The Mahanubhav Sampradaya (meaning "The Great Experience" sect) originated in 13th-century Maharashtra, during the Bhakti movement period in Hinduism. It was formally established by Shri Chakradhar Swami, a spiritual reformer and saint, around circa 1260–1280 CE. The lineage traces back to five great gurus: Shri Krishna, Dattatreya, Chakrapani Maharaj, Govind Prabhu, and Chakradhar Swami.
The Five Great Gurus (Pancha Krishna) in the Mahanubhav Sampradaya:
Sri Krishna – Considered the Parabrahma (Supreme God) and
the original source of all spiritual knowledge. Devotion to Krishna is central
to the Mahanubhav sect.
Lord Dattatreya – Seen as a manifestation of the divine
trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh), he is venerated as an essential link in the
spiritual lineage.
Shri Chakrapani Maharaj – A pivotal saint whose spiritual
wisdom and ascetic life deeply influenced the emergence of the Mahanubhav
tradition. He was a forerunner who prepared the ground for future propagation
of the sect.
Govind Prabhu – Disciple of Chakrapani Maharaj and guru of
Chakradhar Swami. He played a key role in the transmission of teachings from
Chakrapani to Chakradhar.
Shri Chakradhar Swami – The principal founder and
systematizer of the Mahanubhav Sampradaya. He traveled extensively, preaching
the philosophy of devotion, equality, and detachment from worldly life. His
teachings are compiled in the Leela Charitra, the earliest known prose work in
Marathi.
The Mahanubhav sect emphasizes:
- Bhakti (devotion) towards the five gurus.
- Equality beyond caste and creed.
- Detachment from material life.
- Strict code of conduct and asceticism.
Reason for the Sect’s Formation
The Mahanubhav sect emerged to:
- Promote devotion (Bhakti) to one Supreme God (Krishna) through a personal and direct relationship, bypassing rigid rituals and caste.
- Challenge caste discrimination, priestly dominance, and idol worship.
- Spread moral values, non-violence, truth, and a strict code of ethical living.
- Emphasize renunciation, celibacy, and equality of all human beings.
- Chakradhar Swami attracted followers from all castes, including marginalized communities, which was radical for the time.
Key Teachings and Practices
Worship of only the five great gurus (not idols or multiple
gods).
Equality of all souls, regardless of caste, gender, or
social status.
Strict discipline: celibacy, truthfulness, vegetarianism,
non-violence, and detachment from worldly life.
Use of Marathi and Apabhramsa to spread teachings, making
them accessible to the common people.
Rejection of ritualism and Sanskrit-based priesthood.
Key Differences With Similar Sects Of The Period
The Mahanubhav Sect, founded in the 13th century, presented several key differences from other contemporary Bhakti movements in the 12th–15th centuries, such as the Warkari, Nath, and Shaiva sects.
The Mahanubhav tradition maintained a distinct God Concept,
focusing on One Supreme God: Krishna, in contrast to other sects that often
worshipped multiple deities like Vithoba or Shiva. This singularity extended to
their Guru Worship, where the Five Gurus (Panchakrishna) were absolutely
central to their faith, a feature present but not as dominant or central in
other traditions.
Social and Linguistic Stance
Socially, the Mahanubhavs took a strong stance by strongly rejecting the caste system, whereas other Bhakti sects' approach to caste varied, with some only partially accepting or moderating it. Linguistically, they prioritized accessibility, using Marathi and simple dialects for their teachings, diverging from other sects where the use of Sanskrit or more elite dialects was still common.
Discipline and Lifestyle
Finally, the sect was known for its rigorous way of life, enforcing a very strict moral code and asceticism. This stood in stark contrast to many other contemporary sects, which were often more liberal and family-inclusive in their discipline and lifestyle.
Legacy
The Leela Charitra, written by Mahanubhav disciples, is
considered the earliest known prose biography in Marathi.
The sect contributed greatly to early Marathi literature, social
reform, and egalitarian spiritual thought in medieval India.
The sect still exists today with followers in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Telangana and Chhattisgarh.