hanumammaiḥ sahasreṇa sahasra-koṭībhir-eva ca.
“With the strength of a thousand HAnuman like monkeys and with thousands and crores of them”
Structure
hanuman-maiḥ sahasreṇa sahasra-koṭībhir-eva ca
sahasreṇa (with thousands) hanuman-maiḥ (of Hanuman-like) sahasra-koṭībhir- (by millions and crores) eva (indeed) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hanuman-maiḥ | hanuman-maiḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "hanuman + maiḥ" | with Hanuman-like |
| sahasreṇa | sahasreṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with a thousand |
| sahasra-koṭībhir-eva | sahasra-koṭībhir-eva | compound | dvandva · "sahasra + koṭībhiḥ + eva" | with thousands and crores |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā, 'hanumammaiḥ sahasreṇa sahasra-koṭībhir-eva ca', when seen through the lens of non-dualism, points towards the idea that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond numerical conceptions. Shankara's commentary on the Upanishads emphasizes the unity and indivisibility of Brahman, suggesting that numerical distinctions are mere appearances. In this context, the thousands and crores of Hanuman-like beings signify the myriad manifestations of the divine, all of which are ultimately reducible to the singular, unchanging essence of Brahman-ātman. This interpretation underscores the Advaitic notion that all distinctions, including those of number and form, are provisional and dissolve in the realization of the absolute unity of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is often seen as an expression of the majesty and omnipotence of the divine. The thousands and crores of Hanuman-like beings may be interpreted as the countless devotees and servants of the Lord, each embodying a spark of divine strength and devotion. Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣin' (part and whole) relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord) is particularly relevant here. The verse suggests the boundless capacity of the divine to uplift and empower the jīva, illustrating the reciprocal relationship of love and service between the devotee and the Lord. This devotional reading highlights the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on personal theism and the path of bhakti as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In the context of modern spiritual thought, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the human potential for spiritual growth and self-realization. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, often emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine within oneself and in all beings. The image of thousands and crores of Hanuman-like beings can symbolize the collective potential of humanity, where each individual embodies a unique blend of strength, courage, and devotion. This reading underscores the universal and practical application of the verse, encouraging individuals to tap into their inner reservoir of power and work towards the betterment of society. It resonates with Vivekānanda's call for a revival of spiritual awareness and social service, linking the personal quest for liberation with the pursuit of collective well-being and universal harmony.