atha rājā tu mithilāpuram praviśya sagaṇaḥ । vāmanḥ praveśodhi dvāraṃ tena dṛṣṭaḥ sumahatā ॥
“The king with his retinue entered Mithilāpura and saw Vāmanā entering the gate.”
Structure
atha rājā tu mithilāpuram praviśya sagaṇaḥ vāmanah praveśodhi dvāram tena dṛṣṭaḥ sumahatā
atha (then) rājā (king) tu (indeed) mithilāpuram (into Mithilāpura) praviśya (having entered) sagaṇaḥ (with his retinue) vāmanah (the dwarf) praveśodhi (entered) dvāram (the gate) tena (by him) sumahatā (the great) dṛṣṭaḥ (was seen)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| mithilāpuram | mithilāpuram | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the city of Mithilā |
| praviśya | praviśya | verb | √viś · kṛt - past participle · third | having entered |
| sagaṇaḥ | sagaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | with his attendants |
| vāmanah | vāmanah | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the short one (Vāmana) |
| praveśodhi | praveśodhi | verb | √√viś · optative · third | may he enter |
| dvāram | dvāram | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the gate |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| dṛṣṭaḥ | dṛṣṭaḥ | verb | √dṛś · kṛt - past participle · third | seen |
| sumahatā | sumahatā | indeclinable | — | by the mighty one |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa signifies the ultimate reality of Brahman, represented by Vāmanā, who is an incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu. The entrance of Vāmanā into Mithilāpura, as observed by the king, symbolizes the realization of the absolute truth. In this context, Mithilāpura represents the individual self, and Vāmanā embodies the universal consciousness. The description highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self and the universal consciousness are ultimately one. Śaṅkarācārya would interpret this verse as an allegory for the seeker's journey towards self-realization, where the boundaries between the individual and the universal are transcended. The king's observation of Vāmanā serves as a metaphor for the moment of enlightenment, where the distinction between the self and the ultimate reality is dissolved. This interpretation underscores the central theme of Advaita Vedānta, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a distinct interpretation of this verse, focusing on the devotional aspect of the narrative. Vāmanā's entrance into Mithilāpura is seen as a manifestation of Lord Viṣṇu's grace, which is always available to those who seek refuge in Him. The king's observation of Vāmanā represents the devotee's longing to behold the divine. In this context, Mithilāpura symbolizes the realm of the devotee's heart, and Vāmanā's entrance signifies the descent of the divine into the devotee's life. Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would emphasize the importance of bhakti, or devotion, in realizing the divine. This verse is seen as an illustration of the Lord's willingness to interact with His devotees, as exemplified by Vāmanā's humble demeanor. The Vaiṣṇava tradition highlights the role of divine grace and the importance of cultivating devotion to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a Neo-Vedānta perspective, this verse can be seen as a symbol of the human quest for self-discovery and the realization of one's true potential. Vāmanā's entrance into Mithilāpura represents the emergence of the inner self, which is often disguised by external appearances. The king's observation of Vāmanā serves as a metaphor for the individual's journey towards self-awareness, where one must confront and transcend the limitations of the ego. Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan would interpret this verse as a call to action, encouraging individuals to look beyond the superficial and to strive for a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This perspective emphasizes the importance of introspection, self-inquiry, and the cultivation of a universal outlook. The verse is seen as an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where the boundaries between the individual and the universal are transcended, and the true nature of reality is revealed.