Vraja Among the Tamils: A Study of Bhagavatas in Early South India

Authors

  • Dennis Hudson

Keywords:

Vraja, Tamils, Bhagavatas, South India, Krsna, Balarama, Sangam literature, Dennis Hudson, Bhagavata Purana, Pinnai, Radha, Acaryas, Maturai, Kancipuram, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Cilappatikaram, Kalittokai, Vedic, Non-Aryans, Śūdra, Pancaratra

Abstract

Dennis Hudson explores the early presence of the Bhagavata tradition in South India, showing that elements of Kṛṣṇa’s Vraja stories were integrated into Tamil culture by the 1st century BCE. Through texts like Kalittokai and Cilappatikaram, Hudson argues that Kṛṣṇa, Pinnai (a Radha-like figure), and related motifs were familiar to Tamil Śūdra communities via Bhagavata ācāryas. The study also highlights the political and architectural impact of the tradition, culminating in temple art like that of Vaikuntha Perumal Temple at Kāñcīpuram.

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Published

1994-10-20

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (1994): Conference (Winter)

Section

Articles