Ayaṃ somo mahatāṃ vīryaṃ vratam somasya tannum e. Yo naḥ pṛthivyāṃ tribhāgaśaḥ paśūn aśca devān.
“This is the valor of the great Soma; we praise the vow of Soma, who has a third share in the earth, cattle and gods.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo mahatām vīryam vratam somasya tan nume Yo naḥ pṛthivyām tribhāgaśaḥ paśūn aśca devān
Ayaṃ (this) somo (Soma) mahatām (of great heroes) vīryam (the power) vratam (a vow) somasya (of Soma) tan (that) nume (I praise) Yo (who) naḥ (our) pṛthivyām (on earth) tribhāgaśaḥ (in three parts) paśūn (animals) aśca (and) devān (gods)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| somo | somo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| mahatām | mahatām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the great ones |
| vīryaṃ | vīryaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | strength |
| vratam | vratam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | observance, vow |
| somasya | somasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Soma |
| tan | tan | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| nume | nume | indeclinable | — | we call, we pronounce |
| Yo | Yo | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to us |
| pṛthivyāṃ | pṛthivyāṃ | noun | locative · singular · feminine | on earth |
| tribhāgaśaḥ | tribhāgaśaḥ | indeclinable | — | in three parts |
| paśūn | paśūn | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | animals |
| aśca | aśca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devān | devān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | gods |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, when interpreted through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, underscores the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality that pervades all existence. The phrase 'vīryaṃ vratam somasya' can be seen as indicating the omnipresent and all-pervading power of the Supreme Being, which is beyond human comprehension. The 'tribhāgaśaḥ' or the threefold division among earth, cattle, and gods, symbolizes the triadic aspects of the universe, yet ultimately points to the unity and indivisibility of Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in his Upadeśasāhasrī, where he discusses the concept of ātman and Brahman being one and the same, thus implying that the verse hints at the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as describing the divine attributes of Viṣṇu or Nārāyaṇa, who is considered the ultimate reality. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, interprets the 'vīryaṃ vratam somasya' as the mighty vow or resolve of the Supreme Lord, which governs the functioning of the universe. The threefold share among earth, cattle, and gods signifies the Lord's omnipresence and control over all aspects of creation. This interpretation highlights the devotional aspect, where the jīva (individual self) recognizes its relationship with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) and seeks to understand and adore His glory. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the creation, would likely view this verse as affirming the distinct yet dependent relationship between the jīva and Śri Viṣṇu.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern Vedāntic perspective, this verse can be seen as symbolizing the universal principles that govern human existence and the natural world. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the idea of the omnipresent and all-powerful divine that resides within every individual. The 'vīryaṃ vratam somasya' can be interpreted as the inner strength and resolve that each person must cultivate to realize their true potential. The threefold division can represent the harmony and balance required among the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human life. This understanding resonates with S. Radhakrishnan's philosophical stance on the importance of integrating the spiritual with the mundane, suggesting that this verse encourages individuals to strive for a holistic approach to life, where the pursuit of spiritual growth is intertwined with worldly responsibilities and the well-being of all living beings.