Foreword
Pushtimarg (Path of Grace), a Vaishnava religious sect, was founded by Vallabhacharya (A.D. 1497–1531). The sect lays great stress on seva (loving service) to the deity. The image of the deity (svarup) that is mainly Shrinathji, an eight-year-old Krishna, is considered to be a divine living being. Hence it is natural that the seva is articulated and structured and has evolved so as to give the svarup all the comforts that would keep Him in good spirits. Seva in Pushtimarg consists of kirtan, bhog and shringara. The devotional poem-songs sung in the shrine to please Shrinathji are called kirtan. The poetry composed by the ashtachhap poets is sung during the daily eight darshans of the day and also on special festivals. The pada, verses by these poets, are considered to be dear to Krishna and thus sacred. Subjects of many paintings and pichvais are inspired by these padas.
Tilkayat Damodarlalji and Maharana Bheemsingh of Mewar, A.D. 1820, 35 x 31.5 cm (13.81 x 12.43 inch) • 17 •
