tataḥ śṛṇvān rājānaṃ hṛṣṭo bhrātā ca pāṇdavaḥ
“Then the Pāṇdava brother, rejoicing, heard the king.”
Structure
tataḥ śṛṇvān rājānaṃ hṛṣṭo bhrātā ca pāṇdavaḥ
hṛṣṭo (delighted) bhrātā (brother) pāṇdavaḥ (of Pāṇḍu) ca (and) tataḥ (then) rājānaṃ (king) śṛṇvān (listens to)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śṛṇvān | śṛṇvān | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · first | he listens |
| rājānaṃ | rājānaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| hṛṣṭo | hṛṣṭo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | delighted one, rejoiced |
| bhrātā | bhrātā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | brother |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pāṇdavaḥ | pāṇdavaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son of Pāṇḍu, Pāṇḍava |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the phrase 'hṛṣṭo bhrātā ca pāṇdavaḥ' suggests a state of joy and unity among the Pandavas. Shankara's commentary on the Mahābhārata, while not directly available, can be inferred from his Brahmasutra Bhashya. He often emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between individual selves (jivas) are illusory. This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedanta, points to the ultimate reality of Brahman, where individual identities like 'Pandava' dissolve. The joy (hṛṣṭa) experienced by the Pandava brother can be seen as a glimpse of this unified, blissful state of Brahman. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, underscores the importance of realizing one's true nature as not separate from Brahman, achieving a state of freedom from the limitations of individual existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of Ramanuja or Madhva, interprets this verse as exemplifying the loving relationship between the jiva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The joy of the Pandava brother in hearing the king can be seen as symbolic of the devotee's joy in experiencing the grace of God. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the concept of prapatti or self-surrender, where the individual, recognizing their dependence on God, seeks refuge in Him. This verse illustrates the mutual affection between the devotee and the Divine, where the devotee finds solace and joy in the words or presence of the Lord, much like the Pandava brother finds joy in hearing the king. This devotional approach highlights the personal relationship between God and the individual soul, central to Vaiṣṇava philosophy.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in Neo-Vedanta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of universal brotherhood and the inherent potential of every individual. The joy of the Pandava brother symbolizes the innate human capacity for empathy, compassion, and unity. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often stressed the importance of realizing one's true nature and the interconnectedness of all beings. This verse, in a modern context, can be seen as encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of global citizenship, where hearing the 'king' could metaphorically represent engaging with the broader human community. Radhakrishnan, another influential thinker in Neo-Vedanta, would likely view this verse through the lens of his concept of 'spiritual internationalism', where the pursuit of knowledge and understanding leads to a universal and harmonious human society.