Pushtimargno Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pushtimargno Itihas" by Liladhar Hari Thakkar and Vallabhdas Ranchoddas:

Overview:

This book, "Pushtimargno Itihas" (History of Pushtimarg), authored by the late Liladhar Hari Thakkar and compiled/published by Ranchoddas Vallabhdas, aims to provide a historical account of the Pushtimarg sect and compare its principles with those of Vedic Dharma. The text is critical of the traditional narratives and practices associated with the Pushtimarg sect, particularly concerning the origins and life of Vallabhacharya and the subsequent history of the sect. It argues that many of the sect's doctrines and practices deviate significantly from Vedic principles and are often based on fabricated stories and self-serving interpretations.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. Questioning the Divine Origin of Vallabhacharya:

   • The book critically examines the claim that Vallabhacharya was a divine avatar. It challenges the narrative that his birth was a result of his father, Lakshman Bhatt, performing a specific number of Samayagyas. The author finds the concept of a divine birth through ritualistic sacrifice illogical and compares it to an industrial process for producing God.
   • It questions the scriptural basis for such claims, noting that the Shrimad Bhagavatam, considered sacred by the sect, does not mention this specific avataric narrative.
   • The author also dismisses the idea of the Shruti (Vedas) as an avatar, stating that if it were, its form (sound) should remain on Earth.

2. Skepticism towards Miraculous Events and Teachings:

   • The book systematically debunks many of the miraculous events attributed to Vallabhacharya and his descendants. It argues that these stories are often contradictory, illogical, and lack any substantial historical or scriptural evidence.
   • Examples include claims of divine intervention in births, interactions with mythological figures, and the manipulation of natural phenomena. The author attributes these stories to the desire of followers and subsequent leaders to exaggerate the status of their founder and perpetuate their lineage.

3. Critique of the Sect's History and Practices:

   • Lakshman Bhatt's Life: The text provides a detailed, and often critical, account of Lakshman Bhatt's life, including his renunciation, return to family life, and the circumstances surrounding Vallabhacharya's birth. It highlights instances where Lakshman Bhatt is portrayed as deceitful (e.g., lying about his family to a monk) and the subsequent events leading to Vallabhacharya's birth and upbringing.
   • Vallabhacharya's Life and Teachings: The book traces Vallabhacharya's life, including his travels, his supposed period as a monk, his marriage, and his eventual establishment of the Pushtimarg sect. It scrutinizes his interactions, his intellectual prowess (described as clever and worldly-wise), and the development of his doctrines, particularly the concept of Pushti (grace) and its deviation from Vedic paths.
   • Successors of Vallabhacharya: The text dedicates significant portions to the lives and alleged misdeeds of Vallabhacharya's successors, especially Vitthalnath (Gusainji). It details internal family disputes over leadership and wealth, accusations of improper conduct, manipulation of followers, and the acquisition of wealth through religious practices.
   • Practices and Rituals: The book critically analyzes the rituals and practices of the sect, including:
     • Pushtimarg's Deviation from Vedic Dharma: It argues that the sect abandons core Vedic practices like Yajnas, Yagas, and the traditional Varnashrama system, prioritizing rituals and devotion in a way that the author deems unscriptural and detrimental to true spiritual development.
     • The Role of Women: The text strongly criticizes how women are treated within the sect, suggesting that their devotion and submission to the Mahārājas (leaders) are exploited. It points to instances of alleged sexual misconduct and the manipulation of women's faith for personal gain.
     • "Brahma-Sambandh" and Initiation: The ritual of "Brahma-Sambandh" is presented as a problematic aspect, involving the offering of disciples' entire possessions and even themselves to the Guru. The author highlights the manipulative nature of these ceremonies, where illiterate children are taught mantras and the concept of Guru-worship is taken to extremes, blurring the lines between human Guru and the Divine.
     • Temple Practices and Idol Worship: The description of temple practices portrays the deities (idols) as anthropomorphized beings with human-like needs and emotions, engaging in everyday activities like sleeping, eating, bathing, and even playing games. This is presented as a deviation from the understanding of the formless, all-pervasive nature of the Supreme Being. The author finds the description of deities engaging in such mundane or sensual activities highly inappropriate and unscriptural.
     • Festivals and Celebrations: The book analyzes the numerous festivals and celebrations within the sect, often connecting them to erotic interpretations of Krishna's life or to the glorification of the lineage of leaders. It points out that many festivals seem to focus on outward display and indulgence rather than true spiritual devotion.
     • Financial Exploitation: A significant portion of the critique focuses on how the Mahārājas and the sect allegedly exploit their followers financially through various demands for gifts, offerings, and donations, often disguised as religious duties or necessary expenses for temple maintenance and festivals.
   • Criticism of the "Gola" (Servant/Disciple) System: The text criticizes the hierarchical structure of the sect, where followers are often reduced to the status of "golas" (servants) to the Mahārājas, further emphasizing the power imbalance and potential for exploitation.
   • Allegations of Immorality and Corruption: The book makes strong allegations of moral corruption, sexual misconduct, and financial impropriety among the leaders (Mahārājas) of the sect. It cites historical events, court cases, and contemporary observations to support these claims. The author suggests that the focus on worldly pleasures and the justification of such behavior through interpretations of scripture have led to a decline in genuine spirituality.
   • Fabricated Scriptures and Contradictions: The author points out that many of the sect's foundational texts are either fabricated or contain internal contradictions, making their historical and theological validity questionable.

4. Comparison with Vedic Dharma:

   • Throughout the text, the author consistently contrasts the practices and doctrines of Pushtimarg with what they consider the pure, unadulterated teachings of Vedic Dharma. The Vedic emphasis on knowledge, right action (karma), adherence to Varnashrama, and a rational understanding of the divine is presented as the ideal, from which Pushtimarg is seen to have significantly departed.

5. Purpose and Tone:

   • The book is written from a critical and reformist perspective, aiming to expose what the authors perceive as corruption, ignorance, and deviation from true religious principles within the Pushtimarg sect. The tone is often accusatory and denunciatory, driven by a conviction that the sect has led its followers astray.
   • The authors express a desire for truth and clarity, urging readers to critically examine the teachings and practices based on reason and scriptural integrity. They acknowledge the possibility of their own biases but maintain that their critique is based on the available evidence and logical deduction.

Conclusion:

"Pushtimargno Itihas" presents a highly critical examination of the Pushtimarg sect. It argues that the sect's history is marred by fabricated miracles, questionable leadership, moral compromises, and a departure from fundamental Vedic principles. The book challenges the divine status of its founders and leaders, suggesting that the sect's success is largely due to clever manipulation, financial exploitation, and the appeal to blind faith and superstition among its followers. The authors implicitly advocate for a return to the pure teachings of Vedic Dharma, emphasizing reason, scriptural evidence, and ethical conduct over blind devotion and ritualistic displays.