Priyavrata transmitted the rule of Bhu-Mandala to his seven sons, led by Āgnīdhra. Each son became the king of one of the islands, with Āgnīdhra ruling over Jambūdvīpa, the principal amongst the islands, and being accepted as the chief ruler by his brothers.
Āgnīdhra was a pious king who ruled based on religious principles and treated all citizens like his own sons. His protection was not just based on giving food, shelter, and security; he maintained the principles of varṇāśrama-dharma, training the citizens to live a progressive life, according to the principles of the Vedas, based on service to the Supreme Lord. Prabhupāda contrasts it with modern rulers, who just collect taxes without giving any real benefit to the citizens.
Āgnīdhra, however, was not so serious about self-realization as his father. He was more attracted to the idea of being elevated to Pitṛloka, and for that end he worshiped Lord Brahmā in a valley of Mandara Hill, one of the great mountains of Jambūdvīpa (5.16.11), that was later used by the demigods and demons to churn the ocean of milk.
The reason for his choice of this particular mountain appears to be that it’s a place apsarās regularly visit. It seems that, from the beginning, his idea was that, by the grace of Brahmā, he could meet one of these celestial ladies and beget a perfect son who would perform all religious duties after his departure and thus secure his position in Pitṛloka.
