The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we were at a crucial juncture amidst the “Prahlaada-Charitra”, wherein Bhagawan Narasimha goes full throttle to kill Hiranya-Kashibu and thus, put an end to all of his atrocities against his son, Prahlaada. As Bhagawan kills Hiranya-Kashibu with His razor-sharp claws and nails, His fury is not going to end just like that! As people around Bhagawan, including the Devas were getting scared as to how do they control Bhagawan’s aggression and anger, it was decided that the only person who can bring down Bhagawan’s anger is none other than Prahlaada alone. This is because, Bhagawan has incarnated in the form of Narasimha exclusively to save Prahlaada. Hence, Prahlaada goes in front of Bhagawan Narasimha with folded hands and offers his prostrations. As Bhagawan Narasimha sees Prahlaada in tears of ardent devotion, He becomes calmer by the minute. The anger gradually came down and Bhagawan Narasimha extends His blood-stricken hands towards Prahlaada and hugs him with all His love and compassion. The world heaved a huge sigh of relief!

As Bhagawan regains His composure, He explains to Prahlaada that his father Hiranya-Kashibu is actually His ardent devotee, but it was only because of a curse, he was born as a Raakshasa. Now that the curse has been released, Hiranya-Kashibu has attained Moksha! Bhagawan continues further and asks Prahlaada to request Him for any boon that he wants! Prahlaada calmly replies back to Bhagawan thus, “Oh Bhagawan Narayana! Now that you’ve taken all the pains to come down to this earth, relieved my father from his curse and blessed me with your divine sight, what more am I going to ask you for? All I want to ask you at the moment is for a boon wherein, I should never ever ask you for any boon in the rest of my life! You should be the one to take care of me and should guide me towards the path of attaining Moksha! Apart from this, I do not want anything else from you!” Upon hearing thus from the little child, Bhagawan was utterly pleased and grants whatever Prahlaada asked for! All the people around Bhagawan, including the Devas, were extremely happy and contended that the world has been liberated from the “Adharma” and “Dharma” has been restored again by Bhagawan! Moreover, the world has obtained a “Mahatma” by name Prahlaada, for which, all of us are cherishing even today!

There are quite a few important lessons that we should learn from the “Prahlaada-Charitra”. What are they? Let us list down one by one and I shall try and give a narrative for each of them:

1. Bhagawan never ever gives up on His ardent devotee – Prahlaada was an epitome of this and we’ve witnessed how Bhagawan made sure that He personally monitors Prahlaada’s safety! Whenever Hiranya-Kashibu tried to put Prahlaada under the burner of punishments, Bhagawan thwarted every attempt of his, to prove His divine presence! More than proving His divine presence, Bhagawan made it a point that His devotee is never affected by any of the tantrums that he was subjected to!
2. Bhagawan’s fury knows no bounds when His ardent devotee is abused – We witnessed this again, as the very incarnation of Bhagawan Narasimha with the ferocious form tells the entire story! As Hiranya-Kashibu repeatedly abused Prahlaada for his devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu, at one point, it crossed all limits. At this time, Bhagawan Vishnu decides that enough is enough and thus, His anger takes over! This is why we always should remember that we should never ever insult or abuse or talk bad about “Bhaagawathas” or “Mahatmas” or for that matter, anybody who is a devotee of Bhagawan! Even if a person abuses Bhagawan directly, it doesn’t anger Him much and we shall still be able to escape, because of Bhagawan’s unending compassion. However, if we end up abusing Bhagawan’s ardent devotee, this is what triggers the anger and fury of Bhagawan! We can witness this in Ramayana also – When Ravana was throwing tantrum after tantrum upon Bhagawan Rama, this had no effect! However, when Ravana attacked Hanuman, who was Bhagawan Rama’s ardent devotee, a “Mahatma” by nature, and a “Bhaagawatha” by heart, Bhagawan Rama decided that enough is enough! All of us know what happened to Ravana after that! Thus, the point is that, we should try maximum not to abuse anybody in our day-to-day life. The reason is very simple here – Many a times, we might not know whether the person whom we are trying to scold or abuse, is a devotee or not! If that person happens to be a devotee, and if we end up abusing him or her, we are going to end up in the radar of Bhagawan’s fury!
3. Bhagawan will definitely respond to our ardent prayers and innocent devotion – This point was clearly emphasized in Prahlaada’s case. As we’ve witnessed, Prahlaada was born with devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu and he knew nothing else apart from chanting Bhagawan’s divine names – All through the day and night! This definitely has an effect. Whatever prayers we offer to Bhagawan with an innocent and a pure heart, would reach Him definitely and would melt His heart. Although in many cases Bhagawan might not come in front of us in person, He might arrange some way or the other, so that His presence can be felt by us.
4. Chanting of Bhagawan’s divine names would serve as a “ring of protection” at times of danger – This is why we repeatedly keep emphasizing that we’ve to keep chanting our “Mantra” all the time, irrespective of whatever walks of life we are in and whatever work that we keep doing. We should try and internalize the process of chanting Mantras and this would definitely serve as a great protection from any kinds of danger. Prahlaada’s case was the same, as he was steadfast in chanting Bhagawan Narayana’s names day in and day out! This was acting as a shield of protection for him, whenever his father subjected him to enormous amounts of punishments and torture. The important point here is that, we might not be able to realize at that point, but later on if we look back through our lives after many years, we might understand how we were protected by Bhagawan’s divine and unending grace!

Thus for today, let us try and understand these four important lessons that we can learn from this section of the “Prahlaada-Charitra” and Bhagawan Narasimha’s divine incarnation. Let us take it as a pledge today and start implementing these learnings slowly one by one every day, which would again aid us in our spiritual growth. We shall wait till the next episode to move on from this part. Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance and uniqueness of the “Narasimha Avatara” of Bhagawan Vishnu, so as to save Prahlaada from the clutches of his wicked father, Hiranya-Kashibu. We had witnessed that this is the only incarnation of Bhagawan wherein He takes a half-animal and a half-human form. Till that point, Bhagawan had incarnated in various full forms of animals, such as “Matsya” (Fish), “Koorma” (Boar) and “Varaaha” (Pig). Henceforth, after this incarnation of Bhagawan Narasimha, it is going to be all in the full human form – Vaamana, Parashuraama, Rama and Krishna. Thus, the significance of Bhagawan Narasimha was outlined in the previous episode, wherein, this was solely to protect His ardent devotee!

Moving on thus, as Bhagawan Narasimha is tearing Hiranya-Kashibu apart, the whole world is starting to shake with fear! The Devas (Celestial Beings), Asuras, Dhaanavas, Yakshas, etc. were getting stunned with Bhagawan Vishnu’s fury, at the same time, they were happy that finally “Adharma” is being destroyed! But at the same time, how are they going to contain Bhagawan’s anger now? As twilight approaches, everything seems red in color! Sage Sukhaachaarya explains this beautifully here – It is almost sunset time and the dusk looks red outside. Hiranya-Kashibu’s blood that splashes outside his body as Bhagawan tears him apart looks reddish in colour! Bhagawan Narasimha’s eyes at the same time are red in colour with the amount of anger and fury He has within Himself! As Bhagawan tears Hiranya-Kashibu’s body with His razor-sharp claws and nails, Hiranya-Kashibu breathes his last! He succumbs to the ferocious Bhagawan Narasimha’s all-out assault!

As Hiranya-Kashibu is dead, Bhagawan Narasimha throws his body apart and gets up from where He was sitting! Although His mission of killing Hiranya-Kashibu was over, Bhagawan’s anger hasn’t come down even a bit! He’s still fuming with anger! Now, the people who were onlooking this, began to shake with fear. What is this anger going to do now? Is this a start point of a bigger destruction? The Devas led by Indra, who were initially happy with Bhagawan incarnating, now start shaking with fear as well! Why is Bhagawan’s anger not coming down after Hiranya-Kashibu’s death? Thus, all of them together approach Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is Bhagawan’s consortium and explain thus, “Oh Devi! Bhagawan’s fury at the moment knows no bounds and if this continues, the world itself is in a severe threat. As Bhagawan’s dearest consortium, you can perhaps approach Him and contain His anger! In that way, you would be able to save the world from this great danger!” Upon hearing thus from the Devas, Goddess Mahalakshmi replies thus, “Oh Indra & Co.! I cannot do much in this case. Even though I’m His dearest consortium, for the moment it is impossible for me to approach Him. There is only one solution here – Ask Prahlaada, for whom Bhagawan had incarnated, to approach Him with the same level of devotion. Perhaps, upon seeing Prahlaada in front of Him, His anger would subside gradually!”

Accordingly, as per the advice given by Goddess Mahalakshmi, little Prahlaada approaches Bhagawan Narasimha with his folded hands and with tears in his tender eyes! He cries out to Bhagawan thus, “Oh Bhagawan Narayana! I’m totally speechless and overwhelmed today! You’ve shut my mouth left right and center! You’ve taken a monumental incarnation in this form today, just because a little child in me called for you? This might not have been necessary at all. If my father had to meet his end, you could have done it from the place where you dwell! Rather, why did you waste your time and come all the way, just because I’m calling you? Who am I? Afterall I’m a small child and I now feel sorry that I had unwantedly disturbed you!”

Saying thus, little Prahlaada bursts out into tears and falls on Bhagawan’s feet! As Bhagawan Narasimha sees little Prahlaada in this state and after Bhagawan listens to Prahlaada’s words, His anger drastically comes down! Bhagawan Narasimha extends his blood-stricken hands to hug little Prahlaada with all His love and affection! Now that, Bhagawan’s anger has come down completely, He once again regains His composure and replies to Prahlaada’s words thus, “Oh Prahlaada! Till today you’ve been undergoing severe tortures from your father, however, you were rock solid in your devotion towards me! How can I leave you just like that? It is only for you, I came all the way and please don’t think that you’ve disturbed me or wasted my time! I’m always available to a fervent call of my ardent devotee! Now that you’ve pleased my heart so much, please ask me whatever you want! I shall grant you without any second thought as I’m totally indebted to your ardent devotion!”

As Bhagawan asks thus, Prahlaada replies back, “Oh Bhagawan! What am I going to ask you any further, after having your divine darshan? All I want to ask you is that, please do not punish my father too much, just because he was torturing me. It was not his mistake. He did all what he did, just out of ignorance. So, please grant Moksha to my father and take him with you!” This answer from Prahlaada melted Bhagawan Vishnu even more! He assures Prahlaada that his father will get Moksha, and explains the real story of Jaya and Vijaya and how both of them got cursed by Sages Sanaka and Sanatkumara. Bhagawan assures Prahlaada that his father is safe and secure and has already reached Vaikunta!

As this episode concludes with this note, there are key learnings that we need to understand from the Prahlaada Charitra! Stay tuned for a detailed discussion in the next episode! 😊

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the culmination of Hiranya-Kashibu, who had been an epitome of extreme arrogance and for having an intense thirst for power. We had witnessed how little Prahlaada’s ardent prayers have finally been answered by Bhagawan in the form of Bhagawan Narasimha – The half-lion-half-human form. According to all the loopholes in Hiranya-Kashibu’s long list of boons that he had obtained earlier, Bhagawan Narasimha carefully designs His final assault and thus succeeds by putting Hiranya-Kashibu to death without much hassles. As Hiranya-Kashibu hits the pillar with his “Gadha”, Bhagawan Narasimha emerges in the most ferocious form and takes on Hiranya-Kashibu, which renders all of his boons useless within seconds! Such was the intensity of anger in Bhagawan, as He appeared for the final assault.

If we look into the intricacies of Bhagawan’s incarnation as Narasimha, it would be something which is mind-blowing! We’ve witnessed Hiranya-Kashibu’s long list of boons and as mentioned above, Bhagawan had to thwart Hiranya-Kashibu’s boons by penetrating the loopholes. Of course, we’ve witnessed yesterday that Bhagawan had to assume a form of neither a complete animal nor a complete human being. Also moving forward thus, Bhagawan had to emerge at a time when there is no complete day or night. This is why He emerged at a time when the day and the night meet each other – The evening time at around 6 PM during dusk! As Bhagawan emerged, He dragged Hiranya-Kashibu to the staircase area, and not to the middle of the room! This is because, Hiranya-Kashibu had obtained the boon that he shouldn’t be killed either inside or outside a house. Bhagawan was super careful in this regard thus, to drag him to the entrance area, which is neither inside nor outside the house! Moreover, Hiranya-Kashibu’s next clause was that he shouldn’t be killed on the ground or in space! This is why Bhagawan Narasimha ensured that He had Hiranya-Kashibu on His lap, which is neither on the ground nor in the open space! In addition, Hiranya-Kashibu had asked that he shouldn’t be killed by any sort of weapon which is used in warfare! This is why, Bhagawan Narasimha did not take any weapon in hand, but His ultra-sharp nails were His “in-built weapon”! Finally, Hiranya-Kashibu had asked that he shouldn’t be killed by any of Bhagawan Bramha’s creations on this world! Little did he realize that Bhagawan Vishnu, who was his ardent enemy, wasn’t created by Bhagawan Bramha! This is the reason why Bhagawan Vishnu Himself came personally down to the earth to kill Hiranya-Kashibu!

All of these points mentioned so far, proves that Bhagawan’s astuteness and smartness knew no bounds and was in no match to that of Hiranya-Kashibu’s! This is why we too keep saying today that, even thought we might boast ourselves to be the epitome of whatever talent that we might have within us, Bhagawan can outsmart us within minutes and this is the reason why we pray and offer all our talents and abilities to Bhagawan’s lotus feet before we commence any important task in life. This is exactly what has happened in Hiranya-Kashibu’s case too. It should be recalled by readers that Hiranya-Kashibu had spent countless number of years in penance, pleased Bhagawan Bramha, obtained several boons from him, etc. However, with his sheer arrogance and pride, he failed to realize that Bhagawan can outsmart him within minutes, and that was exactly what conspired at the end. Thus, the important lesson for all of us here is that, even though we might possess knowledge or expertise in something that the world doesn’t have, if we have the pride and arrogance associated to it, we would fall apart very quickly. Hence, we should be very careful here.

Thus, Bhagawan Narasimha finally succeeds in killing the wretched Hiranya-Kashibu and frees the earth of any more “Adharma”! This leaves the Devas and all the devotees in awe! All of them are not able to take their eyes off Bhagawan! Also, this is the first time that an incarnation has taken place with a unique form – A half-animal and half-human! So far, the world has only seen incarnations either as a full animal or a full human being. If we look at all the previous incarnations – Matsya, Koorma and Varaaha – All of them were incarnations of Bhagawan Vishnu in the form of animals. The incarnations that came after Narasimha _ Vaamana, Parashuraama, Rama, Krishna, etc. were all human beings! Thus, this is the only incarnation of Bhagawan Vishnu wherein he was neither a human being nor an animal in total appearance! This is the significance of Bhagawan Narasimha!

So for today, let us realize these points and worship Bhagawan Narasimha with all our ardent devotion. It is to be remembered that even after putting Hiranya-Kashibu to death, Bhagawan is still in His highest level of ferociousness! Let us all together make sure that Bhagawan Narasimha calms down quickly with our ardent prayers! Let us wait till the next episode in this way as we move on further! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

We’re at the most critical juncture of the “Prahlaada-Charithra” wherein, Hiranya-Kashibu is laying his own trap of destruction. Due to his sheer ignorance, he engages with a bitter war of words with his son Prahlaada and during this heated conversation, Prahlaada stands his ground firmly! He’s not willing to relent even a single inch here or there. This relentless “arrogance” of Prahlaada angers Hiranya-Kashibu beyond a point and this is where he takes a pledge to wage an all-out war over his bitter enemy Vishnu! He thus asks Prahlaada for Vishnu’s whereabouts. Prahlaada gives a “Vedantic” reply saying that Bhagawan Vishnu is omni-present. That is, He is present within every living and non-living object in this world. He is present in the land, mountains, oceans, rivers, etc. that comprise the world in total! As Prahlaada narrated thus in detail, Hiranya-Kashibu did not understand any of what Prahlaada is explaining!

Normally, short-sighted people wouldn’t understand the intricacies of Vedanta! We can witness this not only in Hiranya-Kashibu’s case, but also in many of today’s useless debates given by atheists and anti-Hindus who are roaming around everywhere! As Hiranya-Kashibu fails to understand the significance of little Prahlaada’s words, he finally asks whether Vishnu is within this pillar that is in front of him! Prahlaada replies the affirmative! Within this time period, Bhagawan Vishnu on his part, prepares himself for an all-out assault on Hiranya-Kashibu! He has had enough now! Thus, Bhagawan Vishnu tries to recollect all the boons that Hiranya-Kashibu had obtained from Bhagawan Bramha! Thus, managing all the permutations and combinations, Bhagawan Vishnu enters inside the pillar in the form of a half-animal and a half-human being.

However, the final decision as to which animal’s form should Bhagawan appear, is only made at the last minute. We had witnessed in the yesterday’s episode that Hiranya-Kashibu makes an open challenge towards Prahlaada thus, “If Vishnu fails to appear from this pillar, I’m going to thwart your head into pieces and drink the blood of yours, just like how a ferocious lion is thirsty for human blood!” Prahlaada openly accepts that challenge and quickly goes into a meditative state! It is at this point, Bhagawan decides that the best option available for Him at this stage is to take the form of a ferocious lion, above his neck! Thus, Bhagawan enters inside the pillar finally, with the form of a half-lion and a half-human being (Bhagawan Nara-Simha).

All of these events are also unfolding during the evening time – The time wherein the day and the night meet each other! Now, Hiranya-Kashibu takes his “Gadha” and advances towards that very pillar inside which Bhagawan Narasimha is present! As the “Gadha” hits the pillar hard, the pillar cuts open into two halves and there arises Bhagawan in one of His fiercest forms! Bhagawan is now roaring with anger and upon seeing the half-lion and half-human form, Hiranya-Kashibu is totally perplexed and stunned! Prahlaada is still in a deep meditative state and is totally unaware of the conspiring events! Bhagawan has finally answered the little child’s ardent devotion! At the same time, Bhagawan has made sure that His ardent devotees’ words come true as well! Hiranya-Kashibu has clearly been outsmarted here! Everything has conspired in accordance to all the loopholes of Hiranya-Kashibu’s boons!

Thus, as Bhagawan Narasimha approaches Hiranya-Kashibu, the whole world is trembling with fear! This is the first time Bhagawan Vishnu has got terribly angry – The primary reason being, Hiranya-Kashibu has repeatedly insulted His ardent devotee, a “Mahatma” in the form of little Prahlaada! Thus, Bhagawan Narasimha comes near Hiranya-Kashibu and carries him in his arms, takes him to the entrance of the palace, places him on his lap, tears open his chest with His razor-sharp nails, throttles him and kills him on the spot! All of this unfolds within minutes and the once mighty Hiranya-Kashibu is totally over-powered by Bhagawan’s dazzling brilliance, strength and infiniteness!

As Hiranya-Kashibu is totally consumed by Bhagawan Narasimha, Prahlaada realizes what has happened, and is amazed to see Bhagawan in front of him, perhaps for the first time in his life! He realizes that Bhagawan has answered his prayers finally, but is of course sad that this process has to consume his father’s life! Although Prahlaada was put to immense amounts of torture by his father, he was compassionate towards his father and prayed to Bhagawan for his “Moksha”! This is yet another typical characteristic of a great “Mahatma”! No matter how much a person is inflicting trouble upon him, Prahlaada had that unchanged amount of love and compassion, which is truly remarkable!

As Hiranya-Kashibu gets killed, Bhagawan’s fury is not going to end with that! Bhagawan Narasimha is still roaring aloud with all His fury, which sends even the Devas to run for safe shelters! Even little Prahlaada is scared to take one step closer to Bhagawan and thank Him for what He has done! Now, who is going to bring down Bhagawan’s fury? Who’s going to make Bhagawan return to His normal condition? What is going to happen next? A very important episode in terms of learnings from the Prahlaada-Charitra awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Prahlaada’s devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu being put to test by his father Hiranya-Kashibu. Upon deliberation, Prahlaada exudes confidence that his Bhagawan Vishnu is omni-present and that, Hiranya-Kashibu’s ignorance is preventing him from realizing this fact. As this conversation was unfolding, and as Prahlaada was exuding more and more of confidence on his narrative, Bhagawan Vishnu Himself started to get jittery! He has the inherent responsibility to answer Prahlaada’s prayers and uphold his narrative! Bhagawan Narayana thus decides that the time is coming closer for Him to show His true colors against Hiranya-Kashibu. He’s thus fuming in anger against Hiranya-Kashibu and it is now only just a matter of few more minutes before the anger is unleashed for the world to see!

As this argument reaches the pinnacle point, Hiranya-Kashibu is fed up with Prahlaada’s words and narratives and finally asks him a question thus: “Oh Prahlaada! If that coward Vishnu is said to be omni-present, as per your stupid narrative, tell me, if that fellow is inside this pillar which is in front of us!” This question was like making a mockery of Bhagawan Vishnu’s omni-presence and Prahlaada too realized the same. As his father asks the question thus, Prahlaada’s immediate reply was “YES! Bhagawan Vishnu is very much inside this pillar in front of you!” As Prahlaada confidently replies thus, Bhagawan Narayana comes to a conclusion that enough is enough! He immediately makes sure that He enters into the pillar in front of Hiranya-Kashibu and is ready now to unleash any moment!

Hiranya-Kashibu, on his part, also comes to a conclusion that there’s no other option but to thwart the pillar up with his weapon, and thereby kill Vishnu, who is supposed to be hiding inside the pillar! Accordingly, Hiranya-Kashibu raises his “Gadha” (A type of weapon used in olden day warfare) and as Prahlaada was watching, hits the pillar and breaks it open!

The event is unfolding rather quickly here! As Bhagawan Vishnu enters inside the pillar, He has to satisfy the boons which Hiranya-Kashibu had asked Bhagawan Brahma isn’t it? Bhagawan should capture the loopholes correctly, and if not, Hiranya-Kashibu can never be killed! The attempt will backfire! If readers can recollect Hiranya-Kashibu’s boons, which we had discussed few episodes ago – He had asked Bramha that he shouldn’t be killed by an animal, or a human being, or during the day or during the night. He shouldn’t die inside the house or outside the house. Also, he shouldn’t die in the sky (“Aakaasha”) or on the land (earth’s surface). Thus, Bhagawan comes to a conclusion as He enters inside the pillar: He should take a form in such a way that above the neck portion, He should be an animal, and below the neck portion, He should be a human being! Only if He takes a half-animal and a half-human form, will He be able to satisfy the loophole here! Even at that stage, Bhagawan couldn’t understand as to which animal form should He take above His neck! It can either be a lion or an elephant or a tiger or anything!

As Bhagawan was contemplating thus, Hiranya-Kashibu lets out few more words of fury towards Prahlaada thus: “Oh Prahlaada! If in case, your Vishnu doesn’t appear from this pillar, I shall hit your face with this same weapon, and just like how a lion is hungry and thirsty for the blood of human beings, I shall also drink your blood that comes out of your head!” This is where Bhagawan decides thus, “Oh! This fellow is insulting and threatening my devotee that he’s going to drink his blood like that of a lion, isn’t it? Now let me take the form of that same lion and drink Hiranya-Kashibu’s blood, by plundering his head!” Thus, Sage Shukaachaarya clearly explains here that, Bhagawan Vishnu decides to come out with the face of a lion, only at the last minute when He enters into the pillar!

Thus, as this conversation unfolds to this level, Bhagawan Vishnu is fully prepared to come out of the pillar in the form of a lion and a human being combined! He’s waiting for Hiranya-Kashibu to break open the pillar! Let us also wait till the next episode to witness how the important event unfolds! An interesting accord awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very absorbing and an interesting section of the “Prahlaada-Charithra” wherein, Hiranya-Kashibu decides to kill Prahlaada with poison. He has had enough with his son, who refuses to mend his ways and turn his attention away from Bhagawan Vishnu. After lot of deliberations, he comes to a conclusion that this Prahlaada is not his son, but is a serious threat to his empire and power! Hence, he decides to do away with him, but he decides to do it all by himself! He was having doubts over his assistants whom he had assigned to execute all the previous punishments, as Prahlaada was somehow escaping through all of them. As Hiranya-Kashibu gives the poison, Prahlaada doesn’t care whether it is poison or something else, and starts drinking it! This infuriates Bhagawan Vishnu even more, because His ardent devotee is put to such inhumane levels of torture! Thus, as the poison enters Prahlaada’s body, Bhagawan Vishnu unleashes His “ring of protection” and ensures that the poison is rendered totally useless! Little Prahlaada is thus saved from the treacherous ordeal!

This is yet another witness for all of us, wherein Bhagawan never washes away His ardent devotees at any point in time. When the critical time arises and if we’re sincere in our approach towards “Bhakti”, Bhagwan makes sure that we’re protected through some way or the other.

Moving on thus, as Hiranya-Kashibu realizes that Prahlaada is totally unaffected by the poison and that, some mystic force is behind him everytime! On one hand, Hiranya-Kashibu starts fearing about it, and on the other hand, his ego overpowers him. Hence, he decides to inquire Prahlaada about it directly. He thus asks little Prahlaada, “Oh Prahlaada! This is not the first time that you’re escaping from any sort of punishment that I had given you! However, you’ve not mended your ways as well! You’re only interested in chanting that treacherous Narayana’s name, and not your own father’s. What do you think about yourself? Who is that mystic and cowardly person behind you, trying to save you everytime? Tell me about that person now! Who is playing second fiddle to whatever wrong things you’re doing? Let me punish him first, before punishing you. In fact, there is no point in punishing you, because it is only because of his assurance that you’re playing your game unabated!”

As his father asks thus, Prahlaada laughs out loud! He’s unable to control his laughter upon seeing the sheer ignorance of his father! He replies back thus, “Oh father! Please realize that the person whom you’re plotting against all these years, is the same person who is trying to save me everytime! There is no secret. Nobody in this world is more powerful than the person whom you’re trying to take vengeance on!” As Prahlaada replies thus, Hiranya-Kashibu gets more and more angry. He now realizes that it was none other than his enemy Vishnu who is acting as a proxy through his son Prahlaada to defame him. Hiranya-Kashibu angrily replies back thus, “Oh! Now I understand the whole plot! This coward called Vishnu is afraid of directly dealing with me face to face and is trying to use my son to plan his plot, isn’t it? This Vishnu doesn’t have the guts or courage to come in front of me and show his ugly face! Oh Prahlaada! Before I punish you any further, I will punish Vishnu first! It is he who is behind all this mess. He’ll never be allowed to get away this time. Let me show who is this Hiranya-Kashibu’s power. Call this coward Vishnu from wherever he is hiding!”

As Hiranya-Kashibu roars thus, Prahlaada replies calmly, “Oh father! Bhagawan Vishnu is not hiding anywhere as you think! He is omni-present. He is inside the bushes, plants, trees, animals, human beings, etc. In fact, Bhagawan Vishnu is inside you and me too at this very moment! It is only you who’s not realizing this fact!” As this conversation is going on between the son and father, Bhagawan Narayana is watching all of this very closely. This is a crucial juncture of the entire “Prahlaada-Charithra”. Even the Devas (Celestial Beings), Asuras, etc. are closely watching the events that are unfolding rather quickly. As the heated conversation goes on and on between Hiranya-Kashibu and Prahlaada, Bhagawan Narayana’s anger also increases with time, as Hiranya-Kashibu insults his devotee more and more!

Angry as he is, Hiranya-Kashibu junks Prahlaada’s meaningful reply and replies back thus, “Oh Prahlaada! If that is the case, tell me one place wherein you can locate this coward called Vishnu! Let me teach him a lesson now itself! Let the world decide today, who is more powerful!” As his father says thus, Prahlaada repeats his answer again thus, “Oh father! As I had already mentioned, Bhagawan Narayana is omni-present! He is present amidst a piece of grass or even amidst a non-living thing like this pillar in front of us!”

Hiranya-Kashibu asks back, “Oh! Do you mean to say that Vishnu is inside this pillar?” Prahlaada confidently replies back thus, “Oh yes for sure! Bhagawan Vishnu is very much present inside this pillar as well!”

As this part of the conversation progresses, Bhagawan Vishnu is getting scared! Now He has to somehow honor Prahlaada’s words! He cannot prove Prahlaada’s words to be wrong! He thus, prepares Himself to enter into that particular pillar upon which, Hiranya-Kashibu is going to zero down! Now what is going to happen next? Let’s wait and watch in the next episode! The most interesting part awaits us on the other side! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the “Prahlaada-Charithra”, wherein little Prahlaada is being subjected to tougher punishments by his father Hiranya-Kashibu. We had witnessed so far that Prahlaada was an incorrigible child according to his teachers, upon which, Hiranya-Kashibu took it upon himself to mend Prahlaada’s ways. Hiranya-Kashibu is making the little boy go through several hardships such as throwing him amidst a herd of wild elephants, amongst the most venomous snakes, toppling him from the top of a mountain, throwing him into the sea, etc. However, nothing much changed in the way Prahlaada was devoted to his Bhagawan! He was steadfast in his “Bhakti” and nothing really could make an impact.

It is at this time, Hiranya-Kashibu doubts whether his assistants or ministers are executing all the punishments to Prahlaada carefully or not! He thinks that Prahlaada was not subjected to any of the above-mentioned hardships because his ministers were compassionate towards the little child. Hence, Hiranya-Kashibu decides that he has had enough with all of this! After lot of deliberation, he comes to the conclusion that Prahlaada is not going to mend his ways with whatever harsh treatment that he was meted out with. Hence, he decides to kill him by giving poison! Accordingly, Hiranya-Kashibu comes to Prahlaada with a glass full of poison and asks him to consume it right in front of him! Immersed into ardent devotion towards Bhagawan Narayana, Prahlaada thinks thus, “Oh! I’m now going to consume this glass of poison! Once I consume this, my body would become blue in color, isn’t it? My Bhagawan is also of the same blue color! It would be wonderful to worship Bhagawan Ghanashyaama (Bhagawan Narayana in blue color), which, until today I’ve never got the opportunity to do so!”

Thinking thus with ardent devotion, little Prahlaada starts consuming the poison! As the child starts consuming the posion, Bhagawan Narayana is boiling with anger! How can Hiranya-Kashibu insult and plot His devotee in this absurd way? Although Bhagawan was fuming with anger, He decides to wait for the right time to teach this Hiranya-Kashibu a lesson! However, little Prahlaada had to be saved immediately before the poison enters his body, isn’t it?  It is at this moment, Bhagawan enters the child’s body and stops the poison from spreading anywhere! As this was happening, little Prahlaada did not realize any of these! He is totally absorbed into chanting the divine names of Bhagawan Narayana! Hiranya-Kashibu too didn’t realize what was happening to his son! Finally, as Prahlaada consumes the whole cup of poison, his body becomes blue, but there is no collapse! Prahlaada is totally fit and fine! His lips are fervently chanting Bhagawan Vishnu’s names non-stop! After a few minutes, with Bhagawan’s timely divine grace, the poison looses its sheen! It becomes totally useless and Prahlaada comes back to normal!

Upon seeing this, Hiranya-Kashibu is shell-shocked! He couldn’t believe his eyes! How can even a cup full of poison not harm this fellow? What is that, which is protecting him to this extent? Unable to show off his shock, Hiranya-Kashibu calls Prahlaada towards him, and explains thus, “Oh Prahlaada! See what’s happening to you! You’re being protected because of my power! Nobody including the Devas, Asuras, Vishnu, Shiva, etc. can come near me in terms of valor and all of them have great fear for me! It is only because of this, nobody is coming forward to kill you! See my power and status! Atleast from now, change your stance and forget Narayana completely! He is useless! He cannot save you! Only I can protect and save you from anything and everything in this world!”

As Prahlaada listens to his father’s “funny” accord, he doesn’t know whether to laugh or to cry! He is totally amazed by his father’s ignorance and prays to Bhagawan Narayana to mend his father’s ways! This is an exceptional characteristic of a great “Mahatma”! Even though someone is trying to harm them or kill them, or whatever, they have an unchanged level of compassion and love towards the plotters! Rather than taking revenge on those people who’re trying to kill him, Prahlaada only wishes the best for his enemies too! This characteristic is one that sets Prahlaada apart from all human beings and this is one important message from all of us from this episode!

Upon witnessing Prahlaada’s escape from the fatal effect of poision, Hiranya-Kashibu is thinking what to do next. What is his next approach going to be? What is Hiranya-Kashibu’s next plan of action? Let us wait and witness this in the next episode! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important point of discussion from the ongoing interesting Prahlaada-Charithra as to how Bhagawan responds to the prayer of an ardent devotee without any delay. Every time when little Prahlaada was subjected to hardships by his father Hiranya-Kashibu, Bhagawan Vishnu ensures that His devotee is unharmed! We had witnessed Hiranya-Kashibu throwing Prahlaada amidst a herd of wild elephants, amidst a swarm of poisonous snakes, amidst the ocean wherein aquatic animals galore! However, none of these attempts bore any fruit for Hiranya-Kashibu as Bhagawan Narayana unleashed a “ring of protection” around little Prahlaada.

So far, Hiranya-Kashibu had made three main attempts to scare his son, so that he can mend his ways, but all the three attempts turned futile. Realizing thus, especially after Prahlaada walked unhurt from the ocean waters, Hiranya-Kashibu couldn’t believe his eyes! Upon interviewing Prahlaada to check whether he had mended his ways or not, Prahlaada remained unmoved and solid as a rock! He stood firm to his ground! This infuriated Hiranya-Kashibu more and slowly he started doubting whether something fishy was happening here!

Unable to accept the “superpower” in Bhagawan Vishnu, Hiranya-Kashibu thinks of the next plan – Now he’s going to roll Prahlaada from the top of a mountain, all the way to the ground! Perhaps would this punishment mend his ways? Now we are witnessing that the intensity of hardships that Prahlaada is facing is multiplying. As instructed, Hiranya-Kashibu’s assistants take Prahlaada to the top of a mountain and are about to throw him off its peak! However, “Mahatma” as Prahlaada was, he started thinking within himself thus, “Oh! Now it is the turn for me to worship the mountains! So far, I’ve worshipped animals, snakes, the ocean, etc. But till now I’ve not got the opportunity to worship the mountain! It is this same mountain wherein my Bhagawan Narayana resides at Bhadri Ashram, Tirupati, Ahobilam, etc. isn’t it? My Bhagawan is omni-present everywhere in this world and I’ve to thank Bhagawan for this opportunity to worship Him in all the different places of His divine residence!”

As Prahlaada thinks thus, his chanting of Bhagawan Narayana’s divine names started to increase, and his calls started becoming more fervent! As the little child was thrown off the cliff, Bhagawan Narayana immediately appeared in the form of the mountain itself, held the child in His arms and prevented him from falling on the ground! Such was Bhagawan’s response to Prahlaada’s ardent prayer! This is yet another example to substantiate our yesterday’s discussion that Bhagawan immediately responds to the sincere and innocent prayer of His ardent devotee! The moment Prahlaada was facing danger, we’re able to witness here as to how Bhagawan immediately rushed His way to protect him! This is the lesson that all of us have to learn here. If our prayers are sincere, honest and innocent, Bhagawan’s heart will definitely melt and He would come running towards us! How can a father keep quiet when his child is suffering? Won’t his heart melt in love and compassion? Bhagawan is no different here, as He is our divine father! If we call upon Him fervently with all our devotion, the compassion in Him would overpower and thus, He would immediately respond to our calls!

Saving Prahlaada thus from the free fall, Bhagawan once again re-established the fact that there is some power that is more powerful than Hiranya-Kashibu was! As little Prahlaada returns back home unhurt, his father was shocked again! How can a person come unhurt when he was thrown off a cliff? What’s happening here? He initially doubted whether his assistants were really meting out all the punishments to Prahlaada, or are they having some element of compassion on him that they’re shying away from their duty! Upon inquiry, it was revealed to Hiranya-Kashibu that all the punishments are being meted out as per his instruction, but somehow Prahlaada is escaping from all of them!

So now Hiranya-Kashibu wants to make sure that he is personally present at the place where the punishments are being meted out to him! He wants to understand what is happening! Thus, he decides the next course of action! In fact, Hiranya-Kashibu now takes one more step forward that he himself is going to be the person to met out the next punishment to his son! There is no use of trusting his assistants anymore!

Deciding thus, Hiranya-Kashibu calls upon Prahlaada and gives a cup full of poison for him to drink! Hiranya-Kashibu has had enough with his son now and decides to do away with him permanently! It is to be seen here how “quest for power” overrules love and compassion towards one’s own son! Although Hiranya-Kashibu’s wife tries to stop him from doing this, he proceeds further! He gives a glass of milk, which contained fatal poison in it! Now Prahlaada is going to consume it! What is going to happen next? Is Prahlaada going to escape this too? Let’s wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Hiranya-Kashibu getting frustrated with his son Prahlaada, over exhibiting ardent devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu. It should be remembered by readers here that Hiranya-Kashibu is totally against any sort of devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu, for the sole reason that He had been instrumental in killing Hiranyaaksha. However, on the contrary to his father, little Prahlaada was an ardent devotee of Bhagawan Vishnu and was a “Mahatma” by birth! He knew nothing other than chanting Bhagawan Narayana’s name minute after minute! We’ve witnessed that Hiranya-Kashibu sends his kid to the “Gurukula”, and here too, Prahlaada complained that his teachers were totally useless! The primary reason behind this was that, his teachers were repeatedly teaching the same thing again and again! Prahlaada, being a “Mahatma” had extremely sharp intellect and would grasp things so quickly just like how a piece of camphor catches fire! Thus, Hiranya-Kashibu’s attempt of getting rid of Prahlaada’s Vishnu devotion through a Gurukula failed miserably. Subsequently he tries talking affectionately to Prahlaada to change his stance. This too didn’t bare any fruit! Finally, Hiranya-Kashibu decided that there would no other option but to take the stick in hand! He decided to met out some harsh punishment to Prahlaada by scaring him with some elephants and poisonous snakes. Irrespective of whatever the scare was, Prahlaada continued to remain steadfast in his devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu.

Towards the end of the last episode, we had asked an important question, for which we need to find an answer. For recollection sake, let us put forth the question once again here – How come Prahlaada is totally unharmed even by the scariest of all animals? We’ve witnessed two of the scariest punishments so far, and we’re going to witness few more as we move forward. However, this question becomes extremely relevant to this context. The simple answer to this question is that, it is Bhagawan’s bound duty to respond to the fervent cries and calls of His devotees! No matter who the devotee is or where he / she is from, Bhagawan responds with all His love and affection to take care of His devotee. We can see this at many instances. When the elephant by name Gajendra was caught at its legs by a huge crocodile, it screamed for help from Bhagawan Vishnu! The moment this scream reached Bhagawan’s ears, He didn’t wait for even a second! Bhagawan started to rush towards the poor elephant, reached the spot in a jiffy and pulled the elephant out of danger! This is how Bhagawan responds! It doesn’t matter whether the devotee is a human being or an animal. Bhagawan treats all living beings with the same amount of love and care. The way in which we should understand this point is that, if an elephant is able to attract the attention of Bhagawan with its ardent devotion, if monkeys are able to attract Bhagawan Rama’s attention with their dedicated service, if the little squirrel is able to attract Bhagawan Rama’s attention with its selfless service, if the cows in Mathura can attract the attention of Bhagawan Krishna and drive Him towards them, why can’t we human beings do the same?

Thus, the point here is that, it is not important as to who we are or what we are. All what is required is that, we should be sincere and fervent in our approach towards Bhagwan! This would melt Bhagawan’s heart and in turn, He would rush towards us when we are in acute danger. This is exactly what is happening in little Prahlaada’s case too. Child as he is, the devotion with which he is yearning for Bhagawan, melts His heart and thus, every time whenever his father puts him through several hardships, Bhagawan rushes in to ensure that the child is safe and not harmed! Thus, we should learn here that ardent and innocent devotion towards Bhagawan will draw us closer and closer to Him and we would certainly feel the difference if we start practicing this in our daily lives.

Now moving on further with the Prahlaada-Charithra, Hiranya-Kashibu again asks Prahlaada whether he had changed his stance after he had witnessed the scare from the elephants and the snakes. To his utter shock and disbelief, Prahlaada seemed to be unmoved by any of these animals! Now what does Hiranya-Kashibu do here? He concludes that none of the “Terrestrial animals” could really make an impact on his son and finally opts for some “Aquatic animals” to do the trick! 😊  Hence, he orders Prahlaada to be taken to the ocean and be thrown into the sea waters! Hiranya-Kashibu opts for this plan so that, upon realization that he is going to be dropped off into the ocean, Prahlaada could change his stance! As Prahlaada was being taken to the ocean, his chants of Bhagawan’s divine names only increased manifold! Upon realizing that he is being taken to the seas, Prahlaada thought to himself, “Oh wow! My Bhagawan resides in this same ocean isn’t it, in the reclining form? This might be a good opportunity for me to meet my Bhagawan Vishnu amidst the ocean waters! Let me be thrown there and I do not have any problem with that!” As Prahlaada was thrown into the ocean by his father’s assistants, Bhagawan immediately responds to Prahlaada’s ardent devotion by converting the ocean water as a bed for him to recline and relax! Thus, to the utter amazement of everyone around, Prahlaada did not drown even an inch into the water! He was comfortably floating on the water and none of the aquatic animals like fishes, tortoises, turtles, etc. came near him as well! This is another example as to how Bhagawan responds to an ardent devotee’s desperate calls for help!

So for today, let us understand this point and let us wait till the next episode to continue with the Prahlaada-Charithra! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the interesting “Prahlaada-Charithra” wherein we’ve witnessed how little Prahlaada is posing a “major threat” to his father’s quest for power! As Prahlaada’s teachers desert him for his so-called “arrogant behavior” for literally mocking them, his father Hiranya-Kashibu starts interviewing the reasons why this was happening! To this, Prahlaada replies back to his father that his teachers are totally useless in nature – The reason being, they are teaching the same thing over and over again, which had irritated the little boy! It is to be remembered that “Mahatmas” have extremely sharp intellect, that they would be able to grasp things immediately, just like how a matchstick would catch fire when rubbed with the matchbox. Prahlaada was too sharp and smart for his teachers to handle and thus, Hiranya-Kashibu was puzzled as to what to do with his child further! Upon further investigation, Prahlaada let out his mission loud and clear – That he’s in full pursuit of ardent devotion towards Bhagawan Narayana and nothing in this world would stop him from doing that. Upon listening to this from his son, Hiranya-Kashibu initially tried to advise him, talk to him in an affectionate way, so as to make him change his path from Bhagawan Narayana. However, this didn’t bear any fruit! Prahlaada was steadfast in his approach and no words can really bring any sort of change in him!

It was at this point that Hiranya-Kashibu decides to take the stick in hand! He came to a conclusion that words aren’t going to suffice. This boy requires some harsh treatment to be changed. Thus, Hiranya-Kashibu makes up his mind to think of some punishment to be meted out to his 6-year-old, although he had the love and affection towards little Prahlaada. So the first punishment that is going to be meted out to Prahlaada was that, an elephant would come and frighten him in such a way that it is going to stamp him to death! Accordingly, Prahlaada was taken to a spot wherein he was amidst a herd of wild elephants screaming with full vigor! Hiranya-Kashibu’s expectation was that, upon seeing these wild elephants hurling at him, Prahlaada would immediately relent from his devotion towards Narayana! However, what happened here was a miracle! Young Prahlaada thought to himself thus, “Oh! It is this same elephant whose name is “Gajendra” for whom my Bhagawan Narayana came running all the way to protect! Looks like Gajendra has come to meet an ardent Vishnu devotee today!” Thinking thus, his lips started chanting Bhagawan Narayana’s name more fervently! Upon seeing this, the elephant started moving backwards! Instead of frightening the child with its loud scream, the elephant bowed down to the Mahatma, prostrated in front of Him, worshipped Him and went back! This is the first amazing miracle that Bhagawan unfolded, so as to ensure that little Prahlaada is protected and safe.

As Hiranya-Kashibu learns that his first plot had failed, he started thinking of the second! He took little Prahlaada to a place where there were a bunch of extremely poisonous snakes around! He let him inside the room of snakes, thinking that if these snakes are scaring him of death, Prahlaada would immediately change his resolve. However, to the contrary again, Prahlaada’s devotion towards Bhagawan Narayana only increased exponentially! He now thought within himself thus, “Oh! I’ve read in many places that “Aadisesha” is the divine serpent, over which my Bhagawan Narayana reclines on! Perhaps today I’m getting that blessing from my Bhagawan to meet Aadisesha today! Oh goodness! How fortunate is this Aadisesha to have Bhagawan’s “darshan” every minute of his life! When am I going to get such a great fortune in my life?” Thinking thus, Prahlaada’s longing for Bhagawan Narayana increased manifold! Upon seeing Prahlaada going into a state of estacy and divine bliss, the snakes moved away from him! Rather than coming close and scaring him, the snakes understood the sanctity and greatness of the “Mahatma” in Prahlaada and instead worshipped him!

This came as a huge jolt to Hiranya-Kashibu! Firstly, the elephants were scared away! Secondly now, the snakes too met with the same end! Why is all this happening? How come Prahlaada is totally unharmed even by the scariest of all animals? Is Bhagawan Narayana’s devotion more powerful than Hiranya’s power? An important answer awaits us in the next episode, as we continue with the interesting “Prahlaada-Charithra”! Stay tuned! 😊