Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu – Chapter 3: Prahlada: Knowledge in the Womb

Prahlada: Knowledge in the Womb

Hiranyakashipu, the son of Rishi Kashyap and Diti, defeated Indra and established his dominance over the three worlds. The demons ruled over heaven, and the gods hid in fear. Hiranyakashipu was intoxicated with his power, and there was no one to challenge him.

Indra's Misguided Attempt

Hiranyakashipu's wife, Kayadhu, was pregnant. Distressed by the atrocities of the demons, Indra decided to abduct Kayadhu when he got the opportunity. He knew that if the lineage of the demons was destroyed, the fear of heaven would be removed. Indra secretly reached Kayadhu's hermitage. Kayadhu, who was alone at that time, trembled with fear upon seeing Indra. Indra caught her and put her in his chariot to take her to heaven. Kayadhu was helpless; she was only worried about the child growing in her womb. "O Lord, protect my child," she prayed in her heart, tears streaming from her eyes.

"What are you doing, Indra?" Kayadhu said in a frightened voice. "It does not befit the gods to abduct an unarmed and pregnant woman! You are called a great warrior; is this your bravery?" Her words were a mixture of fear and anger. Indra paid no attention to her words; he was taking her towards heaven. He knew that his act was against Dharma, but being terrified by the demons, he decided to commit this unrighteous act.

The Grace of Narada Muni

As Indra was flying in the sky with Kayadhu, Narada Muni saw him. Narada Muni, who roamed in all three worlds, immediately understood what Indra was going to do. He immediately appeared in front of Indra's chariot. Indra was blinded by the radiance of Narada Muni, and his chariot stopped. Narada Muni said in a calm voice, "Indra, what are you doing? Abducting a pregnant woman is a great sin. Do you not know the consequences?"

Indra said in fear, "O Sage, I know that I am committing unrighteousness, but I am terrified by the demons. The child growing in this womb will become a powerful demon in the future and will trouble the gods." Narada Muni smiled and said, "Indra, this child is no ordinary child. An aspect of Lord Vishnu himself resides in his womb. This child will be a great devotee of God and will establish Dharma. You cannot harm him." There was such power in Narada Muni's words that Indra immediately understood how great a sin he had tried to commit. He regretted his mistake. Narada Muni ordered Indra to return Kayadhu to her hermitage. Indra immediately left Kayadhu back at her hermitage and apologized to Narada Muni. Narada Muni took Kayadhu to his hermitage and started protecting her. By the grace of Vishnu, both Kayadhu and the child growing in her womb, Prahlada, were safe.

Knowledge in the Womb

Narada Muni began to preach the devotion of Vishnu to Kayadhu. When Narada Muni described the qualities of Vishnu, Kayadhu was filled with love and devotion. The surprising thing was that the child growing in Kayadhu's womb, Prahlada, was also listening to the teachings of Narada Muni, and his faith in Lord Vishnu was increasing. With the blessings of Narada Muni, Prahlada attained the knowledge of Vishnu devotion in the womb itself. He became a great devotee of Lord Vishnu from birth. Due to the influence of Narada Muni's satsang during pregnancy, an unwavering love for Lord Vishnu arose in Prahlada's mind, which remained steadfast throughout his life. Kayadhu also repeatedly thanked Narada Muni for giving Prahlada the knowledge of Narayan devotion in the womb itself.