The Reincarnation ( s ) of Jaya and Vijaya : A Journey through the Yugas

Among the earliest reincarnation narratives found in India’s Puranic texts, we find the stories of Jaya and Vijaya, the two gatekeepers of the spiritual world. Though there is little in these stories to explain reincarnation in a philosophical sense, the teaching of transmigration is implicit in the stories themselves, for we follow the two gatekeepers through three successive incarnations (along with the three incarnations of the divine who follow them through their various lifetimes).


Jaya and Vijaya
As the story goes, there were once four little boys, the Kumāras, who tried to gain entrance into Paradise, the spiritual world, known in the Indic tradition as Vaikun .t .ha. 3 Though they looked like five year olds, they were actually very old and spiritually very advanced-but not advanced enough.At the entrance to Paradise were two gatekeepers whose names were Jaya and Vijaya, and it was their job to allow or prevent, as the case may be, living beings who propose to enter.Now, these four little boys, though spiritually advanced, were impersonalists. 4According to Vaishnava tradition, an impersonalist is someone who thinks of God as not having form and is thus not ready to enter the spiritual world, where one has sweet interaction and relationship with God's form.Because of this, when the four little boys tried to enter Paradise, the gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya, stopped them from doing so.
As little boys often do, the Kumāras became angry for not getting their way, and they placed a curse on the two gatekeepers, forcing them to take birth in the material world. 5mmediately fearing for their own well being, Jaya and Vijaya asked the four little boys for forgiveness, and it was at that moment when the Supreme Person Himself-Vishnu-appeared on the scene to intervene on their behalf. 6Placating the small boys, Vishnu convinced them to allow Jaya and Vijaya, as penance for their offense, to, yes, take birth in the material world, but, after some time, to return to Vaikun .t .ha, the spiritual realm.With that being said, the two gatekeepers lost their effulgence.Their countenances having fallen and becoming deeply saddened, they fell to the material world, taking birth as demons. 7

Hiran . yāks . a and Hiran . yakaśipu
We will now see Jaya and Vijaya take three births each throughout cosmic history-in each part of the world cycles, that is, in each of the initial three yugas-and then a very special birth in the fourth.Jaya becomes Hiranyaksha, Rāvan .a, and Sishupala 8 in Satya-, Treta-, and Dvāparā-yuga, respectively. 9he sequence for Vijaya similarly manifests as Hiran .yakaśipu, Kumbhakarn .a, and Dantavakra. 10 Though this might seem a little confusing, we will now see how it all plays out.
Once, millions of years ago, twins were born. 11Their names were Hiran .yāks .a and Hiran .yakaśipu.The former means "one who loves gold and does his best to look for it, mine it, and collect it," and the latter means "one who loves gold and soft bedding," with the latter point subtly referring to a desire for sexual pleasure. 12n other words, both Jaya and Vijaya, in their births as Hiran .yāks .a and Hiran .yakaśipu, were of unfortunate mentality, rascals who were always looking for material comforts as well as always 3 This story of the gatekeepers can be found in numerous Puranic texts.This version is found in A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (SB) (Prabhupada 1977-1982), beginning with Canto 3, Chapter 15, Text 12. Similar "gatekeeper" stories can be found in other religious traditions.For example, in the Christian tradition, St. Peter has often been depicted as "holding the keys" to Paradise, and in Islam, to cite one other example, we learn of heaven (Jannah) as having eight doors or gates.http://www.vedabase.com/en/mbk/appendix-5-main-characters.9 SB 10.74.46 Purport. 10 Ibid., 7.1.35.Purport.Tradition holds that Vishnu gave Jaya and Vijaya an option to choose one or the other, i.e., seven births as devotees or three births as demons and that Jaya and Vijaya chose the latter.One will not find, however, any real scriptural evidence for this.The closest reference would be SB 7.8.56,purport, where Prabhupāda writes, "Jaya and Vijaya were very much perturbed, but the Lord advised them to act as enemies, for then they would return after three births; otherwise, ordinarily, they would have to take seven births." 11 Ibid., 3.17.2. 12 Īśopanis .ad, Translation and explanation by Prabhupāda (Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1970).challenging the Supreme Person. 13While such a mindset is normally an impediment to bhakti, or devotional service, it was in this instance the result of God's will, as we shall see. 14ecause of the elder brother Hiran .yāks .a's constant desire to mine for gold in the Earth, our planet gradually became unstable and detached from its position of floating in the universe.Thus, she eventually fell down into the cosmic ocean. 15eanwhile, Hiran .yāks .a underwent tremendous austerities and thus received the blessings of Brahmā, the first created being, who allowed him to become undefeatable by man or beast.In due course, Hiran .yāks .a took the Earth, already loosened by his mining activity, as already noted, and plunged her into the primordial depths of the cosmic ocean.All seemed lost.
However, when procuring his boon from Brahmā, Hiran .yāks .a had not mentioned the boar in his list of animals that would not be able to conquer him, and in light of this, Vishnu assumed just that form-Varāha Avatāra-with huge tusks and other assorted boar features.Diving down into the primordial ocean, he saved the earth as only a boar could, lifting it up with His transcendental tusks.But while in the ocean, He encountered Hiran .yāks .a, who was ready for combat.They charged toward each other with rage.Finally, after a thousand cosmic years of battle, Hiran .yāks .a was slain, ready for his next birth.
Although both Hiran .yāks .a and Hiran .yakaśipu received the blessing that they would never be killed by any living being in the universe, 16 Hiran .yakaśipu asked for additional boons from Lord Brahmā.Specifically, he wanted to become totally immortal, but Brahmā said that even he could not overcome death and consequently could not grant such freedom to Hiran .yakaśipu.
Hiran .yakaśipu then tried to circumvent this obstacle: He asked that he not be killed by any man, animal, god or, in fact, anyone in the material universe.He also asked that he not die on land, in the air, water, nor by any weapon.17Lastly, he asked that he not be killed in the daytime or nighttime. 18e thought that this would effectively make him unconquerable.Brahmā granted him these boons.Now, Hiran .yakaśipu was angry with Vishnu for killing his brother Hiran .yāks .a and it was in his anger that he asked Lord Brahmā for the above blessings, hoping to use his invulnerability to destroy the Earth's saintly culture and to subjugate the entire universe-what to speak of destroy Vishnu Himself. 19More, he had legions of followers to assist him in his ugly plan, and they were only too glad to carry out his orders.
"Thus the demons, being fond of disastrous activities, took Hiran .yakaśipu's instructions on their heads with great respect and offered him obeisances.According to his directions, they engaged in envious activities directed against all living beings."(SB 7.2.13)And yet, in spite of all his wealth and influence, all his endeavors to "overturn the established practices within [the] world,"20 to conquer the universe and planets of all human beings and bring them under his control, along with all his opulence and power,21 bodily strength, and enjoying all types of sense gratification as much as possible, 22 ultimately he failed and was killed by the Supreme Person23 -Nr .si ṁhadeva, the half-man/half-lion incarnation, battled with him and ripped him to shreds.
To fulfill the benedictions given to him by Lord Brahmā, Hiran .yakaśipu was killed after he had been placed on Nr .si ṁha's lap and therefore not by any created being; during dusk and therefore not during day nor night; not inside or out but on the terrace, and on the lap of the Lord; wasn't killed by any "person" but by an incarnation of God; and not by any manmade weapon,24 but by the claws of Nr .si ṁha, the Supreme Person Himself.

Rāvan . a and Kumbhakarn . a
Rāvan .a and Kumbhakarn .a, the second incarnations of Jaya and Vijaya, were rāks .asas-demons who ate humans-and were brothers born into the family of Viśravā and Keśinī.Rāvan .a means "one who causes trouble for others and makes others cry,"25 and it is said that he was a ten-headed monster-literally.Kumbhakarn .a, the younger brother of Rāvan .a, means "pot-eared," and he was called this specifically because of the shape of his ears.Kumbhakarn .a, we are told, slept a lot and upon waking had a big appetite-for people. 26he story of the two rāks .asa brothers is predominantly found in the Rāmāyan .a-an ancient Indian epic of approximately 24,000 Sanskrit verses-and in the 9th Canto, Chapter 10 of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, among other places.In any case, the point is this: Rāvan .a wasn't able to control himself; he was a demon of the worst order, setting any kind and altruistic ideas aside in favor of self-aggrandizement and complete selfishness.He apparently had lusty desires for Rāma's wife Sītā, too, who he kidnapped by subterfuge and took to Lanka. 27Kumbhakarn .a was similarly uncontrolled.He is briefly mentioned in SB 9.10.18,and in the 7th, 4th, and 9th Cantos, but it is usually only in passing.
There's more information about Kumbhakarn .a in the Rāmāyan .a, but even that seems negligible.Another source has Kumbhakarn .a telling Rāvan .a that the way he abducted Sītā wasn't proper (Narayan 2006, p. 125).That same source tells how it was difficult to arouse Kumbhakarn .a from his deep sleep 28 and that if you were the one unfortunate enough to be given the task of awakening him, you would likely end up becoming his breakfast.
Rāvan .a and Kumbhakarn .a were later killed by Lord Rāma, the incarnation of Vishnu in the Tretā age.First Kumbhakarn .a was killed, but not before he killed thousands of the monkey warriors of Hanumān's brother's army. 29As for Rāvan .a, he was killed in Lanka 30 when Rāma shot an arrow into his heart. 31The fatal blow had to be in his heart because he had been given a benediction that if any of his ten heads were destroyed, another would take its place. 32Interestingly, Rāvan .a's original nature came through after he was killed by Rāma."Rama's arrows had burnt off the layers of dross, the anger, conceit, cruelty, lust, and egotism which had encrusted his real self, and now his personality came through in its pristine form . . ." 33

Śiśupāla and Dantavakra
For their third (and ostensibly last) incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya took birth in a ks .atriya family as the cousins of Yudhis .t .hira. 34Oddly, Śiśupāla is said to have had three eyes and four arms when he was born. 35He was the son of Damaghos .a (Prabhupada 1972-2010, p. 356), later became the King of Chedi, a kingdom in ancient India, and was an enemy of Krishna.Śiśupāla's cousin, Dantavakra (they weren't brothers in this birth) was so named because of his crooked teeth 36 and he was the king of Kar ūs .a. 37 Both Śiśupāla and Dantavakra were killed by Krishna, 38 with the first being Śiśupāla.It happened that King Yudhis .t .hira decided to have a big consecration ceremony and invited all the demigods and qualified Brahmins to attend. 39He also invited other family members who were less than qualified.One of them was Śiśupāla, who was also one of Krishna's cousins.He was angry with Krishna for many reasons, but one of them was that he, Śiśupāla, was supposed to marry Princess Rukmin .ī and the very day of her wedding, Krishna kidnapped her as per her desire and she married Him instead. 40ack to Yudhis .t .hira's ceremony: The most important people of the clan were invited to speak, and when it came to Śiśupāla's turn, he remained seated which in itself was disrespectful, and, then, what's worse, he began to berate Krishna.Śiśupāla didn't just give his opinion about things-he suggested that Krishna wasn't fit to be honored the way the others were honoring Him.He kept going on and on and became more and more offensive as he continued. 41Some of those present actually covered their ears or left the assembly.Others were so offended by Śiśupāla's words that they threatened to kill him.It was then that Krishna, seeing that the ceremony was about to be disrupted, threw his Sudarśana chakra at Śiśupāla, cutting his head off-giving him liberation. 42fter Śiśupāla's death, Dantavakra became extremely angry and in his anger challenged Krishna to battle, bringing only his anger and a single club to the fray.Krishna, following the rules of military etiquette, armed Himself in a commensurate way, using only a club.As is usual for a demon, Dantavakra hurled meaningless insults at Krishna.Then they fought.
At first he tried to placate the Lord by reminding Him that they were cousins, but then he started to boast again, saying he would tear Krishna into pieces.Just then, he hit Krishna in the head with his club, and not feeling any pain or discomfort, Krishna retaliated by hitting Dantavakra in the chest, splitting his heart wide open. 43Those present at the confrontation say they saw a small spiritual spark go from Dantavakra's body into Krishna's.
This birth was special for Jaya and Vijaya.
According to R ūpa Goswāmī's Laghu-bhāgavatāmr .ta (1.5.41-64), the order of births in which Jaya and Vijaya were killed is significant.In their first birth as Hiran .yāks .a and Hiran .yakaśipu, they did not realize that Varāha and Nr .si ṁha were Vishnu.They weren't conscious of who it was they were battling with.Similarly, as Rāvan .a and Kumbhakarn .a, they didn't know who Lord Rāma really was.
However, in their maturity, having evolved over two prior births, things were different.As Śiśupāla and Dantavakra, they were able to perceive that Krishna was in fact the Supreme Lord.More, due to their growing hatred of Him over the two prior lifetimes, they consistently chanted His names, if, unfortunately, in disgust, and that too led to their liberation, so holy is His name.Therefore, as Śiśupāla and Dantavakra, they are described as attaining supreme release.But they did not immediately go to the spiritual world, to be reinstated as the eternal gatekeepers of Vaikun .t .ha.First, they were to undergo one more incarnation-one that would bestow upon them special mercy.

Liberation of Jāgai and Mādhāi
In Kali-yuga, the fourth age cycle in which we currently exist, there is a special incarnation of Krishna who not only partakes of His supreme position as avatārī, thus allowing Him to be counted 36 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dantavakra. 37  amongst the Parāvastha Avatāras, but who has the esoteric dimension of being Krishna in the mood of Rādhā, the female Absolute.This means that He is essentially not only God but also an incarnation of Love Supreme. 44his dynamic and confidential avatāra is Śrī Chaitanya, appearing on Earth some 500 years ago in Bengal, India.
On one occasion pertinent to our discussion, He asked His chief associates, Nityānanda and Haridāsa: "Please go through the streets of Navadvip, door to door, and ask one and all to sing the name of Hari with devotion." 45The two enthusiastic preachers went out on the Lord's behalf and accomplished miracles.Soon they met Jagāi and Mādhāi, two wayward Brahmin brothers.Sacred texts tell us that these brothers were the fourth and final incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya. 46ddicted to wine and women, Vaishnava texts describe them as debauchees of the worst caliber.When Nityānanda and Haridāsa confronted them, the two missionaries were ridiculed, with Jagāi and Mādhāi saying that they were fools to work on Śrī Chaitanya's behalf.
The two brothers further showed their lack of character by shouting obscenities at Nityānanda and chasing him down the street.Thankfully, the unseemly incident was prematurely aborted, and no harm was done.When Śrī Chaitanya learned later that day that Nityānanda had attempted to preach to such wayward individuals, He commended him.
The next day, however, Nityānanda tried again, but this time it would not end so easily.As soon as he approached the iniquitous brothers, Mādhāi had the audacity to throw a piece of broken pot at him.And when it reached its target, it slightly pierced Nityānanda's forehead, causing blood to flow.He was not swayed.Despite the injury, he quickly forgave them, insisting that they chant the holy name.
Jagāi was impressed.He had never seen such compassion.Nityānanda was clearly in a category of his own, an embodiment of love.As this realization made its home in Jagāi's heart, he began to beseech Nityānanda to excuse his foolish brother.But it was clear from Nityānanda's merciful glance that the pardon was already in effect.Nonetheless, Madhāi was about to cause Nityānanda more pain.Jagai, however, would not tolerate it, and he stopped him, insisting that they both surrender to Nityānanda Prabhu.
In the midst of this exchange, Śrī Chaitanya suddenly appeared on the scene, furious that someone had offended his dear devotees.Raising His arm in the air to summon His famous weapon-the disc of Vishnu-He prepared to kill the two offenders.Just at that moment, however, Nityānanda stepped in, insisting that the Lord show mercy.He reminded Him of His mission to liberate the most sinful, which was one of the purposes of the Chaitanya incarnation.In essence, Nityānanda reminded him that His was a mission of love, and that the only killing would be that of the demoniac mentality, not a literal taking of life.Nearly everyone in this age, said Nityānanda, is comparable to Jagāi and Mādhāi.To be consistent, wouldn't Śrī Chaitanya have to kill everybody?immediately go to the spiritual world, to be reinstated as the eternal gatekeepers of Vaikuṇṭha.First, they were to undergo one more incarnation-one that would bestow upon them special mercy.

Liberation of Jāgai and Mādhāi
In Kali-yuga, the fourth age cycle in which we currently exist, there is a special incarnation of Krishna who not only partakes of His supreme position as avatārī, thus allowing Him to be counted amongst the Parāvastha Avatāras, but who has the esoteric dimension of being Krishna in the mood of Rādhā, the female Absolute.This means that He is essentially not only God but also an incarnation of Love Supreme. 44his dynamic and confidential avatāra is Śrī Chaitanya, appearing on Earth some 500 years ago in Bengal, India.
On one occasion pertinent to our discussion, He asked His chief associates, Nityānanda and Haridāsa: "Please go through the streets of Navadvip, door to door, and ask one and all to sing the name of Hari with devotion." 45The two enthusiastic preachers went out on the Lord's behalf and accomplished miracles.Soon they met Jagāi and Mādhāi, two wayward Brahmin brothers.Sacred texts tell us that these brothers were the fourth and final incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya. 46ddicted to wine and women, Vaishnava texts describe them as debauchees of the worst caliber.When Nityānanda and Haridāsa confronted them, the two missionaries were ridiculed, with Jagāi and Mādhāi saying that they were fools to work on Śrī Chaitanya's behalf.
The two brothers further showed their lack of character by shouting obscenities at Nityānanda and chasing him down the street.Thankfully, the unseemly incident was prematurely aborted, and no harm was done.When Śrī Chaitanya learned later that day that Nityānanda had attempted to preach to such wayward individuals, He commended him.
The next day, however, Nityānanda tried again, but this time it would not end so easily.As soon as he approached the iniquitous brothers, Mādhāi had the audacity to throw a piece of broken pot at him.And when it reached its target, it slightly pierced Nityānanda's forehead, causing blood to flow.He was not swayed.Despite the injury, he quickly forgave them, insisting that they chant the holy name.
Jagāi was impressed.He had never seen such compassion.Nityānanda was clearly in a category of his own, an embodiment of love.As this realization made its home in Jagāi's heart, he began to beseech Nityānanda to excuse his foolish brother.But it was clear from Nityānanda's merciful glance that the pardon was alre in effect.Nonetheless, Madhāi was about to cause Nityānanda more pain.Jagai, however, would not tolerate it, and he stopped him, insisting that they both surrender to Nityānanda Prabhu.
In the midst of this exchange, Śrī Chaitanya suddenly appeared on the scene, furious that someone had offended his dear devotees.Raising His arm in the air to summon His famous weapon-the disc of Vishnu-He prepared to kill the two offenders.Just at that moment, however, 44 See Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 7.9: "Lord Krishna Himself appeared as Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu with all His eternal associates, who are equally glorious."(sei kṛṣṇa avatīrṇa śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanyasei parikara-gaṇa saṅge saba dhanya) Also see Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 4.55: "The love of Śrī Rādhā and Krishna are spiritual aspects of the Lord's internal pleasure potency.Although Rādhā and Krishna are one supreme entity, they separate eternally as two to enjoy the relish of relationship.Now, in the form of Śrī Krishna Chaitanya, these two Supreme entities have again united.I thus bow down to Him, who appears with the sentiment and complexion of Rādhikā even though He is Krishna Himself.

46
The tradition's textual source for claiming that Jagāi and Mādhāi were a fourth incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya can be traced to the Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (115): "Jaya and Vijaya, the two doorkeepers of the spiritual world, voluntarily appeared in Śrī Chaitanya's pastimes as the two devotees Śrī Jagannātha and Śrī Madhava."These latter names were awarded to Jagāi and Mādhāi after they converted to Vaishnavism.

gatau taucaitanyākhya
Religions 2017, 8, 178 immediately go to the spiritual world, to be reinstated as the eternal gatekeepers they were to undergo one more incarnation-one that would bestow upon them

Liberation of Jāgai and Mādhāi
In Kali-yuga, the fourth age cycle in which we currently exist, there is a sp Krishna who not only partakes of His supreme position as avatārī, thus allowing amongst the Parāvastha Avatāras, but who has the esoteric dimension of being K of Rādhā, the female Absolute.This means that He is essentially not only God bu of Love Supreme.44  This dynamic and confidential avatāra is Śrī Chaitanya, appearing on Earth in Bengal, India.
On one occasion pertinent to our discussion, He asked His chief associat Haridāsa: "Please go through the streets of Navadvip, door to door, and ask on name of Hari with devotion."45  The two enthusiastic preachers went out on th accomplished miracles.Soon they met Jagāi and Mādhāi, two wayward Brahm texts tell us that these brothers were the fourth and final incarnation of Jaya and Addicted to wine and women, Vaishnava texts describe them as debauchees When Nityānanda and Haridāsa confronted them, the two missionaries were r and Mādhāi saying that they were fools to work on Śrī Chaitanya's behalf.
The two brothers further showed their lack of character by shouting obsce and chasing him down the street.Thankfully, the unseemly incident was prem no harm was done.When Śrī Chaitanya learned later that day that Nityānand preach to such wayward individuals, He commended him.
The next day, however, Nityānanda tried again, but this time it would not en as he approached the iniquitous brothers, Mādhāi had the audacity to throw a p him.And when it reached its target, it slightly pierced Nityānanda's forehead, ca He was not swayed.Despite the injury, he quickly forgave them, insisting that name.
Jagāi was impressed.He had never seen such compassion.Nityānanda was of his own, an embodiment of love.As this realization made its home in Jagāi' beseech Nityānanda to excuse his foolish brother.But it was clear from Nityānan that the pardon was alre in effect.Nonetheless, Madhāi was about to caus pain.Jagai, however, would not tolerate it, and he stopped him, insisting that th Nityānanda Prabhu.
In the midst of this exchange, Śrī Chaitanya suddenly appeared on the someone had offended his dear devotees.Raising His arm in the air to su weapon-the disc of Vishnu-He prepared to kill the two offenders.Just at tha 44 See Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 7.9: "Lord Krishna Himself appeared as Śrī Chaitanya His eternal associates, who are equally glorious."(sei kṛṣṇa avatīrṇa śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitany saba dhanya) Also see Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 4.55: "The love of Śrī Rādhā and Krishn of the Lord's internal pleasure potency.Although Rādhā and Krishna are one suprem eternally as two to enjoy the relish of relationship.Now, in the form of Śrī Krishna Supreme entities have again united.I thus bow down to Him, who appears wi complexion of Rādhikā even though He is Krishna Himself.

46
The tradition's textual source for claiming that Jagāi and Mādhāi were a fourth incarna can be traced to the Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (115): "Jaya and Vijaya, the two doork world, voluntarily appeared in Śrī Chaitanya's pastimes as the two devotees Śr Madhava."These latter names were awarded to Jagāi and Mādhāi after they converte prakat .am adhunā tad-dvaya 7, 8, 178 6 of 7 ely go to the spiritual world, to be reinstated as the eternal gatekeepers of Vaikuṇṭha.First, to undergo one more incarnation-one that would bestow upon them special mercy.

ion of Jāgai and Mādhāi
ali-yuga, the fourth age cycle in which we currently exist, there is a special incarnation of ho not only partakes of His supreme position as avatārī, thus allowing Him to be counted the Parāvastha Avatāras, but who has the esoteric dimension of being Krishna in the mood the female Absolute.This means that He is essentially not only God but also an incarnation upreme.44 dynamic and confidential avatāra is Śrī Chaitanya, appearing on Earth some 500 years ago , India.ne occasion pertinent to our discussion, He asked His chief associates, Nityānanda and : "Please go through the streets of Navadvip, door to door, and ask one and all to sing the ari with devotion."45 The two enthusiastic preachers went out on the Lord's behalf and hed miracles.Soon they met Jagāi and Mādhāi, two wayward Brahmin brothers.Sacred s that these brothers were the fourth and final incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya.46 icted to wine and women, Vaishnava texts describe them as debauchees of the worst caliber.tyānanda and Haridāsa confronted them, the two missionaries were ridiculed, with Jagāi āi saying that they were fools to work on Śrī Chaitanya's behalf.
two brothers further showed their lack of character by shouting obscenities at Nityānanda ng him down the street.Thankfully, the unseemly incident was prematurely aborted, and was done.When Śrī Chaitanya learned later that day that Nityānanda had attempted to such wayward individuals, He commended him.ext day, however, Nityānanda tried again, but this time it would not end so easily.As soon roached the iniquitous brothers, Mādhāi had the audacity to throw a piece of broken pot at when it reached its target, it slightly pierced Nityānanda's forehead, causing blood to flow.ot swayed.Despite the injury, he quickly forgave them, insisting that they chant the holy was impressed.He had never seen such compassion.Nityānanda was clearly in a category n, an embodiment of love.As this realization made its home in Jagāi's heart, he began to ityānanda to excuse his foolish brother.But it was clear from Nityānanda's merciful glance ardon was alre in Nonetheless, Madhāi was about to cause Nityānanda more i, however, would not tolerate it, and he stopped him, insisting that they both surrender to da Prabhu.e midst of this exchange, Śrī Chaitanya suddenly appeared on the scene, furious that had offended his dear devotees.Raising His arm in the air to summon His famous the disc of Vishnu-He prepared to kill the two offenders.Just at that moment, however, Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 7.9: "Lord Krishna Himself appeared as Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu with all rnal associates, who are equally glorious."(sei kṛṣṇa avatīrṇa śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanyasei parikara-gaṇa saṅge anya) Also see Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 4.55: "The love of Śrī Rādhā and Krishna are spiritual aspects ord's internal pleasure potency.Although Rādhā and Krishna are one supreme entity, they separate ly as two to enjoy the relish of relationship.Now, in the form of Śrī Krishna Chaitanya, these two e entities have again united.I thus bow down to Him, who appears with the sentiment and xion of Rādhikā even though He is Krishna Himself."(rādhā kṛ ṣ ṇ a-praṇ aya-vikṛ tir hlādinī śaktir kātmānāv api bhuvi purā deha-bhedaḿ gatau taucaitanyākhyaḿ prakaṭ am adhunā tad-dvayaḿ caikyam dhā-bhāva-dyuti-suvalitaḿ naumi kṛ ṣ ṇ a-svarūpam).ktivinoda Thakura's Sri Chaitanya: His Life and Precepts.(http://www.purebhakti.com/mission/bhakti--mainmenu-75/799-life-of-sri-chaitanya-mahaprabhu.html).dition's textual source for claiming that Jagāi and Mādhāi were a fourth incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya traced to the Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (115): "Jaya and Vijaya, the two doorkeepers of the spiritual voluntarily appeared in Śrī Chaitanya's pastimes as the two devotees Śrī Jagannātha and Śrī va."These latter names were awarded to Jagāi and Mādhāi after they converted to Vaishnavism.

caikyam āpta
Religions 2017, 8, 178 6 of 7 immediately go to the spiritual world, to be reinstated as the eternal gatekeepers of Vaikuṇṭha.First, they were to undergo one more incarnation-one that would bestow upon them special mercy.

Liberation of Jāgai and Mādhāi
In Kali-yuga, the fourth age cycle in which we currently exist, there is a special incarnation of Krishna who not only partakes of His supreme position as avatārī, thus allowing Him to be counted amongst the Parāvastha Avatāras, but who has the esoteric dimension of being Krishna in the mood of Rādhā, the female Absolute.This means that He is essentially not only God but also an incarnation of Love Supreme.44  This dynamic and confidential avatāra is Śrī Chaitanya, appearing on Earth some 500 years ago in Bengal, India.
On one occasion pertinent to our discussion, He asked His chief associates, Nityānanda and Haridāsa: "Please go through the streets of Navadvip, door to door, and ask one and all to sing the name of Hari with devotion."45  The two enthusiastic preachers went out on the Lord's behalf and accomplished miracles.Soon they met Jagāi and Mādhāi, two wayward Brahmin brothers.Sacred texts tell us that these brothers were the fourth and final incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya.46  Addicted to wine and women, Vaishnava texts describe them as debauchees of the worst caliber.When Nityānanda and Haridāsa confronted them, the two missionaries were ridiculed, with Jagāi and Mādhāi saying that they were fools to work on Śrī Chaitanya's behalf.
The two brothers further showed their lack of character by shouting obscenities at Nityānanda and chasing him down the street.Thankfully, the unseemly incident was prematurely aborted, and no harm was done.When Śrī Chaitanya learned later that day that Nityānanda had attempted to preach to such wayward individuals, He commended him.
The next day, however, Nityānanda tried again, but this time it would not end so easily.As soon as he approached the iniquitous brothers, Mādhāi had the audacity to throw a piece of broken pot at him.And when it reached its target, it slightly pierced Nityānanda's forehead, causing blood to flow.He was not swayed.Despite the injury, he quickly forgave them, insisting that they chant the holy name.
Jagāi was impressed.He had never seen such compassion.Nityānanda was clearly in a category of his own, an embodiment of love.As this realization made its home in Jagāi's heart, he began to beseech Nityānanda to excuse his foolish brother.But it was clear from Nityānanda's merciful glance that the pardon was alre in Nonetheless, Madhāi was about to cause Nityānanda more pain.Jagai, however, would not tolerate it, and he stopped him, insisting that they both surrender to Nityānanda Prabhu.
In the midst of this exchange, Śrī Chaitanya suddenly appeared on the scene, furious that someone had offended his dear devotees.Raising His arm in the air to summon His famous weapon-the disc of Vishnu-He prepared to kill the two offenders.Just at that moment, however, 44 See Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 7.9: "Lord Krishna Himself appeared as Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu with all His eternal associates, who are equally glorious."(sei kṛṣṇa avatīrṇa śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanyasei parikara-gaṇa saṅge saba dhanya) Also see Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 4.55: "The love of Śrī Rādhā and Krishna are spiritual aspects of the Lord's internal pleasure potency.Although Rādhā and Krishna are one supreme entity, they separate eternally as two to enjoy the relish of relationship.Now, in the form of Śrī Krishna Chaitanya, these two Supreme entities have again united.I thus bow down to Him, who appears with the sentiment and complexion of Rādhikā even though He is Krishna Himself."(rādhā kṛ ṣ ṇ a-praṇ aya-vikṛ tir hlādinī śaktir asmādekātmānāv api bhuvi purā deha-bhedaḿ gatau taucaitanyākhyaḿ prakaṭ am adhunā tad-dvayaḿ caikyam āptamŕādhā-bhāva-dyuti-suvalitaḿ naumi kṛ ṣ ṇ a-svarūpam).

46
The tradition's textual source for claiming that Jagāi and Mādhāi were a fourth incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya can be traced to the Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (115): "Jaya and Vijaya, the two doorkeepers of the spiritual world, voluntarily appeared in Śrī Chaitanya's pastimes as the two devotees Śrī Jagannātha and Śrī Madhava."These latter names were awarded to Jagāi and Mādhāi after they converted to Vaishnavism.

rādhā-bhāva-dyuti-suvalita
Religions 2017, 8, 178 6 of 7 immediately go to the spiritual world, to be reinstated as the eternal gatekeepers of Vaikuṇṭha.First, they were to undergo one more incarnation-one that would bestow upon them special mercy.

Liberation of Jāgai and Mādhāi
In Kali-yuga, the fourth age cycle in which we currently exist, there is a special incarnation of Krishna who not only partakes of His supreme position as avatārī, thus allowing Him to be counted amongst the Parāvastha Avatāras, but who has the esoteric dimension of being Krishna in the mood of Rādhā, the female Absolute.This means that He is essentially not only God but also an incarnation of Love Supreme.44  This dynamic and confidential avatāra is Śrī Chaitanya, appearing on Earth some 500 years ago in Bengal, India.
On one occasion pertinent to our discussion, He asked His chief associates, Nityānanda and Haridāsa: "Please go through the streets of Navadvip, door to door, and ask one and all to sing the name of Hari with devotion."45  The two enthusiastic preachers went out on the Lord's behalf and accomplished miracles.Soon they met Jagāi and Mādhāi, two wayward Brahmin brothers.Sacred texts tell us that these brothers were the fourth and final incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya.46  Addicted to wine and women, Vaishnava texts describe them as debauchees of the worst caliber.When Nityānanda and Haridāsa confronted them, the two missionaries were ridiculed, with Jagāi and Mādhāi saying that they were fools to work on Śrī Chaitanya's behalf.
The two brothers further showed their lack of character by shouting obscenities at Nityānanda and chasing him down the street.Thankfully, the unseemly incident was prematurely aborted, and no harm was done.When Śrī Chaitanya learned later that day that Nityānanda had attempted to preach to such wayward individuals, He commended him.
The next day, however, Nityānanda tried again, but this time it would not end so easily.As soon as he approached the iniquitous brothers, Mādhāi had the audacity to throw a piece of broken pot at him.And when it reached its target, it slightly pierced Nityānanda's forehead, causing blood to flow.He was not swayed.Despite the injury, he quickly forgave them, insisting that they chant the holy name.
Jagāi was impressed.He had never seen such compassion.Nityānanda was clearly in a category of his own, an embodiment of love.As this realization made its home in Jagāi's heart, he began to beseech Nityānanda to excuse his foolish brother.But it was clear from Nityānanda's merciful glance that the pardon was alre in effect.Nonetheless, Madhāi was about to cause Nityānanda more pain.Jagai, however, would not tolerate it, and he stopped him, insisting that they both surrender to Nityānanda Prabhu.
In the midst of this exchange, Śrī Chaitanya suddenly appeared on the scene, furious that someone had offended his dear devotees.Raising His arm in the air to summon His famous weapon-the disc of Vishnu-He prepared to kill the two offenders.Just at that moment, however, 44 See Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 7.9: "Lord Krishna Himself appeared as Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu with all His eternal associates, who are equally glorious."(sei kṛṣṇa avatīrṇa śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanyasei parikara-gaṇa saṅge saba dhanya) Also see Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 4.55: "The love of Śrī Rādhā and Krishna are spiritual aspects of the Lord's internal pleasure potency.Although Rādhā and Krishna are one supreme entity, they separate eternally as two to enjoy the relish of relationship.Now, in the form of Śrī Krishna Chaitanya, these two Supreme entities have again united.I thus bow down to Him, who appears with the sentiment and complexion of Rādhikā even though He is Krishna Himself."(rādhā kṛ ṣ ṇ a-praṇ aya-vikṛ tir hlādinī śaktir asmādekātmānāv api bhuvi purā deha-bhedaḿ gatau taucaitanyākhyaḿ prakaṭ am adhunā tad-dvayaḿ caikyam āptamŕādhā-bhāva-dyuti-suvalitaḿ naumi kṛ ṣ ṇ a-svarūpam).
The tradition's textual source for claiming that Jagāi and Mādhāi were a fourth incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya can be traced to the Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (115): "Jaya and Vijaya, the two doorkeepers of the spiritual world, voluntarily appeared in Śrī Chaitanya's pastimes as the two devotees Śrī Jagannātha and Śrī Madhava."These latter names were awarded to Jagāi and Mādhāi after they converted to Vaishnavism.naumi kr .s .n .a-svar ūpam).45See Bhaktivinoda Thakura's Sri Chaitanya: His Life and Precepts.(http://www.purebhakti.com/mission/bhakti-is-lovemainmenu-75/799-life-of-sri-chaitanya-mahaprabhu.html). 46The tradition's textual source for claiming that Jagāi and Mādhāi were a fourth incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya can be traced to the Śrī Gaura-gan .oddeśa-dīpikā (115): "Jaya and Vijaya, the two doorkeepers of the spiritual world, voluntarily appeared in Śrī Chaitanya's pastimes as the two devotees Śrī Jagannātha and Śrī Madhava."These latter names were awarded to Jagāi and Mādhāi after they converted to Vaishnavism. 8