A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.
Rig Veda · 350 of 1027
Mandala 4: HYMN LIV. Savitar.
1.Now must we praise and honour Savitar the God: at this time of the day the men must call to him, Him who distributes wealth to Manu’s progeny, that he may grant us here riches most excellent.
2.For thou at first producest for the holy Gods the noblest of all portions, immortality: Thereafter as a gift to men, O Savitar, thou openest existence, life succeeding life.
3.If we, men as we are, have sinned against the Gods through want of thought, in weakness, or through insolence, Absolve us from the guilt and make us free from sin, O Savitar, alike among both Gods and men.
4.None may impede that power of Savitar the God whereby he will maintain the universal world. What the fair-fingered God brings forth on earth’s expanse or in the height of heaven, that work of his stands sure.
5.To lofty hills thou sendest those whom Indra leads, and givest fixed abodes with houses unto these. However they may fly and draw themselves apart, still, Savitar, they stand obeying thy behest.
6.May the libations poured to thee thrice daily, day after day, O Savitar, bring us blessing. May Indra, Heaven, Earth, Sindhu with the Waters, Aditi with Ādityas, give us shelter.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn ask Savitar to absolve men for sin against the gods?
The hymn says Savitar “openest existence, life succeeding life,” and so it treats him as the force that renews and sustains being; asking him to absolve sin is a request that the source of life restore right relation so life can continue uninterrupted. Verses 1–3 frame Savitar as distributor of wealth and immortality, so forgiveness is practical: it removes obstacles to receiving those gifts.
The poet describes human failings—“want of thought… weakness… insolence”—and places responsibility on a deity who governs order and fate; pleading for absolution is a ritual way to repair the cosmic order. This resembles other Vedic hymns where priests appeal to a beneficent deity to remove guilt so the community may retain blessing, as in parts of the Gāyatrī-related hymns that emphasize purification and renewed life.
Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.