atha rājā prahlādena pravṛttaḥ pūrṇamadrivan .
“Then the king was completely persuaded by Prahlada.”
Structure
atha rājā prahlādena pravṛttaḥ pūrṇam adrivaṇ
rājā (king) atha (then) prahlādena (by Prahlada) pūrṇam (completely) adrivaṇ (not shaken) pravṛttaḥ (become)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| prahlādena | prahlādena | noun | with · singular · masculine | with Prahlāda |
| pravṛttaḥ | pravṛttaḥ | verb | √vṛt · past · third | was approached |
| pūrṇam | pūrṇam | adjective | — | full, complete |
| adrivaṇ | adrivaṇ | compound | dvandva · "adri van" | mountain-forest |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'atha rājā prahlādena pravṛttaḥ pūrṇamadrivan,' signifies the complete persuasion of the king by Prahlada, which can be seen as an allegory for the jiva's (individual self) ultimate realization of its true nature, the brahman. According to Shankara, the true self (ātman) is not different from the ultimate reality (brahman). In his commentary on the Brahmasutra, Shankara emphasizes the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality. The persuasion of the king can be seen as a metaphor for the removal of avidya (ignorance), which veils the true nature of the self. Thus, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self realizes its oneness with the ultimate reality. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's non-dualistic philosophy, where the ultimate goal is to realize the identity of the individual self with the universal self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse highlights the significance of devotion and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Prahlada's persuasion of the king can be seen as an example of the devotee's unwavering faith and devotion to the Lord. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, which is reflected in Prahlada's steadfast devotion to Vishnu. Madhva, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as an example of the dichotomy between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva, through devotion and surrender, can attain a relationship with the Lord. In this context, the verse underscores the significance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in the context of modern Vedanta, can be seen as a call to introspection and self-reflection. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-confidence and the need to look within oneself for guidance. The persuasion of the king by Prahlada can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's inner struggle to find their true purpose and meaning in life. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal principles of Vedanta, which can be applied to contemporary life. In this sense, the verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's convictions and values, even in the face of adversity. By applying the principles of Vedanta to everyday life, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.