Pahari Paintings of the Gita Govinda

In the history of Vaishnavism the Bhagavata Purana exercised a profound influence on the development of the Bhakti cult in mediaeval India as its doctrines proved a turning point in religious thought. The Bhagavata concentrated upon the boyhood and youth of Krishna around whom the Purana weaves its theories of personal devotion. Although Radha, whose enchanting figure flitting through the lilting songs of Jayadeva, is absent in the Bhagavata, the gopis figure prominently merging their personality with that of Krishna. The utter self-effacement with which they pour out their love, becomes the accepted symbol in Vaishnavism for the soul’s yearning for God. The eternal sports of the Lord in an imaginary Vrindavana are regarded by his devotees as a stepping stone for the realisation of godhood. The supreme message of the Bhagavata is passionate love for the beloved which transforms bare sex impulses into ecstatic religious fervour.