atha rājā tada dṛṣṭvā putraṁ putravatāṁ varam
“Then the king, having seen his son, the best among those having sons”
Structure
atha rājā tada dṛṣṭvā putraṁ putravatāṁ varam
rājā (king) tada (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) atha (now) putraṁ (son) putravatāṁ (of those who have sons) varam (the best)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tada | tada | indeclinable | — | then |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| putraṁ | putraṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | son |
| putravatāṁ | putravatāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of those having sons |
| varam | varam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | best, excellent one |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, within the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, signifies the king's realization of his son as an embodiment of the absolute, underscoring the non-dual nature of reality. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 2, verse 55), the true self is untouched by worldly events, similar to how the king's perception of his son transcends the son's physical presence. This echoes the concept of brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate reality (Brahman) is recognized within the individual self (ātman). The phrase 'putravatāṁ varam' suggests the best among those having sons, indicating that true value lies not in worldly possessions or relations but in the realization of the non-dual essence. Shankara's reasoning on the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality (Brahman) is exemplified here, as the king's affection and pride in his son symbolize the attachment to the world, which must be transcended to achieve liberation. By seeing the world and its relations as mere appearances, one can attain the understanding of the brahman-ātman identity, freeing oneself from the cycle of birth and death.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an illustration of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (God). The king's joy upon seeing his son embodies the parental affection of God towards His devotees. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, discusses the concept of 'aprakaṭatva,' or the unseen nature of God, which becomes manifest through devotion. This verse can be seen as a metaphor for the Lord's affection for those who have taken refuge in Him, much like a king's love for his son. The phrase 'putravatāṁ varam' represents the pinnacle of such devotion, where the devotee is considered the best among those who seek a relationship with God. This relationship is rooted in the concept of 'bhakti' or devotion, where the devotee seeks union with God through love and service, reflecting the unconditional love of a parent for their child.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Common Bases of Hinduism,' emphasized the universal principles that underlie Hindu scriptures, including the concept of the divine within every being. This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa illustrates this principle, where the king's recognition of his son as 'the best among those having sons' symbolizes the innate perfection and divinity within every individual. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life,' discusses how Hinduism offers a comprehensive view of life that encompasses both the spiritual and the mundane. The king's pride in his son reflects the human aspiration for excellence and the pursuit of perfection, which, according to Radhakrishnan, is a fundamental drive of human existence. This drive, when directed towards spiritual growth and self-realization, leads to the understanding that every being is a manifestation of the divine, and thus, worthy of respect and love. This verse, therefore, has a practical application in contemporary life, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and nurturing the divine potential within ourselves and others.