BG 8.23 Uttarayan Dakhshinayan

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You’re asking about Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 (Akshara Brahma Yoga) and the concept of Uttarayan vs. Dakshinayan — the two cosmic paths of departure after death. Let me break it down clearly:

1. Context in Chapter 8

In verses 23–26, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the two paths for the departing soul:

• Shukla Marga (Path of Light) → Connected with Uttarayan (Northern solstice, daylight, bright half of the lunar month).
• Krishna Marga (Path of Darkness) → Connected with Dakshinayan (Southern solstice, night, dark half of the lunar month).

2. Uttarayan (Path of Light)

• Departing during Uttarayan, in the bright fortnight of the moon (Shukla Paksha), and during daylight is symbolically auspicious.
• Yogis who die in this phase are said to not return to rebirth, reaching the Supreme (Brahman / Moksha).
• This is called the Archiradi Marga (path of flames/light).

3. Dakshinayan (Path of Darkness)

• Departing during Dakshinayan, in the dark fortnight of the moon (Krishna Paksha), and during night leads to return.
• Souls taking this path reach heavenly worlds (swarga) temporarily, but eventually return to rebirth.
• This is called the Dhoomadi Marga (path of smoke/darkness).

4. Symbolic Understanding

• It’s not merely about time of death.
• Uttarayan = path of knowledge, clarity, spiritual light → leading to liberation.
• Dakshinayan = path of attachment, ignorance, worldly desires → leading to rebirth.

So, Krishna uses cosmic imagery (sun’s northern/southern movement) to symbolize the two destinies of the soul.

✨ A famous example: Bhishma Pitamah chose to depart in Uttarayan, waiting on his deathbed until the sun turned northward, symbolizing release.

Would you like me to show you the exact Sanskrit verses (8.23–8.26) with English meaning, or would you prefer a simple chart comparing Uttarayan vs Dakshinayan for quick reference?