Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
किमुतानुवशान् साधूंस्तादृशान् गुरुदेवतान् । एतत्कौतूहलं ब्रह्मन्नस्माकं विधम प्रभो । पितु: पुत्राय यद्द्वेषो मरणाय प्रयोजित: ॥ ४६ ॥
kim utānuvaśān sādhūṁs tādṛśān guru-devatān etat kautūhalaṁ brahmann asmākaṁ vidhama prabho pituḥ putrāya yad dveṣo maraṇāya prayojitaḥ
யுதிஷ்டிரர் மேலும் கேட்டார்: கீழ்ப்படியும், நல்லொழுக்கமுள்ள, தந்தையை குரு-தேவதையாக மதிக்கும் சாதுவான மகனைப் பற்றி இன்னும் என்ன சொல்ல வேண்டும்! பிராமணரே, பிரபுவே, எங்கள் ஐயத்தை நீக்குங்கள்—தந்தைக்கு மகன் மீது எவ்வாறு இத்தகைய பகை உண்டாகி, அவனை கொல்ல முயன்றான்?
In the history of human society, an affectionate father is rarely found to chastise a noble and devoted son. Therefore Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira wanted Nārada Muni to dissipate his doubt.
Because Prahlāda’s unwavering devotion to Viṣṇu opposed Hiraṇyakaśipu’s ego and atheistic pride, his envy intensified into murderous hatred—even toward his own son.
Prahlāda emphasizes that truly saintly devotees are naturally humble and obedient, and are worthy of reverence like spiritual teachers and deities—making the father’s extreme hatred even more shocking.
It warns that unchecked envy and ego can destroy even family bonds; cultivating humility, devotion, and respect for the saintly protects relationships and keeps one aligned with dharma.