tataḥ sa rājā mithilāṃ praviveśa mahitaḥ
“Then, that great king entered Mithilā.”
Structure
tataḥ sa rājā mahitaḥ mithilāṃ praviveśa
tataḥ (then) sa (that) rājā (king) mahitaḥ (honored) mithilāṃ (into Mithilā) praviveśa (entered)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| mahitaḥ | mahitaḥ | verb | √mah · past participle · third | having gone, having entered |
| mithilāṃ | mithilāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | Mithilā |
| praviveśa | praviveśa | verb | √viś · preterit · third | he entered |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ sa rājā mithilāṃ praviveśa mahitaḥ', holds a profound significance in the context of non-dualistic philosophy. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the movement of the king into Mithilā symbolizes the journey of the individual self (jīva) into the realm of the ultimate reality (Brahman). The king, representing the individual self, enters Mithilā, which signifies the threshold to the understanding of Brahman. This entry isnot just a physical movement but a metaphysical one, indicating the dissolution of the ego and the realization of the true self. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, highlights the importance of understanding the identity of Brahman and ātman, which is echoed in this verse as the king's entry into Mithilā represents the ātman's realization of its true nature as Brahman. Thus, this verse points to the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedānta: the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely view the king's entry into Mithilā as an allegory for the devotee's journey towards union with the divine. The king, as a symbol of the devotee, enters the city of Mithilā, signifying the devotee's approach towards the divine realm. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the distinction between the king (jīva) and the city of Mithilā (Īśvara), highlighting the doctrine of absolute difference between the individual self and the Supreme Lord. Both interpretations, however, underscore the importance of devotion and the ultimate dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, reflecting the core of Vaiṣṇava theology.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, might interpret this verse as a call to action and self-realization. The king's entry into Mithilā can be seen as a symbol for the individual's journey towards self-discovery and the realization of one's true potential. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of individual effort and the pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, another influential figure in Neo-Vedānta, might view this verse as a reminder of the universal and eternal principles that govern human life. The king's entry into Mithilā could represent the individual's entry into a life of purpose and meaning, guided by the principles of dharma and the pursuit of knowledge. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan would likely emphasize the practical application of this verse, encouraging individuals to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and to realize their place within the larger cosmic scheme.