SANDA MARKA Sanda and Marka made a petition to the demon king Hiranyakashipu against Prahlada….. (Bhairo M. 3, p. 1154) Sanda, Marka cried out to the king that Prahlada does not take interest in the studies and they were tired of instructing him. (Bhairo Namdev, p. 1165) Sanda and Marka went to the king and made a complaint and Prahlada was very swiftly called. (Basant Kabir, p. 1194) Sanda and Marka were the two teachers, who were assigned the task of teaching Prahlada.
The devotee (saint) did not listen to them and was always absorbed in devotion. He even talked about the devotion of Vishnu to other fellow-students. See : Prahlada.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Sanda and Marka are figures in Hindu mythology, primarily known for their role in the story of Prahlada, the devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. They are described as teachers or preceptors appointed by Hiranyakashipu, the demon king and father of Prahlada, to instruct him in worldly knowledge and the ways of materialism.
Key Aspects of Sanda and Marka:
Role in Prahlada’s Story:
- Sanda and Marka were tasked with teaching Prahlada about the principles of materialism and loyalty to Hiranyakashipu. However, despite their efforts, Prahlada remained steadfast in his devotion to Vishnu and rejected their teachings.
- They reported Prahlada’s unwavering devotion to Vishnu to Hiranyakashipu, which led to the king’s anger and subsequent attempts to harm his son.
Symbolism:
- Sanda and Marka represent the forces of ignorance and materialism that seek to divert individuals from spiritual paths. Their failure to influence Prahlada highlights the triumph of devotion and divine grace over worldly temptations.
Mentions in Texts:
- Their story is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana and other Hindu scriptures, where they play a supporting role in the narrative of Prahlada’s devotion and Hiranyakashipu’s downfall.
Sanda and Marka’s role in Hindu mythology serves as a reminder of the power of unwavering faith and the limitations of materialistic pursuits.
ਘਰਿ ਹਰਣਾਖਸ ਦੈਤ ਦੇ ਕਲਰਿ ਕਵਲੁ ਭਗਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੁ।
Prahlad, the saint, was born in the house of demon (king) Haranakhas like a lotus is born in the alkaline (barren) land.
ਪੜ੍ਹਨ ਪਠਾਇਆ ਚਾਟਸਾਲ ਪਾਂਧੈ ਚਿਤਿ ਹੋਆ ਅਹਿਲਾਦੁ।
When he was sent to seminary, the brahmin purohit became elated (because the king’s son was now his disciple).
ਸਿਮਰੈ ਮਨ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਗਾਵੈ ਸਬਦੁ ਅਨਾਹਦ ਨਾਦੁ।
Prahlad would remember the name of Raam in his heart and outwardly also he would eulogise the Lord.
ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਨਿ ਸਭ ਚਾਟੜੈ ਪਾਂਧੇ ਹੋਏ ਰਹੇ ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ।
Now all the disciples became devotees of Lord, which was an awful and embarrassing situation for all the teachers.
ਰਾਜੇ ਪਾਸਿ ਰੂਆਇਆ ਦੋਖੀ ਦੈਤਿ ਵਧਾਇਆ ਵਾਦੁ।
The priest (teacher) reported or complained to the king (that O king your son has become devotee of God).
ਜਲ ਅਗਨੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਘਤਿਆ ਜਲੈ ਨ ਡੁਬੈ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ।
The malevolent demon picked up the quarrel. Prahlad was thrown into fire and water but with the grace of Guru (the Lord) neither he was burnt nor drowned.
ਕਢਿ ਖੜਗੁ ਸਦਿ ਪੁਛਿਆ ਕਉਣੁ ਸੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੈ ਉਸਤਾਦੁ।
Angered as he was, Hiranyaksyapu took out his double-edged sword and asked Prahlad who his Guru (Lord) was.
ਥੰਮ੍ਹੁ ਪਾੜਿ ਪਰਗਟਿਆ ਨਰਸਿੰਘ ਰੂਪ ਅਨੂਪ ਅਨਾਦਿ।
At the same moment Lord God in the form of man-lion came out of pillar. His form was grand and majestic.
ਬੇਮੁਖ ਪਕੜਿ ਪਛਾੜਿਅਨੁ ਸੰਤ ਸਹਾਈ ਆਦਿ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ।
That wicked demon was thrown down and killed and thus it was proved that the Lord is kind to devotees since the time immemorial.
ਜੈ ਜੈ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾਦਿ॥੨॥
Seeing this Brahama and other gods started eulogising the Lord.
