Act III of Caitanyacandrodaya
Keywords:
Vaiṣṇava Devotion, Caitanyacandrodaya, Kavikarṇapūra, Inset Play, Act III, Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Radha Krishna, Bhakti, Rasa, Prema-bhakti, Lila, Allegorical Drama, BhedabhedaAbstract
The article, "Entering the Dynamics of Vaiṣṇava Devotion: The Inset Play in Act III of Kavikarṇapūra’s Caitanyacandrodaya" by Gerald T. Carney, explores the multi-layered theological and dramatic qualities of Kavikarṇapūra's 16th-century play. It delves into the play's portrayal of Vaiṣṇava devotion, focusing on the intricate relationship between the divine and human through concepts like prema-bhakti and rasa. The article specifically analyzes Act III, "The Play About the Gifts," highlighting its use of an inset-play where Caitanya Mahaprabhu (regarded as the joint avatara of Radha and Krishna) embodies Radha's ecstatic love for Krishna. It discusses how this dramatic device allows the audience to participate in and experience divine lila (play), thereby redefining the purpose of drama from classical norms to a devotional and experiential one. The article concludes by emphasizing that the inset-play serves as a pathway for devotees to realize the intimate "difference and non-difference" (bhedabheda) with the Lord, making His divine play accessible and real.Act III of Caitanyacandrodaya
