Pusti Bhakti

"Pushtimarg" is a 500 year old sect of Hindu Religion, founded by Shri Vallabhacharya. Shri Vallabhacharya is one of the five main Acharyas of the Hindu Religion . The other four being Shankaracharya, Shri Ramanujacharya, Shri Madhavacharya and Shri Nimbarkacharya. These acharyas have a very significant contribution towards the upbringing of the Hindu Religion. Hindu Religion's History is very old, dating back to vedic times. The four Vedas i.e.. The Rigveda The Samaveda The Yajurveda The Atharvaveda are treated as very sacred scriptures and the base of Hindu Religion is formed on them.Therefore, be it any sect or any Acharya of the Hindu Religion, they will always regard The Vedas as the highest authority. Shri Vallabhacharya was born into a very noble and learned family in South India in what is today called Andhra Pradesh. His ancestors had a very religious background and included learned Brahmins like Shri Yagnanarayan Bhatt and Shri Ganapati Bhatt. They wrote several books on religion and devotion. Shri Vallabhacharya was the second son of Lakshman Bhatt and Yallammagaru. Their ancestors had performed several Soma-yagnas and Shri Lakshman Bhatt completed 100 Somyagnas. Shri Yagnanarayan was blessed by Lord Vishnu, that on completion of 100 Soma-yagnas, God himself would incarnate in his family. Thus when 100 Soma-yagnas were complete, Lakshman Bhatt went to Kashi to accomplish his vow of feeding 1.25 lakhs Brahmins. He could not complete this task as there were political disturbances in Kashi. He took his pregnant wife Yallammagaru and on his way southwards he halted at a place called Champaranya. Where his wife gave birth to a still baby which they kept under a tree and proceeded ahead. On the same night Lakshman Bhatt heard a celestial voice ordering him to go back to the baby and pick it up as it was misunderstood to be a still born. That baby was no ordinary one, but by the grace of God, Shri Vallabh had taken birth through Yallammagaru's womb. On reaching the spot where they had kept the baby, they found the baby encircled by a divine fire as a protecting spirit. Shri Vallabh was a brilliant and extra-ordinary child. He finished studying all the Vedas and all the prominent scriptures at a very early age. At the age of 11 he started his all India pilgrimage. During this tour he came to Vijaynagar where he came to know about a sensational debate that was being conducted in the court of King Krishnadevraya. The debate was between the different Acharyas over the question whether God is dualistic or non-dualistic. Shri Vallabh entered the court and with his unopposed arguments proved that God is non-dualistic. The details of which can be known in a book named "Vallabh Digvijay" During the second pilgrimage, Lord Krishna appeared in the form of Lord Shrinathji in front of him and ordered him to reestablish Pushti Marg and propagate the pushti kind of devotion among the chosen ones and bring them back to their original state in God's own domain. i.e. Vaikuntha or Golok-dham . But the question in Shri Vallabh's mind was that the divine souls in this world too are highly influenced by the materialistic world and their souls and body have lost the kind of purity that is needed for their reunion with the Supreme entity i.e.. Lord Krishna. Lord Shrinathji assured him that with BRAHAMASAMBANDHA, whichever soul is admitted into the Pushti marg, all its worldly impurities will refrain from obstructing the soul's relation with Himself and will be eligible to pursue His bhakti. That was the night of Ekadashi ( Four days before the new moon day) of the auspicious month of Shravana. Lord Shrinathji taught him the Brahamasambandha mantra and asked him to bring back the divine souls into his seva. Shri Vallabahcharya on the next day taught the same Mantra to his first disciples Damodardas Harsani along with the principles of Pushtimarga. This was how Pushtimarga was established. To understand Pushtibhakti better, let us now have an overview of its features :- It is spontaneous, selfless & motiveless love for God. It is based on pure love for God. It is expressed only through service of God. It is love after realising God's true nature. The knowledge gained is not a means of liberation. Liberation, is considered secondary to the enjoyment of God's bliss. Its aim is God's happiness. No caste, creed, color, sex or age becomes the criteria, the only criteria is God's Grace. It does not know any boundaries, be it time, place or anything else. It does not require a devotee to give up a householder's life. In fact, one can serve Him better, by being a householder. All the worldly desires are diverted towards God, they are then not required to be suppressed. World is not looked down upon but is treated as God's creation and thus as real as God himself. Shri Krishna is the supreme God, all the other deities reside in his form. Therefore total faith is placed in Shri Krishna alone. In the state of liberation the entity of the devotee merges into God's blissful form, but in Bhakti (especially Pushti bhakti) the devotee does not seek liberation but he enjoys God's bliss by participating in it as a separate divine entity.

Yamunastakam

In V.S. 1548 at the age of 13 years, Shri Mahaprabhuji arrived in mathura during his first global tour; he resided at Vishram Ghat on the bank of Yamuna river. At this time he form Shri Yamunastakam which describes Shri Yamunaji’s divine description in "Pruthvi Chhand". In Yamunastakam’s first eight shlokas, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes Shri Yamunaji’s eight fold powers, its divine & wonderful icon and her divine qualities. Shri Yamunaji is the daughter of divine Sun. Her purpose for coming to earth from heaven through Kalind mountain is to bless her devotees. Her physical state as a river is also very attractive and charming. She is so kind that she even blesses evil people ! Shri Yamunaji blesses her devotees with eight fold powers. Even if an evil person, drinks water from the river Yamuna to quench their thirst, She blesses that person. So, if we humbly pray to her with knowledge and understanding, we should not be surprised if she blessed us also. One of the example from Shri Mahaprabhuju’s 84 Vaishnavas, is of Kishoribai. Kishoribai was chanting only two lines from Yamunastakam with full faith. Shri Yamunaji blessed Kishoribai with all divine fruits.

Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda, Murari Padpankaj Sfuradamand, Renootkatam, Tatastha Nav Kanana, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa, Suraa Sursu Poojitaha, Smara Pituh Shri yambibhrateem.

Shri Yamunaji is capable of giving all kind of achievements. This first shloka describes the physical state of the river. Its both banks are full of glittering sand which is believed to be as soft as lotus feet of Shri Murari Prabhu (Shri Krshna.) Also, there are various kind of gardens of the both banks of the river. The river water is full of scent due to flowers of the garden on her banks. Shri Yamunaji is also worshipped by two kinds of vraj devotees. I bow to Shri Yamunaji described above, full love and devotion. She is capable of giving fulfillment of all the desires of the devotee in enjoying God’s love.

Kalind Girimastake, Pata Damand Poorojjwalaa, Vilas Gamanollasat, Prakatgand Shailonnata, Sagoshagantidantura, Samadhiroodh Dolottama, Mukund Rati Vardhinee, Jayati Padma Bandhoho Suta.

In this shloka, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes that how Shri Yamunaji can bless her devotees to increase their love towards Shri Mukund Prabhu. Also, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the physical existence of Yamunaji as river. It flows enthusiastically from the top of Kalind mountain. The swirling waters appear to be as white as milk because of the force and flow of the river upstream. It seems like Shri Yamunaji is very eager to go in Vraj and meet Shri Krshna. It also gives impression as Shri Yamunaji is swinging in best kind of jhula. Victories to this most divine daughter of the Sun !!

Bhuvam Bhuvana Pawaneem, Adhigatamane Kashwanaihi, Priyabhiriva Sevateam, Shuka Mayur Hansadibhihi, Tarang Bhuj Kankana, Prakat muktikavaluka, Nitambtat Sundareem, Namat Krushna Turya Priyam.

When Shri Yamunaji came to earth from the heavens, She blessed the whole globe by Her presence. All living beings, including birds such as parrots, peacocks and swans, serve Shri Yamunaji. Shri Mahaprabhuji visualize the glittering sand as her bangles of pearl and the waves upon the waters as beautiful divine hands of Shri Yamunaji, moving to and fro in a continuous manner. The meandering waters form beautiful banks on either side of the river, which look like the volupturous curves of a beautiful maiden. She is favorite fourth queen of Shri Krshna. And Shri Mahaprabhuji asks us to bow to her.

Anant Gunabhusite, Shiva Viranchi Devastute, Ghanaghan Nibhe Sada, Dhruva Parasharaa Bhistade, Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gopgopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah.

In this shloka, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the prayer to Shri Yamuna Maharani. O! Shri Yamunaji, you have infinite divine qualities. Even, Gods like Shiv and Brahama praise you. You have granted all the wishes of such great devotees as Dhruv and Parasher. Such holy cities as Mathura are on your banks. You are always with gopi’s and gopijans and you are always protected by blessings of Shri Krshna. O! Shri Yamunaji, I wish that you give me such a blessing that it gives peace and happiness to my mind. Chanting this shloka with pure and honest heart gives tremendous mental peace and eternal happiness.

Yaya Charan Padmajaa, Muraripoho Priyam Bhavuka, Samaagamanto Bhavet, Sakal Siddhida Sevatam, Taya Sadrushtamiyat, Kamalja Spatnee Vayat, Hari Priya Kalindaya, Mansi Mesada Stheeyatam.

Shri Gangaji evolved from the lotus feet of Shri Bhagavan. Shri Gangaji became holy and pious due to merging with Shri Yamunaji at Triveni Sangam at Prayag (Allhabad), India. Shri Yamunaji made Shri Gangaji capable of giving all boons to her devotees. Amongst great goddesses, only Shri Laxmiji is equal and comparable to Shri Yamunaji in honor and power. I only wish that Shri Yamunaji, who can remove all worries of her devotees, and who is also the most favorite of Lord Shri Krshna, comes to stay in my heart and soul forever.

Namostu Yamune Sada, Tav Charitra Matyadbhutam, Na Jaatu Yam Yatna, Bhavati Te Payaha Panatha, Yamopi Bhaginee Sutan, Kathamuhanti Dushtanpi, Priyobhavati Sevanaat, Tav Hareryutha Gopikaha.

O! Shri Yamunaji, I bow to you with my full body and heart. Your divine character is very wonderful. Just by drinking your water in Vraj, we do not have to worry about the pangs of death. Your devotees can become favorite of Shri Krshna just like the gopijanas who became His favorite by doing "Katyani Vrat" on your banks (Vrat = religious observance accompanied by fasting).

Mamastu Tav Sannidhau, Tanu Navatvam Etavata, Na Durlabhatama Rati, Muraripau Mukundpriye, Atostu Tav Lalna, Surdhunee Param Sangamaat, Tavaiv Bhuvi Keertita, Na Tu Kadapi Pushti Sthitaihi.

O! Shri Yamunaji, who is the favorite of Shri Mukund Prabhu, I pray to you and respectfully request a divine body, fit enough for Shri Bhagvad Leela and also able to serve you. Only you are capable of granting such a boon. With such a divine body, I can serve Shri Mukund Prabhu very well. Pushti Margiya vaishnavas (Jivas) had never praised Shri Gangaji without your merging with Shri Gangaji.

Stutim tava karoti kha, kamalajasepatni priyae, Hareryadanusevaya, bhavati sokhyamamokshatah, Eeyam tava kathadhika, sakalegopikasangamah, Smarashramajalanubhih, sakalegatrajaih sangamah.

O Thous daughter of the sun, Thou art worthy of all praises! Indeed, singing thy praises and living near thee is more desirable than Moksha (nirvana / liberation of the soul). Indeed, your sacredness was enhanced when the gopies of Vraj, along with Shri Krshna, bathed in thy waters after the Rasa. The sweat of their divine sports mixed with thy waters, enhancing your holy powers for all time to come.

Tavashtakamidam muda, pathati surasutae sada, Samastaduritakshayo, bhavati vai Mukundae ratih, Taya sakalesiddhayoo, Murarupushya santushyati, Svabhavavijiyo bhavet, vadati Vallabhah Shrihareh.

This ashtaka (hymn of eight stanzas) of the daughter of the Sun, is recited on a regular basis, Shri Yamnunaji will grant such a boon so that the devotee's love for the Lord will increase day by day. What better blessing can we desire than that ! The Lord Murari will fulfill all the wishes of such a devotee and more over, one will be able to win over one's own nature. This is said by Swaminiji’s dear Shri Vallabhacharya. (Shri Mahaprabhuji)