Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu – Chapter 1: Hiranyakashipu: Boon and Wrath

Hiranyakashipu: Boon and Wrath

Ages ago, when the conflict between the gods and demons was at its peak, two sons of Prajapati Kashyap, Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, were determined to bring glory to the demon clan. The death of Hiranyaksha ignited a fire of revenge against the gods in Hiranyakashipu's mind. He was eager to avenge his brother's death and establish his dominance over the three worlds.

Severe Penance

Hiranyakashipu reached the foothills of Mount Mandara. He abandoned his clothes, endured the scorching sun and rain, and began rigorous penance by consuming only air. His penance was so intense that it stirred the three worlds. Fire blazed, rivers began to dry up, and mountains trembled. The gods were terrified because they knew that the purpose of Hiranyakashipu's penance was to attain immortality and seize heaven. Sages and ascetics also expressed concern because they knew that if Hiranyakashipu succeeded in his desire, dharma would be destroyed and sin would increase.

Hiranyakashipu firmly resolved in his mind, "I will surely avenge my brother's death! Indra and other gods together will not be able to face me. I will obtain such a boon that no creature, god, demon, human, or animal can kill me." His eyes were red with anger, and his heart was burning with the flame of revenge. He vowed that he would continue his penance until he fulfilled his desire, even if he had to sacrifice his life for it.

Brahma Ji's Boon

Brahma Ji was extremely pleased with Hiranyakashipu's severe penance. He appeared before the Asura king, his radiance was like the sun, and Vedic sounds were emanating from his four faces. Brahma Ji said, "O Hiranyakashipu, I am extremely pleased with your penance. Ask for whatever boon you desire, I will fulfill it." Hiranyakashipu joined his hands in obeisance and humbly said, "O God of gods, Brahma Ji, if you are pleased with me, grant me such a boon that I may not die during the day, nor at night; neither inside the house, nor outside; neither on the earth, nor in the sky; neither by human, nor by animal; neither by any weapon, nor by any missile."

Brahma Ji said "Tathastu" (so be it) and disappeared. Hiranyakashipu had asked Brahma Ji for such a boon that seemed like immortality. He thought that Brahma Ji had made him invincible, and now his rule over the three worlds would be undisputed. However, devotees of Vishnu know that the Lord's play is boundless. Such a boon, which superficially looks like immortality, will actually pave the way for the demon's destruction.

Tyranny over the Three Worlds

After receiving the boon, Hiranyakashipu's ego reached the seventh heaven. He invaded heaven, defeated Indra, and drove the gods out of heaven. Then he took possession of the earth and began to harass sages, ascetics, and Brahmins. He stopped sacrifices and oblations and banned the recitation of the Vedas. Hiranyakashipu created chaos in the three worlds. He declared himself God and forced people to worship him. He said, "I am God, I am omnipotent. From now on, only I will be worshiped."

The gods, sages, and ascetics went to Vishnu's refuge and began to pray to him. They said, "O Lord, save us from this wicked Hiranyakashipu. He has created terror in the three worlds. Dharma is being destroyed and unrighteousness is increasing. Please protect us." Vishnu assured them that he would incarnate at the appropriate time and end Hiranyakashipu. He said, "I will surely come to protect Dharma."