The Faith of Prahlad

From a satsang with Pt. Gyandeo Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Sukh Shanti Bhakti Mandali

Sanaatan Dharma states that the Unmanifest, Supreme Being, Nirguna Brahman, or God, the Absolute, Eternal One is without attributes. The same unqualified, non-differentiated Being, however, assumes a name and form, Saguna Brahman, and manifests on earth for specific purposes related to that age. When the Supreme Absolute identifies with sattva (the mode of purity and righteousness), It is called Vishnu, who carries out the function of sustenance in the universe. Vishnu acquires unlimited forms with different names and emblems, most prominent of which are the ten major or dasha avataars. These manifestations of the Divine signify the spiritual evolution of human life. As we celebrate Phagwa or Holi on March 20^th, 2022, we should remember the great devotee, Prahlad, whose faith ushered in the fourth major manifestation, Narasimha Bhagavan.

There once lived a king named Hiranyakashipu. After many years of severe penance, he was granted a boon that he would not be killed during the day or night, in his house or outside it, by man or animal, by Deva or demon, or by any man-made weapon. Rendered invincible, he believed he was God. His son Prahlad, who grew up in Sage Narada’s hermitage with his mother, was influenced by the sage, and thus became a great devotee of Bhagavan Vishnu. He would chant Lord Vishnu’s name all the time.

Hiranyakashipu was very angry with Prahlad’s devotion to God, whom he considered his enemy. So angry was Hiranyakashipu that he tried to kill Prahlad many times. Each time, Prahlad was saved by his faith and devotion in God. One day, the king asked his son, “You say that your God protects you. Can you show me where He is?” Prahlad replied, “God is everywhere.” Prahlad was standing near to large pillar, so the king angrily taunted him, “If your God is everywhere, is He in that pillar?” At that moment, Bhagavan Vishnu emerged from it in the form of Narasimha Bhagavan, half human and half lion. At that time, it was neither day nor night (twilight). They were at the threshold of the palace courtyard so that they were neither inside nor outside. There he placed Hiranyakashipu on his lap and killed him with neither metal nor wood but his lion’s claws. Lord Vishnu had saved His devotees once more.

While the story of Prahlad is well known, we must also consider the implications in our lives. We must remember the essence of Phagwa, of a child who confronted tremendous odds but, because of his equally tremendous faith in God, he survived. Prahlad’s faith did not waiver; his mind did not budge from his belief that Lord Vishnu is God. What made his faith even stronger? His experiences did, because he saw the miracles and works of God. So too, we must ensure that our children experience spirituality. We must take them to the temple, where possible, or view pujas and yagyas from a young age, so that they may experience Divinity. Prahlad had pure faith in God and God Himself manifested in the form of Narasimha Bhagavan. The Divine appeared and championed the cause of Prahlad because he steadily kept on the path of spirituality.