tathaivaṃ rājā daśaratho janakasya purandaram ।
“Thus King Daśaratha was the best of kings to Janaka.”
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathaivaṃ | tathaivaṃ | indeclinable | — | in that manner also |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | of Dasaratha |
| janakasya | janakasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Janaka |
| purandaram | purandaram | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | destroyer of cities/fortresses |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tathaivaṃ rājā daśaratho janakasya purandaram' highlights the importance of understanding the ultimate reality beyond the mundane. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the verse indirectly points to the brahman-ātman identity by showcasing King Daśaratha's exemplary character, which is a reflection of the universal consciousness. In his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Śaṅkarācārya explains that the knowledge of the Self (ātman) is the ultimate goal, and the characteristics of a king like Daśaratha, such as wisdom and justice, are a manifestation of this Self. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder to look beyond the external attributes and strive for the realization of the non-dual ultimate reality, brahman. By citing the example of a righteous king, the verse encourages the reader to introspect and seek the universal truth within.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The relationship between King Daśaratha and Janaka, as depicted in the verse, is a beautiful illustration of the bond between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the lord). According to Rāmānujācārya, the verse symbolizes the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara, where King Daśaratha, as a devotee, seeks the blessings and guidance of the divine. The term 'purandaram' signifies the supreme lord, implying that even a mighty king like Daśaratha recognizes the superiority of the divine. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of devotion and surrender to the will of the lord, as emphasized by Rāmānujācārya in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras. The devotional reading of this verse encourages the reader to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and humility, acknowledging the omnipresence of the divine in all aspects of life.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse 'tathaivaṃ rājā daśaratho janakasya purandaram' offers a powerful message for modern times, emphasizing the importance of leadership and wisdom in governance. As Swami Vivekānanda noted in his lectures on the ideal of a universal religion, a true leader like King Daśaratha is one who embodies the principles of justice, compassion, and selflessness. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for leaders who can inspire and guide their people towards a higher purpose, as Janaka was inspired by King Daśaratha. In the context of contemporary life, this verse encourages us to strive for a more enlightened and empathetic leadership, one that recognizes the inherent value and dignity of every individual. As S. Radhakrishnan wrote in his book 'Eastern Religions and Western Thought', the ideal of a universal leader is one who can balance the demands of the individual and the community, reflecting the wisdom and vision of a king like Daśaratha.