tataḥ śataguṇā varṇo viṃśatiguṇā rathottamḥ ।
“Then the best of chariots shone a hundred times more brightly than the colour (of the horses).”
Structure
tataḥ śataguṇā varṇoḥ viṃśatiguṇaḥ rathottamḥ
tataḥ (then) śataguṇāḥ (one hundred times) varṇoḥ (of the color/ class) viṃśatiguṇaḥ (twenty times) rathottamḥ (the best charioteer)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇā | śataguṇā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | having a hundred qualities or virtues |
| varṇo | varṇo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | man; person |
| viṃśatiguṇaḥ | viṃśatiguṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | having twenty qualities or virtues |
| rathottamḥ | rathottamḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | best of charioteers |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse tataḥ śataguṇā varṇo viṃśatiguṇā rathottamḥ illustrates the concept of the ultimate reality, Brahman, transcending the duality of the mundane world. The chariot, symbolizing the body, is illuminated a hundred times more brightly than the color of the horses, which represents the individual self. According to Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutra (1.1.1), the individual self is ultimately non-different from Brahman. The verse points to this identity by highlighting the transcendent nature of the chariot, which is reflective of the Self. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes the illusoriness of the world and the necessity of realizing the non-dual nature of reality. In this context, the verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta: to realize the identity of the individual self with the universal Self, Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse tataḥ śataguṇā varṇo viṃśatiguṇā rathottamḥ is seen as an illustration of the glory of the Lord, who is the ultimate reality. According to Rāmānujācārya's Śrībhāṣya (1.1.1), the individual self is a dependent entity, always connected to the Lord. The chariot, representing the body, is illuminated by the Lord's presence, which is symbolized by the color of the horses. The verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), emphasizing the dependence of the former on the latter. Madhvācārya's commentary on the Mahābhārata (Mbh Parva 1 v.39) notes that the verse showcases the Lord's power and majesty, demonstrating His ability to elevate the individual self to a higher state of existence. In this context, the verse is seen as a call to devotion and surrender to the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse tataḥ śataguṇā varṇo viṃśatiguṇā rathottamḥ offers a powerful metaphor for the human condition. According to Swami Vivekānanda's lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, the chariot represents the human body, while the color of the horses symbolizes the vital energy that drives human existence. The verse highlights the potential for human growth and self-realization, as the chariot is illuminated a hundred times more brightly than the color of the horses. S. Rādhākrishnan's writings on the Upaniṣads emphasize the importance of self-discovery and the realization of one's true nature. In this context, the verse serves as a reminder of the human potential for transformation and self-actualization, encouraging individuals to strive for a higher state of being. The verse's message is universal and timeless, relevant to contemporary life as a call to tap into one's inner potential and strive for excellence.