tayostu mahatoḥ śūrāu rāmo lakṣmaṇaśca te ।
“Of those two great and heroic brothers, You are Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.”
Structure
tayoḥ tu mahataḥ śūrāu rāmo lakṣmaṇaḥ ca te
te tayoḥ mahataḥ śūrāu rāmo lakṣmaṇaḥ ca
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tayoḥ | tayoḥ | pronoun | genitive · dual · masculine | of them two |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| mahataḥ | mahataḥ | adjective | — | from the great ones |
| śūrāu | śūrāu | adjective | — | the two heroes |
| rāmo | rāmo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Rāma |
| lakṣmaṇaḥ | lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| te | te | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | they, your |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tayostu mahatoḥ śūrāu rāmo lakṣmaṇaḥ ca te, highlights the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the distinction between Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, like all distinctions, is a product of māyā. The ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond such distinctions. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara states that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the supreme self (Brahman). This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by implying that Rāma, the supreme self, and Lakṣmaṇa, the individual self, are ultimately one. The phrase 'tayostu mahatoḥ śūrāu' suggests that both brothers are great and heroic, indicating that their true nature is not bound by their individual characteristics. By recognizing this non-dual reality, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the supreme lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving a personal relationship with Īśvara. The verse 'tayostu mahatoḥ śūrāu rāmo lakṣmaṇaḥ ca te' suggests that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are both great and heroic, but Rāma is the supreme lord and Lakṣmaṇa is his devoted servant. This relationship between Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa serves as a model for the devotee's relationship with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as emphasizing the difference between the supreme lord (Rāma) and the individual self (Lakṣmaṇa), highlighting the importance of surrender and devotion to achieve salvation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of selflessness and service to others. The verse 'tayostu mahatoḥ śūrāu rāmo lakṣmaṇaḥ ca te' suggests that true greatness is not measured by individual achievement, but by the ability to work together for the greater good. Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, as brothers, demonstrate the power of cooperation and mutual support. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal appeal of this verse, noting that the ideals of brotherhood and selflessness are relevant across cultures and traditions. In today's world, marked by division and conflict, this verse reminds us of the importance of coming together to achieve common goals and promoting the well-being of all humanity.