Shloka 18

Bali Mahārāja’s Surrender, Prahlāda’s Praise, and the Lord’s Mercy

Sutala and Future Indrahood

Devanagari script

श्रीशुक उवाच तस्यानुश‍ृण्वतो राजन् प्रह्लादस्य कृताञ्जले: । हिरण्यगर्भो भगवानुवाच मधुसूदनम् ॥ १८ ॥

Transliteration

śrī-śuka uvāca tasyānuśṛṇvato rājan prahrādasya kṛtāñjaleḥ hiraṇyagarbho bhagavān uvāca madhusūdanam

Translation

Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: O King Parīkṣit, as Prahlāda Mahārāja stood nearby with folded hands, listening, the blessed Hiraṇyagarbha Brahmā began to speak to Madhusūdana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Synonyms

śrī-śukaḥŚrī Śuka

uvācasaid

tasyaof him

anuśṛṇvataḥwhile (he) was listening attentively

rājanO king

prahrādasyaof Prahlāda

kṛta-añjaleḥof (him) whose hands were folded

hiraṇyagarbhaḥHiraṇyagarbha (Brahmā)

bhagavānthe Blessed Lord

uvācasaid

madhusūdanamto Madhusūdana (Vishnu/Krishna)

Characters & Entities

Prahlāda

Hiraṇyagarbha (Brahmā)

Madhusūdana (Viṣṇu)

King Parīkṣit

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about offering prayers with folded hands (kṛtāñjali)?

This verse highlights kṛtāñjali—folded hands—as a posture of humility and attentive devotion, shown by Prahlāda while hearing sacred dialogue about the Lord.

Why does Brahmā (Hiraṇyagarbha) speak to Lord Viṣṇu (Madhusūdana) here?

Śukadeva indicates a transition in the narrative: with Prahlāda respectfully listening, Brahmā addresses Viṣṇu, signaling a divine appeal or prayer within the unfolding conflict between devas and asuras.

Practical application of Prahlāda’s mood in modern life?

Approach spiritual learning with attentive listening, humility, and reverence—reducing ego and increasing receptivity to dharmic guidance.