Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.8.41
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionAlways Affectionate Toward His Devotees
“Lord Śiva said: The end of the millennium is the time for Your anger. Now that this insignificant demon Hiraṇyakaśipu has been killed, O my Lord, who are naturally affectionate to Your devotee, kindly protect his son Prahlāda Mahārāja, who is standing nearby as Your fully surrendered devotee.”
What the purport teaches
- At the time of annihilation, Lord Śiva plays the part of the Supreme Lord’s anger and is therefore called Rudra.
- Although others were afraid, Lord Śiva understood that the Lord’s anger was also His līlā. Even when appearing angry, the Lord remains affectionate toward His devotees.
- Lord Śiva asked the Lord to protect Prahlāda Mahārāja like an affectionate father. Prahlāda stood nearby as an exalted, fully surrendered devotee.
Try this today
Offer a short prayer asking for shelter, remembering the Lord’s affection for His devotees.
Ask yourself
How does the Lord’s unfailing affection encourage me to take shelter of 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.