Mahanubhav means a great experience. Shri Chakradhar Swami founded the Mahanubhav Panth in the 13th century. They consider Lord Krishna to be the only God. It is also called “JaiKrishni Panth.” They are strict vegetarians and follow the Bhagavadgita staunchly. As it originated in Maharashtra, most of its followers are in Maharashtra, but this sect has many followers in North India. 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 a tool to achieve it.
The Concept of Five Krishnas:
The followers of Mahanubhav Panth worship five gods in practice. They 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 an excellent command of 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, the first Acharya of Mahanubhav Panth. 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 the Mahanubhav Panth is salvation. This should be achieved with the path shown by Chakradhar Swami, i.e., asceticism.