tato rājā janakaḥ śrutvā putravat paritāpitaḥ

tato (then) rājā (king) janakaḥ (Janaka) śrutvā (having heard) putravat (like a son) paritāpitaḥ (was grieved)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse offers a profound insight into the non-dual nature of reality when understood through the lens of Advaita Vedanta. King Janaka's distress upon hearing the news parallels the suffering of the individual self (jīva) that mistakenly identifies with the ephemeral world. According to Śaṅkarācārya, such distress arises from avidyā, or ignorance of one's true nature, which is none other than Brahman. The king's paternal affection for the subject of the news reflects the inherent unity and interconnectedness of all beings, a notion central to the concept of brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras ( particularly 1.1.5) emphasizes that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the perceived distinctions are but illusions. Thus, this verse indirectly points to the liberating knowledge that one's true self is not separate from Brahman, dispelling the ignorance that causes suffering like King Janaka's. This non-dual reading liberates the individual from the cycle of birth and death, offering a path to mokṣa.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an exemplification of the deep emotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). King Janaka's distress can be seen as a metaphor for the longing of the jīva for union with Īśvara, a central theme in Vaiṣṇavism. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender to God, as a means to alleviate such distress. The emotional investment of King Janaka in the news reflects the Vaiṣṇava concept of bhakti, or devotion, which is characterized by intense love and attachment towards the divine. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, further elaborates on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara but emphasizes their inseparable relationship, akin to the inseparability of the sun's rays from the sun. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of cultivating bhakti towards Īśvara as a means to find peace and solace, much like King Janaka's paternal love symbolizes the divine love Īśvara has for all beings.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to realize the universal and eternal principles that underlie human existence. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of service to humanity as a means to realize one's true self. King Janaka's distress can be seen as an exemplar of the compassion and empathy that one should feel towards all beings, recognizing the inherent unity of all existence. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophy, bridged traditional Vedānta with contemporary thought, suggesting that such verses offer practical wisdom for living a fulfilling life. The paternal love of King Janaka symbolizes the unconditional love and service that Neo-Vedāntins advocate for, as a path to both individual liberation and societal harmony. This verse, therefore, encourages a universal and practical application of the principles of Vedānta, fostering a sense of global citizenship and compassion, where the distinctions among individuals are transcended by a deeper understanding of shared human experiences and the pursuit of the ultimate reality.

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