The second preceptors of the Nimbarka sampradaya were the four saints collectively called Sanakadi Rishi. They were the manasputra of the creator Brahma. Manasputra literally means ‘born of the mind’. Their individual names are – Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatan, and Sanatkumar. They are described in the scriptures as being forever five years old and they practice Brahmcharya (celibacy). Although created by Brahma to help him in his process of creation, they refused to be drawn and attached to the material world and sensual gratification. They requested Brahma to instruct the path to salvation. Brahma’s mind was preoccupied with the creation process and he was unable to comply with his sons’ request. Brahma meditated on Lord Vishnu, who appeared before the four young saints in the form of Hamsavatar and gave them the knowledge of how to attain salvation. This knowledge is called Brahmavidya. This sampradaya was then known as Hamsa sampradaya.