Traditions of sambhogecchamayI-devotion - Where are they, which books do they read?

I recently received an inquiry from a person who was intereted in sambhogecchamayI-devotion, and inquired whether I would have any tips as to where to head with the desire. He pointed out the words of Rupa Goswami in his Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu:


I am posting my response below, in hopes that others would have further insights on the matter.

I am well aware of the fact that rAgAnuga-sAdhana refers to following in the wake of any VrajavasIs. This is clearly documented in the Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu.

However, the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition tends to be rather exclusive in its preference for bhavollasa-rati, or mañjarI-bhAva. It is not that sambhogecchamayI is not accepted, it is simply not our tradition.

Among commonly recognized traditions, I believe the Nimbarka-sampradaya would be a place of choice to pursue sambhogeccamayI-devotion.

As for helpful texts, I would recommend Gita-govinda of Jayadeva and Krishna-karnamrita of Bilvamangala. The Gaudiya commentaries tend to interpret them in a way befitting the cultivation of the mood of a mañjarI, but the texts themselves are divine chrystals willing to reflect your sambhogecchamayI-devotion if you so will.

I would advise to try the writings of Srimati Andal (Tiruppavai and esp. Nacciyar Thriumoli) and some other Alvars also.

Nacchiyar Thirumoli with excellent commentary by Sri V. Sadagopan

Tiruppavai w/ commentary by U.Ve.E.S. Bhuvarahacharya Swamy

(I think I posted these links in another thread also, but I can't remember where...)

Of course Madhurashtakam of Vallabhacharya

Gopala Vimsati of Swamy Vedanta Desika (especially verse 9 onwards)


Will try to think of some more
~Satyabhama

Referring to the title of the thread... yes, "where are they?"

I posted Sri Vallabhacharya's "Yamunashtakam" in Pearls of Wisdom. That should be useful. Read it here.