The Eternal Domain
Nitya-vibhūti ('eternal glory/domain') is the transcendental Vaikuṇṭha — the spiritual realm beyond all material creation, constituted entirely of śuddha-sattva (transcendental consciousness-matter beyond the three guṇas). Unlike leelā-vibhūti (the material universe) which undergoes periodic creation and dissolution, Nitya-vibhūti is eternal and unchanging.
What Exists There
In Nitya-vibhūti dwell:
- Bhagavān Śrīman Nārāyaṇa in His supreme (para) form with Śrī Lakṣmī
- The nitya-sūris (eternally free souls — Ādiśeṣa, Garuḍa, Viṣvaksena and others)
- Muktātmās (souls who have attained liberation and arrived from saṃsāra)
The Virajā river marks the boundary between Nitya-vibhūti and Leelā-vibhūti. Crossing it at liberation is the soul's final transition.
Size and Relationship
The traditional teaching holds Nitya-vibhūti to be vastly larger than Leelā-vibhūti. Together, both vibhūtis constitute Bhagavān's two bodies (ubhaya-vibhūti), since everything — both material and transcendental — is His body (śarīra).