Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
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
Sa palasyo ni Indra, ang mga hagdan ay yari sa korales, ang sahig ay kumikislap sa mahahalagang esmeralda, ang mga pader ay kristal, at ang mga haligi ay hanay ng batong vaidūrya. May magagarang kanopi, mga upuang may rubi; ang puting sutlang higaan na parang bula ay pinalamutian ng mga kuwintas na perlas. Ang mga diwata ng palasyo ay naglalakad-lakad habang tumutunog ang kanilang mga anklet, at nakikita ang repleksiyon ng kanilang mukha sa mga hiyas. Ngunit ang mga deva ay napilitang yumukod sa paanan ni Hiraṇyakaśipu, na namuno nang malupit; kaya siya’y nanirahan doon at mahigpit na naghari sa lahat.
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 a dazzling, gem-built palace—coral stairways, emerald floors, crystal walls, and cat’s-eye pillars—showing extraordinary material grandeur.
To paint the setting of Hiraṇyakaśipu’s imperial power and to highlight how immense material splendor can surround a consciousness opposed to devotion.
Recognize that external luxury is not proof of inner fulfillment; cultivate values and devotion beyond mere display and acquisition.