Pilgrimage within: Paramanand\u27s lyrics as play between the sacred and the profane

Abstract

Paramanand\u27s padas (lyrics) facilitate the transformation of the bhakta\u27s(devotee) consciousness from the laukika (profane) to the alaukika (sacred) and function as a heuristic device for the sacred. Paramanand, a sixteenth century poet-saint linked with the Vallabha Sampradaya, composed lyrics in praise of Krishna and performed seva. As rituals of transformation, his lyrics cultivate the bhava that enables the bhakta to relate intimately with Krishna and ultimately to sport in Krishna\u27s alaukika lila. Cues meaningful within a particular cultural context arouse the emotions (socially and culturally constructed), and the padas shift the bhakta\u27s perspective from the laukika to the alaukika. In this perspectival transformation, the bhakta invests a person or object with bhava (emotion), thus sacralizing the profane. Indian aesthetic techniques (linked to devotional religion by the tenth century) provide the structure for this transformation. The padas function as sites on a pilgrimage by promoting and facilitating bhava and darsana (sight) of Krishna\u27s lila. The padas (just as the pilgrimage sites) present vignettes of the lila to which the bhakta supplies the interpretive narrative and context. Paramanand leads the bhakta on this journey within, a cognitive and internal pilgrimage rather than a physical or geographical trip. The transformation of the profane to the sacred rests upon the Vaishnava conception of reality which is vastly different from that of the West. Rather than a substantial difference between the sacred and the profane, the difference is perspectival and the boundaries fluid. Paramanand aesthetically mediates between the sacred and the profane and guides the bhakta to a relationship with Krishna. His intercessionary role as well as his exemplary lifestyle designate him a saint within the Braj devotional community. Through his padas, he intercedes for the bhakta with Krishna by arousing emotions which enable the bhakta to enter into a relationship with Krishna and participate in the alaukika lila--the goal of the bhakta