Geethartha Chinthane 61: Subtle difference between Shwetha and Shukla Varna

Shwetha means white, and so does Shukla. However, there is a slight difference between the two. For example, we say ‘Shwetha Dweepa’ and ‘Shukla Paksha,’ but we don’t say ‘Shwetha Paksha’ or ‘Shukla Dweepa.’ These terms are used in distinct contexts.

Shwetha refers to an off-white, more like a buttery or creamy shade of white, while Shukla is a bright, dazzling white. Shwetha is considered an auspicious color. Among horses, Shwetha (white) horses hold a special place, just like Kapila among cattle. Krishna and Arjuna had a chariot with such auspicious, cream-colored horses.

The word “Haya” (horse) also symbolizes the Vedas. Horses are compared to the Vedas. The four Vedas are said to have originated from the nostrils of Lord Hayagriva. Krishna and Arjuna blew the conch while seated in a chariot drawn by four horses, representing the four Vedas.

When one thinks of the Bhagavad Gita, the image of Parthasarathy (Krishna as Arjuna’s charioteer) naturally comes to mind. If Nara (the charioteer, representing humans) allows Narayana (the divine) to guide him in the chariot of life, driven by the four horses symbolizing the four Vedas, and continues on the battlefield of life (Prayana), victory is assured. this is the spiritual message of the Gita.

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