The Garga Samhita (also known as Garga Bhagavatam) is a revered scripture that elaborates on the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna, including the exalted position of Goloka Vrindavana—the supreme abode beyond this material universe (Brahmanda). According to this text, the process of how Devatas (demigods) and Lord Brahma reach Goloka Vrindavana is described in great detail, emphasizing the transcendental journey from the material realm to the spiritual world.
Step-by-Step Process of How Devatas and Lord Brahma Reached Goloka
1. The Devatas Seek Lord Brahma’s Guidance
- The demigods (devatas) in the heavenly realms, including Indra, Chandra, Surya, Agni, Vayu, Varuna, and Yama, were troubled by the influence of Kali Yuga and the growing power of asuras (demons).
- Realizing that their problems could not be solved at the material level, they approached Lord Brahma in Satyaloka, the highest planet in this material universe (Brahmanda).
2. Lord Brahma’s Meditation on Krishna
- Lord Brahma, understanding that even he is bound within the cycle of cosmic creation and dissolution, meditated on Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Through intense bhakti (devotion) and deep samadhi, Brahma received divine instructions from within his heart (Krishna’s inner guidance).
- He realized that the only way to truly solve the problems of the devatas was to approach Krishna in His eternal spiritual abode—Goloka Vrindavana.
3. The Devatas and Lord Brahma Depart for the Spiritual Journey
- Following Brahma’s meditation, a celestial chariot of transcendental light manifested from the spiritual world.
- This chariot was not material but composed of divine energy (sat-cid-ananda, or eternity, knowledge, and bliss).
- Brahma and the devatas boarded this celestial chariot and were instantly carried beyond the material universe.
4. Exiting the Brahmanda (Material Universe)
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The chariot passed through the various planetary systems:
- Satyaloka – Brahma’s abode, the topmost material realm.
- Maha-Loka, Jana-Loka, and Tapa-Loka – Higher realms of great sages and ascetics.
- Swarga-Loka (Heavenly Planets) – Abodes of Indra and other devatas.
- Bhuvar-Loka and Bhuloka – The middle and lower planetary systems where humans and other beings reside.
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Upon crossing Brahma Loka, they reached the Viraja River, which separates the material world from the spiritual world.
5. Crossing the Viraja River and Entering the Brahmajyoti
- The Viraja River is a transcendental body of water that marks the boundary between the material universe (Brahmanda) and the spiritual realm (Vaikuntha and Goloka).
- The chariot, guided by divine energy, crossed the Viraja River, entering the realm of the Brahmajyoti (the formless effulgence of Krishna).
6. Entering the Vaikuntha Planets
- After passing through the Brahmajyoti, they entered the Vaikuntha Lokas, the divine abodes of Lord Narayana (Vishnu).
- The devatas witnessed the infinite spiritual worlds where four-armed Vishnu forms resided, attended by Lakshmi-devis and liberated souls.
- However, they continued their journey beyond Vaikuntha, as their goal was Goloka Vrindavana, the topmost spiritual realm.
7. Arrival at Goloka Vrindavana
- Finally, the chariot arrived at Goloka Vrindavana, a realm beyond all Vaikuntha planets.
- This topmost spiritual abode is described as a place of eternal bliss, full of divine forests, cows, rivers, and the supreme beauty of Krishna and His associates.
- Lord Brahma and the devatas beheld Krishna in His original form as Govinda, the Supreme Cowherd Boy, playing His flute, surrounded by gopis, gopas, and the Nitya-Siddhas (eternal liberated souls).
8. The Devatas and Brahma Offer Their Prayers
- Overwhelmed by divine bliss, Brahma and the devatas fell at Krishna’s lotus feet.
- They offered prayers, glorifying Krishna as the Supreme Lord of all creation and seeking His mercy.
- Krishna, with His sweet, smiling form, reassured them that all material problems are temporary and that only devotion (bhakti) leads to eternal liberation.
9. Receiving Krishna’s Blessings and Returning to Their Duties
- After receiving Krishna’s darshan (divine vision), Brahma and the devatas were spiritually purified.
- Krishna instructed them to return to their respective duties, but with a renewed understanding of their true purpose—to serve Him with devotion rather than being attached to temporary positions of power.
- The divine chariot then transported them back to their realms, but now with the wisdom of Goloka in their hearts.
Conclusion: The Significance of This Journey
- This journey of Lord Brahma and the Devatas to Goloka Vrindavana illustrates the transcendental supremacy of Krishna’s abode over all other realms.
- It emphasizes that Goloka is beyond the material universe and even beyond Vaikuntha.
- It teaches that pure devotion (bhakti) is the only way to access Goloka, and even great beings like Brahma and the devatas must surrender to Krishna to experience ultimate liberation.
This description from Garga Bhagavatam aligns with the teachings of various scriptures like Brahma Samhita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Chaitanya Charitamrita, affirming that Krishna is the Supreme Lord and Goloka Vrindavana is His eternal, divine home.
