Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 43
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
दिग्गजैर्दन्दशूकेन्द्रैरभिचारावपातनै: । मायाभि: सन्निरोधैश्च गरदानैरभोजनै: । हिमवाय्वग्निसलिलै: पर्वताक्रमणैरपि ॥ ४३ ॥ न शशाक यदा हन्तुमपापमसुर: सुतम् । चिन्तां दीर्घतमां प्राप्तस्तत्कर्तुं नाभ्यपद्यत ॥ ४४ ॥
dig-gajair dandaśūkendrair abhicārāvapātanaiḥ māyābhiḥ sannirodhaiś ca gara-dānair abhojanaiḥ
दिग्गजांच्या पायाखाली तुडवून, भयंकर सापांत टाकून, अभिचार-मंत्रांनी, डोंगरावरून ढकलून, मायावी युक्त्यांनी, विष देऊन, उपाशी ठेवून, तीव्र थंडी-वारा-अग्नी-पाण्यात टाकून, किंवा मोठ्या शिळांनी चिरडूनही तो असुर आपल्या निष्पाप पुत्राला मारू शकला नाही. प्रह्लादाला कसेही इजा होत नाही हे पाहून तो अतिदीर्घ चिंतेत पडला—आता काय करावे?
FAQs
He employed many violent methods—elephants, deadly snakes, sorcery, imprisonment, poison, starvation, and exposure to extreme elements like fire, water, wind, cold, and crushing by mountains—yet Prahlāda remained unharmed.
Prahlāda is described as apāpa (sinless) and protected by his unwavering devotion to Bhagavān; the narrative emphasizes that a true devotee is safeguarded by divine will despite material dangers.
Steadfast devotion and integrity can keep one inwardly protected and fearless amid hostility, pressure, or hardship—encouraging resilience grounded in spiritual practice.