Ayaṃ sujāto 'atyānuttamo devo devebhya evidaṃ । Sa naḥ kalpaya tu prājām .
“May this most excellent born god, superior to all gods, grant us offspring.”
Structure
Ayaṃ sujāto 'atyānuttamo devo devebhya eva idaṃ Sa naḥ prājām kalpaya tu
Sa (he) devebhya (unto gods) eva (indeed) idaṃ (this) Ayaṃ (this) sujāto (well-born) atyānuttamo (supreme) devo (god) naḥ (our) prājām (progeny) tu (may) kalpaya (create)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| sujāto | sujāto | adjective | — | well-born |
| atyānuttamo | atyānuttamo | adjective | — | most excellent |
| devo | devo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | god |
| devebhya | devebhya | noun | dative plural · plural · masculine | to gods |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| idaṃ | idaṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | this |
| Sa | Sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural | to us |
| prājām | prājām | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | offspring |
| kalpaya | kalpaya | verb | √kalp · optative · first | may create |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'Ayaṃ sujāto 'atyānuttamo devo devebhya eva idaṃ' highlights the concept of a superior deity who grants offspring. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all deities. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5), Shankara argues that the individual self (ātman) is non-different from Brahman. This verse can be seen as pointing to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual seeks to realize their true nature through the grace of the ultimate reality. Shankara's nondual perspective emphasizes that the seeking of offspring or any other worldly desire is ultimately a manifestation of the individual's ignorance of their true identity. The recognition of the supreme deity as 'atyānuttamo' underscores the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension and duality. By contemplating this verse, one may move closer to understanding the oneness of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse 'Ayaṃ sujāto 'atyānuttamo devo devebhya eva idaṃ' is seen as a prayer to the supreme deity, who is the source of all creation. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this deity is often identified as Viṣṇu or Nārāyaṇa. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender to the will of the Lord. The verse can be understood as an expression of devotion, where the individual seeks the blessing of the supreme deity for the gift of offspring. This is not merely a worldly desire but a recognition of the Lord's sovereignty and benevolence. The relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord) is one of dependence and devotion, where the individual acknowledges their limitations and seeks the Lord's grace for all their needs, including the gift of children.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse 'Ayaṃ sujāto 'atyānuttamo devo devebhya eva idaṃ' has a universal and practical application in modern life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the 'Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasizes the importance of recognizing the divine within oneself and all beings. The verse can be seen as a call to recognize and realize this inner divinity, which is the source of all creation and the ultimate reality. The desire for offspring can be understood as a symbolic expression of the individual's aspiration for spiritual growth and self-realization. S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', highlights the importance of integrating spiritual values into everyday life. The verse can be seen as a reminder of the need to cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for the mysteries of life and the universe, and to recognize the interconnectedness of all existence. By contemplating this verse, one may gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the importance of living a meaningful and purposeful life.