Ayaṃ devarāto atharvā ca yā tvā | sā tvam devī prapatsyāmi ||
“I shall obtain you, O goddess, who are the divine power (Devarāt) and the Atharvaveda (or the Veda of magical spells)”
Structure
Ayaṃ devarātō atharvā ca yā tvā | sā tvam devī prapatsyāmi
Ahaṃ (I) tvā (you) devī (goddess) sā (that) prapatsyāmi (shall obtain) | tvam (you) devarātō (from the wise/ knowing lord) atharvā (or Atharvan/ Veda) ca (and) yā (which) tvā (you)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| devarāto | devarātō | compound | bahuvrīhi · "devarāto vīryaṃ yasyāḥ sa" | whose wealth is the gods |
| atharvā | atharvā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Atharvan |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yā | yā | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | who |
| tvā | tvā | pronoun | accusative · singular · feminine | you |
| sā | sā | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | she |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | you |
| devī | devī | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | goddess |
| prapatsyāmi | prapatsyāmi | verb | √pat · optative · first | I shall obtain |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality as it equates the divine power with the Atharvaveda, symbolizing the unity of all knowledge and power. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya would interpret 'Ayaṃ devarāto atharvā ca yā tvā' as indicating the ultimate reality that is both the essence of the gods and the source of all Vedic knowledge, including magical spells. The phrase 'sā tvam devī prapatsyāmi' suggests the aspirant's desire to realize this ultimate reality within themselves, reflecting the brahman-ātman identity. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the concept of 'Brahman as the essence of all,' can be applied here, showing how this verse points to the oneness of all existence and the potential for self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a devotional expression of the jīva's (individual soul's) longing for Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya might interpret 'devarāto' as the divine grace that attracts the soul to the Lord, and 'atharvā' as the mysterious, divine power that facilitates this union. The verse 'sā tvam devī prapatsyāmi' is a heartfelt expression of surrender, where the devotee seeks to attain the divine goddess, who is the embodiment of the Lord's power. This aligns with Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as the means to realize the intimate relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse offers a profound message of self-empowerment and the pursuit of knowledge. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upanishads, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's inner potential and the unity of all existence. This verse, with its reference to 'devarāto' and 'atharvā,' can be seen as symbolic of the inner divine power and the quest for spiritual and worldly knowledge. The aspiration to 'prapatsyāmi' or attain this divine reality suggests a call to action, encouraging individuals to strive for self-realization and the fulfillment of their potential, aligning with Vivekānanda's vision of a practical Vedānta that inspires personal growth and social service.