Vallabhacharya Jayanti 2024: History, Significance and Rituals

Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya was born in Varanasi to a Telugu Brahmin family in 1479 AD. He was a renowned scholar and founder of the Pushti sect in India. His birth anniversary is observed across the nation on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Vaishakha month of the Hindu calendar as Vallabhacharya Jayanti. Shripad Vallabhacharya was an ardent follower of Lord Krishna and is also considered one of the pioneers of the Bhakti Movement in India. This year, Vallabhacharya Jayanti will be marked on May 4.

Let’s have a look at this year’s date, time, significance, and rituals of the auspicious festival:

Vallabhacharya Jayanti 2024: Date and Time

As per the Purnimant lunar calendar followed in North India, it is said that Vallabhacharya was born on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in Vaishakha month. This year, Ekadashi Tithi falls on May 3, which marks the Vallabhacharya Jayanti. Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 11:24 PM on May 3 and will be in effect until 8:38 PM on May 4, according to Drik Panchang.

Vallabhacharya Jayanti 2024: History & Significance

Vallabhacharya, who was born in Varanasi in 1479, was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Like many of the devotees of the Lord, he also believed Lord Krishna to be the supreme power. He used to worship him in the form of Shrinath Ji, and this day marks the greatest moment in the life of Vallabhacharya when he saw Lord Krishna.

According to a popular belief, it is believed that Vallabhacharya was once heading towards the North West region of India, and during his walk, he noticed a strange phenomenon near Mount Govardhan, popularly associated with Lord Krishna. He saw a cow stopping at a particular place on the mountain and shredding milk daily.

So, one day, he got curious and thought of digging that place, and, as a result, he found Lord Krishna’s idol. After that, it is said that Lord Krishna appeared before the saint and hugged him for his supreme devotion.

From that day onwards, the followers of the Pushti sect started worshipping the childlike image of Lord Krishna, or Bala Krishna, with great devotion.

Vallabhacharya Jayanti 2024: Rituals

1. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm to preach and spread the teachings of Vallabhacharya to the devotees.
2. People across the nation, especially in states like Maharashtra, Chennai, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, celebrate this festival by keeping a day-long fast, decorating their homes and temples, and taking holy baths, or Abhishekam, to the idol of Lord Krishna.
3. On this day, people also visit Shrinath Ji temple to offer prayers to Lord Krishna and his devotees.
4. They chant mantras and take part in yagnas on this auspicious occasion.
5. Moreover, grand parades with the deity’s idol placed on chariots are also organised to observe the festival.