Shloka 28
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
आत्यन्तिकेन सत्त्वेन दिवं देवा: प्रपेदिरे । धरां रज:स्वभावेन पणयो ये च ताननु ॥ २८ ॥
ātyantikena sattvena divaṁ devāḥ prapedire dharāṁ rajaḥ-svabhāvena paṇayo ye ca tān anu
The demigods, qualified by the supremely excellent mode of goodness, reside in the heavenly planets, whereas human beings, by their passionate nature, live on the earth along with their subordinates.
In Bhagavad-gītā (14.14-15) it is said that those who are highly developed in the mode of goodness are promoted to the higher, heavenly planetary system, and those who are overpowered by the mode of passion are situated in the middle planetary systems — the earth and similar planets. But those who are surcharged with the mode of ignorance are degraded to the lower planetary systems or to the animal kingdom. The demigods are highly developed in the mode of goodness, and thus they are situated in the heavenly planets. Below human beings are the animals, although some of them mingle with human society; cows, horses, dogs, etc., are habituated to living under the protection of human beings.
FAQs
This verse states that when goodness (sattva) predominates, beings such as the devas attain the heavenly realms (divam), indicating a higher destination shaped by the mode of goodness.
Rajas is the mode of passion associated with activity, acquisition, and worldly engagement; therefore those driven by rajas—here described as paṇayas (traders/mercantile people)—are said to attain the earthly sphere suited to such pursuits.
Observe which mode drives your choices: cultivate sattva through purity, self-control, truthful living, and devotion to elevate consciousness; reduce rajas by simplifying desires and restless ambition, and align work with dharma.