tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sudarśano nāma vijayyate nāma ।
“Then from the white monkeys, (there was) one named Sudarśana, whose very name ensured victory.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sudarśano nāma vijayyate nāma
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (from the jumpers) sudarśano (the best) nāma (name) vijayyate (conquers) nāma (name)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones |
| sudarśano | sudarśano | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sudarśana (a proper noun, likely a name) |
| nāma | nāma | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | by name |
| vijayyate | vijayyate | verb | √vijay · present · third | conquers, wins |
| nāma | nāma | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | name |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sudarśano nāma vijayyate nāma, can be interpreted through the lens of non-duality. The name Sudarśana, meaning 'beautiful to behold,' signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the essence of all existence. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.2) highlights the importance of understanding the absolute, unchanging nature of Brahman. In this context, Sudarśana represents the pure consciousness that underlies all manifestations, including the white monkeys. The victory ensured by Sudarśana's name symbolizes the triumph of self-knowledge over ignorance, leading to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. Through this verse, we are reminded of the central theme of Advaita Vedānta: the ultimate reality is beyond duality, and the individual self (ātman) is one with the universal consciousness (Brahman). By contemplating on the name Sudarśana, one may transcend the limitations of the mundane world and realize the timeless, spaceless essence that pervades all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The name Sudarśana, associated with Viṣṇu, signifies the divine attribute of being 'beautiful to behold.' Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (1.1.1), emphasizes the concept of śeṣa-śeṣin, where the individual self is the servant (śeṣa) of the Lord (śeṣin). The victory ensured by Sudarśana's name represents the triumph of devotion and self-surrender. In this context, Sudarșana is not just a name but an embodiment of the divine power that guides and protects the devotee. Madhvācārya, in his Mahābhārata Tatparya Nirnaya, interprets the white monkeys as symbolizing the purified jīvas, who, through devotion and the guidance of the Lord, attain victory over the forces of ignorance and adversity. This verse thus underscores the central theme of Vaiṣṇavism: the loving relationship between the individual self and the personal God, where devotion and self-surrender lead to liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in the context of modern Vedānta, can be seen as a call to unleash human potential. The name Sudarśana, symbolizing the 'beautiful to behold,' represents the inherent goodness and divinity within every individual. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda' (Vol. 1, p. 347), emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the realization of one's true nature. The victory ensured by Sudarśana's name signifies the triumph of human spirit over adversity, where one's inner strength and resilience lead to success. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy' (Vol. 1, p. 456), highlights the universal and practical application of this verse, where the concept of Sudarśana represents the ideal of human perfection. This verse can be seen as a reminder of the inherent potential within each individual to strive for excellence, to cultivate a character that is 'beautiful to behold,' and to overcome challenges through determination and perseverance. In contemporary life, this message can inspire individuals to strive for personal growth, to nurture their inner strength, and to contribute positively to society, reflecting the universal and timeless wisdom of the Mahābhārata.