When Hiranyakashipu heard the hated name of Sri Hari from Prahalad’s mouth, he did not understand where these ideas were coming from. Hiranyakashipu decided to talk to the teachers of Prahlada. He told them that he was confused on where he was getting these ideas from. He also ordered the teachers to keep a very close watch on him and make sure he is not talking to anyone who utters the name of Vishnu. The teachers were also confused but decided to teach all the lessons in the syllabus. Prahlada also repeated the lessons faithfully to the teachers. The teachers decided to show Hiranyakashipu what Prahlada has learned so far. Instead of repeating the lessons, he started talking about the devotion to Lord Vishnu and the glories of Lord Vishnu. Now, Hiranyakashipu was furious, and he abused the teachers and called them evil Brahmins. The king angrily said Prahlada was not a son of him. Prahlada responded that, “They are indeed blind who have not thought for Narayana, but who derive the same cheap pleasures from the same sense objects, birth after birth. They are like oxen who go round and round, tied by the same rope. It is Sri Narayana alone who can lift one out of this.”

When Hiranyakashipu heard this response, he became very angry. He decided to call his Asuras and daityas to kill him in a very dreadful way. They took countless attempts to try to kill him, but they could not. Prahladha was just chanting Hari Sharanam, anything that the Asura’s tried, never worked. Hiranyakashipu was starting to realize that killing Prahlada would not be an easy thing and this was the first time in his life where his authority had been challenged. Hiranyakashipu was extremely frustrated, and the teachers tried to pacify him by saying that Prahlada was just a small child. So once again, Prahlada was given to his teachers, and he was taught the Asuric sciences again. One day, when no elder was around, Prahlada started teaching the other boys about Vishnu and to be devoted to Lord Narayana. The little boys liked what Prahlada said and started singing the glories of the Lord. Hiranyakashipu heard about this, and he ordered Prahlada to be brought before him. “Fool” he said, “You seem to be bent up apon creating trouble in your own race and caste. Time and again you defy my authority without the least fear in your heart. Prahlad’s humble response to this was, in this whole world there is only one source of power. Except for the powerful Lord there is no other source of strength or power. Whatever a person is able to do, no matter how big a task or how great an achievement, it is all thanks to the Lord alone. Oh Father, even the power through which you have conquered the whole world, is His alone. Hiranyakashipu was very irritated when Prahlada mentioned the lord’s name again. He said, “Again Vishnu! There is no Vishnu. I am the only Ishwara and Bhagavan. Prahlada disagreed with Hiranyakashipu and said “Sri Vishnu alone is the Lord of the Universe. He was without beginning and without an end. Therefore, He alone is to be worshipped.” “Is He in that pillar?” Hiranyakashipu asked. “Then let him show himself to me,” said Hiranyakashipu, cutting down the pillar in uncontrollable rage. Out of the pillar came a dazzling and celestial form of Lord. He was in a half man and half lion form, coming to kill Hiranyakashipu. He was so divine and inspiring to Prahlada. The Lord, with ease, put Hiranyakashipu on his lap and pulled his intestine out with his sharp claws.

The Lord asked Prahlada to ask for a boon, but Prahlada said seeing him was the greatest boon. The Lord insisted and Prahlada asked for everlasting love from his feet. Lord Narasimha decided to crown Prahlada the king and insisted for him to enjoy the splendour of the kingdom. Prahlada accepted this but was worried about his father, if he was going to attain liberation or moksha. Lord Narasimha told him not to worry because the moment he touched Hiranyakashipu, he became pure.

Let this Bhakti of the little daitya boy find its echo in every corner of the land! Let his example be followed by every little boy and girl. Let his prayers resound in every heart. Let him lead us all to the vision of the Lord!