Text 23] Prahlāda, the Best Among Exalted Devotees
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planetary system to become a devotee again. Prahlāda Mahārāja was advised to perform the ritualistic ceremony as a matter of etiquette, for the Supreme Personality of Godhead under no circumstances wants to stop the regulative principles. Madhva Muni also instructs:
madhu-kaiṭabhau bhakty-abhāvā dūrau bhagavato mṛtau tama eva kramād āptau bhaktyā ced yo hariṁ yayau
When the demons Madhu and Kaiṭabha were killed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, their kinsmen also observed the ritualistic ceremonies so that these demons could return home, back to Godhead.
TEXT 23
पित्र्यं च स्यानमातिष्ठ यथोक्तं ब्रह्मवादिभिः ।
मय्यावेश्य मनस्तात कुरु कर्माणि मत्परः ॥२३॥
pitryam ca sthānam ātiṣṭha yathoktam brahmavādibhiḥ mayy āveśya manas tāta kuru karmāṇi mat-paraḥ
pitryam—paternal; ca—also; sthānam—place, throne; ātiṣṭha—sit upon; yathā-uktam—as described; brahmavādibhiḥ—by the followers of Vedic civilization; mayi—unto Me; āveśya—being fully absorbed; manaḥ—the mind; tāta—My dear boy; kuru—just execute; karmāṇi—the regulative duties; mat-paraḥ—just for the sake of My work.
TRANSLATION
After performing the ritualistic ceremonies, take charge of your father's kingdom. Sit upon the throne and do not be disturbed by materialistic activities. Please keep your mind fixed upon Me. Without transgressing the injunctions of the Vedas, as a matter of formality you may perform your particular duties.