Sri Ramani Naidu has very eloquently answered this Here is an excerpt from his postings on a related list: - From http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bhakti-list/message/16831 Everyone know how Vishnu is associated with the earth in the Hindu pantheon. The earth which provides man with the basis for his existence is made fertile because of association with Vishnu. Based upon this concept have many stories risen in the Hindu literature and mythology. Kama, the God of Love, becomes synonymous with Vishnu in this respect. Vishnu is called Krishnan and Kama. In the Mahabharath is said, "There is no distinction between Kama and Vishnu." Thirumal is worshipped in the name of Kama." "Kama is one of the many names of Vishnu." - End On a related note, Sri Ramani Naidu's explanation of the nayaka-nayaki strain in Vaishnava literature is lucid in its context -From http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bhakti-list/message/16818 Thus the songs of the first three Alwars begin in wonder; proceed to the wisdom of knowing and finally gets sublimated in experiencing God as a personal reality. The circle thus becomes complete. When this is properly perceived, the realisation of the self felt within the devotee that Peyalwar describes later led to the nayaka-nayaki strain in the Vaishnava literature. This yogic experience of realising God is more psychological and experiential than physical. The Supreme Reality became the Lover and the Love; the experiencer and the experience. the Atma and the Paramatma; Krishna and Nappinnai. The Supreme Reality thus made itself two different aspect of the same Principle. In physical form, man and women explicate the same. The physical became an explanation to the relationship that is cicumscribed by time and space. The Principle became the transcendental reality. When the transcendent is realised in the physical, it becomes the fusion realised in the highest plane of spiritual existence. -End Thanks Srinivasan Sriram ============================================================
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