katam vahati payasā payonidhiṃ yena devā hyapavṛtā variṣṭhāḥ ?
“By what is the ocean, the abode of waters, carried, that being covered the gods, the greatest among them, move around?”
Structure
katam vahati payasā payonidhiṃ yena devā hi apavṛtā variṣṭhāḥ
katamḥ (what) vahati (carries) payasā (by water) payonidhiṃ (the ocean) yena (by which) devāḥ (the gods) hi (indeed) apavṛtā (being covered) variṣṭhāḥ (the best)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| katam | katam | verb | √kṛ · laṭ-present · third | does, makes |
| vahati | vahati | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · third | he carries |
| payasā | payasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with milk |
| payonidhiṃ | payonidhiṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | ocean of milk |
| yena | yena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by which |
| devā | devā | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| apavṛtā | apavṛtā | verb | √apavṛ · past participle · third | have been covered, protected |
| variṣṭhāḥ | variṣṭhāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | most excellent, best |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda is interpreted by Advaita Vedānta as pointing towards the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the unchanging essence that underlies all phenomena. The question posed in the verse, 'By what is the ocean, the abode of waters, carried?' can be seen as a metaphor for the inquiry into the nature of the self and the universe. The 'ocean' represents the ever-changing world, and the 'abode of waters' symbolizes the constant flux of life. The answer, according to Advaita Vedānta, lies in recognizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the apparent duality of the world and discover the unity that underlies all existence. In his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Śaṅkarācārya notes that the understanding of this unity is the key to liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as highlighting the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes that the 'ocean, the abode of waters' represents the world, which is sustained by the divine. The question 'By what is the ocean carried?' is seen as an inquiry into the nature of the divine providence that governs the world. According to Rāmānujācārya, the answer lies in recognizing the dependence of the world on the supreme lord, who is the ultimate sustainer of all existence. The 'gods, the greatest among them' who 'move around' represent the various divine beings and forces that are subordinate to the supreme lord. This verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion to the supreme lord, who is the source of all sustenance and protection. In his writings, Rāmānujācārya notes that the recognition of this dependence is essential for the liberation of the individual self.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedas, interprets this verse as a call to inquire into the deeper nature of reality. He notes that the question 'By what is the ocean, the abode of waters, carried?' is a metaphor for the human quest for meaning and purpose. The 'ocean' represents the vast and complex world, and the 'abode of waters' symbolizes the dynamic and ever-changing nature of life. The answer, according to Vivekānanda, lies in recognizing the universal principles that underlie all existence. He emphasizes that the 'gods, the greatest among them' who 'move around' represent the various forces and tendencies that shape human life. This verse is seen as encouraging the individual to cultivate a sense of wonder, curiosity, and awe in the face of the mysteries of the universe. In his writings, Vivekānanda notes that the recognition of the interconnectedness of all existence is essential for personal growth and transformation. This verse is also connected to contemporary life, as it emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and recognizing the intricate web of relationships that binds us all together.