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Significance of Hiranyakashipu

Hiranyakashipu is a powerful demon king from Hindu mythology, known for his arrogance and deep enmity towards Lord Vishnu. He is depicted as the father of Prahlada, a devoted follower of Vishnu, and represents significant obstacles to devotion and righteousness. His tyrannical rule and direct conflict with divine authority culminated in his defeat by Lord Nrisimha, Vishnu's avatar, which exemplifies the victory of good over evil. Hiranyakashipu's story illustrates profound themes in the struggle between devotion and demonic opposition.1
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In Dutch: Hiranyakashipu; In German: Hiranyakashipu; In Finnish: Hiranyakashipu; In Spanish: Hiranyakashipu

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Hiranyakashipu'

Hinduism Books

Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king and father of Prahlada, symbolizes the conflict between good and evil in Hinduism, known for his arrogance and opposition to Vishnu, ultimately defeated by the divine avatar Narasimha due to his tyranny.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya

(1) A king known for his extreme antagonism towards God, whose thoughts were fixated on Sri Hari despite his malice.[1] (2) The demonic king and antagonist in the story, who opposed his son Prahlada鈥檚 devotion to Lord Vishnu.[2] (3) The king of the asuras and an antagonist of Lord Nrisimha, known for his pride and enmity towards the Lord.[3] (4) The emperor of the asuras who struggles with his son Prahlada's devotion to Vishnu.[4] (5) The demon king and father of Prahlada, who embodies evil and opposition to divine will.[5]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A character who caused trouble to the entire universe.[6] (2) The atheist demon who was defeated and torn apart by Lord Nrisimha, representing the triumph of good over evil.[7] (3) The brother of Hiranyaksha who was envious of his devotee son, Prahlada.[8] (4) A figure who received benedictions from Brahma but ultimately faced death for disregarding a higher authority.[9] (5) A demon king who was slain by Lord Narasimha due to his mistreatment of his devotee, Prahlada.[10]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) An atheistic demon killed by the Lord in the form of Shri Nrisimhadeva.[11] (2) A powerful demon in Hindu mythology whose actions present significant obstacles to the practice of bhakti.[12] (3) A demonic king who was slain and torn asunder, leading to the acknowledgment of Shri Prahlada's fortune.[13]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) An asura (demonic figure) and father of Prahlada, part of a lineage of curses linked to the six sons.[14] (2) A king and powerful demon who often quarrelled with the Devas and whose defeat led to further conflict involving his son Prahlada.[15] (3) The father of Prahlada, who is a Daitya (demon) king known for his arrogance and enmity against Vishnu.[16] (4) A demon that Bhagavan Hari aimed to defeat when He took a formidable appearance.[17]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A powerful Daitya king who received a boon making him nearly invincible, becoming a source of oppression against the gods.[18] (2) An ancestor of Bali, known to be a powerful Asura.[19] (3) A highly angered being who attacks the lion with various weapons but remains unsuccessful.[20] (4) The unconquerable Daitya-king who was feared for his strength and who ultimately was defeated by Vishnu in his man-lion form.[21]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) The Daitya king and father of Prahlada, who desires to eliminate his son for his devotion to Vishnu.[22] (2) The sovereign of the universe and father of Prahlada, who claimed authority over the three worlds and opposed the worship of Vishnu.[23] (3) The sovereign of the universe and father of Prahlada, known for being tyrannical and devoted to opposition against the gods.[24] (4) A significant Asura king characterized by his trials against his son Prahlada, representing a conflict between good and evil.[25]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The father of Prahlada, a character who falls down in a swoon after confronting the challenge related to the dart.[26] (2) The son of Diti, known for having five sons, including the famous Prahlada.[27]

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) Hiranyakashipu was a demon described as the most excellent of all strong men, known for his power of penance and exploit, and his hatred towards his own devotee son.[28]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A demon king whose dwelling is metaphorically compared to the battlefield where timid demons faced the Man-lion.[29]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

The concept of Hiranyakashipu in local and regional sources

History Books

Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon-king in Hindu mythology, is known as Prahlad's father. He sought immortality but was ultimately defeated by Vishnu, symbolizing divine justice and the obstacles to devotion and righteousness.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A powerful demon who troubled his devotee Pralhad, representing the obstacle to devotion and righteousness.[30] (2) The father of Prahlad, known for his boons and ultimately his death at the hands of Nrisinha.[31] (3) Father of Pralhad who sought immortality but was ultimately killed by Vishnu as Nrisinha.[32]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Prahlada's father, a villain whose complexity is explored in Potana鈥檚 poetry, revealing deep familial ties and conflict.[33] (2) A demon-king from Hindu mythology known for his defeat by Vishnu, symbolizing themes of divine justice and worship.[34]