tato duvāca nakulaḥ tvaṁ tu kaḥ tvaṁ ca me pitā
“Then Nakula said: 'You are who and who is my father?'”
Structure
tatoḥ duvāca Nakulaḥ tvaṁ tu kaḥ tvaṁ ca me pitā
tatoḥ (then) Nakulaḥ (Nakula) duvāca (spoke) tvaṁ (you) tu (but) kaḥ (who) tvaṁ (you) ca (and) me (my) pitā (father)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatoḥ | tatoḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| duvāca | duvāca | verb | √vāc · past · third | he spoke |
| Nakulaḥ | Nakulaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Nakula (the son of Pandu) |
| tvaṁ | tvaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| kaḥ | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tvaṁ | tvaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular | of me |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tato duvāca nakulaḥ tvaṁ tu kaḥ tvaṁ ca me pitā,' underscores the inquiry into the ultimate reality. According to Shankara, such inquiries lead to the realization of the non-dual nature of Brahman. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes that the knowledge of Brahman is not about knowing something new but realizing one's true nature. This verse prompts a similar introspection, where Nakula's questions reflect the seeker's journey to understand the self and its relation to the ultimate reality, leading to the understanding that the self (ātman) is not different from Brahman. Shankara's reasoning on related passages, such as the mahāvākya 'Tat tvam asi,' highlights the identity of brahman and ātman, suggesting that such inquiries as Nakula's are fundamental to achieving this understanding.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of ' aprthaksiddhi,' where the realization of one's self is inseparable from the realization of Brahman. Nakula's question, 'tvaṁ tu kaḥ tvaṁ ca me pitā,' can be seen as an expression of the jīva's innate desire to understand its connection with the divine. This verse highlights the intimate relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva seeks guidance and protection from the Lord, echoing the devotional tone found in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa and other Vaiṣṇava scriptures.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in the context of universal and practical application. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of one's true nature. This verse, with its emphasis on Nakula's questioning, resonates with Vivekānanda's call to individuals to seek their inner truth. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, would highlight the significance of such inquiries in fostering a deeper understanding of human existence and the ultimate reality. Both thinkers would see this verse as an invitation to introspection and self-discovery, applicable to contemporary life, where individuals seek meaning and purpose. This universal quest, as reflected in Nakula's simple yet profound questions, speaks to the human condition, transcending time and culture.