tataḥ śvetottaraḥ paryagṛhṇāt prajāpatīnāṃ patiḥ
“Then the lord of Prajapatis, having white (or shining) upper garment, took (the Gandharva) by surrounding.”
Structure
tataḥ śveta-uttaraḥ paryagṛhṇāt prajāpatīnāṃ patiḥ
prajāpatīnāṃ patiḥ (lord of Prajapatis) tataḥ (then) śveta-uttaraḥ (with white horses) paryagṛhṇāt (rode around)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śveta-uttaraḥ | śveta-uttaraḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "śvetaḥ uttaraḥ yenaḥ" | whose north is white, i.e. having a white northern side |
| śveta | śveta | noun | — | white |
| uttaraḥ | uttaraḥ | noun | — | north |
| paryagṛhṇāt | paryagṛhṇāt | verb | √gṛh · past · third | he took, seized |
| prajāpatīnāṃ | prajāpatīnāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the Prajāpatis |
| patiḥ | patiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | lord, husband |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetottaraḥ paryagṛhṇāt prajāpatīnāṃ patiḥ,' suggests the notion of transcendence and non-dual awareness. The 'lord of Prajapatis' can be seen as a symbol for the ultimate reality, Brahman. The 'white upper garment' signifies purity and the unconditioned state of consciousness. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the importance of recognizing the identity between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). In this context, the verse implies that the true self, beyond the conditioned ego, is ultimately one with the universe. The act of 'taking by surrounding' denotes the all-encompassing nature of Brahman, which is the essence of non-dual awareness. This understanding leads to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self merges with the universal consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The phrase 'prajāpatīnāṃ patiḥ' emphasizes the hierarchical structure of the universe, with the lord of Prajapatis representing the supreme deity. In this context, the verse suggests the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānujācārya, the individual soul is dependent on the supreme lord, and the ultimate goal is to attain loving devotion (bhakti) towards Him. The 'white upper garment' signifies the pure and untainted nature of the supreme lord, which is the ultimate object of devotion. The act of 'taking by surrounding' implies the lord's benevolent and protective nature, guiding the individual soul towards liberation. This verse highlights the importance of surrender and devotion in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the individual soul seeks refuge in the supreme lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life. The image of the 'lord of Prajapatis' can be seen as a symbol for the universal consciousness that underlies all existence. The 'white upper garment' represents the untainted and pure essence of human nature, which is often obscured by conditioning and ego. Swami Vivekānanda's emphasis on the potential for human growth and self-realization is reflected in this verse. The act of 'taking by surrounding' implies the interconnectedness of all beings and the universe, highlighting the importance of compassion, empathy, and unity. This verse encourages individuals to transcend their limited perspectives and recognize their place within the larger web of existence. By embracing this universal consciousness, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their lives. As Vivekānanda noted, 'The universe is a gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong,' and this verse serves as a reminder of the infinite potential that lies within us.