Garima Chaudhry
Join Cultural Samvaad’s WhatsApp Community
India’s ancient festival Holi or Vasantosava is traditionally associated with the bountiful colours of spring, the munificence of the harvest and the enchantment of multifarious stories. One of the most enduring narratives is that of Holika and Bhakt Prahlad. Long, long ago, in the Satyuga, Sage Kashyap and his wife Diti gave birth to Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyapa who were both governed by their demonic tendencies. Hiranyaksha met his end at the hands of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avatar. A saddened and enraged Hiranyakashyapa, practised severe penance for thousands of years. Finally, Brahmaji appeared and blessed him with a boon which made him almost immortal.
An emboldened Hiranyakashyapa unleashed a reign of terror on the devatas and all beings. The devatas prayed to Vishnuji for help. He promised that he would take avatar at an appropriate time.
Know More: Traditions of Holi
Hiranyakashyapa’s wife gave birth to a virtuous son – Prahlada. The young Prahlada was a devout believer in Narayan. Unhappy with his own son worshipping his biggest enemy – Vishnu, Hiranyakashyapa tried to terrorise the young Prahlada and kill him in innumerable ways. He even sought the help of his sister Holika who was immune to fire to burn the young boy alive. Much to their chagrin, Vishnu interceded to save Prahlada while Hollika went up in flames. The flames of the holi fire which consume the demons within us and signify new beginnings are a ritual enactment of this timeless narrative.
Holi Wishes in Sanskrit
The stage was set for the next avatar of Vishnu. One day, at the behest of his father, Prahlada asserted that his Lord, the lord of the world, Narayan was everywhere including in the grand pillars that dotted his father’s palace. And lo and behold, Hari appeared from the pillar in the form of half man – nara (नर) and half lion – simha (सिंह). Hiranyakashyapa and Vishnu engaged in a long and terrible battle. Finally, the fiery Narasimha (नरसिंह) placed Hiranyakashyapa on his thighs and during twilight when it was neither day nor night, tore the mighty demon apart just with his sharp nails.
In order to calm Narasimha Swami’s wrath, the little Bhakta Prahlada prayed fervently to him. Moved by his innocence, the ruler of the worlds obliged and since then he has been worshipped by one and all. Our Salutations to Shri Narasimha.
Add comment