Further Flashback - Past Lives of the Demons

Chapter 15, 16

When the two demons appeared in Diti’s womb, it triggered a series of inauspicious signs in the universe. Fearful and bewildered, the demigods took shelter of Lord Brahma, who related the intriguing story of their previous life.

Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu were previously the two doorkeepers of Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya. When the saintly Kumaras were travelling towards the breathtaking land of Vaikuntha, which is opulent, fragrant and pure, they arrived at the seventh gate which was guarded by Jaya and Vijaya. When they were inappropriately blocked and refused entry, the four brothers angrily cursed the doorkeepers. Jaya and Vijaya were repentant and realised the grave mistake they had made.

Fully aware of what had transpired, the Lord immediately arrived on the scene. When the Four Kumaras beheld His beauty and smelt the tulasi leaves from His lotus feet, it sparked a change of heart. They progressed from an impersonal understanding to the personal conception, praying for causeless and ceaseless devotional service. A conversation between the Lord, the Kumaras and the doorkeepers then ensued.

The Lord apologised for the behaviour of His doorkeepers and explained how dear the brahmanas are to Him. The Kumaras offered heartfelt glorification in return and conceded that they may have over-reacted in cursing the doorkeepers. The Lord explained that it was His divine plan for Jaya and Vijaya to leave Vaikuntha, but, feeling compassion, He softened the punishment. He predicted their future appearance in families staunchly against Vishnu, but their subsequent speedy return to the spiritual world after three demoniac births. Jaya and Vijaya thus fell from Vaikuntha, took shelter in Kasyapa Muni’s semen, and later entered Diti’s womb. []