Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu – Chapter 4: Prahlada's Unwavering Devotion

Prahlad's Unwavering Devotion

In the previous chapter, we saw how Devrishi Narad introduced Queen Kayadhu to the glory of Narayan, as a result of which the child growing in her womb, Prahlad, became imbued with Vishnu devotion from birth. Now was the time for that child to come into this world, and for the blossoming of that devotion which was going to become an amazing example.

Prahlad's Birth and Childhood

The auspicious moment arrived and Kayadhu gave birth to a radiant son. His face was blooming like a lotus and his eyes reflected an amazing peace and love. A wave of joy ran through the entire Asura world. Hiranyakashipu was extremely pleased with the birth of his son, although he had no idea that this boy would shake the foundation of his Asura empire. Baby Prahlad began to grow day by day. His body shone like gold and his voice was filled with nectar. He was always calm and happy, as if absorbed in some divine bliss. Mother Kayadhu would tell him stories of Lord Vishnu, which he would listen to with great reverence and the seed of devotion in his little heart would grow deeper.

“Hey Narayan, Hey Vishnu,” Prahlad would often hum softly, nestled in his mother's lap. Kayadhu would smile and hug her son even more lovingly to her heart. "My dear Prahlad, Narayan resides in your voice," she would say, filled with uncertainties about her son's future.

Chanting Narayan in Gurukul

When Prahlad grew a little older, he was sent to the Gurukul of Shukracharya's sons, Shand and Amark, for education. Hiranyakashipu wanted his son to acquire knowledge of ethics, weaponry and the rules of the Asuras, so that he could become the heir to the Asura empire in the future. Along with other children, Prahlad also started receiving education in Gurukul, but his mind was not engaged in worldly knowledge. He was always absorbed in the meditation of Lord Vishnu. He would listen to what was taught by his gurus, but his mind remained absorbed in the name of Narayan.

One day, Shand asked Prahlad, "Prahlad, what did you learn today?" Prahlad replied, "Guruji, I have learned that Narayan is the truth, He is the protector of the world and He is everything." Shand and Amark were astonished. They tried to explain to Prahlad that he was a prince of the Asura clan and that he should worship the Asuras, not Narayan. But their words had no effect on Prahlad. Vishnu's grace remained upon him. The love of Narayan was so deep in his heart that no worldly bond could break it. Lord Vishnu himself was protecting Prahlad, saving him from every calamity and leading him on the path of his devotion. His devotion was burning like a lamp, which would become even more illuminated when attempts were made to extinguish it.

Narayan Everywhere

Prahlad used to chant the name of Narayan all the time while playing, eating, drinking, sitting and getting up in Gurukul. His fellow children were also getting influenced by his devotion. Gradually, the echo of the name 'Narayan' started being heard in the Gurukul as well. When Hiranyakashipu came to know about this, his anger reached its peak. He wanted to stop his son's devotion at any cost. He summoned Prahlad to him and tried to explain to him, but Prahlad remained steadfast in his devotion. Seeing this, Hiranyakashipu's anger increased even more, and he decided to kill Prahlad.

Prahlad's love for Narayan had become a challenge to Hiranyakashipu's ego. He was not ready to accept that his son would bow down to any other power. The fire of Hiranyakashipu's anger was now about to flare up even more, the consequences of which were going to be terrible. In the next chapter, we will see what measures Hiranyakashipu takes to keep his son away from Vishnu devotion and how Prahlad succeeds in every test on the strength of his unwavering devotion.