atha rājā tadāgatyamunimuktāṃ ca divyayā ।
“Then, having arrived, the King heard the Rishi's (Vālmīki's) words released through divine (voice).”
Structure
atha rājā tad āgatyam unimiuktāṃ ca divyayā
rājā (king) atha (then) tad (that) āgatyam (having come) muni (sage) muktāṃ (released) ca (and) divyayā (by divine)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| āgatyam | āgatyam | indeclinable | — | having come, arriving |
| uni | uni | verb | √uni | released, let free |
| muktām | muktām | verb | √muc | released, let free |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| divyayā | divyayā | adjective | — | divine, heavenly |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, as the King, representing the individual self, listens to the Rishi's words, symbolizing the universal Self. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.4) clarifies that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all existence. In this context, the King's reception of the divine voice signifies the dissolution of the individual ego, allowing the Self to realize its true, unified nature with Brahman. The phrase 'divyayā' (through divine voice) suggests the transcendent, all-encompassing essence that underlies all existence, pointing to the fundamental identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman). This identity is the core of Advaita Vedanta's non-dual philosophy, as emphasized by Shankara in his Upadesasahasri (A Thousand Teachings). The verse thus invites the seeker to transcend the boundaries of the mundane and realize the unified, divine reality that pervades all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the gracious descent of divine wisdom upon the King, symbolizing the Lord's initiative in revealing Himself to the devotee. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya (1.1.1), explains that the Lord's grace is what enables the individual self (jīva) to realize its true relationship with the Supreme (Īśvara). The 'divyayā' voice represents the Lord's gracious revelation, guiding the King towards an understanding of his dependence on and connection with the divine. This verse illustrates the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'prapatti,' or self-surrender, where the individual, recognizing their limitations, surrenders to the Lord's will, allowing for a deeper understanding of the Lord's nature and their own. Madhva, in his Anuvyakhyana, further elucidates this concept, emphasizing the role of divine grace in spiritual realization. The verse thus encourages the devotee to seek a personal, devotional relationship with the Lord, who graciously reveals Himself to those who approach Him with humility and faith.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal message of spiritual awakening, applicable to contemporary life. Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind,' emphasizes the importance of intuition and the inner voice in guiding human actions. The 'divyayā' voice in this verse symbolizes the inner, divine spark that resides within every individual, waiting to be recognized and acted upon. The King's reception of this voice represents the moment of awakening, where the individual recognizes their higher potential and aligns themselves with the universal forces of nature. Radhakrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy,' Volume II, highlights the importance of self-realization in achieving true freedom and fulfillment. The verse thus invites the modern seeker to tune into their inner, divine voice, letting go of egoistic boundaries and embracing a broader, universal perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of all existence. By doing so, individuals can realize their full potential, contributing to the creation of a more harmonious, spiritual world.