tato lakṣmaṇam āhvayat prahlādano nīśām agraṁ
“Then Prahlada called Lakshmana to the front at the end of the night.”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇam āhvayat prahlādano nīśām agraṁ
prahlādanaḥ (Prahladana) tato (then) lakṣmaṇam (Lakshmana) nīśām (night) agraṁ (early part of) āhvayat (called)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇam | lakṣmaṇam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| āhvayat | āhvayat | verb | √hū · laṣṭa · third | called, summoned |
| prahlādano | prahlādano | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Prahlāda |
| nīśām | nīśām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | night |
| agram | agram | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | beginning, foremost part |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, when examined through the lens of non-dualism, underscores the theme of unity and the interconnectedness of all beings. Prahlada's call to Lakshmana at the end of the night symbolizes the eternal and unbroken connection between the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). In his commentary on the Brahmasutras, Shankara discusses the concept of 'avasthatraya' or the three states of consciousness, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is beyond these states. Although Shankara does not directly comment on this specific verse, his overall philosophical stance suggests that the distinction between Prahlada and Lakshmana, or any beings for that matter, is a superficial one. This understanding points towards the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is not separate from the universal self. Thus, the call from Prahlada to Lakshmana metaphorically represents the inner awakening or the recognition of this innate unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as an illustration of the relationship between the devotee (jiva) and the Lord (Īśvara). Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, calling out to Lakshmana, brother of Rama (an avatar of Vishnu), signifies the bond between the Lord's devotees and His divine will. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti or self-surrender to the Lord, which aligns with the idea of Prahlada, a surrendered soul, being in harmony with the divine plan as represented by Lakshmana's presence. This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava philosophy, highlights the interdependence between the individual soul and the divine, encouraging a devotional approach to understanding spiritual relationships.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often emphasized the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to action, symbolizing the awakening of the individual's inner strength and potential, much like Prahlada's call to Lakshmana. In his lectures, Vivekananda frequently discussed the importance of recognizing and actualizing one's true nature, which is beyond the limitations of the mundane world. This verse serves as a reminder of the universal call to rise above petty differences and to unite in the pursuit of spiritual growth and self-realization. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, would likely interpret this as an invitation to transcend the boundaries of the individual self, embracing a more universal and inclusive understanding of human existence. This modern interpretation underscores the verse's relevance to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to strive for unity and spiritual enlightenment.