Ayaṃ somo mahate brahmaṇe pṛthivyā rasa ac ca | Viṣṇoḥ padaṃ prabodhanaṃ
“This Soma is for the great Brahman, for the earth and its sap; it is the awakening to Vishnu's foot.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo mahate brahmaṇe pṛthivyāḥ rasaḥ ca Viṣṇoḥ padam prabodhanam
Ayaṃ (this) somo (Soma) pṛthivyāḥ (of the earth) rasaḥ (juice or essence) ca (and) mahate (for the great) brahmaṇe (Brahman) Viṣṇoḥ (of Vishnu) padam (the state or position) prabodhanam (the awakening or enlightenment)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| somo | somo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | great one |
| brahmaṇe | brahmaṇe | noun | dative · singular · masculine | Brahman |
| pṛthivyāḥ | pṛthivyāḥ | noun | genitive · singular · feminine | of the earth |
| rasaḥ | rasaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | juice, essence |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| Viṣṇoḥ | Viṣṇoḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Vishnu |
| padam | padam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | foot, step |
| prabodhanam | prabodhanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | awakening, knowledge |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ somo mahate brahmaṇe pṛthivyāḥ rasaḥ ca Viṣṇoḥ padam prabodhanam', is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as an expression of the non-dual reality. Śaṅkara explains that the 'soma' refers to the blissful essence that pervades all existence, which is the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'mahate brahmaṇe' underscores the greatness of this Brahman, which encompasses all, including the earth and its sap, symbolizing the universal and the particular. The reference to 'Viṣṇoḥ padam' as 'prabodhanam' signifies the awakening to this reality. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Śaṅkara emphasizes that such awakening is the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman), thereby highlighting the non-dual nature of existence. This verse, therefore, through its rich symbolism, points to the ultimate reality that underlies all phenomena, inviting the seeker to realize this unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a testament to the supreme lordship of Viṣṇu. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, would likely interpret 'Ayaṃ somo' as referring to the divine nectar that symbolizes the bliss of knowing and loving God. The phrase 'mahate brahmaṇe pṛthivyāḥ rasaḥ ca' indicates that this bliss is for the sake of the great Brahman, who is none other than Viṣṇu, and it permeates the earth and all its essence. 'Viṣṇoḥ padam prabodhanam' suggests that the ultimate goal is the awakening to or the attainment of Viṣṇu's foot, metaphorically signifying the state of being in His presence or achieving union with Him. This awakening is not just an intellectual realization but a devotional surrender, emphasizing the personal relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Madhvācārya might further stress the distinction between the soul and God, highlighting the dependency of the former on the latter for liberation, which is facilitated through devotion and the grace of Viṣṇu.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in a universally applicable and practical manner. Vivekānanda might see 'Ayaṃ somo' as the innate divine potential within every being, awaiting realization. The 'mahate brahmaṇe' signifies the universal consciousness or the absolute, which is the essence of all existence, including the earth and its elements. The phrase 'Viṣṇoḥ padam prabodhanam' suggests the awakening to this universal reality, which is not just a theoretical understanding but a lived experience of unity and interconnectedness. Radhakrishnan, drawing from his philosophical background, would emphasize the harmony between the human spirit and the divine, seeing this verse as a call to realize one's true nature and to live in accordance with the universal principles of dharma. Both would connect this realization with contemporary life, advocating for a world where individuals, awakened to their higher selves, strive for harmony, peace, and the well-being of all, reflecting the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles.