The Semiotics of Separation
Narratives of Absence in the Bhagavata Purana
Keywords:
Bhagavata Purana, Viraha, Separation, Semiotics, Bhakti, Krsna, Gopis, Absence, Narrative Structure, Floating Signifier, Representation, Puranic Studies, Transcendence, Indian Philosophy, Linguistic MeaningAbstract
Eric Huberman’s article explores how separation (viraha) functions as a central semiotic and theological motif in the Bhagavata Purana (BhP). Moving beyond conventional focuses on bhakti, Krsna, or lila, the essay foregrounds the narrative structure of the BhP, showing how episodes of absence, especially the iconic separation between Krsna and the Gopis, are deeply woven into the Purana’s fabric. These episodes not only evoke emotional depth but also serve as semiotic devices, grappling with issues of representation, linguistic instability, and the “floating signifier.” Huberman argues that through viraha-bhakti, the BhP transcends narrative and linguistic limitations, offering a spiritually potent mode of transcendental communication. The article positions the BhP as a unique example in Puranic literature where theology, philosophy, and aesthetics converge in narratives of loss and longing.
