tato dharmarājaṁ samupasthāvayat prajāpatīnāṁ patiḥ
“Then the lord of the Prajapatis (Brahma) approached Dharma-raja.”
Structure
tato dharmarājam sam upa sthāvayat prajāpatīnām patiḥ
pra-jāpatīnām patiḥ (lord of Prajapatis) tato (then) dharmarājam (to Dharmaraja) sam-upa-sthāvayat (went near and stood)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dharmarājam | dharmarājam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | the king of dharma |
| sam | sam | indeclinable | — | together with, in company of |
| upa | upa | indeclinable | — | near, to |
| sthāvayat | sthāvayat | verb | √sthā · causative present · second | you should cause to stand |
| prajāpatīnām | prajāpatīnām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the lords of creation |
| patiḥ | patiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the lord |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tato dharmarājaṁ samupasthāvayat prajāpatīnāṁ patiḥ, suggests the non-dual nature of reality by implying the unity of Dharma-raja, the lord of dharma, and Prajāpati, the lord of creation. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad emphasizes the idea that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of everything, and this verse supports that view by highlighting the connection between the cosmic and individual levels of existence. As Shankara states in his Upadesasahasri, 'The self (ātman) is Brahman' (Upadesasahasri, 1.24), which indicates that the distinctions between various levels of existence are mere appearances. This verse, in the context of the Mahabharata, underscores the underlying unity that pervades the universe, pointing towards the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) and the cosmic reality (Brahman). By understanding this verse in the light of Shankara's teachings, we see the invitation to transcend the mundane and realize the true, non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava interpretation, this verse signifies the gracious descent of the divine into the realm of human understanding. The approach of Brahma, the lord of the Prajapatis, to Dharma-raja, is seen as an act of divine condescension, where theAbsolute (Īśvara) engages with the relative (jīva) to guide and enlighten. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the concept of 'aprakashitva,' the idea that the Lord illuminates the path for the individual soul, highlighting the personal and loving relationship between God and the devotee. This verse, in the Mahabharata, exemplifies this relationship, showing how even the highest gods seek the counsel and guidance of Dharma-raja, symbolizing the quest for righteous living and moral order that is at the heart of Vaiṣṇava devotion. Through this verse, Vaiṣṇava tradition underscores the accessibility and grace of the divine, inviting the devotee to walk the path of dharma and attain liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and moral integrity. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhakti Yoga, often highlighted the need for a strong moral foundation as the basis for spiritual growth, citing the Bhagavad Gita and other texts to illustrate the importance of dharma in achieving a higher state of consciousness. The approach of Prajāpati to Dharma-raja serves as a reminder of the universal principles that govern human life and the cosmos, inviting us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. As Radhakrishnan writes in his 'Indian Philosophy,' the concept of dharma encompasses not only individual righteousness but also the well-being of society and the environment. This verse, therefore, encourages us to adopt a holistic approach to life, integrating personal ethics with social responsibility and cosmic awareness, and striving for the realization of our highest potential as human beings. By engaging with this verse, we are reminded of the timeless relevance of India's spiritual heritage to the challenges and aspirations of modern life.