tat-puruṣāya vidmahe sakala-jagat-pate । numo namaḥ ॥ 25 ॥
“We know that Purusha, the Lord of the entire universe, to Him we offer our homage.”
Structure
tat puruṣāya vidmahe sakala jagat pate numo namaḥ
vidmahe (we know) tat (that) puruṣāya (to the Purusha) sakala (all) jagat (of the world) pate (to the Lord) numo (obedience) namaḥ (be offered)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative/accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| puruṣāya | puruṣāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the person, to the supreme being |
| vidmahe | vidmahe | verb | √vid · liṅ-optative · first | may we know, may we understand |
| sakala | sakala | indeclinable | — | all, entire |
| jagat | jagat | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | world |
| pate | pate | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | lord, ruler |
| numo | numo | indeclinable | — | obscure, unclear; (alternate form) Namo |
| namaḥ | namaḥ | indeclinable | — | obeisance, salutation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad highlights the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing the identity of Brahman and Ātman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, interprets 'tat-puruṣāya' as the ultimate reality, beyond human comprehension. The phrase 'sakala-jagat-pate' signifies that this reality is the lord of the entire universe, underscoring its all-encompassing nature. By saying 'vidmahe,' the verse indicates a direct knowledge or understanding of this ultimate reality, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he explains that the knowledge of Brahman is not something to be acquired but is rather the realization of one's true self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and surrender to the Lord, who is the controller of the entire universe. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the personal aspect of the divine, interpreting 'tat-puruṣāya' as the Supreme Person, Viṣṇu. The phrase 'sakala-jagat-pate' reinforces the idea of God's omnipotence and sovereignty. The act of 'vidmahe' and 'numo namaḥ' signifies the recognition of this divine sovereignty and the offering of homage, reflecting the devotee's dependence on and devotion to God. This reading highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (God), where the jīva seeks refuge and surrender in Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical implications of Upaniṣadic teachings. For this verse, he might interpret 'tat-puruṣāya' as the universal consciousness that pervades all existence, and 'sakala-jagat-pate' as the expression of this consciousness in the world. The act of knowing ('vidmahe') this universal reality and offering homage ('numo namaḥ') is seen as a means of realizing one's unity with this consciousness, thereby achieving spiritual liberation and fulfillment. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire a sense of unity and interconnectedness, encouraging individuals to recognize and respect the divine in all beings and in the universe, leading to a more harmonious and compassionate world.