tatastvayā havirdhānyā vṛto rājā daśarathaḥ
“Then, by you, King Daśaratha was surrounded by Havirdhanya”
Structure
tatastvayā-havirdhānyā-vṛto-rājā-daśarathah
tvayā (by you) havirdhānyā (with oblation of rice) tatastva (then) vṛto (chosen) rājā (king) daśarathah (Dasharatha)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | then, from there |
| tvayā | tvayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by you |
| havirdhānyā | havirdhānyā | compound | bahuvrīhi · "havirdhānya-ā" | rich in havis (clarified butter) and grains |
| vṛto | vṛto | verb | √vṛ · past participle · third | having been chosen |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| daśarathah | daśarathah | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | of Dasharatha |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, when analyzed through the lens of non-dualism, suggests that King Daśaratha's circumstances are a manifestation of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentaries on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the idea that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman). Although Śaṅkara does not directly comment on this verse, his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad (2.1.1) illuminates the concept of 'surrounded by' (vṛto) as a metaphor for the all-pervading nature of Brahman. Thus, this verse can be seen as an illustration of how the ātman, embodied in King Daśaratha, is surrounded and upheld by the omnipresent Brahman, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This perspective encourages the seeker to look beyond the literal meaning and understand the deeper, non-dual reality underlying all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta views the jīva as a dependent entity that finds its fulfillment in Īśvara. The 'Havirdhānyā' surrounding King Daśaratha can be seen as a symbol of the divine grace and provisions that Īśvara bestows upon the devotee. This interpretation is reinforced by Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtra (2.3.41-42), where he discusses the concept of 'being surrounded' in the context of the Lord's grace enveloping the devotee. This verse, thus, underscores the devotional path where the jīva, in surrender to Īśvara, experiences divine presence and support, much like King Daśaratha is described here.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, often emphasized the universal and inclusive nature of spiritual truth. Regarding this verse, one could interpret 'Havirdhānyā' as symbolic of the universal resources and energies available to individuals who strive for a higher purpose. Vivekānanda, in his 'Complete Works' (Vol. 2, 'Practical Vedanta and other lectures'), discusses the idea that every individual is surrounded by and connected to a larger universe of potential and support. This concept aligns with the idea that King Daśaratha's surroundings are indicative of the support and provisions one receives when aligned with a greater purpose. This verse, therefore, encourages a contemporary understanding of individual responsibility within a broader context of universal interconnectedness and support, reflecting the principles of Neo-Vedānta's emphasis on practical spirituality and service to humanity.