Sri Giridharaji was the eldest son of Sri Vitthalanathaji . He was born in Gokula . His Thread Ceremony was also held in Gokul.
Sri Giridharaji was married to A.S. Sri Bhaminiji in the year V.S.1614 , in Varanasi . He was blessed with three sons viz, Sri Muralidharaji ( V.S. 1630 ), Sri Damodaraji (V.S. 1632 ) and Sri Gopinathaji (V.S.1634 ).
Sri Giridharaji , with the blessings of his father, did the ‘Sapta Svaroopa Utsava,’ in which he made all the seven divine forms of Sri Krishna, worshipped in Pushtimarga, sit with Sri Nathaji and Sri Navanitapriyaji on the same platform (Charana Chowki) and offerred Annakoota Bhoga .
Sri Giridharaji is also remembered for bringing Sri Nathaji from Govardhana
( Jatipura) to Sataghara (in Mathura – a residential mansion built by Rani Durgavati for her guru Sri Vitthalanatahaji with his seven sons and their families to live ). Here all the Balaks and Bahujis and Betijis played Holi with Sri Nathaji . Thus experiencing divine bliss . Sri Nathaji also excepted all offerrings made by Girdharji to Him. This is also know as "Sarva Samarpan"
Sri Giridharaji was also a great scholar . He patronised art and music . Due to these qualities of his , he became an icon in the hearts of all the Pushtimargiya devotees .
When Shree Gusainji created the granth named "Vidya Mandal", he made Shree Girdharji, his opponent in the debate. Shree Girdharji has written his views on "Gadya Mantra". He has created Utsav nirnai Stotra. Shree Girdharji also accepted "Gopalmantra" for giving his Vaishnavs. He Developed Shreenathji's Utsav & created 'Chokhta' (Frames) of 'Abhushans' (Valuables).
King Akbar named him "Jati". Hence Gopalpura name was changed to 'Jatipura'.
Shree Murlidharji did Leela-Pravesh at an early age. As per Shreenathji's wish Shree Girdharji gave Shreenathji & Shree Navneetpriyaji to his second son - Shree damodarji & gave Shree Mathuranathji to his third son Shree Gopinathji, hence created Pratham Grah. |
