Shloka 12
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
स्वागतं वो द्विजश्रेष्ठा यद्व्रतानि मुमुक्षव: । चरन्ति श्रद्धया धीरा बाला एव बृहन्ति च ॥ १२ ॥
svāgataṁ vo dvija-śreṣṭhā yad-vratāni mumukṣavaḥ caranti śraddhayā dhīrā bālā eva bṛhanti ca
Mahārāja Pṛthu welcomed the four Kumāras, addressing them as the foremost of brāhmaṇas. He said: From birth you have faithfully observed the vows of brahmacarya; though expert in the path of liberation, you remain as innocent as small children.
The specific importance of the Kumāras is that they were brahmacārīs, living the life of celibacy from birth. They kept themselves as small children about four or five years old because by growing into youth one’s senses sometimes become disturbed and celibacy becomes difficult. The Kumāras therefore purposefully remained children because in a child’s life the senses are never disturbed by sex. This is the significance of the life of the Kumāras, and as such Mahārāja Pṛthu addressed them as the best of the brāhmaṇas. Not only were the Kumāras born of the best brāhmaṇa (Lord Brahmā), but they are addressed herein as dvija-śreṣṭhāḥ, “the best of the brāhmaṇas, ” on account of their being Vaiṣṇavas also. As we have already explained, they have their sampradāya (disciplic succession), and even to date the sampradāya is being maintained and is known as the Nimbārka sampradāya. Out of the four sampradāyas of the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, the Nimbārka sampradāya is one. Mahārāja Pṛthu specifically appreciated the position of the Kumāras because they maintained the brahmacarya vow from the very beginning of their birth. Mahārāja Pṛthu, however, expressed his great appreciation of Vaiṣṇavism by addressing the Kumāras as vaiṣṇava-śreṣṭhāḥ. In other words, everyone should offer respect to a Vaiṣṇava without considering his source of birth. Vaiṣṇave jāti-buddhiḥ: no one should consider a Vaiṣṇava in terms of birth. The Vaiṣṇava is always the best of the brāhmaṇas, and as such one should offer all respects to a Vaiṣṇava, not only as a brāhmaṇa but as the best of the brāhmaṇas.
FAQs
This verse affirms that seekers of liberation (mumukṣu) follow spiritual vows with faith (śraddhā) and steadiness (dhīratā), and such practice leads to inner growth and greatness.
In Canto 4, Chapter 22, Pṛthu Mahārāja honors the brāhmaṇas as spiritual guides and recognizes their faithful observance of vows as the foundation of dharma and the path toward liberation.
Adopt a consistent, faith-supported discipline—such as daily japa, sāttvika habits, or regular study of Bhagavatam—because steady practice can elevate even a beginner to maturity in character and devotion.