tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śātavintā parvataād giriḥ
“Then from the mountain, an old man with white clothing, named Śātavintā, appeared.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śātavintā parvataāt giriḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (white-cloaked) vṛddhā (old) śātavintā ( Shatavinta) parvataāt (from mountain) giriḥ (mountain-man i.e. Umā)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajā | śvetavrajā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | having a white encampment or dressed in white |
| vṛddhā | vṛddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | old, aged |
| śātavintā | śātavintā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | Śatavatī (a proper noun, likely a name) |
| parvataāt | parvataāt | compound | tatpuruṣa · "parvata + āt" | from the mountain |
| giriḥ | giriḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | mountain |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata holds significant importance in non-dualistic philosophy. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, often emphasizes the importance of realizing the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond all dualities. The appearance of the old man with white clothing, named Śātavintā, from the mountain can be seen as a symbol of the emergence of true knowledge (jñāna) from the heights of spiritual practice. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self realizes its true nature as the ultimate reality, unencumbered by the limitations of the physical world. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, would likely interpret Śātavintā as a representation of the Self (Ātman) that has transcended the bounds of worldly existence, guiding the seeker towards the path of self-realization and the understanding of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted as an illustration of the grace of God (Īśvara) towards the devotee (jīva). The old man, Śātavintā, emerging from the mountain, symbolizes the divine intervention in the life of the devotee, offering guidance and wisdom. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or surrender, to the divine will. This verse can be seen as a call to surrender one's ego and worldly attachments, like the mountain from which Śātavintā emerges, and to seek refuge in the Lord. The relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence and devotion, where the devotee seeks to understand and follow the divine will, as exemplified by the figure of Śātavintā, who embodies wisdom and spiritual guidance.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application, as highlighted by Swami Vivekānanda in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā. The emergence of Śātavintā from the mountain can be seen as a symbol of the inner strength and wisdom that lies within every individual. Vivekānanda often spoke about the importance of self-realization and the awakening of the inner divinity. This verse inspires the contemporary seeker to look within, to tap into their inner resources, and to strive for spiritual growth and self-awareness. As Rādhākrishnan notes in his writings, the essence of Vedānta is not merely philosophical speculation but a practical way of life, emphasizing the cultivation of virtues, self-discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge. The figure of Śātavintā serves as a reminder of the human potential for wisdom, compassion, and spiritual transformation, guiding us towards a more meaningful and purposeful life.