Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 29
Priyavrata Accepts Kingship by Brahmā’s Instruction; Sapta-dvīpa Formation and Renunciation
एवमुपशमायनेषु स्वतनयेष्वथ जगतीपतिर्जगतीमर्बुदान्येकादश परिवत्सराणामव्याहताखिलपुरुषकारसारसम्भृतदोर्दण्डयुगलापीडितमौर्वीगुणस्तनितविरमितधर्मप्रतिपक्षो बर्हिष्मत्याश्चानुदिनमेधमानप्रमोदप्रसरणयौषिण्यव्रीडाप्रमुषितहासावलोकरुचिरक्ष्वेल्यादिभि: पराभूयमानविवेक इवानवबुध्यमान इव महामना बुभुजे ॥ २९ ॥
evam upaśamāyaneṣu sva-tanayeṣv atha jagatī-patir jagatīm arbudāny ekādaśa parivatsarāṇām avyāhatākhila-puruṣa-kāra-sāra-sambhṛta-dor-daṇḍa-yugalāpīḍita-maurvī-guṇa-stanita-viramita-dharma-pratipakṣo barhiṣmatyāś cānudinam edhamāna-pramoda-prasaraṇa-yauṣiṇya-vrīḍā-pramuṣita-hāsāvaloka-rucira-kṣvely-ādibhiḥ parābhūyamāna-viveka ivānavabudhyamāna iva mahāmanā bubhuje.
After Kavi, Mahāvīra, and Savana had been fully trained in the paramahaṁsa stage, Mahārāja Priyavrata ruled the universe for eleven arbuda years. Whenever, with his two mighty arms, he resolved to set his arrow upon the bowstring, all opponents of dharma fled in fear of his unrivaled prowess in governance. He dearly loved his queen, Barhiṣmatī, and as the days increased, so did the joy of their conjugal affection. By her feminine graces—her adornment, gait, rising, smiles, laughter, glances, and playful sports—Queen Barhiṣmatī heightened his vigor. Thus, though a great soul, he appeared as if bewildered by her womanly conduct and behaved like an ordinary man, yet in truth he remained a mahātmā.
In this verse, the word dharma-pratipakṣaḥ (“opponents of religious principles”) refers not to a particular faith, but to varṇāśrama-dharma, the division of society, socially and spiritually, into four varṇas ( brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra ) and four āśramas ( brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa ). To maintain proper social order and help the citizens gradually progress toward the goal of life — namely spiritual understanding — the principles of varṇāśrama-dharma must be accepted. From this verse, Mahārāja Priyavrata appears to have been so strict in maintaining this institution of varṇāśrama-dharma that anyone neglecting it would immediately flee from his presence as soon as the King warned him by fighting or administering light punishment. Indeed, Mahārāja Priyavrata would not have to fight, for simply because of his strong determination, they dared not disobey the rules and regulations of varṇāśrama-dharma. It is said that unless human society is regulated by varṇāśrama-dharma, it is no better than a bestial society of cats and dogs. Mahārāja Priyavrata, therefore, strictly maintained varṇāśrama-dharma by his extraordinary, unparalleled prowess.
FAQs
This verse shows Priyavrata powerfully upholding dharma as a ruler, yet becoming seemingly overpowered by daily conjugal enjoyment—highlighting the need for steady discrimination even while fulfilling worldly duties.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī narrates Priyavrata’s reign and his household life to King Parīkṣit as part of the Fifth Canto’s genealogical and moral history.
Do your responsibilities with strength and integrity, but remain mindful that pleasure can cloud judgment; cultivate daily self-awareness and discipline so enjoyment does not weaken values.