agní āyúr vindate gātúm īndraḥ . pāvakaḥ pāvayitā́ṃ vṛṇīmahe
“Agni, Indra, we choose you who find life and path, purifying fire.”
Structure
agníḥ āyúḥ vindate gātúm indraḥ pāvakaḥ pāvayitā́ṃ vṛṇīmahe
indraḥ (Indra) agníḥ (fire) āyúḥ (long life) vindate (finds) gātúm (a path) pāvakaḥ (purifier) vṛṇīmahe (we choose) pāvayitā́ṃ (to purify)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| agníḥ | agniḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | fire |
| āyúḥ | āyuḥ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | life span |
| vindate | vindate | verb | √vind · laṭ-present · third | finds |
| gātúm | gātum | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | path |
| indraḥ | indraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Indra |
| pāvakaḥ | pāvakaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | purifier |
| pāvayitā́ṃ | pāvayitāṃ | verb | √pū · liṅ-optative · first | may I purify |
| vṛṇīmahe | vṛṇīmahe | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · first | we choose |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, agní āyúr vindate gātúm īndraḥ, pāvakaḥ pāvayitā́ṃ vṛṇīmahe, is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as an allegory for the discovery of the ultimate reality, Brahman, within oneself. Agni, or fire, symbolizes the Self (ātman) that finds its path (gātúm) and life (āyúr) through the purification (pāvakaḥ) of ignorance. In his Brahma Sūtra Bhāṣya, Śaṅkara argues that such verses point to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately identical with the universal Self (Brahman). This verse, therefore, is seen as a call to introspection and self-realization, leading to the understanding of brahman-ātman identity, which is the core of Advaita Vedānta philosophy. By choosing Agni and Indra, the verse symbolically represents the choice of the path of knowledge and self-purification that leads to this realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is viewed through the lens of devotion (bhakti) and the surrender of the individual self (jīva) to the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, would likely interpret Agni and Indra as manifestations of the divine, with Agni representing the purifying and guiding aspect of God and Indra symbolizing divine sovereignty and protection. The choice of these deities in the verse, pāvakaḥ pāvayitā́ṃ vṛṇīmahe, signifies the seeker's desire for purification and guidance towards the path of devotion, leading to a loving relationship with the personal God. This interpretation highlights the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the gracious and loving nature of the Supreme Being, who guides and protects those who surrender to Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a call to action, emphasizing the universal principles of self-purification and the pursuit of knowledge. In his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Vivekananda often underscored the importance of realizing one's true potential through self-effort and the cultivation of inner strength. The selection of Agni and Indra in the verse, with their connotations of fire and light, symbolizes the human quest for enlightenment and the drive towards perfection. This Neo-Vedāntic reading focuses on the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, encouraging individuals to strive for self-improvement and to seek guidance from within. It connects the pursuit of knowledge and self-purification with contemporary life, highlighting the timeless relevance of the Vedāntic message for personal and societal transformation.