Upon the death of Hiranyâksha,âgavataPurâ Hiranyakasipu collected his companions and told them that Vishnu was no longer keeping that neutrality and impartiality which he had observed of yore. On the contrary, he had taken the side of the Devas, under the pretence of Upâsanâ.
He then consoled his nephew and his brother's wife by words of wisdom explaining to them the transitory character of the world and the permanence of Âtmâ. He also told them several stories to illustrate the point.
Hiranyakasipu vowed enmity to Vishnu. He prayed hard for immortality and supremacy over the Trilokî. Brahmâ became pleased with his asceticism and enquired what boon he wanted. Said Hiranyakasipu: -- "Let me have no death from any one created by Thee. Let not those that are not created by Thee kill me inside or outside, by day or by night, with any weapon, either on the earth or in the air. Let no man or animal, with or without life (asu) Deva, Daitya or serpent kill me. As thou art without a rival in battle, the one glorious lord of all beings and all Lokapâlas, so let me be too. Let me possess all the Siddhis, (Anima &c.)" Brahmâ said, Amen.
Hiranyakasipu then ruled the Universe. He took the place of Indra. All the Devas worshipped him.
Brâhmanas and other Grihasthâs performed Yajna in his honor and gave offerings to him. The earth yielded plenty even without much effort. There was prosperity all around. The Shastras were however not duly respected. (All this is a description of the material period, the reign of Materiality). A long, long time passed on in this way. At last the Lokapâlas could bear it no longer. They prayed to Vishnu for relief. The Devas heard a voice from heaven "Wait ye all. The time has not yet come for the fall of Hiranyakasipu. He shall be the enemy of his own son. I kill him then." -- Assured by these words, the Devas went to their own place.
Hiranyakasipu had 4 sons. Of these Prahlâda was great in his virtues. He was respectful, well-behaved, truthful, self-controlled, friendly to all beings, and great in his devotion. Even in his infancy, he gave up play and constantly meditated on Vâsudeva. The things of the world had no relish for him. In the exuberance of devotional feelings, he sometimes laughed, sometimes wept, sometimes sang and sometimes danced. At times when the feelings were profound, he remained quiet with hair standing on end while tears flowed down his cheeks.