yadṛcchayā ca upagamya svayuddhaāya samupasthitam, rāṣṭraṁ bhakṣayiṣyāmi tvam.
“Come, let us join the battle which has approached of its own accord; I will consume the kingdom.”
Structure
yadṛcchayā ca upagamya sva-yuddhaāya sam-upasthitam rāṣṭram bhakṣayiṣyāmi tvam
tvam yadṛcchayā ca upagamya sva-yuddhaāya sam-upasthitam rāṣṭram bhakṣayiṣyāmi (you by chance having come to this war I will devour the kingdom)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yadṛcchayā | yadṛcchayā | indeclinable | — | by chance, accidentally |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| upagamya | upagamya | indeclinable | — | having approached, having come near |
| sva-yuddhaāya | sva-yuddhaāya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sva-yuddha āya" | for one's own fight, for one's own battle |
| sam-upasthitam | sam-upasthitam | verb | √sthā · past participle | having been present, having been there |
| rāṣṭram | rāṣṭram | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, realm |
| bhakṣayiṣyāmi | bhakṣayiṣyāmi | verb | √bhakṣ · future · first | I will eat, I will devour |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, yadṛcchayā ca upagamya svayuddhaāya samupasthitam, rāṣṭraṁ bhakṣayiṣyāmi tvam, suggests the inevitability of confrontation with one's own nature. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, notes that the battle represents the internal conflict between the higher and lower self. The consumption of the kingdom symbolizes the dissolution of the ego and the limited self, ultimately revealing the brahman-ātman identity. This non-dual reading is supported by Shankara's interpretation of the Gītā, where he emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the unity of all existence. In this context, the verse points to the futility of external attachments and the need to focus on inner transformation, leading to the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, views the battle as a symbol of the struggle between good and evil, with the jīva ultimately surrendering to Īśvara. The consumption of the kingdom represents the jīva's total dependence on Īśvara, acknowledging that all power and control rest with the Supreme. This verse, in the devotional tradition, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or surrender, as the means to attain liberation. Madhvācārya, in his interpretation, further emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, yet both agree on the central role of devotion and surrender in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse as a call to action, urging individuals to confront their inner weaknesses and limitations. The battle represents the struggle for self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence. The consumption of the kingdom symbolizes the individual's ability to transcend petty desires and ambitions, striving for a higher purpose. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of self-reliance, courage, and perseverance, all of which are encapsulated in this verse. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal relevance of the Gītā's message, noting that this verse encourages individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and self-realization, applying the principles of the Gītā to contemporary life and promoting a more empowered and responsible individual.