ayam gauḥ śṛṇu rājan divi cakre gauram asurebhyah । sarge'smin bahudhā vijāyate gavām idam vaśam ॥
“The King, listen to this cow, having created the brightness from the Asuras in heaven, she submits to this creation, giving birth to many cattle.”
Structure
ayam gauḥ śṛṇu rājan divi cakre gauram asurebhyah sarge asmin bahudhā vijāyate gavām idam vaśam
Rājan (king) śṛṇu (listen) ayam (this) gauḥ (cow)Gauram (light) cakre (created) divi (in heaven) asurebhyah (for the demons)Idam (this) gavām (of cows) vaśam (control) sarge (in creation) asmin (this) bahudhā (in many ways) vijāyate (begets)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ayam | ayam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cow |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | listen |
| rājan | rājan | noun | vocative · singular · masculine | king |
| divi | divi | indeclinable | — | in heaven |
| cakre | cakre | verb | √kṛ · laṭ-present · third | produced |
| gauram | gauram | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | white (or cattle) |
| asurebhyah | asurebhyah | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | from the asuras |
| sarge | sarge | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in creation |
| asmin | asmin | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in this |
| bahudhā | bahudhā | indeclinable | — | in many ways |
| vijāyate | vijāyate | verb | √jā · laṭ-present · third | procreates |
| gavām | gavām | noun | genitive · plural · feminine | of cows |
| idam | idam | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| vaśam | vaśam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | control |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda presents a profound allegory when interpreted through the lens of non-dualism. Shankara's commentary on the Upaniṣads often emphasizes the ultimate reality, Brahman, and its identity with the individual self, Ātman. In the context of this verse, the 'cow' can be seen as a symbol of pure knowledge or consciousness. The 'brightness' created from the Asuras in heaven may symbolize the emergence of true understanding or illumination, dispelling the 'darkness' of ignorance. The submission to this creation and the proliferation of 'cattle' can be understood as the manifestation of the world and its multitudinous forms, all ultimately traceable to and identifiable with the singular, unchanging Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning on similar passages, where he underscores the unity and indivisibility of reality, pointing to the Brahman-Ātman identity as the core of Vedic teachings.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya might interpret the 'cow' as a symbol of the divine grace that intervenes in the world to protect the devotees from the forces of darkness (asuras). The act of creating 'brightness' could symbolize the divine illumination that dispels ignorance, leading the souls towards their ultimate goal of union with the divine. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, might see this verse as illustrating the dependence of all creation on the will of the Supreme Being, underscoring the concept of complete surrender to the divine will. Both interpretations would highlight the personal, relational aspect of the divine in Vaiṣṇava theology, with this verse serving as a call to devotion and recognition of divine providence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would likely approach this verse with an emphasis on its universal and practical application. Vivekānanda, known for his stress on the potential of the human soul, might see the 'cow' as a symbol of the divine potential within every individual. The creation of 'brightness' from 'darkness' could represent the human capacity to overcome ignorance and adversity through self-effort and spiritual practice. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophical background, might interpret this verse in the context of his concept of 'integral experience,' seeing the unity of all existence reflected in the image of the cow and the cattle, symbolizing the interconnectedness and oneness of all life. Both interpretations would underscore the relevance of this ancient verse to contemporary life, encouraging personal and societal transformation through the realization of one's inner divinity and the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.