sukhadaṃ vṛndāvanaṃ paśupati-sthalīm

vṛndāvanaṃ paśupati-sthalīṃ sukhadaṃ

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse सुखदं वृन्दावनं पशुपतिस्थलीम् (sukhadaṃ vṛndāvanaṃ paśupati-sthalīm) is elucidated by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya as an indication of the non-dual nature of reality. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara highlights the significance of Vṛndāvana as a symbol of the blissful and eternal realm of Brahman. The term 'paśupati-sthalīm' refers to the abode of the Lord of all beings, which is ultimately the Self (Ātman). This verse, according to Shankara, points to the identity of the individual self (jīva) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), where the distinctions between the individual and the divine are transcended. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, emphasizes the importance of understanding the unity of all existence, and this verse serves as a reminder of the blissful nature of that unity.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted as a celebration of the divine love and grace that pervades Vṛndāvana, the earthly abode of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views Vṛndāvana as a symbol of the loving relationship between the Lord (Īśvara) and the devotee (jīva). The term 'paśupati-sthalīm' is seen as a reference to the Lord's role as the protector and guide of all living beings. This verse, according to Rāmānuja, underscores the importance of devotion (bhakti) and self-surrender (prapatti) in attaining union with the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinctness of the individual self and the Lord, yet highlights the transformative power of devotion in bridging this gap, as seen in his commentary on the Mahābhārata.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often highlighted the universal and practical significance of verses like सुखदं वृन्दावनं पशुपतिस्थलीम्. According to Vivekānanda, this verse points to the inherent bliss and joy that lies at the heart of all existence. The concept of Vṛndāvana, in this context, represents a state of consciousness characterized by unity, harmony, and love. Vivekānanda, in his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions, emphasized the importance of realizing this unity in our daily lives, transcending narrow boundaries and distinctions. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his exposition of the Bhagavad Gītā, similarly underscores the relevance of this verse in modern life, where the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment can be guided by the principles of selfless love and devotion, as exemplified in the ideal of Vṛndāvana.

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