tataḥ śataguṇa varṇaḥ śatena pravṛtā divi
“Then a hundredfold radiance with a hundred [others] surrounding [it] shone in the sky.”
Structure
tataḥ śataguṇaḥ varṇaḥ śatena pravṛtā divi
tataḥ (then) śataguṇaḥ ( hundred fold) varṇaḥ (color) śatena (by hundred) divi (in the sky) pravṛtā (covered)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇaḥ | śataguṇaḥ | adjective | — | having a hundred qualities or virtues |
| varṇaḥ | varṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | color, hue, or a class of beings |
| śatena | śatena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with a hundred |
| pravṛtā | pravṛtā | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | covered, overspread |
| divi | divi | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in heaven, in the sky |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse describes the manifestation of the ultimate reality, Brahman, as a luminous entity that transcends the mundane world. The 'hundredfold radiance' symbolizes the infinite and unbounded nature of Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, explains that such manifestations are mere appearances, meant to guide the seeker towards the ultimate non-dual reality. The 'hundred others surrounding it' represent the manifold manifestations of Brahman, which are ultimately reducible to the one, unchanging essence. This verse, in the Advaita tradition, points to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Brahman, emphasizing the need to transcend the limited, ego-bound consciousness and realize the all-encompassing, radiant nature of the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava interpretation, this verse is seen as a description of the divine splendor of Viṣṇu or Nārāyaṇa, who is the supreme deity. The 'hundredfold radiance' signifies the infinite virtues and attributes of the Lord, which are reflected in the universe. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, explains that the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme (Īśvara) is one of dependence and surrender. The 'hundred others surrounding it' represent the various aspects of the divine, which are all subordinate to the supreme will of Viṣṇu. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the importance of devotion and self-surrender to the divine, recognizing the majesty and splendor of the Lord as the ultimate reality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a powerful symbol of the human potential for spiritual growth and self-realization. The 'hundredfold radiance' represents the infinite possibilities that lie within each individual, waiting to be unleashed. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and actualizing this inner potential, which is the true essence of human nature. The 'hundred others surrounding it' signify the various aspects of the human personality, which must be integrated and harmonized to reveal the radiant, divine core within. This verse, in the context of modern Vedānta, encourages individuals to strive for self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-realization, and to recognize their place within the larger cosmic scheme, as embodied beings of light and consciousness.