Q. With reference to the diverse schools and teachings associated with the Krishna Cult (Krishnaism) in India, consider the following statements:
1.The Pushtimarg school, founded by Vallabhacharya, propounded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism), maintaining that the phenomenal world is not an illusion.
2.The Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, established by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, focuses on Raganuga Bhakti, characterized by ecstatic emotional love and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.
3.The Ashtachhap, a group of eight devotee-poets who specialized in songs about Krishna’s childhood leelas, were all disciples of the saint Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Vallabhacharya (15th-16th Century) founded the Pushtimarg (Path of Grace) and advocated Shuddhadvaita. Unlike Shankara’s Advaita, which held the world (Maya) to be illusory, Vallabha taught that the entire universe is real and is delicately the Brahman.
- Statement 2: Correct. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th-16th Century) founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism. His method of worship involved emotional devotion (Raganuga Bhakti or Viraha Bhakti) and the practice of Sankirtana (communal chanting), including the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. The Ashtachhap (Eight Seals/Companions) were eight poets who wrote about Krishna’s leelas. They were followers of Vallabhacharya and his son, Vithalnath. The most famous among them was Surdas. Mirabai (a princess from Mewar) was a devotee of Krishna but was not the guru or a member of the Ashtachhap group.
