| Part of a series on |
| Vaishnavism |
|---|
 |
The Puṣṭimārga, also known as Pushtimarg (Path of Nourishing or Flourishing) or Vallabha Sampradāya, is a sect within the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. It was established in the early 16th century by Vallabha (1479–1531) and further developed by his descendants, particularly Viṭṭhalanātha. Followers of the Puṣṭimārga worship Kr̥ṣṇa and engage in devotional practices centered around the youthful Kr̥ṣṇa as depicted in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, and the pastimes at Govardhan Hill.[1][2][3]
The Puṣṭimārga sect follows the Śuddhadvaita philosophy of Vallabha. According to this philosophy, Kr̥ṣṇa is considered the supreme deity and the source of everything. The human soul is believed to be imbued with Kr̥ṣṇa's divine light, and spiritual liberation is thought to result from Kr̥ṣṇa's grace.[4] The sect worships Kr̥ṣṇa through sevā, a practice in which his idols are served and entertained with food, drink, music, and art, recreating his daily routine as a youth in Braj.
The followers of this tradition are known as Pushtimargis[5] or Pushtimargiya Vaishnavas.[6] This sect is prominent in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, as well as in their regional diasporas around the world.[1][7] The Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara is the main shrine of Pushtimarg, with its origins dating back to 1669.[7][8]
- ^ a b "Vallabhacharya | Vishnu devotee, Pushtimarg, Dvaita | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ Richardson 2014, p. 12-21.
- ^ Bryant 2007, p. 477-478.
- ^ Lochtefeld 2002, p. 539-540.
- ^ Kim 2016, p. 3.
- ^ Harirāya 1972, p. 297.
- ^ a b Jindel 1976, p. 21-22,34,37.
- ^ Doniger 1999, p. 781.