Sri Bade Damodaraji was the eldest son of Sri Lalgiridharaji who passed away when he was only twelve years old. His uncles Sri Govindji , Sri Balkrishnaji and Sri Vallabhaji took utmost care of his upbringing and never made him feel the absense of his father.Under their distinguished guidance, he grew up to be a great scholar; a pious soul with all the qualities of a noble administrator.
The political scenario at the time of Sri Bade Damodaraji’s appointment as Tilakayat was very disturbing .Violent invasions of the muslims were frequent. Not only Pushtimarga but the entire Hindu religion was in a jeopardy . Religious sites were in danger . Situation was very tense and anarchic.
In such arduos times Sri Bade Damodaraji showed his wit and foresightedness. Convincing his uncles , he decided to shift Srinathji from Vraja . Srinathji was placed in a Ratha (chariot)and the journey began on Ashvina Shukla 15 ; V.S.1726 ; along with the family , and disciples towards a safer place.
Parama Bhagavadiya Ganga Bai was also in the journey to serve Srinathji.
The caravan first halted in Agra where Srinathji was offered the Annakoota very secretly. But here too, the attrocities of the Moghuls was at its extreme. From Agra , they continued their journey passing through dense forests. But the ratha of Srinathji kept on moving ahead confronting all the hurdles. Making haults at Dandauti Ghata, Krishnagarh, Chopasani, Jodhpur etc., the ratha eventually stopped in Sinhada in Mewar (which later became Nathdvara).
This was in V.S. 1728 .It was in Nathdvara, that a temple was built and Sri Nathaji was installed over here. Goswami Tilkayata Sri Bade Damodaraji established a new era in the history of Vallabha Sampradaya by shifting Sri Nathaji from Vrja to Mewar |
