Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate 'gratūḥ . Pibataṁ nihnuve somam.
“This Soma is given to the great one, I invite you to drink the Soma.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate agratūḥ Pibataṁ nihnuve somam
Ayaṃ somo (this Soma) agratūḥ (in front) mahate (for the great one) dīyate (is given) Pibataṁ (you drink) somam (Soma) nihnuve (I offer)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| somo | somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the great one |
| dīyate | dīyate | verb | √dā · lat-present · third | is given |
| 'gratūḥ | agratūḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | foremost |
| Pibataṁ | pibataṃ | verb | √pā · laṇ-imperative · second | drink |
| nihnuve | nihnuve | verb | √hū · laṇ-imperative · first | I deny |
| somaṃ | somaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Soma |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate 'gratūḥ . Pibataṁ nihnuve somam, when understood in the context of non-dualism, points to the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad and the Chandogya Upanishad elucidates the concept of the absolute, unchanging essence that underlies all existence. The soma, or the sacred drink, symbolizes the bliss and knowledge that arise from the realization of one's true nature, which is identical with Brahman (Brahman-ātman identity). The invitation to drink soma signifies the call to realize this unity, to transcend the limitations of the individual self and experience the oneness with the universal. This interpretation underscores the non-dual reading of the verse, emphasizing the direct experience of ultimate reality beyond duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and surrender to the divine. The soma represents the divine grace that is bestowed upon the devotee, and the invitation to drink soma is an invitation to partake in this grace. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, which involves complete reliance on the mercy of God. This verse can be seen as a call to such surrender, where the individual jīva recognizes its dependence on and relationship with Īśvara, the supreme lord. The act of drinking soma then symbolizes the reception of divine grace and the deepening of one's devotional relationship with God.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of Vedantic principles. He might interpret this verse as a call to spiritual awakening, where the soma represents the blissful state of consciousness that arises from realizing one's true potential. The invitation to drink soma could be seen as an exhortation to seek this higher state of awareness, to transcend the mundane and experience the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. This interpretation is in line with Vivekananda's emphasis on the practical application of spiritual principles to everyday life, encouraging individuals to strive for self-realization and to experience the joy and peace that come from it. In contemporary life, this verse could inspire individuals to seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves and the world around them.