Lilāśuka
By Swami Harshananda
The long hymn Śrikrsna-karnāmrta is an extremely popular hymn extolling the doings and the greatness of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Its author is Lilāśuka. Whether it was his real name or the pen-name it is difficult to say. Some identify him with the devotee Bilvamaṅgal.
Since Śrīkṛṣṇa Caitanya (CE 1485- 1533) is said to have brought a copy of this book from South India, he must have lived before the 15th century. He was a disciple of Somagiri. He might have got his general education from Śikhipiñcha. Though a Śaiva by birth, Kṛṣṇa was his chosen deity. He probably belonged to the Andhradeśa, present Andhra Pradesh.
Some popular stories picture him as having become an ascetic after being admonished by a harlot named Cintāmaṇi. Lilāśuka was highly attached to him.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore