Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.8.17
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Lord Upholds His Devotee’s Words
“To prove that the statement of His servant Prahlāda Mahārāja was substantial — in other words, to prove that the Supreme Lord is present everywhere, even within the pillar of an assembly hall — the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, exhibited a wonderful form never before seen. The form was neither that of a man nor that of a lion. Thus the Lord appeared in His wonderful form in the assembly hall.”
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda Mahārāja fearlessly declared that his Lord was present everywhere. The Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared from the pillar to prove His servant’s words true.
- The Lord’s appearance encouraged Prahlāda, saying in effect, “Don’t worry. I am present here.” He upheld the truth that His devotee is never vanquished.
- By appearing as Nṛsiṁhadeva, half lion and half man, the Lord also preserved Lord Brahmā’s promise. His form was neither fully a man nor fully an animal.
Try this today
During one anxious moment today, pause and remember the Lord’s reassurance: “Don’t worry. I am present here.”
Ask yourself
How can the Lord’s reassurance to Prahlāda strengthen my trust in Him?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.