Madhuvidya

Author(s): S D Laddu, T N Dharmadhikari, Madhvi Kolhatkar, Pratibha Pingle
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 82

SANSKRIT SÁKHI
or the charioteer'. In 7.19.9 the singers request Indra to choose hem for yujya-type of association with him (asmán vrnişva yijyaya ásmai). When in the preceding verse we read priyása ít te maghavann abhiṣṭau náro madema sarané sákhayaḥ, this can mean 'may we, the heroes liked by you, oh bounteous one, take delight in your protection, in your resort, (we) riding in your chariot (sákhayaḥ). Instead of yújya, we find sometimes the root-noun yúj being used. Indra's association with Püşan in the same chariot during their exploits against enemies is expressed as útá ghà sá rathttamaḥ sákhya sátpatir yujd indro vrtráni jighnate (6.56.2). Indra is described as making a somin (who offers Soma) his associate in the chariot, sálchayam kṛnute yújam (8.62.6)." But one who does not give an offering or press Soma, he does not get this privilege: átrá yújam kṛṇute yó havişman násunvata sakhyámh vasti súraḥ (10.42.4). Indra, as a swan, associating with heavenly waters and moving with them in the same chariot seems to be the reason why they are described as shy (bibhatsú): bibhatsúnām sayújam hamsám ahur apám divyanam sakhyé cárantam (10.124.9)." The idea of common sharing is neatly expressed in dvd suparṇd sayújā sákhay samaná vṛleṣám pári sasvajáte (1.164.20) Two birds, sharing the same yoke and the same nave (i.e. the same chariot) embrace the same tree',10
The use of the word sákhi in the context of the verbs a vrt and vah also points to the interpretation 'riding in the same chariot'. In RV. 4.1.1, the gods are said to have commissioned Agni as their charioteer (tvám hý agne sádam it samanyávo deváso devám aratím nyeriré). And then in verse three, when it is said, sákhe sákhayam abhý á vavṛtsväáúm ná cakrám ráthyeva rámhyā it can mean 'Oh charioteer, turn towards (Varuna) who will drive with you (sákhāyam), as the wheel (rolls) towards the horse, as the two quick horses (rush towards the goal)'." The singer who wishes to ride together (sakhayám) with the Aśvinä everyday wishes to turn (their chariot) towards himself (á vam narä purubhuja vavṛtyām divédive cid aśvina sakhiyán (5.49.1). The 7. In 9.66.18 we read about Soma, vrnimáhe sakhydya vṛnimáhe yújyäya. Even vajra is called yújya sákhi (6.21.7).
8. Also cf. 1.129.4, 4.32.6.
9. Yoga, referring to the yoking of horses to a chariot, appears in connection with sakhi in yogeyoge tavástaram vajevaje havamahe / sákhaya indram útáye 'we, riding (with Indra) in the same chariot, invite Indra who is stronger in every yoking, in every race for a prize' (1.30.17).
10. The idea of journeying together is not present here.
11. Or, combined into one simile as done by Sayana, 'as the two speedy horses (turn) the quick wheel'. Ráthya in this case is taken to mean 'horse' and not 'wheel'.
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12. Similarly Yami says in 10.10.1, ó cit sákhayam sakhyd vavṛtyam 'May I turr hitherwards (Yama), who has come in a chariot, for a common ride'. This common ride seems to be indicative of marriage relation, see below page 85 Madhu Vidya/57