THE HISTORY OF BHAGAT PRAHLAD

[ THE HISTORY OF BHAGAT PRAHLAD]

 

Prahlad – The Child Saint Who Defied Tyranny Through Devotion

Who was Prahlad?

Prahlad (ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦ) was a young prince, best known from Hindu Puranas, especially the Bhagavata Purana. He is celebrated in Guru Granth Sahib Ji as an example of fearless devotion (bhagti) in the face of extreme cruelty and danger.

> ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦ ਜੈਸੇ ਭਗਤ ਉਪਾਏ। ਰਾਖੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ॥

(God created devotees like Prahlad and protected them, O Sovereign Lord!)

— Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 394

The Story of parlahad:

Prahlad was the son of Hiranyakashipu, a powerful king who hated God (Hari). Despite his father’s opposition, Prahlad remained devoted to Narayana (Waheguru). His father tried to kill him multiple times—throwing him off cliffs, into fire, into crowds of elephants—but Prahlad remained unharmed due to his unwavering faith in the Lord.

Finally, when Hiranyakashipu challenged God to appear from a pillar, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha (half man, half lion) and destroyed the tyrant, protecting Prahlad.

Prahlad in Sikh Philosophy:

In Guru Granth Sahib, Prahlad is presented not for ritualism or theology, but as a model of spiritual courage and faith. Even as a child, he did simran (remembrance of Naam) under threat of death and remained firm in his love for the Divine. His name appears across several shabads to inspire Sikhs to maintain naam, bhagti, and faith even in times of hardship.

> ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਣਿ ਭੈ ਭਉ ਨਾਸੈ, ਦੁਖ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਨਾਸਾ ॥

ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦ ਤਾਰਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ॥

(By meditating on the Lord, fear is dispelled, and suffering destroyed. The Lord Himself saved Prahlad.)

— Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1192

Spiritual Message_

Prahlad’s life teaches us:_

Even a child can be a great saint through true devotion.

Faith in Naam can protect one even in the darkest times.Spiritual resistance is more powerful than worldly tyranny.

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***Jeetu Gill ***