Stories from Scriptures # 20 - Bhakta Prahlad (3/3)

Story of Bhakta Prahlad

Part 3 of 3

Little Prahlad could not even finish his words when his angry father hit the pillar with his mace. As soon as the mace touched the pillar, it broke with a thundering sound. Everyone who was present in the court panicked. They saw a creature emerging from the pillar. It had the face of a lion and a human body. Emerging from the broken pillar was the avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu as Narsimha. Narsimha roared angrily. The demon king Hiranyakashipu tried his best to escape from Narsimha. But at last, Narsimha caught hold of him and dragged him towards the threshold. There, he put Hiranyakashipu on thighs and tore his belly with his terrifying nails.

The anger of Narsimha did not subside even after killing Hiranyakashipu. He was still roaring repeatedly. Lord Brahma, Lord Shankar and even Goddess Lakshmi prayed to Lord Narsimha from a distance but no one had the courage to go near him. Finally, Brahma sent Prahlad near Narsimha to calm him down. Fearlessly, Prahlad went near Narsimha and laid himself flat at his feet. Affectionately, the Lord in Narsimha form raised Prahlad and embraced him and said: “O son Prahlad, you had to bear the sufferings for so long. Please forgive me.”

Prahlad felt overwhelmed. The lord of the universe was standing before him and was stroking his head in assuring way. Prahlad bowed his head faithfully. Lord Narsimha then asked Prahlad to seek some boon. Prahlad said: “You are my true Lord. If you wish to grant me a boon, kindly bless me that no desire may arise in my mind for anything.” 

Prahlad also prayed to Lord Narsimha for his father, asking him, “O Lord, my father had always criticized you. Please free him from the sins he has committed.” Lord Narsimha replied saying, “Prahlad, your father has now become holy.” Lord Narsimha promised Prahlad that he would never kill any of his descendents. Lord Narsimha then escorted Prahlad to the throne of his father and made him sit on it, instructing him to follow good conduct and do his duties. Saying those words  Lord Narsimha disappeared.

Cheers!