Guru, Mantra, and Tradition:

An Account of Vallabhacarya’s Foremost Disciple, Damodardas Harsani

Abstract

Peter Bennett’s paper explores the Vallabha Sampradaya through the life of Damodardas Harsani, emphasizing the guru’s central role in transmitting the Brahma-sambandha mantra. The study highlights how Damala’s devotion to Vallabhacarya and his acceptance of a hereditary guru lineage affirm the tradition’s emphasis on divine grace (pushti), mantra initiation, and devotional service (lila).