Tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā sabhājayat pāṇḍavān

Tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (with white goats) vṛddhā (old) sabhājayat (honoured) pāṇḍavān (the Pāṇḍavas)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā sabhājayat pāṇḍavān,' hints at the non-dual nature of reality by emphasizing the actions of the old woman with white clothes, who symbolizes the purity and simplicity required to approach the ultimate truth. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, often underscores the importance of such purity and detachment. Although direct commentary on this verse is not available from Śaṅkarācārya, his exposition on the concept of 'sthita-prajña' (one with steady wisdom) in the Gītā resonates with the demeanor of the old woman. Her white clothes signify 'śuddha-sattva,' or pure being, which is closer to the nature of Brahman. Thus, this verse can be seen as pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, through purity and wisdom, recognizes its unity with the ultimate reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interpreting this verse would likely focus on the act of 'sabhājayat' or honoring, highlighting the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul, here represented by the Pandavas) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his works such as the 'Śrī Bhāṣya,' emphasizes the importance of 'prapatti' or surrender to the Lord. The old woman with white clothes, in honoring the Pandavas, symbolizes the grace of Īśvara, which is always ready to bestow itself on those who are pure and devoted. This verse illustrates the concept of 'bhakti' or devotion, where the jīva approaches Īśvara with humility and is met with divine favor. In the context of this verse, the Pandavas, who embody dharma and righteousness, are honored, illustrating the Lord's favor towards those who uphold virtues and righteousness.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often highlighted the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. He emphasized the importance of service to humanity as a means to realize the divine within. The old woman's action of honoring the Pandavas can be seen as a manifestation of universal love and compassion. This verse underscores the principle of 'ātmano mokṣārtam jagat hitāya,' working for the liberation of the self and the welfare of the world. In contemporary life, this verse's message can be applied by recognizing the intrinsic worth of every individual and extending kindness and respect, akin to the old woman's gesture towards the Pandavas. It encourages a life of service, simplicity, and universal love, where one sees the divine in every being and acts accordingly, as Swami Vivekānanda so eloquently advocated in his message of practical Vedānta.

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