"Brahmsambandh" - The Formal Initiation into The Path Of Grace (pushtimarg) The absolute and exclusive rights to grant "Brahmsambandh" in the
pushtimarg, in order to transform an Ordinary "jeev"(soul) into a Pushti
"Jeev" lie only with "Vallabhkul Goswami Balaks"(The word "Goswami"
literally means-The protector of cows), who Vallabh Vaishnavas respectfully
and lovingly refer to as: "Goswami","Bawa" or "Jeje". They are the actual
and direct descendants of Shreemad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. Goswamies are
responsible for the "pushti"(literally means spiritual nourishment) of all
the disciples initiated by them. Brahmsabandh is a process, where after
fasting for one full day(consuming fruits and milk only) one is given the
Krishna "Gadh Mantra" in front of a Deity "Swaroop" by a Vallabhkul Goswami
after which "tulsi" leaves(Indian Basil) are offered to the lotus feet of
the Lord. The "Adhikaar"(right) to perform daily "seva" comes only after one
is initiated into Pushtimarg by means of formally granting Brahmsambandh by
a Goswami Balak. Without brahmsambandh one does not hold the right to
perform seva of a "Pusht" (alive) Deity "Swaroop". |