Yastvaikaṁ sa ṛṣikṛtvāgniṁ । Yajāmahe suvarṇarajatasrajḥ ॥
“The One who created the Ṛṣis and kindled the fire, we worship with gold and silver garlands.”
Structure
Yaḥ + tva + ekam + saḥ + ṛṣi + kṛtvā + agnim + yajāmahe + suvarṇa + rajat + srajah
Yaḥ (who) saḥ (that) ekam (one) ṛṣi (sage) kṛtvā (having made) tva (your) agnim (fire) yajāmahe (we worship) suvarṇa (golden) rajat (silver) srajah (garlands)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaḥ | Yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tva | tva | indeclinable | — | you |
| ekam | ekam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | one |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| ṛṣi | ṛṣi | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | sage |
| kṛtvā | kṛtvā | indeclinable | — | having made |
| agnim | agnim | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | fire |
| yajāmahe | yajāmahe | verb | √yaj · laṣ-aorist · first | we sacrifice |
| suvarṇa | suvarṇa | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | gold |
| rajat | rajat | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | silver |
| srajah | srajah | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | garlands |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the unity between the creator and the creation. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the sole cause of the universe and its phenomena. The phrase 'Yaḥ + tva + ekam' suggests the singular, all-encompassing nature of Brahman, which creates the Ṛṣis and ignites the fire of knowledge. The worship with gold and silver garlands symbolizes the offering of one's limited self to the infinite, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. Shankara's reasoning, akin to his interpretation of 'Tat Tvam Asi,' guides us to understand this verse as an affirmation of the non-dual essence, where the distinction between the worshipper, the act of worship, and the worshipped dissolves into the singular truth of Brahman. This understanding liberates the seeker from the bondage of duality, revealing the ultimate reality as the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and dependence of the jīva (individual self) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, interprets the act of worshipping with gold and silver garlands as a metaphor for the dedication of one's actions and possessions to the service of the Lord. The creation of Ṛṣis and the kindling of fire signify the Lord's benevolence and grace that illuminates the path for the jīva to reach Him. The unity emphasized in 'Yaḥ + tva + ekam' is understood as the inseparable relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva, though distinct, is utterly dependent on Īśvara for its existence and liberation. This verse, according to Vaiṣṇava thought, inspires a deep sense of devotion and surrender, guiding the devotee towards a life of selfless service and love for the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedas, often emphasized the universal and practical aspects of such verses. He saw the worship with gold and silver garlands not just as a ritualistic act, but as a symbol of offering one's highest and most precious qualities to the pursuit of knowledge and self-realization. The creation of Ṛṣis and the ignition of fire represent the awakening of the inner guide and the spark of intuition within every individual. Vivekānanda's interpretation of 'Yaḥ + tva + ekam' focuses on the unity of all existence and the potential within each person to realize this oneness. He believed that such realizations could transform individual lives and society, fostering a sense of universal brotherhood and cooperation. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to seek their higher selves, to cultivate a sense of unity with all, and to strive for a world where knowledge, compassion, and service to others are the guiding principles.