Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa

The contributions in this volume address the complex history of the Indian deity Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa, whose conception evolved across various traditions in India, particularly in South India, during the first millennium CE. This development is reconstructed through philological exegesis, the history of ideas, and iconographic evidence. Contributors examine a range of textual materials in Sanskrit, Tamil, and Maṇipravāḷa, including early Caṅkam literature (3rd–6th century CE), the Vaiṣṇava text corpus (notably the Nālāyiradivviyapirabandham, 6th–9th century CE), Purāṇic literature (especially the Viṣṇupurāṇa, 5th–6th century CE), Pāñcarātra literature, and later (10th–14th century CE) philosophical and theological works of theistic Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, in which Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa plays a central role. The volume also explores how Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa came to be viewed as a solitary supreme God, with a reconstruction of theological arguments supporting his monotheism. The aim is to contribute to the study of Nārāyaṇa’s complex history by exploring various textual and conceptual structures associated with this deity across different Indian religious traditions. It traces Nārāyaṇa’s evolution to later works like the Mahābhārata and Harivaṃśa, and discusses also his significance in the Pāñcarātra tradition and his association with the emerging Viṣṇuism, culminating in his central role in theistic Vedānta. Contributors explore Nārāyaṇa’s portrayal in various Sanskrit and Tamil texts, analyzing his depiction in literary works, theological treatises, and philosophical writings. They examine his connections with other deities and discuss his attributes, symbols, and roles in creation myths. The volume delves into the historical development of Nārāyaṇa’s worship, his iconography, and theological significance, highlighting the continuity and transformation of his character across different traditions.