Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 9
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
यत्र विद्रुमसोपाना महामारकता भुव: । यत्र स्फाटिककुड्यानि वैदूर्यस्तम्भपङ्क्तय: ॥ ९ ॥ यत्र चित्रवितानानि पद्मरागासनानि च । पय:फेननिभा: शय्या मुक्तादामपरिच्छदा: ॥ १० ॥ कूजद्भिर्नूपुरैर्देव्य: शब्दयन्त्य इतस्तत: । रत्नस्थलीषु पश्यन्ति सुदती: सुन्दरं मुखम् ॥ ११ ॥ तस्मिन्महेन्द्रभवने महाबलो महामना निर्जितलोक एकराट् । रेमेऽभिवन्द्याङ्घ्रियुग: सुरादिभि: प्रतापितैरूर्जितचण्डशासन: ॥ १२ ॥
yatra vidruma-sopānā mahā-mārakatā bhuvaḥ yatra sphāṭika-kuḍyāni vaidūrya-stambha-paṅktayaḥ
Di istana Indra, anak tangganya daripada karang, lantainya bertatah zamrud yang tidak ternilai, dindingnya kristal, dan tiangnya berderet batu vaidūrya. Kanopi yang indah menghias, singgahsana bertatah delima; hamparan sutera putih laksana buih dihiasi untaian mutiara. Para dewi istana yang bergigi elok dan berwajah menawan berjalan ke sana sini dengan bunyi gelang kaki, lalu melihat bayang wajah mereka pada permata lantai. Namun para dewa yang tertindas terpaksa tunduk di kaki Hiraṇyakaśipu, yang memerintah dengan hukuman keras tanpa belas; demikian ia bersenang-senang dan menguasai semua.
Hiraṇyakaśipu was so powerful in the heavenly planets that all the demigods except Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu were forced to engage in his service. Indeed, they were afraid of being severely punished if they disobeyed him. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī has compared Hiraṇyakaśipu to Mahārāja Vena, who was also atheistic and scornful of the ritualistic ceremonies mentioned in the Vedas. Yet Mahārāja Vena was afraid of some of the great sages such as Bhṛgu, whereas Hiraṇyakaśipu ruled in such a way that everyone feared him but Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. Hiraṇyakaśipu was so alert against being burnt to ashes by the anger of great sages like Bhṛgu that by dint of austerity he surpassed their power and placed even them under his subordination. It appears that even in the higher planetary systems, to which people are promoted by pious activities, disturbances are created by asuras like Hiraṇyakaśipu. No one in the three worlds can live in peace and prosperity without disturbance.
FAQs
It describes extraordinary, jewel-built opulence—coral stairways, emerald floors, crystal walls, and gem pillars—highlighting the height of material splendor in his rule.
To set the scene of Hiraṇyakaśipu’s immense worldly power and luxury, which contrasts with the coming supremacy of devotion and the Lord’s protection of His devotee.
Material success can be impressive, but it is temporary; use prosperity without pride and keep devotion and humility as the real foundation.