Mahanubhava

Mahanubhava (also known as Jai Shri Krishna Pantha) is a Krishnaite Hindu denomination (Sampradaya or Pantha) in India that is generally described to be founded by Chakradhara Swami. Some sources list the founders as Chakrapani (Chāngadeva Rāuḷ) and Govinda Prabhu (Gunḍama Rāuḷ) with Chakradhara Swami as the first "apostle" and propagator of Mahanubhava Pantha. Mahanubhava Sampradaya was formally formed in the modern-day Varhad region of Maharashtra in 1267 CE. It has different names such as Jai Krishni Pantha in Punjab and Achyuta Pantha in Gujarat. Mahanubhava Pantha was also known as Paramarga by its followers in the 13th century. Nagadevacharya, also known as Bhatobas, became the head of Sampradaya after Chakradhara.

In Mahanubhava, all members are accepted, irrespective of their castes, and the traditional ritualistic religion is rejected. Mahanubhava survives to the present day. It teaches that Krishna is the supreme God.

Mahanubhava Sampradaya has 13 different Amnaya (it is ancestral big family tracing their roots backwards). These traditions were founded by 13 different acharyas which include some disciples of Nagadevacharya and various successors in their lineages.

Chakradhara (known as Sarvajna Shri Chakradhar Swami in the sect) propounded the philosophy of Mahanubhava Sampradaya for the first time. He theorized the idea of "Five Krishnas" as the main figures for Mahanubhavas to worship.

Chakradhara was born in a Marathi Deshastha Brahmin. He moved among all sections of society. He discoursed his philosophy to the people in their own language. He used formulaic language full of meaning in a compact style. He exhorted his disciples to write only in Marathi.

According to the Mahanubhava Philosophy, there are four permanent realities in the universe which are Paramesvara (God), Jiva (soul), Devata (deities and supernatural beings) and Prapancha (world). These four entities are uncreated, eternal and independent from each other. Prapancha is of two types - Suksma (matter) or Karana Prapancha and Sthula (material) or Karya Prapancha. Karana Prapancha is immortal but Karya Prapancha is perishable. Paramesvara is the supreme entity in this universe. Paramesvara is one, unique, perfect, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, impersonal and absolute.

There are innumerable souls (Jiva) and material worlds (Sthula Prapancha) existing in the universe. Devata (deities) are 810,125,010 in number including Maya. The purpose of Jiva is to attain Moksha and the Devata is a powerful impediment to Jiva. All Devata are subject to Paramesvara (Supreme God) and they help him to create material world with Maya as their main contributor. The material world is composed of Panchatattva viz. Akasha, Vayu, Tejas, Apas, Prithvi and Triguna viz. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.

Mahanubhava teachings mainly concerned with the relationship between Jiva and Paramesvara. One can practice bhakti by memorising deeds of the almighty. The aspirant for salvation must sacrifice his country, village and his relations and offer his life to god. Chakradhara also taught the followers of Mahanubhava Sampradaya; when, where, how and how much alms they should be beg for.