Vallabhacharya

Vallabhacharya Biography

Vallabhacharya was a religious philosopher who founded the Pushti sect in India. He followed the philosophy of Shuddha advaita (Pure Non-dualism). He composed many philosophical and devotional books. A few of those works include - Anubhashya or Brahmsutranubhashya -  4 cantons of commentaries on the Brahm Sutra of Ved Vyas, Tattvaarth Dip Nibandh including 3 chapters based on the fundamental principles of spirituality - Shaastrarth Prakaran, Bhagavatarth Prakaran and Sarvanirnay Prakaran, Subodhini - Commentary on Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapuran and Shodash Granth - Sixteen compositions to teach devotional life. He wrote elaborate commentaries on Sanskrit scriptures, the Brahma-Sutras and Shreemad Bhagwatam.

His ancestors belong to Andhra Pradesh. He was born in Champaranya in the year 1479. Vallabhacharya was born to Lakshmana Bhatta and Illamma on the 11th day of the dark half of lunar month of chaitra. At the time when he was born most of northern and central India was being influenced by Muslim invaders. That’s the main reason why many Hindus migrated from their native places fearing of conversion of religion. Lakshmana Bhatta moved to Varanasi with his 7 month pregnant wife. According to popular accounts, Vallabhacharya was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and he had a premature birth of two months in advance.

He started his education at the age of 7, with Vedas. He mastered the six systems of Indian philosophy as well as philosophical systems of Adi Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbarka and principles of Buddhism and Jainism. He became famous among masses for his intelligence and known as Bala Saraswati. At the age of 11, he went to Vrindavan. He was honoured with the Kanakabhishekam ceremony by Krishnadevaraya following his win in a debate. He was only 12 year old then. Vallabhacharya performed three pilgrimages of India, barefooted. His deity-guru was Vitthalanatha of Pandharpur and per his order, he married Mahalaxmi and had two sons.

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Updated: March 12, 2014