![]() | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (May 2023) |
Part of a series on |
Vaishnavism |
---|
![]() |
The Puṣṭimārga, also known as Pushtimarg (Path of Nourishing, 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 Vitthalanatha. Followers of Pushtimarg worship Krishna and engage in devotional practices centered around the youthful Krishna as depicted in the Bhagavata Purana, and the pastimes of Govardhana Hill.[1][2][3]
The Pushtimarg sect follows the Shuddhadvaita philosophy of Vallabha. According to this philosophy, Krishna is considered the supreme deity and the source of everything. The human soul is believed to be imbued with Krishna's divine light, and spiritual liberation is thought to result from Krishna's grace.[4] The sect worships Krishna 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 its regional diaspora around the world.[1][7] The followers in Gujarat usually belong to the Bhatia, Lohana, Bania, Marwari, and Kanabi Paṭela castes.[8] The Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara is the main shrine of Pushtimarg, with its origins dating back to 1669.[7][9]