atha rājā diśaḥ sarvāḥ plāvayāmāsa mahābalaḥ
“Then the powerful king caused a great flood in all directions.”
Structure
atha rājā mahābalaḥ sarvāḥ diśaḥ plāvayāmāsa
rājā (king) atha (then) mahābalaḥ (having great strength) sarvāḥ (all) diśaḥ (directions) plāvayāmāsa (caused to flood)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| mahābalaḥ | mahābalaḥ | adjective | — | having great strength |
| sarvāḥ | sarvāḥ | adjective | — | all |
| diśaḥ | diśaḥ | noun | accusative · plural · feminine | directions |
| plāvayāmāsa | plāvayāmāsa | verb | √plu · āsa- past · third | he caused to flood |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'atha rājā diśaḥ sarvāḥ plāvayāmāsa mahābalaḥ', when understood through the lens of non-dualism, points to the all-pervasive and unbound nature of Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, discusses how the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond the confines of space and time. The 'mahābalaḥ' or great power, symbolizes the infinite potential of Brahman, which, like a flood, pervades all directions, implying its omnipresence. This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkarācārya's emphasis on the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that the individual self, upon realization, understands its true nature as being one with the universal, all-encompassing Brahman. The flood, thus, becomes a metaphor for the dissolution of individual boundaries, leading to the realization of the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the divine intervention in human affairs. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'rājā' or king, with 'mahābalaḥ' or great power, symbolizes Īśvara's omnipotence and His ability to guide the devotee through the challenges of life, much like a king would protect his kingdom from floods. The flood, in this context, represents the challenges or 'pralayas' that the devotee may face, which the Lord helps navigate. This verse underscores the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's grace for salvation and the importance of devotion (bhakti) in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, often emphasized the universal principles that can guide human conduct and spiritual growth. This verse, with its imagery of a flood affecting all directions, can be seen as a call to universal compassion and action. The 'mahābalaḥ' or great power, can symbolize the immense potential within each individual to effect change. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the flood as a metaphor for the transformative power of selfless work and spiritual practice, which can uplift not just the individual but society as a whole. The verse suggests that just as a flood can reshape the landscape, our collective efforts, guided by principles of Vedānta, can lead to a renovation of our inner and outer worlds, fostering a more harmonious and equitable society.