dhanurādāya vīraḥ prahṛṣyāmāsa vijayyatām.
“Taking up his bow, the hero (Arjuna) rejoiced, looking forward to victory.”
Structure
dhanur ādāya vīraḥ prahṛṣyāmāsa vijayyatām
vīraḥ dhanur ādāya vijayyatām prahṛṣyāmāsa
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 |
| prahṛṣyāmāsa | prahṛṣyāmāsa | verb | √hṛṣ · āsa-aorist · third | he became joyful |
| vijayyatām | vijayyatām | verb | √ji · optative · third | may they conquer |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, dhanurādāya vīraḥ prahṛṣyāmāsa vijayyatām, highlights the non-dual nature of reality by emphasizing Arjuna's actions as a mere appearance. According to Shankara, the true Self (ātman) is beyond all actions and desires. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the actions of Arjuna, such as taking up his bow, are a manifestation of the gunas (qualities) of prakriti (nature), and not a reflection of the true Self. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman). By understanding this non-dual nature, one can transcend the limitations of the ego and attain liberation. Shankara's commentary on this verse underscores the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of the true nature of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of Arjuna's devotion to Krishna, the divine charioteer. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). According to Rāmānujācārya, Arjuna's actions, such as taking up his bow, are a manifestation of his surrender to Krishna's will. This verse highlights the importance of prapatti (self-surrender) and the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, views this verse as an illustration of the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the superiority of the Lord. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya's commentaries underscore the devotional aspect of this verse, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, dhanurādāya vīraḥ prahṛṣyāmāsa vijayyatām, has a profound universal and practical application. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and determination in achieving success. According to Vivekānanda, Arjuna's actions, such as taking up his bow, symbolize the need to take bold action in pursuit of one's goals. This verse can be seen as a call to empower oneself, to recognize one's own inner strength and potential. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of inner peace and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. This verse can be seen as a reminder to cultivate a sense of detachment and equanimity, even in the midst of challenging situations. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan's interpretations underscore the timelessness and universality of this verse, highlighting its relevance to contemporary life and personal growth.