Vallabhacharya

1479–1531 CE Champaranya (modern Chhattisgarh)

The world is real and is Krishna himself — there is no Maya. Liberation is by His grace alone (pushti-marga, "the path of nourishment"), independent of merit.

The teaching

Brahman, souls, and the world are all the same Krishna (Krishna in three modes: as Brahman, as inner self, and as world). The path is pushti — the spontaneous gracious flow of Krishna into the devotee, requiring no discipline and earned by no work. Worship of the child Krishna (Bala-Krishna) at Nathdwara is the centerpiece. Sevak (servant) is a higher relationship than jnani (knower).

Major works

Anubhashya — commentary on the Brahma Sutras
Tattva-Dipa-Nibandha — three-volume systematic exposition
Subodhini — commentary on the Bhagavata Purana
16 Granthas (Shodasha-Granthas) — short tracts including the Madhurashtakam

What he changed

Founded the Pushti Marga and the Vallabha Sampradaya — distinct from the older Vaishnava sampradayas
Established Krishna worship at Shrinathji, Nathdwara — perhaps the most important Krishna temple in north India
Created the seven seva-routine (saat-jhanki) of Shrinathji that thousands of haveli-style temples still follow daily

Living lineage today

The Vallabha Sampradaya is led by his descendants, the Goswamis. Major centres at Nathdwara, Kankroli, Kamavan, Gokul, Jatipura, Mathura, Vrindavan (the seven seats — saat peeths).