Introduction of Pushtimarg:
Pushtimarg (the Path of Nourishing and Flourishing), also called Pushtimarg Sampradaya or Vallabha Sampradaya is Rudra Sampradaya or Vaishnavism’s subtradition. Vallabhacharya founded Pushtimarg, which focused on Krishna, in the early 16th century (1479 to 1531). Vallabhacharya’s descendants, mainly Gusainji, expanded Pushtimarg, a Bhakti (devotional) school. Its values and universal-love-themed devotional methods are derived from the legendary notorious plays of young Krishna related to Bhagavata Purana and Govardhana Hill. Pushtimarg Sampradaya addresses Krishna by several epithets and names, such as Sri Dwarkadhish Ji, Sri Vittalnathji, Sri Gokulnathji, Sri Mathureshji, Sri Madanamohanji, Sri Navanitpriyaji, and Sri Nathji. Krishna (Shrinathji) is the devotional focus of Pushtimarg followers.
The Pushtimarg subtradition belongs to Vallabhacharya’s Pushtimarg subtradition, which shares some ideas with Dvaita Vedanta, Advaita Vedanta, and Vishishtadvaita. This philosophy considers Krishna to be the supreme power, the source of existing things. The human soul is focused on Krishna’s divine light. Krishna’s charm leads to spiritual liberation. The school disobeys the ascetic lifestyle and appreciates the householder lifestyle where the followers consider themselves as Krishna companions and participants, and their lifestyle is a consistent rasleela of his creation. The Pushtimarg grew with Ashtachap’s poetry and work, 8 Bhakti Movement poets, like Surdas’s devotee poets.
Pushtimarg’s followers, known as Pushtimargis or Pushtimargiya Vaishnavas, are usually from Western and Northern India, mainly inside and across Gujarat and Rajasthan, and regional diaspora worldwide. The Shrinathji Temple located in Nathdwara, northern Udaipur, is their most dominant shrine, which was formed in 1669. During that time, Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, persecuted and caused fear in the subtraction. The Nathdwara temple is one of the most precious shrines of Lord Krishna in India.
The Essence of Bhakti in Pushtimarg:
Pushtimarg’s core philosophy lies in Bhakti or devotion. Only human efforts don’t attain liberation. You may gain happiness and a blissful experience by walking on the path of Pushtimarg. However, you feel liberated only by the blessings of Lord Krishna. You don’t need to experience worldly life to feel Lord Krishna’s blissful and loving nature. You can even acquire Lord Krishna’s grace by practicing Pushtimarg being a householder. You can also prevent the outcomes of desire-oriented activities by giving all attention and fruits to Lord Krishna.
The Significance of Seva in Pushtimarg:
Seva in Pushtimarg is not a simple ritual like “Karmakand” but a method of Viraj Bhaktas’ love method. Being a devotee, you can do Seva depending on the availability of place, facilities, and limited time throughout your life without disrupting your deity, family, and neighbor. Every soul has a deep-rooted desire for the Brahmic self-delighted. Such deep-rooted desire stays unfulfilled until you find your genuine objects. The unconscious search for Brahmic self-delighted motivates the worldly desires for all other objects. Love is an extraordinary want as it can’t be defined by wants for pleasure. A love may inflict pain on themselves out of love and thus, it is God’s unique attribute, divine knowledge, and God’s other Lordly aspects.
Due to God’s introverted emotional nature, love gets passed in and through human consciousness to other places. Bhaktiyog, a Devotional method, is affectionately uniting with God. It is a tragedy to which a person never gives attention to satisfy the conscious eternal soul’s needs. Instead, they keep on satisfying their perishable body needs and assets throughout life and waste their time. Shruti/Smruti established that Ultimate Reality (Par Brahma) Ultimate Soul (Parmatma) and God (Bhagwan) are Shri Krishna. In Bhagwad Gita, God states, “Sarva Yonishu Kointat Murtayah Sambhavanti Yamaha…Taasam Brahma Mahadyonidhi Aham Beejpradah Pitaah”. The statement means ‘Prakruti’ is a childbearing mother and God is considered to be the reason behind confinement as a father in different wombs irrespective of the varieties of bodies born.
Everyone is a God devotee or servant by nature and thus, it’s natural for them to offer devotional services to him. A person incapable of serving God considers himself to be weak. Sri Acharya started in Pushti Pravah Maryada chapter, “Bhagwat Roop Sevartham Tatsrushti”, i.e., Pushti Sect creation only intends to serve God. Sri Mahaprabhuji indicated the main Siddhant of Grace sect (Pushtimarg) in Siddhant Muktavali (Pearl Necklace of Doctrines), “Natya Harim Pravakhshyami Svasiddhant Vinishchyam Krisnaseva Sadaa Kaaryaa Maamsi Saa Paraa Mataa”. Sri Gusainji tells in commentary on a chapter that Service/Devotion to Lord Krishna is the fifth goal/purusharth which means Seva is a goal and it can’t be meant to fulfill other goals.
The Philosophy of Grace and Surrender:
Pushtimarg values the philosophy of grace and surrender. The Pushtumargis believe that they can achieve liberation and salvation by Lord’s grace. Accepting the Lord’s grace and compromising on the divine will are considered important in Pushtimarg. The path to surrender includes accepting self-limitations and fully depending on Lord Krishna’s mercy.
The Rituals and Practices in Pushtimarg:
Pushtimarg involves following rich practices and rituals for devotion and seva. Everyday worship, called “seva,” is performed in homes and temples. Seva includes offering prayers, flowers, and food to God. Celebrations and festivals are integral parts of Pushtimarg. Devotees get the opportunity to perform devotional activities and show their affection to the Lord. Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Yamunaji’s stotras, sacred text recitation, are common practices among followers.
The Bhakti Setu Haveli and its Role in Promoting Pushtimarg:
The Bhakti Setu Haveli, an organization, is dedicated to following Pushtimarg and its principles. It acts as a spiritual and cultural center, that offers a platform for devotees for engaging in devotional practices, attends discourses, and participate in community services.
The Bhakti Setu Haveli runs different programs and events to spread information about Pushtimarg and its teachings. It functions as the bridge between the divine and devotees, which fosters a sense of unity and devotion.
Conclusion:
Pushtimarg is the Path of Bhakti and Seva which gives you a profound spiritual journey focused on love, devotion, and selfless catering. Pushtimargis surrender to the divine and perform Seva acts to build a deep connection with Lord Krishna. The Bhakti Setu Haveli preserves and promotes the Pushtimarg principles, which creates a spiritual haven for devotees to follow that path of love and service.