athā rājā jagāma tūrṇaṁ saparivāro manoharaḥ
“Then the king, who was pleasing to the mind, went quickly with his family.”
Structure
athā rājā tūrṇam jagāma saparivāro manoharaḥ
athā (then) rājā (the king) tūrṇam (quickly) jagāma (went) saparivāro (with his family) manoharaḥ (the captivating one)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| athā | athā | indeclinable | — | then, therefore |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tūrṇam | tūrṇam | indeclinable | — | quickly, swiftly |
| jagāma | jagāma | verb | √gam · past · third | he went |
| saparivāro | saparivāro | compound | bahuvrīhi · "saḥ parivāreṇa" | with his retinue |
| manoharaḥ | manoharaḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "manasaḥ harā" | delightful, charming |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the impermanent nature of worldly attachments, even for a king. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (particularly 1.1.5) discusses the concept of 'anātman' or the non-self, which is relevant here. The king's hasty departure with his family (athā rājā jagāma tūrṇaṁ saparivāro manoharaḥ) illustrates the fleeting nature of human experiences and relationships. This impermanence underscores the distinction between the ephemeral world and the eternal, unchanging Brahman. By contemplating the transience of worldly life, one may turn towards the pursuit of Self-knowledge (ātma-jñāna), recognizing the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Brahman. Thus, this verse indirectly points to the non-dual reality, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral to the eternal.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse as an example of divine providence guiding human actions. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (especially 3.21-24) discusses how the actions of exemplary individuals inspire others to follow the path of dharma. The king's decision to leave quickly (tūrṇaṁ) with his family suggests a surrender to a higher will, demonstrating the dependency of the jīva (the individual self) on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). This surrender is a fundamental aspect of Vaiṣṇava theology, emphasizing the loving relationship between the devotee and the divine. The use of 'manoharaḥ' (pleasing to the mind) to describe the king indicates a ruler whose actions are in harmony with divine will, appealing to the hearts of his subjects and thereby establishing a virtuous reign that reflects the divine order.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's emphasis on the harmony between the individual and the universal can be applied to this verse. The king's rapid departure with his family can be seen as a symbol of adaptability and the willingness to change, values that are crucial in contemporary life. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, underscores the importance of being 'unattached' yet fully engaged in one's duties, a concept that resonates with the king's actions. This verse thus offers a practical lesson in detachment and duty (niskāma karma), encouraging individuals to navigate life's challenges with grace and balance. Furthermore, the description of the king as 'manoharaḥ' highlights the importance of leading a life that is aesthetically and morally pleasing, contributing to the greater good of society.