PUSHTI MARG RULES

PUSHTI MARG RULES

1. The name of our sect is Pushti Marg.

2. The 'principal guru' of every vaishnav is Srimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji

3. Every descendent of Sri Mahaprabhuji is 'guru-dwar', meaning they symbolise 'Him' as Guru. 

4. The Goswami from whom we have taken 'Brahm Sambandh' initiation is our guru.

5. Although brahm sambandh initiation may have been taken from any particular Goswami, still every descendent of Shri Mahaprabhuji should, in every way, be given equal regards and should be worshiped as guru by vaishnav.

6. 'Nam Nivedan' is said to have been done, when the guru pronounces the 'ashtakshar mantra' three times and is it repeated three times by the person taking the initiation and then he makes him to wear a tulsi mala which should be worn at all times.

7. 'Brahm Sambndh' or 'Atma Nivedan' is given when one bathes in 'apares' and with Tulsi in hands pronounces 'Gadya Mantra', as would be told by Guru in front of Shri Thakurji. Then, tulsi leaves are offered to Prabhu's lotus feet.

8. In Pusti Marg only male Goswami descendents of Srimad Vallabhacharya are qualified to give ashtakshar mantra and Brahm Sambandh initiation. In pustimarg, traditional seat of Guru is not passed on to disciples and therefore, initiation should be taken only from a descendent male Goswami.

9. Many people, mistakenly refer to fasting as 'apvas' but the correct word is 'upvas' Apvas means to reside in hell and 'upvas' means to reside near God. Hence The correct word 'upvas' should be used.

10. After taking Ashtakshar Mantra and Brahm Sambandh initiation, a vaishnav should greet each vaishnav by saying 'JAI SHRI KRISHNA'.

11. In writing a letter to a vaishnav, one should use the greeting 'Jai Shri Krishna'. Even if the vaishnav is our relative and older than us, 'Jai Shri Krishna' is to be used in conversation.

12. It is not the tradition to greet a Goswami with 'Jai Shri Krishna'. The reason is that a sevak does not have the worthiness to convey Bhagavad remembrance to the Guru. Through the grace of the guru, the sevak has obtained Bhagavad remembrance. In meeting a Goswami, one should say 'dandvat'. In writing a letter 'sashtang dandvat pranam' should be written and on the phone my 'sashtang dandvat pranam' should be spoken to be followed by any other matters.

13. Panchang dandvat is done before Thakurji and sashtang dandvat is done before gurudev.

14. Females do not do sashtang dandvat.

15. Before going to one's guru or any Goswami, one should first say 'dandvat' and then do pranam. After this, one should ask 'May I take charan sparsh?'. After receiving permission, one should touch both feet with the right hand and then with that hand one touches one's own both eyes, forehead and heart.

16. In seva or in any work being done for a goswami that does not require two hands, one should use only the right hand and not the left hand. Accordingly, touching of the feet is done with the right hand only.

17. Thakurji's and gurudev's touching of the feet is done in the following manner. Place the left hand under the right forearm and then with the right palm in the upwards position, very softly touch the left charan (foot), then the right, then again the left. 

18. One should not sit before the guru with crossed arms. One should not sit with feet extended towards guru and also should not sit with his back behind him. One should not touch the guru's cushion or cloth spread beneath him. The feet should not be kept in an upwards position or in any other undisciplined manner. One should sit with crossed legs in a well mannered way and with humbleness.

19. One should be careful at all times that one's feet should never touch the guru's cushion, pillow, clothing, the bed spread or any of his things.

20. When the guru is sitting at a higher level, one should not sit at the same level but should sit at a lower level. If the guru is sitting on a chair, one should not sit on a chair. In the presence of the guru, a well-learned person, a person of royalty or any other highly placed person should not keep an attitude of self importance.

21. One should not pass wind in the guru's presence. One should not sing or hum film songs or other such things loudly in the guru's presence.

22. While in the guru's presence, vaishnavas should not discuss household matters or any other worldly matters but they should only discuss matters related to Bhagwad importance. 

23. In the guru's presence, one should not discuss the teachings or blessings of any other person. While in the guru's presence, one should not touch the feet of any other person even if such behavior is in accordance with family or any other worldly relationship. According to the tradition of the Indian scriptures, while in the guru's presence, only he should be shown worshipful sentiments.

24. In the guru's presence, one should take permission before leaving. 

25. One should not go to the guru without becoming purified in the following circumstances:-

·         A woman in monthly period should not go for three days.

 

·         One should not go during the period of 'sutak'.

 

·         If one has gone to the toilet, one should not go without taking a bath.

 

·         After delivery, a woman should not go for 40 days.

 

·         After touching a dead body or attending funeral, one should go only after becoming purified. If it has happened during the day time, one is impure until the stars appear at night and if it is night time one is impure until Sunrise.

    It is compulsory for vaishnavas to wear a tulsi mala at all times. In case the thread of tulsi mala breaks, one should not take food or water until wearing another one. The reason for this is given in the scriptures called 'Padma Purana', where it is stated that for a vaishnav, food taken without wearing a tulsi mala is comparable to excrement, water taken is comparable to urine and other liquids taken are comparable to blood. If a vaishnav is without a tulsi mala even for a moment and therefore one should wear it at all times 

27.One can not do Prabhu's seva without wearing a tulsi mala. It is compulsory for every member of the family participating in seva to wear a tulsi mala.

28. Women and girls in monthly period must bathe after the elapse of three nights, wash their hairs with soap, shampoo or herbal shampoo removing all the oil, remove the old tulsi mala and wear a new one before returning to seva. One cannot do seva wearing the old tulsi mala. 

29. One should wear a new tulsi mala after taking a bath under the following circumstances :-

·         when the period of sutak or vruddhi is over.

·         when the impure period after delivery has passed and one has bathed.

·         if one has touched a person in sutak.

·         if one has touched a dead body.

·         if one has gone to the place of burning dead bodies.

·         if one has touched a female in monthly period.

·         if one has touched a woman who has given delivery within 20 days or a new born infant upto 10 days.

·         After the passing of the impure period following a solar or lunar eclipse. The old tulsi mala should be dropped in a natural body of water viz lake, pond, river, ocean etc... or under a tree.

30. A married woman who is performing seva or going for Thakurji's darshan, should have a bindi on her forehead and should wear bangles. Going in Thakurji's presence without wearing the signs of marriage is an offence.

31. Male performing seva or going for Thakurji's darshan one must have a tilak on ones forehead. A person who always wears a tilak will not have to face any of the obstacles which culminate into death because Prabhu is the supreme one. In wearing a tilak, one purifies himself as well as others. In the scripture describing inauspicious conditions, it is stated that it is inauspicious for a man to leave his home without a tilak.

32. A tilak should be made with kumkum or kesar and not with sadal paste,sindur etc. A tilak is the sign of Prabhu's good fortune. 

33. One should not wear a tilak during the period of sutak. One may apply tilak after becoming purified from sutak. (During sutak tilak is to be applied with charanamrit). During the period of sutak, prasad may not be taken.

34. Property belonging to the Government bears the official markings and becomes immediately recognizable as belonging to the Government. Like wise, Vaishnavs are dedicated to Prabhu's lotus feet and by wearing Prabhu's sign on the forehead, one displays that one has surrendered his atma, body, life force, sense organs, heart etc... to Prabhu. When one looks in the mirror and sees the tilak on the forehead, he would remember that all things which are surrendered belong to Prabhu. By having that bhava, one can attain all the qualities of a 'bhagavadiya'.

84 SHREE MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAK ADDRESS

SHREE VALLABH !

84 Baithak address

1) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHRIMAD GOKUL GOVINDGHAT

(BRAMHA SAMBANDH'S BAITHAKJI)

SHRI GOVINDGHAT, GOKUL - 281 303.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

2) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BADI BAITHAKJI

GOKUL - 281 303.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

3) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S SHAYYA MANDIR BAITHAKJI,

SHRI DWARKADHISH'S TEMPLE,

GOKUL - 281 303.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

4) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT VRINDAVAN BANSIBAT

BANSIBATT, VRINDAVAN-381 121.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

5) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI

VISHRAM GHAT, MATHURA - 281 001. (U.P.)

6) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MADHUVAN

MAHOLI - 281 141.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

7) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KAMODVAN

POST USPAR, DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

8) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT BAHULAVAN

POST BATHI, DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

9) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHRI RADHAKRISHNAKUND

POST RADHAKUND-281 504,

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

10) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MANSIGANGA

NEAR CHAKRESHWAR MAHADEV, VALLABH GHAT, MANSIGANGA,

POST GOVARDHAN-281 504.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

11) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHRI CHANDRASAROVAR

CHANDRASAROVAR-PARASOLI, POST. GOVARDHAN-281 504.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

12) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT ANYOR

SADU PANDE'S HOUSE, POST ANYOR - 281 502.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

13) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GOVINDKUND

OPP. SHRI GIRIRAJJI, POST ANYOR - 281 502

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

14) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SUNDERSHILA

OPP. SHRI GIRRAJJI'S MUKHARVIND

GIRIRAJI, POST JATIPURA - 281502

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

15) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GIRIRAJI (GUPT BAITHAK)

INSIDE SHRINATHJI'S TEMPLE, ON SHRI GIRIRAJJI,

POST JATIPURA - 281 502.

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

16) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KAMVAN

SHRI KUND, KAMVAN, POST KAMA - 321022.

DIST. BHARATPUR (RAJASTHAN)

17) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GHEWARVAN

NEAR RADHAJI'S TEMPLE, BELOW MORKUTIR,

POST BARSANA, DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

18) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SANKETVAN

IN THE GARDEN, KRISHNA KUND,

POST BARSANA, DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

19) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT NANDGAM

PAANSAROVAR, POST NANDGAM - 281 403

DIST. MATHURA (U.P.)

20) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KOKILAVAN

POST.BADHEL, MUKAM.JAV,

DIST MATHURA (U.P.)

21) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT BHANDIRVAN

OPPOSITE BANK OF SHRI YAMUNAJI,

MUKAM.BHANDIRVAN, TALUKA.MAAT,

DIST MATHURA (U.P.)

22) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MAANSAROVAR

OPP. BANK OF SHRI YAMUNAJI,

MAANSAROVAR (MAKHAN), POST.MAAT,

DIST.MATHURA (UTTAR PRADESH)

23) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SUKARSHETRA (SORAMJI)

SAURABH GHAT (BANK OF RIVER GANGA),

POST - SORAM, DIST ETAHA-207403 (U.P.)

TEL: 05744-33673

24) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT CHITRAKOOT

MUKAM.KAMATA - CHITRAKOOT, DIST SATANA-485336 (M.P.)

25) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT AYODHYA

RAMGHAT ROAD, DIST FAIZABAD, AYODHYA-224123 (U.P.)

26) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT NAIMISHARANYA

OPP. VEDVYASA ASHRAM, NAIMISHARANYA, TALUKA MISHRAK,

DIST SITAPUR (U.P.)

27) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHETH PURUSHOTTAMDAS' HOUSE

JATANVAD, VARANASI-221001 (U.P.)

28) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT HANUMAN GHAT

HANUMAN GHAT, VARANASI-221001 (U.P.)

29) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT HARIHAR KSHETRA (HAJIPUR)

NEAR MAHADEVJI'S TEMPLE, MAGARHATTA CHOWK,

HAJIPUR-844001, ZILLA VAISHALI (BIHAR)

30) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT JANAKPUR (GUPT BAITHAK)

BHAGWANDAS GARDEN, MANEKTALAV,

JANAKPUR, DIST VAISHALI (BIHAR)

31) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GANGASAGAR

NEAR KAPIL ASHRAM, ON KAPIL KUND,

KAKADVIPA BET (W.BENGAL)

32) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT CHAMPARANYA

CHAMPARANYA-493885, VIA RAJIM, DIST RAIPUR (CHHATTISGARH)

33) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S MUL PRAKATYA SHRI CHHATTHIJI BAITHAK,

CHAMPARANYA-493885, VIA RAJIM, DIST RAIPUR (CHHATTISGARH)

MANDIR ADHIKARIJI : RAJESH PARIKH

09981923399, 09406029532,09303030855

34) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT JAGANNATHPURI

NEAR HARJIMAL DUDHWALA'S DHARMSHALA, GRANT ROAD,

PURI-752001 (ORISSA)

35) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PANDHARPUR

OPP.BANK OF RIVER CHANDRABHAGA,

SHEGAONDUMALA-413304, PANDHARPUR (MAHARASHTRA)

TEL: 02126-67263/4

36) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT TAPOVAN - NASIK

PARASRAM PURIYA MARG,

PANCHVATI KARANJA, NASIK - 422 001 (MAHARASHTRA)

TEL: 0253-514109

37) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PANNA NRISINHJI (GUPT BAITHAK)

MANGALGIRI STATION, SHRI PANNA NRIUSINHJI'S MANDIR,

VIJAYAWADA (ANDHRA PRADESH)

38) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHRI LAKSHMAN BALAJI

SHRI VALLABHACHARYAJI MATH, SHRI LAKSHMAN BALAJI,

MEDHARAM METTA ROAD,

TIRUMALA - 517 504 (ANDRA PRADESH)

TEL: 02574-77317

39) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHRIRANGJI

BESIDES KRISHNA KOEL,

21, NORTHGATE, SAUKARSTORE LANE, SHRIRANGAM,

TRICHI - 620 006 (TAMILNADU)

40) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT VISHNUKANCHI

VEGAVATI MUTTUKOLAM,

VISHNUKANCHI - 631 503 (TAMILNADU)

TEL: 04112-23023

41) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SETUBANDH RAMESHWAR

SHRI VALLABHACHARYA MATH,

RAMESHWAR, JIILA. RAMNAD (TAMILNADU)

TEL: 04573-21685

42) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MALAYACHAL PARVAT (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

ON MALAYACHAL PARVAT - VIA COIMBATORE.

43) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT LOHGADH (GOA)

GUJARATI TEMPLE, BESIDES RUDRESHWAR TEMPLE,

HARVANE-SANKHADI - 403 505, DIST PANAJI (GOA)

TEL: 0832-364856

44) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

TAMRAPAR RIVER, TRICHINAPALLI (TAMILNADU)

45) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KRISHNA RIVER (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

KRISHNA DHAAM, VADI JUNCTION,

1 KILOMETRE AHEAD FROM RAICHUR STATION ,

KRISHNA DHAAM (ANDRA PRADESH)

46) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PAMPASAROVAR (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

8 KILOMETRE AHEAD FROM HAMPI VILLAGE,

HASPETH RAILWAY STATION,

BETWEEN GUMTAKAL AND HUBLI (ANDRA PRADESH)

47) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PADMANABHJI (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

TRIVENDRUM (KERALA) OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE NEAR JALASHAYA

48) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SHRI JANARDAN KSHETRA

JANARDAN, VARKALA - 695 141, (KERALA)

49) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT VIDHYANAGARA (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

HUMPI VILLAGE, NEAR TUNGBHADRA RIVER (ANDRA PRADESH)

50) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT TRILOKBHANJI (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

THE SITE OF THIS BAITHAKJI IS STILL NOT DECIDED (TAMILNADU)

51) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT TOTADRI PARVAT (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

NAAGMERI, 30 KILOMETRE AHEAD FROM TENEVELI VILLAGE ON TOTADRI PARVAT (TAMIL NADU)

52) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT DARVASEN (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

ADISETU VILLAGE - RAMNADPURAM (TAMILNADU)

53) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SURAT

ASHWINIKUMAR GHAAT, NEAR TAPI RIVER,

SURAT - 392 001 (GUJARAT)

54) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT BHARUCH

BESIDES DIST PANCHAYAT, STATION ROAD,

BHARUCH - 392 001 (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02642-64660

55) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MORBI

OPP.BANK OF MACHU RIVER, BEHIND L.E.COLLEGE,

MORBI - 363 641 (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02822-40335

56) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT NAVANAGAR

NEAR NAAGMATI RIVER, KALAVAD ROAD,

JAMNAGAR - 361 305 (GUJARAT)

TEL: 0288-570671

57) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT JAMKHAMBHALIYA,

STATION ROAD, ON THE KUND,

JAMKHAMBHALIYA - 361 305, DIST.JAMNAGAR (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02833-34966

58) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PINDTARAK

FROM NANDANA PATIYA VIA BHATIYA,

PINDARA - 361 305, DIST. JAMNAGAR (GUJARAT)

59) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MULA GOMATA

NANA BHAVDA - 361 335, TALUKA. DWARKA, DIST. JAMNAGAR (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02892-34355

60) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT HARIKUND, DWARKA

NEAR GOMTI RIVER,

DWARKA - 361 335, DIST. JAMNAGAR (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02892-34825

61) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GOPITALAVA

GOPITALAV - 361 335, DIST. JAMNAGAR (GUJARAT)

62) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT BET SHANKHODDHAR,

ON SHANKHTALAV,

BET DWARKA - 361 330 (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02892-23612

63) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT NARAYAN SAROVAR

NARAYAN SAROVAR - 370 624, TALUKA. LAKHPAT, DIST. KUTCH (GUJARAT)

64) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT JUNAGHADH

DAMODARKUND, GIRNAR ROAD,

JUNAGADH - 362 001 (GUJARAT)

TEL: 0285-624108/655555

65) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PRABHAS KSHETRA

ON THE GHAT OF TRIVENI RIVER, PRABHAS PATAN - 362268,

DIST. JUNAGHAD (GUJARAT)

TEL: 32334

66) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MADHAVPUR

ON KADAMKUND, MADHAVPUR (GHED) - 362 230, DIST. JUNAGHAD (GUJARAT)

TEL: 0286-72344

67) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GUPTPRAYAG

DELVADA - 362 510, DIST. JUNAGHAD (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02875-22413 / RES: 22767

68) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT TAGADI

ON AHMEDABAD-BOTAD MARG,

TAGADI - 382 250, DIST. AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT)

TEL: 07933 32621 / 32522

69) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT NARODA

SHRI VALLABHACHARYA CHOWK, SHRI VALLABHACHARYA MARG,

NARODA, AHMEDABAD - 382 330 (GUJARAT)

TEL: 079-2813444

70) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT GODHARA

RANAVYAS MARG, PATELVADA,

GODHARA - 389 001, DIST. PANCHMAHAL (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02672 40442 / 41132 / 42295

71) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KHERADU

SHRI MADIVAS, KHERADU - 384 325, DIST. MEHSANA (GUJARAT)

TEL: 02761-30130

72) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT SIDDHAPUR

BINDU SAROVAR ROAD,

SIDHAPUR - 384 151, DIST PATAN

73) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT AVAMTIKAPURI-UJJAIN

MANGALNATH MARG, GOMTI KUND, NEAR SANDIPANI ASHRAM,

UJJAIN - 456 001 (MADHYA PRADESH)

TEL: 0734-560240

74) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT PUSHKAR

VALLABHAGHAT, BADI BASTI, PUSHKAR-305 022, DIST AJMER (RAJASTHAN)

TEL: 0145-772493

75) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KURUKSHETRA

SARASWATI KUND, NEAR SHAKTI DEVI'S TEMPLE,

THANESHWAR, TALUKA. KURUKSHETRA, (HARYANA)

TEL: 01744-36960

76) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT RAMGHAT-KANAKHAL-HARIDWAR

NEAR GANGA RIVER, HARIDWAR - 249401 (UTTAR PRADESH)

77) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT BADRIKASHRAM

BADRINATH - 246 422, (UTTAR PRADESH)

78) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT KEDARNATH (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

KEDARKUND - 18 KILOMETRE AHEAD FROM HARIDWAR

79) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT VYASASHRAM

NEAR ALAKNANDA-BHAGIRATHI SANGAM,

KESHAV PRAYAG - BADRINATH, (UTTAR PRADESH)

80) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT HIMACHAL PARVAT (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

HIMACHAL PRADESH

81) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT VYAS GANGA (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

ON VYASGHAT, HIMACHAL PRADESH

82) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT MANDARACHAL (GUPT BAITHAKJI)

ON MANDARACHAL PARVAT

83) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT ADEL

TRIVENI SANGAM, DEVRAKH,

NAINI - 211 008, DIST. ALLAHABAD, (UTTAR PRADESH)

TEL: 0532-696108

84) SHRI MAHAPRABHUJI'S BAITHAKJI AT CHARNAT

ACHARYAKUM, POST. CHUNAR - 231 304, DIST, MIRJAPUR (UTTAR PRADESH)

MAHAPRABHUJI HISTORY

Jai Shree KriShna : Jai Shree Vallabh

Shri Mahaprabhuji was born on the 11th day of Chaitra Vad Vikaram samvant 1535 in Chmparany. His father's name was Shri Lakshman bhattji & mother's name was Illammgarooji. Lakshman bhatt was known as " styavatar" by all because he always spoke the truth. His wife Illammajiwas the daughter of the royal priest in the court of the king of Vijaynagar in south India.

.

. Shri Yajnarayan Bhatt was forefather of Shri Lakshman bhatt.Shri Vishnumuni was shri yajnarayan Bhatt's guru.one he went to Bhattji's house. he spoke to bhattji : only study of the Vedas will not make you attain God.' Heeding shri Vishnu muni's advise Bhattji started ferforming a Vishnu~swarup Somyajna. He did this somyajna with intense devotion. it was time of offer the sacrificial fruit ( Shreefal) at the end ofthe Yanjna( yagna-yagya). Bhattji concentrated on their family God Shri Gopal, as He offered the shreefal in the fire. Instuntly there Murli manohar Shri Krishna, appeared fromthe yajna- fire, dressed in a Pitambar-yellow dhoti with this divine Darshan bhattji stood in reverence and awe. God said , Bhattji,I am very pleased with your bhakti.ask for any thing you want. 'Oh Lord..! having attained You, I have nothing to desire. I do not want any thing.., but You..!' '' Bhattji, your selfless devotion has impressed me even more.It is my solemn vow that when 100 Somyajnas have been completed in your lineage , then I my self will take birth as your descendant,to safe-guard dharma.'' In His entire life,Bhattji managed to complete 32 Somyajnas.His progeny Gangadharji completed 28 Somyajnas during his life-span. His son Ganpati Bhatt succeeded in completing 30 Somyajnas. His son Vallabh Bhatt completed 5 Somyajnas and His son Lakshman Bhatt able to complete 5 Somyajnas, which also meant that the 100 Somyajnas in the lineage were complete. Lakshaman Bhaat was able to complete 5 Som yanjnas(yagya) ,which also meant that the 100 som yanjnas in the lineage were complete. Later, to make the completation of the 100 Somyajnas Lakshman Bhatt fed the Brahmins of Kashi. Soon Illamaji was pregnant.Now Lakshman Bhatt had an inner conviction that God will definitely be born. .

.

About six months elapsed in Kashi-(Banaras). Bhattji was happy.but one day bad tidings ended it all. The muslim emperorin Dlehihad deployed his troops to plunder Kashi. The people of Kashifled to save their lives. LakshmanBhatt too,took his wife and headed for the native land. Illamaji was pregnant and ill. During the journey they both had same dream one night. God gave them Darshan as Blakrishna. God even said, 'very soon I will be born as your son.when i appear as your son make me wear this ' Tulsimala '. God geve them Tulsimala. their journey brought them to a dense forest Chmparanya,in Madhya Pradesh.It was dusk when they arrived. It was wild and devoid of any co-habitation there. Illamaji's contractions started. left with no choice,theyhad to break journey there. Night descended on the thick forest.there in the black night,Illamji delivered a child under a tree.It was a 7 month premature baby. But the baby was lifeless at birth.In that dark night, she tore off a piece of her saree and wrapped the baby in it.then she put it in a cave like hollow of a tree and covered it with leaves.

They both were saddened. they walked on. wearily after a some miles they reached a small town. they spent the night there. once again God appeared in their dream at night. He said, Go back to where the baby was born. you will find me there as your son. take me with you.

.

.

.....The couple were again joyous. every ordeal was put behind them.dawn saw them retracing their steps to Champaranya. Illamaji searched desperately in every tree for a cave like hollow.suddenly they both were awe struck. they saw a pit of fire measuring about 8-10 hands in langht. the fire burn brightly as the tonguse of the flames leapt in the air. this confounded them,but thayran towards it. they saw soft sand from the river bed spread in the center of the fire pit. in this soft send they saw a new born baby,divinely beautiful, lying on an orange cloth! The baby was holding His right toe with His hands and sucking it. He was chuckling and gurgling with delight. He was dark wheat coloured with thik curly locks covering His head. His eyes were large and sparkling even as foreheadwas high,with a '' Kasturi Tilak ''

.

.

Illamaji said, '' this is my baby because just seeing it my breasts are oozing milk''

'' Devi, the fire is protaecting the infant. if infant is your's then the fire will surely pave the way for you. go fearlessly. '' said Lakshman Bhatt.

Illamaji prayed as she walked ahead. The fire disappeared.She picked up the baby and cradled it tightly to her chest. then she placed Him in Bhattji's arms. As He looked at their son. Bhattji said, ''Devi, God is truly born. God unlike other infants,dose not take birth from a mothere's womb.He takes birth Him self, as we have our- selves been through the experiance.''

.

.

There the sky was filled with demi-gods in their chariots, descending from their abodes, all singing and hailing the Lord's birth. As thay sent down a shower of flowers,thay glorified God. this brought the ascetics,who were in maditation in the forest, running to the scene. They started reciting and chantingVedic mantras.The entire divine and suparnatural Vrajdham gathered at Champaran; a grand '' Nand mahotsav '' ( Lord's birth celebration ) was celebrated with glorious splendour.Every one took turns to rock the new born infant....!!!!

Shri Mahaprabhuji is the initiator of Pushtimarg.He was born in the year 1478 A.D.at a small village named Champaranya village near Raipur in Madhya Pradesh (India).His native village was situated in the Andhra pradesh state (India).His father's name was Shri Laxman Bhattji and Shri Illamaji was his mother.From the very beginning Shri Vallabh was very dear to eveyone,that is why he was named 'Vallabh' which in sanskrit language means 'the loved one'.

-: The Birth of Shri Vallabh :-

There is a very interesting tale connected to the birth of Shri Vallabhacharyaji.His parents were on their way to their native village from Banaras (Varanasi) when Shri Illamaji experienced labour pains in the forest of Champa (Champaranya).There she gave birth to Shri Vallabh.But both Shri Laxman Bhattji and Illamaji thought that the child was born dead and so they put him under a tree and advanced on their journey.At might Shri Thakurji gave a dream to Shri Illamaji that he himself was born as her child.On hearing this Shri Illamaji and Shri Laxman Bhattji rushed to the tree where they had placed Shri Vallabh.There they saw that Shri Vallabh was playing happily while a ring of fire had encircled him to protect him.As Shri Illamaji neared Shri Vallabh the ring automatically disappeared and she took Shri Vallabh into her lap.

-:His Childhood &­ Education :-

In his childhood Shri Vallabh didn't play with toys like the ordinary children but liked to play with idols of Shri Krishna or his father's books.From a very small age he was very bright.He completed the study of all the four vedas,the upanishads and the six darshans(philosophies) at a tender of only five years.He completed his education at Banaras.He defeated many learned men at a very small age of only thirteen years.He decided to start a parikrama of India when he was only eleven years old.He completed three such parikramas during his lifetime.He used to wear only a dhoti and a uparana and he always remained barefoot during his life.

Constrution of the temple at Jatipura and starting of Sewa Pranalika.

Shri Vallabh came to the Giriraj parvat at Jatipura during his parikrama.Here Shri Govardhannathji ordered Shri Vallabh to build a temple for him.Shriji had also given a dream to a vaishnav (Shri Puranmal Kshatri)in Punjab to come to Jatipura.He came to Jatipura and he became a sevak (devotee) of Shri Vallabh who later ordered him to construct a temple for Shriji at Govardhan parvat.In this temple Shri Vallabh started the sewa pranalika which to this day is carried on by the vaishnavas of Pushtimarg.And thus our beautiful Pushtimarg was born.

Some interesting Varta prasangs (incidents)

Once when Shri Vallabh went to Ujjain he stayed at the Ashram of sage Sandipani.The ashram was situated at a very barren area,there was not a single tree nearby.When Shri Vallabh was doing Sandhya-vandan a leaf from a peepal tree fell infront of him. Shri Vallabh inserted into the soil and poured some water and a miracle happened,instantly a large green peepal tree sprung from the ground! Shri Vallabh completed his Bhagvat parayan beneath this tree. Once when Shri Vallabh went to Bahulavan the local Vrajwasis complained to him that the Muslim commander did now let them worship the idol of the cow Bahula arguing that he would allow them to worship it only if the stone idol ate grass. Shri Vallabh called the Muslim commander and infornt of him kept a small bunch of grass near the tail of the idol Bahula.To the astonishment of the commander the idol turned it's neck and ate the bunch!!On seeing this the commander apologised to Shri Vallabh and lifted the ban on the worship of the idol. There are many such prasangs but only a couple have been shown here.

-: Asur-Vyamoha Leela :-

When Shri Vallabh was 52 years old Shriji ordered him to leave this world and come to Him.Before this Shriji had come twice infront of Shri Vallabh with this demand but had returned as Shri Vallabh insisted that some important work was still to be done.The time Shri Vallabh gave respect to Shriji's wish and decided to do the Asur Vyamoha Leela (leave this world).He went to the Hanuman ghat in Varanasi and took a maun vrat for 17 days.At the completion of this period he called both his sons and wrote a stotra of 31/2 shlokas known as the Shiksha Shloki as the final message to them.After giving his final teaching to his children and all the vaishnava devotees he entered the river Ganges and a brilliant flame arose from the spot and he ascended to Gauloka (heaven of lord Vishnu).He did the Asur-Vyamoha Leela on the day of Rath Yatra(Ashadh Sud 2).During his life span he wrote 39 granthas and innumerable Kirtans.

-:Family:-

The wife of Shri Vallabh as Shri Mahalaxmi Vahuji who is also known "Akkaji" in Pushtimarg.Shri Vallabh had two sons.Shri Gopinathji and Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusainji).It was Shri Gusainji who,after the Asur-Vyamoha Leela of Shri Vallabh and the union of Shri Gopinathji with lord Jagannathji of Puri, spread the Sampradaya to all the different parts of the country.

The principles that you should follow:

Pushtimarg is an integral part of Hinduism. Thus it is given that you must follow the covenants of Hinduism.

When you take Braham Sambhand you offer all your belongings to Thankurji. Belongings are both material and non-material. Since you have offered to the feet of Thakurji you possessions now belong to Thakurji. It becomes your spiritual duty to serve Thakurji in every way possible. Sustenance of physical life does continue so that you may serve Thakurji. The prime directive being a Vaishanav is to offer everything that you use after taking Braham Sambhand to Thakurji. This is to keep future conducts in line with the oath that was taken initially. This means that the food you eat, the water you drink, clothes you wear and the car you drive all of these and many more things should come in contact with Thakurji so that they are blessed and fit for the consumption of their servant. Great importance must be paid to the observance of this directive. This is the fundamental difference between Pushtimarg and other paths.

In order to follow this directive supplementary measures need to be taken to maintain sanctity when offering food (Bhog) to Thankurji. It must be realised and noted that the prime directive takes precedence over the adherence of the supplementary measures. Supplementary measures are a nicety and all reasonable effort should be made to maintain sanctity.

What it means being a Hindu?

Have an ethical and morally correct conduct with all beings both human and animal

Contribute to the welfare of the community and society

The list below is in the order of importance.

Vegetarianism - Ahinsa

Adhere to the laws prescribed by Manu Smriti : Atkav, Sutuk, Pindroo, Gharan

Abstain from Alcohol

Abstain from gambling

Abstain from smoking and other forms of addiction.

As we approach the 21st Century many of these concepts seem outdated and are not being adhered to.

The list has been compile in the order of importance. Being a vegetarian is of vital importance. If you cannot adhere to this then can you be called a Hindu? This question has to be wrestled with your own consciousness. Only you can answer it.

Duties of a Vaishanav

Belief in God (Shree Krishana) being the Creator, Sustainor and Destroyer of the world.

Belief that All life has an ansha of God. This is stated in Gita

Do or Die

Always wear your kanthi with pride

Wear tilak or tiki.

Whilst India was occupied by the Mogul rulers they ordered all the people who wore the kanthi and tilak to either remove them or to be crushed at the feet of an elephant. Vaishanavs have given their lives to maintain the tradition and refused to take off their kanthi and their tilak. What are we going to do to honour those should who have set for us an example to live by? It is of the greatest importance that the kanthi should be around our necks regardless of the cost. That will be a test of your dedication. Schools ask children to remove them. Just say No! It is a emblem of your religion and they cannot force you to remove it. This has to be taught to the children so that they can remember it and adhere to it whilst at school. The young seedlings have to be taught well to maintain the continuance of our tradition. As parents it is your duty to look after the welfare of children. Give them a gift that no one else can give. Teach them about the welfare of their soul! They might thank you for it but more importantly Mahaprabhuji will be happy. So will I.

In the modern we might want our path to be kept a secret. Wearing a tilak for a man who works in the office might not entirely be possible. In that case you can bear the tilak on your chest. This is quite acceptable.

After waking up in the morning you should do:

Have a glimpse of kanthiji

Have a glimpse of Thakurji

After bathing

Take charnamrit

Wear Tialk

The least I can do

We have already highlighted the importance of taking Braham Sambhand. The keep your mind cleansed the least you can do is: Daily recite paths and do mala.

Paths are is the recitation of scriptures. There are vrious scriptures accepted in Pushtimarg and the popular ones that are easily accessible are the 16 scriptures. You can also recite the Gita. Read Shree Mad Bhagwat etc

Mala is generally consisting of the 8 letter mantra or the 5 letter mantra. Doing mala is the process of reciting the relevant mantra with the aid of rosary beads. A mala is reciting a mantra 108 times.

Perform Thakurjis swarup seva

We can note from the stories of the 84 and 252 illustrious vaishanavs that many of the performed swarup seva. Swarup (is the idol) seva is process pretending the swarup is your child and hence seva is looking after that child. This is done by bathing, dressing, feeding etc. To do this seva is an aim that vaishanavs must have. Through swarup seva you can really appreciate the beauty of Pushtimarg.

Visit your Guru (other resident Balaks) as many times as possible. Whenever you visit them never go empty handed. Take something to offer their Thakurji and to them.

Make a habit of donation/ contributing seva on a weekly basis.

Make special contributions when it is your birthday, your Guru birthday, Janamashti, Diwali, New Year or For special days like birth in the family you can sponsor a palna for your Gurus Thakurji

Braham Sambhand its importance.

The means to attain God are many. Some are difficult some are easy. All are fairly long journeys.

Bhagwan Shree Krishana states in the Gita that

"A minuscule part of Me is present in all living things"

Jiva has Bhagwad ansha; a minuscule part of God. This truth is difficult to comprehend because we do not realise the closeness we have with Thakurji. We have become engrossed in the material world. Our lives are full of activity hence we rarely ask deep rooted questions about who we are, where we are going.

On Sharawan Ekadasi Mahaprabhuji along with Damodardas Harsaniji were at Gokul on the banks of Shree Yamunaji. At Govind Ghat (ghat is a area which allows safe access to the river that flows).

Shree Mahaprabhuji was perplexed by a thought. How do the divine beings get seva or an opportunity to serve Thakurji? (Or something) in this Kali Yug. More specifically the Vedas do not have a means of liberating Women and Sudhras (define castes). Therefore what was to happen of Women and Sudras. This was the question that Shree Mahaprabhuji was worried about.

Then at about midnight Shree Nathji appeared (in Lalit trabhangi mudra) and ordained Mahaprabhuji.

The divine souls should take Braham Sambhand. In order to be fit to receive communion with Thakurji their "doshs"will be absolved. In particular 5 main types of doshs will be removed.

Once this is done I (Thakurji) am ready to accept the soul. After Braham Sambhand they should offer everything they partake to me first. Then to take themselves. Therefore everything we take must be offered to Thakurji as already mentioned.

Description of Champaran, Raipur:

You must plan a visit to Champaran in Raipur. Here you will get to see an exquisite temple consecrated to Shree Vallabhacharya. The temple was specially built to pay tribute to him.

The best time to visit Shree Vallabhacharya Temple in Raipur’s Champaran is the eleventh day of Baisakh when the anniversary of the birth of Shree Vallabhacharya is celebrated here. The followers of Vallabh Sect assemble at the temple to pay tribute to him. Besides, other interesting event of this place is The Annual Fair of Champaran. It is organized every year in the month of Magh. During this time, you will witness unrestrained revelries and festivities.

On a tour to Champaran in Raipur, you can also head for another attractive temple called temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva which is located quite near to Shree Vallabhacharya Temple.

Reaching Champaran is very convenient. You can reach here following the junction of Arang-Rajim Road at the village of Jonda. Besides, daily bus services from Raipur and Arang are also available.

Introduction to Champaran, Raipur:

On a tour to Raipur, you must include Champaran in your travel itinerary. Champaran in Raipur, India is an attractive village. It was previously famous as Champajhar. It is around 45 km away from the capital city of Raipur en route from Mana. This place enjoys a religious significance and hence today it has evolved to be one of the most visited holy places in Raipur.

Most of the devotees and leisure tourists come to Raipur’s Champaran village to visit the temple of Shree Vallabhacharya, who is supposed to be the reformer and pioneer of the Vallabh Sect.

History of Champaran, Raipur:

Raipur’s Champaran village has a historical significance. It is considered to be the birth place of the famous Shree Vallabhacharya. He was the pioneer and founder of Vallabh Sect.

Champaran is a small sleepy town, located about 45 km from Raipur, in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh. Formerly known as Champajhar or Champaranya, Champaran is famed as the birth place of Saint Vallabhacharya - the founder of the Vallabh sect.

The focal point of the place is a temple built in honor of the saint Vallabhacharya. There is also a shrine of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. A major draw is a festival held to mark the birth anniversary of Saint Vallabhacharya. It generally falls in Baisakh (April-May).

Champaran can be reached from Raipur either via Mana. Bus services are available from Raipur.