In God's Abode, Everyone is Equal

In God's Abode, Everyone is Equal
The Sankadik brothers

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in a place where everything is perfect? Imagine a world filled with beauty, infinite bliss, and kindness – that's Baikunth, the abode of Lord Mahavishnu! But what if the guards at the gate get a little too big for their shoes? That's what we're exploring today!

The four sons of Brahma, Sanak, Sanatan, Sanandan, and Sanatkumar, also known as the Sankadik brothers, are the oldest living beings. Despite their age, they always appear to be only five years old due to their yogic powers. One day, they decided to visit Lord Mahavishnu in His abode, Baikunth. They passed through the first six gates of Baikunth without any problem. However, they encountered a hurdle at the seventh gate, where they were stopped by two guards named Jai and Vijay.

Sankadik brothers are going to visit Lord Mahavishnu in Baikunth.

A Shocking Curse

Jai: Halt! Who goes there?

Vijay: "This is the abode of Lord Mahavishnu, not a playground!"

Sanak: We seek an audience with Lord Mahavishnu

Vijay: (Scoffs) Do you have an appointment?

Sanandan: (Calmly) We believe that all are welcome in His presence.

Jai: This isn't some random gathering place.

Vijay: You all are uninvited guests

Sanikadik are stopped at the gate by the guards of Lord Mahavishnu

The brothers were taken aback by the guards' rude behaviour. They had never faced such discrimination before and filled with a deep sense of disappointment, found themselves turned away at the gates by Jai and Vijay. They firmly held the belief that in the divine abode of God, everyone should be welcomed without discrimination. Their confusion and frustration grew as they were not given a clear reason for being denied entry. In their anger and sadness, they uttered a curse upon the guards, "For your pride and disrespect, you both shall be reborn in a place tainted by discrimination filled with darkness, where lust, anger, and greed reign supreme!"

The two guards' faces turn, pale with fear as they realize the gravity of their actions. They fall to their knees, their heads bowed in remorse, and humbly accept the punishment that had been meted out to them. With eyes lowered, they earnestly requested, "Please grace us, so that wherever we may dwell, our minds shall forever be devoted to our Lord."

Humility of Lord Mahavishnu

As the commotion reaches a crescendo, the majestic Lord Mahavishnu accompanied by Mother Lakshmi arrives at the gate, his presence exuding calm and authority. He quickly learns about the altercation, and the Lord says, to the Sankadik brothers "These attendants of Mine have committed an offence. The punishment you have specified is approved by Me. Since Jai and Vijay are in my service, I take full responsibility for their actions and seek forgiveness from you." Now that is true humility!

After Lord Mahavishnu himself asked for forgiveness on behalf of his guards, The brothers were impressed by Lord Mahavishnu's humility and asked Lord Mahavishnu if he wanted them to take back the curse. The Lord replied, "No, but allow Jai and Vijay to return to me after three consecutive births as demons." Then he told Jai and Vijay, "Leave this place but do not fear. Your minds will be constantly thinking of me, although it will be with feelings of hatred and anger towards me. Once you are absolved from the sin of having insulted the sages, you will return to my abode and resume your service."

Lord Mahavishnu apologies to the Sankadik brothers

The Curse Defines their next three Births

Due to the curse placed on them, Jai and Vijay were destined to take three births as enemies of the Lord before being reunited with Him.


a) In their first birth, they were born as Hiranyakashipu, a powerful king, and his younger brother Hiranyaksh, to Sage Kashyap and Diti.
b) In their second birth, they took the forms of Ravan, a formidable demon king, and his younger brother Kumbhakaran, who was born to Sage Vishrava and Kekasi.
c) In their third birth, they were born as Shishupala, the son of King Damaghosh and Kunti’s sisters Shrutashrava as Dantavakra.

Hiranyakashipu was eventually slain by the Lord during the Narasingh avatar, while his son Prahlad emerged as a great devotee of God. Hiranyaksh met his end when God appeared as a boar. Similarly, Ravan and Kumbhakarn met their fates at the hands of Shri Ram, and Shishupal and Dantavakra met their end at the hands of Shri Krishna.

After these three births as demons Jai and Vijay returned in the service of Lord Mahavishnu in the abode of Baikunth.

Summary

The narrative emphasizes that all are equal in the eyes of God. The Sankadik brothers' belief that everyone should be welcomed in Vishnu's abode reflects the principle of inclusivity in the divine realm. Jai and Vijay's discrimination contradicts this principle, leading to their punishment. This underscores the idea that true devotion lies in recognizing the divine spark in all beings and treating everyone with respect.

Lord Mahavishnu acknowledged the error committed by his guards and found a way to resolve the matter amicably by being humble and fair.

Moral

This story reminds us that humility is important, even if you're powerful or have an important job. We should treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position. And even when we make mistakes, forgiveness is always possible.