saḥ - yathā - pumāṁ - pumbhyāṁ - retasaḥ - siñcate - anāviśaṁ - evam் - devāḥ - adāvyāḥ - sṛṣṭvā - tad - upajighranti

saḥ (he) yathā (just as) pumāṁ (the male) pumbhyāṁ (with the female) retasaḥ (of semen) siñcate (sheds) anāviśaṁ (not having entered) evam் (in this way) devāḥ (the gods) adāvyāḥ (the unmanifest) sṛṣṭvā (having created) tad (that) upajighranti (sniff or perceive)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Muṇḍakopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality, as interpreted by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya. The analogy of a man impregnating a woman without physically penetrating her illustrates how the unmanifested Devā (the ultimate reality or Brahman) creates without being physically involved in the creation. Shankara's commentary on this verse would highlight that just as the semen is an essential part of the man, yet distinct in its function, similarly, the world is a part of Brahman yet appears separate due to Maya. This points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately the same as the universal self (Brahman). The verse, through its unique analogy, reinforces the Advaita perspective that creation is not an act of a separate creator but an unfolding of the non-dual reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as emblematic of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, might interpret this verse as highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for existence and sustenance, just as the created world depends on the unmanifested Devā. The act of 'smelling' (upajighranti) could symbolize the Lord's omniscience and intimate knowledge of His creation, emphasizing a personal relationship between the creator and the created. This personalized interpretation contrasts with the more abstract non-dualism of Advaita, focusing instead on the loving, dependent relationship between the individual souls and the Supreme Being, underscoring the path of devotion (bhakti) as the means to realize this relationship.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a proponent of Neo-Vedānta, might view this verse as a call to recognize the universal and eternal principles that govern existence. The image of the unmanifested Devā creating and then 'smelling' or becoming aware of their creation can be seen as a metaphor for the creative potential within each individual. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and the potential for spiritual growth and self-realization. This verse, in the context of modern life, could be interpreted as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the innate capacity for creation and awareness that resides within every human being. It encourages a universal and practical application of spiritual principles, aligning with Vivekānanda's vision of a vibrant, inclusive spirituality that inspires personal transformation and service to humanity.

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