| The Four Kumaras | |
|---|---|
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| Other names | Sanakadika Rishis |
| Affiliation | Children of Brahma Devotees of Vishnu |
| Abode | Janaloka |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents | Brahma |
| Siblings | Chitragupta, Narada and Daksha |
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The Kumaras are four sages (rishis) from the Puranic texts of Hinduism who roam the universe as children,[1][2] generally named Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara.[3] 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 the purpose of teaching.[1] All four brothers studied Vedas from their childhood, and always travelled together.[4]
The Bhagavata Purana lists the Kumaras among the twelve mahajanas (great devotees or bhaktas)[5] who although being eternally liberated souls from birth, still became attracted to the devotional service of Vishnu from their already enlightened state.[6] 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 Shiva.
- ^ a b "Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 3.12". Vedabase.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ D Dennis Hudson (25 September 2008). The Body of God:An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press. pp. 355–. ISBN 978-0-19-536922-9. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ Hudson, D. Dennis (25 September 2008). The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 412. ISBN 978-0-19-536922-9.
- ^ James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: Volume Two. The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 592–. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
- ^ "Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.20–21". Vedabase.net. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ Alain Daniélou (1 December 1991). The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism from the Princeton Bollingen Series. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-89281-354-4. Retrieved 26 December 2012.