Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 45
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
पुत्रान् विप्रतिकूलान् स्वान् पितर: पुत्रवत्सला: । उपालभन्ते शिक्षार्थं नैवाघमपरो यथा ॥ ४५ ॥
putrān vipratikūlān svān pitaraḥ putra-vatsalāḥ upālabhante śikṣārthaṁ naivāgham aparo yathā
A father and mother are always affectionate to their children. When the children are disobedient the parents chastise them, not due to enmity but only for the child’s instruction and welfare. How did Hiraṇyakaśipu, the father of Prahlāda Mahārāja, chastise such a noble son? This is what I am eager to know.
FAQs
This verse explains that chastisement should be for instruction (śikṣārtham), not to cause harm—like a loving father correcting a child.
Prahlāda spoke to soften his father’s anger, teaching that true authority corrects for the child’s welfare, not out of hatred or vengeance.
When giving feedback or disciplining others, keep the intention to educate and uplift—avoid harshness driven by ego, anger, or the desire to hurt.