tataḥ śaṅkhāḥ ca bheryaḥ ca nādayāmāsa hṛṣṭavaḥ

hṛṣṭavaḥ tataḥ śaṅkhāḥ ca bheryaḥ ca nādayāmāsa

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya observes that the celebration and joy expressed through the conches and kettledrums symbolize the triumph of the divine within. The sounds of these instruments, which fill the air, represent the all-pervasive nature of Brahman. This verse points to the non-dual reading where the distinctions between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) begin to dissolve, as one prepares for the spiritual battle. Shankara's reasoning, closely related to this verse, emphasizes that the true self is not bound by the external world but is inherently free and full of bliss, much like the uninhibited joyful sounds of the conches and drums. Thus, the verse serves as a call to awaken to this inner truth and to strive for the realization of the ātman-Brahman identity.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as seen through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, interprets the conches and kettledrums as symbols of the divine call, beckoning the devotee to participate in the cosmic play of Īśvara. The joyous sounds represent the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the personal God), where the individual, in devotion, acknowledges and rejoices in the presence of the divine. Rāmānujācārya's visishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy emphasizes the real and essential difference between the individual self and God, while also highlighting their inseparable relationship. Thus, this verse is seen as an invitation to partake in the blissful union with God, where the individual's joy is a reflection of the divine joy, as expressed through the sounds of the conches and kettledrums.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. He would likely view the conches and kettledrums in this verse as symbols of the awakening of the individual's inner potential and the call to spiritual action. The joy and celebration represented by these sounds signify the universal harmony and the inherent divinity within every being. Vivekānanda's vision of a universal religion, where all humanity recognizes its inherent spirituality, is echoed in this verse. It calls for the realization of one's true self and the pursuit of spiritual growth, not in isolation, but in harmony with the world. Thus, the sounds of the conches and kettledrums become a reminder of our shared human aspiration for transcendence and unity, urging us to strive for a world where such joy and harmony are the guiding principles of human existence.

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