Every Avatar has two causes: the prayers of devotees and the atrocities of wicked people. The unity of these two is essential for an Avatar. Here is a small example. Prahlada remembered the name of Hari without interruption. He was one who had devotion to Hari. But Hiranyakashipu, his father, was a hater of Hari. Prahlada’s love and Hiranyakashipu’s hatred combined to result in Narasimha-Avatar. Good and bad had to come together. As long as Prahlada chanted ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’, the Lord protected him. Why was he protected? In what situations was he protected? When he could not endure the atrocities of his father, he was protected. Thus, the trouble given by the father itself became the protection given to Prahlada! Hiranya’s hatred made it possible for Prahlada to acquire proximity to the Lord. These two factors must be present for every Avatar’s advent: wickedness and devotion. In this way, in matters of Divinity, there are many subtle secrets. – Summer Showers, May 21, 1995