Q. With reference to the Bhakti saint Vallabhacharya, consider the following statements:
1.His philosophy of Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism) rejects the concept of Maya as the cause of the world, maintaining that the entire universe is a real and un-modified manifestation of Brahman.
2.He founded the Pushti Marg (Path of Grace), where the devotee’s ultimate goal is not to attain Mukti (liberation) but to engage in the eternal service of Krishna.
3.The main devotional focus of the Pushti Marg centers on the worship of Lord Krishna in his Bala Krishna (child) form, in the Vatsalya Bhava (parental affection).
How many of the statements given above are correctly described?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Shuddhadvaita is ‘pure’ non-dualism because it is undefiled by Maya (Mayasambandharahitam Shuddham). Vallabhacharya advocated Avikrita-Parinama-Vada, meaning Brahman (God) creates the universe without undergoing any change.
- Statement 2: Correct. In the Pushti Marg, the highest goal is Pushti (God’s grace), which leads to eternal service (Seva) of Krishna and participation in his Leela (Divine activities) in Goloka, which is considered superior to the standard concept of Mukti.
- Statement 3: Correct. The central form of worship in the Pushti Marg is of Shrinathji (Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill), typically worshipped in his child form (Bala Krishna), embodying the Vatsalya Bhava (parental love and affection).
