Prahlada — Faith That Fears Nothingप्रह्लाद

The story

The demon king Hiranyakashipu was very powerful and very proud. He had a boon that no man or animal could kill him, by day or by night, inside or outside, on the ground or in the sky, with any weapon. He told everyone in his kingdom: "I am God. Worship only me!"

But his own little son, Prahlada, loved Bhagavan Vishnu. Even at school he sang Vishnu's names and taught his friends to pray. The king was furious. "Stop praying to Vishnu!" he shouted. Prahlada answered calmly, "Father, Vishnu is everywhere — in you, in me, in everything."

The king tried to frighten him. He had him thrown under elephants, but the elephants would not hurt him. He threw him from a mountain, but Prahlada landed safely. He gave him poison, but it turned to nectar. He asked his sister Holika, who could not be burned, to sit in a fire with Prahlada on her lap — but Holika burned and Prahlada walked out unhurt. (That is why we light the Holika bonfire before Holi!)

At last the angry king pointed at a stone pillar. "Is your Vishnu in this pillar too?" "Yes, Father," said Prahlada. The king struck the pillar — and out burst Vishnu as Narasimha, half man and half lion! It was twilight — not day, not night. He sat on the doorstep — not inside, not outside — put the king on his lap — not on the ground, not in the sky — and ended him with his claws, not a weapon.

Then Narasimha became gentle. He lifted Prahlada into his lap and blessed him, and Prahlada grew up to be a good and wise king.

What we learn

• True faith gives courage — Prahlada was never afraid.
• God is everywhere, even in a stone pillar.
• Be polite and calm, even when others are angry.
• Pride and cruelty always fall in the end.

A shloka to learn

Questions to talk about

• Why was Prahlada not afraid?
• What festival do we celebrate because of Prahlada and Holika?
• Why did Narasimha come out at twilight, on the doorstep?
• What can you do when someone is angry with you?

Parents and teachers: read the story aloud, then talk about the questions together. Let children retell it in their own words.

Frequently asked questions