Priyavrata A King Whose Heart Was Devoted to God

ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya

 Priyavrata: The King Who Lived by Divine Will

King Priyavrata's life is a beautiful tale of duty, devotion, and divine guidance. Though born with a heart dedicated to spirituality, Priyavrata was called upon by Lord Brahma to take up the role of a king.

Despite his longing for solitude and a life free from worldly attachments, he accepted his responsibilities as a ruler.

In doing so, he not only shaped the physical world by creating the seven continents and seas but also demonstrated how one can fulfill their duties with complete devotion to the divine.

Priyavrata’s story teaches us that true spirituality isn't about escaping life’s responsibilities but about embracing them with a heart devoted to a higher purpose.

It shows how, even in the midst of worldly duties, one can remain connected to the divine, always guided by a sense of service and love.

His life encourages us to look beyond personal desires and focus on what we can contribute to the world with grace, wisdom, and compassion.

Divine wisdom meets royal duty—Priyavrata's journey begins.

The Beautiful Blend of Duty and Devotion in Priyavrata’s Life

Suta was narrating the life stories of great devotees of the Lord to Shaunaka and others. Among them, he told the story of Parikshit, who was cursed by the son of Sage Shameeka that he would die in seven days from a snake bite by Takshaka.

After that, as Parikshit contemplated the highest form of action to undertake before his death, Shukadeva began to narrate the Bhagavata Purana to him. Suta was recounting exactly what Shuka had said.

In the dialogue between Maitreya and Vidura, many stories that Shuka had told were shared. After the narration of the Uttanapada lineage, came the story of Priyavrata, the eldest son of Swayambhuva Manu.

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Parikshit asked Shukadeva, “O Sage! Why did Priyavrata develop an interest in worldly life? He was detached, renounced, and a devotee of the Lord.

How did he get involved in household life? Such devotees usually have no attachment to family life, do they? I feel that even while living in the world, his mind remained fixed on Lord Hari.”

Shukadeva replied, “You are right. Those who taste the nectar of devotion lose interest in worldly pleasures.

Narada had instructed Priyavrata, which had awakened detachment in his heart. He was planning to take initiation into 'Brahmasatra'."

“What is Brahmasatra?” Parikshit asked.

“Brahmasatra,” said Shuka, “is the vow of continuously meditating on the Supreme Brahman until death.” Priyavrata was about to take that vow.

But Manu ordered him to take on the responsibilities of ruling the kingdom. Priyavrata was indeed worthy of being a king.

However, he had offered his mind completely at the feet of Lord Vasudeva. He was unwilling to once again entangle himself in kingship, wealth, power, and family life.

Brahma was concerned how would creation continue to expand? Priyavrata’s renunciation meant a lack of a righteous ruler for the Earth.

Good citizens and good kings are essential for the cycle of creation to run smoothly. Priyavrata’s withdrawal was not acceptable.

So Brahma decided to visit Priyavrata with the Vedas and sages, to persuade him. As Brahma came, all the deities, Siddhas, and Gandharvas praised and worshipped him along the way.

Narada, who was also present to impart the knowledge of the Self to Priyavrata, welcomed Brahma along with Priyavrata.

Everyone took their seats. Brahma said to Priyavrata, “O King, such is the greatness of Lord Vishnu that even I and Shiva act according to His command.

Whatever system He has established, all follow. It is true that you have no attachment to worldly life. But Manu’s command is the will of the Lord it is your duty. You should perform it with detachment.

Even the liberated souls take part in divine duties. Even if one’s personal desires are destroyed, there is no fault in performing the Lord’s work of creation, preservation, and destruction.

That is the principle. A person who has control over his mind and senses is not harmed even by living the life of a householder. O King, obey Manu’s command as a sacred vow. If you wish to conquer the inner enemies like desire and anger, that conquest must begin at home.

Once you have overcome them, you can choose to live in a forest or a cave. But true victory over the mind does not come from external renunciation; one must renounce from within.

Therefore, Priyavrata, do not insist on doing only what pleases you. As a sacred vow, accept Manu’s command and rule the kingdom.”

Hearing Lord Brahma’s wise counsel, Priyavrata gave up his resistance. He had no pride, no ego so he bowed to the command of Brahma and accepted his duty. Thus, with detachment in his heart, he embraced kingship as a service to the Lord.

He ruled the earth with great wisdom and justice. He married Barhishmati, the daughter of Vishwakarma, and had ten sons with her.

Of these, three Agnidra, Idhmajihva, and Yajnabahu became the future rulers of different regions, and the remaining seven became great sages, taking to spiritual paths. Priyavrata also had a daughter named Urjaswati.

Priyavrata’s brilliance was such that once, when the Sun was on one side of the earth and the other side was in darkness, Priyavrata decided to resolve it. With his divine chariot, he circled the entire earth seven times.

These seven paths became the seven great oceans, dividing the earth into seven continents. Each continent had its own unique name, features, and ruler.

Despite performing such grand deeds, Priyavrata remained inwardly detached. After fulfilling his duties as a king, he gradually handed over the kingdom to his son Agnidra and returned to solitude.

He spent the rest of his life in contemplation of the Supreme Lord, absorbed in the bliss of devotion. His mind never got entangled in worldly attachments again.

Such was the glorious life of Priyavrata who lived in the world, performed his duties, but remained untouched by them like a lotus leaf in water.

Agnidra, Priyavrata’s son, became the ruler of Jambudweep. Longing for children, he went to Mount Mandara and began to worship Lord Brahma through deep penance.

Pleased with his devotion, Brahma sent a celestial maiden named Purvachitti to him.

At that time, Agnidra was performing his austerities in a serene ashram, surrounded by lush groves, blooming flowers, melodious birds, and fragrant winds. Purvachitti descended there gracefully, playing in the gardens. Her anklets jingled sweetly as she walked.

Hearing that sound, Agnidra opened his eyes and beheld her captivating beauty.

She had divine ornaments, a radiant form, graceful movements, and a charming smile. Her very presence enchanted him.

Seeing her, Agnidra was overcome with admiration and desire. He realized she was sent by Brahma to fulfill his wish and praised her beauty with loving words.

Purvachitti too was captivated by Agnidra’s noble form and fell in love with him. They lived together as husband and wife for many thousands of years.

She bore him nine sons: Nābhī, Kimpurusha, Harivarsha, Ilavrata, Ramyaka, Hiranmaya, Kuru, Bhadrāśva, and Ketumāla.

Agnidra divided Jambudweep into nine parts and gave each son a portion to rule. These sons ruled righteously, continuing the lineage.

After fulfilling his duties, Agnidra performed holy rituals and ascended to the heavens, enjoying celestial pleasures. Purvachitti returned to her heavenly abode after bearing her nine sons.

These nine sons married the nine daughters of Mount Meru and carried forward the righteous rule in their respective lands.

Nābhī, Agnidra’s son, did not have any children for a long time. Together with his wife Merudevi, he performed a great yajña (sacrifice) to please the Supreme Lord. During the yajña, they prayed for a son who would be like the Lord Himself.

Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before them in His divine form clad in yellow garments, adorned with ornaments, and holding His conch, discus, mace, and lotus.

The priests present during the yajña offered their heartfelt prayers to the Lord. They said:

"O Lord! We are Your humble devotees. Repeated salutations to You! You are beyond nature and its qualities. Even the gods cannot truly praise You, for You are beyond comprehension. Your holy name alone removes the fear of worldly existence.

We, simple-minded humans, worship You with small offerings like tulsi leaves and holy water and yet You graciously accept them and reveal Yourself to us. This is the greatest blessing. You are the ocean of mercy without cause. Even great sages sing Your glories.

O beloved of the humble! Please bless us that we may always remember You while sitting, walking, sleeping, laughing, crying, and even at the moment of death."

Then they added, "O Lord! Nābhī desires a child. But not just any child — he wishes for a son like You. This desire is rare and extraordinary. Who else but You can fulfill it?"

King Priyavrata in deep reflection, guided by the wisdom of sages and the will of the divine.

Listening to their prayers, Lord Vishnu replied

"O sages, you have asked for something very rare a son equal to Me. But who else is there like Me in all creation? Since you have spoken truthfully and with devotion, I Myself will take birth as Nābhī and Merudevi’s son, in My partial incarnation

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Thus, Lord Vishnu Himself incarnated as their son a radiant being full of divine knowledge and spiritual strength. His name was Bhagavān Ṛṣabhadeva.

The Story of the Prachetas

 

ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

     Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya

The Divine Journey of the Prachetas: From Penance to Enlightenment

 A timeless tale of ten royal brothers whose deep penance, divine vision, and spiritual awakening teach us the power of devotion, detachment, and the true purpose of life.

Lord narayana descending gracefully on garuda surronunded by divine light, as seen by the meditating prachetas near the ocean 

The Story of the Prachetas

The Prachetas’ minds were filled with joy. As soon as they had the divine vision, they prostrated fully with devotion.

In a sweet tone, Lord Shri Hari said to the Prachetas, “O sons of the king, may you be blessed. There is deep love among you.

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 I am pleased by the love you have for one another. Ask for a boon. Whoever remembers you in the evening by chanting ‘Pracheta, Pracheta!’ will always have love among his brothers and friendship with all living beings in the world.

 The one who recites the hymn composed by Rudra in praise of me, both morning and evening, to him I will grant desirable boons and the gift of pure intellect.

 Your fame as dutiful sons will spread across the world. You will have a son who will be as wise as Brahma himself.

O princes! Long ago, from the sage named Kandu and the celestial nymph Pramloca, a beautiful daughter was born. Leaving her behind, the apsara returned to heaven.

Manu said, “We cannot grasp it completely! Lord Shankar taught us your hymn. We sang it with the best of our ability. Kindly accept it with grace!

O Lord Vasudeva! We bow to you!”

Maitreya and Vidura, the speaker and the listener, were deeply immersed.

Maitreya further said, “Hearing the praises of the Prachetas, Lord Vishnu said ‘So be it’ and disappeared.

The Prachetas – ten royal sons – came out from the ocean. All over the earth, there were only trees! Thousands of years had passed. The Prachetas could not even find a path to walk!

From their mouths, they generated powerful wind and flames of fire. They intended to destroy and burn down all the trees. But Lord Brahma came and pacified their anger. The trees offered the daughter of the apsara Pramloca to the Prachetas. Her name was Marisha.

A Return to Silence: The Prachetas Seek the Supreme Again

 The Prachetas married her. The son born to her was none other than Daksha from the previous era. Due to a curse from Lord Shankar, he had earlier acquired a body with a goat’s head. Renouncing that body, he was born again as the son of the Prachetas. During the era of Chakshusha Manu, he created life.

Prajapati Daksha was skilled in action. Later, Brahma appointed him as the leader of the Prajapatis.

Ten million years passed. The Prachetas left Marisha and her son behind and once again began their yoga and penance at the seashore! They entered into deep meditation! Their minds merged into the formless Brahman.

At that time, Sage Narada came there. The Prachetas welcomed him. They said, “No matter how much effort we make, our minds still get drawn toward household life. Please once again guide us on the path of spiritual knowledge and devotion.”

Narada's Vision: Guiding Souls from Rituals to Real Devotion

Narada then elaborated to them the teachings of devotion, attachment-detachment, yoga, karma, mortality of the body, the insignificance of worldly life, and the greatness of self-realization. He sang the glory of the Supreme Being, the formless and eternal Lord.

 He told them, “Become filled with Hari! See Hari and yourself as one. Remain in a state of non-duality. The grace of Hari is upon the one who possesses nothing of his own in this world. For him, Hari alone is the support

The one who surrenders fully is the true devotee! Those who despise poor saints, the downtrodden, the sick, and the orphans, and hypocritically worship Hari with costly offerings – how can Vishnu be pleased with them?

Narada told them the wondrous and sweet stories of the devotees of the past like Dhruva. The glory of Dhruva, which Narada narrated in the court of the Prachetas, was told at this very time!”

Maitreya said

To Vidura, Maitreya narrated the words of Narada with loving and sweet expressions. Tears flowed from Vidura’s eyes. He bowed with deep reverence, placing his head at Maitreya’s feet.

“You are an ocean of compassion. You have dispelled the darkness of my ignorance. You have linked me with the most merciful Shri Hari – the strength of the weak, the wealth of the poor, the protector of the neglected. You have showered complete grace upon me.” Vidura again joined his hands, took Maitreya’s blessings, and departed for Hastinapur.

But now, his mind was completely at peace.

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Shuka said to Parikshit 

“O King! I have told you the story of Uttanapada and Dhruva and their lineage. Now I will tell you the story of Priyavrata tomorrow.”

Evening had arrived. Shuka, Parikshit, and the other listeners rose for their daily rituals.

From the mouth of Suta, the sage Shaunaka and others were eagerly listening to the tales of the devotees of Bhagavan.

In Naimisharanya, the gathering of sages continued to grow. Kings on pilgrimages, ascetics, wandering monks, elders, and renunciates kept arriving in that forest and sat to hear the sacred tales. Their travel plans were put on hold.

 prachetas meditating in forest near ocean ancient spiritual story

The stories of Lord Vasudeva, the embodiment of Dharma in Bharatvarsha, gave solace to the sorrowful. They brought peace to all, yet kindled a yearning to hear more. They were sweet and beneficial, not bitter and obligatory. For beings scorched by

the fire of worldly suffering, the tales of the Lord were like nectar. 

  

What We Learn from This Story

The story of the Prachetas teaches us the value of deep devotion, unity, and patience. Through intense penance, they earned the blessings of Lord Narayana, showing that sincere effort and faith never go unnoticed. Their mutual love pleased the Lord, highlighting the power of brotherhood and harmony. The story also reminds us to control anger and act with wisdom, as shown when Brahma stops them from destroying the trees. The guidance from Sage Narada leads them toward self-realization, showing the importance of true spiritual knowledge and detachment. In the end, it’s a journey from worldly duties to divine consciousness.

The Spiritual Meaning Behind the Story of Puranjan in Bhagavat Purana

ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

     Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya

The Spiritual Meaning Behind the Story of Puranjan in Bhagavat Purana

This story follows King Prachinabarhi, who renounces the world for spiritual liberation, and the ten Prachetta princes, who embark on deep penance. Guided by Lord Shiva and blessed with the Vishnu Stotra, they enter the ocean to complete their meditation. But what divine fate awaits them? A tale of devotion, wisdom, and ultimate liberation

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Hindu philosophy stories for self-improvement

Maitreya was narrating an ancient tale to Vidura.

"The Prachetas were deeply engaged in their penance, but their father, King Prachinabarhi, was immersed in rituals and sacrifices.

 One day, Narada Muni approached him and said, 'O King, what do you hope to achieve with these rituals? The ultimate goal should be the eradication of sorrow and the attainment of supreme bliss, which mere rituals cannot grant you.'

The king replied, 'O great sage, please enlighten me. My mind is always preoccupied with sacrifices and religious ceremonies.

 I am trapped in the cycle of duties towards my family, wealth, and home. I do not know how to free myself from these attachments.'

Narada Muni’s Conversation with King Prachinbarhi

Narada then gave him divine vision and showed him the animals he had sacrificed in his rituals. 

They were waiting in the afterlife to take revenge on him. The king, realizing his mistake, was deeply disturbed and began to reflect on his actions.

To help the king understand, Narada narrated the story of Puranjana.

Long ago, there was a king named Puranjana who had a close friend named Avijnata, whose true nature no one knew.

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 Puranjana desired a suitable place to live and wandered across the world searching for a perfect city that would fulfill his desires.

One day, south of the Himalayas, he discovered a beautiful city with nine grand gates. 

The city was well-fortified, adorned with gardens, lakes, temples with golden spires, and luxurious mansions decorated with gems.

 It had everything needed for a comfortable life.

As Puranjana roamed through this splendid city, he saw an extraordinarily beautiful young woman. 

She had just entered her prime and was searching for a suitable husband. 

She was accompanied by ten strong servants, each commanding a hundred maidens, and was protected by a five-hooded serpent named Prajagara, who slithered ahead of her.

Puranjana was mesmerized by her beauty. Approaching her, he inquired, 'Who are you, O lotus-eyed lady? 

You do not seem to be a celestial being, yet your beauty surpasses that of the gods. Whom are you seeking? My heart has already surrendered to you. Would you stay in this city with me?'

The maiden, blushing, replied, 'O King, my heart is just as captivated by you. I do not know my name, my parents, or my origin. All I know is that you and I are here in this city together.

 Stay with me for hundreds of years, and I will bestow upon you all pleasures. True happiness lies in the household life, where righteousness, prosperity, and even salvation can be attained.'

Hearing her sweet words, Puranjana was overjoyed. They lived together in the city, indulging in worldly pleasures for a hundred years.

Her sweet wrods pleased puranjan

The city had nine gates two in the south, one in the north, two in the west, and four in the east. 

These gates symbolized the senses through which Puranjana experienced the world. He was completely engrossed in his wife’s desires—eating when she ate, laughing when she laughed, crying when she cried.

The king is reborn as a woman

 He had lost his independence and was entirely controlled by her, like a puppet.

One day, Puranjana set out for hunting, driven by his addiction to pleasure.

 Upon returning, he found his wife lying on the ground, sorrowful and neglected. He pleaded with her, consoled her, and rekindled their bond, again losing himself in worldly pleasures.

As years passed, Puranjana body aged, and he began to worry. Then, Chanda Vega, a celestial force with 360 warriors, attacked his city. 

These warriors represented the passing days and nights. The five-hooded serpent, Prajagara, struggled to defend the city but grew weak over time.

Vidura, who was attentively listening to the story, realized its symbolic meaning. The city represented the human body, the nine gates were the senses, and the passing warriors were time itself.

Narada continued, 'O King, the daughter of Time, named Jara (Old Age), was looking for a husband, but no one accepted her.

 Eventually, she found a companion in Bhaya (Fear), the king of the Yavanas. Together with his brother Prajwara (Fever), they began to torment beings across the world.

 They attacked Puranjana’s city, making him feeble and helpless. The city fell into ruins, and he was completely captured by Bhaya.

Due to his extreme attachment to his wife, Puranjana was reborn as a woman—the daughter of King Vidarbha.

 In this life, she married a righteous king named Malayadhwaja, who later renounced the world for penance. When he passed away, his wife (who was actually Puranjana in his past life) was overcome with grief.

A Tale Of Devotion And Destiny

At that moment, a wise sage approached her and said, 'O lady, you were once King Puranjana, and I was your friend Avijnata. You and I were once swans living in the divine lake of the mind, but you left me in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Now you suffer due to ignorance. 

Realize that neither you nor your past lives define you. You are beyond birth and death. You and I are one—we are the eternal soul.'

Hearing this, the princess awakened to her true nature, and all her sorrow vanished.

Narada then turned to King Prachinabarhi and said, 'Now, O King, wake up! Do not waste your life in rituals and attachments. Seek true knowledge and free yourself from this cycle of birth and death.'

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King Prachinabarhi was deeply moved. He renounced worldly life and devoted himself to spiritual knowledge. In the end, he attained liberation.

Maitreya concluded, 'Vidura, this story is not just a tale but a deep truth—our body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. Only by realizing this can one attain true peace.'

The Story Of The Prachetas In English

 ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

  Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya

The Story Of The Prachetas In English

This is the tale of ten princes who renounced royal luxuries in search of truth. With Lord Shiva’s blessings, they stood in the ocean and meditated for thousands of years, earning Lord Vishnu’s grace. It is an inspiring journey of devotion, sacrifice, and divine guidance that transforms life.

Lord Shiva

The Story of the Prachetas

The next morning, Suta continued narrating to Shaunaka. The story was a part of the dialogue between Maitreya and Vidura in the conversation between Shuka and Parikshit.

Having completed the tale of Prithu, Vidura now wished to hear about the Prachetas, who were from the lineage of Prithu.

In the assembly of the Prachetas, Narada had praised the devotion of Dhruva, which had inspired them toward the path of devotion. This had sparked Vidura’s curiosity.

Vijitashva and His Rule

Maitreya began, “Vidura! Prithu’s son was Vijitashva, who ruled after him.”

Vidura asked, “Is he the same Vijitashva who retrieved the horse that Indra had stolen?”

“Yes, the same Vijitashva ,” Maitreya confirmed. “He loved his brothers dearly. To ensure fairness, he divided his kingdom among them—he made Haryaksha the ruler of the East, Dhumraketu the ruler of the South, Vrika the ruler of the West, and Dravina the ruler of the North.”

Vidura, recalling the Pandavas, remarked, “Just as Yudhishthira and his four brothers were mighty warriors, Vijitashva’s brothers must have been equally powerful.”

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Maitreya nodded. “Indeed. All five brothers were valiant. Indra had taught Vijitashva the art of becoming invisible, which earned him the name ‘Antardhana.’ His wife was Shikhandini, and his sons were Pavaka, Pavamana, and Shuchi.”

Vidura observed, “These are all names of Agni (fire).”

Maitreya explained, “Yes, because in ancient times, Sage Vashishtha had cursed Agni, and these sons were his reincarnations.”

Haviradhana and His Descendants

Antardhana had another wife named Nabhasvati, and their son was Havirdhana.

Over time, Antardhana began to find the duties of kingship—collecting taxes, administering punishment, and enforcing justice—too harsh and violent. His heart was tender and inclined toward peace.

Eventually, he performed a great yajna (sacrifice) and, using it as an excuse, renounced the throne to dedicate himself to the worship of the Supreme Lord. He attained Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.

Havirdhana had six sons Barhishad, Gaya, Shukla, Krishna, Satya, and Jitavrata. Among them, Barhishad was highly skilled in performing yajnas and had deep knowledge of yoga.

Due to his spiritual merits, he attained the status of a Prajapati (progenitor). He performed numerous yajnas, earning the name Pracinabarhi. His wife was Shatadruti, the daughter of the ocean, and they had ten sons—the Prachetas.

The Prachetas were righteous and devoted to dharma. Their father, Havirdhana, instructed them to enter family life and beget children to fulfill their duties.

However, the ten brothers decided to undertake intense austerities before engaging in worldly affairs. They resolved to perform penance while standing in the ocean.

Origin and Background of the Prachetas

As they embarked on their journey, they encountered Lord Shiva. The great god blessed them with his divine presence and imparted spiritual wisdom, instructing them to worship Lord Vishnu.

Vidura was astonished. “It is rare for humans to receive the direct vision of Lord Shiva! How did the Prachetas gain this fortune?”

Maitreya continued, “Vidura, this is how it happened—The Prachetas, having received their father’s blessings, traveled westward. Along the way, they came across a magnificent lotus-filled lake.

Towering trees surrounded the lake, and vines draped over its edges. Birds of various kinds perched on the trees and shores, singing melodious tunes.

The water was still and crystal-clear, reflecting the trees as if they were growing upside down. The sky’s blue hue blended with the lake’s serene green, creating a breathtaking scene.

As the Prachetas admired the lake’s beauty, they suddenly heard the rhythmic beats of a drum and a damaru (Shiva’s small drum).

Curious about the sound, they speculated who might be approaching. Then, from the lake, they saw Lord Shiva emerging, accompanied by his divine attendants!

His form was dazzling—his body radiated a divine glow, his throat was blue (Neelkanth), and his three eyes and wet matted locks added to his majesty.

His face was grave yet compassionate, his hands raised in blessings. Celestial beings sang his praises in sweet, ethereal voices, and their chants sent ripples across the lake’s surface. The divine brilliance emanating from his form illuminated the surroundings.

Awestruck, the Prachetas hurried to the shore, prostrated before Lord Shiva, and folded their twenty hands in reverence. The entire scene fell silent as even the birds perched nearby watched in rapt attention.

The Penance of the Prachetas and Shiva’s Appearance

Lord Shiva, standing on the shore, addressed them in a deep yet melodious voice, ‘O princes, sons of Pracinabarhi, may you be blessed! I know the desire in your hearts, and I have appeared to guide you.

Those who surrender to Lord Vasudeva are dear to me. A person who follows the path of dharma reaches Brahmaloka after a hundred lifetimes, and if his virtue increases further, he attains my abode. However, the devotee of Vishnu surpasses all these stages and reaches Vaikuntha immediately upon leaving his mortal body.

Just as Vishnu’s devotees are dear to me, so too am I dear to them. Now, I will teach you a hymn of Lord Vishnu. Recite it with devotion.’

Maitreya continued, ‘Thus, Lord Shiva imparted to them a sacred hymn in praise of Vishnu.’

Vidura, eager to hear more, asked, ‘What did the hymn say? How did it glorify Lord Vishnu?’

Maitreya explained, ‘This hymn, composed by Lord Shiva himself, is highly sanctifying. It begins as follows

The Vishnu Stotra Revealed by Shiva

“O Vishnu! You are the ultimate goal of self-realized souls. You bestow well-being upon them, so please grant me well-being too! You are eternal, the embodiment of supreme bliss. I bow to you.

You are Padmanabha (the one with a lotus in his navel), the most subtle essence, the controller of the senses, the light of consciousness, and both the manifest and unmanifest.

You are infinite, the resting place of ego (Sankarshana), the illuminator of intellect (Pradyumna), and the ruler of the mind (Aniruddha). I offer my obeisance to you.”

Shiva then described Vishnu’s divine form, praying for his vision

“O Vishnu, your dark complexion resembles the rain-filled clouds. You have four arms, a charming lotus-like face, arched eyebrows, a well-formed nose, and lotus-petal eyes. Your ears are adorned with shining earrings, and your curly locks glisten like dark waves.

Draped in golden-yellow silk, your body is adorned with dazzling jewels. You hold the conch, discus, mace, and lotus in your hands.

Your broad chest bears the Srivatsa mark, and the Kaustubha gem gleams upon your neck.

Your strong shoulders resemble those of a lion, and your radiant presence outshines even the celestial Ganges.”

The prince performs severe austerities in the ocean

After reciting this hymn, Lord Shiva instructed the Prachetas, “O princes, chant this hymn and meditate on Lord Vishnu. The knowledge within it will help you cross the ocean of material existence.”

Then, Lord Shiva, illuminating the surroundings with his divine radiance, disappeared into the ether.

Following Shiva’s guidance, the Prachetas traveled to the ocean shore and performed rigorous penance for ten thousand years.

As Maitreya narrated, Vidura listened intently, absorbed in the description of Vishnu’s divine attributes.

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Maitreya then said, “Vidura, I shall now narrate the story of King Pracinabarhi. The sage Narada imparted spiritual wisdom to him through the allegory of King Puranjana, a tale filled with deep mystical meanings.”

Vidura, intrigued, asked, “What is the hidden significance behind the story of Puranjana? Why did Narada choose to tell it to King Pracinabarhi?”

And thus, Maitreya began narrating the tale of Puranjana.

(Suta narrated this conversation between Shuka and Parikshit to Shaunaka.)