Sant Prahlad Ji & The Evil King Harnakhas

The pure belongs to the ‘Wonderous Enlightener’. The victory belongs to the Wonderous Enlightener’.

The name Prehlad is mentioned many times in Guru Granth Sahib Ji and he is also referred to as “Sant Prehlad” in one Shabad:

"sarab sukhaa kaa ek har suaamee so gur naam dhio ||

The source of all peace is Lord and Master. That Guru has blessed me with His Name.

sant prahalaadh kee paij jin raakhee haranaakhas nakh bidhario ||3||

He preserved the honour of saint Prahlaad, and destroyed Harnaakhash with his nails. ||3||"

(Raag Bilaaval - Bhagat Kabeer Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 856)

Going back in time to the age of Satyug, a child called Prehlad Ji was raised in a ‘Ashram’ (house) of ‘Rikhis’ (saints). He lived there until the age of seven, so he was strongly influenced to worship God. Meanwhile, his father the evil King Harnakhs spent these years doing penance on a mountain called Madhiyachal. Once the King had returned back to his kingdom in Multan, Prehlad Ji travelled there too with his mother and five brothers.

Once upon a time in Multan, Prehlad Ji witnessed a miraculous event. A cat had given birth to kittens in a ‘Aavi’ (small oven used to bake clay dishes). The ‘Ghumiar’ (pot baker) had inserted the tray of clay dishes in the oven without realising that one of the dishes had kittens in them. The pot maker removed the dishes after they had finished baking but oddly discovered one dish unbaked. The ‘Ghumiar’ was shocked to see that this dish had kittens inside of it. All the dishes had baked expect the one containing the kittens. The kittens completely survived the fire and Prehlad Ji’s faith grew even stronger in believing that God can protect in all places. However, Harnakhs was very self-centred and did not believe in God that created everything. He believed that he was the only person worthy of worship. He had banned any other beliefs in his rule and only allowed himself to be praised. Even the children in the schools were forced to worship him. This attitude of the king also put fear into the public and no freedom for the people.

Gurbani writes the following about Prehlad Ji’s history:

When his father Harnakhs sent him to school for education, he took his writing slate to his teachers Sanda and Marka. Prehlad Ji said "I shall not study anything except the Name of the Lord. Write the Lord's Name on my slate.” Many of his friends also went along with him to school and would imitate his behaviour. When Sanda or Marka would try and force them to study other subjects like politics, Prehlad Ji would ask his teachers, "Why do you teach me about worldly entanglements? Write the name of the Lord on my slate. Oh Baba (teacher), I will not leave the name of the Lord and study subjects that do not teach the true meaning of life.” Prehlad Ji was deeply connected to the truth, and this was his stand against a rule that did not allow worship of the true God .

Sanda and Marka complained to Prehlad Ji’s mother: “Your son does not study his lessons. We are tired of trying to teach him. He chants the Lord's Name, and plays beats with his hands. He has spoiled all the other students too because they all worship God in the same way." The teachers warned Prehlad Ji’s mother to explain to her child how king Harnakhs would be enraged if he discovered that his son was worshipping God. Prahlaad Ji's mother gave her beloved son some advice: “You must leave the Lord's Name, and save your life! Your father does not allow for anyone to be worshipped except himself. He has conquered the whole world and because you do not obey him, he has made plans to deal with you in another way." Prahlaad Ji replied “Listen my mother; I can never give up the Lord's Name. My Guru has taught me this. The great giver, my fearless Lord is always with me. If I were to leave the Lord, then my lineage would be disgraced”. Prahlad’s mother warned him to "Stop the habit of saying God's Name and I will save you quickly if you obey my words." Prahlaad Ji replied "Why do you give me grief again and again? God created the water, the land and the big mountains. I shall not leave the One Lord; that would be an insult to my Guru. Even if you put me in fire to burn me or kill me and then throw me."

Sanda and Marka also complained to King Harnakhs that "Prahlaad has gone astray, and has made all the other students wrong too. He does not listen to what we say, and he continues to sing the praises of God. He has influenced the people of Multan to worship one ultimate creator too." Prahlaad Ji was quickly summoned by his father.

To be continued...

The pure belongs to the ‘Wonderous Enlightener’. The victory belongs to the Wonderous Enlightener’. 

References:

1. Guru Granth Sahib Ji

2. Dasam Guru Granth Sahib Ji

3. Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Vaaran

4. Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji (Katha) from various Shabads in Gurbani

5. Bhagat Mala

6. Jatha Randhawa - Gurbani

7. Bhai Kahan Singh - Mahan Kosh

8. S.H.A.R.E - Sikhi to the Max

9. Alphabet.Inc - Google