Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
यं साधुगाथासदसि रिपवोऽपि सुरा नृप । प्रतिमानं प्रकुर्वन्ति किमुतान्ये भवादृशा: ॥ ३५ ॥
yaṁ sādhu-gāthā-sadasi ripavo ’pi surā nṛpa pratimānaṁ prakurvanti kim utānye bhavādṛśāḥ
Ô roi Yudhiṣṭhira, dans toute assemblée où l’on relate les gloires des saints et des dévots, même les devas—ennemis des asuras—citeront Prahlāda Mahārāja comme modèle de grand dévot; que dire alors de personnes telles que toi.
This verse says that even the demigods—though counted among the king’s opponents—make his likeness a standard in saintly assemblies, showing that genuine greatness is acknowledged even by rivals.
Śukadeva addresses Parīkṣit directly (“O king”) to highlight his exalted standing and the universal respect he commands, setting a devotional tone as the narrative proceeds in Canto 7.
Cultivate integrity and devotion so consistently that respect arises naturally—even from critics—and participate in sādhus’ discussions and kīrtana where saintly qualities are celebrated.