The Arrogance of Hiranya and the Devotion of Prahlada

இரணியனின் ஆணவமும் பிரகலாதனின் பக்தியும்

Abstract

Among the countless characters created by Kamban, Prahlada is portrayed as one who accepts and lives by the Vaishnavite path, expressing unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being. In contrast, Hiranya (Hiranyakashipu) is depicted as the embodiment of arrogance and ego, representing an opposing worldview. This paper highlights the contrasting approaches of these two characters: Hiranya, who in his pride prepares himself to defy and challenge God, and Prahlada, who constantly chants the eight-syllable mantra (Om NamoNarayanaya) and surrenders himself completely at the feet of the Lord.