Ayaṃ yaḥ śṛṇute hi goṣu vācaṃ satyapāhi niśitāṃ ca devīm . Ihopahūyatāṃ yaśo jānimy kastvaṃ devi mātaram ॥
“This one who hears the true word of the awakened Goddess in the cows, I call out to you, tell me, who are you, O Mother Goddess?”
Structure
Ayaṃ - yaḥ - śṛṇute - hi - goṣu - vācaṃ - satya-pāhi - niśitām - ca - devīm - ihā - upahūyatām - yaśo - jānim - kas - tvam - devī - mātaram
Ayaṃ (this) yaḥ (who) śṛṇute (hears) hi (indeed) goṣu (among cattle) vācaṃ (the voice) satya-pāhi (which keeps truth) niśitām (sharp) ca (and) devīm (the goddess) ihā (here) upahūyatām (is being called) yaśo (fame) jānim (I know) kas (who) tvam (you) devī (goddess) mātaram (mother)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | — | |
| śṛṇute | śṛṇute | verb | √śṛṇu · laṭ-present · third | |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | |
| goṣu | goṣu | noun | locative · plural · masculine | |
| vācaṃ | vācaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | |
| satya-pāhi | satya-pāhi | compound | bahuvrīhi · "satya-pāhi" | having true speech |
| niśitām | niśitām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | |
| devīm | devīm | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | |
| ihā | ihā | indeclinable | — | |
| upahūyatām | upahūyatām | verb | √hū · liṅ-optative · first | |
| yaśo | yaśo | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | |
| jānim | jānim | verb | √jñā · liṅ-optative · first | |
| kas | kas | pronoun | — | |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | — | |
| devī | devī | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | |
| mātaram | mātaram | noun | accusative · singular · feminine |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Ayaṃ yaḥ śṛṇute hi goṣu vācaṃ satyapāhi niśitāṃ ca devīm, the emphasis on 'śṛṇute' (hearing) the true word of the Goddess within the context of 'goṣu' (cows), which symbolize the senses, underscores the importance of internal listening or intuition. Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, emphasizes the need to look beyond the external world to find the truth. Similarly, in this verse, the call to hear the true word (satyapāhi vācaṃ) points to the non-dual reality (Brahman) that exists beyond the realm of sensory perception. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is hinted at when the speaker asks 'kas tvam devi mātaram' (who are you, O Mother Goddess?), seeking to understand the ultimate reality that pervades all existence, including the self. This quest is central to Advaita Vedānta's non-dual philosophy, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is ultimately transcended.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the personal relationship between the devotee and the Divine. 'Ayaṃ yaḥ śṛṇute' suggests an intimate hearing or understanding of the Goddess's words, symbolizing the devotee's connection with the personal deity. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentaries, often discusses the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain liberation. In this context, 'kas tvam devi mātaram' can be seen as an expression of deep devotion and surrender, where the devotee seeks to know and understand the Divine Mother, recognizing their dependence on her grace. This verse highlights the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the distinction between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), yet also underscores the potential for a loving, personal relationship between them, which is a cornerstone of Vaiṣṇava philosophy.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its emphasis on 'śṛṇute' (listening) to the true word, can be seen as a call to introspection and self-awareness. The 'goṣu' (cows), symbolizing the senses, remind us that true wisdom comes from looking within and understanding our own nature. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true potential and the unity of all existence. The question 'kas tvam devi mātaram' (who are you, O Mother Goddess?) can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's quest for self-discovery and understanding of their place in the universe. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, also highlights the practical application of such verses, emphasizing that spiritual growth and self-realization are essential for personal and societal progress. This verse, therefore, encourages a contemporary audience to seek wisdom, understand their true nature, and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings.