Le rituel de la dévotion krsnaïte

by Rasik Vihari Joshi

Krsna worship is one of the most popular manifestations of religiosity in India. The present study illustrates the ritual aspects of the Krsna cult based primarily on Sanskrit sources such as the Puranas and Tantras, the Pancaratrasamhitas and the Haribhaktivilasa. It deals with initiation (diksa), with the rosary and the rite of purascarana, the construction of the temple of Krsna, elaboration, consecration and worship of his images, and with the bhakta. It demonstrates how Krsna-worship has transformed Vedic ritual without severing formal ties with the Vedas, replacing prayer addressed to an impersonal Being with personal communion with Lord Krsna.