Vallabhacharya, also known as Vallabha and Vishnuswami, or Vallabha Acharya Mahaprabhu, is a revered Indian philosopher and JagadGuru Vaishnav Acharya. He is credited with developing the Krishna-centered PushtiMarg sect of Vaishnavism and the Shuddha Advaita Vedanta philosophy in the culturally rich Braj region of India. Referred to by the name ‘Achinto Bhadra,’ he played a pivotal role in popularizing Krishna Bhakti, drawing inspiration from the Maha Bhagavata Purana. As a trailblazer in the realm of spiritual thought, Vallabhacharya’s teachings continue to resonate, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna.

About Vallabhacharya 

• Vallabhacharya, born in Champaranya, present-day Chhattisgarh, on the 11th day of the dark half of Chaitra in 1479 CE, was the son of Shri Lakshmana Bhatta and Yellamma.
• At the age of seven, he commenced his education, delving into the study of four Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Shat Darshan, mastering the six systems of Indian philosophy.
• A notable debate unfolded in the court of King Krishnadevaraya in Vijayanagara, where Vallabhacharya, also known as Bala Saraswati, engaged in a philosophical discourse at the age of eleven, addressing the dualistic and non-dualistic perspectives of God among Vaishnavaites and Shankars.
• Vallabhacharya founded Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism), shaping the ‘Pushti Marg’ philosophy centered on Krishna, particularly his child incarnation. This tradition is marked by rich customs, music, and festivals.
• Associating Sri Krishna with Brahman, defined as Sat (Being), chit (awareness), and Ananda (joy), Vallabhacharya emphasized Sneha (deep-rooted love for God) as the sole path to salvation and bliss.
• Vallabhacharya, a prolific scholar, wrote scholastic works in Sanskrit and Braj bhasa, including the renowned Subodhini and Siddhant Rahasya.
• At the age of 52, he took samadhi in the Ganga river near Kashi’s Hanuman Ghat, concluding a life dedicated to philosophical discourse and devotion to Lord Krishna.

Shuddhadvaita

• Vallabhacharya, the founder philosopher and mentor of the Vallabha sampradaya or Pushtimarg, a Hindu Vaishnava tradition focused on Krishna worship, propounded the “purely non-dual” philosophy of Shuddhadvaita.
• The pure form (non-dualist) philosophy of Vallabhacharya differs from Advaita. Brahma Vada is another name for his way of thought. The entire universe, according to Vallabha, is real and delicately Brahman. Individual souls are one with Brahman in essence.
• Jiva, Kala (time), and Prakriti are all eternal. They do not, however, exist as a part of Brahman. Shuddadvaita is a philosophy that is “purely non-dual.” The Shrinathji temple in Nathdwara, as well as the works of eight poets (aachap), notably Surdas, are fundamental to the sect’s worship.
• Various Shuddhadvaita proponents, such as Devarshi Ramanath Shastri, have enunciated the tenets of this philosophy in his books ‘Shuddhadvaita Siddhanta Sara’ and Shuddhadvaita Darshan.

Pushti Marg

• Pushti Marga is the way of life and salvation that Vallabhacharya preached. The weakening of man’s soul necessitates God’s grace for its freedom.
• Pushti Bhakti is Bhakti that is generated via unique grace.
• Pravaha Pushti-Bhakti, Maryada Pushti-Bhakti, Pushti-Bhakti, and Suddha Pushti-Bhakti are the four types of Bhakti.
• Pravaha Pushti Bhakti is the path taken by those who do good deeds while living a worldly existence in order to achieve God-realization.
• Maryada Bhakti is the way of people who, by God’s favor, are capable of gaining knowledge that is useful for worship.
• The devotees of Pushti Bhakti practise self-control.
• Suddha Pushti-Bhakti is a contemporary form of devotion in which devotees chant songs in the Lord’s honor.

Prithvi Parikrama

• Vallabhacharya embarked on three sacred Indian pilgrimages, known as Prithvi Parikrama.
• Walking barefoot, he embraced simplicity, wearing a white dhoti and an Upparna instead of footwear.
• At 84 locations, now revered as Chaurasi Baithak, he delivered enlightening Bhagavata talks, unraveling the meanings of the Puranic text.
• Vallabhacharya spent four months each year in Vraja, deepening his spiritual connection.

Shodash Granthas

• Vallabhacharya penned the Shodasha Granthas, a set of 16 poetic pieces responding to devotees’ requests.
• These doctrines form the heart of Pushtimarga’s practical theology, guiding devotees on their journey of devotion.
• The Shodash Granthas emphasize devotion to Shri Krishna through Seva (service) and Smarana (remembering).
• Mahaprabhu’s teachings inspire believers to unconditionally surrender to the Lord.

Literary Works

• Vallabhacharya left a rich literary legacy, including the Anubhashya or BrahmSutrnubhashya, a four-canto commentary on Ved Vyas’s Brahma Sutra.
• Tattvaarth Dip Nibandh comprises essays on spiritual fundamentals, offering profound insights.
• Subodhini, a commentary on Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapuran, enriches readers with spiritual wisdom.
• Other notable works include Patravalamban, Madhurashtakam, Gayatribhashya, Purushottam Sahastranaam, Girirajdharyashtakam, and Nandkumarashtakam.

Conclusion

Vallabhacharya, a distinguished saint and profound philosopher, holds a special place in the hearts of his followers who deeply revere Bala Krishna in the Vatsalya Bhava (parental affection) aspect. A notable testament to this devotion is the temple erected in Champaranya, the saint’s birthplace. This revered temple is widely recognized and esteemed as a significant pilgrimage destination for devotees.

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