Lord Brahma had four sons. Their names were Sanaka, Sanaatana, Sanandana and Sanatkumaara. They were great sages. Once they went to Vaikuntha to pay their respects to Lord Vishnu.

The entrance was guarded by Jaya and Vijaya. The sages said, “We are Rishis. We have come to pay our respects to Lord Vishnu. Please allow us inside.” But Jaya and Vijaya did not listen to them. They said, “Whoever you may be, we cannot allow you in.” The sages said. “Please inform Lord Vishnu that we have come.

He will ask you to let us in.” But the guards were arrogant. They paid no heed to the sages’ words. The sages became angry. They said, “You are very arrogant. You don’t have humility. You don’t deserve to be the guards of the Lord. We therefore curse you to be born on the earth three times and suffer.” Accordingly they were born on the earth thrice. Their first birth was as Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaaksha.

They were killed by Mahaavishnu as Narasimha and Varaaha respectively. Next they were born as Raavana and Kumbhakarna. This time Vishnu appeared as Sri Raama to kill them. In their last birth they were born as Shishupaala and Dandavakra and were finally released by Sri Krishna. Even persons in high positions have to suffer punishment for haughtiness and disrespect to elders and holy men. We should always show respect to our elders and holy men.