Argument and Persuasion: A Brief Study of Kîrtana in the Bhågavata Puråna: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

Kirtana, or the recitation of sacred names, texts, poetry and songs, is the focus of religious devotion and religious practice in the
Bhågavata Purå∫a, a text that serves as the theological foundation of Vaishnava traditions, and which is a major literary and cultural foundation for Hinduism in general. It is the basis of Caitanya Vaishnavism and has greatly influenced the Pu߆i Mårga of Vallabha, and even Advaitins draw from it (Ranganathananda 1991; Krishna 1991: 168). In later traditions, such as Gau∂îya Vaishnavism, kîrtana has the sense of “a congregational song that magnifies a deity by mentioning his honorific names or praiseworthy deeds” (Hein 1981: 18) and which uses hand-cymbals and drums. In the Bhågavata itself it has a more general sense of reciting the sacred tradition
of philosophy, theology, history and story that had been passed down from great yogins, munis and devas such as Vyåsa, Brahmå, Ûuka, but which ultimately comes from Vishnu and Krishna.