Tataḥ śveta-jaṭāyuṁ dṛṣṭvā taṁ cakre mahatāṁ natham
“Then, seeing the white vulture, he made it the chief of the great ones.”
Structure
Tataḥ śveta-jaṭāyuṁ dṛṣṭvā taṁ mahatāṁ cakre natham
Tataḥ (then) śveta-jaṭāyuṁ (with white crest) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) taṁ (that one) mahatāṁ (of great ones) natham (as lord) cakre (made)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śveta-jaṭāyuṁ | śveta-jaṭāyuṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | the white Jatayu |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| taṁ | taṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | him |
| mahatāṁ | mahatāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the great ones |
| cakre | cakre | verb | √kṛ · past · third | made, considered |
| natham | natham | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | the lord |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tataḥ śveta-jaṭāyuṁ dṛṣṭvā taṁ cakre mahatāṁ natham', Shankara would likely interpret the white vulture as a symbol of purity and the absolute (Brahman). The act of making it the chief of the great ones signifies the unity and non-duality of Brahman. Shankara would emphasize that the distinction between the seer (the one who makes the vulture the chief) and the seen (the vulture itself) is a product of ignorance (avidyā). In reality, both are Brahman. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1), where he argues for the identity of Brahman and Ātman. Thus, this verse points to the ultimate reality where all distinctions are transcended, and only Brahman-Ātman remains.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya might see this verse as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The white vulture represents the purified jīva, and the act of making it the chief signifies the jīva's recognition of its dependence on and devotion to Īśvara. The 'great ones' could be interpreted as other jīvas or as various aspects of the divine. This reading is consistent with Rāmānujācārya's concept of viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism), where the jīva and Īśvara are distinct yet inseparable. In his Śrī Bhāṣya (commentary on the Brahmasūtra), Rāmānujācārya discusses the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing this relationship, which is reflected in the jīva's surrender to Īśvara, as symbolized by the vulture's elevation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a call to recognize and respect the innate greatness in all beings. The white vulture, often considered a scavenger, is elevated to a position of leadership, symbolizing the potential for growth and transformation within every individual. Vivekānanda might connect this to his ideas on the universal and practical application of Vedānta, where the goal is to realize one's true nature and contribute to the betterment of society. In his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he emphasizes the importance of self-realization and service to others. This verse, therefore, encourages us to look beyond superficial distinctions and empower others to become leaders in their own right, just as the white vulture is given a position of greatness.