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Mahābhārata · 1.300
ततः शतगुणा वर्धमानो देवास्त्रेणाग्निना सह।

tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno devāstreṇāgninā saha.

Then, growing a hundredfold, he along with Agni shone with divine weapons.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ devāstreṇa agninā saha

Anvaya — prose reordering

tataḥ (then) vardhamānaḥ (increasing) śataguṇā (a hundredfold) devāstreṇa (with the divine missile) agninā (with fire) saha (together)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
tataḥtataḥindeclinablethen, thereafter
śataguṇāśataguṇānounnominative · singular · masculinehaving a hundred-fold strength or hundred excellent qualities
vardhamānaḥvardhamānaḥnounnominative · singular · masculineincreasing, growing, or an epithet for a strong or powerful being
devāstreṇadevāstreṇacompoundtatpuruṣa · "devās traṇa"with the divine missile or weapon
devāstreṇadevāstreṇanouninstrumental · singular · masculinewith the divine missile or weapon
agnināagninānouninstrumental · singular · masculinewith fire
sahasahaindeclinablewith, together

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno devāstreṇāgninā saha', the emphasis on growth and expansion can be seen as a metaphor for the unfolding of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, often highlights the importance of understanding the absolute, unchanging nature of Brahman. The 'hundredfold' growth here symbolizes the multifaceted yet unified nature of reality, reflecting the idea that the diversity of the world is an expression of the singular Brahman. The mention of 'devāstreṇāgninā saha' (along with Agni, divine weapons) can be interpreted as the manifestation of Brahman's power through various means, including the element of fire, which symbolizes transformation and purification. This interpretation underscores the non-dualistic view, where all phenomena, including growth and change, are ultimately manifestations of the one, unchanging Brahman. Thus, this verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, emphasizing that all growth and transformation are part of the unfolding of the individual self (ātman) towards realizing its true nature as one with Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) in the context of spiritual growth. According to Rāmānujācārya, the 'hundredfold' growth signifies the immense potential for spiritual development that arises from devotion to and dependence on God. The mention of 'devāstreṇāgninā saha' (along with Agni, divine weapons) indicates the empowerment of the individual through divine grace, enabling them to overcome spiritual adversaries. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, Agni is often associated with the ritual fire that symbolizes purification. This verse, therefore, can be seen as emphasizing the role of divine intervention and the purifying power of devotion in the spiritual journey of the jīva towards realizing its true nature and relationship with Īśvara. Madhvācārya might further emphasize the distinction between the independent reality of God and the dependent reality of the individual soul, highlighting how this verse demonstrates the gracious and empowering nature of Īśvara in the life of the devotee.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the infinite potential that lies within every individual, waiting to be unleashed. The concept of 'śataguṇā vardhamāno' (growing a hundredfold) can be seen as a manifestation of this potential, where the individual, through self-effort and the pursuit of knowledge, can experience tremendous growth. Vivekānanda would likely interpret 'devāstreṇāgninā saha' as the combination of human endeavor (symbolized by divine weapons) and the divine spark within (Agni), which together facilitate personal transformation and realization. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, suggests that individuals have the capacity for immense personal and spiritual growth, which can be achieved by recognizing and harnessing their inner potential. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, also emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and the universal principles that guide human existence. He might view this verse as a call to awaken to one's higher self, symbolized by the growth and the divine elements mentioned, and to live a life that reflects this deeper understanding and connection.

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