PLATE FIVE

After receiving benedictions from Lord Brahma, Hiranyakasipu con-
quered the rulers of all the planets in the three worlds, seizing their
power and influence. He thus began residing in heaven in the most opu-
lent palace of Indra, the celestial King. The palace was as beautifully
made as if the goddess of fortune of the entire universe resided there.
Being situated on Indra’s throne, Hiranyakasipu severely controlled the
inhabitants of all the other planets.

Once Hiranyakasipu affectionately seated his young son Prahlada
Maharaja on his lap and inquired what he had learned from his teachers.
Prahlada replied with exalted Vaisnava philosophy describing how one
achieves the perfection of life by dedicating everything to the service of
the Supreme Lord, Krsna. After Prahlada Maharaja had spoken in this
way, Hiranyakasipu, blinded by anger and hatred for the Supreme Lord,
threw the boy off his lap and onto the ground. Indignant and angry, his
reddish eyes like molten copper, Hiranyakasipu said to his servants, ““O
demons, take this boy away from me! He deserves to be killed. Kill him
as soon as possible!” (pp.1 74-178, 245-274)
