prajāpāni carati garbheṣvantaḥ ajanayan prajāḥ.
“The Lord who generates offspring, moves within the wombs, creating the living beings.”
Structure
prajāpāni carati garbheṣu antaḥ ajanayan prajāḥ
prajāpāni (the creator) garbheṣu (in the wombs) antaḥ (within) carati (moves) prajāḥ (offspring) ajanayan (not producing)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| prajāpāni | prajāpāni | compound | bahuvrīhi · "prajā-pāni" | protector of creatures |
| carati | carati | verb | √car · laṭ-present · third | moves |
| garbheṣu | garbheṣu | noun | locative · plural · neuter | in the wombs |
| antaḥ | antaḥ | indeclinable | — | within |
| ajanayan | ajanayan | verb | √jan · liṅ-optative · third | producing |
| prajāḥ | prajāḥ | noun | accusative · plural · feminine | creatures |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is not just a distant creator but is intimately involved in the creation. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'prajāpāni' as the Supreme Self that pervades all beings, indicating the Brahman-ātman identity. The phrase 'carati garbheṣvantaḥ' suggests that the Supreme moves within the wombs, signifying the omnipresence of Brahman. Shankara's non-dualistic reading emphasizes that the apparent distinction between the creator and the created is illusory, and this verse points to the ultimate reality where all distinctions dissolve. By stating 'ajananan prajāḥ', the verse highlights the cyclical nature of creation, which is a manifestation of Brahman's power, reinforcing the identity of the individual self with the universal Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through exegetes like Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as a demonstration of the Lord's intimate involvement with His creation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the jīva recognizes its dependence on Īśvara. The phrase 'prajāpāni carati garbheṣvantaḥ' is seen as an expression of the Lord's grace, where He not only creates but also nurtures and guides His devotees. This verse, for the Vaiṣṇavas, underscores the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, with the Lord being the antaryāmin, or the inner guide, of all beings. The creation and sustenance of life are seen as acts of divine love, reinforcing the path of bhakti or devotion as the means to realize this eternal relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in the context of universal applicability and practical spirituality. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the omnipresent nature of the Divine, citing verses like this to emphasize that God is not a distant concept but an immediate, living reality within every being. This understanding is meant to inspire individuals to realize their true potential and to work towards the betterment of society. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical bent, saw such verses as underscoring the ethical and moral implications of recognizing the divine in all life. The concept of 'prajāpāni' moving within all, creating and sustaining life, is viewed as a call to treat all beings with respect, compassion, and understanding, reflecting a universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles in contemporary life.