Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 50
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
इमं तु पाशैर्वरुणस्य बद्ध्वा निधेहि भीतो न पलायते यथा । बुद्धिश्च पुंसो वयसार्यसेवया यावद्गुरुर्भार्गव आगमिष्यति ॥ ५० ॥
imaṁ tu pāśair varuṇasya baddhvā nidhehi bhīto na palāyate yathā buddhiś ca puṁso vayasārya-sevayā yāvad gurur bhārgava āgamiṣyati
Hanggang sa pagbabalik ng aming gurong espirituwal na si Sukracarya, gapusin ang batang ito gamit ang mga lubid ni Varuna upang hindi siya tumakas sa takot. Sa kanyang paglaki at paglilingkod sa guro, magbabago ang kanyang isip.
FAQs
This verse shows Hiraṇyakaśipu ordering Prahlāda to be bound and restrained, trying to “correct” him through fear and external discipline—highlighting the futile attempt to suppress genuine bhakti.
Hiraṇyakaśipu feared Prahlāda would continue spreading devotion and might escape; he therefore commanded confinement with “Varuṇa-pāśa,” a traditional image of strong binding, until Śukrācārya returned.
External control and fear may restrain behavior temporarily, but real transformation comes from inner conviction and right association; the Bhagavatam contrasts coercion with genuine spiritual awakening.