Shloka 43
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
तस्मिन्महाभागवते महाभागे महात्मनि । हिरण्यकशिपू राजन्नकरोदघमात्मजे ॥ ४३ ॥
tasmin mahā-bhāgavate mahā-bhāge mahātmani hiraṇyakaśipū rājann akarod agham ātmaje
О царь, Хираньякашипу мучил Прахладу — этого великого бхагавату, столь удачливого и возвышенного махатму, хотя Прахлада был его собственным сыном.
When a demon like Hiraṇyakaśipu, despite his elevated position due to severe austerities, begins to tease a devotee, he begins falling down, and the results of his austerities dwindle. One who oppresses a pure devotee loses all the results of his austerities, penances and pious activities. Since Hiraṇyakaśipu was now inclined to chastise his most exalted devotee son, Prahlāda Mahārāja, his opulences began dwindling.
FAQs
This verse states that Hiraṇyakaśipu committed grave wrongdoing by harming a great devotee—showing that violence or envy toward a pure bhakta is a serious offense with destructive consequences.
Because Prahlāda is portrayed as a fully surrendered, saintly devotee of Bhagavān, remaining steady in devotion even while being persecuted—thus he is described as supremely fortunate and great-souled.
Like Prahlāda, remain steady in devotion and character; avoid hatred in return, and continue sincere remembrance of God—steadfast bhakti is presented as the devotee’s protection and strength.