Mahavatar Narsimha's OTT Release, Who Was Prahlad In Previous Life And Why He Was Born To An Asura?

Mahavatar Narsimha has won hearts, whether it be with its plot, twists, cinematic representation of storytelling, or everything tied to the movie. The animated mythological cinema earned Rs. 237 crore at the domestic box office, as reported. The movie is now set to be released on OTT. For the unversed, Mahavatar Narsimha is going to stream on the OTT giant, Netflix, from September 19, 2025.

Who is 'Prahlad', Lord Vishnu's devotee in Mahavatar Narsimha?

Ahead of that, let's know about 'Prahlad', the lead of the animated movie. 'Prahlad', the devotee of Vishnu, was born to asur raaj, 'Hiranyakashyap', who rebelled against the 'Padmanabha'. Before his birth as a son to 'Hiranyakashyap', he had a pious previous life, as per several kathas and even the Brihan-Narasimha Purana. So, before we binge the movie again, let's know about the mythological stories about 'Prahlad's previous life. 'Prahlad', the son of 'Hiranyakashyap', didn't listen to his father, and continued to worship Lord Vishnu, and his devotion every time saved him, even though his father tried to kill him for his love for 'Padmanabha'. Eventually, to save him, 'Vishnu's avatar, 'Narsimha' appeared, killing 'Hiranyakashyap'.

Stories about Lord Vishnu's devotee, 'Prahlad's previous life

But do you know why, despite not having any features of asuras, and so much love for 'Vishnu', 'Prahlad' was born to 'Hiranyakashyap'? There are many stories available about 'Prahlad's previous life. If the traditional kathas in Brihan-Narasimha Purana are to be followed, many years ago, there lived a Brahmana named Vasu Sarma, who, with his wife, Susila, had five sons. His youngest son, Vasudeva, reportedly went astray and became romantically tied to a prostitute, losing his virtues.

If the kathas are to be followed, Vasudeva and his beloved quarrelled, leading them to observe a fast on Narasimha Chaturdashi, unknowingly. For the same reason, the prostitute was said to be born as an apsara, Lord Vishnu's favourite, and Vasudeva was said to be born as 'Prahlad', in their next lives. On the other hand, as per local tradition and Bhaktidasi, and reportedly from Padma Puran Bhumi Khanda, another story about 'Prahlad's previous life could be found. According to this, there lived a scholar named Sivasharman, who had a son named Somasharman.

Somasharman had no strings attached to worldly matters, and he would meditate and worship God throughout his life. He was residing in Salagramam, a place where asuras used to live as well, celebrating their lives with loud music, alcohol and more, thereby polluting the atmosphere. Although Somasharman was bothered, he ignored much of it. Well, one day Somasharman decided to take Samadhi, and while he was on his deathbed, the loud atmosphere around the asuras woke him up.

Since he was scared, he couldn't recall his Isthadevata, thereby leading him to die out of the fear and unrest situation caused by the asuras. As per the Kathas, as he had led a pious life, he was born as Vishnu's devotee, 'Prahlad', who was fortunate enough to listen to the whole Bhagavatam from Narada Muni, when he was in his mother, 'Kayadhun's womb. In the cinematic representation, 'Prahlad' became one of the subtle yet strong nudges in the viewers' minds, leading the movie to grab the top spot in recent times.

What do you think about Mahavatar Narsimha and the traditional stories about 'Prahlad's previous life?

Also Read: Mahavatar Narsimha's OTT Release Revealed, When To Watch The Highest-Grossing Mythological Drama

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