The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word NIRVANA
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
I
R
V
A
N
A
More clues leading to the result NIRVANA
- Heaven recalled in bible stories
- In north country area, very blissful place
- Band in blissful state
- Enlightened state houses five in north country area
- Joyful state of Northern Ireland artist having secured vehicle?
- Vehicle in rain misrepresented as a blissful state
- Joy driving vehicle through pouring rain
- Final release of vehicle trapped in blustery rain
- Rock group's vehicle caught in terrible rain
- Grandmother keeping one recreational vehicle in paradise
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Joyful state" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case joyful state = nirvana.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NIRVANA mean?
NIRVANA noun- Complete cessation of suffering; a blissful state attained through realization of sunyata; enlightened experience.
- (non-Buddhist) State of paradise; heightened or great pleasure.