English Commentaries


Dasaratha on debts 2.4.1-15

Here, the expression ‘jayamanah…’ suggests that a brahmin owes three debts, viz. [1]debt to the gods repaid through brahmacarya or the study of the vedas [2] debt to the seers repaid through yajna or sacrifice and [3] debt to the manes repaid through the procreation of a son . In later times, the smrtis have added two more debts, viz. [1] debt to mankind paid off through dana or benevolence, and [2] debt to atman, paid off through enjoyment of pleasures. The latter two are understood here by implication.


Dasaratha’s reasons for hastening Rama’s consecration 2.4.23-29

Dasaratha says, “The astrologers tell me that the asterism has been seized by planets such as Surya, Angaraka, and Rahu. On the appearance of these portents, the king either dies or meets with a grave calamity. “O king, do not think you have no opponent, they observed, the mind of man is not constant. Some one may put a demand against your resolve. Hence, install Rama in the office of the prince regent till your mind is not perverted by an adverse demand”. Today Punarvasu, the asterism prior to Pusya, is ascendant with the Moon. Tomorrow Pushya in conjunction with the Moon is auspicious. Bharata, too, is off to his maternal uncle’s, a place far away from Ayodhya. This is the moment fit for your coronation.
This implies that on Bharata’s arrival, it would be difficult to conduct Rama’s coronation ceremony. Dasaratha reminded Rama of the bestowal of the kingdom upon Bharata as the price agreed to in the presence of the king of Kekaya. (26 kamam iti) at the time of his wedding with Kaikeyi. “Rama!” continued Dasaratha, “I know Bharata is obedient. He abides by the rules of dharma.” These words imply: [1] Firm in his resolve that the eldest should be consecrated on the throne, Bharata intentionally has prolonged his stay at Kekaya. [2] Afraid of the break of promise given by father, Rama will not allow his consecration against his will, assuming that Bharata would claim the kingship. [3] The promise comprising the bestowal of kingdom as the price of wedding was to be executed only when the son of Kekaya’s daughter would demand it. [4] Bearing with the facts, Bharata had promised Dasaratha that he would not return to Ayodhya from his maternal uncle’s home until Rama’s coronation commenced.


Rama greets Lakshmana 2.4.42-47

“Brother, you are my second life. Naturally, you too have attained the glorious kingdom. Rule it with me.”
The expression means that Lakshmana, living with Rama, should rule the earth and the mind of Rama. That is, he should aid and advise him.