Tathāgatavacḥ śrutvā Jānakīm abhivadan । Nīlavarṇaṃ mahātmānaṃ vānarair api sevitam ॥ ८६ ॥
“Having heard Rama's words, Janaki praised him and the great souled one with a dark complexion, who was respected by the monkeys.”
Structure
tathāgata-vacah śrutvā Jānakīm abhivadan nīla-varṇam mahā-tmānam vānarair api sevitam
tathāgata-vacah (words of one who has gone thus) śrutvā (having heard) Jānakīm (Sītā) abhivadan (having greeted) nīla-varṇam (having a blue colour) mahā-tmānam (the great-souled one) vānarair (by monkeys) api (even) sevitam (being served)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathāgata-vacah | tathāgata-vacah | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tathāgataḥ vacasā" | words of the Tathāgata |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| Jānakīm | Jānakīm | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | Jānakī (Sītā) |
| abhivadan | abhivadan | indeclinable | — | paying homage to, greeting |
| nīla-varṇam | nīla-varṇam | compound | karmadhāraya · "nīlam varṇam yasya" | of blue color |
| mahā-tmānam | mahā-tmānam | compound | karmadhāraya · "mahān ātmā yasya" | the great being |
| vānarair | vānarair | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | by monkeys |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| sevitam | sevitam | verb | √sev · past participle · third | served, attended |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the non-dual nature of reality is subtly indicated through the description of Rama, the great-souled one with a dark complexion. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, explains that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all attributes and dualities. The reverence of the monkeys towards Rama symbolizes the inherent recognition of the ātman, the individual self, within all beings. The dark complexion of Rama may be seen as a symbol of the Unknown, the Unmanifest, which is the ultimate essence of Brahman. By venerating Rama, Janaki is, in essence, acknowledging the identity of the individual self with the universal self, thereby hinting at the non-dual Brahman-ātman identity. This verse, through its depiction of devotion and recognition, points towards the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedānta: the realization of the oneness of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse showcases the devotional relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotion, in realizing the true nature of the self and its relationship with the Supreme. The reverence of the monkeys towards Rama illustrates the natural inclination of all beings towards the divine. Janaki's praise of Rama highlights the role of the jīva in recognizing and surrendering to the will of Īśvara. This verse, within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain liberation. The relationship between Rama and the monkeys, as well as Janaki's devotion, exemplifies the Vaiṣṇava ideology of the jīva-Īśvara relationship, where the individual self seeks to realize its inherent dependence on and connection with the Supreme Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the universal principles of recognition, reverence, and service. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, highlights the importance of recognizing the divine in all beings and serving humanity as a means to realize the ultimate reality. The description of Rama as the great-souled one, revered by all, including the monkeys, symbolizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. Janaki's praise of Rama serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and recognition of the higher self within all beings. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages us to adopt a broader perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence and the inherent value of every individual. As S. Rādhākrishnan noted, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize this universal consciousness, and verses like this one guide us towards achieving that goal by fostering a sense of unity, respect, and service towards all.