Vallabhacharya Jayanti: Uncover The Life Of This Devotional Philosopher
Shri Vallabhacharya was an Indian philosopher, who founded the Krishna-centered Pushti sect of Vaishnavism and the Shuddha Advaita philosophy in the Braj region of India. In today’s world, many devotees of Lord Shri Krishna believe what Shri Vallabhacharya saw when he arrived at Govardhan mountain. Therefore, the worshippers celebrate Vallabhacharya Jayanti with great joy. They remember the supreme Indian deity, Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Vallabhacharya by offering them prayers and pujas.
Devotees believe that Vallabhacharya is the incarnation form of Agni Dev-The lord of fire. His legacy is best preserved in the Braj region, especially at Nathdwara in India’s Mewar region, which is a major Krishna pilgrimage centre. He referred to himself as Agni’s incarnation. Now, before we reveal the time and date to celebrate this auspicious day, let’s learn about the ancient story behind the Shri Krishna’s devotee, Vallabhacharya
Vallabhacharya Jayanti Date And Time
History Behind Celebrating of Vallabhacharya Jayanti
The Birth Of Shri Vallabhacharya
In 1479 AD, Shri Vallabha was born to an ordinary Telugu family living in Varanasi. His mother gave birth to him in Champaran, Chhattisgarh because of ongoing Hindu-Muslim conflicts at that time, while expecting Vallabha. He grew up learning the Vedas and Upanishads before embarking on a 20-year journey across the Indian subcontinent. His followers’ hagiographies, like those of other Bhakti leaders, state that he won many philosophical debates against Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, and others. Some believe he had a great vision to perform miracles.
At the time of Vallabha’s birth, the area where his mother gave him birth was hit by the conflict as Muslim invaders influenced much of northern and central India. Migrating communities were common in order to avoid religious persecution and conversion. Shri Lakshmana Bhatta had to flee Varanasi with his pregnant wife on one of these occasions.
Due to the flight’s terror and physical pressure, the couple kept baby Vallabha under a tree and wrapped him in a piece of cloth, so others may consider him dead. The myths reveal that Shri Krishna appeared in a dream of Vallabhacharya’s parents to let the couple know that their baby is an infant form of Lord Krishna. Realising the facts, they rushed to discover whether their baby was alive or not. Later, they found baby Vallabha when his mother stretched her hand into the burning fire. Thereafter, the couple gave the name of Vallabha to their child.
Achievements Of Shri Vallabhacharya
Vallabha was the founder of the Pushti sub-tradition, which is based on his own understanding of Vedanta philosophy. Vallabha rejected asceticism and monastic life, suggesting that everyone could attain salvation through loving devotion to God Krishna – an idea that spread throughout India, as evidenced by his 84 Baithakjis (places of worship). He is the popular Acharya of Rudra Sampradaya, one of the four traditional Vaishnava Sampradayas, and is affiliated with Vishnuswami. His legacy is best preserved in the Braj region, especially at Nathdwara in India’s Mewar region, which is a major Krishna pilgrimage centre.
The Other Tale of Govardhan Mountain
Another tale behind the famous philosopher revolves around the Govardhan Mountain. It states that when Vallabha was on his way, he found some mysterious movement nearby Govardhan parvat. So, he decided to visit that particular spot of the mountain. Then, he found the idol of Lord Krishna and kept it close to his heart. It is believed that Shri Krishna also appeared in front of Vallabha.
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Signifiance Of Vallabhacharya Jayanti
Vallabhacharya Jayanti Rituals
What Young Vallabha Learned Pursuing His Education?
What Activities Vallabha Did During His Lifetime?
Shri Vallabhacharya’s Prithvi Parikrama
The devotee of Shri krishna, Vallabhacharya walked barefoot on three Indian pilgrimages. He wore a plain white dhoti and an Upparna, a white undergarment cloth. He delivered Bhagavata discourses in 84 locations, explaining the meanings of the ancient texts. At present, these 84 locations are known as Chaursi Baithak, which are pilgrimage sites. He later spent around four months in Vraja.
Vallabhacharya’s Pushtimarg
When Vallabhacharya came to Gokul, he inspired many devotees to the right direction of devotion. He remembered Shri Krishna, who appeared to him in a form of Shrinathji. Damodardasa, his disciple, was sleeping next to him at that time. Vallabhacharya told Damodardasa about his experience the next morning and asked if Damala heard any voices last night. In reply, Damala agreed to him that he heard something. Vallabhacharya then clarified about the power of mantra.
Vallabhacharya decided to preach his Pushtimarg message of devotion to God. He travelled to India three times for pilgrimages. He conducted the religious right’s initiation ceremony by bestowing the ‘Nama Nivedana’ or ‘Brahma Sambandha’ mantra. And thousands of devotees started following him. The remaining part of the story is described in Pushtimarg literature. Moreover, there is a strong belief that Vallabhacharya met sage Vyas and discussed the characteristics of Lord Krishna in Himalayan cave.