Text 29]
The Activities of Mahārāja Priyavrata
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creased his energy. Thus although he was a great soul, he appeared lost in the feminine conduct of his wife. He behaved with her just like an ordinary man, but actually he was a great soul.
PURPORT
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.
To maintain such a life of strict vigilance, one needs encouragement from his wife. In the  varṇāśrama-dharma  system, certain classes, such as the  brāhmaṇas  and  sannyāsīs , do not need encouragement from the opposite sex.  Kṣatriyas  and  gṛhasthas , however, actually need the encouragement of their wives in order to execute their duties. Indeed, a  gṛhastha  or  kṣatriya  cannot properly execute his responsibilities without the association of his wife. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu personally admitted that a  gṛhastha  must live with a wife.  Kṣatriyas  were even allowed to have many wives to encourage them in discharging the duties of government. The association of a good wife is necessary in a life of  karma  and political affairs. To execute his duties properly, therefore. Mahārāja Priyavrata took advantage of his good wife Barhiṣmatī, who was always very expert in pleasing her great husband by properly dressing herself.