tato lakṣmaṇaḥ śirasā jagṛhā cītām sā na ca tāṃstvavaśagā na tu svasā .
“Then Lakṣmaṇa took Sītā up, she was not under their control, not her own sister.”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇaḥ śirasā jagṛhā sītām sā na ca tāṃ tva avaśagā na tu svasā
tato (then) lakṣmaṇaḥ (Lakshmana) śirasā (on his head) sītām (Sita) jagṛhā (lifted) sā (she) na ca (and not) tāṃ (that Sita) tva (your) avaśagā (under control) na (not) tu (but) svasā (sister)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇaḥ | lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| śirasā | śirasā | indeclinable | — | with his head |
| jagṛhā | jagṛhā | verb | √gṛh · past · third | he took, seized |
| sītām | sītām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | Sītā |
| sā | sā | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | she |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tām | tām | pronoun | accusative · singular · feminine | her |
| tva | tva | indeclinable | — | your |
| avaśagā | avaśagā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | under your control |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| svasā | svasā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | sister |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa illustrates the non-dual nature of reality. When Lakṣmaṇa takes Sītā up, she is not under the control of her own desires or those of others, signifying the transcendence of individual ego and worldly attachments. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the concept of brahman-ātman identity, suggesting that the ultimate reality is beyond human limitations. This verse points to the idea that liberation (mokṣa) is achieved when one realizes their true self, unencumbered by worldly constraints. The phrase 'na ca tāṃstvavaśagā na tu svasā' signifies the negation of dualistic perceptions, underscoring the unity of all existence. Through this understanding, the seeker approaches the ultimate truth, realizing that 'ātman is brahman' (Ātmaivedam brahma).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, the relationship between Lakṣmaṇa, Sītā, and Rāma serves as a paradigm for the devotional path. Sītā's inability to control her situation illustrates the dependence of the jīva (individual self) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender to the divine. This verse underscores the importance of surrendering one's ego and desires, acknowledging the omnipotence of the Lord. The phrase 'na ca tāṃstvavaśagā' highlights the jīva's limited capacity for self-control, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and guidance. Through devotion and self-surrender, the devotee can transcend worldly limitations, ultimately achieving union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a metaphor for the human struggle for self-control and empowerment. Sītā's situation represents the challenges faced by individuals in their quest for autonomy and self-realization. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and inner strength. The phrase 'na ca tāṃstvavaśagā na tu svasā' signifies the tension between internal and external factors influencing human behavior. Vivekānanda would argue that true freedom and empowerment arise from within, through the cultivation of self-awareness and a strong sense of purpose. In contemporary life, this verse encourages individuals to reflect on their values and priorities, striving for a balance between personal autonomy and responsibility. By embracing this perspective, one can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, ultimately leading to greater selfactualization and fulfillment.