MAHAPRABHUJI HISTORY

Jai Shree KriShna : Jai Shree Vallabh

Shri Mahaprabhuji was born on the 11th day of Chaitra Vad Vikaram samvant 1535 in Chmparany. His father's name was Shri Lakshman bhattji & mother's name was Illammgarooji. Lakshman bhatt was known as " styavatar" by all because he always spoke the truth. His wife Illammajiwas the daughter of the royal priest in the court of the king of Vijaynagar in south India.

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. Shri Yajnarayan Bhatt was forefather of Shri Lakshman bhatt.Shri Vishnumuni was shri yajnarayan Bhatt's guru.one he went to Bhattji's house. he spoke to bhattji : only study of the Vedas will not make you attain God.' Heeding shri Vishnu muni's advise Bhattji started ferforming a Vishnu~swarup Somyajna. He did this somyajna with intense devotion. it was time of offer the sacrificial fruit ( Shreefal) at the end ofthe Yanjna( yagna-yagya). Bhattji concentrated on their family God Shri Gopal, as He offered the shreefal in the fire. Instuntly there Murli manohar Shri Krishna, appeared fromthe yajna- fire, dressed in a Pitambar-yellow dhoti with this divine Darshan bhattji stood in reverence and awe. God said , Bhattji,I am very pleased with your bhakti.ask for any thing you want. 'Oh Lord..! having attained You, I have nothing to desire. I do not want any thing.., but You..!' '' Bhattji, your selfless devotion has impressed me even more.It is my solemn vow that when 100 Somyajnas have been completed in your lineage , then I my self will take birth as your descendant,to safe-guard dharma.'' In His entire life,Bhattji managed to complete 32 Somyajnas.His progeny Gangadharji completed 28 Somyajnas during his life-span. His son Ganpati Bhatt succeeded in completing 30 Somyajnas. His son Vallabh Bhatt completed 5 Somyajnas and His son Lakshman Bhatt able to complete 5 Somyajnas, which also meant that the 100 Somyajnas in the lineage were complete. Lakshaman Bhaat was able to complete 5 Som yanjnas(yagya) ,which also meant that the 100 som yanjnas in the lineage were complete. Later, to make the completation of the 100 Somyajnas Lakshman Bhatt fed the Brahmins of Kashi. Soon Illamaji was pregnant.Now Lakshman Bhatt had an inner conviction that God will definitely be born. .

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About six months elapsed in Kashi-(Banaras). Bhattji was happy.but one day bad tidings ended it all. The muslim emperorin Dlehihad deployed his troops to plunder Kashi. The people of Kashifled to save their lives. LakshmanBhatt too,took his wife and headed for the native land. Illamaji was pregnant and ill. During the journey they both had same dream one night. God gave them Darshan as Blakrishna. God even said, 'very soon I will be born as your son.when i appear as your son make me wear this ' Tulsimala '. God geve them Tulsimala. their journey brought them to a dense forest Chmparanya,in Madhya Pradesh.It was dusk when they arrived. It was wild and devoid of any co-habitation there. Illamaji's contractions started. left with no choice,theyhad to break journey there. Night descended on the thick forest.there in the black night,Illamji delivered a child under a tree.It was a 7 month premature baby. But the baby was lifeless at birth.In that dark night, she tore off a piece of her saree and wrapped the baby in it.then she put it in a cave like hollow of a tree and covered it with leaves.

They both were saddened. they walked on. wearily after a some miles they reached a small town. they spent the night there. once again God appeared in their dream at night. He said, Go back to where the baby was born. you will find me there as your son. take me with you.

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.....The couple were again joyous. every ordeal was put behind them.dawn saw them retracing their steps to Champaranya. Illamaji searched desperately in every tree for a cave like hollow.suddenly they both were awe struck. they saw a pit of fire measuring about 8-10 hands in langht. the fire burn brightly as the tonguse of the flames leapt in the air. this confounded them,but thayran towards it. they saw soft sand from the river bed spread in the center of the fire pit. in this soft send they saw a new born baby,divinely beautiful, lying on an orange cloth! The baby was holding His right toe with His hands and sucking it. He was chuckling and gurgling with delight. He was dark wheat coloured with thik curly locks covering His head. His eyes were large and sparkling even as foreheadwas high,with a '' Kasturi Tilak ''

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Illamaji said, '' this is my baby because just seeing it my breasts are oozing milk''

'' Devi, the fire is protaecting the infant. if infant is your's then the fire will surely pave the way for you. go fearlessly. '' said Lakshman Bhatt.

Illamaji prayed as she walked ahead. The fire disappeared.She picked up the baby and cradled it tightly to her chest. then she placed Him in Bhattji's arms. As He looked at their son. Bhattji said, ''Devi, God is truly born. God unlike other infants,dose not take birth from a mothere's womb.He takes birth Him self, as we have our- selves been through the experiance.''

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There the sky was filled with demi-gods in their chariots, descending from their abodes, all singing and hailing the Lord's birth. As thay sent down a shower of flowers,thay glorified God. this brought the ascetics,who were in maditation in the forest, running to the scene. They started reciting and chantingVedic mantras.The entire divine and suparnatural Vrajdham gathered at Champaran; a grand '' Nand mahotsav '' ( Lord's birth celebration ) was celebrated with glorious splendour.Every one took turns to rock the new born infant....!!!!

Shri Mahaprabhuji is the initiator of Pushtimarg.He was born in the year 1478 A.D.at a small village named Champaranya village near Raipur in Madhya Pradesh (India).His native village was situated in the Andhra pradesh state (India).His father's name was Shri Laxman Bhattji and Shri Illamaji was his mother.From the very beginning Shri Vallabh was very dear to eveyone,that is why he was named 'Vallabh' which in sanskrit language means 'the loved one'.

-: The Birth of Shri Vallabh :-

There is a very interesting tale connected to the birth of Shri Vallabhacharyaji.His parents were on their way to their native village from Banaras (Varanasi) when Shri Illamaji experienced labour pains in the forest of Champa (Champaranya).There she gave birth to Shri Vallabh.But both Shri Laxman Bhattji and Illamaji thought that the child was born dead and so they put him under a tree and advanced on their journey.At might Shri Thakurji gave a dream to Shri Illamaji that he himself was born as her child.On hearing this Shri Illamaji and Shri Laxman Bhattji rushed to the tree where they had placed Shri Vallabh.There they saw that Shri Vallabh was playing happily while a ring of fire had encircled him to protect him.As Shri Illamaji neared Shri Vallabh the ring automatically disappeared and she took Shri Vallabh into her lap.

-:His Childhood &­ Education :-

In his childhood Shri Vallabh didn't play with toys like the ordinary children but liked to play with idols of Shri Krishna or his father's books.From a very small age he was very bright.He completed the study of all the four vedas,the upanishads and the six darshans(philosophies) at a tender of only five years.He completed his education at Banaras.He defeated many learned men at a very small age of only thirteen years.He decided to start a parikrama of India when he was only eleven years old.He completed three such parikramas during his lifetime.He used to wear only a dhoti and a uparana and he always remained barefoot during his life.

Constrution of the temple at Jatipura and starting of Sewa Pranalika.

Shri Vallabh came to the Giriraj parvat at Jatipura during his parikrama.Here Shri Govardhannathji ordered Shri Vallabh to build a temple for him.Shriji had also given a dream to a vaishnav (Shri Puranmal Kshatri)in Punjab to come to Jatipura.He came to Jatipura and he became a sevak (devotee) of Shri Vallabh who later ordered him to construct a temple for Shriji at Govardhan parvat.In this temple Shri Vallabh started the sewa pranalika which to this day is carried on by the vaishnavas of Pushtimarg.And thus our beautiful Pushtimarg was born.

Some interesting Varta prasangs (incidents)

Once when Shri Vallabh went to Ujjain he stayed at the Ashram of sage Sandipani.The ashram was situated at a very barren area,there was not a single tree nearby.When Shri Vallabh was doing Sandhya-vandan a leaf from a peepal tree fell infront of him. Shri Vallabh inserted into the soil and poured some water and a miracle happened,instantly a large green peepal tree sprung from the ground! Shri Vallabh completed his Bhagvat parayan beneath this tree. Once when Shri Vallabh went to Bahulavan the local Vrajwasis complained to him that the Muslim commander did now let them worship the idol of the cow Bahula arguing that he would allow them to worship it only if the stone idol ate grass. Shri Vallabh called the Muslim commander and infornt of him kept a small bunch of grass near the tail of the idol Bahula.To the astonishment of the commander the idol turned it's neck and ate the bunch!!On seeing this the commander apologised to Shri Vallabh and lifted the ban on the worship of the idol. There are many such prasangs but only a couple have been shown here.

-: Asur-Vyamoha Leela :-

When Shri Vallabh was 52 years old Shriji ordered him to leave this world and come to Him.Before this Shriji had come twice infront of Shri Vallabh with this demand but had returned as Shri Vallabh insisted that some important work was still to be done.The time Shri Vallabh gave respect to Shriji's wish and decided to do the Asur Vyamoha Leela (leave this world).He went to the Hanuman ghat in Varanasi and took a maun vrat for 17 days.At the completion of this period he called both his sons and wrote a stotra of 31/2 shlokas known as the Shiksha Shloki as the final message to them.After giving his final teaching to his children and all the vaishnava devotees he entered the river Ganges and a brilliant flame arose from the spot and he ascended to Gauloka (heaven of lord Vishnu).He did the Asur-Vyamoha Leela on the day of Rath Yatra(Ashadh Sud 2).During his life span he wrote 39 granthas and innumerable Kirtans.


-:Family:-

The wife of Shri Vallabh as Shri Mahalaxmi Vahuji who is also known "Akkaji" in Pushtimarg.Shri Vallabh had two sons.Shri Gopinathji and Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusainji).It was Shri Gusainji who,after the Asur-Vyamoha Leela of Shri Vallabh and the union of Shri Gopinathji with lord Jagannathji of Puri, spread the Sampradaya to all the different parts of the country.

The principles that you should follow:

Pushtimarg is an integral part of Hinduism. Thus it is given that you must follow the covenants of Hinduism.

When you take Braham Sambhand you offer all your belongings to Thankurji. Belongings are both material and non-material. Since you have offered to the feet of Thakurji you possessions now belong to Thakurji. It becomes your spiritual duty to serve Thakurji in every way possible. Sustenance of physical life does continue so that you may serve Thakurji. The prime directive being a Vaishanav is to offer everything that you use after taking Braham Sambhand to Thakurji. This is to keep future conducts in line with the oath that was taken initially. This means that the food you eat, the water you drink, clothes you wear and the car you drive all of these and many more things should come in contact with Thakurji so that they are blessed and fit for the consumption of their servant. Great importance must be paid to the observance of this directive. This is the fundamental difference between Pushtimarg and other paths.

In order to follow this directive supplementary measures need to be taken to maintain sanctity when offering food (Bhog) to Thankurji. It must be realised and noted that the prime directive takes precedence over the adherence of the supplementary measures. Supplementary measures are a nicety and all reasonable effort should be made to maintain sanctity.

What it means being a Hindu?
Have an ethical and morally correct conduct with all beings both human and animal
Contribute to the welfare of the community and society

The list below is in the order of importance.

Vegetarianism - Ahinsa
Adhere to the laws prescribed by Manu Smriti : Atkav, Sutuk, Pindroo, Gharan
Abstain from Alcohol
Abstain from gambling
Abstain from smoking and other forms of addiction.
As we approach the 21st Century many of these concepts seem outdated and are not being adhered to.

The list has been compile in the order of importance. Being a vegetarian is of vital importance. If you cannot adhere to this then can you be called a Hindu? This question has to be wrestled with your own consciousness. Only you can answer it.

Duties of a Vaishanav

Belief in God (Shree Krishana) being the Creator, Sustainor and Destroyer of the world.
Belief that All life has an ansha of God. This is stated in Gita
Do or Die

Always wear your kanthi with pride
Wear tilak or tiki.
Whilst India was occupied by the Mogul rulers they ordered all the people who wore the kanthi and tilak to either remove them or to be crushed at the feet of an elephant. Vaishanavs have given their lives to maintain the tradition and refused to take off their kanthi and their tilak. What are we going to do to honour those should who have set for us an example to live by? It is of the greatest importance that the kanthi should be around our necks regardless of the cost. That will be a test of your dedication. Schools ask children to remove them. Just say No! It is a emblem of your religion and they cannot force you to remove it. This has to be taught to the children so that they can remember it and adhere to it whilst at school. The young seedlings have to be taught well to maintain the continuance of our tradition. As parents it is your duty to look after the welfare of children. Give them a gift that no one else can give. Teach them about the welfare of their soul! They might thank you for it but more importantly Mahaprabhuji will be happy. So will I.

In the modern we might want our path to be kept a secret. Wearing a tilak for a man who works in the office might not entirely be possible. In that case you can bear the tilak on your chest. This is quite acceptable.

After waking up in the morning you should do:

Have a glimpse of kanthiji
Have a glimpse of Thakurji
After bathing

Take charnamrit
Wear Tialk
The least I can do

We have already highlighted the importance of taking Braham Sambhand. The keep your mind cleansed the least you can do is: Daily recite paths and do mala.

Paths are is the recitation of scriptures. There are vrious scriptures accepted in Pushtimarg and the popular ones that are easily accessible are the 16 scriptures. You can also recite the Gita. Read Shree Mad Bhagwat etc

Mala is generally consisting of the 8 letter mantra or the 5 letter mantra. Doing mala is the process of reciting the relevant mantra with the aid of rosary beads. A mala is reciting a mantra 108 times.

Perform Thakurjis swarup seva

We can note from the stories of the 84 and 252 illustrious vaishanavs that many of the performed swarup seva. Swarup (is the idol) seva is process pretending the swarup is your child and hence seva is looking after that child. This is done by bathing, dressing, feeding etc. To do this seva is an aim that vaishanavs must have. Through swarup seva you can really appreciate the beauty of Pushtimarg.

Visit your Guru (other resident Balaks) as many times as possible. Whenever you visit them never go empty handed. Take something to offer their Thakurji and to them.

Make a habit of donation/ contributing seva on a weekly basis.

Make special contributions when it is your birthday, your Guru birthday, Janamashti, Diwali, New Year or For special days like birth in the family you can sponsor a palna for your Gurus Thakurji

Braham Sambhand its importance.

The means to attain God are many. Some are difficult some are easy. All are fairly long journeys.

Bhagwan Shree Krishana states in the Gita that

"A minuscule part of Me is present in all living things"

Jiva has Bhagwad ansha; a minuscule part of God. This truth is difficult to comprehend because we do not realise the closeness we have with Thakurji. We have become engrossed in the material world. Our lives are full of activity hence we rarely ask deep rooted questions about who we are, where we are going.

On Sharawan Ekadasi Mahaprabhuji along with Damodardas Harsaniji were at Gokul on the banks of Shree Yamunaji. At Govind Ghat (ghat is a area which allows safe access to the river that flows).

Shree Mahaprabhuji was perplexed by a thought. How do the divine beings get seva or an opportunity to serve Thakurji? (Or something) in this Kali Yug. More specifically the Vedas do not have a means of liberating Women and Sudhras (define castes). Therefore what was to happen of Women and Sudras. This was the question that Shree Mahaprabhuji was worried about.

Then at about midnight Shree Nathji appeared (in Lalit trabhangi mudra) and ordained Mahaprabhuji.

The divine souls should take Braham Sambhand. In order to be fit to receive communion with Thakurji their "doshs"will be absolved. In particular 5 main types of doshs will be removed.

Once this is done I (Thakurji) am ready to accept the soul. After Braham Sambhand they should offer everything they partake to me first. Then to take themselves. Therefore everything we take must be offered to Thakurji as already mentioned.

Description of Champaran, Raipur:
You must plan a visit to Champaran in Raipur. Here you will get to see an exquisite temple consecrated to Shree Vallabhacharya. The temple was specially built to pay tribute to him.

The best time to visit Shree Vallabhacharya Temple in Raipur’s Champaran is the eleventh day of Baisakh when the anniversary of the birth of Shree Vallabhacharya is celebrated here. The followers of Vallabh Sect assemble at the temple to pay tribute to him. Besides, other interesting event of this place is The Annual Fair of Champaran. It is organized every year in the month of Magh. During this time, you will witness unrestrained revelries and festivities.

On a tour to Champaran in Raipur, you can also head for another attractive temple called temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva which is located quite near to Shree Vallabhacharya Temple.

Reaching Champaran is very convenient. You can reach here following the junction of Arang-Rajim Road at the village of Jonda. Besides, daily bus services from Raipur and Arang are also available.

Introduction to Champaran, Raipur:
On a tour to Raipur, you must include Champaran in your travel itinerary. Champaran in Raipur, India is an attractive village. It was previously famous as Champajhar. It is around 45 km away from the capital city of Raipur en route from Mana. This place enjoys a religious significance and hence today it has evolved to be one of the most visited holy places in Raipur.

Most of the devotees and leisure tourists come to Raipur’s Champaran village to visit the temple of Shree Vallabhacharya, who is supposed to be the reformer and pioneer of the Vallabh Sect.

History of Champaran, Raipur:
Raipur’s Champaran village has a historical significance. It is considered to be the birth place of the famous Shree Vallabhacharya. He was the pioneer and founder of Vallabh Sect.

Champaran is a small sleepy town, located about 45 km from Raipur, in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh. Formerly known as Champajhar or Champaranya, Champaran is famed as the birth place of Saint Vallabhacharya - the founder of the Vallabh sect.

The focal point of the place is a temple built in honor of the saint Vallabhacharya. There is also a shrine of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. A major draw is a festival held to mark the birth anniversary of Saint Vallabhacharya. It generally falls in Baisakh (April-May).

Champaran can be reached from Raipur either via Mana. Bus services are available from Raipur.