Ayaṃ gauḥ pṛśnigauḥ piṅgalām | Sā me pṛśniḥ piṅgalā ca dehi ||
“This cow, speckled with brown spots, grant me such a speckled brown cow.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ pṛśni-gauḥ piṅgalām | Sā me pṛśniḥ piṅgalā ca dehi
Ayaṃ (this) pṛśni-gauḥ (brown cow) gauḥ (cow) piṅgalām (golden one) | Me (to me) sā (that) pṛśniḥ (brown one) ca (and) piṅgalā (golden one) dehi (give)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cow |
| pṛśni-gauḥ | pṛśni-gauḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "pṛśnigāḥ" | cow with brown spots |
| piṅgalām | piṅgalām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | brown one (cow) |
| Sā | Sā | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | she |
| me | me | indeclinable | — | to me |
| pṛśniḥ | pṛśniḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | brown one (cow) |
| piṅgalā | piṅgalā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | brown one (cow) |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dehi | dehi | verb | √dā · liṅ-optative · second | give |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Śaṅkara emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. Although this specific verse from the Ṛgveda does not have a direct commentary by Śaṅkara, his approach to similar passages suggests that he would interpret 'Ayaṃ gauḥ pṛśnigauḥ piṅgalām' as a metaphor for the individual self (jīva) seeking unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The 'speckled brown cow' symbolizes the imperfect, differentiated world, while the seeker's desire for it represents the longing for perfection and unity. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, would likely view this verse as an opportunity to reflect on the Brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate goal is to realize that the individual self is not separate from the universal Brahman. This interpretation underscores the theme of non-duality, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the superficial distinctions and strive for the understanding of the ultimate, unified reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Applying this perspective to the given verse, the 'speckled brown cow' could be seen as a symbol of the blessings or gifts that the devotee seeks from the divine. The act of seeking (dehi) is an expression of bhakti, or devotion, where the individual acknowledges their dependence on a higher power for fulfillment. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret this verse as an illustration of the devotee's longing for divine grace, exemplifying the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. This devotional reading highlights the importance of surrender and prayer in achieving spiritual goals, underscoring the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on personal theism and the path of devotion as a means to spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. He might view the verse 'Ayaṃ gauḥ pṛśnigauḥ piṅgalām' as a call to action, symbolizing the human quest for perfection and self-realization. The 'cow' represents the potential for nourishment and growth, both spiritually and materially, that each individual seeks. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Necessity of Religion,' emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and potential. He would likely see this verse as an encouragement to strive for self-improvement and to seek the divine within, aligning with his message of practical Vedānta and service to humanity. This interpretation connects the ancient verse to contemporary life, suggesting that the pursuit of one's goals and the realization of one's potential are deeply rooted in spiritual aspiration and the universal quest for fulfillment.