ādityasya savitaḥ savīmāṇaṁ gātum agrato devāsāṁ yaśasā jvalantam । asvinā yajvā yajamāne vayam ।
“May we, like the Ashvins, follow the Savitar who kindles the radiance of Aditya, shining with divine glory.”
Structure
ādityasya savitaḥ savīmāṇaṁ gātum agrato devāsāṁ yaśasā jvalantam asvinā yajvā yajamāne vayam
vayam (we) yajamāne (on the sacrificer) asvinā (with the Ashvins) yajvā (offering a sacrifice) ādityasya (of Aditya) savitaḥ (the impeller) savīmāṇaṁ (the energizer) agrato (in front of) devāsāṁ (of the gods) yaśasā (with glory) jvalantam (shining) gātum (let us sing)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ādityasya | ādityasya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "ādityasya" | of Aditya |
| savitaḥ | savitaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the impeller |
| savīmāṇaṁ | savīmāṇaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | possessing vital energy |
| gātum | gātum | verb | √gā · luṇ-inf · first | to go |
| agrato | agrato | indeclinable | — | in front, foremost |
| devāsāṁ | devāsāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the gods |
| yaśasā | yaśasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with glory |
| jvalantam | jvalantam | verb | √jval · present participle · third | shining |
| asvinā | asvinā | noun | instrumental · dual · masculine | with the two Asvins |
| yajvā | yajvā | verb | √yaj · luṇ-inf · first | to sacrifice |
| yajamāne | yajamāne | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the sacrificer |
| vayam | vayam | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | we |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'ādityasya savitaḥ savīmāṇaṁ gātum agrato devāsāṁ yaśasā jvalantam', underscores the non-dual nature of reality by invoking the image of Savitar, the divine power that kindles the radiance of Aditya. According to Shankara, such verses point to the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond all duality and attributes. The 'yaśasā jvalantam' or shining with divine glory, can be seen as a reference to the Self (Ātman) that is the essence of all existence. The call to follow Savitar like the Ashvins symbolizes the journey towards realizing this identity of Brahman and Ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Upanishads, particularly the Chandogya Upanishad, emphasizes the need to look beyond the literal meaning to grasp the non-dual truth. Thus, this verse encourages a deeper contemplation on the unity and interconnectedness of all existence, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and the longing for a personal connection with the divine. Ramanuja, in his interpretation of the Vedas, highlights the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to reach the ultimate reality. The figure of Savitar, as the divine illuminator, can be seen as a representation of Viṣṇu, the Supreme Lord, who guides and protects the devotees. The phrase 'asvinā yajvā yajamāne vayam' suggests a participation in the divine worship, where the devotee seeks to follow in the footsteps of the Ashvins, who are considered to be the divine physicians and representatives of Viṣṇu. Madhva, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in the context of the difference (bheda) between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), emphasizing the role of worship and devotion in bridging this gap. Therefore, this verse is a call to devotees to engage in worship and follow the path of the divine, seeking the guidance of the Supreme Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedantic teachings. This verse, with its imagery of light and illumination, can be seen as a metaphor for the awakening of the individual's inner potential. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, particularly in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', stresses the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is divine and full of light. The call to follow Savitar, who kindles the radiance of Aditya, symbolizes the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to liberation. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical expositions, highlights the human quest for truth and the ultimate reality. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of the universal human aspiration for enlightenment and the importance of spiritual seeking. It encourages individuals to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, guided by the principles of Vedanta, to realize their true potential and contribute to the betterment of society.