Indrasyā nu vṛṣṇānāṃ samudgato vāraṇaḥ । Ṛgvedo'dhigamyate ॥
“The elephant Vāraṇa, rising up, now proclaims Indra's might, and the Ṛgveda is comprehended.”
Structure
Indrasyā nu vṛṣṇānāṃ samudgato vāraṇaḥ Ṛgvedo adhigamyate
Ṛgvedaḥ (The Rigveda)Indrasyā (of Indra)nu (now)vṛṣṇānāṃ (of the bulls)samudgataḥ (has emerged)vāraṇaḥ (the blocker or controller)adhigamyate (is to be understood or attained)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indrasyā | Indrasyā | indeclinable | — | of Indra, belonging to Indra |
| nu | nu | indeclinable | — | now, then, indeed |
| vṛṣṇānāṃ | vṛṣṇānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of bulls, of strong ones |
| samudgato | samudgato | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | emerged, risen |
| vāraṇaḥ | vāraṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | elephant |
| Ṛgvedo | Ṛgvedo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the Ṛgveda, the Rigveda |
| adhigamyate | adhigamyate | verb | √adhigam · present · third | is attained, is acquired |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Indrasyā nu vṛṣṇānāṃ samudgato vāraṇaḥ Ṛgvedo adhigamyate,' hints at the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of Brahman, suggesting that the distinctions we perceive are merely manifestations of Maya. The 'vāraṇa,' or elephant, symbolizes the individual self (jīva) rising to comprehend the Ṛgveda, which represents the highest knowledge. This comprehension is not about intellectual grasp but about realizing the identity of the individual self with the universal Brahman, echoing the concept of 'Tat Tvam Asi' (You are That). Thus, this verse, through the imagery of the rising elephant, underscores the Advaitic theme of the eventual recognition of the non-dual reality that transcends the mundane world, guiding the seeker towards the ultimate union of the individual with the cosmic consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'vāraṇa' represents the devotee who, with the grace of Īśvara, rises to comprehend the divine knowledge as embodied in the Ṛgveda. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual, recognizing their limitations, surrenders to the divine will, thereby achieving liberation. The 'samudgato vāraṇaḥ' symbolizes this act of surrender and the subsequent elevation of the individual to a state of knowledge and devotion. This verse thus highlights the path of devotion and surrender as a means to attain spiritual knowledge and union with the divine, reflecting the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on 'bhakti' as a primary means to achieve moksha.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a Neo-Vedāntic perspective, this verse offers a universal message of self-empowerment and the pursuit of knowledge. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's inner potential and the need to strive for spiritual knowledge. The image of the 'vāraṇa' rising to proclaim Indra's might can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's inner strength and capacity for spiritual growth. The comprehension of the Ṛgveda represents the attainment of a higher state of consciousness, where one understands the interconnectedness of all existence. This verse, therefore, encourages the individual to strive for self-realization and to recognize their place within the larger universe, echoing Vivekānanda's call to 'arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.' It inspires a sense of personal and spiritual responsibility, highlighting the importance of individual effort in achieving spiritual enlightenment and contributing to the greater good of humanity.