Biography of Nimbarka:
Nimbarkacharya, also known as Nimbarka, Nimbaditya or Niyamananda, was a Hindu philosopher, theologian and the chief proponent of the theology of Dvaitadvaita (dvaita–advaita) or dualistic–non-dualistic. He was born in Southern India in a Telugu Brahmin family 1. Nimbarka is believed to have lived around the 12th century, but this dating has been questioned, suggesting that he lived somewhat earlier than Shankaracharya, in the 6th or 7th century CE. He spent most of his life in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
Nimbarkacharya founded Nimbarka Sampradaya, one of four main traditions of Hindu sect Vaishnavism. He played a major role in spreading the worship of the divine couple Radha and Krishna.
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| Biography of Nimbarka |
Brief Biography of Nimbarka:
Nimbarka, also known as Nimbarkacharya or Nimbaditya, was a 13th-century Vaishnava theologian, philosopher, and the founder of the Nimbarka Sampradaya, one of the major traditions within the broader Bhakti movement. His exact birth and death dates are not precisely known, but he is believed to have lived around the 13th century.
Key Points about Nimbarka:
1. Birth and Early Life:
Nimbarka is traditionally believed to have been born in the 13th century in the village of Nimba or Nimbasar in the Vindhya region of present-day Madhya Pradesh, India.
His parents were Aruna and Jayanti.
2. Philosophical Contributionsof Nimbarka :
Nimbarka is best known for his philosophy, which is centered around the worship of Radha and Krishna.
He is considered a proponent of the Dvaitadvaita (dual non-dualism) school of Vedanta.
According to his philosophy, the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Reality (Brahman) are simultaneously distinct and non-different.
3. Nimbarka Sampradaya:
Nimbarka founded the Nimbarka Sampradaya, a tradition within Vaishnavism that focuses on the worship of Radha and Krishna.
The followers of this tradition are known as Nimavats or Nimbarkas.
4. Scriptural Works of Nimbarka:
Nimbarka is attributed to several important works, including the “Nimbarka Bhagavata Sampradaya” and “Bhakti Sutra Bhashya.”
The “Nimbarka Bhagavata Sampradaya” is considered a key text that outlines the philosophy and practices of the Nimbarka Sampradaya.
5. Worship of Radha and Krishna:
Nimbarka emphasized the worship of Radha and Krishna as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
He advocated the practice of devotion (bhakti) as the primary path to salvation.
6. Legacy of Nimbarka:
The Nimbarka Sampradaya continues to exist, and its followers uphold the teachings and practices initiated by Nimbarka.
Nimbarka’s contributions have had a lasting impact on the devotional traditions within Hinduism.
7. Festivals:
The followers of the Nimbarka Sampradaya celebrate festivals related to Radha and Krishna with great devotion.
Nimbarka’s philosophical teachings and the establishment of the Nimbarka Sampradaya have played a significant role in the broader landscape of Vaishnavism, contributing to the rich tapestry of Bhakti traditions in India.