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GATI or Jati refers to the continuous cycle of transmigration experienced by a worldly being, moving from one birth to another. Until the soul attains complete liberation, known as moksha, it undergoes a perpetual cycle of births and deaths in various bodies. This journey is influenced by the Karma (good or bad actions) associated with the soul, determining not only its type of existence or Jati but also the lifespan in each body.
There are four broad conditions or Gatis that a soul can experience:
Devagati: Souls in the celestial realm, known as angels or Devas, reside in heavenly abodes and enjoy continuous pleasure. They have subtle (astral) bodies and live for a minimum of 10,000 years to a maximum of 33 Sagaropama. The level of merit determines their stage, duration of life, and the extent of bliss they experience.
Narakigati: Souls in hellish realms endure constant pain, torture, and suffering without respite. They possess subtle material bodies and their experiences are determined by their sins and cruel deeds. The most severe punishments are found in the seventh hell, where souls endure the longest lifespan of extreme suffering and pain.
Tiryancagati: Souls in subhuman realms inhabit various bodies such as animals, birds, fishes, insects, worms, as well as plants like trees. They exist in different forms with one to five senses, and their experiences vary accordingly.
Manusyagati: Souls in the human realm experience different types of human conditions based on their merits or misfortunes. These conditions include nationalities, varying degrees of morality, blindness, physical disabilities, attractiveness, wealth, and poverty.
After death, the soul transitions to one of these four states of existence based on its accumulated karmas.
