Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 11
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
Trong cung điện của Indra, bậc thềm bằng san hô, nền lát ngọc lục bảo vô giá, tường pha lê, cột bằng đá vaidūrya. Màn che rực rỡ, ngai nạm hồng ngọc; giường lụa trắng như bọt nước được điểm chuỗi ngọc trai. Các thiên nữ đi lại, tiếng vòng chân ngân vang, và thấy bóng mặt mình trên nền châu báu. Nhưng chư thiên bị áp bức phải cúi lạy dưới chân Hiraṇyakaśipu, kẻ trị vì bằng mệnh lệnh tàn bạo; hắn vì thế mà thống trị muôn loài một cách nghiêm khắc.
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
This verse depicts jeweled floors and celestial ladies whose anklets make the palace ring, showing extraordinary material opulence surrounding Hiraṇyakaśipu’s rule.
He is setting the scene of Hiraṇyakaśipu’s imperial grandeur after gaining power—highlighting the height of worldly splendor that still cannot grant true safety or liberation without devotion to Viṣṇu.
Enjoyments and status can be dazzling, but they are temporary reflections; the verse encourages detachment and remembering that lasting fulfillment comes from bhakti rather than display.