Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 44
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
Mit Riesenelefanten, schrecklichen Schlangen, Zaubern und Stürzen, māyāhaften Fesseln, Gift und Hunger, Kälte-Wind-Feuer-Wasser und selbst Angriffen wie von einem Berg — als der Asura seinen schuldlosen Sohn dennoch nicht töten konnte, versank er in endloser Sorge und wusste nicht, was als Nächstes zu tun sei.
FAQs
These verses show that even extreme dangers—poison, starvation, fire, water, crushing, and sorcery—cannot destroy a sinless devotee protected by the Lord; Hiraṇyakaśipu’s many methods fail against Prahlāda.
Prahlāda is described as apāpa (sinless) and steadfast in devotion; the narrative implies the Lord’s unseen protection, so the demon’s material and magical tactics could not succeed.
Steady devotion and integrity can keep one fearless amid pressure and hostility; the Bhagavatam teaches that spiritual shelter is stronger than external threats.