Narasimha Avatar Katha – Chapter 3: Difficulties and Trials

Difficulties and Trials

In the previous chapter, we saw Prahlad's unwavering devotion. Hiranyakashipu was extremely angry with this devotion. He was ready to make every possible effort to remove his son from the devotion of Vishnu, even if it meant crossing all limits of cruelty. He ordered his ministers and servants to use every means to turn Prahlad away from Vishnu's devotion, and if he still did not agree, to kill him.

Cup of Poison

Angered by Prahlad's devotion, Hiranyakashipu first decided to poison him. He ordered his cooks to prepare the most deadly poison. The cooks immediately prepared the poison, a single drop of which could kill any living being in an instant. That poison was brought to be given to Prahlad. Prahlad was sitting calmly, chanting the name of Vishnu on his face. There was not even a trace of fear in his mind.

"What is this, father?" Prahlad asked, with gentle curiosity in his voice. Hiranyakashipu roared, "This is nectar, fool! By drinking it, you will become strong and forget the name of Vishnu." Prahlad smiled, "For me, the name of Vishnu is nectar, father. But it is my duty to obey your command." He picked up the cup of poison and chanted the name of Vishnu. He drank the poison while chanting the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.

Elephant Attack

Hiranyakashipu's anger increased further when the poison had no effect. Now he thought of another way to kill Prahlad. He ordered his soldiers to bring a huge and cruel elephant and let it crush Prahlad. The soldiers brought a giant elephant, whose roar shook the entire palace. The elephant was enraged and made to run towards Prahlad.

The elephant ran madly towards Prahlad. Prahlad was still sitting calmly, closing his eyes and meditating on Vishnu. As soon as the elephant reached near Prahlad, suddenly its pace slowed down. The elephant picked up Prahlad with its trunk and gently placed him on the ground, as if he were a precious object. The elephant bowed at Prahlad's feet and then quietly went back. This was proof of Vishnu's grace, which saved Prahlad from every danger. Lord Narasimha had invisibly created a protective shield around Prahlad.

Fall from the Mountain

After failing in every attempt, Hiranyakashipu went mad with anger. He ordered Prahlad to be thrown down from a high mountain. The soldiers caught Prahlad and took him to the top of the mountain. The ditch below was deep and terrible. Prahlad was pushed down.

Prahlad started falling down chanting 'Vishnu, Vishnu'. While falling, Lord Vishnu himself appeared and took him in his lap. When Prahlad reached down, he was not hurt. He started thanking Lord Vishnu with a smile. Prahlad's unwavering devotion and Vishnu's grace had saved him again. Now Hiranyakashipu understood that he could not kill Prahlad directly. Now he hatched another conspiracy - to take the help of his sister Holika. In the next chapter, we will learn about Holika's failed attempt.