atha rājā yudhiṣṭhiro dharmarājo vāyuvas ca ।
“Then King Yudhiṣṭhira, the Lord of Dharma, and Vāyu's son.”
Structure
atha rājā yudhiṣṭhiro dharmarājaḥ vāyuvaḥ ca
atha (now) rājā (king) yudhiṣṭhiraḥ (Yudhishthira) dharmarājaḥ (the lord of dharma) vāyuvaḥ (the son of Vayu) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| yudhiṣṭhiro | yudhiṣṭhiro | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Yudhiṣṭhira |
| dharmarājaḥ | dharmarājaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "dharmasya rājaḥ" | the king of dharma |
| vāyuvaḥ | vāyuvaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Vāyu |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the mention of 'Rājā Yudhiṣṭhira, the Lord of Dharma' symbolizes the inner ruler of the self, guiding towards righteousness. Shankara's commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (2.5.19) explains that the self (ātman) is the true ruler, not the ego. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, points towards the identification of the individual self (jīva) with the ultimate reality (brahman), where Yudhiṣṭhira's role as 'Dharmarāja' represents the highest ethical and moral principles, which are ultimately rooted in brahman. The non-dual reading emphasizes that true kingship or lordship is not of the external world but of the inner self, guiding one towards the realization of the identity of ātman and brahman. This interpretation underscores the Advaitic notion that the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are transcended in the state of self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Yudhiṣṭhira, as 'Dharmarāja,' embodies the ideal devotee who upholds dharma (righteousness) as ordained by the Supreme Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence and surrender, where the jīva seeks to fulfill its duty as prescribed by dharma to attain the grace of Īśvara. This verse can be seen as illustrating the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual, like Yudhiṣṭhira, dedicates themselves to the path of righteousness, recognizing their dependence on the divine will. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the distinction between the independent Īśvara and the dependent jīva, highlighting Yudhiṣṭhira's actions as a manifestation of his devotion to the supreme will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhakti Yoga, often emphasized the importance of living a life dedicated to higher principles. This verse from the Mahābhārata offers a powerful symbol of leadership guided by ethical and moral standards. Yudhiṣṭhira's role as 'Dharmarāja' can be seen as an archetype of the ideal leader who combines wisdom, courage, and compassion. In contemporary life, this verse inspires individuals to embrace their inner leadership, guiding themselves and others towards a path of righteousness and service. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, has also highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual values into practical life, emphasizing that true fulfillment and happiness come from living a life of purpose and service to others. This verse, thus, serves as a reminder of the universal and timeless relevance of upholding dharma in personal and public life, echoing Vivekananda's call to service and Radhakrishnan's philosophical stance on the integration of spirituality and action.