Ayaṃ somo pavate mṛjvānindo'śvinoḥ । Vāyuḥ prāṇaḥ ṛtukṛt ।
“This Soma juice purifies, the purifier Indra's draught for the Ashvins; the wind is life and seasons' maker.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somoḥ pavate mṛjvān indroḥ aśvinoḥ Vāyuḥ prāṇaḥ ṛtu-kṛt
Ayaṃ somoḥ (this Soma) pavate (purifies) mṛjvān (purifying)indroḥ (of Indra) aśvinoḥ (and Ashvins)Vāyuḥ (the wind) prāṇaḥ (life or vital force) ṛtu-kṛt (regulator of seasons)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| somoḥ | somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| pavate | pavate | verb | √pav · laṭ-present · third | he purifies |
| mṛjvān | mṛjvān | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | purifier |
| indroḥ | indroḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Indra |
| aśvinoḥ | aśvinoḥ | noun | genitive · dual · masculine | of the Aśvins |
| Vāyuḥ | Vāyuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Wind |
| prāṇaḥ | prāṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | life-breath |
| ṛtu-kṛt | ṛtu-kṛt | compound | karmadhāraya · "ṛtu-kṛt" | season-maker |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the Soma juice represents the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutra (1.1.1-2) explains how the universe is a manifestation of Brahman, and in this context, Soma is the purifying force that reveals the true nature of the Self (Ātman). The 'purifier Indra's draught for the Ashvins' symbolizes the removal of ignorance, allowing the individual to realize the identity of Brahman and Ātman. Shankara's emphasis on the non-dual nature of reality is underscored by the phrase 'vāyuḥ prāṇaḥ ṛtukṛt,' where the life-giving wind (vāyuḥ) and the seasons (ṛtu) are seen as interconnected aspects of the ultimate reality, illustrating the all-pervading nature of Brahman. This verse thus supports the Advaita Vedānta notion that the ultimate goal is to realize the unity of Brahman and Ātman, transcending the distinctions between the individual self and the universe.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): According to Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'Soma juice' represents the divine grace that purifies the jīva, enabling it to realize its true nature and attain liberation. The 'purifier Indra's draught for the Ashvins' signifies the Lord's role in guiding the devotee towards self-realization. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra (1.1.1), emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving this goal. The phrase 'vāyuḥ prāṇaḥ ṛtukṛt' underscores the Lord's sovereignty over the universe, as the life-giving wind and the seasons are under His control. This verse thus underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the devotee's dependence on the Lord's grace for liberation and the ultimate goal of attaining a state of loving communion with Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse as a call to recognize the inherent divinity within oneself. The 'Soma juice' represents the inner strength and wisdom that lies dormant within every individual, waiting to be tapped. The 'purifier Indra's draught for the Ashvins' symbolizes the guidance and inspiration that can be derived from spiritual practices and self-reflection. In his lecture 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1,' Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the recognition of one's true nature. The phrase 'vāyuḥ prāṇaḥ ṛtukṛt' highlights the interconnectedness of all life and the cycles of nature, illustrating the universal and eternal principles that govern the universe. This verse thus inspires the individual to strive for self-realization, to recognize their place within the larger cosmic context, and to cultivate a sense of harmony and unity with all existence. By applying the principles of this verse to contemporary life, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to the world around them.