Prahlâda again continued the discourse and âgavataPurâimpressed on his companions in the most eloquent words, full of wisdom, the utility and nature of devotion. (The original discourse will repay perusal).
The teachers returned and found the contagion of Vaishnavism had also spread amongst other boys. They instantly reported the matter to Hiranyakasipu. The king became all wrath and angry. He sent for Prahlâda. Prahlâda approached him with all respect and humility. The king thundered forth thus: -- "What makes thee so often disobey me, thou vile enemy of thy own race? Dost thou not know that I will instantly put thee to death? All Trilokî dreads me and trembles when I am enraged. But thou dost break my words without the least fear in thy mind."
"Father," said Prahlâda, "Bhagavân is my only strength. He is not only my strength, but also yours and that of the whole world. Look upon all as your own self, father."
"Unfortunate that thou art", said Hiranyakasipu, "Tell me, who else is there besides myself whom thou callest Bhagavân or Íshvara. Where is he?" Said Prahlâda, "He is everywhere."
"Well, let me sever your head from your body and see how your Hari can preserve you."
So saying, Hiranyakasipu took sword in hand and violently struck the pillar with his fist. A great noise was heard at the time, and the fearful Nrisinha came out of the pillar, half man, half lion. Hiranyakasipu with wonder saw He was neither man nor animal. Nrisinha placed the Asura king on his thighs and tore him with His nails to death. (For a description of Nrisinha and of the fight refer to the original).
The Devas all collected and prayed to Him one after the other. But Nrisinha was still in a rage and they dared not approach Him. Brahmâ at last sent Prahlâda to pacify Him.
Prahlâda approached Him slowly and prostrated himself at His feet; Nrisinha became full of tenderness and placed his hand on the head of Prahlâda. That divine touch removed all evil from Prahlâda and illumined his mind with Brahmâ Vidya. He then broke forth into a prayer, (perhaps the most sublime in the Bhâgavata Purâna).
"Brahmâ and other Devas, Rishis and wise men, full of Satva, have failed to adore Thee in suitable words. How can this Asura boy please Thee, O Hari: But I think, it is not wealth, good birth, beauty, asceticism, learning, power, intellect, or even Yoga that is so much suited for the worship of Parama Purusha as Bhakti. It is by Bhakti that the elephant king pleased Bhagavân. _Even a Chandâla, (an outcaste) is much superior to a Brâhmana, who has all the 12 virtues, but has no devotion to Vishuu._ For the Chandâla who offers his Manas, his words, his Karma, his wealth and even his Prâna to Vishnu, purifies not only himself, but his whole line, while, the proud Brâhmana does not even purify himself." (Without devotion, the virtues only serve to increase pride. They do not purify the mind. _Sridhara_.)