SHREE GOPINATHJI – INCARNATION OF SACRIFICE.

Shri Gopinathji the elder son of Shri Vallabhacharyaji was born on the 12th Day of the black half of the month of Bhadrapad in Vikram Samvat 1567, at Adel near Prayag. Shree Gopinathji is considered as Baldevji since he was elder to his brother Shree Vitthalnathji.

He was educated under direct guidance of Shree Mahaprabhuji. He was given Yagnopavti sanskar at Varanasi. He was sent to Kashi at the age of 15 to study under the learned teacher Shree Madhav Sarawati, who taught him almost all the religious books. Shree Gopinathji, being extra intelligent, learnt everything very enthusiastically. After completing his studies there Shree Gopinathji returned to Adel, where Shree Mahaprabhuji got him married to Shree Payammanji Vahuji. Shree Gopinathji and Shree Payammanji Vahuji had 3 children:

1. Shree Purushottamji – 1587 in Adel (son)
2. Shree Satyabhama betiji – 1598 in Adel (daughter)
3. Shree Laxmi betiji – 1601 in Adel (daughter)

Shree Purushottamji became leelastha in samvat 1620 in his young age of 33, this untimely dismissal gave a shock to Shree Gopinathji.

Shree Gopinathji has written 2 books:

1. Sadhan Deepika – this describes how Vaishnava’s should lead their life.
2. Seva Paddhati – this describes the various methods of service to Thakorji.

The life of Shree Gopinathji was very simple, pious and full of divine virtues. He was unflinchingly devoted to the religious path. Even today the Vaishnava’s celebrate Bhadra Vadi Barash as the birthday of Shree Gopinathji who was the incarnation of sacrifice.