Sacred Love and Bhakti Aesthetics: Vaishnavite Influences in the Poetry of Vidyapati

This paper explores the intricate relationship between sacred love and the aesthetics of Bhakti in the poetry of Vidyapati, a seminal figure in medieval Maithili literature. Known for his evocative love lyrics centred on Radha and Krishna, Vidyapati's work bridges courtly poetry and Vaishnavism's devotional ethos. By analysing key poems, the study highlights how Vidyapati merges sensual imagery with spiritual longing, embodying the Bhakti tradition's emphasis on personal devotion and divine union. The paper also investigates how his poetic style anticipates and influences later Vaishnavite poets, especially in Bengal and Braj. Closely reading selected verses, this research uncovers the theological underpinnings and cultural context that shaped Vidyapati's devotional voice. Ultimately, the study argues that Vidyapati's portrayal of divine love transcends mere literary expression, offering a nuanced representation of Bhakti aesthetics where the erotic becomes a pathway to the sacred.