An Evolution of Emphasis

The Bhramargit in the Bhagavata Purana and in The Poetry of Nandadasa

Authors

  • A. Whitney Sanford

Keywords:

Bhramargit, Bhagavata Purana, Nandadasa, Viraha, Bhakti, Krishna, Uddhava, Gopis, Saguna, Nirguna, Vallabha Sampradaya, Emotional Devotion, Alvars, Hindu Poetry, Indian Philosophy

Abstract

A. Whitney Sanford’s article examines the evolving theological and emotional emphasis on viraha (separation) in the Bhramargit episode of the Bhagavata Purana (BhP) and its retelling in Nandadasa’s poetry, aligned with the Vallabha Sampradaya. In both versions, the Gopis mourn Krishna’s departure to Mathura, rejecting Uddhava’s attempts to console them with nirguna (formless) metaphysics. While the BhP implies their eventual philosophical acceptance, Nandadasa's version emphasizes emotional devotion and the enduring power of saguna bhakti, portraying the Gopis as unwavering in their longing. Sanford interprets this shift as reflecting the historical rise of person-centric devotion, influenced by South Indian Alvar poetry and later formalized in North Indian bhakti movements. The article highlights how devotional texts adapt theological concepts like saguna/nirguna to communicate changing ideals of the devotee–divine relationship, offering insight into evolving devotional aesthetics and religious psychology.

Published

1994-05-13