tato divi cakre mahatā vismayam
“Then in the sky (the gods) with great (wonder) created a marvel.”
Structure
tato - divi - cakre - mahatā - vismayam
mahatā (by the great one) tato (then) divi (in the sky) vismayam (wonder) cakre (created)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| divi | divi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in the sky |
| cakre | cakre | verb | √kṛ · past · third | he made, caused |
| mahatā | mahatā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the great one |
| vismayam | vismayam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | wonder, amazement |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tato divi cakre mahatā vismayam,' hints at the non-dual nature of reality by implying that the distinctions between the sky (the macrocosm) and the marvel created within it are not fundamental. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world (māyā). Although not directly commenting on this verse, his explanation of the unity of Brahman and ātman (individual self) can be applied here. The 'great wonder' in the sky symbolizes the awe-inspiring manifestation of the divine, underscoring the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal reality (Brahman). This reading underscores the non-dualistic interpretation, where the distinctions between creator and creation are transcended, pointing towards the ultimate reality beyond duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, interprets this verse as an illustration of the grace of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and God. Rāmānuja's concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣin' (the lord and his belongings) highlights the dependent yet real nature of the world and the souls within it. The 'great wonder' in the sky can be seen as a manifestation of God's power and benevolence, demonstrating the intimate relationship between the divine and the world. This verse, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, further emphasizes the devotional path (bhakti mārga) where the recognition of God's omnipotence and grace leads to a deeper relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal principles underlying ancient Indian texts. The verse, 'tato divi cakre mahatā vismayam,' can be seen as symbolizing the potential for human excellence and the manifestation of the divine in human endeavors. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Future of India,' spoke about the necessity of combining the 'impulse to knowledge' with the 'impulse to service,' which can be related to the 'great wonder' symbolizing the culmination of human potential in harmony with the divine. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the importance of the spiritual dimension in human life, suggesting that verses like these prompt us to look beyond the mundane and strive for a higher, more universal understanding of our existence and our place within the cosmos.