Narasimha Avatar Katha – Chapter 5: The Lord's Question

The Question of God

After the miraculous protection of Prahlad in Holika's fire, Hiranyakashipu's anger flared up even more. He could not understand how a small child could so firmly take the name of Vishnu and defeat death every time. In the court of the Asura king, there was now a mixture of fear and anger, all amazed by the wonderful devotion of that child, who had even cooled the fire.

Anger in the Court

Hiranyakashipu, seated on the golden throne, had a face red with anger. His eyes were burning like embers and his fists were clenched tightly. Silence prevailed among the courtiers, everyone afraid of the impending doom. Hiranyakashipu took a deep breath and then roared, ordering Prahlad to be brought before him. Prahlad was not afraid, but was smiling.

"O foolish child!" Hiranyakashipu said, "Do you not fear your father? Do you not know that I am the most powerful king in this universe? Yet you keep chanting the name of that insignificant Vishnu! Do you not fear death?" Prahlad replied calmly, "Father, there is no need to fear death. The soul is immortal and Vishnu is Almighty. Fear is a symbol of ignorance."

The Omnipresence of Vishnu

Hiranyakashipu's anger increased even more. He asked Prahlad, "Is your Vishnu everywhere? Is he even in this palace? Is he even in this pillar?" Prahlad replied fearlessly, "Yes Father, Vishnu is omnipresent. He is present everywhere - in every particle, in every direction, in every object." Hearing this, Hiranyakashipu's anger knew no bounds. He rose from his throne and picked up a huge mace.

Hiranyakashipu, swinging the mace, struck the pillar pointed to by Prahlad with full force. The terrible sound of the pillar breaking echoed throughout the palace. The courtiers trembled with fear. Hiranyakashipu screamed in anger, "If your Vishnu is in this pillar, then let him come out and defeat me!" At that very moment, with the breaking of the pillar, there was a terrible roar and the entire universe trembled. Vishnu's Maya is immense and divine, it protects his devotee in every situation. Prahlad's faith was unwavering, and Vishnu was captivated by his devotion.

Apprehension of Doomsday

The light and sound produced by the breaking of the pillar was like doomsday. Hiranyakashipu and his courtiers stood stunned with fear, not understanding what was going to happen next. The earth began to shake and strange colors began to appear in the sky. Now the time had come for the end of injustice and arrogance and the establishment of Dharma. In the next chapter we will see the wonderful Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.