Vijayanagar

Shri Vallabhacharya’s teachings and influence continued to grow as he embarked on his first pilgrimage in South India. During his journey, he received news of a conference at Vijaynagar, a stronghold of Vedic dharma, where a debate between the followers of Shri Shankar Acharya and the Vaishnavites of Shri Madhva Acharya was taking place. Feeling a sense of duty to uphold the devotional view, Shri Vallabh set out for Vijaynagar, where his uncle held the position of king Krishnadeva’s high priest.

Upon his arrival, despite being only eleven years old, Shri Vallabh was granted permission to participate in the debate, which was presided over by Vyas Tirth. His spiritually mature perspective impressed the assembly. He based his teachings on the Vedas, Brahmasutra, Upanisadas, Gita, and the Shrimad Bhagavatam, emphasizing the significance of the Bhagavat and the lilas of Shri Krishna within it. While Shri Vallabh shared a non-dualistic view with Shankara, he disagreed with Shankara’s perception of the universe as illusory and the souls as unreal. He believed that Shankara’s non-dualism was mixed with maya and did not reflect the true non-dualism of the Upanisadas. Similarly, he differed from Shri Ramanuja’s Vishistadvaita philosophy, which considered the universe and the soul as qualities of Brahman. Shri Vallabh saw everything as a pure part and parcel of Brahman, filled with God’s being and consciousness. He also opposed Shri Madhva’s dualistic view, where he accepted Brahman as a creator but saw the universe and the soul as distinct from Brahman. Shri Vallabh, on the other hand, perceived unqualified Brahman everywhere he looked.

Shri Vallabhacharya articulated his viewpoint, stating that the Upanisadas teach a pure non-dual view that is in harmony with all scriptures. He explained that God is real in every form, and maya exists only in faulty perception, similar to a dizzy person seeing a stable pot spinning. While maya may create an illusion of the spinning pot, the pot itself is real. Shri Vallabh argued that considering the world as false or illusory contradicts the spirit of Vedanta. He emphasized that the world is God’s creation, and the idea of maya is employed only to cultivate detachment from worldly attachments. According to Shri Vallabh, when knowledge of Brahman is infused with all-encompassing love, it becomes devotion, which leads to liberation. He used the analogy of the Ganges river, explaining that just as the Ganges has three forms (water, holy pilgrimage place, and divine goddess), Brahman also manifests in three forms (the world, the unmanifested source of creation, and the divine Krishna). For those who have attained wisdom and developed deep love, Krishna appears everywhere.

Shri Vallabh’s enlightening words resonated with the audience, and he was applauded and offered the highest seat of honor. He was given the title Acharya and became known as Shri Vallabhacharya. The king, Krishnadeva, stood up and bowed to him, declaring his victory in the debate.

As a token of appreciation, King Krishnadeva anointed Shri Vallabhacharya with water from golden vessels and presented him with a substantial amount of gold. However, Shri Vallabhacharya, in his humility, accepted only seven coins, which he later transformed into ornaments for Shri Krishna. The rest of the gold was distributed to other brahmins. Shri Vallabhacharya stayed in Vijaynagar for about a year, imparting his teachings.

Despite gaining fame and influence in Vijaynagar, Shri Vallabhacharya’s aspirations extended beyond worldly matters. His longing to bless the lands and people of India led him to continue his pilgrimage. He visited sacred places associated with Lord Ram, such as Pampa Sarovara, where he reflected on the power of simple, loving devotion exemplified by Shabari. He also encountered the yogi Kapalika, who claimed to possess extraordinary powers. Shri Vallabhacharya challenged him to rise from his seat, revealing the power of faith in God over magical abilities.

Throughout his journey, Shri Vallabhacharya emphasized the importance of devotion to Shri Krishna’s names and divine service. He highlighted the significance of satsang, the holy association with other devotees, as a direct path to spiritual growth. The incidents from his life transformed into profound teachings, such as the cure of a possessed queen through the power of faith in God.

After his time in Vijaynagar, Shri Vallabhacharya continued his pilgrimage, visiting significant places like Udupi, the birthplace of Shri Madhvacharya, and Gokarna. However, his ultimate longing was to pilgrimage to the North, the eventual seat of his devotion, driving him forward on his spiritual journey.

Shri Vallabhacharya’s first pilgrimage in South India allowed him to spread his teachings and inspire countless individuals with his profound wisdom. His journey continued, taking him to various sacred sites and leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those who encountered him.

Divine Commands

During Shri Vallabhacharya’s time in South India in 1493, a significant event occurred that would shape the course of his divine mission. On the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Phalgun, he received a divine visitation from Shri Krishna, who appeared as Shri Nathji in Jharakanda. Shri Krishna conveyed a divine command to Shri Vallabhacharya, informing him that He had manifested as Shri Nathji in a cave on Govardhan Hill in North India. Shri Nathji instructed Shri Vallabhacharya to hurry to Govardhan Hill and perform His seva (service). The Lord awaited his arrival to engage in divine play with the souls remaining from His Krishna avatar. Shri Vallabhacharya was to take these souls under his shelter. Shri Nathji declared that He would meet him atop Govardhan Hill.

Upon receiving this divine command, Shri Vallabhacharya left Jharakanda and embarked on his journey northward to Braja in Northern India. Along the way, he visited the renowned Shri Vitthal temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, where he received a significant message from Shri Krishna, appearing as Lord Vittal. Shri Krishna instructed Shri Vallabhacharya to marry and become a householder, as his message of love would resonate more effectively in that role. Shri Vallabhacharya was to accept a marriage proposal, name his younger son after Shri Krishna, and ensure that he continued to enhance the Path of Grace.

Continuing his northward journey, Shri Vallabhacharya visited Nasik, Tranbaka, and Ujjain, enlightening the people about the Path of Grace wherever he traveled. Finally, he arrived in Braja, the land of Shri Krishna’s divine play and the realm of his beloved Govardhan Hill. His arrival in Mathura marked a significant turning point, expanding the direction and scope of his divine mission. He chose a Brahmin named Ujagar to assist him in Braja, and in Mathura, he delivered a discourse on the Shrimad Bhagavatam.

During his stay in Mathura, Shri Vallabhacharya learned about a spell that had been cast on the gate near Vishranti Ghat by Rustamalli, the Emperor’s minister. Any Hindu who passed under the gate would lose their sacred tuft of hair and acquire a Muslim-style beard. This spell prevented Hindus from bathing at the ghat. Shri Vallabhacharya created his own charm and sent two of his disciples, Vasudevadas and Krishnadas, to Delhi to attach it to the main gate there. As a result, any Muslim who passed beneath the charm lost their beard and gained a tuft of hair like that of a Hindu. Emperor Sikandar Lodi ordered the removal of the spell from Mathura after hearing about the unsettling incidents, advising Rustamalli not to be disturbed by such petty matters.

Shri Vallabhacharya, known for his focus on devotion rather than supernatural powers, displayed deep reverence for the Yamuna River. He would bow his head before the divine Yamuna Goddess and express his admiration through the Yamunashtak hymn. His teachings emphasized the transformation of individuals through love and devotion, allowing them to strengthen their connection with Shri Krishna. He believed that profound love for Shri Krishna enables individuals to partake in His divine love games and experience His presence in all things.

Shri Vallabhacharya cherished his residence in Braja, where he was known as “The One Who Adores Braja.” The sacred forests of Vrindavan, the focal point of his teachings, provided an environment where Shri Krishna’s divine presence could be easily experienced. Following Shri Nathji’s command, he proceeded from Gokul to Govardhan Hill and arrived at Saddu Pande’s house in Anyore. Shri Nathji, appearing from the top of Govardhan Hill, called out to Naro, Saddu Pande’s daughter, and requested her to bring him some milk. Shri Vallabhacharya established the daily worship of Shri Nathji atop Govardhan Hill and emphasized the significance of seva (service) in the Path of Grace.

Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya appointed Ramdas, a devout bhakta residing in a nearby cave, to perform seva for Shri Nathji. Despite initially not knowing anything about seva, Ramdas was guided by Shri Nathji Himself. Shri Vallabhacharya instructed him in the art of seva, emphasizing the importance of bathing Shri Nathji, dressing Him in clothes, adorning Him with a peacock feather crown and a gunja bead necklace, and offering whatever could be attained through Shri Nathji’s divine will. The residents of Braja were also involved in providing milk and curds for offerings.

Shri Vallabhacharya’s devotion to Shri Nathji extended to the construction of a grand temple for Him. Purnamall, a devotee, received a divine instruction in a dream to build the temple. With Shri Vallabhacharya’s encouragement and guidance, Purnamall gathered his wealth and traveled to Govardhan Hill. Shri Vallabhacharya sought permission from Govardhan Hill itself to construct the temple on its sacred stones. Govardhan Hill, embodying Shri Nathji’s presence, expressed its acceptance and willingness. Despite Shri Vallabhacharya’s preference for a solitary life, Shri Nathji’s desire to uplift all souls led to the construction of a temple with towers, admired by everyone. Shri Nathji resided in this temple for twenty years before relocating to the west due to conflicts with the Mughals. Eventually, He returned to Braja and settled near Punchari on the south end of Govardhan Hill.

Shri Vallabhacharya’s connection with Shri Nathji grew stronger as time passed. He engaged in various sevas and rituals, including offering exquisite sandalwood oil personally to Shri Nathji. The offerings and adornments brought indescribable joy to both the devotees and Shri Nathji Himself. Shri Vallabhacharya entrusted the worship of Shri Nathji to Madhavendrapuri, appointed Krishnadas as the manager, and ensured that Saddu Pande provided the necessary ingredients for the daily offerings.

Before departing from Braja, Shri Nathji expressed His desire for a cow. Shri Vallabhacharya arranged for a cow to be purchased for Shri Nathji, insisting that his golden ring be sold to obtain the necessary funds. Saddu Pande offered his own cows to Shri Nathji, and soon the Braja residents followed suit, offering cows one by one. Shri Nathji’s herd grew to thousands, and he was lovingly called “Gopal” by Shri Vallabhacharya, signifying their deep affection for each other.

The divine commands and interactions between Shri Vallabhacharya and Shri Nathji during this period in Braja solidified their bond and deepened their devotion. Shri Vallabhacharya’s stay in Braja allowed him to fully immerse himself in the divine presence of Shri Krishna and share the Path of Grace with the people of Braja. The teachings and practices of the Path of Grace flourished in the sacred forests of Vrindavan, where the devotees could experience the divine love and presence of Shri Krishna.

Bhrama Samandha

He reached Gokul on the eleventh day of the bright phase of the moon during the month of Shravana (August) in 1494. At that time the master’s mind was concerned with the upliftment of divine souls. He had noticed that people were spiritually divided and felt that the Vedic rituals had lost their significance and that mantras were mostly ineffective. In such a time, he thought, “what is the fate of the blessed ones?”

He took his rest that evening on Thakurani Ghat at the banks of the Yamuna river and at midnight the Blessed Lord Krishna appeared to him. The following morning, Shri Vallabhacharya wrote in Sanskrit about his divine experience and the teachings he received from the Blessed Lord. In the Master’s own words…

***“At midnight during the bright half of the month of Sravana, Shri Krishna appeared before me and I will now disclose the words he spoke. Krishna told me, “When the connection to Brahman is established, when the Brahma Sambandha initation is given, the impurities of that soul are completely removed. They are of five kinds and have been spoken of in the world and scripture as arising from natural causes from place, from time, from unions and by physical contact. After the Divine Connection, these impurites are no longer worthy of being believed in. Without a connection to Brahman, these impurities will never be removed. Therefore do not use anything that has not been offered. Dedicated souls offer all of their activities. Also, anything that has been previously enjoyed should not be offered to Me, the Lord of all. Just like good servants are know in the world for their selfless service, so here the bhakta offers herself in every undertaking and then everything for her becomes God. Like impure water that joins the Ganga is no longer consider to be either pure or impure, but as a portion the sacred Ganga, similarly everything once offered God becomes God.”

Shri Krishna then told his Beloved Vallabh to help his disciples consecrate their lives by offereing their, bodies, senses and what they focus on along with their breath, consciousness, minds, intelligence, sense of self as well as their homes, spouse, children and wealth and whatever else they have either in this world or in any other along with their souls to the Beloved of the Gopis, Shri Krishna. This was to become Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya’s main inititaion. Those who received the Brahma Sambandha initiation would become eligible to perform Shri Krishna’s seva, His loving service.

The following morning he asked his closest disciple, Damala, who was sleeping next to him, “Did you hear the Lord speaking to me last night?”

Damala replied, “I heard something, but was I not able to understand Him.”

In this way Damala showed his devotion and humility before Shri Vallabhacharya and set the perfect example for other followers of grace. Shri Vallabhacharya then initiated him with the mantra Shri Krishna had empowered him with and Damala became the first disciple of the Path of Grace.

Braj Lilas

After organizing the affairs of Shri Nathji’s temple, the Bhakti Master proceeded to Vrindavan. Upon reaching the divine land of Vrindavan, Shri Vallabhacharya offered some “prasada” (sanctified food) to his disciple Prabhudas.

“I cannot accept this now, as I have not yet bathed,” replied Prabhudas.

Shri Vallabhacharya explained, “In this sacred land of Vrindavan, Shri Krishna resides in every leaf and plays a melodious flute. In such a holy place, where every grain of sand is sacred, why worry about whether you have bathed or not?”

As Prabhudas turned towards the trees, he saw Shri Krishna’s radiant face beaming through every leaf and flower.

Shri Vallabhacharya worshiped various forms of Krishna. Sometimes he worshiped Him as a child (Bal Krishna), as the youthful Shri Nathji, as Gokul Chandramaji, or as Shri Krishna, the divine flute player. He spoke to his followers about Vrindavan and his devotion to Shri Krishna.

“Krishna enters this enchanting forest of Vrindavan and awakens the divine beings residing here through the enchanting melodies of His flute. He has opened the gates of love, and the blessed women of Braja, swept away by the current of divine emotions, play with Him. All of this unfolds near their homes here in Vrindavan. The lakes of Braja, the Yamuna river, and the surrounding hillsides are all abodes of divine play.”

“Krishna is ever ready to love and prepare others. He personifies love itself. The Braja Gopis nourish that love and inspire it to arise.”

Shri Vallabhacharya not only witnessed Krishna’s lilas (divine plays) but also possessed divine speech. His words not only conveyed experience but created it as well. He continued to unravel the mysteries of Vrindavan.

“To awaken divine attachment, Hari enters Vrindavan, playing His flute. The Gopis sing about the melodies of His flute. Those who are attracted to His divine attributes become attached to Him. The souls accepted by Shri Vallabhacharya became the beloved devotees of the Lord of the Gopis. Mahaprabhuji granted his eligible followers the direct experience of Shri Krishna and brought the divine realm of Vrindavan to them in this earthly realm. He taught them that the highest reward is not to return to God but to have God return to the soul in this world. Human birth is not the result of negative karma but an exceptional opportunity to engage with Shri Krishna in this world, within the very confines of one’s home. To dedicate everything for Krishna’s pleasure, to subsist on His sanctified food, to wear offered cloth, and to live in a world fully offered to Him, not only transcends all forms of anxiety but also paves the path to His divine presence. The search for the Beloved is an ongoing process. The Path of Grace is an intense journey with alternating experiences of finding Him in the world and then within the heart.”

Beloved Vallabh’s words were Brahmic in all directions. Shri Vallabhacharya did not perceive Vrindavan, the sacred land of Shri Krishna’s lilas, as a mere place of pilgrimage but rather as Shri Krishna’s divine abode manifesting in the world. He urged his followers to serve Shri Krishna, as wherever one performs His seva, that place becomes Vrindavan. Experiencing Krishna with all one’s senses is the greatest reward of human life. True liberation is to become so spiritually attractive that Shri Krishna eagerly seeks you out! In the Path of Grace, exalted souls perceive Shri Krishna everywhere they look, and there exists a continuous exchange.

Braja is the region with the highest concentration of sacred seats dedicated to the Master who taught the divine essence of Shri Krishna. Shri Vallabhacharya possessed the extraordinary ability to offer the unattainable gift: direct insights into the nature of Shri Krishna. Anywhere his divine feet touched the ground, it transformed into a non-dual divine realm. The Bhakti Master wandered through the twelve forests of Braja with a handful of devoted followers. In Braja, as in other places, his mission was to awaken Shri Krishna’s presence in the people he encountered.

Not everyone understood this intense devotion. Once, in Mathura, Sanatan Goswami approached Shri Vallabhacharya and said, “Your path is the Path of Grace, the path of nourishment, yet all of your followers appear thin.”

Shri Vallabhacharya turned to him and explained, “I told them not to come, but they came, and that’s why they appear thin.”

Sanatan Goswami did not initially grasp the meaning of this reply. However, when he mentioned Shri Vallabhacharya’s words to his guru, Shri Krishna Chaitanya, he fell to the ground in a divine swoon. When he regained consciousness several hours later, he asked Sanatan once again what Shri Vallabhacharya had said. Upon hearing the Master’s words for the second time, he fell unconscious again.

The teaching that Shri Vallabhacharya imparted in this instance originates from the Shrimad Bhagavatam. When Shri Vallabhacharya said, “I told them not to come,” he was referring to Shri Krishna’s lila (divine play) in the forest when the Blessed Lord initially met the Gopis of Braja under the full moon in Vrindavan.

“But they came, and that’s why they appear thin,” refers to the Gopis’ divine state. After Shri Krishna told them to return home, they refused and instead enjoyed His divine company and dance. Later, after the divine union with Shri Krishna, they returned home and experienced the separation from Him, which caused them to appear thin.

The Path of Grace is akin to fire on water, union in separation, intensity with humility, and never dependent on a particular practice. The sole dependency lies on Shri Krishna. Master Vallabh was also a practical man who understood the pitfalls of spiritual life. The practitioner can only attain the Blessed State through humility blended with an overwhelming desire to encounter the Divine. Pride in one’s practice, anxiety, and false expectations all act as obstacles to realization.

One day, while wandering through Braja, Shri Vallabhacharya passed through the Gahvara forest near Barsana, Shri Radha’s town. There, the Master’s attention was captivated by a large boa constrictor in an adjacent field, swarmed by ants. Deeply moved by the sight, he explained to his disciples, “In its previous birth, this snake was a false guru, a man who pretended to be an enlightened being but was not. These ants were his disciples whom he failed to uplift. Devotees always relinquish all sense of false pride and approach the Blessed One humbly. They adore Him with every sentiment, and if any anxiety creeps into their lives for some reason, they recognize it as His divine play and quickly cease to worry. The Lord of all, Shri Krishna, will not enter the heart of one filled with worldly desires. Krishna appears before us when we sing His praises with devotion. This unparalleled divine pleasure surpasses liberation, which is why Shri Krishna brought His devotees to this special land of Vrindavan. It liberates them from the realm of liberation. He came to Vrindavan to play and bestow upon them the joy of His divine presence. The life of a divine soul is to participate in His love plays and serve.”

Padmanabhdas, a great pandit, became Shri Vallabhacharya’s disciple and accompanied him on his journey to Braja. Being highly intellectual, Padmanabhdas stated that he would only be convinced of Shri Krishna’s personal divine reality if he could see the Blessed Lord Himself. Understanding the desire in his heart, Shri Vallabhacharya, who bestows all rewards, made it happen. One day, while they were walking near Gokul, a portion of the Yamuna riverbank broke off and from the sandy crevice emerged a one-hundred-foot-tall image of Shri Krishna with four arms.

“Look, Padmanabha, your Krishna has arrived. Now go and serve Him,” exclaimed Shri Vallabhacharya.

“Master, how can I possibly serve Him? He is too tall,” responded Padmanabhdas.

As Shri Vallabhacharya approached the divine manifestation of Shri Krishna, the tall four-armed Lord shrank to a size small enough to sit on the Master’s lap. Shri Krishna appeared before Padmanabhdas as Shri Mathureshji, and as He rested on Shri Vallabhacharya’s lap, His head touched the Master’s chin.

“Padmanabhdas, now perform His seva, His loving worship, and know that the Blessed Lord plays according to the desires of His devotees.”

Souls established in grace perceive God as full of grace. They appear in this world to serve His divine form, and their bodies become transformed, capable of attending to the Lord of Sweetness.

Many souls longing for union needed the touch of the Master to awaken their inner divinity, enabling them to feel His presence and please the Lord of Sweetness. Who but the bhakta, the follower of the Blissful Hari, can relieve His burden? One day, while gazing at a cloud in Vrindavan, Shri Vallabhacharya explained to his intimate disciples,

“Observe that cloud. It was first moved by love, which grew as it heard the glories of Shri Krishna. Love then blossomed into a deep friendship with Him. Love inspired it to assume its current form.”

“Clouds are the embodiment of desire and can adopt any shape at will. It is due to their deep affection and the nature of Hari’s play that they expand and provide shade for Krishna and His friends when they play under the scorching Vrindavan sun. They are never burdened by their efforts; instead, they are enthralled.”

The Bhakti Master contemplated for a moment and continued, “One who is born and develops devotion attains ‘atmanivedanam,’ the blessed state of Soulful Dedication. This cloud has achieved the perfect state of being.”

His followers listened attentively, captivated by the words of the Master of Speech, which immersed them in Krishna consciousness. He went on, “Those who share similar qualities are typically friends. However, this cloud surpasses even friendship. It has offered everything it possesses to Krishna. Its nectar, extracted from the essence of flowers, is freely offered to Hari—a selfless act of love.”

The Second Pilgrim

To spread the teachings of loving devotion, Shri Vallabhacharya departed from his beloved Braja and embarked on his second pilgrimage across India, starting by heading westward into Rajasthan. His first stop was Pushkara, a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Brahma, where he delivered teachings on the Bhagavat. From there, he entered Gujarat and traveled to various locations throughout the region, making numerous disciples. Even today, Gujarat remains the region with the largest concentration of his followers. The Bhakti Master visited Vadanagar, Visnagar, Kheralu, Dakor, and Broach. In Durvasa, Shri Vallabhacharya encountered a man engaged in severe penance and explained to him, “This is not the right way to attain God. Torturing yourself is not the path. Love and devotion are essential to understand and experience God. One can perceive God by understanding and embodying the devotion of the great devotees.”

Continuing his journey, Shri Vallabhacharya visited Bhanu, Kapisha, and Tagadi, where hundreds of people gathered to listen to his teachings. He spoke about the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna and emphasized the importance of loving children as manifestations of God, just as Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, loved her two sons, Shri Krishna and Balarama. A Brahmin couple who attended his teachings later discovered their sons eating butter from the churned pot. They called upon Shri Vallabhacharya, who witnessed their children’s divine activities.

Shri Vallabhacharya instructed his disciples to serve Shri Krishna’s own form, known as Shri Krishna’s Svarupa, and established an altar in the homes of his followers. He initiated them into loving devotional service and explained, “After offering your lunch, engage in devotional contemplation. Reflect silently on how Shri Krishna enjoys His meals at home during the winter season. Follow Krishna when He is invited to the homes of the Gopis. During the hot season, contemplate Shri Krishna’s lunch in the forest near the banks of the Yamuna or at places like Shyamdak, where His cows graze and He plays with His friends. When Shri Krishna feels hungry, visualize Him climbing a tree to search for the Gopis who are bringing His lunch. Sometimes, when the Gopis lose their way, Krishna sounds His flute to guide them. Imagine the groups of Gopis coming from their homes with lunch baskets balanced on their heads. Shri Krishna relishes their offerings and shares the remnants with His friends. Krishna engages in so many delightful activities.”

Shri Vallabhacharya’s son, Shri Gusainji, would later add, “In the Path of Grace, whenever, wherever, and in whichever way devotees offer what Shri Krishna desires, He appears directly to them as the Lord of the Gopis. His lotus face blossoms with laughter as He affectionately accepts their offerings.”

Continuing on his journey, Shri Vallabhacharya visited Veraval and Junagarh before reaching Dwarka. In Dwarka, many followers of Shri Shankaracharya approached him for debates but ended up becoming his disciples. Near Gopi Talaiya, Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya shared a story with his disciples.

“Once in Dwarka, when Shri Krishna mentioned to Shri Rukminiji how He played the flute and called the Gopis to dance in the forest of Vrindavan, Shri Rukmini expressed her desire to experience the Rasa Lila.”

Shri Krishna laughed and responded, ‘How will you make it to the forest at night? You won’t be able to renounce your worldly concerns as the Gopis of Vrindavan did.’

Rukmini replied, ‘Just play Your flute and see.’

Rukmini returned to the palace and informed all the other Queens of Dwarka to adorn themselves and prepare for Krishna’s nighttime forest pastimes. Later that evening, when Shri Krishna went to the Gopi lake and played His flute, Shri Rukmini and the other Dwarka Queens, along with their female companions and attendants, left their palaces fully adorned. However, when they reached the main gates and saw their in-laws and senior family members there, they hesitated, thinking, ‘What will we say if they ask us where we are going? Perhaps it’s best to stay home tonight.’

While the Queens returned to their respective palaces, Shri Krishna, who was ready for the dance, knew what was happening and called the Gopis of Braja to join Him. Among the sixteen thousand wives of Krishna in Dwarka, only five managed to escape from their palaces and experience the divine grace-filled form of Shri Krishna and His pastimes in Vrindavan.”

Wherever Shri Vallabhacharya went, his presence was so powerful that the fragrance from his lotus feet uplifted fallen souls who couldn’t even come close to seeing him! The Deities of Shri Krishna in the temples he visited would often appear before him in living form. Sometimes, they would manifest when he visited their temples, and at other times, they would visit his camp. It was an extraordinary time, as Shri Vallabhacharya sparked a devotional renaissance wherever he went.

Even as he walked, he continued teaching, “This creation is a divine play of God, wherein every being is seeking their core of Bliss. Since Bliss is hidden, it needs to be discovered. To unveil it, wisdom, augmented by overwhelming love, is required. Only then can one find Blissful Brahman within all divine manifestations. Then the devotee can truly experience life and thrive in a world where perceivable names and forms exist harmoniously within a holistic non-dual experience.”

Finally, Shri Vallabhacharya turned towards the Himalayas and visited Hardvara, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. In Badrinath, he met the renowned sage Veda Vyas in his high Himalayan cave, where they discussed the inner meanings of the Shrimad Bhagavatam. Returning to the plains, he arrived at Naimisharanya, where he told his listeners that knowledge devoid of devotion is ineffective and emphasized that devotees should seek the grace of God through selfless love.

The Bhakti Master then made stops at Ayodhya, Prayaga, Benares, Harehar, Gaya, and finally reached the place where the sacred Ganges river meets the ocean, known as Ganga Sagar. He stayed there for six months, working on his commentary on the third canto of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, which he named Shri Subodhini. During this time, Shri Krishna appeared to Shri Vallabhacharya once again and conveyed that it was time for him to complete his earthly mission and return to Him. Feeling that his work was unfinished, Shri Vallabhacharya postponed his departure from the mortal realm and proceeded to Jagannath Puri. There, on a day of fasting, he was offered rice prasada. Not wanting to disrespect the offering or break his fast by consuming the grains, he stood in the temple throughout the night, singing praises of the prasada that had been offered to Shri Krishna. When the sun rose the next day, marking the end of his fast, he partook of the blessed morsel.

Later, the king of Jagannath Puri inquired of Shri Vallabhacharya, “Who is the highest Deity? Which is the principal scripture and the holiest mantra? Lastly, what is the most exalted work we can undertake?”

The Bhakti Master wrote down these questions on a piece of paper and placed it inside the inner temple, closing the doors. He awaited the response from the Lord. When the temple doors opened, each question had been precisely answered by Lord Jagannath in Sanskrit.

“Know that the Gita is the principal scripture. Lord Krishna is the Supreme God. His name is the highest mantra, and no work surpasses His service.”

The Second Pilgrim

From the coast of eastern India, Shri Vallabhacharya returned to Benares and accepted Mahalakshmi as his wife. The master spent many years in Benares. He composed many devotional works for his disciples. While living there his disciple Govinda Dube approached him and said that he was unable to focus his mind on Shri Krishna’s seva because he was plagued with anxiety. Shri Vallabhacharya composed a teachings called Nine Jewels for him and explained to him,

“Those who have dedicated their very selves should never worry because Shri Krishna is set in grace and will never give you a mundane life. The Lord is the the inner soul of all beings and does as He pleases. He fulfills His bhakta’s desires. Understand how everything you have offered is connected to Him and that nothing remains separate from Him. When you see this, even if you engage in some outside activities or have connections that don’t seem to be related to Him, you shouldn’t worry because they actually are.

“When those who have dedicated themselves either with or without proper understanding have no worries, then what to say of the blessed ones who have established their very life-force with Shri Krishna? Even concerns regarding your dedication should be given over to The Blessed Lord. Give up all anxieties regarding any other involvments in your life and know that Hari Himself is capable of taking care of His bhaktas.

“Shri Krishna is grace-filled and will not allow His bhaktas to feel content while living a mundane life or by only following Vedic injunctions. Every grace-filled soul should observe this very important teaching.

“Perform seva according to the guru’s instruction but if for some reason seva cannot be performed as per the guru’s instruction, consider this also to be the wish of Hari. In every circumstance you should keep the mind and heart absorbed in His seva and remain happy. If for some reason Hari creates a situation that makes you anxious, simply see that He does everything according to His own lila. Understand this important point and relinquish your concerns immediately. Then with a heart full of Krishna devotion and while feeling Him in all things, continually recite the mantra; ‘Shri Krishna is my refuge.’ This is my conviction.”

Govinda Dube’s anxieties were removed when he recited these teachings.

Shri Vallabhacharya’s third and last pilgrimage through India lasted four years and he revisited many of the places he went to on his first and second pilgrimages. Everywhere he went, he was hailed as the greatest teacher of his time. His disciples were kings, yogis, untouchables, Muslims, the rich and the poor. By the intervention of Shri Vallabhacharya, everyone obtained the grace of God through their soulful dedications. It was perhaps during Mahaprabhuji’s third visit to Braja that the great blind poet Shri Surdas came before the bhakti master by the banks of Yamuna just south of Mathura at Go Ghat. Surdas had already created a large following of his own, but humbly came before Shri Vallabhacharya who had heard of Surdas’ poetic and musical skill and requested him, “Surdas, sing something about Shri Krishna’s lila.”

Surdas immediately sang,

“I am the king of all sinners.

Others may have sinned a few times,

I have commited sin after sin

From my very birth.”

”Surdas!” Shri Vallabhacharya interjected, “I asked you to sing the glories of Shri Krishna and not about your own short comings!”

“But I have never experienced Shri Krishna’s lila.”

“Bathe in the Yamnua, then I will show you.”

Shri Vallabhacharya then initiated the blind bard and after empowering Surdas with divine understanding, the bhakti master explained to him,

“I always bow to Shri Krishna. He is an ocean of artistry and is served by thousands of Laxshmis and their lilas. They all rest within the limitless heart that contains the milky ocean of His nectarine lila.”

As soon as Surdas heard Shri Vallabhacharya’s words, his spiritual eyes opened and he realized Krishna’s bliss form and lila. As Surdas’ heart opened, the lilas of Shri Krishna gushed into him and allowed the blind poet to witness Shri Krishna’s appearance.

By the guru’s grace, Lord Krishna had now appeared to the blind poet and as he witnessed Shri Krishna’s appearance in Gokul, Surdas described the divine event at great length. When he was about to sing about the intimate love the Gopis felt for Shri Krishna, Shri Vallabhacharya stopped him in the middle of his verse and himself sang,

Listen Sur

Everyone will attain this

If they worship Hari’s feet.

Shri Vallabhacharya interrupted Surdas’ song because he did not want the blind bhakti-poet to reveal the inner lilas before all the people present there. Such things are private affairs and he also wanted to impress upon Surdas that all the followers he had made would also attain if they were to dedicate themselves at Shri Krishna’s feet. Surdas later went on to sing thousands of poems in praise of Child Krishna as well as Radhe and Krishna in front of Shri Nathji on the Govardhan hill. He wrote 125,000 poems and ascribed the inspiration behind all of his writing to his Beloved Vallabh.

Adel and Beyond

After his time in Braja, Shri Vallabhacharya returned to his hometown, Benares, where he dedicated himself to seva (selfless service) and immersed himself in the bliss of Shri Krishna. However, in Benares, many followers of Shri Shankaracharya held hostile attitudes towards Mahaprabhuji and his devotional teachings. To address their criticisms, Shri Vallabhacharya composed a text called the Patravalamban and affixed it to the wall of the main Shiva temple in Benares. In this text, he elucidated that the Vedas, which encompass both the path of action and the path of knowledge, harmoniously complement each other. Despite this, the bhakti master yearned for a peaceful existence and decided to relocate his residence from Benares to Adel. Adel was a serene abode situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, just across from Prayag.

Shri Gopinathji & Shri Vitthalnathji

In the year 1511, Shri Vallabhacharya’s first son, Gopinathji, was born in Adel. Then, in 1516, his second son, Shri Vitthalnathji (also known as Shri Gusainji), was born in Charanat, near Benares. While Gopinathji’s lineage did not carry on the spiritual work, Shri Vitthalnathji continued his father’s legacy and greatly enriched the Path of Grace. During his time in Adel, Shri Mahaprabhuji found inspiration and opportunity to compose works that illuminated the path of loving devotion and revealed the inner meanings of the Upanishads, Gita, Brahma Sutra, and, of course, the Shrimad Bhagavatam.

Tragically, when his devoted scribe, Kashmiri Bhatt, suddenly passed away, Shri Vallabhacharya ceased his writing. Having already heard the call of Shri Krishna to return to Him for a second time at Madhuvan in Braja, he knew his earthly mission was nearing its end. At the age of fifty-two, he informed his wife that he would take sanyasa, renounce his home and family. Madhevendrapuri initiated him into sannyasa, and after spending a solitary week in his house, singing the Gopi’s song with tears streaming from his eyes, he departed from his home and proceeded to Benares. There, he spent another week in seclusion on the banks of the sacred Ganga.

Just before his physical departure from this world, his family and disciples gathered before him, and the master inscribed his final teaching in the sands of the Ganges for them to contemplate:

“If you turn away from Shri Krishna, time will consume your body and senses. Have faith in Shri Krishna, the Beloved of the Gopis. He will always protect you.”

In the year 1532, Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, the very embodiment of Shri Krishna’s grace, entered the Ganges river while singing the verse:

“Glories, Glories to You, Beloved Krishna! You have appeared in Braja, where even Lakshmi seeks refuge in You constantly. With longing hearts, we search for You in all directions. O Beloved, come and gaze upon us.”

Then, in a radiant column of divine fire, the master’s body ascended into the heavens and merged into the Govardhan Hill, hundreds of miles away. Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, the Beloved of Shri Krishna, merged into Krishna’s divine pastimes with his physical form. He left us a sublime path of devotion to contemplate and follow— “Always engage in the loving service of Shri Krishna.”

His son, Shri Vitthalnathji, later expressed:

“In this world, one may come across great scholars, but do they truly comprehend the inner essence of the Vedas? Even if such individuals exist, do their actions align with their exalted principles? You might discover someone with such remarkable qualities, but it is unlikely that they will be steeped in the loving worship of Hari. And even if you do encounter such an extraordinary being, will they possess the loving devotion for Vrindavan Krishna, the beloved of the Gopis? Other than Shri Vallabhacharya, no one embodies all of these qualities.”

How is the lord pleased with his Bhaktaa

This final account from the 252 Vasihnavas reveals some of the Master’s great devotional legacy.

A  follower of Shri Vallabhacharya once explained to another bhakta how to know when Shri Krishna is pleased with a bhakta’s seva. He explained, “There are  four  indications. First, devotees naturally go to homes where seva is made. The second indication is that Shri Nathji’s form fills their hearts with bliss as they reflect, ‘Through the grace of Shri Mahaprabhuji and Shri Gusainji, Shri Krishna comes and accepts my water and cooking.’ The third sign is that just as they adorn Shri Krishna, so He appears. The fourth way of knowing  is that the offerings that are made to Shri Krishna in Shri Mahaprabhuji ‘s name, have  many different divine tastes and the plate of prasada does not diminish. When all this occurs, know that Shri Krishna is pleased with the seva.”

Then that bhakta went to another follower’s house and asked, “How can we please Shri Krishna?” The second bhakta explained, “Shri Krishna is pleased with the ones that Shri Svaminiji is pleased with. Then she showers her blessings. Know that Shri Svaminiji is pleased when the bhakta’s faith becomes firm and there is one-pointed devotion to Shri Mahaprabhuji, Shri Gusainji, Shri  Nathji, as well as to Shri Svaminiji and other bhaktas. Then know that Shri Krishna has blessed the bhakta. This path is solely Shri Svaminiji’s. When She is pleased, Shri Krishna allows the soul entrance into the lila and when that happens, know that Shri Krishna is delighted.”

Then the bhakta went to Krishna Bhatt and told him, “We want to know how to please Shri Krishna?”

Krishna Bhatt replied, “Know that Shri Krishna and Shri Svaminiji are so absorbed in Their own bliss and that Their attention does not wander elsewhere. They are perfectly enchanted with Their own lila and lost in each other’s forms. There is one inti­mate sakhi, a friend of Theirs, who always remains nearby. When she is pleased with someone, she sings that bhakta’s glories to Them. This pleases the Divine Couple and then they fulfill that bhakta’s wishes.

“There is yet another Gopi who cares for all the outer arrangement of the lila. She is an attendant of the lila-bower and arranges the bed and ornaments. She stands by the door of the lila- bower and sings very sweetly. She praises the Divine Couple in various ways. Sometimes she makes divine requests on behalf of certain individuals to Shri Svaminiji’s intimate Gopi at just the right time. In turn, that Gopi keeps it in her heart and when Shri Krishna and Shri Svaminiji are in a celebatory mood, she reminds them of that bhakta. Then Shri Krishna becomes pleased with that bhakta.”