Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate ghṛtasya annasasya ca ।
“This Soma is given to the great one (Indra) along with ghee and food.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate ghṛtasya annasasya ca
Mahate (for the greatness) ayaṃ (this) somo (Soma) ghṛtasya (of ghee) annasasya (and of food) ca (and) dīyate (is given)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| somo | somo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | the great one |
| dīyate | dīyate | verb | √dā · present passive · third | is given |
| ghṛtasya | ghṛtasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of ghee |
| annasasya | annasasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of food |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate ghṛtasya annasasya ca, is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as a metaphor for the ultimate reality, Brahman. Indra, the great one, represents the supreme consciousness, while Soma signifies the blissful and liberating aspect of this reality. The offering of ghee and food symbolizes the dedication of one's earthly possessions and worldly attachments to the pursuit of Self-knowledge. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of Brahman, stating that the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the universal Self (Brahman). This verse points to the path of surrender and self-inquiry, leading the seeker to realize the brahman-ātman identity, thereby transcending the limitations of the worldly realm.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava interpretation, this verse highlights the loving relationship between the devotee (jīva) and the Lord (Īśvara). Indra, as the great one, represents the supreme deity, while Soma signifies the divine grace that flows from Him. The offering of ghee and food represents the devotee's act of surrender and devotion, acknowledging their dependence on the Lord's mercy. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as the means to attain the Lord's grace. This verse illustrates the reciprocal love between the devotee and the Lord, where the devotee offers their all, and the Lord bestows His grace, ultimately leading to the attainment of liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, often emphasized the practical application of vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate ghṛtasya annasasya ca, can be seen as a call to dedication and selfless service. The offering of Soma, ghee, and food represents the willingness to surrender one's ego and worldly attachments for the greater good. Vivekānanda urged his followers to cultivate this spirit of selflessness, stating that 'the greatest religion is to renounce the smallest iota of self' (Complete Works, Vol. 2). This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of service, compassion, and selflessness, ultimately leading to the realization of one's true nature and the attainment of universal harmony.