tasmād virāḍajayata virājo adhipatiḥ । sa jñātnāḥ savadhitā āyata ।
“From him (the Brahman) the Virāt was born, the lord of creation, and he, having been born, fully developed.”
Structure
tasmāt virāṭ ajāyata virājaḥ adhipatiḥ sa jñātvā savadhitā āyata
tasmāt (from that) virāṭ (the Virat) ajāyata (was born) virājaḥ (of the king) adhipatiḥ (the lord) sa (he) jñātvā (having known) savadhitā (with caution) āyata (expanded)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasmāt | tasmāt | indeclinable | — | from that |
| virāṭ | virāṭ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the Virāṭ |
| ajāyata | ajāyata | verb | √jan · past · third | was born |
| virājaḥ | virājaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Virāṭ |
| adhipatiḥ | adhipatiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the lord |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| jñātvā | jñātvā | indeclinable | — | having known |
| savadhitā | savadhitā | verb | √dhā · past participle · third | having put together |
| āyata | āyata | verb | √ā · past · third | was created |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the Virāt, the manifested universe, emerges from the unmanifest Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad highlights that the birth of Virāt from Brahman signifies the latter's omnipotence and the former's inherent dependence on the ultimate reality. The phrase 'sa jñātvā savadhitā āyata' suggests that the Virāt, upon realizing its true nature, becomes fully developed, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This implies that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman) but is, in fact, an expression of it. Thus, this verse supports the Advaita Vedānta's central tenet of non-duality, encouraging the seeker to realize their true nature as Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the Lord's (Īśvara) supremacy and the dependent nature of the jīva. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad, emphasizes that the birth of Virāt from Brahman signifies the Lord's creative power and His role as the controller of the universe. The phrase 'virājo adhipatiḥ' is particularly significant, as it highlights the Lord's sovereignty over creation. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of devotion (bhakti) and surrender to the Lord, recognizing the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara for its existence and fulfillment. Madhvācārya further develops this idea, stressing the distinction between the Lord and the jīva, while affirming the jīva's potential for liberation through devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers profound insights into the human condition and our place within the universe. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, interprets the birth of Virāt as a symbol of the infinite potential latent within each individual. The phrase 'sa jñātvā savadhitā āyata' suggests that self-realization is the key to unlocking this potential, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. S. Radhakrishnan develops this idea further, emphasizing the importance of integrating the insights of the Upaniṣads into contemporary life. This verse, therefore, encourages us to explore our own depths, recognize our connection to the universe, and strive for self-realization, leading to a more harmonious and meaningful existence. By applying these principles, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and contribute to the betterment of society.