Tataḥ śataguṇa varṇo vavṛdhe sahasragocaraḥ.
“Then the one with a hundredfold radiance grew, having a thousandfold range.”
Structure
Tataḥ śataguṇaḥ varṇoḥ vavṛdhe sahasra-gocaraḥ
Tataḥ (then) varṇoḥ (of the color) śataguṇaḥ (which was hundred-fold) vavṛdhe (increased) sahasra-gocaraḥ (to thousand fold vision)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇaḥ | śataguṇaḥ | adjective | — | having a hundred-fold |
| varṇoḥ | varṇoḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of colour, of hue |
| vavṛdhe | vavṛdhe | verb | √vṛdh · past · third | increased, grew |
| sahasra-gocaraḥ | sahasra-gocaraḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "sahasra gocaraḥ" | having a thousand modes of perception/observation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'Tataḥ śataguṇa varṇo vavṛdhe sahasragocaraḥ,' signifies the unfoldment of the ultimate reality, Brahman, in its multifaceted glory. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the 'śataguṇa varṇaḥ' or the one with a hundredfold radiance, can be understood as the pure consciousness that underlies all existence. The 'sahasra-gocaraḥ' or having a thousandfold range, suggests the all-pervasive nature of this consciousness. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual (Advaita) perspective, where the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the individual self (Ātman) are considered to be one and the same. This oneness is hinted at in the Brahmasūtra (1.1.2), where Śaṅkarācārya comments that 'Janmādyasya yataḥ' - all effects emanate from this ultimate reality, underscoring the intrinsic connection between the individual and the universal.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of 'Tataḥ śataguṇa varṇo vavṛdhe sahasragocaraḥ' revolves around the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, might view the 'śataguṇa varṇaḥ' as a symbol of the Lord's infinite attributes, which are beyond human comprehension but are essential for understanding His greatness and grace. The 'sahasra-gocaraḥ' signifies the Lord's omnipresence and His ability to manifest in countless forms to guide the jīvas back to Him. This understanding is rooted in the concept of 'bhakti' or devotion, where the jīva seeks to reunite with Īśvara through love and surrender. Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita Vedānta, might further emphasize the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara while highlighting the importance of devotion and the Lord's grace in bridging this gap.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In the context of modern Vedānta, 'Tataḥ śataguṇa varṇo vavṛdhe sahasragocaraḥ' can be seen as a metaphor for the infinite potential within every individual. Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is divine and all-encompassing. The 'śataguṇa varṇaḥ' could represent the multifaceted talents and capacities that lie dormant within each person, waiting to be unfolded. The 'sahasra-gocaraḥ' suggests that this potential is limitless and can be applied in countless ways to benefit humanity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, emphasized the universal and practical aspects of Vedānta, suggesting that this verse could inspire individuals to strive for self-realization and to contribute positively to society. By recognizing and cultivating their inner potential, individuals can work towards a more harmonious and enlightened world, reflecting the universal principles embedded in this ancient verse.