tathā daśaratho rājā pitṛvat prītimān bhavet
“And King Daśaratha, like a father, was delighted.”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā pitṛvat prītimān bhavet
daśaratho rājā tathā pitṛvat prītimān bhavet
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | in that manner, thus |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (king's name) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| pitṛvat | pitṛvat | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | like a father |
| prītimān | prītimān | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | delighted, pleased |
| bhavet | bhavet | verb | √bhū · optative · third | may be, should be |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tathā daśaratho rājā pitṛvat prītimān bhavet, hints at the non-dual nature of reality by portraying King Daśaratha's delight like a father's. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) highlights the importance of understanding the true nature of the self, which is not separate from Brahman. In this context, Daśaratha's paternal affection illustrates the universal, unconditional love that underlies all existence. The phrase 'pitṛvat' (like a father) suggests a profound, innate connection transcending individual relationships, pointing towards the ultimate reality where distinctions dissolve. Śaṅkara's emphasis on self-inquiry and the realization of one's true nature as Brahman-ātman is reflected in the joy that comes from understanding this verse, which encourages the seeker to look beyond the fleeting, to the eternal, non-dual essence that pervades all, including the paternal affection of Daśaratha.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse showcases the paternal love of King Daśaratha for his sons, mirroring the divine love of Īśvara for all jīvas. Rāmānujācārya's commentary emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize this divine love, highlighting the intimate, personal relationship between the lord and the devotee. The phrase 'prītimān bhavet' (was delighted) underscores the bliss that arises from such a relationship, reflecting the joy of Īśvara in the devotion of his followers. In the context of this verse, Daśaratha's delight symbolizes the divine pleasure in the devotion and service of the jīvas, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the relationship between the lord and his devotees. This understanding encourages a deepening of one's devotion, recognizing the paternal, protective, and loving nature of Īśvara towards all beings.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound lesson in universal love and acceptance, relevant to contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often emphasized the importance of recognizing and cultivating this universal love, which transcends individual boundaries and relationships. The image of King Daśaratha, delighted like a father, encourages us to embrace our roles in life with similar paternal affection, fostering an environment of care, compassion, and understanding. This approach to life, as reflected in this verse, has practical applications in modern society, where empathy, love, and non-discrimination are increasingly recognized as essential for a harmonious and progressive world. By embracing the universal implications of this paternal love, we move towards a more inclusive, compassionate society, embodying the principles of neo-Vedānta that emphasize the oneness of all existence and the importance of love as a unifying force.