tato dharmasahito rājā dhṛtavrato jānānganaḥ
“Then the king, accompanied by Dharma and with vows undertaken, addressed the people.”
Structure
tato dharmasaḥ + hitāḥ rājā dhṛta-vrataḥ jānān-gaṇaḥ
tato (then) rājā (the king) dharmasaḥ (of righteousness) hitāḥ (the abode/ companion) dhṛta-vrataḥ (having taken vows) jānān-gaṇaḥ (the assembly of people)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dharmasaḥ | dharmasaḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from righteousness |
| hitāḥ | hitāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | well-wishers, supporters |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| dhṛta | dhṛta | verb | √dhṛ · past participle · third | having taken, having held |
| vrataḥ | vrataḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | vow, observance |
| jānān | jānān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | people, subjects |
| gaṇaḥ | gaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | group, multitude |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, tato dharmasahito rājā dhṛtavrato jānānganaḥ, presents an intriguing scenario for non-dual interpretation. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of dharma as a means to realize the ultimate reality, Brahman. Here, the king, accompanied by Dharma, signifies the individual self (jīva) accompanied by its inherent duty or nature (svadharma), which is ultimately a manifestation of the universal dharma. The vows undertaken (dhṛtavrataḥ) by the king symbolize the resolve to follow one's true nature, leading to the realization of the identity of the individual self with the universal Self, Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's emphasis on the path of knowledge (jñāna yoga) as the means to attain liberation, where the distinction between the individual and the universal is transcended, revealing the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, interprets this verse as highlighting the importance of devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). The king, accompanied by Dharma, can be seen as the jīva accompanied by its intrinsic devotion to Īśvara. The vows undertaken (dhṛtavrataḥ) signify the commitment to a life of devotion and service to the Lord, which is central to the Vaiṣṇava path. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the concept of 'aprathakṣīṇa' or inseparable dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, suggesting that the ultimate goal of the jīva is to realize its eternal servitude to the Lord, leading to a state of blissful liberation (mokṣa) within the realm of Īśvara's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of ethical living and personal commitment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often underscored the need for individuals to adhere to their inherent duties (svadharma) as a means to achieve personal and societal upliftment. The king, with vows undertaken, symbolizes the individual who has committed to a path of righteousness and service, reflecting the universal principles of dharma. This commitment is not limited to personal gain but is for the benefit of all people (jānānganaḥ), highlighting the interconnectedness of human society. As S. Radhakrishnan noted, the realization of one's true nature and the pursuit of a life governed by ethical principles (dharma) are essential for achieving harmony within oneself and with the world, echoing the practical and universal application of this ancient verse in modern times.