Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 37
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
पञ्चषड्ढायनार्भाभा: पूर्वेषामपि पूर्वजा: । दिग्वासस: शिशून् मत्वा द्वा:स्थौ तान् प्रत्यषेधताम् ॥ ३७ ॥
pañca-ṣaḍḍhāyanārbhābhāḥ pūrveṣām api pūrvajāḥ dig-vāsasaḥ śiśūn matvā dvāḥ-sthau tān pratyaṣedhatām
Walaupun keempat-empat resi itu lebih tua daripada putera-putera Brahmā yang lain seperti Marīci, mereka kelihatan seperti kanak-kanak kecil telanjang berusia lima atau enam tahun. Menyangka mereka budak biasa, penjaga pintu Jaya dan Vijaya melarang mereka masuk ke Vaikuṇṭha.
In this regard, Śrīla Madhvācārya says in his Tantra-sāra:
FAQs
Because the Kumāras appeared like naked five- or six-year-old boys, the gatekeepers mistook them for ordinary children and attempted to restrict their entry, setting the stage for the well-known offense and curse narrative.
This verse highlights that exalted beings may appear simple externally; spiritual vision requires humility and discernment rather than judging by age, dress, or outward form.
Do not dismiss sincere practitioners due to external differences; avoid gatekeeping and cultivate respectful behavior, since mistakes toward devotees can create serious obstacles in bhakti.