tataḥ śvetebhyo rukmavarṇebhyo nīlāntaḥ śataśṛṅgān

tataḥ (then) śvetebhyo (from white ones) rukmavarṇebhyo (which have a golden hue) nīlāntaḥ (having a blue hue at the end) śataśṛṅgān (having a hundred peaks)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyo rukmavarṇebhyo nīlāntaḥ śataśṛṅgān, when understood through the lens of non-duality, points to the ultimate reality of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the illusory nature of the phenomenal world. Similarly, the description of white, golden-hued, and blue-black bulls with a hundred horns can be seen as a metaphor for the various manifestations of the divine, all of which are ultimately Brahman. The diversity of colors and forms symbolizes the diversity of the world, which is a manifestation of the one Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, where he discusses the nature of Brahman as the unchanging, all-pervading reality. By contemplating this verse, one may move beyond the distinctions of the material world and recognize the unity of all existence in Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of the Lord's majesty and the devotee's reverence. The description of bulls with various colors and a hundred horns may symbolize the infinite attributes and powers of the Supreme Being. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, discusses the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), emphasizing the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. This verse, in the context of the Mahabharata, may illustrate the grandeur of the divine realm, towards which the devotee aspires. The colors of the bulls could represent different aspects of the divine, inviting the devotee to contemplate and worship the Lord in His various forms. Madhva, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual self and the Supreme, might see this verse as a depiction of the Lord's incomparable greatness, inspiring devotion and self-surrender in the devotee.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its vivid imagery, can be seen as a call to recognize and celebrate the diversity and complexity of human experience. The bulls, with their varied colors and multitude of horns, symbolize the manifold capabilities and potentialities within each individual. Vivekananda, in his speech 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion,' talks about the importance of recognizing the divine in every being, which aligns with the idea of seeing the divine in all manifestations, as depicted in this verse. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the concept of the universal self, which is reflected in the unity underlying the diversity of the world. This verse, therefore, can inspire a sense of unity and interconnectedness, encouraging individuals to strive for their full potential and to contribute to the greater good, recognizing the divine spark within themselves and others.

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