The Three Purushas: Difference Between Kshara, Akshara, and Purushottama

Minutes to read.

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verses 16–18, the speaker provides a definitive hierarchy of the divine powers governing the universes. Understanding these three "Purushas" (Beings) is the only way to understand who is subject to death and who is truly eternal.

1. Kshara Purush (The Perishable Being)

Verse 16: "Dvau imau purushau loke ksharah ch aksharah eva cha..."

• Identity: This refers to Kaal Brahm (the Giver of the Gita) and all living beings within his 21 universes.
• Nature: He is called "Perishable" because his entire realm—including the bodies of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—is subject to destruction during the Great Dissolution (Mahapralaya).
• The Trap: Every soul currently residing in the material world is under the jurisdiction of the Kshara Purush, bound by the cycle of birth and death.

2. Akshara Purush (The Imperishable Being)

Verse 16: "...kuṭastho ’kṣara ucyate"

• Identity: This refers to ParBrahm, the master of 700 quadrillion universes.
• Nature: He is called "Imperishable" only in comparison to the material world. While his realm lasts much longer than Kaal’s, even the Akshara Purush is not the ultimate, absolute power.
• The Distinction: The soul (Atma) is also considered "Akshara" because it does not die when the body dies, but it remains a prisoner within these lower universes until it finds the path to the third Being.

3. Purushottama / Uttama Purusha (The Supreme Person)

Verse 17: "Uttamah purushah tu anyah paramatmety udahrtah..."

This is the most critical verse. The speaker explicitly says the Supreme Person is "ANYAH" (ANOTHER/DIFFERENT) from himself.

• Identity: This is Purna Parmatma Aadi Purush Parmeshwar (Supreme God Kabir).
• Nature: He is the Paramatma (Supreme Soul). He is the only one who is truly eternal and unchangeable.
• Role: The verse states that He enters the three worlds (Lokas) and sustains them. Unlike Kaal (who consumes souls), the Purushottama is the Sustainer and the Giver of Life.

Comparison Table: The Three Beings

Why This Matters for Your Salvation

The speaker of the Gita admits in Verse 18 that he is called "Purushottama" in this world (Loke) and in the Vedas only because he is superior to the perishable living beings (Kshara).

The Tattvadarshi Insight: However, he has already pointed to the "Other" (Uttama Purusha) in Verse 17.

1. Worshipping Kshara (Kaal/Trinity) keeps you in the cycle of birth and death.
2. Worshipping Akshara leads to a longer life in higher heavens but not permanent moksha.
3. Only by taking refuge in the Purushottama (Purna Parmatma) can you reach the "Abode of No Return" (Satlok).

FAQ

Q: Is the Giver of the Gita the Supreme God?

A: No. In Chapter 15, Verse 17, the speaker identifies the Uttama Purusha (Supreme Person) as being "Anyah" (Another/Different) from himself. He clarifies that the Supreme God is the one who enters and sustains the three worlds.

Q: Who is the "Imperishable" (Akshara Purush) mentioned in Verse 16?

A: The Akshara Purush is ParBrahm, the master of 700 quadrillion universes. While he is called "Imperishable" in relation to the material world, he is still subordinate to the Purushottama (Purna Parmatma).

Q: What is the difference between Kshara and Akshara?

A: Kshara refers to Kaal Brahm and all souls within the 21 universes (all are subject to destruction). Akshara refers to the higher power of the 700 quadrillion universes. Both are distinct from the Purushottama, who is the absolute Eternal Being.

Q: Can we achieve complete salvation by worshipping the Kshara Purush?

A: No. Worshipping the Kshara Purush (the three Gunas/Kaal) keeps the soul within the cycle of birth and death. Permanent liberation is only possible by seeking refuge in the Purushottama as instructed in Verse 17.