Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 29
Prahlāda Instructs the Sons of Demons: Begin Bhakti from Childhood; Household Attachment as Bondage; Nārāyaṇa as the All-Pervading Supersoul
श्रीदैत्यपुत्रा ऊचु: प्रह्राद त्वं वयं चापि नर्तेऽन्यं विद्महे गुरुम् । एताभ्यां गुरुपुत्राभ्यां बालानामपि हीश्वरौ ॥ २९ ॥ बालस्यान्त:पुरस्थस्य महत्सङ्गो दुरन्वय: । छिन्धि न: संशयं सौम्य स्याच्चेद्विस्रम्भकारणम् ॥ ३० ॥
śrī-daitya-putrā ūcuḥ prahrāda tvaṁ vayaṁ cāpi narte ’nyaṁ vidmahe gurum etābhyāṁ guru-putrābhyāṁ bālānām api hīśvarau
The sons of the demons replied: Dear Prahlāda, neither you nor we know any teacher or spiritual master other than Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, the sons of Śukrācārya. After all, we are children and they our controllers. For you especially, who always remain within the palace, it is very difficult to associate with a great personality. Dear friend, most gentle one, would you kindly explain how it was possible for you to hear Nārada? Kindly dispel our doubts in this regard.
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports of the Seventh Canto, Sixth Chapter, of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, entitled “Prahlāda Instructs His Demoniac Schoolmates.”
FAQs
This verse shows the boys recognizing authority figures as “gurus,” setting the stage for Prahlāda to reveal that real guidance is that which leads one to devotion to the Supreme Lord, not merely social or institutional control.
They were confused by the conflicting teachings—Prahlāda’s bhakti-centered instructions versus the discipline of their appointed instructors (Śaṇḍa and Amarka)—and they appealed to Prahlāda as the only other “teacher” they trusted.
It encourages discernment: respect roles and institutions, but seek mentors whose guidance genuinely elevates character and devotion, rather than merely enforcing conformity.