kim idaṁ mahadāgastrab brahmāsya manu-jādhipa !
“What is this great divine missile, O Lord of men?”
Structure
kim idaṁ mahat āgastraṁ brahma āsya manu-ja-ādhipa
manu-ja-ādhipa (of the king of men) āsya (this) brahma (divine) āgastraṁ (weapon) mahat (great) idaṁ (this) kim (what)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | what |
| idaṁ | idam | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | this |
| mahat | mahat | adjective | — | great |
| āgastraṁ | āgastram | noun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | arrow |
| brahma | brahma | noun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | Brahman |
| āsya | āsa | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | was |
| manu-ja-ādhipa | manu-jādhipa | compound | karmadhāraya · "manu-jasya ādhipaḥ" | the lord of men |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a inquiry into the nature of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The term 'mahadāgastrab' is seen as a metaphor for the all-encompassing and pervasive nature of Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension. Śaṅkarācārya argues that the jīva, or individual self, must transcend its limited understanding to realize its identity with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This verse, therefore, points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self and Brahman is ultimately illusory. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtra (1.1.1) also supports this interpretation, where he establishes the identity of Brahman and ātman, highlighting the central theme of Advaita Vedānta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse as an expression of Arjuna's awe and curiosity about the divine manifestation of Lord Kṛṣṇa. The term 'mahadāgastrab' signifies the extraordinary and supernatural power of the Lord, which is beyond human understanding. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (Arjuna) and Īśvara (Kṛṣṇa), highlighting the dependence of the individual self on the Lord for spiritual guidance and liberation. This verse, therefore, underscores the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the jīva seeks to understand and surrender to the will of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (10.15) also underscores the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a call to explore the deeper dimensions of human consciousness and the ultimate reality. The term 'mahadāgastrab' represents the infinite potential and power that lies within each individual, waiting to be unleashed. Vivekānanda emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and the realization of one's true nature. In his speech 'The Message of the Upaniṣads' (1896), Vivekānanda cites the Bhagavad Gītā as a text that inspires individuals to strive for spiritual growth and self-realization, underscoring the relevance of this verse to contemporary life. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the human potential for spiritual evolution and the attainment of a higher state of consciousness, which is accessible to all, regardless of their background or beliefs.