In Search of Shiva: Mahadeviyakka's Virashaivism

Brooks, Thom

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
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1471361