Prahlada
Prahlada (Sanskrit: प्रह्लाद, IAST: Prahlāda) is an asura king in Hindu mythology. He is known for his staunch devotion to the preserver deity, Vishnu. He appears in the narrative of Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, who rescues Prahlada by slaying his wicked father, Hiranyakashipu.
| Prahlada | |
|---|---|
King of the Asuras | |
A mural of Prahlada | |
| Devanagari | प्रह्लाद |
| Affiliation | Vaishnavism Asura |
| Predecessor | Hiranyakashipu |
| Successor | Virochana |
| Texts | Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Yoga Vasistha, Kurma Purana, Vamana Purana |
| Personal information | |
| Parents |
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| Siblings | Saṃhlāda, Anuhlāda, Śibi, and Bāṣkala (brothers) |
| Spouse | Dhriti |
| Children | Virochana, Kumbha, and Nikumbha |
Prahlada is described as a saintly boy, known for his innocence and bhakti towards Vishnu. Despite the abusive nature of his father, Hiranyakashipu, he continues to worship Vishnu. He is considered a mahājana, or great devotee, by followers of Vaishnava traditions. A treatise is attributed to him in the Bhagavata Purana, in which Prahlada describes the process of his loving worship towards Vishnu.
The majority of stories in the Puranas regarding him are based on the activities of Prahlada as a young boy, and he is usually depicted as such in paintings and illustrations.