Pushtimarg is a rainbow – it is filled with colours and is a spectacle for those who are lucky enough to witness it! Pushtimarg cannot be completely explained or put up in a few pages because it covers a span of 500 beautiful and magnificent years in history. It was started in A.D.1492 by Shri Vallabhacharyaji -Shri Mahaprabhuji, expanded by Shri Gusainji and his seven sons -the saat baalaks and today it’s traditions and beliefs are carried forward by around 250Vallabhkul acharyas. This
Pushtimargiya kalpavruksh has grown on to become one of the most respected and followed vaishnav sampradayas, today unofficially there are as many as 5 crore vaishnavas throughout the world who are guided by the acharyas of Vallabhkul.
Here we try to understand some of the issues related to Pushtimarg as also clear many confusions that have sprung up amongst the vaishnavas.
Traditions of Pushtimarg
Pushtimarg is 500 years old. Any marg which dates back this long must be bound by some tradations or else it couldn’t have survived for so long. Here we look at some of the traditions that have been instrumental in keeping Pushtimarg alive and bringing it to us through the generations.
- Brahmasambandh
- Jhari-Charansparsh
- Tilak-Kanthi
- Manorath
- Mala-paheramni
- Girirajji Parikrama
- Yamunaji Poojan
- Vallabhkul Padhramni
Brahmsambandh
A person becomes a ‘Pushtimargiya vaishnav’ only after being initiated into Pushtimarg by the ‘Brahmasambandh diksha’ and not by simply being born in a vaishnav family as is a mis-conception. Brahmasambandh is the entry of a jiva into Pushtimarg. It is a diksha which can be given by any of the existing Vallabhkul acharyas ONLY, not by any other person on this earth. The first brahmasambandh was given by Shri Vallabhacaryaji to Shri Damodardasji Harsani more than 500 years ago.
The word ‘Brahmasambandh’ is made up of two words ‘brahma’ meaning prabhu and ‘sambandh’ meaning relation/attachment. Simply put by taking brahmasambandh a jiva (person) becomes attached to prabhu.
The Brahmasambandh Mantra
The Brahmasambandh mantra is a sanskrit mantra containing 84 letters. This mantra is not man-made, it was first given to Shri Vallabh by Shri Thakurji Himself (in the form of Shri Gokulchandramaji) at Thakurani Ghat in Gokul on Shraavan Sud 11 in the year 1492 AD. Shri Thakurji had promised to Shri Vallabh – “To whoever you or your descendants give this diksha, I’ll consider him/her as my own and so will not look at the faults of that jiva”.
This mantra is an oath taken by the jiva wherein he/she does samarpan of all his worldly wealth and relations MENTALLY to Shri Thakurji. After taking brahmasambandh the jiva believes that all worldly attachments (like wealth, family, etc.)are given by prabhu with His kripa, the jiva does the effort like business but it is prabhu who gives fruit in the form of wealth. This mantra is secret and pure, it cannot be read, written or recited in public. We cannot publish this mantra on the website
The Procedure
There is a set procedure for taking brahmasambandh which has been followed strictly since centuries. Here we give the details on what should be the ideal procedure (may vary slightly depending on the agya of Vallabhkul Acharya) that has to be followed by anyone willing to take the diksha. (Example : Supposing a person wants to take Brahmasambandh on 15th August). Here are the steps he/she should follow :
- Take permission from a Vallabhkul Baalak a few days before the diksha.
- Do complusory Upvas – taking only fluids and fruits/dry fruits – a day before the diksha is to be taken (here 14th Aug)
- Go to the haveli/place where the diksha is to be given the the fixed date (here 15th Aug)
- Gents should take a new (kori) dhoti(complusory) and bandi/uparna(optional) and ladies should take new (kori) saree or chaniya/choli to the place of diksha. (Tip : Also take new towel to dry the body alongwith the clothes mentioned above)
- One should take bath in one’s house and shampoo the hair. Remove ring (angoothi), nail polish, mehendi or any kalai dora at one’s house. Go to the place of diksha wearing normal clothes.
- On reaching the place of diksha, take bath a second time in apras and wear the dhoti/saree and sit in a pure place. Keep reciting the Ashtakshar mantra (Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama) till you are not called to take the diksha.
- Once you have taken diksha from Vallabhkul balak change into normal clothes after taking permission.
- Do bhet & charansparsh of Diksha guru and leave for your home. Remember to ask for a photo of your guru before departing and always keep the photo at a safe place where darshan can be done.
Points to remember/follow after the diksha
After taking the diksha we are not free. We must realise that from the day of Brahmasambandh we have just entered the sampradaya and so must take care of some basic things.
- Always wear two Tulsi Kanthis. Never ever part with the kanthi under any circumstances. Alternately, we can also wear a chandi/sona kanthi
- Do paath like yamunashtakam, navratna, etc. and do a mala of ‘Shri Krishna Sharanam mama’ mantra daily after taking bath. Make it a habit of giving atleast 5-10 mins. to prabhu-smaran during the whole day
- Visit gurughar during auspicious days or days which hold importance to you. Make it a point to compulsorily do dandvat to guru on Shraavan Sud 12 (Pavitra Baaras).
The Necessity to take the diksha
- This diksha is necessary if the vaishnav wants to do Jhari-Charansprash or any other activity like sewa in Pushtimarg
- There are many who believe that there is no need to take the diksha if one is born in a vaishnav family, this is not true. Each and every jiva has to independently do samarpan to prabhu in the presence of Shri Vallabh and tulsiji
- Children of a vaishnav family should compulsorily be given the diksha as it can be helpful in case of emergency related to sewa
- Many vaishnavs believe that Brahmasambandh should be given only to those who are willing to do sewa, this is also not a practical approach as the wish to do sewa may arise at a later part in one’s life. If the diksha is not given citing the above reason then the jiva – under no proper guidance – may go away at a young age to another marga whereby being deprived of his/her right of doing Bhagwat-sewa
- The ideal age of taking the diksha is 7-15 years
Things to carry
Any vaishnav – WHO HAS TAKEN BRAHMASAMBANDH FROM A VALLABHKUL BALAK – can do Jhari-Charansparsh at the bethakji. For this he/she must carry the following things:
- New or reshmi dhoti and a bandi or uparna for men. Ladies must have a new or reshmi saree or chaiya-choli.
- New Dhoti-uparna for offering to bethakji, a gomukhi with jap-mala inside. Also attar and kanthi (These things are optional)
- Dry fruits or fruits and misri(mid-size sugar pieces).
- Do not forget to carry bhet to be done to the bethakji
The exact procedure to be followed can differ at all bethakjis but a certain procedure is common to all. Here we are giving the general directions to be followed by anyone willing to do Jhari-Charansparsh:
- First take bath in apras and wear the dhoti-bandi/saree. Dry your hair or tie it properly so that it does not fall on bethakji
- Be careful not to touch any vaishnav who is not in apras
- Carry the things to be offered at the bethakji with you in apras (fruits, dhoti-bandi, gomukhi, etc.)
- Enter the sewa and first do dandvat to the seat (chontraji).
- Go to an adjoining room or verandah and cut the fruits into pieces (remove the seed from apples, oranges, etc.). Put the fruits and misri in different bowls
- Go to the mathni-ghar (room or place where the water pithcer for filling jharijis is kept) and wash and refill a jhariji (Note: Most of the bethajis have stock of jharijis, optionally vaishnavas can take new jharijis with them also)
- Go back in sewa and carefully offer the jhariji and bhog (fruits,etc.) near the chontraji.
- Also offer the new Dhoti-uparna, gomukhi, attar, etc. to the chontraji.
- Do charan-sparsh and bhet of the padukaji. If there is enough space do atleast one parikrama of the chontraji.
- Stand at one corner and do one paath of ‘Shri Sarvottam-stotram’ infront of the bethakji. If there is not enough space in sewa then sit at some place and recite the stotra. Even if you sit outside, stay in apras till the paath is not completed.
- Once the paath is finished take the jhariji and bhog as prasadi. Empty the jhariji in the mathni-ghar and take the fruits with you as ‘prasad of bethakji’, do not forget to take a drop of water from jhariji also.
There are certain points which should be borne in mind when doing Jhari-Charansparsh. These are not rules but if kept in mind they give pleasure to other vaishanvas and also Shri Vallabh:
- Please take personal care of all your belongings, never trust any locals
- If possible read the ‘bethak-charitra’ (story of the bethak) of the particular one you are visiting
- In sewa never be in a hurry. If someone is doing Jhari-Charansparsh before you and you want to leave early, let him know in a polite manner
- Be VERY CAREFUL when you are carrying your bhet-samagri with you near the chontraji. Careless vaishnavas many times spill the things on the chontraji whereby giving shram to Shri Vallabh. Anyone in sewa should complusorily take care of this point
- When you are in apras and darshan are open, please stand in such a way that you do not obstruct the darshan
- If you cannot take bath in apras then do darshan of bethakji without fail
- If you’re doing bethakji in a big group, say more than 100, take consent of all present and fill the jhariji and offer dhoti-uparna, etc. collectively (one person offering them and the rest touching his hand to complete the bhavna). If you have got a different set, give it to the mukhiaji or the adhikariji who will use them at a later date. Don’t forget to do charan-sparsh and bhet individually. This will give relief to bethakji as many times if everyone tries to do everything it gives shram to Shri Vallabh
- If there are any sewaks, give them nominal sewaki
November 2009 – On auspicious day of Nov. 8, 2009; at East Windsor in Connecticut; Vaishnav Parivar of New England in conjunction with Tavasmi of Connecticut organized a gallant Annakut/Sharadpurnima mahotsav celebration in the jam packed hall hosting more than thousand people from many states.
The success of this event is undoubtedly due to the blessings of Lord Shri Nathji (Supreme Lord Shri Krishna) for whose pleasure the entire event was organized plus the warm and affectionate guidance of many gurus and hard work of many dedicated volunteers.
August 2009– With lots of love, enthusiasm and dedication, Tavasmi celebrated Grand Shri Krishna Janmastmi in front of lots of invited guests.
Additionally, Tavasmi also participated in two other social and humanitarian programs.
July 2009– We gladly received the founder of Tavasmi Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri along with his son Shri Ashrayraj bavashri. Maharajshri gave a nice spiritual discourse as always
Also in July 2009, we hosted nice satsang of senior Acharya Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Mathureshwarji Maharajshri who has a commanding grasp of variety of subjects on spirituality.
Later in July,2009; we were very fortunate to hear from Pujyapad Goswami 108 shri Vagishkumar Mahodayshri who has done outstanding contribution by writing more than 100 spiritual books and holds double doctorate degrees. Also in attendance were Navintbhai Shah and Dr. Piyushbhai Parikh.
June 2009- Tavasmi hosted Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahrajshri(Champaran) who gave his assessment on the dire conditions of current state of affairs in the world of religion.
Also in June, 2009; we had a good fortune of enjoying live classical Haveli music and lecture from Pujyapad Goswami 108 shri shyamsunderji Murlimanoharji Mahodayshri.
During the same month, we received blessings from Pujapad Goswami 108 Shri Indirabetiji Mahodaya who not only gave wonderful spiritual discouse but also answered spontaneous questions of the devotees.
May 2009– Tavasmi was fortunate to host Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Annirudhlalji Mahodayshri Who gave a historic power point presentation on the divine subject of Shri Nathji and Mahaprabhuji.
Also in May 2009, We received both Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Vrajeshkumar Maharajshri(Kadi-Amdavad) along with Pujyapad goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlaji Mahodayshri. Devotees in attendance were very fortunate to hear their spiritual discourses. During the same program, we raised more than $60,000 for the Vraj(PA) temple for their 20th anniversary celebration along withworld Vaishnav convention.
In the same month of May, 2009; we heard all important spiritual discourse about Shri Gusaniji from Pujyapad goswami 108 Shri Yogeshkumar Maharajshri.
April 2009– Wonderful annual celebration of ‘ Shri Mahaprabhuji Pragatyotsav’ was celebrated with love and reverence in the divine presence of Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Rajkumar Mahodayshri. The whole atmosphere was spiritualized with the chanting of ‘shri Sarvottam strotra
December 2008 – Tavasmi celebrated our second annual Annakut Mahotsav. We were fortunate to get special video pravachan just for this occasion from Pujyapad Goswami 108 shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri and Pujyapad Goswami 108 shri Annirudhlalji Mahodayshri
October 2008 – Tavasmi celebrated our second annual Sharadotsav in the divine presence of Yuva Acharya Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumar Mahodayshri.
August 2008 – We were fortunate to celebrate all auspicious Shri Krishna Janmasthami and Lotiji Utsav of Shri Yamunmaharani
May 2008 – Tavasmi of CT hosted our first ever 3 day Tavasmi Shibir. We were blessed to get divine presence, blessings and Vachanamrut by two crown jewels of Pushti Marg: Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Indirabetiji Mahodaya and Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri. In the morning, we had a Yoga demonstration and classes followed by Rajbhog Darshan and Vachanamrut by Pujya Acharyashri. Later in the Afternoon, Seva Demonstration classes for the kids and Question/Answer session for the senior citizens were held. In the evening, we hosted a cultural program for a large sum of people. The 3 day Shibir was attended by approximately 1500 people from multiple states.
December 2007 – Tavasmi celebrated our very first Annakut Mahotsav. We were very fortunate to prepare numerous food preparations for the pleasure of ‘Thakorji’. We received very special blessings from pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri.
October 2007 – Tavasmi celebrated rasotsav (Sharadotsav) in the divine presence our founder Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahrajshri. Maharajshri showed us the way to celebrate Ras/Garba in the pure form as shown by Supreme Lord Krishna himself.
August 2007 – Tavasmi managed to stage the first program in which we celebrated Nand Mahotsav, Tulsi Vivah and Purushottam Sahastra Yagna. This program was presided over by Yuva Acharya Pujyapad Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumar Mahoday. The program lasted for 3 days and was very well received by hundreds of people.
Vaishnav Parivar of CT has successfully conducted many stimulating programs in last year and half only
July 2009– Tavasmi gave wonderful example of selfless service by serving food to thousands of attending devotees 3 times a day for 2 continuous days during Vraj’s 20th anniversary celebration and world Vaishnav convention. Also, Tavasmi of CT had the biggest number of volunteer delegates from anywhere. We also took leading role in all other spiritual activities.
September 2008– Tavasmi jointly participated in fundraising program, which benefitted handicap girls group known as Manthan Group.
August 2008 – We performed seva of serving food to thousands of people in New Jersey’s ‘Chalo Gujurat’ in conjunction with other local groups.
There is no single written “creed” or statement of Faith to summarize all Pushtimarg Sampradaya’s doctrinal tenants. The Pushtimarg is one of the many sects in the Hindu religion. Pushtimarg was founded by Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. The history of Pushti Sampradaya is spread throughout world with respect to place, about 525 years with respect to time and millions of devotees chosen by God out of His grace to perform His seva with respect to Jivas (beings).
Pushtimarg is spontaneous, selfless & motiveless love for God. It is based on pure love for God. It is expressed only through service of God – “Seva”. 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 prevents one from attaining God’s Grace. It does not know any boundaries, be it time, place or anything else.
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
Pushtumarg Fundamentals
- The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is the main scripture. It describes the path of devotion.
- Shree Nathji, a manifestation of Lord Krishna, is God.
- Devotees must have selfless love and humility towards Shree Nathji and all humanity.
- A devotee must instill his devotion for Shree Nathji in all endeavors.
- A devotee must be content with whatever Shree Nathji makes of him/her.
Overview
- It (Pushtimarg) is spontaneous, selfless & motiveless love for God.
- It is based on pure love for God.
- It is expressed only through service of God – “Seva”.
- 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 prevents one from attaining 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. This is different from other philosophies that require a life of contemplation as a monk.
- 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.
PUSHTI PERCEPTIONS
Siddhant is teaching that brings us to perfection. Siddhant is true philosophy. It is siddha, perfection, at the anta or end. Shri Vallabhacharya’s siddhant is strictly for the attainment of Shri Krishna and is full of devotional, inspirational and practical advice for his followers. His words are replete with wisdom and love and are essential bhakti empowerments.
The Blessed Master’s teachings nurture the delicate inner seed of devotion and guard it from the confusion and false identification that can cloud our vision and make us forget our true blissful nature. This seed of devotion begins as a subtle notion and can mature into a wishing tree that provides the blessed one with the priceless fruit of bhakti, the supreme unconditional devotion. In that blessed state the Beloved appears in the heart and throughout creation, filling us with His own joy.
Between the 12 th century and the 16 th century, during the “bhakti renassiance”, five great schools of Vaishnavism arose. They were founded by Shri Ramanuja, Shri Madhva, Shri Nimbarka, Shri Chaitanya and Shri Vallabhacharya. Shri Vallabhacharya’s Path of Grace is followed today by tens of millions of people, mostly from North and West India. This school is unique in Vaishnavism for its philosophy of suddhadvaita, “pure non-dualism.” Shri Vallabhacharya’s suddhadvaita affirms the existence of the world, holding it to be good, pure and joyful, indeed not separate from the Divine. However, this non-dualism is distinct from the teachings of Adi Shankara, which denies the world’s true existence .
FIRST FIND THE RIGHT SOURCE
In spiritual life there must not only be a clear understanding of why a practice is undertaken, but an intense desire to attain the desired object. It is always better to look toward the words of those who have already figured it out rather than trying to formulate one’s own conclusion about the sublime nature of Brahman. Shri Vallabhacharya tells us to absorb the teachings and wisdom of others who have come before us in God-realization. Shri Vallabhacharya composed a remarkable body of spiritual teachings in Sanskrit based on the Vedas, Brahma Sutras, Upanisads, Gita, as well as the Shrimad Bhagavatam. His teachings aid those on the Path of Grace. His siddhant is referred to as Brahmavada, the reasoned doctrine that explains to us that all is Brahman and nothing but Brahman. This pure non-dualist view of threading the mind into Shri Krishna supports the devotional view and practice.
CREATION
The whole of creation is Shri Krishna’s divine play. It is His lila. We souls have manifested into it like sparks from a fire and are His various actors appearing upon the authentic stage of this world. This inspiring view of oneness allows for diversity without animosity. According to Shri Vallabhacharya, the world is not an illusion. It is Brahman’s perfect conclusion, His own modification and Shri Vallabhacharya inspires us toward this understanding by purifying our cognition through his teachings.
Shri Vallabhacharya is a pure monist and does not accept any duality between the soul, the world and Brahman. Brahman’s bliss form is Krishna Who is perfectly full of truth, consciousness and mostly joy. With the intention of expanding His own experience in order to taste the joy of His own Being, Brahman manifested creation. The creation is another aspect of Brahman’s formless, timeless, endless, full being. The Master of Speech explains that the world only appears as an illusion when vision is tainted with maya. When the confusion is removed, the world is seen as it is; made purely of God.
Brahman stands at the beginning, middle and end of all things. He is existence, its cause, its support and end. He is the rays of the moon and the light of the sun. His forms are varied and His face is hidden everywhere. Concealment and manifestation are Brahman’s two powers whereby He brings forth this dance of creation. Shri Vallabhacharya’s teachings inspire us to discover this Ultimate Reality within the world of beings
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For Shri Vallabhacharya, philosophy is not merely intellectual, metaphysical, or a feat of refined logic. It endeavours to comprehend the nature of reality, for the aspirant must know the nature of God before she can feel Him. When knowledge arises along with unconditional love, the soul joyfully experiences creation ’s blissful form. When it is celebrated within, there is an experience of all-encompassing love in the heart.
KRISHNA’S DIVINE NATURE
Shri Krishna is totally devoid of all material attributes, yet He is also personal and replete with divinity. Shri Krishna is able to respond to a wide variety of religious experiences. His multi-dimensional aspect is clearly demonstrated when He walked into Kamsa’s wrestling stadium. When He entered the arena, His parents looked upon Him as their son while the women in the stands saw Him as Love Incarnate. The yogis observed Him as the absolute unblemished Brahman, while the cowherd lads saw Krishna as their friend. The wrestlers saw Him as a mighty foe while King Kamsa viewed the divine cowlad as death personified. They all became liberated by their personal view.
THE ILLUSIONS OF MAYA
Brahman’s attributes appear in every object in the world. He is the clay as well as the various forms of clay-like pots and plates. Maya is simply a power of the Lord which is deluding and therefore creates false cognition. A person sees a white cloth as a yellow cloth because he is wearing yellow-tinted sunglasses. If one can discern that the white cloth is real and that the yellowness is a product of maya, then one should remove maya from one’s perception without discarding the real world.
The Path of Grace sees everything as Krishna and nothing but Krishna. Since illusion, or maya, is a subject of perception, all objects in the world and the world itself are flawless. It is the pure non-dualist path that embraces a positive and devotional worldview where creation is seen as a perfect manifestation of God. The blessed devotee is not obsessed with liberation or any other form of yoga besides the pleasing service to Shri Krishna.
DIVINITY IN THE WORLD
Although all things are equally Brahman, for Shri Vallabhacharya, the Yamuna and Ganges rivers, as well as sacred items, places and people are set apart from the rest of the world, for they have helped people realize God. If one is confused and sees the body as the soul, then that is a condition of false identification. At that moment Brahman is not recognized as the Self of all things and the individual has forgotten his or her true joyful nature.
The Background
Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji was Hinduism’s principal Philosopher, foremost Mystic, well known Spiritual Leader and a Krishna Devotee. He was last of the Acharyas (Scholars) of Hinduism who most logically explained the relationship between The Supreme God (Brahm , Bhagwan) ShriKrishna, The Universe and The Individual Soul through His philosophy of Pure Non-Dualism (ShuddhAdvait BrahmVaad). The philosophy of Non-Dualism explains that the universe and the individual souls are parts of The Supreme God – The Supreme Being – The Supreme Soul. It further explains that the individual souls keeps coming out of The Supreme Soul (Bhagwan) like the sparks that keeps coming out of an eternal fire. And just like the sparks of a fire, the individual souls have come away from The Supreme Soul, disassociating themselves from The Supreme. This disassociation makes the soul forgetful of its relationship with The Supreme Soul – Bhagwan ShriKrishna, The ParBrahm.
Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji came to this world to institutionalize PushtiBhaktiMarg and to guide Pushti souls towards Bhagwan ShriKrishna by re-establishing their relationship with ShriKrishna.
This re-establishment of soul’s relationship with Bhagwan ShriKrishna is carried out by administering The Brahm-Sambandh Mantra to the individual souls. This Mantra was given to Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji (Shri MahaPrabhuji) by ShriKrishna (ShriNathji) Himself at midnight on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the first half of the month of Shravan in the Hindu year 1549 (1493 AD). The day is known as Pavitra-Ekadashi and is celebrated as the Day when PushtiBhaktiMarg was institutionalized.
Shri DamodarDas Harsaniji was the first vaishnav to be initiated into PushtiBhaktiMarg by receiving Brahm-Sambandh from Shri MahaPrabhuji.
The Brahm-Sambandh Mantra
All mantras always have some norms associated with them. These norms dictate to whom The Mantra can be given and how it can be given. They also dictate when, where, how and how many times a Mantra may be recited by the receiver of The Mantra. Also, the text of The Mantra is given to the receiver only by The Guru. That is the reason the text of The Mantra is not cited here.
Brahm-Sambandh Mantra can be recited in front of ShriNathji’s deity (or any other manifestation (swaroop) of ShriKrishna as accepted in PushtiBhaktiMarg) only after taking a bath and wearing clean cloths.
(“Nam-Nivedan Samskar” is different then Brahm-Sambandh initiation (Diksha). It is given by a PushtiBhaktiMargiya Guru who recites the Ashtakshar Mantra “Shri Krishnah Sharanam Ma Ma” three times in the recipient’s ears and blesses him with a Tulasi Kanthi. “Nam-Nivedan Samskar” is not an alternative to Brahm-Sambandh initiation.)
The Meaning of The Brahm-Sambandh Mantra
“ It has been ages since I (The Individual Soul) have separated from ShriKrishna (Brahm – The Supreme God). I do not experience the joy of separation (the yearning to meet ShriKrishna) from Him. Such as I am, I willingly dedicate (eradicate any emotional dependence whatsoever from) my Body, my Senses, my LifeForce, my AntahKaran (Mind + Intellect + Ego + Consciousness) and their attributes, my
spouse, my home, my children, my relatives/friends, my wealth, this world & the other world that I call mine, my conscience and everything else I call mine to ShriKrishna. I am your servant. Krishna, I am Yours ! Krishna, I am Yours ! Krishna, I am Yours ! “
The Giving of The Brahm-Sambandh
The Brahm-Sambandh can ONLY be given by The Guru of PushtiBhaktiMarg, Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji OR on His behalf, by His direct descendents known as “GuruDwar ” – a gateway to Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji. Brahm-Sambandh is given in the morning during Shringar Darshan either in front of GuruDwar’s Thakorji or in front of Thakorji in a PushtiMargiya Haveli (Temple). Giving of The Brahm-Sambandh Mantra to a vaishnav means intiating the vaishnav into the PushtiBhaktiMarg.
The Receiving of The Brahm-Sambandh
- Very conscientiously decide to receive Brahm-Sambandh. Receiving Brahm-Sambandh means agreeing to live your life as a PushtiVaishnav and so, think it through and do not rush into it.
- Very thoughtfully decide on one of the many PushtiBhaktiMargiya Acharyas (descendents of Shri MahaPrabhuji) to be your “GuruDwar” .
- Respectfully express your desire to receive Brahm-Sambandh initiation to The GuruDwar (of your preference) and humbly request Him to give you the same, at least a couple of days in advance of His visit in your vicinity (Alternatively, request His program coordinator to request permission on your behalf). The GuruDwar has a right to turn down your request.
- Observe fasting (consume Milk & Fruits only) the day before receiving Brahm-Sambandh.
- On the day of Brahm-Sambandh, shampoo the hair, shower, wear clean/fresh cloths, do not eat/drink anything, bring an offering (usually cash) for The
- GuruDwar as well as for Thakorji , be in time and wait patiently for The GuruDwar.
- Follow all the instructions given by The GuruDwar. Ask questions respectfully, if need to.
- After receiving Brahm-Sambandh, respectfully offer the offerings at your GuruDwar’s feet and also devoutly offer the offerings in front of Thakorji.
- Humbly, ask your GuruDwar about your duties (Dharma) as a Vaishnav after receiving Brahm-Sambandh and listen attentively to whatever The GuruDwar says/suggests.
- Try your best to follow the duties (Vaishnav Dharma) as instructed by your GuruDwar.
- For any future meetings with your GuruDwar, always offer an offering (per your ability) to Him.
- Remember this day as your Second Birthday and always celebrate it.
A Vaishnav’s Duty after Receiving The Brahm-Sambandh Mantra Initiation
- Surrender unconditionally only to ShriKrishna – ShriNathji
- Have absolute faith only in ShriKrishna – ShriNathji
- Love ShriKrishna – ShriNathji more than anyone or anything in life
- Perform a daily “Pushti-Sewa” of ShriKrishna – ShriNathji to strengthen the love-devotion relationship with Him
- Love and Respect Shri Vallabhacharyaji (Shri MahaPrabhuji) as the only Guru (Spiritual Master)
Balkrishanaji Swarup
Shree Dwarkashishji
Madan Mohanji
Shri Balkrishanji
Madanmohanji
Shri Balkrishanji
In Pushtimarg a Vaishnav (one who has taken Brahmasambandh diksha) can achieve salvation only by doing the sewa of Shri Krishna.The sewa pranalika (system of sewa) of Pushtimarg is in such a way that we feel as if we are living with Shri Krishna in Gokul and doing his sewa as the Gopikas had done thousands of years ago.