Vishnu and His Vaishnavas

The book introduces the reader to the culture and philosophy of Vaishnavism, as well as the extraordinary personality of Vishnu, around which both arose. The narrative begins with the origin and development of Vaishnavism up to the middle of the second millennium. Special attention is paid to the tradition of worshipping Vishnu and his divine entourage, as well as the popular philosophy of modernity, Vishishtadvaita. The spirit of Vaishnava culture is reflected in the poetic works of the Alvars, "immersed in God." Translations of hymns from Tamil and kirtans from Telugu are excellent illustrations of their bhakti, or devoted love. A separate section is dedicated to an overview of sacred pilgrimage sites and the iconographic tradition.
The final destination for souls filled with bhakti is Vaikuntha, — a spiritual world free of cares and worries, — a kind of guide that concludes the narrative. The book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in the East.