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Different Avatars of Narasimha Dev
In the different Puranas, there are various histories about Narasimha Dev. In the Bhagavatam, we have the most recent Narasimha avatar, but the Padma Purana also mentions Narasimha Dev having appeared in previous Kalpas for slightly different pastimes. At one time, Hiranyakashipu appeared and he was worshipping Shiva to get blessings. He told his son Prahlad to accept him as Supreme. Prahlad refused, saying he could only accept Vishnu.
Challenges Faced by Prahlad
In another instance, Hiranyakashipu worshipped Brahma and received different boons. He demanded that Prahlad accept him as Supreme by 6 o’clock that night or face death. Soldiers were sent to kill Prahlad, but their weapons turned into blue lotus flowers upon touching him. Prahlad was covered in these flowers, turning attempts to kill him into a pushpa abhishek (flower offering). Even a wild elephant failed to harm him, as its tusks fell off in embarrassment.
Prahlad’s Imprisonment and Escape
Hiranyakashipu, unable to kill Prahlad, decided to bury him under mountains of stones at the bottom of the ocean. However, Prahlad became lighter than the lightest and floated to the surface, eventually swimming to shore. Confronted by his father again, Prahlad reiterated his protection by Vishnu.
Efforts to Re-Educate Prahlad
Hiranyakashipu thought sending Prahlad back to school under tight surveillance would rid him of his devotion. However, Prahlad had already been trained by Narada Muni while in his mother’s womb. He taught his fellow students to chant Hare Krishna.
Narasimha Dev’s Appearance in Padma Purana
In another Kalpa, Hiranyakashipu built a massive climate-controlled pavilion with all comforts to gather people to worship him. Prahlad was brought to this pavilion and given until 6 o’clock to accept Hiranyakashipu as Supreme. This time, there was no pillar, so Narasimha Dev flew into the city, causing fear among the demons. Hiranyakashipu’s air force and missiles failed against Narasimha Dev, whose mane incinerated the jets. Narasimha Dev fought and ultimately killed Hiranyakashipu on his throne.
Lakshmi Approaches Narasimha Dev
In another Kalpa, Lakshmi could approach Narasimha Dev and sat on His lap. The Brahmins, troubled by His intense effulgence, requested Lakshmi to switch it to a cooling moonlight effulgence, allowing everyone to offer their prayers.
Conclusion and Lessons
Narasimha Dev removes obstacles in the path of devotion. Devotees can pray to Him for help. He has a planet in the spiritual world where some devotees prefer to be with Him, while others choose different forms of Vishnu, Lord Ramachandra in Ayodhya, or Krishna in Goloka Vrindavan.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Divine Protection: The stories emphasize that those devoted to the Lord are always under His protection, no matter how severe the trials.
- Faith and Perseverance: Prahlad’s unwavering faith in Vishnu, despite extreme adversity, showcases the importance of steadfast devotion.
- Power of the Holy Name: The transformation of weapons into flowers and Prahlad’s ability to float to the surface illustrate the miraculous power of divine protection and the Holy Name.
- Eternal Nature of the Divine: The different avatars and pastimes of Narasimha Dev across various Kalpas highlight the eternal and unchanging nature of the divine.
- Universal Teachings: The consistent message across different stories is that sincere devotion and reliance on the Lord are the highest forms of worship and protection.
