Prthu’s Perfection

Chapter 22, 23

When the Four Kumaras arrived in the kingdom, Prthu enthusiastically welcomed them, offered respects and appreciated the golden opportunity to serve them. The arrival of saintly persons is a rare benediction for householders. When Prthu enquired about the fate of those who are materially entangled, a wonderful discussion ensued in which the Kumaras contrasted the nature of material and spiritual attachment.

Prthu displayed glorious leadership, and Maitreya described his outstanding qualities using a variety of apt metaphors. As Maharaja Prthu aged, he divided his wealth, entrusted the kingdom to his sons and left for the forest to perform severe austerity. He controlled his mind and senses through steady devotional service, renounced all material desires and gained a meditation of the Lord within (paramatma realisation). In the final stages of his life, Prthu raised his life airs with his yogic power and left the body in a glorious manner. Arci, who had followed her husband to the forest, displayed her remarkable chastity. She arranged his funeral pyre, set it alight and then personally entered it without any hesitation.