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Prahlada again continued the discourse and impressed on his
companions in the most eloquent words, full of wisdom, the utility
and nature of devotion. (The original discourse will repay perusal).
The teachers returned and found the contagion of Vaishnavism
had also spread amongst other boys. They instantly reported the
matter to Hiranya Kasipu. The king became all wrath and angry.
He sent for Prahlada. Prahlada approached him with all respect and
humility. The king thundered forth thus: "What makes thee so
often disobey me, thou vile enemy of thy own race? Dost thou not
know that I will instantly put thee to death? All Triloki dreads me
and trembles when I am enraged. But thou dost break my words
without the least fear in thy mind."
"Father," said Prahlada, " Bhagavan is my only strength. He
is not only my strength, but also yours and that of the whole world.
Look upon all as your own self, father."
"Unfortunate that thou art", said Hiranya Kasipu, " Tell me,
who else is there besides myself whom thou callest Bhagavan or
f shvara. Where is he?" Said Prahlada, " He is everywhere."
"Why not then in this pillar?"
"Yes, I see him there."
"Well, let me sever your head from your body and see how
your Hari can preserve you."
So saying, Hiranya Kasipu took sword in hand and violently
struck the pillar with his fist A great noise was heard at the time,
and the fearful Nrisinha came out of the pillar, half man, half
lion. Hiranya Kasipu with wonder saw He was neither man nor
animal. Nrisinha placed the Asura king on his thighs and tore him
with His nails to death. (For a description of Nrisinha and of the
fight refer to the original).
The Devas all collected and prayed to Him one after the other.
But Nrisinha was still in a rage and they dared not approach Him.
Brahma at last sent Prahlada to pacify Him
Prahlada approached Him slowly and prostrated himself at
His feet; Nrisinha became full of tenderness and placed his hand
on the head of Prahlada. That divine touch removed all evil from
Prahlada and illumined his mind with Brahma Vidya. He then
broke forth into a prayer, (perhaps the most sublime in the Bhagavata
Purana).
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