tataḥ śvetavrātā ṛṣiḥ pravavau pārvatīm nādīm

ṛṣiḥ śvetavrātā tataḥ pārvatīm nādīm pravavau

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetavrātā ṛṣiḥ pravavau pārvatīm nādīm, when examined through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, particularly as interpreted by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, suggests a non-dual reading. Śaṅkara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world (māyā). In the context of this verse, Śvetavrata, the sage, flowing into the river Pārvatī, can be seen as a metaphor for the individual self (jīva) merging into the universal self (Brahman). This is akin to the concept where the distinctions between the individual and the ultimate reality are transcended, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentaries, would likely view this verse as an illustrative example of the process of self-realization, where the individual ego (ahamkāra) dissolves into the understanding of the true, unchanging self, underscoring the unity of existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the interpretations of Rāmānujācārya or Madhvācārya, this verse is seen as an example of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (God). Rāmānuja, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the real distinction between the individual self and God, yet also their inseparable relationship. The sage Śvetavrata flowing into the river Pārvatī can be viewed as a symbol of the jīva's quest for union with Īśvara, who is the ultimate goal and refuge. This act of merging symbolizes the devotional path (bhakti mārga) where the individual, through dedication and self-surrender, seeks to unite with the divine. Madhva, on the other hand, would likely interpret this in terms of the difference (bheda) between the individual soul and God, emphasizing the role of devotion and the grace of God in facilitating the soul's journey towards liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, in their interpretations and works, often highlighted the universal and practical applications of ancient Indian scriptures. For this verse, they might see it as an allegory for the human quest for the infinite and the eternal. The flow of the sage into the river symbolizes the universal longing for transcendence and unity. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and the unity of all existence. Similarly, Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, stressed the concept of the universal self and the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. They would likely interpret this verse as a call to look beyond the mundane and to strive for a higher, spiritual understanding of life, connecting the ancient wisdom of the Mahābhārata to contemporary life and its challenges.

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