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About Lord Shreenathji
Shreenathji is the manifestation of Lord Krishna at the age of seven. Shreenathji is considered one of the forms of the Hindu deity Krishna, who appears as a seven-year-old child. The main temple of Shreenathji is located in Nathdwara, situated 49 kilometers northeast of Udaipur city in the state of Rajasthan, India. Shreenathji is a central deity of the Vaishnavism tradition, revered by followers of the Pushti Marg (Path of Grace) or the Vallabhacharya-founded Vallabh Sampraday. Shreenathji is primarily worshipped by devotees of the bhakti yoga tradition and by Vaishnavas and Bhatiyas, among others, in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The worship of Shreenathji was institutionalized in Nathdwara by Vallabhacharya’s son, Vitthalnathji. Due to the popularity of Shreenathji, the city of Nathdwara is also known as ‘Shreenathji’ and is sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Bava’ (Shreenathji Bava). Initially, the deity in the form of Bal Krishna (child Krishna) was associated with the conquest of the gods (specifically lifting the Govardhan hill by Krishna to protect against the excessive rain caused by Lord Indra). Vallabhacharya named him Gopal and established his worship in a place called ‘Gopalpur’. Later, Vitthalnathji named him Shreenathji. The service of Shreenathji is performed in eight parts throughout the day.
According to the literature of the Pushti Marg, Shreenathji appeared before Shri Vallabhacharya in the Hindu Vikram Samvat year 1549 and instructed him to start worship on the Govardhan hill. Vallabhacharya arranged for the worship of the deity, and this tradition was further advanced by his son, Vitthalnathji.
About Shri Vallabhacharyaji
In the realm of spirituality and devotion, few figures stand as tall as Shri Vallabhacharya. His profound influence extends across centuries, touching the hearts and souls of countless devotees. Central to his teachings is the worship of Shreenathji, a form of Lord Krishna revered for his divine grace and eternal love.
Born in the holy city of Varanasi in the year 1479, Shri Vallabhacharya’s life was marked by a deep sense of devotion from an early age. He embarked on a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment and divine wisdom. His journey led him to Vrindavan, the sacred land where Lord Krishna once walked the earth.
Shri Vallabhacharya’s spiritual awakening came under the guidance of his guru, Vishnuswami. Under his tutelage, Vallabhacharya delved into the depths of Vedic scriptures, unraveling the mysteries of existence and the nature of divine love.
Central to Shri Vallabhacharya’s teachings is the concept of Pushti Marg, the path of grace and devotion. He emphasized the importance of Bhakti, or loving devotion, as the most direct means of attaining union with the divine. Through Bhakti Yoga, devotees immerse themselves in the divine love of Shreenathji, transcending worldly attachments and achieving spiritual liberation.
Founding the Pushti Sampradaya
In 1497, Shri Vallabhacharya formally established the Pushti Sampradaya, a devotional sect dedicated to the worship of Shreenathji. He codified the principles of Pushti Marg, providing devotees with a structured path to spiritual growth and realization. Through his profound teachings and divine grace, Vallabhacharya transformed the lives of countless souls, guiding them towards the ultimate goal of divine union.
At the heart of Shri Vallabhacharya’s teachings lies the worship of Shreenathji, the beloved deity revered as the embodiment of divine love and compassion.