avyakto ’kṣhara ityuktas tam āhuḥ paramāṁ gatim
yaṁ prāpya na nivartante tad dhāma paramaṁ mama
avyaktaḥ — unmanifest;
akṣharaḥ — imperishable;
iti — thus;
uktaḥ — is said;
tam — that;
āhuḥ — is called;
paramām — the supreme;
gatim — destination;
yam — which;
prāpya — having reached;
na — never;
nivartante — come back;
tat — that;
dhāma — abode;
paramam — the supreme;
mama — my
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna talks about a special place, which is described as supreme, unchanging, and beyond our regular understanding. This place is not just like anywhere else; it’s a higher spiritual realm where everything is perfect and eternal. When someone reaches this unique destination, they don't return to the struggles of the material world.
This supreme place, often referred to as Goloka Vrndavana, is where Lord Krishna lives. According to Hindu beliefs, it's full of wonderful things. For example, there are palaces made of precious stones that fulfill every desire people have. Imagine a place where if you think of any delicious food, it instantly appears. That's the concept of the 'desire trees' found there, which can provide anything you want. The cows in this place are also special, called surabhi cows, and they give an endless supply of milk.
In this glorious abode, Lord Krishna is cherished and served by many goddesses of fortune, which symbolize prosperity and happiness. He is often depicted playing his flute, which is said to be enchanting and draws people closer to him. Krishna's appearance is described as mesmerizing; his eyes are like beautiful lotus flowers, and his skin has the soft color of rain clouds. People believe his attractiveness surpasses even the most beautiful things on earth.
Lord Krishna’s personal abode, Goloka, is the ultimate goal for many devotees, meaning it’s the highest and most treasured place in spiritual belief. Once someone arrives at Goloka, they do not return to the earthly world, which can be tough and full of difficulties.
Interestingly, there's a place on earth called Vrndavana, which is a reflection of this supreme Goloka. This earthly Vrndavana, found in India, is believed to be where Krishna spent time during his earthly pastimes. It carries the same kind of spiritual energy and beauty.
Overall, this verse emphasizes the idea that there is a perfect, eternal reality that one can aspire to reach, which is far beyond our material existence. It encourages individuals to strive for this supreme destination through love and devotion to Krishna.