Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 24
Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance
श्रीनारद उवाच प्रह्रादोऽपि तथा चक्रे पितुर्यत्साम्परायिकम् । यथाह भगवान् राजन्नभिषिक्तो द्विजातिभि: ॥ २४ ॥
śrī-nārada uvāca prahrādo ’pi tathā cakre pitur yat sāmparāyikam yathāha bhagavān rājann abhiṣikto dvijātibhiḥ
Śrī Nārada sprach: O König Yudhiṣṭhira, gemäß dem Befehl Bhagavāns vollzog Prahlāda die letzten Riten für seinen Vater; danach wurde er auf Anweisung der Dvijas gesalbt und auf den Thron im Reich Hiraṇyakaśipus gesetzt.
It is essential that society be divided into four groups of men — brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras. Here we see that although Prahlāda was perfect in every respect, he nonetheless followed the instructions of the brāhmaṇas who performed the Vedic rituals. Therefore in society there must be a very intelligent class of leaders who are well versed in the Vedic knowledge so that they can guide the entire populace to follow the Vedic principles and thus gradually become most perfect and eligible to return home, back to Godhead.
FAQs
Yes. This verse states that Prahlāda carried out the proper post-death rites for his father, following the Lord’s instruction.
Because even after the demon’s death, Prahlāda remained fixed in dharma and obedience to Bhagavān—performing the required rites and accepting kingship in a sanctioned, Vedic way.
Maintain righteousness and compassion even toward those who harmed you—fulfill duties without hatred, while keeping devotion to God at the center.