Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 23
Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance
पित्र्यं च स्थानमातिष्ठ यथोक्तं ब्रह्मवादिभि: । मय्यावेश्य मनस्तात कुरु कर्माणि मत्पर: ॥ २३ ॥
pitryaṁ ca sthānam ātiṣṭha yathoktaṁ brahmavādibhiḥ mayy āveśya manas tāta kuru karmāṇi mat-paraḥ
After performing the ritualistic ceremonies, take charge of your father’s kingdom. Sit upon the throne and do not be disturbed by materialistic activities. Please keep your mind fixed upon Me. Without transgressing the injunctions of the Vedas, as a matter of formality you may perform your particular duties.
When one becomes a devotee, he no longer has any duty to the Vedic regulative principles. One has many duties to perform, but if one becomes fully devoted to the Lord, he no longer has any such obligations. As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.41) :
FAQs
This verse teaches that one may accept worldly responsibility (like rulership) while keeping the mind fixed on the Lord and performing all actions with Him as the supreme goal (mat-paraḥ).
After Hiraṇyakaśipu’s fall, the Lord instructed Prahlāda to restore righteous rule, guided by brāhmaṇical counsel, showing that leadership can be an offering to God when done in devotion.
Do your responsibilities sincerely, but anchor your attention in remembrance of the Lord—through prayer, mantra, and offering results—so your work becomes devotion rather than ego-driven striving.