tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-saṃṛto niśi
“Thus King Daśaratha, overwhelmed with grief for his son, passed the night.”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā putra śoka saṃṛto niśi
daśaratho rājā tathā niśi putra śoka saṃṛto
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (the king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putra | putra | noun | stem form · singular · masculine | son |
| śoka | śoka | noun | stem form · singular · masculine | grief, sorrow |
| saṃṛto | saṃṛto | verb | √ṛ · past participle · third | overcome, overwhelmed |
| niśi | niśi | noun | locative · singular · feminine | at night |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, King Daśaratha's overwhelming grief for his son illustrates the inherent attachment and suffering that stems from a misidentification of the Self with the ephemeral and imperfect. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the notion that true liberation (mokṣa) arises from realizing the non-dual nature of Brahman and Ātman. Daśaratha's condition, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of worldly bonds and the necessity of transcending such attachments to attain the state of Brahman-ātman identity, where one recognizes that the ultimate reality is beyond the vicissitudes of worldly life. This verse, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, underscores the theme of recognizing and embracing the eternal and unchanging amidst the ephemeral nature of worldly life, aligning with Śaṅkarācārya's non-dualistic interpretation of the Upaniṣads.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the intense emotional and spiritual struggle of King Daśaratha, reflecting the profound impact of his relationship with his son. From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita, Daśaratha's grief exemplifies the existential and emotional dependence of the jīva (individual self) on the divine will. The Vaiṣṇava tradition, with its strong emphasis on bhakti (devotion) and the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara (God), sees Daśaratha's situation as a moment for introspection and reliance on divine grace. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, discusses the concept of prapatti (surrender) as a means to attain liberation, suggesting that even in deepest sorrow, surrendering to the divine will can provide solace and ultimate salvation. This verse thus illustrates a pivotal moment in the narrative where human suffering meets divine providence, inviting a deeper exploration of the interplay between human emotion and divine grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, emphasized the universal applicability of ancient Indian wisdom to modern life. In the context of this verse, King Daśaratha's grief can be seen as a symbol of universal human suffering. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the importance of recognizing and transcending such suffering through self-realization and service to humanity. He would likely interpret Daśaratha's situation as an opportunity for introspection and spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of balancing worldly responsibilities with spiritual aspirations. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the human condition as inherently seeking meaning and harmony amidst life's challenges. This verse, through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, invites contemporary readers to reflect on their own relationships, sufferings, and aspirations, encouraging a path of self-discovery, compassion, and service as a means to overcome personal sorrows and find universal peace.