Now Krishna describes the krishna gati — the path of darkness. Smoke, night, the dark fortnight, and the six months of Dakshinayana — these mark the dim path. The yogi who departs through this path reaches the lunar realm and eventually returns to earthly life.
The Upanishads call this the pitriyana marga — the path of the ancestors. Those who perform good deeds but lack the knowledge of Brahman travel this route. They enjoy the fruits of their merit in higher realms, and when the merit is exhausted, they return to earth.
This path is not a punishment. It brings comfort and reward. But it does not grant final release. Like staying in a fine guesthouse — pleasant, but not a permanent home.