Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 50
Nṛsiṁhadeva Appears from the Pillar and Slays Hiraṇyakaśipu
श्रीगन्धर्वा ऊचु: वयं विभो ते नटनाट्यगायका येनात्मसाद्वीर्यबलौजसा कृता: । स एष नीतो भवता दशामिमां किमुत्पथस्थ: कुशलाय कल्पते ॥ ५० ॥
śrī-gandharvā ūcuḥ vayaṁ vibho te naṭa-nāṭya-gāyakā yenātmasād vīrya-balaujasā kṛtāḥ sa eṣa nīto bhavatā daśām imāṁ kim utpathasthaḥ kuśalāya kalpate
The inhabitants of Gandharvaloka prayed: Your Lordship, we ever engage in Your service by dancing and singing in dramatic performances, but this Hiraṇyakaśipu, by the influence of his bodily strength and valor, brought us under his subjugation. Now he has been brought to this low condition by Your Lordship. What benefit can result from the activities of such an upstart as Hiraṇyakaśipu?
By being a very obedient servant of the Supreme Lord, one becomes extremely powerful in bodily strength, influence and effulgence, whereas the fate of demoniac upstarts is ultimately to fall down like Hiraṇyakaśipu. Hiraṇyakaśipu and persons like him may be very powerful for some time, but the obedient servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead like the demigods remain powerful always. They are victorious over the influence of Hiraṇyakaśipu by the grace of the Supreme Lord.
FAQs
This verse implies that one who deviates from dharma and the Lord’s order cannot attain real kuśala—true welfare or auspiciousness—because misdirected action leads to suffering and downfall.
They acknowledge the Lord’s supreme power and reflect on the moral outcome: even a mighty being who turns against the Lord and dharma is led into ruin, while the Lord protects His devotee and restores order.
Talent and strength should be aligned with dharma and devotion; when ambition goes “off-track,” it harms oneself and others—so course-correct through humility, right conduct, and remembrance of God.