Tato dharmarājasya putro dakṣiṇāpatiḥ

Tato (then) dharmarājasya (of Yama, lord of righteousness) putro (son) dakṣiṇāpatiḥ (lord of the south)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tato dharmarājasya putro dakṣiṇāpatiḥ', when considered through the lens of non-dualism, points to the ultimate reality of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras, particularly in the section discussing the nature of the self (ātman), is relevant here. He argues that all distinctions, including those between Yama (the lord of the south) and his son, are ultimately illusory. The son of Yama, as a figure, represents the conditioned self, bound by the laws of karma, yet the verse implicitly suggests a deeper, unconditioned reality. This reading aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the identity of Brahman and ātman, where the individual self, once realizing its true nature, transcends all worldly designations, including those of lineage or spatial direction. Thus, the verse invites a contemplation on the ultimate non-dual reality that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, this verse can be understood as illustrating the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya's visishtadvaita perspective would view Yama, as the lord of the south, and his son, as exemplars of the complex web of dependent relationships within the universe, all of which are sustained by the grace of Vishnu. The son of Yama, in this framework, represents the jīva in its state of dependence on the divine. The mention of 'dharmarājasya putro' highlights the import of dharma (righteous living) in navigating the complexities of existence, leading the devotee towards a deeper devotion to, and understanding of, the supreme Lord. This reading underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) as the means to achieving spiritual liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of modern Vedantic thought, offers insights into the universal principles governing human existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhakti yoga, emphasized the importance of selfless action and the cultivation of virtues as a path to realizing one's true potential. The figure of Yama's son, as an embodiment of duty and righteousness, symbolizes the ideal of selfless service. The reference to 'dakṣiṇāpatiḥ' (lord of the south) can be seen as a metaphor for the inner journey, where one navigates through the complexities of the human condition towards a state of inner balance and wisdom. This interpretation aligns with Rādhākrishnan's views on the relevance of Vedantic principles to contemporary life, where the pursuit of knowledge and the practice of virtues are seen as essential to individual and societal progress, facilitating a more harmonious and enlightened world.

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