Ayaṃ sujātā sumatīḥ kas tvāṃ vande mātaram. Hiraṇyaprākārā hariṇī sujātośmrayaḥ.
“Who are you, O well-born one with excellent intellect, that I should praise you as my mother, you who are like gold and have a radiant complexion.”
Structure
Ayaṃ sujātā sumatīḥ kas tvāṃ vande mātaram Hiraṇyaprākārā hariṇī sujātośmrayaḥ
Ahaṃ (I) sujātā (having good birth) sumatīḥ (having good intellect) tvāṃ (Thee) kas (who) vande (shall praise) mātaram (as mother), Hiraṇya-prākārā (with golden walls) hariṇī (moving in a golden path) sujāta (well-born) ośmrayaḥ (having a good refuge)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| sujātā | sujātā | adjective | — | well-born |
| sumatīḥ | sumatīḥ | adjective | — | good intelligence |
| kas | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| vande | vande | verb | √vand · laṭ-present · first | I praise |
| mātaram | mātaram | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | mother |
| Hiraṇyaprākārā | Hiraṇyaprākārā | compound | bahuvrīhi · "hiranyena prākārā" | golden effulgent |
| hariṇī | hariṇī | adjective | — | yellowish-brown |
| sujātośmrayaḥ | sujātośmrayaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "sujātaḥ asmrayaḥ" | well-born; best rays |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is a quintessential expression of the non-dual reality, where the seeker inquires about the true nature of the ultimate reality, addressing it as 'mother'. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) emphasizes the idea that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of everything, and all distinctions, including the notion of a personal deity, are ultimately sublated. In this context, the verse Ayaṃ sujātā sumatīḥ kas tvāṃ vande mātaram can be seen as an inquiry into the nature of this reality, where the seeker is drawn to the radiant and golden essence that underlies all existence, pointing towards the identity of Brahman and Ātman. The use of 'sujātā' and 'sumatīḥ' underscores the inherent goodness and wisdom that are characteristics of this non-dual reality, inviting the seeker to recognize and reverence this ultimate truth within themselves.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an expression of devotion and inquiry into the nature of the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the personal aspect of the ultimate reality, Īśvara, who is approached with love and reverence. The verse can be seen as a prayer to the divine mother, embodying the qualities of wisdom, goodness, and radiance. The phrase 'Hiraṇyaprākārā hariṇī' suggests a divine being surrounded by a golden aura, symbolizing purity and spiritual wealth. This interpretation highlights the devotional aspect, where the seeker yearns for a personal connection with the divine, recognizing the Īśvara as the ultimate refuge and guide. The 'kas tvāṃ vande mātaram' underscores the humility and surrender of the seeker, acknowledging the majesty and grace of the divine mother.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedas, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of the ancient Indian scriptures. This verse can be seen as a call to recognize and reverence the divine within oneself and in all existence. The 'Ayaṃ sujātā sumatīḥ' can be interpreted as the inherent goodness and wisdom that lies within every individual, waiting to be discovered and nurtured. The image of the 'Hiraṇyaprākārā hariṇī' symbolizes the radiant and pure essence that underlies all existence, which can be realized through self-inquiry and spiritual practice. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as an inspiration to cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, recognizing the universal and eternal essence that unites us all. As Radhakrishnan notes, the ultimate goal of human existence is to realize this divine essence, and the verse serves as a reminder of this profound and universal truth.