The Spiritual Meaning Behind the Story of Puranjan in Bhagavat Purana

ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

     Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya

The Spiritual Meaning Behind the Story of Puranjan in Bhagavat Purana

This story follows King Prachinabarhi, who renounces the world for spiritual liberation, and the ten Prachetta princes, who embark on deep penance. Guided by Lord Shiva and blessed with the Vishnu Stotra, they enter the ocean to complete their meditation. But what divine fate awaits them? A tale of devotion, wisdom, and ultimate liberation

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Hindu philosophy stories for self-improvement

Maitreya was narrating an ancient tale to Vidura.

"The Prachetas were deeply engaged in their penance, but their father, King Prachinabarhi, was immersed in rituals and sacrifices.

 One day, Narada Muni approached him and said, 'O King, what do you hope to achieve with these rituals? The ultimate goal should be the eradication of sorrow and the attainment of supreme bliss, which mere rituals cannot grant you.'

The king replied, 'O great sage, please enlighten me. My mind is always preoccupied with sacrifices and religious ceremonies.

 I am trapped in the cycle of duties towards my family, wealth, and home. I do not know how to free myself from these attachments.'

Narada Muni’s Conversation with King Prachinbarhi

Narada then gave him divine vision and showed him the animals he had sacrificed in his rituals. 

They were waiting in the afterlife to take revenge on him. The king, realizing his mistake, was deeply disturbed and began to reflect on his actions.

To help the king understand, Narada narrated the story of Puranjana.

Long ago, there was a king named Puranjana who had a close friend named Avijnata, whose true nature no one knew.

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 Puranjana desired a suitable place to live and wandered across the world searching for a perfect city that would fulfill his desires.

One day, south of the Himalayas, he discovered a beautiful city with nine grand gates. 

The city was well-fortified, adorned with gardens, lakes, temples with golden spires, and luxurious mansions decorated with gems.

 It had everything needed for a comfortable life.

As Puranjana roamed through this splendid city, he saw an extraordinarily beautiful young woman. 

She had just entered her prime and was searching for a suitable husband. 

She was accompanied by ten strong servants, each commanding a hundred maidens, and was protected by a five-hooded serpent named Prajagara, who slithered ahead of her.

Puranjana was mesmerized by her beauty. Approaching her, he inquired, 'Who are you, O lotus-eyed lady? 

You do not seem to be a celestial being, yet your beauty surpasses that of the gods. Whom are you seeking? My heart has already surrendered to you. Would you stay in this city with me?'

The maiden, blushing, replied, 'O King, my heart is just as captivated by you. I do not know my name, my parents, or my origin. All I know is that you and I are here in this city together.

 Stay with me for hundreds of years, and I will bestow upon you all pleasures. True happiness lies in the household life, where righteousness, prosperity, and even salvation can be attained.'

Hearing her sweet words, Puranjana was overjoyed. They lived together in the city, indulging in worldly pleasures for a hundred years.

Her sweet wrods pleased puranjan

The city had nine gates two in the south, one in the north, two in the west, and four in the east. 

These gates symbolized the senses through which Puranjana experienced the world. He was completely engrossed in his wife’s desires—eating when she ate, laughing when she laughed, crying when she cried.

The king is reborn as a woman

 He had lost his independence and was entirely controlled by her, like a puppet.

One day, Puranjana set out for hunting, driven by his addiction to pleasure.

 Upon returning, he found his wife lying on the ground, sorrowful and neglected. He pleaded with her, consoled her, and rekindled their bond, again losing himself in worldly pleasures.

As years passed, Puranjana body aged, and he began to worry. Then, Chanda Vega, a celestial force with 360 warriors, attacked his city. 

These warriors represented the passing days and nights. The five-hooded serpent, Prajagara, struggled to defend the city but grew weak over time.

Vidura, who was attentively listening to the story, realized its symbolic meaning. The city represented the human body, the nine gates were the senses, and the passing warriors were time itself.

Narada continued, 'O King, the daughter of Time, named Jara (Old Age), was looking for a husband, but no one accepted her.

 Eventually, she found a companion in Bhaya (Fear), the king of the Yavanas. Together with his brother Prajwara (Fever), they began to torment beings across the world.

 They attacked Puranjana’s city, making him feeble and helpless. The city fell into ruins, and he was completely captured by Bhaya.

Due to his extreme attachment to his wife, Puranjana was reborn as a woman—the daughter of King Vidarbha.

 In this life, she married a righteous king named Malayadhwaja, who later renounced the world for penance. When he passed away, his wife (who was actually Puranjana in his past life) was overcome with grief.

A Tale Of Devotion And Destiny

At that moment, a wise sage approached her and said, 'O lady, you were once King Puranjana, and I was your friend Avijnata. You and I were once swans living in the divine lake of the mind, but you left me in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Now you suffer due to ignorance. 

Realize that neither you nor your past lives define you. You are beyond birth and death. You and I are one—we are the eternal soul.'

Hearing this, the princess awakened to her true nature, and all her sorrow vanished.

Narada then turned to King Prachinabarhi and said, 'Now, O King, wake up! Do not waste your life in rituals and attachments. Seek true knowledge and free yourself from this cycle of birth and death.'

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King Prachinabarhi was deeply moved. He renounced worldly life and devoted himself to spiritual knowledge. In the end, he attained liberation.

Maitreya concluded, 'Vidura, this story is not just a tale but a deep truth—our body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. Only by realizing this can one attain true peace.'

The Story Of The Prachetas In English

 ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

  Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya

The Story Of The Prachetas In English

This is the tale of ten princes who renounced royal luxuries in search of truth. With Lord Shiva’s blessings, they stood in the ocean and meditated for thousands of years, earning Lord Vishnu’s grace. It is an inspiring journey of devotion, sacrifice, and divine guidance that transforms life.

Lord Shiva

The Story of the Prachetas

The next morning, Suta continued narrating to Shaunaka. The story was a part of the dialogue between Maitreya and Vidura in the conversation between Shuka and Parikshit.

Having completed the tale of Prithu, Vidura now wished to hear about the Prachetas, who were from the lineage of Prithu.

In the assembly of the Prachetas, Narada had praised the devotion of Dhruva, which had inspired them toward the path of devotion. This had sparked Vidura’s curiosity.

Vijitashva and His Rule

Maitreya began, “Vidura! Prithu’s son was Vijitashva, who ruled after him.”

Vidura asked, “Is he the same Vijitashva who retrieved the horse that Indra had stolen?”

“Yes, the same Vijitashva ,” Maitreya confirmed. “He loved his brothers dearly. To ensure fairness, he divided his kingdom among them—he made Haryaksha the ruler of the East, Dhumraketu the ruler of the South, Vrika the ruler of the West, and Dravina the ruler of the North.”

Vidura, recalling the Pandavas, remarked, “Just as Yudhishthira and his four brothers were mighty warriors, Vijitashva’s brothers must have been equally powerful.”

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Maitreya nodded. “Indeed. All five brothers were valiant. Indra had taught Vijitashva the art of becoming invisible, which earned him the name ‘Antardhana.’ His wife was Shikhandini, and his sons were Pavaka, Pavamana, and Shuchi.”

Vidura observed, “These are all names of Agni (fire).”

Maitreya explained, “Yes, because in ancient times, Sage Vashishtha had cursed Agni, and these sons were his reincarnations.”

Haviradhana and His Descendants

Antardhana had another wife named Nabhasvati, and their son was Havirdhana.

Over time, Antardhana began to find the duties of kingship—collecting taxes, administering punishment, and enforcing justice—too harsh and violent. His heart was tender and inclined toward peace.

Eventually, he performed a great yajna (sacrifice) and, using it as an excuse, renounced the throne to dedicate himself to the worship of the Supreme Lord. He attained Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.

Havirdhana had six sons Barhishad, Gaya, Shukla, Krishna, Satya, and Jitavrata. Among them, Barhishad was highly skilled in performing yajnas and had deep knowledge of yoga.

Due to his spiritual merits, he attained the status of a Prajapati (progenitor). He performed numerous yajnas, earning the name Pracinabarhi. His wife was Shatadruti, the daughter of the ocean, and they had ten sons—the Prachetas.

The Prachetas were righteous and devoted to dharma. Their father, Havirdhana, instructed them to enter family life and beget children to fulfill their duties.

However, the ten brothers decided to undertake intense austerities before engaging in worldly affairs. They resolved to perform penance while standing in the ocean.

Origin and Background of the Prachetas

As they embarked on their journey, they encountered Lord Shiva. The great god blessed them with his divine presence and imparted spiritual wisdom, instructing them to worship Lord Vishnu.

Vidura was astonished. “It is rare for humans to receive the direct vision of Lord Shiva! How did the Prachetas gain this fortune?”

Maitreya continued, “Vidura, this is how it happened—The Prachetas, having received their father’s blessings, traveled westward. Along the way, they came across a magnificent lotus-filled lake.

Towering trees surrounded the lake, and vines draped over its edges. Birds of various kinds perched on the trees and shores, singing melodious tunes.

The water was still and crystal-clear, reflecting the trees as if they were growing upside down. The sky’s blue hue blended with the lake’s serene green, creating a breathtaking scene.

As the Prachetas admired the lake’s beauty, they suddenly heard the rhythmic beats of a drum and a damaru (Shiva’s small drum).

Curious about the sound, they speculated who might be approaching. Then, from the lake, they saw Lord Shiva emerging, accompanied by his divine attendants!

His form was dazzling—his body radiated a divine glow, his throat was blue (Neelkanth), and his three eyes and wet matted locks added to his majesty.

His face was grave yet compassionate, his hands raised in blessings. Celestial beings sang his praises in sweet, ethereal voices, and their chants sent ripples across the lake’s surface. The divine brilliance emanating from his form illuminated the surroundings.

Awestruck, the Prachetas hurried to the shore, prostrated before Lord Shiva, and folded their twenty hands in reverence. The entire scene fell silent as even the birds perched nearby watched in rapt attention.

The Penance of the Prachetas and Shiva’s Appearance

Lord Shiva, standing on the shore, addressed them in a deep yet melodious voice, ‘O princes, sons of Pracinabarhi, may you be blessed! I know the desire in your hearts, and I have appeared to guide you.

Those who surrender to Lord Vasudeva are dear to me. A person who follows the path of dharma reaches Brahmaloka after a hundred lifetimes, and if his virtue increases further, he attains my abode. However, the devotee of Vishnu surpasses all these stages and reaches Vaikuntha immediately upon leaving his mortal body.

Just as Vishnu’s devotees are dear to me, so too am I dear to them. Now, I will teach you a hymn of Lord Vishnu. Recite it with devotion.’

Maitreya continued, ‘Thus, Lord Shiva imparted to them a sacred hymn in praise of Vishnu.’

Vidura, eager to hear more, asked, ‘What did the hymn say? How did it glorify Lord Vishnu?’

Maitreya explained, ‘This hymn, composed by Lord Shiva himself, is highly sanctifying. It begins as follows

The Vishnu Stotra Revealed by Shiva

“O Vishnu! You are the ultimate goal of self-realized souls. You bestow well-being upon them, so please grant me well-being too! You are eternal, the embodiment of supreme bliss. I bow to you.

You are Padmanabha (the one with a lotus in his navel), the most subtle essence, the controller of the senses, the light of consciousness, and both the manifest and unmanifest.

You are infinite, the resting place of ego (Sankarshana), the illuminator of intellect (Pradyumna), and the ruler of the mind (Aniruddha). I offer my obeisance to you.”

Shiva then described Vishnu’s divine form, praying for his vision

“O Vishnu, your dark complexion resembles the rain-filled clouds. You have four arms, a charming lotus-like face, arched eyebrows, a well-formed nose, and lotus-petal eyes. Your ears are adorned with shining earrings, and your curly locks glisten like dark waves.

Draped in golden-yellow silk, your body is adorned with dazzling jewels. You hold the conch, discus, mace, and lotus in your hands.

Your broad chest bears the Srivatsa mark, and the Kaustubha gem gleams upon your neck.

Your strong shoulders resemble those of a lion, and your radiant presence outshines even the celestial Ganges.”

The prince performs severe austerities in the ocean

After reciting this hymn, Lord Shiva instructed the Prachetas, “O princes, chant this hymn and meditate on Lord Vishnu. The knowledge within it will help you cross the ocean of material existence.”

Then, Lord Shiva, illuminating the surroundings with his divine radiance, disappeared into the ether.

Following Shiva’s guidance, the Prachetas traveled to the ocean shore and performed rigorous penance for ten thousand years.

As Maitreya narrated, Vidura listened intently, absorbed in the description of Vishnu’s divine attributes.

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Maitreya then said, “Vidura, I shall now narrate the story of King Pracinabarhi. The sage Narada imparted spiritual wisdom to him through the allegory of King Puranjana, a tale filled with deep mystical meanings.”

Vidura, intrigued, asked, “What is the hidden significance behind the story of Puranjana? Why did Narada choose to tell it to King Pracinabarhi?”

And thus, Maitreya began narrating the tale of Puranjana.

(Suta narrated this conversation between Shuka and Parikshit to Shaunaka.)