atha rājā prahlādena putreṇa sārdham udīrayat

rājā (king) atha (then) prahlādena (with Prahlada) putreṇa (with his son) sārdham (together) udīrayat (spoke)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, 'Then the king spoke along with his son Prahlada,' a non-dual reading suggests that the distinction between the king and Prahlada is but an illusion. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on a similar passage in the Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 11, Verse 55) explains that when one sees the world with the understanding that 'I am not different from you,' this vision aligns with the ultimate reality, Brahman. Applying this to our verse, we see that the apparent duality between the king and Prahlada dissolves into the unity of Brahman, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This understanding is crucial because it highlights that all distinctions, whether between a ruler and a subject or between a father and a son, are but temporary and superficial, and the ultimate truth is one of unity and non-duality. This perspective encourages the seeker to transcend the mundane distinctions and strive for the realization of the ultimate reality, thereby achieving liberation. As Shankara emphasizes, the path to this realization involves understanding the scriptures and applying their principles in daily life, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the ego and the realization of the Self as the only reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, where the king speaks alongside his son Prahlada, can be seen as a symbol of the relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of 'aprthak-siddhi,' which means that the individual self, though distinct from the Supreme, achieves its fulfillment only in relation to Him. In our context, Prahlada, as a devotee, stands as an example of unwavering devotion and trust in the Lord, much like the relationship between a faithful son and his king. This verse highlights the importance of the jīva-īśvara relationship, where the devotee seeks guidance and solace in the presence of the Divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in the light of his theory of 'svatantra' (independence) of the Supreme Lord, emphasizing how the Lord chooses to engage with His devotees in various ways, including through dialogue and personal interaction, as symbolized by the king's conversation with Prahlada. Both interpretations underscore the central theme of devotion and the personal relationship between the individual and the Divine in Vaiṣṇava thought.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on practical Vedānta, often emphasized the importance of applying the principles of Vedānta to everyday life. In the context of our verse, 'Then the king spoke along with his son Prahlada,' we find a practical application in the realm of interpersonal relationships. The king, here, embodies the ideal of a leader or a guide, and his act of speaking with his son signifies a model of communication and understanding that is essential in all relationships. As Vivekānanda noted in his speech 'The Mission of the Vedanta,' true strength lies not in dominance but in the ability to connect with others, to understand their perspectives, and to guide them towards their own realization. This verse, therefore, offers a lesson in humility, empathy, and effective communication. Furthermore, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the concept of the 'universal' and its practical implications in human society. The universal message of this verse can be seen in its portrayal of a harmonious and respectful dialog between two individuals of different status, encouraging us to embrace our shared humanity and strive for a society where such values are cherished and practiced.

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