Prahaladazhvar

Introduction


The great Prahalada was mentioned as the first and foremost Alvar, in some of the Holy Texts of Hinduism, and several years ago, I have got an opportunity to read the TTD spiritual magazine, Saptagiri, and in that sacred book, it was mentioned, that, Prahalada was the main Alvar, and they have also quoted an ancient Sloka as a proof for that! The humble child Prahalada was ready to sacrifice even his life itself for the sake of his worshipful god Vishnu.



The teachings of Prahalada are as popular as the teachings of Lord Krishna. Similar to the Lord Krishna’s Holy Gita, the teachings of Sri Prahalada can also be called as Sri Prahalada Gita, since the contents mentioned in that divine text contains very good stuff.


Even when Prahalada was thrown out in the fire, his lips was continuously chanting only about the glories of Lord Vishnu. He was so much dedicated, attached and attracted with Lord Vishnu, and that’s why, he can also be called as Sri PRAHALADAMUNI. After Prahalada had crowned his grandson Mahabali as the king of his region, he began to live like a humble sage. During his lifetime, he never used to curse anyone and he didn’t hurt anyone. Prahaladazhvar had given correct judgement and lead a wonderful golden rule similar to the successful rule of Lord Rama.


Even if we carefully observe the ancient Vaishnavite Text, Nalayira Divya Prabandam, we could find the beautiful word, Daityalvar, which represents our great Prahalada only. In fact, it was even mentioned, that the Alvar Saints, who had incarnated before few thousands of years ago, have considered Prahaladazhvar as their senior, and they even used to worship him by considering him as their Guru and they also considered him as an aspect of Lord Vishnu.


In the Narasimha Mahatmya, it was mentioned, that Sri Prahalada has become very dear to Lord Narasimha, and he has got the privilege to witness the divine vision of Lord Narasimha, whenever he wishes! Prahaladazhvar is also praised as Prahalada Bhagavata, Prahalada Guru and as Prahalada Raja.


In the Mantralayam Guru Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, the Utsava Idol is called as Prahalada Raya, since it is believed that our great Prahalada has taken birth as the Holy Madhwa Guru Raghavendra, and still Prahaladazhvar showers his blessings to the devotees in the form of our great Divine Universal Guru Sri Raghavendra. In most of the Guru Raghavendra Swamy Mutts, we can find the idol of Prahalada, who looks similar to Lord Balamuruga and as Lord Balakrishna, with regard to their attractive divine beauty!


OM SRI PRAHALADAZHVARE NAMAHA”    


                                                                                                                                                                                  Sent By

                                                                                                                                                                             R.HARISHANKAR