tataḥ śvetāyano rājā harivakṣaḥ prajāpatiḥ.
“Then Śvetāyana, the king, the lord of created beings, and named Harivakṣa.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetāyano rājā harivakṣaḥ prajāpatiḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetāyanaḥ (of Śvetāyana) rājā (the king) harivakṣaḥ (named Harivakṣa) prajāpatiḥ (the lord of creatures)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetāyano | śvetāyana | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Śvetāyana (a name) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| harivakṣaḥ | harivakṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Harivakṣa (a name) |
| prajāpatiḥ | prajāpatiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | lord of creatures |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetāyano rājā harivakṣaḥ prajāpatiḥ,' implies a deeper non-dual understanding. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the names and forms (nāmarūpa) such as Śvetāyana, the king, are mere superimpositions on the ultimate reality, Brahman. The term 'prajāpatiḥ' signifies the lord of all creation, pointing towards the concept of īśvara, which is ultimately not separate from the individual self (ātman) and the absolute (Brahman). In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Śaṅkara reasoning on similar passages emphasizes that all such distinctions are sublated in the state of liberation, underscoring the non-dual identity of Brahman and ātman. This verse, in highlighting the sovereignty and creative power of 'Harivakṣaḥ,' leads us to contemplate the ultimate source of all existence, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The mention of 'Śvetāyano rājā harivakṣaḥ prajāpatiḥ' in this verse resonates with the Vaiṣṇava doctrine of the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Viśiṣṭādvaita philosophy, would interpret 'prajāpatiḥ' as the Lord who is both the ruler and the father of all beings, emphasizing a personal and loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. The term 'Harivakṣaḥ' could be seen as an epithet of Viṣṇu, highlighting His role as the protector and nourisher of all creation. This verse thus becomes a call to devotion, encouraging the devotee to seek refuge in the Lord, who is the ultimate source of comfort and salvation. Madhvācārya, with his Dvaita philosophy, might focus on the distinctness of the Lord from His creation, yet emphasizing the Lord's grace and the importance of devotion in bridging this gap.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and potential. The figure of 'Śvetāyano rājā harivakṣaḥ prajāpatiḥ' can be seen as a symbol of the ideal human being who has realized their inherent sovereignty and creative power. The term 'prajāpatiḥ' points towards the universal and the interconnectedness of all existence, encouraging a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the world. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the relevance of Vedāntic principles to modern society, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates individual freedom with social responsibility. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of our potential for self-realization and our duty to contribute positively to the world, promoting a universal and practical application of spiritual principles.