In this blog, learn the meaning of Vaikuntha and the characteristics of the spiritual realms.

The word Vaikuntha is mentioned in many parts of Vedic scriptures, like the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Vaikuntha means a place which is completely free from anxieties. vigata-kuṇṭha yasmād. kuṇṭha means anxiety. Vaikuntha means a place where there is no anxiety.

Currently, despite the considerable amount of material advancement, people worldwide find themselves lacking inner peace. The multitude of challenges related to the physical body and mind lead to numerous distresses, causing constant worry. In an attempt to escape these anxieties, people often resort to various forms of intoxication, indulge in movie watching, or seek temporary solace by taking short trips away from urban settings. While these activities may offer momentary relief, it is not a sustainable means of achieving complete freedom from anxiety.

Transcending the Material Existence

In our current existence within the material realm, we inhabit a body composed of gross and subtle bodies with a finite lifespan. However, our identity is that we are the spiritual soul within the body. Under the influence of the material atmosphere, we mistakenly identify ourselves with our physical and mental selves.

avināśi tu tad viddhi
yena sarvam idaṁ tatam
vināśam avyayasyāsya
na kaścit kartum arhati

“That which pervades the entire body you should know to be indestructible. No one is able to destroy that imperishable soul.” (Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita 2.17)

By following the spiritual process recommended by Vedic authorities for this age—chanting the holy names of Krishna. The holy names of Krishna – Hare Krishna mahamantra are 16 syllable spiritual sound which is mentioned in the scriptures as pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto, Krishna’s name is complete spiritual and above the material contamination. By chanting the mantra and associating with the sound vibration we can, we can realize our true self, distinct from the body.

The Spiritual Abode of Lord Vishnu

The material world is inherently transient. It was brought into existence by the Supreme Lord, is currently sustained, and will undergo destruction at a later point in time. In contrast, an eternal realm exists where the beings are also eternal, unaffected by the fluctuations occurring in the material world.

paras tasmāt tu bhāvo ’nyo
’vyakto ’vyaktāt sanātanaḥ
yaḥ sa sarveṣu bhūteṣu
naśyatsu na vinaśyati

“Yet there is another unmanifest nature, which is eternal and is transcendental to this manifested and unmanifested matter. It is supreme and is never annihilated. When all in this world is annihilated, that part remains as it is.” (Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita 8.20)

The Vaikuntha planets are situated far away from the material universes. Lord Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita (15.6):

na tad bhāsayate sūryo
na śaśāṅko na pāvakaḥ
yad gatvā na nivartante
tad dhāma paramaṁ mama

“That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire or electricity. Those who reach it never return to this material world.”

Devotional Service to the Supreme Lord

The Supreme Lord is comprehensible through pure devotional service, devoid of personal material desires for self-gratification.

bhaktyā mām abhijānāti
yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ
tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā
viśate tad-anantaram

“One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.” (Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita 18.55)

Our Eternal Connection with Lord Krishna

Everyone has an eternal relationship with Lord Krishna, as each living entity is an intimate part and parcel of the Supreme Lord.

Sri Vaikuntha Ekadashi is an auspicious day for increasing our devotion to the Supreme Lord by performing various devotional activities. We can revive our eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord by participating in this auspicious festival.

By following the instructions given to us by great acharyas like Srila Prabhupada, we can understand and re-establish our eternal relationship with Lord Krishna and return to His abode for a life of eternity, knowledge, and bliss.

Related Links :  Why do we celebrate Vaikuntha Ekadashi | Why Vaikuntha series | Sri Vaikuntha Ekadashi