tayoh tvam ekataḥ mātuḷaṃ pitulaṃ cāparaḥ । itthāṃ-vidheḥ tayoḥ pārśve gantum arhasī sugrīvaḥ ॥ ४० ॥
“You should go to your maternal uncle and he to his paternal uncle, thus you both are to go to their respective sides.”
Structure
tayoḥ tvam ekataḥ mātuḷaṃ pitulaṃ cāparaḥ itthām-vidheḥ tayoḥ pārśve gantum arhasī sugrīvaḥ
Sugrīvaḥ (you, Sugriva)tayoḥ (of those two)ekataḥ (on one side)tvam (you)mātuḷaṃ (your maternal uncle, Maṇḍana or else Śabari's kin not addressed here; refer to Sugriva's actual maternal uncle's non-address) pitulaṃ (and on the other side, your paternal uncle)cāparaḥ (or another, the other)itthāṃ-vidheḥ (in such a manner)tayoḥ (of them)pārśve (nearby)gantum (to go)arhasī (you should)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tayoḥ | tayoḥ | pronoun | genitive · dual · masculine/neuter | of them two |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine/neuter | you |
| ekataḥ | ekataḥ | indeclinable | — | on one side |
| mātuḷaṃ | mātuḷaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | maternal uncle |
| pitulaṃ | pitulaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | paternal uncle |
| cāparaḥ | cāparaḥ | compound | dvandva · "ca paraḥ" | and the other |
| itthāṃ-vidheḥ | itthāṃ-vidheḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "itthāṃ-vidhiḥ iva" | of this kind |
| tayoḥ | tayoḥ | pronoun | genitive · dual · masculine/neuter | of them two |
| pārśve | pārśve | noun | locative · singular · masculine/neuter | side |
| gantum | gantum | verb | √gam · inf. · third | to go |
| arhasī | arhasī | verb | √arh · present · second | you are able |
| sugrīvaḥ | sugrīvaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sugriva |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-dual nature of ultimate reality by illustrating the relational dynamics between individuals. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, discusses the concept of 'sva' (one's own) and 'para' (another's), which is reflected in this verse as 'mātuḷaṃ' (maternal uncle) and 'pitulaṃ' (paternal uncle). The distinction between the two is a product of the phenomenal world, and the ātman, being beyond relational categories, is the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. The instruction to go to their respective sides underscores the idea that all actions and relationships are contained within the broader context of brahman. The non-dualist interpretation of this verse emphasizes the unity of all beings in their essence, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen through the lens of the jīva-Īśvara relationship, emphasizing the dependence of the individual self (jīva) on the divine (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Gītā would suggest that the actions described in this verse, such as going to one's maternal or paternal uncle, are guided by the principle of surrender to a higher will. The maternal and paternal uncles represent different aspects of the divine guidance that jīvas receive in their journey towards realizing their true nature and reuniting with Īśvara. The relational dynamics depicted here symbolize the various ways in which the divine interacts with and guides the individual souls, illustrating the personal and intimate relationship between the jīva and Īśvara in the Vaiṣṇava philosophy.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. This verse can be seen as underscoring the importance of respecting and understanding one's roots and relationships in the pursuit of self-realization. Vivekānanda might interpret the maternal and paternal uncles as symbols of the dual aspects of human nature - the emotional, nurturing side and the rational, action-oriented side. The instruction to go to their respective sides could represent the integration of these aspects within the individual, leading to a balanced and holistic development. This verse, through Vivekānanda's lens, encourages individuals to explore their familial and societal bonds as part of their spiritual journey, recognizing that service to others and self-realization are intertwined.