tato lakṣmaṇo 'bhigamya cukruśe ca prahlādanaḥ
“Then Lakshmana approaching him loudly called out in a joyful tone.”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇaḥ abhigamya cukruśe ca prahlādanaḥ
tato (then) lakṣmaṇaḥ (Lakshmana) abhigamya (having approached) cukruśe (cried out) ca (and) prahlādanaḥ (with delight)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇaḥ | lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| abhigamya | abhigamya | verb | √gam · gerund | having gone to, having approached |
| cukruśe | cukruśe | verb | √kruś · preterite · third | cried, shouted |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| prahlādanaḥ | prahlādanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Prahlādana |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tato lakṣmaṇo 'bhigamya cukruśe ca prahlādanaḥ', Śaṅkarācārya would likely interpret Lakṣmaṇa's action of approaching and loudly calling out as an illustration of the non-dual nature of reality. The joyful tone in which Lakṣmaṇa calls out signifies the bliss inherent in the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are not separate entities but are one and the same. This verse can be seen as a pointer to this identity, where Lakṣmaṇa's approach and call symbolize the individual's journey towards recognizing this oneness. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtra (1.1.1) emphasizes the importance of understanding this non-dual relationship, which is the ultimate goal of human existence. The emphasis here is on realizing one's true nature as consciousness, unencumbered by the limitations of the physical world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the importance of devotion and the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord). Lakṣmaṇa's action of approaching Rāma with a joyful tone symbolizes the intense devotional love (bhakti) that a devotee should have towards the Lord. Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita philosophy emphasizes the real difference between the individual self and the supreme self, yet also underscores their inseparable relationship through devotion. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Rāmānujācārya discusses the concept of 'aprthagbhāva', or in-separateness, which could be applied here to understand Lakṣmaṇa's inseparable bond with Rāma. This verse is thus a testament to the Vaiṣṇava principle of devotion as the path to union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse as an example of the universal principles of action and devotion in everyday life. The act of Lakṣmaṇa approaching and calling out loudly with joy signifies the importance of enthusiasm and dedication in one's pursuits. This verse can be seen as teaching us about the value of wholehearted engagement in our actions, mirroring Vivekānanda's emphasis on the importance of 'karma yoga' — the path of action — as a means to spiritual growth. In his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Vivekānanda often highlighted the practical application of Vedāntic principles in daily life, emphasizing selfless work and devotion as paths to self-realization and service to humanity. This verse thus serves as a reminder of the need for joy, dedication, and an attitude of service in our interactions with others and our engagement with the world around us.