Srimad Bhagavatam the Son of Hiranyakashipu

SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM THE D I VI N E ST ORY

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THE SON OF HIRANYAKASHIPU

THE CURSE OF THE RISHIS

Narada Said: While moving through the universe, the sages Sanandana and his

three brothers once went to the realm of Vishnu. Though born before the elders

of the universe, they look like children of five years of age and have no

covering on their body. Accounting them to be infants, the two gate keepers

stopped them. Full of anger the sages cursed them “You do not deserve to

dwell at the feet of Lord Vishnu, which are free from the gunas. Therefore

enter at once, the most sinful demoniacal womb. While the gate keepers were

falling down, the sages said “Let this imprecation make for your return to your

realm at the end of three incarnations”.

They were born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, the demon brothers.

Hiranyakashipu was the elder; while Hiranyaksha the younger. Hiranyaksha was

killed by Vishnu when he assumed the body of a boar for the sake of lifting the

earth. Hiranyakashipu was killed when he assumed the form of a Lion. Anxious

to get rid of his son, Prahlada, the beloved of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu

inflicted on him tortures to bring about his death, but could not kill with all his

devices that perfect tranquil boy, who had identified himself with all beings,

looked upon all with the same eye, and was invested with a divine glory.

Yudhistra asked: How did intense hatred came to be developed towards the

beloved son? Tell me, O glorious sage, and the circumstances under which

exclusive devotion to the Lord sprang up in the heart of Prahlada, who was

born a demon.

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Narada replied: On his younger brother having slain by Sri Hari, who had

assumed the form of a boar, Hiranyakashipu felt agonized with anger and grief.

He spoke to the demons as follows: My beloved brother has been slain at the

hands of Sri Hari, who was partial towards the gods. With the blood of that

god, who assumed the shape of a wild animal through a deceptive trick and

relinquished his true nature. He follows anyone who adores him and is fickle

minded like a child. When his head is severed by my spear, I shall gratify my

blood thirsty brother and get relieved of my agony. When Vishnu is disposed

off, the gods will wither away like the boughs of a tree whose roots are cut off.

Go to the places made prosperous by the brahmanas and the kshatriyas and

exterminate those engaged in austerities, sacrifices, study of the Vedas,

observing sacred vows and practicing charity. Vishnu depends for his existence

on these rituals.

Bowing to the command of their master, the demons began to oppress the

people. When the people were thus oppressed by the followers of

Hiranyakashipu, the gods deserted the heavens and wandered over the earth

unperceived by the demons.

Narada continued: Hiranyakashipu now wished to make himself invincible,

free from old age, death and the sole monarch of all the worlds, having no rival.

In the Mandara valley he practiced ascetism of the severest type, keeping his

arms lifted up, gaze fixed on the sky and touching the ground only by his toe.

He remained in this way for a whole 36,000 years. Scorched by the fire of his

severe ascetism, the gods went to Brahma and prayed him to device a remedy.

Brahma thereby went to the hermitage of Hiranyakashipu. Initially he did not

find the demon there, who was covered with ant hills. Brahma was amazed to

see him scorching the three worlds by his ascetism, and spoke to him with a

bright smile.

Brahma said: Arise Hiranyakashipu; you have achieved your purpose through



ascetism. Ask me whatever boon you wish to have. I have witnessed your

extraordinary stamina, that your body having been eaten away by gnats, your

life actually only on your bones. Neither did the former ones do such ascetism

nor will such things be done in the future. Therefore I bestow on you all your

desired blessings.

Narada said: Brahma then sprinkled the demon’s body with the water from his

kamadalam, which is of unfailing virtue. From the ant hill Hiranyakashipu rose

like fire, endowed with strength of body and potency of the mind. Perceiving

Brahma standing in the air, he greeting him and spoke with tears of joy.

Hiranyakashipu said: O supreme, you are the ground of this entire universe.

You are the three gunas. I salute the first cause of this universe, who is an

embodiment of both knowledge and wisdom.

If you will confer on me my desired blessings, then let there be no death to me

neither inside my house nor outside, neither in day or by night, by anyone

created by you, nor by weapons, neither on earth nor in the air and neither from

men or animals. Nor should I meet my death at the hands of animate or

inanimate beings, gods, demons or great serpents. Also grant me the boon of

having no adversary in battle as well as undisputed lordship over all beings.

Give me glory like yourself in the midst of the guardians of the world and

unfailing powers.

Narada said: Brahma then conferred all the boons and returned to his adobe.

Having thus secured the boons and acquiring a golden form, the demon nursed

a grudge against the Lord, constantly recollecting the death of his brother in the

hands of Vishnu. He brought under his order all the directions and all the people

including the devas, siddhas, demons, rakshasas and the Rishis. He established

himself in heaven, enriched with the beauty of the celestial gardens and took up

his residence in the palace of the mighty Indra. A considerable time passed and

Hiranyakashipu not only became arrogant with power, but violated the sastras.

Finding no shelter elsewhere, the gods resorted to the immortal lord for

protection. With their mind and intellect controlled and rid of all impurities, they

waited upon lord Vishnu.

A voice without form and deep as the rumbling of clouds was heard by them,

filling the space with its echo and bringing with it the assurances of safety.

“Do not be afraid, the wickedness of this demon is known to me and I shall put

an end to it. When the demon seeks to harm his son, Prahlada, who is free

from animosity and extremely calm, I shall slay him even though he is

powerful.”

Thus addressed by lord Vishnu and bowing down to him, the gods returned and

accounted the demon already slain.

Four sons were born to Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada was the foremost of them in

point of virtues. He was devoted to the brahmanas, rich in amiability and true to

his word. He has his senses under control and was the friend of all. Like a

servant he bowed low at the feet of the venerable. Like a father he was kind to

the poor; he was affectionate like a brother to his equals and looked upon the

elders as God himself. Though endowed with learning, wealth, personal charm

and high birth, he was altogether free from pride and arrogance. Always

unperturbed at heart in the midst of calamities, he has no craving for sense

objects seen or unheard of, since he looked upon these as unreal. He has not

only controlled his senses, breath, body and intellect, but he has thoroughly



controlled his desires too. Though a demon by birth, he had relinquished the

characteristics of a demon. The qualities of exalted souls present in him are

constantly imbibed by the wise and are not obscured even now. Even gods, his

enemies treat him as a role model in their assemblies. What wonder then that

others like you should do it?

Yudhistra asked: O Sage, we are anxious to know why Hiranyakashipu

inflicted suffering on his son. Fathers fond of their sons admonish in order to

correct them; but in no case do they persecute them as an enemy would. Much

less would they oppress pious and obedient sons like Prahlada? Remove this

curiosity on mine.

Narada said: We are told that the sage Sukracharya was chosen by the demons

as their priest. His two sons, Sanda and Amarka lived close to the palace of

Hiranyakashipu. They taught subjects that were worth teaching to Prahlada as

well as to the other Asuras. He listened to them and immediately reproduced

what was taught to him by his teachers, but at heart he did not approve them,

based as it was on the false notion distinguishing a friend from a foe.

Placing his son on his lap one day Hiranyakashipu asked him – “Tell me my

child, what you regard as good?”

Prahlada replied: For embodied souls, whose mind is ever disturbed with the

false ideas of I and mine, I hold this to be good: that having abandoned one’s

home, which degrades one’s soul, and is like a well whose mouth is hidden,

one should go to the woods and take refuge in Sri Hari.

Narada continued: On hearing the words of his son full of faith on Lord

Vishnu, the demon laughed and said: “The intellect of youngsters is perverted

by machinations of others. Let the child be properly guarded, so that his

intellect is not perverted by the brahmanas.”

Summoning Prahlada, who had now been brought back to their residence, the

gurus questioned him: Dear Prahlada, speak the truth and do not lie. When did

this perversion come about you, which is not to be found in other boys? Tell us

whether this aberration of your mind has been brought about by others or has it

come about by itself.

Prahlada replied: It is the maya of the Lord that brings about the false notion

that he is mine and he is another and observed in men whose minds are

deluded. When he is propitious, the false notion of distinguishing, which is

generally found in beasts is dispelled. That supreme spirit is described by the

wise as one whose ways cannot be easily comprehended by those under the

delusion that “he is my own and he is some another” and in whose quest even

Brahma got bewildered. Indeed it is he who is responsible for my

transformation. Just like Iron is attracted towards the magnet so is my mind

unaccountably drawn towards Lord Vishnu.

Narada continued: Having said this, Prahlada stopped speaking. Reprimanding

him, the poor brahmana then angrily said: “Bring me a cane, this fellow is

bringing us disgrace. He needs to be punished, who is proving to be the ruin of

his race. He is very much a thorny bush in between the sandal trees.” Thus

intimidating him the preceptors taught him only texts dealing with the first three

objects of human pursuit (Dharma, Artha and Kama).

When they were confident that the boy has learnt his lessons properly, they

brought him before Hiranyakashipu, the demon kept him folded in his arms for



a long time and derived great pleasure. He spoke to his son as follows.

Hiranyakashipu asked: Dear Prahlada, tell me something excellent that you

have learnt from your teacher all this time and which you have fully mastered?

Prahlada said: To hear the names, praises, stories of Lord Vishnu and chant

them, to remember him, to wait upon him, to offer worship and salutation to

him, to dedicate one’s actions to him, to cultivate friendship with him and to

offer one’s body as well as one’s dependents and one’s belongings to him – if

devotion marked by these nine qualities is practiced by a man as something

already offered to Vishnu, I reckon that to be the highest form of learning.

Hearing this observation of his son, Hiranyakashipu was filled with rage and

spoke to the preceptors thus: “You brahmanas have espoused the enemy’s

cause and disregarded me. What is this nonsense that the child has been taught

by your wicked self?

Sanda and Amarka replied: Your son is saying something which has neither

been taught by us nor by anyone else. This view is his own conclusion. O king,

please control your anger and do not blame us.

Narada continued: Thus replied by the preceptor, the demon asked his son

again: “if this vicious idea has not been taught by your preceptor, where did this

come from?”

Prahlada said: People who are attached to their home fall repeatedly into hell

because their senses are uncontrolled and are engaged in enjoying pleasures

repeatedly though they have already been enjoyed in this as well as in their

previous lives and does not get attached to Sri Krishna either by itself or

through others or through mutual efforts. Indeed they whose mind is impure

and who, like the blind led by another blind man esteem only those regarding

the external objects as their aim are unable to realize Lord Vishnu. Through

actions they remain bound to the rope of the lord, in the shape of his word,

with numerous strings attached to different forms. The mind of these people

fails to approach the feet of Lord Vishnu so long as it does not seek to bath in

the dust of feet of exalted souls who claim nothing as their own.

Narada said: Hiranyakashipu, whose intellect had been blinded with wrath,

threw his son from his lap to the ground as soon as the latter stopped after

uttering the aforesaid words. Possessed by indignation, anger and blood shot

eyes he exclaimed, “Let this boy be killed at once. He deserves to die. Surely he

is responsible for the death of my brother; it is this vile fellow who abandoning

his own kith and kin worships like a servant the feet of Vishnu. Indeed what

good can this little boy do to Vishnu either? Even an enemy who is beneficent

as a medicine is a son; while an inimical son, though begotten by one’s own

body should be shunned as a disease. One should amputate even that limb

which is injurious to one’s own body. He should be got rid of by all means.

Commanded by the master, the demons, who had sharp teeth, fearful faces and

coppery beards stuck Prahlada who was sitting still with spears stuck in all his

vital parts. But all these proved of no avail against Prahlada, whose mind was in

sync with the immutable and indefinable supreme deity, the soul of the

universe. On that effort having been foiled, Hiranyakashipu felt alarmed and

resorted to various devices of killing his son. When the demon failed to get rid

of his sinless son by means of elephants, serpents, hurling down from great

heights, administering poison, exposing him to fire, wind and frost and even

crushing him under rocks, he plunged into deep anxiety. He said to himself:



“The boy was reproached by me in a number of ways and devices were

employed to kill him. But he escaped from all these. Though standing close to

me and a child yet, this fellow is really undaunted and powerful. He will not

forget my misbehavior and will retaliate back soon. Possessed of infinite glory

and fearing none, he is immortal to all appearance. My death will surely follow

from him or else it may not occur at all.

To him who sat with his face down with anxiety, Sanda and Amarka, the sons

of Sukracharya spoke thus in private: “You have conquered single handed all

the three worlds. The guardians of the worlds are frightened by the mere play

of your eyebrows. Such as you are, we see nothing for you to be anxious

about. Indeed the behavior of children is no topic for judgment as good or bad.

A man’s reason returns with age.

Having accepted the advice of the sons of his guru, Hiranyakashipu spoke as

follows: “As a matter of fact such duties should be taught to him as are proper

to kings and a householder”

To Prahlada, who was not only meek, but modest, the gurus taught only topics

related to Dharma (Code of Conduct), Artha (The ways of obtaining wealth)

and Kama (enjoying the pleasures). He however did not approve of the three

objects of human pursuit even when properly taught to him, much less the

teachings imparted by those who are attached to the sense objects. When the

preceptor was away in connection with his other duties, Prahlada was called by

the other boys for playing. Prahlada, who was aware of their devotion to him,

answered them with a smile. Laying aside their playthings out of respect for

him, all those boys sat around him, with their heart and eyes fixed on him; and

Prahlada who was an eminent votary of the lord and who was compassionate

and friendly towards them, spoke to them his wisdom.

PRAHLADA TEACHES THE CONCEPT OF BHAKTHI TO THE DEMON

BOYS



Prahlada Said: A wise man should practice virtues conductive to God

realization from his childhood itself. Birth as a human being alone bestows on

us our desired object, and such birth is obtained with great difficulty and is

transient too. The only course advisable for a man in this world is to betake

himself to the feet of Lord Vishnu, for he is not only the ruler and beloved

friend of all, also he is the very self of created beings. Like suffering, sensual

pleasures is obtained by every being in every birth by force of destiny through

mere connection with a body. No effort for such pleasures should be made;

from such effort follows mere waste of life. Moreover, in that way one does

not attain the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. Therefore having fallen into

transmigration, a wise man should strive for blessedness while the body is yet

firm. Indeed a hundred years is reckoned to be the length of a man’s life. Half

of it is of no use to a man who is unable to subdue his mind; for consigned to

blinding ignorance he remains lying down in the night. Twenty elapse in infancy

and boyhood; twenty years roll by helplessly when his body is in grip of

senility. The rest of his life actually passes away in negligence, when the man

remains attached to his home through desire which cannot be easily sated and

through overwhelming infatuation.

What man whose senses have not been conquered can hope to liberate his own

self, attached to his home and bound with the powerful cords of affection?

Who indeed can give up the thirst for wealth, which is coveted more than life

itself and which a thief as well as a servant and a merchant purchases even in

exchange for his wife?

With his mind attached to his relatives and bound by the affection of lisping

children, how can a man forgo the private company and sweet counsel of his

wife?



wife?

Remembering his sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, his helpless parents

and dwellings provided with abundant articles, hereditary vocations, animals

and servants, how can he renounce them?

Pursuing actions out of greed and thinking highly of the pleasures relating to

sex and the palate, how can he feel disgusted with them?

Though knowing the sin and its effects on misappropriating other’s wealth,

people whose mind is ever intent on riches nevertheless takes away other’s

wealth, his senses being uncontrolled and his desires unsatisfied. Indeed he who

has a differential outlook, regarding this as his own and that as belonging to

another is not able to realize the self while maintaining his family in the aforesaid

manner, even though he may be learned. He is likely to enter the dark regions

like a deluded person. None who is extremely passionate about women and a

toy before them is ever able to liberate his soul. Therefore avoiding from a

distance those demons who have set their mind on the objects of senses, take

refuge in Narayana. He is the final beatitude sought by those who have give up

attachment to everything.

Though really indescribable and undifferentiated himself, He can be hinted at as

all pervading in the form of the subject and as pervaded in the form of the

objective universe. The supreme lord consisting of absolute consciousness and

bliss, He is realized as having his divinity concealed by Maya, which gives rise

to the material creation. Therefore giving up the demonic character, show

compassion and friendliness to all created beings, whereby, He is pleased.

When that infinite being, the cause of all the causes is pleased, what is there

that cannot be attained? Dharma, Artha and Kama I regard as true only if it

enables one to offer one’s own self to the supreme controller.

The divine sage Narayana, the eternal companion of Nara, it is said, taught this

pure wisdom to Narada. It can however be easily attained by those who have

bathed themselves in the dust of feet of those devoted to the lord and claiming

nothing as their own. This knowledge with the immediate apprehension of truth

as well as the pure cult of devotion to the lord was received by me in the past

through hearing from the mouth of the sage Narada.

The Demons asked: Prahlada, you as well as we know no other teacher than

these two sons of Sukracharya and indeed these two have been our masters

ever since we were infants. Association with an exalted soul like Narada was

most difficult. Resolve our doubt, how did you get this knowledge from

Narada?

Narada resumed: Questioned thus by the demons, Prahlada that great devotee

of the lord, smilingly addressed them, calling to mind my teaching.

Prahlada said: Our father having left for practicing austerities, Indra as the

other gods launched a great campaign against the demons saying, “Fortunately

the evil one has been eaten away by his own sins”. Desirous of victory the gods

looted the king’s residence; while Indra even seized the queen, my mother.

Narada, who came there by chance saw her being taken on the roads helplessly

and said, “Indra you should not take this innocent lady, leave the woman who is

another’s wife.”

Indra replied: There is in her womb the mighty son of Hiranyakashipu. Let her

stay till the time of delivery. I shall let her go when I’ve achieved my object.

Narada said: This child is not only sinless but a great devotee of the lord and

eminent by his own qualities. He will not meet his death at your hands.



Thus advised by Narada and accepting the advice of the celestial sage, Indra

left her and returned to the Heavens.

Then the sage took my mother with due honour to his hermitage and comforted

saying “Stay here, my daughter till your husband returns back.” My mother too

lived near the divine sage waiting for me to be born. In order to assuage her

grief and for my sake, the compassionate and powerful sage imparted both the

essence of religion and pure wisdom. That teaching however disappeared from

her mind due to the ravages of time and her womanly nature. It however has

not left me, the favored of the sage, even to this moment.

That supreme devotion and wisdom can take root in you if you give credence

to my words. Through the agency of time the different states of life are seen in

relation to the body and not in relation to the soul. The spirit is eternal, free

from decay, taintless, changeless, one without a second, the knowing subject,

the ground of everything, self seeing, cause, all-pervading, unattached and is

not controlled by maya. With the help of these twelve characteristics of the self

a wise man should give up the false notions of ego with reference to the body,

people and things connected to the body.

When on hearing the stories of the supreme Vishnu, the devotee sings, cries,

and dances all his bonds gets loosened at that time and his ignorance and latent

desires are burnt. The wise recognize communion with lord Vishnu as a sure

means of liberation. Therefore worship that ruler of your heart in your heart.

What extraordinary exertion is involved in the worship of Sri Hari, one’s own

self and friend? What is to be gained through efforts for the acquisition of

material objects such efforts being common to all beings. Riches, wife, animals,

sons and other relations, houses, land, treasury and luxuries all kind of wealth

and enjoyments are momentary and fleeting. What delight can they afford to a

mortal? Similarly the known worlds earned by sacrifices are also perishable and

excelled by higher worlds and are not free from impurities either. Therefore

with a view to self realization worship that supreme lord in whom no fault is

seen or even heard of.

The death of Hiranyakashipu in the hands of Narasimha

On hearing his extortion all the demons accepted it because of its faultlessness,

but not the teaching of their guru. Alarmed to perceive their mind intent on a

single purpose, they quickly and correctly reported the matter to the king.

Hearing of that unwelcome news about his son, which was hard to bear,

Hiranyakashipu made up his mind to dispose of his son, his limbs shake due to

impulse of anger.

Reproaching in a harsh language Prahlada, who was not only disciplined but

standing modest, and regarding him with a wicked and crooked eye, the demon

who was cruel by nature spoke as follows :- “you stupid wretch, you are

causing disgrace to the family, I shall dispatch you this very day to the adobe of

Yama. You have grown abstinateand have slipped away from my authority. By

whose might have you violated like an undaunted person, the authority of me,

before whom the three worlds, including their guardians shake with fear.

Prahlada replied: He is unquestionably the strength not only of mine but yours

as well. It is by him these creatures high and low, animate and inanimate,

commencing from Brahma have been held under sway. He is the ruler, He is the

mighty Time, He is the embodiment of organic and mental powers, physical

strength and fortitude. The supreme controller of Nature and its three qualities



(Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), It is he who creates, protects and destroys the

universe. Abondan this demoniac disposition of yours and keep your mind

equipoised. There are no enemies other than an uncontrolled mind. Some

consider to have conquered the four directions without having curbed the thief

in the form of mind.

Hiranyakashipu replied: Evidently you are keen to die, now that you are

bragging too much. For the words of those who are anxious to die are sure to

be incoherent. Where is that Lord of the universe other than me? If it is urged

that he is present everywhere, why is he not seen in that pillar? I being the

master of everything, am going tosever your head, a braggard that you are. Let

Hari protect you today if he is present in the pillar.

Thus tormenting his son, Hiranyakashipu sprang from his seat, taking his

sword and knocked the pillar with his fist.

That very moment there arose in that pillar a most terrific crash, the sound of

which cracked the very cosmic egg and on hearing which Brahma and the

guardians of the world suspected the dissolution of the universe. Displaying his

valor in his anxiety to get rid of his son, Hiranyakashipu heard that loud sound,

but did not notice the source, due to which the leaders of the demons got

frightened. In order to substantiate the utterance of his devotee and his

presence in all objects, the Lord appeared in the pillar of the court, assuming a

queer form, which was neither of a beast.

Hiranyakashipu said to himself:, “He is neither a beast nor a human being.



What may be this strange creature bearing the form of Narasimha (Man-Lion) ?

Sure enough this is a trick by Hari, who is an adept in conjuring tricks. But

what can be done by him though fully prepared ?” Before his eyes visibly stood

the Lord who is difficult to perceive even to great devotees. It had fierce eyes

shining as molten gold, a face swollen with its dazzling hair. It had fearful teeth

and a tongue waving like the sword and looked fearful because of the frown. It

had erect and motionless ears and a wide mouth and nostrils which resembled a

mountain cave. The body touched the skies and it had short thick neck, a broad

chest and a slender waist. It was covered all over with hair, had multiple arms

with sharp nails for its weapon. Hard to approach it had driven away all the

demons. “Surely this is an trick thought out for my death by Hari, but what can

be done by him?”

Thus murmuring and arming himself with a mace, Hiranyakashipu rushed

towards Narasimha. Narasimha seized him even as he paced forward just as a

Garuda would catch a huge snake. At that time the demon slipped from his

hand. Giving forth a shrill laughter, rendered more terrific by the roar, Sri Hari

of infinite strength seized the demon. Throwing down the demon at the

entrance of his palace, Narasimha tore him apart in mere sport. Casting of the

demon whose heart is split open by his pointed claws, the lord slew

Hiranyakashipu’s thousands of bodyguards who followed him.

Mountains flew as a result of his rapid movement, while the sky was eclipsed

by his splendor. Nobody dared approach the almighty lord, who had then taken

the excellent royal throne. He looked extremely furious even though no

adversary was visible around. At that time the sky was crammed with heavenly



beings eager to have a look at the almighty lord. But even the greatest Brahma

and Shiva dared not go near him, possessed as he was by anger and most

difficult to approach. Brahma sent Prahlada to approach the Lord to pacify his

anger. Uttering the words “so be it”, and slowly drawing near, the great child

devotee bowed down before Narasimha. Overwhelmed with compassion on

seeing the infant fallen at his feet and lifting him, the Lord placed on his head

his hand which has brought security to the entire world. All traces of evil

instantly disappeared by the mere touch of his hand and Prahlada felt supremely

gratified.

Narada continued : The Lord was not only pacified of his anger but was also

highly pleased and spoke to Prahlada, who was bent low with respect.

The Lord said : Noble Prahlada, I’m pleased with you. Ask any boon that you

like. I’m difficult of perception. Having beheld me a living being has no reason

to grieve. I’m wont to gratify you.

Narada said : Even on being tempted with boons Prahlada did not hanker after

them, exclusively devoted as he was to the Lord. Regarding all that as an

impediment to the practice of devotion, Prahlada smilingly addressed Narasimha

as follows.

Prahlada said : Pray do not tempt me with boons, attached as I’m to the

pleasures of the senses. Afraid of attachment to them I’ve approached you for

protection, anxious to secure freedom. He who seeks blessings from you is no

true devotee, he is only a businessman. I’m your devotee without any craving

while you are my master having nothing to gain from me. I however solicit this

boon from you Supreme Lord, that my father, who was ignorant of your glory

and whose heart was stung with indignation, spoke ill of you under the false

notion that you had been the slayer of his brother and bore ill will towards me,

may he kindly be absolved from that sin, although I’m sure he was purged of it

the moment you looked at him.

The Lord replied : Your father was purified of his along with twenty one past

generations by the mere fact that you were born in his race. People who follow

your ways become my devotees. Indeed you will serve as a model for them.

Now perform the rites to be performed to your father, though he is purified in

everyway by my touch. Having been blessed with a noble son, he will attain to

the higher worlds. Occupy the throne of your father and fixing your mind on

me and devoted to me, perform your duties as directed by the Vedas.

Narada said : Saying so the Lord disappeared on the spot. After that along with

the sages headed by Sukracharya, Brahma installed Prahlada as the King. In this

way the two attendants of Lord Vishnu were reduced to the state of Demons

under the imprecation of Brahmanas. Due to their hostile feeling towards the

Lord, they were slain by the Lord himself. Again they appeared as pair of

Rakshasas, Kumbhakarna and Ravana. They were disposed of by Sri Rama.

Lying on the battle field they shed their body their mind fixed on the Him.

Further reborn as Sisupala and Dantavakra in this life they merged in Krishna by

virtue of their deep rooted enmity to the Lord.

POSTED BY SARAVANA KUMAR

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Srimad Bhagavatam the Son of Hiranyakashipu

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