agnir jyotir ahaḥ śhuklaḥ ṣhaṇ-māsā uttarāyaṇam
tatra prayātā gachchhanti brahma brahma-vido janāḥ
agniḥ — fire;
jyotiḥ — light;
ahaḥ — day;
śhuklaḥ — the bright fortnight of the moon;
ṣhaṭ-māsāḥ — six months;
uttara-ayanam — the sun’s northern course;
tatra — there;
prayātāḥ — departed;
gachchhanti — go;
brahma — Brahman;
brahma-vidaḥ — those who know the Brahman;
janāḥ — persons;
In this verse, we learn about how and when a person should ideally leave the world, especially when it comes to reaching a higher, spiritual place known as Brahman. The mention of 'fire,' 'light,' 'day,' and the 'moon' is symbolic. It tells us that there are spiritual forces or deities that help guide souls when they die, especially at certain times.
When someone dies during these special moments—like during the day when there is light, in the fortnight of the bright moon, or during the six months when the sun moves north—they are more likely to have a successful journey to a higher state of existence, where they unite with the ultimate reality.
The verse suggests that advanced spiritual practitioners, who are very knowledgeable and experienced in their practice (like yogis), can choose the right time to leave their bodies because they have trained themselves for this moment. They intentionally prepare for their death to ensure they can reach this higher state.
On the other hand, most people do not have this control over their death timing. However, if someone happens to die at a favorable time, even by chance, they have a good chance of not coming back into this world, which is often described as full of suffering and difficulties.
But if they die at an unfavorable time, they are more likely to return and go through the cycle of birth and death again. This cycle is considered less desirable because it means experiencing life's challenges over and over.
For those who are true devotees of Krishna, or deeply committed followers, there is a special assurance. They are said to have no fear about when they will die or if it is a good time or not. Their devotion is so strong that it protects them, allowing them to transcend these concerns and achieve a positive outcome regardless of the circumstances of their passing.
The overall message here is about the importance of timing in life and death and the power of devotion, especially to a higher power like Krishna. This gives assurance that those who are dedicated will find a way to a better existence.