Ayaṃ somo mahate vṛkṣāyadīrghāyabrāhmaṇe madhumān prājāy. Taṃ pīvā Indraḥ śavasādhi gāy.
“This Soma is for the great, long-lived Brahmin, a sweet producer; having drunk it Indra becomes strong.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo mahate vṛkṣāya dīrghāya brāhmaṇe madhumān prājāyate | Taṃ pīvā Indraḥ śavasādhi gāyati
Indraḥ (He, Indra) taṃ (that) somam (Soma) pīvā (drinking) śavasādhi (might/strong) gāyati (sings)Ayaṃ (this) somoḥ (Soma) mahate (for the great) vṛkṣāya (tree/ Vṛkṣa) dīrghāya (long/ tall) brāhmaṇe (Brahmin) madhumān (sweet/ intoxicating) prājāyate (is produced/ generated)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| somo | somaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | great one |
| vṛkṣāya | vṛkṣāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | tree |
| dīrghāya | dīrghāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | long one |
| brāhmaṇe | brāhmaṇe | noun | dative · singular · masculine | Brahman |
| madhumān | madhumān | adjective | — | sweet |
| prājāyate | prājāyate | verb | √jā · present · third | is born |
| Taṃ | tam | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | him |
| pīvā | pīvā | verb | √pā · imperative · second | drink |
| Indraḥ | Indraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Indra |
| śavasādhi | śavasādhi | adjective | — | mighty |
| gāyati | gāyati | verb | √gā · present · third | sings |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ somo mahate vṛkṣāya dīrghāya brāhmaṇe madhumān prājāyate | Taṃ pīvā Indraḥ śavasādhi gāyati', when analyzed through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, points towards the ultimate reality of non-duality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads and the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the identity of brahman and ātman. In the context of this verse, the 'great, long-lived Brahmin' can be seen as a metaphor for the ātman, which is eternal and unchanging. The Soma, representing the blissful and eternal essence, when 'drunk' or realized, leads to the understanding of this identity. Indra, symbolizing the individual self, becomes strong by realizing this unity, thus overcoming the limitations of the mundane world. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning on the nature of reality, where the ultimate goal is to realize the non-dual nature of existence, transcending the dualistic perceptions of the world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as symbolizing the devotional path to liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'Soma' here represents the divine grace that nourishes the jīva, enabling it to ascend to a higher state of existence. The 'great, long-lived Brahmin' signifies the ideal devotee who, through devotion and selfless service, becomes a receptacle for this divine grace. Indra, the king of gods, symbolizes the perfected devotee who, having partaken of this Soma, becomes empowered to fulfill his duties in the world, yet remains detached. This interpretation is in line with Rāmānujācārya's thought on the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to achieve spiritual growth and liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the distinction between the Lord and the jīva, with the Soma representing the unique, incomparable nature of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in modern life. This verse can be seen as a call to self-realization and empowerment. The 'Soma' represents the inner potential and strength that lies within every individual, waiting to be tapped. The 'great, long-lived Brahmin' is a symbol of the ideal human being who has realized this potential and lives a life of purpose and longevity. When Indra, representing the individual, 'drinks' this Soma, he becomes strong, signifying the empowerment that comes from self-realization. This aligns with Vivekānanda's message of self-empowerment and the importance of realizing one's inner divinity. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, might connect this verse to the universal quest for meaning and the human aspiration for transcendence, highlighting the relevance of Vedāntic thought in contemporary times.