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In Search of Shiva: Mahadeviyakka's Virashaivism

Brooks, Thom

Authors



Abstract

Mahādēviyakka was a radical 12th century Karnataka saint of whom surprisingly little has been written. Considered the most poetic of the Vīraśaivas, her vacanas are characterized by their desperate searching for Śiva. I attempt to convey Mahādēvi's epistemology and its struggle to 'know' Śiva, necessitating a lifetime of searching for him; offer an interpretation of the innate presence of Śiva in the world and its consequences for epistemology; and explore the sense of tragic love inherent in devotional searching for Śiva. My primary goal is to offer a powerful and positive, yet critical, interpretation of Mahādēvi's beautiful prose on her relationship with Śiva.

Citation

Brooks, T. (2002). In Search of Shiva: Mahadeviyakka's Virashaivism. Asian Philosophy, 12(1), 21-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/09552360220142234

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2002
Deposit Date Nov 21, 2012
Journal Asian Philosophy
Print ISSN 0955-2367
Electronic ISSN 1469-2961
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 1
Pages 21-34
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09552360220142234