Shloka 8
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
देवोद्यानश्रिया जुष्टमध्यास्ते स्म त्रिपिष्टपम् । महेन्द्रभवनं साक्षान्निर्मितं विश्वकर्मणा । त्रैलोक्यलक्ष्म्यायतनमध्युवासाखिलर्द्धिमत् ॥ ८ ॥
devodyāna-śriyā juṣṭam adhyāste sma tri-piṣṭapam mahendra-bhavanaṁ sākṣān nirmitaṁ viśvakarmaṇā trailokya-lakṣmy-āyatanam adhyuvāsākhilarddhimat
ಸರ್ವ ಐಶ್ವರ್ಯಸಂಪನ್ನನಾದ ಹಿರಣ್ಯಕಶಿಪು ದೇವೋದ್ಯಾಂಗಳ ಶೋಭೆಯಿಂದ ಅಲಂಕರಿತ ತ್ರಿಪಿಷ್ಟಪ ಸ್ವರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸಿಸಲು ಆರಂಭಿಸಿದನು. ವಿಶ್ವಕರ್ಮನು ಸ್ವಯಂ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದ ಇಂದ್ರಭವನ ಎಂಬ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ವೈಭವಶಾಲಿ ಅರಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವನು ನೆಲೆಸಿದನು; ಅದು ತ್ರಿಲೋಕಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿಯ ಆಲಯದಂತೆ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸಿತು.
From this description it appears that all the heavenly planets of the upper planetary system are thousands upon thousands of times more opulent than the lower planetary system in which we live. Viśvakarmā, the famous heavenly architect, is known as the constructor of many wonderful buildings in the upper planets, where there are not only beautiful buildings, but also many opulent gardens and parks, which are described as nandana-devodyāna, gardens quite fit to be enjoyed by the demigods. This description of the upper planetary system and its opulences is to be understood from authoritative scriptures like the Vedic literatures. Telescopes and the other imperfect instruments of scientists are inadequate for evaluating the upper planetary system. Although such instruments are needed because the vision of the so-called scientists is imperfect, the instruments themselves are also imperfect. Therefore the upper planets cannot be appraised by imperfect men using imperfect man-made instruments. Direct information received from the Vedic literature, however, is perfect. We therefore cannot accept the statement that there are no opulent residences on planets other than this earth.
FAQs
This verse states that Hiraṇyakaśipu sat upon Svarga and resided in Indra’s palace, enjoying the setting and opulence meant for the devas—showing how asuric power can temporarily seize even heavenly domains.
Viśvakarmā is named to emphasize the unmatched grandeur and divine craftsmanship of Indra’s palace—highlighting the scale of what Hiraṇyakaśipu usurped.
Opulence and high position can be acquired or even seized, but without dharma and devotion they become instruments of pride; the verse cautions against measuring success only by power, luxury, and control.