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The '''Kumaras''' are the four rishis, who are eternally in the form of children, named as Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana and Sanatkumara. Many upanishads and puranas give a detailed account of the legends around these four rishis.  The group is known by various names: "Kumaras" (the boys/male children/young boys), "Chatursana" or "Chatuh sana" (the four with names starting with Sana) and "Sanakadi" (Sanaka and the others).^[6] Individual names usually include Sanaka (ancient), Sanatana (eternal), Sanandana (joyful) and Sanatkumara (Ever Young). Sometimes, Sanatana is replaced by Sanatsujata.

The '''Kumaras''' are the four rishis, who are eternally in the form of children, named as Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana and Sanatkumara. Many upanishads and puranas give a detailed account of the legends around these four rishis.  The group is known by various names: "Kumaras" (the boys/male children/young boys), "Chatursana" or "Chatuh sana" (the four with names starting with Sana) and "Sanakadi" (Sanaka and the others).^[6] Individual names usually include Sanaka (ancient), Sanatana (eternal), Sanandana (joyful) and Sanatkumara (Ever Young). Sometimes, Sanatana is replaced by Sanatsujata.

== Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

They are described as the first mind-born creations and sons of the creator-god Brahma. Born from Brahma's mind, the four Kumaras undertook lifelong vows of celibacy (brahmacharya) against the wishes of their father. They are said to wander throughout the materialistic and spiritualistic universe without any desire but with purpose to teach.  All four brothers are enlightened with Vedic knowledge and always travel together.

They are described as the first mind-born creations and sons of the creator-god Brahma. Born from Brahma's mind, the four Kumaras undertook lifelong vows of celibacy (brahmacharya) against the wishes of their father. They are said to wander throughout the materialistic and spiritualistic universe without any desire but with purpose to teach.  All four brothers are enlightened with Vedic knowledge and always travel together.

The ''Bhagavata Purana'' lists the Kumaras among the twelve ''Mahajanas'' (great devotees or bhaktas) who although being eternally liberated souls from birth, still became attracted to the devotional service ofVishnu from their already enlightened state. It also mentions them as being an avatar of Vishnu.^[5] They play a significant role in a number of Hindu spiritual traditions, especially those associated with the worship of Vishnu and his avatar Krishna, sometimes even in traditions related to the god Shiva.

The ''Bhagavata Purana'' lists the Kumaras among the twelve ''Mahajanas'' (great devotees or bhaktas) who although being eternally liberated atmaas from birth, still became attracted to the devotional seva (सेवा | selfless service) of Vishnu from their already enlightened state. It also mentions them as being an avatar of Vishnu.^[5] They play a significant role in a number of spiritual traditions, especially those associated with the worship of Vishnu and his avatar Krishna, sometimes even in traditions related to the god Shiva.

'''A fifth Kumara named Ribhu is sometimes added. Sometimes, the Kumaras are enumerated as six with Sana and Ribhu or Sanatsujata added.'''

'''A fifth Kumara named Ribhu is sometimes added. Sometimes, the Kumaras are enumerated as six with Sana and Ribhu or Sanatsujata added.'''

==  Birth and Mission ==

==  Birth and Purpose ==

The four Kumaras are the eldest sons of the creator-god Brahma.^[8] When Brahma undertook the task of creation of the universe, he first created some beings from different parts of his body to aid him. The Kumaras was the first such beings. They were created from his mind and appeared as infants. Brahma ordered them to aid in creation, but as manifestations of Sattva (purity), and uninterested in worldly life, they refused and instead devoted themselves to God and celibacy, against the wishes of their father.^[6][8] The ''Bhagavata Purana'' narrates further that their refusal made Brahma angry and his wrath manifested into the god Rudra, also known as Lord Shiva.^[1] As per a variant, Brahma practised austerities (''tapas'') and pleased the Supreme God Vishnu, so he appeared in the form of the four infant Kumaras as Brahma's sons.^[8] Some texts like the ''Devi Bhagavata Purana'' and the''Bhavishya Purana'' narrates the four Kumaras appeared even before the Brahma of the present age. (In a cycle of time, some texts say that a Brahma dies and is reborn.)^[6]

The four Kumaras are the eldest sons of the creator-god Brahma.^[8] When Brahma undertook the task of creation of the universe, he first created some beings from different parts of his body to aid him. The Kumaras was the first such beings. They were created from his mind and appeared as infants. Brahma ordered them to aid in creation, but as manifestations of Sattva (purity), and uninterested in worldly life, they refused and instead devoted themselves to God and celibacy, against the wishes of their father. The ''Bhagavata Purana'' narrates further that their refusal made Brahma angry and his wrath manifested into the god Rudra, also known as Lord Shiva.^[1] As per a variant, Brahma practised austerities (''tapas'') and pleased the Supreme God Vishnu, so he appeared in the form of the four infant Kumaras as Brahma's sons. Some texts like the ''Devi Bhagavata Purana'' and the''Bhavishya Purana'' narrates the four Kumaras appeared even before the Brahma of the present age. (In a cycle of time, some texts say that a Brahma dies and is reborn.)^[6]

The four Kumaras learnt the ''Veda''s at the age of four or five.^[8] They thus became great ''jnani''s (learned beings), yogis and ''Siddha''s (the perfect enlightened ones). The Kumaras remained in form of children due to their spiritual virtues. The age of the sages varies in various sacred texts. While five is the most popular, they are also mentioned as being fifteen- or sixteen-year-old youths.^[9] They practised the vow of renunciation (''Sannyasa'') and celibacy (brahmacharya) and remained naked.They wander together throughout the materialistic and spiritualistic universe without any desire but with purpose to teach.^[1][6][8] 

The four Kumaras learnt the ''Veda''s at the age of four or five. They thus became great ''jnani''s (learned beings), yogis and ''Siddha''s (the perfect enlightened ones). The Kumaras remained in form of children due to their spiritual virtues. The age of the sages varies in various sacred texts. While five is the most popular, they are also mentioned as being fifteen- or sixteen-year-old youths.^[9] They practised the vow of renunciation (''Sannyasa'') and celibacy (brahmacharya) and remained naked.They wander together throughout the materialistic and spiritualistic universe without any desire but with purpose to teach. 

The four Kumaras are said to reside in ''Jana Loka'' or ''Janar loka'' (loka or world of the intellectuals in the present parlance) or in Vishnu's abodeVaikuntha.^[8][11] They constantly recite the mantra ''Hari sharanam'' (Vishnu – "God the Redeemer our Refuge") or sing Vishnu's praises. These hymns and glories of Vishnu serve as their only food.^[8] Another son of Brahma, the sage Narada, who is described as their disciple, extolls their virtues in the''Padma Purana''. Narada says though they appear as five-year-old children, they are the great ancestors of the world.^[8]

The four Kumaras are said to reside in ''Jana Loka'' or ''Janar loka'' (loka or world of the intellectuals in the present parlance) or in Vishnu's abodeVaikuntha.^[8][11] They constantly recite the mantra ''Hari sharanam'' (Vishnu – "God the Redeemer our Refuge") or sing Vishnu's praises. These hymns and glories of Vishnu serve as their only food.^[8] Another son of Brahma, the sage Narada, who is described as their disciple, extolls their virtues in the ''Padma Purana''. Narada says though they appear as five-year-old children, they are the great ancestors of the world.^[8]

==  Discourses ==

==  Discourses ==

The discourses of the four Kumaras are found in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata'' as well as the ''Bhagavata Purana''.^[8]

The discourses of the four Kumaras are found in the dharmic epic ''Mahabharata'' as well as the ''Bhagavata Purana''.^[8]

The '''''Shanti Parva''''' '''of the ''Mahabharata''''' describes the discourse given by the four Kumaras to the demon king Vritra and his guru – the sage Shukra. The king and his guru worship the Kumaras and then Shukra asks them to describe the greatness of Vishnu. Sanat-kumara starts with describing Vishnu as the creator and destroyer of all beings. He equates Vishnu's body parts with parts of the universe and the elements, for example the earth is Vishnu's feet and water is his tongue. All gods are describes as being Vishnu. Then Sanatkumara categories all beings into six colours depending upon the proportion of the three gunas: Sattva (pure), Rajas(dim) and Tamas (dark). From the lowest to the foremost beings, the colours are dark (Tamas is high, Rajas is mid, Sattva is low), tawny (Tamas is high, Sattva is mid, Rajas is low), blue (Rajas is high, Tamas is mid, Sattva is low), red (Rajas is high, Sattva is mid, Tamas is low), yellow (Sattva is high, Tamas is mid, Rajas is low) and white (Sattva is high, Rajas is mid, Tamas is low). (The ''Vishnu Purana'' gives non-living things, lower animals and birds, humans, Prajapatis, gods and the Kumaras are respective examples of the above colours.) Sanat-kumara elaborates further how a Jiva (living entity) journeys from dark to white in his various births, ultimately gaining moksha if he does good deeds, devotion and yoga.^[12][13]

The '''''Shanti Parva''''' '''of the ''Mahabharata''''' describes the discourse given by the four Kumaras to the demon king Vritra and his guru – the sage Shukra. The king and his guru worship the Kumaras and then Shukra asks them to describe the greatness of Vishnu. Sanat-kumara starts with describing Vishnu as the creator and destroyer of all beings. He equates Vishnu's body parts with parts of the universe and the elements, for example the earth is Vishnu's feet and water is his tongue. All gods are describes as being Vishnu. Then Sanatkumara categories all beings into six colours depending upon the proportion of the three gunas: Sattva (pure), Rajas(dim) and Tamas (dark). From the lowest to the foremost beings, the colours are dark (Tamas is high, Rajas is mid, Sattva is low), tawny (Tamas is high, Sattva is mid, Rajas is low), blue (Rajas is high, Tamas is mid, Sattva is low), red (Rajas is high, Sattva is mid, Tamas is low), yellow (Sattva is high, Tamas is mid, Rajas is low) and white (Sattva is high, Rajas is mid, Tamas is low). (The ''Vishnu Purana'' gives non-living things, lower animals and birds, humans, Prajapatis, gods and the Kumaras are respective examples of the above colours.) Sanat-kumara elaborates further how a Jiva (living entity) journeys from dark to white in his various births, ultimately gaining moksha if he does good deeds, devotion and yoga.^[12][13]

The '''''Bhagavata Purana''''' narrates the visit of the four Kumaras to the court of King Prithu, the first sovereign in Hindu mythology and an avatar of Vishnu. The king worships the sages and asked them about the way of emancipation (moksha) that can be followed by all people who caught in the web of worldly things. Sanat-kumara tells the king that Vishnu is the refuge to all and grants liberation of the cycle of births and rebirths. His worship frees one from material desires and lust. One should be freed from material objects, lives a simple life of non-violence and devotion of Vishnu and follows the teachings of a good guru and undergo Self-realization. One should realize that all living things are forms of God. Without devotion and knowledge, humans are incomplete. Out of four ''purushartha''s ("goals of life"), only moksha is eternal, while religious duty, wealth and pleasure decay with this life. While all beings are subject to destruction, the soul and God in our bodies is eternal. So it is paramount that you surrender to God (as Vishnu or Krishna), said Sanat-kumara ending his council. Prithu worships the Kumaras again, who blessed him.^[14]

The '''''Bhagavata Purana''''' narrates the visit of the four Kumaras to the court of King Prithu, the first sovereign in mythology and an avatar of Vishnu. The king worships the sages and asked them about the way of emancipation (moksha) that can be followed by all people who caught in the web of worldly things. Sanat-kumara tells the king that Vishnu is the refuge to all and grants liberation of the cycle of births and rebirths. His worship frees one from material desires and lust. One should be freed from material objects, lives a simple life of non-violence and devotion of Vishnu and follows the teachings of a good guru and undergo Self-realization. One should realize that all living things are forms of God. Without devotion and knowledge, humans are incomplete. Out of four ''purushartha''s ("goals of life"), only moksha is eternal, while religious duty, wealth and pleasure decay with this life. While all beings are subject to destruction, the soul and God in our bodies is eternal. So it is paramount that you surrender to God (as Vishnu or Krishna), said Sanat-kumara ending his council. Prithu worships the Kumaras again, who blessed him.^[14]

The first section or '''''Purvabhaga''''' '''of ''Naradiya Purana''''', an upapurana has 4 ''pada''s or sections, each told by the four Kumaras respectively to Narada.^[15]Brahma, who had received the knowledge of the Puranas from Vishnu, imbibed this to his Four Kumaras, who then taught the Puranas to Narada. Narada transmitted it to Vyasa, who scripted them into the Puranic texts. The ''Vishnu Purana'' is recorded in two parts, the Vishnu Purana and Naradiya Purana. The teachings of Sanaka of the Kumara brothers are contained in the Naradiya Purana which is also divivided in two parts, the first part containing the teachings of Sanaka and others.^[16]

The first section or '''''Purvabhaga''''' '''of ''Naradiya Purana''''', an upapurana has 4 ''pada''s or sections, each told by the four Kumaras respectively to Narada.^[15]Brahma, who had received the knowledge of the Puranas from Vishnu, imbibed this to his Four Kumaras, who then taught the Puranas to Narada. Narada transmitted it to Vyasa, who scripted them into the Puranic texts. The ''Vishnu Purana'' is recorded in two parts, the Vishnu Purana and Naradiya Purana. The teachings of Sanaka of the Kumara brothers are contained in the Naradiya Purana which is also divivided in two parts, the first part containing the teachings of Sanaka and others.^[16]

Shiva had assumed the form of Dakshinamurti, the great teacher and meditating facing South observing a vow of silence. The four Kumaras approached Shiva for self-realization. He taught them about the Supreme reality – Brahman by making ''chin mudra'' gesture with his hand. The index finger is touched to the thumb, indicating the union of Brahman and jiva. Thus, Shiva made the Kumaras as his disciples.^[18]

Shiva had assumed the form of Dakshinamurti, the great teacher and meditating facing South observing a vow of silence. The four Kumaras approached Shiva for self-realization. He taught them about the Supreme reality – Brahman by making ''chin mudra'' gesture with his hand. The index finger is touched to the thumb, indicating the union of Brahman and jiva. Thus, Shiva made the Kumaras as his disciples.^[18]

The ''Linga Purana'' describes that Shiva or his aspect Vamadeva will be born as a Kumara and then multiply into the four Kumaras in each kalpa (aeon) as sons of Brahma of that kalpa. In the 29th Kalpa, Swetha Lohita is the main Kumara; where they are named as Sananda, Nandana, Vishwananda and Upananadana of white colour; then in the 30th Kalpa, they are named as Virajas, Vivahu, Visoka and Vishwbhavana, all of red colour; and in the 31st Kalpa in yellow colour; and in the 32nd Kalpa, as of black colour.^[7]

The ''Linga Purana'' describes that Shiva or his aspect Vamadeva will be born as a Kumara and then multiply into the four Kumaras in each kalpa (aeon) as sons of Brahma of that kalpa. In the 29th Kalpa, Swetha Lohita is the main Kumara; where they are named as Sananda, Nandana, Vishwananda and Upananadana of white colour; then in the 30th Kalpa, they are named as Virajas, Vivahu, Visoka and Vishwbhavana, all of red colour; and in the 31st Kalpa in yellow colour; and in the 32nd Kalpa, as of black colour.<blockquote>चतुराशीतिसाहस्रमुत्सेधेन प्रकीर्तितः।। प्रविष्टः षोडशाधस्ताद्विंस्तृतः षोडशैव तु।। ४८.२ ।। (Ling. Pura. 1.48.2)<ref>Linga Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_-_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AA%E0%A5%AE Purvabhaga Adhyaya  48])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>caturāśītisāhasramutsēdhēna prakīrtitaḥ।। praviṣṭaḥ ṣōḍaśādhastādviṁstr̥taḥ ṣōḍaśaiva tu।। 48.2 ।।</blockquote>The four sages Sanak,Sanandan,Sanatan,Sanat were learned Brahmins. They were the sons of Lord Brahma. They were very proud of their father, Brahma because he was the creator of the holy books, Vedas. They were aware of three Vedas,- Rigved, Yajurved, and Samveda and considered that the whole knowledge is complete in these three books.On the other hand, Sage Atharva approached Lord Shiva to get approval of his knowledge which he gathered from the universe using his divine powers. Lord Shiva, impressed by his creation and blessed Sage Atharva that his book of knowledge would constitute the list of Vedas and will be called as ‘Atharvaveda’. When this news reached the sons of Lord Brahma, they protested as according to them the other three Vedas was a complete set of knowledge and there was no need of fourth Veda. They argued with Lord Shiva and challenged his authority to certify a fourth Veda. Finally it was decided that whether to certify a fourth Veda or not depends upon the result learned debate. Goddess Saraswati was appointed as judge. The four Sages fired too much and too complicated questions to Lord Shiva and they were very confident of their victory as they underestimated Lord Shiva. But Shiva, who is the Lord of all the supreme knowledge, answered each and every question. The Sages accept their defeat gracefully and ask for forgiveness. Since then Artharva Veda was added to the list of Vedas, making the total four. The Sages went to their brother Prajapati Daksha who was bitter rival of Lord Shiva. On listening about the defeat of his four brothers, he cursed them to be small children. After that the four sages turned into small children. Since the sages were very learned, they thanked their brother for the curse because after becoming children their urge for learning would be greater.

 

The four sages Sanak,Sanandan,Sanatan,Sanat were learned Brahmins. They were the sons of Lord Brahma. They were very proud of their father, Brahma because he was the creator of the holy books, Vedas. They were aware of three Vedas,- Rigved, Yajurved, and Samveda and considered that the whole knowledge is complete in these three books.On the other hand, Sage Atharva approached Lord Shiva to get approval of his knowledge which he gathered from the universe using his divine powers. Lord Shiva, impressed by his creation and blessed Sage Atharva that his book of knowledge would constitute the list of Vedas and will be called as ‘Atharvaveda’. When this news reached the sons of Lord Brahma, they protested as according to them the other three Vedas was a complete set of knowledge and there was no need of fourth Veda. They argued with Lord Shiva and challenged his authority to certify a fourth Veda. Finally it was decided that whether to certify a fourth Veda or not depends upon the result learned debate. Goddess Saraswati was appointed as judge. The four Sages fired too much and too complicated questions to Lord Shiva and they were very confident of their victory as they underestimated Lord Shiva. But Shiva, who is the Lord of all the supreme knowledge, answered each and every question. The Sages accept their defeat gracefully and ask for forgiveness. Since then Artharva Veda was added to the list of Vedas, making the total four. The Sages went to their brother Prajapati Daksha who was bitter rival of Lord Shiva. On listening about the defeat of his four brothers, he cursed them to be small children. After that the four sages turned into small children. Since the sages were very learned, they thanked their brother for the curse because after becoming children their urge for learning would be greater.

== Other legends[edit] ==

== Other legends[edit] ==

== References ==

== References ==