Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 46
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
किमुतानुवशान् साधूंस्तादृशान् गुरुदेवतान् । एतत्कौतूहलं ब्रह्मन्नस्माकं विधम प्रभो । पितु: पुत्राय यद्द्वेषो मरणाय प्रयोजित: ॥ ४६ ॥
kim utānuvaśān sādhūṁs tādṛśān guru-devatān etat kautūhalaṁ brahmann asmākaṁ vidhama prabho pituḥ putrāya yad dveṣo maraṇāya prayojitaḥ
Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira further inquired: How was it possible for a father to be so violent toward an exalted son who was obedient, well-behaved and respectful to his father? O brāhmaṇa, O master, I have never heard of such a contradiction as an affectionate father’s punishing his noble son with the intention of killing him. Kindly dissipate our doubts in this regard.
In the history of human society, an affectionate father is rarely found to chastise a noble and devoted son. Therefore Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira wanted Nārada Muni to dissipate his doubt.
FAQs
Because Prahlāda’s unwavering devotion to Viṣṇu opposed Hiraṇyakaśipu’s ego and atheistic pride, his envy intensified into murderous hatred—even toward his own son.
Prahlāda emphasizes that truly saintly devotees are naturally humble and obedient, and are worthy of reverence like spiritual teachers and deities—making the father’s extreme hatred even more shocking.
It warns that unchecked envy and ego can destroy even family bonds; cultivating humility, devotion, and respect for the saintly protects relationships and keeps one aligned with dharma.