tataḥ śṛṇvān mahānādaṃ rākṣasāḥ paryupari sthitāḥ.
“Then, hearing the great noise, the Rākṣasas stationed all around.”
Structure
tataḥ śṛṇvān mahānādam rākṣasāḥ paryupari sthitāḥ
tataḥ (then) rākṣasāḥ (Rākṣasas) paryupari (around) sthitāḥ (having stood) śṛṇvān (heard) mahānādam (the great noise)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śṛṇvān | śṛṇvān | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · first | he hears |
| mahānādam | mahānādam | compound | karmadhāraya · "mahat + nādam" | a great sound |
| rākṣasāḥ | rākṣasāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | the Rākṣasas |
| paryupari | paryupari | indeclinable | — | all around, on all sides |
| sthitāḥ | sthitāḥ | verb | √sthā · past participle · third | situated, standing |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śṛṇvān mahānādaṃ rākṣasāḥ paryupari sthitāḥ, offers an opportunity to reflect on the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the 'great noise' symbolizes the turbulent nature of the world, which is ultimately an illusion (māyā) that veils the true, unchanging Self (Brahman). The Rākṣasas, representing the embodiment of ignorance and darkness, are 'stationed all around,' signifying the pervasive influence of ignorance in the world. However, the ability to 'hear' this noise implies the presence of a witness-consciousness that transcends the limitations of the material world. This witness-consciousness is the ātman, which is ultimately identical with Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1) emphasizes that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from Brahman but rather an illusory limitation imposed upon it. Thus, this verse points to the possibility of realizing the brahman-ātman identity, where one transcends the illusion of separateness and experiences the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'great noise' (mahānāda) symbolizes the tumultuous nature of samsāra, the cycle of birth and death, which is devoid of true peace and happiness. The Rākṣasas, embodying evil and chaos, are ubiquitous, representing the challenges and obstacles that the devotee must overcome on the path to liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya (2.2.42), emphasizes that the jīva, though finite and dependent, has the capacity to experience the infinite joy and bliss of Īśvara through devotion and surrender. This verse thus underscores the importance of seeking refuge in the Lord, who alone can provide protection from the adversities of the world and grant the devotee the gift of divine love and devotion. The 'hearing' of the great noise serves as a call to awaken to this reality and to seek the shelter of the Supreme Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, tataḥ śṛṇvān mahānādaṃ rākṣasāḥ paryupari sthitāḥ, holds profound relevance for modern life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedānta philosophy, often emphasized the importance of recognizing and transcending the limitations imposed by our own ignorance and weaknesses, symbolized by the Rākṣasas. The 'great noise' of the world, with its manifold distractions and challenges, can either overwhelm us or serve as a stimulus for growth and self-discovery. Vivekānanda, in his 'Complete Works' (Vol. 1, p. 347), notes that the true strength of the individual lies not in external accomplishments but in the ability to 'hear' the inner voice of conscience and wisdom. This verse invites us to cultivate this inner awareness, to rise above the chaos and confusion of the world, and to realize our true potential as human beings. By doing so, we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way and achieve a life of purpose, peace, and fulfillment.