dhanurādāya vīraḥ niṣīkvān samupāgamāt
“Taking up his bow, the hero drew on the string and released an arrow.”
Structure
dhanur ādāya vīraḥ niṣīkvān sam upāgamāt
vīraḥ dhanur ādāya niṣīkvān sam upāgamāt
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dhanur | dhanur | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | bow |
| ādāya | ādāya | indeclinable | — | having taken |
| vīraḥ | vīraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | hero |
| niṣīkvān | niṣīkvān | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Nīṣīcī descendant or a particular warrior |
| sam | sam | indeclinable | — | together |
| upāgamāt | upāgamāt | verb | √gam · past · third | approached |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the preparedness of the warrior, Arjuna, to engage in battle. However, from a non-dual perspective, Śaṅkarācārya would likely interpret the bow as a symbol of the means to achieve Self-realization. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the importance of self-control and detachment. The act of taking up the bow represents the individual's preparedness to embark on the path of self-discovery. The string and arrow signify the focus and concentration required to pierce the veil of ignorance and realize the ultimate truth of brahman-ātman identity. This verse, in the context of the Gītā, points to the inner struggle of Arjuna, symbolizing the universal human quest for self-understanding and the attainment of liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of Arjuna's devotion to his duty as a warrior and his reliance on divine guidance. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, highlights the importance of surrendering one's actions to the divine will. The bow and arrow represent the instruments of action, which must be guided by faith and devotion to achieve spiritual growth. The relationship between jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the supreme lord) is central to this interpretation, where the individual's actions are seen as a means to cultivate devotion and ultimately attain liberation. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, underscores the role of selfless action and devotion in the pursuit of spiritual realization.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of the text. This verse, in particular, can be seen as a symbol of preparedness and focus in the face of challenges. The act of taking up the bow represents the individual's resolve to tackle difficulties head-on, while the string and arrow signify the concentration and determination required to achieve success. In contemporary life, this verse can be applied to various situations where one must summon the courage and focus to overcome obstacles. As Vivekānanda noted in his writings, the Gītā's teachings are not limited to the context of war but offer a universal message of self-empowerment and spiritual growth. This verse invites the reader to reflect on their own preparedness to face challenges and to cultivate the inner strength and focus necessary to achieve their goals.