Viththal is refered to in many names and adjectives by many saints. In the process of Vaishnavisation he is neither converted to Krishna or Vishnu. He could be Shiva, Budhdha or Jin as well. Due to Pundalika the traditional nature of Viththal has changed. The story of Pundalik may not be historical reality, but explanatory tale of the transforming Viththal.
Adjective ‘different than the twenty four : it could be the different reincarnations described in Bhagavata.The adjective ‘Kanada Viththal’ could be related to a geographical place or the word ‘Kanada’ means ‘incomprehensible’. He is described as a ‘standing sky-clad or naked’- it is not easy to understand its nakedness.
Four reasons for the manifestation : 1. Pleased with Pundalik, 2. Rukmini became angry due to proximity of Radha to Krishna. She came to Dindira forest. Krishna came to assuage her anger.3. In order to kill the demon named Dindirava, 4. Padma had undertaken asceticism in order to get a good husband, the god came to the place.
All the four reasons are important to understand the cultural history of Pandharpur. The reason of killing the demon relates to the Mallikarjun, a Shaiva deity of Lingayats and Kolis. The story of Padma is related to the goddess Kotara, a goddess of creation. The garb of cowherd for sake of Rukmini and Pundalika, is intriguing. Logically it is not well conceived reason. It could be the original form of Viththal.
The child cowherd :
His childness is described again and again by saints from different periods.
Childhood plays, Kala and Bharud : They have become part of the childhood plays of the Viththal. The mention of Kala or the mixed food indicates Karambha, a favorite food of the Vedic deity Pushan. The vedic food with curds and barley can be seen in one of the Viththal at Pandharpur as ‘Takpithya Vithoba’. The Bharud may refer to Pastoralist. It is play song of cowherds at the resting places of cattle. Thus Viththal originally was worshipped by the cowherds. The pastoral community Bharvad, from Gujrat is close to the term Bharud.
Pushan, Krishna and Viththal : Perhaps Viththal is contemporary of the Vedic Pushan or even his predecessor. The identity of Viththal as cowherd could be used to identify him with Krishna.
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