Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu māvyam devānām । Ṛtaṃ vadān ṛgvedaṃ gāyati ॥
“This divine one (cow) listen to the truth-telling words of the gods; reciting truth (ṛta) it sings the Ṛgveda.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu mā vyam devānām Ṛtam vadān ṛgvedam gāyati
Ayaṃ gauḥ (this cow) devānām (of the gods) mā (my) vyam (voice) śṛṇu (listen) Ṛtam (true) vadān (speaking) ṛgvedam (Rigveda) gāyati (sings)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cow |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · laṭ-imperative · second | listen |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not |
| vyam | māvyam | compound | karmadhāraya · "mā + vyam" | do not scorn |
| devānām | devānām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of gods |
| Ṛtam | Ṛtam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | True Speech/Ritual |
| vadān | vadān | verb | √vad · laṭ-participle · third | speaking/saying |
| ṛgvedam | ṛgvedam | compound | karmadhāraya · "ṛg + vedam" | Ṛgveda |
| gāyati | gāyati | verb | √gā · laṭ-present · third | sings |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (jīvātman) is ultimately identical with the universal self (brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtras and the Upaniṣads highlights the concept of 'ṛta' as truth, which is the inherent nature of the self. The cow, symbolizing nourishment and abundance, represents the self that listens to and recites the truth of the Ṛgveda, which is a manifestation of the ultimate reality. This reading suggests that the ultimate truth is not something external, but an intrinsic aspect of the self, waiting to be discovered. Shankara's reasoning on Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.1.1, where he explains that 'satyam' (truth) is a fundamental aspect of the brahman, resonates with the idea presented in this verse, emphasizing the identity of the individual with the absolute.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In this context, the verse is interpreted to signify the dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The cow, emblematic of the earth and its bounty, is considered a symbol of the Lord's nourishing grace. The 'ṛtaṃ vadān' (reciting truth) signifies the divine word or the Veda, which is a manifestation of Īśvara's grace, guiding the jīva towards the path of truth and devotion. Rāmānujācārya's interpretation of the Brahmasūtras, particularly his emphasis on the concept of 'prapatti' (surrender), is relevant here, as it underscores the jīva's complete dependence on Īśvara for liberation. The verse, therefore, is seen as an exhortation to the devotee to surrender to the divine will, recognizing the ultimate authority and benevolence of the Supreme Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as an emblem of the universal quest for truth and self-realization. The cow, a universal symbol of nourishment, represents the inner quest for knowledge and self-discovery. The 'ṛtaṃ vadān ṛgvedaṃ gāyati' (reciting truth, singing the Ṛgveda) signifies the individual's pursuit of ultimate truth, which is the essence of the Ṛgveda. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasizes the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, suggesting that this verse encourages the individual to seek truth and recite it, not just as an intellectual exercise, but as a living, breathing part of one's being. This approach resonates with S. Radhakrishnan's philosophy, where he underscores the importance of living a life of truth and non-violence, as espoused in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', thus making this verse a call to action for contemporary life, encouraging individuals to seek, embody, and live the truth.