Nitya Ātmā — The Eternally Free Souls
Nitya Ātmā (Sanskrit: nitya = eternal + ātmā = soul; 'eternal soul') refers to the class of jīvātmās known as nityasūris — those who have never been bound in saṃsāra, never experienced material embodiment, and have dwelt eternally in Paramapadham in uninterrupted blissful service to Bhagavān.
The Three Categories of Souls: Together with baddha ātmā (bound) and mukta ātmā (liberated), the nitya ātmās complete the comprehensive taxonomy of all jīvātmās in Viśiṣṭādvaita.
The Nityasūris: The eternally free souls include the great attendants of Bhagavān in Paramapadham — Ādiśeṣa (Ananta), Garuḍa, Viśvaksena, and the countless other nitya paricaras (eternal attendants). They have perpetual, unobstructed access to Bhagavān's divine form, qualities, and acts.
Why They Were Never Bound: The nityasūris were never drawn into saṃsāra — Bhagavān's grace held them in Paramapadham from beginningless time. This is not a 'superior karma' earned by them — it is entirely Bhagavān's sovereign will and grace.
Their Role: The nityasūris serve as models of perfect kaiṅkaryam and as messengers of Bhagavān's grace to the bound souls still in saṃsāra. Ādiśeṣa (as Rāmānuja's prior birth) and Garuḍa embody this role of bridging the eternal realm and the material world.