Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 41
Priyavrata Accepts Kingship by Brahmā’s Instruction; Sapta-dvīpa Formation and Renunciation
भौमं दिव्यं मानुषं च महित्वं कर्मयोगजम् । यश्चक्रे निरयौपम्यं पुरुषानुजनप्रिय: ॥ ४१ ॥
bhaumaṁ divyaṁ mānuṣaṁ ca mahitvaṁ karma-yogajam yaś cakre nirayaupamyaṁ puruṣānujana-priyaḥ
زمینی، دیوی اور انسانی— کرم یوگ سے حاصل شدہ جو بھی جاہ و جلال تھا، نارَد مُنی کے محبوب بھکت مہاراج پریہ ورت نے اسے دوزخ کے مانند سمجھا؛ پھر بھی اس نے دھرم یش کو قائم کیا۔
Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has said that the position of a devotee is so superexcellent that a devotee does not consider any material opulence worth having. There are different types of opulences on earth, in the heavenly planets and even in the lower planetary system, known as Pātāla. A devotee, however, knows that they are all material, and consequently he is not at all interested in them. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate. Sometimes yogīs and jñānīs voluntarily give up all material opulences to practice their system of liberation and taste spiritual bliss. However, they frequently fall down because artificial renunciation of material opulences cannot endure. One must have a superior taste in spiritual life; then he can give up material opulence. Mahārāja Priyavrata had already tasted spiritual bliss, and therefore he had no interest in any of the material achievements available in the lower, higher or middle planetary systems.
FAQs
This verse teaches that greatness in all realms arises from karma-yoga—performing one’s duties as an offering—because such work becomes spiritually empowered and beneficial to all.
Because he was dear to the devotees of the Supreme Lord and ruled with God-centered duty, his influence uplifted people’s lives, turning hardship into auspiciousness through dharma and devotion.
Do your responsibilities with integrity and offer the results to God; this devotional orientation purifies work, improves relationships, and brings inner steadiness even amid difficult circumstances.