Early Visnuism and Narayaniya Worship
By Mrinal Das Gupta
Summary
In this substantive essay the author explores early forms of Viṣṇu worship and the emergence of the Nārāyaṇīya cult. Beginning with the Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad and early sections of the Mahābhārata, the article traces the shift from Vedic sacrificial religion to devotional worship centred on a personal god. It analyses passages that depict Nārāyaṇa as the supreme being and discusses cosmological myths describing his origin and manifestations. The essay examines the concept of viśvarūpa, the role of eons (yugas), and the classification of bhaktas (devotees) according to their motivations. Particular attention is paid to the myth of Śvetadvīpa, the ‘white island’ where liberated souls dwell, drawing parallels with Christian eschatology and suggesting independent Indian origins for such ideas. The author engages with previous scholarship on possible influence from Christian missionaries but argues that the Nārāyaṇīya doctrine evolved internally within Hinduism. Comparative discussion of Pāñcarātra and Vaiṣṇava traditions demonstrates how the notion of a supreme, formless god coexisted with anthropomorphic avatars. Throughout, the article emphasises the synthesis of monism and theism that characterises early Vaiṣṇavism, highlighting the theological sophistication of the Nārāyaṇīya sections. Footnotes cross‑reference textual variants and provide philological commentary on key terms and epithets. The essay concludes that early Viṣṇuism represents a significant religious transformation in which personal devotion and metaphysical speculation converge.
Conclusion
By examining Upaniṣadic and epic sources, the article shows that early Nārāyaṇīya worship arose from internal developments in Hindu thought rather than external influence. It illustrates the evolution of Viṣṇu from a minor Vedic deity to the supreme object of devotion.