Abstract
The episode of Rama breaking the Shiv Dhanush is widely interpreted as a demonstration of divine strength and destiny. However, when viewed through the lens of Advaita Vedanta and the Mandukya Upanishad, this event reveals a deeper, metaphysical meaning. This paper proposes that the Shiv Dhanush represents the Pranava (OM) as defined in the earlier Yugas by Shiva, emphasizing detachment and asceticism. Rama, embodying the dharma of his Yuga, redefined OM not through rejection but through transcendence and integration with action, dharma, and love. The encounter with Parashurama becomes a symbolic philosophical validation of this redefinition. The discussion is rooted in the Vedantic emphasis on the Mandukya Upanishad, which Adi Shankaracharya called the most essential among all 108.
References
Mandukya Upanishad – Translations by Swami Nikhilananda, Swami Krishnananda.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad – Dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Janaka.
Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda – Description of the Shiv Dhanush.
Shankaracharya's commentaries – On Mandukya, Advaita Vedanta, and Pranava.
Sri Aurobindo, Essays on the Gita – On evolution of dharma and consciousness.
Swami Vivekananda, Jnana Yoga – On fluidity of truth across Yugas.
Swami Rama Tirtha – Lectures on Vedantic reinterpretation of myth.
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