Tataḥ śataguṇā hota sphuṭad-gajagaṇānām .
“Then the sound was a hundred times that of the bursting of the elephant herd.”
Structure
Tataḥ śataguṇāḥ bhavati sphuṭat gajaganaānāṃ
Tataḥ (then) gajaganaānāṃ (of the elephant herds) sphuṭat (having burst forth) śataguṇāḥ (hundredfold) bhavati (becomes)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇāḥ | śataguṇāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | hundredfold |
| bhavati | bhavati | verb | √bhū · present · third | becomes |
| sphuṭat | sphuṭat | indeclinable | — | manifestly, clearly |
| gajaganaānāṃ | gajagaṇānāṃ | compound | genitive tatpuruṣa · "gajagaṇānāṃ" | of the elephant herds |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'Tataḥ śataguṇā hota sphuṭad-gajagaṇānām', symbolizes the overwhelming and profound realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, the sound referred to here is not just a physical phenomenon but a metaphor for the explosion of ignorance, leading to the revelation of the true Self (Ātman). This understanding aligns with Shankara's non-dualistic interpretation, where the distinction between the individual self and the ultimate reality dissolves. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara emphasizes the importance of recognizing the identity of Brahman and Ātman, which is crucial for achieving liberation. This verse, with its depiction of a cacophonous sound, reminds us of the momentous event of Self-realization, where all boundaries and dualities are transcended, echoing Shankara's central argument in his Upadesasahasri that the knowledge of Brahman is the means to liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The sound described in this verse as being a hundred times that of the bursting of an elephant herd signifies the profound and overpowering presence of the divine. For Rāmānujācārya, this could represent the moment of divine revelation, where the jīva (individual soul) experiences the overwhelming grace of Īśvara (the Lord). This experience is not just a transcendence of worldly boundaries but a deepening of the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing the personal and devotional aspect of spiritual realization. Madhvācārya, with his Dvaita philosophy, might interpret this verse as illustrating the vast difference between the human and divine realms, with the sound symbolizing the inexpressible power of God. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva would likely see this verse as underscoring the significance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving spiritual insight and proximity to the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the awakening of human consciousness to its full potential. Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the need for individuals to break free from their limitations and realize their inner strength and divinity. The 'sound' in this context could represent the explosion of human potential, where one's capacities and abilities are unleashed a hundredfold. It symbolizes the moment of profound realization and empowerment that comes from understanding and connecting with one's true nature. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasized the importance of self-realization and the universal principles that guide human existence. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in interpreting Indian philosophy for a modern audience, would likely highlight this verse as an example of the universal quest for self-discovery and the transcendence of human limitations, resonating with contemporary themes of personal growth and empowerment.