Aug 18, 2007

Chapter 30: King Prahallada

A convinces P that latter is the king. He has got a good head on his shoulders. Although protesting, P accepts the throne. Years later, during which P runs the kingdom successfully and efficiently, P is tested several times. Lakshmi asks Vishnu why, to which He replies anyone who has bhakti (devotion) will always be tested. One example story given -

Two women fighting for a baby, as to who the real mother is. P confused. Asks mom. ‘Breast milk of actual mom stops child’s cries.’ Child stops crying for both women’s milks. Kayadu confused. So, back to square one. So, P orders murder of baby. Immediately one of the woman says ‘Stop killing the baby, let the other have my baby.’ Gotcha! True mom feelings! P praise. He death-sentences the other lady.

She says that’s what she deserved anyhow in her house as she was supposed to bear a son and instead had given birth to a daughter, much to the chagrin of hubby, who had appropriately decided her fate. So, P gives her life back, and asks Senapathi to warn her hubby not to threaten her. He blames the society for discriminating female species. Topper P!

No comments: