Srimad Bhagavata Skanda 2 – Vaikuṇṭha, the Abode Beyond Guṇas and Karma
"The Bhagvan Sriman Narayana is the very essence of divine virtues, self-sustained, radiant with light, overflowing with boundless knowledge and bliss. He is the ‘Creator of The Universe,’ which encompasses countless forms of Himself, both the living beings and the non-living things. He sustains, transforms, and governs it all — bestowing both ignorance and wisdom, binding beings to the cycle of birth and death, and offering liberation to those who seek moksha. Thus, He is the Param, the Supreme.
In the dawn of creation, He manifested the first being, the four-faced Brahma, and gifted him the knowledge required to bring the cosmos into being. Through His blessings, wisdom unfolds. Though He seeks no gain for Himself, He creates and upholds the cosmos for the welfare of all living beings, endowed with all the wisdom necessary for such a grand design. For He is neither a juggler, nor a deceiver, crafting illusions in this world. Untainted by any flaw, He is the Satyam — the absolute truth.
With reverence, let us meditate upon Bhagvan Sriman Narayana, the embodiment of Satyam and Param."
"The Srimad Bhagavata encompasses the entirety of Dharma, safeguarding the soul from falling by purifying it, and guiding the individual soul towards the divine path leading to the Bhagvan. This sacred path calls for unwavering devotion — a life dedicated to honoring, worshipping, admiring, and praising the Bhagvan, free from jealousy, expectation, or deceit. As one treads upon this path, all obstacles dissolve, prosperity is bestowed, and the heart becomes imbued with virtue, turning one into a Sajjana, a virtuous soul. Above all, it fortifies bhakti, deepening one’s devotion.
Thus, the Srimad Bhagavata, composed by the Bhagvan in the form of sage Veda Vyasa shines as a beacon of truth, revealing Himself as Supreme Soul eternally resides in the heart of every living being."
"Salutations to Bhagvan Sriman Narayana, the eternal support of all, including the divine Goddess Lakshmi, and the very essence of the Srimad Bhagavata. Salutations to Bhagvan Veda Vyasa, the revered composer of this sacred scripture. Salutations to Devi, the Goddess of Fortune, who perpetually serves the Bhagvan and bestows the blessings of abundance upon all Bhagavatas, enriching them with the divine knowledge of Srimad Bhagavata — a wealth that encompasses Jnana, Bhakti, and Vairagya.
Salutations to the Gods Brahma and Vayu, the noblest of beings. Salutations to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Devotion, who inspires both wisdom and bhakti. Salutations to the divine Garuda, Sesha and Shiva, the greatest among the Vaishnavas.
Salutations to the Srimad Bhagavata, the sacred text that brings forth eternal victory and spiritual triumph."
The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Bhagvan Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.
Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghavendra, I worship you by surrendering myself.
In the previous section, we witnessed the profound moment when the Supreme Bhagvan whispered the sacred command Tapa into the heart of God Brahma—an instruction that would become the turning point of creation itself. Although Brahma is the sovereign of the Mahat-tattva, the primordial field where Prakriti first awakens, he emerges amidst the interplay of rajas and sattva. The creative impulse arises from rajas, yet its brilliance is veiled unless refined by sattva. Thus, despite his divine origin, Brahma’s vision was initially obscured by the very cosmic energies he presides over.
Moved by the Bhagvan’s compassionate command, Brahma undertook deep austerity to purify his inner instrument and become receptive to divine revelation. It is at this juncture that Sri Sukacarya now leads Pariksit—and through him, all of us—into the next stage of the narrative: the unveiling of Vaikuntha, the realm untouched by gunas, untouched by Maya, and untouched even by Time itself. As Brahma’s tapas matures, his heart opens, and the Supreme Bhagvan’s eternal world shines before him in all its splendor.
प्रवर्तते यत्र रजस्तमस्तयोः
सत्त्वं च मिश्रं न च कालविक्रमः ।
न यत्र माया किमुतापरे हरे-
रनुव्रता यत्र सुरासुरार्चिताः ॥ १०॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"In the divine realm of Vaikuntha, there is no presence of the material gunas—neither Tamas (ignorance), Rajas (passion), nor even their subtle influence upon Sattva (goodness). Thus, there is no delusion, no agitation, and no corruption of even the purest qualities.
There, time holds no sway—what, then, can be said of Maya or her countless illusions? The external, prakritik energy cannot even approach this region, much less affect it. It remains forever pure, unmoving, and undisturbed.
In that eternal abode, the Supreme Bhagvan—worshiped equally by gods and, at times, even redeemed demons—dwells in divine majesty, surrounded by His attendants, who serve Him with flawless devotion, free from all duality and discrimination."
श्यामावदाताः शतपत्रलोचनाः
पिशङ्गवस्त्राः सुरुचः सुपेशसः ।
सर्वे चतुर्बाहव उन्मिषन्मणि
प्रवेकनिष्काभरणाः सुवर्चसः ।
प्रवालवैदूर्यमृणालवर्चसः
परिस्फुरत्कुण्डलमौलिमालिनः ॥ ११॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"The residents of Vaikuntha shine with a radiant bluish complexion, their forms resembling the hue of a fresh raincloud, serene and luminous. Their eyes, tender and enchanting, are like the petals of fully bloomed lotuses, filled with compassion and bliss.
Each being possesses an attractive, symmetrical form, with every limb brimming with divine beauty. Their garments are of a golden‑yellow hue (pitambara), soft and glowing like the hue of molten gold. They remain perpetually in the prime of youth, untouched by the passage of time or the burden of age.
All are adorned with four arms, signifying their transcendence, and are resplendent with ornaments of gold, inlaid with diamonds, pearls, red corals, blue sapphires, yellow topaz, cat’s eye gems, and other precious stones—each jewel effulgent, reflecting their inner brilliance.
Their earrings, crowns, armlets, waistbands, and anklets are exquisitely designed, enhancing—not overshadowing—their natural splendor. Truly, the citizens of Vaikuntha appear as living deities, embodiments of bliss, service, and eternal beauty."
भ्राजिष्णुभिर्यः परितो विराजते
लसद्विमानावलिभिर्महात्मनाम् ।
विद्योतमानः प्रमदोत्तमाद्युभिः
सविद्युदभ्रावलिभिर्यथा नभः ॥ १२॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"Like rain-laden clouds illumined by flashes of lightning, the abode of the Bhagvan radiates a tranquil brilliance, at once majestic and soothing to the heart. Every corner of Vaikuntha is naturally beautiful, peaceful, and suffused with an enchanting serenity that uplifts the soul.
The divine residents' dwell in complete bliss, immersed in the joy of pure devotion and the aesthetic beauty of their surroundings—gardens, crystal clear waters, celestial fragrances, and resonant music that flows like a gentle river of sound.
The great Mahatmas, exalted souls who have attained the Bhagvan's eternal service, possess splendid Vimana—celestial aerial chariots—adorned with jewels and divine emblems. These Vimana, beautiful and radiant, are seen gracefully stationed throughout the heavenly realm, ready to carry the devotees wherever the Bhagvan’s will may lead them."
श्रीर्यत्र रूपिण्युरुगायपादयोः
करोति मानं बहुधा विभूतिभिः ।
प्रेङ्खं श्रिता या कुसुमाकरानुगैः
विगीयमाना प्रियकर्म गायती ॥ १३॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"In the divine abode of Vaikuntha, Sri Mahalakshmi, the most graceful and beautiful Goddess, resides in Her various sovereign forms, eternally serving the lotus feet of Sripada, the Supreme Bhagvan.
Sometimes, She is seen seated upon a celestial swing, gently swaying as She sings the lilas and glories of Her beloved—melodies so sweet that they soften even the hearts of the wisest sages. Her form radiates beauty, Her movements exude grace, and from Her body flows a fragrance imbued with divine zeal.
Captivated by Her presence, Her devotees gather around Her like ecstatic bumblebees, drawn by Her scent, Her song, and Her majesty. In joyful reverence, they sing Her attributes, praising the one who eternally serves the Bhagvan and embodies compassion, fortune, and devotion."
ददर्श तत्राखिलसात्वतां पतिं
श्रियः पतिं यज्ञपतिं जगत्पतिम् ।
सुनन्दनन्दप्रबलार्हणादिभिः
स्वपार्षदमुख्यैः परिसेवितं विभुम् ॥१४॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"In that divine realm of Vaikuntha, God Brahma beheld the Supreme Bhagvan—the protector of His eternal devotees, the beloved of Sri Mahalakshmi, the Bhagvan of all sacrifices (Yajnesvara), and the sovereign of the entire universe (Visvesvara).
Seated in supreme majesty, the Bhagvan of Vaikuntha was surrounded by His most exalted attendants: Nanda, Sunanda, Prabala, Arhana, and many others—eternally devoted, radiant in appearance, and filled with love and reverence. They stood near, ever eager to serve, glorify, and carry out the will of the Bhagvan of all worlds.
His presence was both awe-inspiring and deeply compassionate, a vision that filled Brahma's heart with reverence, joy, and complete surrender."
भृत्यप्रसादाभिमुखं दृगासवं
प्रसन्नहासारुणलोचनाननम् ।
किरीटिनं कुण्डलिनं चतुर्भुजं
पीताम्बरं वक्षसि लक्षितं श्रिया ॥ १५॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"In Vaikuntha, Brahma beheld the lotus-like face of the Supreme Bhagvan—radiant, majestic, and immeasurably charming. His face bore a gentle smile, filled with compassion and bliss, pouring waves of joy and zest into the hearts of His devotees.
His eyes, shaped like fresh lotus petals and tinged with a reddish hue, held the warmth of a thousand raising suns and the tenderness of a loving guardian. From the corners of His playful glance, He cast a look so intoxicating that it filled the beholder with irresistible devotion, as if the Bhagvan were ready to give Himself entirely to those who love Him.
He was adorned in a flowing pitambara—a cloth of yellow silk, interwoven with threads of gold, shimmering like sunlight on molten gold. Upon His head rested a resplendent golden crown, and in His ears hung fish-shaped earrings, all studded with radiant jewels that emitted a soft, divine brilliance.
On His broad chest, seated like a delicate golden sketch, was Sri Mahalakshmi Herself—shining in one of Her sovereign forms, gracing Him with Her eternal presence.
The Supreme Bhagvan stood in His full beauty, resplendent in four arms, each holding symbols of divinity, and His entire form radiated a tranquil majesty that stilled the mind and captivated the soul."
अध्यर्हणीयासनमास्थितं परं
वृतं चतुःषोडशपञ्चशक्तिभिः ।
युक्तं भगैः स्वैरितरत्र चाध्रुवैः
स्व एव धामन् रममाणमीश्वरम् ॥ १६॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"The Bhagvan of the Universe was seated upon the highest, most exalted throne, governing all of creation with effortless majesty. Around Him stood, in personified form, the twenty-five tattvas—His own energies—ready to serve at His divine command.
These included: Purusa (the conscious enjoyer), Prakriti (primordial matter), Maha-Tattva (the great elemental principle), Ahankara (ego), Manas (the mind), the five jnanendriyas (organs of knowledge), the five Karmendriyas (organs of action), the five tanmatras (subtle sensory elements), and the five mahabhutas (gross elements).
Each of these cosmic principles, though vast and powerful, stood in reverent submission before the Supreme Being, from whom they had emanated, and to whom they eternally belong.
The Supreme Bhagvan was adorned with the full manifestation of the six divine attributes:
- Aishvarya — supreme sovereignty and dominion over all worlds
- Dhairya — unshakable courage and perfect composure
- Esas — unmatched fame and glory that resounds through all lokas
- Sri — abundant and inexhaustible wealth and beauty
- Jnana — infinite knowledge of all time, space, and beings
- Visesa-jnana — transcendental insight surpassing even the Vedas
Immersed in His own divine bliss, effulgent with all auspiciousness, the Bhagvan governs the universe not by effort, but through His will, supported by boundless knowledge and compassion."
तद्दर्शनाह्लादपरिप्लुतान्तरो
हृष्यत्तनुः प्रेमभराश्रुलोचनः ।
ननाम पादाम्बुजमस्य विश्वसृग्-
यत्पारमहंस्येन पथाधिगम्यते ॥ १७॥
तं प्रीयमाणं समुपस्थितं तदा
प्रजाविसर्गे निजशासनार्हणम् ।
बभाष ईषत्स्मितशोचिषा गिरा
प्रियः प्रियं प्रीतमनाः करे स्पृशन् ॥१८॥
Sri Sukacarya continued:
"Upon beholding the Supreme Bhagvan, God Brahma was overwhelmed with divine joy. His body trembled with ecstatic emotion, goosebumps arose on his limbs, and tears of bliss flowed freely from his eyes, washing away all traces of doubt and separation.
He bowed down in full surrender at the lotus feet of the Bhagvan—those sacred feet attainable only by the paramahamsas, the greatest of renunciates, who walk the path of nivrtti-dharma, having turned away from all worldly pleasures to seek only truth and devotion.
Seeing Brahma's sincere devotion and pure heart, the Bhagvan of all was deeply pleased. In that very moment, He recognized Brahma as His most worthy son, the true heir to carry forward the sacred task of creation.
Calling him near with gentle affection, the Bhagvan lovingly placed His hand upon Brahma’s head, blessing him with divine touch. With eyes full of compassion and voice flowing like nectar, the Supreme Bhagvan spoke these words…"
As we look forward to the compassionate voice of Sri Bhagvan in the next blog, the vision of Vaikuntha invites the heart to wander into a sky where time never darkens, where sorrow cannot breathe, and where every breeze carries the fragrance of eternity. These verses do more than describe; they whisper, they beckon, they open a window in the soul. In their light, the mind is washed clean, the senses fall still, and devotion gently gathers like dawn on the horizon. Even through words, we glimpse a promise of what faith and knowledge unveil — a horizon of peace that awaits beyond. May this gentle vision guide us onward, as Brahma receives the sacred command of the Supreme.
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