tataḥ śataguṇaḥ varṇo vavau sahasra-varṇāṃ tu

tataḥ (then) śataguṇaḥ (having a hundred times [more] quality) varṇo (color) vavau (shone) sahasra-varṇāṃ (having a thousand colors) tu (indeed)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śataguṇa varṇo vavau sahasravargāṃ tu, describes a tumultuous scene with the blowing of conch shells and trumpets, symbolizing the din of the world. According to Shankara's non-dual perspective, the diversity and chaos represented by the various sounds are ultimately an illusion. The conch shells and trumpets, despite their multiplicity, are all made of the same material and serve the same purpose. Similarly, the jīvas, or individual selves, are not separate from Brahman but are mere reflections of the ultimate reality, much like the diverse sounds are all manifestations of the single, eternal sound, OM. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the world, with all its diversity, is a mere superimposition on the ultimate reality of Brahman, illustrating the principle of 'avidyā' or ignorance that veils our understanding of the true nature of the self. Thus, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the superficial diversity to the unity that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The blowing of conch shells and trumpets in this verse signifies the call to devotion and the celebration of the divine. From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, these sounds are not just chaotic noise but a symphony that heralds the presence of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, might interpret this verse as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The conch shells and trumpets, each unique yet contributing to the grand symphony, represent the jīvas, while the underlying melody symbolizes Īśvara. The verse thus underscores the dependence of the jīvas on Īśvara for their ultimate fulfillment and the necessity of devotion (bhakti) to realize this relationship. Madhvācārya, emphasizing the dual nature of the jīva and Īśvara, might see this verse as a depiction of the jīvas' attempts to reach out to Īśvara through worship and celebration, highlighting the importance of ritual and devotion in facilitating this connection.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, with its imagery of conch shells and trumpets, can be seen as a metaphor for the diversity and complexity of human experience. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of finding unity amidst diversity, a message that resonates with this verse. The blowing of a hundred-fold conch shells and a thousand-fold trumpets, rather than creating discord, can be interpreted as a call to recognize and celebrate the diversity of human experiences and perspectives, leading to a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the need for a synthesis of the universal and the particular, which this verse illustrates through the varied sounds that contribute to a single, grand celebration. Thus, this verse can inspire contemporary society to embrace its diversity, promoting a culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect, where every individual, like every note in the grand symphony, contributes uniquely to the harmony of human existence.

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