tataḥ śvetavrajā dṛṣṭvā bhārīm atīṃ paryupāgṛhīt .
“Then, having seen Bhāratī, he, Śvetavrajā, drew near her.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetavrajā dṛṣṭvā bhārīm atīṃ paryupāgṛhīt
tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (having white goats) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) bhārīm (the earth) atīṃ (exceedingly) paryupāgṛhīt (embraced)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajā | śvetavrajā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | he who has a white or shining vraj/a residence; referring to Krishna |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| bhārīm | bhārīm | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | the Earth, Bharat |
| atīṃ | atīṃ | indeclinable | — | exceedingly, very |
| paryupāgṛhīt | paryupāgṛhīt | verb | √gṛh · past · third | embraced, clasped |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Śvetavrajā's action of drawing near Bhāratī symbolizes the jīva's (individual self) natural inclination towards the ultimate reality, Brahman. As Shankara explains in his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, the pursuit of knowledge and the desire for union with the divine are inherent in the human experience. The phrase 'paryupāgṛhīt' suggests a sense of enveloping or embracing, which can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate union of the jīva with Brahman, where all distinctions are transcended. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, upon realizing its true nature, merges with the universal consciousness, much like Śvetavrajā's approach towards Bhāratī. Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad (2.1.1) also highlights the idea that the pursuit of knowledge is, in essence, a pursuit of the Self, underscoring the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be interpreted through the lens of bhakti, where Śvetavrajā's approach to Bhāratī represents the devotee's longing for union with the divine. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) is one of loving devotion and surrender. Rāmānujācārya's Śrī Bhāṣya (2.2.42) discusses the concept of 'prapatti,' or self-surrender, as a means to attain liberation. Similarly, Śvetavrajā's drawing near Bhāratī can be seen as an act of prapatti, where the individual surrenders to the divine will, seeking refuge and guidance. This devotional reading emphasizes the personal aspect of the divine and the intimate relationship between the devotee and the Lord, highlighting the path of bhakti as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Mahābhārata offers a profound message relevant to contemporary life. Śvetavrajā's approach towards Bhāratī can be seen as a symbol of the universal quest for knowledge, understanding, and connection. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind,' emphasizes the importance of approaching life with an open and receptive mind, much like Śvetavrajā's gesture of drawing near. This act represents the human desire for unity, harmony, and the pursuit of truth. In a modern context, this verse encourages individuals to foster a sense of curiosity, openness, and inclusivity, embracing the diversity of human experience while striving for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As S. Rādhākrishnan notes in his book 'Indian Philosophy,' the ultimate goal of human existence is to realize the universal consciousness, and this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing our shared humanity.