Priyavrata’s Marriage

Chapter 1

Having concluded his narration of Vidura and Maitreya’s conversation, Sukadeva Goswami next described the history and lineage of Svayambhuva Manu’s elder son, Priyavrata.

After the Pracetas concluded their reign, Svayambhuva Manu was struggling to identify a successor, and he thus approached Priyavrata to accept the task. Uttanapada, although the younger of the two, had ruled the kingdom because Priyavrata had gone to practise austerities. Having been enlightened by Narada Muni, Priyavrata was extremely reluctant to adopt householder life and shoulder such worldly responsibility, concerned that it may divert him from devotional service.

When Brahma arrived, however, he impressed upon Priyavrata the importance of honouring the orders of his spiritual seniors. Priyavrata eventually acquiesced to their desire, entered household life, ruled the kingdom for thousands of years and divided the earthly region into seven islands and seven oceans. Priyavrata begot ten sons and one daughter through Barhismati, and three sons in his second wife. Eager to embrace his renounced life again, Priyavrata eventually divided the kingdom amongst his sons, left family life, and rededicated himself to exclusive devotional service. He thus achieved the perfection of life.