tataste dāśarathē rājñi kṛtsnamupajigyatuḥ
“Then they completely conquered the kingdom for the king Dasharatha.”
Structure
tatas te dāśarathē rājñi kṛtsnam upajigyatuḥ
tatas (then) te (they) dāśarathē (to/of Dasaratha) rājñi (to the king) kṛtsnam (all) upajigyatuḥ (conquered)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | thence, from that place |
| te | te | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | they |
| dāśarathē | dāśarathē | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the king of the Raghus (Daśaratha) |
| rājñi | rājñi | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the king |
| kṛtsnam | kṛtsnam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the entire (Rāma's story) |
| upajigyatuḥ | upajigyatuḥ | verb | √jñā · past tense · third | they related, recounted |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara discusses the concept of conquest in the context of the Self. Although there is no direct commentary on this specific verse, the idea of 'conquering the kingdom' can be seen as a metaphor for the conquest of the inner realm. The phrase 'tataste dāśarathē rājñi kṛtsnam upajigyatuḥ' suggests a complete dominance or understanding of one's own kingdom, which in the non-dual tradition, refers to the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. This realization is not about physical conquest but about the understanding that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning on similar passages emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and the illusory nature of the external world, pointing towards the ultimate goal of realizing the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Ramanuja's emphasis on bhakti and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord) provides a rich context for understanding this verse. The 'conquest of the kingdom for King Dasharatha' can be seen as a devotional act, where the subjects' actions are ultimately for the pleasure of the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of selfless service and devotion, where the conquest is not for personal gain but as an offering to the divine. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is central, and actions are considered meaningful when they are dedicated to the service of the Lord. This interpretation aligns with Ramanuja's views on the importance of prapatti, or surrender, to the divine will, emphasizing the loving dependence of the jīva on Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the universal principles that underlie all religious traditions, including the idea of self-conquest. This verse, 'tataste dāśarathē rājñi kṛtsnam upajigyatuḥ', can be seen as a call to inner conquest, where one strives to understand and master their own 'kingdom', symbolizing the mind and its tendencies. Vivekananda's teachings emphasize the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life, suggesting that true strength and conquest come from within. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to strive for self-awareness, self-discipline, and selfless service, recognizing that true fulfillment and happiness come from mastering one's own mind and desires, rather than seeking external victories. This interpretation is in line with Vivekananda's message of the potential for human growth and the importance of realizing one's true nature.