tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṃ mātaraṃ ca mahataḥ sutaḥ
“Then having seen His mother, the great King's wife”
Structure
tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṃ mātaraṃ ca mahataḥ sutaḥ
sutaḥ mahataḥ mātaraṃ ca janānīṃ dṛṣṭvā tatastu
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| janānīṃ | janānīṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | mother |
| mātaraṃ | mātaraṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | mother (in a more general or respectful sense) |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mahataḥ | mahataḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the great one |
| sutaḥ | sutaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṃ mātaraṃ ca mahataḥ sutaḥ', signifies the non-dual nature of ultimate reality. According to Shankara, the emphasis on 'mātaraṃ' (mother) underscores the idea that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). The 'great King's wife' represents the divine, and the act of 'seeing' her symbolizes self-realization. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) highlights the importance of recognizing the ātman as the ultimate reality, which is beyond all dualities. In this context, the verse implies that the individual must look beyond the phenomenal world to realize the unity of Brahman and ātman. This non-dual reading is essential to understanding the nature of reality, and the verse serves as a reminder to seek this realization. Ultimately, the distinction between the individual and the divine is transcended, revealing the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṃ mātaraṃ ca mahataḥ sutaḥ' is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, as it highlighting the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (God). Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1) emphasizes the idea that the jīva is a dependent entity, reliant on Īśvara for its existence and liberation. In this verse, the 'great King's wife' represents the divine feminine, symbolizing the nurturing and protective aspect of God. The 'great King's son' embodies the devoted jīva, seeking refuge in the divine. This verse underscores the devotional path, where the individual cultivates a deep sense of dependence and surrender to God, recognizing the inherent relationship between the self and the divine. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing this relationship, and the verse serves as a reminder of the jīva's ultimate goal: to attain union with Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṃ mātaraṃ ca mahataḥ sutaḥ', holds profound significance in contemporary life. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the 'mother' in this verse represents the universal, all-encompassing principle of life. In his lecture 'The Message of Vivekānanda' (1893), he emphasized the importance of recognizing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. The verse suggests that we must look beyond our individual limitations to realize our place within the larger cosmic context. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy' (1923), highlights the practical application of this verse, stating that the recognition of our divine nature is essential for personal growth and transformation. The verse encourages us to cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for the world around us, acknowledging the inherent sacredness of all life. By embracing this universal perspective, we can transcend our petty differences and work towards creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.