story of Hiranyakashipu, whose demonic traits like physical prowess and atrocities were sure to interest him. Vibhishana began with the description of the colossal figure of the Danava. All the waters of the oceans would only wash his feet. He ripped open the rain clouds to have a shower! He had the audacity to place his throne on Mount Meru from where he rained terror over all the Universe. His strength earned by strenuous penance, far surpassed that of Ravana. To such an Asura was born Prahlada, who was a staunch Vishnu bhakta. Constant ‘shravanam’ of Narayana’s

Kamban

glory sung by Narada for Lilavati, imbibed by Prahlada in her womb made him a staunch devotee of the Lord.
At the age of five, Prahlada was entrusted to the Royal guru for ‘enlightenment’. If administrators dabble at reforming the religious beliefs and the educational system, pandemonium will prevail. The child could not bear the blasphemy of uttering Hiranyakashipu’s name, though it be his father’s, before the commencement of his Vedic studies. The inept guru alarmed, lest he be mistaken for seditious activities, brought the little prince to the King for effecting the necessary correction. Delighted to see his child, Hiranyakashipu was eager to know of his progress. When questioned, Prahlada gave a sermon on Ashtakshari Manthra and emphatically pronounced Om Namo Narayana. The Asura who hated Vishnu for having killed his brother, Hiranyaksharan in the previous incarnation as a Boar, now burst out in indignation. What follows is only too familiar to us.
Kamban was petrified by the religious persecutions and conversions rampant in the country. Thirunavukkarasar, the Saiva saint suffered multiple times as early as the seventh century, when the

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