Sham No Mithrah Sham

About this stotra

This profound invocation seeks the blessings of various deities who represent different aspects of cosmic balance and order. The verse starts with a salutation to Mitra, Varuṇa, and Aryamā, who are cosmic forces associated with friendship, cosmic law, and noble conduct, respectively. Indra, the king of the Gods, is invoked for his protection and strength, while Bṛhaspati, the teacher of the Gods, is asked to bestow wisdom and guidance. Vishnu, the one who strides across the universe, is also invoked for his support. These deities collectively symbolise the divine forces that guide and protect the cosmic and individual order.
As the verse progresses, there is an acknowledgement of Brahman, the Supreme Reality, and a salutation to Vāyu, the Wind God, who is also seen as a direct manifestation of Brahman. This highlights the understanding that all the forces in the universe are expressions of Brahman, the ultimate source.
The speaker also commits to a life aligned with Ṛtam and Satyam. Ṛtam represents the eternal law that governs the functioning of the cosmos, with its inherent harmony and balance in everything from the movement of celestial bodies to the moral and ethical laws of existence. The declaration "Ṛtam vadiṣyāmi" is a strong commitment that "I will align my speech and actions with the Cosmic Order." Satyam refers to the absolute Truth in its most fundamental and unchanging form—the eternal, supreme Reality, Brahman. The statement "Satyam vadiṣyāmi" reinforces this commitment: "I will embody Satyam in my thoughts, speech and actions."
The verse concludes with a plea for protection (avatu), not just for the speaker, but for all those who teach or share knowledge (vaktāra). Finally, the triple repetition of "Shantih" is an invocation to the supreme Reality, Brahman (Om), asking for the removal of suffering from external forces (ādhibhautika), divine or natural forces (ādhidaivika), and internal disturbances (ādhyātmika).