Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 46
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
Yudhiṣṭhira hỏi thêm: Huống chi đối với người con ngoan ngoãn, nết na, kính cha như thầy và như thần linh! Ôi brāhmaṇa, bậc tôn chủ, xin hãy xua tan điều thắc mắc của chúng tôi: làm sao một người cha lại có thể căm ghét con đến mức mưu cầu cái chết của nó?
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.
FAQs
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.