Haberman, the physical Vraja.....

[suryaz]

According to Haberman, the physical Vraja, a tract of land in the

vicinity of the North Indian city of Mathura, has only been a

major centre for the worship of Krsna since the sixteenth century

when the followers of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and other Vaisnavas

"rediscovered" the lost sites of Krsna's pastimes. Haberman states

that these sites never really existed before the sixteenth century

and weren't "rediscovered" but "projected" onto the physical

landscape of Vraja from the transcendental landscape perceived in

meditation.

 

(Thompson, Richard "Reflections of the Relation Between Religion and Modern Rationalism")

 

however:

 

“…Padma Puraa.na points to a southern origin for bhakti, and provides a clue to the geographical location of some Puraa.nic traditions as well” (Demmitt & van Buitenen 1978:11).

“ ‘Bhakti was born in Draavidha, grew up in Kar.naataka, became worn out in MaharaaS.tra and Gurjera, sought refuge with her two sons Knowledge and Dispassion in Vrindavana, and regained her vigor there… Enough of vows, sacred fords, disciples, sacrifices, discourse about knowledge, faith alone bestows release!(Padma Puraa.na 6.189.51; 190.22)’” (Demmitt & van Buitenen 1978:11).

 

When was the Padma Puraa.na was written?

 

 

 

[This message has been edited by suryaz (edited 11-15-2001).]