Ayaṃ somo mahān ṛṣabho hi bhūyāt Vṛścin nṛvad bṛjin pinākahastaḥ.
“May this Soma, the great Bull, become (like) Vṛścin, strong among men, and like Bṛjin, with a pināka in his hand.”
Structure
Ayaṃ Somo Mahān Ṛṣabhaḥ Hi Bhūyāt Vṛścin Nṛvad Bṛjin Pinākahastaḥ
Ayaṃ (this) Somo (Soma) Mahān (great) Ṛṣabhaḥ (bull) Hi (indeed) Bhūyāt (may he be) Vṛścin (possessor of strength) Nṛvad (acting like a man) Bṛjin (rich/strong) Pinākahastaḥ (with a Pināka bow in hand)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| Somo | Somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| Mahān | Mahān | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | great |
| Ṛṣabhaḥ | Ṛṣabhaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | bull |
| Hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| Bhūyāt | Bhūyāt | verb | √bhū · liṅ-optative · third | may he be |
| Vṛścin | Vṛścin | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Vṛścin (name) |
| Nṛvad | Nṛvad | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Nṛvad (name) |
| Bṛjin | Bṛjin | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Bṛjin (name) |
| Pinākahastaḥ | Pinākahastaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "pināka-hastaḥ" | having a Pinaka in his hand |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, when interpreted through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, reveals the non-dual essence of reality. The description of Soma as the 'great Bull' symbolizes the absolute, unchanging Brahman. Shankara's commentary on similar verses in the Upanishads, such as the Chandogya Upanishad, highlights the importance of recognizing the identity between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). In this context, the aspiration for Soma to become like Vṛścin and Bṛjin, strong and empowered, can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's journey towards self-realization. By transcending the limitations of the mundane world, the individual merges with the divine, much like the Bull Soma becoming one with the cosmic forces. This non-dual reading underscores the central thesis of Advaita Vedānta: that the ultimate reality is a unified, all-encompassing whole, and that the distinction between the individual and the divine is an illusion.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional interpretation of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the individual (jīva) and the Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or surrender, to the divine will. The verse's invocation of Soma, the great Bull, can be seen as a representation of the Lord's power and majesty. The aspiration for Soma to become like Vṛścin and Bṛjin reflects the devotee's desire to be strong in their devotion and to wield the 'pināka' of spiritual knowledge, symbolizing the Lord's gracious bestowal of wisdom upon the devotee. This reading highlights the personal, relational aspect of the divine, where the Lord is both the goal and the means of attainment. The verse thus becomes a prayer for spiritual empowerment and a deeper connection with the divine, underscoring the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti, or loving devotion, as the path to liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In the context of Neo-Vedānta, this verse from the Ṛgveda assumes a universal and practical significance. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedas, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's inner potential and becoming a force for good in the world. The image of Soma, the great Bull, represents the untapped energies and potentialities within every individual. The aspiration for Soma to become like Vṛścin and Bṛjin can be seen as a call to cultivate inner strength, resilience, and wisdom. This reading resonates with Vivekānanda's message of self-empowerment and service to humanity. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, highlights the relevance of the Vedas to contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of integrating spiritual values with modern living. This verse, in the Neo-Vedānta perspective, becomes a reminder of the human potential for growth, transformation, and self-realization, encouraging individuals to strive for excellence and to contribute positively to the world.