Sri Vallabha Acharya is one of the pioneers of the Bhakthi movement and is a renowned scholar. He is the founder of Pushti sect, one of the sects of Sri Krishna Bhakthi movement. In this Sect, Sri Krishna is worshipped as Sri Srinathji. This Bhakthi system is believed to be prevalent in Brij region.
Sri Vallabha Acharya was also called as Sripad Vallabha Acharya and Maha Prabhu Vallabhacharya.
He is believed to be born at Varanasi in the Year 1479 A.D in a Telugu Brahmin family. He lived upto 1531 A.D.
As per Purnimantha Calendar, He was born on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Vaisakha month. As per Amantha Calendar, He was born on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Chaitra month. His birthday coincides with Varuthini Ekadashi.
In the Year 2023, Sri Vallabha Acharya Jayanthi occurs on Sunday, 16th April 2023. It is believed to be His 544th birthday.
At His young age itself, Sri Vallabha had mastered Vedas and Upanishads; However, He was strongly of the view that meditating upon and venerating Bhagwan Sri Krishna would bestow salvation.
As per the legend, Sri Vallabha Acharya also is said to have had the darshan of Bhagwan Sri Krishna on a Varuthini Ekadashi day. As believed, He was on pilgrimage to the North-West side of Bharath and when He was nearing Govardhan mountain, He saw a cow pouring milk from its udder on its own at a particular spot. Intrigued, He went to the place and dug up the mud. There He a saw an idol of Bhagwan Sri Krishna as a Bala (child).
He was overwhelmed with the discovery. He started chanting Sri Krishna names. Pleased with His devotion, Bhagwan Sri Krishna had appeared before Him and hugged Him.
Sri Vallabha Acharya had composed various hymns praising Bhagwan Sri Krishna and playfulness when He was with Yashoda and Gopikas.
