tena dṛṣṭā janānī mama devī mithilāyāṃ tadā ।
“Then my mother was seen by Him in Mithilā.”
Structure
tena dṛṣṭā janānī mama devī mithilāyāṃ tadā
tena (by him) dṛṣṭā (seen) janānī (the mother) mama (my) devī (the goddess) tadā (then) mithilāyāṃ (in Mithilā)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| dṛṣṭā | dṛṣṭā | verb | √dṛś · kṛta-participle · third | seen |
| janānī | janānī | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | mother |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | my |
| devī | devī | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | goddess |
| mithilāyāṃ | mithilāyāṃ | noun | locative · singular · feminine | in Mithilā |
| tadā | tadā | indeclinable | — | then |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tena dṛṣṭā janānī mama devī mithilāyāṃ tadā,' underscores the non-dual nature of reality by implying the unity of the observer and the observed. According to Śaṅkara, all distinctions, including the subject-object duality, are ultimately illusory (māyā). The phrase 'tena dṛṣṭā' (seen by Him) suggests a direct, unmediated perception, which is a hallmark of the introspective awareness that reveals the ātman (self). This direct perception is crucial for realizing the identity of brahman (the ultimate reality) and ātman. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (especially the discussion on the mahāvākyas) supports this interpretation, emphasizing that the recognition of one's true nature transcends the distinctions of the phenomenal world, including the relationship between a mother and child, pointing towards the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a testament to the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The act of 'tena dṛṣṭā' (seen by Him) signifies the constant, loving gaze of the Lord upon His devotees. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'aprāpti-kārpaṇya' (the sorrow of separation), which can be seen in the longing of a mother for her child, metaphorically representing the jīva's yearning for union with Īśvara. This verse highlights the personal, devotional aspect of Vaiṣṇavism, emphasizing the reciprocal love between the devotee and the Divine, which is facilitated by the grace of the Lord. In the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, this relationship is exemplified through the characters and their spiritual journeys.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as an illustration of the universal and eternal principles that underlie human relationships and spiritual growth. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda,' often emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine in all beings. The phrase 'tena dṛṣṭā janānī mama devī' (my mother was seen by Him) can be interpreted as a moment of transcendence where the conventional boundaries between individuals are transcended, and the divine presence is recognized in all relationships. This understanding resonates with Vivekānanda's teachings on the universality of human experience and the potential for spiritual growth through self-realization. In contemporary life, this verse invites reflection on the interconnectedness of all beings and the potential for transformation through recognizing the divine in everyday relationships and experiences.