Justification of validity of cognition is the key element of any epistemological inquiry. Thesis through hermeneutical analysis deals with the application of renowned idea of intrinsic validity of all cognitions authored by Kumarila Bhatta in Gaudiya Vaishnava Vedanta of Jiva Gosvami. In the forefront is the study of effort made for promoting Srimad Bhagavatam as the triumphant verbal cognition, which should due to its apaurusheya or non-authorship status validate direct experience of transcendental ontological categories. Thesis begins with description of general Indian epistemological background and its main elements and proceeds with laying out fundamental aspects of both authors’ respective traditions. What follows is a presentation of intrinsic validity as it is defined in Kumarila’s Slokavarttika, together with reasons responsible for its formulation as well as obstacles needed to be overcome. Next chapter features an evaluation of Jiva’s interpretation and application of Kumarila’s prime epistemological idea. Each of his steps made in hope to bring a new Vaishnava sampradaya closer to Vedantic discourse are explicitly shown. At the same time the motivation, which was the driving force of epistemological project at hand is disclosed. Analysis concludes with an explanation of key elements of discussion – intrinsic validity, direct experience and verbal cognition – in regards to the life of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
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