The Bhagavata Purana shows how salvation through Upasana and Jnana is possible. But true Bhakti is engendered when one attains the Jnana of his original nature, “swaya swaroopa.” Then he is overwhelmed by the infinite greatness of the Supreme Truth and wishes most determinedly to seek this truth. The clear perception of the subtle distinction between the individual entity ‘I’ and God is the root cause for unshakable Bhakti and this is exemplified in Prahlada, said Sri M. V. Anantapadmanabhachariar in a discourse.
His steady and uninterrupted meditation and unswerving faith is not attainable to all. While such ‘smarana’ has to be consciously practised by many, it is innate in him and Prahlada fits into the category of that exceptional Bhakta whom Krishna describes as very rare to find. It is also true that not all can reach this stage of devotion pure and wholesome. He is constantly aware of God’s greatness and this itself becomes a shield of protection during the times when he faces his own father’s love that turns into wrath. When questioned about the whereabouts of Hari by Hiranyakasipu, the child tells the father that Hari is everywhere including the heart and mind of the arrogant demon king. Prahlada remains fearless when is rolled down from a steep mountain. He knows that no harm can befall him for Mother Earth is ever ready to protect her children. Can there be any danger to a child when it slips from the mother’s breast to her lap while feeding? His bhakti bhava makes him sensitive to the Lord’s presence in his heart as well as His all pervasiveness that he holds on to his heart as if to protect the Lord who is the ‘Antaryami’ from getting hurt.
