3
sā nō̍ a̠dya yasyā̍ va̠ya-nni tē̠ yāma̠nnavi̍kṣmahi ।
vṛ̠kṣē na va̍sa̠tiṃ vaya̍ḥ ॥ 4
ni grāmā̍sō avikṣata̠ ni pa̠dvantō̠ ni pa̠kṣiṇa̍ḥ ।
ni śyē̠nāsa̍śchida̠rthina̍ḥ ॥ 5
yā̠vayā̍ vṛ̠kya̠ṃ1̍ vṛka̍ṃ ya̠vaya̍ stē̠namū̍rmyē ।
athā̍ na-ssu̠tarā̍ bhava ॥ 6
upa̍ mā̠ pēpi̍śa̠ttama̍ḥ kṛ̠ṣṇaṃ vya̍ktamasthita ।
uṣa̍ ṛ̠ṇēva̍ yātaya ॥ 7
upa̍ tē̠ gā i̠vāka̍raṃ vṛṇī̠ṣva du̍hitardivaḥ ।
rātri̠ stōma̠-nna ji̠gyuṣē̍ ॥ 8
Ratri Suktam is a deeply spiritual hymn that glorifies the night as a protective and nurturing force. It reminds us that darkness is not always to be feared—it is also a time of rest, rejuvenation, and inner reflection. By chanting this suktam, one invokes divine blessings for safety, peace, and enlightenment.
