Drupadasya putreṇa Daurpadyeyaḥ Pāṇḍavāḥ

Drupadasya (of Drupada) putreṇa (with the son) Daurpadyeyaḥ (the sons of Draupadi) Pāṇḍavāḥ (the Pāṇḍavas)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse presents an interesting case for non-dual interpretation. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the understanding of the ultimate reality, Brahman. In the context of this verse, the identity of the Pāṇḍavas as Daurpadyeyaḥ, or sons of Draupadī, points to the ultimate identity of the Self (ātman) with Brahman. Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (particularly in the discussion of Brahman as the material and efficient cause of the universe) can be applied here, suggesting that just as the Pāṇḍavas have a singular origin in Draupadī, all beings originate from the singular Brahman. This reading underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where distinctions like 'Pāṇḍava' or 'Draupadī's son' are but fleeting manifestations of the ultimate, unchanging reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of 'prakṛti' (nature) and how it relates to the divine. Here, the reference to the Pāṇḍavas as Daurpadyeyaḥ underscores the dependent relationship of all beings on a higher power or reality. This is akin to the dependence of prakṛti on Īśvara. The verse can thus be seen to illustrate the devotional aspect of Vaiṣṇavism, where recognition of one's true nature and dependence on the divine leads to liberation. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, using verses like this to argue for the real difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Lord, while also highlighting the intimate relationship between them.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. For Vivekānanda, this verse could symbolize the unity of all existence, where the distinctions between individuals (like the Pāṇḍavas being called Daurpadyeyaḥ) are but expressions of a deeper, universal truth. In his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he often emphasized the importance of recognizing this unity as a path to personal and societal transformation. Radhakrishnan, in a similar vein, might view this verse as an illustration of the concept of 'māyā', where the apparent distinctions and names (like Daurpadyeyaḥ) are but a veil covering the ultimate reality. This perspective encourages the contemporary reader to look beyond superficial differences and strive for a deeper understanding of the self and the world, applying the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā to modern life.

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