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Character chronicle · 88

Puranas · Devotee of Vishnu, son of Hiranyakashipu

Prahlada

ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ

A child’s faith no fear could break

A child whose faith no threat could shake.

Tradition
Puranas
Role
Devotee of Vishnu, son of Hiranyakashipu
Family & lineage
Son of the asura king Hiranyakashipu and Kayadhu; grandfather of Mahabali.
Known for
His devotion to Vishnu, surviving his father’s attempts to kill him, and Narasimha’s appearance.
Age
Satya Yuga
Central theme
Faith can stand against any power.

The question beneath the legend

“Where does real courage come from?”

Beyond the familiar story

Who was Prahlada, really?

01

The inner conflict

He loved his father, but would not give up his devotion.

02

Why it still matters

Prahlada is an inspiration to children and adults to stand by their beliefs.

03

The defining moment

When asked where Vishnu was, he said: everywhere — even in this pillar.

A living legacy

Holi’s Holika Dahan celebrates his survival.

Life journey

Four defining chapters

  1. 1

    Origins and family

    Taught devotion by Narada while still in the womb.

  2. 2

    Rise and relationships

    He refused to worship his father.

  3. 3

    The turning point

    He survived fire, poison and falls.

  4. 4

    Final years and legacy

    Narasimha saved him, and he became a wise king.

“Faith can stand against any power.”

— The heart of Prahlada’s story