Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 44
Nṛsiṁhadeva Appears from the Pillar and Slays Hiraṇyakaśipu
श्रीपितर ऊचु: श्राद्धानि नोऽधिबुभुजे प्रसभं तनूजै- र्दत्तानि तीर्थसमयेऽप्यपिबत्तिलाम्बु । तस्योदरान्नखविदीर्णवपाद्य आर्च्छत् तस्मै नमो नृहरयेऽखिलधर्मगोप्त्रे ॥ ४४ ॥
śrī-pitara ūcuḥ śrāddhāni no ’dhibubhuje prasabhaṁ tanūjair dattāni tīrtha-samaye ’py apibat tilāmbu tasyodarān nakha-vidīrṇa-vapād ya ārcchat tasmai namo nṛharaye ’khila-dharma-goptre
The inhabitants of Pitṛloka prayed: Let us offer our respectful obeisances unto Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, the maintainer of the religious principles of the universe. He has killed Hiraṇyakaśipu, the demon who by force enjoyed all the offerings of the śrāddha ceremonies performed by our sons and grandsons on the anniversaries of our death and who drank the water with sesame seeds offered in holy places of pilgrimage. By killing this demon, O Lord, You have taken back all this stolen property from his abdomen by piercing it with Your nails. We therefore wish to offer our respectful obeisances unto You.
It is the duty of all householders to offer food grains to all their departed forefathers, but during the time of Hiraṇyakaśipu this process was stopped; no one would offer śrāddha oblations of food grains to the forefathers with great respect. Thus when there is a demoniac rule, everything concerning the Vedic principles is turned upside down, all the religious ceremonies of yajña are stopped, the resources meant to be spent for yajña are taken away by the demoniac government, everything becomes chaotic, and consequently the entire world becomes hell itself. When the demons are killed by the presence of Nṛsiṁhadeva, everyone feels comfortable, irrespective of the planet upon which he lives.
FAQs
This verse shows that śrāddha and sesame-water (tilodaka) are meant to honor the Pitṛs, and that violating or mocking such dharmic rites is condemned; the Pitṛs praise Lord Nṛhari for protecting dharma.
Because Hiraṇyakaśipu had forcibly consumed the śrāddha offerings meant for them, and Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva tore him apart with His nails, restoring dharma; thus they glorify Him as the guardian of all righteousness.
Respect sacred duties and family traditions done in remembrance of elders, and understand that dharma is ultimately protected by the Supreme; arrogance that tramples others’ faith and duty leads to downfall.