tat sṛṣṭvā rāghaavasya agastyo yat kṛtaṁ brahmaṇā purā .
“Having created that, Agastya, what was previously created by Brahma, for Raghu's descendant.”
Structure
tat sṛṣṭvā rāghaavasya agastyo yat kṛtaṁ brahmaṇā purā
Agastyo(the sage Agastya)tat(that)sṛṣṭvā(having created)yat(what)purā(formerly)Brahmaṇā(by Brahma)kṛtaṁ(was made)rāghaavasya(for Raghu's descendant, Rama)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| sṛṣṭvā | sṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having created |
| rāghaavasya | rāghaavasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Rāghava |
| agastyo | agastyo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Agastya |
| yat | yat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | what |
| kṛtaṁ | kṛtaṁ | verb | √kṛ · past participle · third | was made |
| brahmaṇā | brahmaṇā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by Brahma |
| purā | purā | indeclinable | — | formerly |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The creation referred to in this verse signifies the manifestation of the universe from the ultimate reality, Brahman. Agastya, as a sage, is seen as an embodiment of this reality, guiding Raghu's descendant towards the understanding of the non-dual nature of existence. The act of creation is not a literal, physical event but a symbolic representation of the unfolding of consciousness. The emphasis is on the eternal, unchanging essence that underlies all creation, rather than the creation itself. This perspective invites the reader to contemplate the deeper, metaphysical significance of the verse, transcending the mundane interpretation of historical events or actions of deities.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often interpreted as an affirmation of the divine intervention in the affairs of the world, particularly in the lineage of Raghu, which includes Lord Rāma. Agastya's role, as guided by Brahma, underscores the divine plan and the sacred duty (dharma) that Raghu's descendants must fulfill. The creation spoken of here may refer to the establishment of a righteous kingdom or the reestablishment of dharma, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil. The Vaiṣṇava tradition sees in this verse a call to devotion and duty, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's role in the divine plan, as exemplified by the heroes of the Rāmāyaṇa.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern Neo-Vedānta perspective, this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the human journey towards self-realization and the attainment of a higher state of consciousness. Agastya, representing the sage or the guru, guides the individual (symbolized by Raghu's descendant) towards realizing their true potential, which is a reflection of the divine within. The creation alluded to in the verse may symbolize the individual's inner world, where the struggle between good and evil, or light and darkness, is constantly waged. This interpretation emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, viewing the Rāmāyaṇa as a guide for living a fulfilling and meaningful life, rather than merely as a historical or mythological text.