16 "Bhakti Yoga: Prahlada's Transcendent Journey Across Lifetimes"

BHAKTI YOGA

PRAHLADA’S INSPIRING SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY

In this sacred communion between Prahlada and the divine Lord Narasimha, the very air pulsed with pure love and devotion. Prahlada's prayers, a river of emotion, welled up from the depths of his being, a testament to his unwavering faith and boundless adoration for the Lord. Even as his voice quivered, each syllable bore the weight of genuine surrender and profound reverence.

"Oh, my Lord! O Supreme One!" Prahlada's voice rang out. "Where do I stand, born into a family steeped in the horrid qualities of passion and ignorance? And what about Your boundless, undeserved mercy? Even the mightiest mortals, such as Brahma and Shiva, or the immortal Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, have not been that fortunate. Your lotus hand, which they cannot feel at the moment, rests tenderly on my head." Prahlada's accolades poured forth like a river of devotion.

"My Lord, unlike mortals, You hold no bias towards friend or foe, favor or disfavor. In Your divine realm, notions of superiority and inferiority hold no sway. Yet, Your blessings flow in accordance with one's devotion and service. Much like a wish-fulfilling tree grants fruits aligned with the supplicant's desires, You impartially bestow, serving both lowly and exalted alike."

"God Brahma, paragon of beings, emerged motherless, marveling at existence. Seeking the sanctuary of the lotus in which he was born, he embarked on rigorous penance, purifying himself for eons. It was then that he comprehended You, the Supreme, Vasudeva, the ultimate source of all. Just as the earth's subtle fragrance can be sensed, You permeate his very being, dwelling in his body and senses."

In recognizing Lord Narasimha as none other than the Adi Purusha, Prahlada sang His praises, akin to the hymns in the Purusha Sukta sung by God Brahma. He says, "Oh Lord! God Brahma beheld You, adorned with Your myriad ornaments and weapons, possessing countless faces, feet, heads, hands, thighs, noses, ears, and eyes. Your divine form exudes transcendence and fills him with boundless joy." Prahlada recounted, "Lord! Your legs extended even to the netherworlds. When You took the form of Hayagriva, with the head of a horse, You vanquished the demons Madhu and Kaiṭabha who had steeped in the modes of passion and ignorance. Subsequently, You bestowed the sacred Vedic knowledge to God Brahma. Hence, all venerable sages acknowledge that Your divine forms are transcendental, immaculate, untainted by material qualities."

"In such diverse ways, my Lord!" "You manifest in various forms as incarnations—a human being, an animal, a great sage, a demigod, a fish, or a tortoise—thus preserving the entire creation and annihilating the destructive demonic forces," Prahlada added. “O my Lord, You maintain the principles of righteousness, according to the sages. You are Triyuga, the Lord who manifests in three yugas. However, in the era of Kali, You do not appear in any physical form."

"Anxiety has no place in the realm of Vaikuha, my Lord Vasudeva. However, here on earth, my mind is trapped by sin's dark tendrils and the seductive call of lust. It flits between short moments of apparent ecstasy and the weight of grief, reverberating with laments and chills of fear. It pursues riches incessantly, finding no peace in the discourse of Your precious name. Thus, Lord Purna, I am completely fallen and bereft. How can I weave verses about Your divine exploits in this pitiful state?" Prahlada was perplexed.

"Lord Achyuta, You, the infallible beacon, my plight mirrors that of a man entangled with many mistresses, each urging for affection in their own unique way.  The tongue desires exquisite foods, the genitals desire pleasure from an attractive partner, and the sense of touch desires contact with soft and pleasant objects. Even when satisfied, the appetite craves more food, while the ears are often drawn to catchy movie songs rather than hearing about You. Another facet of satisfaction entices the sense of smell, while scenes of physical gratification captivate the restless eyes. The senses, which are always busy, pull me in several directions. I am certainly adrift and perplexed in this situation," Prahlada described the ordinary situation.

"My dearest Lord, You abide forever on the distant shores of the river of mortality, impervious to its ceaseless surge. Alas, we, ensnared on this side, bear the weight of our actions, trapped in the relentless cycle of birth and demise, tasting the bitterness of entanglement in wretchedness. I beseech You with utmost humility, let Your merciful gaze fall not just upon me, but upon all souls mired in suffering, and, from Your boundless font of compassion, liberate and cradle us in Your benevolence," Prahlada fervently entreated for all living beings.

"O Lord Jaganatha, the primal spiritual guide of the cosmos, what challenge could there be for You, the masterful orchestrator of the universe, to rescue those souls who labor in Your devotion? You are the compassionate benefactor of all humanity in distress, and it is the duty of the exalted to bestow kindness upon the unknowing. Thus, I hold steadfastly to the conviction that You shall pour forth Your boundless grace upon souls like us, wholly devoted to Your sacred cause," pleaded Prahlada.

"O Mohana, the most beautiful of beings, I am not afraid of the material realm. My thoughts are completely absorbed in the bright tapestry of Your beautiful pastime, no matter where I am. My attention is drawn to the naive souls and misguided villains, those caught up in the entangling schemes for earthly pleasures, ceaselessly defending their kin, communities, and territories. My heart brims with compassion for them and them alone," Prahlada said of his disciples.

"My dear Lord Narsimha, I keenly observe that there are indeed many saintly souls, yet their focus remains fixed on their personal salvation. Disregarding the welfare of the masses in bustling cities and tranquil hamlets, they withdraw to the solitudes of the Himalayas or the remotest of the forests to embark on silent meditations. They exhibit no inclination towards the emancipation of others. However, as for myself, I harbor no yearning for solitary liberation, forsaking these benighted souls and deluded scoundrels.

I am acutely aware that the true elixir of bliss can only be found by accepting Your most seductive Sri Krishna consciousness and seeking refuge at Your magnificent lotus feet. Thus, my ardent desire is to lead them back to the sanctuary of Your sacred presence," narrated Prahlada, outlining his firm plan of action to serve as a spiritual guiding light.

"The worldly notion of sexual indulgence is akin to an itchy skin, where scratching might offer a moment's respite, yet risks deepening the wound. Those who step into the Grihastha ashram, the stage of householders, devoid of spiritual insight, often mistake this itching for the pinnacle of joy. Alas, in truth, it proves to be a wellspring of anguish.

The foolish contrast sharply with the intelligent truth seekers, who find no fulfillment in endless sensual pursuits. Instead, the prudent, the masters of self-restraint, endure this itch with patience, thus sparing themselves the agony known to the ignorant and the malevolent."

“O Supreme Lord, there are ten prescribed methods for attaining liberation—observing silence, abstaining from social interactions, adhering to various vows, acquiring extensive Vedic knowledge, practicing austerities, studying the Vedas and other scriptural texts, fulfilling the duties of the Varnashrama system, explaining the scriptures to others, residing in seclusion, silently chanting mantras, and entering deep meditative absorption.

However, for people who have not controlled their senses, these ways frequently devolve into merely professional practices and means of subsistence. Because of their false pride, such people rarely succeed through these processes.”

"Through the study of sanctioned Vedic wisdom, one can discern that You, the Supreme Lord, are both the source and culmination of this cosmic spectacle, for both origin and outcome spring forth from Your boundless energies. Just as a sagacious soul comprehends how fire courses within the wood by contemplating cause and consequence, those immersed in devotional zest recognize that You, my Lord, embody both the genesis and fulfillment," Prahlada extolled the Lord with fervor.  

"O Supreme Purusha, You are the very essence of existence to air, earth, fire, sky, and water. You embody the objects of our senses, the life-giving breaths, the five senses, the mind, consciousness, and the illusory ego. In truth, You are the all-encompassing whole, embracing the subtle and the manifest in creation. The material elements and every expression, be it in word or thought, are but reflections of Your divine manifestation.

Neither the three modes of material nature—Sattva, the virtue; Rajas, the passion; nor Thamas, the ignorance; nor the five gross elements, nor the mind, nor the deities presiding over these modes, nor the celestial beings, nor humans can fathom the depths of Your divine nature. For they all remain bound by the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, those who have walked the path of spiritual enlightenment have embraced the devotional dance of Bhakti Yoga. These wise souls pay heed not merely to Vedic study but immerse themselves fully in the practices of Bhakti Yoga.

I offer my humble obeisances unto You, O Supreme Lord Keshava, the ultimate sanctuary of all prayers. How can one attain the state envisioned by the loftiest transcendentalists, if not through the sixfold devotion—offering prayers, dedicating the fruits of all endeavors to You, worshipping You, laboring for Your cause, unwaveringly recollecting Your lotus feet, and relishing in the recounting of Your divine exploits?" Prahlada fell into a contemplative silence.

The venerable sage Narada, a beacon for Prahlada, stood alongside the mighty God Brahma declaring, "In this manner, Lord Narasimha, soothed by the earnest entreaties of His devoted Prince Prahlada, set aside His wrath.”

Gazing upon Prahlada, who lay prostrate in reverence, the Lord of boundless compassion gently uttered, “My dear Prahlada, you are a gem among souls, the finest amidst the asuras, and I am well-pleased with you. It is My very nature and play to fulfill the yearnings of all living beings. Hence, ask of Me any boon you desire, and I shall bestow it upon you.”

Recognising Prahlada's lack of material desires, Lord Narasimha exclaims, "May your life be blessed with longevity, my dear Prahlada. The act of pleasing Me produces true comprehension and admiration of Me. Yet, for those who have beheld Me or won My favor, there is no reason to be sad, because their wishes are granted.

Prahlada, you stand truly blessed. Be aware, those endowed with wisdom and spiritual advancement endeavor in diverse manners to bring Me delight, recognizing that I alone hold the power to grant every aspiration.”

The wise sage Narada, mentor to Prahlada, praises him as an exceptional asura, transcending material desires. Despite the Supreme Lord offering him all earthly riches, Prahlada's devotion to Lord Vishnu steered him away from materialistic pursuits.

Lord Narasimha, presiding over celestial realms, appointed Indra as ruler amidst a divine assembly. Meanwhile, Brahma bestowed the throne of the monstrous realm upon Prahlada. This act brought solace to all beings, affirming the triumph of righteousness.

Lord Narasimha ascended the majestic peaks of Srishaila, found His abode in Ahobilam. The Nalmalla Hills stands as a living embodiment of God Adisesha himself. Here, the tail end graces Srisailam, the middle cradles Ahobilam, and the head crowns Tirupati, a hallowed pilgrimage site.

In His boundless grace, Lord Narasimha persistently purifies, absolving sins, dispelling curses, settling debts, and removing the undesirable, all while graciously granting the fervent desires of His devoted followers and meting out just retribution unto the wicked. His divine presence is a beacon of hope and solace for all who seek His shelter.

In the tapestry of time, beneath God Adisesha's benevolent touch, a celestial narrative gave birth to Shankukarna. In the Satya Yuga's ethereal ballet, Shankukarna assumed the earthly guise of Prahlada, amidst a tapestry woven with the threads of a demon clan. Prahlada's saga stretched into timeless echoes of profound truths, intricately weaving together the fabric of reality and the complex web of karmic events. Within, strands of love, devotion, and surrender danced, adding grace to this unfurling tale.

In the age of Dvapara, King Pratipa, and Queen Sunanda bestowed three sons upon the kingdom of Hastinapur: Devapi, Bahlika, and Shantanu. While Devapi grappled with leprosy, Shantanu ruled with unwavering support from Bahlika. Prahlada, manifesting as Bahlika, stood on the side of righteousness.

Bahlika's dominion extended over seven northern realms, crowning him "Saptadhipati." Witnessing Yudhishthira's ascent and Ashwamedh Yagya, Bahlika acknowledged his sovereignty. He gifted Yudhishthira a golden chariot, symbolizing their realm's unity.

However, fate guided Bahlika to the Kaurava side in Kurukshetra. Witnessing Abhimanyu's tragic fate on the thirteenth day, he silently bore witness. On the fifteenth, Satyaki clashed with Bahlika's son, Somadatt, but Bhima, the living embodiment of god Prana, intervened. Leading to Bahlika's fateful demise by Bhima's mighty mace, marking the end of a warrior's epic Mahabharata journey.

Sri Vyasatirtha, the 12th Pithadhipati ordained by Sri Brahmanyatirtha in 1467, emerged as a radiant beacon of spiritual wisdom. Born as Yatiraja to Ballanna Sumati and Akkamma near Mysore. Guided by Sripadarajaru, he honed his spiritual knowledge, serving as the Kulaguru in Tirumala temple for twelve transformative years, nurturing the faith of monarchs like Tammaraya. Destiny then led Vyasatirtha to the golden age of the Vijayanagar empire, where he assumed the role of a spiritual guide and the raja Guru of the State, leaving an indelible mark on the reigns of Vira Narasimha, Krishnadevaraya, and Acyutaraya.

Vyasatirtha's role as Bahlika in the Kurukshetra battle, facing Bhima 732 times, marked a captivating chapter. In his new form, he installed 732 Hanuman idols, symbolizing Prana, across the empire, a testament to his unwavering devotion.

His profound wisdom attracted scholars, fostering mutual respect. In music, he earned titles like 'Sangita Vidya Sampradaya Pravartaka,' crafting compositions to ignite devotion. His legacy, carried by disciples like Purandara Dasa and Kanaka Dasa, spread the flame of devotion. Vyasa Tirtha's warm nature and charitable efforts uplifted society and instilled pride in Sanatana Dharma at times of invasions.

Today, he endures in the form of Sri Raghavendra. Born as Sri Venkatanatha into a family deeply devoted to Lord Venkateshwara, his early brilliance in scholarship and mastery of the Veena were nurtured by his family. Despite facing poverty, he dedicated himself to teaching Sanskrit and Vedic texts.

One notable incident showcased his divine connection. Invited to a function, he chanted potent hymns of Agni Sukta while preparing sandalwood paste, resulting in an extraordinary burning sensation upon application revealing the power of Vedic mantras chanted with devotion.

The Panchamukhi Hanuman temple is located across the Tungabhadra river near Mantrayalam. Sri Raghavendra spent twelve years here in penance and regular adoration of Lord Sri Rama. He has etched Lord Venkateswara and Padmavathi onto the cave's rock. During this time, Hanuman had appeared to Sri Raghavendra, in a unique form with five faces—Hanuman, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda, and Varaha. This amazing figure has manifested onto the cave rock as 'Panchamukhi Hanuman'.

In 1671, on Dwitiya Day of Sravana Krishna Paksha, he entered Brindhavana alive. His words emphasized righteous living, devotion, and the supremacy of true knowledge over miracles. He continues to reside in his Brindavana guiding and inspiring devotees across generations, a beacon of spiritual enlightenment for humanity.

Hiranyakashipu's unbounded ambition for power, coupled with his ruthless pursuit regardless of means, mirrors societal values that prioritize success at any cost. However, his eventual downfall underscores the fleeting nature of such achievements.

"In the grand odyssey of Prahlada, Bhalika, Vyasaraja, and Raghavendra, a symphony of love, devotion, and surrender unfurles. These threads of grace and resonance wove through each of their tales are a spiritual inspiration."