Prahlada and Narasimha

Dadi**: Guddu beta, we've talked about Prahlad many times. Tonight, let's focus on the climactic moment - when God finally appeared to end his suffering.

Guddu**: When Narasimha came!

Dadi**: Yes! But first, let me tell you about the final confrontation between father and son that triggered this divine intervention.

Guddu**: What happened?

Dadi**: Hiranyakashipu had tried everything - teachers, threats, torture. Nothing worked. Finally, trembling with rage, he dragged Prahlad before the royal court.

Guddu**: In front of everyone?

Dadi**: In front of everyone! He wanted to humiliate his son publicly. "Tell me," he thundered, "who gives you the power to resist me? Who is this Vishnu you worship?"

Guddu**: What did Prahlad say?

Dadi**: With perfect calm, Prahlad answered, "The same power that gives you your strength, Father. Vishnu is the source of everything - your power, my devotion, this palace, those ministers, the very air we breathe."

Guddu**: Everything?

Dadi**: "He is everywhere," Prahlad continued. "In you, in me, in that throne, in this pillar." And he pointed to a nearby pillar.

Guddu**: The famous pillar!

Dadi**: Hiranyakashipu leapt up, drawing his sword. "In THIS pillar? Your precious Vishnu is in THIS pillar? Then let him save you!" And he struck the pillar with all his might.

Guddu**: And then?

Dadi**: The pillar exploded! From within emerged a form no one had ever seen - half-man, half-lion. Golden mane, fierce eyes, claws like curved swords. This was Lord Narasimha!

Guddu**: Was everyone scared?

Dadi**: Terrified! Even the gods watching from heaven trembled. This was divine wrath made visible. But Prahlad - little Prahlad - stood completely calm.

Guddu**: He wasn't scared?

Dadi**: How could he fear his beloved Lord? While everyone else cowered, Prahlad walked toward Narasimha with joy on his face.

Guddu**: What happened to Hiranyakashipu?

Dadi**: Narasimha grabbed the demon king with irresistible strength. He dragged him to the threshold of the palace - neither inside nor outside. It was twilight - neither day nor night. He placed the demon on His lap - neither earth nor sky.

Guddu**: He was honoring all the conditions of the boon!

Dadi**: Every single one! And then, with His claws - no crafted weapon - He tore Hiranyakashipu apart. The demon who had terrorized the universe met his end at the doorway of his own palace.

Guddu**: That's terrifying!

Dadi**: But here's the beautiful part. After destroying the demon, Narasimha was still burning with fury. Even the gods were afraid to approach Him. Who could calm such divine rage?

Guddu**: Who?

Dadi**: Little Prahlad walked forward and touched Narasimha's feet. Immediately, the terrible Lord's expression softened. He placed His hand on Prahlad's head, and all that fury transformed into infinite tenderness.

Guddu**: Love calmed God's anger?

Dadi**: A devotee's love can do anything, beta. Narasimha offered Prahlad any boon he wanted. Do you know what Prahlad asked for?

Guddu**: What?

Dadi**: Not riches, not power. He asked for the liberation of his father's soul! Even after everything Hiranyakashipu had done, Prahlad wanted his father freed from karma.

Guddu**: He forgave his father?!

Dadi**: Such is the nature of pure devotion. It holds no grudges, even against those who tried to kill you. Narasimha granted the wish - Hiranyakashipu's soul was purified through dying at God's own hands.

Guddu**: That's an incredible ending!

Dadi**: Prahlad went on to rule as a righteous king, beloved by all. The demon's son became a legend of dharma. Good came from evil. Light emerged from darkness.

Guddu**: All because he never stopped believing.

Dadi**: All because he never stopped believing. Goodnight, beta!

Guddu**: Goodnight, Dadi!