A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1410

c5.1410

PRIYA-VRATA. One of the two sons of Brahmā and Sata-rūpā; or, according to other statements, a son of Manu Swāyam-bhuva. "Priya-vrata being dissatisfied that only half the earth was illuminated at one time by the solar rays, followed the sun seven times round the earth in his own flaming car of equal velocity, like another celestial orb, resolved to turn night into day." He was stopped by Brahmā. "The ruts which were formed by the motion of his chariot wheels were the seven oceans. In this way the seven continents of the earth were made."—*Bhāgavata Purāna*. In the *Vishnu Purāna* his wife is stated to be Kāmyā, daughter of Kardama, by whom he had ten sons and two daughters. Three of the sons adopted a religious life, and Priya-vrata divided the seven continents among the others.