The Lord’s incarnation as Narasimha — a fierce form
which was neither man nor lion — from a pillar to kill Hiranyakasipu, was a unique and neverbefore-
seen one and the celestial beings including Brahma were dumbstruck with fear, maintaining a safe distance from Him even while singing His glory. Only
the fearless Prahlada whose entire being was full of devotion to the Lord prostrated at His feet; the Lord calmed down and placed His hand on the child’s
head with fondness. Prahlada considers himself extremely fortunate to be thus graced by the
Supreme Lord and bursts forth into a eulogy of Him. It is a prayer full of insights regarding devotion and its efficacy to guide one towards salvation, pointed
out Nochur Sri Venkataraman in a lecture.
To merely remain devoted to God and to acknowledge His undying concern for us is the essence of Bhakti. It requires an attitude of loving God purely for His sake. In that state there is no question of seeking any favours from Him. To be accepted by Him and to serve Him at all times is the
only goal. It is a Dasya Bhama. A Jivatma thus motivated does not get affected by the struggles and
travails of Samsara. Prahlada remains undaunted by the dangers thrust by his father since his whole being is with the Lord. Such an engrossment typifies
the essence of Bhakti Rasa. Reciprocally, God’s grace provides the necessary insulation and
protection for the child, much to the dismay of the demon.
How is one to get the grace of God? One has to merely yearn for it with single-minded aim. God will supply the force. There is no more perception
of I and this, Mine and others, etc. This frame of mind is itself a great fortune much wealthier
than all the wealth of the world.
Saints understand the unseen power of His grace and consider themselves as the proud possessor of this eternal wealth and auspiciousness. This is the
height of Bhagavad Bhakti. It is best described as a state of intoxication. The Gopis exemplify
this Bhakti rasa in their single- minded yearning for
Krishna. They forget themselves and long only to be in the presence of the Lord.
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