tataḥ śatakratuṃ dṛṣṭvā deva-āsura-namaskṛtam

tataḥ (then) śatakratum (the one who performs a hundred rituals) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) deva-āsura- (by gods and asuras) namaskṛtam (who was being honoured)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse offers a profound insight into the nature of reality when it describes Śatakratu being bowed to by both gods and asuras. According to Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, such scenes underscore the non-dual essence of Brahman, where all distinctions, including those between gods and asuras, dissolve. The reverence shown to Śatakratu symbolizes the ultimate recognition of the unity of all existence. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes that the cosmos, with its multifaceted beings, is a manifestation of Brahman, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, highlights the universal reverence for the Supreme, transcending sectarian divisions and illustrating the Advaitic principle of non-duality. Shankara's interpretation would likely focus on how this scene reflects the ultimate Reality that underlies all phenomenal existence, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the self's true nature as indivisible from Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The act of both devas and asuras offering obeisance to Śatakratu is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, as it illustrates the supremacy of the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), emphasizing the former's total dependence on the latter. This verse can be seen as a demonstration of such dependence, where all beings, irrespective of their nature (divine or demonic), acknowledge the authority of the Supreme. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, might interpret this scene as indicative of the Lord's unmatched power and the natural inclination of all beings towards Him, highlighting the devotional path where love and surrender are the means to realize one's intrinsic relationship with the Divine. The reverence shown to Śatakratu thus symbolizes the potential for all souls to turn towards the Supreme, recognizing His omnipresence and omnipotence.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhakti yoga, often emphasized the universal message of love and devotion that underlies all religious practices. This verse from the Mahābhārata can be seen as a call to unity and harmony, where the boundaries between different groups (gods and asuras) are transcended in the face of a higher reality. Vivekānanda might interpret the act of bowing to Śatakratu as a symbol of humanity's innate capacity for selflessness and the pursuit of the divine. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, highlights the practical applications of spiritual principles in everyday life, suggesting that this verse encourages individuals to Look beyond their differences and strive for a common goal. The scene depicts a moment of universal reverence, reminding us of our shared human aspirations and the importance of cooperation and mutual respect, values that are as relevant today as they were in the epic age of the Mahābhārata.

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