The Birth of Prahlada
Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha were twins of great strength. They were wicked to the core. Being the elder of the two, Hiranyakashipu ascended the throne and ruled with such arrogance that his subjects prayed to God for relief. His brother Hiranyaksha would go around the three worlds, causing havoc everywhere. He caused great distress to the earth and waters by plunging into the ocean. Sri Mahavishnu had to assume the form of Mahavaraha (Big Boar) and entered the sea to defeat the demon. After a fierce battle, the demon was killed, and the world heaved a sigh of relief.
Hiranyakashipu’s Fury and Penance
When Hiranyakashipu learned about his brother’s death, he was filled with sorrow and anger. He consoled his brother’s wife and his own wife and then left the palace to perform penance to invoke Lord Brahma. He sought extraordinary boons to make himself invincible. He entrusted the kingdom to his ministers before leaving.
Indra’s Siege and Narada’s Intervention
With Hiranyakashipu’s absence, the Devas, led by Indra, seized the opportunity to attack the capital. Indra easily captured it and took Hiranyakashipu’s wife, Queen Kayadhu, prisoner. As he was dragging her away, her cries for help reached Sage Narada, who appeared before Devendra.
Narada said, “Lord of heaven, what are you doing? This cowardly act is not befitting of your status. Killing a woman is one of the worst sins. Do not pollute your hands with it. Leave her alone.”
Indra responded, “O holy sage, I am not going to kill her. Instead, I intend to kill the child she is bearing. We cannot withstand the troubles Hiranyakashipu has been giving us. It is dangerous to allow his family line to continue. If I do so, the world will be in great danger.”
“O chief of Gods,” Narada replied, “killing a helpless child is also a great sin. Furthermore, the child the queen is bearing is not ordinary. He will become one of the greatest devotees of Lord Sri Hari. The three worlds will benefit from this child. Therefore, spare him.”
Narada’s Sanctuary
Heeding Narada’s advice, Indra spared the child. He apologized to the demon queen, touched her feet, and left. Narada consoled Kayadhu and took her to his ashram, where he assured her, “My dear daughter, you live here without fear. You will be well cared for by the inmates of the ashram. You can return to the capital when your husband returns from his penance.” Kayadhu was entrusted to the care of the elderly ascetic women of the hermitage.
The Influence of Narada’s Discourses
Kayadhu lived a happy and contented life in the sage’s ashram. Great sages there held discourses on righteous living and the greatness of God. They ensured that Kayadhu sat near them and listened. The shastras emphasize the importance of pregnant women living in sacred environments so that the atmosphere positively influences the unborn child. The environment decisively shapes a person’s character, whether good or bad. Therefore, the shastras prioritize the surroundings in which a child is brought up.
Prahlada’s Spiritual Awakening
In the ashram, sometimes Sage Narada would speak to Kayadhu privately, initiating her into noble ideas. While she would occasionally fall asleep during his discourses, the child in her womb listened with great devotion. The child absorbed every word and tried to understand the inner meanings. Although Kayadhu forgot much of what Narada spoke, the child remembered everything.
Narada spoke about the visible world, the unseen elements, the five senses, the world beyond our senses, and the omnipresent God, Sriman Narayana. He emphasized seeing God through our inner eye and recognizing Him in everything around us. Narada taught the principles of non-harm, universal love, kindness, and selfless service. He advised praying for strength and for those in misery, remaining friendly to everyone, and enduring sufferings with grace. He encouraged forgiveness, contentment, and constant remembrance of the Lord’s name.
Prahlada’s Birth and Early Life
The child in Kayadhu’s womb, blessed by Narada’s teachings, was born in the ninth month. He was named Prahlada. Numerous good omens accompanied his birth, bringing relief to the world troubled by Hiranyakashipu.
Prahlada’s Devotion and Hiranyakashipu’s End
Later, Lord Narasimha (half-man, half-lion), as desired by Prahlada, emerged from a pillar to kill Hiranyakashipu, ending the world’s suffering. Prahlada grew to become one of the greatest devotees of Lord Hari, embodying the virtues and teachings imparted by Sage Narada.
Moral of the Story
The story of Prahlada underscores the power of divine influence and the importance of a righteous environment for nurturing a child’s character. It highlights the impact of spiritual teachings and the significance of unwavering faith and devotion in overcoming adversities. Through Narada’s guidance, Prahlada became a beacon of devotion and righteousness, illustrating that true wisdom and virtue can triumph over even the greatest of evils.
