(A story narrated by sage Narada, from Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Chapter 124)
A long time ago, Prahlada, the king of asuras, conquered the three worlds. The defeated lord of heavens, Indra, approached his chief counselor, Brihaspati for help. Then, sage Brihaspati advised him the secret for great good. Not satisfied, Indra asked again if there was anything beyond those words of wisdom. Brihaspati referred him to Shukra, the chief counselor of Prahlada.
Indra humbly bowed to Sage Shukra. He asked if there was anything more than the wisdom he had heard so far for great good. Shukra referred him to Prahlada. Then, Indra approached Prahlada disguising himself as a brahmana. Indra requested an appointment with Prahlada. But, Prahlada was too busy with world affairs. He replied, “I will meet you soon after attending to my pending tasks.” Prahlada left him then after. Meanwhile, the brahmana (Indra) carried out his academic duties waiting for Prahlada.
Prahlada met the brahmana after many years. The brahmana asked him, “What is the secret to your power?” The lord of the three worlds replied that he takes the advice of his wise counselor, Shukra. Further, his men always backed him only because the wisest guided his actions, he said. Thus, Prahlada praised his mentor and the brahmana clan. Ultimately, Prahlada appreciated the brahmana’s dutifulness and asked if he wished anything. Promptly, the brahmana replied, “I wish your virtue (Sheela).” Prahlada was happy for the brahmana, and at the same time, felt worried. Yet, he said, “So be it.”
Soon, a glow in the shape of Prahlada’s body emerged out. Prahlada asked it, “Who are you?” The glowing form replied, “I am your virtue.” Soon, the glowing form disappeared entering the brahmana’s body. Then, came out another glowing figurine from Prahlada’s body. When asked who it was, the figurine replied, “I am the embodiment of cosmic law and order (dharma). I live wherever virtue lives.” Soon, the splendid form entered the brahmana’s body. Then, came out another radiant form from Prahlada’s body. It said, “I am the truth (Satya). I follow Dharma.” It too entered brahmana. Similarly did good conduct (VRtta). Then, strength (Bala) followed good conduct. Finally, prosperity and fortune (Shree) left Prahlada and took shelter in Indra.
While leaving Prahlada, Shree revealed to him that the brahmana is Indra. “Wanting to get the heavens back, Indra took your virtue. Virtue alone begets Dharma, Satya, VRtta, Bala, and Shree,” she added.
