Catursana: The Eternal Quest for The Ultimate Truth
The four sons of Lord Brahma, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara, also referred to as the Kumaras, embarked on a quest for divine darshan by giving up all material belongings and adopting a life devoted to wisdom, meditation, and spiritual development.
Catursana (Source: Personal Collection)
Once, at the beginning of the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma, the creator of the world, felt that something was missing in his creation. Although he had created the earth, sky, stars, and all living beings, he sensed the need to create beings capable of maintaining the spiritual order of the universe. So, after deep contemplation, Brahma created four sons directly from his mind.
They were Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara, known as the Catursana. These four sons were no ordinary children. Although they appeared as young boys, they possessed profound knowledge of the universe and spirituality. Brahma hoped that they would grow up and assist in the great task of creating and organizing the world. However, as soon as they were created, something unexpected happened.
The Kumaras: Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara (Source: Personal Collection)
The four Kumaras decided that they did not want to be bound by the material world. They said to their father, Brahma, "We wish to lead a life fully dedicated to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. We do not want to be involved in creation or be attached to worldly matters." Brahma was shocked to hear their decision. With a heart full of hope, he tried to convince them. "My children, you have an important role in this creation. If you do not help, how will the world develop and function in balance?"
However, the Kumaras remained firm in their decision. They chose to live a celibate life, dwell in meditation, and reject all forms of worldly attachment. "We wish to attain Brahman, the ultimate truth," said Sanatkumara, the eldest. Brahma, though disappointed, eventually accepted their decision. He came to understand that his four sons had chosen a noble path: vairagya, or the renunciation of attachment and material cravings.
Years passed, and the Kumaras lived in wisdom and meditation. They continued to explore the universe, spreading the light of knowledge to all beings seeking the truth. One day, they decided to visit Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu, to receive darshan (a sacred vision) of Him.
Jaya And Vijaya, The Gatekeepers of Vaikuntha (Source: Personal Collection)
With enthusiasm, they walked toward the gates of Vaikuntha. However, upon arrival, they were stopped by two gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya. The gatekeepers, not recognizing who the Kumaras truly were, said, "You may not enter. This place is not for little children like you." Sanaka, the eldest of them, calmly replied, "We are not ordinary children. We have come to meet Lord Vishnu. Let us in."
However, Jaya and Vijaya continued to refuse, not realizing that they were facing highly revered and sacred beings. The Kumaras felt insulted and offended. In controlled anger, they cursed Jaya and Vijaya, saying, "Because you have obstructed our path, you will fall from Vaikuntha and be born on earth as wicked beings."
Hearing this curse, Jaya and Vijaya were greatly frightened. They immediately begged the Kumaras to withdraw the curse, but the Kumaras could not retract their words. At that moment, Lord Vishnu Himself emerged from Vaikuntha, approaching the Kumaras and His gatekeepers.
Lord Vishnu Emerges From Vaikuntha (Source: Personal Collection)
Lord Vishnu, with a gentle smile, said, "Wise Kumaras, I apologize for the actions of my gatekeepers. They did not intend any disrespect. However, the curse you have given cannot be undone, and I will honor the law of nature." Jaya and Vijaya pleaded with Vishnu, "Lord, please help us! We do not wish to be born as evil beings."
Jaya and Vijaya thought for a moment and decided to choose three births as enemies of Vishnu, as they wanted to return to Vaikuntha as soon as possible. Thus, due to the curse, they were reborn on earth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, then as Ravana and Kumbhakarna, and finally as Shishupala and Dantavakra, the enemies of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The Kumaras, after this encounter, continued their journey in peace. Although they had cast a curse, their hearts remained calm, as they knew that everything was unfolding according to the laws of the universe.
They went back to meditation and carried on sharing knowledge, demonstrating to the world what it meant to be detached and to seek the ultimate truth.
