Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu – Chapter 5: Hiranyakashipu's Anger Increases

Hiranyakashipu's Anger Increases

In the previous chapter, seeing Prahlad's unwavering devotion to Vishnu, the Asura king Hiranyakashipu was burning with anger. His ego was even more hurt because his own son, whom he had dreamed of making the pride of the Asura clan, had become a supreme devotee of Vishnu. Now Hiranyakashipu wanted to turn Prahlad away from Vishnu devotion at any cost, even if he had to punish his son for it. His anger was slowly taking the form of a terrible storm, eager to destroy.

Attempt to Explain

Hiranyakashipu was sitting on the throne, his face turning red. Prahlad was brought before him. Prahlad, not even slightly disturbed by his father's anger, instead closed his eyes and began to meditate on Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anger, and then tried to reason with his son. He wanted Prahlad to understand him and renounce Vishnu devotion.

"Prahlad," Hiranyakashipu roared, "don't you know that I am your father, your king? How can you consider anyone greater than me? Vishnu is my enemy! Why do you worship him? Don't you have faith in my love and power?" Prahlad replied calmly, "Father, Vishnu is the only truth. He is the protector of all. He is also your master." Hiranyakashipu's anger now became unbearable. He shook Prahlad and said, "I am warning you for the last time, you fool! Stop taking Vishnu's name, otherwise the consequences will be terrible!"

Various Attempts at Death

When Hiranyakashipu saw that Prahlad was not ready to waver from his devotion in any way, he decided to kill him. He ordered his Asura soldiers to push Prahlad down from a high mountain. Following his orders, the soldiers took Prahlad to the mountain peak and threw him down. But, by Vishnu's grace, Prahlad came down safely, without even a scratch. His devotion became even stronger, every crisis made him even more devoted to Vishnu.

Then, Hiranyakashipu ordered Prahlad to be crushed by wild elephants. Huge elephants were enraged and released upon Prahlad. But as soon as the elephants reached Prahlad, they calmed down and bowed to Prahlad. Seeing this, Hiranyakashipu became even more angry. He could not understand how to compete with Vishnu's power. He felt as if the entire creation was absorbed in Vishnu's devotion and only he was immersed in darkness. Vishnu's glory was becoming even more evident with every attempt.

No Effect of Poison

Finally, Hiranyakashipu adopted the deadliest measure. He ordered Prahlad to be poisoned. Powerful poison was mixed into Prahlad's food. Prahlad ate the food with a calm mind, chanting Vishnu's name. The poison had no effect on him. By Vishnu's grace, that poison was transformed into nectar. Seeing this, Hiranyakashipu was stunned. All his plans were failing. His anger reached its peak. He was now certain that some supernatural power was protecting Prahlad's body and that power was Vishnu.