Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 20
Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Austerities and Brahmā’s Boons
The Architecture of ‘Conditional Immortality’
व्यवसायेन तेऽनेन दुष्करेण मनस्विनाम् । तपोनिष्ठेन भवता जितोऽहं दितिनन्दन ॥ २० ॥
vyavasāyena te ’nena duṣkareṇa manasvinām tapo-niṣṭhena bhavatā jito ’haṁ diti-nandana
يا ابنَ دِتي! بعزمك العظيم وزهدك الشاقّ قد أنجزتَ ما يعسر حتى على كبار الحكماء؛ ولذلك فقد غلبتَني حقًّا.
In regard to the word jitaḥ, Śrīla Madhva Muni gives the following quotation from the Śabda-nirṇaya: parābhūtaṁ vaśa-sthaṁ ca jitabhid ucyate budhaiḥ. “If one comes under someone else’s control or is defeated by another, he is called jitaḥ. ” Hiraṇyakaśipu’s austerity was so great and wonderful that even Lord Brahmā agreed to be conquered by him.
FAQs
This verse shows that intense, unwavering austerity (tapo-niṣṭhā) can even oblige Brahmā to appear and grant boons, as he says he is 'conquered' by such determination.
Because Hiraṇyakaśipu performed extremely difficult austerities with firm resolve; Brahmā, as the cosmic administrator, is bound to respond when such tapas reaches its fruition.
Cultivate steady discipline toward a worthy goal—especially spiritual practice—since consistent, focused effort over time brings powerful results and draws divine support.