Srimad Bhagavatam - Narasimha Avatara

(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 2 to 10)

• Meditation: I meditate on Narasimha Avatara of Lord Vishnu.

• Hiranyakashipu instructing demons to destroy Yagnas on Earth: When Hiranyaksha was killed by Lord Varaha, Hiranyakashipu became filled with rage and grief. He took up his shula (pike or spear) and called the demons. He told that with his trident he will severe the head of Vishnu and please his brother with the profuse blood. He said that Vishnu is the root through which the devas flourish; and Yajnas and associated activities satisfy Lord Vishnu and the devas. Therefore, he instructed the demons to go to the Earth and destroy the Yagnas of the brahmanas, and all support for the brahminical activies. The demons descended on Earth and set fire to the cities and villages, cowpens, gardens etc. Due to such disturbances, the activities of Yajnas stopped. Not receiving the share of the yagna, the devas also became disturbed, left their abodes and wandered on the Earth unseen by the demons.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 2)

• Hiranyakashipu pacifying his mother and relatives: Hiranyakashipu, though extremely angry, pacified his mother and relatives through sweet words. He spoke words of great philosophy and wisdom like - hero's death, travellers brought together temporarily as family, soul has no death. Hiranyakashipu told the story of king Suyagna who was killed in the battlefield, and how Yamaraja came as a small boy and awakened wisdom within the lamenting relatives through philosophical words.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 2)

• Hiranyakashipu performing severe penance: Hiranyakashipu, then performed severe penance to become Unconquerable (Ajeya), Without Decay due to age etc. (Ajara), Immortal (Amara), Without any Rival (Apratidvandam) and the one King of the universe (Eka-Raja). He performed the penance in the valley of the Mandara mountain with the difficult posture of arms raised towards the sky, and toe of the feet resting on the ground. The hair of his head (Jata) became effulgent like the Samvarta-Arka (Sun at the time of dissolution). The devas who were roaming on the Earth returned to their abodes. Because of that severe penance, fire emanated from the head of Hiranyakashipu and spread in all directions, heating the different Lokas. The rivers, oceans and mountains became agitated. The abode of the devas became heated.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 3)

• Devas going to Lord Brahma: The devas left their abodes and went to Lord Brahma. The devas submitted that Hiranyakashipu was doing penance to get the position of Lord Brahma which sustains the dvija (brahmanas) and gava (cow).
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 3)

• Lord Brahma giving boon to Hiranyakashipu: Lord Brahma then went to the place of penance of Hiranyakashipu with Bhrigu, Daksha and others. Lord Brahma could not see Hiranyakashipu because he was covered with anthill and due to the very long penance, his flesh and blood have been eaten away by ants. Lord Brahma was astonished to see his endurance and with the waters from his kamandalu, he resuscitated his body, which became a body of great physical strength (like thunderbolt) and splendour (like molten gold). Hiranyakashipu eulogized Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma told him to ask for a boon. Hiranyakashipu asked the boon that:
- his death does not occur from living entities created by Lord Brahma
- his death does not occur within inside and outside of his residence
- his death does not occur during day or night
- his death does not occur with any weapons
- his death does not occur on the ground or sky
- his death does not occur by human beings or animals
- his death does not occur from living and non-living beings
- his death does not occur from suras and asuras and great serpents
- he become unrivalled in battle
- he gets lordship over all the loka-palas (deities sustaining the lokas)
- he gets great glory and powers which results from penance and is not destroyed
Lord Brahma being pleased with the penance of Hiranyakashipu granted these boons, although such boons are rarely given.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 3 to 4)

• Hiranyakashipu conquering the Tri Lokas: After getting boon from Lord Brahma, Hiranyakashipu remembered the death of his brother and the feeling of enmity towards Lord Vishnu awakened within him. He conquered the Tri Lokas, which includes the Lokas of the Devas, Asuras, Manushyas, Indra, Gandharvas, Uragas (Serpents), Siddhas, Caranas, Vidhyadharas, Rishis, Pitri-Patis (Yamaraja), Manus, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Pishacas, Pretas, Bhutas, Patis (Masters) etc. He seized the power of control of all these and brought them under his control. Hiranyakashipu started residing in heaven and enjoyed the various opulences there like garden, palace of Indra etc. He was always drunk, but the celestials payed homage to him. (As if out of fear of him) the Earth bore foodgrains even without cultivation, and the cows gave milk and many wonderful things happened in the sky. Hiranyakashipu himself assumed the role of Loka Pala, controlling the various activities of the universe.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 4)

• Hiranyakashipu remaining unsatisfied internally: Inspite of enjoying all the material objects (vishaya), Hiranyakashipu remained unsatisfied internally, because his sense objects were not under control.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 4)

• All the Lokapalas seeking refuge of Acyuta: Hiranyakashipu thus enjoyed for a long time. Being tormented by his rule, all the Lokapalas (rulers of the various Lokas) sought refuge of Acyuta (Bhagavan). They eulogized the Lord and with steady mind, meditated on him.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 4)

• Bhagavan bestowing fearlessness to them: Then they heard a voice which bestowed fearlessness on them. The voice assured that the activities of Hiranyakashipu will certainly be stopped, and therefore they should wait till the proper time. Whoever cultivates enmity towards the Devas, Vedas, Gaus (Cows), Vipras (Brahmanas), Sadhus (Saints) and Dharma, is cultivating enemity towards Me (Bhagavan), and will ultimately be vanquished. When Hiranyakashipu will torment Prahlada, his own son, who is without the feeling of enmity towards anyone, who is calm, and who is a mahatma (great-souled), then I shall kill him (Hiranyakashipu), who has become powerful due to boons.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 4)

• The qualities of Prahlada: Hiranyakashipu had four sons, of whom Prahlada was the greatest. He was endowed with good qualities and was a maha-upasaka (a great devotee). He was endowed with qualities like a brahmana (brahmaya-shila-sampanna); he was truthful (satya-sandha); he was a controller of senses (jitendriya); he considered everyone as his self (atmavat-sarva-bhutanam); he was a lover of solitude (eka-priya); he was a friend of all (suhrittama), he was obedient to great persons (dasavat sannata arya-angrih), he was helpful like father (pitrivat); he was kind to poor (dina-vatsalah); he was like a brother to his equals (bhatrivat); he was affectionate (snigdha); he considered his guru as god (gurushu-ishwarah-bhavana); and he was free from pride of education (vidya), wealth (artha), beauty (rupa) and his high birth (janma). He was of steady mind and intelligence, free of agitation of desires of what is heard or seen. His indriyas (senses) and prana (life-force) was always under control. He was calm and peaceful (prashanta). He was devoid of the qualities of auras (although he was born in the family of asuras). He had a natural attachment towards Vasudeva. He was not interested in plays (like ordinary children) but his mind was always absorbed in Krishna. Being absorbed in the thought of Krishna, sometimes he would cry and sometimes he would dance. Sometimes he would go in great ecstasy with the hairs of his body standing (pulaka). Hiranyakashipu performed the great sin of tormenting such a maha-bhagavata (great devotee) (which finally brought his downfall even though he had exceptional powers due to exceptional boons given by Lord Brahma).
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 4)

• Hiranyakashipu sending Prahlada to asura-gurukula: The asuras had chosen Kavya (Shukracharya) as their purohita. Shukracharya had two sons - Shanda and Amarka, who lived near the residence of Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu sent Prahlada to them for studies. Prahlada heard what his teachers instructed, but his saintly mind did not accept the asat (philosophy of the asuras).
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Hiranyakashipu testing his son Prahlada: Once Hiranyakashipu placed Prahlada on his lap and asked what he considered as best. Prahlada replied that the bodily concept of life is full of anxieties (udvighna), and (as if) makes ones soul fall (aatma-patam) into a blind well (andha-kupam). It is better to go to forest and take shelter of Hari. Seeing the mental disposition of Prahlada on the side of enemy (sura), (the asura) Hiranyakashipu laughed thinking that the intelligence of the child has been spoiled by the enemy. Hiranyakashipu told the teachers to give complete protection to the boy in gurukula so that enemies on the side of Vishnu will not influence his thoughts.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Sons of Shukracharya enquiring Prahlada and teaching him again: The sons of Shukracharya took Prahlada back to the gurukula and asked him, from where had he learned all these? How did his intelligence get polluted? Prahlada replied that the concept of mine and others are the holdings of asat due to Maya. Seeing this captivation (of Maya), I have bowed down to Bhagavan. When a person is devoted to Bhagavan, his pashu-buddhi (animalistic tendencies) gets destroyed. The distinction of I-mine-and other gets destroyed (due to the current of devotion). As iron moves towards the magnet by itself (being attracted by it), similarly by consciousness which has been pierced by Chakrapani (Vishnu) (moves towards Him by his own will). Hearing this, the teachers Shanda and Amarka became angry. They chastised Prahlada with stick and threatened him in various ways calling him a thorn to the kula. Then they taught him the subjects of the asuras.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Sons of Shukracharya bringing Prahlada again to Hiranyakashipu: After sometime, when the sons of Shukracharya thought that Prahlada had gained knowledge of the wisdom of the asuras, they brought him to Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada bowed before his father. Hiranyakashipu took him on his lap with great joy and again asked him what he considers the best learning. Prahlada said that sravana (hearing), kirtana (glorifying) of Lord Vishnu; then smarana (remembering him), pada-sevana (serving his feet), archana (worshipping him), vandana (eulogizing him) of him; dashya (connecting with him with the attitude of a servant), sakhya (connecting with him with the attitude of a friend) and aatma-nivedana (surrendering one's soul to him); the attainment of such bhakti, I consider to be the best learning. Hearing this, Hiranyakashipu became angry with the sons of Shukracharya accusing them of teaching inimical subjects to Prahlada. The sons of Shukracharya said that the accusation is false and they have not taught these things to Prahlada. His natural tendency is like that.
- Refer to Shravanam Kirtanam Vishnoh
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Hiranyakashipu becoming angry with Prahlada: Hiranyakashipu then in anger turned to Prahlada and asked him from where he has learned all these things, if not from the teachers? Prahlada said that the inclination or taste of mind (mati) towards Krishna does not develop from the instructions of others or by self-teaching, unless the senses are controlled; uncontrolled senses will make one chew the life of hell. Following persons whose senses are not under control is like blind man following another blind man. The mati (inclination or taste of mind) towards the Lotus Feet of Vishnu does not develop unless one has taken the dust of the feet of great devotees. Hiranyakashipu, in great anger threw Prahlada away from his lap on the ground.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Hiranyakashipu ordering to kill Prahlada: Hiranyakashipu then ordered the demons to kill Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu said that Prahlada, even though only five years old, is not at all trustworthy since he has developed affection towards Vishnu and sadhus. A son who is not beneficial (i.e. who has become an enemy) should be cut of like part of a body. The demons getting the order of their master tried to kill Prahlada with their shulas (pikes or spears), while Prahlada was sitting there (unperturbed). Like a person who is not of pious character does not get the effect of some good activities, similarly the weapons of the demons had no effects on Prahlada whose consciousness was abiding in the consciousness of the supreme Lord.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Hiranyakashipu trying various means to kill Prahlada: When the demons could not kill Prahlada with their weapons, Hiranyakashipu became afraid and tried various other means to kill him like:
- by crushing him under the feet of elephants
- by means of poisonous snakes
- by means of black magic
- by throwing him from a mountain
- by poisoning him through food
- by making him starve
- by cold wind, fire and water
- by crushing with big stones
But Hiranyakashipu was not able to harm Prahlada.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Hiranyakashipu sending Prahlada back to school: When all means of killing Prahlada failed, Hiranyakashipu became anxious. He thought that the realisation of Prahlada is unlimited and he is without fear. He seems to be immortal. May be he (Hiranyakashipu) will die in his (Prahlada's) hands. When Hiranyakashipu became faded by such thoughts and lost his bodily lustre, Shanda and Amarka, the sons of Shukracharya told him that there is no fear from Prahlada. Let Prahlada continue with the instructions till guru Shukracharya returns. When Prahlada grows up and had assimilated the instructions, his mind will change. Hiranyakashipu agreed and told them to instruct Prahlada on the duties of the royal householder. Shanda and Amarka instructed Prahlada on the subjects of dharma, artha and kama continously.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5)

• Prahlada instructing his class-mates: When Shanda and Amarka would go home to attend the household duties, Prahlada would instruct his classmates who would sit around him. Prahlada instructed them that:

- Human life is very valuable: Human birth is very difficult to obtain. In this birth only, one can approach the Lotus Feet of Lord Vishnu. However, human birth is also transient and it is uncertain when life will come to an end.

- Practicing Bhagavata Dharma from childhood: Therefore, should practice Bhagavata Dharma (Devotion to God) from childhood (when the mind is tender).

- Rising above sense-enjoyments: Sense-enjoyments can be obtained in any birth (i.e. even in animal birth). Endeavors after sense-enjoyments is a waste of life since the final goal is the Lotus-Feet of Mukunda, which gives peace and tranquility. Therefore, as long as the body is strong, one should strive for the final goal of life.

- Refer to Kaumara Acaret Pragya

- Human life getting wasted without proper striving: Human life is (around) hundred years. Half of that is wasted in sleep at night. Childhood gets wasted in innocence and bewilderment. Boyhood gets wasted in play. Thus twenty years pass. Old age wastes another twenty years. One who is attached to kama (sense-enjoyments, wealth and material-enjoyments), the family life also passes wastefully.

- Pleasing Acyuta is not difficult: Pleasing Acyuta is not much difficult, since Acyuta is our very soul. He is present in all beings, from the lowest to the highest. He is also present in all materials and their transformations. He is present in all gunas when the gunas are in equilibrium as well as when they are in dis-equilibrium. However, He Himself is free from any modifications of gunas. He is experienced as the pure, unalloyed bliss (in samadhi), but through His Maya conceals His supremacy (of transcendental form) and brings about the creation.

- Showing kindness to all beings: Therefore, one should show kindness to all beings, by which Adhokshaja is pleased.

- Refer to Na Hi Acyutam Prinayato
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 5 to 6)

• Prahlada getting instructions from sage Narada: Prahlada then said how he got instructions from sage Narada. Prahlada told about his birth as he had heard from sage Narada. When Hiranyakashipu went to Mandarachala for penance, the devas started vanquishing the demons. The demons could not resist the devas and fled in all directions. The devas plundered the palace of Hiranyakashipu and captured the queen (mother of Prahlada). As she was being taken away, sage Narada appeared there and told the demons that she is sinless and they should release her. The demons said that in her womb, she was carrying the seed of demon Hiranyakashipu. Sage Narada said that the child in her womb is a great devotee of the Lord and hence they will not be able to kill him. The devas released her. Sage Narada brought her to his own ashrama and took care of her. Sage Narada gave her instructions. She forgot those instructions but Prahlada remembered those instructions which he had heard in the womb.

Prahlada said:
The six conditions of changes of the body starting with Birth (i.e. Birth, Existence, Growth, Maturity, Decay and Death) are not the state of the Aatmaa.
Aatmaa is:
[1] [Nitya] (Eternal)
[2] [Avyaya] (Undecaying)
[3] [Shuddha] (Pure)
[4] [Eka] (One without a second)
[5] [Kshetragna] (Knower of the Kshetra of Body-Mind)
[6] [Aashraya] (Foundation and Support of everything)
[7] [Avikriya] (Unchanging)
[8] [Svadrik] (Self-Aware)
[9] [Hetu] (Cause of everything)
[10] [Vyapaka] (All-Pervading)
[11] [Asangi] (Unattached)
[12] [Anavrita] (Not Enclosed or Constrained by anything)

Like an expert gold-extractor, extracting gold in the field of stones, an expert in spiritual science perceives the Aatmaa in the field of the body-mind complex.

- Refer to Aatmaa Nityo Avyayah Shuddha

About Devotion: Prahlada then told about devotion. Of the numerous ways of communing with God, the practices leading to deep devotion are the easiest. It consists of:
- Service to Guru with devotion
- Dedicating all which one obtains to the Lord
- Keeping the company of holy men and devotees
- Worshipping the Lord (with deep devotion)
- Meditating on the Leelas of the Lord with shraddha, extolling them,
...

Those who develop loving attachment to Vasudeva through devotion, conquering the senses and passions, they sometimes laugh and cry, and taking the name of the Lord they sing and dance in ecstasy, ...they get liberated from all bondages,

Hari is like the sky pervading the hearts of all and is the soul of one's soul. So what difficulty is there in communing with Hari? And what use is there in vulgar sense enjoyments which can be had in animal bodies?
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 6 to 7)

• Manifestation of Lord Narasimha: Those asura boys were pure-minded and accepted the instructions of Prahlada. They became prone to contemplation on the Lord in solitude. Their teachers saw this and reported this to Hiranyakasipu. Hiranyakasipu trembled in rage and decided to kill Prahlada. He asked Prahlada how he dares to disobey him, whose angry looks cause trepidation even in the hearts of the devas? What is the source of his strength? Prahlada said that the source of strength of everyone is the Lord Himself. Prahlada said many wise words to reform the asuric nature of his father. This angered Hiranyakasipu even more.

Hiranyakasipu asked: Where is the Lord you speak of? Is he inside this pillar?
Prahlada said: I see the Lord in the pillar also.
Hiranyakasipu jumped up from his throne (to kill Prahlada with sword in hand) and delivered a blow on the pillar with his fist.
Immediately a terrific sound arose from the pillar as if the doomsday has come. Everyone was wonderstruck.

Sri Hari, in order to demonstrate the truth of the words of His devotee, that He was everywhere and in everything, emerged from the pillar. He was neither beast, nor a man, but a Man-Lion (Narasimha). His eyes were fearful and glowing. His face was surrounded by matted locks and manes. His fangs inspired terror. His tongue was quivering like a sword. His chest was broad. His claws looked like weapons.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 8)

• Lord Narasimha slaying Hiranyakasipu: Hiranyakasipu thought that this must be a magic of Hari and rushed towards Lord Narasimha with a mace in hand. Like a moth rushing inside a fire, Hiranyakasipu became invisible by the splendour of the Lord. However, he delivered a powerful blow on Hari with his mace. Like Garuda catching a serpent, the Lord caught the attacking asura in His claws and then released him in play. Then the asura attacked the Lord with sword and shield in hand. The Lord soon caught him within his clutches even though the asura was desperately trying to avoid that by various combat tactics. The asura tried to free himself like a mouse tries when caught by a serpent. The Lord laid him on His thighs on the threshold of the assembly hall (which was neither inside nor outside). It was the time of sunset (neither day nor night). The Lord tore open the body of Hiranyakasipu with his claws (which was not a weapon). It was a terrible scene to look at with wide-open mouth of the Lord and his face and manes reddened by the drops of blood of the asura. He then destroyed the followers of the asura and finally sat on the throne with all splendour.
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 8)

• Devas and Sages extolling Lord Narasimha: At first no one dared to approach Lord Narasimha. Then realising that the Lord has manifested and slain Hiranyakasipu (the headache of the worlds), the celestial women showered flowers, celestial musicians played music and celestial dancers danced in joy. Then various devas and sages eulogized Lord Narasimha one by one. They include Brahma, Rudra, Indra, Rishis, Pitris, Siddhas, Vidyadharas, Nagas, Manus, Prajapatis, Gandharvas, Charanas, Yakshas, Kimpurushas, Vaitalikas, Kinnaras and attendants of Lord Vishnu. No one still dared to approach Lord Narasimha seeing His wrathful appearance. Even Sri Devi could not approach Him. Then Brahma told Prahlada to pacify Lord Narasimha. Prahlada advanced slowly and prostating before the Lord eulogized Him with a long hymn. The Lord became pacified and blessed Prahlada. He gave many instructions to Prahlada and made him the head of the asuras for one Manvantara. He told Prahlada to lead his life by dedicating everthing to Him. In this way, Karma loses its binding power. Finally Prahlada will attain Him (and his fame will spread far and wide as a devotee of the Lord).
(Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 07 - 8 to 10)

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