Brahma’s Boon and the Proud King

1. In a valley of Mount Mandara, Hiranyakashipu stood on the tips of his toes. He raised his arms and held the same pose for many years.
2. Fierce heat rose from his severe austerity. Rivers and oceans churned, and the residents of the universe became worried.
3. The demigods went to Lord Brahma for help. They asked him to stop the dangerous heat.
4. Brahma flew to Mount Mandara with several sages. At first he could not see Hiranyakashipu beneath the grass and anthill.
5. Brahma sprinkled water from his pot upon him. Hiranyakashipu's body was restored and shone like gold.
6. Hiranyakashipu bowed to Brahma and asked for immortality. Brahma honestly said that he could not give what he did not possess.
7. Hiranyakashipu then asked for many special boons. He hoped that together they would make him impossible to defeat.
8. He asked not to be killed by any being created by Brahma. He also asked to be safe both inside and outside any home.
9. He asked that death come neither by day nor by night. He also asked not to die on the ground or in the sky.
10. Hiranyakashipu did not want to be killed by a human or an animal. He also asked that no weapon could defeat him.
11. He requested power over many residents of the universe. Brahma granted the boons that he was able to give.
12. Hiranyakashipu returned home filled with new strength. His pride grew along with his power.
13. He conquered the different regions of the universe. Even many demigods had to hide or serve him.
14. Hiranyakashipu moved into King Indra's palace. Things and power could not bring peace to a heart that had forgotten the Lord.
15. The proud king demanded that everyone honor him alone. He stopped sages from worshiping Lord Vishnu.
16. People, cows, brahmanas, and demigods suffered under his rule. They prayed to the Supreme Lord for protection.
17. Lord Vishnu answered that He knew all of Hiranyakashipu's deeds. He promised to appear when the king tormented his own devotee son.
18. The demigods felt peaceful when they heard the Lord's promise. In Hiranyakashipu's home, a wonderful child was already waiting to be born.

Sources for parents

• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.3 — Hiranyakashipu asks Brahma for boons.
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.4 — Hiranyakashipu conquers the universe.