Nitya Ātmā and Nitya-sūri
Nitya ātmā literally means an eternal self. In Viśiṣṭādvaita every jīvātmā — whether bound, liberated, or ever-free — is beginningless, indestructible, and eternal. Therefore the bare expression nitya ātmā should not be restricted to the ever-free class.
The technical term for the jīvas who have never been bound in saṃsāra and who eternally dwell in Paramapadam in uninterrupted service to Bhagavān is nitya-sūri (also expressed as nitya-mukta in classificatory discussions).
The Three Categories of Souls: The standard classification is baddha (bound souls), mukta (souls liberated from bondage), and nitya or nitya-sūri (ever-free souls). All three are eternal jīvātmās; what distinguishes the nitya-sūris is that they have never undergone saṃsāric bondage.
The Nitya-sūris: The eternally free attendants include Ādiśeṣa (Ananta), Garuḍa, Viśvaksena, and countless other nitya-parijanas. They have perpetual, unobstructed access to Bhagavān's divine form, qualities, and acts.
Their Role: The nitya-sūris exemplify perfect kaiṅkaryam and participate in Bhagavān's service and divine purposes. Ādiśeṣa, Garuḍa, and Viśvaksena are especially prominent in Śrī Vaiṣṇava worship and theology.