Srimad Bhagavatam – day 377
Maharishi Nārada continued, “Prahlada is the supremely knowledgeable being (maha-jnani) who sees the Lord as pervading through this universe. As such feelings of likes-dislikes do not exist in him. The divine effulgence of the Lord, who resides as the Self within all living entities, flows totally in him. As such even when he was flung from mountain tops, pierced with sharp weapons by his father he remained unhurt. Hiraṇyakaśipu’s attempts to kill his son were thus rendered fruitless.
In the succeeding birth Jaya and Vijaya were born as demons Ravana- Kumbhkarṇa to couple Viśravasu and Keśini and tortured all living entities. Srihari then incarnated as Srirama and killed them both. Maharishi Markandeya will explain to you the greater details about Srirama and His activities.
After completing their birth as demons Ravaṇa-Kumbhakarṇa, these two door-keepers of Srihari were born in the warrior community (kṣatriya) as your cousins Śiśupala and Dantavaktra. Using His discus Krishna destroyed all their sins, and absolved them of their curse.
Due to their intense hatred for Srikrishna, these two brothers endlessly contemplated upon Him. They were totally immersed in this meditation. As a result of this long contemplation they have now returned to their original position as His attendants”.
Hearing this Emperor Yudhisthira enquired, “O revered Maharishi Nārada! Why did Hiraṇyakaśipu dislike his dearest son, the noble hearted Prahlāda? Why was he averse towards him? Please explain this to me.”
Here Yudhisthira wants to know how Prahlāda could develop deep devotion towards the Supreme Lord so much so that his father wanted to destroy him under any circumstances.
With this the first chapter of Seventh Canto comes to an end.
Seventh Canto Chapter Two
In this chapter Hiraṇyakaśipu consoling his mother and other relatives after the death of his brother Hiraṇyākṣa are covered.
Maharishi Nārada continued, “O Emperor! Coming to know that the Lord incarnated as a huge boar (Varāha) and had killed his brother Hiraṇyākṣa, Hiraṇyakaśipu was overcome by uncontrollable grief anger and hatred. His anger caused his body to tremble violently. Biting his lips in anger, he gazed at the sky with deep red fuming eyes. His terrible teeth were fearsome to look at. His gaze was cruel and violent. With knotted eyebrows, his face looked dreadful.
Swamiji explains: Anger makes itself visible within every organ of the body. When people are extremely angry it is impossible to look at their face as it becomes appalling. It instills fear in others. Elders therefore reprimand the angry person saying ‘why are you displaying demonic tendencies?’ This is because the angry person resembles a demon. Demons are filled with traits of passion and ignorance (rajas, tamas).
On the other hand, we oscillate between the three traits. For some time, we are peaceful and calm due to the pre-dominance of pure traits (sattva) in us. All of a sudden we are overpowered by traits of passion and ignorance (rajas, tamas). Anger had enveloped Hiraṇyakaśipu completely. His eyes, teeth, eyebrows, legs, feet, head trembled violently due to uncontrollable anger. It is said that anger can be conquered by anger alone.
“Seated in the assembly of demons, Hiraṇyakaśipu held the trident in his hand and roared vociferously, “O demons belonging to the Diti-Danu clans! O two-eyed Dvimūrdha! O three-eyed Tryakṣa! O Śambara, Śatabāhu, O horse-headed Hayagriva, Namūci, Pākāśura, Ilvala, Vipracitti, Puloma, Śakuni and other demons! Listen attentively to what I have to say! Without delay heed my orders!
My enemies, the insignificant Devatas, have through their services pleased Srihari, who always treats us and them as equal. Due to this, Srihari has now joined their side. Through Him they have killed by brother”.
Pradyumnāya namah