tataḥ pravṛtto raghu-nandanasya gāthām āhuḥ

tataḥ (then) raghu-nandanasya (of the scion of Raghu) gāthām (the song) āhuḥ (they spoke), pravṛtto (having begun)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tataḥ pravṛtto raghunandanasya gāthāmāhuḥ' underscores the non-dual nature of reality by pointing towards the ultimate reality beyond the transient tales of human achievements, such as those of Raghunandana. According to Shankara's reasoning in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, the ultimate truth (Brahman) is that which remains unchanged and untouched by the flux of worldly events. This verse, in the context of the Ramayana, serves as a reminder to seek the timeless and unchanging essence beyond the temporal stories of heroes like Rama (Raghunandana). By engaging with such narratives, the seeker is guided towards understanding the distinction between the ephemeral and the eternal, ultimately leading to the realization of the identity of the individual self (Atman) with the universal reality (Brahman). Shankara's emphasis on the discriminative understanding (viveka) of the permanent amidst the impermanent is crucial here, as it facilitates the transition from the mundane to the transcendental. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's method of using worldly examples to illustrate spiritual truths, found in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, where he discusses the importance of detachment and the pursuit of self-knowledge.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The narrative of Raghunandana, as begun in this verse, is emblematic of the devotional relationship between the jiva (individual soul) and Ishvara (the Lord). In Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita philosophy, the stories of divine incarnations like Rama serve to illustrate the loving interactions between God and his devotees, highlighting the path of bhakti (devotion) as the means to attain spiritual liberation. The verse suggests that the telling of Rama's tale is not merely a retelling of historical events but an act of devotion that connects the devotee with the divine. This is in line with Ramanuja's teaching on the importance of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, where the devotee finds solace and liberation in the stories and attributes of God. Madhva, on the other hand, would emphasize the distinction between the Lord and His devotees, viewing Rama's story as a manifestation of God's grace and a call to the devotee to engage in loving service (seva) to the Lord, thereby deepening their personal relationship with Him.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound lesson on the universal and practical application of spirituality in everyday life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasized the importance of inspiring stories and the lives of great personalities like Rama in motivating individuals towards self-improvement and service to humanity. The narrative of Raghunandana symbolizes the human quest for perfection and the ideals of dharma, duty, and compassion. According to Vivekananda, the retelling of such stories serves as a catalyst for personal transformation, encouraging individuals to strive for their highest potential and to live a life of purpose and meaning. In a similar vein, S. Radhakrishnan underscores the relevance of mythological and epic narratives in contemporary life, seeing them as repositories of moral and spiritual wisdom that can guide individuals through the complexities of modern existence. By engaging with these stories, individuals can connect with timeless values and principles, thereby enriching their personal and collective lives.

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