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
แม้ฤๅษีทั้งสี่จะเก่าแก่ยิ่งกว่าบุตรอื่นของพรหมาอย่างมรีจิ แต่กลับปรากฏดุจเด็กน้อยเปลือยกายอายุห้าหกขวบ เมื่อชยะและวิชยะเห็นจะเข้าไวกุณฐะ จึงคิดว่าเป็นเด็กธรรมดาและห้ามไม่ให้เข้า
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.