Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 46
Nṛsiṁhadeva Appears from the Pillar and Slays Hiraṇyakaśipu
श्रीविद्याधरा ऊचु: विद्यां पृथग्धारणयानुराद्धां न्यषेधदज्ञो बलवीर्यदृप्त: । स येन सङ्ख्ये पशुवद्धतस्तं मायानृसिंहं प्रणता: स्म नित्यम् ॥ ४६ ॥
śrī-vidyādharā ūcuḥ vidyāṁ pṛthag dhāraṇayānurāddhāṁ nyaṣedhad ajño bala-vīrya-dṛptaḥ sa yena saṅkhye paśuvad dhatas taṁ māyā-nṛsiṁhaṁ praṇatāḥ sma nityam
The inhabitants of Vidyādhara-loka prayed: The power we had gained—appearing and disappearing through various meditative dhāraṇās—was forbidden by the foolish Hiraṇyakaśipu, proud of his strength and dominance. Now the Supreme Lord has slain him in battle as one would an animal. To that wondrous pastime form, Māyā-Nṛsiṁha, we offer eternal obeisances.
FAQs
This verse highlights that one who is intoxicated by strength and valor becomes ignorant and obstructive, but such pride is ultimately crushed by the Supreme Lord, who protects devotion and righteousness.
After witnessing the Lord kill Hiraṇyakaśipu, the Vidyādharas remember how that same arrogant enemy had tried to block their mystic attainments; they therefore bow to Nṛsiṁha as the divine protector who removes oppression.
Avoid letting achievement, influence, or physical power turn into arrogance; instead, cultivate humility and take shelter of the Lord—recognizing that true security and victory come from divine grace, not ego.