tato lakṣmaṇaḥ prahvaȳan rājānaṃ daśarathaṃ pitā .
“Then, father Dasharatha, with Lakshmana bowing.”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇaḥ prahvaȳan rājānaṃ daśaratham pitā
pitā daśaratham rājānam lakṣmaṇaḥ tato prahvaȳan
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇaḥ | lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| prahvaȳan | prahvāyān | verb | √hū · imperfect · third | he bowed (or was bowing) |
| rājānaṃ | rājānaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| daśarathaṃ | daśarathaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tato lakṣmaṇaḥ prahvaȳan rājānaṃ daśarathaṃ pitā', Śaṅkara would likely underscore the non-dual nature of reality by interpreting Lakshmana's act of bowing as a symbol of the individual self (jīva) acknowledging and surrendering to the ultimate reality (Brahman), embodied here by King Dasharatha as the symbol of authority and wisdom. The bowing signifies the recognition of the ultimate truth that lies beyond the duality of the worldly realm. This interpretation is aligned with Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where he emphasizes the identity of Brahman and ātman, suggesting that true knowledge (vidyā) is the realization of this non-dual identity. Through this lens, the verse points to the transcendence of earthly relationships and the merging of individual identities into the universal consciousness, underscoring the Advaita Vedānta's central tenet of non-duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse highlights the loving relationship between Lakshmana and his father, Dasharatha, which serves as a paradigm for the devotion (bhakti) of the jīva towards Īśvara (the Lord). In Rāmānuja's perspective, the act of Lakshmana bowing to his father symbolizes the natural inclination of the soul to surrender and find refuge in a higher power, which in the Vaiṣṇava tradition is personified as Vishnu or Rāma. This surrender is not merely out of duty but out of love and devotion, demonstrating the inherent dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. Rāmānuja might interpret this scene as an illustration of the concept of 'prapatti', or total surrender, which is a central theme in Vaiṣṇava theology, emphasizing the path of devotion as the means to attain liberation. This reading underscores the personal and relational aspects of the divine, where the devotee seeks to please and serve the Lord, mirroring the filial piety seen in Lakshmana's gesture.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda might view this verse as an example of the universal principle of reverence and respect, which is essential for the development of a strong and compassionate character. Lakshmana's bowing to his father, Dasharatha, represents the timeless and cross-cultural value of honoring one's elders and tradition, which Vivekananda saw as a foundation for personal growth and societal harmony. In his lectures and writings, Vivekananda often emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting authority, not out of fear or blind obedience, but out of a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all human experience. This verse, through Lakshmana's gesture, teaches us about the value of humility and the need to cultivate a sense of gratitude and respect towards those who have guided and nurtured us, whether they be our parents, teachers, or the tradition itself, reflecting Vivekananda's vision of a universal and inclusive spirituality that bridges the personal and the collective.