tasmād viṣuvṛttasya divi cakriṇo 'drivaḥ . atho puṇyasya śatasro, juṣatām ॥
“May the thousand rays of the thousand-eyed sun, which moves in a circular path in the sky, enjoy the offering.”
Structure
tasmāt viṣu-vṛttasya divi cakriṇoḥ a-drivḥ atho puṇyasya śatasro juṣatām
tasmāt (from Him) viṣu-vṛttasya (who is moving on a level, ie. sun) cakriṇoḥ (of the wheel, ie. sun) a-drivḥ (the driver, ie. god) atho (now, or again) puṇyasya (of the virtuous) śatasro (hundred) juṣatām (let them enjoy)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasmāt | tasmāt | indeclinable | — | from that |
| viṣu-vṛttasya | viṣu-vṛttasya | compound | bahuvrīhi · "viṣu-vṛtta + asya" | of Him who is equally spread |
| divi | divi | indeclinable | — | in the sky |
| cakriṇoḥ | cakriṇoḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the maker |
| a-drivḥ | a-drivḥ | compound | dvandva · "a + drivḥ" | and drift |
| atho | atho | indeclinable | — | then, therefore |
| puṇyasya | puṇyasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the good, virtuous |
| śatasro | śatasro | noun | nominative · plural · feminine | hundreds |
| juṣatām | juṣatām | verb | √juṣ · optative · third | may they enjoy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse symbolizes the ultimate reality, where the individual self (jiva) merges with the universal self (Brahman). The thousand-eyed sun represents the all-pervading consciousness, while its circular path signifies the cyclical nature of time. The thousand rays embody the multifaceted aspects of the divine, which are being offered to the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya would interpret this verse as an invitation to transcend the limitations of the individual self and experience the unity of existence. By offering oneself to the universal consciousness, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In this context, the verse serves as a reminder of the impermanence of the world and the importance of seeking the eternal and unchanging reality. The imagery of the sun and its rays is meant to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, inspiring the seeker to pursue the path of self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as a representation of the devotion and surrender of the individual self to the divine. The thousand-eyed sun is associated with Viṣṇu, the preserver of the universe, who is considered the ultimate reality. The circular path of the sun symbolizes the never-ending cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The thousand rays of the sun represent the countless blessings and mercies that Viṣṇu bestows upon his devotees. Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would interpret this verse as a call to devotion and self-surrender, where the individual offers themselves to the will of the divine. By doing so, one can experience the divine grace and attain liberation. The verse is also seen as a reminder of the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving spiritual growth and self-realization. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the personal relationship between the individual and the divine, and this verse is often used to illustrate the loving and merciful nature of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as a celebration of the universal and the interconnectedness of all existence. The thousand-eyed sun represents the collective consciousness, which is the source of all creation. The circular path of the sun symbolizes the unity and wholeness of the universe, where all things are interconnected and interdependent. The thousand rays of the sun embody the diversity and complexity of human experience, which are all part of the larger cosmic reality. Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan would interpret this verse as a call to recognize and honor the divine in all aspects of life. By embracing the universal and the interconnectedness of all existence, one can experience a sense of oneness and unity with the world. This verse is often seen as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and recognizing the sacred in all aspects of life. The modern interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility, and is often used to inspire individuals to work towards the betterment of society and the world at large.