ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya
Priyavrata: The King Who Lived by Divine Will
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.
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| 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.
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'."
“Brahmasatra,” said Shuka, “is the vow of continuously meditating on the Supreme Brahman until death.” Priyavrata was about to take that vow.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?"
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?"
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| 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.
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