„Krisna-völgyből Új Vradzsa Dhám”
“From Krishna Valley to New Vraja-dhama”

An Example of Tradition and Innovation in Gaudiya Vaishnavism

Summary/Abstract: The western Hare Krishna movement is an excellent example for a phenomenon originating in the past and surviving in the present: the movement relates itself to a Hindu reform-movement in the 15th century (gaudiya vaishnavism), that is, it connects to a remote culture (India) and also to a remote age (the Middle Ages). Overcoming discrepancies between past and present, and conserving and producing continuity are the main aims and tasks of the movement. Legitimating techniques established in Hinduism help them to realize this aim. In my paper I present the workings and the actors of these legitimating processes through a case study: the example of the formation and interpretation of Krishna Valley as a holy place. Krishna devotees believe that some 5000 years ago Krishna appeared on Earth in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh, 144 km south of Delhi). His birthplace is an exact replica of the spiritual world, and some interpretations claim that he is constantly and simultaneously present in the earthly Vrindavan as well, his life being led the same way there as in the spiritual sphere. As a result, Vrindavan and its surroundings are regarded as holy to this day, and there are several spots in the area with which some Krishna story is associated. The emic name of the Hungarian Krishna Valley, New Vrajadhama also alludes to the broader setting of Krishna’s birth and the first phase of his life, Vrindavan. The name does not simply connect the two venues but also suggests that Krishna Valley is a projection of the holiest place of Krishnaism, Vrindavan and consequently of the spiritual Vrindavan as well. In this paper I try to demonstrate the connection between past and present, tradition and innovation on the example of transforming Krishna Valley into a sacred place.

• Details
• Contents