tataḥ śveta-vrajāṃ hṛṣṭāṃ hṛpsarāḥ pary-upāsata

hṛpsarāḥ (the apsaras) tataḥ (then) śveta-vrajāṃ (the one with white garments) hṛṣṭāṃ (the delighted one) pary-upāsata (surrounded)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the Hṛpsaras surrounding the delighted Śvetavrajā can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the essence of all existence. The delight of Śvetavrajā represents the blissful nature of the Self (Ātman), which is not separate from Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately one with the universal Self (Brahman). In this context, the verse suggests that the individual self, surrounded by the divine energies (Hṛpsaras), experiences bliss and liberation when it realizes its true nature as Brahman. This reading is supported by Shankara's concept of 'sadātman', where the Self is always present and unchanging, much like the delight of Śvetavrajā. The verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, inviting the seeker to realize this non-dual reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be interpreted as a depiction of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The Hṛpsaras, as divine beings, represent the servants of the Lord, who surround and attend to the delighted Śvetavrajā, symbolizing the jīva's devotion and love for Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'prakṛti' (nature) and 'purūṣa' (the Lord) can be applied here, where the Hṛpsaras embody the energies of prakṛti, serving the purūṣa. The delight of Śvetavrajā represents the jīva's experience of bliss and joy in the presence of the Lord. Madhvācārya's emphasis on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara is also relevant, as the verse highlights the interaction between the two, with the Hṛpsaras acting as intermediaries. This devotional reading underscores the importance of loving surrender to the Lord, as embodied by the delighted Śvetavrajā.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal and practical message, relevant to contemporary life. The image of the Hṛpsaras surrounding the delighted Śvetavrajā can be seen as a symbol of the harmonious relationship between the individual and the world around them. Swami Vivekānanda's emphasis on the importance of service and selflessness can be applied here, where the Hṛpsaras represent the selfless energies that surround and support the individual (Śvetavrajā). The delight of Śvetavrajā represents the joy and fulfillment that arises from being in harmony with one's environment and community. S. Rādhākrishnan's concept of 'sarvamukti' (universal liberation) is also relevant, as the verse suggests that the individual's liberation is not isolated, but rather interconnected with the liberation of all beings. This reading encourages the modern seeker to cultivate a sense of unity and harmony with the world, recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence, as embodied by the delightful Śvetavrajā surrounded by the Hṛpsaras.

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