Chakradhara, credited with founding the Mahanubhava Sect in Maharashtra, is believed to have lived in the 11th century A.D. Some argue that Govinda Prabhu, a profound mystic, was the actual founder, with Chakradhara serving as the initial apostle. Chakradhara authored numerous sutras or aphorisms related to this cult, collectively known as Sutrapatha among its adherents. The sect, aligned with the Bhagavata Cult, primarily draws its teachings from the Gita, the Bhagavata, and the Sutrapatha.
Adherents of this sect traditionally wore dark blue attire,
likely in emulation of the color associated with Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Although
originating in Maharashtra, the movement failed to gain widespread popularity
and, in fact, acquired a negative reputation due to its neglect of the Vedas
and disregard for the caste and ashrama systems. This disrepute led followers
to adopt esoteric and symbolic language in their writings.
Noteworthy followers of the sect included Nagadeva,
Bhaskara, Keshavaraja Suri, and a few others. Nagadeva, in particular, is
credited with organizing the cult in a systematic manner. The sect also had
female followers, some of whom were advanced mystics and renowned poetesses.
In Puranas and Epics, Chakradhara is often identified with
Bhagavan Vishnu, Narayana, or Bhagavan Sri Krishna, symbolized by his wielding
of the discus weapon (Sudarshana Chakra).