Ayaṃ Somaḥ pavate tvāyaiva vīryeṇa Vṛtrahā.
“This Soma, destroyer of Vritra, flows for you (Indra) with strength.”
Structure
Ayaṃ Somaḥ pavate tvāya eva vīryeṇa Vṛtra-hā
Vṛtra-hā Somaḥ eva vīryeṇa tvāya pavate Ayaṃ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| Somaḥ | Somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| pavate | pavate | verb | √pū · laṭ-present · third | purifies |
| tvāya | tvāya | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | for you |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| vīryeṇa | vīryeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with strength |
| Vṛtra-hā | Vṛtra-hā | compound | karmadhāraya · "Vṛtra-hān" | slayer of Vritra |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his Brahmasutra Bhashya, Shankara interprets this verse to signify the ultimate reality of Brahman. The Soma, destroyer of Vritra, represents the inner Self (ātman) that destroys ignorance (Vritra). The phrase 'pavate tvāyaiva vīryeṇa' indicates that this Self is not separate from Brahman but is an expression of its inherent strength. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one. This verse, in the context of Advaita, points to the realization of this unity, where the individual's ego and ignorance are transcended, and the true nature of the Self is revealed as being one with Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Ramanuja's interpretation of this verse from the Rg Veda highlights the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), identified as Vishnu or Narayana. The Soma, flowing with strength, symbolizes the divine grace that enables the jiva to overcome the forces of darkness (Vritra). This verse is seen as an expression of the Lord's benevolence towards his devotees, where 'tvāyaiva vīryeṇa' underscores the idea that the Lord's strength is what empowers the devotee to overcome adversity. In the Vishishtadvaita tradition, this relationship is one of inseparability, where the jiva, though distinct, is intimately connected with the Īśvara, much like the body is to the soul. This verse, therefore, becomes a call to devotion and surrender to the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Rg Veda, interprets this verse as a call to self-realization and inner strength. The Soma, destroyer of Vritra, represents the inner potential that lies within every individual, waiting to be unleashed. The phrase 'pavate tvāyaiva vīryeṇa' is seen as an affirmation of the human capacity to tap into this inner reservoir of strength, enabling one to overcome life's challenges (Vritra). Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, emphasizes the universal principles of Vedanta, highlighting that this verse points to the inherent strength and potential in human nature. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to look within for solutions to their problems, to believe in their inner power, and to strive for self-realization and personal growth. It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, resilience, and the pursuit of one's highest potential.