Tataḥ pravṛtto janayatāṃ prajāpatīnāṃ sargo yathāvṛttaṃ ca kṛtaṃ ca vivasvataḥ
“Then the creation of Prajapatis began as described, which was done by Vivasvat.”
Structure
Tataḥ pravṛtto janayatāṃ prajāpatīnāṃ sargo yathāvṛttaṃ ca kṛtaṃ ca vivasvataḥ
Vivasvataḥ (of the sun god) ca (and) sargo (creation) kṛtaṃ (was made) ca (and) yathā (as) vṛttaṃ (it happened) prajāpatīnāṃ (of Prajapatis) janayatāṃ (who were born) tataḥ (then) pravṛtto (having begun)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| pravṛtto | pravṛtto | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | having begun, having started |
| janayatāṃ | janayatāṃ | verb | √jan · present active participle · third | of those who beget, of the begetters |
| prajāpatīnāṃ | prajāpatīnāṃ | noun | genitive plural · plural · masculine | of Prajāpatīs, of the lords of creation |
| sargo | sargo | noun | nominative singular · singular · masculine | creation |
| yathāvṛttaṃ | yathāvṛttaṃ | indeclinable | — | as it happened, as occurred |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| kṛtaṃ | kṛtaṃ | verb | √kṛ · past participle · third | done, made |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vivasvataḥ | vivasvataḥ | noun | genitive singular · singular · masculine | of Vivasvat, of the sun |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the concept of creation as a manifestation of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the idea that the universe is a projection of Brahman, much like the creation described in this verse. The phrase 'yathāvṛttaṃ ca kṛtaṃ ca vivasvataḥ' suggests that the creation is a natural unfolding, akin to the inherent nature of Brahman. The Advaita tradition sees this as an affirmation of the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the creator and the created is transcended. In this context, the creation of Prajapatis by Vivasvat symbolizes the emergence of the world from the ultimate reality, underscoring the unity of Brahman and ātman. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, points to the idea that the creation is not a separate entity but an expression of the divine, leading to the realization of the identity of Brahman and ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a testament to the sovereign will of Īśvara, the supreme Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, would likely see the creation of Prajapatis by Vivasvat as an example of the Lord's gracious act, where the jīvas are given the opportunity to realize their true nature as servants of the divine. The phrase 'janayatāṃ prajāpatīnāṃ' suggests the Lord's role as the generator of the universe, with the Prajapatis serving as intermediaries in the creation process. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, reinforces the concept of bhakti, or devotion, where the jīva's relationship with Īśvara is one of loving service and surrender. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the distinction between the Lord and the jīvas, would likely view this verse as a demonstration of the Lord's transcendence and the jīvas' dependence on Him for their very existence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa offers a profound insight into the universal principle of creation and evolution. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, often emphasized the idea that the universe is an unfolding of the divine, where every being and every event plays a part in the grand symphony of existence. The phrase 'sargo yathāvṛttaṃ ca kṛtaṃ ca vivasvataḥ' can be seen as a description of the natural law that governs the universe, where every action has a consequence and every creation has a purpose. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, highlights the concept of 'ūrddhvaṃ' or the upward ascent, where the individual strives to realize their true potential and contribute to the greater good. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us of our responsibility to live in harmony with the natural world and to recognize our place within the larger cosmos, striving for a life of purpose, meaning, and service to others.