yadyad-rūpeṇa rāktēṇa varṣatē svāhāyā rudrād-rudram
“Whatever form it assumes, Rudra rains it on the world through Svāhā.”
Structure
yadyad rūpeṇa rāktēṇa varṣatē svāhāyāḥ rudrāt rudram
rudram rudrāt svāhāyāḥ yadyad rūpeṇa rāktēṇa varṣatē
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yadyad | yadyad | indeclinable | — | whatever |
| rūpeṇa | rūpeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | form |
| rāktēṇa | rāktēṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | coloured/dyed |
| varṣatē | varṣate | verb | √vṛṣ · laṭ-present · third | rains/shower |
| svāhāyāḥ | svāhāyāḥ | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | of Svāhā |
| rudrāt | rudrāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from Rudra |
| rudram | rudram | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Rudra/Shiva |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā is interpreted by Adi Shankara as signifying the ultimate non-dual reality, Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes that Rudra, here, symbolizes the universal principle that pervades all existence. The phrase 'yadyad-rūpeṇa rāktēṇa varṣatē' suggests that whatever form the universe assumes, it is essentially a manifestation of this primal energy, Rudra. Through the concept of 'svāhā', Shankara explains the process of cosmic evolution where the Absolute, Brahman, projects the universe, akin to a sacrificial offering. This points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, indicating that all phenomena are interconnected and, ultimately, non-dual. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on similar passages, underlines the illusory nature of the distinctions between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality, guiding the seeker towards the realization of this unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an illustration of the dependency of the universe on the divine will. Rāmānujācārya, for instance, would interpret 'Rudra' as a form of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu, who through His diverse energies, sustains and governs the cosmos. The 'varṣatē' or the raining down, symbolizes the grace of God that nourishes all beings. 'Svāhāyā' signifies the divine energy that implements this process, akin to a ritual offering that connects the human and divine realms. This verse, thus, underlines the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (God), with the jīva being utterly dependent on Īśvara's will. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, would still see this verse as highlighting the Lord's sovereignty and the necessity of devotion (bhakti) for the jīva to attain its ultimate goal.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, prominent figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse as underscoring the universal and eternal principles that govern human existence and the cosmos. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often highlighted the potential of the human being to realize the divine within. This verse, with its mention of 'Rudra' and 'svāhā', can be seen as symbolizing the innate power and the universal energy that resides within every individual. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the practical application of spiritual principles, would interpret the 'varṣatē' as the continuous outpouring of divine grace and guidance, available to all who seek it. This understanding encourages the individual to recognize and connect with the universal, fostering a sense of global citizenship and harmony. In contemporary life, this verse serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and the infinite potential that lies within us, awaiting realization.