Atha rājā janayatāṁ vaṃśam-anukūlam sabhāṁ prajānāṁ । Yathārhaṁ vāstu-śāstraṁ ca tad Daśaratho 'bravīt ॥
“Then King Daśaratha, well-versed in Vāstu-śāstra, addressed the assembly of people in a manner befitting their lineage.”
Structure
Atha rājā janayatāṁ vaṃśam anukūlam sabhāṁ prajānāṁ yathārhaṁ vāstuśāstraṁ ca tad Daśaratho abravīt
Daśaratho (Daśaratha) rājā (king) abravīt (said) atha (then) janayatāṁ (of the lineage) vaṃśam (clan) anukūlam (according to) sabhāṁ (council chamber) prajānāṁ (of the people) yathārhaṁ (suitably) vāstuśāstraṁ (the science of architecture) ca (and) tad (that)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atha | Atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| janayatāṁ | janayatāṁ | verb | √jan · liṅ-optative · third | may he beget |
| vaṃśam | vaṃśam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | lineage, family |
| anukūlam | anukūlam | indeclinable | — | in accordance with, suitable |
| sabhāṁ | sabhāṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | assembly |
| prajānāṁ | prajānāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of creatures, of people |
| yathārhaṁ | yathārhaṁ | indeclinable | — | as it were, suitably |
| vāstu-śāstraṁ | vāstu-śāstraṁ | compound | karmadhāraya · "vāstuśāstraṁ = vāstu-śāstra" | the science of architecture |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · neuter · neuter | that |
| Daśaratho | Daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha |
| abravīt | abravīt | verb | √brū · preterite · third | said, spoke |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, presents an opportunity to reflect on the non-dual nature of reality. King Daśaratha, well-versed in Vāstu-śāstra, symbolizes the individual self (jīva) who is deluded into thinking itself separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). The assembly of people, representing the collective consciousness, signifies the multifaceted nature of the phenomenal world. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1) emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that the distinctions we perceive are illusory. Similarly, in this verse, Daśaratha's address to the assembly can be seen as an expression of the ultimate reality speaking through the individual, underscoring the non-dual essence that pervades all existence. The emphasis on lineage (vaṃśam-anukūlam) also hints at the timeless and unchanging nature of Brahman, which transcends temporal and spatial boundaries.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, King Daśaratha's role as a just ruler, guided by Vāstu-śāstra, reflects the Vaiṣṇava concept of the jīva (individual self) living in accordance with the will of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya (commentary on the Brahmasūtra), highlights the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to the divine will. Daśaratha's actions, guided by Vāstu-śāstra, can be seen as an exemplar of this surrender, demonstrating how the jīva can live in harmony with the natural order (rita) established by Īśvara. The assembly of people, representing the diverse creations of the Lord, underscores the relational aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the jīva and Īśvara are forever connected in a relationship of love and service.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in its emphasis on Vāstu-śāstra and the king's address to the assembly, offers insights into the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Science of Yoga' (Raja Yoga), discusses the importance of adapting ancient wisdom to modern contexts. The concept of Vāstu-śāstra, with its focus on harmonizing human dwelling with the natural environment, resonates with contemporary concerns about sustainability and ecological balance. Furthermore, the verse highlights the role of leadership in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, echoing Vivekānanda's call for individuals to take responsibility for the welfare of all. In his writings, S. Rādhākrishnan also emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual values into public life, suggesting that leaders like King Daśaratha, who embody these principles, can inspire collective growth and well-being.