Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 22
Priyavrata Accepts Kingship by Brahmā’s Instruction; Sapta-dvīpa Formation and Renunciation
मनुरपि परेणैवं प्रतिसन्धितमनोरथ: सुरर्षिवरानुमतेनात्मजमखिलधरामण्डलस्थितिगुप्तय आस्थाप्य स्वयमतिविषमविषयविषजलाशयाशाया उपरराम ॥ २२ ॥
manur api pareṇaivaṁ pratisandhita-manorathaḥ surarṣi-varānumatenātmajam akhila-dharā-maṇḍala-sthiti-guptaya āsthāpya svayam ati-viṣama-viṣaya-viṣa-jalāśayāśāyā upararāma.
স্বায়ম্ভুৱ মনুৱে ভগৱান ব্ৰহ্মাৰ সহায়তাৰে এইদৰে নিজৰ মনোৰথ পূৰ্ণ কৰিলে। দেৱর্ষি নাৰদৰ অনুমতিত তেওঁ পুত্ৰক সমগ্ৰ লোকমণ্ডলৰ শাসন-ৰক্ষা দায়িত্ব অৰ্পণ কৰিলে আৰু বিষয়-আশাৰ অতি বিষাক্ত সাগৰৰ পৰা উপশম লাভ কৰিলে।
Svāyambhuva Manu was practically hopeless because such a great personality as Nārada was instructing his son Priyavrata not to accept household life. Now he was very pleased that Lord Brahmā had interfered by inducing his son to accept the responsibility for ruling the government of the universe. From Bhagavad-gītā we get information that Vaivasvata Manu was the son of the sun-god and that his son, Mahārāja Ikṣvāku, ruled this planet earth. Svāyambhuva Manu, however, appears to have been in charge of the entire universe, and he entrusted to his son, Mahārāja Priyavrata, the responsibility for maintaining and protecting all the planetary systems. Dharā-maṇḍala means “planet.” This earth, for instance, is called dharā-maṇḍala. Akhila, however, means “all” or “universal.” It is therefore difficult to understand where Mahārāja Priyavrata was situated, but from this literature his position certainly appears greater than that of Vaivasvata Manu, for he was entrusted with all the planetary systems of the entire universe.
FAQs
This verse compares sense-objects (viṣaya) to a poisonous reservoir, teaching that craving for them is dangerous and that one should withdraw from such desire after fulfilling one’s duties.
Manu ensured the protection and stability of the earth by installing a qualified successor with the approval of great sages, showing that renunciation should be supported by responsible governance and dharma.
Fulfill responsibilities conscientiously, plan succession or continuity where needed, and deliberately reduce dependence on harmful pleasures by cultivating self-control and devotion-centered living.