Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusainji)

The Guiding Light of Pushtimarg

Shri Vitthalnath Ji, lovingly known as Shri Gusainji, was the great younger son of Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji.

Born in 1515 A.D. in Charnat, near Varanasi, Shri Gusainji played a pivotal role in shaping Pushtimarg after Shri Mahaprabhuji. He not only safeguarded its principles but also spread its teachings so profoundly that the very essence of Pushtimarg as we know it today, is credited to his efforts.

Balya Avastha (Childhood Years)

From an astonishingly young age, Shri Vitthalnath Ji displayed remarkable abilities. By the time he was 15 months old, he could already walk, run, and speak fluently.

Recognizing his divine nature, Shri Mahaprabhuji entrusted him with the sacred Swarup of Shri Bal-Krishnaji, which he cherished like a beloved friend.

At just 8 years old, he received the Gayatri Mantra and the sacred Brahmasambandh Mantra Diksha, marking his spiritual initiation. His Upanayana (Yagnopavita), the sacred thread ceremony, was also performed at that time.

Even as a child, Shri Vitthalnath Ji was deeply drawn to the divine pastimes (Lilas) of Shri Thakurji and expressed his devotion through numerous compositions in Sanskrit and Vrajbhasha.

Shri Vittalnathji’s intellectual brilliance was unmatched. He became proficient in Vedas, Brahma Sutras, and Mimamsa philosophy at an early age.

To further refine his knowledge, he studied Nyaya (logic and philosophy) in Navadvipa, a renowned center of learning.

The Kirtan That Touched Shrinathji

One day, while engaged in Seva (devotional service) with Shri Mahaprabhuji, young Shri Gusainji became deeply absorbed in the Rajbhog Aarti (a midday offering ritual).

As soon as the Aarti concluded, Shri Gusainji, still immersed in devotion, spontaneously began to sing. It was his first-ever composition in Sanskrit—a beautiful and heartfelt kirtan (devotional hymn).

The sacred verses flowed effortlessly from his lips:

“Vrajraj Virajat Ghosh Varay, Varniya Manohar Roop Dharni Ramani Ramanaik Pare, Paramaarti Harsmita Vibshamake – Ratirastu Mam Vraj Raj Sute”

The depth of devotion and the purity of emotions in this kirtan were so mesmerizing that even Shrinathji Himself was pleased.

At that time, Shri Gusainji was only 10 years old. Despite his young age, his words carried profound devotion and meaning. And the very first listener of this incredible composition? None other than Shri Mahaprabhuji.

"Trividha Namavali" : Shri Mahaprabhuji’s Divine Gift to Shri Gusainji

Shri Vittalnathji had a sacred daily practice—he would recite the entire Dashama Skanda (Tenth Canto) of the Srimad Bhagavatam before having the prasada. His devotion was so deep that he never ate, until he had completed the recitation.

However, the Tenth Canto is extensive, and reciting it in full took a long time. Often, this meant that Shri Gusainji’s prasada was delayed until late in the night. Seeing his son’s (Gusainji’s) unwavering commitment, Shri Mahaprabhuji wanted to ease this practice without diminishing its spiritual significance.

To resolve this, Shri Mahaprabhuji composed the “Trividhanamavali Granth”, a sacred text containing 1,008 names of Shri Krishna. He then told Shri Gusainji that reciting this granth would hold the same spiritual significance as reciting the entire Dashama Skanda.

A Life of Seva and Detachment

A significant event in Shri Gusainji’s life was when Shri Mahaprabhuji entrusted him with the service of Shri Navneetpriyaji. This Swaroop (divine deity) originally belonged to Shri Dhavan, but when it returned to Shri Mahaprabhuji, he saw Shri Gusainji as the rightful caretaker.

With great reverence, Shri Gusainji accepted the responsibility and served Shri Navneetpriyaji with utmost devotion.

One day, while Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusainji) was deeply immersed in adorning Shri Navneetpriyaji with ornaments, a disciple arrived, bringing a large sum of money as a present.

As the disciple dropped the coins onto the floor, the loud clinking sound momentarily distracted Shri Gusainji’s mind from his deity.

At that instant, a profound realization dawned upon him:

“If mere coins can disturb my focus from Bhagawan for even a moment, then what use is such wealth?”

With this thought, Shri Gusainji immediately refused to accept the money. This incident became a shining example of his detachment from material wealth and his unwavering dedication to Shri Krishna.

The Sweet Bond Between Shri Gusainji and Shrinathji

One day, Shri Vitthalnathji was lovingly feeding milk to Shrinathji. As soon as Thakurji took a sip, he returned the bowl.

“What happened?” Shri Vitthalnathji asked with concern.

Thakurji pouted and said, “You’ve added too much mishri (sugar)! The milk is too sweet—I can’t drink it!”

Like a caring father, Shri Vitthalnathji smiled and reassured him, “No problem, my dear. Just drink it like this today.”

Reluctantly, Thakurji drank the milk, but his scrunched-up face showed his displeasure.

The next time, Shri Vitthalnathji adjusted the sweetness and added less sugar to the milk. But after just one sip, Thakurji put the bowl down again.

“My Prabhu, what happened now?” Shri Vitthalnathji asked.

Thakurji sighed and said, “Today, the milk has no taste—it’s too bland!”

With the same fatherly affection, Shri Vitthalnathji gently encouraged him, “Still, drink it like this today.” He caressed Thakurji lovingly, and though still a little reluctant, Thakurji finished the milk.

The next day, Shri Vitthalnathji decided to do something different. Instead of mixing the sugar himself, he placed a bowl of milk and a bowl of sugar separately before Thakurji.

“Here,” he said, “you mix as much sugar as you like.”

Thakurji frowned. “Why are you doing this?”

With a soft smile, Shri Vitthalnathji replied, “You don’t seem to like how I mix the sugar. So today, mix it yourself.”

At that moment, Thakurji’s eyes welled up with tears. He suddenly ran and hugged Shri Vitthalnathji tightly.

“I am your child!” Thakurji cried. “A child doesn’t know how to mix properly. Are you angry with me? You mix the sugar and feed me—I am your child, right?”

Overwhelmed by emotion, Shri Vitthalnathji’s own eyes filled with tears. He held Thakurji close, feeling the pure love between them—a love beyond words, beyond sweetness, beyond everything!

The Night Thakurji Refused Every Bed

One night, Shri Gusainji carefully prepared a soft bed with fine bedding for Thakurji to sleep in. He arranged everything with love and devotion, ensuring it was perfect.

But as soon as Thakurji saw the bed, he shook his head.

“This bed is not good,” he said.

Without hesitation, Shri Gusainji brought another bed, one even softer and more comfortable.

Still, Thakurji frowned. “This bedding is not right.”

Patient and loving, Shri Gusainji changed the bedding, replacing it.

But once again, Thakurji complained. “I don’t like this color!”

Smiling at his playful demands, Shri Gusainji found bedding in another color, hoping this would finally please Thakurji. But no matter what he did, Thakurji refused to sleep, coming up with one excuse after another.

Finally, Shri Gusainji gently asked, “Tell me, my dear child, which bed and bedding do you want?”

With a mischievous smile, Thakurji ran into Shri Gusainji’s arms and said, “I will sleep on your lap.”

Tears of love filled Shri Gusainji’s eyes as he embraced Thakurji. He held him close, and in the warmth of that divine love, Thakurji peacefully fell asleep—not on any bed, but in the lap of his beloved Gusainji.

Thakurji’s Fear and Shri Gusainji’s Realization

Once, as Shri Gusainji was engaged in seva, a monkey from Shri Giriraj Govardhan Ji suddenly appeared and scared Thakurji.

Terrified, Shrinathji ran straight into Shri Gusainji’s lap, clinging to him tightly.

“I am afraid of the monkey!” Thakurji cried.

Shri Gusainji looked at Thakurji in surprise. A thought crossed his mind—

“You have slain mighty demons… As Lord Ram, you led an entire army of monkeys… And now you are scared of just one monkey? How is this possible? I am not able to understand anything.”

That night, as Shri Gusainji lay down to sleep, Thakurji spoke to him with divine clarity.

“Gusainji,” He said, “you must keep only one relationship with me. Two swords cannot fit in one sheath. If you see me as your son, then treat me only as your son. But if you see me as God, I will have to reveal my divine opulence—and then, you will not be able to understand me. I am your little child… and that is why I am afraid of the monkey.”

Shri Gusainji woke up, overwhelmed by emotion. At that moment, he truly understood Thakurji’s love.

Without hesitation, he embraced Thakurji tightly, holding Him as a father holds his beloved child. From that day on, Shri Gusainji saw not the Supreme Lord, but his little son, running to him for comfort, love, and protection.

Shri Radharani’s Bangles: A Divine Realization

One day, a bangle seller came to Shri Gusainji’s home.

With a generous heart, Gusainji instructed the seller, “Make all my daughters-in-law wear bangles, and take the money from me.”

Now, Shri Gusainji had seven sons and, therefore, seven daughters-in-law. But instead of saying “Make my seven daughters-in-law wear bangles,” he said, “Make all my daughters-in-law wear bangles.”

The seller began her task, adorning the seven daughters-in-law one by one. Just as she was about to finish, another pair of delicate, divine hands extended forward.

It was Shri Radharani Herself.

The bangle seller froze in wonder, her eyes filling with tears. The beauty of Shri Radharani’s hands was beyond anything she had ever seen. She thought to herself, “I do not have bangles worthy of such hands.”

However, Shri Radharani gently indicated the bangles she desired, and the seller, carefully slid them onto her graceful wrists.

When the bangle seller approached Gusainji to receive payment, he handed her money for seven daughters-in-law.

But the seller looked at him in confusion and insisted, “Gusainji, give me money for eight daughters-in-law, not seven.”

Shri Gusainji frowned. “Eight?”

Tears streamed down the seller’s face as she described the unmatched beauty of Shri Radharani, whose hands she had adorned. But Shri Gusainji could not understand what had happened. Not wanting to argue, he gave her the extra money.

That night, as Gusainji lay asleep, Shri Radharani Herself appeared in his dream.

She asked gently:

“Why were you arguing with that bangle seller? Don’t you consider Thakurji your son? And if He is your son, am I not your daughter-in-law?”

Shri Gusainji’s heart pounded as Shri Radharani continued:

“If you had only asked the seller, to make your seven daughters-in-law wear bangles, I would not have gone. But you said, ‘Make all my daughters-in-law wear bangles,’ so I also wore them.”

Shri Gusainji woke up with a jolt. In that moment, he realized the boundless grace of Shri Radharani.

Overwhelmed, he sat up and cried the entire night, moved by the divine love and acceptance of Shri Radharani.

Thakurji’s Love: “I Cannot Live Without You”

One day, Shri Vitthalnathji lovingly offered food to Thakurji. As he set the plate before Him, his eyes caught —a small straw lying in the food.

His heart sank with sadness.

“How could such carelessness occur by the devoted followers, in the service of my beloved Thakurji?” he thought.

The mistake felt unbearable to him. He decided that if such negligence was happening in Thakurji’s service, he could no longer stay. He resolved to renounce everything and take Sannyasa (a life of renunciation).

When the others heard of his decision, they were heartbroken. They all pleaded to him to reconsider, begging for forgiveness for the mistake. But Shri Gusainji’s mind was firm—he could not tolerate even the slightest lapse in serving his beloved Lord.

Before leaving, Shri Gusainji went to seek Thakurji’s permission.

But when Thakurji heard his decision, His eyes welled up with tears.

“If you are taking Sannyasa, then get me a saffron cloth too,” Thakurji said. “I will also take Sannyasa and come with you. I will not be able to live without you.”

Hearing these words, Shri Gusainji was overcome with emotion. He immediately embraced Thakurji.

As he did, Thakurji spoke softly, “If you are hugging me, then listen to me too—stay here.”

“If I am not upset about the mistake in the service, then why are you?”

Shri Gusainji looked at Him with teary eyes.

“You are my son,” Shri Gusainji said with deep love. “How can a straw come into your food?”

We should also remember that we are not serving any idol—God Himself is present there. That is why we must perform every service with utmost devotion and care, without a single mistake.

This moment taught a profound lesson—every act of seva (service) of our Thakurji, must be done with complete love, purity, and attention.

A Life of Daily Seva

Shri Vitthalnathji had a deep and unbreakable love for Vrajbhumi, Shri Yamunaji, and Shri Girirajji. It was this love that led him to build his home in Gokul, for himself and his family.

Despite living in Gokul, his commitment to Thakurji’s seva remained steadfast. He never once neglected the service of Shrinathji at Giriraj Ji in Jatipura.

Each day, Shri Vitthalnathji would begin his seva in Gokul, offering worship to Shri Navneetpriyaji until Rajbhog (the grand midday offering).

But his service did not end there. Immediately after completing Rajbhog seva in Gokul, he would mount his horse and ride to Jatipura, where he would personally perform Rajbhog seva for Shrinathji.

The same routine followed in reverse—when he served Shrinathji in Jatipura first, he would then travel back to Gokul to perform the seva of Shri Navneetpriyaji.

This daily journey between Gokul and Jatipura was his niyam (sacred discipline), he upheld with boundless love and devotion.

Apart from his seva, Shri Vitthalnathji also dedicated his nights to spreading divine wisdom. He delivered religious discourses, enlightening those around him with the teachings of devotion and service.

His life was a perfect example of unwavering commitment to seva.

Composition of Works

Shri Vitthalnathji’s deep commitment to the Path of Pushti (Pushtimarg) led him to compose and elaborate upon key doctrinal texts, ensuring that the teachings of Shri Vallabhacharya Ji were clearly understood and preserved for future generations.

One of his most significant contributions was completing the commentary on the Brahma Sutras, which Shri Vallabhacharya Ji could not finish. Shri Vallabhacharya’s style of writing was concise and profound, often conveying deep meanings in just a few words.

To ensure that no misinterpretations arose, Shri Vitthalnathji expanded upon his Shri father’s works, making them more accessible and clear.

His Key Literary Works, Shri Vitthalnathji’s major contributions include:

Bhashya on Brahma Sutras – which Shri Vallabhacharya Ji could not finish.
‘Tippani’ Commentary on Subodhiniji of Shri Vallabhacharya.
‘Prakasha’ Commentary on Bhagwat-Tatvadipa-nibandha, which Shri Vallabhacharya Ji could not complete.

Commentary on Gayatri Mantra Bhashya
Commentary on Yamunashtakam of Shri Vallabhacharya
Commentary on Siddhantamuktavali of Shri Vallabhacharya
Commentary on Navaratnam of Shri Vallabhacharya
Commentary on Premamritam of Shri Vallabhacharya
Commentary on Nyasadesha
Commentary on the Bhasya of Gayatri by Shri Vallabhacharya
Commentary on Madhurashtakam by Shri Vallabhacharya
Commentary on Vratrasura-chatusshloki
Commentary on 1st chapter of Gitagovindam
Vidvan-mandanam
Bhaktihetunirnaya
Bhaktihamsa
Gitatatparyam
Gitartha-vivranam
Purushottama-pratistha-prakar
Letters to his elder brother
Letters to his sons
Various ‘Vigyapti’
Vrajacharyashtapadi
Svapnadarshanam
Guptarasa
Saundarya-padyam
Rakshasmaranam
Rasa-sarvasvam
Chaturshloki
2nd Chaturshloki
Utsava-nirnaya etc.
Seva-shlokah Shrngararasamandanam

Stotra: Shri Sarvottamastotram, Shri Vallabhashtakam, Shri Sphurat-Krsnapremamrtam / Saptashloki, 4 Arya, 2 Paryamka, Shri Yamunashtapadi, Bhujangaprayatashtakam, Shri Radha-prarthana-chatuhshloki, Shri Gokulashtakam, Shri Lalitatribhangi-stotram, Shri Swamini-prarthana, Swaminyashtakam, Shri Balakrshnashtakam, Shri Swamini-stotram.

Shri Vitthalnathji dedicated his entire life to Bhakti (devotion), Seva (selfless service), and the spread of divine knowledge.

With unwavering faith and love, he not only served Thakurji but also ensured that the sacred teachings of Pushtimarg remained pure and accessible for all devotees.