Shiddhant Rahasya :
This is one of the most important works of Shri Mahaprabhuji. In this granth Shri Vallabh has laid the foundation of Pushtimarg.
Shri Vallabh took birth in this world to take back the daivi jivas (pure souls) to the heavenly abode of prabhu - Gauloka. But on coming to earth Shri Vallabh became worried that jiva is full of vices (doshas) and prabhu is so pure, how can both be associated because there is no way to make a jiva nirdosh (pure) for meeting God. During his second Prithvi Parikrama Shri Vallabh was in Gokul and on the 11th day of the bright half of Shravana month he was lying down at Govind Ghat but he was very much engrossed in the above mentioned problem. There Shri Thakorji himself appeared and promised Shri Vallabh that he will accept jiva initiated by Shri Vallabh or his descendants through 'Brahma-sambandh' mantra, irrespective of the jivas failings or impurities. Shri Vallabh has described the whole episode, word by word, in the grantha 'Siddhant Rahasya'. Shri Vallabh initiated Shri Damodardasji as the first vaishnav of Pushtimarg the following morning.
Shloka 1
Shravansyamlepakshe ekadashyam mahanishi I
Sakshaat Bhagwataaproktam tadaksharasha uchyate II1II
On the midnight of the 11th day during the bright half of the month of Shravana, what Lord Krishna told me, I will recite verbatimII1II (Note : By stating time etc. Shri Vallabh declares that this path of divine grace is revealed to him by God himself though bhakti is described in scriptures.)
Shloka 2
Brahma-sambandh karanaat sarveshaam dehjivayoho I
Sarvadoshnivritirhi doshaha panchvidha smritaha II2II
Shri Krishna told me that after dedicating himself and all his belongings to God i.e after Brahma-sambandh the impurities of the soul are totally removed. It is said that there are five types of impuritiesII2II
Shloka 3
Sahajadeshkaalotha lokvedniroopitaha I
Sainyogajasparshjashcha na nivriti kathanchana ll3ll
Impurities mentioned in the Vedas and world are 1) By Birth 2) Place 3) Time 4) Circumstance 5) Physical contact. All the five doshas (impurities) are not counted after taking Brahma-sambandh.
Shloka 4
Anyathasarvadoshnam na nivriti kathanchana I
Asamarpitvastoonam tasmadvarjanamachreta II4II
These impurities can never be removed without contact with Brahma through Brahma-sambandh. Therefore anything not offered to or used by the brahma i.e God should not be used by us alsoII4II
Shloka 5
Nivedibhi samarpyaiva sarvamkuryaditisthiti I
Na matam devadevasya swamibhuktsamarpanam II5II
Dedicated souls (Brahma-sambandhi jivas) should perform all actions & activities by first dedicating them to God, this should be the way of life for a bhakta (devotee). Any article which we had used previously should never be offered to God as it is considerd 'Swami-Bhukta' (half-eaten/used).
Shloka 6
Tasmaadadausarvakarye sarvavastusamarpanam I
Dataapaharavachanam tathaacha sakalam hareh II6II
Na Grahyamitivaakyam hi bhinamargam param matam l
Before doing any activity all should be offered to God, the statement that says that "We cannot use articles which we had offered to God" are not related to Pushtimarg but to some other form of bhakti. (In fact in Pushtimarg we must use every article believing it to be the prasad of God)II6II
Shloka 7
Sevakanamyatha loke vyavahar prasidhyati ll7ll
Tathakaryamsamarpyaiva sarveshaambrahmataatatha
l like good servant are known in world for selfless service, so are the devotees of God. By doing so (offering everything to God first) everything becomes godly for the devotee and everything offered becomes free from impuritiesII7II
Shloka 8
Gangatvamsarvadoshnam gunadoshaadi varnana ll8ll
Gangatvena niroopyasyat tadvadatraapi chaiva hi l
Just as impure water becomes Ganga after coming into contact with river Ganga, it is no longer known by it's good or bad attributes but as river Ganga only. Similarly anything offered to God becomes pure & perfectly divine once God accepts itII8II
Yamunashtak
Shri Yamushtakam is the first among the sixteen works known as shodashgranth. This particular granth is composed by Shri Vallabh in v.s.1549(1491 A.D.) on the Shraavan Shukla 3 during the prithvi parikrama Shri Vallabh was in Gokul and he was undecided about the exact place of Thakurani Ghat. At that time Shri Yamunaji herself appeared and guided Shri Vallabh and pointed out the exact place. Shri Vallabh than and there composed Shri Yamunashtakam,the beautiful stotra,in the praise of Shri Yamunaji. It consists 9 verses,eight of them are written in praise of Yamunaji and in 9th Shri Vallabh describes for daily paath- doers the fruits of Shri Yamunashtakam.
The fourth beloved (turyapriya)of Shri Krishna,Shri Yamunaji is epitome of selfless devotion towards Krishna,and only through her or her Kripa(grace) a jeeva(soul) can experience the param phal i.e. leela-pravesh. She purifies souls and removes all obstacles which are in the way between jeev and prabhu and gives the exalted jeeva a new body fit to experience the leela-phal-"tanu-navtva"! For ordinary bhakta of to-day the recital of Yamunashtakam daily will enhance his love towards Shri Krishna,abolish his paap-bad deeds and above all the bhakta will be able conquer his svabhava-basic instincts.
Shloka 1
Namami Yamunamaham sakal-siddhi-hetum-muda
Murari-pad-pankaj-sfurad-amand-renutkatam I
Tatastha-nav-kanan-prakat-mod-pushpambuna
Sur-asur-supujit smarpitu shriyam bibhratim II1II
I (Shri Vallabh)bow joyfully to Shri Yamunaji,the giver of divine super natural powers for experiencing the bhagvadleela. Shri Yamunaji is loaded with the glistening sands emanating from the lotus feet of Murari Shri Krishna. The water of Shri Yamuna is scented with the perfumes of blossomed flowers from the forests located on the banks of Shri Yamuna,such Shri Yamuna is worshipped by gods and demons equally. II1II
Shloka 2
Kalindagirimastake patadamanda poorojvalaa
Vilasagamanollasat Prakataganda shailonnata I
Saghoshagati danturaa samadhiroodha dolottamma
Mukundarativardhini jayati padmabandhosuta II2II
"Falling forcefully on Mount Kalinda Shri Yamunaji appers to be crystal white and looks beautiful with her luxurious flow through cheek like rocks of mountain. Shri Yamunaji follows a zig-zag path noisily and while she flows up and down she looks as if sitting on a beautiful swing. Shri Yamunaji is superior as she enhances our love towards lotus-feet of Lord Mukund. II2II
Shloka 3
Bhuvam bhuvanapaavaneem adhigatamanekasvanai
Priyabhirivasevitaam Shuka-Mayur-Hansadibhee I
Tarangabhujakankana prakatamuktikavaluka
Nitambatatasundareem namata Krishnaturya-priyaam II3II
Bow down to Shri Yamunaji the fourth beloved of Lord Shri Krishna,who has come down to earth to sanctify it and on earth she is served by parrots,peacocks,swans etc. with melodious noises as if served by loving friends. Shri Yamunaji wears bangles in the form of waves and sand on them looks like pearls. Shri Yamunaji looks beautiful with hips in the form of her two banks. II3II
Shloka 4
Anant-gun-bhushite Shiv-viranchi-devstute
Ghanaghannibhe sada Dhruv-Parasharabhistade
Vishuddha-Mathura-tate sakal-gop-gopivrite
Kripajaladhi-sanshrite mam manah sukham bhavay II4II
Shri Yamunaji is adorned with countless virtues and is worshipped by Shiv,Brahma and other gods. She has a lustre of rain filled clouds and fulfilles the desires of sages like Dhruv and Parasher. Pious city Mathura is situated on her banks and she is surrounded by gop and gopees whose only refuge is kripasagar Shri Krishna.O Shri Yamuna! please bless me with the happiness of mind II4II
Shloka 5
Yaya charan-padmaja Mur-ripoh priyam-bhavuka
Samagamanato-bhavat sakal-siddhida sevtam I
Taya sadrashtamiyat Kamalja-sapatniv yat
Hari-priya-kalindaya mansi me sada sthiytam II5II
Shri Gangaji who has emerged from the lotus feet of God could become beloved of Krishna and fulfilled every wish of her followers only after her merger with Shri Yamunaji. Shri Yamunaji can be compared with lotus born Shri Laxmiji only, who is also Shri Krishna's beloved. Shri Yamunaji who destroys all the ills of Shri Krishna's devotees may live in my (Shri Vallabh's)heart forever. II5II
Shloka 6
Namostu Yamune sada tav charitrmatyadbhutam
Na jatu yama-yatana bhavati te payah-panatah I
Yamopi bhagini-sutan kathamu hanti dushtanapi
Priyo bhavati sevanat tav harer-yatha gopikah II6II
O Shri Yamuna! Your character is wonderful!! A person who partakes your water has no fear of pain inflicted by Yama-the god of death-as how could he hurt his sister’s sons(devotees)however wicked they may be because they become beloved of Shri Krishna like Gopikas by serving you! O Shri Yamuna! Let us pay obeisance to you incessantly.II6II
Shloka 7
Mamastu tav sannidhau tanu-navatvam-etavata
Na durlabhtama ratih Mur-ripau Mukund-priye I
Atostu tav lalana surdhuni param sangamat
Tavaiv bhuvi kirtita na tu kadapi pushti-sthitaih II7II
O beloved of Mukund Shri Yamuna! By your nearness let my body become new(worthy) so to gain the love of Shri Krishna-the enemy of demon Mura- is not difficult. So let us shower you with love(by prayers) as Ganga became famous only after merging with you and was not worshipped by Pushti-Jivas before that.II7II
Shloka 8
Stutim tav karoti kah Kamalaja-sapatni priye
Harer-yadanu sevaya bhavati saukhya-mamokshatah I
Iyam tav kathadhika sakalgopika-sangam-
smar-shram-jalanubhi sakal-gatrajaih sangamah II8II
oh! Shri Yamunaji! the co-wife of Laxmiji! The beloved of Krishna!! no one is competent enough to praise you. By worshipping Laxmi with Shri Hari one gets the bliss of salvation only while you give much more- as your water is mixed with sweat generated by the bodies of Shri Krishna and Gopikas while having exotic sports and by worshipping you the devotee gets the bliss of this too.II8II
Shloka 9
Tavashtakamidam muda pathati soor-sute sada
Samast-durita-kshyo bhavati vai Mukunde ratih I
Taya sakal-siddhayo Mur-ripushcha santushyati
Svabhav-vijayo bhavet vadati Vallabh Shri-Hareh II9II
O Shri Yamuna! Daughter of Sun!! A person who always recites these eight stanzas with joy gets freedom from all of his sins and he surely gets affection of Lord Shri Krishna by which he attains all the super natural powers. Shri Krishna-the enemy of demon Mura-becomes satisfied and devotee conquers his nature so says Shri Vallabh.II9II
The fourth beloved (turyapriya)of Shri Krishna,Shri Yamunaji is epitome of selfless devotion towards Krishna,and only through her or her Kripa(grace) a jeeva(soul) can experience the param phal i.e. leela-pravesh. She purifies souls and removes all obstacles which are in the way between jeev and prabhu and gives the exalted jeeva a new body fit to experience the leela-phal-"tanu-navtva"! For ordinary bhakta of to-day the recital of Yamunashtakam daily will enhance his love towards Shri Krishna,abolish his paap-bad deeds and above all the bhakta will be able conquer his svabhava-basic instincts.
Shloka 1
Namami Yamunamaham sakal-siddhi-hetum-muda
Murari-pad-pankaj-sfurad-amand-renutkatam I
Tatastha-nav-kanan-prakat-mod-pushpambuna
Sur-asur-supujit smarpitu shriyam bibhratim II1II
I (Shri Vallabh)bow joyfully to Shri Yamunaji,the giver of divine super natural powers for experiencing the bhagvadleela. Shri Yamunaji is loaded with the glistening sands emanating from the lotus feet of Murari Shri Krishna. The water of Shri Yamuna is scented with the perfumes of blossomed flowers from the forests located on the banks of Shri Yamuna,such Shri Yamuna is worshipped by gods and demons equally. II1II
Shloka 2
Kalindagirimastake patadamanda poorojvalaa
Vilasagamanollasat Prakataganda shailonnata I
Saghoshagati danturaa samadhiroodha dolottamma
Mukundarativardhini jayati padmabandhosuta II2II
"Falling forcefully on Mount Kalinda Shri Yamunaji appers to be crystal white and looks beautiful with her luxurious flow through cheek like rocks of mountain. Shri Yamunaji follows a zig-zag path noisily and while she flows up and down she looks as if sitting on a beautiful swing. Shri Yamunaji is superior as she enhances our love towards lotus-feet of Lord Mukund. II2II
Shloka 3
Bhuvam bhuvanapaavaneem adhigatamanekasvanai
Priyabhirivasevitaam Shuka-Mayur-Hansadibhee I
Tarangabhujakankana prakatamuktikavaluka
Nitambatatasundareem namata Krishnaturya-priyaam II3II
Bow down to Shri Yamunaji the fourth beloved of Lord Shri Krishna,who has come down to earth to sanctify it and on earth she is served by parrots,peacocks,swans etc. with melodious noises as if served by loving friends. Shri Yamunaji wears bangles in the form of waves and sand on them looks like pearls. Shri Yamunaji looks beautiful with hips in the form of her two banks. II3II
Shloka 4
Anant-gun-bhushite Shiv-viranchi-devstute
Ghanaghannibhe sada Dhruv-Parasharabhistade
Vishuddha-Mathura-tate sakal-gop-gopivrite
Kripajaladhi-sanshrite mam manah sukham bhavay II4II
Shri Yamunaji is adorned with countless virtues and is worshipped by Shiv,Brahma and other gods. She has a lustre of rain filled clouds and fulfilles the desires of sages like Dhruv and Parasher. Pious city Mathura is situated on her banks and she is surrounded by gop and gopees whose only refuge is kripasagar Shri Krishna.O Shri Yamuna! please bless me with the happiness of mind II4II
Shloka 5
Yaya charan-padmaja Mur-ripoh priyam-bhavuka
Samagamanato-bhavat sakal-siddhida sevtam I
Taya sadrashtamiyat Kamalja-sapatniv yat
Hari-priya-kalindaya mansi me sada sthiytam II5II
Shri Gangaji who has emerged from the lotus feet of God could become beloved of Krishna and fulfilled every wish of her followers only after her merger with Shri Yamunaji. Shri Yamunaji can be compared with lotus born Shri Laxmiji only, who is also Shri Krishna's beloved. Shri Yamunaji who destroys all the ills of Shri Krishna's devotees may live in my (Shri Vallabh's)heart forever. II5II
Shloka 6
Namostu Yamune sada tav charitrmatyadbhutam
Na jatu yama-yatana bhavati te payah-panatah I
Yamopi bhagini-sutan kathamu hanti dushtanapi
Priyo bhavati sevanat tav harer-yatha gopikah II6II
O Shri Yamuna! Your character is wonderful!! A person who partakes your water has no fear of pain inflicted by Yama-the god of death-as how could he hurt his sister’s sons(devotees)however wicked they may be because they become beloved of Shri Krishna like Gopikas by serving you! O Shri Yamuna! Let us pay obeisance to you incessantly.II6II
Shloka 7
Mamastu tav sannidhau tanu-navatvam-etavata
Na durlabhtama ratih Mur-ripau Mukund-priye I
Atostu tav lalana surdhuni param sangamat
Tavaiv bhuvi kirtita na tu kadapi pushti-sthitaih II7II
O beloved of Mukund Shri Yamuna! By your nearness let my body become new(worthy) so to gain the love of Shri Krishna-the enemy of demon Mura- is not difficult. So let us shower you with love(by prayers) as Ganga became famous only after merging with you and was not worshipped by Pushti-Jivas before that.II7II
Shloka 8
Stutim tav karoti kah Kamalaja-sapatni priye
Harer-yadanu sevaya bhavati saukhya-mamokshatah I
Iyam tav kathadhika sakalgopika-sangam-
smar-shram-jalanubhi sakal-gatrajaih sangamah II8II
oh! Shri Yamunaji! the co-wife of Laxmiji! The beloved of Krishna!! no one is competent enough to praise you. By worshipping Laxmi with Shri Hari one gets the bliss of salvation only while you give much more- as your water is mixed with sweat generated by the bodies of Shri Krishna and Gopikas while having exotic sports and by worshipping you the devotee gets the bliss of this too.II8II
Shloka 9
Tavashtakamidam muda pathati soor-sute sada
Samast-durita-kshyo bhavati vai Mukunde ratih I
Taya sakal-siddhayo Mur-ripushcha santushyati
Svabhav-vijayo bhavet vadati Vallabh Shri-Hareh II9II
O Shri Yamuna! Daughter of Sun!! A person who always recites these eight stanzas with joy gets freedom from all of his sins and he surely gets affection of Lord Shri Krishna by which he attains all the super natural powers. Shri Krishna-the enemy of demon Mura-becomes satisfied and devotee conquers his nature so says Shri Vallabh.II9II
The Shodash Granthas
The Shodash Granthas
The Shodash Granthas are a collection of sixteen works of Shri Vallabh in which Shri Vallabh has discussed a spectrum of subjects starting from salutation to Shri Yamunaji in Shri Yamunashtakam and ending with the grantha Seva-falam in which Shri Vallabh has discussed about the fruits of performing the seva of Lord Shrinathji.The Shodash granthas are most important for any Vaishnava as they teach him to live life according to Pushtimarg.This is the reason why the Shodash Granthas are also known by the name Vallabh Gita.As in the Bhagwad Gita Lord Krishna taught Arjuna to look at life from a new perspective and to know the truth about life Shri Vallabh has also taught his disciples,the Vaishnavas to live a pious, peaceful life and to achieve the true goal of life which is the attainment of God in these sixteen granthas A list of the sixteen in a chronological manner is given below. Click on stotra name to know the meaning of particular granth :
The Shodash Granth:
1. Shri Yamunashtakam
2.Shri Balabodha
3.Shri Siddhant Muktavali
4.Shri Pushtipravahamaryada Bheda
5.Shri Siddhant Rahasya
6.Shri Navratna
7.Shri Antahkaran prabodha
8.Shri Vivek-Dhairya-Ahsraya
9.Shri Krishnashraya
10.Shri Chatuh-Shloki
11.Shri Bhakti Vardhini
12.Shri Jalbheda
13.Shri Panch Padyani
14.Shri Sanyasa Nirnayam
15.Shri Niridh Lakshanam
16.Shri Seva-falam
The Shodash Granthas are a collection of sixteen works of Shri Vallabh in which Shri Vallabh has discussed a spectrum of subjects starting from salutation to Shri Yamunaji in Shri Yamunashtakam and ending with the grantha Seva-falam in which Shri Vallabh has discussed about the fruits of performing the seva of Lord Shrinathji.The Shodash granthas are most important for any Vaishnava as they teach him to live life according to Pushtimarg.This is the reason why the Shodash Granthas are also known by the name Vallabh Gita.As in the Bhagwad Gita Lord Krishna taught Arjuna to look at life from a new perspective and to know the truth about life Shri Vallabh has also taught his disciples,the Vaishnavas to live a pious, peaceful life and to achieve the true goal of life which is the attainment of God in these sixteen granthas A list of the sixteen in a chronological manner is given below. Click on stotra name to know the meaning of particular granth :
The Shodash Granth:
1. Shri Yamunashtakam
2.Shri Balabodha
3.Shri Siddhant Muktavali
4.Shri Pushtipravahamaryada Bheda
5.Shri Siddhant Rahasya
6.Shri Navratna
7.Shri Antahkaran prabodha
8.Shri Vivek-Dhairya-Ahsraya
9.Shri Krishnashraya
10.Shri Chatuh-Shloki
11.Shri Bhakti Vardhini
12.Shri Jalbheda
13.Shri Panch Padyani
14.Shri Sanyasa Nirnayam
15.Shri Niridh Lakshanam
16.Shri Seva-falam
84 Vaishnav of Pushtimarg
The 84 Vaishnav of Pushtimarg :
Shri Vallabh during his lifetime gave Brahmasambandh to many Vaishnavas but from them Shri Hariraiji picked 84 Vaishnavas as the ideal Vaishnavas and their tales (known as the Vartas)have been written so that the Vaishnavas of today can follow Pushtimarg in the same way that these 84 Vaishnavas had done.
Four of the Ashta sakhas of Pushtimarg,namely Shri Surdasji,Shri Kumbhandasji,Shri Krishnadasji & Shri Paramananddasji were the disciples of Shri Vallabh (the remaining four were the disciples of his son Shri Gusainji).All of the Ashta Sakhas have composed beautiful Kirtans (devotional songs) in the praise of Lord Shrinathji,these Kirtans are still sung in the temples of Pushtimarg by the Kirtaniyas (The Vaishnavas who sing these Kirtans).The Bhav in these Kirtans is uncompeted to this very day.These Kirtans form a huge part of the Vraj-Bhasha literature in India and are respected by the disciples of other religions as well.Shri Surdasji is the most famous amongst the Ashta Sakhas,He composed 125000 Kirtans during his lifetime(108 Years).
(1) Damodardas Harsani
(2) Krishnadas Maghan
(3) Damodardas Sambhalware
(4) The Londi (Girl)
(5) Padmanabhdas
(6) Tulsa
(7) Parvati
(8) Raghunathdas
(9) Rajo Kshatrani
(10) Sheth Purshottamdas
(11) Rukmini
(12) Gopaldas
(13) Ramdas Saraswat
(14) Gadadhardas
(15) Benidas Madhavdas
(16) Harivansh Pathak
(17) Govinddas Bhalla
(18) Amma Kshatrani
(19) Gajjan Dhaavan
(20) Narayandas Brahmachari
(21) A Kshatrani
(22) Jaydas Suri
(23) Deva Kapur,Kshatri
(24) Dinkar Sheth
(25) Dinkaddas Mukunddas
(26) Prabhudas Jalota
(27) Prabhudas Bhaat
(28) Purshottamdas (husband-wife)
(29) Tripurdas Kayasth
(30) Puranmal Jeval Kshatri
(31) Jadvendradas Kumhar
(32) Gusaindas Saraswat
(33) Madhav Bhatt,Kashmiri
(34) Gopaldas of Banswada
(35) Padma Raval,Sanchora
(36) Purshottam Joshi,Sanchora
(37) Jagannath Joshi
(38) Narhari Joshi
(39) Rana Vyas,Sanchora
(40) Ramdas Sanchora
(41) Govind Dube,Sanchora
(42) Raja Dube,Madhav Dube
(43) Uttamsholkdas
(44) Ishwar Dube,Sanchora
(45) Vasudevdas Chhakada
(46) Baba Venu,Krishnadas Gheri & Jadav Khavas
(47) Jagatanand Brahmin
(48) Ananddas Vishvambhardas
(49) A Brahmini of Adel
(50) A Kshatrani of Prayag
(51) Goraja & Samarai (A lady and her daughter-in-law)
(52) Krishnadasi
(53) Bula Mishra
(54) Ramdas Mevada
(55) Ramdas Chauhan
(56) Ramanand Pandit
(57) Vishnudas Chhipa
(58) Jivandas Kshatri
(59) Bhagvandas Saraswat
(60) Bhagvandas Sanchora
(61) Achyutdas Sanadya
(62) Narayandas Kayasth
(63) Narayandas Lohana,Diwan
(64) A Kshatrani of Singhnand
(65) Virbai (Damodardas' mother)
(66) Husband-wife from Singhnand
(67) A carpenter of Adel
(68) A Kshatri
(69) Laghu Purshottamdas Kshatri
(70) Kaviraj Bhaat
(71) Gopaldas of Punjab
(72) Janardhandas Chopra,Kshatri
(73) Gadu Swami,Sanadya
(74) Kanhaiyalal Kshatri
(75) Narhar Gaudiya
(76) Narhar Sanyasi
(77) Saddu Pande,Bhavani & Naro
(78) Gopaldas Jatadhari
(79) Krishnadas (husband-wife)
(80) Santdas Chopra,Kshatri
(81) Sundardas Madhavdas
(82) Mavji Patel
(83) Gopaldas Kshtri of Naroda
(84) Badarayandas
Shri Vallabh during his lifetime gave Brahmasambandh to many Vaishnavas but from them Shri Hariraiji picked 84 Vaishnavas as the ideal Vaishnavas and their tales (known as the Vartas)have been written so that the Vaishnavas of today can follow Pushtimarg in the same way that these 84 Vaishnavas had done.
Four of the Ashta sakhas of Pushtimarg,namely Shri Surdasji,Shri Kumbhandasji,Shri Krishnadasji & Shri Paramananddasji were the disciples of Shri Vallabh (the remaining four were the disciples of his son Shri Gusainji).All of the Ashta Sakhas have composed beautiful Kirtans (devotional songs) in the praise of Lord Shrinathji,these Kirtans are still sung in the temples of Pushtimarg by the Kirtaniyas (The Vaishnavas who sing these Kirtans).The Bhav in these Kirtans is uncompeted to this very day.These Kirtans form a huge part of the Vraj-Bhasha literature in India and are respected by the disciples of other religions as well.Shri Surdasji is the most famous amongst the Ashta Sakhas,He composed 125000 Kirtans during his lifetime(108 Years).
(1) Damodardas Harsani
(2) Krishnadas Maghan
(3) Damodardas Sambhalware
(4) The Londi (Girl)
(5) Padmanabhdas
(6) Tulsa
(7) Parvati
(8) Raghunathdas
(9) Rajo Kshatrani
(10) Sheth Purshottamdas
(11) Rukmini
(12) Gopaldas
(13) Ramdas Saraswat
(14) Gadadhardas
(15) Benidas Madhavdas
(16) Harivansh Pathak
(17) Govinddas Bhalla
(18) Amma Kshatrani
(19) Gajjan Dhaavan
(20) Narayandas Brahmachari
(21) A Kshatrani
(22) Jaydas Suri
(23) Deva Kapur,Kshatri
(24) Dinkar Sheth
(25) Dinkaddas Mukunddas
(26) Prabhudas Jalota
(27) Prabhudas Bhaat
(28) Purshottamdas (husband-wife)
(29) Tripurdas Kayasth
(30) Puranmal Jeval Kshatri
(31) Jadvendradas Kumhar
(32) Gusaindas Saraswat
(33) Madhav Bhatt,Kashmiri
(34) Gopaldas of Banswada
(35) Padma Raval,Sanchora
(36) Purshottam Joshi,Sanchora
(37) Jagannath Joshi
(38) Narhari Joshi
(39) Rana Vyas,Sanchora
(40) Ramdas Sanchora
(41) Govind Dube,Sanchora
(42) Raja Dube,Madhav Dube
(43) Uttamsholkdas
(44) Ishwar Dube,Sanchora
(45) Vasudevdas Chhakada
(46) Baba Venu,Krishnadas Gheri & Jadav Khavas
(47) Jagatanand Brahmin
(48) Ananddas Vishvambhardas
(49) A Brahmini of Adel
(50) A Kshatrani of Prayag
(51) Goraja & Samarai (A lady and her daughter-in-law)
(52) Krishnadasi
(53) Bula Mishra
(54) Ramdas Mevada
(55) Ramdas Chauhan
(56) Ramanand Pandit
(57) Vishnudas Chhipa
(58) Jivandas Kshatri
(59) Bhagvandas Saraswat
(60) Bhagvandas Sanchora
(61) Achyutdas Sanadya
(62) Narayandas Kayasth
(63) Narayandas Lohana,Diwan
(64) A Kshatrani of Singhnand
(65) Virbai (Damodardas' mother)
(66) Husband-wife from Singhnand
(67) A carpenter of Adel
(68) A Kshatri
(69) Laghu Purshottamdas Kshatri
(70) Kaviraj Bhaat
(71) Gopaldas of Punjab
(72) Janardhandas Chopra,Kshatri
(73) Gadu Swami,Sanadya
(74) Kanhaiyalal Kshatri
(75) Narhar Gaudiya
(76) Narhar Sanyasi
(77) Saddu Pande,Bhavani & Naro
(78) Gopaldas Jatadhari
(79) Krishnadas (husband-wife)
(80) Santdas Chopra,Kshatri
(81) Sundardas Madhavdas
(82) Mavji Patel
(83) Gopaldas Kshtri of Naroda
(84) Badarayandas
What means Shuddhadwaita?
What means Shhudhadvaita?
The word Shhudhadvaita is made up of Shhudh and Advaita.Shhudh means pure and Advaita means one.Shri Vallabh teaches that jiva is a part of Parabrahman.Parabrahman and jiva are one.There exists Advaita between the two.This Advaita is pure,natural and everlasting so it is called Shhudh.
According to Shhudhadvaita this world is a creation of Parabrahman (the supreme soul) himself.Infact,Parabrahman is present in each and every molecule of this world.
Parabrahman exists in all the living and non-living beings that we see in this world.The Parabrahman is made up of three different gunas (characteristics) - Sat (matter), Chit (liveliness) & Anand (happiness).Any non-living thing like a stone or a house possesses only the Sat guna.It neither contains liveliness nor happiness.On the other hand any living being (Jiva)like man or any animal possesses two gunas i.e. the Sat and Chit.The Chit guna in a man makes him a living being.The only guna man doesn't possess is the Anand.It because of the lack of Anand in man that we find people running here and there in search of happiness and peace of mind.And lastly only God possesses all the three gunas viz.Sat,Chit and Anand.There is nothing according to Vallabhacharya lacking in God.According to Shri Vallabh any being possessing these three gunas is God.If man is successful in achieving the Anand guna,then he re-unites with God.So the effort of Shri Vallabh through Pushtimarg is to help man achieve Anand.
Along with Shri Vallabhacharyaji many other acharyas believed in the philosophy that advaita i.e. jiva and Parabrahman are eventually one.Ramanujacharyaji's philosophy is called Vishishtadvaita, Nimbarkacharyaji's philosophy as Dvaitadvaita and Shankaracharyaji's philosophy as Kevaladvaita .Only Madhvacharyaji deferred regarding the philosophy of advaita.He believed in dvaita i.e.Jiva and Parabrahman are different from one another.
The word Shhudhadvaita is made up of Shhudh and Advaita.Shhudh means pure and Advaita means one.Shri Vallabh teaches that jiva is a part of Parabrahman.Parabrahman and jiva are one.There exists Advaita between the two.This Advaita is pure,natural and everlasting so it is called Shhudh.
According to Shhudhadvaita this world is a creation of Parabrahman (the supreme soul) himself.Infact,Parabrahman is present in each and every molecule of this world.
Parabrahman exists in all the living and non-living beings that we see in this world.The Parabrahman is made up of three different gunas (characteristics) - Sat (matter), Chit (liveliness) & Anand (happiness).Any non-living thing like a stone or a house possesses only the Sat guna.It neither contains liveliness nor happiness.On the other hand any living being (Jiva)like man or any animal possesses two gunas i.e. the Sat and Chit.The Chit guna in a man makes him a living being.The only guna man doesn't possess is the Anand.It because of the lack of Anand in man that we find people running here and there in search of happiness and peace of mind.And lastly only God possesses all the three gunas viz.Sat,Chit and Anand.There is nothing according to Vallabhacharya lacking in God.According to Shri Vallabh any being possessing these three gunas is God.If man is successful in achieving the Anand guna,then he re-unites with God.So the effort of Shri Vallabh through Pushtimarg is to help man achieve Anand.
Along with Shri Vallabhacharyaji many other acharyas believed in the philosophy that advaita i.e. jiva and Parabrahman are eventually one.Ramanujacharyaji's philosophy is called Vishishtadvaita, Nimbarkacharyaji's philosophy as Dvaitadvaita and Shankaracharyaji's philosophy as Kevaladvaita .Only Madhvacharyaji deferred regarding the philosophy of advaita.He believed in dvaita i.e.Jiva and Parabrahman are different from one another.
What means Sewa?
What means Sewa ?
The philosophy of sewa shown by Shri Vallabh is unique.It is quite different from the general concept of Pooja as seen in the Sanatan Dharm.
Shri Vallabh tells us that it is our foremost duty to serve Shri Krishna as he is Lord(swami) and we are his servants(sewak).This is the main concept of sewa.Shri Vallabh has preached this to his vaishnavas.In Chatushloki (the grantha in which the Dharma,Arth,Kama & Moksha of a vaishnava are described) Shri vallabh has taught this thing in the first shloka itself.It is written as such :
Sarvadaa sarvabhaaven bhajaniyo vrajaadhipah
Swasyaaymev dharmohi naanyah kvaapi kadaachana
The meaning of this shloka is that the Dharma (prime duty) of a vaishnava is to always do the sewa of Vrajaadhip Shri Krishna whole-heartedly,barring this there is nothing else a vaishanva must do!!
The philosophy of sewa shown by Shri Vallabh is unique.It is quite different from the general concept of Pooja as seen in the Sanatan Dharm.
Shri Vallabh tells us that it is our foremost duty to serve Shri Krishna as he is Lord(swami) and we are his servants(sewak).This is the main concept of sewa.Shri Vallabh has preached this to his vaishnavas.In Chatushloki (the grantha in which the Dharma,Arth,Kama & Moksha of a vaishnava are described) Shri vallabh has taught this thing in the first shloka itself.It is written as such :
Sarvadaa sarvabhaaven bhajaniyo vrajaadhipah
Swasyaaymev dharmohi naanyah kvaapi kadaachana
The meaning of this shloka is that the Dharma (prime duty) of a vaishnava is to always do the sewa of Vrajaadhip Shri Krishna whole-heartedly,barring this there is nothing else a vaishanva must do!!
History of Shree Mahaprabhuji
History Of Shree Vallabhcharyaji
SHREE VALLABHACHARYA: (A. D. 1479 – 1531)
Shri Vallabhacharya was not only a Saint but a great philosopher. Both philosophy and religion are the steps to Reality i.e. God. Actually he was the founder of Pushti Marg. Shri Vallabhacharya’s parents were Brahmin, natives of the Andhra, Region of Southern India.
Shri Vallabhacharya’s father was Lakshman Bhatt and Illamargaru was the mother. Lakshman’s parents had performed ninty-five “Yagnas” and it was informed to him by his “Guru” that the birth of an “Avtar” would take place in his family after having completed hundred Yagnas. With a view to visit the sacred places of North India, Lakshman Bhatt had started from his village with his family members to reach Varansi. He found the place with peace and during his stay in Varanasi, he had performed all five Somayagnas. Here he lived for some time but later, fearing disturbance and violence owing to Muslim ruler called Bahulul Lodi he fled with his family by a certain route which took him back to his native place. On his way to the South, he halted at Champaranya, a forest area in Raipur District i.e. in Madhya Pradesh. The terror and physical strain suffered by her resulted in the birth of the child at Champaranya, two months prematurely. Taking the child to be still-born for it showed no signs of life at first, the parents sadly placed it under a tree wrapped in a piece of cloth and proceeded to the village for rest, and at night they had a dream in which God himself appeared and informed that he had been born as their child which they had thought as dead. Hence they went to the spot and to their surprise they found the divine baby enveloped by fire as its protecting spirit.The blessed mother extended her arms into the fire and recieved the divine baby from the fire. The child was named Vallabh. Later he was known as Vallabhacharya.
Shri Vallabh was born in a south Indian brahmin family.He left his home and went for his first Prithvi parikrama at a tender age of only 13 years.He lived for 52 years but completed many tasks which were not possible by mere mortals.You can know about the various periods of the life of Shri Vallabh by clicking on any of the topics given below :
Birth
Shri Vallabh was born in the year 1478 A.D.(Vik.Sam.1535) in Champaranya near Raipur in Central India.He was the son Of Shri Laxman Bhatt and Illama garu.Shri Laxman Bhattji was the descandent of Yagnanarayan Bhatt,to whom the Lord had promised on the completion of a 100 Somayagnas that the Lord himself would be born in his family.
In the Year in which Shri Vallabh was born there was a rumour that there was going to be an invasion in the city of Benaras(Varanasi).So shri Laxman Bhattji left Benaras with his wife, who was pregnant, and started from their house at Hanuman Ghat in Benaras to go to his native village in Andhra Pradesh (South India).
On the way when they came to the little forest of Champaranya Shri Illamaji had severe labour pain and gave birth to Shri Vallabh.This was only the seventh month of the pregnency period so all were not sure whether the child would survive.At first Shri Vallabh did not cry or make any sort of movement that a new born baby makes.Even when Shri Laxman Bhattji tried a few things he did not respond.So all of them thought that the child was born dead and so they continued with their journey leaving Shri Vallabh behind in the forest.
At night the Lord himself came to Shri Laxman Bhattji and told him to go back and pick up the child who was the incarnation of the Lord himself.Shri Laxman Bhattji sat up from his sleep and decided to go back to the spot where he had left Shri Vallabh,though he thought that the child might have perished alone in that forest.On returning to that place all of them saw that Shri Vallabh was playing and had the thumb of his leg in his mouth and a ring of fire was lit up around him to protect him.All those present, along with Shri Laxman Bhattji himself, were astonished on seeing this scene.After a while all of them regained their senses and Shri Illamaji picked Shri Vallabh in her hands as the ring of fire disappeared.
They took Shri Vallabh back to Varanasi instead of going to their native place.On their way they stayed in Chauda Nagar for performing some of the initial sanskaras such as the namkaran (naming of a child).After a few days they returned to varanasi.
Education
Shri Vallabh was interested in studies from his early childhood.When all the other children of his age were busy playing with toys, Shri Vallabh used to play with books.When he was 6 years old Shri Laxman Bhattji engaged good teachers to teach Aksharbhashya to Shri Vallabh.In no time Shri Vallabh had learnt all the things that the teachers could teach at times surpassing his teachers with his sharp reasoning and brilliant thinking powers.
When Shri Vallabh was nine years old Shri Laxman Bhattji performed the Yagyopavit Sanskara (thread ceremony) of his two sons (Shri Vallabh had an elder brother,Shri Ramchandra Bhattji).Soon afterwards the best teachers were employed to teach subjects such as Adhyatma Vidya (education of the Vedas) and Shad Darshan (six systems of Indian Philosophy) to them.Shri Vallabh acquired command on these subjects within only two years of initiationAt the tender age of 11 years Shri Vallabh began discussing the intricacies of the meaning of the various doctrines such as Vishishtadwaita,Kewaladwaita,Dwaita,etc.in a most critical manner.This surprised all those who met him.
From this we can see that Shri Vallabh was a very bright and good student of all the aspects of the Hindu society and achieved their thorough knowledge at a very tender age.
When Shri Vallabh went to visit his uncle in Vidyanagar a Shastrarth (discussion) was going on between the Vaishnavas and the Mayavadins.Shri Vallabh came to know from the locals that the Mayavadins were going to win in a day or two.On hearing this Shri Vallabh himself decided to the palace of Maharaja Krishnadev Rai where the discussion was taking place.
When Shri Vallabh entered the palace the courtieres present and those who were discussing were so astonished to see divine beauty of Shri Vallabh that they were left speechless.They were equally amazed to know that a child of such a small age was ready to enter into a discussion with such learned men.Shri Vallabh then started asking questions to the Mayavadins, who till then were on the verge of winning the discussion.The Mayavadins had no answer to the questions asked by Shri Vallabh and they finally accepted defeat after - days.On this day Shri Vallabh established a new school of thought known as the Shhudhadvaita.
Krishnadev Rai then decided to perform a Kanakabhishek (a bath in water of pure gold) of Shri Vallabh.He not only weighed Shri Vallabh with gold but also gave him vast wealth.But Shri Vallabh took only 7 gold coins because he wanted to construct a temple of Shrinathji and gave the remaining wealth to the poor.
3 Prithvi Parikramas during his life :
Shri Vallabh completed 3 Prithvi Parikramas during his life (A parikrama means to circum-navigate an area which is considered pious.The word Prithvi though refers to the world as a whole but here it is meant to include only India).Shri Vallabh's aim of undertaking these parikramas was to meet as many people as possible and teach them his philosophy.Shri Vallabh wanted to reach all the Daivi Jeevas who were there on this earth and take them back to God by giving them the Brahmasambandh Diksha.He met those Daivi Jeevas duing the three Parikramas and gave them Brahmasambandh whereby they were accepted by Lord Krishna.
There is a tale regarding the parikramas.When Shri Vallabh decided to start his first Parikrama he was only 13 years old.In India there is a tradition to take leave of one's parents before going out so Shri Vallabh approached his widowed mother and told her that he wanted to go on a parikrama.On hearing this Shri Illamaji (Shri Vallabh's mother) was shocked and refused to give him the permission to do so.But it was necessary for Shri Vallabh to go to Vraj where Lord Shrinathji was waiting for him so Shri Vallabh thought a way out.Shri Vallabh was the incarnation of Agni (Fire) and so on his wish his own house caught fire.Shri Illamaji quickly ran out of the house but Shri Vallabh stayed inside.On seeing his son not coming out Shri Illamaji started screaming "Get out!Get out of the house!!".Shri Vallabh took his mother's sentence (Get out of the house) as her permission to go on a parikrama.This is all Shri Vallabh wanted to hear and he set out for Vraj.Before setting out Shri Vallabh promised Shri Illamaji that he would be by her bedside when she would pass away(He did keep this promise too!).
Shri Vallabh completed the three parikramas and settled in Adel near Allahabad.
During all the three parikramas Shri Valabh imposed three ardous rules on himself.They were :
1. Do the parikrama barefooted.(He walked 12000 kms. barefooted in his life)
2. Never enter a village or city but always stay on it's outskirts.
3. Never wear stitched clothes.(He wore only a dhoti and a small piece of cloth known as a Uparana throughout his life)
• Great persons are believed to have been born under extraordinary circumstances and so was the birth of Shri Vallabhacharya. The parents stayed at Champaranya for some days before they returned to Varanasi, when normal condition had once more prevailed.
The face of the image of Shrinathji, whose upraised hand had appeared years back, came to light on Mount Goverdhan on the very day when Vallabhacharya was born, and later Shrinathji inspired Vallabhacharya to introduce Seva into Pushti Marg. Thus the birth of Shri Vallabacharya coincided with the Manifestation of the Mukharvind of Shrinathji. Lakshman Bhatt and his family had returned to Varanasi.
Lakshman Bhatt himself was a learned man and so he took keen interest in his child’s education. He engaged the best tutors who were well versed in their subjects. His education commenced at the age of six with the study of vedas. Soon at the age of eleven he had surpassed his teachers with his intensive thinking and sharp reasoning.
Shree Vallabhacharya used to meditate and talk to his followers in a peacefull surrounding area. There are total eighty four “Baithaks” all over India and they are still regarded with great reverence by the Vaishnavs.
He undertook various pilgrimage tours to various places expanding his teachings and perfecting his doctrines. Unfortunately, his father passed away before long, leaving him, at the age of eleven to the care of his mother. He spent more than fifteen years of his life in pilgrimages. During his trip to Gokarna he was invited by the king of Vijaynagar and he was recieved with warm welcome. Here he started to introduce his views on Vedas, Gita, the Brahma-Sutras and the Bhagvat. The King requested him to settle down but he wished them and proceeded giving them the following message:-“You should all be good and religious person – Not a God fearing man but a God loving man. Speak the truth. Be just and honest to all. Treat all persons equally. Have faith in Lord Krishna and surrender yourself to him. Be charitable and never harm the hungry and the weak. Realize that service to men and animals is service to God”.
When he was in Pandharpur, Shri Vitobha told him to adopt (Gruhastha Dharma) i.e. to get married so that the Pushti Marg could be propagated for generation after generation.
Shree Vallabhacharya settled down in Varanasi and accepted Mahalakshmi the daughter of a Brahmin called Madhu Mangalam, in marriage after consulting his mother in S.Y.1560.He had two sons. The elder was named Shri Gopinathji born in the S.Y.1568 and the second son born in the S.Y.1572 whose name was Shri Vithalnathji in reverence to Shri Vitobha of Pandharpur, whose incarnation he was believed to be. Shri Vallabhacharya being a great scholar had written innumerable books and his commentaries on Srimad Bhagvata Purana are considered the best.
At the age of fifty two he detached himself from the world and started meditating and singing the songs of praise of Shri Krishna. On week prior to his departure from this material world, he took a vow of silence on the Hanuman Ghat in Varanasi at the bank of river Ganges. His two sons requested him to guide them and give his last message. As he had taken a vow of silence, he wrote a few words on sand; which were as follows:- “Listen to my last words. I forsee a time when you will forget God and become engrossed in worldly matters. It is likely that you will become slaves of your passions which will turn you away from the path of Devotion. Instead of rendering service to God which is your primary duty, you will fritter away your time and energy in idle pursuits. But if you follow my advice, God will not forget you. You should believe that Krishna is our God and never slacken your faith in him and then he will surely protect you. You should regard him as the be-all and end-all of your life. Your ultimate good lies in serving him, which should be done with all your heart, mind and soul. Trust in his protection. Remember him always in all thoughts, words and deeds”.
As soon as he ended, Lord Krishna manifested himself visually on the spot and wrote in the form of a verse completing Shri Vallabhacharya’s message and counsel thus:-
“If you have faith in me, you will be under my care and protection and will not suffer failure of any sort. Be free from sorrows and anxieties concerning your future, for you are safe in my hands. Only you should love me with the love of Gopis. If you do so then you will surely secure liberation. That is the only mean of union with Me, by which you will regain your original divine nature. Do not give your thoughts to worldly matters. Be devoted to me and render service to “ME” by all the Means at your disposal”.
Soon after this Shree Vallabhacharya rose from his seat and entered into the waters of the Ganges singing to himself the song of the Gopis and the Yugala Gita from the Bhagvata, Concentrating his mind on God’s form. And to a brilliant flame in the form of God arose from the water and whisked him away in the sight of thousands of men, women and children who had congregated there to have his last Darshan.
This aspect gives him transcendental character to prove that he was not “Prakrutic” (natural) person like us but divine. We also call him as Mahaprabhuji. Hence Vaishnav’s consider Shri Krishna, Shree Yamunaji and Shree Vallabhacharya on equal footings, for this simple reason that all the three are inherently capable of emancipating the souls from the bondage of life and death.
Philosophy :
Shri Vallabh's philosophy is based on the teachings of the Upanishads.Shri Vallabh considers only four scriptures as pramans (proofs) for supporting his philosophy,they are:
1. The Vedas.
2. Shrimad Bhagwad Gita.
3. Vyas Sutras.
4. Shrimad Bhagwatji.
Based on these four pramans Shri Vallabh propogated a new system of philosophy known as the Shhudhadvaita.For the re-unision of the vaishnavas with Lord Shrinathji he started the sewa pranali of Lord Shrinathji on the order of the Lord himself.
SHREE VALLABHACHARYA: (A. D. 1479 – 1531)
Shri Vallabhacharya was not only a Saint but a great philosopher. Both philosophy and religion are the steps to Reality i.e. God. Actually he was the founder of Pushti Marg. Shri Vallabhacharya’s parents were Brahmin, natives of the Andhra, Region of Southern India.
Shri Vallabhacharya’s father was Lakshman Bhatt and Illamargaru was the mother. Lakshman’s parents had performed ninty-five “Yagnas” and it was informed to him by his “Guru” that the birth of an “Avtar” would take place in his family after having completed hundred Yagnas. With a view to visit the sacred places of North India, Lakshman Bhatt had started from his village with his family members to reach Varansi. He found the place with peace and during his stay in Varanasi, he had performed all five Somayagnas. Here he lived for some time but later, fearing disturbance and violence owing to Muslim ruler called Bahulul Lodi he fled with his family by a certain route which took him back to his native place. On his way to the South, he halted at Champaranya, a forest area in Raipur District i.e. in Madhya Pradesh. The terror and physical strain suffered by her resulted in the birth of the child at Champaranya, two months prematurely. Taking the child to be still-born for it showed no signs of life at first, the parents sadly placed it under a tree wrapped in a piece of cloth and proceeded to the village for rest, and at night they had a dream in which God himself appeared and informed that he had been born as their child which they had thought as dead. Hence they went to the spot and to their surprise they found the divine baby enveloped by fire as its protecting spirit.The blessed mother extended her arms into the fire and recieved the divine baby from the fire. The child was named Vallabh. Later he was known as Vallabhacharya.
Shri Vallabh was born in a south Indian brahmin family.He left his home and went for his first Prithvi parikrama at a tender age of only 13 years.He lived for 52 years but completed many tasks which were not possible by mere mortals.You can know about the various periods of the life of Shri Vallabh by clicking on any of the topics given below :
Birth
Shri Vallabh was born in the year 1478 A.D.(Vik.Sam.1535) in Champaranya near Raipur in Central India.He was the son Of Shri Laxman Bhatt and Illama garu.Shri Laxman Bhattji was the descandent of Yagnanarayan Bhatt,to whom the Lord had promised on the completion of a 100 Somayagnas that the Lord himself would be born in his family.
In the Year in which Shri Vallabh was born there was a rumour that there was going to be an invasion in the city of Benaras(Varanasi).So shri Laxman Bhattji left Benaras with his wife, who was pregnant, and started from their house at Hanuman Ghat in Benaras to go to his native village in Andhra Pradesh (South India).
On the way when they came to the little forest of Champaranya Shri Illamaji had severe labour pain and gave birth to Shri Vallabh.This was only the seventh month of the pregnency period so all were not sure whether the child would survive.At first Shri Vallabh did not cry or make any sort of movement that a new born baby makes.Even when Shri Laxman Bhattji tried a few things he did not respond.So all of them thought that the child was born dead and so they continued with their journey leaving Shri Vallabh behind in the forest.
At night the Lord himself came to Shri Laxman Bhattji and told him to go back and pick up the child who was the incarnation of the Lord himself.Shri Laxman Bhattji sat up from his sleep and decided to go back to the spot where he had left Shri Vallabh,though he thought that the child might have perished alone in that forest.On returning to that place all of them saw that Shri Vallabh was playing and had the thumb of his leg in his mouth and a ring of fire was lit up around him to protect him.All those present, along with Shri Laxman Bhattji himself, were astonished on seeing this scene.After a while all of them regained their senses and Shri Illamaji picked Shri Vallabh in her hands as the ring of fire disappeared.
They took Shri Vallabh back to Varanasi instead of going to their native place.On their way they stayed in Chauda Nagar for performing some of the initial sanskaras such as the namkaran (naming of a child).After a few days they returned to varanasi.
Education
Shri Vallabh was interested in studies from his early childhood.When all the other children of his age were busy playing with toys, Shri Vallabh used to play with books.When he was 6 years old Shri Laxman Bhattji engaged good teachers to teach Aksharbhashya to Shri Vallabh.In no time Shri Vallabh had learnt all the things that the teachers could teach at times surpassing his teachers with his sharp reasoning and brilliant thinking powers.
When Shri Vallabh was nine years old Shri Laxman Bhattji performed the Yagyopavit Sanskara (thread ceremony) of his two sons (Shri Vallabh had an elder brother,Shri Ramchandra Bhattji).Soon afterwards the best teachers were employed to teach subjects such as Adhyatma Vidya (education of the Vedas) and Shad Darshan (six systems of Indian Philosophy) to them.Shri Vallabh acquired command on these subjects within only two years of initiationAt the tender age of 11 years Shri Vallabh began discussing the intricacies of the meaning of the various doctrines such as Vishishtadwaita,Kewaladwaita,Dwaita,etc.in a most critical manner.This surprised all those who met him.
From this we can see that Shri Vallabh was a very bright and good student of all the aspects of the Hindu society and achieved their thorough knowledge at a very tender age.
When Shri Vallabh went to visit his uncle in Vidyanagar a Shastrarth (discussion) was going on between the Vaishnavas and the Mayavadins.Shri Vallabh came to know from the locals that the Mayavadins were going to win in a day or two.On hearing this Shri Vallabh himself decided to the palace of Maharaja Krishnadev Rai where the discussion was taking place.
When Shri Vallabh entered the palace the courtieres present and those who were discussing were so astonished to see divine beauty of Shri Vallabh that they were left speechless.They were equally amazed to know that a child of such a small age was ready to enter into a discussion with such learned men.Shri Vallabh then started asking questions to the Mayavadins, who till then were on the verge of winning the discussion.The Mayavadins had no answer to the questions asked by Shri Vallabh and they finally accepted defeat after - days.On this day Shri Vallabh established a new school of thought known as the Shhudhadvaita.
Krishnadev Rai then decided to perform a Kanakabhishek (a bath in water of pure gold) of Shri Vallabh.He not only weighed Shri Vallabh with gold but also gave him vast wealth.But Shri Vallabh took only 7 gold coins because he wanted to construct a temple of Shrinathji and gave the remaining wealth to the poor.
3 Prithvi Parikramas during his life :
Shri Vallabh completed 3 Prithvi Parikramas during his life (A parikrama means to circum-navigate an area which is considered pious.The word Prithvi though refers to the world as a whole but here it is meant to include only India).Shri Vallabh's aim of undertaking these parikramas was to meet as many people as possible and teach them his philosophy.Shri Vallabh wanted to reach all the Daivi Jeevas who were there on this earth and take them back to God by giving them the Brahmasambandh Diksha.He met those Daivi Jeevas duing the three Parikramas and gave them Brahmasambandh whereby they were accepted by Lord Krishna.
There is a tale regarding the parikramas.When Shri Vallabh decided to start his first Parikrama he was only 13 years old.In India there is a tradition to take leave of one's parents before going out so Shri Vallabh approached his widowed mother and told her that he wanted to go on a parikrama.On hearing this Shri Illamaji (Shri Vallabh's mother) was shocked and refused to give him the permission to do so.But it was necessary for Shri Vallabh to go to Vraj where Lord Shrinathji was waiting for him so Shri Vallabh thought a way out.Shri Vallabh was the incarnation of Agni (Fire) and so on his wish his own house caught fire.Shri Illamaji quickly ran out of the house but Shri Vallabh stayed inside.On seeing his son not coming out Shri Illamaji started screaming "Get out!Get out of the house!!".Shri Vallabh took his mother's sentence (Get out of the house) as her permission to go on a parikrama.This is all Shri Vallabh wanted to hear and he set out for Vraj.Before setting out Shri Vallabh promised Shri Illamaji that he would be by her bedside when she would pass away(He did keep this promise too!).
Shri Vallabh completed the three parikramas and settled in Adel near Allahabad.
During all the three parikramas Shri Valabh imposed three ardous rules on himself.They were :
1. Do the parikrama barefooted.(He walked 12000 kms. barefooted in his life)
2. Never enter a village or city but always stay on it's outskirts.
3. Never wear stitched clothes.(He wore only a dhoti and a small piece of cloth known as a Uparana throughout his life)
• Great persons are believed to have been born under extraordinary circumstances and so was the birth of Shri Vallabhacharya. The parents stayed at Champaranya for some days before they returned to Varanasi, when normal condition had once more prevailed.
The face of the image of Shrinathji, whose upraised hand had appeared years back, came to light on Mount Goverdhan on the very day when Vallabhacharya was born, and later Shrinathji inspired Vallabhacharya to introduce Seva into Pushti Marg. Thus the birth of Shri Vallabacharya coincided with the Manifestation of the Mukharvind of Shrinathji. Lakshman Bhatt and his family had returned to Varanasi.
Lakshman Bhatt himself was a learned man and so he took keen interest in his child’s education. He engaged the best tutors who were well versed in their subjects. His education commenced at the age of six with the study of vedas. Soon at the age of eleven he had surpassed his teachers with his intensive thinking and sharp reasoning.
Shree Vallabhacharya used to meditate and talk to his followers in a peacefull surrounding area. There are total eighty four “Baithaks” all over India and they are still regarded with great reverence by the Vaishnavs.
He undertook various pilgrimage tours to various places expanding his teachings and perfecting his doctrines. Unfortunately, his father passed away before long, leaving him, at the age of eleven to the care of his mother. He spent more than fifteen years of his life in pilgrimages. During his trip to Gokarna he was invited by the king of Vijaynagar and he was recieved with warm welcome. Here he started to introduce his views on Vedas, Gita, the Brahma-Sutras and the Bhagvat. The King requested him to settle down but he wished them and proceeded giving them the following message:-“You should all be good and religious person – Not a God fearing man but a God loving man. Speak the truth. Be just and honest to all. Treat all persons equally. Have faith in Lord Krishna and surrender yourself to him. Be charitable and never harm the hungry and the weak. Realize that service to men and animals is service to God”.
When he was in Pandharpur, Shri Vitobha told him to adopt (Gruhastha Dharma) i.e. to get married so that the Pushti Marg could be propagated for generation after generation.
Shree Vallabhacharya settled down in Varanasi and accepted Mahalakshmi the daughter of a Brahmin called Madhu Mangalam, in marriage after consulting his mother in S.Y.1560.He had two sons. The elder was named Shri Gopinathji born in the S.Y.1568 and the second son born in the S.Y.1572 whose name was Shri Vithalnathji in reverence to Shri Vitobha of Pandharpur, whose incarnation he was believed to be. Shri Vallabhacharya being a great scholar had written innumerable books and his commentaries on Srimad Bhagvata Purana are considered the best.
At the age of fifty two he detached himself from the world and started meditating and singing the songs of praise of Shri Krishna. On week prior to his departure from this material world, he took a vow of silence on the Hanuman Ghat in Varanasi at the bank of river Ganges. His two sons requested him to guide them and give his last message. As he had taken a vow of silence, he wrote a few words on sand; which were as follows:- “Listen to my last words. I forsee a time when you will forget God and become engrossed in worldly matters. It is likely that you will become slaves of your passions which will turn you away from the path of Devotion. Instead of rendering service to God which is your primary duty, you will fritter away your time and energy in idle pursuits. But if you follow my advice, God will not forget you. You should believe that Krishna is our God and never slacken your faith in him and then he will surely protect you. You should regard him as the be-all and end-all of your life. Your ultimate good lies in serving him, which should be done with all your heart, mind and soul. Trust in his protection. Remember him always in all thoughts, words and deeds”.
As soon as he ended, Lord Krishna manifested himself visually on the spot and wrote in the form of a verse completing Shri Vallabhacharya’s message and counsel thus:-
“If you have faith in me, you will be under my care and protection and will not suffer failure of any sort. Be free from sorrows and anxieties concerning your future, for you are safe in my hands. Only you should love me with the love of Gopis. If you do so then you will surely secure liberation. That is the only mean of union with Me, by which you will regain your original divine nature. Do not give your thoughts to worldly matters. Be devoted to me and render service to “ME” by all the Means at your disposal”.
Soon after this Shree Vallabhacharya rose from his seat and entered into the waters of the Ganges singing to himself the song of the Gopis and the Yugala Gita from the Bhagvata, Concentrating his mind on God’s form. And to a brilliant flame in the form of God arose from the water and whisked him away in the sight of thousands of men, women and children who had congregated there to have his last Darshan.
This aspect gives him transcendental character to prove that he was not “Prakrutic” (natural) person like us but divine. We also call him as Mahaprabhuji. Hence Vaishnav’s consider Shri Krishna, Shree Yamunaji and Shree Vallabhacharya on equal footings, for this simple reason that all the three are inherently capable of emancipating the souls from the bondage of life and death.
Philosophy :
Shri Vallabh's philosophy is based on the teachings of the Upanishads.Shri Vallabh considers only four scriptures as pramans (proofs) for supporting his philosophy,they are:
1. The Vedas.
2. Shrimad Bhagwad Gita.
3. Vyas Sutras.
4. Shrimad Bhagwatji.
Based on these four pramans Shri Vallabh propogated a new system of philosophy known as the Shhudhadvaita.For the re-unision of the vaishnavas with Lord Shrinathji he started the sewa pranali of Lord Shrinathji on the order of the Lord himself.
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