Penn in Hand: Selected Manuscripts

Gopīcandanopaniṣad, circa 1700-1850.

1 item (1 leaves) : paper ; 10 x 22 cm.

Manuscript is used for study, reference, and recitation, and is a manual or guide as well as a work of prayer and praise, illuminating the benefits and methods for application of sandalwood paste (candana) and the Hindu deity Viṣṇu. Sandalwood paste is applied to the forehead to create a mark called tilak. These marks often indicate a religious affiliation to a particular deity, in this case, Viṣṇu. This work is considered one of the late, medieval upaniṣads, but contains verses and phrasing drawn from older Vedic sources and has a quasi-philosophical tone.

Title from colophon (f. 1v).

Written in 21 lines per leaf.

1 leaf.

Colophon: atharvaṇe gopīcaṃdanopaniṣat (f. 1v).

Mistakes covered over in yellow or blacked out; some corrections and additions in margins; significant syllables, words, or phrases highlighted in red.

UPenn Ms. Coll. 390, Item 1221

Collection of Indic Manuscripts. Item 1221

Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts University of Pennsylvania Ms. Coll. 390

गोपीचन्दनोपनिषद्, १७००-१८५०.