Prahlad: Devotion and the Descent of Narsingh Bhagavan

In our previous two blogs, we explored the captivating story of Prahlad, a true epitome of unwavering devotion to Lord Narayan. His steadfast devotion enraged his father, the tyrannical Hiranyakashipu, who resorted to deceitful tactics in an attempt to kill the young devotee. Despite the relentless cruelty directed at him, Prahlad remained unharmed, bathed in the divine grace of Lord Narayan.

In a fit of rage, Hiranyakashipu demanded to know why his son persistently defied his authority and challenged his son, "Does your Lord reside in this pillar?" Prahlad’s fearless response only fueled his father’s rage: "Indeed, my Lord resides within this pillar." Enraged, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with all his might, setting off a dramatic clash of destiny. What happens next in this riveting saga?

Descension of Narsingh Bhagavan

A great roar was heard; Hiranyakashipu was not afraid. He did not move his gaze away and kept staring at the pillar. The golden pillar crumbled and there was a radiant burst of light, Lord Narayan, with a golden body, appeared in the form of Narsingh Bhagavan, a half-man and half-lion. 

The Lord descended in a terrible form. His eyes were piercing and glaring at Hiranyakashipu; He had a long blood red tongue that was visible every time He roared making everyone tremble with fear. The Lord had long sharp claws ready to attack His prey, Hiranyakashipu. 

Everyone who saw the Lord was trembling with terror, but not Hiranyakashipu. He stood tall and kept staring at the beast that had appeared before him. He thought to himself,

"This being is neither man nor animal!"

In a flash, the past appeared before Hiranyakashipu and he recalled the boon that he had received from Brahma on Mount Mandaar, that he would not be killed by man nor any creature created by Brahma.

"This beast standing before me is certainly not created by Brahma. Is death standing before me?" 

The triumph of good over evil

With all his might Hiranyakashipu attacked Narsingh Bhagavan. The Lord picked him up with His claws and raised him high in the air. Hiranyakashipu somehow escaped from the Lord's mighty grasp and attacked Narsingh Bhagavan with his mace. Narsingh Bhagavan once again lifted Hiranyakashipu off the ground placed him on His thighs, and sat at the threshold of the hall. This act placed Hiranyakashipu neither inside nor outside, neither on earth nor in the sky. It was also dusk, neither day nor night. Narsingh Bhagavan then killed Hiranyakashipu with his sharp claws, not using any weapons made by man or God. It was a dreadful sight.

This manner of killing Hiranyakashipu fulfilled the boon he had received, that he could not be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, at night or during the day.

Narsingh Bhagavan's wrath

After the dramatic death of Hiranyakashipu, the earth shook violently, and chaos erupted in the skies as clouds swirled uncontrollably. The oceans churned as if a cataclysm had been unleashed from the depths below. The eight mighty elephants who hold up the earth were gripped by fear, and trembled at the thunderous roar of Narsingh Bhagavan. The ground quaked under the weight of His powerful presence, unable to bear the intensity of His stride.

Lord Brahma found himself trembling at the thought of approaching the mighty Lord Narayan, manifested as the fearsome Narsingh Bhagavan. He turned to the other Gods and Goddesses, desperately seeking their support to calm the wrath of this terrifying incarnation. However, his request was met with a chorus of fear, as they all exclaimed in unison, "My Lord! We are too terrified to face Him in such a terrifying form!" 

Lord Brahma made his way to Mother Lakshmi, the beloved consort of Lord Narayan. As she gazed at Narsingh Bhagavan, a chill gripped her heart. Her face was drained of colour, and a tremor of fear laced her voice as she exclaimed, "I cannot summon the courage to approach him in this fearsome form! I've never witnessed such ferocity in Him before, and it terrifies me!"

The innocent approach

Seeing that nobody was able to gather the courage to approach Narsingh Bhagavan, Lord Brahma requested Prahlad to do so. Prahlad fearlessly went ahead and prostrated at the Lord’s lotus feet. On seeing His young devotee, the Lord was overwhelmed with love for him. He picked Prahlad up and placed His hand on Prahlad’s head.

As the young boy sang God’s glories, Narsingh Bhagavan said to Prahlad,“I am very pleased with you. Ask Me for any boon.”

Prahlad initially remained silent. When Narsingh Bhagavan repeated his offer, Prahlad replied, “Dear Lord, anyone who wants something from his master is not a servant. Instead, he is a businessman. O Lord, I am a servant of Yours. I do not desire anything from You.”

When Narsingh Bhagavan again repeated His offer of a boon, Prahlad replied,“If you are so inclined, please grant me a boon that no more desires ever sprout in my heart.”

The Supreme Lord was extremely pleased to see this level of selfless devotion in Prahlad. He asked Prahlad to perform the funeral rites of his father, and then take over as the king. He assured Prahlad that as long as he performed his duties towards his kingdom and his family while thinking of Him, he would lead a successful life. Prahlad sought forgiveness from Narsingh Bhagavan for the sins his father had committed and then proceeded to follow Narsingh  Bhagavan's  instructions. It should be noted that Prahlad was only a five-year-old boy at this time. 

Assisted by Shukracharya (the Guru of the demons), Lord Brahma installed Prahlad on the throne and performed his coronation as a king. Prahlad ended up ruling over the kingdom for a long period of time before leaving for God’s abode.

Summary

The story is about young prince Prahlad, whose unwavering devotion to Lord Narayan leads to the demise of his cruel father, Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad learns about spirituality early in life and stands up against his father’s authority. This tale also reinforces the belief that God is omnipresent, residing even in the palace of a demon. The Lord appears as Narsingh Bhagavan in Hiranyakashipu's palace after Prahlad's father challenged his belief that God is everywhere.

Narsingh Bhagavan ultimately slays Hiranyakashipu, and Prahlad's selfless rejection of the boons offered by the Lord highlights the power of true devotion. In the end, Prahlad becomes king and eventually returns to the divine realm, making him a great example of devotion and selfless service.

Moral

Devotion has no age restriction: Prahlad attained God at the young age of five.

Devotion must be selfless: A true devotee does not seek boons or favours from God as a reward for their devotion.

One should not waiver from the path of devotion even when facing opposition: When faced with death, Prahlad remained devoted to God.

God is Omnipresent: God is everywhere He even resides in the palace of a demon.

Let's Reflect

Hiranyakashipu received a boon from Brahma and misused it. Can you think about any incident in your life that resonates with the misuse of power?