Brahman or Avatara? Krishna in the Literature of South Indian Srivaishnava Theologians

Abstract

In Brahman or Avatāra?, Manasicha Akepiyapornchai explores the theological positioning of Kṛṣṇa within the works of three prominent South Indian Śrīvaiṣṇava thinkers—Yāmunācārya, Rāmānuja, and Vedānta Deśika. Through a focused analysis of their commentaries on the Bhagavadgītā and other doctrinal texts, the study interrogates whether Kṛṣṇa is to be understood as the supreme Brahman or as an avatāra, and how these two concepts are reconciled.

The article demonstrates a shared doctrinal stance across these theologians: Kṛṣṇa is an avatāra of Brahman, who is fully identified with Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa. Emphasizing divine accessibility, the Śrīvaiṣṇava tradition presents avataras not as subordinate or derivative forms, but as intentional, compassionate descents of the transcendent Brahman into the world to uphold dharma and guide devotees. The study also addresses the theological sophistication with which these thinkers navigate questions of materiality, divine immanence, and transcendence—affirming the avatāra’s purity and ontological independence from material nature.