Tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā mahatāṁ dharanīṣṭhitā.
“Then a aged woman, clad in white, established in Dharma, spoke.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā mahatāṁ dharmaniṣṭhitā
Tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (white-robed) vṛddhā (old) mahatāṁ (of great) dharmaniṣṭhitā (adhering to dharma)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajā | śvetavrajā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | having white (or shining) encampment/settlement |
| vṛddhā | vṛddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | elder, older |
| mahatāṁ | mahatāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the great ones |
| dharanīṣṭhitā | dharanīṣṭhitā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | dwelling/standing on earth/ground/land |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the description of the aged woman clad in white, established in Dharma, hints at the ultimate reality beyond the ephemeral worldly attachments. Shankara's commentary on similar passages emphasizes the importance of recognizing the non-dual nature of Brahman. The figure of the vṛddhā (aged woman) symbolizes the wisdom that transcends temporal and spatial limitations, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. The white attire signifies purity and the unconditioned state of consciousness. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, suggests that such descriptions are meant to guide the seeker towards the realization of the ultimate non-dual reality, where distinctions like age, gender, and attire lose their significance. This verse, thus, invites the reader to contemplate on the eternal and unchanging essence that underlies all manifestations.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The appearance of the aged woman in white, firm in her devotion to Dharma, is emblematic of the devotee's unwavering commitment to the path of righteousness guided by Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of such devotion as a means to realize the grace of the Lord. The figure of the vṛddhā can be seen as a symbol of maternal love and care, echoing the divine love of Īśvara for the jīva. The narrative underscores the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), emphasizing the role of devotion and righteous living in bridging the gap between them. This interpretation aligns with Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on prapatti, or self-surrender, as a central tenet of Vaiṣṇava spirituality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the importance of realizing the divine within, a concept that resonates deeply with the image of the aged woman established in Dharma. This figure represents the ideal of a life dedicated to spiritual pursuits, embodying the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and selflessness. As Vivekananda emphasized in his lectures, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize this potential within, transcending the barriers of age, gender, and social status. The white attire of the vṛddhā can be seen as a symbol of the pure and untainted consciousness that each individual strives to attain. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the universal and timeless nature of spiritual aspirations, encouraging contemporary seekers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and service to humanity, as inspired by the ideals of Neo-Vedānta.