Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
यत्र विद्रुमसोपाना महामारकता भुव: । यत्र स्फाटिककुड्यानि वैदूर्यस्तम्भपङ्क्तय: ॥ ९ ॥ यत्र चित्रवितानानि पद्मरागासनानि च । पय:फेननिभा: शय्या मुक्तादामपरिच्छदा: ॥ १० ॥ कूजद्भिर्नूपुरैर्देव्य: शब्दयन्त्य इतस्तत: । रत्नस्थलीषु पश्यन्ति सुदती: सुन्दरं मुखम् ॥ ११ ॥ तस्मिन्महेन्द्रभवने महाबलो महामना निर्जितलोक एकराट् । रेमेऽभिवन्द्याङ्घ्रियुग: सुरादिभि: प्रतापितैरूर्जितचण्डशासन: ॥ १२ ॥
yatra vidruma-sopānā mahā-mārakatā bhuvaḥ yatra sphāṭika-kuḍyāni vaidūrya-stambha-paṅktayaḥ
Im Palast Indras waren die Stufen aus Koralle, der Boden mit unschätzbaren Smaragden geschmückt, die Wände aus Kristall und die Säulen standen in Reihen aus Vaidūrya-Stein. Wunderbare Baldachine waren kunstvoll verziert, die Sitze mit Rubinen besetzt; die seidenen Lager, weiß wie Schaum, waren mit Perlenketten geschmückt. Die Hofdamen gingen hierhin und dorthin, ihre Fußglöckchen klangen, und in den Edelsteinen des Bodens sahen sie ihr Spiegelbild. Doch die Devas mussten sich zu den Füßen Hiraṇyakaśipus verneigen, der mit grausamer Strenge herrschte; so lebte er dort und unterwarf alle mit harter Macht.
Hiraṇyakaśipu was so powerful in the heavenly planets that all the demigods except Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu were forced to engage in his service. Indeed, they were afraid of being severely punished if they disobeyed him. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī has compared Hiraṇyakaśipu to Mahārāja Vena, who was also atheistic and scornful of the ritualistic ceremonies mentioned in the Vedas. Yet Mahārāja Vena was afraid of some of the great sages such as Bhṛgu, whereas Hiraṇyakaśipu ruled in such a way that everyone feared him but Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. Hiraṇyakaśipu was so alert against being burnt to ashes by the anger of great sages like Bhṛgu that by dint of austerity he surpassed their power and placed even them under his subordination. It appears that even in the higher planetary systems, to which people are promoted by pious activities, disturbances are created by asuras like Hiraṇyakaśipu. No one in the three worlds can live in peace and prosperity without disturbance.
FAQs
It describes a dazzling, gem-built palace—coral stairways, emerald floors, crystal walls, and cat’s-eye pillars—showing extraordinary material grandeur.
To paint the setting of Hiraṇyakaśipu’s imperial power and to highlight how immense material splendor can surround a consciousness opposed to devotion.
Recognize that external luxury is not proof of inner fulfillment; cultivate values and devotion beyond mere display and acquisition.