The story of SANAKADIK, the four sons of Lord Brahma

The name SANAKADIK applies to four Brahmarshi brothers who are the sons of the creator of the material world Lord Brahma. Their names were Sanak,Sanandan, Sanatan and Sanatkumar. It is said that once Lord Brahma felt some impurities inside himself which was making him restless. So he meditated to erase the impurities from his mind. When he succeeded in erasing the impurities, he felt pure bliss which made him very happy. And out of happiness he created the most pious,pure and holy four brothers. In some scriptures, five brothers have been mentioned. The fifth brother was Sanatsujat. But it was said that Sanatkumar and Sanatsujat were one and the same. The divine power of Lord Brahma, enlightened the Sanakadik all the knowledge, process of worship and knowledge of self. The nature and attitudes of the four brothers were similar. All of them were free from the sadripu (षडरीपु, the six devils inside human beings). They have the power to move anywhere invisible. They are called the greatest sages. Sanakadik were unaffected by the deluge. On each recreation by Lord Narayan,they used to teach the knowledge of brahma (ब्रह्मज्ञान) to the sages. The four brothers were the dedicated devotees of Lord Narayan. They used to discuss the glory of the Lord many times. Their principal hymn was 'Harih Sharanam'(हरि‌‌: शरणम्). They were chanting this hymn all the time. Baikunth, the abode of Lord Narayan was always open for them on the special instruction of the Lord.Each of them looked like a five years old child. They were remaining naked all the time.

   

         Once, the Sanakadik brothers went to Baikunth, the abode of Lord Narayan. But they were stopped by two gatekeepers Jay and Bijay at the gate of Baikunth because of their childish looks. Even after knowing the identity of Sanakadik, the gatekeepers didn't permit them to enter. Seeing their arrogance, they uttered " Fall to the earth". Their utterance horrified Jay and Bijay who were brothers by relation. They fell on the feet of the sages and begged forgiveness for their arrogance. Realising the consequences of their utterance, Sanakadik brothers repented for their inadvertent slip of tongue. At that time Lord Narayan with goddess Laxmi appeared at the gate. Seeing their beloved Lord, the sages begged forgiveness for their slip of tongue.  But the Lord consoled them. He advised them not to repent as the event was pre-created by himself to take two incarnations as Lord Ram and Krishna. But Jay and Bijay prayed miserably before the Lord not to let them go to the earth. They were very disappointed to leave the lotus feet of the Lord. The Lord consoled them and told them that this would be their great service for the earth. Jay and Bijay took birth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu in Satya yuga, Ravana and Kumbhakarna Treta yuga, Shishupal and Dantavakra in Dwapar yuga. Even the harsh utterance of the sages was also for the wellbeing of the world. 

     Sanakadik brothers were the elder brothers of Devarshi Narad. Many great sages were the disciples of Sanakadik brothers.Sankadik had started the Guru Shishya Parampara. Each of them had chosen and regarded his elder one as his Guru. They are free from the cycle of birth and death. Their abode is Brahmalok. Even now they roam in the world invisibly.

Source- Bhaktamal