Text 8] The Activities of Maharaja Priyavrata 15
to enjoy and at the same time are directed in such a way that they can go
back home, back to Godhead. Because ruling over this universe is a great
responsibility, Brahma must force many Manus in different ages to take
charge of universal affairs. Under each Manu there are different kings
who also execute the purpose of Lord Brahmi. It is understood from pre-
vious explanations that the father of Dhruva Maharaja, King Uttanapada,
ruled over the universe because his elder brother, Priyavrata, practiced
austerity from the very beginning of his life. Thus up to the point of the
Pracetas, the kings of the universe were all descendants of Uttanapada
Maharaja. Since there were no suitable kings after the Pracetas,
Svayambhuva Manu went to the Gandhamadana Hill to bring back his
eldest son, Priyavrata, who was meditating there. Svayambhuva Manu
requested Priyavrata to rule over the universe. When he refused, Lord
Brahma descended from the supreme planetary system, known as
Satyaloka, to request Priyavrata to accept the order. Lord Brahma did not
come alone. He came with other great sages like Marici, Atreya and
Vasistha. To convince Priyavrata that it was necessary for him to follow
the Vedic injunctions and accept the responsibility of ruling over the
world, Lord Brahma also brought with him the personified Vedas, his
constant associates.

A significant word in this verse is sva-bhavandt, indicating that Lord
Brahma descended from his own abode. Every demigod has his own
abode. Indra, the King of the demigods, has his own abode, as do Candra.
the lord of the moon planet, and Sarya, the predominating deity of the
sun planet. There are many millions of demigods, and the stars and
planets are their respective homes. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gitd.
Yanti deva-vrata devan: “Those who worship the demigods go to their
different planetary systems.” Lord Brahma’s abode. the highest plan-
etary system, is called Satyaloka or sometimes Brahmaloka. Brahmaloka
usually refers to the spiritual world. The abode of Lord Brahma is
Satyaloka, but because Lord Brahma resides there, it is also sometimes
called Brahmaloka.

TEXT 8
aT ar TAas setafe fam aafohrrarmataeriraeraa:
ahaa aaera: frarerarerarengtamt eats aa Te -
ACAROMAAATAT ATTA I < |
