71 Generation of Lord Dwarkadheesh

Krishna had to have father and forefathers, sons and grand sons, relatives, etc. Devotees have made an attempt to draw a family tree of the Lord Krishna.

1. Brahma
2. Daksha
3. Vivasvat
4. Manu
5. Chandra
6. Pururava
7. Aayu
8. Nahush
9. Yayati
10. Yadu
11. Kroshtu
12. Vrujjinvanta
13. Swahi
14. Swati
15. Rasadu
16. Chitrarath
17. Shashabindu
18. Pruthusravas
19. Antar
20. Suyajna
21. Ushanas
22. Shineyu
23. Maruta
24. Kambalbarhis
25. Rukmakavach
26. Paravrushta
27. Jayamadh
28. Vidarbh
29. Kray
30. Kunti
31. Dhashti
32. Nivrutti
33. Dashai
34. Vyom
35. Jimut
36. Vikruti
37. Bhimrath
38. Rathvar
39. Navrath
40. Dashrath
41. Ekadashrath
42. Shakuni
43. Kurambhi
44. Devrat
45. Devkshetra
46. Devan
47. Madhu
48. Puruvash
49. Puruhotra
50. Anshu
51. Satvat
52. Bhim
53. Bhajman
54. Chitrarath
55. Vidurath
56. Shoor
57. Sharman
58. Pratikshatra
59. Swayambhoj
60. Hridik
61. Devbhithush
62. Shoor
63. Vasudev
64. KRISHNA
65. Pradyumna
66. Aniruddha
67. Vajranabha
68. Pratibahu
69. Subahu
70. Shantasen
71. Shatasen

Vaishnav Parivar in News

This article was published in Gujarati Daily Newspaper "Divya Bhasker" . This article was about our Yahoo Group. You can directly reach to that group by www.vaishnavparivar.info

Jay Shree Krishna


Jaydip

Chandan Dharavani Rit

Vaishnavo na Ghare Akhatrij ne divase Shri Thakurji ne Chandan Dharavva ni rit Shri Goswami Haveli, Kalupur, Ahmedabad Pramane Shri Tilak bava e Lakhavel Chhe. Je Sarve Vaishnavo ni Samaj maate aapel Chhe.

Regards

Jaydip Parikh

Pushtimargiya Updesh

Jai Shri Krishna,

This Updesh is part of colletion about Vaishnavism / Pushtimarg

1. These guidelines are from "Pushtimargiya Updesh" in hindi:
   Shri Mahaprabhuji evam unke vanskajo mein sakshat Bhagwan ki hi buddhi rakhni chahiye.
   
2. Jagat shuddha Brahm-swaroop hota hua bhi maya se shuddha-braham-swaroop nahi dikhta.
   
3. Bhagwan ka samanya anugrah ho to laukik phal milta hai Aur vishesh anugrah ho jaay to laukik-alaukik sabhi phal milte hai, aur bhagwan suke vash me ho jaate hai.
   
4. Bhagwadiya ke ashraya se tatha nirantar bhagvan-naam lene se heena-ti-heen bhi suddha ho jate hai.
   
5. Bhagwan se hi anand milta hai parantu manav stree putra-adi mein anand samajta hai. Uska yah karya usi prakarka hai jaise pyaas shaanti karne ki icchha vaala ganga-jal ko chhod kar mrgtrushna ki aur daudta hai.
   
6. Jo paapi hai uska bhagwan me evam bhagvat-katha me vishvas nahi hota.
   
7. Bhagvan ki prasaadi vastu lene se evan sharanaagati se maya ka moha door hota hai.
   
8. Jo apne vachano dwara prabhu me bhaav badhaye unhi ka sang karna chahiye.
   
9. Prabhu ke riday me na rahne par jeev ki durbuddhi hoti hai.
   
10. Bhakti-roop amrut peene vaale ka kaal-roop sarp kuch nahi bigaad sakta hai.
    
11. Dukh aave to yahi vichar kare ki muj se koi dosh ban gaya hai uska yah phal hai prabhu ka isme koi dosh nahi hai.
    
12. Prabhu ke sammukh aprasann hokar kabhi nahi jaana chahiye kyoki anand roop prabhu aprasann ko dekhkar udasin ho jaate hai.
    
13. Laukik vaidik karya lok sangrah-arth kare parantu unme aasakti na rakhe. Aasakti to keval Bhagvan ke charn-kamalo me hi rakhe.
    
14. Pushtimargiya acharya-kul dvara atma-nivedan karne vale se hi pushti seva karave.
    
15. Prabhu-ke sharan ki bhavna sada kare. Sharan bhavna se sharavan kirtan aadi ka phal milta hai aur nirbhay ho jaata hai.
    
16. Bhagvat-seva ko apna dharm samaj kar deenta se kare prashansa ka vichar na rakhe.
    
17. Shri Thakur-ji ke swaroop me sakshaat Shri Krushna ki hi Bhavna kare.
    
18. Jahan tak ho sake Bhagvat-seva svayam kare. yadi seva me vilambh hota ho to prabhu ko shram na ho iske liye anya ki bhi sahayta le.
    
19. Bhagvan ke praktya evam prasannta ke karan deenta evam SruDrdha-sneha hi hai.
    
20. Deh evam man aadi bhagvat-seva, katha naamsmaran me lage rahe to daivi jeev samajna chaiye.
    
21. Ekagrachit hokar Bhagvatseva kare.
    
22. Ashtakshar ka aharnish jap karta rahe.
    
23. Jiska chitt Bhagvat-seva me na lagkar laukik-avesh yukt hi rahe uska sang kabhi bhi nahi karna chahiye.
    
24. Unke dukho ko aane-par bhi vikal nahi hona chahiye kintu vaisi stithi me bhagvan ka hi dhrdha ashray rakhna chiye.
    
25. Prabhu sambandhi karya ho to prasann rahe aur bhagvat-seva smaran na bane to dukhanu-bhav kare.
    
26. Mahatmya-Gnan dvara apne me bhakti badhne ke liye bhagvan bhakta ko kadachit dukh bhi dete hai.

Meaning Shree Yamunashtakam

Shree Yamunashtakam

In V.S. 1549 (year 1493) at the age of 14 years, Shri Mahaprabhuji arrived in Gokul during his first global tour; he resided at Thakurani Ghat / Govind ghat on the bank of Yamuna river. At this time he formed Shri Yamunastakam which describes Shri Yamunaji’s divine description. In Yamunastakam’s first eight shloks, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes Shri Yamunaji’s eight fold powers, its divine & wonderful idol and her divine qualities. Shri Yamunaji is the daughter of divine Sun. Her purpose for coming to earth from heaven through Kalind mountain is to bless her devotees. Her physical state as a river is also very attractive and charming. She is so kind that even she blessed evil spirited people. Shri Yamunaji blessed her devotees with eight fold powers. If some evil person, drinks water from Yamuna river to quench thirst, she blessed that person as well. So, if we pray her, with knowledge and understanding, we should not be surprised if we also gets blessed. One of the examples from Shri Mahaprabhuju’s 84 Vaishnavas, is of Kishoribai. Kishoribai was chanting only two lines from Yamunastakam with full faith. Shri Yamunaji blessed Kishoribai with all divine fruits.

********** Shlok 1 **********

Sanskrit Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda, Murari Padpankaj-Sfuradmand, Renoot-katam, Tatasth Nav Kanan, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa, Suraa Sur suPoojitaha, Smara Pituh Shri yam-bibhrateem

Gujarati

Shri krishna na charanarvind ni raj thaki shobhi rahya, siddhi alaukik aapnara vundu shri yamunajine, Supushpa ni suvas thi jungle badhu meheki rahyu ne mand shital pavan thi jal pan sugandhit thai rahyu, Puje surasur sneh thi vali sevata daivi jivo, Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

I (shri mahaprabhuji) bow (Namami) to Shri Yamunaji with my full love and devotion. She is capable of giving fulfillment of all the desires(Sakal Siddhi) of the devotee in enjoying God’s love. Shri Yamunaji is capable of giving all kind of achievements. This first shlok describes the physical state of the river. Its both banks are full of glittering sand which is believed to be as soft as lotus feet of Shri Murari Prabhu (Shri Krishna.) Also, there are various kind of EVERGREEN gardens of the both banks of the river. The river water is full of scent due to flowers of the garden. Shri Yamunaji is also worshipped by two kinds(Suraa -Sur)of vraj devotees.

********** Shlok 2 **********

Sanskrit Kalind Girimastake, Pata-d-mand Poorojjwalaa, Vilas Gamanollasat, Prakatgand Shailonnata, Sagosh-gantidantura, Samadhiroodh Dolottama, Mukund Rati Vardhinee, Jayati Padma Bandho Suta

Gujarati

Maa suryamandal chodine bahu veg thi aavi rahya, Tya kalindi na shikhar upar shobha ati sundar dise, Ae veg ma patthar ghana harkhaine uchali rahya ne aap pan ullas purvak uchalata shobhi rahya, Hari het na jula upar jane birajya aap ho, Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

In this shlok, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes that how Shri Yamunaji can bless her devotees to increase their love towards Shri Mukund Prabhu. Also, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the physical existence of Yamunaji as river. It flows enthusiastically (With speed and splendour Poorojjwalaa) from the top of Kalind mountain. The water appears to be as milk because of the force and twirls. It seems like Shri Yamunaji is very eager to go in Vraj and meet Shri Krishna. It also gives impression as Shri Yamunaji is swinging of (Dolottama) jhula. Shri Yamunaji is a daughter of Sun, who is the friend of lotus(Padma).

********** Shlok 3 **********

Sanskrit Bhuvam Bhuvan Pawaneem, Adhigatamane Kashwanaihi, Priyabhiriv Sevatam, Shuka Mayur Hansadibhihi, Tarang Bhuj Kankana, Prakat muktikavaluka, Nitambtat Sundareem, Namat Krishna Turya Priyam.

Gujarati

Shuk mor saras hans aadi pakshi thi sevayela, gopijano ae sevya bhuvan svajan pavan rakhta Tarang rup shri hast ma reti rupi moti tana, kankan saras shobhi rahya shri krishna ne bahu priya je Nitamb rup shri tat tanu adbhut darshan thay jo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

Whenever Shri Yamunaji comes to earth from heaven, she blessed the Earth (Bhuvam Bhuvana Pawaneem). All birds like Parrot, Peacock, Hansas (Swans) serves Shri Yamunaji. Shri Mahaprabhuji visualize glittering (sterling) sand as her bangle’s pearls (muktikavaluka) and waves of water as beautiful divine hands (Tarang Bhuj Kankana) of Shri Yamunaji. From the birds eye view, Shri Yamunaji appears as beautiful with both the banks with glamourous sand and river full of water. She is favorite fourth queen of Shri Krishna. And Shri Mahaprabhuji asks us to bow to her (Namat Krishna Turya Priyam).

********** Shlok 4 **********

Sanskrit Anant Gunbhusite, Shiva Viranchi Devastute, Ghanaghan Nibhe Sada, Dhruva Parasharaa Bhistade, Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gop-gopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah.

Gujarati

Anant gun thi shobhata stuti dev brahma shiv kare, ghanashyam jevu megh sam che swarup sundar aapnu Vishuddh mathura aapna sannidhya ma shobhi rahyu, sahu gop gopi vrund ne icchit fal aapi rahya Mam kod sau pura karo jyam dhruv parashar na karya Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

In this shlok, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the prayer to Shri Yamuna Maharani. O! Shri Yamunaji, you are having infinite divine qualities - countless virtues. Even, Gods like Shiv, Brahama praises you. You are capable of granting wishes to devotees like Dhruv and Parasher. There are holy pilgrim places like "Mathura" on your banks. You are always surrounded with gopi’s and gopijans and you are always protected by blessings of Shri Krishna. O! Shri Yamunaji, I wish that you give me such a blessing that it gives peace and happiness to my mind. Chanting this shlok with pure and honest heart gives tremendous mental peace and eternal happiness. (Kishori bai was chanting only two lines Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gopgopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah. with full faith. Shri Yamunaji blessed Kishoribai with all divine fruits.)

********** Shlok 5 **********

Sanskrit Yaya Charan Padmajaa, Muraripoho Priyam Bhavuka, Samaagamanto Bhavet, Sakal Siddhida Sevatam, Taya Sadrushtamiyat, Kamalja Spatnee Vayat, Hari Priya Kalindaya, Mansi Me sada Stheeyatam.

Gujarati

Shri krishna na charano thaki shri jahnavi utpanna thaya, satsang pamya aapno ne siddhidayak thai gaya Evu mahatmya che aapnu sarakhamani koi shu kare, samakaksha ma aavi shake sagarsuta ek j khare Eva prabhu ne priya mara hradaya ma aavi vaso Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

Shri Gangaji evolved from the lotus feet of Shri Bhagavan. Shri Gangaji became holy and pious due to merging with Shri Yamunaji at Triveni Sangam. Shri Yamunaji made Shri Gangaji capable of giving all achievements Sakal Siddhi to the serving devotees. Only Shri Laxmiji is equal and comparable to Shri Yamunaji-but on a lesser degree. I wish that this type of Shri Yamunaji, who can take all worries of her devotees and who is also favorite (Hari Priya) to Shri Krishna, come and stayput in my heart and soul forever.

********** Shlok 6 **********

Sanskrit Namostu Yamune Sada, Tav Charitra Matyadbhutam, Na Jaatu Yam Yatna, Bhavati Te Payaha Panat-ha, Yamopi Bhaginee Sutan, Kathamuhanti Dushtanpi, Priyobhavati Sevanaat, Tav Hareryatha Gopikaha.

Gujarati

Adbhut charitrya che aapnu vandan karu hu prem thi, yamayatana aave nahi ma aapana payapan thi Kadi dushta hoiye toy pan santan chiye ame aapna, sparshe na amne koi bhaya chaya sada che aapni Gopi janone prabhu priya banya evi krupa bas rakhajo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji, I bow to you with my full body and heart. Your divine character is very wonderful. Just by drinking your water in Vraj, we do not have to worry about painful death. Your devotees can become favorite to Shri Krishna just like gopijanas who became favorite by doing "Katyani Vrat". In winter (GOPMAS) Vrat means fasting.

********** Shlok 7 **********

Sanskrit Mamastu Tav Sannidhau, Tanu Navatva Metavata, Na Durlabhatama Rati, Muraripau Mukundpriye, Atostu Tav Lalna, Surdhunee Param Sangamaat, Tavaiv Bhuvi Keertita, Na Tu Kadapi Pushti Sthitaihi.

Gujarati

Shri krishna ne priya aap cho mamadeh sundar rakhajo, bhagavad lila ma thay priti sneh evo rakhjo Jyam aapna sansarg thi gangaji pushti ma vahya, mamadeha man shri krishna ne priya thay eva rakhajo Viraharti ma he mat mara hradaya ma birajajo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji, who is favorite of Shri Mukund Prabhu, I pray to you to give me divine bodyTanu Navatv which can be used in divine Leela of LORD and also to serve you. Only you are capable of doing so. With such a divine body, I can serve Shri Mukund Prabhu very well. Pushti Margiya vaishnavas -Divine souls (Jeevs) had never praised Shri Gangaji without your merging with Shri Gangaji.

********** Shlok 8 **********

Sanskrit Stutim Tava Karotikaha, Kamal Ja Sapatni Priye, Harer Yadanu Sevaya, Bhavati Saukhya Mamoxataha, Iyam Tav Kathadhika, Sakal Gopika Sangam Smar, Shram jaLunibhi, Sakalgatra Jaihi Sangamaha.

Gujarati

Hu aapani stuti shu karu mahatmya aparampar che, shri laxmi vishnu sevavathi mox no adhikar che Pan aani seva thaki adbhut jalkrida tana, jal na anu ni prapti thaye gopijano na sneha thi Ae sneh nu sukh divya che man maru ema sthapajo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji, you are like Shri Laxmiji, who has good fortune. But no one is capable of praising you, because any one serving God first and then Shri Laxmiji gets all happiness after death also Mamoxataha. But the importance of Shri Yamunaji is the best. Here Shri Maha Prabhuji explains the exaltation of soul just by bathing in the waters of shri yamunaji which becomes pious daily by the "Ras-Lila of Lord with the vraj-bhakts". By serving Shri Yamunaji we get blessing from her, which is helpful in exalting our soul and making pious. As we wash our body from outside to make it look pretty, we need to have blessings in form of Shri Yamunaji’s river water to wash our soul and body from within. Due to her blessings our mind and thoughts becomes favorable to serve Shri Krishna.

********** Shlok 9 **********

Sanskrit Tavashtak Midam Muda, Pathati Soorsootesada, Samasta Duritak Shayo, Bhavati Vai Mukunde Ratihi, Taya Sakal Siddhayo, Murari Puscha Santushyati, Swabhav Vijayo Bhavet, Vadati Vallabh Shree Harehe.

Gujarati

Koi sneha thi karashe sada aa path yamunashtaka tano, nishche prabhu ne priya thashe ne nash thashe pap no Siddhi sakala malashe ane shri krishna ma vadhashe priti, anand sagar umatashe ne svabhava pan jashe jiti Jagadish ne vahala amara vallabhadhish ucchare Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji! Whoever always sings these hymns of Shri Yamunastak with happiness-joy and pleasure, will get following fruits.

(1) Absolving one of all the worldly sins.

(2) The love for the lord increases manifold.

(3) All yours endeavours, worldly and spiritual, are completed succesfully.

(4) You become a worthy recepient of God's grace-love.

(5) You emerge victorious over your nature. Sakal Siddhi ("ashta -eight" siddhis)

(1) Body to worship God.

(2) To watch God's action.

(3) To feel God's action.

(4) To get sarvatm Bhav siddhi.

(5) To remain and have God's blessing even during difficult
days.

(6) To get divine sight (Darshan of lord).

(7) To feel the pleasure of God's blessings (Krupa).

(8) To feel God's presence in all situations.

What is Pustimarg ?

Pushtimarg(The Path Of Grace)is one of the many sects in the Hindu religion. Pushtimarg was founded by Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. Shri Vallabhacharya is one of the five main Acharyas of the Hindu Religion . The other four being Shankaracharya, Shri Ramanujacharya, Shri Madhavacharya and Shri Nimbarkacharya. These acharyas have a very significant contribution towards the revival of the Bhakti movement and upbringing of the Hindu Religion.
Shri Vallabhacharya was born into a very noble and learned Brahmin family in South India in what is today called Andhra Pradesh. His ancestors had a very staunch religious background and included learned Brahmins like Shri Yagnanarayan Bhatt and Shri Ganapati Bhatt. They wrote several books on religion and devotion. Shri Vallabhacharya was the second son of Lakshman Bhatt and Yallammagaru. Their ancestors had performed several Soma-yagnas and Shri Lakshman Bhatt completed 100 Somyagnas. Shri Yagnanarayan was blessed by Lord Vishnu, that on completion of 100 Soma-yagnas, God himself would incarnate in his family.
Thus when 100 Soma-yagnas were complete, Lakshman Bhatt went to Kashi to accomplish his vow of feeding 1.25 lakhs Brahmins. He could not complete this task as there were political disturbances in Kashi. He took his pregnant wife Yallammagaru and on his way southwards he halted at a place called Champaranya. Where his wife gave birth to a still baby which they kept under a tree and proceeded ahead. On the same night Lakshman Bhatt heard a celestial voice ordering him to go back to the baby and pick it up as it was misunderstood to be a still born. That baby was no ordinary one, but by the grace of God, Shri Vallabh had taken birth through Yallammagaru's womb. On reaching the spot where they had kept the baby, they found the baby encircled by a divine fire as a protecting spirit.
Shri Vallabh was a brilliant and extra-ordinary child. He finished studying all the Vedas and all the prominent scriptures at a very early age. At the age of 11 he started his all India pilgrimage. During this tour he came to Vijaynagar where he came to know about a sensational debate that was being conducted in the court of King Krishnadevraya. The debate was between the different Acharyas over the question whether God is dualistic or non-dualistic. Shri Vallabh entered the court and with his unopposed arguments proved that God is non-dualistic. The details of which can be known in a book named "Vallabh Digvijay"
During the second pilgrimage, Lord Krishna appeared in the form of Lord Shrinathji in front of him and ordered him to reestablish Pushti Marg and propagate the pushti kind of devotion among the chosen ones and bring them back to their original state in God's own domain. i.e. Vaikuntha or Golok-dham . But the question in Shri Vallabh's mind was that the divine souls in this world too are highly influenced by the materialistic world and their souls and body have lost the kind of purity that is needed for their reunion with the Supreme entity i.e.. Lord Krishna.
Lord Shrinathji assured him that with "BRAHAMASAMBANDHA", whichever soul is admitted into the Pushti marg, all its worldly impurities will refrain from obstructing the soul's relation with Himself and will be eligible to pursue His bhakti. That was the night of Prabodhini Ekadashi ( Four days before the new moon day) of the auspicious month of Shravana. Lord Shrinathji taught him the Brahamasambandha mantra and asked him to bring back the divine souls into his seva.
"Brahmsambandh" - The Formal Initiation into The Path Of Grace
The absolute and exclusive rights to grant "Brahmsambandh" in the path of grace, in order to transform an Ordinary "jeev"(soul) into a Pushti "Jeev" lie only with "Vallabhkul Goswami Balaks"(The word "Goswami" literally means-The protector of cows), who Vallabh Vaishnavas respectfully and lovingly refer to as: "Goswami","Bawa" or "Jeje". They are the actual and direct descendants of Shreemad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. Goswamies are responsible for the "pushti"(literally means spiritual nourishment) of all the disciples initiated by them. Brahmsabandh is a process, where after fasting for one full day(consuming fruits and milk only) one is given the Krishna "Gadh Mantra" in front of a Deity "Swaroop" by a Vallabhkul Goswami after which "tulsi" leaves(Indian Basil) are offered to the lotus feet of the Lord. The "Adhikaar"(right) to perform daily "seva" comes only after one is initiated into Pushtimarg by means of formally granting Brahmsambandh by a Goswami Balak. Without brahmsambandh one does not hold the right to perform seva of a "Pusht" (alive) Deity "Swaroop".
The Three Pillars of Pushtimarg
The three pillars of Pushtimarg are 1)Raag(Traditional Haveli Music), 2)Bhog(Pure Vegetarian Food Offerings excluding Onion,Garlic,Cabbage and Root Vegetables), and, 3)Vastra&Shringar(Dressing up the deity with beautiful clothes,headwear and jewellery adornments). All the above three are included in the daily "seva"(ritual service) which all Pushtimarg following Vaishnavs offer their "Thakurji"(Personal Krishna Deity) and all have been traditionally prscribed by Goswami Shri Vitthalnathji also called Gusainji(Vallabhacharya's younger son) almost five hundred years ago. The Music,Food and Adornment offerings vary daily according to the season, day and time of day; and this is the main reason why this path so colourful and alive compared to any other Vaishnav cult. Seva is the most important way to attain "Pushti" in Pushtimarg and has been prescribed by Mahaprabhuji Shri Vallabhacharyaji as the basic tenet; and all principles and tenets of Shuddhadvaita Vaishnavism stem out from there
Shri Vallabahcharya on the next day taught the same Mantra to his first disciple Shri Damodardas Harsani along with the principles of Pushtimarga. This was how Pushtimarga was established.
To understand Pushtibhakti better, let us now have an overview of its features :-
It is spontaneous, selfless & motiveless love for God. It is based on pure love for God. It is expressed only through service of God - "Seva". It is love after realising God's true nature. The knowledge gained is not a means of liberation. Liberation, is considered secondary to the enjoyment of God's bliss. Its aim is God's happiness. No caste, creed, color, sex or age becomes the criteria, the only criteria is God's Grace. It does not know any boundaries, be it time, place or anything else. It does not require a devotee to give up a householder's life. In fact, one can serve Him better, by being a householder. All the worldly desires are diverted towards God, they are then not required to be suppressed. World is not looked down upon but is treated as God's creation and thus as real as God himself. Shri Krishna is the supreme God, all the other deities reside in his form. Therefore total faith is placed in Shri Krishna alone. In the state of liberation the entity of the devotee merges into God's blissful form, but in Bhakti (especially Pushti bhakti) the devotee does not seek liberation but he enjoys God's bliss by participating in it as a separate divine entity.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vaishnavism is one of the principal traditions of Hinduism, and is identified from other schools by its primary worship of Vishnu (and his associated avatars) as the Supreme God. It is principally monotheistic in its philosophy, whilst also incorporating elements which could be described as being panentheistic. Its beliefs and practices, (known as Bhakti Yoga, or Bhakti) are based largely on Vedic and Puranic texts such as Bhagavad Gita, Isha Upanishad, and the Vishnu and Bhagavata, Puranas. The followers of Vaishnavism are referred to as 'Vaishnavas', which is the Vriddhi form of Vishnu in Sanskrit. According to recent statistics Vaishnavas make up approximately 70% of the total of all followers of Hinduism [1] with the vast majority of these being in India. The Gaudiya Vaishnava branch of the tradition has increased significantly in terms of both numbers and worldwide distribution in recent years, largely through the activities of the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON).