Shodash Granth

This document is the Gujarati translation and commentary of Shodash Granth (Sixteen Treatises) by Vallabhacharya, translated by Madhavji Gopalji. It was published by Pustak Prasarak Mandali, Mumbai in 1896 CE (Samvat 1952).

The Shodash Granth is a collection of sixteen smaller works by Vallabhacharya, the founder of the Pushtimarg tradition. These works are highly revered and considered essential reading for followers of Pushtimarg.

The document provides a detailed introduction to the Shodash Granth, explaining the significance of these texts for Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu, specifically Krishna in this context). It highlights that while many editions of the original Sanskrit texts exist, the need for a Gujarati translation is paramount for those who cannot understand Sanskrit, ensuring a deeper understanding of Vallabhacharya's teachings.

The translated text includes the following sixteen treatises:

1. Yamunashtakam (The Eight Verses to Yamuna)
2. Balbodh (Instruction for Children/Beginners)
3. Siddhanta Muktavali (Garland of Pearls of Doctrine)
4. Pushti Pravah Maryada Bhed (Distinction between Pushti, Pravah, and Maryada Paths)
5. Siddhanta Rahasya (The Secret of the Doctrine)
6. Navaratna Sva (Self-Knowledge of Nine Jewels)
7. Antahkaran Prabodh (Awakening of the Inner Consciousness)
8. Vivek Ashray (Shelter in Discrimination)
9. Krishna
10. Chatuhshloki (Four Verses)
11. Bhakti Vardhini (Enhancer of Devotion)
12. Bhed (Distinction)
13. Panch Padi (Five Steps)
14. Sanyas Nischay (Determination regarding Renunciation)
15. Nirbal Lakshana (Characteristics of the Weak/Incompetent)
16. Seva (Service)

The document then proceeds to provide the Gujarati translation and commentary for each of these treatises, starting with Yamunashtakam. Each verse is presented in Sanskrit, followed by its Gujarati meaning and a "Saar" (essence or summary) explaining the spiritual and philosophical implications.

Key themes and teachings covered across the treatises include:

• The importance of Yamuna Devi: The first treatise, Yamunashtakam, emphasizes the purification of the body and mind, highlighting Yamuna Devi's role in facilitating devotion.
• The core principles of Pushtimarg: Various treatises delve into the nature of devotion (Bhakti), the different paths (Pushti, Pravah, Maryada), the importance of surrendering to Krishna, and the role of grace (Anugraha).
• Discrimination and discernment (Vivek): The text stresses the importance of understanding what is real and eternal versus what is temporary and illusory.
• The nature of God (Krishna): Krishna is consistently portrayed as the supreme being, the source of all bliss and the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit.
• The supremacy of devotion: The treatises advocate for unwavering devotion to Krishna as the most effective means to achieve liberation and spiritual fulfillment.
• Ethical and practical guidance: The works offer guidance on daily conduct, the importance of detachment from worldly pleasures, and the proper attitude towards service.
• The significance of a Guru: The role of a spiritual teacher is implicitly or explicitly mentioned as crucial for spiritual progress.
• Overcoming obstacles: The text addresses potential challenges on the spiritual path and provides strategies to overcome them, such as dealing with internal desires and external influences.

The overall purpose of this publication is to make the profound teachings of Vallabhacharya accessible to a wider Gujarati-speaking audience, fostering a deeper understanding and practice of the Pushtimarg tradition. The publisher, Pustak Prasarak Mandali, and the translator, Madhavji Gopalji, aimed to serve the devotional community by providing this invaluable resource. The document also lists other related books available from the publisher.