JAGAT GURU SHREEMAD VALLABHACHARYAJI

Dear young Pushti Jeevs, can you imagine that we would be lost in this big world and would not be able to recognize the spiritual purpose of our life & also the swaroop of almighty Shree Krishna and his divine leelas if this greatest of the greatest soul 'Shree Vallabh' would not be born.

India, as we all know has been time and again blessed and honoured by the appearance of incarnations of God himself. Shree Ram and Shree Krishna and their followers have honoured this land. Great men like Shree Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankracharya have been born here. Great thinkers and Rishis are the pride of our country.

Amongst all these great men Shree Mahaprabhuji has made a remarkable impression and occupied an unique place in Indian culture as a scholar, a genius, a philosopher and a religious preacher.

Shree Mahaprabhuji's personality and Swaroop

1. Personality of Shree Vallabh is very impressive and influential. He looks very divine in his simple dhoti and uparna and tilak on his shining forehead.
2. Shree Mahaprabhuji wears no ornaments, but only tulsi kanthi around his neck and being a Brahmin, he wears Yagnopavit.
3. His face is very sweet and he is very calm and silent in nature.
4. Lord Shree Krishna sent Shree Mahaprabhuji on earth for the upliftment of innumerable souls who have been separated from the Lord.
5. Shree Mahaprabhuji is Shree Thakorji's own 'Swaroop' as quoted in 'Vallabhaashtakam' - 'Vastuutah Krishna eva' meaning Shree vallabh is 'actually Krishna himself'.
6. Shree Mahaprabhuji is also called 'Vaishvanar' or Agni Swaroop, his presence burns away the turmoils and mental discontentment of people who come to him.
7. Shree Mahaprabhuji loved every being equally irrespective of caste, creed or birth. He has followers from all walks of life, king to a common man. To him all were equal.
8. He is divinity, peace & love personified.

The Philosophy of Shree Mahaprabhuji

From 8th Century onwards various Acharyas came forward with their own systems to establish devotion as a path to reach God.

To name a few:-
1. 8th Century - Shankaracharyaji (Mayavad)
2. 11th Century - Ramanujacharya (Vishtaadvait)
3. 12th Century - Nimbarakacharya (Dwaitvad)
4. 13th Century - Madhvacharya (Dwait Advait)
5. 15th Century - Vallabhacharyaji (Suddhadvait Brahmavad)

We will understand in simple words this view or the philosophy of Shree Vallabhacharyaji. Shree Vallabh saw that devotion had lost its meaning and people were puzzled at the concept of religion and set out to put the things right and draw people back towards religion. He debated extensively with great scholars and learned men and earned their respect and admiration. After defeating Mayavad Scholars, he propounded the philosophy called 'Shuddhadvait Brahmvad'. He used vedas Brahmasutra, Bhagwadgita and Bhagwatji as basis of his Philosophy. He explained the relation between Brahma (God, Parmatma) Universe (Jagat) and soul (atma or jeev).

According to him Brahma is the ultimate truth and the purest. He has created Jagat and Jeevs (atma). Since jagat and jeev spring from the source Brahma, his creations are also true and Pure, and are an extention of Brahma.

Eg. Sun is the pure source of light and energy - and the rays of the sun which come out are also the form of light and energy thus both are pure.

Shree Mahaprabhuji established the relationship of Jeev, Jagat and Ishwar -(non-dualism) and was honoured as 'Jagat Guru' and his 'Kanakabhishek' was done in Vidhyanagar. (we will see this in detail further)

ANCESTORS OF SHREE MAHAPRABHUJI

Ancestors of Shree Mahaprabhuji were renowned for their spiritualism. According to the Hindu religious text, they lived in Kankarvad, presently known as Andhrapradesh. They were Tailang brahmins by caste.

One of his ancestor Yagnanarayan Bhatt was a great devotee of the Lord Shree Krishna and regularly performed ‘Somyagnas'. One day while performing a somyagna. Lord Shree Krishna appeared from the holy flames of the yagna, blessed him and promised that he would manifest himself in Yagnanaryan Bhatt's family after the completion of hundred Somyagnas.

Yagnanarayan Bhatt performed 32 Somyagnas and his son Gangadhar Bhatt performed 28 somyagnas and his son Ganapati Bhatt performed 30 somyagnas and Ganapati Bhatt's son Vallabh Bhatt performed 5 somyagnas. He had two sons Laxman Bhatt and Janardhan Bhatt. The last 5 somyagnas were performed by Laxman Bhatt.

BIRTH OF SHREE MAHAPRABHUJI

Shree Vallabh was born after 100 somyagnas to Shree Laxman Bhattji and his mother Yellamagaruji. He appeared in Champaranya village in Madhya Pradesh, on chaitra vad ekadashi samvat 1535 year 1478AD. Shree Laxman Bhattji was married to Yellamagaruji, daughter of Royal priest, Susharma of Vidyanagar.

Once when Shree Laxman Bhattji and his wife were travelling from Varanasi towards south, Yellamagaruji was expecting a child. When they reached "Champaranya", she had a miscarriage. Thinking that the child is no more, they covered him with leaves and moved forward. That night, Shri Laxman Bhattji had a dream that the baby was alive. When they returned, they saw an amazing light. A beautiful small baby was lying there surrounded with fire. The blessed mother took the baby in her arms. There was great joy and celebration on the birth of this extra ordinary child. He was named 'Vallabh' as he was very dear to his parents. (Vallabh means loved by all).

SHREE VALLABH'S EDUCATION:

1. Shri Mahaprabhuji was an extremely intelligent child. At the age of seven, he mastered the sanskrit language, all Vedas and Shastras in 4 months.
2. He was honoured with the title of 'Balsarswati' and 'Ghatasaraswati'.
3. He was given the title of 'Jagatguru' and was honoured with 'Kanakabhishek' ceremony. He was showered with flowers, and gifted with enormous gold, which he did not keep with him and donated among the Brahmins present there.

LIFE OF SHRI VALLABHACHARYAJI

Shree Mahaprabhuji used to lead a very simple life devoid of any materialistic pleasures. At the age of eleven, Shree Mahaprabhuji commenced his 1st Bharat Parikrama. He travelled the entire stretch of this vast country, absorbed the sins of past and present birth of his devotees and gave them 'Brahmasambandh' and thus spread Krishna Bhakti during his three such Bharatparikramas. Some of his disciples travelled with him during his parikramas. Shree Mahaprabhuji never used any means of conveyance and travelled by foot, So dear children, we can imagine that at the tender age, what difficulties Shree Mahaprabhuji must have gone through 500 years ago. Such was our Shri Vallabh, so determined to face any situation for the upliftment of separated souls.

SHREE MAHAPRABHUJI IN CHAMPARANYA

During his first parikrama, Shree Mahaprabhuji visited Champaranya, his birth place where he camped for a few days below a Shamee tree. For the first time, he recited Srimad Bhagawat for seven days.

Later on he went to holy places, remote villages & towns. He walked extensively from Badrinath in Himalayas to Rameshwaram in South, Jagannathapuri in the East and Dwarka in the West. He accomplished this three times in his life, bare foot with certain vows. During these yatras he used to camp on the outskirts of a village or a town, a place close to a river or a lake with beautiful surroundingS and he would rest under a tree. He loved nature and peaceful environment.

In many of these places, he used to read Srimad Bhagawat as a 'Parayan' and reside for 3-7 days. At many places he has also read Valmiki Ramayan and Holy Gita. Such particular spots, where he used to do 'Parayan' are called 'Baithakji'.

There are 84 such Baithakjis in India. Most of these baithakjis are open for Darshan even today. Only few places are not visible.

FIRST DISCIPLE - DAMODARDASJI

Damodardas Harsaniji from Wardha, at the age of 16, became the 1st disciple of Shree Mahaprabhuji and remained with him throughout his life.
Damodardasji was the 4th son of Kapoorchand Harsani. He had foresaken his father's wealth and home to perform devotional service at the feet of Shree Vallabhacharyaji. He was the ideal disciple and had collected immense knowledge on Pushtimarg from Shree Mahaprabhuji.

SHREE MAHAPRABHUJI IN GOKUL

Along With his disciples Damodardasji, Krishnadas Megan and others, Shree Mahaprabhuji arrived in Gokul. For the first time in Gokul on Thakrani Ghat, he got darshan of Shree Yamunaji and he composed and recited Yamunashtakam in her praise.

While in Gokul, Shree Vallabhacharya was deeply concerned and troubled with the thought of spiritual upliftment of the people. It was past midnight when he was exceedingly troubled. Lord Krishna appeared in front of him in the form of Shreenathji and gave him 'Brahmasambandh Mantra‘ and asked him to initiate the people on the path of total surrender to God promising him that he will accept all the people under him (the Lord) to whom Shree Mahaprabhuji gives this Mantra form Shreenathji gave this Gadhya Mantra in prose form. The initiation with this mantra opened the doors to Pushtimarg. This was given at midnight on shravan sud, ekadasi Samvat 1549. This day is called the 'BIRTHDAY OF PUSHTIMARG'. Shree Mahaprabhuji then garlanded the Lord with Cotton thread garland (Pavitra) and offered him misri (Rock sugar) and composed 'MADHURASHTAKAM‘ praising the form and beauty of Lord Shreenathji. This day is also called 'Pavitra Ekadasi'. Next day Shree Mahaprabuji initiated Damodardas Harsaniji, thus made him the first vaishnav on the path of divine grace.

Damodardas then offered Pavitra (thread garland) to Shree Mahaprabhuji. So we have a tradition to offer 'Pavitra' to our Guru Shri Vallabh & Our Personal Guru from (Vallabhkul) on Shravan Sud 12 (baras) and this day is called 'Pavitra Baras'.

SHREE MAHAPRABHUJIS FAMILY

On his second tour to South India he arrived in the town of Pandharpur to pay respect to the Lord. He paid respect to the Lord Shree Vitthoba and worshipped him. Shree Vitthoba asked Shree Vallabh to shun his Brahmacharya and accept grahasthashram (get married) since God himself wished to incarnate as his son so that family lineage of Shree Mahaprabhuji would continue the work of spreading Krishna Bhakti. At the age of 25, Shree Vallabh married Shree Mahaiaxmiji daughter of Devan Bhatt in Kashi. Shree Mahaprabhuji has two sons.
1. Gopinathji - He was born in Adel, on Aaso vad 12 (baras) samvat 1567.
2. Gusainji - Was born in Charnat on Posh vad 9 (nom) samvat 1572.
Shree Vallabh also has two Betiji's Laxmi Betiji and Satyabhama Betiji.

CALL FROM THE LORD

During one of his journeys to jagannath Puri, Shri Vallabhacharya camped at Ganga sagar. Here, he received a divine call asking him to renounce the world and return to the Lord's divine abode. While camping at Madhuvan (Vraj Bhoomi) he received the same call for the third time. It was not possible to delay the matter now and in response to these calls, he planned to give up all his activities and renounce the world. He appointed and advised Damodardas Harsani to take care of Vithalnathji and guide him according to the tenets of the Pushtisampradays.

TRIDANDA SANYAS

At the age Of 52 years, he accepted sanyas. For six days he stayed at his own place and then, for eight days on the banks of the River Ganga. Then he went to Kashi for eighteen days. During this tour of Kashi many Vaishnavs joined him, They sang his praise and followed him with the sounds of blowing conches and ringing bells.

At Kashi, he entered the final state of his sanyas. He stayed at Hanuman Ghat for seven days with a vow of not speaking to anyone. At that time Shri Gopinathji, Shri Vitthalnathji and many of his disciples came to Hanuman Ghat.

Shree Gopinathji and Shree Vitthalnathji asked for the orders regarding their duties. In reply, Shree Mahaprabhuji wrote three and a half verses on the sands of Ganga. These verses were known as shiksha Shiksha shloki.

Delivering his last message, Shree Vallabh began walking in currents of river Ganga. There after he closed his eyes and meditated upon the Lord in his form of bliss and gradually disappeared in Gangaji.

Immediately after his disappearance, people saw a streak of dazzling light rising upwards towards the sky.

This was Ashadh sud bij 1531 A D Samvat 1587, when our beloved Guru and founder of Pushtimarg left the world to reside forever in Golokdham.

SHRI VALLABH'S LITERARY WORK

1. Shri Mahaprabhuji wrote numerous 'granthas', all Of them are in Sanskrit.
2. His commentary on Shrimad Bhagwat is called 'Subodhini'.
3. When Shree Mahaprabhuji met Shree Thakorji in Gokul, a place in Vraj, He recited 'Madhuraashtakam' for Thakorji.
4. The most popular 'Granthas' are the 'Shodash granthas‘ - a set of 16 short granthas which include the much read 'Yamunashtakam‘, ‘Krishnashrayah'
'Navratnam' etc.
5. He also composed small granthas like 'Nandkumarashtakam', 'Girirajdharyashtakam' etc. which are very popular among the followers of Pushtimarg.
6. Like these, Shree Mahaprabhuji has a lot of 'granthas' of great caliber in his name, like 'Anubhashya', 'Patravalamban', 'Nibandh' etc., and many more
which require serious reading.
7. The last of Shree Va|labh's lessons was the ‘Shiksha shloki' which He Wrote on the sands of the river Ganga for Shree Gusainji and Shree Gopinathji and the generation to come, before entering into the river Ganga.

FEW EVENTS FROM MAHAPRABHUJI'S LIFE

Kanakabhishek is a grand and glorious chapter in the history of Pushti Marg. It is an unparallel and unique event in the religious world. We can hold our heads high for this wonderful occasion. Kanakabhishek has spread the name and fame of Pushtimarg far and wide and beyond the boundaries of our nation.

Shri Krishnadev Ray, the king of Vidhyanagar had arranged a discussion and debate for the nature of Brahma. He cordiously and respectfully invited the scholars of different sects of religions. The discussion about Brahma Swarup was going on logically and systematically for days together.(Followers of all previous Acharyas out forward their theories)

Securing previous permission Shree Vallabh came to Vidhyanagar to take part in the discussion.

Then Shri Vallabh said,'I rely on the Vedas, the Geeta, the Bhrahmsutra and the Bhagwat as authorities concerning the knowledge of Brahma. Our arguments must be based on the above scriptures only. If you don't accept these authorities then I have no mind to take part in this discussion'. When nobody, opposed, Shri Vallabh said, ' I am sure that you have accepted my condition. Now I shall take up the controversial points to be discussed one by one.

I accept non- dualism but no that of Shankracharya because he considers Jagat and Jiv as unreal due to Maya. I firmly believe them as real and as the pure essence of Brahma Shankar believes only in Absolute Brahma. His philosophy is known as Keval Adwait. Mine is Shudhdhadwait. My non-dualism is pure and unmixed with the Maya theory. To me every thing is Bhrahm and Bhrahm is everywhere. My Shudhadhadwait is nothing but Brahmavad in its true form.

I differ from Ramanuja's Vishishth Adwait because he considers Jagat and Jiv as Bhrahm's qualities while I consider them as the part and parcel of Brahma representing his being and consciousness.

Shri Vallabh said that Shri Madhvacharya is a dualist. He considers Bhrahm as a creator but he believes Jagat and Jiv are different from Brahma. Shri Bhaskaracharya and Nimbakacharya are partly dualist and partly non-dualist. But I consider the shudhdh Adwait school as holding the correct view of the nature of Bhrahm in consonance with the scriptures. Vaishnavs expound the nature of Brahma better than Mayavadins whose views have distorted the Shrut is in order to make their theory popular.

Shakti followers said that Shakti like Amba Goddess, is the supreme power. But Shree Valiabh said that I differ Shakti people because Shakti is the strength of Lord Krishna and Lord Krishna is greater and mightier than his Shakti.

I fully endorse Shree Madhvacharya's stand in holding up Devotion as the supreme means for God - realisation.

That is all. Now it is for you to decide.

All were greatly impressed by his power of expression, clarity of thought, lucidity of language and mental calmness.

Then Shree Krushnadev Ray stood up and bowed to Shri Vallabh. Even Mayavadis admired his speech. Then the king declared victory in favour of the Vaishnav School of Shri madhvacharya. Shri Vallabh's timely advent saved the Vaishnav school from defeat.

Then the king passed the order for Kanakabhishek ceremony in honour is Shree Vallabh. The king confirmed on him the title of Acharya. From that day Shree Vallabh is known as Acharya Shree Mahaprabhuji. The king arranged a town procession He brought a palanquin for Shree Vallabh but Shree Vallabh put Vedas and Bhagwat and other scriptures in the palanquin and he preferred to walk on foot. At last the procession arrived for Kanakabhishek. The king weighted Shri Vallabh with gold coins. He Seated Shree Vallabh on the gold throne. Shree Vallabh was bathed with the Sacred water from all places of pilgrimage and with gold flowers. After a how bath a Tilak of saffron was applied on his forehead. Then the king gave new clothes, Janoi, Tulasimala and garlands. The King requested Shree Vallabh to accept all the gold coins, gold pots and vessels used in the ceremony. But Shree vallabh took only seven coins given to the king by Shree Dindas Kshatrity Vaishnav to make Nupur for Shri Nathji, and politely asked to distribute them among the poor Brahamins and the scholars who attended the discussion. He did not take a single coin for himself. Shree Vallabh made the king his Sevak and advised him to be the king in the true sense of the term. He, then lived in Vidhyanagar for about a year.

Now we see that Kanakabhishek ceremony will be engraved with golden letters in the religious history of the world.

    MIRACLE IN MATHURA    

In the course of this first pilgrimage, Shri Vallabh reached mathura. Otherwise a bustling city of pilgrims, Mathura was unnaturally quiet. Shri Vallabh learnt that the governor of Mathura was a Muslim. There was a Mantra written on a paper which had been pasted at Vishram ghat. This mantra affected the Hindus crossing vishram ghat. Their 'Chotis' would get cut off. Instead they started growing beards like Muslims. Consequently Hindus felt restricted from going to Mathura and bathing in Yamunaji.

This news prompted Shri Vallabh to head towards Vishram ghat with his sevaks.They were followed by the citizens of Mathura. It was by the sheer divine might of Shri Vallabh that no one's 'Choti' was cut off, neither did anyone grow a beard. Naturally every one present shouted praises of Shree Vallabh and Shree Yamunaji.

Then Shri Vallabh gave another paper to two of his devotees and sent them to Delhi. This resulted in the Muslims passing by, having their beards disappearing and turning into a long 'Choti' on their heads. The emperor in Delhi Sikander Lodi, was informed about this. He summoned Shree Vallabh's Sevaks. They protested in self justification: ‘we have no cause for animosity with you. We respect all religions. But each one must live one's own religion faithfully. Let us live according to our religion, while you live according to your's. If you remove the paper from Mathura's entrance, then we will reciprocate your actions here'.

A STONE-COW ATE GRASS:

In Vraj, there was a village near Bahulavan. At the edge of Krishnakund, there was a stone-cow. The villagers used to worship that cow everyday. The muslim provincial chief stopped them from doing the pooja. He argued: ‘If the stone cow eats grass. then I will allow the pooja'.

Shri Vallabh arrived on the scene. He had a sheaf or green grass placed by the tail of the stone-cow. He chanted a few Vedic mantras and then sprinkled holy  water on the cow. At once, the cow came to life and turned around to eat the grass. This made the Muslim provincial chief bow in humility to Shri Vallabh. He permitted the cow's pooja.

SHREE VALLABH TOOK MANY FORMS:

Shree vallabh reached Ujjain which was also the city of Sandipani Rishi's Ashram near Kshipra river. It was here that Shree Krishna had acquired his education. When Shree Vallabh reached there, he could not spot a single tree. Accidentally a Peepal leaf came flying and fell at his feet. Shree Vallabh dug into the ground and planted the leaf. In a few minutes, that leaf turned into a large Peepal tree. People were very eager to get darshan of this miracle.

Many Brahmin scholars came to him and had many religious debates. They were all hopelessly defeated. The following day, a large group of 200 Brahmins reached there. Each one started questioning him separately. Shree Vallabh said "If each one of you asks separately, then we can have an organised discussion". But none of them heeded the advice. They persisted together. Shree Vallabh took as many forms as many Brahmins and answered them. Shamefully, all the Brahmins returned. This was a miraculous feat performed by Shree Vallabh.

SADHUS FED on ONE POUND KHEER

Shree vallabh was on Vrajyatra. On one of the days he prepared a pound of Kheer from milk and Offered to his Thakorji. Just then, an ascetic called CHATURA arrived there with 100 disciples. They were also on Vrajyatra. It was lunch time and Shree Vallabh offered them prasad. He gave each one a leaf cup (Padiya) and served Kheer in it.

As he kept serving kheer from the vessel, it kept refilling. All the sadhus ate to their hearts content. Yet the kheer vessel did not get emptied.

Shree Vallabh said "This is the miraculous effect of God's Mahaprasad. If we offer Mahaprasad with a true loving heart, then we never run short of it. Everyone can eat contentedly". Shree Vallabh said "To feed the hungry is Dharma. Always take care that no one leaves our house hungry".

As we say in our Hindu dharma "ATHITHI DEVO BHAVA" which means every guest should be considered as God.

SHREE VALLABH'S LOVE FOR CHILDREN

A teacher named Krishnadas Kayasth lived in a village. He taught children with brutal force. He did not have an ounce of mercy for the children. One day, a child fainted due to his beating. Krishnadas was scared. Shree Vallabh happened to be passing by from there and he felt compassionate for the child.

He recited a Vedic mantra and sprinkled purified water on the child. It revived the child. Shree Vallabh said to Krishnadas "Brother, children are a part of God, They are as tender as flowers. They should not be beaten or tortured. Do not ill treat them but love them". As soon as Krishnadas heard this, he understood his mistake and became Shree Vallabh's devotee.

Next Shree Vallabh arrived at Tagdi which is near Dhandhuka in Gujarat. He rested by the lakeside. In the morning, a Brahmin who lived closeby came out of his house and spoke to Shree Vallabh. He said "Maharaj, see Ram-Krishna are eating butter". Shree Vallabh peeded into the hut. He saw the Brahmin's two sons enjoying eating the butter in their mother's absence. The brahmin said "When their mother would return after filling the water, she would beat them to pulp". To this Shree Vallabh replied "You do not worry, God graces everyone with good sense". The Brahmin's wife returned after filling the water.

Looking at the children, the similar feelings were invoked in her that Ram-Krishna were eating the butter. Shree Mahaprabhuji explained the situation to them: 'God dwells in children, so you must shower love on them. Do not beat them or torture them. Cook and feed children delicious food'.

Shree Vallabh reached Sindh, where there was a town called Nagarthattha. A Lohana family lived there. A boy in this family was affected with an incurable disease. His body had been infested with sores all over. There was virtually no hope for his survival.

This tragic condition melted Shree Vallabh's heart. He gently touched the boy Nariya's forhead. With his touch, Nariya's body suddenly recovered from the disease. Shree Vallabh started calling him Narayandas. He took him in his fold and made him a Sevak.

'SHRI GIRIRAJJI'

Children, here we go to the period when even time factor was not existing, not even our Universe or World - Only supreme Lord Shree Krishna in his original Anand Swaroop was there, the maker of this Universe and us. Nothing is impossible for 'HIM'. So, he decided to create a companion for himself and created 'Radhaji' from his own being, from his heart. Radhaji told him that there was nothing there. So for his and her happiness, he created Golokdham the original abode of Shri Krishna.

Radhaji started counting the peaks of that mountain, were 100 peaks so she named it 'Satshrung' (Sat - 100 Shrung - Peaks) Radhaji said that this mountain (parvat) will be the king of mountains and it will be called "GIRIRAJ" (Giri - Mountain, Raj - King). This Giriraj parvat will fill our hearts with love and happiness thus it is also called 'GOVARDHAN PARVAT'.

Shri Thakorji started his sport or Leela from here. So it is also called 'Nityaleeladham'. Thakorji then created 'Shri Yamunaji' from his heart the sweet nectar of his heart's joy, started flowing in the form of water. Then he created 'A huge Mountain' - from himself. The mountain was studded with various precious gems, had different types of trees, creepers, flowers, fruits and various types of animals and birds. This was many thousands of years ago. God created several companions and they all were enjoying a state of Eternal bliss. All the creations of the Lord were in his and Shree Radhaji's seva. Then God created the universe and planets. Earth is where we all are born. After many years when Lord saw that humans created by him were separated from him and suffering, he decided to manifest or take 'Avatar' as we commonly say on earth for their liberation. Before his arrival, all his creations came down to earth in their physical forms. Girirajji, Yamunaji and all his companions Gops & Gopis came down to serve him.

HOW GIRIRAJJI CAME TO VRAJ BHOOMI:

Girirajji was born as Govardhan to Dhron (mountain) and Dhara.

Once when Pulasthya Rishi was on a pilgrimage from Kashi, he reached Shamali Island presently called Africa and requested Dhron mountain to give him his son Govardhan, so that he could bring Girirajji to Kashi. As Girirajji was a mountain with beautiful caves, trees, creepers, flowers and fruits, Pulasthya Rishi wanted to bring Girirajji to Kashi, so that the Rishis could mediate in the beautiful caves. The parents were not happy to part with Govardhan. But fearing Rishis curse and Govardhan himself wanted to come as he was aware that Shree Krishna is going to incarnate in Vraj Bhoomi and wanted to come for his seva, Govardhan told Pulasthya Rishi that he would come on two conditions.
1. He should be carried in his palm.
2. Once he is placed at a particular place, he will not move from there.

Pulasthya Rishi agreed to these conditions and they proceeded. As they reached Vraj Bhoomi, Girirajji increased his weight. Pulasthya Rishi was tired. So he placed Girirajji on the ground (in Vraj Bhoomi) to take some rest. As per the condition Govardhan became stationary here and Pulasthya Rishi could not carry him forward to Kashi. This is how Girirajji (Govardhan) landed in Vraj Bhoomi in all his glory.

Pulasthya Rishi got angry and cursed him that girirajji will reduce everyday little by little and disappear over a period of time.

Girirajji has 5 swaroops, we get his darshan in these swaroops in Vraj Bhoomi.
1. Cow swaroop
2. Gwal swaroop
3. Simha swaroop
4. Snake swaroop (Sarp)
5. Mountain swaroop

Even today, Girirajji stands in all its glory at Jatipura next to the village Anyore - 21 Kms from Mathura.

THE GLORIES OF GIRIRAJJI

1. Shrinathji originated from the central core of Girirajji.
2. When Shri Krishna (Shrinathji) incarnated in Vraj Bhoomi, he explained the glories of Shrinathji to Vraj vasis and made sure that the Anakoot was offered to Girirajji instead of Indra.
3. As a result of this, Indra punished the Vraj vasis with a heavy down pour of rain for 7 days. Lord Shri Krishna had lifted the entire Govardhan hill for 7 days on his little finger and protected the Vraj vasis - 'Govardhan Lila' - and this gives the name Girirajdharan to Thakorji.
4. Girirajji is also considered as the Lord himself and his seva is also done everyday by offering milk abhishek and pooja is done even today in Jatipura.
5. The first temple of Shrinathji is situated on top of the Govardhan mountain.
6. When remembered whole heartedly, he fulfils all our wishes.
7. Parikrama of Shri Girirajji bears a lot of significance. It destroys evil and fulfils all our wishes. First parikrama was done by Thakorji himself with Vraj vasis.

DESCRIPTION of GIRIRAJJI AS HE STANDS IN VRAJ BHOOMI

1. He was 7 years old and dark.
2. He was of good physique.
3. He had pointed Lotus like eyes.
4. He had a sharp nose.
5. He had fine dark thick hair.
6. He wears a red dhoti & uparna.
7. He wears a red turban (pagh).
8. He holds a red colour stick in his hand. He was very fond of Red colour as it signifies love.

Girirajji originally was very huge. Though being in Jatipura, his shadow used to fall on Shree Yamunaji in Gokul. But now, if we do his darshan, He is reduced to very little height due to the curse of Pulasthya Rishi.

      SHREE GIRIRAJJI PARIKRAMA      

Shree Krishna was the first to do the poojan and Parikrama of Shree Girirajji. Shree Mahaprabhuji and Shree Gusainji had done the same by offering milk to Girirajji as the part of the poojan. The vaishnavas also follow the same procedure to this day and do the parikrama of Shree Girirajji. This parikrama can be done in three ways.
1. On foot - The vaishnavas do the parikrama barefoot, singing kirtans and reciting the Ashtakshar Mantra.
2. Doodh Dhara - Vaishnavs walk barefoot but they carry a small pot filled with milk. A very small hole is made at the base of this pot so that a stream of milk is continuously falling while the parikrama is being done.
3. Dandvatti - This is done on foot by doing sashtang Dandvat (prostrate) along the whole path of the parikrama.

Three Different Routes:
1. Saat Kosi Parikrama - in this the distance is 21 Kms
2. Panch Kosi Parikrama - in this the distance is 15 Kms
3. Nav Kosi Parikrama - in this the distance is 27 Kms