Text 23] Prahlada, the Best Among Exalted Devotees 307

planetary system to become a devotee again. Prahlada Maharaja was ad-
vised 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-kaitabhau bhakty-abhava
dirau bhagavato mrtau

tama eva kramdd aptau
bhaktya ced yo harim yayau

When the demons Madhu and Kaitabha were killed by the Supreme Per-
sonality of Godhead, their kinsmen also observed the ritualistic
ceremonies so that these demons could return home, back to Godhead.

TEXT 23
fird a SrAaTiag sates AAA: |
WAAR HARTA FS PANT HEAT: 12

pitryam ca sthdnam atistha
yathoktam brahmavadibhih

mayy advesya manas tata
kuru karm4ani mat-parah

pitryam—paternal; ca—also; sthanam—place, throne; dtistha—sit
upon; yathd-uktam—as described; brahmavadibhih—by the followers
of Vedic civilization; mayi—unto Me; dvesya—being fully absorbed;
manah—the mind; tata—My dear boy; kuru—just execute; karmani—
the regulative duties; mat-parah—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.
