Which God listens to our prayers?

Without a bona fide spiritual master, established within a parampara—an authentic disciplic succession as described in Sanskrit—God does not hear us. This principle is upheld by the spiritual science and Vaishnava teachings, which Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada actively and convincingly represented across the globe. That such a master and tradition could exist is, in itself, a remarkable phenomenon. However, it remains crucial to understand both its spiritual and material dimensions, as we rely on this extrasensory communication —prayer and exchange— for tangible and positive results in our daily lives.

Are not the Vaishnavas constantly threatened by opposing forces stemming from neoliberal or conservative societies, for whom Krishna or Vishnu is of no concern —if not an outright hindrance?

In the book that inspired this reflection, History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh, printed in India, the following passage, which I quote here, is particularly relevant:

“This is a palm-leaf manuscript of the same category, inscribed with a prayer addressed to Lord Narasimha. He is worshipped in the town of Simhadri to protect the Andhra Pradesh region from Muslim invasions.”

Temples and divine representations of the renowned half-man, half-lion deity —such as the one in Simhadri— were built in significant numbers from the 10th century onward throughout South India and especially in Andhra Pradesh. Their purpose was to offer solace to the local population and protect them from Muslim invaders, often intent on barbaric destruction and particularly hostile toward their religion.

For centuries, these kings, through their devotion to Narasimha, preserved their kingdoms in the South and safeguarded their civilization against these invasions. In these revered temples, the inhabitants offered prayers, believing it possible to rekindle the extraordinary event that occurred during the Krita-yuga, several hundred thousand years before our era, as recorded in Puranic literature.

The story, in brief: Prahlada, a young child whose father, Hiranyakashipu, is virtually the ruler of the universe, suffers harsh persecution at his father’s hands because he has made Vishnu the constant focus of his meditation. This defiance runs counter to the principles of the asuric dynasty, which openly embraces demonic values. To protect His devoted servant, God manifests as a half-man, half-lion being —hence the name Narasimha— and kills Hiranyakashipu. This divine intervention is one of the most popular and celebrated manifestations in India. ■