Vaisnavism
Summary
The article examines the historical development of Vaisnavism, tracing its origins to the pre-Christian worship of the deity Visudeva. The author argues that the modern Vaisnava tradition is a synthesis of three distinct religious streams: the Vedic god Visnu, the cosmic deity Narayana, and the historical god Vasudeva. The text relies heavily on the research of R. G. Bhandarkar, who contends that Vasudeva-Krsna worship was prevalent across India long before the Christian era. Evidence for this early cult includes references in the Pali Niddesa, the grammatical works of Panini and Patanjali, and accounts by the Greek ambassador Megasthenes. The article further explores how Vasudeva was later identified with the Vedic god Visnu and the cosmic figure Narayana, and how the cult eventually absorbed the pastoral traditions of Gopala-Krsna, a development that occurred at a post-Christian date. The author supports this historical narrative with extensive archaeological and epigraphic evidence, including the Besnagar Garuda pillar inscription of the Greek ambassador Heliodoros, the Ghosundi stone inscription of King Sarvatita, and various Sunga, Saka-Kusana, and Gupta period coins and seals. The article concludes by detailing the flourishing of the Bhakti cult during the Gupta period, highlighting the devotion of rulers such as Samudra Gupta, Candra Gupta I, and Skanda Gupta, who actively promoted Vaisnavism through temple construction and royal patronage, thereby establishing it as a dominant force in Indian religious history.
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Conclusion
This article demonstrates that Vaisnavism emerged from the ancient cult of Vasudeva-Krsna, predating the Mauryan era and deeply rooted in early Indian history. Its key finding is the gradual amalgamation of the historical deity Vasudeva with the Vedic god Visnu and the cosmic god Narayana, alongside the later integration of the pastoral Gopala-Krsna cult. The significance of this synthesis is profound, as it formed the foundation of classical Hindu monotheism and the doctrine of *bhakti*. Epigraphic and numismatic evidence from the Sunga, Saka-Kusana, and Gupta periods underscores its widespread influence across northern India and its acceptance by both indigenous rulers and foreign elites, such as the Greek ambassador Heliodoros. Ultimately, the text establishes Vaisnavism as a dynamic, evolving tradition that successfully absorbed diverse regional and theological elements to become a dominant force in Indian religious life.