Mahanubhav means a great experience. Mahanubhav Panth was founded by Shri Chakradhar Swami in the 13th century. They consider Lord Krishna as the only God. It is also called “JaiKrishni Panth.” They are strict vegetarians and follow Bhagavadgita staunchly. As it originated in Maharashtra, most of its followers are in Maharashtra, but there are many followers of this sect in North India also. It was a very popular sect in the 13th century during the Yadava dynasty in Maharashtra.
Criteria to Be a Follower of Mahanubhav Panth:
It does not matter to which caste, religion, race, or country you belong or which language you speak but you must accept:
- Lord Krishna is the only God.
- Bhagavadgita is the only religious scripture.
- You must become a vegetarian after initiation.
- You should not consume alcohol.
Important Teachings of Mahanuhav Panth:
1. Vegetarianism.
2. No alcohol consumption.
3. Nonviolence.
The Philosophy of Mahanubhav Panth:
1. A person does not become great by birth but by philosophy.
2. All human beings are equal.
3. Only God can give us salvation and not deities. Deities can only give us the fruit of our Karma but not salvation.
4. Religion is for us and we are not for religion. Religion is not the ultimate goal but it is a tool to achieve it.
The Concept of Five Krishnas:
The followers of Mahanubhav Panth worship five gods in practice. There are termed as “five Krishnas”.
1. Shri Gopal Krishna.
2. Lord Dattatreya.
3. Shri Chakrapani Maharaj.
4. Shri Govind Prabhu Maharaj.
5. Shri Chakradhar Swami.
Chakradhar Swami:
Chakradhar Swami was born in Bharuch, Gujarat, in a Deshastha Brahmin family in 1213 (or 1220). He was born when the evils of the caste system in Hinduism were at their peak. Although he was Gujarati by birth, he had a great command over Marathi. He mingled with all the sections of society and explained his philosophy of equality in a very simple language to them. Because of this, in very little time he got thousands of followers.
His spiritual teacher was Shri Govind Prabhu, and his first disciple was Nagadevacharya who was the first Acharya of Mahanubhav Panth also. His philosophy was fiercely opposed by the orthodox people at that time. It is believed that there were a few attempts to murder him also.
He died in the year 1272 (or 1274).
Festivals Celebrated By the Followers of Mahanubhav Panth:
1. Davana Parva – Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi.
2. Akshaya Tritiya – Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya.
3. Pavite Parva – Shravana Shukla Chaturdashi.
4. Narali Purnima – Shravana Shukla Purnima.
5. Shri Krishna Jayanti – Shravana Krishna Ashtami.
6. Shri Chakradhar Swami Jayanti – Bhadrapad Shukla Tritiya.
7. Shri Govind Prabhu Jayanti – Bhadrapad Shukla Trayodashi.
8. Vijayadashami – Ashwin Shukla Dashami.
9. Shri Chakrapani Prabhu Jayanti – Ashwin Krishna Navami.
10. Dhanatrayodashi – Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi.
11. Narak Chaturdashi – Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi.
12. Lakshmipuja – Ashwin Krishna Amavasya.
13. Bhaubij – Kartik Shukla Dvitiya.
14. Shri Datta Jayanti – Margashirsha Shukla Chaturdashi.
The Final Goal:
The ultimate aim of Mahanubhav Panth is salvation. This should be achieved with the path shown by Chakradhar Swami, i.e., asceticism.
Hi all, Dandavat Pranam..
I took up Mahanubhav Panth after marriage, as my new family is a very very strict follower of this panth. I knew I had to take it up, before I got married, but was fine about it. For people here who have interest in gaining more knowledge about all of the integrities on how to do dev pooja or rituals in marriage or anything, you can visit Mahasthan nearby.
Not every Mahasthan is considered powerful interms of the best of knowledge.
So do visit either of these aashrams – Jadhavwadi Aashram, Nagar or Aalegaon Aashram, Akola.