Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhasi viśvāni rūpāṇi vicitya dhīḥ. Nakinnūnam asti tad yad ṛcāyate.
“Hear, with your intellect, this eulogy of the Cow; having examined all aspects, there is nothing that does not get extolled in this hymn.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhasi viśvāni rūpāṇi vicitya dhīḥ Nakir nūnam asti tad yad ṛcāyate
Ṛcāyate (is being praised) tad (that) nūnam (certainly) nakir (nothing) asti (exists) yad (which) vicitya (having examined) dhīḥ (wise one) viśvāni (all) rūpāṇi (forms) medhasi (in wisdom) śṛṇu (listen) gauḥ (cow) ayaṃ (this)
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-present · second | hear |
| medhasi | medhasi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in wisdom |
| viśvāni | viśvāni | adjective | — | all |
| rūpāṇi | rūpāṇi | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | forms |
| vicitya | vicitya | indeclinable | — | having examined |
| dhīḥ | dhīḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wise one |
| Nakir | Nakir | particle | — | not |
| nūnam | nūnam | indeclinable | — | certainly |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| tad | tad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | what |
| ṛcāyate | ṛcāyate | verb | √ṛc · lat-middle · third | is praised |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate truth, Brahman, is the essence of all existence. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of 'medhas' or intellect, highlighting its role in realizing the unity of all things. The phrase 'viśvāni rūpāṇi vicitya dhīḥ' suggests an all-encompassing understanding, where the distinctions between various forms are transcended, pointing towards the identity of Brahman and Ātman. The line 'nakir nūnam asti tad yad ṛcāyate' implies that nothing exists outside the realm of what is being hymned or extolled, which, according to Shankara's interpretation, indicates the indivisible nature of reality, where everything is an expression of the supreme consciousness, Brahman. This understanding is central to the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse as an expression of devotion and the inherent relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of 'śaraṇāgati' or total surrender, which is reflected in the phrase 'ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhasi', where the devotee is called to listen with an open and receptive heart. The extolling of the cow, a symbol of nourishment and sustenance, is seen as a metaphor for the divine grace that sustains all of existence. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, would interpret the phrase 'nakir nūnam asti tad yad ṛcāyate' as an affirmation of the real difference between the Lord and the soul, yet emphasizing that all true knowledge and extolling ultimately lead to the realization of the Lord's glory and grace. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the devotional path to realizing one's true relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, bring a modern and universal perspective to this ancient verse. They interpret 'ayaṃ gauḥ' not just as a physical cow but as a symbol of the divine presence in all aspects of life. The phrase 'viśvāni rūpāṇi vicitya dhīḥ' suggests a comprehensive and holistic understanding, where the individual sees the interconnectedness of all things, a concept that resonates with contemporary ideas of global unity and environmental stewardship. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, urging individuals to cultivate a broader vision that encompasses all of existence. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, explores how such a universal perspective can lead to a deeper appreciation of human dignity and the potential for spiritual growth. This verse, through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, inspires a path of self-realization and service to humanity, emphasizing the inherent value and interconnectedness of all life.