Indra steals modesty from Prahlada
Who does no longer recognize the brilliant disciple of Lord Vishnu: Prahlada, the son of Demon Hiranyakashipu and Kayadhu, and the father of Virochana. In this put up we will know approximately his modesty by way of which he conquered Trilokas however, it was later stolen by way of Deity king Indra. After Yudhisthira was crowned as King of Hastinapur, Lord Krishna freed incredible Bhishma from all of his sufferings prior to his death and asked him to relieve Yudhisthira from mourning over the lifeless Kshatriyas through the way of advising him on Dharma. Yudhishthira asked pitamaha about ‘Modesty’ that is most appropriated by all the humans of the earth in step with religion. In reply, Bhishma referred to the conversation of Indra and Prahlada that was once explained to Duryodhana by way of his father Dhritarashtra. let us know about it in brief.
In Indraprastha (during the Rajasuyayajna) After seeing Pandavas’ Wealth, excellent assembly, and prosperity afflicted Duryodhana whilst sitting in Kauravas assembly, explained all the sorrows to his father Dhritarashtra along with his deep concern.
‘Dhritarashtra said, son! why are you upset? I'll try to provide a justification for you if it's right. All your brothers, friends, and relatives are continually present in your service. You put on best clothes, You devour scrumptiously and Aajaneye' horses drag your chariot, then why do you seem white and lean now?
Duryodhana said, Father! In Yudhishthira's palace, ten thousands of splendid Snataka brahmins (Brahmins who have finished their studentship or performed ablution) each day have a meal on gold plates. After seeing the extraordinary opulence, godly assembly decorated with lovely types of flowers, fast-moving horses and divine garments of our enemy Pandavas which is similar to Kubera, and that we do not have, I'm going through consistent mourning.
Dhritarashtra said, “Son! if you need to get Lakshmi (wealth) more than Yudhisthira has, then be modest. There is no question that a modest or decent individual can win over the three Lokas. Nothing is impossible for him. Awesome kings like Mandhata, Janamejaya, Nabhaga conquered over this earth in one day, three days, and seven days respectively. Most of these kings have been polite and kind. So the earth herself, went near all of them for the value of virtues.
Duryodhana asked, how was that modesty acquired by those kings who triumphed over the earth rapidly? I want to hear about it.
Dhritarashtra said, ‘Bharatanandan! For this, an instance of ancient history is said, in which Naradji referred to modesty. By the manner of modesty, the kingdom of Mahendra (Indra) alongside three Lokas were taken away by way of the demon king Prahlada.
Indra met with Guru Brihaspati and with folded hands requested him to tell him the path for his good fortune. Then Lord Brihaspati preached the splendid know-how of welfare to Indra and told him that the knowledge of Mahatma Shukracharya is the first-rate. Indra went to the most brilliant excellent ascetic Shukracharya and happily gained knowledge from him too. Then he asked Shukracharya, “is there any knowledge precious than this?” Then the omniscient Shukracharya replied, “Mahatma Prahlada has more expertise than this.” Hearing this, Indra become very glad. He took the form of a brahmin and went to Prahlada and said, “King! I wish to learn the great.” Prahlada said to the brahmin, “Dwijshrestha! due to the fact of being busy in the arrangements of the three Lokas, I don't have time, so I can not teach you.
The demon king was delighted with his service and wished to grant him a boon. Brahmin said to the demon king that he had already fulfilled his Desire. Prahlada was even more happy to hear this and anyway, wished to give him a boon. The brahmin said, “King! If you are happy with me and want to do good for me, then grant me your modesty.” Hearing this, the demon king Prahlada was glad but there was great fear in his mind. On asking for the boon of a brahmin, he Started thinking that the brahmin was no ordinary. Still, Prahlada granted him the boon. At that time he was in great astonishment. He became very sad after giving the boon to the brahmin. When the brahmin left after receiving the boon, then the king got very anxious while thinking about what to do next but could not reach any conclusion. At that time a radiant shadow appeared as a supreme idol there. He abandoned Prahlada‘s body. King asked the huge man about his identity. He replied, "I am modesty. You have forsaken me, That's why I'm leaving. King! Now I will reside in the body of that great superior brahmin, who as your disciple lived with caution here every day.”
Saying this, Modesty became invisible and absorbed in the body of Indra. When that radiance was gone from Prahlada’s body similarly a stunning second one appeared. Prahlada too asked him his originality. He replied, “Prahlada! consider me as religion. I will go to that best Brahmin now. Demon king! where there is modesty, that's where the religion should be.” Thereafter from the body of Prahlada the third man appeared, ignited by his brilliance. Prahlada asked his introduction there. On having this question, that great Tejashwi answered him that, “Asurendra! Consider me as the truth! I'll now go after religion.” After Truth’s departure Another great man appeared from Prahlada’s body. On asking the introduction, that Mahabali replied, “Prahlada! Regard me as a virtue. I live with truth only.” When he left Prahlada’s body, again another man while uttering great words appeared from his body. When asked, he said, “understand me as a force. Where there is a virtue, there is force.” Saying this the force went after virtue. Thereafter a radiant goddess appeared from Prahlada’s body. After asking her identity, She said, “I am Lakshmi. True mighty hero! I came to you and used to reside in your body, but now you have abandoned me; That's why I will leave because I am a follower of force”.
Then Mahatma Prahlada got very scared. He once again asked the goddess Laxmi, “Kamallaye! where are you going, Satyavrata Devi and supreme Goddess of the whole world! who was that best brahmin? I want to know exactly this.” Lakshmi replied, “ Lord! In the form of that celibate brahmin to whom you taught, was Indra. He took your opulence which was spread in the three worlds! You conquered the three worlds through Modesty. Indra after Knowing this stole your Modesty. Dharma, Truth, Virtue, Strength, and I (Lakshmi), All these always live on the basis of modesty. Modesty is our root. There is no doubt in it.”
Thus saying Lakshmi and All those virtues, modesty etc. went to Indra. After Hearing the story, Duryodhana again said to his father, “Kaurava Nandan! I want to know the principle of Modesty by which way I can obtain it.” Dhritarashtra said, “Nareshwar! The form of Modesty and its way, both these things have already been told by Mahatma Prahlada that I will tell you now in a nutshell, Do not act against any creature by mind, speech, and action. Have mercy on all and donate as much as possible- this called modesty, which is admired by all. Whatever effort and deed are not beneficial for others or if one feels hesitant to do something, then he should in no way do it. In an assembly the act of a human being should be done in a way so that it is praised. Although sometimes even a boastful person acquires Rajalakshmi, however, are unable to enjoy it till eternity and are destroyed along with the root. Son! If you want to get better wealth than Yudhishthira, then by understanding this preaching, in reality be polite.’
Ref: Mahabharata book Shanti Parva
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