Question: SB 5.7.8 “Destiny fixed the time for Maharaja Bharata’s enjoyment of material opulence at one thousand times ten thousand years. When that period was finished, he retired from family life and divided the wealth he had received from his forefathers among his sons. He left his paternal home, the reservoir of all opulence, and started for Pulaha asrama, which is situated in Hardwar. The salagrama-silas are obtainable there.”
My question is: “Destiny fixed the time for Maharaja Bharata’s enjoyment of material opulence at one thousand times ten thousand years.” How to understand this? Did Bharata Maharaja rule through many circles of the 4 yugas?
I found no explanation in the commentaries.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
There are souls who live uncharacteristically long lives. They are called “ciran jivas.” Examples are Jambavan and Vyasadeva, whose lives span multiple yugas.
Bali Maharaja became Indra during the next Manu’s reign: “In the period of the eighth Manu, … the king of the demigods, Indra, will be Bali Mahäräja, the son of Virocana.” SB 8.13.12
“The Lord continued: Because of his great tolerance, I have given him a place not obtainable even by the demigods. He will become King of the heavenly planets during the period of the Manu known as Sävarëi.” SB 8.22.31
Priyavrata’s father is Svayambhuva Manu. Manus live longer than 71 yuga cycles. Yet it is said that Priyavrata’s own sons took up the posts of future Manus.
Similarly, there are prajapatis and rishis who live the entire duration of a yuga cycle.
From SB 5.7.8 It appears that Bharata Maharaja was one such ciran jiva.
