Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 45
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
एष मे बह्वसाधूक्तो वधोपायाश्च निर्मिता: । तैस्तैर्द्रोहैरसद्धर्मैर्मुक्त: स्वेनैव तेजसा ॥ ४५ ॥
eṣa me bahv-asādhūkto vadhopāyāś ca nirmitāḥ tais tair drohair asad-dharmair muktaḥ svenaiva tejasā
Hiraṇyakaśipu thought: I have used many ill names in chastising this boy Prahlāda and have devised many means of killing him, but despite all my endeavors, he could not be killed. Indeed, he saved himself by his own powers, without being affected in the least by these treacheries and abominable actions.
FAQs
This verse shows that even when powerful enemies create many deadly plans through treachery and adharma, a devotee is saved—ultimately by spiritual potency rooted in devotion and the Lord’s protection.
In the narrative of Canto 7, Hiranyakashipu is enraged by Prahlada’s unwavering devotion to Vishnu and repeatedly tries to destroy him; here he admits those schemes failed.
Steadfast devotion, integrity, and reliance on the Lord give inner strength to withstand hostility, injustice, and fear—without adopting irreligious means in return.