Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 42
Nṛsiṁhadeva Appears from the Pillar and Slays Hiraṇyakaśipu
श्रीइन्द्र उवाच प्रत्यानीता: परम भवता त्रायता न: स्वभागा दैत्याक्रान्तं हृदयकमलं तद्गृहं प्रत्यबोधि । कालग्रस्तं कियदिदमहो नाथ शुश्रूषतां ते मुक्तिस्तेषां न हि बहुमता नारसिंहापरै: किम् ॥ ४२ ॥
śrī-indra uvāca pratyānītāḥ parama bhavatā trāyatā naḥ sva-bhāgā daityākrāntaṁ hṛdaya-kamalaṁ tad-gṛhaṁ pratyabodhi kāla-grastaṁ kiyad idam aho nātha śuśrūṣatāṁ te muktis teṣāṁ na hi bahumatā nārasiṁhāparaiḥ kim
Dijo Indra: Oh Señor Supremo, Tú eres nuestro libertador y protector. Nuestras porciones de sacrificio, que en verdad te pertenecen, han sido recuperadas por Ti del daitya. Por lo temible que era Hiraṇyakaśipu, el loto de nuestro corazón —tu morada permanente— quedó oprimido; pero con tu presencia se disipó esa oscuridad. ¡Oh Narasiṁha! Para quienes siempre te sirven, incluso la liberación es poca cosa; cuánto menos los frutos de kāma, artha y dharma, y la opulencia material.
In this material world there are two kinds of people — the devatās (demigods) and the asuras (demons). Although the demigods are attached to material enjoyment, they are devotees of the Lord who act according to the rules and regulations of the Vedic injunctions. During the reign of Hiraṇyakaśipu, everyone was disturbed in the routine duties of Vedic civilization. When Hiraṇyakaśipu was killed, all the demigods, who had always been disturbed by Hiraṇyakaśipu, felt relief in their general way of life.
FAQs
In this verse, Indra states that for those eager to serve Lord Nṛsiṁha, mukti is not highly valued; devotion and service are considered the true goal, making other attainments secondary.
Indra acknowledges that the devas’ rightful shares and abodes had been seized by the daityas, and that the Lord’s appearance and protection restored their position and relieved the cosmic disturbance.
Recognizing that the body and circumstances are inevitably consumed by time encourages detachment and prioritizing lasting spiritual practice—especially loving service (bhakti) over temporary gains.