tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śvetā vasantī ca yoṣitā .
“Then a very old woman in white clothes, a white-dressed lady, came.”
Structure
tataḥ śveta-vrajā vṛddhā śvetā vasantī ca yoṣitā
tataḥ (then) śvetā (white) vrajā (goatherd) vṛddhā (old) ca (and) śvetā (white) vasantī (dwelling) yoṣitā (woman) .
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, from there |
| śveta-vrajā | śveta-vrajā | compound | karmadhāraya · "śvetaḥ vrajā" | one whose vow is white or pure |
| vṛddhā | vṛddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | old, aged woman |
| śvetā | śvetā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | white, pure (woman) |
| vasantī | vasantī | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | dwell, reside |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yoṣitā | yoṣitā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | woman |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata presents an intriguing scenario where a very old woman in white clothes appears, symbolizing the universal and timeless nature of the Self. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of Ātman and its relationship with the ultimate reality, Brahman. Although Shankara's direct commentary on this specific verse is not available, his reasoning on similar passages suggests that such appearances are opportunities to realize the non-dual nature of reality. The old woman, dressed in white, may symbolize the purity and simplicity of the Ātman, untainted by worldly desires. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's non-dual reading, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are transcended, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This verse, thus, can be seen as an allegory for the quest to understand and realize this fundamental unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The appearance of the old woman in this verse can be seen through the lens of the Vaiṣṇava tradition as a representation of the devotee's longing for union with the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, discusses the concept of Prapatti, or surrender, where the individual surrenders to the will of Īśvara, acknowledging their dependence and seeking refuge. The white clothes of the woman may symbolize purity and surrender, reflecting the devotee's aspiration to approach the divine with a pure heart. This interpretation highlights the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), emphasizing devotion and surrender as the path to achieving spiritual liberation. The verse suggests that even in old age, one can approach the divine with humility and purity of heart, underscoring the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain mokṣa (liberation).
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the importance of realizing one's true nature and the universal principles that govern human existence. This verse, with its image of an old woman in white, can be seen as a metaphor for the timeless and ageless nature of the human spirit. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, stressing the importance of service, self-control, and the pursuit of knowledge. The appearance of the old woman can be interpreted as a call to introspection and self-reflection, prompting the individual to look beyond the external trappings of age and worldly appearance to discover the inner, unchanging Self. This aligns with Vivekānanda's teachings on the universal and practical aspects of spirituality, encouraging individuals to find the deeper meaning and purpose in their lives, regardless of their external circumstances. The verse thus serves as a reminder of the enduring and universal principles that underlie human existence, inviting contemporary readers to reflect on their own journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.