The son of Hiranyakashipu
THE CURSE OF THE RISHIS
Narada Said: While moving through the universe, the sages Sanandana and his three brothers once went to the realm of Vishnu. Though born before the elders of the universe, they look like children of five years of age and have no covering on their body. Accounting them to be infants, the two gate keepers stopped them. Full of anger the sages cursed them “You do not deserve to dwell at the feet of Lord Vishnu, which are free from the gunas. Therefore enter at once, the most sinful demoniacal womb. While the gate keepers were falling down, the sages said “Let this imprecation make for your return to your realm at the end of three incarnations”.
They were born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, the demon brothers. Hiranyakashipu was the elder; while Hiranyaksha the younger. Hiranyaksha was killed by Vishnu when he assumed the body of a boar for the sake of lifting the earth. Hiranyakashipu was killed when he assumed the form of a Lion. Anxious to get rid of his son, Prahlada, the beloved of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu inflicted on him tortures to bring about his death, but could not kill with all his devices that perfect tranquil boy, who had identified himself with all beings, looked upon all with the same eye, and was invested with a divine glory.
Yudhistra asked: How did intense hatred came to be developed towards the beloved son? Tell me, O glorious sage, and the circumstances under which exclusive devotion to the Lord sprang up in the heart of Prahlada, who was born a demon.
Narada replied: On his younger brother having slain by Sri Hari, who had assumed the form of a boar, Hiranyakashipu felt agonized with anger and grief. He spoke to the demons as follows: My beloved brother has been slain at the hands of Sri Hari, who was partial towards the gods. With the blood of that god, who assumed the shape of a wild animal through a deceptive trick and relinquished his true nature. He follows anyone who adores him and is fickle minded like a child. When his head is severed by my spear, I shall gratify my blood thirsty brother and get relieved of my agony. When Vishnu is disposed off, the gods will wither away like the boughs of a tree whose roots are cut off. Go to the places made prosperous by the brahmanas and the kshatriyas and exterminate those engaged in austerities, sacrifices, study of the Vedas, observing sacred vows and practicing charity. Vishnu depends for his existence on these rituals.
Bowing to the command of their master, the demons began to oppress the people. When the people were thus oppressed by the followers of Hiranyakashipu, the gods deserted the heavens and wandered over the earth unperceived by the demons.
Narada continued: Hiranyakashipu now wished to make himself invincible, free from old age, death and the sole monarch of all the worlds, having no rival. In the Mandara valley he practiced ascetism of the severest type, keeping his arms lifted up, gaze fixed on the sky and touching the ground only by his toe. He remained in this way for a whole 36,000 years. Scorched by the fire of his severe ascetism, the gods went to Brahma and prayed him to device a remedy. Brahma thereby went to the hermitage of Hiranyakashipu. Initially he did not find the demon there, who was covered with ant hills. Brahma was amazed to see him scorching the three worlds by his ascetism, and spoke to him with a bright smile.
Brahma said: Arise Hiranyakashipu; you have achieved your purpose through ascetism. Ask me whatever boon you wish to have. I have witnessed your extraordinary stamina, that your body having been eaten away by gnats, your life actually only on your bones. Neither did the former ones do such ascetism nor will such things be done in the future. Therefore I bestow on you all your desired blessings.
Narada said: Brahma then sprinkled the demon’s body with the water from his kamadalam, which is of unfailing virtue. From the ant hill Hiranyakashipu rose like fire, endowed with strength of body and potency of the mind. Perceiving Brahma standing in the air, he greeting him and spoke with tears of joy.
Hiranyakashipu said: O supreme, you are the ground of this entire universe. You are the three gunas. I salute the first cause of this universe, who is an embodiment of both knowledge and wisdom.
If you will confer on me my desired blessings, then let there be no death to me neither inside my house nor outside, neither in day or by night, by anyone created by you, nor by weapons, neither on earth nor in the air and neither from men or animals. Nor should I meet my death at the hands of animate or inanimate beings, gods, demons or great serpents. Also grant me the boon of having no adversary in battle as well as undisputed lordship over all beings. Give me glory like yourself in the midst of the guardians of the world and unfailing powers.
Narada said: Brahma then conferred all the boons and returned to his adobe. Having thus secured the boons and acquiring a golden form, the demon nursed a grudge against the Lord, constantly recollecting the death of his brother in the hands of Vishnu. He brought under his order all the directions and all the people including the devas, siddhas, demons, rakshasas and the Rishis. He established himself in heaven, enriched with the beauty of the celestial gardens and took up his residence in the palace of the mighty Indra. A considerable time passed and Hiranyakashipu not only became arrogant with power, but violated the sastras. Finding no shelter elsewhere, the gods resorted to the immortal lord for protection. With their mind and intellect controlled and rid of all impurities, they waited upon lord Vishnu.
A voice without form and deep as the rumbling of clouds was heard by them, filling the space with its echo and bringing with it the assurances of safety.
“Do not be afraid, the wickedness of this demon is known to me and I shall put an end to it. When the demon seeks to harm his son, Prahlada, who is free from animosity and extremely calm, I shall slay him even though he is powerful.”
Thus addressed by lord Vishnu and bowing down to him, the gods returned and accounted the demon already slain.
Four sons were born to Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada was the foremost of them in point of virtues. He was devoted to the brahmanas, rich in amiability and true to his word. He has his senses under control and was the friend of all. Like a servant he bowed low at the feet of the venerable. Like a father he was kind to the poor; he was affectionate like a brother to his equals and looked upon the elders as God himself. Though endowed with learning, wealth, personal charm and high birth, he was altogether free from pride and arrogance. Always unperturbed at heart in the midst of calamities, he has no craving for sense objects seen or unheard of, since he looked upon these as unreal. He has not only controlled his senses, breath, body and intellect, but he has thoroughly controlled his desires too. Though a demon by birth, he had relinquished the characteristics of a demon. The qualities of exalted souls present in him are constantly imbibed by the wise and are not obscured even now. Even gods, his enemies treat him as a role model in their assemblies. What wonder then that others like you should do it?
Yudhistra asked: O Sage, we are anxious to know why Hiranyakashipu inflicted suffering on his son. Fathers fond of their sons admonish in order to correct them; but in no case do they persecute them as an enemy would. Much less would they oppress pious and obedient sons like Prahlada? Remove this curiosity on mine.
Narada said: We are told that the sage Sukracharya was chosen by the demons as their priest. His two sons, Sanda and Amarka lived close to the palace of Hiranyakashipu. They taught subjects that were worth teaching to Prahlada as well as to the other Asuras. He listened to them and immediately reproduced what was taught to him by his teachers, but at heart he did not approve them, based as it was on the false notion distinguishing a friend from a foe.
Placing his son on his lap one day Hiranyakashipu asked him – “Tell me my child, what you regard as good?”
Prahlada replied: For embodied souls, whose mind is ever disturbed with the false ideas of I and mine, I hold this to be good: that having abandoned one’s home, which degrades one’s soul, and is like a well whose mouth is hidden, one should go to the woods and take refuge in Sri Hari.
Narada continued: On hearing the words of his son full of faith on Lord Vishnu, the demon laughed and said: “The intellect of youngsters is perverted by machinations of others. Let the child be properly guarded, so that his intellect is not perverted by the brahmanas.”
Summoning Prahlada, who had now been brought back to their residence, the gurus questioned him: Dear Prahlada, speak the truth and do not lie. When did this perversion come about you, which is not to be found in other boys? Tell us whether this aberration of your mind has been brought about by others or has it come about by itself.
Prahlada replied: It is the maya of the Lord that brings about the false notion that he is mine and he is another and observed in men whose minds are deluded. When he is propitious, the false notion of distinguishing, which is generally found in beasts is dispelled. That supreme spirit is described by the wise as one whose ways cannot be easily comprehended by those under the delusion that “he is my own and he is some another” and in whose quest even Brahma got bewildered. Indeed it is he who is responsible for my transformation. Just like Iron is attracted towards the magnet so is my mind unaccountably drawn towards Lord Vishnu.
Narada continued: Having said this, Prahlada stopped speaking. Reprimanding him, the poor brahmana then angrily said: “Bring me a cane, this fellow is bringing us disgrace. He needs to be punished, who is proving to be the ruin of his race. He is very much a thorny bush in between the sandal trees.” Thus intimidating him the preceptors taught him only texts dealing with the first three objects of human pursuit (Dharma, Artha and Kama).
When they were confident that the boy has learnt his lessons properly, they brought him before Hiranyakashipu, the demon kept him folded in his arms for a long time and derived great pleasure. He spoke to his son as follows.
Hiranyakashipu asked: Dear Prahlada, tell me something excellent that you have learnt from your teacher all this time and which you have fully mastered?
Prahlada said: To hear the names, praises, stories of Lord Vishnu and chant them, to remember him, to wait upon him, to offer worship and salutation to him, to dedicate one’s actions to him, to cultivate friendship with him and to offer one’s body as well as one’s dependents and one’s belongings to him – if devotion marked by these nine qualities is practiced by a man as something already offered to Vishnu, I reckon that to be the highest form of learning.
Hearing this observation of his son, Hiranyakashipu was filled with rage and spoke to the preceptors thus: “You brahmanas have espoused the enemy’s cause and disregarded me. What is this nonsense that the child has been taught by your wicked self?
Sanda and Amarka replied: Your son is saying something which has neither been taught by us nor by anyone else. This view is his own conclusion. O king, please control your anger and do not blame us.
Narada continued: Thus replied by the preceptor, the demon asked his son again: “if this vicious idea has not been taught by your preceptor, where did this come from?”
Prahlada said: People who are attached to their home fall repeatedly into hell because their senses are uncontrolled and are engaged in enjoying pleasures repeatedly though they have already been enjoyed in this as well as in their previous lives and does not get attached to Sri Krishna either by itself or through others or through mutual efforts. Indeed they whose mind is impure and who, like the blind led by another blind man esteem only those regarding the external objects as their aim are unable to realize Lord Vishnu. Through actions they remain bound to the rope of the lord, in the shape of his word, with numerous strings attached to different forms. The mind of these people fails to approach the feet of Lord Vishnu so long as it does not seek to bath in the dust of feet of exalted souls who claim nothing as their own.
Narada said: Hiranyakashipu, whose intellect had been blinded with wrath, threw his son from his lap to the ground as soon as the latter stopped after uttering the aforesaid words. Possessed by indignation, anger and blood shot eyes he exclaimed, “Let this boy be killed at once. He deserves to die. Surely he is responsible for the death of my brother; it is this vile fellow who abandoning his own kith and kin worships like a servant the feet of Vishnu. Indeed what good can this little boy do to Vishnu either? Even an enemy who is beneficent as a medicine is a son; while an inimical son, though begotten by one’s own body should be shunned as a disease. One should amputate even that limb which is injurious to one’s own body. He should be got rid of by all means.
Commanded by the master, the demons, who had sharp teeth, fearful faces and coppery beards stuck Prahlada who was sitting still with spears stuck in all his vital parts. But all these proved of no avail against Prahlada, whose mind was in sync with the immutable and indefinable supreme deity, the soul of the universe. On that effort having been foiled, Hiranyakashipu felt alarmed and resorted to various devices of killing his son. When the demon failed to get rid of his sinless son by means of elephants, serpents, hurling down from great heights, administering poison, exposing him to fire, wind and frost and even crushing him under rocks, he plunged into deep anxiety. He said to himself: “The boy was reproached by me in a number of ways and devices were employed to kill him. But he escaped from all these. Though standing close to me and a child yet, this fellow is really undaunted and powerful. He will not forget my misbehavior and will retaliate back soon. Possessed of infinite glory and fearing none, he is immortal to all appearance. My death will surely follow from him or else it may not occur at all.
To him who sat with his face down with anxiety, Sanda and Amarka, the sons of Sukracharya spoke thus in private: “You have conquered single handed all the three worlds. The guardians of the worlds are frightened by the mere play of your eyebrows. Such as you are, we see nothing for you to be anxious about. Indeed the behavior of children is no topic for judgment as good or bad. A man’s reason returns with age.
Having accepted the advice of the sons of his guru, Hiranyakashipu spoke as follows: “As a matter of fact such duties should be taught to him as are proper to kings and a householder”
To Prahlada, who was not only meek, but modest, the gurus taught only topics related to Dharma (Code of Conduct), Artha (The ways of obtaining wealth) and Kama (enjoying the pleasures). He however did not approve of the three objects of human pursuit even when properly taught to him, much less the teachings imparted by those who are attached to the sense objects. When the preceptor was away in connection with his other duties, Prahlada was called by the other boys for playing. Prahlada, who was aware of their devotion to him, answered them with a smile. Laying aside their playthings out of respect for him, all those boys sat around him, with their heart and eyes fixed on him; and Prahlada who was an eminent votary of the lord and who was compassionate and friendly towards them, spoke to them his wisdom.
PRAHLADA TEACHES THE CONCEPT OF BHAKTHI TO THE DEMON BOYS
Prahlada Said: A wise man should practice virtues conductive to God realization from his childhood itself. Birth as a human being alone bestows on us our desired object, and such birth is obtained with great difficulty and is transient too. The only course advisable for a man in this world is to betake himself to the feet of Lord Vishnu, for he is not only the ruler and beloved friend of all, also he is the very self of created beings. Like suffering, sensual pleasures is obtained by every being in every birth by force of destiny through mere connection with a body. No effort for such pleasures should be made; from such effort follows mere waste of life. Moreover, in that way one does not attain the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. Therefore having fallen into transmigration, a wise man should strive for blessedness while the body is yet firm. Indeed a hundred years is reckoned to be the length of a man’s life. Half of it is of no use to a man who is unable to subdue his mind; for consigned to blinding ignorance he remains lying down in the night. Twenty elapse in infancy and boyhood; twenty years roll by helplessly when his body is in grip of senility. The rest of his life actually passes away in negligence, when the man remains attached to his home through desire which cannot be easily sated and through overwhelming infatuation.
What man whose senses have not been conquered can hope to liberate his own self, attached to his home and bound with the powerful cords of affection?
Who indeed can give up the thirst for wealth, which is coveted more than life itself and which a thief as well as a servant and a merchant purchases even in exchange for his wife?
With his mind attached to his relatives and bound by the affection of lisping children, how can a man forgo the private company and sweet counsel of his wife?
Remembering his sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, his helpless parents and dwellings provided with abundant articles, hereditary vocations, animals and servants, how can he renounce them?
Pursuing actions out of greed and thinking highly of the pleasures relating to sex and the palate, how can he feel disgusted with them?
Though knowing the sin and its effects on misappropriating other’s wealth, people whose mind is ever intent on riches nevertheless takes away other’s wealth, his senses being uncontrolled and his desires unsatisfied. Indeed he who has a differential outlook, regarding this as his own and that as belonging to another is not able to realize the self while maintaining his family in the aforesaid manner, even though he may be learned. He is likely to enter the dark regions like a deluded person. None who is extremely passionate about women and a toy before them is ever able to liberate his soul. Therefore avoiding from a distance those demons who have set their mind on the objects of senses, take refuge in Narayana. He is the final beatitude sought by those who have give up attachment to everything.
Though really indescribable and undifferentiated himself, He can be hinted at as all pervading in the form of the subject and as pervaded in the form of the objective universe. The supreme lord consisting of absolute consciousness and bliss, He is realized as having his divinity concealed by Maya, which gives rise to the material creation. Therefore giving up the demonic character, show compassion and friendliness to all created beings, whereby, He is pleased. When that infinite being, the cause of all the causes is pleased, what is there that cannot be attained? Dharma, Artha and Kama I regard as true only if it enables one to offer one’s own self to the supreme controller.
The divine sage Narayana, the eternal companion of Nara, it is said, taught this pure wisdom to Narada. It can however be easily attained by those who have bathed themselves in the dust of feet of those devoted to the lord and claiming nothing as their own. This knowledge with the immediate apprehension of truth as well as the pure cult of devotion to the lord was received by me in the past through hearing from the mouth of the sage Narada.
The Demons asked: Prahlada, you as well as we know no other teacher than these two sons of Sukracharya and indeed these two have been our masters ever since we were infants. Association with an exalted soul like Narada was most difficult. Resolve our doubt, how did you get this knowledge from Narada?
Narada resumed: Questioned thus by the demons, Prahlada that great devotee of the lord, smilingly addressed them, calling to mind my teaching.
Prahlada said: Our father having left for practicing austerities, Indra as the other gods launched a great campaign against the demons saying, “Fortunately the evil one has been eaten away by his own sins”. Desirous of victory the gods looted the king’s residence; while Indra even seized the queen, my mother. Narada, who came there by chance saw her being taken on the roads helplessly and said, “Indra you should not take this innocent lady, leave the woman who is another’s wife.”
Indra replied: There is in her womb the mighty son of Hiranyakashipu. Let her stay till the time of delivery. I shall let her go when I’ve achieved my object.
Narada said: This child is not only sinless but a great devotee of the lord and eminent by his own qualities. He will not meet his death at your hands.
Thus advised by Narada and accepting the advice of the celestial sage, Indra left her and returned to the Heavens.
Then the sage took my mother with due honour to his hermitage and comforted saying “Stay here, my daughter till your husband returns back.” My mother too lived near the divine sage waiting for me to be born. In order to assuage her grief and for my sake, the compassionate and powerful sage imparted both the essence of religion and pure wisdom. That teaching however disappeared from her mind due to the ravages of time and her womanly nature. It however has not left me, the favored of the sage, even to this moment.
That supreme devotion and wisdom can take root in you if you give credence to my words. Through the agency of time the different states of life are seen in relation to the body and not in relation to the soul. The spirit is eternal, free from decay, taintless, changeless, one without a second, the knowing subject, the ground of everything, self seeing, cause, all-pervading, unattached and is not controlled by maya. With the help of these twelve characteristics of the self a wise man should give up the false notions of ego with reference to the body, people and things connected to the body.
When on hearing the stories of the supreme Vishnu, the devotee sings, cries, and dances all his bonds gets loosened at that time and his ignorance and latent desires are burnt. The wise recognize communion with lord Vishnu as a sure means of liberation. Therefore worship that ruler of your heart in your heart. What extraordinary exertion is involved in the worship of Sri Hari, one’s own self and friend? What is to be gained through efforts for the acquisition of material objects such efforts being common to all beings. Riches, wife, animals, sons and other relations, houses, land, treasury and luxuries all kind of wealth and enjoyments are momentary and fleeting. What delight can they afford to a mortal? Similarly the known worlds earned by sacrifices are also perishable and excelled by higher worlds and are not free from impurities either. Therefore with a view to self realization worship that supreme lord in whom no fault is seen or even heard of.
The death of Hiranyakashipu in the hands of Narasimha
On hearing his extortion all the demons accepted it because of its faultlessness, but not the teaching of their guru. Alarmed to perceive their mind intent on a single purpose, they quickly and correctly reported the matter to the king. Hearing of that unwelcome news about his son, which was hard to bear, Hiranyakashipu made up his mind to dispose of his son, his limbs shake due to impulse of anger.
Reproaching in a harsh language Prahlada, who was not only disciplined but standing modest, and regarding him with a wicked and crooked eye, the demon who was cruel by nature spoke as follows :- “you stupid wretch, you are causing disgrace to the family, I shall dispatch you this very day to the adobe of Yama. You have grown abstinateand have slipped away from my authority. By whose might have you violated like an undaunted person, the authority of me, before whom the three worlds, including their guardians shake with fear.
Prahlada replied: He is unquestionably the strength not only of mine but yours as well. It is by him these creatures high and low, animate and inanimate, commencing from Brahma have been held under sway. He is the ruler, He is the mighty Time, He is the embodiment of organic and mental powers, physical strength and fortitude. The supreme controller of Nature and its three qualities (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), It is he who creates, protects and destroys the universe. Abondan this demoniac disposition of yours and keep your mind equipoised. There are no enemies other than an uncontrolled mind. Some consider to have conquered the four directions without having curbed the thief in the form of mind.
Hiranyakashipu replied: Evidently you are keen to die, now that you are bragging too much. For the words of those who are anxious to die are sure to be incoherent. Where is that Lord of the universe other than me? If it is urged that he is present everywhere, why is he not seen in that pillar? I being the master of everything, am going tosever your head, a braggard that you are. Let Hari protect you today if he is present in the pillar.
Thus tormenting his son, Hiranyakashipu sprang from his seat, taking his sword and knocked the pillar with his fist.
That very moment there arose in that pillar a most terrific crash, the sound of which cracked the very cosmic egg and on hearing which Brahma and the guardians of the world suspected the dissolution of the universe. Displaying his valor in his anxiety to get rid of his son, Hiranyakashipu heard that loud sound, but did not notice the source, due to which the leaders of the demons got frightened. In order to substantiate the utterance of his devotee and his presence in all objects, the Lord appeared in the pillar of the court, assuming a queer form, which was neither of a beast.
Hiranyakashipu said to himself:, “He is neither a beast nor a human being. What may be this strange creature bearing the form of Narasimha (Man-Lion) ? Sure enough this is a trick by Hari, who is an adept in conjuring tricks. But what can be done by him though fully prepared ?” Before his eyes visibly stood the Lord who is difficult to perceive even to great devotees. It had fierce eyes shining as molten gold, a face swollen with its dazzling hair. It had fearful teeth and a tongue waving like the sword and looked fearful because of the frown. It had erect and motionless ears and a wide mouth and nostrils which resembled a mountain cave. The body touched the skies and it had short thick neck, a broad chest and a slender waist. It was covered all over with hair, had multiple arms with sharp nails for its weapon. Hard to approach it had driven away all the demons. “Surely this is an trick thought out for my death by Hari, but what can be done by him?”
Thus murmuring and arming himself with a mace, Hiranyakashipu rushed towards Narasimha. Narasimha seized him even as he paced forward just as a Garuda would catch a huge snake. At that time the demon slipped from his hand. Giving forth a shrill laughter, rendered more terrific by the roar, Sri Hari of infinite strength seized the demon. Throwing down the demon at the entrance of his palace, Narasimha tore him apart in mere sport. Casting of the demon whose heart is split open by his pointed claws, the lord slew Hiranyakashipu’s thousands of bodyguards who followed him.
Mountains flew as a result of his rapid movement, while the sky was eclipsed by his splendor. Nobody dared approach the almighty lord, who had then taken the excellent royal throne. He looked extremely furious even though no adversary was visible around. At that time the sky was crammed with heavenly beings eager to have a look at the almighty lord. But even the greatest Brahma and Shiva dared not go near him, possessed as he was by anger and most difficult to approach. Brahma sent Prahlada to approach the Lord to pacify his anger. Uttering the words “so be it”, and slowly drawing near, the great child devotee bowed down before Narasimha. Overwhelmed with compassion on seeing the infant fallen at his feet and lifting him, the Lord placed on his head his hand which has brought security to the entire world. All traces of evil instantly disappeared by the mere touch of his hand and Prahlada felt supremely gratified.
Narada continued : The Lord was not only pacified of his anger but was also highly pleased and spoke to Prahlada, who was bent low with respect.
The Lord said : Noble Prahlada, I’m pleased with you. Ask any boon that you like. I’m difficult of perception. Having beheld me a living being has no reason to grieve. I’m wont to gratify you.
Narada said : Even on being tempted with boons Prahlada did not hanker after them, exclusively devoted as he was to the Lord. Regarding all that as an impediment to the practice of devotion, Prahlada smilingly addressed Narasimha as follows.
Prahlada said : Pray do not tempt me with boons, attached as I’m to the pleasures of the senses. Afraid of attachment to them I’ve approached you for protection, anxious to secure freedom. He who seeks blessings from you is no true devotee, he is only a businessman. I’m your devotee without any craving while you are my master having nothing to gain from me. I however solicit this boon from you Supreme Lord, that my father, who was ignorant of your glory and whose heart was stung with indignation, spoke ill of you under the false notion that you had been the slayer of his brother and bore ill will towards me, may he kindly be absolved from that sin, although I’m sure he was purged of it the moment you looked at him.
The Lord replied : Your father was purified of his along with twenty one past generations by the mere fact that you were born in his race. People who follow your ways become my devotees. Indeed you will serve as a model for them. Now perform the rites to be performed to your father, though he is purified in everyway by my touch. Having been blessed with a noble son, he will attain to the higher worlds. Occupy the throne of your father and fixing your mind on me and devoted to me, perform your duties as directed by the Vedas.
Narada said : Saying so the Lord disappeared on the spot. After that along with the sages headed by Sukracharya, Brahma installed Prahlada as the King. In this way the two attendants of Lord Vishnu were reduced to the state of Demons under the imprecation of Brahmanas. Due to their hostile feeling towards the Lord, they were slain by the Lord himself. Again they appeared as pair of Rakshasas, Kumbhakarna and Ravana. They were disposed of by Sri Rama. Lying on the battle field they shed their body their mind fixed on the Him. Further reborn as Sisupala and Dantavakra in this life they merged in Krishna by virtue of their deep rooted enmity to the Lord.
Narada Said: While moving through the universe, the sages Sanandana and his three brothers once went to the realm of Vishnu. Though born before the elders of the universe, they look like children of five years of age and have no covering on their body. Accounting them to be infants, the two gate keepers stopped them. Full of anger the sages cursed them “You do not deserve to dwell at the feet of Lord Vishnu, which are free from the gunas. Therefore enter at once, the most sinful demoniacal womb. While the gate keepers were falling down, the sages said “Let this imprecation make for your return to your realm at the end of three incarnations”.
They were born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, the demon brothers. Hiranyakashipu was the elder; while Hiranyaksha the younger. Hiranyaksha was killed by Vishnu when he assumed the body of a boar for the sake of lifting the earth. Hiranyakashipu was killed when he assumed the form of a Lion. Anxious to get rid of his son, Prahlada, the beloved of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu inflicted on him tortures to bring about his death, but could not kill with all his devices that perfect tranquil boy, who had identified himself with all beings, looked upon all with the same eye, and was invested with a divine glory.
Yudhistra asked: How did intense hatred came to be developed towards the beloved son? Tell me, O glorious sage, and the circumstances under which exclusive devotion to the Lord sprang up in the heart of Prahlada, who was born a demon.
Narada replied: On his younger brother having slain by Sri Hari, who had assumed the form of a boar, Hiranyakashipu felt agonized with anger and grief. He spoke to the demons as follows: My beloved brother has been slain at the hands of Sri Hari, who was partial towards the gods. With the blood of that god, who assumed the shape of a wild animal through a deceptive trick and relinquished his true nature. He follows anyone who adores him and is fickle minded like a child. When his head is severed by my spear, I shall gratify my blood thirsty brother and get relieved of my agony. When Vishnu is disposed off, the gods will wither away like the boughs of a tree whose roots are cut off. Go to the places made prosperous by the brahmanas and the kshatriyas and exterminate those engaged in austerities, sacrifices, study of the Vedas, observing sacred vows and practicing charity. Vishnu depends for his existence on these rituals.
Bowing to the command of their master, the demons began to oppress the people. When the people were thus oppressed by the followers of Hiranyakashipu, the gods deserted the heavens and wandered over the earth unperceived by the demons.
Narada continued: Hiranyakashipu now wished to make himself invincible, free from old age, death and the sole monarch of all the worlds, having no rival. In the Mandara valley he practiced ascetism of the severest type, keeping his arms lifted up, gaze fixed on the sky and touching the ground only by his toe. He remained in this way for a whole 36,000 years. Scorched by the fire of his severe ascetism, the gods went to Brahma and prayed him to device a remedy. Brahma thereby went to the hermitage of Hiranyakashipu. Initially he did not find the demon there, who was covered with ant hills. Brahma was amazed to see him scorching the three worlds by his ascetism, and spoke to him with a bright smile.
Brahma said: Arise Hiranyakashipu; you have achieved your purpose through ascetism. Ask me whatever boon you wish to have. I have witnessed your extraordinary stamina, that your body having been eaten away by gnats, your life actually only on your bones. Neither did the former ones do such ascetism nor will such things be done in the future. Therefore I bestow on you all your desired blessings.
Narada said: Brahma then sprinkled the demon’s body with the water from his kamadalam, which is of unfailing virtue. From the ant hill Hiranyakashipu rose like fire, endowed with strength of body and potency of the mind. Perceiving Brahma standing in the air, he greeting him and spoke with tears of joy.
Hiranyakashipu said: O supreme, you are the ground of this entire universe. You are the three gunas. I salute the first cause of this universe, who is an embodiment of both knowledge and wisdom.
If you will confer on me my desired blessings, then let there be no death to me neither inside my house nor outside, neither in day or by night, by anyone created by you, nor by weapons, neither on earth nor in the air and neither from men or animals. Nor should I meet my death at the hands of animate or inanimate beings, gods, demons or great serpents. Also grant me the boon of having no adversary in battle as well as undisputed lordship over all beings. Give me glory like yourself in the midst of the guardians of the world and unfailing powers.
Narada said: Brahma then conferred all the boons and returned to his adobe. Having thus secured the boons and acquiring a golden form, the demon nursed a grudge against the Lord, constantly recollecting the death of his brother in the hands of Vishnu. He brought under his order all the directions and all the people including the devas, siddhas, demons, rakshasas and the Rishis. He established himself in heaven, enriched with the beauty of the celestial gardens and took up his residence in the palace of the mighty Indra. A considerable time passed and Hiranyakashipu not only became arrogant with power, but violated the sastras. Finding no shelter elsewhere, the gods resorted to the immortal lord for protection. With their mind and intellect controlled and rid of all impurities, they waited upon lord Vishnu.
A voice without form and deep as the rumbling of clouds was heard by them, filling the space with its echo and bringing with it the assurances of safety.
“Do not be afraid, the wickedness of this demon is known to me and I shall put an end to it. When the demon seeks to harm his son, Prahlada, who is free from animosity and extremely calm, I shall slay him even though he is powerful.”
Thus addressed by lord Vishnu and bowing down to him, the gods returned and accounted the demon already slain.
Four sons were born to Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada was the foremost of them in point of virtues. He was devoted to the brahmanas, rich in amiability and true to his word. He has his senses under control and was the friend of all. Like a servant he bowed low at the feet of the venerable. Like a father he was kind to the poor; he was affectionate like a brother to his equals and looked upon the elders as God himself. Though endowed with learning, wealth, personal charm and high birth, he was altogether free from pride and arrogance. Always unperturbed at heart in the midst of calamities, he has no craving for sense objects seen or unheard of, since he looked upon these as unreal. He has not only controlled his senses, breath, body and intellect, but he has thoroughly controlled his desires too. Though a demon by birth, he had relinquished the characteristics of a demon. The qualities of exalted souls present in him are constantly imbibed by the wise and are not obscured even now. Even gods, his enemies treat him as a role model in their assemblies. What wonder then that others like you should do it?
Yudhistra asked: O Sage, we are anxious to know why Hiranyakashipu inflicted suffering on his son. Fathers fond of their sons admonish in order to correct them; but in no case do they persecute them as an enemy would. Much less would they oppress pious and obedient sons like Prahlada? Remove this curiosity on mine.
Narada said: We are told that the sage Sukracharya was chosen by the demons as their priest. His two sons, Sanda and Amarka lived close to the palace of Hiranyakashipu. They taught subjects that were worth teaching to Prahlada as well as to the other Asuras. He listened to them and immediately reproduced what was taught to him by his teachers, but at heart he did not approve them, based as it was on the false notion distinguishing a friend from a foe.
Placing his son on his lap one day Hiranyakashipu asked him – “Tell me my child, what you regard as good?”
Prahlada replied: For embodied souls, whose mind is ever disturbed with the false ideas of I and mine, I hold this to be good: that having abandoned one’s home, which degrades one’s soul, and is like a well whose mouth is hidden, one should go to the woods and take refuge in Sri Hari.
Narada continued: On hearing the words of his son full of faith on Lord Vishnu, the demon laughed and said: “The intellect of youngsters is perverted by machinations of others. Let the child be properly guarded, so that his intellect is not perverted by the brahmanas.”
Summoning Prahlada, who had now been brought back to their residence, the gurus questioned him: Dear Prahlada, speak the truth and do not lie. When did this perversion come about you, which is not to be found in other boys? Tell us whether this aberration of your mind has been brought about by others or has it come about by itself.
Prahlada replied: It is the maya of the Lord that brings about the false notion that he is mine and he is another and observed in men whose minds are deluded. When he is propitious, the false notion of distinguishing, which is generally found in beasts is dispelled. That supreme spirit is described by the wise as one whose ways cannot be easily comprehended by those under the delusion that “he is my own and he is some another” and in whose quest even Brahma got bewildered. Indeed it is he who is responsible for my transformation. Just like Iron is attracted towards the magnet so is my mind unaccountably drawn towards Lord Vishnu.
Narada continued: Having said this, Prahlada stopped speaking. Reprimanding him, the poor brahmana then angrily said: “Bring me a cane, this fellow is bringing us disgrace. He needs to be punished, who is proving to be the ruin of his race. He is very much a thorny bush in between the sandal trees.” Thus intimidating him the preceptors taught him only texts dealing with the first three objects of human pursuit (Dharma, Artha and Kama).
When they were confident that the boy has learnt his lessons properly, they brought him before Hiranyakashipu, the demon kept him folded in his arms for a long time and derived great pleasure. He spoke to his son as follows.
Hiranyakashipu asked: Dear Prahlada, tell me something excellent that you have learnt from your teacher all this time and which you have fully mastered?
Prahlada said: To hear the names, praises, stories of Lord Vishnu and chant them, to remember him, to wait upon him, to offer worship and salutation to him, to dedicate one’s actions to him, to cultivate friendship with him and to offer one’s body as well as one’s dependents and one’s belongings to him – if devotion marked by these nine qualities is practiced by a man as something already offered to Vishnu, I reckon that to be the highest form of learning.
Hearing this observation of his son, Hiranyakashipu was filled with rage and spoke to the preceptors thus: “You brahmanas have espoused the enemy’s cause and disregarded me. What is this nonsense that the child has been taught by your wicked self?
Sanda and Amarka replied: Your son is saying something which has neither been taught by us nor by anyone else. This view is his own conclusion. O king, please control your anger and do not blame us.
Narada continued: Thus replied by the preceptor, the demon asked his son again: “if this vicious idea has not been taught by your preceptor, where did this come from?”
Prahlada said: People who are attached to their home fall repeatedly into hell because their senses are uncontrolled and are engaged in enjoying pleasures repeatedly though they have already been enjoyed in this as well as in their previous lives and does not get attached to Sri Krishna either by itself or through others or through mutual efforts. Indeed they whose mind is impure and who, like the blind led by another blind man esteem only those regarding the external objects as their aim are unable to realize Lord Vishnu. Through actions they remain bound to the rope of the lord, in the shape of his word, with numerous strings attached to different forms. The mind of these people fails to approach the feet of Lord Vishnu so long as it does not seek to bath in the dust of feet of exalted souls who claim nothing as their own.
Narada said: Hiranyakashipu, whose intellect had been blinded with wrath, threw his son from his lap to the ground as soon as the latter stopped after uttering the aforesaid words. Possessed by indignation, anger and blood shot eyes he exclaimed, “Let this boy be killed at once. He deserves to die. Surely he is responsible for the death of my brother; it is this vile fellow who abandoning his own kith and kin worships like a servant the feet of Vishnu. Indeed what good can this little boy do to Vishnu either? Even an enemy who is beneficent as a medicine is a son; while an inimical son, though begotten by one’s own body should be shunned as a disease. One should amputate even that limb which is injurious to one’s own body. He should be got rid of by all means.
Commanded by the master, the demons, who had sharp teeth, fearful faces and coppery beards stuck Prahlada who was sitting still with spears stuck in all his vital parts. But all these proved of no avail against Prahlada, whose mind was in sync with the immutable and indefinable supreme deity, the soul of the universe. On that effort having been foiled, Hiranyakashipu felt alarmed and resorted to various devices of killing his son. When the demon failed to get rid of his sinless son by means of elephants, serpents, hurling down from great heights, administering poison, exposing him to fire, wind and frost and even crushing him under rocks, he plunged into deep anxiety. He said to himself: “The boy was reproached by me in a number of ways and devices were employed to kill him. But he escaped from all these. Though standing close to me and a child yet, this fellow is really undaunted and powerful. He will not forget my misbehavior and will retaliate back soon. Possessed of infinite glory and fearing none, he is immortal to all appearance. My death will surely follow from him or else it may not occur at all.
To him who sat with his face down with anxiety, Sanda and Amarka, the sons of Sukracharya spoke thus in private: “You have conquered single handed all the three worlds. The guardians of the worlds are frightened by the mere play of your eyebrows. Such as you are, we see nothing for you to be anxious about. Indeed the behavior of children is no topic for judgment as good or bad. A man’s reason returns with age.
Having accepted the advice of the sons of his guru, Hiranyakashipu spoke as follows: “As a matter of fact such duties should be taught to him as are proper to kings and a householder”
To Prahlada, who was not only meek, but modest, the gurus taught only topics related to Dharma (Code of Conduct), Artha (The ways of obtaining wealth) and Kama (enjoying the pleasures). He however did not approve of the three objects of human pursuit even when properly taught to him, much less the teachings imparted by those who are attached to the sense objects. When the preceptor was away in connection with his other duties, Prahlada was called by the other boys for playing. Prahlada, who was aware of their devotion to him, answered them with a smile. Laying aside their playthings out of respect for him, all those boys sat around him, with their heart and eyes fixed on him; and Prahlada who was an eminent votary of the lord and who was compassionate and friendly towards them, spoke to them his wisdom.
PRAHLADA TEACHES THE CONCEPT OF BHAKTHI TO THE DEMON BOYS
Prahlada Said: A wise man should practice virtues conductive to God realization from his childhood itself. Birth as a human being alone bestows on us our desired object, and such birth is obtained with great difficulty and is transient too. The only course advisable for a man in this world is to betake himself to the feet of Lord Vishnu, for he is not only the ruler and beloved friend of all, also he is the very self of created beings. Like suffering, sensual pleasures is obtained by every being in every birth by force of destiny through mere connection with a body. No effort for such pleasures should be made; from such effort follows mere waste of life. Moreover, in that way one does not attain the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. Therefore having fallen into transmigration, a wise man should strive for blessedness while the body is yet firm. Indeed a hundred years is reckoned to be the length of a man’s life. Half of it is of no use to a man who is unable to subdue his mind; for consigned to blinding ignorance he remains lying down in the night. Twenty elapse in infancy and boyhood; twenty years roll by helplessly when his body is in grip of senility. The rest of his life actually passes away in negligence, when the man remains attached to his home through desire which cannot be easily sated and through overwhelming infatuation.
What man whose senses have not been conquered can hope to liberate his own self, attached to his home and bound with the powerful cords of affection?
Who indeed can give up the thirst for wealth, which is coveted more than life itself and which a thief as well as a servant and a merchant purchases even in exchange for his wife?
With his mind attached to his relatives and bound by the affection of lisping children, how can a man forgo the private company and sweet counsel of his wife?
Remembering his sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, his helpless parents and dwellings provided with abundant articles, hereditary vocations, animals and servants, how can he renounce them?
Pursuing actions out of greed and thinking highly of the pleasures relating to sex and the palate, how can he feel disgusted with them?
Though knowing the sin and its effects on misappropriating other’s wealth, people whose mind is ever intent on riches nevertheless takes away other’s wealth, his senses being uncontrolled and his desires unsatisfied. Indeed he who has a differential outlook, regarding this as his own and that as belonging to another is not able to realize the self while maintaining his family in the aforesaid manner, even though he may be learned. He is likely to enter the dark regions like a deluded person. None who is extremely passionate about women and a toy before them is ever able to liberate his soul. Therefore avoiding from a distance those demons who have set their mind on the objects of senses, take refuge in Narayana. He is the final beatitude sought by those who have give up attachment to everything.
Though really indescribable and undifferentiated himself, He can be hinted at as all pervading in the form of the subject and as pervaded in the form of the objective universe. The supreme lord consisting of absolute consciousness and bliss, He is realized as having his divinity concealed by Maya, which gives rise to the material creation. Therefore giving up the demonic character, show compassion and friendliness to all created beings, whereby, He is pleased. When that infinite being, the cause of all the causes is pleased, what is there that cannot be attained? Dharma, Artha and Kama I regard as true only if it enables one to offer one’s own self to the supreme controller.
The divine sage Narayana, the eternal companion of Nara, it is said, taught this pure wisdom to Narada. It can however be easily attained by those who have bathed themselves in the dust of feet of those devoted to the lord and claiming nothing as their own. This knowledge with the immediate apprehension of truth as well as the pure cult of devotion to the lord was received by me in the past through hearing from the mouth of the sage Narada.
The Demons asked: Prahlada, you as well as we know no other teacher than these two sons of Sukracharya and indeed these two have been our masters ever since we were infants. Association with an exalted soul like Narada was most difficult. Resolve our doubt, how did you get this knowledge from Narada?
Narada resumed: Questioned thus by the demons, Prahlada that great devotee of the lord, smilingly addressed them, calling to mind my teaching.
Prahlada said: Our father having left for practicing austerities, Indra as the other gods launched a great campaign against the demons saying, “Fortunately the evil one has been eaten away by his own sins”. Desirous of victory the gods looted the king’s residence; while Indra even seized the queen, my mother. Narada, who came there by chance saw her being taken on the roads helplessly and said, “Indra you should not take this innocent lady, leave the woman who is another’s wife.”
Indra replied: There is in her womb the mighty son of Hiranyakashipu. Let her stay till the time of delivery. I shall let her go when I’ve achieved my object.
Narada said: This child is not only sinless but a great devotee of the lord and eminent by his own qualities. He will not meet his death at your hands.
Thus advised by Narada and accepting the advice of the celestial sage, Indra left her and returned to the Heavens.
Then the sage took my mother with due honour to his hermitage and comforted saying “Stay here, my daughter till your husband returns back.” My mother too lived near the divine sage waiting for me to be born. In order to assuage her grief and for my sake, the compassionate and powerful sage imparted both the essence of religion and pure wisdom. That teaching however disappeared from her mind due to the ravages of time and her womanly nature. It however has not left me, the favored of the sage, even to this moment.
That supreme devotion and wisdom can take root in you if you give credence to my words. Through the agency of time the different states of life are seen in relation to the body and not in relation to the soul. The spirit is eternal, free from decay, taintless, changeless, one without a second, the knowing subject, the ground of everything, self seeing, cause, all-pervading, unattached and is not controlled by maya. With the help of these twelve characteristics of the self a wise man should give up the false notions of ego with reference to the body, people and things connected to the body.
When on hearing the stories of the supreme Vishnu, the devotee sings, cries, and dances all his bonds gets loosened at that time and his ignorance and latent desires are burnt. The wise recognize communion with lord Vishnu as a sure means of liberation. Therefore worship that ruler of your heart in your heart. What extraordinary exertion is involved in the worship of Sri Hari, one’s own self and friend? What is to be gained through efforts for the acquisition of material objects such efforts being common to all beings. Riches, wife, animals, sons and other relations, houses, land, treasury and luxuries all kind of wealth and enjoyments are momentary and fleeting. What delight can they afford to a mortal? Similarly the known worlds earned by sacrifices are also perishable and excelled by higher worlds and are not free from impurities either. Therefore with a view to self realization worship that supreme lord in whom no fault is seen or even heard of.
The death of Hiranyakashipu in the hands of Narasimha
On hearing his extortion all the demons accepted it because of its faultlessness, but not the teaching of their guru. Alarmed to perceive their mind intent on a single purpose, they quickly and correctly reported the matter to the king. Hearing of that unwelcome news about his son, which was hard to bear, Hiranyakashipu made up his mind to dispose of his son, his limbs shake due to impulse of anger.
Reproaching in a harsh language Prahlada, who was not only disciplined but standing modest, and regarding him with a wicked and crooked eye, the demon who was cruel by nature spoke as follows :- “you stupid wretch, you are causing disgrace to the family, I shall dispatch you this very day to the adobe of Yama. You have grown abstinateand have slipped away from my authority. By whose might have you violated like an undaunted person, the authority of me, before whom the three worlds, including their guardians shake with fear.
Prahlada replied: He is unquestionably the strength not only of mine but yours as well. It is by him these creatures high and low, animate and inanimate, commencing from Brahma have been held under sway. He is the ruler, He is the mighty Time, He is the embodiment of organic and mental powers, physical strength and fortitude. The supreme controller of Nature and its three qualities (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), It is he who creates, protects and destroys the universe. Abondan this demoniac disposition of yours and keep your mind equipoised. There are no enemies other than an uncontrolled mind. Some consider to have conquered the four directions without having curbed the thief in the form of mind.
Hiranyakashipu replied: Evidently you are keen to die, now that you are bragging too much. For the words of those who are anxious to die are sure to be incoherent. Where is that Lord of the universe other than me? If it is urged that he is present everywhere, why is he not seen in that pillar? I being the master of everything, am going tosever your head, a braggard that you are. Let Hari protect you today if he is present in the pillar.
Thus tormenting his son, Hiranyakashipu sprang from his seat, taking his sword and knocked the pillar with his fist.
That very moment there arose in that pillar a most terrific crash, the sound of which cracked the very cosmic egg and on hearing which Brahma and the guardians of the world suspected the dissolution of the universe. Displaying his valor in his anxiety to get rid of his son, Hiranyakashipu heard that loud sound, but did not notice the source, due to which the leaders of the demons got frightened. In order to substantiate the utterance of his devotee and his presence in all objects, the Lord appeared in the pillar of the court, assuming a queer form, which was neither of a beast.
Hiranyakashipu said to himself:, “He is neither a beast nor a human being. What may be this strange creature bearing the form of Narasimha (Man-Lion) ? Sure enough this is a trick by Hari, who is an adept in conjuring tricks. But what can be done by him though fully prepared ?” Before his eyes visibly stood the Lord who is difficult to perceive even to great devotees. It had fierce eyes shining as molten gold, a face swollen with its dazzling hair. It had fearful teeth and a tongue waving like the sword and looked fearful because of the frown. It had erect and motionless ears and a wide mouth and nostrils which resembled a mountain cave. The body touched the skies and it had short thick neck, a broad chest and a slender waist. It was covered all over with hair, had multiple arms with sharp nails for its weapon. Hard to approach it had driven away all the demons. “Surely this is an trick thought out for my death by Hari, but what can be done by him?”
Thus murmuring and arming himself with a mace, Hiranyakashipu rushed towards Narasimha. Narasimha seized him even as he paced forward just as a Garuda would catch a huge snake. At that time the demon slipped from his hand. Giving forth a shrill laughter, rendered more terrific by the roar, Sri Hari of infinite strength seized the demon. Throwing down the demon at the entrance of his palace, Narasimha tore him apart in mere sport. Casting of the demon whose heart is split open by his pointed claws, the lord slew Hiranyakashipu’s thousands of bodyguards who followed him.
Mountains flew as a result of his rapid movement, while the sky was eclipsed by his splendor. Nobody dared approach the almighty lord, who had then taken the excellent royal throne. He looked extremely furious even though no adversary was visible around. At that time the sky was crammed with heavenly beings eager to have a look at the almighty lord. But even the greatest Brahma and Shiva dared not go near him, possessed as he was by anger and most difficult to approach. Brahma sent Prahlada to approach the Lord to pacify his anger. Uttering the words “so be it”, and slowly drawing near, the great child devotee bowed down before Narasimha. Overwhelmed with compassion on seeing the infant fallen at his feet and lifting him, the Lord placed on his head his hand which has brought security to the entire world. All traces of evil instantly disappeared by the mere touch of his hand and Prahlada felt supremely gratified.
Narada continued : The Lord was not only pacified of his anger but was also highly pleased and spoke to Prahlada, who was bent low with respect.
The Lord said : Noble Prahlada, I’m pleased with you. Ask any boon that you like. I’m difficult of perception. Having beheld me a living being has no reason to grieve. I’m wont to gratify you.
Narada said : Even on being tempted with boons Prahlada did not hanker after them, exclusively devoted as he was to the Lord. Regarding all that as an impediment to the practice of devotion, Prahlada smilingly addressed Narasimha as follows.
Prahlada said : Pray do not tempt me with boons, attached as I’m to the pleasures of the senses. Afraid of attachment to them I’ve approached you for protection, anxious to secure freedom. He who seeks blessings from you is no true devotee, he is only a businessman. I’m your devotee without any craving while you are my master having nothing to gain from me. I however solicit this boon from you Supreme Lord, that my father, who was ignorant of your glory and whose heart was stung with indignation, spoke ill of you under the false notion that you had been the slayer of his brother and bore ill will towards me, may he kindly be absolved from that sin, although I’m sure he was purged of it the moment you looked at him.
The Lord replied : Your father was purified of his along with twenty one past generations by the mere fact that you were born in his race. People who follow your ways become my devotees. Indeed you will serve as a model for them. Now perform the rites to be performed to your father, though he is purified in everyway by my touch. Having been blessed with a noble son, he will attain to the higher worlds. Occupy the throne of your father and fixing your mind on me and devoted to me, perform your duties as directed by the Vedas.
Narada said : Saying so the Lord disappeared on the spot. After that along with the sages headed by Sukracharya, Brahma installed Prahlada as the King. In this way the two attendants of Lord Vishnu were reduced to the state of Demons under the imprecation of Brahmanas. Due to their hostile feeling towards the Lord, they were slain by the Lord himself. Again they appeared as pair of Rakshasas, Kumbhakarna and Ravana. They were disposed of by Sri Rama. Lying on the battle field they shed their body their mind fixed on the Him. Further reborn as Sisupala and Dantavakra in this life they merged in Krishna by virtue of their deep rooted enmity to the Lord.