Vrndavan in Vaishnava Literature: History and Symbolism: no. 6 (Reconstructing Indian History and Culture, no. 6)

Book Detail

• Author: Maura Corcoran
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 189
• Release Date: 31-12-1995
• EAN: 9788124600245
• Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Languages: English

Description

This scholarly work by Maura Corcoran examines the multifaceted concept of Vrindavana, a sacred site on the banks of the Yamuna, about 150 kilometers from Delhi. Vrindavana is regarded as the holiest pilgrimage for the worshippers of Krishna. However, this book moves beyond the geographical and devotional significance of Vrindavana to explore its mythological and metaphysical dimensions.

Key Highlights:

• Vrindavana as a Concept: The work challenges the conventional view of Vrindavana as merely a geographical pilgrimage site, instead exploring it as a mythic and symbolic place. It addresses questions like whether Vrindavana is a terrestrial pilgrimage location, a mythical site associated with Krishna and Radha, or a metaphysical concept embodying the divine realm and eternal lila (divine play).
• Critical Analysis of Texts: The author critically analyzes a range of texts from the vast corpus of Vaishnava literature, which includes mythological, devotional, metaphysical, and commentarial works, to explore the nature of Vrindavana.
• Notional Sequence: The book identifies a sequence of ideas connected with Vrindavana, examining it from the perspectives of (a) a mythic place, (b) a symbolic space, and (c) the geographical town as a center of pilgrimage.
• Other Key Concepts: It also delves into other important themes like avatara (incarnation) and lila (divine sport), which form the foundation of understanding the divine and its relation to the material world.
• Striking Departure from Modern Interpretations: This volume departs from the modern tendency to focus solely on Vrindavana as a geographical place, offering a more profound understanding of its symbolic and mythic significance.

This work is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Vaishnava philosophy, Hinduism, and Indian religious studies, offering a fresh perspective on the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of Vrindavana.