Tataḥ śataguṇa varṇo dityaḥ daivasakho dadṛśa । Cakāra Pāṇḍavāstatra Drupadas tatpurandaraḥ ॥
“Then, with a hundred times more brilliance, the radiant Ditya, the divine friend, appeared; Drupada, the ruler of that region, beheld the Pandavas there.”
Structure
Tataḥ śataguṇaḥ varṇo dityaḥ daiva-sakho dadṛśa | Cakāra Pāṇḍavās tatra Drupadaḥ tat-purandaraḥ
Tataḥ (then) Drupadaḥ (king Drupada) tat-purandaraḥ (that great king) daiva-sakho (a friend of the gods) dityaḥ (the sun-like) śataguṇaḥ (having many excellent qualities) varṇo (radiant) dadṛśa (saw) tatra (there) Cakāra (made) Pāṇḍavās (for the Pāṇḍavas)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇaḥ | śataguṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | having a hundred virtues or qualities |
| varṇo | varṇo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | color, appearance, or a particular type |
| dityaḥ | dityaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | a god, specifically a son of Aditi |
| daiva-sakho | daiva-sakho | compound | bahuvrīhi · "daiva-sakhaḥ yena" | whose friend is a god |
| dadṛśa | dadṛśa | verb | √dṛś · past · third | saw, beheld |
| Cakāra | Cakāra | verb | √kṛ · past · third | did, made |
| Pāṇḍavās | Pāṇḍavās | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the Pāṇḍavas |
| tatra | tatra | indeclinable | — | there, at that place |
| Drupadaḥ | Drupadaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Drupada, the king |
| tat-purandaraḥ | tat-purandaraḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "tad uruṃ hantran" | destroyer of that (enemy) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, describing the divine appearance with a hundred times more brilliance, symbolizes the unveiling of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya would interpret 'śataguṇa varṇo dityaḥ' as a representation of the self (ātman) shining with the brilliance of a hundred suns, dispelling the ignorance that obscures the true nature of reality. In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, Śaṅkarācārya argues that such descriptions point to the identity of Brahman and ātman, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is not a distant, separate entity but the very essence of the self. This verse, therefore, invites the seeker to realize the non-dual nature of existence, where the distinction between the individual self and the universal self dissolves. Through the appearance of the divine, the verse prompts a deeper inquiry into the nature of reality, guiding the seeker towards the understanding that the true self is not separate from the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an exemplification of the Lord's grace and the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret the 'daiva-sakho' as indicative of the Lord's friendship with the devotee, emphasizing the personal and loving relationship that exists between God and the individual soul. This relationship is characterized by the Lord's initiative in revealing Himself to the devotee, as depicted in the verse. The appearance of the divine with enhanced brilliance signifies the removal of the veil of ignorance, allowing the devotee to behold the Lord's glory. This interpretation underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as the means to realize one's true nature and attain union with the Lord. The verse thus serves as a reminder of the Lord's accessibility and the importance of cultivating devotion to experience His loving presence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a symbol of the human potential for spiritual growth and self-realization. The 'śataguṇa varṇo dityaḥ' represents the unfolding of the inner divine, where the individual's true nature shines with increased brilliance. This can be seen as a metaphor for the process of self-discovery and the actualization of one's inherent potential. In his lectures, Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine within oneself and realizing one's true nature. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, prompts us to explore our inner world, to uncover the layers of our being, and to realize our true potential. It serves as a reminder that spiritual growth is not merely an abstract concept but a lived experience that can transform our lives and our understanding of the world. By embracing this perspective, we can integrate the spiritual dimensions into our daily lives, fostering a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and connection with the world around us.