tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śītalāṁ vavṛte ca tāṁ girim
“Then Sugiiva chose that cool mountain.”
Structure
tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śītalāṁ vavṛte ca tāṁ girim
tataḥ (then) sugrīvaḥ (Sugriva) tāṁ (that) girim (mountain) śītalāṁ (cool) ca (and) vavṛte (chose)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| sugrīvaḥ | sugrīvaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sugriva |
| śītalāṁ | śītalāṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | cold, a particular name or epithet ( possibly river or mountain) |
| vavṛte | vavṛte | verb | √vṛ · past · third | covered, chose |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tāṁ | tāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · feminine | that (referring to girim) |
| girim | girim | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | mountain |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śītalāṁ vavṛte ca tāṁ girim, the choice of the cool mountain by Sugiiva symbolizes the quest for the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the cool mountain represents the state of inner peace and tranquility that arises from the realization of the non-dual nature of reality. This verse can be seen as an allegory for the individual self (jīva) seeking refuge in the ultimate reality (Brahman), underscoring the identity of brahman-ātman. In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the importance of recognizing the non-dual nature of reality to achieve liberation. This verse serves as a reminder of the impermanence of the worldly attachments and the need to seek the eternal and unchanging reality. Furthermore, the concept of the cool mountain can be seen as a symbol of the peaceful and serene state of mind that is attainable through the realization of the Self. By citing this verse, Śaṅkarācārya highlights the significance of the individual's quest for the ultimate reality and the importance of recognizing the non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śītalāṁ vavṛte ca tāṁ girim, illustrates the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition. Sugiiva's choice of the cool mountain represents the devotee's surrender to the will of the Lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānujācārya, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence, where the individual self seeks refuge in the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of trust and surrender in achieving a state of liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, interprets this verse as a demonstration of the Lord's grace and protection towards his devotees. The cool mountain serves as a symbol of the Lord's benevolence and the devotee's faith in his protection. By emphasizing the concept of prapatti, this verse underscores the central role of devotion and self-surrender in the Vaiṣṇava tradition. Moreover, the verse can be seen as a representation of the individual's quest for a deeper connection with the divine, and the importance of recognizing the Lord's presence in all aspects of life.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śītalāṁ vavṛte ca tāṁ girim, holds a profound message for contemporary life. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the choice of the cool mountain by Sugiiva represents the individual's pursuit of peace and harmony in a chaotic world. This verse can be seen as a call to seek inner peace and tranquility in the face of adversity. In his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of cultivating a peaceful and serene state of mind, unshaken by external circumstances. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan interprets this verse as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence. The cool mountain serves as a symbol of the harmony and balance that can be achieved through a deeper understanding of the self and the world. By citing this verse, we are reminded of the need to strive for a more balanced and peaceful way of living, one that is in harmony with the natural world and recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals. Furthermore, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and introspection in achieving a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.