Prahlada's Previous Birth

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Prahlad’s Previous Birth   

Prahlad, in his previous birth, was the youngest of four sons of a Yogi. His three elder brothers received sufficient spiritual lessons from his father. However, Prahlad, though well disciplined, somehow couldn't attain the highest level as his brothers.

Once his parents went on a pilgrimage and before leaving his father asked Prahlad to take care of the Amrut kalash (pot with divine drink) kept in one corner of the house. 

Prahlad dutifully took care of the kalash. He never opened it nor allowed anyone to do so.

After some days, his parents returned home fully exhausted. Father asked Prahlad to get him amrut kalash, stating that alone would satisfy his quench. 

Prahlad went to fetch the pot only to see the vessel was empty. He suspected that Lord Indra alone would have taken away the amrut as none dared to approach it.

Immediately through his yogic power, he went to Indraloka and took the amrut kalash. Indra did not object but questioned him. Prahlad accused Indra of snatching away kalash, though Indra denied any wrongdoing.

Prahlad offered amruth to his father. Father, instead of feeling happy, was annoyed and asked how he could get it. Prahlad narrated the whole event and his visit to Indraloka and said he brought amruth and Indra is fully aware of it. 

Father again questioned Prahlad on how he could make false accusations against Indra and said he doesn't deserve any higher learning in this birth. He asked him to repeat ‘Hari’ nama till the end of his life. 

A small mistake of false accusation on Indra led Prahlad to take rebirth. The merits he had gained in previous birth enabled him to get Sage Narada's protection and learnings.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana