Museum of Grace

Museum of Grace

Context :

The Museum of Grace was constructed in Rajsamand, Rajasthan, under the Central Ministry of Tourism’s Krishna Circuit initiative. The project’s total expenditure amounted to 234.2 million rupees.

 

Museum’s Features :

  • The Museum of Grace serves to elucidate the history and profound significance of the Pushtimargiya/Vallabha Sect. This is achieved through an extensive and grand display of visual and audio-visual exhibits.
  • The primary objective of the Museum of Grace is to offer visitors a profound and immersive journey, thereby showcasing the rich heritage of the Pushtimarg sect.
  • Through its meticulously prepared digital installations, the museum systematically presents the narrative of the Pushtimarg sect, charting its evolution from its inception through the lineage of the Vallabha-kul and its festivals.

 

The Vallabha/Pushtimargi/Rudra Sect :

  • Pushtimarg, a prominent Vaishnava sect, emerged during the medieval period as one of the five major Sect. It was founded by Shri Vallabhacharya and is followed by a significant number of followers today.
  • The philosophical foundation of this sect is Shuddhadvaita Darshan, or pure non-dualism, which distinguishes it within the Vaishnava tradition.
  • In this sect, worship of Lord Krishna as a child is done. The Pushtimarg Sect posits that Krishna is the ultimate reality and that all reality is subsumed within Krishna.
  • The temples of this sect are known as havelis, where a specific form of devotional music, called haveli sangeet, is performed.
  • The paintings of Lord Shri Krishna and his life adorning the temple walls are referred to as pichwais.

 

The Vallabha Sect in Rajasthan :

  • The Vallabha sect’s influence in Rajasthan expanded considerably during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
  • There are currently 41 temples belonging to this sect within Rajasthan.
  • Main temples include:
    1. Mathuresh Ji – Kota
    2. Shri Nathji –  Sihar (Nathdwara, Rajsamand)
    3. Dwarikadhish – Kankroli (Rajsamand)
    4. Gokulchandra Ji – Kaman (Deeg)
    5. Madanmohan Ji – Kaman (Deeg)

 

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