atha rājā tad-āgrahāt sukṛtaṃ yat-pravartitam .
“Then, because of that insistence, the King re-established the sacrificial rite that had been commenced.”
Structure
atha rājā tad agrahāt sukṛtam yat pravartitam
rājā (king) atha (then) tad (that) agrahāt (from firmness) yat (which) sukṛtam (good deed) pravartitam (was initiated)
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 |
| agra-hāt | agra-hāt | compound | tatpuruṣa · "agrasthāt" | from the foremost |
| sukṛtam | sukṛtam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | good deed |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| pravartitam | pravartitam | verb | √vart · past participle · third | promulgated, established |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse signifies the monarch's re-establishment of the sacrificial rite, symbolizing the reconciliation of the individual self (jīva) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual's true essence is revealed through the performance of rituals and the cultivation of self-knowledge. The phrase 'tad-āgrahāt' suggests a sense of urgency and dedication, underscoring the importance of devotion and self-surrender in realizing the Brahman-ātman identity. By re-establishing the sacrificial rite, the king embodies the perfect balance between action (karma) and knowledge (jñāna), ultimately pointing to the unity of the absolute and the individual self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, the king's re-establishment of the sacrificial rite represents the loving devotion of the jīva towards Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (self-surrender) in realizing the relationship between the individual and the ultimate reality. The phrase 'sukṛtaṃ yat-pravartitam' highlights the king's previous good deeds, which have created a sense of obligation and responsibility towards the divine. This verse showcases the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'sambandha' – the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara – and the need for the individual to cultivate devotion and self-surrender in order to realize this relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in the context of contemporary life, signifies the individual's pursuit of self-actualization and the realization of one's true potential. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind', emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and dedication in achieving one's goals. The king's re-establishment of the sacrificial rite represents the individual's commitment to their own personal growth and development. The phrase 'atha rājā' suggests a sense of leadership and responsibility, underscoring the need for individuals to take charge of their own lives and to cultivate a sense of purpose and direction. By drawing parallels between the monarch's actions and the individual's pursuit of self-actualization, this verse offers a powerful message for contemporary audiences, encouraging them to strive for excellence and to realize their full potential.