with his jubilant son. As the Lion advanced towards them, Prahlada sensed the opportune moment and in all filial piety said:
“Of the Lord Supreme, O father, why would thou not
The truth perceive?
Even now thou can submit
To Him: and when thou
fallest at His feet,
He would forgive thy
evil deeds of old.’’
This poetical presentation before the emerging primordial being from the pillar is unique in Kamba Ramayanam, for in Shuka’s exposition of Bhagavatam, Prahlada does not speak to his father after the Avatar appeared. Unfortunately impelled by ego, Hiranyakashipu was not for ‘Saranagadhi’. Instead he frowned in defiance:
“Listen ingrate! In sight of thee I will Cut down the Man-Lion’s branching arms and feet.
And then I will give my sword thy blood to drink!”
That was to be the last straw. Bhagavatha apacharam is beyond atonement. The Man-Lion took hold of Hiranyakashipu’s feet and whirled him round and round, shattering to pieces his crown and jewels
including his kundalams, that rolled over to hit the quarters. At the time of twilight, Man-Lion sat at the threshold of the palace gate, laid him on His thighs, and disembowelled the demon king, removing his entrails with His spearlike claws.
Brahma, in exhilaration, prayed to the self-manifested Narasimha. Appeased, He gave His blessings to the Devas. At that ecstatic moment Lakshmi arrived and united with Her peerless Lord.
Lakshmi Narasimha’s eyes that once spit sparks of fire, now showered compassion to bestow boons. Prahlada knew that all boons are obstacles in the practice of pure devotion to the Lord. Yet, one request he did make. He sought that his father be pardoned and purified from sins. The Lord addressed Prahlada as ‘the effulgent one’, and conferred manifold
