tat kṛtvā rāgha-vasya vaca-ṇaṁ ca śrutvā tataḥ paraṁ hṛṣṭa-mānasaḥ niśicaraḥ
“Having done that, and having heard Rama's words, the night-roamer's (Lakshmana's) mind then became especially rejoiced.”
Structure
tat kṛtvā rāgha-vasya vaca-ṇaṁ ca śrutvā tataḥ paraṁ hṛṣṭa-mānasaḥ niśicaraḥ
niśicaraḥ (the night-roamer/rakshasa) tat (that) kṛtvā (having done) rāgha-vasya (of Raghava) vaca-ṇaṁ (word) ca (and) śrutvā (having heard) tataḥ (then) paraṁ (great) hṛṣṭa-mānasaḥ (his mind rejoiced)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| kṛtvā | kṛtvā | indeclinable | — | having done |
| rāgha-vasya | rāgha-vasya | compound | genitive tatpuruṣa · "rāghavasya" | of Raghu's descendant |
| vaca-ṇaṁ | vaca-ṇaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | speech |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then |
| paraṁ | paraṁ | adjective | — | great, supreme |
| hṛṣṭa-mānasaḥ | hṛṣṭa-mānasaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "hṛṣṭo mānasaḥ yena" | whose mind is delighted |
| niśicaraḥ | niśicaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | night-roamer (Rākṣasa) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa embodies the non-dual essence of the ultimate reality, pointing towards the identity of brahman and ātman. According to Shankara, the rejoicing of the night-roamer (Lakshmana) upon hearing Rama's words signifies the inherent bliss (ānanda) of the Self. This bliss is not a product of external stimuli but an intrinsic quality of consciousness. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.2), Shankara argues that the ultimate reality, brahman, is of the nature of sat (existence), cit (consciousness), and ānanda (bliss). The experience of Lakshmana, therefore, is a reflection of this blissful nature of the Self, underscoring the Advaitic view that the ātman, when freed from ignorance, realizes its true nature as brahman. This verse, thus, illustrates the potential for realizing one's true Self through devotion and knowledge, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the distinction between the individual self and the universal Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as a demonstration of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Lakshmana's joy upon hearing Rama's words is seen as a paradigm of the devotee's love and devotion towards God. Rāmānuja, in his Śrībhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing one's true relationship with the divine. This verse illustrates how the jīva, represented by Lakshmana, finds ultimate fulfillment and joy in serving and loving the Lord (Rama), reflecting the Vaiṣṇava belief in the inherent dependence of the jīva on Īśvara and the path of devotion as the means to achieve liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this joy as a sign of Lakshmana's recognition of Rama's divinity, further highlighting the distinction between the Lord and His devotees while affirming the unique relationship of love and service that defines their interaction.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa holds profound significance for contemporary life when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal principles of Vedānta that could be applied to everyday life, including the importance of service, devotion, and the realization of one's true nature. The rejoicing of Lakshmana can be seen as a symbol of the human aspiration for happiness and fulfillment, which, according to Vivekānanda, can only be truly achieved by realizing one's inner Self and dedicating oneself to the service of others. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his exposition of Indian philosophy, highlights the practical application of Vedāntic principles in fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among individuals. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the universal quest for happiness and the interconnectedness of all beings, encouraging a path of self-realization, service, and devotion that transcends sectarian boundaries and speaks to the fundamental human experience.