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----- bhagap108.html
Viraja was also well known. Of the hundred sons of Viraja, the
eldest was Satajit or the Conquerer of the hundred.
[THOUGHTS OX THE LINE OF PRIYA VRATA.]
Priya Vrata means literally one of welcome (Pnya) deeds
(Vrata).
Priya Vrata, was under the influence of Narada from the be-
ginning and he declined to go along the Descending path or Pravritti
Marga. He was wedded to the daughter of Vishva Karma.
Vishva Karma is the cosmic manufacturer. The work of this
Prajapati extends over the whole of Triloki and he is the architect of
all systems and chains included in the Triloki Priya Vrata, as we
shall see later on, represents the earth chain only or the system
known as BhOr.
What we generally call the Solar system is a misnomer. For
the sun stands between Bhur Loka and Svar Loka and illumines both
the Lokas with its rays. The Solar System is therefore properly
speaking the whole of the Triloki. In speaking of Priya Vrata,
therefore, the Bhagavata restricts itself to the regions illumined by
the sun as well as by the moon (V-I5-I.)
We shall enter into a detailed description of the whole system
in the next chapter. Let us take here a passing glance of the line of
Priya Vrata.
We take Priya Vrata to be the Earth chain complete in itself
or rather the progenitor of the Earth chain.
Meru or Sumeru is the axis of Bhur Loka, its highest point
being the highest point of Bhur Loka.
The sun god revolves round this central axis.
The Earth-god Priyavrata also revolved round Meru i. e. the
Earth rotated round its own axis at a very rapid rate for some time
during its infancy.
The rotation of the Earth was followed by the separation of
layers. The part most removed from the centre was first affected.
In this way seven distinct layers were formed. The layer to-
wards the circumference was the most spiritual. That towards the
centre was the most material.
The reason of this is to be found in the action of the three
Gunas and Tamas.
[[108]]
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