Tataḥ śvetavatā nāma karṇādapi mahābalaḥ.
“Then (there was) Śvetavata by name, having great strength even more than Karṇa.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetavatā nāma karṇād api mahābalaḥ
Tataḥ (then) śvetavatā (Shwetavata) nāma (by name) karṇād (than Karna) api (even) mahābalaḥ (great strength)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavatā | śvetavatā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Śvetavata (name) |
| nāma | nāma | indeclinable | — | by name, named |
| karṇād | karṇād | compound | tatpuruṣa · "karṇāt" | from Karṇa |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| mahābalaḥ | mahābalaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | great strength |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Then there was Śvetavata by name, having great strength even more than Karṇa,' highlights the illusory nature of individual distinctions and strengths. According to Śaṅkara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all attributes and dualities. The comparison between Śvetavata and Karṇa underscores the fleeting nature of worldly strengths, pointing towards the eternal and unchanging Brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) emphasizes the unity of the Self, which is not bound by individual characteristics or achievements. Thus, this verse invites contemplation on the transcendent and unified essence that underlies all existence, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral realm of names and strengths.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The mention of Śvetavata and his comparison to Karṇa can be seen as an illustration of the jīva's (individual soul's) inherent dependence on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). According to Rāmānuja, the jīva's strength and abilities are ultimately derived from and sustained by Īśvara. This verse may suggest that Śvetavata's great strength is a manifestation of divine grace, emphasizing the relationship between the individual and the Divine. Madhva, on the other hand, might interpret the comparison as a reminder of the hierarchical structure of reality, with Īśvara at the pinnacle and the jīvas, including Śvetavata and Karṇa, occupying their respective positions based on their inherent qualities and the will of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to recognize and cultivate inner strength, beyond physical or worldly achievements. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the importance of realizing one's true potential and inner power. The comparison between Śvetavata and Karṇa can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human quest for self-excellence and the surpassing of one's limitations. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlights the universal principles that underlie human existence, including the strive for excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages individuals to strive for self-improvement, to recognize their inner strengths, and to cultivate a sense of purpose and direction, aligning with the broader human aspiration for growth and self-realization.