Ayaṃ somo mahābalaḥ . Pavamānaḥ pratiśravaḥ .
“This Soma is of great strength, and is purifying (the drinker), and is fit to be listened to.”
Structure
Ayaṃ Somoḥ Mahābalaḥ Pavamānaḥ Pratiśravaḥ
Ayaṃ (this) Somoḥ (Soma) Mahābalaḥ (great strength) Pavamānaḥ (purifying) Pratiśravaḥ (resounding)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this, referring to what follows |
| Somoḥ | Somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| Mahābalaḥ | Mahābalaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | having great strength |
| Pavamānaḥ | Pavamānaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | purifying one |
| Pratiśravaḥ | Pratiśravaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | exclamation, loud call |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ somo mahābalaḥ . Pavamānaḥ pratiśravaḥ', is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as symbolizing the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is of great strength (mahābalaḥ) and purifying (pavamānaḥ). The term 'pratiśravaḥ' signifies the all-pervading and omniscient nature of Brahman, which is fit to be listened to or revered. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, often cites such verses to establish the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with Brahman. This verse, therefore, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the purification and strength referred to are not of the physical Soma but of the inner self, realized through the knowledge of one's true nature as Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an allegory for the divine grace that purifies the soul and strengthens its resolve towards devotion. Rāmānujācārya might interpret 'Ayaṃ somo mahābalaḥ' as the Lord's grace, which is of great strength and capable of purifying the devotee's heart. 'Pavamānaḥ' refers to the Lord's act of purification, and 'pratiśravaḥ' signifies the Lord's reputation as being gracious and merciful, hence worthy of being heard and revered. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, underscores the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the Lord's grace is what enables the jīva to attain spiritual strength and purity, ultimately leading to liberation through devotion (bhakti).
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a call to inner strength and purification, applicable to all aspects of life. The 'somo mahābalaḥ' represents the infinite potential within every individual, waiting to be tapped and strengthened. 'Pavamānaḥ' signifies the process of self-purification, essential for realizing this inner strength. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of self-culture and the realization of one's divine nature. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, inspires individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, listening to the inner voice ('pratiśravaḥ') that guides towards a life of purpose, service, and universal harmony. It connects the ancient wisdom of the Ṛgveda with contemporary life, inviting individuals to find strength and purification in their own inner depths.