Brahmaji, the creator of the universe, was engaged in a discussion on spiritual truths with the rishis and great sages. It was during such a gathering that, in response to Brahmaji’s prayers, Bhagwan manifested in the form of Hans to answer a profound question posed by the Sanakadik sages.
On one occasion, a group of rishis and munis came to Satyalok seeking knowledge of spiritual truths. Brahmaji welcomed them and asked the reason for their visit. The sages then presented various questions concerning spirituality, which Brahmaji answered to their satisfaction.
While this discussion was taking place, the Sanakadik sages arrived. After offering respects to their father, Brahmaji, they posed a question concerning the highest spiritual knowledge:
“Father! The mind of every embodied being is attached to sense objects, while the sense objects are associated with the gunas. As long as these sense objects remain in the mind, how can one attain moksha? And if moksha cannot be attained, what is the purpose of receiving this human body, which is rare even for the devas?”
Upon hearing this profound question, Brahmaji and the entire assembly were astonished. Unable to resolve the difficulty of the question, Brahmaji meditated upon the Paramatma. Without delay, Bhagwan, the creator of the universe, manifested before them in the form of Hans to resolve Brahmaji’s dilemma.
The rishis and munis were filled with wonder. Brahmaji explained, “Bhagwan Himself has come to answer the question of the Sanakadik sages. Therefore, let us first offer Him pujan.”
Everyone then performed pujan and offered their respects. Bhagwan Hans answered the question: “As the mind continually dwells upon sense objects, it becomes absorbed in them. However, the jivatma is distinct from both the mind and the sense objects. If one understands oneself to be separate from both and performs bhakti, one will certainly attain moksha.”
Having given this teaching, Bhagwan Hans then disappeared.
Followers of the Nimbarka Sampraday believe that Bhagwan assumed the Hans Avatar and imparted the “Shree Gopal Mantra Raj” to the Sanakadik sages. The Sanakadik sages then passed this mantra to Naradji, who in turn gave it to Shree Nimbark Acharyashree.