Agnidagdho vṛṇīd vārḥ svādupākḥ paramaḥ . Pacaāmi paśukāmāya idaṃ tasmai svādu pacamānāya .
“I prepare this sweet dish for one who is burnt by fire, has a good digestive system, and is the best, for him who is desirous of cattle and is preparing a sweet dish.”
Structure
Agnidagdho vṛṇī dvārḥ svādupākḥ paramaḥ pacaāmi paśu-kāmāya idaṃ tasmai svādu pacamānāya
ahaṃ (I) paśu-kāmāya (for the one who desires cattle) idaṃ (this) tasmai (to him) svādu (sweet) pacamānāya (cooking) pacaāmi (cook) agni-dagdhaḥ (fire-burnt) vṛṇī (I choose) dvārḥ (gates) svādupākḥ (sweet-cooked) paramaḥ (the best)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agnidagdho | Agnidagdho | compound | bahuvrīhi · "agninā dagdho" | one who has been scorched by fire |
| vṛṇī | vṛṇī | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · first | I choose |
| dārḥ | dārḥ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | water |
| svādupākḥ | svādupākḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "svādu-pākḥ" | one who has a sweet cooking |
| paramaḥ | paramaḥ | adjective | — | highest, best |
| pacaāmi | pacaāmi | verb | √pac · laṭ-present · first | I cook |
| paśu-kāmāya | paśu-kāmāya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "paśu-kāmaḥ" | for the one who desires cattle |
| idaṃ | idaṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | this |
| tasmai | tasmai | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to him |
| svādu | svādu | adjective | — | sweet |
| pacamānāya | pacamānāya | verb | √pac · lat-participle · third | who is cooking |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, when understood through the lens of non-duality, points to the ultimate reality of Brahman. The 'one who is burnt by fire' can be seen as the jīva (individual soul) who is purified by the fire of knowledge. The 'good digestive system' signifies the capacity to absorb and understand the supreme knowledge. The 'sweet dish' represents the bliss of self-realization. Shankara, in his commentaries, often emphasizes the importance of understanding the ultimate reality beyond the veil of the mundane. Here, the 'best' refers to the supreme Self, Brahman, which is the essence of all existence. The preparation of the 'sweet dish' for 'him who is desirous of cattle' symbolizes the pursuit of worldly desires, which, according to Shankara, is transcended in the realization of the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This transcendence is what brings true satisfaction and peace, highlighting the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara (God). The 'one who is burnt by fire' can be seen as the devotee who has been purified by his devotion and is now eligible to partake in the 'sweet dish' of divine love. The 'good digestive system' signifies the devotee's ability to absorb the divine grace. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret 'the best' as referring to the supreme Lord, Viṣṇu, who is the dispenser of all blessings. The 'sweet dish' prepared for 'him who is desirous of cattle' might symbolize the fulfillment of desires through devotion, but with the understanding that true fulfillment comes from devotion to God. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the importance of devotion as a means to attain divine love and to understand the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. The 'fire' that burns can be seen as the passion for knowledge and self-improvement. The 'sweet dish' represents the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's goals with dedication and integrity. The 'good digestive system' signifies the ability to assimilate knowledge and experiences, turning them into personal growth. This verse, to them, would symbolize the human quest for excellence and the pursuit of one's desires in a manner that is conducive to personal and societal well-being. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the importance of living a life of purpose and service, which aligns with the idea of preparing something valuable (the 'sweet dish') for others (those desirous of cattle), indicating a life of contribution and positive impact. Rādhākrishnan, with his emphasis on the importance of living a balanced life that combines individual pursuits with a sense of social responsibility, would see this verse as a reminder of the need to harmonize personal ambitions with the greater good.