Prahlada's Upbringing

Chapter 7

Prahlada related the history of his birth. When Hiranyakasipu entered Mandara Mountain to execute severe austerities, the demigods regained universal control and subdued the demons. They arrested Hiranyakasipu’s wife, Kayadhu, who was pregnant with Prahlada. Fearing another demon, the demigods resolved to kill the child immediately.

Narada Muni, however, intercepted the situation and informed them that a saintly personality would be born from her womb. The sage thus took Kayadhu to his asrama where he instructed her in spiritual knowledge. Hearing those instructions, Prahlada Maharaja, although a small baby within the womb, became fully enlightened in the science of Krishna consciousness.

Prahlada continued expounding Narada’s teachings to his schoolmates. He discussed the nature of the spirit, the gross and subtle bodies, the modes of material nature, the Supersoul, the character of a self-realised soul, the illusion of material happiness, and the open opportunity to render pure devotional service and make one’s life perfect.