tataḥ śvetavāhano rājā dhṛtarāṣṭro tu vai pituḥ
“Then the king with the white horses, Dhritarashtra, the father”
Structure
tataḥ śvetavāhano rājā dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ tu vai pituḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetavāhano (having white horses as his vehicle) rājā (the king) dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) tu (indeed) vai (certainly) pituḥ (of his father)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavāhano | śvetavāhano | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one whose vehicle is white (referring to Arjuna) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ | dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Dhṛtarāṣṭra |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| pituḥ | pituḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the father |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tataḥ śvetavāhano rājā dhṛtarāṣṭro tu vai pituḥ' highlights the concept of the ultimate reality, Brahman, beyond the duality of the mundane world. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, emphasizes the non-dual nature of the Self, which is the true essence of Dhritarashtra, the king with white horses. The white horses symbolize the purity and tranquility of the mind, which is a prerequisite for realizing the brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, underscores the importance of understanding the distinction between the Self and the non-Self, leading to the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, serves as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly attachments and the need to seek the eternal and unchanging essence within.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an expression of the divine plan and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, views Dhritarashtra as a symbol of the jīva, who, despite being endowed with spiritual knowledge, is bound by his attachment to worldly possessions and family ties. The 'white horses' represent the means of spiritual progress, which are often obscured by the desires and ego of the individual. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, sees Dhritarashtra as an example of the consequences of unchecked desire and the importance of surrendering to the will of the Supreme Lord. The verse highlights the complex interplay between human action and divine providence, emphasizing the need for self-surrender and devotion to the ultimate reality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse 'tataḥ śvetavāhano rājā dhṛtarāṣṭro tu vai pituḥ' offers a profound insight into the human condition and the search for meaning in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection, as embodied by Dhritarashtra, the king with white horses. The 'white horses' symbolize the inner quest for truth and the need to transcend the limitations of the ego. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upanishads and the Mahābhārata, highlights the universal relevance of this verse, which points to the eternal and unchanging essence within each individual. The verse serves as a reminder of the need to balance the inner and outer aspects of human existence, cultivating wisdom, compassion, and self-awareness in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties.