tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śavasit tasya vavre hati
“Then the old woman with white clothes stood over his corpse and spoke.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śavasit tasya vavre hati
tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (white-flecked, i.e. old) vṛddhā (old) tasya (his) śavasit (corpse) hati (on the head) vavre (she fell)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajā | śvetavrajā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | one whose dwelling is white (referring to a woman) |
| vṛddhā | vṛddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | old, aged |
| śavasit | śavasita | verb | √śvas · past participle · third | whose vitality or whose life is gone (dead) |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| vavre | vavre | verb | √vṛ · aorist · third | she took, she chose |
| hati | hati | verb | √han · optative · third | may kill |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śavasit tasya vavre hati', presents an opportunity to reflect on the nature of reality and the self. The image of the old woman standing over the corpse can be seen as a metaphor for the witness consciousness that observes the fleeting nature of the physical body. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the distinction between the ātman (the true self) and the body, suggesting that the ātman is not affected by the changes in the body. In this context, the verse points to the idea that the true self is beyond the limitations of the physical body and its eventual death. The old woman, symbolizing wisdom, stands as a reminder of this profound truth, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral and seek the eternal, unchanging brahman-ātman identity. This non-dual reading underscores the central theme of Advaita Vedānta: the ultimate reality is one, unchanging, and beyond human suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional interpretation of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, discusses the concept of prapatti, or surrender, which is relevant here. The old woman, dressed in white, symbolizing purity and surrender, standing over the corpse, can be seen as an emblem of the jīva's complete surrender to Īśvara. The act of standing over the corpse signifies the jīva's recognition of its own mortality and the transient nature of worldly attachments, leading to a deeper dependence on God. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, highlights the path of bhakti (devotion) as the means to achieve union with the divine. The image conveys the importance of humility, detachment, and devotion as essential qualities for the spiritual journey, guiding the devotee towards an intimate relationship with the personal deity.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles in his lectures and writings. He would likely interpret this verse as a call to recognize and transcend the limitations of the human condition. The old woman, with her white attire, represents the wisdom that comes from age and experience, while the corpse beneath her feet symbolizes the impermanence of all earthly things. Vivekānanda might see this image as an encouragement to individuals to seek a deeper, spiritual understanding of life, beyond the confines of mortality and material concerns. In his view, this verse could serve as a reminder of the importance of living in the present, free from fear of death, and cultivating a sense of detachment that allows for greater freedom and joy. This reading aligns with his message of the potential for human development and the attainment of a higher state of consciousness, relevant to all humanity, regardless of cultural or religious background.