The Story of Prahlada and Indra: The Test of Righteousness
- Kundliguru
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
The tales of Prahlada, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu, are legendary in Hindu mythology. Most people are familiar with the story of Prahlada and Lord Narasimha, where Vishnu appeared in his half-lion, half-man form to save him from his tyrannical father, Hiranyakashipu. However, another lesser-known yet equally fascinating story involves Indra, the king of the Devas, and Prahlada. This story highlights the themes of virtue, righteousness, and divine intervention.
The Rise of Prahlada as the Asura King
After the death of his father, Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada, despite being a devoted follower of Vishnu, was given the responsibility of ruling the Asuras. Unlike his predecessors, he ruled with wisdom, kindness, and devotion, earning the respect of both the Devas and the Asuras. His just and dharmic governance created an atmosphere of peace and prosperity among his people.
However, Indra, the king of the Devas, grew uneasy. The Devas had long considered the Asuras their rivals, and seeing a noble and righteous ruler among them made Indra fear that Prahlada's influence could threaten the balance of power. Indra worried that Prahlada's virtues would lead the Asuras to surpass the Devas in strength and righteousness.
Indra’s Plan to Deceive Prahlada
Indra, seeking to weaken Prahlada’s virtues, sought guidance from Brihaspati, the guru of the Devas. Brihaspati advised Indra that Prahlada’s strength lay in his dharma (righteousness) and spiritual power. If his virtues could be stolen, his power would diminish.
Following this advice, Indra disguised himself as a Brahmin sage and visited Prahlada. Seeing the noble and wise demeanor of the disguised Indra, Prahlada respectfully welcomed him and asked what service he could offer.
The Brahmin (Indra) replied, "I seek only one thing from you – your dharma. If you truly wish to serve, please grant me your virtue."
Being a man of extreme generosity and righteousness, Prahlada agreed without hesitation. As soon as he uttered his consent, his divine glow and righteousness transferred to Indra, while he himself became weak and devoid of his spiritual strength.
The Divine Intervention of Lord Vishnu
As Indra departed with Prahlada’s virtues, Lord Vishnu appeared before Prahlada. Vishnu, knowing that Prahlada had been deceived, gently asked him, "Why did you give away your dharma, the very essence of your existence?"
Prahlada humbly replied, "O Lord, I have always believed in selflessness. If someone asks for something, how can I refuse?"
Vishnu smiled and said, "Dharma cannot be taken away forcefully or by deception. It belongs to those who uphold it. A man’s virtues cannot be stolen; they always return to their rightful owner."
Hearing this, Indra realized his mistake. He understood that virtue is not something that can be forcibly acquired; it must be earned through righteous deeds. Feeling remorseful, Indra bowed before Vishnu and returned Prahlada’s virtues.
The Moral of the Story
The story of Prahlada and Indra carries deep spiritual and ethical lessons:
True Virtue Cannot Be Stolen – Dharma is not a material possession but a reflection of one's inner self. It cannot be taken away by deception; it always resides with those who practice it.
Righteousness is the Greatest Strength – Prahlada’s power did not come from physical strength or dominance, but from his unwavering faith and righteousness.
Even Gods Can Learn Humility – Indra, despite being the king of Devas, made the mistake of trying to take virtue by trickery. However, he learned an important lesson in humility and righteousness.
Generosity Should Be Accompanied by Wisdom – While selflessness is a noble trait, one must be discerning about what to give and when, ensuring that righteousness is not misused.
Conclusion
The story of Prahlada and Indra is a beautiful example of how dharma (righteousness) prevails over deceit and fear. It teaches that true strength lies in virtue and devotion, and that no external force can take away one’s spiritual power.
Prahlada remains one of the greatest figures in Hindu mythology, inspiring generations with his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu and his deep sense of righteousness.
