sarvataḥ pāṇipādaṃ tad viśrūyate
“It is heard that He has hands and feet on all sides.”
Structure
sarva-tah pāṇi-pādam tat vi-śrūyate
tat sarva-tah pāṇi-pādam vi-śrūyate
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarva-tah | sarvataḥ | indeclinable | — | from all sides |
| pāṇi-pādam | pāṇipādaṃ | compound | dvandva · "pāṇi-pāda" | hands and feet |
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| vi-śrūyate | viśrūyate | verb | √śru · present · third | is being spoken of |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'sarvataḥ pāṇipādaṃ tad viśrūyate' points towards the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, pervades all existence. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, particularly on this verse, highlights the omnipresent nature of the divine, suggesting that Brahman has hands and feet everywhere, implying an all-encompassing presence. This interpretation supports the concept of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal self (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning emphasizes the removal of limitations and the understanding of the absolute, where such descriptions are meant to convey the boundless and all-inclusive nature of Brahman, rather than physical attributes. This non-dual reading encourages the seeker to transcend the constraints of the physical world and realize the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often interpreted through the lens of bhakti, or devotional love. Rāmānujācārya, for example, might see this verse as an expression of the Lord's omnipresence and availability to all devotees, emphasizing the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The image of having hands and feet everywhere suggests that the divine is always accessible and near, ready to guide and protect the devotee. This verse underscores the importance of surrender and devotion, as the devotee seeks to realize the Lord's presence in all aspects of life. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, might also highlight the uniqueness of the divine in being all-pervasive, yet distinct from the individual souls, reinforcing the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the universal principles hidden within ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gītā. This verse, to him, would symbolize the omnipresent potential within every individual, waiting to be realized. He might interpret 'hands and feet on all sides' as a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of human potential, where every action, every movement, and every decision is an expression of the divine within. This understanding encourages a practical application of the verse in contemporary life, where individuals are empowered to recognize and express their inner divinity through service, compassion, and self-realization. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, could connect this verse to the global ethic of unity and shared humanity, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living in harmony with the world around us, reflecting the universal spirit that transcends individual and cultural boundaries.