Ayaṃ gauḥ pitā naḥ । Pitaro yajus̄ā gāvām । ṛk te somo dadhicyah । Amā vṛtrāya hi dadhīcyah ॥
“This cow is our father; the Vedic ritual of the cows' progeny; the Ṛk, Soma, and Dadhichi are for you; O Dadhichi, you are indeed against Vṛtra.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ pitā naḥ, Pitaro yajus̄ā gāvām, ṛk te somo Dadhicyah, Amā Vṛtrāya hi Dadhīcyah
Ayaṃ (this) gauḥ (cow) pitā (father) naḥ (our)Pitaro (fathers) gāvām (of cows) yajus̄ā (by Yajus)ṛk (ṛc) te (your) somo (Soma) Dadhicyah (Dadhichi)Amā (near) Vṛtrāya (to Vṛtra) hi (indeed) Dadhīcyah (Dadhichi)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cow |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to us |
| Pitaro | Pitaro | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | fathers |
| yajus̄ā | yajusā | indeclinable | — | with Yajus |
| gāvām | gāvām | noun | genitive · plural · feminine | of cows |
| ṛk | ṛk | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | Ṛk |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to thee |
| somo | somo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| Dadhicyah | Dadhīcyah | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Dadhīca |
| Amā | Amā | indeclinable | — | near |
| Vṛtrāya | Vṛtrāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to Vṛtra |
| hi | hi | particle | — | indeed |
| Dadhīcyah | Dadhīcyah | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Dadhīca |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is often seen through the lens of non-dualism, where the cow, symbolizing the universe, is considered our father, indicating the ultimate reality, Brahman, as the source of all existence. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras and his bhashya on the Upanishads emphasize the unity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Although direct commentary on this specific verse by Shankara is not available, the essence of non-dualism suggests that the distinction between the self and the universe (or the cow as a symbol of the universe) is transcended in the ultimate reality. The phrase 'Ayaṃ gauḥ pitā naḥ' can be interpreted as pointing towards the realization that the ultimate source of all, Brahman, is within us, indicating the path to self-realization and the understanding of the ātman-Brahman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted as symbolizing the dependence of all creatures on the divine. The 'cow' could be seen as a metaphor for the divine grace or the universe which nourishes us, akin to a cow nourishing its calf. Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on the path of devotion (bhakti) and the recognition of the individual self (jīva) as distinct yet intimately related to the Supreme Being (Īśvara) could inform the understanding of this verse. The reference to 'Vṛtrāya hi Dadhīcyah' might symbolize the struggle between good and evil, with the ultimate triumph of good, reflecting the cosmic struggle and the divine intervention for the protection of the devotees. This reading underscores the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, encouraging devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and S. Radhakrishnan, proponents of Neo-Vedānta, might interpret this verse in the context of its universality and practical application. Vivekananda, known for his emphasis on service to humanity as a form of worship, could view the 'cow' as a symbol of selfless service and nourishment for all. The phrase 'Ayaṃ gauḥ pitā naḥ' might inspire a sense of responsibility towards the environment and all living beings, echoing Vivekananda's call for service and compassion. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical bent, might see this verse as an allegory for the human condition, suggesting that the search for truth and the struggle against adversity (symbolized by Vṛtra) are fundamental aspects of human existence. This interpretation connects the ancient verse to contemporary concerns of environmentalism, social responsibility, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.