Fifth Canto Chapter Two

In this chapter the story of Agnidhṛa, the eldest son of Priyavrata, and the birth of his nine sons through wife Purvacitti is covered.

Maharishi Śuka completed the story of Priyavrata and now began explaining the story of Agnidhṛa to Emperor Parikshit. He said,

“Emperor Priyavrata’s mind was fixed completely upon the Lord and he began to see God everywhere. He entrusted the responsibility of Jhambhu dweepa to his son Agnidhṛa, who ruled in accordance with the wishes of his father. Agnidhṛa treated his citizens as his children.

One day, Agnidhṛa desired to obtain the eligibility to reach the abode of fore-fathers. He could obtain this eligibility only if he had sons. To fulfill this desire he went to Mount Mandhara. There in a deep cave he began intense penance.

In this cave Devatas wander about freely with their spouses. Agnidhṛa arranged all Puja materials and with absolute concentration worshipped Lord Brahma. Brahma in turn called the Apsara (divine damsel) Purvacitti, who used to sing in his assembly, and sent her to Agnidhṛa. Purvacitti arrived at the beautiful hermitage of Agnidhṛa and began to wander in the lovely gardens that surrounded this hermitage.

This garden, which was indescribably beautiful, was replete with many varieties of exquisite trees. Golden creepers encircled these trees. Tree branches were filled with the many bird couples and peacock couples that sang melodiously. In the many magnificent ponds ducks, kārandava birds and swans were enjoying the melodious chirping of the birds. The entire area reverberated with the chirping of birds. That exquisitely beautiful lake was filled with lotuses.

The melodious tinkling of Purvacitti’s anklets, as she walked in those gardens, disturbed Angidhṛa’s concentration. Slowly he cast a sidewards glance at her. He admired her. Manmatha, the Lord of love, entered into his heart and now he was enchanted by her beauty. In fact, he was so captivated that he could not even fathom whether he was talking to a man or a woman. Therefore he began addressing her as “O revered saint!”

Agnidhṛa said, “O revered saint! Who are you? Why are you here near this mountain? What is your intention? Are you the enchanting illusory power of Sri Mahavishnu? With your charming eye-brows are you protecting yourself? Or with those beautiful eye-brows, which are like bows, are you hunting some animals here? In the forest called samsāra, lustful person can be compared to intoxicated wild animals. Are you hunting them down? Upon whom are you aiming the arrows known as your sharp gaze? May your valour bring auspiciousness to me”.

He then noticed her attendants. He mistakenly assumed them to be the saint’s disciples. Hence he continued, “O saint, your disciples who whisper secrets in your ears appear to be chanting Veda mantras. O saint, you are exceedingly beautiful and charming. The anklets on your feet make strange melodious sounds. The waist band made of Kadamba flowers glows radiantly. You have draped a beautiful dress around your body. Your chest is raised. Your waist is thin and slender. My gaze stops at this place. I am unable to take my eyes off you.

O fortunate person, your divine fragrance enthralls me. Please show me the way to your residence. There could be many beautiful saints like you in your hermitage. Your laugh, gaze, words create astonishment in me. I am totally captivated by them. What do you eat? I have a feeling that you are a partial incarnation of Srihari.

Penance appears to be your wealth. This form of yours is a great obstacle for penance. Which penance did you undertake to obtain this lovely body? Please answer. I am eager to know all details. Are you planning to compete with me in penance? Do you think the creator would bless me to compete with a person of your stature? I feel like joining you in penance. I wish to be with you. The creator has sent you to me. I shall never leave your side. Please take me with you.”

Purvacitti appreciated his words. For 10 crore years Agnidhṛa, the king of Jhambhu-dweepa, and Purvacitti lived happily on earth and in heaven enjoying each other’s companionship. They enjoyed all luxuries.

This couple had 9 sons viz., Nābhi, Kiṃpuruṣa, Harivarṣa, Ilāvṛta, Ramyaka, Hiranmaya, Kuru, Bhadrāśva and Ketumāla. Purvacitti gave birth to one son every year. Leaving them in the gardens adjacent to the palace, she went back to heaven to serve Lord Brahma.

These 9 sons who were blessed abundantly by their mother were sturdy and healthy. Agnidhṛa divided Jhambu dweepa into 9 divisions. Entrusting each son as in charge of a division, he asked them to handle entire administration. These 9 divisions were known by his sons’s names. Each of them ruled his territory righteously without trespassing into the territories of other brothers.

Agnidhṛa however could not forget Purvacitti. All his thoughts were focused upon her. To obtain her he performed many Yagnas. Ultimately after death he reached Pitr-loka (abode of fore-fathers) where Purvacitti resides.

After the demise of their father, the nine brothers married the nine daughters of Meru viz., Merudevi, Pratirūpa, Ugradaṃśṭri, Latā, Ramyā¸Shyāma, Nāri, Bhadrā and Devanīti. With this the second chapter of the fifth canto comes to an end.

Trivikramāya namah