Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 32
The Lord’s Apology to the Kumāras and the Fall of Jaya and Vijaya
द्वा:स्थावादिश्य भगवान् विमानश्रेणिभूषणम् । सर्वातिशयया लक्ष्म्या जुष्टं स्वं धिष्ण्यमाविशत् ॥ ३२ ॥
dvāḥsthāv ādiśya bhagavān vimāna-śreṇi-bhūṣaṇam sarvātiśayayā lakṣmyā juṣṭaṁ svaṁ dhiṣṇyam āviśat
Après avoir ainsi parlé à la porte de Vaikuṇṭha, le Seigneur regagna Sa demeure, ornée de rangées de vimānas célestes et comblée d’une opulence et d’une splendeur de Lakṣmī sans pareilles.
It is clear from this verse that all the incidents took place at the entrance of Vaikuṇṭhaloka. In other words, the sages were not actually within Vaikuṇṭhaloka, but were at the gate. It could be asked, “How could they return to the material world if they entered Vaikuṇṭhaloka?” But factually they did not enter, and therefore they returned. There are many similar incidents where great yogīs and brāhmaṇas, by dint of their yoga practice, have gone from this material world to Vaikuṇṭhaloka — but they were not meant to stay there. They came back. It is also confirmed here that the Lord was surrounded by many Vaikuṇṭha airplanes. Vaikuṇṭhaloka is described here as having splendid opulence, far surpassing the splendor of this material world.
FAQs
This verse depicts Vaikuṇṭha as the Lord’s own divine residence, ornamented with rows of vimānas and permeated by unsurpassed splendor, presided over by Śrī (Lakṣmī).
In the narrative context, after the incident involving the Kumāras and the gatekeepers, the Lord addresses and directs the doorkeepers, and then returns to His abode—showing His governance and compassion even amid a curse scenario.
It reminds one that the Lord’s realm is defined by purity, order, and divine beauty; a devotee can reflect this by cultivating disciplined conduct, respectful dealings, and remembrance of the Lord’s supreme, auspicious nature.