Text 29] The Activities of Maharaja Priyavrata 59

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-pratipaksah (“‘opponents of religious
principles”) refers not toa particular faith, but to varndsrama-dharma,
the division of society, socially and spiritually, into four varnas
(brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and Sidra) and four dsramas
(brahmacarya, grhastha, vanaprastha and sannydsa). To maintain
proper social order and help the citizens gradually progress toward the
goal of life—namely spiritual understanding—the principles of var-
nasrama-dharma must be accepted. From this verse, Maharaja
Priyavrata appears to have been so strict in maintaining this institution
of varndésrama-dharma that anyone neglecting it would immediately flee
from his presence as soon as the King warned him by fighting or ad-
ministering light punishment. Indeed, Maharaja Priyavrata would not
have to fight, for simply because of his strong determination, they dared
not disobey the rules and regulations of varndsrama-dharma. It is said
that unless human society is regulated by varndsrama-dharma, it is no
better than a bestial society of cats and dogs. Maharaja Priyavrata,
therefore, strictly maintained varnasrama-dharma by his extraordinary.
unparalleled prowess.

To maintain such a life of strict vigilance, one needs encouragement
from his wife. In the varndsrama-dharma system, certain classes, such
as the brahmanas and sannyasis, do not need encouragement from the
opposite sex. Ksatriyas and grhasthas, however, actually need the en-
couragement of their wives in order to execute their duties. Indeed. a
grhastha or ksatriya cannot properly execute his responsibilities without
the association of his wife. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally admitted
that a grhastha must live with a wife. Ksatriyas were even allowed to
have many wives to encourage them in discharging the duties of govern-
ment. The association of a good wife is necessary in a life of karma and
political affairs. To execute his duties properly, therefore. Maharaja
Priyavrata took advantage of his good wife Barhismati. who was always
very expert in pleasing her great husband by properly dressing herself.
