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Revision as of 14:16, 21 April 2016
Vitthalnath was the younger son of Vallabhacharya. He was also known by the name Gusaiji. He was born in 1515 at Charanata near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Vitthalnath led the sect Pushtimarg, the sect founded by his father after the latter's death.
Introduction
Shri Vitthalnathji is the second son of shri Vallabhacharya. He wad born at Charanata near Allahabad on magshar Vadi Nom, 1572, Samvat. Vallabhacharya in his later life adopted Adel as his permanent residence, and therefore he passed his childhood there & was given Upnayan Sanskar at the age of 8 at Varanasi. It is an undisputed fact that like his father, he had a very great hold on and absorbing attachment to Srimad Bhagavata. Vitthalnath became the representative of his father, and thereafter he palnned various tours in India, and thought of writing works for the propagation of the Sampradaya. He toured the whole of India to spread the message of "Pushti Marg" and also wrote many literary works. He introduced present times 'SEVA' as a means of experiancing love for God.[1]
family life
Vitthalnathji was married twice and his wives were Shri Rukmini Vahuji and Shri Padmavati Vahuji and he had seven sons and four daughters. During his own lifetime, he decided to make Gokul his head-quarters and to make the matters of inheritance as smooth as possible, he gave each of his sons one of the sacred icons and established a separate haveli for each one of them in Gokul. Shri Nathji remained at Jatipura during Shri Vitthalnathji's lifetime. Because of these there are seven seats or piths in 'Pushti Marg'. The generations following shree Mahaprabhuji and Shri Vitthalnathji continued to spered Pushti Philosophy throughout India and thus the path of Grace has become a strong force today, leading people to a life completely devoted to Shree Thakuji.
Protector of Dharma
Vitthalnath lived during the Mughal occupation in north India. Hindu temples were being destroyed and Vedic dharma was under attack. During this dark period, Shri Gusainji was able to promote the Path of Grace and infuse it with new life. Only a man of his divine stature could create a devotional renaissance amidst times of turmoil. Shri Gusainji filled the Path of Grace with profound lila bhava. He was not only a protector of Dharma but also a poet, musician, artist, as well as an amazing bhakti teacher.