atha rājā prahlādena pravṛttaḥ pārśvam athā hṛtya .
“Then the king, influenced by Prahlada, having called him aside,”
Structure
atha rājā prahlādena pravṛttaḥ pārśvam athā hṛtya
atha (then) rājā (the king) prahlādena (by Prahlāda) pravṛttaḥ (having been assailed or attacked) athā (then) pārśvam (the side or flank) hṛtya (having drawn back or withdrawn)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| prahlādena | prahlādena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with Prahlāda |
| pravṛttaḥ | pravṛttaḥ | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | having been approached or undertaken |
| pārśvam | pārśvam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | side, flank |
| athā | athā | indeclinable | — | and, moreover |
| hṛtya | hṛtya | verb | √hṛ · gerund · third | having taken, having seized |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the influence of a jñānī, like Prahlada, on a worldly figure, such as the king. According to Shankara, the king's actions, guided by Prahlada, exemplify the effect of knowledge on the worldly sphere. Shankara notes that even a king, bound by his duties, can be influenced by wisdom, symbolizing the potential for self-realization in all beings. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, as Prahlada's wisdom, derived from his understanding of the ultimate reality, guides the king's actions, highlighting the non-dual nature of existence. As Shankara writes in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, 'The knowledge of the Self is the remover of all evils' (BS 1.1.1). This verse thus supports the Advaita view of the ultimate reality as the sole guiding principle for human actions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The relationship between Prahlada and the king depicted in this verse is emblematic of the connection between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Ramanuja interprets Prahlada's role as that of a devotee who, through his selfless devotion, influences others, like the king, to follow the path of dharma. This verse demonstrates the interdependence of the jīva and Īśvara, where the former seeks guidance from the latter, and the latter guides the former through the agency of devotees like Prahlada. Madhva also emphasizes the importance of the guru-disciple relationship, which is illustrated here by the interaction between Prahlada and the king, highlighting the role of the guru in guiding the disciple towards the ultimate goal of liberation. As Ramanuja notes in his Sri Bhashya, 'The Lord, out of his mercy, guides the individual selves through various means' (SB 1.1.1).
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal message, applicable to contemporary life. Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of the influence of good company, as exemplified by Prahlada's effect on the king. He notes that we are all influenced by those around us, and it is our duty to surround ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us. Radhakrishnan also highlights the significance of this verse in the context of the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. He argues that the king's decision to seek Prahlada's counsel demonstrates the value of seeking guidance from those who have attained a higher level of understanding. As Vivekananda writes in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', 'The greatest power is the power of prejudice, and the greatest slavery is the slavery of fear' (CW 6.211). This verse encourages us to seek out wise and compassionate guides, like Prahlada, who can help us overcome our limitations and attain our full potential.