R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993

Evolution of Vaishnavism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The originator of Bhagavata Religion was-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Bhagavata religion emerged as a devotional tradition focusing on 'Bhagavat' (the Adorable One). It synthesized hero-worship with metaphysical concepts of the Supreme Being.

Explanation Historians trace the roots of this sect to the Satvata/Yadava clan of Mathura, where Vasudeva Krishna was the central figure and originator of this devotional path.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Lord Krishna is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and is the heart of the Bhagavata faith.
Logic 2: Janak and Yagyavalkya are associated with Upanishadic Jnana (knowledge), while Surdas was a later medieval Bhakti poet, not an originator.

Active Recall

Question

Which community is historically linked to the birth of the Bhagavata sect?

Answer

The Yadava (or Satvata) community of the Mathura region, who deified their hero-leader Krishna.

Core Insight

Bhagavatism was instrumental in making religion accessible to the masses by replacing complex fire sacrifices with simple devotion (Bhakti).