English translation:
Mitra and Varuna, who reside in the universe and are the cause of power and action, are the ones who reinforces and hold the actions and knowledge.
कवी नो मित्रावरुणा तुविजाता उरुक्षया ।
दक्षं दधाते अपसम् ॥
kavi no mitravaruna tuvijata uruksaya
daksam dadhate apasam
– Rigveda verse 1.2.9
Meaning of the Mantra:
Mitra and Varuna, who reside in the universe and are the cause of power and action, are the ones who reinforces and hold the actions and knowledge.
About this Mantra >
Rigveda 1.2.9 is a hymn dedicated to Mitra and Varuna, invoking them as wise (kavī), multi-born (tuvijātā), and wide-dwelling (urukṣayā) deities who uphold or increase our strength (dakṣaṁ dadhāte apasam), helping to bring about spiritual clarity, a vast will-force, and purification, often linked to Ṛta (cosmic truth/order) for achieving a bright understanding and overcoming inner impurities.
Interpretation of the mantra.
Mitra and Varuna are the Cause of Power and Action.
The Mitra and Varuna are givers of happiness. They are famous on account of many qualities. They dwell in many objects of the world and are of dominion. They maintain strength and accomplish many deeds. They are born for the benefit of many and are the refuge of multitude.
— secret of the vedas.
Key Aspects of the Verse (1.2.9)
Deities: Mitra (friendship, pure mind) and Varuna (cosmic order, truth, vastness).
Invocation: Addressed as wise poets/seers (kavī) and many-born (tuvijātā), offering refuge (urukṣayā).
Core Request: They “uphold the strength/work” (dakṣaṁ dadhāte apasam) for the devotee, often translated as prospering sacrifice or increasing power/discernment.
Purport of the mantra.
On account of Mitra and Varuna which in the world give strength and help in the performance of actions, there is growth and sustenance of all objects.
Spiritual Meaning:
The verse speaks to the mental and spiritual purification, where Mitra-Varuna help manifest truth (Ṛta) in the human consciousness, leading to inner illumination and the conquering of foes (impurities/ignorance).
In essence, it’s a prayer for spiritual power and clarity, asking the divine pair to strengthen the inner self to perceive and act in accordance with cosmic truth, bringing inner peace and efficacy.
Misinterpretation of this mantra.
This hymn also, has been misinterpreted by Sayanacharya, Wilson and other Western Scholars.
“Sapient Mitra and Varuṇa, prosper our sacrifice and increase our strength; you are born for the benefit of many, you are the refuge of multitudes.”
— H. H. Wilson
