Vallabha

Vallabha, commonly known as Vallabhacharya, was a 15th–16th century Indian philosopher-saint and the founder of the Pushtimarga, a major Vaishnava tradition within Hinduism. He is associated with the school of Shuddhadvaita, or “Pure Non-Dualism,” which posits Krishna as the supreme reality and teaches that the individual soul remains eternally related to him; the world is real, and liberation comes through intimate devotion to Krishna by means of divine grace.

Vallabha taught that spiritual ascent is achieved not through harsh asceticism but through bhakti guided by the grace of Krishna. The central concept of his path is pushti, the nourishing grace of Krishna that awakens loving devotion (bhakti) in the soul. This devotion is cultivated through personal relationship with Krishna, ritual worship, and practices designed to receive and respond to divine grace.

The Pushtimarga tradition centers on devotion to Krishna in personal, devotional forms, particularly in the Braj region, and emphasizes seva (service), kirtan and bhajan, and temple worship as means to sustain a loving mood (bhava) toward the divine. A key devotional focus is Krishna as Shrinathji, a form revered within the tradition, with temples and rituals that support a living, intimate connection between devotee and deity.

Legacy of Vallabha includes a widespread monastic and lay movement with a network of temples, communities, and devotional arts that have influenced Vaishnavism in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. His teachings continue to shape a distinct devotional culture within Hinduism, centered on grace, devotion, and a personal relationship with Krishna.