Narrations of Kṛṣṇa Līlā from Sangam and Post-Sangam Tamil Literature

Abstract

This article explores the narrations of Kṛṣṇa līlā (divine acts) in Sangam (300 BCE - 300 CE) and post-Sangam Tamil literature (300 CE - 600 CE), highlighting their continuity in the later bhakti-era Tamil literature. The study enumerates instances where Kṛṣṇa līlā are depicted, noting their similarity to those in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and examines variations, such as the unique presence of Piṇṇai. The paper also discusses how these narrations were employed as similes, illustrating their deep integration into the cultural consciousness of ancient Tamils. It further investigates the representation of various avatāras (incarnations) and Pāñcarātra concepts within these literary works. The paper concludes by suggesting a re-examination of the dating of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and proposes the existence of an early Tamil oral tradition related to Kṛṣṇa.