tatastu tvayā havir avi dattam dṛṣṭaṁ putreṇa saha rājaputre !
“Then, O prince, you saw the offered oblation not accepted by your son.”
Structure
tatastu tvayā havir avi dattam dṛṣṭam putreṇa saha rājaputre
tatastu (then) tvayā (by you) havir (oblation) avi (not) dattam (given) dṛṣṭam (seen) putreṇa (with son) saha (together) rājaputre (the prince)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| tvayā | tvayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by you |
| havir | haviḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | oblation, offering |
| avi | avi | indeclinable | — | not |
| dattam | dattam | verb | √dā · past participle | given |
| dṛṣṭam | dṛṣṭam | verb | √dṛś · past participle | seen |
| putreṇa | putreṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the son |
| saha | saha | indeclinable | — | with |
| rājaputre | rājaputre | compound | dvandva · "rājaputreṇa saha" | with the prince (or king's son) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the non-dual reading is underscored by the use of 'dṛṣṭaṁ' or 'seen', which implies a direct perception that transcends the duality of subject and object. According to Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, the ultimate reality or Brahman is the essence of all existence. The 'havir avi dattam' or the oblation not accepted can symbolize the non-acceptance of the ephemeral world by the seeker of truth, pointing towards the eternal and unchanging Brahman. This verse, in the context of the Ramayana, suggests that Rama's perception or understanding of the world is not bound by the dualities of acceptance and rejection but is rooted in the awareness of the ultimate reality. Thus, it supports the Advaita notion of the identity of Brahman and Atman, where the individual self (Atman) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an illustration of the bhakti or devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (God). The 'havir avi dattam' can be interpreted as the offerings or efforts made by the devotee towards God, symbolizing the surrender of one's actions and their fruits to the divine. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of bhakti as a means to realize the ultimate truth. In this context, the verse suggests Rama's realization of the divine plan and his acceptance of it, reflecting a deeper devotional understanding where the individual will is surrendered to the divine will. This surrender is a key aspect of Vaiṣṇava theology, highlighting the loving and dependent relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the universal principles that underlie all religious and philosophical traditions. In the context of this verse, the idea of 'dṛṣṭaṁ' or 'seen' can be related to Vivekananda's emphasis on direct experience and intuition as the basis of spiritual realization. The oblation not accepted can symbolize the detachment from worldly desires and outcomes, which Vivekananda saw as essential for spiritual growth. He emphasized the importance of self-realization and the potential for every individual to achieve it, regardless of their background or circumstances. This verse, in a modern context, can inspire individuals to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, encouraging a life of purpose, detachment, and service, as reflected in Vivekananda's teachings. It underscores the universal message of self-realization and the pursuit of one's true nature, applicable to all aspects of contemporary life.