tato lakṣmaṇaḥ prahlādanaḥ prahṛṣṭaḥ sahodaraḥ .
“Then Lakshmana, the rejoicing and delighted brother, ”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇaḥ prahlādanaḥ prahṛṣṭaḥ sahodaraḥ
tato (then) lakṣmaṇaḥ (Lakshmana) prahlādanaḥ (delighting) prahṛṣṭaḥ (very glad) sahodaraḥ (younger brother)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇaḥ | lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| prahlādanaḥ | prahlādanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son of Prahlāda (or rejoicer) |
| prahṛṣṭaḥ | prahṛṣṭaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | delighted, rejoiced |
| sahodaraḥ | sahodaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | co-wombed brother, brother born from the same womb |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse presents Lakshmana as a symbol of the individual self (jiva) that rejoices and delights in the presence of the ultimate reality (Brahman), represented by Rama. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra, highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self is ultimately identical with Brahman. In the context of this verse, Lakshmana's delight and rejoicing signify the jiva's inherent longing for union with the ultimate reality. This verse, therefore, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, like Lakshmana, finds fulfillment and joy in the realization of its true nature as Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes the importance of understanding this non-dual relationship to attain liberation. The verse serves as a reminder that the individual self's ultimate goal is to realize its identity with Brahman, leading to a state of eternal bliss and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the beautiful relationship between the jiva (Lakshmana) and Īśvara (Rama), showcasing the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition. Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhasya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing the ultimate reality. Lakshmana's rejoicing and delight in the presence of Rama demonstrate the ideal devotee's attitude, characterized by selfless love and devotion. This verse underscores the Vaiṣṇava concept of prapatti, where the individual self surrenders to the ultimate reality, seeking refuge and protection. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, also highlights the significance of this verse, demonstrating how the jiva's devotion to Īśvara leads to a deep sense of fulfillment and liberation. The verse serves as a testament to the transformative power of devotion, enabling the individual self to experience the divine presence and attain a state of eternal bliss.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message of unity and harmony, relevant to contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Rāmāyaṇa, emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine in every individual, echoing the universal and practical application of this verse. Lakshmana's rejoicing and delight in the presence of Rama represent the human aspiration for connection and unity with something greater than oneself. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, highlights the significance of this verse in promoting a sense of global citizenship and cooperation. The verse encourages us to cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and understanding, recognizing that our individual selves are interconnected and interdependent. By embracing this message, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and peaceful world, where individuals can rejoice and delight in each other's presence, just as Lakshmana does in the presence of Rama.