Vedokta Ratri Suktam

The Vedokta Ratri Suktam is a hymn of praise to Ratri Devi, the Goddess of Night, found in the Rigveda. In the order of recitation of the Shri Durga Saptashati, it is recited after the Kavach, Argala and Keelaka. It describes the calm, luminous and protective nature of the Goddess of Night. In the mantras of this sukta, the Goddess is asked to give protection from fear, danger, wild animals and thieves and to provide a safe path. Ratri Devi is remembered as the power that gives light and protection in the midst of darkness.

Atha Vedoktam Ratrisuktam (॥ अथ वेदोक्तं रात्रिसूक्तम् ॥)

ॐ रात्रीत्याद्यष्टर्चस्य सूक्तस्य कुशिकः सौभरो रात्रिर्वा भारद्वाजो ऋषिः, रात्रिर्देवता,गायत्री छन्दः, देवीमाहात्म्यपाठे विनियोगः।

Om Ratrity Adyashtarchasya Suktasya Kushikah Saubharo Ratrirva Bharadvajo Rishih, Ratrirdevata, Gayatri Chhandah, Devi-Mahatmya-Pathe Viniyogah |

Meaning: The rishis of this Ratri Sukta are said to be Kushika Saubhara and Ratri Bharadvaja. Its deity is Ratri Devi and its metre is Gayatri. It is recited as part of the Devi Mahatmya Path.

Verse 1

ॐ रात्री व्यख्यदायती पुरुत्रा देव्यक्षभिः। विश्वा अधि श्रियोऽधित॥1॥

Om Ratri Vyakhyad Ayati Purutra Devy Akshabhih | Vishva Adhi Shriyo'dhita || 1 ||

Meaning: Ratri Devi appears everywhere, shining with her many eyes, which are like the stars. With her light and protection, she covers every direction and every place in the world.

Verse 2

ओर्वप्रा अमर्त्या निवतो देव्युद्वतः। ज्योतिषा बाधते तमः॥2॥

Orvapra Amartya Nivato Devyudvatah | Jyotisha Badhate Tamah || 2 ||

Meaning: O Goddess Night! You cover all the low and high places of the earth. With the light of your stars you dispel the darkness and bring peace to the world.

Verse 3

निरु स्वसारमस्कृतोषसं देव्यायती। अपेदु हासते तमः॥3॥

Niru Svasaram Askritoshasam Devyayati | Apedu Hasate Tamah || 3 ||

Meaning: Ratri Devi has made way for her sister Usha (the Dawn) to come and has herself removed the darkness. When she comes, the cycle of day and night continues and the darkness gradually begins to fade.

Verse 4

सा नो अद्य यस्या वयं नि ते यामन्नविक्ष्महि। वृक्षे न वसतिं वयः॥4॥

Sa No Adya Yasya Vayam Ni Te Yamann Avikshmahi | Vrikshe Na Vasatim Vayah || 4 ||

Meaning: O Goddess Night! Today we have come to take refuge in you. Keep us safe, just as birds rest at night in their safe nests. Save us from fear and danger.

Verse 5

नि ग्रामासो अविक्षत नि पद्वन्तो नि पक्षिणः। नि श्येनासश्चिदर्थिनः॥5॥

Ni Gramaso Avikshata Ni Padvanto Ni Pakshinah | Ni Shyenasash Chid Arthinah || 5 ||

Meaning: When night comes, the villagers, those who travel on foot, the birds, and even the birds of prey that search for food all settle down to rest in their own places. All of nature pauses in the quiet of the night.

Verse 6

यावया वृक्यं वृकं यवय स्तेनमूर्म्ये। अथा नः सुतरा भव॥6॥

Yavaya Vrikyam Vrikam Yavaya Stenamurmye | Atha Nah Sutara Bhava || 6 ||

Meaning: O Goddess Night! Keep fierce creatures like wolves, and thieves, far away from us. Carry us across the dangers and fears of life and make a safe path for us.

Verse 7

उप मा पेपिशत्तमः कृष्णं व्यक्तमस्थित। उष ऋणेव यातय॥7॥

Upa Ma Pepishat Tamah Krishnam Vyaktam Asthita | Usha Rineva Yataya || 7 ||

Meaning: Deep darkness has now spread all around. O Goddess! Just as Usha (the Dawn) dispels the darkness with her light, so lead us out of this darkness and fear.

Verse 8

उप ते गा इवाकरं वृणीष्व दुहितर्दिवः। रात्रि स्तोमं न जिग्युषे॥8॥

Upa Te Ga Ivakaram Vrinishva Duhitardivah | Ratri Stomam Na Jigyushe || 8 ||

Meaning: O Goddess Night, daughter of the sky! Just as a person goes to his beloved cattle, so have I come to take refuge in you. Accept this hymn of mine. O Goddess Night, we sing your glory and seek your grace.