Priyavrata

Priyavrata of the Vairaja Dynasty succeeded to the throne after his father around 2900 BC. He maintains the reputation of being one of the greatest emperors of his time. According to Bhagavata Purana, Priyavrata had married Princess Varhishmati, the daughter of Lord Vishwakarma, the great deva architect but according to the Vishnu Purana, Priyavrata had married a daughter of Kardama. They also had ten sons and two daughters. The names of the ten sons differ according to different Indian Puranas. Three of the sons had refused the royalty hence Priyavrata had divided the kingdom among his seven sons. He sent to different continents with the post of Viceroys. The eldest son, Prince Agnidhra was sent to Jambu-dwipa (Asia), his next son Medhatithi went to Plaksha (the submerged Indo-African continent), his third son Vapushman went to Salmali (Africa), Dyutiman was given some portion of a land in Krauncha-dwipa (Australasia), Priyavrata`s next son Bhavya went to Saka-dwtpa (Europe), Savana or Savala was sent to Pushkara-dwipa (North America), Jyotishman got Kusa-dwipa (South America).

Priyavrata was considered as a great emperor who was reputed for his conquests. He was called as him `Priyavrata the Great` by the Puranists. It is known that half of his empire was illuminated by the sun, while the other half was in darkness. Priyavrata`s territory was scattered all over the globe. Priyavrata had initiated the ritual of worshipping goddess Shashthi who is considered as the bearer of one-sixth of the power of the Creator. In Bengal the goddess is still worshipped by the womenfolk in the month of June to have a son. Priyavrata was also childless hence after worshipping goddess Shashthi he was blessed with a son. When Priyavrata retired from the throne he was succeeded by his eldest son, Agnidhra.

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