Gokulnathji (गोकुलनाथजी)

Bhaktamal | Shri Gokulnathji
Real name – Shrivallabh
Other Name – Shreeji
Guru - Shri Gusainji
Aaradhya - Shri Krishna
Birth - December 14, 1551 Margashirsha Shukla Saptami in Vikram Samvat 1608
Marital Status: Married
Father - Viṭṭhalanātha
Mother - Rukmiṇī
Wife – Shri Parvati Bahuji
Children - Son: Shri Gopalji, Shri Vitthalraiji and Shri Vrajratnaji, and had three daughters.
Golok Gaman - February 4, 1641 Magh Krishna Navami in Vikram Samvat 1697Prakte Shrigokulnathji Shrivitthalnathke Dham Badhai ।
Ugra Kiyo Yash Ya Bhutal Par, Mala Tilak Dradhai ॥

Shri Gokulnathji, the fourth son of Shri Gusainji, was born at Adel in Allahabad on the seventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Saptami) of the month of Margashirsha in the Vikram Samvat year 1608. At the time of his birth, Krishnadasi—a devoted follower blessed by Shri Gusainji—exclaimed, "My Gokulnath has arrived." From that moment on, he came to be known as Shri Gokulnath; however, within the family, he was addressed as Shrivallabh, while his devotees referred to him as Shriji. In the Pushtimarg tradition, he is revered as the "Guardian of the Mala-Tilak" and is worshipped with deep devotion.

He was of medium stature and possessed a complexion the color of dark rain clouds. He had an elongated face, a broad forehead, and beautiful eyes. Along with his academic pursuits, he took a keen interest in sports and was proficient in all the arts. He married Shrimati Parvati Bahuji at the age of sixteen. He had three sons—Shri Gopalji, Shri Vitthalrayji, and Shri Vrajratnaji—and three daughters.

Shri Gusainji entrusted the *Swaroop* (deity form) of Prabhu Shri Gokulnathji to him for the purpose of *Seva* (devotional service). He built a temple near his residence in Gokul, enshrined Shri Thakurji there, and performed *Seva*. Shri Gokulnathji held deep affection for all the family members. After Shri Girdharji’s *Leela-pravesh* (departure from the earthly realm), he became the head of the family; consequently, everyone held him in high regard and acted in accordance with his counsel.

In Vikram Samvat 1672, Emperor Jahangir imposed a ban on the ascetic Chidrup wearing the *mala* (rosary) and *tilak* (sacred mark); you vehemently opposed this and upheld the practice of wearing them. At the age of 72, you undertook an arduous 49-day journey to Kashmir to reason with Emperor Jahangir. You had said:

"Why should I remove the rosary bestowed by the Lord of the Universe?
Who is the one to demand the removal of the rosary bound upon my head?
The rosary bound to the head departs with the head itself;
How, then, can I possibly remove it with my own hands?"

In other words—how could I possibly remove this Tulsi garland (*Kanthi*)? It was bestowed by the Lord of the Universe (Shriji) Himself, and who is there that could compel me to take it off? I have now bound this garland to my very head; if this garland goes, my head shall go with it. Alas! Who could possibly remove this garland with their own hands?

When Jahangir remained adamant despite tireless efforts to persuade him, you left Gokul but refused to abandon the *mala* (rosary) and *tilak* (sacred mark). You stayed in Soram village for three months after leaving Gokul and waged a continuous struggle for years to safeguard the *mala* and *tilak*. Eventually, the Emperor realized his error and withdrew his order, whereupon you returned to Gokul.

Thirteen *Baithaks* (sacred seats) associated with him are established. Of these, eight are located in Braj, two in Gujarat (Ahmedabad and Godhra), and one each in Soramji, Adel, and Kashmir. He entered the *Nitya-lila* (eternal divine abode) at the age of 89 on the day of *Magh Krishna Navami* in the Vikram Samvat year 1697.

The *Pushtimarg* will forever remain indebted to Shri Gokulnathji, who safeguarded the interests of the Pushti Sampradaya and disseminated the principles of Shri Vallabh to the masses through mediums such as *Varta* (narratives).