Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 43
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
दिग्गजैर्दन्दशूकेन्द्रैरभिचारावपातनै: । मायाभि: सन्निरोधैश्च गरदानैरभोजनै: । हिमवाय्वग्निसलिलै: पर्वताक्रमणैरपि ॥ ४३ ॥ न शशाक यदा हन्तुमपापमसुर: सुतम् । चिन्तां दीर्घतमां प्राप्तस्तत्कर्तुं नाभ्यपद्यत ॥ ४४ ॥
dig-gajair dandaśūkendrair abhicārāvapātanaiḥ māyābhiḥ sannirodhaiś ca gara-dānair abhojanaiḥ
Weder indem er ihn unter die Füße riesiger Elefanten werfen ließ, noch indem er ihn zwischen furchtbare Schlangen schleuderte, noch durch zerstörerische Zauber, noch durch Sturz vom Berg, noch durch māyāhafte Tricks, noch durch Gift, Hunger, bittere Kälte, Wind, Feuer und Wasser, noch durch das Zermalmen mit schweren Felsen konnte Hiraṇyakaśipu seinen schuldlosen Sohn töten. Als er sah, dass Prahlāda auf keine Weise zu schaden war, verfiel er in die längste Angst: Was nun tun?
FAQs
He employed many violent methods—elephants, deadly snakes, sorcery, imprisonment, poison, starvation, and exposure to extreme elements like fire, water, wind, cold, and crushing by mountains—yet Prahlāda remained unharmed.
Prahlāda is described as apāpa (sinless) and protected by his unwavering devotion to Bhagavān; the narrative emphasizes that a true devotee is safeguarded by divine will despite material dangers.
Steadfast devotion and integrity can keep one inwardly protected and fearless amid hostility, pressure, or hardship—encouraging resilience grounded in spiritual practice.