Guiding Light: The Power Of Devotion

The story of Prahlad Maharaj has been immortalised since time immemorial. Born into the Asura clan, he transcended his innate qualities to become one of Lord Vishnu’s dearest devotees. From early childhood, he demonstrated a deep sense of devotion, constantly chanting and meditating on the Lord’s divine form, much to his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu's chagrin. Blinded by his ego, Hiranyakashipu had ordered himself to be worshipped and had proscribed his subjects from bowing to anyone else, especially Lord Vishnu. 

The demon king's tyranny kept growing, and not just towards the righteous in his kingdom. His gentle son Prahlad also had to bear the brunt of his brutality. He was subjected to all sorts of tortures, from being hurled down mountaintops to being trampled upon by elephants, but nothing seemed to work, and he escaped unscathed, further angering his evil father. 

He hatched an evil plan with his sister Holika, which he thought would bring an end to his Vishnu-worshipping son. She had been given the boon that she would remain unharmed by fire, so a pyre was lit, and Holika entered it, sitting comfortably. She invited little unsuspecting Prahlad, who innocently went to sit in his aunt’s lap. No sooner than he entered the fire, it began to consume the evil Holika, whilst Lord Vishnu’s favourite devotee remained unscathed. It is to celebrate this victory of good over evil that we will celebrate Holi this week. 

Prahlad Maharaj’s life is a lesson in the power of true devotion; faced with innumerable challenges when he was seemingly helpless, he meditated on the divine form, who always came to his rescue. His innocence and firm belief compelled Lord Vishnu to answer his prayers, and that grace is still available to us.

We live in the Kali yuga, when our attention spans and spiritual abilities aren’t comparable to ancient times. But even today, the same grace is available to us if we chant the Lord’s name. So whether it's the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, grab your mala and start chanting!