Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 20
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
पादयो: पतितं बालं प्रतिनन्द्याशिषासुर: । परिष्वज्य चिरं दोर्भ्यां परमामाप निर्वृतिम् ॥ २० ॥
pādayoḥ patitaṁ bālaṁ pratinandyāśiṣāsuraḥ pariṣvajya ciraṁ dorbhyāṁ paramām āpa nirvṛtim
When Hiraṇyakaśipu saw that his child had fallen at his feet and was offering obeisances, as an affectionate father he immediately began showering blessings upon the child and embraced him with both arms. A father naturally feels happy to embrace his son, and Hiraṇyakaśipu became very happy in this way.
FAQs
It describes Hiraṇyakaśipu’s momentary affection: he blesses and embraces Prahlāda, feeling great satisfaction—setting a contrast with his later intolerance toward Prahlāda’s devotion.
Prahlāda had bowed at his father’s feet; pleased by the child’s outward humility and return, Hiraṇyakaśipu responded with blessings and a long embrace, unaware of how firmly Prahlāda’s heart was fixed in bhakti.
External warmth and family affection can coexist with deep ideological conflict; the verse encourages steadiness in devotion and values, even when relationships appear supportive only on the surface.