Ayaṃ somo atharvaṇeti yaste haṣṭe varuṇo yaśaḥ । Tena somena varṇino, mayi pātu yaśasā saha ।
“May this Soma, associated with the Atharvan, and Varuṇa's glory in Your hand, protect me along with fame.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo atharvaṇeti yaḥ te haṣṭe varuṇo yaśaḥ tena somena varṇino mayi pātu yaśasā saha
Varuṇo (Varuna) yaḥ (who) te (your) haṣṭe (in the hand) yaśaḥ (glory) atharvaṇa (of Atharvan) iti (thus) āvayata (is called) ayaṃ (this) somo (Soma) tena (with that) somena (Soma) varṇino (of the color) mayi (in me) yaśasā (with glory) saha (together) pātu (may protect)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| somo | somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| atharvaṇeti | atharvaṇeti | indeclinable | — | called Atharvan |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to you |
| haṣṭe | haṣṭe | verb | √haṣ · laṭ-present · second | you hold |
| varuṇo | varuṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Varuṇa |
| yaśaḥ | yaśaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | fame |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with that |
| somena | somena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with Soma |
| varṇino | varṇinaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Varṇin |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · feminine | in me |
| pātu | pātu | verb | √pā · liṅ-optative · third | may he protect |
| yaśasā | yaśasā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with fame |
| saha | saha | indeclinable | — | together |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, when understood through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, points to the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world (māyā). In the context of this verse, 'Ayaṃ somo atharvaṇeti yaste haṣṭe varuṇo yaśaḥ,' the Soma associated with Atharvan and Varuṇa's glory in the hand can be seen as symbols of the divine within. The protection sought 'mayi pātu yaśasā saha' is not just from external evils but from the ignorance of one's true nature. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, would likely interpret this as a call to recognize the Ātman, the individual self, as not different from Brahman, the ultimate reality. This verse, thus, underscores the importance of self-realization and the dissolution of the ego, leading to the understanding of the non-dual identity of Brahman and Ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of devotion and surrender to the divine will. Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or total surrender to God. The mention of Soma and Varuṇa's glory can be interpreted as aspects of Viṣṇu's divine majesty. The seeker's plea for protection 'mayi pātu yaśasā saha' reflects the bhakta's desire for the Lord's grace and the wish to bask in His glory. This verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva seeks refuge and protection under Īśvara's benevolent care. Madhvācārya, in his commentaries, might further emphasize the distinction between the Lord and the devotee, underscoring the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara for all aspects of existence and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of the universal principles of Vedānta and their application to everyday life. He might see 'Ayaṃ somo atharvaṇeti' as a symbol of the divine spark within every individual, waiting to be realized. The protection sought in 'mayi pātu yaśasā saha' could be understood as the quest for inner peace and strength in the face of life's challenges. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda emphasized the importance of realizing one's true potential and living a life of service and compassion. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, might connect this verse to the broader theme of the human condition, highlighting the pursuit of excellence and the eternal quest for meaning and significance. This verse, from a modern perspective, encourages individuals to seek their inner Soma, the source of inspiration and guidance, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment.