Tataḥ śvetottaraṃ mahābhujam rājā Drupado ’thāha .
“Then King Drupada said to him with a white upper garment and great arms.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetottaraṃ mahābhujam rājā Drupado atha āha
rājā (king) Drupado (Drupada) tataḥ (then) mahābhujam (the great-armed one) śvetottaraṃ (who wore a white upper garment) atha (thereupon) āha (said)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetottaraṃ | śvetottaraṃ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "śveta-uttara" | having a white (or shining) upper part |
| mahābhujam | mahābhujam | compound | bahuvrīhi · "mahat-bhuja" | having great arms |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| Drupado | Drupado | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Drupada |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| āha | āha | verb | √ā-hā · past · third | said, spoke |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In interpreting the verse 'Tataḥ śvetottaraṃ mahābhujam rājā Drupado 'thāha', we see an opportunity to reflect on the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Mahābhārata, particularly on passages like this, encourages the reader to look beyond the literal meaning and discern the deeper, spiritual significance. The 'śvetottaraṃ' or white upper garment, symbolizes purity and knowledge, while 'mahābhujam' or great arms, signify the capacity for action and protection. King Drupada's address to the one with these attributes points to the jīva's (individual self) potential for realizing its true nature as brahman. This aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's emphasis on the identity of brahman and ātman, where the ultimate reality is beyond duality. Thus, this verse invites us to contemplate the unity underlying all existence, encouraging a non-dual reading of the world and our place within it.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The interaction between King Drupada and the figure described in 'Tataḥ śvetottaraṃ mahābhujam rājā Drupado 'thāha' offers a lens through which to view the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret this verse as an illustration of the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for both material and spiritual well-being. The 'śvetottaraṃ' and 'mahābhujam' can be seen as symbols of the Lord's grace and power, respectively. Drupada's address is a form of prayer or invocation, seeking guidance or protection from a higher authority. This resonates with Rāmānujācārya's visistadvaita (qualified non-dualism), which emphasizes the real distinction between the soul and God, yet also their inseparable relationship in love and devotion. Thus, this verse underscores the Vaiṣṇava theme of bhakti, or loving surrender to the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedānta movement, would likely view 'Tataḥ śvetottaraṃ mahābhujam rājā Drupado 'thāha' as a call to action and self-realization in the contemporary context. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, might interpret the 'white upper garment' as symbolic of spiritual purity and the 'great arms' as symbolic of strength and service to humanity. King Drupada's statement could be seen as an exhortation to cultivate these qualities in oneself, embodying the ideals of service and selflessness. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the universal and the spiritual aspects of human existence, might see this verse as highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring the divine in every being, fostering a sense of global citizenship and ethical responsibility. Thus, this verse can inspire modern audiences to strive for personal growth, social service, and a deeper understanding of their place in the global community.