Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 40
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
नैऋर्तास्ते समादिष्टा भर्त्रा वै शूलपाणय: । तिग्मदंष्ट्रकरालास्यास्ताम्रश्मश्रुशिरोरुहा: ॥ ३९ ॥ नदन्तो भैरवं नादं छिन्धि भिन्धीति वादिन: । आसीनं चाहनञ्शूलै: प्रह्रादं सर्वमर्मसु ॥ ४० ॥
nairṛtās te samādiṣṭā bhartrā vai śūla-pāṇayaḥ tigma-daṁṣṭra-karālāsyās tāmra-śmaśru-śiroruhāḥ
The demons [Rākṣasas], the servants of Hiraṇyakaśipu, thus began striking the tender parts of Prahlāda Mahārāja’s body with their tridents. The demons all had fearful faces, sharp teeth and reddish, coppery beards and hair, and they appeared extremely threatening. Making a tumultuous sound, shouting, “Chop him up! Pierce him!” they began striking Prahlāda Mahārāja, who sat silently, meditating upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
In this verse, the Nairṛtas are fierce demonic beings, commanded by their master, who appear as tormentors armed with tridents.
In the narrative of Canto 7, Prahlāda’s unwavering devotion provoked hostility from the demoniac side, leading to repeated attempts to terrify and harm him.
Prahlāda’s example teaches steadiness in one’s spiritual principles—remaining internally anchored even when external forces try to intimidate.