tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭvā praviveśa mahābhujaḥ.
“Then with a cheerful heart, the great-armed one entered the white hermitage.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭvā praviveśa mahābhujaḥ
mahābhujaḥ (the great-armed one) tataḥ (then) śvetavrajāṃ (the white foresaid) hṛṣṭvā (having delighted) praviveśa (entered)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajāṃ | śvetavrajāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | white abode (Dvaraka city) |
| hṛṣṭvā | hṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having rejoiced, rejoicing |
| praviveśa | praviveśa | verb | √viś · past · third | he entered |
| mahābhujaḥ | mahābhujaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the great-armed one (Krishna) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭvā praviveśa mahābhujaḥ from the Mahābhārata signifies the seeker's joyful entrance into a state of higher consciousness or the realm of the absolute, śvetavrajāṃ, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. According to Shankara, the 'great-armed one' is a metaphor for the individual self (jīva) who, having overcome worldly attachments and dualities, enters into the serene and unified state of consciousness, akin to the white hermitage. This entrance signifies the dissolution of the ego and the realization of the non-dual identity of brahman and ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras and his other works emphasize the importance of such realization for liberation. The mention of 'cheerful heart' (hṛṣṭvā) underscores the blissful nature of this self-realization, aligning with the Upanishadic description of brahman as 'satyam, jñānam, anantam brahma' (truth, knowledge, and infinite). Thus, the verse points to the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta - the attainment of the state of brahman-ātman identity, where all distinctions and dualities are transcended.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an allegory for the devotee's approach to the divine. The 'great-armed one' represents the Lord or the supreme Īśvara, who embodies strength and protection. The 'white hermitage' signifies a place of purity and spiritual practice, where the devotee seeks refuge. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), highlighting the path of devotion (bhakti) as the means to realize this relationship. The 'cheerful heart' with which the great-armed one enters indicates the joy and love that characterize the devotional approach. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of seeking the Lord with a pure heart and a disposition of love and surrender, leading to a deepening of the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, and ultimately, to liberation. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedanta also emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls but focuses on the direct experience of the divine through devotion, which this verse exemplifies.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the inner journey of the individual towards self-realization and enlightenment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gītā, often spoke about the importance of cultivating a cheerful and pure heart as the foundation for spiritual growth. The 'white hermitage' represents a state of mind that is purified and dedicated to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. The 'great-armed one' symbolizes the inner strength and courage required to embark on this journey. Vivekānanda emphasized that this journey is not about escaping the world but about engaging with it from a deeper level of understanding and compassion. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, highlighted the universal relevance of Indian philosophical thought, including the idea that true freedom and happiness come from realizing one's true nature. This verse, therefore, encourages us to approach life's challenges with a positive and courageous attitude, seeking wisdom and inner peace, and to find the universal principles that can guide us towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.