Ādityasya cakṣoḥ savitā savitāḥ । Sūryasya devasya diggajasya ॥
“The eye of Aditya, the impeller, is impelling; of the sun, the god, the diggaja.”
Structure
Ādityasya cakṣoḥ savitā savitāḥ Sūryasya devasya diggajasya
Ādityasya (of Aditya) cakṣoḥ (from the eye) savitā (the impeller) savitāḥ (the impeller) Sūryasya (of the Sun) devasya (the God) diggajasya (the lord of directions)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ādityasya | Ādityasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the Aditya |
| cakṣoḥ | cakṣoḥ | noun | genitive dual · dual · neuter | of the eye |
| savitā | savitā | noun | nominative singular · singular · masculine | impeller |
| savitāḥ | savitāḥ | noun | nominative plural · plural · masculine | impellers |
| Sūryasya | Sūryasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the Sun |
| devasya | devasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the deity |
| diggajasya | diggajasya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "diggajaḥ" | of the elephant of the directions |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as highlighting the non-dual nature of ultimate reality. The 'eye of Aditya' symbolizes the all-pervading consciousness that is Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes that such verses point to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, the individual self. The repetition of 'savitā' underscores the eternal, unchanging essence of this consciousness. By contemplating on this verse, one can transcend the limitations of the individual self and realize the unity of all existence. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning on related passages like the Taittirīya Upaniṣad also applies here, emphasizing the need to look beyond the literal, phenomenal world to the enduring, non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava commentary, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion to the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu, who is often identified with the sun, Sūrya. Rāmānujācārya would interpret 'Ādityasya cakṣoḥ' as the eye of the Lord, which watches over and guides all beings. The 'diggaja' or the elephant of the directions represents the Lord's omnipresence and power. This verse thus underscores the dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Lord) and the constant interaction between them. Madhvācārya might further emphasize the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, highlighting the need for devotion and surrender to realize one's true relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a call to realize one's inner potential and connection to the universal. The 'eye of Aditya' symbolizes the higher self within each individual, which, when awakened, can guide one towards self-realization and service to humanity. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, might connect this verse to the universal brotherhood of all existence, emphasizing that the same divine spark resides in every being. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to look beyond petty differences and strive for a unified, enlightened existence. Vivekānanda's lectures on the 'Universal Religion' and Rādhākrishnan's philosophical works both reflect this theme of realizing and embracing the universal in everyday life.