Who is the God of the Purusha Suktam

Purusha Suktam is a sacred hymn of the Rigveda. It is dedicated to the Purusha or the “Cosmic Being”. It is also found in the Sama-veda Samhita, the Taittiriya Aranyaka, the Vajasaneyi Samhita, and the Atharva-veda Samhita.

This Suktam incorporates the principles of jnana or knowledge, upasana or meditation, bhakti or devotion, and rituals and duties (karma and dharma). This is one reason why it is well regarded and continues to be in use even today.

The word “Purusha” means “God Almighty”. This hymn praises the glory of God and is often recited in houses and temples during ceremonies and rituals. Chanting this hymn is believed to confer many blessings on one’s life. This powerful Mantra is often chanted by sages before performing a yagna in order to ensure that there are no obstacles during the yagna.

One version of this hymn has 16 verses, while another version has 24 verses, with the first 18 mantras called Purva-Narayana and the rest, Uttaranarayana, perhaps to honor Rishi Narayana to whom the Sukta was revealed. The most frequently used portion of the hymn has 24 stanzas or Mantras.

Deity of the Purusha Suktam

The Purusha mentioned in the Purusha Suktam is the Parama Purusha/ Purushottama/ Narayana in his form as the Viraat Purusha. It is from him that all creation emanates. The Suktam also describes his form – with many heads, legs, eyes manifested everywhere. Limited methods of comprehension cannot envisage his form. All of creation is only a fourth part of him, and the remaining is not manifested.

From yajna, the sacrificial rite, the act of creation grew. The object of worship at the yajna was Purusha. The being who performed it was Brahma, the creative aspect of Purusha. The whole of Nature formed the sacrificial altar. Purusha’s heart was the fire, and Purusha himself was the sacrifice. Within his great body, all of creation resided.

Thus Purusha consumed himself in the fire of creation to create all the worlds. From this sacrifice, everything that was created emanated. This is the central message of the Purusha Sukta.

Significance of Purusha Suktam

This Mantra says that the world was created by and out of a Yajna of the Purusha. In this primordial Yajna, all forms of existence are believed to be grounded. According to the 17th verse, the concept of Yajna itself arose out of this original sacrifice. In the concluding verses, Yajna is described as the primordial energy ground for all creation.

This hymn offers a description of the spiritual unity of all creation. It talks of the nature of Purusha or the cosmic being as something that is both immanent in the manifested world but also transcendent to it. The Sukta contains the original creative energy, which enables the projection of creation in time and space.

The Purusha Sukta is a very commonly used Vedic hymn. It is recited during many Vedic rituals and ceremonies. It is also used during Vishnu worship, during idol installation, and when Homas are performed. It is used by people who recite Sanskrit texts daily or those practicing meditation. The portion which is most commonly used has 24 Mantras or stanzas. The first 18 Mantras are called Purvanarayana, and the remaining are called Uttaranarayana.

Benefits of Purusha Suktam

This sacred hymn is said to have miraculous powers. It is recited by people seeking relief from diabetes, and daily recitation works wonders. People who desire offspring and those who are facing marital problems, too, have been known to benefit by reciting this Suktam. It is said to give mental clarity, affluence, and success in one’s endeavors.

If you want to chant the Purusha Suktam and experience its manifold benefits, you can download Purusha Suktam MP3 and listen to it.