taṭaḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata tāṃ sagaropamāḥ
“Then Sagar, like a second Sagar, surrounded that region with his white and fleet-footed horses.”
Structure
taṭaḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata tāṃ sagaraḥ upamāḥ
sagaraḥ (Sagara) taṭaḥ (from the shore) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ ( elephants) tāṃ (those) upamāḥ (like) paryavartata (rode around) sagaro (as Sagar did)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| taṭaḥ | taṭaḥ | indeclinable | — | from the shore |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ | plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagarah |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | went around |
| tāṃ | tāṃ | pronoun | accusative · plural · feminine | them |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagarah |
| upamāḥ | upamāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | comparisons |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse offers a metaphorical understanding of the universe and the self. Śaṅkarācārya would interpret 'Sagar' as the boundless, all-encompassing Brahman, and the 'white and fleet-footed horses' as the instruments of the mind and senses. The act of Sagar surrounding the region symbolizes the omnipresence of Brahman. The phrase 'like a second Sagar' suggests the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate reality (Brahman) is reflected in the individual self (ātman). According to Śaṅkarācārya, this verse alludes to the idea that the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality, but rather, it is a reflection of it. This understanding is in line with his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, where he discusses the concept of ' Ekam evādvitīyam' - the ultimate reality is one, without a second. By contemplating on this verse, one can attain the knowledge of the Brahman-ātman identity, leading to liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be seen as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya would interpret 'Sagar' as the Lord, who surrounds and pervades the universe with his divine presence. The 'white and fleet-footed horses' represent the Lord's instruments of creation, preservation, and destruction. The phrase 'like a second Sagar' signifies the Lord's omnipotence and omniscience. According to Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, and the need for the jīva to surrender to the Lord's will. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmānujācārya discusses the concept of 'śaranāgati' - surrender to the Lord, which is essential for the jīva to attain liberation. This verse serves as a reminder of the jīva's relationship with Īśvara and the importance of devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse holds a profound message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda would interpret 'Sagar' as the infinite potential that lies within every individual, and the 'white and fleet-footed horses' as the qualities of purity, courage, and self-discipline. The act of Sagar surrounding the region symbolizes the boundless energy and strength that can be harnessed by the individual. The phrase 'like a second Sagar' suggests that this potential is present in every being, waiting to be tapped. According to Vivekānanda, this verse inspires individuals to recognize their inner strength and to strive for self-realization. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda discusses the concept of 'ātmaśakti' - the power of the self, which can be developed through self-discipline, concentration, and meditation. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness, self-confidence, and the pursuit of one's highest potential.