The Song of Wisdom — Medha Suktam (मेधा सूक्तम्)

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11 min readMay 10, 2024

Medha Suktam is a hymn from ancient Indian scriptures, specifically the Rigveda, one of the oldest known texts in the world. It’s dedicated to the concept of intelligence and wisdom, symbolized by the term “Medha.”

This short hymn is recited as a form of devotion and prayer, seeking blessings for clarity of thought, creativity, and success in intellectual endeavors.

The word “Medha” itself translates to “intelligence” or “wisdom” in Sanskrit. The hymn itself consists of several verses, each praising the concept of Medha and invoking its blessings. It can also be “power of understanding endowed with consciousness”.

These verses are composed in poetic language, with rhythmic patterns and rich imagery characteristic of Vedic literature. Through the repetition of sacred sounds and the contemplation of divine qualities, practitioners aim to attune themselves to the spiritual essence of intelligence and wisdom.

The Medha , wisdom and intelligence is attributed a persona of Goddess Saraswati and she is raised to the level of the highest “Para” in the end. It signifies an original will to reach one’s ultimate destiny. In essence, Medha Suktam relates to the worship of knowledge visualised as a goddess, and has been commonly chanted as a prayer to Goddess of Learning Saraswati.

Here is Medha Suktam / Hamsa Gayatri from Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/track/6Z9zjpW0Hnhoi1rRWJPOUy

Here the link you may like from Vignanam org in Sanskrit and English to follow the text. : https://vignanam.org/devanagari/medha-suktam.html

Medha Suktam (Devanagari to English)

Invocation

ॐ-यँश्छन्द॑सामृष॒भो वि॒श्वरू॑पः । छन्दो॒भ्योऽध्य॒मृताथ्सम्ब॒भूव॑ । स मेन्द्रो॑ मे॒धया स्पृणोतु । अ॒मृत॑स्य देव॒धार॑णो भूयासम् । शरी॑रं मे॒ विच॑र्षणम् । जि॒ह्वा मे॒ मधु॑मत्तमा । कर्णाभ्यां॒ भूरि॒विश्रु॑वम् । ब्रह्म॑णः को॒शो॑ऽसि मे॒धया पि॑हितः । श्रु॒तं मे॑ गोपाय ॥
ॐ शान्तिः॒ शान्तिः॒ शान्तिः॑ ॥

May the majestic, all-encompassing form of the primordial being, who is the essence of all chants and the source of immortality, bestow upon me intellect. May the upholder of divine nectar, strengthen my body. May my tongue articulate sweetly, my ears perceive abundantly. You are the reservoir of Brahman, concealed within intelligence. Safeguard my learning.

ॐ (Om): This is the sacred syllable in Hinduism, representing the essence of the ultimate reality or consciousness. It is often used at the beginning and end of prayers or mantras to signify the divine presence.
यं श्छन्दसामृषभो विश्वरूपः: This part of the verse describes the divine being as “ऋषभ” (rishi or bull), meaning the chief or most excellent among the ṛishis, who are seers or sages. The phrase “विश्वरूपः” (vishwarupa) means “having a universal form” or “having a form encompassing the entire universe.” So, it refers to the divine being as having a magnificent and all-encompassing form.
छन्दोभ्योऽध्यमृतात्संबभूव: This part suggests that this divine being is the source or origin (संबभूव) of the immortal (अध्यमृत) hymns (छन्दसाम्), implying that the sacred hymns themselves emanate from this divine source.
स मेन्द्रो मेधया स्पृणोतु: Here, the prayer asks for the grace or blessings (स्पृणोतु) of the divine being named “Medha” (मेधया), which could be interpreted as the embodiment of intelligence or wisdom. The term “स मेन्द्रो” (sa mendhro) means “May that Medha,” indicating the specific divine aspect being invoked.
अमृतस्य देवधारणो भूयासम्: This part invokes the divine being as the bearer or sustainer (देवधारणः) of immortality (अमृतस्य), suggesting a desire for immortality or eternal life.
शरीरं मे विचर्षणम्: This phrase seeks the divine being’s grace for the speaker’s physical body (शरीरं) to become strong and active (विचर्षणम्), implying vitality and health.
जिह्वा मे मधुमत्तमा: This part wishes for the speaker’s tongue (जिह्वा) to become sweet (मधुमत्तमा), possibly suggesting a desire for a pleasant and truthful speech.
कर्णाभ्यां भूरिविश्रुवम्: Here, the desire is expressed for the ears (कर्णाभ्यां) to hear abundantly (भूरिविश्रुवम्), indicating a wish for clear and profound perception.
ब्रह्मणः कोशोऽसि मेधया पिहितः: This phrase refers to the divine being as the repository or treasure (कोशः) of Brahman, the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit. The prayer seeks that this repository be adorned or enshrined (पिहितः) with intelligence or wisdom (मेधया).
श्रुतं मे गोपाय: Finally, the prayer asks for protection or preservation (गोपाय) of the speaker’s learning (श्रुतं), indicating a desire to safeguard knowledge and wisdom.

Verse 1

ॐ मे॒धादे॒वी जु॒षमा॑णा न॒ आगा द्वि॒श्वाची॑ भ॒द्रा सु॑मन॒स्य मा॑ना ।
त्वया॒ जुष्टा॑ नु॒दमा॑ना दु॒रुक्तान् बृ॒हद्व॑देम वि॒दथे॑ सु॒वीराः।(1)

It’s a prayer invoking the goddess Medha, seeking her presence, blessings, and the ability to articulate profound thoughts and words.”

“Om, O divine Medha, being invoked, not turned away, come hither; O benevolent one, come with well-being. With you being invoked and pleased, unutterable (words) will come forth; we pray to you, O goddess, who grants great strength.”

ॐ (Om): As before, this is the sacred syllable in Hinduism, symbolizing the essence of the ultimate reality or consciousness. It signifies the invocation of the divine presence.
मे॒धादे॒वी (Medha Devi): This refers to the goddess Medha, who embodies intelligence, wisdom, and eloquence. She is being addressed as the divine source of intellect and inspiration.
जु॒षमा॑णा (juṣhamāṇā): This term implies the goddess being invoked or implored to come forth. The devotee is calling upon Medha Devi to manifest and bestow her blessings.
न॒ आगा (na āgā): Here, the devotee expresses a desire for the goddess not to turn away or reject the invocation. The plea is for Medha Devi to heed the call and be present.
द्वि॒श्वाची॑ (dviśvācī): This epithet describes the goddess as one who is present in both realms or worlds. It suggests her universal nature and omnipresence.
भ॒द्रा (bhadrā): This term signifies goodness, auspiciousness, or benevolence. The devotee invokes the goddess with a desire for well-being and benevolent grace.
सु॑मन॒स्य (sumanasya): This adjective describes the devotee as one with good intentions, a pure heart, or noble thoughts. It suggests an earnest and sincere invocation. Su(good) man(mind)
मा॑ना (mānā): This indicates that the goddess is being invited to come along with or accompany the devotee. The devotee seeks Medha Devi’s presence and guidance.
त्वया॒ जुष्टा॑ (tvayā juṣṭā): This phrase acknowledges the goddess being invoked and pleased. It suggests that the goddess is gratified by the invocation and offerings of the devotee.
नु॒दमा॑ना (nudamānā): This term suggests that, as a result of the goddess’s pleasure, unutterable or profound words will come forth. The devotee anticipates receiving divine inspiration and eloquence.
दु॒रुक्तान् (duruktān): This term refers to words or utterances that are difficult to express or articulate. The devotee expresses confidence that, with the goddess’s blessings, they will be able to convey profound truths or thoughts.
बृ॒हद्व॑देम (bṛhad vadema): This phrase expresses a vow or resolution by the devotee. It indicates an intention to speak or proclaim great or sublime truths.
वि॒दथे॑ (vidathe): This verb implies an invocation or prayer. The devotee beseeches the goddess to grant them the ability to speak eloquently and convey profound knowledge.
सु॒वीराः (su-vīrāḥ): This term describes the devotees as those endowed with good courage, strength, or power. It suggests that the devotees seek the goddess’s blessings to be empowered with strength and vitality.

Verse 2

त्वया॒ जुष्ट॑ ऋ॒षिर्भ॑वति देवि॒ त्वया॒ ब्रह्मा॑ऽऽग॒तश्री॑रु॒त त्वया।
त्वया॒ जुष्ट॑श्चि॒त्रं-विँ॑न्दते वसु॒ सा नो॑ जुषस्व॒ द्रवि॑णो न मेधे ॥(2)

This verse acknowledges the goddess Medha’s role in inspiring sages, empowering creators, and bestowing wealth and prosperity. It’s a prayer seeking her blessings for success, abundance, and wisdom.

“By you, O goddess of wisdom, one becomes a sage, by you, the creator Brahma gains power & glory; and by you, wealth and prosperity are attained. The one who is imbued by you celebrates and enjoys the manifold wealth. Therefore, O Medha Devi, bless us with prosperity and intelligence.”

त्वया (tvayā): This word means “by you” or “through you.” It indicates that the actions described in the sentence are attributed to the goddess being addressed.
जुष्टः (juṣṭaḥ): This term means “becomes inspired” or “is imbued.” It suggests that the sage or the individual attains inspiration or enlightenment through the influence of the goddess.
ऋषिः (ṛṣiḥ): Here, it refers to the sage or the seer, someone who possesses profound spiritual knowledge or insight.
भवति (bhavati): This is the verb “to be” in Sanskrit. It indicates the state of being or existence.
देवि (devi): This word means “O goddess,” addressing the divine feminine presence being invoked.
ब्रह्मा (brahmā): This term refers to Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism, often depicted as the first member of the Trimurti (the Hindu Trinity).
आगतश्रीः (āgataśrīḥ): This phrase means “gains glory” or “attains splendor.” It suggests that Brahma achieves greatness or divine favor through the influence of the goddess. Agatah (gain) , srih (the glory , prosperity)
ऋत (ṛta): This word can mean “truth,” “order,” or “divine law” in Hindu philosophy. It represents the cosmic order or the fundamental principle that governs the universe.
त्वया (tvayā): This word again emphasizes the role of the goddess as the source or facilitator of the actions described.
चित्रं-विन्दते (citraṁ-vindate): This phrase means “celebrates and enjoys.” It suggests that the individual, in this case, the creator Brahma, delights in or rejoices in the influence of the goddess.
वसुः (vasuḥ): This term can mean “wealth,” “abundance,” or “prosperity.” It represents material and spiritual wealth or blessings.
सा (sā): This pronoun means “she,” referring to the goddess Medha.
नः (naḥ): This word means “our” or “us,” indicating the collective group or community seeking the goddess’s blessings.
जुषस्व (juṣasva): This is a verb form that means “bless us with” or “grant us.” It’s an invocation for the goddess to bestow her blessings upon the devotees.
द्रविणः (draviṇaḥ): This term means “wealth” or “resources,” referring to both material and spiritual blessings.
न (na): This particle means “not” or “do not,” negating the following verb.
मेधे (medhe): This word means “intelligence” or “wisdom,” indicating another aspect of the blessings sought from the goddess.

Verse 3

मे॒धां म॒ इन्द्रो॑ ददातु मे॒धां दे॒वी सर॑स्वती ।
मे॒धां मे॑ अ॒श्विना॑वु॒भा-वाध॑त्तां॒ पुष्क॑रस्रजा । (3)

This verse is a humble invocation seeking the blessings of intelligence from these revered deities, acknowledging their roles as bestowers of wisdom and knowledge. It reflects a sincere desire for intellectual prowess and guidance in one’s endeavors.

“May Indra grant me intelligence, may the goddess Saraswati grant me intelligence. May the Ashwini Kumaras, who wear beautiful garlands, bestow upon me intelligence.”

मेधां (medhām): This term means “intelligence” or “wisdom.”
मे (me): This is the possessive pronoun “my” or “mine.”
इन्द्रः (indraḥ): Refers to Indra, the king of the gods in Hindu mythology, associated with strength and power.
ददातु (dadātu): This is the optative form of the verb “to give,” indicating a wish or desire for something to be granted.
देवी सरस्वती (devī sarasvatī): Refers to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning in Hinduism.
अश्विना उभौ (aśvinā ubhau): Refers to the Ashwini Kumaras, twin Vedic gods associated with medicine and health, often depicted as divine physicians.
वाधत्ताम् (vādhatām): This is the optative form of the verb “to give,” indicating a wish or desire for something to be bestowed.
पुष्करस्रजा (puṣkarasrajā): This term means “wearing lotus garlands,” describing the Ashwini Kumaras.

Verse 4

अ॒प्स॒रासु॑ च॒ या मे॒धा ग॑न्ध॒र्वेषु॑ च॒ यन्मनः॑ ।
दैवींमे॒धा सर॑स्वती॒ सा मांमे॒धा सु॒रभि॑-र्जुषता॒ग्॒ स्वाहा॥(4)

This verse is a heartfelt invocation to Saraswati, the embodiment of divine intellect, seeking her blessings for intellectual prowess, creativity, and inspiration. It acknowledges her role as the bestower of knowledge and wisdom, and it expresses a sincere desire for her grace and guidance.

“May I possess the intelligence among the celestial nymphs, and the intellect I have among the great celestial artists, and whatever mental power I possess, that divine intellect, Saraswati, may she bestow upon me. May that Saraswati, the divine intellect, rich in fragrance, delight in me.”

अप्सरासु (apsarāsu): Apsaras are celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology, known for their beauty and grace.
गन्धर्वेषु (gandharveṣu): Gandharvas are celestial beings associated with music and poetry.
मे॒धा (medhā): This term means “intellect” or “wisdom.”
मनः (manaḥ): This word means “mind” or “mental power.”
दैवीं (daivīm): This adjective means “divine” or “celestial.”
सरस्वती (sarasvatī): Refers to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts.
सुरभिः (surabhiḥ): This term means “rich in fragrance” or “fragrant.”
जुषता (juṣatā): This is the optative form of the verb “to enjoy” or “to delight in.”
स्वाहा (svāhā): A word often used at the end of Vedic mantras as an invocation or offering to the gods.

Verse 5

आमांमे॒धा सु॒रभि॑-र्वि॒श्वरू॑पा॒ हिर॑ण्यवर्णा॒ जग॑ती जग॒म्या ।
ऊर्ज॑स्वती॒ पय॑सा॒ पिन्व॑माना॒ सा मांमे॒धा सु॒प्रती॑का जुषन्ताम् ॥(5)

This verse expresses a heartfelt plea for the goddess Medha’s blessings, describing her as radiant, fragrant, and all-pervading, and seeking her grace for intellect, vitality, and inspiration.

“May my intelligence, rich in fragrance, all-encompassing, golden-hued, pervading the universe, swift-moving, and traverse all realms, drink from the stream of energy. May that Medha, brightly shining, delight in me.”

आमां (āmām): This term means “my” or “mine,” indicating possession.
मे॒धा (medhā): Refers to Medha, the goddess of intelligence and wisdom.
सु॒रभिः (surabhiḥ): This term means “rich in fragrance” or “fragrant.”
वि॒श्वरूपा (viśvarūpā): This adjective means “all-encompassing” or “having a universal form.”
हिरण्यवर्णा (hiraṇyavarṇā): This phrase means “golden-hued” or “having a golden color.”
जगती (jagatī): This term means “universe” or “cosmos.”
जगम्या (jagamyā): This term means “swift-moving” or “traversing all realms.”
ऊर्जस्वती (ūrjasvatī): This phrase means “full of energy” or “possessing strength.”
पयसा (payasā): This term means “with the stream” or “with the flow,” referring metaphorically to energy or vitality.
पिन्वमाना (pinvamānā): This is the present participle form of the verb “to drink,” indicating an ongoing action.
सा (sā): This pronoun means “she,” referring to the goddess Medha.
सु॒प्रती॑का (supratīkā): This term means “brightly shining” or “with clear signs.”
जुषन्ताम् (juṣantām): This is the optative form of the verb “to enjoy” or “to delight in.”

Verse 6

मयि॑ मे॒धां मयि॑ प्र॒जां मय्य॒ग्नि-स्तेजो॑ दधातु॒,
मयि॑ मे॒धां मयि॑ प्र॒जां मयीन्द्र॑ इन्द्रि॒यं द॑धातु॒,
मयि॑ मे॒धां मयि॑ प्र॒जां मयि॒ सूर्यो॒ भ्राजो॑ दधातु ॥

This verse is a sincere invocation for blessings of intellect, vitality, and radiance from the divine forces.

“May intelligence be bestowed upon me, may progeny be bestowed upon me, may the brilliance of Agni (fire) grant me vigor.

May intelligence be bestowed upon me, may progeny be bestowed upon me, may the power of Indra (the king of gods) grant me strength.

May intelligence be bestowed upon me, may progeny be bestowed upon me, may the radiance of the sun grant me splendor.”

मयि (mayi): This term means “upon me” or “for me,” indicating the recipient of the blessings.
मे॒धा (medhā): Refers to intelligence or intellect, sought for clarity and understanding.
प्र॒जा (prajā): Refers to progeny or offspring, sought for fertility and posterity.
अग्नि-स्तेजो (agni-stejo): Refers to the brilliance or radiance of Agni, the fire god, symbolizing vitality and energy.
इन्द्र॑ इन्द्रि॒यं (indra indriyam): Refers to the power or faculty of Indra, symbolizing strength and vigor.
सूर्यो॒ भ्राजः (sūryo bhrajah): Refers to the radiance or brilliance of the sun, symbolizing splendor and illumination.

Verse 7 — Hamsa Gayatri (हंसगायत्री)

ॐ हं॒स॒ हं॒साय॑ वि॒द्महे॑ परमहं॒साय॑ धीमहि । तन्नो॑ हंसः प्रचो॒दयात् ॥ (हंसगायत्री)
ॐ शान्तिः॒ शान्तिः॒ शान्तिः॑ ॥

This mantra is a prayer for spiritual illumination and guidance, invoking the qualities of the Supreme to lead the practitioner towards higher understanding and enlightenment. It’s often recited as a form of devotion and meditation to connect with the divine wisdom within and without.

“ॐ हं॒स॒ हं॒साय॑ वि॒द्महे॑” (Om Ham̐sa Ham̐saaya Vidmahe): The mantra begins with the sacred syllable “Om,” which represents the primordial sound of creation. “Ham̐sa” refers to the Supreme Swan, and “Vidmahe” means “let us meditate upon” or “may we understand.” So, this part of the mantra is an invocation to meditate upon or contemplate the state of enlightenment.
“परमहं॒साय॑ धीमहि” (Parama Ham̐saaya Dheemahi): “Parama” means “supreme” or “highest,” and “Dheemahi” means “may we attain” or “may we be inspired by.” Therefore, this part of the mantra is a prayer for inspiration and attainment of the awakened state.
“तन्नो॑ हंसः प्रचो॒दयात्” (Tanno Ham̐sah Prachodayaat): “Tannah” means “that,” “Ham̐sah” refers to the enlightened ones / Supreme Swan, and “Prachodayaat” means “may inspire” or “may guide.” So, this concluding part of the mantra is a prayer for guidance and inspiration from the Enlightened masters.
“ॐ” (Om): This syllable is considered the primordial sound of the universe, representing the essence of creation, existence, and consciousness. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of prayers or mantras to invoke spiritual energy and connect with the divine.
“शान्तिः” (Shantiḥ): This word means “peace” in Sanskrit. It is repeated three times in the mantra for emphasis and completeness.
Repetition: The repetition of “Shantiḥ” three times symbolizes peace at three levels: peace within oneself (physical, mental, and emotional), peace in the immediate surroundings, and peace in the entire universe.