tataḥ paras tāt trijaṭām viśālākṣīm
“Then, from there, appeared Trijaṭā with large eyes.”
Structure
tataḥ paras tāt tri-jaṭām viśāla-akṣīm
tataḥ (then) paras tāt (from the other side) tri-jaṭām (having three braids) viśāla-akṣīm (having large eyes)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, from that place |
| paras | paras | indeclinable | — | beyond, on the other side |
| tāt | tāt | indeclinable | — | from that |
| tri-jaṭām | tri-jaṭām | compound | bahuvrīhi · "tri-jaṭā + ām" | having three plaits or locks |
| viśāla-akṣīm | viśālākṣīm | compound | bahuvrīhi · "viśāla + akṣī" | having large or beautiful eyes |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the appearance of Trijaṭā with large eyes signifies the manifestation of the ultimate reality, Brahman, through the lens of Māyā. According to Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, the 'large eyes' of Trijaṭā represent the all-encompassing and omniscient nature of Brahman. The phrase 'tataḥ paras tāt' or 'then, from there' suggests a transcendent origin, pointing to the idea that the world and its beings arise from and are ultimately one with Brahman. This interpretation underscores the non-dual (advaita) perspective, where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the supreme reality (Brahman) is transcended, highlighting their essential identity. Thus, the verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the apparent duality and perceive the unity of all existence in Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse as an expression of the divine grace and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Trijaṭā, with her large eyes, symbolizes the compassion and omniscience of the divine. According to Rāmānujācārya, the 'then, from there' (tataḥ paras tāt) signifies the intervention of the divine will, highlighting the dependence of all beings on Īśvara. This verse, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, emphasizes Rāma's divine nature and the role of devotion (bhakti) in realizing one's true self and relationship with the divine. It underscores the Vaiṣṇava belief in the distinction between Īśvara and jīva, yet affirms their interconnectedness through love and devotion, pointing towards a path of surrender and service to the divine as the means to achieve spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a call to introspection and self-realization. The appearance of Trijaṭā with large eyes can be seen as a symbol of the inner guide or intuition that helps an individual navigate through life's challenges. The 'large eyes' signify the broad and all-encompassing vision that one achieves through spiritual practices and self-reflection, allowing them to perceive their place in the world and their potential. According to Vivekānanda, this verse can inspire individuals to explore their inner selves, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all beings. It promotes a practical and inclusive approach to spirituality, where the goal is not just personal enlightenment but also the service to humanity, reflecting Vivekānanda's message of universal brotherhood and the potential for human development through the realization of one's true nature.