nityo nityānāṃ caturaśṛṅgo nityapuṣṭo nityodvīgīśvaro nityāyukto mukti-sannyāsaḥ

nityo (eternal) nityānāṃ (of the eternal ones) caturaśṛṅgo (with four horns) nityapuṣṭo (eternally nourished) nityodvīgīśvaro (eternally victorious and supreme) nityāyukto (eternally engaged) mukti-sannyāsaḥ (renunciation of liberation)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of Ultimate Reality (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad underscores the concept of 'nityo nityānāṃ', where the eternal essence of Brahman is contrasted with the ephemeral nature of the world. The term 'caturaśṛṅgo' suggests the four-cornered or four-footed nature of Brahman, symbolizing Its all-encompassing and unchanging presence. The phrase 'nityapuṣṭo nityodvīgīśvaro' highlights the ever-nourished and ever-ruling aspects of Brahman, pointing to Its self-sufficient and sovereign nature. Ultimately, 'nityāyukto mukti-sannyāsaḥ' indicates the eternal association with liberation, which, in Shankara's view, is the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, this verse speaks to the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'nityo nityānāṃ' underscores the eternal and inherent dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, with 'caturaśṛṅgo' possibly symbolizing the four fundamental aspects of the divine: omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, and benevolence. The terms 'nityapuṣṭo' and 'nityodvīgīśvaro' reflect the Lord's gracious and governing nature. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret 'nityāyukto mukti-sannyāsaḥ' as the eternal association that the liberated jīva enjoys with the Lord, not a dissolution of the self but a blissful union where the jīva retains its individuality.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in modern Vedāntic thought, interpret this verse in the light of practical spirituality and universal application. The concept of 'nityo nityānāṣāṃ' is seen as an affirmation of the eternal and unchanging essence that underlies all existence. 'Caturaśṛṅgo' can be understood as the four fundamental principles of life: purity, self-control, compassion, and truthfulness. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, would emphasize 'nityapuṣṭo' as the inherent potential and strength within each being, urging individuals to realize their divine nature. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on 'nityodvīgīśvaro', highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the universal sovereignty that governs all existence. The phrase 'nityāyukto mukti-sannyāsaḥ' is viewed as an invitation to a life of detachment and liberation, not in the sense of abandoning the world, but in cultivating an inner freedom and unity with all existence.

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