What Is Nasadiya Sukta?

Nasadiya Sukta: The Rigvedic Hymn of Creation

The Nasadiya Sukta (Rigveda 10.129), often called the “Hymn of Creation,” is one of the most profound compositions in the ancient Vedic scriptures. It stands out not only for its poetic beauty but also for its philosophical depth, delving into questions about the origins of the universe and the mysteries of existence. Unlike many religious texts that provide definitive accounts of creation, the Nasadiya Sukta embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, reflecting a nuanced understanding of cosmic mysteries.

Understanding the Nasadiya Sukta

The Nasadiya Sukta belongs to the Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, dating back to around 1500–1200 BCE. It comprises seven verses (suktas) that explore the state of the cosmos before and after creation, emphasizing doubt and inquiry over dogmatic certainty. This hymn is a cornerstone of Vedic philosophy, addressing fundamental questions that continue to intrigue humanity:

  • How did the universe originate?
  • What existed before creation?
  • Is there a creator, and if so, does that entity know the truth of creation?

The hymn’s speculative nature sets it apart, as it does not claim to hold all the answers. Instead, it invites readers to contemplate the unknown, fostering intellectual humility.

Text and Translation of the Nasadiya Sukta

Below is the Sanskrit text of the hymn, along with its translation:

Verse 1:

नासदासीन्नो सदासीत्तदानीं
नासीद्रजो नो व्योमा परो यत्।
किमावरीवः कुह कस्य शर्मन्
अम्भः किमासीद् गहनं गभीरम्॥

Translation:
“Then, there was neither existence nor non-existence.
There was neither the realm of space nor the sky beyond.
What covered it? Where was it? In whose keeping?
Was there then cosmic water, in depths unfathomable?”

Verse 2:

न मृत्युरासीदमृतं न तर्हि
न रात्र्या अह्न आसीत्प्रकेतः।
आनीदवातं स्वधया तदेकं
तस्माद्धान्यन्न परः किं च नास॥

Translation:
“There was neither death nor immortality then.
There was no sign of night or day.
That One (tad ekam) breathed, windless, by its own nature.
Apart from it, there was nothing else.”

Verse 3:

तम आसीत्तमसा गूळमग्रेऽप्रकेतं
सलिलं सर्वमा इदम्।
तुच्छ्येनाभ्वपिहितं यदासीत्तपसस्तन्महिनाजायतैकम्॥

Translation:
“In the beginning, darkness was hidden by darkness;
All this was an unilluminated ocean.
The germ that lay covered by the husk of nothingness
Emerged through the power of heat (tapas).”

Verse 4:

कामस्तदग्रे समवर्तताधि
मनसो रेतः प्रथमं यदासीत्।
सतो बन्धुमसति निरविन्दन्
हृदि प्रतीष्या कवयो मनीषा॥

Translation:
“Desire (kama) arose in the beginning,
Which was the primal seed of the mind.
Sages, searching in their hearts with wisdom,
Found the bond between existence and non-existence.”

Verse 5:

तिरश्चीनो विततो रश्मिरेषामधः
स्विदासी३द्दुपरि स्विदासी३त्।
रेतोधा आसन्महिमान आसन्
स्वधा अवस्तात् प्रयतिः परस्तात्॥

Translation:
“Who knows how creation came into being?
Did the cosmic rays spread above or below?
Were there any foundational principles or something self-sustaining?
There was movement and energy, but their origins remain unknown.”

Verse 6:

को अद्धा वेद क इह प्र वोचत्
कुत आजाता कुत इयं विसृष्टिः।
अर्वाग्देवा अस्य विसर्जनेनाथा
को वेद यत आबभूव॥

Translation:
“Who truly knows? Who can declare it here?
Whence was it born, and whence came this creation?
The gods themselves came after creation.
Who then knows whence it arose?”

Verse 7:

इयं विसृष्टिर्यत आबभूव
यदि वा दधे यदि वा न।
यो अस्याध्यक्षः परमे व्योमन्त्सो
अङ्ग वेद यदि वा नवेद॥

Translation:
“This creation—whence it came to be,
Whether it was fashioned or not—
He who surveys it in the highest heavens,
He alone knows, or perhaps He does not.”

Themes of the Nasadiya Sukta

  1. The Pre-Creation State:
    The hymn begins by describing a state of total void—neither existence nor non-existence, light nor darkness. It highlights the incomprehensible nature of the universe before creation.
  2. The Emergence of Desire:
    Desire (kama) is depicted as the driving force behind creation, symbolizing the primal motivation that led to manifestation. This resonates with later Hindu philosophies that emphasize desire as a catalyst for action and creation.
  3. The Role of Tapas (Heat):
    Tapas, or heat, is portrayed as the transformative energy that sparked creation. This concept parallels modern scientific theories of energy being fundamental to the birth of the cosmos.
  4. The Uncertainty of Knowledge:
    The hymn repeatedly emphasizes the limitations of human and even divine understanding. The acknowledgment that even the supreme creator might not know the origins of creation reflects intellectual humility.
  5. Philosophical Inquiry:
    Unlike dogmatic creation myths, the Nasadiya Sukta encourages contemplation and skepticism, making it a timeless piece of philosophy.

Interpretation and Relevance

The Nasadiya Sukta’s relevance transcends time and geography, appealing to seekers of truth across cultures. Its open-ended questions align with modern scientific and philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence. The hymn’s focus on uncertainty resonates with quantum mechanics and cosmology, which deal with probabilities and unknowns.

Comparison with Modern Science:

  1. Big Bang Theory:
    The concept of “darkness hidden by darkness” mirrors the state before the Big Bang, where there was no light or form.
  2. Uncertainty Principle:
    The hymn’s acknowledgment of the unknown aligns with Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which states that certain properties of particles cannot be precisely determined.

Nasadiya Sukta in the Vedic Context

In the Vedic tradition, the Nasadiya Sukta represents a significant shift from ritualistic hymns to philosophical speculation. While other Vedic texts often focus on invoking deities and performing sacrifices, this hymn ventures into abstract thought, exploring the metaphysical realm.

Its emphasis on “That One” (tad ekam) aligns with the later concept of Brahman in Upanishadic philosophy—a formless, infinite reality that transcends creation.

Conclusion

The Nasadiya Sukta is a timeless masterpiece that transcends its Vedic origins. By embracing uncertainty and posing profound questions about creation, it encourages readers to think critically and embrace the mystery of existence. Whether one approaches it as a spiritual seeker, a philosopher, or a scientist, the hymn offers a perspective that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. It reminds us that the quest for truth is not about finding definitive answers but about appreciating the beauty of the unknown.

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