Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 1
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
श्रीनारद उवाच पौरोहित्याय भगवान्वृत: काव्य: किलासुरै: । षण्डामर्कौ सुतौ तस्य दैत्यराजगृहान्तिके ॥ १ ॥
śrī-nārada uvāca paurohityāya bhagavān vṛtaḥ kāvyaḥ kilāsuraiḥ ṣaṇḍāmarkau sutau tasya daitya-rāja-gṛhāntike
Śrī Nārada disse: Os asuras escolheram Bhagavān Kāvya (Śukrācārya) como sacerdote para os rituais. Seus dois filhos, Ṣaṇḍa e Amarka, moravam perto do palácio de Hiraṇyakaśipu, rei dos daityas.
The beginning of the life story of Prahlāda is recounted as follows. Śukrācārya became the priest of the atheists, especially Hiraṇyakaśipu, and thus his two sons, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, resided near Hiraṇyakaśipu’s residence. Śukrācārya should not have become the priest of Hiraṇyakaśipu because Hiraṇyakaśipu and his followers were all atheists. A brāhmaṇa should become the priest of a person interested in the advancement of spiritual culture. The very name Śukrācārya, however, indicates a person interested in obtaining benefits for his sons and descendants, regardless of how the money comes. A real brāhmaṇa would not become a priest for atheistic men.
FAQs
Kāvya, also known as Śukrācārya, is the renowned preceptor of the Asuras. This verse notes that the demons appointed him as their priest, establishing the background for the teachers connected to Prahlāda’s schooling.
Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka are described here as the two sons of Śukrācārya. They are associated with the Daitya king’s household and become key figures in Prahlāda’s education narrative.
It highlights how leadership structures appoint teachers and advisors who shape values. A seeker can apply this by choosing mentors and learning environments that support devotion and integrity rather than mere power politics.