tatḥ śaśāṅka-śikharān tri-bhūvan
“Then he went to the three worlds which have the moon as their crest.”
Structure
tatḥ śaśāṅka-śikharān tribhūvan
tatḥ tribhūvan śaśāṅka-śikharān
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatḥ | tatah | indeclinable | — | thence, from that place |
| śaśāṅka-śikharān | sasaṅkaśikharān | compound | tatpuruṣa · "śaśāṅka-śikharān" | the mountain peaks having the moon (crest) |
| tribhūvan | tribhūvan | compound | dvandva · "tribhūvan" | the three worlds |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the non-dual nature of reality. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the phrase 'tribhūvan' or 'three worlds' refers not to separate, independent realms but to the interconnected aspects of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The 'moon as their crest' signifies the reflection of Brahman in these worlds, much like the moon reflects the sun's light. In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, Śaṅkara explains that the universe and its components are not separate from Brahman but are manifestations of it. Thus, the journey to these worlds is, in essence, a journey of self-discovery, where one realizes the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman), emphasizing the non-dual (Advaita) nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an allegory for the soul's journey towards union with the divine. The 'three worlds' represent the various states of existence, and 'the moon as their crest' symbolizes the guiding light of God (Īśvara) in these realms. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, emphasizes the notion of 'śeṣa-śeṣin' or the 'servant and the master,' highlighting the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and God. This verse illustrates the soul's journey, guided by divine grace, towards realizing its true nature and its relationship with God, underscoring the devotional aspect of reaching God through love and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern Vedāntic perspective, this verse can be seen as a call to explore and understand the deeper, universal aspects of human existence. Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the unity of existence and the potential of the human soul to achieve greatness by realizing its true nature. The 'three worlds' can be interpreted as the physical, mental, and spiritual realms of human existence, with 'the moon as their crest' symbolizing the illuminating power of knowledge and self-awareness. According to Vivekānanda, this illumination can guide humanity towards a more harmonious and enlightened way of living, where individuals strive for self-realization and service to others, reflecting the universal and practical applications of ancient wisdom in contemporary life.