sa tu dṛṣṭvā janayataḥ tvāṃ vavre tāṃ prathitāṃ satīm
“He, having seen you, chose her, a well-known and virtuous woman, as his bride.”
Structure
sa tu dṛṣṭvā janayataḥ tvām vavre tām prathitām satīm
saḥ (he) tu (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) janayataḥ (of the progenitor/ father) tvām (you) vavre (accepted/ chose) tām (that) prathitām (famous) satīm (woman)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| janayataḥ | janayataḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the begetter |
| tvām | tvām | pronoun | accusative · singular · feminine | you |
| vavre | vavre | verb | √vṛ · past · third | he chose |
| tām | tām | pronoun | accusative · singular · feminine | her |
| prathitām | prathitām | adjective | — | celebrated |
| satīm | satīm | adjective | — | virtuous |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the concept of non-dual reality when understood through the lens of Advaita Vedanta. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world. The choice made by the individual in this verse can be seen as a allegory for the jīva's (individual self) journey towards realizing its true nature as Brahman. The 'well-known and virtuous woman' can symbolize the path of knowledge or the means to achieve self-realization. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, suggests that the ultimate goal is to understand the identity of the ātman with Brahman, thereby transcending worldly attachments and realizing the non-dual reality. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, suggests that even in the midst of worldly actions, the pursuit of virtue and the realization of one's true nature are paramount.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted through the lens of bhakti (devotion) and the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, discusses the concept of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, which leads to liberation. The act of choosing a bride can be seen as a metaphor for the jīva's surrender to the divine will, acknowledging the Lord's sovereignty in all actions. The 'well-known and virtuous woman' represents the divine grace or the means of liberation that the Lord provides to the devotee. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, might view this verse as highlighting the importance of following dharma (righteousness) and seeking the Lord's grace in all endeavors, emphasizing the dualistic relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse, from a Neo-Vedantic perspective, can be seen as encouraging the pursuit of virtue and the development of a strong character, which Vivekānanda considered essential for individual and societal progress. The choice made in the verse symbolizes the human capacity for discernment and the importance of making decisions based on ethical and moral principles. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the universal relevance of Indian thought, including the concept of dharma as a means to achieve individual and collective well-being. This verse, in the context of modern life, reminds us of the importance of adhering to virtuous principles in our personal and communal lives, striving for a balance between individual aspiration and the greater good.